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carolperkinsexgirlfriend · 1 year ago

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Platonic Stobin Mind-Reading AU Part 2

Part 1

The house is quiet when Steve slips in. It always is, now.

He toes his shoes off, unable to bend over enough to untie the laces. His ribs protest the slight hunch of his shoulders, stomach roiling in queasy warning to not curl in further.

The house is quiet, but Steve can almost feel the warmth of an arm around his shoulders. And he doesn’t feel alone. He looks around the foyer, almost waiting for his parents, or hell, the ghost of Hopper to appear. Nothing does.

He’s leaving smatterings of blood and mud with every step, speckling the white carpet in signs of life as he flicks on every lightswitch on his way toward the stairs. He pauses at the bottom, staring up at the insurmountable obstacle to his bed. With a sigh, he turns his back on the climb and stumbles his way toward the couch in the living room, collapsing down into it. Blood is already smearing into the velvety green of its cushions. He ignores the little voice in his head that sounds alarmingly like his Mother, berating him for leaving so many signs of life in her pristine house for lifeless dolls.

Steve falls asleep, alone in his empty house. The comforting weight is still around his shoulders.

It’s still dark when he wakes up, gasping around a nightmare he doesn’t remember having. His stomach roils with fear, like he’s still down in the Russian bunker, begging to keep his fingernails attached to his body. There’s no more comforting weight across his shoulders. He still doesn’t feel alone.

Steve leans across the couch and vomits. There’s very little left in him, popcorn dissolved into green stomach acid. The carpet’s beginning to look like Christmas come early. If she comes back, his Mother will not be pleased.

He doesn’t get up to clean it, exhaustion hitting hard even as the fear persists. He falls back asleep, wakes up mid-nightmare to a pounding at the door.

He stares at the ceiling, stuck still half in nightmare with the pounding of demodog feet echoing through the bunker where Robin and Steve are still tied back to back, her head pressed to the back of his own, Dustin’s screams filling the air as Steve writhes desperately to free himself and protect the kid.

Someone is still pounding at his door. He stumbles off the couch, ribs screaming, head spinning, ears buzzing, eyes half closed against the light as he opens the door, unable to even see who’s in front of him.

“Dingus, where have you been?” they say. Steve forces his eyes open wider past the light and pulsing of his head, willing his swollen eyes to make out Robin’s face. “I’ve been knocking for like five minutes! I was starting to think you were dead! And I was getting so scared that you’d gone off in the woods to die. Cats do that, you know.”

Steve blinks at her, struggling to keep up with her tirade. “Huh?”

Robin rolls her eyes. She steps into the house, making to shove past him where he’s blocking her entry. “Oh just let me in, it’s so hot out–”

She stops talking when her elbow hits his forearm. Stops moving too. Steve stares past her into the empty driveway, wisps of her hair tickling his cheek.

There’s relief coursing through him, thoughts running through his mind that can’t be his own–Thank god he’s alright, I thought he died, what would I have done? Thank god–can’t believe I care about Steve the hair Harrington enough to show up at his house uninvited, what kind of bizarro world are we living in, this is weirder than that flesh monster I swear to god–

Steve stumbles back, spine connecting painfully with the doorknob as the door swings back loudly into the wall with the force of his weight. Robin’s looking at him, eyes wide. There’s a bruise blooming on her cheekbone. Even past the confusion, he’s overwhelmed with the relief that she’s here, standing in front of him, whole and alive.

She reaches her hand out slowly, like he’s a stray cat that could be spooked at any moment. Her fingers latch onto his forearm, curling around it tight enough that her fingers dig into his flesh.

��that supposed to be what a demodog looks like? Dustin was really underselling it, I think I’d take Russian’s any day, aww Dingus was worried about me, wait wait wait, how do I know that he, did he sleep in that stupid outfit? where are his parents? why can I see–

Steve wrenches his arm free, ignoring the stinging of Robin’s fingernails scraping across his flesh. They stare at each other. Steve can feel himself breathing too fast. Wisps of Robin’s hair are sticking to her forehead with sweat. The door is still open.

“Dingus?”

“Good thing you’ve gotta breathe or I don’t think I’d ever get a word in,” Steve says without thought.

Robin brings her hand up to her mouth, eyes widening impossibly further. “Were you thinking about the demodogs?”

“Were you thinking that us being friends is weirder than the mind flayer?”

Robin drops her hand and smiles. “We’re friends?” she asks, voice chipper. “Wait, no! What is going on!”

They stare at each other some more. Robin looks manic, like she’s trying to pop her eyes out of her skull with the force of her stare. Steve, without looking away, reaches behind himself for the knob still pressed into his spin and slowly closes the door.

“Did you have a nightmare last night and throw up?” Robin nods. “Did your Dad have his arm around your shoulders?” Nod. “Well, shit.”

He finally turns away, stumbling back to the couch and gently settling down, leaving enough room for Robin beside him.

They settle like two, hunched quotations, knees settled together, hair brushing with how closely they’re eying each other.

“Anything?” Robin asks.

Steve hums, squinting his eyes with the focus of his concentration. Her eyes are blue, unlined but all but the barest remnants of smudges from her usual make-up. She looks a wreck. He’s pretty sure he loves her.

Are you excited right now?” he asks because he feels it bubbling up his throat, like someone’s just barely holding back a deluge of words, and it’s not him.

She scoffs, rolling her eyes up toward her head. “How are you not?” she demands, pulling her hands away from her knees to gesticulate in the scant air separating their bodies. “This is like superpower territory, Steve! We can read minds!”

Steve swallows around the excitement, feels his own warmth curl up in his chest at her joy. “So far only each others.”

Robin jolts, hands coming to clutch at the fabric across her chest, fist tight. “Oh,” she breathes. “Is that what you’re feeling?”

There’s something else clogging up his throat now. Not words. Tears, maybe. Steve looks down at his own bloody hands, trying to make words where only feelings exist, then remembers he doesn’t have to. He reaches out, snatches her hand, and lets himself feel.

“Why are you picturing us making Thanksgiving dinner together?” she asks, laughing even as tears bubble out of her eyes. Always a sympathetic crier, his own begin to well.

“We’re like, stuck together now, right?” He lets go of her hand, gets rid of the distracting feedback loop of two minds thinking around each other. “That like makes us–family?”

Robin sobs and launches herself into his arms. Unfortunately, the pressure on his ribs is violent enough to almost make him vomit again. Maybe he makes a noise of pain, or maybe she gets some sense of the way his vision is whiting out from pain through his thoughts, but she scrabbles backwards instantly, hands shuffling her further and further away until her back hits the armrest at the other side of the couch.

“Sorry! I’m sorry! I just got caught up in the moment, and forgot you’re totally fucked, and dingus! Shouldn’t you be in the hospital? Because all I saw there was a white light, and that doesn’t mean you’re dying, does it? Did I kill you?”

Steve laughs but it comes out more as a cough as agony falls back into the bearable threshold of pain. “I’m fine, Robin,” he says, eyes squeezed closed as he eases himself back into a fully seated position. “I got checked out in the ambulance, same as you.”

Robin, uncharacteristically, doesn’t respond. When Steve opens his eyes, all signs of tears are gone from her face, replaced with a look that clearly shows how done with his bullshit he feels. “And they told you that you were fine?” she demands.

“This all just needs to heal on its own,” he says, gesturing from his face down his torso.

Robin scoots back over to poke his cheek with her finger. He can hear her thinking about the likelihood of him being full of shit, the pros and cons of kidnapping him via her Dad’s SUV. Steve slaps her finger away, but whatever she must’ve gleaned from his own mind satisfied her enough that she doesn’t make a move toward the door or the phone.

She eyes him up and down, gaze traveling down his bloody form, to the splotches he’s left on the couch, and the slowly-developing stains on the carpet, grimacing in disgust.

“Okay, Dingus,” she says, clapping her hands sharply enough to make his ears ring. “Game plan time. You need a shower and a change of clothes pronto. Then–have you eaten?”

“I’ll be in trouble if I don’t clean this up.” He’s too worn out to even bother gesturing at the carnage surrounding them, much less bending around his ribs to scrub.

A furrow forms between Robin’s eyebrows as she contemplates him, mouth pursed like she’s trying to solve complex algebra. Or no, she’smart enough for that to be a breeze. So more like she’s trying to figure out how to scoop his brain out and blow on it until it works better.

“Where are your cleaning supplies?” she asks.

“Robin–”

“No. You’re hurt, and I’m fine. Go take a shower.” Like she can sense him looking, her hand jumps up to cover the singular bruise on her cheekbone. “It’s not the same. Where are the cleaning supplies?”

Her words are so harsh, that he speaks before thinking: “down the hallway in the closet.”

She jumps up, walking with her usual frenetic energy as Steve tries and fails to will himself to get up and stop her. It’s only a few moments after he hears the closet door click open that she shouts, “go shower!”

He goes.

Steve has to peel his uniform off. Mud and puke and blood have dried and merged to his skin. Scabs open where he pulls until he can leave the whole thing crumpled into the smallest ball he can manage in the trash can, salvaging only his nametag as a keepsake, wondering idly if Robin will switch him.

The shower hurts, but he feels divinely clean as he bends over just enough to shuffle into clean sweatpants and an old Hawkins swim team shirt from sophomore year, washed and worn enough to be soft against his skin. He doesn’t put products in his hair, doesn’t even brush it, all remaining energy used in stumbling down the stairs to stop Robin from overworking herself needlessly.

The air smells like a janitor’s closet, enough concoctions mixed together on his Mother’s carpet to wage chemical warfare. Robin’s on her hands and knees, scrubbing ferociously with a scrub brush at the grout between tiles at the entryway. Steve steps around the couch, peering down at the carpet, off-color with cleaner instead of his various bodily fluids. The couch is similarly immaculate, velvety cushions rubbed roughly against the grain from Robin’s ruthless cleaning.

“I threw away your shoes,” Robin calls as she gathers up the cleaning supplies surrounding her and stumbles her way back toward the closet. “There was a concerning amount of blood pooled in the soles, Dingus. Ain’t no way that was all coming out.”

Steve looks around at his clean living room again. All this work, and all he can feel from Robin is pleased satisfaction. Steve feels like he’s going to cry.

“I threw away my uniform.”

