#8 Tech Labs

[8techlabs-blog]

How Do You Handle Stakeholder Expectations When a Software Release is Delayed Due to Unforeseen Bugs?

Software development is a dynamic and complicated process in today’s fast-paced digital world. Unexpected defects might cause a software delivery to be delayed despite careful planning, which can worry stakeholders. Effectively handling these expectations is essential to preserving confidence and guaranteeing sustained success. Dependencies on external systems, last-minute quality problems, and integration difficulties are some of the causes of delays. Transparency, careful planning, and the use of appropriate technology are essential for managing these circumstances. 

Understanding Stakeholder Expectations

Stakeholders—including customers, investors, business partners, and internal teams—expect timely software delivery, seamless functionality, and high performance. However, when delays occur, their concerns typically revolve around:

Business impact: A delay can disrupt operations, leading to financial loss.

Customer satisfaction: Users expect high-quality software without disruptions.

Project deadlines: Investors and executives rely on timely rollouts to align with business goals.

Setting realistic expectations from the start and maintaining clear communication is crucial to keeping stakeholders engaged and reassured.

Key Challenges in Managing Delayed Software Releases

Communication Breakdown: Lack of timely updates can lead to stakeholder dissatisfaction and loss of trust.

Scope Creep: Changing requirements may further delay releases and add to stakeholder concerns.

Quality vs. Deadline Dilemma: Prioritizing bug-free software while meeting deadlines can be a difficult balance.

Customer Impact: Delays can affect user experience, brand reputation, and revenue generation.

Resource Constraints: Limited development resources and unforeseen challenges can contribute to extended delays.

Effective Communication Strategies

To effectively manage stakeholder expectations during a delay, companies should adopt the following communication strategies:

Be Transparent and Honest: Communicate the reasons for the delay, how it affects the overall project, and what steps are being taken to resolve issues.

Provide Regular Updates: Keep stakeholders informed with detailed progress reports, realistic timelines, and insights into ongoing bug fixes.

Set Alternative Solutions: Offer interim solutions such as phased rollouts, beta testing, or temporary feature adjustments.

Reassure Stakeholders: Highlight the benefits of fixing bugs before release to ensure a stable and high-quality product.

Utilize Multiple Communication Channels: Leverage emails, dashboards, and stakeholder meetings to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.

Proactive Risk Management

Thorough Testing Processes: Implement rigorous quality assurance (QA) and automated testing to catch bugs early in the development cycle.

Agile Development Approach: Use iterative development and sprint-based methodologies to quickly address issues and adapt to changes.

Risk Mitigation Plans: Develop contingency strategies such as parallel development streams or alternative feature rollouts to minimize project delays.

Stakeholder Involvement: Engage stakeholders in the testing phase for early feedback and validation to prevent last-minute surprises.

Best Practices for Handling Delayed Software Releases

Set Realistic Deadlines: Avoid overly ambitious timelines that may result in rushed development and increased risk of bugs.

Implement Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD): Automate deployment and testing processes to detect issues early.

Create a Crisis Management Plan: Have a pre-defined approach for handling critical bugs, including rollback strategies and emergency patches.

Offer Transparency Through Roadmaps: Maintain a public or internal roadmap that clearly shows development progress and potential risks.

Provide Incentives to Early Adopters: Offer discounts or extended trials to customers affected by delays to maintain goodwill and engagement.

Leveraging Technology to Mitigate Delays

AI-Powered Testing: Utilize machine learning algorithms to detect vulnerabilities and optimize testing workflows.

Cloud-Based Development: Use scalable cloud infrastructure to reduce deployment bottlenecks and enhance team collaboration.

Automated Bug Tracking Systems: Implement tracking tools that integrate with project management software to streamline issue resolution.

DevOps Practices: Adopt DevOps methodologies to improve collaboration between development and operations teams, leading to faster issue resolution.

How 8 Tech Labs Can Help

At 8 Tech Labs, we specialize in custom software development with a strategic focus on stakeholder satisfaction. Our tailored services include:

IT Strategy Development: Aligning software goals with business objectives to minimize risks and optimize performance.

Technology Solutions: Implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance software efficiency and reduce development time.

Digital Transformation Consulting: Assisting businesses in adopting agile and scalable development methodologies to adapt to market changes.

IT Advisory Services: Providing expert guidance to optimize project timelines, improve software quality, and manage stakeholder communications.

By partnering with 8 Tech Labs, businesses can navigate software development challenges efficiently, ensuring successful product launches and long-term growth.

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[kedreeva]

#we spoke of this a LOT at work after that one tech was murdered and hidden in a wall

hi!👋 hello! kedreeva! i’m going to need to ask you to explain this!!!!

So back in 2009, a lab student named Annie Le was murdered at Yale university. Cameras saw her going on into a building, but not out again and it was like, the eve of her wedding (or close to? I don't remember) so clearly she had places to be and people waiting for her so they immediately started looking and the next day (or so? Anyway on the day of her wedding) they found her body in a recess in a wall, down in the areas where the research animals were kept. It turns out, a tech had killed her, but since there were cameras like EVERYWHERE, he just, I guess, left her there. Well, hid the body where it was. I don't remember how they caught him, but they did. It was a horrifying story. It still is.

And it was a huge news story among the folks at my workplace because, at the time, I was working at a different university, as an animal husbandry technician. As you can imagine this was a kind of intense time to be in that situation. They started offering, like, I'm not gonna say counseling but it was "if you need to talk we would prefer you talk to us about something wrong rather than kill anyone about it" and as techs (even if we were not even the same kind of tech, the killer was a lab tech and we were husbandry techs but I think a lot of people assumed it had been a husbandry tech since she was in an animal area), we were kind of getting the side eye from lab people for weeks afterwards. Like they thought we were gonna go "wow that's a fantastic idea, you're next!" or something, idk. And I mean like, people would freeze when you were alone in a hallway, or turn and walk the other way, or duck into the nearest room and watch you walk past, and they were all being super nice/civil to us when they did have to interact. It was very atypical behavior for lab people. Like not all of them, some of them had always been nice and weren't worried, but some of the people who had been unbelievable dicks previously were walking on eggshells. And the people who had friends in other universities reported this was happening at their jobs, too.

And instead of talking to The Man (because all the higher ups were garbage at the time), we just. talked among ourselves. It was a lot of "I may say I feel like strangling lab people sometimes when they do things that drive me up a wall but I don't MEAN it you know that right" and it also led to group discussions of what would be a theoretical *better* solution to hiding a body than what happened, with clear disdain for doing things like hiding bodies in walls, which is a terrible idea and one we would never do (looking at the people who think we might have decided this was a great idea actually).

Which consequently led to a lot of supervisors and/or managers that happened to overhear us bringing us donuts or arranging pizza for lunch in like, some kind of bid to help us feel appreciated, I guess, so that we wouldn't murder anyone, even though none of us were going to do that anyway. But also none of us were in a position to turn down free donuts or pizza or whatever.

And then after a few weeks, maybe a month or so, people just kind of forgot and moved on and things went back to normal like fifty people hadn't spent every lunch hour for weeks talking quietly among themselves about how human bodies would definitely fit into a carcass disposal barrel or that you'd have to crush hip bones and/or skulls before incineration. Hypothetically.

Like I said, it was a VERY weird time to be at my job, and every time I remember it happening feels like a fever dream. I can't even imagine what it was like at Yale.

[tiktaaliker]

ITS BEEN A FUCKING WEEK. PASS THE DETRITUS

[hurtspideyparker]

Thinking about all the subtle irondad canon in MCU.

The ease Peter used Stark tech to make his suit in FFH meaning he's likely spent time in Tony's lab

All the types of Spider-suits in the data base implying Tony had been working on tons of Spider-Man gadgets and suits for Peter

Peter has been an Iron Man fan since he was at least 8 years old

Tony lent Peter a car to take his driver's test (from a car commercial)

Tony actually listens to all the unimportant details of Peter's life (and remembers them) such as getting a churro on patrol and when he quit band practice

Tony to Happy about his party: "did you invite the kid? Why do you hate fun, I like the kid I want you to invite the kid" (from another commercial)

Tony thinks of himself as a father figure to Peter ("my dad never really gave me a lot of support and I'm just trying to break the cycle of shame")

Peter being Tony's favourite young adult

Peter is affectionately referred to as 'the kid' so often that everyone knows exactly who Tony is talking about (e.g. Steve, Happy)

Tony keeping a photo of Peter in his home after his death (for longer than he actually knew Peter)

Tony not wanting to mess with time travel because he valued a peaceful life with Pepper and Morgan over half the universe's population, only to change his mind at the thought of bringing Peter back

[too-much-tma-stuff]

Finally Getting Help (prt 8)

Masterpost

The next day was less chaotic but not by much. They had to go through everything they’d taken from the Fenton’s lab, and reluctantly accepted Danny and Jazz’s help with the task because they were familiar with the tech. That was surprisingly needed since all of their gadgets were extremely obtuse and looked like household appliances. It was honestly surprising how good Danny was with all of this stuff, he knew what everything was, how to take it apart and how to put it back together to show the heroes how it worked. 

“They don’t all work for humans. Some have to be fueled with ectoplasm so they need to be constantly refueled. Dad used to wear a backpack full of the stuff ghost busters style but that’s really not practical so this one isn’t very useful to you. I can use it though,” Danny said as he screwed the last part back on the.. Whatever it was. 

“Okay, but why does it look like a blender?” Tim asked, baffled and impressed.

“Oh that’s because that’s what it was built out of,” Danny said with a crooked smile. “We repurposed a lot of household items into tech. Give me a couple toasters and a microwave and I’ll have three specter deflectors ready for you before dinner time.” He said as he pressed his hand against one of the gins and it started glowing intently green.

“Here don’t drop it,” He said tossing it to Batman, who did manage to catch it. “I fueled it with three shots, just in case Vlad shows up or another ghosts threatens you. And actually even with your charms I would feel a lot better if you all had specter deflectors since you’re all involved with me now,” He sighed and rubbed his face. 

“Well… we can get you toasters and a microwave but we can also get you more advanced parts if those will work better,” Bruce told Danny, gingerly holding the odd gun away from himself. It wasn’t a traditional gun so it wasn’t upsetting but he still didn’t like it. 

Danny looked very tempted but he shook his head. “No I’d better do it with what I know, I can get it done faster that way and they work. I’d love to play with some of those more advanced parts though. I’m sure I can come with some fun stuff.” 

Uh oh, Bruce didn’t like that look on Tim’s face, the last thing he needed was more encouragement! But Danny was the child of mad scientists, he would get along perfectly with Tim, Bruce was going to have to keep a close eye on them to make sure they didn’t accidentally make a death ray. 

“You can join me in my lab later,” Tim offered hopefully and Danny glanced up at him with a borderline feral grin. 

“That sounds great, I’m sure you have much better lab safety than my parents. Love engineering, would hate to die a second time.” He said it like a joke, just the way Jason tended to. Jazz laughed, but only to encourage her brother’s coping method, no one else did. 

“Alright, we’ll go to the nearest home appliance store and get you some toasters and microwaves,” Bruce said. 

“Hell ya, I should have been adopted by a rich family years ago,” Danny cackled. Oh dear, he’d been so traumatized yesterday Bruce hadn’t realized he was Feral. Why did this keep happening.

He informed Alfred of Danny’s request and by the time they finished going over the more confusing inventions and left for lunch the appliances were waiting for Danny in the lab that he and Tim would apparently now be sharing. Danny immediately dove on the machinery starting to take them apart with practiced hands. He seemed calm and in his element but Tim stayed to supervise, both just in case something went wrong, and because it was His lab and they hadn’t talked about rules of cohabitation yet.

Bruce left them to it. Alfred had informed him that Jason had arrived and headed straight to the kitchen without saying hello to anyone else. It wasn’t a surprise, he was closest to Alfred, he’s want to help with making dinner, and get the basic scoop from his most trusted family member before having to face anyone else. Bruce knew better than to intrude on that, but God did he want to. 

Regardless of what his children thought Bruce cared deeply for all of them, and he hated that sometimes they doubted it. He wished he was better at telling and showing them, but he’d managed to convince himself it was too late for him to change so he didn’t have to face the years of mistakes and trauma he had endured and inflicted. No matter what what image he tried to project, he was still only human.

He went to his office, but he couldn’t settle to anything, he did a little bit of this, and little bit of that, and just ended up pacing the carpeted floor. He left them alone as long as he could before he gave in and went down to the kitchen.

“Sorry to interrupt, I just needed a cup of coffee,” He said as casually as he could. The looks Alfred and Jason gave him said neither of them actually believed his excuse, which was fair. “It’s good to see you Jaylad, thanks for coming.”

“Well I’m not going to miss out on a new brother am I? You gonna have this one running around in spandex too B?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, it made Bruce wince but it Was progress because he was acknowledging their familial ties. 

“I’m almost two years too late to stop him,” Bruce said regretfully. “It’s been… a lot has happened. I’m sure Alfred caught you up on most of it, but I’d like to talk to you before you meet either of the siblings.”

“Trying to make sure I won’t be a bad influence?” Jason asked and Bruce couldn’t tell if he was joking or accusing. 

“No, nothing like that,” Bruce said, holding up his hands. “I just want to talk.”

Jason hummed skeptically, scrutinizing Bruce before turning back towards Alfred. “What do you think Alfie, can you spare me?”

“I always appreciate your help master Jason, but I can manage on my own,” Alfred assured, sounding amused. 

“Alright, to your office then?” Jason asked, turning back towards Bruce. 

“Or the sitting room, whichever would be more comfortable.”

“Office,” Jason said firmly, this was the distance that he was keeping between them. They worked together now, and Jason cared for his siblings, but he kept them all at arms length. For everyone’s safety really, if they set him off he didn’t want to hurt them, and he didn’t want to be set off either. It always felt like shit. Jason followed Bruce to the office and sprawled in the soft chair across the desk from Bruce’s. He remembered being a kid, sitting properly and nervously in this chair across from Bruce hoping desperately for his approval. How times change.

“I just wanted to talk to you about the new kids” Bruce started and Jason waved him away.

“I’m really not going to corrupt them or anything, I Probably won’t be around enough to make a difference anyway.” Jason said dismissively.

Bruce took a deep breath, controlling his expression and folding his hands on the table. “That’s not it Jaylad, Alfred must have told you that the boy died and came back?” 

Jason tensed and green swirled in his vision, it was the same thing that Bruce had seen in Danny when Zatana asked about Phantom. “Ya he did.” Defensive and insecure.

“It seems like he, and his sister who was sort of a caretaker to him, know a lot more than we do about the effect that that has on a person. To help us take care of Danny she gave us a presentation about it, it… makes a lot of sense. You should probably talk to her and Danny about it really but I just wanted to apologize. 

“I’ve been trying to fix this, fix… you for a long time and I know I’ve been going about it wrong and I’ve been hurting you.”

“You got a new treatment plan in mind, old man?” Jason asked, his arms crossed and Bruce wished that mistrust wasn’t earned. 

“No,” Bruce sighed looking down. “Really Jason I don’t, I know I was wrong. This is something I just didn’t know I didn’t know about,” He hated his own ignorance, he hated to admit it! He was Batman! The way he kept up with other superheroes was always being prepared for everything and knowing more than everyone around him, but he hadn’t even known there was something there to know!

“This isn’t about that, and it’s not about you staying away from the new kids. Exactly the opposite actually, since they know more about this, and Danny might be one of the few people who really understands what it’s like to die and come back like that, I was hoping you’d spend more time here, around them. I think it might help you both.”

“Huh,” Jason sounded, blinking rapidly because that was the most sincere apology he’d gotten from Bruce and he didn’t quite know how to react to it. “Maybe… maybe.” He hadn’t met the new siblings yet after all, maybe they’d hate each other. 

“Can I meet them now?” He asked looking back up at Bruce curiously. 

“Of course, the girl's name is Jasmine Fenton, called Jazz, the boy goes by Danny. Jazz is turning 18 soon, Danny is 16.” 

Right Tim had mentioned that, so Danny was about 3 years younger than him then. That shouldn’t matter too much, and maybe Tim will be right about the sister and can tease Jason about it. He’d been single for a while and wouldn’t mind changing that.

“Of course, I think you should meet Jazz first, she’s protective of Danny and she hasn’t been very involved in all of this. I think she’d feel better being allowed to… vet you first for lack of a better word. Are you okay with that?” Bruce asked Jason politely. 

“Sure, I don’t really care what order I meet them in and… Look Bruce I know I’m mad at you, and I was really hard on Timmy when everything was still raw. But I’m never going to knowingly hurt a kid, or make life harder for them. If I can help them I will,” Jason said sincerely. 