Robin laughs. “It’s not like we’re gonna need them anymore.”

Steve pulls the nametag out of his pocket. The stupid anchor is flecked with blood but otherwise it’s pristine. He holds it out to Robin when she troops back into the room.

“You can be me,” he says.

Her eyes light up as she takes it and immediately affixes it onto the front of her shirt. She shuffles back to the side of the couch where she’d tucked her backpack and riffles through it, murmuring quietly enough that he can’t quite make it out. She gives a cute little Ah-ha! When she finds whatever she’s looking for before skipping back over to him, grin crooked it’s so big.

“We can trade.” And there, tucked in her palm is her own, slightly charred name tag. She pins it to his shirt, pricking him with the pointy end before finally settling it in place. “You can be Robin, and I can be Steve!”

It settles easy around his shoulders, like he really can take a step back. Be someone else. Breathe. “I’m Robin,” he murmurs.

She smacks his chest over the nametag, gentle enough to barely hurt.

“Well Robin, what’s for lunch?”

They eat sandwiches in front of the TV. Robin complains about his movie collection, even as she jumps up and down excitedly and puts in Grease. It’s comfortable, easy to forget who’s dead, and who’s injured, and how fucked up their brains are now. It’s between The Breakfast Club and Fast Times that Robin gasps, sitting bolt upright and slapping his thigh.

“Truth serum, Steve! It was truth serum!”

“What was?”

“They wanted to open our minds!”

Steve, up until this point, had thought that was obvious, didn’t realize that for once she was trailing just a bit behind him in the obvious revelations category. “Yeah, and they did.” Robin’s nodding like she can’t stop. He puts his palm flat on her head and holds it still. “Opened them so wide we swallowed each others.”

Steve can’t tell who’s thinking it, but suddenly he's picturing two brains in horrible sailor outfits and terrible mouths that hit a little too close to the demogorgon. One’s mouth is open wide enough to eat the other whole. Then they’re laughing, uproariously, like they’re watching the same funny little show, like the television hasn’t turned to static in front of them.

“Now we can’t keep any of the truths from each other,” Robin says at the same time she’s thinking about that embarrassing crush she’d had on her seventh grade teacher.

In a bid to even the playing field, Steve thinks about little Sally Perkins who he’d liked so much in fourth grade that he’d smashed a grasshopper into her hair and had to miss out on the rest of recess. She’d never talked to him again.

Robin laughs but still shuffles away so his fingers aren’t touching her scalp anymore. Her thoughts flit away, but her hazy contentment lingers.

Steve gets up to switch out the movies, brain buzzing away. “Okay so I feel what you feel, right?” he asks, not waiting for a response. “And I can hear what you’re thinking when we touch.”

“You can hear it?”

Steve starts up the movie and sits back in his place on the couch. Robin looks horrified by this. “You can’t?”

“No!” she shouts, forgetting herself enough to smack her hand into his shoulder, jostling his numerous injuries. Robin grimaces, “Sorry, it’s just, you can just hear what I’m thinking? You can’t like, see anything?”

“You can see things?” Steven demands.

“Holy shit!” Robin bounces up on her knees and just keeps doing it, like a kid excited to open presents on Christmas. “Do you know what this means?”

Steve looks over at her, eyebrow furrowed. “That you’re a–girl?”

“No!” Robin stops bouncing. “I mean, yeah. But no, Steve. What the fuck?”

“I just mean that’s like the only difference between us, right? What else could it be?”

He can feel amusement bubbling up in her stomach, but Robin just stares at him, like she’s too stunned to laugh. “I just meant that some smarty pants scientist should like study us. Because like, we’re proof that some people think differently right? Me all in words and you all in these fancy schmancy pictures! That has nothing to do with our genders, Harrington. That shit’s made up!”

Steve doesn’t know how he feels about being studied by scientists. He’d heard about mini Byers time with those Upside Down quacks and wasn’t sure he was interested in his own stay. It would be nice to have someone who knew what they were doing to help them navigate whatever minefield they’d found themselves in but not at the cost of Robin’s safety. But if they just need a smarty pants who think they know everything then–”Henderson’s smart.”

“You want to call your children?” Robin asks, laughing.

“Think about it!” he replies, slapping the couch. “The lab people are all sketchy, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to be locked up without sunlight for the next hundred years.”

“Okay, yeah but–”

“Your parents aren’t in the know, and I’m practically an orphan. Hopper died.” Steve cuts out, choked up over the thought just like he had been in the mall parking lot when he’d first been told. Robin squeezes his calf. “That takes Joyce out of the running since she's grieving and shit. That just leaves the kids!”

“What about Nan–”

“Things are still kind of weird with Nancy and Jonathan, Rob!” he says, running his fingers through his hair and pulling sharp enough to burn. “If we have to, sure, call her, but I don’t know if this counts as the kind of life or death scenario I would do that in.”

Robin sighs, folding over until her head’s on his thigh, stomach pressed into his calves. “Can we call him tomorrow?” she asks, voice muffled by the cotton of his sweatpants. “My head’s killing me and that kid is so shrill.”

Steve runs his fingers through her hair, coming it back from her face. His fingers come in contact with her forehead long enough to get a quick burst of–feels nice, I wonder if this is why all the girls liked him, or if it was all those rumors I heard about his mouth, eww eww gross don’t think about–before her thoughts cut out. “Tomorrow,” he agrees.

They settle in to keep vegetating, Steve slumping further into the arm rest, Robin turning her head and wrapping her arms around his calf. The quiet lasts for ten more minutes before Steve just has to ask, “What do you mean gender is made up?”

Robin cackles.

#this could be read alone. part 1 is more of a prologue #platonic stobin mind-reading au #platonic stobin #steve harrington #robin buckley #stranger things #my fic

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toournextadventure · 1 year ago

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movie night pt.v

Summary: Sam doesn't distrust you quite as much and Tara scares you. Guess that means it's time for them to meet the family.

Word Count: 6.4k Warnings: Excessive swearing, suggestive themes, Scream levels of violence/mentions of violence Pairing: Tara Carpenter x Reader (pt.i) (pt.ii) (pt.iii) (pt.iv) (pt.v) (pt.vi) (pt.vii) (pt.viii)

“One more attack and I’m takin’ you to Mercy,” Aunt Sherry said as she finished cleaning the dried blood on your neck. “Conscious or not.”

“I understand,” you said quietly. You supposed after another 17 stitches, you couldn’t really argue with her.

“Your Ma never wanted this life for you,” she said, her hand resting on your shoulder.

You knew she meant well, but this conversation wasn’t helping. Clearly Ma never wanted this for you, she hadn’t even wanted it for herself and Pop. Trouble was always quick to follow your family, and you were more than adept at figuring out how to navigate it. This was a different obstacle, sure, but you were clever, you could make it work.

None of you had been taught how to keep others out of trouble, though.

“I’ll see you at Mass,” you said with a smile before hopping out of the ambulance for the second time in 24 hours.

Anika had already been rushed to the hospital. As far as you knew, they were confident she would pull through. Damn, she was one tough sonofabitch. You would need to make sure you sent flowers or chocolates or something. What would she even like? Maybe you should ask Mindy.

“Who knows where you live?” Sam asked once you shuffled your way to the group. All these Ghostface attacks were giving you major deja vu.

“No one,” you said when you stopped beside Tony. “Did you tell anyone?”

“Course not,” he scoffed, “I know the family rules.”

“Well he found out somehow,” Chad said.

“Well it wasn’t from us, smart guy,” Tony said defensively. “We don’t tell nobody where we live.”

“Only ones who know are Garret and the lot of you,” you said. “And I only called Tara.”

“And where is Garret?” Mindy asked as she held her now-bandaged arm.

“His dad’s house up in the Hamptons,” you said with a shrug. “Not gettin’ back till next weekend.”

“And you’re sure he’s up there?” Tara asked.

“Yes I’m sure, now quit with the interrogation,” you huffed. “Got enough of a headache as it is.”

Tara didn’t say anything but reached down and grabbed your hand, slotting her fingers between yours. You gave her hand a gentle squeeze. It was starting to become abundantly clear why she had kept her distance. Was this going to happen to anyone that got close to the Woodsboro gang? Because that was enough to have anyone on edge.

“So what now?” Tara asked.

“Chad and I are going to the hospital with Anika,” Mindy said softly, her eyes hazy.

“Quinn is already being escorted to the police station,” Sam said.

A phone rang.

Everyone’s eyes darted to Tony, who was already digging in his pocket for his phone. He pulled it out and showed you the screen, and you gulped. Oh god, this was so bad. You couldn’t do this again, you were barely holding it together as it was.

“Is it him?” Tara asked.

“Worse,” Tony said as he handed you the phone.

You watched it ring two more times before closing your eyes and answering it. The moment you held it up to your ear, you heard the static on the other end. It didn’t matter how tough you were, you weren’t prepared. Hell, nothing could have prepared you for it.

“Hey, Ma,” you said in the sweetest voice you could muster.

“If the two ‘a youse don’t get your sorry asses over here in the next 20 minutes, I’m chainin’ your ankles and throwin’ ya in the Hudson.”

“Just calm down-”

“-don’t you dare tell me to calm down, you don’t even call me to tell me about this bastard?”

You sighed. “No I don’t because you start actin’ like a wise guy!”

“Get your asses over here, Y/N.”

“Ma-”

“-Now.”

You exhaled through your nose and looked over at Tony. He mouthed a “sorry” before he shrugged. Lot of good he was. Sam and Tara were still looking at you with a mix of concern and… were they laughing?

“Can we bring two visitors?” You finally asked.

There was a bit of silence.

“Only if you follow the rules.”

“We will,” you said.

“Then yes.” A beat of silence. “And hurry.”

“Yes ma’am,” you said. “We’ll see you soon-”

-the call hung up and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Well, that went well. On the other hand, you had been on the receiving end of worse calls from your Ma. This honestly wasn’t all that bad, at least she didn’t curse your bloodline. Well, not that time.

“You threw me under the bus,” you mumbled as you handed the phone back to Tony.

“I ain’t puttin’ up with her rage,” he said even as he slid the phone back into his back pocket.

“What’s going on?” Sam asked.

“We’re goin’ somewhere safe,” you said. “Well. Safe for you.”

“She’s gonna kill ya,” Tony mumbled.