“Jason, the girl is less than a year younger than you. You’re a kid too,” Bruce said sadly. Jason froze for a moment, Yes he was 19, his mind wasn’t fully developed yet or whatever the hell, but he hadn’t felt like a kid since his death. Even before that, the responsibility for his mother, and then the work as a hero. Bruce wanted soldiers, Jason had never gotten a chance to be a kid really.

“Whatever,” Jason scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets and standing up, closing himself off from that sincerity. “Do you know where she is?”

“She’s in the library,” Bruce said, his lips twitching up in a smile. “She loves books almost as much as you did, though she seems to be more drawn to non-fiction.” 

Jason hummed and nodded, heading towards the door since he knew his own damn way to the library, Bruce didn’t have to lead! He did follow through, he was clearly protective of these kids so of course he would want to be there when Jason met them.

When he entered the library he saw a young woman sitting at one of the tables with some sort of text book. Her back was straight and her legs tucked under the chair with her ankles crossed. It looked like she was self consciously trying to look put together. She looked up at them, blue green eyes looking him over critically, he could practically see her picking him apart in her mind and he tried not to fidget.

“Hey, it’s nice to meet you, I’m Jason Todd,” He said, walking over and offering her his hand to shake. She was very pretty, but he was surprised by his own complete lack of attraction, she just didn’t register that way, she seemed more… maternal almost.

“Ah, the dead son,” She chuckled, getting up from the table and reaching out to shake his hand, her grip was strong and her hands were soft and cool. “It’s nice to meet you, they mentioned you. Nothing bad,” She added when she saw her face. “And I don’t mean to be rude, I know some people are sensitive about their deaths being mentioned. Danny jokes about it all the time so… I just wanted to let you know that I know, and I accept you.” Jazz said with a warm smile. 

Her easy acceptance caught him off guard and before he could help it he was baring his teeth at her in a snarl, defensive and probing, did she mean it? She grinned sharper bearing sharp fangs at him in a matching sign of… friendly aggression, something inside him settled. He chuckled and took a step back. “Well thanks, nice to meet someone who doesn’t look like they bit a lemon every time I make a death joke.”

“It’s your death, as long as it’s healthy you can own that however comes naturally to you,” Jazz promised, sitting back down at the desk. “I’d love to talk more and get to know you, but we can do that later. You really should meet Danny.”

“You don’t want to come with us,” Bruce broke in, sounding worried. Jason had almost forgotten he was there, he hadn’t realized how… all encompassing the short interaction had been.

“I’ll probably follow,” Jazz said with a shrug, her gaze turning stern as she looked at Bruce. “Remember what I said about never breaking up a fight,” She told him firmly. 

Well if that didn’t make Jason nervous he didn’t know what did. Why would he fight with Danny? Would Danny fight with him? Why? “You really think it’s a good idea for us to meet? Why would we fight?” Jason asked her sharply.

“Of course,” she agreed, her eyes softening as she looked back at him, though her expression remained a little mischievous. “It’ll be good for both of you.”

Next

[notrebdomine]

Eric Harris uploaded his plans to the school servers ?

︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶

This is a really interesting one that I think is partly a mystery. On 4.19.99, the day before the attack, Eric uploaded a variety of scanned documents to the school's server.

The uploads started at 8:09 AM and the last one was at 8:45 AM. They included a variety of things including documents relating to the attack that would take place the next day such as to do lists and drawings. Along with these there was also seemingly innocuous documents like Christmas information from 1997 and 1998 and an email from his father to someone else. 

Why in the world would he care about Christmas information from previous years? An even bigger mystery is the email from his father. It has never been released and Jeff Co says it does not pertain to the investigation. I would have to think that it is an email from Wayne Harris to another random uninvolved person about something random. Yet, Eric took the time to print the email out, scan it, and upload it to the school server 24 hours before he knew he was going to die. Doesn't really make any sense.

It would be nice to get a look at the email and see exactly what is in it. We know Eric loved foreshadowing and irony so I have to imagine there was some purpose. Even if he grabbed it accidently from his house or something, he then looked at it in school, scanned it, and uploaded it. Jeff Co says it was destroyed but it might be somewhere. Another question is if the actual scanning or uploading was done at his house or at the school. I think that it was most likely done at the school. We do know what Eric was doing at some times on the morning of 4.19.99. He attended bowling class with Dylan until 7:20AM. He was then in his Video Editing class later that morning so the uploads took place between these two.

Eric's '98/'99 schedule ↴

he was in the Tech Lab where the video editing class was going to take place. We do have testimony from Nicholas Romanyshyn, a student who saw Eric sitting outside of the lab writing in a notebook that morning and asked him what he was doing. Romanyshyn said that Eric said he was "planning for tomorrow". So we know he was thinking about the next day during that time.

[underoossss]

the only one I trust

miguel o’hara x fem!reader | 1.5k | fluff | no y/n

❥❥❥❥❥❥

Saturday sunshine enters through the window. It sneaks between a gap in the curtains and ends up shining on your face. A single ray of light hits your left eye as you sleep, and the warm feeling and brightness slowly stirs you awake. You scan your surroundings as sleep begins to leave your body. The large glass windows partially covered by the curtains, the Alocasia plant next to them and the dark brown nightstand framing the right side of the bed.

It's all familiar and comforting to you, a place you’ve called your own for a while now, and that’s welcomed you every day since you moved in. You know the temperature outside in Nueva York is close to chilling, and feel suddenly grateful for the bed’s warmth. The soft comforter, and the warm body next to you. It makes you pause for a moment.

Looking down, you notice you notice you’ve gone full octopus on Miguel; an arm over his chest, a leg over his waist, his skin like a furnace through his soft t-shirt. A glance upwards confirms your boyfriend is indeed asleep next to you, a rare thing for an early riser like himself. The clock on the nightstand says 8:30am and the iPad haphazardly perching on the edge of the bed tells you all you need to know. Of course. He’s been working in bed while you slept to keep an eye on you.

You smile, snuggling closer to him, hand slipping under his shirt as you do so. Protective, you think fondly.

“Morning.” Miguel’s raspy voice mumbles, waking up with your touch. “Feeling better, mi pulguita?”

You’d gotten injured on a mission with him the day before –Earth 4509, Goblin variant. Miguel was a hurricane of emotions when it happened. He felt guilty and worried about you; angry at the anomaly, and mad at your recklessness. Despite all this though, your boyfriend fussed over you in the medical center for an hour, before bringing to his apartment –which is now yours too– and taking care of you for the rest of the night.

The medicine, high tech procedures over at the Society, and your own spider healing got you better in no time –but Miguel’s a worrier. You can’t blame him; you’d be the same about him, it’s a good thing he rarely gets hurt.

“Good as new.” You say after a yawn makes you pause. “Surprised you haven’t gone to the lab yet.”

“Wanted to keep an eye on you.” Miguel stretches slightly, catches the iPad before it falls off the bed, and turns towards you. You were right.

The motion brings you with him and a moment later both of you are lying on your sides. You shift further up the bed to be eye level with him. “Hm you’re making me feel special, Miguel.” You smile and move closer to hug him close to you. “I love having you here, you know?”

“In bed?” Miguel jokes, one of his hands skimming over your thigh until it settles on your waist squeezing it briefly. All his casual affection makes your heart beat wildly in your chest, this is no exception.

You roll your eyes at him and his soften while he looks at you. “Here, with me in the mornings. I feel lucky to see you like this, is all.”

“Well you wouldn’t let me leave.” Miguel sighs, pretending to complain until you raise a disbelieving eyebrow.

“Never stopped you before, babe.” You bring a hand to his hair, messy and tousled from sleep but still soft. Perfect.

“There’s no one I trust more than you, you know that.” His voice is a hushed thing as he moves so his face settles on your neck. A soft kiss is placed on your skin not a second later. You’re sure he feels your pulse jump. “I wanted to stay.”

You smile widely, closing your eyes at the series of kisses Miguel leaves on your neck. “I actually feel a lot better now. The scar is gone too.”

Miguel’s fingers make their way under your shirt, carefully feeling at your abdomen and finding nothing but soft skin and the gooseflesh he raises. His shoulders relax even more as he keeps his hand there. “Gracias a Dios.” He sighs. “Please, don’t scare me like that again.”

“I didn’t.”

“Pulguita…” Miguel sighs.

“I won’t go off on my own again, I promise.” You mumble apologetically. It’s how you got hurt in the first place; Miguel was battling the Goblin variant, and you ran off to get some civilians out of the danger zone. Separated, the Goblin decided to send his Glider your way and as you shielded the civilians from the device’s blades, your abdomen got hit. It pierced your suit and skin, leaving deep gash all the way across.

You squeeze your eyes shut, feeling the phantom of the stinging wound even though it’s completely healed. “Don’t worry so much, okay? Your face is too pretty for that.”

“Pretty huh?” Miguel’s teeth scrape affectionately at your earlobe before kissing the spot underneath it. He smiles when you shiver.

“You know you’re gorgeous, gorgeous.” You grin, pushing him away and moving so you’re sitting on his waist. His dark hair is a stark contrast against the pillows, the ray of sunshine from before falling on his face now. Tiny specks of light brown peak through his eyes with the light. It takes your breath away and draws you to them at the same time. He is lethal up close, a kind of beautiful you thought only appeared in books or movies. You can’t help but hum in appreciation.

Miguel tilts his head at you, a thick eyebrow rising in question. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m flirting with you.” You state simply, a truth he already knows. He can read you perfectly, a man of facts and data, single focused when he wants to be. Ever since you got together, his sole focus has been you, aside from the multiverse of course.

Your answer makes Miguel laugh; a full belly laugh that shakes your body where it sits. Your smile is inevitable once you see his and you chuckle along with him as you trace your finger over his features. He is a delight to see when he’s carefree; a rare sight that’s become more common lately. Despite his teasing and the consequential ego boost he will have, you look. His cheekbones, thick eyebrows, beautiful expressive brown eyes and gorgeous jaw. If you could you’d write poems about him anytime you looked at him. But you’re no poet, you’re just a girl. A girl with an otherworldly boyfriend she wants to kiss.

Leaning down you brush your nose against his, teasing your lips over his before placing a careful kiss in the space underneath his jawline, then another and another until you reach his lips again but pull away. Payback from his own teasing kisses earlier.

“You’ll be the death of me, mi amor.” Miguel smiles, a mischievous yet sweet thing that makes your heart leap on your chest again.

You grin, lips widening into a full smile as he sits up. Miguel’s arms go around you while he kisses your top lip. It’s a fleeting thing but tender enough that you sigh happily. His lips move to kiss your neck again and the exposed skin on your cleavage, making your guard go down.

His hands are warm, you can feel them through the fabric of your top and his breath is hot over your skin. Heaven, you think, closing your eyes with a smile.

Until Miguel stands up suddenly and decides to throw you over his shoulder in a firefighter carry.

“Breakfast first.” Miguel says the smile on his face clear as day in his tone.

“What am I going to need some energy?” You tease, squealing when Miguel squeezes your thigh –he laughs again. You squeeze his ass in retaliation. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Like I said, the death of me.”

❥❥❥❥❥❥

hope you liked this! reblogs are always appreciated!

masterlist

[kaszuma]

Aera Perennius | Hoshina Soshiro

Part 7 of “Certainly Yours”

pairing: Hoshina Soshiro x fem!reader

summary: soshiro was never one to raise his voice at anyone. But the one time he did, it was because he almost lost you for good.

warnings: Slight Kn8 Manga Spoilers, Description of Pain / Injuries / Hospitalizations, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Arguments, Cursing, Slight mention of self-harm

wc: 9,793

–

note: I finiahed it earlier than anticipated so here you go-- I had such a difficult time writing this because I've been so busy. There were so many changes and the original draft had been scrapped so many times that it almost made me want to give up and start over. But lucky I didn't or I would've not updated in time. So, yay!

English is hard haha and sometimes it hates me and just doesn't make sense when I read it in my mind versus when I read it outloud. Anyways I will be doing slower updates, so no definitive dates nor titles for the next parts yet. But Part 8 and 9 will be back-to-back spicy NSFW stuff (courtesy of reaching 200 Followers. Thank you lots by the way), So stay tuned!! This is not proofread. So if I missed any warnings feel free to tell me. 🫶

–

Sleep had come naturally to you.

The sound of rapid footsteps and muffled yelling had all but faded into the distance as mere whispers against your ears.

Such rapidness did not seem to fit the silence of what had initially surrounded you. The sudden weight of your own body being dragged left and right until your vision blurs. The stark darkness of city skylines transformed into the unnatural shine of the hospital's fluorescent lights; one that made it hard to pick people's silhouettes apart.

And as such, it reminds you of the distant past.

One that was filled with vast open fields, very unlike the corporate labs you had been accustomed with. A stark contrast to the very corners of Japan, in the countryside where your grandparents had established a simple life for themselves. Filled to the brim with rice crops and summer cicadas.

And it makes you reminisce about the short time you'd spend there. On the cool nights after your summer school days would inevitably end. And you'd be dragged to a summer house where cousins and relatives had doted on you.

Such a homeward bound place was a far cry to the bustling streets of Tokyo's Eastern divisions. Which had often been endowed with the familiar cries of loud music and the steady rumbles of heavy railways underneath you.

One that Kaiju had lamented no peace from.

Even in the midst of high-story buildings where your workplace had boasted the use of sound proof walls. The cityscapes nearest Izumo Tech Corporation could not even be muzzled by its titanium doors, of which Japan's Top Secret Bioweapons had been kept. Schematics and all.

You had grown used to such a taciturn work environment.

Your existence is thrown into the small bubble of your private lab. Segregated from your coworker who valued work over social relations. And you had been much the same.

You and the rest of the technicians were far too focused on your projects. Tinkering away at the prototype suits that the company had sent your way. A partnership between your parent company and Japan’s Defense Force. A task of which you and a few others had been selected to create and maintain.

And how lucky you had been, to land yourself a snug spot in the notoriety of the Third Division's wake. The very same division that had boasted the least amount of casualties in the case of a large-scale Kaiju attack.

The very same division where Mina Ashiro had led and mounted into victory.

And you'd consider yourself lucky to have known such an amazing person in this lifetime.

For fate to have led her to you, you'd assume you've somehow accumulated some sort of good karma in your past life. The reward to you had been fresh in this new one. An action that had garnered some godly being to bestow upon you a chance to meet your soulmate.

You'd be remiss with disappointment if you hadn't met Soshiro Hoshina in this lifetime.

But prior to that. Before Ashiro had recruited you into her division, you had little to no contact with the officers on-field. Delegated to the simple task of sending blueprints in and out of Tachikawa's base should the time arise; begrudgingly in the early mornings of every month too.

Back then, you had befriended a bespectacled girl named Okonogi. Who wore a slightly bigger uniform than the rest of the recruits. A quirk of hers which you found rather amusing. She, who wholeheartedly believed she might still grow into the uniform that was two sizes too bigger than what was recommended of her.

And you had remembered the day you had met her too.

It was another typical day in your routine. Delivering notes to Captain Ashiro in and out of bases. Though this time, you had decided upon taking a detour. Seeing the empty spaces of the mess hall which granted you an opportune moment of grabbing some coffee.

And such a detour had led you upon the bespectacled girl. Your documents slipping from your very fingertips. And your other hand, which held the coffee mind you. Accidentally toppling over. Spilling the liquid against her pristine ivory lab coat. Staining it.

Lucky it had not been hot, or else that could've been an accident in the making.

“I am… so sorry about that.” Your eye catches the glimpse of her nametag, stained with a bit of caffeine. Okonogi was what it read. And you were already pulling out a handkerchief from your pocket. Intent on correcting the mistake you made.

“No, it's okay. Really.”

The sincerity in her voice made you visibly flinch. And you had half a mind to just shove her your wallet, a chance given to compensate her for the coat you ruined. But the look on her eyes was determined. Abrupt in the way she had declined you.

“Are you sure? Money shouldn't be a problem. I can definitely get you a better coat within the day..” You spoke with much guilt. And yet she insisted.

“No need, really! It's just a stain. Nothing a bit of bleach can't handle.” She moves lower with a smile, one hand tucked behind her knees as she tries to pick up the few folders scattered on the ground.

“-Lucky it didn't hit the documents! Or the Director would definitely have our heads for it.” Okonogi had surprisingly jested your way. And a small laugh bubbles between the two of you in turn. As if you had known each other for quite some time now.

“I suppose so.” You had spoken between giggles. The sentiment shared between the two had all but eased the tension of the room.

And the brunette had gingerly handed you the pile of documents that had been untarnished. Though, one in particular catches her trained eye.