“Shut up, I know,” you mumbled back as you placed your hand on Tara’s lower back and started guiding her down the streets.

“Shouldn’t you make sure the police don’t need anything?” Tara asked, looking back at your crime-scene of an apartment building.

“Absolutely not,” you said, “they let this happen, they can do it on their own.”

You all bid goodbye to Chad and Mindy before everyone went silent as you and Tony led them through the streets of New York. It was late, the lights were blinding, and the grating sounds of sirens faded into the usual chaos. There was something comforting about it; you didn’t think you’d ever be able to live somewhere that was quiet. How Tara had managed to live in Woodsboro forever was beyond you.

But that didn’t mean you weren’t keeping an eye out for suspicious characters. Namely a certain motherfucker who had quickly moved to the top of your shit list. Oh if he just gave you the chance, you were going to make him pay. No way on God’s green earth were you going to let him get away with any of this bullshit.

“Where exactly are we going?” Sam asked when you took them into an unassuming bakery in the Bronx.

“Can’t tell you,” Tony said.

You made sure to wave at Chris when you walked by the counter and guided everyone through a back door. It was a bit suspicious, you wouldn’t lie. Come to think of it, you didn’t think your family had invited anyone over since… well, since Dicky had brought Carol over a few years ago, actually. Oh man, maybe you all needed to reconsider your rules.

“It’s not as sketchy as it seems,” you said when you turned to look at them. “But I need you both to close your eyes.”

“Excuse me?” Tara asked.

“I said it’s not as sketchy as it seems,” you huffed.

“I’m not letting you lead us into some back room,” Sam said with crossed arms.

“If you don’t close your eyes, I can’t take you in,” you said. “It’s family rules.”

“Really?” Tara asked.

“Yes,” you said with a nod. They both looked at you in silence. “I know how it sounds.”

“If we close our eyes will you quit floundering?” Tara asked. “You’re going to catch flies.”

“Shut up,” you grumbled. “Please just follow the rules, I’m tired of just standing here like a psycho.”

Sam and Tara shared a look, opposite of the one you shared with Tony. You both knew it was a bit sketchy, you knew. But when Ma and Pop made the rules, they made the rules. How were you supposed to argue? You weren’t, that’s how. Besides, if Ma and Pop found out you were breaking the rules they would have your heads.

“Fine,” Sam said with a sigh before closing her eyes. Tara quickly followed suit.

Both you and Tony shared a sigh before guiding the two girls through the back door. You each held on to them to make sure they didn’t trip over something as you took them down through a cellar and into one of the underground tunnels. Most people didn’t know about the tunnels under New York City, but your family had memorised them as if your lives depended on it.

Which, sometimes they did.

You took them through a dizzying amount of turns until you got to the door that led up to your house. If the family was smart, they would’ve locked it. And unfortunately for you, it was locked. Damn, you had hoped they would’ve lost their mind for a few seconds, you weren’t in the mood to dig around for the new location of the spare key.

The tip of your ear started to throb when you bent down to look for the key under the crate of bootleg whiskey.

“Found you,” you mumbled to yourself when your fingers brushed against the ridiculously oversized skeleton key.

“Can we open our eyes now?” Tara asked.

“No,” you said without hesitation. “We gotta get you inside first.”

“This is how people die in horror movies,” she continued while you shoved the skeleton key into the similarly oversized keyhole. “You know that, right?”

“Yes, Tara, I know that,” you bit back, finally pushing the door open. “Now come on.”

You held Tara’s hand tightly as you helped her up the stairs to your house. Well, it was your parents’ house, but that didn’t really matter. Only once you and Tony had brought both girls up to the living room did you finally pull them to a stop. The blood rushed in your ears. You hadn’t ever brought anyone home.

“Okay, you can open ‘em,” Tony said before you found your voice again.

Both girls opened their eyes slowly; you almost wanted to laugh at how wide they got when they looked around. Sure, maybe the brownstone was a bit extravagant. All the exploits of the past were on display; trophies, if you would. From the old paintings, to old newspaper clippings of heists, to the Tommy gun your great grandfather had owned before he passed down the mantle. You supposed it was a bit of a shock to the average person.

“Are you…” Sam trailed off before looking back at you. “Are you-”

“-yeah,” you said with a nod. “We’re Italian.”

“Y/N Vitale, you be nice to those girls.”

“Oh shit,” Tony said as the four of you turned around quickly.

Your eyes went wide - much like Sam’s and Tara’s - when you saw your Ma walking towards you with violence in her step. Oh, you were in trouble. You were in deep shit and no one was going to be able to save you. Maybe you should’ve just taken your chances with Ghostface; he scared you less than your mother.

“Hey Ma-”

-you were cut off by her harshly gripping your jaw and pulling you down until you were eye level with her. She twisted your head and looked at the injured ear you were sporting. Everyone flinched when your neck popped. What was one more injury in the long list of injuries you were starting to get?

She turned your head again until you could look her in the eyes. As much as you feared your Ma - respectfully, of course - you knew concern when you saw it. It never came off the way normal people did, but you knew it. It was in the crinkles around her eyes as they checked every inch of your skin.

“Are you ladies hurt?” Ma asked as she let go of your face. You rubbed your jaw as you straightened back up.

“No- um, no ma’am,” Sam stammered.

“We’re okay,” Tara followed.

“Good,” Ma said, turning to look at them and putting on her motherly smile that you certainly never got to see. “Then welcome home.”

“How come they get a welcome and I get a once-over?” You asked.

“Because they stayed safe and responsible and you didn’t,” Ma shot back. Tara snickered while Sam turned her head to hide a smile.

“As if that’s my fault,” you grumbled.

“And what did I say about tracking blood into my house?” Ma asked, raising her brows at you.

“I didn’t!” You argued. “But I’m sorry, they don’t let you grab clean clothes out of an active crime scene, Ma.”

“I’m talkin’ about your feet,” she said with a gesture down.

All five of you looked down at your feet, and you flinched when you saw the tracks you had left in the house. Adrenaline was one hell of a drug, you hadn’t even noticed you hadn’t grabbed shoes. But as you lifted one of your feet and checked the bottom, all the pain you had ignored came rushing to the surface.

Glass, dirt, and who knew what else was embedded in the skin. When you looked back, it seemed you had been leaving bloody footprints for who knew how long. Part of you figured you hadn’t tracked them through the Bronx, but you had most definitely tracked them through the tunnel. Damn. Pop was going to make you clean it all up.

“I put some spare clothes in the bathroom,” Ma said. “So get your raggedy ass upstairs and clean up before dinner.”

“Yes ma’am,” you muttered as your shoulders fell.

You ignored Tara’s barely-concealed laughter as you pushed past her to head upstairs to your bathroom. Well, you supposed technically it wasn’t your bathroom anymore, it was Ma’s, but she could suck your dick. The nerve of that woman, to call you raggedy. You were the perfect gentleman, it wasn’t your fault some psycho had decided to target you.

Just as Ma had said, she had left a folded set of clothes on the bathroom counter for you. It looked a little too formal if you were being honest, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. And you certainly couldn’t afford to be a chooser. Ma would have your head if she found out you had even thought about different clothes.

The stitches of your ever increasing wounds pulled tight, leaving a throbbing sensation around the jagged skin. Aunt Sherry had done a wonderful job, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. In the end, you grabbed a pair of hair scissors and just cut your shirt off. It was old, torn, and blood soaked; you could get a new one.

You couldn’t take your eyes off the shirt as you managed to wriggle out of your sweats. Not all of that blood had been yours. Some of it had been Mindy’s, and a lot of it had been Anika’s. Your friends’ blood was soaked into your shirt. Each breath you took felt laboured as you wallowed in the thought that the very thing that kept your friends alive was staining your shirt.

With a shake of your head, you put the thoughts aside. This wasn’t new, you had seen blood before, you were fine. One step at a time. Finish getting out of your clothes, start the shower, wash your feet. And the rest of the dried blood that was becoming itchy. Oh, Ma was gonna kill you for dirtying up her shower.

The water was steaming by the time you finally stepped in. You let out a hiss when it hit your skin, creating more than just a throb in your wounds. It stung, bad. But surely it would clean you right up, right? Sanitisation, yeah, that’s what it would be. You get clean and fight infection; two birds, one stone.

By the time you were down to your feet, you were sitting on the edge of the tub while the water fell on your back. Your hair dripped into your eyes and you were constantly trying to push it back so you could see. The pair of tweezers in your hands was slick from water and you just needed to get a few more pieces of glass out so you could finish up.

You weren’t looking at the door when you heard it open.

“I told your sorry ass I’d be out in a minute, this is delicate work,” you called out.

A small hand appeared in front of your face and, without lifting your head, you looked up to see Tara standing in front of you. She, too, had been given a spare set of clothing that looked a little too big. Whose shirt was she wearing anyway? Her hand never moved until you sighed and placed the tweezers on her palm.

“You’re shit at this,” she said as she knelt down and started looking for the few remaining pieces of glass.

“Don’t have to be good, just have to be effici- ouch.” She swatted your hand away when you went to stop her from hurting you again. “You’re so rough,” you grumbled.

“Don’t have to be gentle,” she said as she looked up at you, “just have to be efficient.”

“You’re so mean,” you whispered even as you shifted your position to ease a certain… uncomfortable feeling.

Maybe you liked when she was mean. Maybe you liked it a little too much. Oh god, your family was going to see how whipped you were for a girl you hadn’t even properly been on a date with. Bringing Tara to the house maybe wasn’t such a smart idea on your part.

“Do you have gauze?” She asked, setting the tweezers down in the sink so more blood than necessary wouldn’t get on the floor.

“Underneath the sink,” you said with a gesture of your head. “Got a whole first aid kit.”

You watched her as she got up and checked under the sink. It only took a moment, it was a giant metal kit, no one could miss it. In fact, when she brought it out it was almost bigger than she was. You bit the inside of your cheek so you wouldn’t laugh at her. If your body wasn’t at her mercy, you wouldn’t have been so polite.

She quickly dug around and got to work finding everything she needed before getting started. Her hands moved expertly as she started cleaning and bandaging your feet. If you hadn’t known any better, you would’ve guessed she had been a nurse in a past life. Unfortunately you did know better, and the scar on her hand just reminded you of how she knew so much.

“I never said thank you,” she said after she finished wrapping your left foot.

“For what?” You asked as you leaned back to turn the water off; you weren’t going to need it anymore.

“For saving Mindy and Anika,” she continued.

She wasn’t looking up at you. Quite the contrary, it was almost like she was avoiding your eyes. Why would she thank you for such a thing? It wasn’t like you were going to leave them behind to die. You weren’t always the sharpest tool in the shed - Ma made sure to remind you of that every now and then - but you weren’t that selfish.

“You don’t gotta thank me for that,” you said softly.

“I just did,” she said as she finished wrapping your right foot. “You’re done.”

You placed your feet on the ground and stood up slowly, easing your feet back into holding your weight. It hurt, ached even, but at least they were clean. How you hadn’t noticed the injuries before Ma, you had no idea. But quite frankly, Tara did a phenomenal job of wrapping them securely.

“Hurry up and get dressed,” Tara ordered, and you looked up just in time to catch the towel she had thrown in your direction. “Your mom is torturing Sam by giving her a lecture on street safety.”

“You should’ve listened to it too,” you said, but you quickly started drying off. “You hippies can’t handle these streets.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” you said through gritted teeth as you pulled your pants up. It hurt your feet to be moving on them so much. “Notice your bunch weren’t even here for a few months before getting attacked.”

“And you know so much about street safety?” Tara asked. “The one who got shot at a protest?”

You hesitated. “Yeah, I do.”

You were facing the mirror as you started buttoning up your shirt, and you could see Tara staring at you with furrowed brows. Maybe you should’ve just kept your big trap shut. It wasn’t exactly the greatest time to be getting into backstory now, was it? No, it most certainly wasn’t.

“You didn’t get shot at a protest,” she said slowly. “Did you?”

You turned around as you finished tucking your shirt into your pants. “Sorry, doll,” you said with a smile, “only girlfriends get to know that information.” With a wink, you gently pushed past her and exited the bathroom.

“Oh you dick,” you heard her say even as she followed after you.

You waited at the bottom of the stairs before placing your hand on her lower back and guiding her through the brownstone to the dining room. Everyone’s obscenely loud voices reverberated off the brick walls. Seemed the whole family was invited for dinner. A little unusual considering it was a Thursday night, but given the circumstances it could be forgiven.

A wide variety of “hello”s deafened you when you and Tara walked into the dining room. Everyone was dressed well - the same dress shirt and pants as you, which was typical - and they had pulled out a few extra seats for Sam and Tara. Gale was sitting beside your Pop; she gave you a smile and a small wave, which you returned.

“Oy, Street Rat,” Mitch called, “be a good pup and show your girl to her seat.”

“Shut up,” you shot back, but nonetheless led Tara to one of the two empty seats next to each other.

Out of pure mercy, you let her sit between you and Sam so she wasn’t having to deal with any of the other family members. The others heckled you when you helped push her seat in. You could feel your cheeks heating up while you grumbled and plopped down in your own seat, refusing to look up at any of them.

“Quiet,” Pop said, and the room immediately fell silent. “Who’s gonna say grace?”

“Can’t be me,” Joel said with a shrug. “He clearly don’t listen cause Y/N is still here.”

“You really wanna be a wise guy tonight?” You asked. “Cause I still got a lot of pent up anger.”

“Enough,” Ma said quietly, but you all listened. “I’ll say grace.”

"Yes, Ma," everyone said in unison.

"Bow your heads," she said, and everyone slowly did as instructed.

You cheated a little bit. While Ma was saying grace, blessing the food and yours and the Carpenters' lives, you looked at Tara out of the corner of your eye. If you looked a little harder you almost thought you could see a flush on her cheeks. For what, you had no idea, but you made the split decision to reach over and take her hand.

She linked her fingers with yours right before Ma finished.

"Amen," each person said before all normal talk resumed.

You helped Tara and Sam get their food, making sure everyone behaved. They did, they all knew the family rules, but the Carpenters didn't and you knew the lot of you could be… a little chaotic. Eight kids, two parents, sometimes the spouses and nieces and nephews. Lucky for the girls, it was only the immediate family.

"Oy, show me the ear," Dicky said right as you tried to start eating.

"So you can point and laugh?" You asked. "No way."

"I just wanna see," he said.

"I got it," Alfie said around a mouthful of food.

The look on Tara's and Sam's faces was comical when Alfie reached across the table, gripped your jaw, and turned your head. You did your best to smile at the two of them to let them know it was normal, but they didn't seem to believe you. If anything, it almost made Tara look a little frustrated. Maybe even angry.

"That's it?" Dicky asked when you snapped at Alfie and he let you go. "All that hubbub for that?"

"What do you mean?" You asked. "I got a notch outta my ear, I was gonna get that part pierced."

"All he's sayin' is you took on Ghostface twice, and that's what you walk away with?" Joel butted in. "Pass the salt, wouldya?"

"It's more than you ever walked away with," Martha defended you. "Don't listen to a word he says."

"The two 'a youse walk away with any cool scars?" Mitch asked, turning to look at Sam and Tara.

You could see them squirm in their seats.

"Watch it-"

"-fuck off-"

"-none of your business." Martha, you, and Mercy all said at the same time.

You felt Tara squeeze your hand once.

“Hey Street Rat, you down to make a run for me?” Dicky asked.

You didn’t bother swallowing before you answered. “I’m kinda in the middle of somethin’ this week.”

“I didn’t mean this second, jackass.”

You glared at him and swiped your tongue over your bottom teeth. “Sure,” you finally said with a shrug, “just give me a week and I’ll be back in action.”

"So," Sam started, wiping her mouth off on the napkin before looking around the table. “What do you all do for a living?”

“Accounting,” every single one of you said at the same time. Pop squeezed the bridge of his eyes as you all looked at each other sheepishly.

“All of you?” Sam asked.

“Mercy’s a doctor,” Tony chimed in.

“Accounting’s a family business,” Dicky said with a gentle nod.

“Right,” Sam said with her own nod and a polite smile. Something told you she didn’t exactly believe him.

Conversation continued as normal, with everyone talking over each other. Thankfully, they all started asking Sam and Tara normal questions, and you could visibly see them start to relax. You wondered when the last time was that they had a family dinner. Not including Chad and Mindy; they were family, but they weren’t family. There was a bit of a difference.

“Ladies,” Pop said once Ma had brought out the cannoli. Everyone froze, only their eyes moving between him and the Carpenters. “It’s been a pleasure to have you, but there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

The girls stiffened in their seats, and Tara squeezed your hand again. You tried to give Pop a look that said to calm down, but he wasn’t even looking at you. His eyes were trained on Sam and Tara, and you couldn’t blame him. Hell, you didn’t know when non-family had been over last. Hopefully he was going to behave.

“You might not understand the gravity of this statement, but Vitale blood has been spilled for you two,” he said as he leaned back in his chair, his hands folded in front of him on the table.

“Oh brother,” you whispered.

Tara looked at you and you shook your head lightly and rolled your eyes. This was going to be ridiculous.

“One of us,” everyone looked at you, “felt you were worth dyin’ for.” You sighed. “We don’t take that lightly.”

“We greatly appreciate it-”

“-we have a family rule,” he interrupted Sam. “If one of us voluntarily spills blood for someone, we all follow suit.” He leaned forward on the table and waited until both Sam and Tara were looking him in the eye. “We’ll put that Ghostface character at the bottom of the Hudson.”

“Tone it down a smidge,” you whispered and gestured down with your hand.

Pop opened his mouth and closed it once. “We’ll, uh, protect you with our lives.” You gestured again. “Welcome… to the family?”

“Better,” you whispered with a scrunch of your nose that was followed by a gentle smile.

“We really do appreciate it,” Tara said.

“It’s nice to know we have, um,” Sam inhaled deeply and looked around, “Italians on our side.”

“Atta girl,” Mercy said.

“You catch on quick,” Martha agreed.

Dinner finished soon after, and everyone went about collecting the dishes and cleaning. Martha, in all her pregnant glory, kept Sam and Tara at the table, talking their ears off. At one point, you took the still-full coffee cups from in front of them and heard her talking about… something. You weren’t entirely sure, you just knew the word “family” was being thrown around a lot.

Tara looked at you and mouthed “help me.” You just smiled, shook your head, and mouthed “no” in return. The glare she gave you… it was no question she and Sam were related, they both had killer eyes. Tara’s were particularly beautiful at that moment though, did she know that? They almost reminded you of a warm hazelnut-

“-You’d best keep movin��,” Martha said. She was watching you with a ridiculous smirk. “She’s got a look that could kill.”

“Would you like some tiramisu?” You asked. Tara’s eyes softened, and you couldn’t help but smile back.

“Yes please,” she said.

“I’ll go get it.”

“You’re whipped!” Dicky called from the kitchen before you could even stand up straight.

“Give it a few days, Dick,” Joel said as he leaned on the doorframe. “Tara’ll have ‘em on a leash.”

“Shut up,” you shot back as you pushed past them to get into the kitchen. “It’s called bein’ polite.” You carefully plated the tiramisu. “Somethin’ you clearly know nothin’ about.”

“Seems our little Street Rat’s turnin’ into a Guard Dog,” Mitch chimed in, seemingly coming out of nowhere. Your family really came out of the woodworks, they did.

“Next time Ghostface calls, I’m givin’ him your address,” you said as you walked back into the dining room and placed the plate down in front of Tara. And Sam, you had made her a plate too.

Maybe you were whipped.

“Do it,” Dicky said. “Matter ‘a fact, give him my phone number too, he and I need to have a talk.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t tolerate that shit on my turf.”

“That’s enough,” Pop said, and everyone quickly shut up. “Go home, the lot of ya.” He looked down at Sam and Tara. “We’ve got beds made up for the both of you.”

“Thank you,” they both said with polite smiles.

“Gale stayin’ tonight too?” You asked.

And just like that, she came in at the mention of her name. Speak of the devil.

“Yes I am,” she said with a smile. “I have something I want to show you three tomorrow when it’s day time.”

“What did you find?” Tara asked quickly.

“We’ll have more time tomorrow,” Gale answered. You watched as Tara slumped back in her seat in defeat.