It was a simple list of materials used for the next batch of combat suits to-be-made. Or at least, that was the pitch you had planned to present today. In the hopes that Mina Ashiro would give it enough attention and send it to command for a much more direct approval.

And Okonogi, who was a newbie at the time. Had known all too well of the budding genius you had been. A technician far too enraptured in improving Combat Suits and weapons catering for strange combat. One that did not conform to the normalcy of firearms which had modernized the era.

And it seems one of your papers in particular had caught her attention. Like a hammer against glass.

It was a series of notes and drawings involving bronze wires that resembled the muscle groups of a Kaiju's inner workings. All built into the combat suit that had been Izumo Tech's symbolic masterpiece.

And its Kaiju plating was as amazing as it was unconventional. Built to last no doubt in the wake of an ever evolving organization.

Okonogi could not help but stare at it. Admiring the artistry and engineering involved in such a concept.

“An idea of yours?” She asks. And you nod in turn. Surprised by the way she did not immediately question the schematics.

Normally you'd be met with strange looks. One that questioned the very ethics of your research for involving Kaiju parts into the combat suits.

But the Defense Force had long since been converting strong Kaiju into weaponry. And applying the same sentiments to a combat suit, should be no different. “That's right.”

“I was hoping to improve the current designs of the Combat Suits.” You admitted. “If it succeeds, it might help our soldiers a lot more. Survivability wise..I mean.”

And Okonogi smiles at this. A layer of irony mixed in with the few laughs that bubbled within her chest.

She knew how fragile lives can be. Especially in their line of work where they had faced massive enemies almost on a daily basis. And a battle of attrition against such monsters? It was never a pretty picture.

But still, it had been a rare sight to see one so dedicated with quality of life improvements. And it was as if Okonogi knew that she'd be able to trust you with such a task.

“Glad to see you working on it! People have been volunteering less and less these days. But if we had better tech, I'm sure our members would increase by a large margin.”

Her assurance made you nod. Already taking the paper from her hands and delicately sliding it back to the rest of the folders you held. Carefully standing as the both of you had come to smile at each other.

“If there's a chance it can save lives. There's no harm in trying. It's just a part of the job.”

“There's definitely a truth in that.” Okonogi remained positive with a dip to her head. Making her rimmed glasses slide gently from the bridge of her nose. A tilt in her head as she next spoke.

“-But, why use bronze by the way? Wouldn't steel or alloy be a better alternative?”

You had looked over to the notes peeking from your file. And a smile is etched on the very corner of your lips. Complacent in the way you had so easily looked at her, as if you knew something she did not.

“There's a saying you see.”

Okonogi tilts her head upward. Who had finally moved to fixate her gaze to you. Eyes meeting with the absolute tenacity and confidence at your craft. “...a saying?”

You nod. “They say that some people should seek things that are more lasting than bronze.”

“Does bronze not last very long?”

“Oh it does. But even in metals, people try to find something much better right?” Okonogi who had paused to think about your words. Had only nodded in turn. Your sentiment was a much more refreshing and positive take than she had imagined it to be.

“I intend to find that material. One that would make a monument more lasting than the lives we lost.”

And Okonogi’s breath hitches. And you had looked her in the eye, with a determination she was sure would last you a lifetime. “Even if that means I have to dissect a Kaiju and use its very skin as armor.”

A bit morbid for her take. But still, she couldn't help but admire your tenacity. It was the same sentiment she'd see with the soldiers. And somehow, it reminds her of a certain someone who was all smiles despite wielding a blade.

“I suppose most Kaiju do have a layer of tough skin..” She jested. And your shoulders shake with a bubbling smile. The start of a silly friendship perhaps, where Soshiro's eyes would soon flicker your way.

And somehow things just started to click into place.

You didn't know if it was fate. Had it been Okonogi or Mina Ashiro that led you to him. But it wasn't until a few weeks later, you had found yourself responsible for the Third's technical division. Overseeing much of the repairs and weapon upgrades needed for Kaiju slaying. And it was in that very same division where you had grown much closer to him.

A strange recruit, scouted from the Kansai district. Where Captain Ashiro had particularly shown a keen interest in. His skill in the blade had been incomparable to his peers. And although he boasted the highest individual body-count when it came to handling melee pursuits. You had once thought him stupid for sticking to a fighting technique that had long since aged from the existence of firearms.

But how wrong you had been in judging him for that.

Okonogi often reminded you not to be too harsh on him whenever the two of you had just so happened to meet. Jesting that you two would've made a stellar couple, had you both given each other a chance. And although you've denied such things a few times before, Soshiro would always take a glance at you as if reading the expressions on your face. Thoroughly investigating the subtle expressions you wore that would've reached his conclusion.

And each time after that, he too would answer for you. A denial. A white lie.

And Okonogi always saw through it of course. She had been there since the beginning. Serving cupid for the both of you.

And when she can, she had always been peppy in her step. Pushing the both of you in a particular direction. Waiting for one of you to make a move. Calculated like masters playing chess on a board. By far you two had been hopeless. If it wasn’t for Okonogi’s encouragement, Soshiro wouldn’t have thought to visit you between breaks. And how lucky you had been to have the girl pry him out of his skittish shell.

It’s a wonder you two had gotten together like this.

You had rarely seen the girl frown or be frustrated over anything. Let alone your own bite when it comes to Soshiro's mixed signals.

So it had been a sudden whiplash, seeing her so frightened above you. Her voice had been unusually drawled and shaky as she repeated your name. Trying to keep you awake despite the far off look you had in the depths of your irises.

Wait.

Why was it so blurry all of a sudden?

Where were you again?

Right.

You were injured. And from the look on her face, it was probably worse than you had realized. The trickle of an unfamiliar liquid slid down your forehead to the very height of your cheek. Where you could’ve sworn a clawed hand had been there to comfort you.

Larger than your own, and definitely plated with armor. Gently grazing the very skin of your cheek.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

It's starting to hurt. The pain on your lower back had suddenly hit you like a metric ton of weighted bricks. Like something jagged and sharp had punctured through you. A result from a bad fall.

“Sweetheart. Keep yer’ eyes open alright?”

You heard a deep rumble from the side. And your eyes pried away from Okonogi's disturbed features. Suddenly enamored by the wine red irises that looked at you as if you had gone through hell and back.

Had it really been that bad?

Last you checked, you were narrowly able to escape Kaiju's attacks. The flashes of its flaky features had encompassed your mind’s eye. And the ground below you had bellowed like a monster’s mouth. Suddenly ripping open as a shockwave had violently lifted you from your feet.

And like a leaf on a windy day, you were blown to the side. Crashing harshly against the window of a boutique. A stray shard puncturing your lower back to the point of near paralysis. And it leaves you barely conscious to see the not so lucky victims that tried to escape the Kaiju.

One group in particular had been crushed by the rubble of a building. And somehow the scent of blood and bones was enough to knock you out cold. Their downfall would’ve made you vomit, had you not been injured and too dizzy to think about it all.

And as morbid as it sounded, you had been fortunate enough to have only been thrown aside. Sacked into a world of pain which had reminded you that you were very much alive. It had been a miracle that Soshiro found you when he did. Despite the slight sprain on his ankle and the sores he felt in the muscles of his arms. He forced himself to run. Empowered to meet with you, ushered by the help of Number 10’s powers.

And like clockwork he was led straight to you. The fears he had once buried deep in the back of his brain had all came flooding through.

And he didn’t know what to do.

…

You heard a few voices then.

Although it was barely comprehensible, you could make out a few distinct ones from the array of shouts. Your name in particular was whispered in a prayer. Begging you not to fall asleep despite the odd temptation to. And sure enough, the back and forth argument you heard between two figures was enough to keep your mind and heart racing with urgency. The look between Okonogi and Soshiro’s face had all been so different than usual that it frightens you so.

But despite the noise, despite the shouting. You heard him in clear daylight. Like it had been the only voice in the room. Isolated from the rest who had rushed in a frenzy.

“I got ya’ alright? I’m here baby. I’m right here.”

His reassurances had blanked when his voice cracked. Desperate like he had been ready to cry. The way your name had escaped his lips was almost hesitant. As if he didn't deserve to call you out. And you wanted to stop him before his thoughts could drift further. But your voice had failed you when you needed it most. A soft cry escaping your lips instead.

I'm okay.

I'm here.

I'm alive.

All of that died the moment it tried to leave your throat. And without those very words. Soshiro's face was left to contort. As if he were the one in pain instead of you. And how he'd wished that were the case.

“Let me through!”

You heard him scream. And your eyes had focused just enough to see Okonogi and a few nurses blocking his pathway to you. Desperately trying to push past them despite the grievances.

The sight had been a blur.

One second your vision was fine. The next you had felt the telltale signs of drowsiness hit you. And you feel the way the pain medication had started to kick in when your eyes had isolated itself from the world. Your body’s exhaustion hits you squarely on the chest down to your very toes. And when you had been dragged to the next room over. Soshiro had been the last face you had seen before separation. Sleep pulling you over until your breath is taken from you in that instance.

Your name had been the only thing Soshiro could say afterwards.

“I said let me through–That's an order from your Superior Officer, Okonogi.” Soshiro had warned her. Voice uncharacteristically deep when issuing an order. It was normally never used in this way. Such a tone was only ever used to command Number 10 when he had been too stubborn to listen.

But the bespectacled girl knew better than to fan the flame. And in retrospect, she out of anyone would understand his frustrations the most. Yet she stood her ground. Gently shaking her head at her heated friend.

“Vice Captain.” Okonogi started. Hands already raised to try and calm him down. And she could see it in his eyes; the way it subconsciously followed the rolling bed they had put you in.

Dragging your bed into another room where only the best medical practitioners had worked on you. And yet despite that, he couldn't find it in himself to sit still. His gut sinking at the mere thought of you getting worse than when he had already found you in. And he was willing to bet Weapons 10 had all but read the blatant emotions he displayed on his sleeve. With or without having to delve into his mind.

He was in utter ruin just from your condition.

“-Please understand. You cannot, in under any circumstances enter the surgery room, sir.”

“To hell with that!”

The scream had made Okonogi frown. And Soshiro had half a mind to push past the smaller woman. And rush forward with Number 10's help. But he stopped midway. Reminding himself that his suit could go on a rampage at any time. And right now, he did not want to expose Okonogi and a handful of civilians to Number 10's war-ridden desires. His deep baritones had instead vanished for more firm ones. Unlike the resentment from prior. Oddly curt in his delivery.

“Move. Or I’ll do somethin’ drastic.” He steps forward.

A threat is a threat, and he hoped that would at least be enough to convince the bespectacled girl to move. Yet Okonogi had known him for far too long to actually perceive it as one. And she looks unfazed by his words.

“Sir please.” She pleaded. “It'll only worry you more.”

Her voice was gentle. Understanding even. It almost reminded him of the way you speak at times. Stern but with a hint of softness when it came to his stubbornness. And how he wished it was you he was talking to right now.

“Just please try to calm down. We should get your own wounds treated first and then we can-”

“Fuck no. I'm going in there and-”

“Hoshina.” The stern voice of their Captain had made them both flinch. And the heavy cleats of Mina Ashiro'a footsteps had gotten louder as she had made her way closer to the two.

“Captain Ashiro.” Soshiro had spoken with a much more leveled tone than he did earlier. Hand raising into a salute as the rest followed suit. Though even in his greeting, his frustrations had still been made entirely clear. And he was more than willing to face insubordination just to get to you. But Mina was one step ahead of him.

“Hoshina. You’re causing a disturbance and deliberately disrupting the medical wing from doing their job--I'd let you run some laps. But I can see you're injured.”

Soshiro had glanced down at his body, a light scoff emerging from his lips when she had noticed the way he stood, limping.

“Patch your own wounds up and we can discuss it later.”

And Soshiro had frowned at the way she immediately knew. A sixth sense perhaps that he had been getting sloppy. And sometimes he feared Mina Ashiro would kick him out of the Third because of it. But Mina made no such accusation, instead her eyes had been understanding.

Firm as they usually are, she, like Okonogi, was quite aware of your relationship with Soshiro. And by all means, she understood his sentiment.

Today had been a jumbled mess. And Soshiro was practically facing the very brunt of it all.

With you as its victim.

“But-”

“That's an order, Vice Captain. Do not make me repeat myself.” Her stern reply had been met with his half-meant glare. Red irises swirling with thoughts before ultimately concluding that Mina had been right. Okonogi too. He'd just been too stubborn to see it.

And for a good few seconds, he finally drops his own staring.

Reluctant as he had finally turned around. Facing Okonogi with a sort of defeated look in his eyes. Uncharacteristic to her as he'd normally be so cheery, even in the face of impending death.

He'd be thrown into a pit. And as long as he was still kickin’ he'd probably end up smiling and joking about it the next day.

This had definitely been a first for the two to witness.

And although Mina had not usually been the closest to Soshiro. He couldn't help but make an exception this time. She'd waive him of running laps, not as an officer. But as her friend. And a stern hand was placed squarely on his shoulder. Gently giving it a pat of reassurance. One that Okonogi would follow up with her own.

“It'll be okay. Right Captain?” Okonogi glanced between the two.

“That's right. I'll see to it personally that she gets the best care. For now, get yourself patched up–That'll be the punishment you get for speaking to your superior officer.” She awkwardly spoke. Though a small reassuring smile had cracked on the face of her usually hardened expressions.

And such a sentiment from both the girls had silenced him before he could think of another protest to answer with.

“understood.” He begrudgingly spoke. His hand balling into tight fists at the possibility that you'd wake up without him by your side.

Bronze was made to last, yet it wasn't exempt from tarnish after all.

“Good. I'll inform you shortly once her treatment is done–Okonogi.”

“Yes?” Her reply had been immediate.

“Make sure his wounds are treated. And, I expect a detailed report on Number 10's latest excursion later.”

“Roger.” Okonogi had saluted. And Soshiro watched her as she slowly walked past them. Entering the very same room where he had not even had the chance to take a glimpse in.

His arms had gently felt the pull to another direction. Okonogi had done well at Mina's request as he had all but dragged his feet further away from the blaring red lights of the operating room.

And the flicker of your sleeping face was all that’s left before he too was separated somewhere else.

A place where he was left to wonder what will become of you. And for a moment, his distinct thought was a scenario where he hadn't met you.

If only he hadn't asked you out that day..things would've turned differently.

Right?

…

Your eyes blew wide open. The strangled breaths you took were caught on your throat as you could smell the bitter antiseptics nip the back of your nostrils. It reminded you of a hospital. That of which you had the unpleasant experience of having to frequent anytime Soshiro would come back to base injured.

Often you'd be on the other side of his bed. A frown on your face as the condition of his health had been on the top of your mind. And each time with a smile, he'd make a joke to ease the tension in the room. A signal to indicate he had been alright. Despite the lack of words you two would exchange.

Habitually it was you unharmed. You left to worry at his bedside.

So it had been a rare sight indeed, to find yourself on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Laid in thin hospital robes. Connected to a needle of an IV drip. The constant flow of medicine made you drowsy and your thoughts jumbled into a mesa of numbness. And if you had looked at the amount of bandages wrapped around your torso you'd surely start squirming in place.

But just when you were about to scrutinize the heavy onset of your heartrate’s monitor. The blaring sound was all but silenced when you heard the familiar tremors of his voice. Smooth and soft, like you had always heard them as.

“Yer’ finally awake.”

You turned to his direction. Bright eyes had met his own which had been as familiar as it was squinted. His irises were more crystalline and tired than usual. Puffy on the corners, like he hadn't been given a chance to get a good night’s sleep between your hospitalization.

And yet, despite the unfamiliarity of his somber tone; the despondent frowns he'd make.

His voice had been the sound you missed the most.

“Soshiro..” You croak out. Voice dry like someone had stuffed cotton down your throat. And you try your best to scoot closer. To move and stand like you had always done when faced towards him. But this greeting would cut short. Hands restrained by firm bandages and hollow tubes that weighed heavily on your skin. And you hadn't realized the mumble of a barely audible whimper from your mouth. One that Soshiro could not miss even if he tried to.

Soshiro noticed the way you had squirmed. Struggling to sit up. Which made him all the more vigilant. And he ends up closing the small leatherbound book he'd always brought with him. Sinking it back on his pocket where you had been accustomed to seeing it.

Walking much closer to you in an attempt to calm and shush you.

“Where are we?” You asked him. And his fingers hesitantly graze your cheek. The same way when you had blood trickling down it moments prior. “Base. The Medical wing took ya’ in.”

His words were oddly curt in delivery. And although the average person who knew Soshiro on a surface level could probably not tell. You were able to differentiate the distinct way his voice had sounded odd. Such sentiments laid rather clearly for you. And you can see the layer of guilt etched on his stiff face.

“Okonogi?” You inquired. And he gives you a nod.

“Safe. I'll call her for ya’ later so she doesn't worry.” and you let out a breathless sigh. Your head slumping against the cushion of the soft pillow. The lingering feeling of glass and cement on you had all been but a pipe dream now. A memory that you'd soon forget.

And how Soshiro wished it was that easy for him to forget.

“How are you feelin? I can call the nurse for ya if anything hurts.” He moves to turn around.

Eyes already searching for the small caller that was given to him in case of emergencies. Though your hand, as painful as it felt, had pulled him in. Weak fingertips grabbing the sleeves of his jacket to refuse him. Your eyes remained squinted as they were sharp despite the fatigue. And you caught the glimpse of bandages wrapped around his skin. A stark testament to the rest of his unblemished face.

“What happened?” You had immediately tried to get up. Alert in the way you had wanted to reach out and inspect his own injuries. But the fatigue of your body had stopped you. Causing you to slump forward and unto his willing arms who had been cautious in the way he handled you.

“Easy. You're still…not well.” Soshiro gently nudged you back down. Hand placed squarely on your chest to ease you into the pillow. But you stubbornly persisted. Compromising by sitting up against the bed's headboard instead.

“That doesn't matter. What's more important is, what happened to you. Are you alright?”

“That doesn't matter? Are you seriously askin’ me that right now?” For a moment you mistake his scoff for a laugh. His hands which had held you firmly had just as quickly left leaving the spot on your skin cold and yearning for his proximity.

Had you said something wrong? This aggression was unlike him.

Soshiro was rarely this agitated. And your voice couldn't help shrivel in meek irritation. Unsure whether you should respond back with much the same turbulence.

“Should I…not be asking you that?” You spoke unsure. And he shakes his head in turn.

“You were dead-still for five days straight and yer tellin’ me THAT doesn't matter right now?”

You didn't know how else to reply. The way his tone had shifted into a scoff had made you double back to glare at his face. For once since you awoke, you truly saw how tense he had been. Gone was his usual suave smile that made you laugh or cry in between meetings.

He had been too worried to focus on that. But you had been too frustrated at this sudden change. That it made your voice come more forcefully than you anticipated. “Well isn't it obvious? I'm worried about you.”

You replied. Your own expression had squished into rapid vexation. And you see the way he takes a few steps back, too far for your touch to reach. And it pained you that you couldn't just stand up and make him face you like you usually could.

“And you think I don't feel the same!?” He spoke loudly. Causing your shoulders to flinch in turn. One he had regretted as soon as he spoke. And yet, he continued.

“You don't think..that I didn't nearly kill myself when I found you bleeding in the middle of that goddamn street?” He pointed out the window.

And your expression had turned liquid at the images that flash in your mind. Imagining how he had found you. His thoughts, his expressions..you could only imagine the torment he felt the moment he found you. Barely breathing.

His breaths came in gasps. Eyes widened so that you can clearly see the crimson of his eyes peeking through. And suddenly you notice the way Soshiro had oddly been so vulnerable in front of you. The quips on your sore throat began to die down when you saw how frustrated–how fearful he had looked in the moment. And gods did you wish you woke up sooner just to comfort him.

“No–that’s not what I meant. I only wanted to know if you were okay. Is it so wrong to ask?”

“Well maybe ya’ shouldn't have asked at all.” He huffed out. Looking away from you with regret lingering on his features.

It was stupid. He thought To get so frustrated over something so tiny. But as much as Soshiro Hoshina excluded the guise of a proper adult. He had been flawed just like the rest of everyone else. And he'd be lying if he didn't have his moments of doubt. Often scrutinizing in the lonely privacy of his home. Where he knew no one would bother him.

That is of course, before you had entered his life.

But not everything was understood between the two of you. Okonogi was a witness to the piles of misunderstandings you both had caused. And without help you two were likely never to get along, habitually falling for the same skittish routine you had played at.

But a miracle happened. With him belonging to you. And you belonging to him.

So why was it that your heart cramped so much? Surely it was not the pains of a physical injury. Let alone a type of sickness.

Instead it was struck by simple bad habits and insecurities. One of which even you had trouble dealing with. And the loud firmness of his voice had made such an impact on your heart that you began to frown. Unable to hold back your bite.

“What is your problem!?” You started. “Listen, can we just please have this conversation some other time. And then we can-”

“And then we can, what? Do you want me to just sit here and forget that all happened?” He had interjected.

And suddenly you feel your brows knit tightly. Eyes feeling heavy from the burst of a headache you had gotten. Of all the times Soshiro wanted to argue, it's the time you had just woken up.

But he wasn't entirely unjustified.

There have been plenty of moments where you had fanned the flames of a fire that should've ended right then and there. Your word choice is poor and your temperament less than ideal.

For as frustrated as you had been, you understood Soshiro's sentiments. And your hands had raised as a sort of white flag. Not needing this fight to escalate more than it should.

Not when you were both injured and all you wanted to do was crawl into his arms.

“-Listen Soshiro, I didn't mean to upset you. I only wanted to know if you were okay.”

“Does that matter?” He repeats your own words. And you had to hold back another jab of acknowledgement. Smart in the way he played his words. It almost made you want to laugh. But this time, your intent came from sincerity.

And his small play of mockery had been a sight for sore eyes, since you had quickly gotten the gist of what he had been trying to convey. Wrong in your choice of words. This time, you correct your mistake. Sincerity and all.

“Yes it matters. More than anything– of course it matters.” You had told him. And you see the way Soshiro’s mouth quivers into a small tremble. Uncanny when he'd normally be so laid-back and sweet when it came to you.

And how you'd wish he just took a breather and relaxed. Maybe take a break so that they could talk things out. Without yelling preferably. But that had not been possible. At least not just yet from the way he replied.

“Well had I not made it in time, you woulda’ been dead. Do you hear me?”

“And yet, Here. I. Am. A witness to your unwarranted behavior.”

“Behavior that's justified because I shouldn't have let you outta my sight.”

Silence had followed soon after. Your mouth gapes for a moment to think of a reply when the words slip past your lips. And Soshiro would note how uncharacteristic that was, even for you. He, who was always used to your quick replies and clever jabs. But it seems his words had cut too far this time.

And he pried his eyes away from you. Chest heaving as he ran a hand through his face. “I shouldn't have..”

He composed himself. Clearing his throat whilst you looked at him with an etched frown on your face. One that he wished would go away. But he had been the cause of this.

He had been the one to make your smile go away. And it somehow makes him feel even worse.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I just-”

“Soshiro.” Your voice sounded like bells. And when he looked up, relief had immediately sagged his shoulders upon seeing your gaze blown wide open. Not at all restrained by the pain medication and exhaustion you had felt.

And your hand had gently reached up to grab his own. Gentle in the way her thumb caressed his knuckle which had been previously so bruised and bloodied.

And although there was a struggle to reach for his hand. Your touch was met halfway. Gently threading your much softer skin that would've paled in comparison to a blanket had he not taken glances.

“What happened back there wasn't your fault. We couldn't have known that the Kaiju would follow me back to the shelter.” You whisper. And Soshiro's expression had turned serious. Like he held a weight that you couldn't possibly fathom even if you tried.

“And yet I let it slip away.”

“I let it get to you, and now you're in here because of me.” He had wanted to so badly pull away from you. To walk himself out before he could be tempted to lean back into those pretty eyes of yours. But the moment he met your sight.

Those sad eyes of yours had been his journey's end. And he couldn't do that to you. Not when your expression had frustratingly asked him to stay.

“And yet it was also because of you that I'm still alive and breathing, Soshiro.” You reasoned. “You don't give yourself enough credit. If it hadn't been for you I would've been-”

“Dead.” He cut you off. “You would've been dead.”

“No. You wouldn't have allowed that. You're the Vice Captain, remember? If there's anywhere safer for me, it's by your side.” You didn't know whether such assurances had really made him listen. The way he was assured in that answer of his wasn't a mere fortnight conclusion. It was as if he had been thinking of such consequences for a much longer time, and that alone makes your heart sink.

So you scooted closer. Moving in to try and pull him down so that you could wrap your arms around his neck. And just when you were snaking it through his shoulders. His hands had stopped you midway.

His calloused palms holding on to the points of your elbows as he gently pries you off of him.

Normally this would be met with your pout. Maybe another bout of force just let the stubborn man look your way. But you had been too weak, still healing from an injury you had no control over. And his response is far too swift for your liking. Leaving your arms missing the warmth his body could provide you.

“No, no, no, no, no–no. You don't understand. I don't deserve to be anywhere near you right now.” He had managed to convince himself. Looking away as the anxiety within you had spiked upon his words.

“Soshiro. Listen to me we can-”

“What I’m saying is that we're done here.”

You had blinked. Looking up at him who had towered above your bed. A somber look on his expression despite the daunting words he had spoken. He looked passive. Unaffected even. Like he had been ready for this moment which had been planned for a long time coming. And your voice could only muster a feeble whisper.

“What do you mean we're done?”

“It's over.” Soshiro continued. Not once paying your face any heed. Lest he change his mind from doing you a greater good he deemed correct. “I don't want anything to do with ya’ anymore.”

If this had been a dream you would've laughed at the way he delivered such a sentiment.

You'd somehow suppress the inner workings of your shock and you'd wake up to find the morning documents you promised yourself to do; in the desk untouched where it usually had been.

And by the time you left your room, you'd habitually laugh it off and tell Soshiro about it in the afternoon just to get a chuckle and light scolding out of him. The usual banter that admittedly, had always been the highlight of your day.

But this had not been a dream.

And hearing him say that. Had hurt more than you anticipated it seemed. And your voice cracks before you can even register yourself speaking.

"Is this because you think I can't love you?" The sudden appearance of tears had painted your face. And you had tried to sniff away the bigger ones that threatened to spill over. But to no avail.

And Soshiro’s eyes widen at the telltale signs of your crying. An unexpected third party which had not been invited to the list of things he ought to do. And his head reels to face you once more. Seeing your face redden with a shame he'd never thought he'd see.

"Do you really think that I'm incapable of willingly loving you? Even beyond that fucking sword of yours-" And Soshiro had all but shook his head. Remorseful in the way tears had jerked from your eyes.

"That ain't the point!"

"Then what IS the point!?" Your tears had blurred your vision. And your hand had embarrassingly moved up to wipe it. One that Soshiro had wished to do for himself had he not been so stubborn.

“-What is the point if I can't make sense of you trying to leave me?"

The turmoil in your voice had been made present. One so encompassing that Soshiro couldn't ignore. And as much as it hurts you to scream. It hurt him to see you suddenly cry like this. Someone he associated as being so usually strong-willed, crumbling in a few short words from him. And suddenly, it feels as if he wants to swallow back his words. Mouth churned into regret when he had moved to take a step closer to you.

“Sweetheart, please..I-”

He shook his head. Suddenly finding himself kneeling down in front of your bed. And when your eyes had met his, it was as if his heart had stopped momentarily. Too focused on the way you had looked at him in desperation. Mixed with both physical and emotional pain.

And he had been the cause of that. Regrettably he knew he had been the cause of that.

"Is the idea of me loving you THAT terrible of a concept to you?" you spoke flimsily. Words betraying the tone you wanted to convey. And somehow you felt worse than when blood was unnaturally seeping out of your wound.

And his own body. One that betrayed his own commands, had a mind of its own. Strong arms wrapping around your bandaged ones that had still been healing from the minor cuts you had accumulated. And the warm steady beat of his heart had drowned you back into reality. Cheeks pressed against his and regrettably, soiling his jacket.

Not that he minded of course. Far too focused on wiping your tears away. Shushing you when you'd shudder from the breathless sniffles he'd been the cause of.

"Shit- no sweetheart no. I didn't mean it."

“I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.” His instant apologies and regrets had echoed for a few moments. The sudden urge to calm you down had him reeling just to caress your shoulders. Weary of the injuries you were faced with as you cried in his arms.

And the struggling shudders you were faced with had all been too painful to see. Comical in the way he had all but worsened your condition when stressing a healing patient had been the last thing people needed to be reminded of.

Yet here you were, struggling to even cry when every breath would agitate any bandaged injuries you'd gotten. And it had been his fault entirely.

“I'm not leaving ya. I'm right here..” He whispered. And you had forcibly glanced up. Seeing the way his distress had wrinkled those usually foxy eyes. Like he had suddenly gained a keen sense of his stupidity and finally realized that his sentiments were not helping you. And upon realization you couldn't help but feel how silly all this had been.

You would've laughed had you not wasted such excess energy into crying your heart out in front of him. Likely an accumulation from the week's worth of not being able to see each other.

That and other things, which were obvious enough.

But you spoke. Wanting to pick his thoughts apart. Reason with him the next time this may happen. And your eyes flutter away the tears as you had finally managed to calm down enough to ask him.

“Then why? Why even suggest that?” Your voice had been soft. His thumbs move to caress the stray tears away from your face. Even moving to casually use his sleeves to gently wipe your cheeks in assurance of his presence. And you close your eyes at the simple gesture. Suddenly feeling much better now that he had been so close to you like this.

Crap, he set himself up didn't he? And just when he had this all planned out too.

In the wake of your hospitalization, he had planned to leave you. Somehow make you change occupations. Maybe work for a tech company where your life wouldn't be on the line. Where you'd be far away from his life and you could live a happy, seperate life from him.

But who was he kidding? Even he thinks it's stupid. The idea of doing you the greater good.

It had sounded conclusive back then.

He'd likely die young, a Kaiju attack that he had lacked defenses in no doubt. And somehow, you'd weasel your way out and live an old happy life.

Like bronze. Tarnished but long lasting.

But you had seen through his intention. And every right to refuse such a concept had knocked him over the head. A simple shed of tears was all it took for such a carefully built wall to crumble. His resolve in shambles at the mere thought of you leaving.

And to take that away from you. To separate the both of you like that? It felt wrong. And somehow his stupidity makes him laugh.

And the next words uttered had been voluntary on his part. Sloppy but it came out from an honest place. That even he doubted its power.

"Because, it scares me how much I need you. Okay?" He leans in. Head against your own so that your noses would touch. And you could see the little cracks on that smile of his. A stark contrast to the facade of laughs he'd usually give off. And it makes your heart flutter upon such fleeting confessions.

"Just hearing that voice of yours is enough to wreck me. And ruin me for anybody else."

"And when I saw you. Layin' there with that faraway look on your eyes. I just couldn't fucking breathe."

The way his eyes had not once left yours had felt like the first time you had met him. In that room with the Captain watching your interactions.

You had been less amicable to each other by then. Always second guessing each other by investigating the little nuances of your expressions. But somehow, the difficulties in reading each other had not been so far fetched. And the longer you two would spend time together. The more you had an inkling of what the other was thinking. And eventually an unspoken understanding had come between the both of you.

One that required no words to speak. Nor assistance from anywhere else. Just you and him. Nothing more.

"What If I lose you? You're all I fucking have.."

"Soshiro.” You whispered. Suddenly feeling the weight of his words drop down on you upon his realization. And you shake your head in turn. Immediately running your hands on the soft tresses of his hair. “You’re not going to lose me.”

“And what if I did?” He was quick to interject. “What if I had been a second too late and you were killed?”

“-And yet I'm still here. See?” You moved his intertwined hands to your chest. Firmly letting him feel the pulse of your heart. A repetition had to be made in order to convince him. And if you had to do such things a million times, there was no doubt you’d do it a thousand more times.

And his hand couldn't help but press firmly. Gingerly looking everywhere to check your wellbeing. Satisfied when he had settled in your slightly puffy eyes that he had been all too remorseful of when he found it too pretty to look away from.

You leaned in. Pressing light kisses against his cheeks to calm his thoughts. The voice in the back of his head all but silenced. When the adrenaline kicked in, because somehow he found himself unfocused when he caught your lips in his.

It was short and sweet.

Far different from the many picturesque and grandiose kisses he'd read about in books. And far too slow amidst the rush hours of your working breaks. Where you'd snag a few touches here and there just to get a rise out of each other. No this had been far too different. Far too gentle than it normally was. But despite the innocence of such a contact. It had made a more lasting impact on him.

The hesitation implied vulnerability, and without it. You'd be remiss to see Soshiro's true feelings underneath it. And it makes you pull away to rub your own hands against his chest. Admiring the way his uniform had engulfed him warmly in the cold air conditioning in the room.

All that matters was that they were okay now.

All that matters is that they are together now. Is that so much to ask?

“I won't die so easily, Soshiro.” Your assurances had made him perk up. Head still leaning against yours where you could see the pretty hallmarks of his tired eyes.