Everyone finished cleaning up their stuff and started leaving the brownstone. You could see the gears turning in Tara’s head when they all left through the front door, but you shook your head at her. It wasn’t something she needed to know at the moment. It was late, dark, and everyone just needed to get some sleep. If she really wanted to know more later, you would tell her.

Probably.

“She gonna have you in a muzzle next time I see you?” Joel asked as he blocked the doorway.

“Keep movin’,” Tony said as he pushed Joel out. “Call me if ya need somethin’,” he said to you with a smile.

“You got it,” you answered. “Now get out, I’m exhausted.”

Mercy gave you a kiss on the cheek and Martha gave Sam and Tara hugs, but then everyone was gone. You were left with the Carpenters, Gale, and your parents. It was… disturbingly quiet, if you were being honest. You almost missed the chaos of having everyone over. Well, you would see them all at Mass, it would be fine.

“All of you get upstairs and get to bed,” Ma said with a gentle nod of her head. “It’s late and I know you all must be tired.”

“Come on, Sam,” Gale said with a gesture, “I’ll show you to your room.”

“Good night,” Sam said with a polite smile and wave. A chorus of “good nights” followed her as she similarly followed Gale upstairs.

“Tara sweetie, you can sleep in Y/N’s bed,” Ma said before looking at you. “I made you a pallet on your floor.”

“Thanks, Ma,” you said, leaning in to leave a kiss on her cheek. “Good night, you two.” You leaned over to give Pop a kiss on the cheek as well.

“Good night,” Tara said with her own small wave.

You placed your hand on Tara’s lower back as you gently pushed her in front of you up the stairs. Unfortunately for you, your room was right beside the two guest rooms that everyone else was staying in. Not that you necessarily had anything planned, but even if you did, you wouldn’t dare risk Sam or Gale hearing you.

Sometimes life was rather cruel.

“She left you some pyjamas on the bed,” you said once you showed Tara into your room. “Bathroom is down the hall, we’ve got spare toothbrushes in the top left drawer.”

“Thanks,” Tara said softly.

You watched as she grabbed the pyjamas and promptly exited the room, leaving you alone for the first time since your shower. And now that you were alone, you could feel all the wear and tear of the past two days weighing heavy on you. Anika was still in the hospital. Was she even alive? Surely she was, someone would have let you know, right? Or they at least would have let Sam or Tara know.

And what about Quinn? She would be safe at the police station, you knew that much. They didn’t care for anyone else in the city, but they did care for their own. There was no way in hell they would let anything happen to a Detective’s daughter, especially when that daughter was Quinn. No, Quinn was safe.

Chad and Mindy were safe at the hospital with Anika. There was no doubt about it. Your family had people up there, and Pop had already said he told them to stay close and keep their eyes out. They would die before they let anything happen to those three, so they were actually safer than any of you.

When Tara came back into the room, looking mighty adorable in the oversized t-shirt and sleep pants, you gave her a smile and made your own way to the bathroom. You needed to get out of those clothes pronto before you lost your goddamn mind. The clothes were comfortable, but you were starting to feel constricted.

You left your toothbrush hanging out of the side of your mouth as you unbuttoned the shirt. Each inch lower revealed still-forming bruises and the few bouts of stitches. With a grimace, you finally let the shirt fall to the floor. You didn’t mind scars, really you didn’t, but you hadn’t wanted to get them this way.

Maybe that’s how Tara feels too, you thought with a frown as you finished brushing your teeth and cleaning up. You hadn’t entirely planned for it, but you had known it was a possibility. But Tara? She hadn’t had any idea. And it had all been done by her girlfriend’s hand. What kind of havoc did that wreak on a person’s mind?

You were still thinking about Tara and Amber when you walked back into your room. Tara was already on the bed, her back to you. The door closed with a soft *click* and you turned the light off before plodding over to the pallet. There was an art to pallet making, and your family had perfected it. But as you laid down on the floor and tried to pull the blanket up to your chin, your injuries started to throb and sting.

It wasn’t going to be the floor that kept you awake all night.

There was no way you could lay on your right side, you had that cut on your hip and your right ear was missing a piece. But you couldn’t lay on your left side either because you had that cut on your bicep. Maybe if you tried to lay on your front- nope, not that either. If you had to sleep sitting up, so help you god, you were going to snap-

-something shuffled on your bed, and you quickly stilled yourself. Shit, you hadn’t meant to wake Tara. You were practically holding your breath as the shuffling continued, but then you heard the creak of the bed and someone walking across the room. It was dark, but you didn’t have to use anything more than common sense to know it was Tara who was lifting your blanket and crawling into the pallet with you.

“Not a word,” she said softly as she carefully wrapped an arm around your waist and rested her head on your shoulder.

It hurt. You would rather die than tell her that. Instead, you just pulled her closer and tried not to shift when her fingers rubbed the skin on your hip. It was obsessive, incessant, and it was almost becoming uncomfortable. But you weren’t going to tell her to stop, not when something was clearly on her mind.

“I’m sorry you got dragged into all of this,” Tara said softly.

“I’ve been dragged into worse situations,” you said flippantly. “And never by a pretty girl.”

“Don’t get yourself killed,” she said, almost as if she hadn’t heard what you had just said.

“I don’t plan on it, sweetheart,” you chuckled.

Her hand left your hip and you felt her grab your chin and turn your head. You couldn’t really see her, not properly at least, but you knew she was looking at you. Studying you for something; you wouldn’t pretend to know what. It strained your neck, but you kept your mouth shut.

You felt her pull your face down until her lips were on yours. Soft but firm. It wasn’t a kiss that was going to lead anywhere, she wasn’t trying to move any further. But judging by the way her bottom lip quivered, you knew it was important. You held her tighter to you until she pulled back and let go of your jaw, resting her head back on your shoulder.

“That didn’t mean anything,” Tara said softly.

“I know,” you said with a nod of your head that no one could see.

You both knew she was lying; you still fell asleep easily.

#tara carpenter x reader #tara x reader #tara carpenter #jenna ortega x reader #jenna ortega

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venomwrites · 6 days ago

Note

Can I ask for a Caitvi fic where Caitlyn apologizes to Vi for what she did to her at the end of act 1, and Vi accepts her apologies and forgive her?

The air is too clean.

Irrationally it pisses Vi off. It feels squeaky in her lungs. It makes it damn hard to breathe properly. It makes her think of her gas mask. It’s the same air that’s outside, just pulled through an endless series of gears and filters and spat out in a way that is hard to inhale. It’s the same air, just dressed up so it looks clean and untouched.

Just like everyone in this fucking room.

“Bring out the Guilty!”

She digs her fists into her thighs as everyone turns. Enforcers snap to the side as they lead Caitlyn in. The whole trial they’ve put her back in that Enforcer dress Vi first saw her in. Parade dress, Caitlyn explained once. She is on display, they don’t let her have the dignity of her usual uniform. They make a spectacle out of her.

Caitlyn wears it differently now. There’s a hardness in her shoulders and a coldness in her eyes that wasn’t there before. It’s been weeks of her sitting silently looking ahead for hours on end. She doesn’t move. She doesn’t even ask for water as she listens to testimony and agrees to charges. Aside from the words, the only sound in the courtroom is the occasional sob.

Even the chains around her wrists don’t make a sound.

They do now as she walks forward. She’s still the most dignified person in the room. Today they seem intent on changing that. The chains are now around her ankles too. They clink as she moves forward, still managing to look dignified. Even though they put the hat on her.

Even though they’ve fitted a muzzle around her mouth.

Mel has assured her that Caitlyn’s not going to be sentenced to death. When the battle came, she fought on the winning side. That seems to count for a lot more than Vi thought it did. Or maybe Vi’s just used to being on the losing one. The people still need a pound of flesh. It’s a litany that has followed her every time Jinx comes up.

“For your crimes against these peoples, we pass the following,” the voice continues, “House Kiramman will be stripped of its Council seat and its holdings. You will be stripped of you rank,” Vi grits her teeth, maybe that will be all, “you are sentenced to thirty lashes.”

The court erupts into shouts and chaos. But Vi can barely move. Her eyes find Mel who shoots her a look full of sympathy before her face goes blank again. Vi feels sick. Thirty is the best Mel could get them to. Vi doesn’t even want to think about what that must have taken. Caitlyn lowers her head but doesn’t otherwise react. Or maybe she does and the muzzle just hides it.

There is a bang from the high bench and the courtroom goes quiet.

Caitlyn is led out first. She looks straight ahead as they leave, never once do her eyes stray from the back of the room. Immediately people start scrambling and Vi realizes that they are doing this now. And everyone wants to get a good view. She scrambles along with the crowd. They’re shouting for justice but all Vi can do is bob through, trying to keep her eyes on the cart that pulls Caitlyn to the clearing.

The crowd swallows her up. By the time Vi makes it anywhere near the barricade, her chains are being wrapped to a frame in the center. They’ve already removed her muzzle but her lips are pressed together so tightly they may as well have left it on. Of course they wouldn’t. They want her to scream. Vi looks around for anyone who seems like they might be willing to do something. But she can find no allies here.

No-one is coming to stop this.

Vi wants to scream. She thought someone, anyone would put a stop to this. Caitlyn’s eyes are tightly shut as she tries to brace herself for what is to come. The Enforcer behind them continues to coil the whip for the crowd, building them into even more of a frenzy. It’s just a sea of cheering, moving bodies. Vi thought it was good cover. Now it’s just an obstacle to shove to the front of.

“Cait!”

She cups her hands around her mouth to try and make her voice travel. But it’s too loud. Someone behind her revs something. That sound is unique enough to make Caitlyn’s eyes fly open.

They find her, even in the crowd. Tears fill them, which only makes the crowd scream louder. The cold metal of the barrier digs into her palms as she stares back at Caitlyn. The helplessness makes her sick but when she goes to push herself over the barrier, Caitlyn shakes her head. Vi is ready to ignore her and do it anyway but Caitlyn turns away.

Vi jumps with her when the whip falls.

Vi can’t hear the crowd roaring over the blood pounding her ears. Caitlyn’s going to do this. Vi feels sick. Her facade doesn’t go fully up in the pause between strikes. Her eyes drag back to Vi’s and she is just smoothing her face back out when the whip falls again. Her eyes open and find Vi’s faster this time. All Vi can do is stare back and give her something to look at.

The fifth strike gets the first cry from her.