“I may not be able to know..everything in that damn head of yours. But what I do know? Is that I have unwavering trust in you. And that's the only reason I made it out alive today.” Your voice had made him crack a smile. One that makes you raise a brow at him. Suddenly fixated on the way his demeanor had changed so easily when you had spoken your piece.

And Soshiro, ever the enigma that he was. Had stopped his reluctance around you. Finally getting a chance to relax as his hands slotted its way to the bounce of your cheek and jaw, which he had always found so endearing to touch and look at.

He couldn't help but run soothing circles on your flesh. A habit he might've picked up on when reading a few romances here and there.And it makes you wonder if he had always been this sweet. A layer unknown go you that you'd love to rediscover, if only he'd put down that smart mouth of his.

“I think that was ‘bout a week ago.” He corrected you. His face is as snarky as his comment. And that was enough to shake your head.

But of course, that had been too much to ask. Too far and few inbetween. You spoke too soon.

“Fine. A week ago.” You affirmed. Though this time you had rolled your eyes with a laugh of your own.

And the two of you had simply sat there. Soshiro rocking you back and forth as best he could without risking your injuries. Hands against the plush of your waistline, carefully making sure the stitches were still intact. But the warmth had remained.

This time he had been less distant. More calm and understanding like he had usually been. And that was enough for you. For now.

“Do you mean that?”

“Mean what?” You had blinked with a smile on your face. Sweet as it came, you had a viper that you knew how to use. And Soshiro wasn't ever one to stop confronting it. Even if he had to break out of his shell to ask the harder questions between you both.

“When you said you loved me.” He added.

And he wouldn't be able to miss that pretty smile forming on the corners of your lips. Leaning against him until the softness of your lips had grazed his chapped ones. Though you’d note, it was still gentle. Still his. And still yours to capture should you want it.

“Do I have to kiss you again and prove it?” You mutter out.

“Do you not want to right now?”

And without a doubt did you lean in. Capturing his lips with a crooked smile in between. Soft and sensual. And you had missed this. Missed him who had not gotten the chance to set things right by you.

How long had it been since you had taken the time to really kiss him? Without the rush of prying eyes, nor the responsibilities that came with their work. It was just a kiss, yet in this moment it felt like everything.

Slow and reassuring. Without the need of words to complicate things. It had conveyed everything he needed to know. And when you pulled back, Soshiro could see the pretty pearls of your teeth. Admiring the way your lips had bruised red from how eagerly he had captured your mouth. And he wouldn't dream of being anywhere else in the world right now. Not when you had looked so perfect. Hospital gown and all.

“Does that prove my point?”

He laughs. Something you had always thought to be pretty.

“Maybe.” The familiar trace of his hand had brushed past your hair. Straightening out the few loose strands that could obscure him from your face. And his smile, although back to the usual cat-like facade, had now softened up significantly upon your presence. And you had prided the way this man had looked at you like you had offered him the world.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at ya. I just-”

“Shh..I know.” Your hand had touched his lips. Admiring the way it too, had reddened from your previous kisses.

“I'm tougher than bronze, you know? I'm not so simple as to let a few words bend me sideways.”

“Okonogi tells me the same.”

“And right she was. You should learn a thing or two from her.” And a laugh bubbles between the two of you. He had to remind himself to save his apologies later for Okonogi. For despite her absence, even now she was playing cupid for them. The small voice in his head urging him to tell you how he truly felt.

And without warning. He managed to say it outloud.

“I love you.”

Those words had struck a melodic chord in you. Ones that made you look back at him in temporary stupor. Before finally turning giddy at the way he so gently said it. No remorse. No regret. A fact even she couldn't deface as mockery. When there'd normally be a trick of a joke involved.

And in your quiet smiles held a deep admiration for him. Ones that squeezed Soshiro's hand despite the difficulty of your injuries.

But that didn't matter. Injuries heal after all. And right now, you had been far too focused on him to mind the slowly subsiding pain on your body.

“What's this all of a sudden? You're not joking are you?” You ask cautiously. Though a smile still remained on your face. Far too elated at hearing those words. And from the look on his face, you could tell he had been serious in his admission.

“It's not sudden. I just–” Soshiro lets out a small chuckle. Not entirely sure why he feels so nervous in the wake of your question.

“I meant to say it that day. Before the Kaiju attacked. I wanted it to be perfect for ya and..” His voice stops when you lean in. Cuddling him down as best you could in the safety of the hospital's bedsheets. The understanding look in your eyes had all but told him that you knew. And it makes him think twice about having to explain things to you again. Not when you could now read him so well. Especially in the most important aspects of his life.

“I know. You don't need to tell me twice."

He heard you speak. Though the hint of playfulness in your voice hadn't subsided. A reminder that you had been slowly regaining your strength. And pretty soon, you'd be pulling him down by the collar just to kiss him breathless if you wanted to.

But for now, he was gonna have to take care of you. Take the lead and deal with your smart comments. And it makes him smile knowing he'd get to hear such witty banters from you again. More so now that you were awake.

“Really now? And I thought you'd be happy to have me say it outloud for ya.”

His chuckle had made his chest rumble. And you could feel the pleasant vibration as your head fell squarely on his chest. A roll in your eyes as you had hummed in reply.

“Well…I suppose it couldn't hurt for you to say it again.”

And he would. He'd do it as long as you'd allow him that privilege.

And this time, he too had read you like an open book. Somehow fitting perfectly in the way they understand the other without needing to speak. They needed to work on it. They needed each other more than ever before.

So it was lucky their bonds were more lasting than bronze. And fate had brought them together.

[novalpha]

𝙎𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝐎𝐓𝟏𝟑 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙨

[ Contains poly, single member at once x reader, and others..]

♡ Fluff || ୨୧ Angst || ★ Smut || ꗃ SMAU || ✹ Humor|| ⌗ Series || ✿ Drabble || ♤ Mature (No smut)

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ The Xperiments ⌗♡୨୧ -> @gamerwoo

Synopsis : Growing too strong to stay at the lab you grew up in, you’re shipped off to South Korea to continue your life in their much bigger and more high-tech lab. That’s where you meet thirteen other experiments who are just like you, only knowing life inside the labs which consists of constant inhuman studies and awful mistreatment. However, being kept solitary for your whole life, you find it difficult to trust even the experiments who know exactly what you’ve gone through. But the labs simply creating these experiments because they can may not be the only reason for your existence, and trusting the other experiments might be your only way to freedom – assuming you can stay hidden from the white coats.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Play along ★⌗ -> @xddaengx

Pt 1 , Pt 2 , Pt 3 , Pt 4 , Pt 5 , Pt 6 , Pt 7 , Deleted Scene , Pt 8

Summary: Your boyfriend proposes the idea, that he shares you with his 12 best friends.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Challenge Me ♡୨୧★⌗✹ -> @seokgyuu

Synopsis: you have never been a person who turns down a challenge, but when your best friend challenges you to hook up with 13 boys in one semester you kind of wish you were.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Horanghae ⌗♡★ -> (Hoshi centric, OT13) @horanghaejamjam

Summary: Everyone knows that Soonyoung loves tigers. The term Horanghae literally means “I tiger you”. Needless to say, the Seventeen members shouldn’t have been as surprised as they were the night he came home with a very timid white tiger curled against him.  

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Kitten ears ♡୨୧★⌗ -> @hansols-yoda-boxers

Synopsis: Your first family wasn’t terrible, but they weren’t very loving either and they didn’t have much space for you so you were happy to leave. Except that you were useless when it came to working so the shelter was really your only option. After a lot of waiting you were happy that you might finally be getting a family that really wanted you and cared about, despite how painfully shy and skittish you could be.

Now you just had to worry about how to handle your next heat.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ And the universe said ⌗♡୨୧♤✹ -> @thepixelelf

Synopsis: When soulmates are suddenly thrust upon the world, you are one in a million who wishes they weren't -- and that's before you meet the person (people?!) making your life much harder than it needs to be. And before someone asks you to sign an NDA.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Under the Sun ⌗♡୨୧♤ -> @wooahaes

Summary: It all starts when you wake up in a field without a name or any memories to define yourself with. Thirteen men take you in as one of their own, and slowly you begin to wonder what is going on within this world... and between you and one of them.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ thief | ʇsᴉǝɥ ★⌗ -> @meltwonu

synopsis: Working under Jeonghan had it perks. On most days, he was kind and even a little lazy; opting to let you approach certain projects on your own while letting you keep half of the profit. But on the days you royally fuck up are the days that remind you that he’s the one in charge, despite him giving you some semblance of authority.

Seperate member x reader (OT13)

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Tales from the pack ♡୨୧★⌗ -> @gamerwoo

Summary: The adventures of werewolf!Seventeen as they try to cope with finding their mates, and try their best to stay hidden from the eyes of the humans who want them dead.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Imprinted ♡୨୧★⌗ -> @gamerwoo

Summary: How the thirteen boys met their mates in a modern day world where werewolves must try to blend in with society but keep their secret hidden.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Tales from Camp ♡୨୧★⌗ -> @kwanisms

Synopsis: Thirteen friends reconnect on a camping trip, reminiscing about their times as camp counselors when they were in college.

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Don't listen in secret ♡୨୧★⌗ -> @j6shua

imagine being best friends with idol group seventeen! very fun! and you get to sleep with them as a friendly favor! yay... hold on,

in order words, adventures as all of seventeen’s fuck buddy organized into a series masterlist

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ SVT hospital ♡ꗃ୨୧ -> @taeyegu

summary ━ four different departments, four different love stories, all in one hospital; hospitalplaylist!au

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ In pursuit of wedded bliss ♡୨୧⌗ -> @fantasyescapes17 (A Seventeen Regency!AU Series)

It is the season- and London is full of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, waiting to be swept up in a whirlwind of romance, passion and matrimony as they each fight their own battles for happiness in London's elite society.

Single member x reader (ft OT13)

❙❘❙❙❘❙❚❙❘ ⌕ Fate and desire ♡୨୧⌗✹ -> @gamerwoo

You know you’ve found your soulmate when your pendant turns red. It’s just your luck you meet an entire host club of 13 boys – save for your best friend, Jeonghan, and his boyfriend – all at once. Your pendant is now red, and all of theirs are always hidden in their shirts. But one person in particular kind of makes you want to forget about the whole “fate” thing.

[ More ot13 fic recs will be updated ]

Want more seventeen fix recs? -> Click here

[martincrushcameback]

WARNING: Injury, Drama and Implied Death

(it's a time travel apocalypse au, it's gonna have The Big Sads before it gets better.)

Apocalypse AU doodles.

From Future!Chris and Future!Zach's perspectives, the Apocalypse started about 8 to 10 years ago (hard to keep track after the tech failed) and Aviva was lost at about year 6 when the defenses broke and the lab was overrun with mutated beasts. After that, things got very complicated because half the tech was damaged and they only managed to salvage some of the components for the time machine Aviva designed. Martin was lost (with Koki) a little prior to the completion of the time machine, overrun while trying to protect Chris while salvaging for parts. The younger Kratt fully feels responsible for his death and Zach wouldn't let him see his brother being mauled. Zach lost his arm about two months later, making things very difficult. Jimmy created a prosthetic arm for him but it doesn't function it's really only decorative. Jimmy Jimmy died a year before the time machine was finished.

Bonus:

bonding_through_trauma.png

[starry-bi-sky]

Part two of the "Clone Danny" au

The link to the first part is put above!

His friends know that he's phantom, they help him out just the same as before. Due to not having any ghost powers, Danny has to rely on tech and outsmarting the ghosts a lot more than before. He can't keep stealing tech from his parents' lab either, and he can't ask them to fix it if his stuff breaks. He teaches himself how to fix it.

(Its a lot of sleepless nights stealing his parents' blueprints and trying to study them. And a lot of late night research and talking with Tucker on how to build and understand tech. He refuses to rely on Tucker for his gear)

He talks to Sam about fashioning a persona as both Phantom and as Fenton. She's been to a lot of rich parties, she's seen celebrities and how they act. A "careless party boy" won't work for Danny. He's no A-Lister. But coward, feeble Fenton works just fine. Minus his smartass comments, which he can slowly start phasing out of his "civilian" life under the guise of there being ghosts.

He draws into himself, keeps his head down in class, wears baggy clothing. Ghost fighting at night really does a lot of the work for him, since he's so tired in class that he doesn't bother putting his hand up or participating. He can play the part of "loner, loser Fenton" pretty well, and ups the ante.

Phantom already has a small fanbase amongst the A-listers for being the strong, silent confident vigilante-hunter protecting them from the ghosts. Nothing much changes there other than a few minor things. Anyone who knows ASL knows he's a major fucking smart-ass who keeps cracking jokes and puns at the ghosts.

Danny learns self-defense after getting his ass beat too many times (he also gets Really Good at gym because he runs a LOT after ghosts. He eventually learns to make trackers to stick onto them when they fly away) and even gets a few ghosts to help him after he befriends them while they're exploring Amity at night. Its nothing professional and he still gets hurt a lot, but he knows how to throw a better punch than before. And he knows how to dodge better.

Since he's going for a "get them tfo of here before my parents get here" approach, danny takes a more of a "talk first, fight later" route. this... kinda works. mainly for the non-hostile ghosts. its how he manages to get some of them to help him with fighting.

Danny's honestly really, really clever. He largely relies on his wits since he doesn't have any powers to force ghosts back into the ghost zone.

TUE still happens it just occurs a little differently. Vlad Masters still wants Danny to be his son and Maddie his wife, etc. But he also wants to turn Danny into a Halfa like himself, since he knows that Danny has mild ghost abilities, he thinks he has the capacity to turn into a halfa.

Dan happens when Vlad manipulates a grieving danny into agreeing to become a halfa like himself. Except it kills Danny fully, and in his rage, Danny, now dead and a ghost, rips out Vlad's ghost half and merges with it and creates Dan. So not too different from canon.

….actually i change my mind. Danny’s ghost doesn’t merge with Vlad. Danny’s ghost tears Plasmius apart for lying to him. Dan is entirely Danny, just big and hurting and wanting to hurt others because of it. His emotions are big so Dan is big.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 4.5 (Dani interlude) Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 7.5 (Dan Interlude) Part 8

[premiumbitch]

DETAILS ABOUT SOME OF MY DC DR'S ! ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

Hi luvs! I'll admit I've started writing more DC scripts even though I will only be talking about 3. Initially, I had 3 Batfamily DRs, but I added 2 more, so now there are 5. I still have just 1 Teen Titans DR and 1 Young Justice DR, but I also made another DC script with Wonder Woman as my amazing mama, bringing the total to 8. Does that make sense? LMFAO MOVING ON! I Hope you enjoy this post!

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FIRST BATFAMILY DR ♡ //

OKAY, so I already briefly mentioned this in my other post, BUT in this DR (Desired Reality), I’m a vigilante being raised by my aunt. My parents, who were brilliant and successful scientists, tragically passed away in a lab explosion caused by an experiment gone wrong. They had been working on a groundbreaking (and dangerous) project, and their deaths were tied to its failure.

My aunt, who wasn’t particularly close with my parents, became my guardian because she was my only living family member and didn’t want me to end up in the foster system or an orphanage—she knew how tough those places could be. She’s an incredible person: highly skilled in martial arts, hacking, and technology. She also has a long-standing connection with Bruce Wayne (Batman). They became friends when she attended university in Gotham at 18, where she met him. She lived in Gotham until she turned 29, then moved to the outskirts of Alaska for a quieter life but stayed in contact with him. She even helped him track down villains in her spare time.

Growing up in Alaska, my aunt trained me rigorously in 10 different martial arts styles, starting when I was very young. She wanted to ensure I could protect myself. However, when I turned 15, everything changed.

I was bitten by a genetically modified, radioactive hybrid creature—a bizarre fusion of traits from various insects, animals, and plants. This hybrid wasn’t from our universe; it came from an alternate dimension. It originated from a different version of Lex Luthor, who had created the hybrid as part of an experiment to grant himself immense power by being bitten by it. However, during a test run, his device malfunctioned, creating a ripple across multiple universes. This accident transported objects and beings from his dimension into our main DC Universe—including the hybrid creature and Lex himself.

Unluckily for me, the hybrid creature bit me instead of him, granting me powers and putting a huge target on my back. Once Lex and his allies—the other beings brought into this universe—realized I had inherited the powers meant for him, they began hunting me down. This put both me and my aunt in immediate danger.

As their attacks intensified, my aunt made the difficult decision to send me to Gotham to stay with Bruce Wayne for protection. She couldn’t come with me because she needed to stay in Alaska to divert attention away from me and keep the threats occupied. She also wanted to use her hacking and tech skills to gather intel on the alternate Lex and his plans.

At the time, I was super confused—like, who even is Bruce Wayne, and why am I being sent to live with him of all people? Eventually, I found out his secret: he’s Batman!

For my DR self, I took inspiration from Peter Parker, Black Widow, and Miles Morales. With the powers I gained from the hybrid bite, I became a one-of-a-kind vigilante. The hybrid creature that bit me was a crazy combination of:

Scorpions

Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

Indian Red Scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus)

Arabian Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)

Yellow Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus australis)

Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)

Venomous Spiders

Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus species)

Darwin's Bark Spider (Caerostris darwini)

Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera and P. nigriventer)

Funnel Web Spider (Atrax and Hadronyche species)

Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus)

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

Deadly Insects

Kissing Bug (Triatominae)

Assassin Bug (Reduviidae)

Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata)

Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia)

Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex maricopa)

Blister Beetle (Meloidae)

Assassin Caterpillar (Lonomia obliqua)

Tsetse Fly (Glossina species)

Poisonous Plants

Manchineel Tree (Hippomane mancinella)

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Cannabis sativa

Deadly Snakes

Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)

Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)

Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Venomous Marine Creatures

Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)

Irukandji Jellyfish (Carukia barnesi)

Cone Snail (Conus species)

Stonefish (Synanceia species)

Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena species)

Lionfish (Pterois species)

Toxic Amphibians

Golden Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis)

Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)

Common Green Tree Frog (potentially harmful when ingested)

Deadly Mammals

Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

African Lion (Panthera leo)

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)

Toxic Birds

Hooded Pitohui (Pitohui dichrous)

Blue-capped Ifrita (Ifrita kowaldi)

Fungi

Death Cap Mushroom (Amanita phalloides)

Destroying Angel Mushroom (Amanita bisporigera)

Deadly Galerina (Galerina marginata)

Other Deadly Organisms

Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus)

Pufferfish (Fugu species)

yikes right? I know what you're thinking "how tf would you mix all that together to make a hybrid creature" well uhh idk ask lex luther ... (jk i haven't scripted the exact how but i dont gotta worry coz I'm not the one making it lex luther is, whatever my subconscious will take care of it!) it did give me a bunch of cool powers tho lol anyways, living in Gotham, I worked with Bruce and his allies to take down the beings and Lex from the alternate dimension. It was intense—fighting enemies who weren’t just physically powerful but also had technology and strategies far beyond anything we’d seen. Together, we managed to eliminate the threats one by one, ensuring Gotham (and my aunt) was safe again.

When the fight was over, I realized something important: Gotham felt like home. The city was chaotic, dangerous, and dark, but it was also full of people worth protecting. I decided to stay in Gotham, both to continue using my powers for good and to train further under Bruce’s guidance. My aunt supported my decision, knowing I’d found my place in the world.

Now, as a vigilante in Gotham, I use my unique abilities to take on its criminals and threats. Whether it’s dealing with supervillains or protecting innocent people, I’ve found my purpose in this city that never sleeps. PERIODDDDD.

BEING WONDER WOMANS DAUGHTER DR ♡ //

guys my writing here is a little corny and cheesy pls no judging like yes ik ik...

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Origins and Creation

I was created by Wonder Woman, sculpted from clay by my mother, Diana—the warrior of Themyscira and a beacon of strength, compassion, and justice. Diana sought to give me life in a way that honored both Amazonian traditions and her deep love for humanity. Blessed by the gods, I was infused with extraordinary gifts and destined to be a protector of the world.

While I was being formed, Ares, the God of War, struck with malicious intent. He viewed my creation as a threat to his dominion of chaos and conflict. Diana’s vision of peace and balance, embodied in me, was antithetical to everything Ares desired—a world consumed by war, ruled by the strong, and devoid of harmony. In an act of defiance and vengeance against my mother and the gods who opposed him, Ares cursed me before I could take my first breath.

A bolt of war energy, laced with fury and chaos, struck the clay, embedding a volatile force deep within my soul. This curse was designed to ensure that I would be a weapon of destruction, a pawn of war, and ultimately, a tool Ares could manipulate to spread his influence.

Gifts of the Gods

Despite Ares’ curse, I was still blessed by the gods, each granting me a piece of their power:

Zeus (King of the Gods): I inherited cosmic strength and the power to manipulate storms, granting me the ability to summon thunderstorms, control weather systems, and wield unmatched physical strength. However, this immense power came with the risk of destruction if I lost control.

Athena (Goddess of Wisdom and War): Athena blessed me with tactical genius and the ability to manifest divine weapons. My combat skills became unparalleled, and I gained the ability to analyze every possible outcome in a fight.

Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt): Artemis gifted me perfect precision, foresight in battle, and a connection to nature, allowing me to blend into shadows, anticipate attacks, and command the wild.

Hermes (God of Speed and Communication): Hermes granted me divine reflexes and the ability to manipulate time, enabling me to react faster than the eye could see and navigate complex situations effortlessly.

Aphrodite (Goddess of Love and Beauty): From Aphrodite, I gained the power to heal emotional and physical wounds and a charm that could influence even the most hardened hearts.

Hades (God of the Underworld): Hades bestowed upon me dominion over shadows and the ability to summon the souls of the dead to fight by my side. This power came with a moral weight, forcing me to tread carefully when wielding the forces of death.

These gifts made me a symbol of hope and strength, but Ares’ curse twisted them, amplifying my anger and bloodlust, constantly pulling me toward chaos.

The Curse’s Effects

As I grew, the curse began to manifest subtly. Though my mother taught me to channel my gifts for peace and justice, there was always a storm brewing beneath the surface—a simmering anger I struggled to control. At times, I felt like I was walking a razor’s edge, unsure if I was a protector or a weapon waiting to detonate.

Diana was devastated by Ares’ interference, but she refused to give up on me. She trained me rigorously in combat, strategy, and diplomacy, teaching me not only how to fight but also how to lead with compassion and integrity. My mother believed that my strength lay in resisting the rage within me, using it to protect rather than destroy.

The Awakening of the Curse (Age 15)

On my fifteenth birthday, the curse fully awakened. A sudden surge of anger erupted during a sparring session on Themyscira, and I lost control. A bolt of lightning tore through the sky as my emotions triggered an uncontrollable storm. My strength, amplified by the curse, became a destructive force, and I nearly injured those closest to me.

It was then I realized that the curse wasn’t just a mark of Ares’ malice—it was his way of testing me. The more I resisted, the stronger the pull toward chaos became. This realization terrified me. What if I couldn’t control it? What if I became what Ares wanted me to be—a harbinger of war and destruction?

Ares’ Motivation

Ares’ interference wasn’t just an act of spite. It was calculated. He believed that by corrupting me, he could turn the gods’ blessings into instruments of war, using my powers to shatter the fragile peace my mother fought to protect. He wanted to mold me into his champion—a warrior who could rival even Wonder Woman herself, but loyal only to him.

For Ares, I represented a paradox: the potential for ultimate destruction or the greatest resistance to his reign. By cursing me, he aimed to tilt the scales in his favor, ensuring that the legacy of peace my mother envisioned would never come to fruition.

Ares’ Confrontation (Age 16)

At sixteen, Ares appeared to me for the first time. He offered me control over my rage, promising unimaginable power if I embraced my destiny as his champion. He painted himself as a misunderstood force of nature, arguing that war wasn’t inherently evil but the only true path to strength and freedom.

For a moment, I wavered. The temptation was overwhelming. But my mother’s teachings and unwavering belief in me pulled me back. I rejected Ares’ offer, vowing to fight his influence no matter how powerful he was.

Enraged by my defiance, Ares swore that he would break me, promising to return when I was at my weakest. His presence was a chilling reminder that the battle for my soul was far from over.

The Ongoing Struggle

Every day since, I’ve walked the line between chaos and control. The curse remains a constant shadow, but so does my mother’s guidance. She reminds me that true strength isn’t about overwhelming power—it’s about using that power to protect and uplift others.

I’ve learned to channel my rage into focus, turning the chaos within me into a force for good. The struggle is far from over, but I’m determined to prove that Ares doesn’t define me. My destiny is my own, and with my mother by my side, I’ll continue to fight for a world where peace can prevail—even if it means facing the storm inside me every single day.

(IM SUCH A MAMAS GIRLLL STOP I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET DIANA SHES SO MOTHERRR I LOVE HER)

YOUNG JUSTICE DR ♡ //

OKAY OMG im really excited for this one yall! (acting like im not equally excited for the others lol dont mind me) my inspirations when writing my dr self was wanda maximoff (wifey fr), jean grey, my queen and mother (in this dr too MUAHAHAHA) wonder woman!! GUYS WAIT ALSO i know the start is similar to the top one (AND THIS IS ALSO CORNY ASF) but it gets different towards the end tho trust me!!!! >:(

Origins and Creation

I was created by Wonder Woman, sculpted from clay on the shores of Themyscira, a land where strength, wisdom, and love reign supreme. My mother, Diana, sought to create me as a symbol of hope and balance for a world fraught with chaos. She petitioned the gods to breathe life into me, and they blessed me with their divine gifts, imbuing me with extraordinary power and potential.

But it wasn’t just the gods who noticed my creation. In an unexpected twist of fate, the cosmic Phoenix Force—a primordial entity of rebirth and destruction—was drawn to the spark of life within me. The Phoenix, recognizing my untapped potential, merged a fragment of its essence with my being, granting me unparalleled cosmic abilities.

As if the blessings of the gods and the touch of the Phoenix Force weren’t enough, a surge of Chaos Magic intertwined with my soul. The magic, wild and unpredictable, was not the result of a curse but a mysterious gift bestowed by unknown forces. It made me a conduit of untamed potential, an enigma even to the gods who had helped shape me.

Blessings of the Gods and Goddesses

Each deity granted me a piece of their strength, wisdom, or grace:

Zeus (King of the Gods): Zeus granted me the power of storm manipulation and divine strength. I could summon lightning, create hurricanes, and command the skies with ease. His blessing made me a force of nature, capable of shaping the heavens themselves.

Athena (Goddess of Wisdom and War): Athena bestowed upon me unparalleled intelligence and foresight. I became a master strategist, able to see through deception and outthink my enemies before they even acted.

Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt): From Artemis, I gained an unbreakable bond with nature. Her gift gave me supernatural agility, precision, and an uncanny ability to track and anticipate movement, no matter how subtle.

Hermes (God of Speed and Communication): Hermes’ blessing gifted me with superhuman speed and the ability to travel between realms. With a thought, I could move faster than the eye could see and traverse dimensions with ease.

Aphrodite (Goddess of Love and Beauty): Aphrodite granted me the power of emotional healing and a radiant aura that inspired hope and unity. Her blessing allowed me to calm even the most turbulent hearts.

Hestia (Goddess of the Hearth): Hestia gifted me with the power of fire manipulation, specifically tied to protection and sanctuary. I could summon flames to shield myself and others, creating impenetrable barriers of warmth and light.

Hades (God of the Underworld): Hades gave me dominion over shadows and the ability to commune with spirits. I could summon phantoms to guide or defend me, but only when my intentions were pure.

The Phoenix Force

The Phoenix Force, drawn to the spark of my creation, merged a fragment of its essence with my soul. It gave me cosmic energy manipulation, allowing me to harness raw power capable of creating or destroying entire realities. With this gift came the ability of rebirth, granting me near-immortality and the power to rise stronger from every defeat.

The Phoenix Force also awakened a cosmic awareness within me, letting me see the threads of life and energy that connected all things. However, this connection came at a price—the risk of losing control if I let the power consume me.

Chaos Magic

Chaos Magic flowed through me like an unpredictable current, amplifying all my other powers and allowing me to warp reality itself. I could bend the laws of physics, manipulate probabilities, and reshape the very fabric of existence. But Chaos Magic was as dangerous as it was powerful—it demanded mastery and restraint, for its influence could easily spiral out of control.

This magic made me a nexus of possibility and uncertainty, a being who could defy even the gods' will if I chose.

The Trials of Power

Growing up, my powers were both a blessing and a burden. My mother taught me discipline, balance, and the importance of humility. She guided me through rigorous training, not just in combat but in understanding the weight of my abilities.

At times, I felt overwhelmed. The Phoenix Force burned within me, urging me to transcend the boundaries of my mortal form. The Chaos Magic crackled unpredictably, threatening to tear through reality if I didn’t keep it in check. Even the gods’ blessings occasionally clashed, creating moments of inner turmoil.

But through it all, my mother stood by me. Diana reminded me that strength wasn’t just about power—it was about control, compassion, and the courage to do what was right, even when it was difficult.

Joining Young Justice: My Story

By the time I turned 15, life on Themyscira felt... too serene. Don’t get me wrong—I loved the island, the sisters who raised me, and, of course, my mother, Diana. But there was always this feeling deep inside me, like a storm brewing beneath calm waters. I knew my gifts weren’t meant to stay confined to our shores. I was meant to do something more, something that mattered beyond the safety of paradise.

The turning point came when I joined my mother on a mission with the Justice League. It was supposed to be a simple diplomatic endeavor—convincing world leaders to work together in the wake of rising tensions. Of course, things didn’t go as planned. A rogue faction threatened to level the city, and the League stepped in to stop them. I wasn’t meant to fight, but when the chaos escalated, I couldn’t stand by.

The First Step

I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Buildings were collapsing, people screaming, and the air thick with smoke. My mother told me to stay back, but something inside me refused. The Phoenix Force burned bright within me, and the Chaos Magic surged, itching to be unleashed. Before I knew it, I was in the thick of the battle, shielding civilians, pulling people from rubble, and using my powers to stabilize collapsing structures.

The Justice League noticed. Batman gave me that sharp, scrutinizing look of his; Superman smiled with approval. But it was Kaldur—Aqualad—who approached me afterward.

“You have a gift,” he said. “But gifts like yours need guidance and focus. Have you ever considered joining a team?”

At first, I hesitated. “I’m not sure I belong on a team."

“We all are,” he replied. “But Young Justice could use someone like you.”

Why I Said Yes

The idea stuck with me for days. My mother wasn’t thrilled about it. She worried about the dangers, about how my powers—especially the Phoenix Force—might overwhelm me in high-stakes situations. But she also saw the fire in me, the need to step into the world and make a difference.

“You’re my daughter, Astraea,” she said, placing her hands on my shoulders. “And I see so much of myself in you. But remember, with power like yours comes responsibility. If this is what you want, I’ll support you—but promise me you’ll stay true to who you are.”

I promised.

Joining Young Justice

When I first walked into the team’s headquarters, I was nervous. These were the protégés of legends—Robin, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Superboy, and the others. But they weren’t what I expected. They were flawed, funny, and just as unsure of themselves as I was.

The first few missions weren’t easy. I had to learn to work as part of a team, to trust others with their strengths while managing the chaos inside me. The Phoenix Force was a blessing and a curse; its overwhelming power made me a powerhouse in battle, but it also drew attention—from enemies who wanted to harness it and from my teammates, who sometimes looked at me with fear.

It was Miss Martian who helped me the most. She understood what it meant to carry immense power and to fear losing control. Through her guidance, I learned to balance the Phoenix Force with the divine gifts from the gods and the unpredictable nature of Chaos Magic.

My Mission

I am a child of gods, cosmic forces, and wild magic, but more importantly, I am my mother’s daughter. Diana created me to be a protector, a beacon of hope, and a bridge between worlds. I carry the wisdom of the gods, the fire of the Phoenix, and the untamed potential of Chaos Magic.

My mission is to use my gifts to bring balance to a fractured world, to heal its wounds, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, and the temptation to lose myself in the chaos is ever-present.

But I will not falter. I am not just a vessel for power—I am the wielder. And no force, no matter how wild or destructive, will define me.

EEEEKKK HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY NOT SO LITTLE RANT ABOUT SOME OF MY DC DRS !! and again yes i know some parts are corny and cheesy BUT WHOO CARESSS HAVE FUN JESUS ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ ALSO IF YOU'RE ALSO A DC SHIFTER PLS TELL ME I WANNA BE FRIENDSSS GOD PLSSS

[fictitiouswanderings]

Jayvik posting part 8 (Mine All Mine)

“I think I should find a different job,” Viktor starts.

“And not come to work with me in the lab anymore?” Jayce pouts a little.

“You know I would love to come with you to the lab, but with Abigail and our little one coming I don’t think it would be wise, she’s starting to explore more and soon enough we’ll have our hands full,” Viktor explains, “I think it’s just for the best if I try to find something that I can handle from home” 

Jayce thinks about it for a moment before he’s nodding in agreement. “That would be best for you in general I think, since it’s harder for you to get around” 

Viktor nods in agreement, “I’m glad you think so” “I’d miss you terribly tho” “You already do” Viktor laughs softly and gives the other a kiss.