It shouldn’t be audible over the sound of the crowd’s roar, but Vi can feel it in her bones. Everything in her screams to get to Caitlyn. She can’t be right, this can’t be justice. In her worst moments Vi’s imagined decking Caitlyn herself. She told herself it would feel good. Now it just feels sickening. This isn’t justice. She doesn’t know what the hell this is but it’s not that.

The tenth lash makes her knees buckle. Vi’s sure she’s going to have imprints of the barrier permanently in her hands.

Fifteen.

Twenty.

Caitlyn looks at her desperately, questioningly. Vi pries her fingers away to tell her how many remain. Caitlyn drags herself up, as much as she can. Sweat and tears paint her skin, but she refuses to surrender the last bit of dignity she has. Vi holds up five fingers and Caitlyn manages to raise her chin.

Vi’s aware of two of Mel’s guards approaching but she can’t look away from Caitlyn.

It’s three more.

Red blossoms over Cailtyn’s shoulder when she stumbles forward. One of the lashes went high.

Two.

One.

“Keep them back!” Vi yells at them and shoves herself over the barricade.

Other Enforcers swarm forward. She’s ready to kill all of them to get to Caitlyn, but they rush for the crowd. Not for her. She’s free to tear across the clearing as fast as her legs will let her. It feels like moving through water to get there. It’s been weeks of only being able to see Caitlyn’s profile. Vi’s lied to herself that she’s fine with it. Now every second is torture.

Caitlyn is shuddering against the frame, face pressed into her own arm. She doesn’t lift her head until Vi is right in front of her, pushing back all the blue hair that sticks to her forehead. Caitlyn jerks her head up, eyes focusing in on her again. Whatever’s left of her facade breaks under Vi’s hands.

“Vi.”

“Hold on,” Vi says. Her eyes focus on one of the other Enforcers, “She did it, get her out of these!”

The Enforcer comes closer and Vi can’t stand it a second longer. She smacks the keys out of his hands. The second one of Caitlyn’s arms is free she drags it over her shoulder, ignoring the half sob that escapes Caitlyn’s lips as she jostles her back.

“Just hold on,” she repeats, getting the other cuff free. Caitlyn’s head tips against her throat, her hot breath panting across Vi’s skin, “I got you.”

Everything in her just wants to carry Caitlyn out of here. But Caitlyn has clung to her dignity every step of this. And Vi can’t bring herself to be the one to rob her of it. Caitlyn shuffles forward and Vi matches her pace. Step by halting step as the crowd descends into an actual riot. Vi has no idea how they are going to get away, but anywhere is better than here.

“Vi! Over here!”

Caitlyn shudders at the sound of Mel’s voice. Vi hesitates for a moment but Caitlyn sags in her arms. They don’t have any fucking time. Mel tried. She did more than Vi managed. So Vi takes more of Caitlyn’s weight and shuffles them to Mel and her waiting car. The sound of a gunshot rings out and she takes all of Caitlyn’s weight to close the distance faster. Mel is already in the car and helps ease Caitlyn inside. Vi throws herself in after.

The moment the doors close Caitlyn collapses against her. Vi barely manages to turn them so she doesn’t touch her back. Just the movement of collapsing is enough to make Caitlyn try to curl up. Vi touches the back of her neck and her shoulder, anywhere that’s not bloody and raw. She gets Caitlyn’s forehead on her thigh so she can breathe and lay on her stomach.

“Try to lay still,” she says.

“I’m trying,” Caitlyn chokes out around a sob.

“You’re doing good,” Vi says, the comfort tasting like copper in her mouth. She tries to smooth the baby hairs at Caitlyn’s nape away from the tallest of the lashes. One of Caitlyn’s hands claws up and she grabs it, locking their fingers together, “just hold on—“ she looks over “are we almost there?”

“Almost there, Caitlyn, just keep breathing,” she says, shaking her head to Vi.

A shiver runs the length of Caitlyn’s body. She’s going into shock. Vi looks around for anything with red on it. Red means heat. She cranks the knob as far as it will go. It’s not like they can put a fucking blanket on Caitlyn with her back like that. But maybe the heat will help. Something has to help. Vi can’t just sit there and hold her hand.

“Vi,” Caitlyn’s voice breaks around her name.

“I’m right here,” Vi says, tightening her grip on Caitlyn’s hand, “

“Vi I’m sorry,” she chokes out, “I’m so sorry. I was such a fool.”

The desperation in her tone makes Vi’s chest ache. Caitlyn’s bleeding everywhere but all she’s doing is apologizing to her. Vi tries to shove aside the burning in her eyes and throat. She looks around for anything she can do, anything but just sit here and hold Cait’s hand while she bleeds and squirms.

“We’re good, Cupcake,” she says, scrambling for anything that will help. Caitlyn just lets out another sob, “Cait, we’re good,” Vi says, surprising herself with how much she means it. They go over a bump and Vi feels Caitlyn cry out against her thigh, “can you be careful?!”

Mel shoots her a sharp look that Vi is happy to return. Logically Vi knows they are driving through a riot but there has to be something to make this easier on Caitlyn. The breathing against her thigh is getting shallower. Vi knows shit about medicine but she knows that’s not good.

“Cait, you gotta take a deep breath,” she says. Caitlyn makes a noise but doesn’t change, “come on, breath for me sweetheart.”

Caitlyn inhales properly and some of the tightness in her chest eases. She looks up to see Mel staring at them both intently. Before she can ask why, the car seems to break through whatever is making them move so slowly. Vi tries to hold Caitlyn steady as the car tips them back. Mel jumps forward and uses her hands to hold Caitlyn’s legs. Caitlyn’s fingers tighten on Vi’s knuckles and her other hand grips her knee.

“Just hold on,” Vi says, wishing she could figure out something better to say.

“I’m trying,” Caitlyn says but it comes out so desperate Vi wishes she would just go unconscious.

“I know, you’re doing so good,” Vi says, “we’re almost there.”

“Hold her!” Mel orders as the car takes a turn and then stops. One of the doors flies open, flooding the car with light and air, “Vi we need to step back and let them help her.”

When she tries to separate, Caitlyn grips her hand tighter. There’s going to be pain either way, Vi can’t bear to pull away again.

“I can’t,” she says.

There’s a hushed exchange and then a medic appears near her with a needle. Vi wants to swat him away but she knows this is for the best. It’s going to take away Caitlyn’s pain. At the moment that’s all that matters. Caitlyn stiffens at the contact.

“Hey, it’s ok,” Vi tells her, “he’s here to help,” she watches the needle push something through Caitlyn’s veins.

“But—“ Caitlyn starts to protest but Vi can already feel her relaxing, “Vi.”

“I’m going to be there,” Vi swears, “soon as you wake up.”

Caitlyn’s fingers try to squeeze hers but they go limp. Suddenly it’s just Vi clutching her hand. Mel touches he shoulder. Sympathy is painted on her face. Vi feels her fingers slip in between their hands, taking her death grip as Caitlyn’s fingers fall by her side. Medics pull Caitlyn free and onto a stretcher. Everything in Vi screams to follow them but Mel holds her in the car.

“We need to let them work,” she says. Vi opens her mouth, “Vi, this is how you help her.”

“I promised I’d be there,” Vi says, “I wasn’t—“

“You were. You got her through this,” Mel looks over he shoulder and she grasps Vi’s other hand. Vi can hear a commotion starting, “you will be there when she wakes up.”

“No,” Vi twists. She can hear a buzzing and the doctors shouting, “no—“

There’s a fiery feeling in her elbow and she realizes Mel stuck her with something. Mel moves forward and eases her down. Vi wants to be angry but the stuff is rushing though her. Still she has to hold on. Mel cranes her neck and then focuses back on her.

“They got her back,” she says, “you’re both going to be fine.”

“I promised,” Vi gets out, though it comes out as a mumble instead of how she intended. There’s a hand in her hair as the world tugs away.

There’s a hand on her cheek as it comes back.

She would know that hand anywhere, even before she opens her eyes to meet Caitlyn’s intent gaze.

Caitlyn’s covered in bandages. Her fingers and face might be the only thing not wrapped in bandages. But they’re both so pale it hardly makes a difference. There’s tubes and monitors everywhere Vi can see. But she’s alive and her fingers are skimming Vi’s face like she can’t believe she’s real. When their eyes meet, Vi can see they’ve got her drugged up. Vi catches her hand and laces their fingers back together.

“Hey,” is the only thing she can think to say. Caitlyn offers a miserable smile through pale lips, “I promised I’d be here didn’t I?”

“Mel had them put you here,” Caitlyn rasps.

“Yeah,” Vi says, “but I’m still here.”

That seems to be Caitlyn’s undoing. Vi has no idea where she can touch her that isn’t going to hurt. But Caitlyn doesn’t seem to care as she grips Vi tighter. It’s like three weeks of hell is all crashing down. Any last vestiges of the person on trial are flowing down Vi’s shirt. All Vi can do it hold her tighter. For the past few weeks she’s just watched Caitlyn and told herself it’s enough. Now with her back in her arms, Vi doesn’t know how she managed to bullshit herself like that.

“I’m still here,” she repeats and just hopes it’s enough for both of them.

#caitlyn kiramman #vi #vi x cait #caitvi #arcane #arcane spoilers

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novamariestark · 1 year ago

Note

Negan comforts reader with pretty bad daddy issues from past abuse when she gets overwhelmed with memories from her younger life

Prompt list 2 #42 ?

I Got You Darlin'

Warnings: mentions of physical, emotional and almost s**ual abuse (if these upset you don't read), panic attack, death (short not descriptive), age gap

Word count: 2334

Fandom: The Walking Dead

Pairing: Negan x reader

How did you end up there?

A deal. That’s how. A selfless sacrifice that was supposed to be your death. But no. Negan decided to keep you at the sanctuary instead.

You hated the man. You had watched him smash the hell out of your friend’s skull and just laugh it off. He went for another but there was no way you were going to let him die.

Glenn. The one who’s been your friend for as long as you remember. Even before the apocalypse. He knew about your “situation” and he did everything in his power to get you away from it. Offering you a place to crash when it got really bad, cleaning your cuts and even giving you his hard-earned money so you could eat.

The man was your savior. Your big brother.

So when he was sat at the other end of Negan’s bat, you didn’t even hesitate.

“No, pick me,”

Now what you thought would happen, didn’t. You expected the same fate as Abraham but no.

At first, you saw him as just another dangerous obstacle in this apocalyptic world. But the more you spent around him, the more you found yourself drawn to him. His charisma, his confidence, and his dark sense of humor were alluring, and you couldn't deny it. As your “friendship” or whatever it was developed into something more, Negan made it clear that he was attracted to you. But you were torn. You had developed a strong bond with Rick, the leader of your group, and he had become like a father to you. You couldn't betray his trust by getting involved with Negan, especially since he was the enemy.

But it wasn't just about loyalty to Rick. You knew that being with Negan would mean becoming one of his 'wives', forced to live in his twisted harem at the Sanctuary. You didn't want to be just another nameless face in his collection, used for his pleasure and discarded when he grew tired of you.

Little did you know that Negan would trade all of them for you. If you gave him a chance, it would be you and only you. Of course you didn’t believe him. Why would he trade much prettier women for you?

It had been a few weeks since you had arrived at The Sanctuary. To say that it was brutal here would be an understatement. Negan ruled with an iron fist, punishing anyone who dared to defy him. But strangely enough, he wasn't the worst thing about being here.

You had escaped your abusive father when you were 16 and thought you had left that part of your life behind, well you thought you had left your entire life behind. But then one day, after a few weeks at The Sanctuary, you heard a voice you hoped never to hear ever again. It was your father's voice, sneering and taunting. The exact soundtrack of your childhood.

He walked away. You instantly found that suspicious. And you were right. Later that night, you were abruptly woken up from your deep slumber by the sound of your bedroom door being flung open. Before you could even comprehend what was happening, a large, burly man grabbed your arms and dragged you out of bed.

“Hey, what's going on?” you yelled, trying to fight against his hold. “Shut up and come with me,” the man grunted, dragging you out of your room and down the hallway. You could feel your heart pounding in your chest as fear and confusion set in. Where was he taking you? What had you done wrong?

You made your way through the dark, winding corridors of the Sanctuary until you reached a heavy metal door. The man shoved you inside and you stumbled, falling to the ground. As you lifted your head, you realized you were in a jail cell. Panic and disbelief flooded through you.

But as you sat on the cold floor, you couldn't shake off the feeling that something was very wrong. Why would Negan want you locked up? Was it because you turned down his offer? An offer that you would have otherwise accepted had he not murdered one of your friends in front of you and maybe if he didn’t have a different woman for every day of the week. Before you could dwell on your thoughts any further, the door to your cell creaked open, and in walked none other than your father. He sauntered over to where you were sitting and leaned against the metal bars.

“Let's see why Negan likes you so much,” he snarled, unbuckling his belt. Panic rose in your chest as you realized what he was about to do. You pleaded and begged for him to stop, but he just laughed and continued to unbuckle his belt.

He roughly pulled you towards him, his breath hot and reeking of alcohol. You could feel his hands running over your body, tearing at your clothes. You screamed and struggled, but your small frame was no match for his brute strength. “Stop fighting. It'll only make it worse,” he growled, a sadistic smile spreading across his face. He pulled off his belt, holding it in one hand as he grabbed you with the other. But before he could touch you again, the door burst open and Negan himself stormed in, Lucille in hand. “What the hell is going on here?!” he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls. Your father froze, his eyes widening in fear. He dropped the belt and took a step back. “I was just, uh, teaching my kid a lesson,” he stammered, trying to regain control of the situation. Negan's eyes flickered to your tear-stained ones, and you could see the fury in them. “Is that so?” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Let me teach you a lesson, then.”

And with one swift swing, your father was dead. You dropped to the floor, numb with shock, as Negan dropped the bat and turned to face you.

“Let's get you cleaned up, sweetheart,” he said, gently helping you to your feet. But your legs gave way and you burst out in tears.

He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a tight embrace. You didn't resist, instead clutching onto him for dear life as you let out all your pent-up emotions. “He's gone now. It's okay,” Negan said, his voice surprisingly soft and comforting. He stroked your hair, trying to console you as best as he could. In that moment, Negan wasn't the notorious leader of the Saviors - he was just a man, offering comfort to someone who needed it.

But as your tears finally began to subside, you felt a sudden surge of emotions rushing through you. Without a second thought, you leaned in to kiss him, believing that this was what he wanted from you. But to your surprise, he pulled away, leaving you feeling confused and rejected. “Not when you're in this state, sweetheart,” he said, his voice now back to its usual rough tone.

Without another word, he led you back to your room, picking Lucille up along the way. Before long, you found yourself sitting on the edge of you bed. Negan disappears for a moment and comes back with a damp cloth. He ran the cloth gently over your scraped knees and dirt-caked hands, the cool water soothing against your skin.

“Come on, get back to bed, Darlin',”

You climbed into the sheets. You expected to hear the door open and shut again but when you didn’t you cast a confused glance around the room to find Negan taking a seat beside you.

“Aren’t you going to bed?” you asked, unsure of what his intentions were.

“I’m staying right here, making sure no one else harms you,” Negan replied, his intense gaze fixed on you, he leans forward, “And tomorrow, you will tell me who else was in on this, ‘cause I know he didn’t do it alone,”

As the night went on, you drifted off to sleep knowing that you were safe under Negan's watchful eye. And you went on to have the best sleep you’ve had in almost a decade.

The next morning, you woke up to find Negan still by your side, his head resting on his hand as he slept. You couldn't help but smile at the sight.

You turned over to watch him more closely, taking in all of his features. Negan was a tough and sometimes cruel man, but he had a softer side that he revealed only to you. His face had a few scars, but they only added to his rugged charm. His black hair was tousled from sleep and his stubble was growing in. You reached out to trace a finger along the lines of his jaw, admiring the way the sunlight hit his face. Negan stirred slightly, his hazel eyes opening to meet yours.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, his voice husky from sleep. He forward to move the hair out of your eyes, “How you feelin’?”

“You’re stayed here all night?”

“I told you I would,” he replied, his fingers tracing the curve of your jawline.

You couldn't help but feel a flutter in your stomach at his touch. You had never been one for romantic gestures, but there was something about Negan that made you feel safe. Something you had never felt, before or after the apocalypse. And you craved it. You craved him.

“Thank you, Negan,” you said, turning to kiss his palm.

“Now, who was it?” Negan asked, his blue eyes burning into yours. “Who helped your father last night, Darlin'? Who else touched you?”

“N-no one else,” you stammered, your voice barely above a whisper. “Don't lie to me, sweetheart. I'll know if you're lying.” Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as the memories of your father's abuse flooded back to you 'It was... a man,' you finally admitted, your voice shaking. Negan's expression hardened. “Who was he?” You hesitated, knowing that your answer could have consequences, “I don't know his name. He was just some guy who my father probably tricked into taking me there,” you explained, feeling the weight of guilt and shame on your shoulders. Negan's jaw tightened, and he let out a low growl. “I'll make him pay,” he said, his voice filled with rage.

You shook your head, “No, if he had no idea that you didn’t make that order he shouldn’t be punished for it,”

“He touched you!” he growled, picking up Lucille and heading towards the door.

But you grabbed his arm, “No, please. It's over now. I'm safe here with you,” you said, looking up at him through your lashes, giving him the prettiest doe eyes, he’d ever seen. Negan's features softened as he looked down at you. “Don't you worry, sweetheart. No one will ever hurt you again,” he promised, placing a gentle hand on your cheek.

Without warning, he leaned in and pressed his lips to yours. It was like a firework had gone off in your chest, his touch igniting a passion within you that you had never known before. His lips were soft yet forceful, demanding and yet gentle. It was a kiss like you had never experienced before, and you couldn't help but melt into it, your hands instinctively reaching up to wrap around his neck as you deepened the kiss.

“Lay with me?” Your quiet voice asked, as you held out your hand towards Negan. He looked at you with surprise, not expecting such a request from you. But without hesitation, he took your hand and led you to your bed. “Of course, Darlin',” he said, a hint of gentleness in his rough voice. It had been so long since Negan had been in bed with a woman, but not for the usual reasons. He had spent so much time using women for his own pleasure, but with you, it was different. He wanted to protect you, to make sure you were safe. He wanted to love you.

As you lay down next to him in bed, Negan wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest. You could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, and it brought a sense of comfort to you. You closed your eyes, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

You fell asleep again and when you woke up, he was gone. Not surprising. He is the leader after all. Your hand moves to your lips, tracing the smile that forms as you remember the feeling of Negan’s lips. But that smile quickly fades as your mind batters you with the events that led up to it.

You fall back on the edge of your bed, a darkness seeming to swallow the room. Your mind begins to play tricks on you as shadows flicker on the walls, triggering a panic that’s no longer in your control.

Your breaths quicken, chest tightening as if an invisible weight is pressing down on you. The night before, a haunting echo, flashes vividly past your eyes. It opens the floodgates, and everything your father ever did to you came crashing through.

You clutch your chest, nails biting into skin, desperate for any kind of release from the weight on your chest. But the rush of emotions, the echoes of fear, they're relentless.

At some point, you had slipped off the edge of your bed. Now you were curled up into a ball on the floor, your knees clutched to your chest as you try to block out the memories.

The memories were so loud, you didn’t hear him come in, so you jumped when a figure sat beside you. He pulled you into his arms. You resisted at first, your body stiff and rigid, but he whispered soothing words and held you tight until you finally relaxed into his embrace. “I got you, Darlin',” he murmured against your hair, pressing kisses to your temple.

[A/N] Part 2? With smut??

Sorry this took so long. I started rewatching where Negan comes into the series and I got a little sidetracked [Too busy 😍😍 to be paying attention to what was going on 😂😭] I also rewrote this about 7 or 8 times.

#reader insert #female reader #negan x reader #the walking dead x reader #negan x you

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stardewremixed · 5 months ago

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Alex headcanons

Wanted to be a knight when he was a child. Horse and lance, sword and suit of armor. Shiny. Made one out of tinfoil, scraps of Evelyn's fabric, and a broom stick. Neighbor kids made fun of him. He didn't dress up again.

Joined a yoga class on a dare. Well actually because he saw a pretty girl through the window and straight up walked into the glass. The instructor made him take the class. Something about balance and coordination.