“Yeah you’re right” Jayce chuckles as well and leans into the kiss, moving his hand up to hold his cheek. 

“Mmm…speaking of which, shouldn’t you be at work?”

Jayce pulls away with a sheepish look.

“What is it? I know that look” “There was an accident in the lab yesterday, they are still cleaning up the mess” 

“And you didn’t tell me??” Viktor swats at his arm.

“Because it was nothing to worry about,” Jayce replies. “Some dumbass exploded some equipment is all” 

“That doesn’t sound like something to not worry about, were you unharmed?” “I was on the other side of the room when it happened so thankfully unharmed” Jayce wraps an arm around Viktor’s waist. “If I had, you would have known first” 

“Just don’t scare me like that, okay?” Viktor replied. 

He knew working in the lab came with complications but couldn’t help but worry for his husband. It’s also part of the reason he wanted to find another job, something that would have less accidents of those sorts. Viktor moves himself from Jayce’s grasp and sits down at the table, opening their laptop. “I think I could find something in consulting, I’ve got the experience for it,” Viktor muses as he sits in front of the computer. 

“Do you want some help looking?” Jayce asks, “I can even put my ear to the ground AT work and see if there is anything, maybe Heimerdinger knows of something” “That could be helpful, I’ll see what I can find online in the meantime” he says, looking through various job listings. Viktor sits on the computer for some time updating his resume and searching for work while Jayce takes care of the house. He’s chewing on a pencil when Jayce gently drops some food to the side for him. “I bet this will be more nutritious than some wood,” he says, chuckling softly.

Viktor thanks him and eats while he searches. There’s plenty of various openings and he applies to a handful before closing the laptop and stretching, his eyes tired from looking at the screen. 

Within a few weeks Viktor has found something new to do from home and is thankful for the mental stimulation. He watches after Abigail and does online consulting for a tech company while Jayce continues to go into the lab and work. Sometimes he feels a little lonely at home with just Abigail though, sometimes enough to feel weepy, but he tries his best to not let it get to him, he’s sure it’s just hormones at work. The two of them find a new routine between work and home and settle into their domesticity. Between checkups for Abigail and Viktor his schedule is busy, Jayce tries to make it to every appointment but misses one or two, work becoming busier for him.

It isn’t long until Viktor’s due day, and he’s made lists of names to choose from. He leaves them at the table for Jayce to go over when he gets home, he’s circled the ones of most interest. 

Jayce comes home later than usual to find the list and smiles as he goes over the names looking at the circled names with interest. He checks in on Abigail in the nursery who is fast asleep before he makes his way to the bedroom to find Viktor sleeping as well. He can't help but feel his heart flutter a little seeing the other asleep, looking so peaceful. Viktor groans softly in his sleep and Jayce hopes he’s able to get some proper rest in knowing what he’s in for. The two of them have been anxious as this time Viktor had discussed with his birthing team for a C-Section, that way they could take out his uterus at the same time, preventing any further children and ticking off a hysterectomy off his boxes. It was a different kind of anxiety as anything could go wrong in a number of different ways than a vaginal birth. He crawled into bed giving Viktor space as he curled around his pregnancy pillow and extra pillows. He couldn’t help but think the other was adorable, and tries to snap a picture for later. Jayce struggles to sleep and decides to say fuck it and pre-packs a bag for Viktor and one for Abigail for the morning. Viktor stirs a little again in his sleep and Jayce pauses hoping not to wake him. Once he’s got both bags set aside he crawled back into bed this time his nerves settling and allowing him to sleep. 

Jayce wakes to the sound of the shower running, he notices the pillows are all a mess beside him as Viktor had pulled himself out of bed. He yawns and stretches, letting his muscles tense before relaxing. The shower turns off and he hears Viktor getting out. Shortly after Viktor is waddling back into their bedroom, his hair up in a towel. “Good morning,” he says as he spots Jayce, who sits up on his elbows. “Good morning, I see you’re up early” “I thought it would be nice to be showered and ready for the day,” Viktor responds, “I also checked on Abigail and messaged your mother to come over in an hour or so.” Jayce just nods, anxiety pooling in his guts. 

Viktor seems to sense this and comes close to him, cupping his cheek with his hand. “Everything will be alright darling, they’ll sedate me as much as they can for this procedure and before we both know it we’ll have another little life to care for” Jayce seems to relax a little, “you’re right, you’re absolutely right” he responds. “Of course I am!” Viktor chuckles and gives Jayce’s cheek a light pat. 

It wasn’t long that a knock came to their door and Ximena popped her head inside. “Good morning boys!” she announced.

“Ma! Thank you again for coming,” Jayce said, quick to pull her into a hug. She hugged him back before heading straight to Viktor, hugging him and kissing his cheeks. “How are you feeling darling?,” she asked Viktor who shifted a little before responding.

“I’m feeling ready to have my body back again” he chuckles. 

Ximena smiles wide at him and nods, knowing the feeling all too well. She slips her jacket off and puts it in the closet. “And where is Abigail?” “She’s sleeping still” Viktor replies before Jayce can. 

“Ah, the perfect angel she is” Ximena says back.

“Since you’re here we should be heading out” Viktor says, looking over to Jayce who pauses for a moment. “Oh Ma, I packed a bag for Abigail, it’s in her room” “Thank you dear” Ximena replies as she goes to wake Abigail for the morning. 

Jayce grabs the other bag meant for Viktor and the two of them make their way to the car. Viktor is thankful for all of Jayce’s help with pre-packing and helping him into the passenger seat. They pull out of their garage and make their way to the birthing center, the same one Viktor had Abigail. 

When they get there Jayce parks and gets a wheelchair for Viktor so that he doesn’t have to walk all the way to the entrance of the hospital and beyond. Viktor is dressed comfortably in a maternity gown made special for birthing people. He can’t help the creeping feeling of nervousness as they enter the hospital, and he rubs his arms as if he’s cold to try to get the feeling to go away. 

“Everything okay?” Jayce asks as he notices Viktor shudder. 

“Yeah, just the regular hospital creeps I think” he replies and looks up at Jayce, reassuring him with a smile. 

They check into the hospital and wait for their names to be called. It’s certainly a different process already as the last time Viktor had been here to birth he’d already been in labor, his water had yet to be broken this time. It isn’t long until they hear “Mr.Talis?” being called and Jayce springs up from his chair to push Viktor. They head down a long hallway past several doors into a large room. Viktor suspects it’ll be the same room they operate in. Jayce’s nerves prickle upon seeing the room but he tries to settle his nerves for the other. “Go ahead and lay on the table” the nurse instructs as she finishes checking in Viktor on her computer. Viktor stands from the wheelchair with Jayce’s assistance, as well as his assistance getting up onto the medical table. The nurse has him change into a medical gown and Jayce takes his clothing when it’s offered to him. Another nurse enters to get his blood oxygen and pressure before another person is coming in to hook Viktor up to fluids. Jayce does his best to stay out of everyone’s way as there’s a sudden influx of people coming in and working on Viktor getting him ready for the operation. Once Viktor has been poked and prodded enough Jayce moves to stand at his side, grabbing his hand and holding it tight. He pulls up a chair and sits next to him, keeping his grip. Viktor sigh’s as all but one nurse clear out, the amount of people always making his anxiety race. 

“The Doctor’s should be ready any moment”  the nurse states and Viktor looks over to Jayce. They share a look of concern and love for each other. 

Just as quickly as nurses had flooded the room before a couple of Doctors, assistants and an anesthesiologist enter the room. “Are you ready for us Viktor?” one of them says, another stepping forward and grabbing onto the fluids dripping into him, coaxing a needle into the tubing. 

Viktor nods and watches fluid push into his veins. He feels the saline taste first and then the sedatives begin to hit him. There’s chatter around him as Doctor’s remove his gown and cover his legs and chest with surgical paper, leaving his stomach shown. Viktor feels the room sway and he clutches onto Jayce. It isn’t long before he’s out, but Jayce continues to hold onto his partner’s hand. The doctors put up a curtain between them and the operation and Jayce is partly relieved that he doesn’t have to witness them carving into his lover. He listens to them talk back and forth as they operate and begins to sweat as the time carries on. It isn’t much longer that there’s a wailing and he sits up straight. A nurse walks away with their son in hand, weighing him and cleaning him up. She clamps the umbilical cord in case the father wants to cut it and when given the chance Jayce denies it, wanting to keep hold of Viktor. 

The doctor’s continue to work on Viktor despite having pulled their son out and Jayce is reminded that there is still work that needs to be done including extracting the placenta from the uterus, and the uterus itself out. It’s a little easier since they already have him open from the C-Section and they begin to seal him up. Jayce doesn’t know how much time has passed but he’s got a warm bundle in one warm and his other hand on Viktor’s. After all the Doctors and nurses cleared they were left alone in the room with baby. Jayce had a couple of names on his mind but didn’t want to choose one outright until Viktor was awake to agree or disagree with him. Viktor’s eyes begin to peel open after hours of rest and a nurse walks in to take vitals and check on him. He’s groggily looking around when he spots Jayce and their baby, his smile relieved. He lets out a soft sigh. The nurse urges him not to move too much due to the recent operation and Viktor just nods and tries his best not to try to sit up. Laying back he reaches his hands out to Jayce, and Jayce gently delivers the little bundle to him. “He’s beautiful” Viktor cries.

Jayce smiles and nods, wiping the tears from his face.

“He looks just like you, look, he’s got your nose and your eyes”  Viktor proceeds to gently poke the baby's nose and laugh softly before crying a little more.

Jayce can’t help but wipe away a few of his own tears, happily enjoying the moment of being a father for a second time and seeing the joy on Viktor’s face. The baby begins to whimper and Viktor immediately pulls aside the blanket covering him and brings him to his breast. He latches on and begins to feed and Viktor just holds him there, sighing softly. 

“The Doctors said they want you to stay overnight in case there’s any complications with the procedure, I already texted Ma, she said she’s willing to stay the night at our house and watch Abigail but she also said she’s willing to come visit with her too” Jayce explains as he brushes some of Viktor’s hair out of the way. Viktor bites his cheek a little, somewhat annoyed that they’ll need to stay but ever so grateful for Ximena in her offer to watch Abigail for them for longer. 

“Have you thought of a name Jayce?” Viktor questions.

“I have, I think I liked the name Blithe.” Jayce responds. “Blithe” Viktor echoes back, and gently caresses their son as he feeds. 

The evening draws on and Jayce takes care of Blithe’s needs when Viktor can’t. Viktor slips in and out of rest until Ximena knocks on their door. She pops in, Abigail tied to her body. She begins to bounce excitedly when she sees her fathers. Ximena chuckles a little and begins to unwrap her, handing her over to Jayce. She quickly comes up to Viktor first to check in on him and leans in to give him a kiss on his forehead. “You did another great job Viktor” she says encouragingly. She then goes over to see the newborn who is resting in a small bed the hospital provided. “Ayyee, mi hijo” she says as she looks down at him and then back up at Jayce. 

“He looks just like you did as a baby” “Is it really that apparent?” Jayce chuckles and hugs Abigail tightly before she reaches out for Viktor. Viktor nods over to Jayce and Jayce gently gives her over. “Hi baby, did you miss daddy?” She nods and giggles before shoving herself against his chest, nuzzling his neck and hugging him. Viktor smiles tiredly and hugs her tightly. She absently squeezes at his breast and he jolts a little at her grip. He grabs her hand and redirects her grip elsewhere before nuzzling his face against her neck giving her little kisses. She giggles loudly and starts to bounce on Viktor when Jayce interrupts, grabbing her and soaring her through the air a little making a whoooosh sound. “You gotta be careful with Daddy right now” he says as he pulls her back into a hug. Ximena is still wooing over the baby when a nurse comes in again to check with Viktor and see if he’ll use the bathroom with their help. He agrees and they have him walking with assistance to the bathroom, shutting a door behind them. Jayce can’t help but worry since he’s so freshly out of surgery but he suspects the nurse knows more than he does. It isn’t long before they return and Viktor is able to scramble back into the bed with little help. “I think I’m going to shut my eyes for a little bit” he says to the room and Ximena nods as she looks back at him. “I’ll take Abigail home” she says and moves to take her from Jayce’s arms. She quickly has her wrapped up against her again and gives her son a hug and a kiss before she makes her way out of the room. 

Jayce stays behind and makes himself comfortable on the little couch in the room, he pulls a blanket over and tries to rest. He’s woken alongside Viktor every time a nurse comes to check in on him or the baby. 

It’s late in the night when something turns sour, Viktor’s heart rate spikes and machines go off. Jayce is quick to be at his side, feeling his forehead. He feels like he’s burning up. 

“Nurse!!” He quickly calls and there’s a nurse at the door within moments. She hears the machines and turns to get the rest of the staff that’s on-call for the night. It seems something went wrong as he was healing and he began to hemorrhage. A team of doctor’s was in the room quickly working on him and Jayce was removed from the room. He stood outside the room in shock, one moment Viktor seemed fine the next he was in another operation. He slumped against the wall until his ass met the floor and he put his head in his knees. He tried his best to keep his breathing steady so that he didn’t hyperventilate. He pulled out his phone to call his mother, it was late but he knew she’d answer him at any time. 

“Ma, something happened to Viktor, I don’t know what, but they’re operating on him right now” “Dos mio” she whispers back into the phone. 

“I-I don’t know what to say I just…I just need someone on the phone” “It’s okay baby” Ximena responds, and she keeps him busy on the phone telling him about Abigail and the day they had. 

Hours seem to pass and Jayce is pacing outside the room, worried for his lover. Finally someone emerges and gives him a little nod. He stays still until they begin to wave him over, giving him clear permission to come back inside. Viktor looks paler than before but he’s hooked up to fluids and blood, he just looks..rough.

Jayce clears the distance between the door and him and just holds his hand.

[savemeafruitjuice]

Tickletober Day 8- Nuzzles

This is where I give up on finding gifs 👍

For the rest of these, I'm going to be just saying what version I'm writing for, so yeah. On that note, this is a ROTTMNT fic! Maybe I'll color-code each version so it's easier to recognize.. 🤔

Lee: Donnie

Ler: F! Leo

TW!: SWEARING! AN ARGUMENT! (It's only referenced. The rest is just comfort and tickes.)

THIS HAS SPOILERS FOR THE RISE MOVIE!!! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT! ALSO, THIS IS NOT A SHIP!

(I'm putting this below the cut because of spoilers, but Future Leo is established to be in the present time with the turtles. I will be addressing him as 'Leon' throughout this.)

Loud techno music blared throughout Donnie's lab. He was curled up in his rolly-chair, sulking as the noise calmed him down a little. All of a sudden, he felt the presence of someone else, and turned around at the same time a knock sounded on his door.

"Hey, can I come in?"

Ugh, it was Leo. He knew it before a word even left his dum-dum mouth. "I don't like you. Go away." There was a moment of hesitation, before Leo called out again. "Did I do something? I didn't mess up a project or anything, right?"

Donnie stopped. Was he just playing dumb to get into his lab again? The scientist made his way to the door, opening it a crack. "No, dimwit- oh. It's you.." Donnie opened his door a little more. "Wrong Leo. My mistake."

Leon glanced at the younger's face. He looked tired, and not just normal Donnie-tired. "Don, how ya feelin'?"

The purple-themed turtle shrugged. "Just.. tired. Don't worry about it." The slider clearly didn't believe him, having had decades of experience reading his twin, even if this one was slightly different. "No, I don't mean physically 'how do you feel'. I mean emotionally. You don't seem to be doin' too good."

"Jeez, I don't like how much you know about me.." he muttered, but let the door open the rest of the way, sighing. "Come in, I suppose. You haven't done anything to upset me. Yet.." The elder walked in, glancing reminiscently around at all of the tech.

"Shelldon, turn the music down by fourty-five percent." The room got a bit quieter, and Leon crossed his existing arm over his chest. "I'm assuming you and little-me got into a fight?" Donnie nodded, and went to sit back in his chair, spinning around twice before turning back to the sword-user.

"He was being annoying, and wouldn't stop trying to make me try his nasty food. So.. I may- or may not, have called him a.. disgustingly-paletted ape.. and said his food looks like shit." Leon forced a chuckle down, nodding. "I see.. Was that all?" The softshell shook his head, pulling his legs back onto his chair and resting his chin on them.

"No.. It got bad, and he told me he didn't like me as long as I didn't like fucking pineapple, and now we aren't talking."

The slider's face fell at the last part, and he shifted his weight between his legs. "Oh. I'm sorry.. did you.. need anything?"

Donnie paused, then spoke softly. "A hug would be nice.."

Leon looked a bit surprised, but moved to the younger and squatted down. When Donnie didn't initiate the hug, the blue-themed turtle wrapped his arm around the softshell, and pressed his face into the crook of his neck. Donnie sighed, and moved to rest his head on the elder's shoulder, relaxing his tense posture slightly. "I'm going to pick you up now."

Soon enough, the purple turtle was being held to his sort-of-twin's plastron, the two sitting on the floor. Donnie was facing away from the other, while Leon's arm was holding him by the torso. "For how smart you are, you really don't know a lot."

Donnie's eyebrows lowered into the start of a scowl, and he turned his head to bite back with an insult, but was interrupted. "One of those things being how much I love you." His face faltered, and a more confused face was present on the scientist. "I don't know what you think you mean to me, but there's one thing you can be sure of. It's about three-hundred times more than you'd imagine."

The softshell let out a quiet noise, not quite sure of how to respond. He was never good at reacting to people when they got like this, but what Leon was saying was something he really needed to hear right now.

"It doesn't matter if it's your Leo, or one in the past, or the future, or in another timeline.. You will always be loved, and nothing in existence could ever change that. I guarantee that he didn't mean anything he said."

All of a sudden, his vision went blurry, and tears were filling his eyes. Donnie reached up to wipe at them, sniffling. "I.. don't know-"

"Trust me."

Donnie wiped his eyes again, his brother holding him as he cried. "Leon.. sniff- Thanks.." The slider smiled, squeezing a little harder. "And.. for the record, I- I love you too.. A lot."

He hugged the elder's arm, and Leon pressed his face back to the younger's neck, and was surprised with a giggle. "Hey, Donnie.. What was that?"

The softshell shook his head, kicking his legs out when the back of his neck neck was nuzzled into again, becoming aware of the fact that he was extremely trapped. "Noho! Lehee- ahahah!"

"Mm, I think you need a laugh."

The turtle flailed, trying to crane his neck upwards in an attempt to push Leon's head away, but all it did was give him time to reach forward and move to his throat.

Donnie let out a a high screech, reaching up to grab at the elder's head. The slider only smiled, but eventually flipped the scientist around, laid him on the ground, and sat on his legs. "Aw, I remember when you were this small! So much easier to hold down than my Donnie.."

Donnie didn't seem to register what he was saying, or didn't care, only shaking his head and giggling. "Heheh! Noho! Lehet mehe goho- youou scoundrehel!"

The elder tsked, and resumed his tickling tactic, this time the focus being the younger's belly. As soon as his face made contact, Donnie exploded into louder giggles, bucking and trying to scramble away.

"You're so ticklish, it's not even funny!" The softshell cackled when a bad spot was attacked, hopelessly trying to pry the weight of a full-grown mutant off of his legs. "Well, scratch that. Maybe it is pretty funny.."

The purple-themed turtle whined, covering his face with one hand, as the other pushed at his shoulder. The elder looked up to make sure he was alright, unfamiliar with a Donatello who didn't do everything in his power to try to kill whoever dared tickle him.

When all the other did was laugh and squirm, Leon took it as a chance to up his game, and pressed a huge raspberry right in the center of his plastron. Immediately, both hands came shooting to the elder's head, slapping and hitting frantically as loud laughter filled the room. "BPHK- NAHAHAHAH! LEHEHEHEOHON!"

Having his head attacked without regard to safety was definitely a lot more like his own Donnie, and Leon instinctively went to hold the smaller's wrists in his hand, holding them up in the air. "GYAHAHAH! GIHIHIVE- GIMME MY HAHANDS BAHAHACK!"

Another raspberry was pressed to his plastron, and soon enough the purple turtle's laughter went silent, slowly losing the will to fight as he turned his head to the side. The blue-themed turtle took it as a sign to stop, and he let go of Donnie's arms, then got off his legs, and smiled fondly at the sight of the younger curling up onto his side.

He reached out to rub his shoulder, and laughed when the younger flinched. A couple seconds passed, and Donnie had calmed down enough to roll onto his back, a happier face than before present on his features. "How do you feel now?" The softshell let out a quiet laugh. "More tired."

"Okay, you know that's not what I meant this time!"

-----

Weird idea I guess? Never really saw any lee Donnie with future Leo, soooo yeah. 😱

[pianokantzart]

The Super Mario Bros. Redux (Pt. 4)

What would happen if, in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, after Mario and Luigi are separated, Mario was the one who ended up in the clutches of Luigi’s eventual arch nemesis, while Luigi teamed up with some of his own close allies to go rescue him?

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

________

Luigi and E. Gadd get off the train at a station in the middle of a massive desert kingdom where the ground is covered in intricate, ancient stonework pathways, and the sky filled with enormous floating pyramids.

Birabuto Kingdom, while bustling, is not quite as crowded as the coastal circuit, so Luigi finds it far easier to keep up with E. Gadd's hurried pace as they move toward a sandstone palace in the center of the city that reaches so far into the sky it overlooks even the floating pyramids.

The whole time they are traveling, neither realize they are being followed at a distance by the ghost dog from the train. Turning invisible and slipping into walls to remain undetected, it seems to be paying close attention to Luigi in particular.

As E. Gadd and Luigi arrive at the doors of the palace they're stopped by two large Gao who, after evaluating the duo, allow Professor Elvin Gadd to enter– as they had been expecting him– but tell Luigi he must wait in the courtyard.

E. Gadd reassures Luigi it shouldn't be long, and enters the castle with The Poltergust on his back and a bunch of paperwork tucked under his arm. Luigi obediently finds a quiet, shady spot in courtyard, and waits.

While waiting, he holds his hat dejectedly in his hands, running his palm over the "L" stitched into the front, when he's startled by a loud bark. He turns, and is terrified to see a little white ghost dog bounding directly toward him.

He fall over backwards in a panic, whimpering in fear, but to his surprise the dog doesn't attack. Instead, it licks his face, then pushes its forehead under his hand in a less-than-subtle demand for affection.

Luigi nervously gives the ghost dog what it wants, then starts scratching the sides of his neck, and eventually can't help but smile as it leans into him in an adoring nuzzle.

"Heh... not so scary for a poltergeist. Not even very scary as far as dogs go. You're just a friendly little pup, aren't you? A silly little polterpup..."

Just as Luigi seems to be warming up to the ghost dog, it spots his hat and playfully snatches it away, turning to Luigi with a play bow and a wagging tail. Luigi meekly asks the dog to give the hat back, but Polterpup takes that as a cue to initiate a game of chase.

Luigi tries his best to retrieve his stolen hat, but Polterpup proves very good at keepaway. The two bound past the guards into the castle, with Luigi offering a quick "SorryI'llberightback!" over his shoulder.

Pandemonium soon follows. Polterpup's recklessness and Luigi's clumsiness knocks over people and furniture alike as they rush through palace corridors, and Luigi's numerous apologies do nothing to quell the slowly growing swarm of guards chasing after him.

Meanwhile, in a grandiose meeting room, Professor E. Gadd is speaking before The Four Kings of Sarasaland: A great water dragon (King Dragonzamasu), a hovering cloud (King Biokinton), a giant sentient stone head (King Hiyoihoi), and an enormous sphinx-like lion (King Totomesu). The Professor is explaining The Dark Moon, the dangers posed by its absence, the current state of Evershade Valley, and the looming threat of King Boo.

When E. Gadd pulls out blueprints of all the inventions that were destroyed when his lab in Evershade Valley was attacked and starts listing off all the materials he'll need in order to rebuild, King Totomesu silences him.

King Totomesu reminds Professor E. Gadd that he was promised sanctuary and a new place to live, nothing more. E. Gadd tries to insist that he has the knowledge and the tech necessary to nip the ghost invasion in the bud if he only had some help, but all four kings seem to doubt him.

King Hiyoihoi suspects that the ghost invasion isn't as nearly a big of a threat as E. Gadd is making it out to be, stating that Sarasaland can fight off King Boo's forces the same way it has the thousands of other armies that have threatened their lands in centuries past.

King Dragonzamasu reminds E. Gadd that he had a bad habit of losing his inventions– making mention of Bowser Jr.'s Magic Brush– and states they have no intention of funding anything they couldn't trust would stay out of enemy hands. On that same note, King Biokinton comments that King Boo was using Professor E. Gadd's technology– The Portrificationizer– as a means of holding hostages at that very moment.

Overall, the four kings seem to agree that however big the encroaching threat, they didn't quite trust E. Gadd when it came to how he handled his own tech.

That is when Luigi barges in, leaping upon Polterpup and finally retrieving his hat as the ghost dog disappears into the floor. Luigi places his hat back on his head, reveling in a short-lived sense of victory before he is slammed to the ground by roughly a dozen guards while another dozen try to explain the situation to their kings.

Amidst the pandemonium, Professor E. Gadd asks for Luigi's release. The Kings oblige, but not without demanding an explanation. E. Gadd's face slowly brightens as he cobbles together a story: "This is my new assistant! You are right, in my age I've started losing track of things, and that is why I hired Luigi here to take charge of all my new tech! The whipper snapper is strong as he is quick, and a real wiz with The Poltergust!"

The Kings seem skeptical, but can't deny that it's impressive he managed to get so far into the palace before being apprehended. They look Luigi up and down. Luigi stares vacantly back at them like a deer in the headlights.

King Totomesu, noting the man's obvious nervousness, decides to strike a deal: that evening they would hold a match in The Battle Stadium, in which Luigi would wield his Poltergust against Sarasaland's own reigning champion. If he proved himself worthy, they would give Professor E. Gadd everything he requested.

Luigi wrings his newly-recovered green cap in his hands as he tries to come up with an answer based on the little he knew. Looking at The Professor... who seems to sincerely believe in him... and looking down at the hat in his hands and remembering his brother, he ultimately agrees to the king's terms.

Luigi is rethinking the decision by the time he is at The Battle Stadium, being ushered to the arena doors by E. Gadd. Luigi is barely holding it together, shakily insisting that he doesn't know how to fight.

E. Gadd dismisses these fears. He tells Luigi to let the machine do all the fighting, explaining to him the two new features he added (the strobulb and the suction shot), before unceremoniously shoving him through the doors into the bright light of the crowded arena.

When Luigi's eyes adjust he finds himself in an arena more colorful and complicated than any he'd ever seen, full of obstacles and intricate moving parts. A strange turtle creature riding on a cloud holds a camera up to Luigi's face, and next thing he knows his own perplexed stare is repeated across giant screens all around The Battle Stadium.

As the overstimulation of the new environment wears off, Luigi realizes he's being booed. He nervously pulls his hat over the sides of his face to hide himself from the jeering crowd, and only dares look up when the audience is silenced by the twang of an electric guitar.

The upbeat rock music continues and the crowd's energy shifts, turning from an excited murmur to uproarious applause as a figure bursts onto the scene from the opposite end of the stadium. For a moment, Luigi can't make out more than the flutter of a bright orange dress until the arena screens brighten with a very different face– a bright, beautiful, cheerful, confident face.

"Hi! I'm Daisy!" his opponent declares, striking a victorious pose for the camera as the crowd goes absolutely nuts.

[torchship-rpg]

Dev Diary 13 - New Subsystems

Alright, it’s been a while since our last Dev Diary, because we’re been doing a lot of rewriting (and because medical stuff delayed my ability to write a lot for a while). We’re currently working on writing up a new playable draft of the game incorporating lessons learned from the hasty Metatopia rewrite, building new systems to achieve what the first draft did in a smaller and better footprint.

With that in mind, I thought I’d talk about two new subsystems added to the game to make running things smoother in response to playtests, which helps mechanise some of the more abstract issues and sticking points in test games; sensor rules and factions.

Sensors & Scale

In my experience, an issue that arises in almost any Star Trek inspired roleplaying game is that most players are naturally much more cautious than the protagonists of your average television show, and correspondingly are more likely to sit snug in their spaceship for longer and roll lots of scanning rolls when the exciting story thing would be to go and take a look directly (and thus get in interesting trouble). This was a problem that occurred in some of the old playtest Torchship quests, in the metatopia games, and even in some of my brushes with Star Trek Adventures and other similar RPGs long ago.

To get around this, we’ve written up a system for sensors in Torchship which makes it very explicit what they can and can’t discover called Scale. Every sensor has one or more Scales it operates at, in a scale from 1 (microscopic) to 8 (interstellar telescope). This gives both a range you can see things from, and what information you can discover from that distance.

Under this system, a scanner which can gather information from farther away will, inherently, gather less specific information than one which scans closer. A Scale 4 scanner which works on ranges of tens and hundreds of kilometres is also one which lacks the resolution to easily recognize individual people or tools, so if you wanted to find a specific person you’re going to struggle doing it with that Scale of scanner. Fortunately, your hand scanner is a Scale 2-3 device which is perfect for that sort of work, thought limited in range to metres and kilometres so you’ll need to actually get off your butt and into the adventure.

These are soft limits, not hard stops; you can take penalties to scan beyond your normal range or for finer detail than you can normally identify, and higher-tech scanners are better for this because they roll more dice to absorb those penalties, but these limitations mean that gathering the information you need to fill out Checklists and complete objectives will often require you to go down and point a hand scanner at it, or even gather samples to take back to the microscope lab on the rocket.

Of particular note is the ‘orbital gap’, a deliberate hole in the system between Scale 4 and Scale 5. When you’re in low orbit trying to scan the surface of a world, you will almost always be doing with at least one Range penalty, and probably more because high-tech Scale 4 sensors are uncommon on most large spacecraft. This very purposefully makes it inconvenient to just wait upstairs until you roll good enough to see what you want to see; at the very least you will want to take out your shuttle to get close enough to use it without penalty.

You get to choose which scales your spacecraft’s sensors have when you do character creation, which has lots of interesting implications as you try to fit it into the limited options. Do you leave a gap in your sensor coverage in the midband for wider coverage? Do you mount smaller sensors you have to get very close to use? Do you sacrifice some of your short-range detail for long range resolution?

This also makes it easy for us to build sensors into other tools, sensors you can repurpose. Your point defence turrets might have lower-tech specialised radar emplacements at Scale 4 for picking up and tracking incoming missiles, for example, and when you encounter something invisible to your tachyon sensors it makes perfect sense to repurpose it!

A Star Patrol vehicle with a massive tachyon sensor pickup ideal for scanning other star systems across interstellar space, but which is probably going to have a bit of difficulty focusing on something tiny right in front of it.

Factions

The other portion of new mechanics has to do with the diplomatic and political side of the game. As we sat down with the new draft, we made a bunch of notes as we looked over what, exactly, this game needed from first principles before re-adding things, and we came back around to the conclusion that the game should explicitly and distinctly focus on three spheres of Exploration, Politics, and Combat, each of which should have dedicated subsystems which could carry an entire campaign on their own. 

We had a strong scientific element in the Checklists and we have interesting combat mechanics, but Politics was lacking in that; while we had ways for players to interact with groups, we didn’t have much mechanical distinction for what those groups were or how they related to one another. This is where the new Factions mechanic comes in.

When you visit a society in conflict, you will find multiple Factions there. Each Faction is a simple mechanical framework for a movement or ideology inside the society that wants something, with a defined membership and a reason they want to have power over their society. Key to this is the Faction’s Influence, a single arbitrary number that tells you how much power the Faction has over their society.

The faction with the greatest Influence is the Ruling Faction, and they matter because the Ruling Faction is the only one whose promises to Star Patrol get kept at the end of the Episode. You can negotiate trade deals for a planet’s titanium reserves with the labour unions all you want; if the Labour faction isn’t in charge by the end of the episode, you don’t get anything from it. 

This is coupled with the fact that every Faction has a simple binary opinion of Star Patrol; either they like and trust you or they don’t. Factions are like pilots in that way, though unlike pilots they do have object permanence in the sense that they remember Promises. Promises are mechanically binding agreements to give things to one another, though they only get upheld if the Faction likes you at the end of the Episode (and, again, if they are the Ruling Faction).

If you want to negotiate with a Faction, you have to exchange Promises; Factions don’t do anything for free no matter how well you roll, though you can still negotiate with communication rolls to get better deals. Promises can be immediate aid, like getting supplies for your rocket or their support in a mission, but they can also be resources over long terms at the end of the Episode, in the form of Credits from you and valuable resources, political alliances, or military aid from them.

What makes things interesting is that a Ruling Faction which does not have the majority of the Influence in play with all the Activate Factions is unstable. When things are unstable, Factions have a tendency to make lots of big promises to Star Patrol in exchange for help, often blindly agreeing to trade away things they really need because having the local superpower arbitrate their conflict and hopefully decide in their favour (or even just put the issue to rest, honestly) is worth more to them now than material riches or obligations that are currently meaningless to them. 

An unstable society is a big opportunity for the Star Union, but one you have to navigate with care.