Almost thought about joining the army right outta high school. He barely passed and wasn't sure college was for him. But the thought of dying while his grandparents (his only relatives) still lived qnd didnt have anyone to take care of them was too unnerving. He didn't want to leave them all alone. Still likes war movies sometimes.

Conscientious about his scent. Keeps his pit hairs trimmed. Religious about showering after working out. Keeps a spare deodorant in his truck. Leaves a trail of cologne - clean, just-out-of-shower scent, not too weighty, a bit soapy, rainforest mist like.

Has helped Sam out with his community service before because this man weirdly loves digging fence posts.

Also loves carrying things - groceries for his grandma (or the pretty farmer), barrels of ale and whiskey, folding tables from festivals, tools up a ladder, etc. Both arms full. Things normal people can carry on multiple trips. Alex gets it all and doesn't break a sweat. Would carry the farmer too (if she'd let him - and you know he's carrying her bridal style on their wedding night).

Loves a challenging ropes course. Can rappel down a wall or a mountain side. Can complete a obstacle course faster than anyone else. Would give Kent a run for his money at army crawling. Absolutely goes nuts about hiking, bouldering, free climbing too. Would probably do spelunking too if... he wasn't a teeny but afraid of the dark... because...

Kept a nightlight in his room until he was a teenager. It's why he never did sleepovers with the other kids. That and he hit puberty early. Towering over grade schoolers was only cool for like a minute. But you can reach things on the top shelf, I guess.

Occasionally freelances for the Adventurer's Guild. Gives guided hiking tours up into the mountains above the Valley or secret woods for tourists. He would be enthusiastic too - swinging his arms and waving his hands around while telling stories and pointing out cool sights.

His hugs are big, and leave you feeling wrapped up, but in a good way. Like a cozy warm blanket. You feel safe and loved.

He's a cuddler... while you watch TV together, while you read books together (yes, he likes sports magazines and biographies of his heroes), and while you sleep. He's definitely the big spoon and makes you feel cherished. That's until he starts snoring... lightly. You'll have to nudge him to stop. And those arms do get... heavy. And he's definitely elbowed his companion in bed before.

He's a bit of a wimp when it comes to shots. It's why he would never get a tattoo or get his ears pierced. He doesn't like needles. (They might also remind him of his mom and her treatments when he was little).

He once posed for a campaign poster for a lumberjack festival. Lewis had little success. Only a dozen young girls showed up on the bus that day. No actual woodchoppers. Needless to say, Alex kills it in plaid. Think Brawny paper towel guy vibes without the facial hair.

Also did a modeling gig for Pierre once to sell some winter gear. Haley took the photos. Alex is a natural in front of the camera. Again, lots of female visitors... erm... customers to the town for a period of two days. He may or may not have autographed the ad for one of the ladies.

He's shouldered a lot of responsibility from a young age. His dad ran out on them. His mom was sick. His grandparents aren't the healthiest. Alex has picked up odd jobs since he was eight. Recycling bottlecaps. ♻️ Washing cars. Lemonade stand. 🍋

Delivering newspapers was one of his first real paying gigs. Granny gave him one of George's old newsboy caps. Alex wore it with pride. He's got an incredible swing for it. Also led him to be interested in baseball. He played three seasons in Little League as a pitcher before he became fascinated with gridball. 📰

It was actually Grandpa George who got him into gridball. Watching games together on TV, critiquing the players, talking technique. Male bonding stuff. He wants to take George to a pro game one day, proudly wheeling his Gramps into the stadium. 🏈

One of his first jobs as a young adult was at the local hospital. It's how he paid for his first apartment. He wheeled people up from their appointments to get picked up at curbside. Just like with his mom when he was a young teen. It felt like a good way to keep giving back even after she was gone. New moms. Dialysis patients. Kids with broken legs from falling off a skateboard ramp...

That's how he met Sam actually. (I like to think these two would be sort-of friends). Sam talked about music and boarding and surfing. Alex talked about the high school Alma Mater fight song and baseball and weightlifting.

Sam and Alex built an epic sandcastle village on the beach one year at the Luau. Both were bored. Vincent helped too. It was impressive... until high tide came in. Haley snapped a photo first at least.

Inspired by Grandpa George, he took a dance class. That's how he met Haley (when they were late teens). He was her favorite dance partner. He could actually lift her without dropping her. And he didn't step on his toes. He's actually pretty light on his feet. Tried tap dancing too but that wasn't as successful (or cool looking).

Named MVP for his high school gridball team. Would've gone on to play in uni but just didn't have the grades. And he needed to stay close for Granny and George. Still keeps his trophies from every sport he's ever played in his room.

Would challenge anyone to an arm wrestling contest any day. Has actually made some money at the Stardew Valley Fair this way. Out of towners might underestimate him. Amateurs! Shane is the only one who's come close to besting Alex and only then because he was drunk. Sober Shane might have stood a chance.

Bought George a big recliner with his very first paycheck from his adult job. Comfy cushions, high quality leather, great arm rests. George never sits in it because he had his mining accident shortly after and so it sits unused in a storage closest somewhere collecting dust. Still every once in a while, George wheels by and thinks about his grandson's thoughtfulness.

Will carry any of the Farmer's picked produce back to the bins, trekking across the fields, or will personally deliver products to Pierre's. By the armful. Corn, lettuce, bushels of broccoli, squash, grapes, tomatoes. He can carry 3 or 4 buckets at a time. Or by the basket. The big round baskets that the average person can only carry one at a time.

Likes the smell of freshly washed cars. And the air after it rains. New leather on a ball. Granny's freshly baked cookies.

Would literally be your shoulder to cry on. No seriously, people have. His mom before she passed. Evelyn after her frustrations with George. Haley after a boy she liked dumped her. Even Emily after one awkward moment as she was taking out the trash behind the Saloon and felt overwhelmed about a disturbing vision she had. He is always willing to comfort those he cares about.

Doesn't really cook but he can make a mean cheesy macaroni casserole. It's one of the few recipes he learned as a boy that has stuck with him.

Feels strongly about cheating in sports. And popping pills to make someone stronger. Especially because his mom was ill. He knows there are people out there who really need medicines. Illegal drugs are a disgrace to the profession.

Would absolutely spend his days fixing up the farmhouse, repairing the barn, sprucing the greenhouse, patching up the chicken coop while the farmer worked the fields and orchards and took care of livestock. I have this longstanding belief that Alex would make an excellent handyman in the Valley. Maybe it starts out as an apprenticeship with Robin. He's gifted with a sander, a wrench, a saw. And this man looks great in a backward cap, tight jeans, and a tool belt. He likes to feel useful, stay busy, and work with his hands. Painting your bedroom and repairing your shower leak would be his first projects once moving to the farm.

#sdv headcanon #sdv alex #sdv evelyn #sdv george #sdv lewis #sdv pierre #sdv haley #sdv sam #sdv vincent #sdv kent #stardew valley alex #stardew valley headcanon #stardew remixed #sdv shane #sdv emily

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postmortiem · 8 days ago

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𝔸𝔹𝕆𝕌𝕋 ℂ𝕆ℕ𝔻𝕀𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 / 𝔸𝔻𝔻𝕀ℂ𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 .

Tw for addiction, mental illness, substance abuse, ask to tag

You ever ask yourself " Hey, why the hell is Kiki like that ? " ? Yeah, me too. But I came to bring you the answers TONIGHT ! For free ! If you have read my badly written backstory for her, you have a vague idea. I will go a little more in-depth with this post.

Kiki spent around 10 years at Otto's Oddities, starting working there in her early 20s & was introduced to much stress, manipulation & the struggle to be seen & meet her boss' expectations. They were the only people running the shop so she felt like her own subsistence was on the table at all times. Which was, to be fair. Luring in visitors with success was only met with coming up with more obscene & grotesque items in their shop. Lots of creativity.

I took inspiration of Salvador Dalí ( which I wrote a very extensive essay about for my college of further education in arts in the past ) . To not get too heavily into the topic, parts of his deal were that he tried to make himself develop mental illnesses, such as depression, to expand his creativity & art. Otto, Kiki's former boss/owner tried exactly that with her. She was his little guinea pig, testing out substances to first make her stay awake for vastly longer than usual & eventually drifting off to more harsher drugs meant for boosting her imagination ( so she could come up with better stuff to sell customers ) . A little list of substances & herbs are down below, she still takes these to this day. The chamber in her mask's beak is for holding exactly that.

Unsurprisingly, Kiki became addicted over time & reliant on Otto ( he knew the mixture & of course did not share the recipe with her to keep her obedient & disciplined ) . After the main backstory, she spent probably months figuring out the combination most similar to his.

Part of her ingame questline would be to make her overcome her addictions, because as much as it is practical in combat, it drains Kiki, obviously. Being dependent on that stuff obviously is not good or healthy. She calls it her medicine, like Otto did. Kiki is very vocal about how her medication is similar to everyone's morning coffee. Mind-altering, but becoming necessary for living. Getting her clean is also the last obstacle to cut ties with her past & Otto ; letting her finally heal completely.

#tw: drugs #tw: mental health #tw: addiction #⚚ ˚ pick your brain ˚⠀⠀/ hc .

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crissiebaby · 3 months ago

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DiapOut Recap! (Chapters 1-35)

DISCLAIMER: This series contains diaper usage, public humiliation, masturbation, WAM, hypermessing, crossdressing, mental regression, and other ABDL themes. I hope you enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Previously on DiapOut…

Two teams consisting of four players arrived at our studio lot in search of fame, glory, and the $500,000 prize that comes with the title of DiapOut Champion! Donning matching yellow t-shirts were the Wetters, led by ‘Baby New Year’ Mia Holbrook. Fighting alongside her close friends, Ayaya, Misa, and Lelaya, the Wetters have amassed a whopping 171.1. Only one round stands between them and a shot at the grand prize.

Meanwhile, the West Edmonton Tech Diaper Lovers Club has shown up in full force to oppose the infamous Baby New Year. Captained by club leader, Kyoko, the Messers have been one step behind since the end of Round 1 but have kept themselves in range of first thanks to the tireless efforts of teammates, Cade, Rupert, and Zeke. They’ve amassed 146.7 points thus far, placing them just under 25 points behind their rivals.

Hi, my name’s CassiRole, and it’s been my great privilege to host DiapOut; the horniest, blushiest, and messiest show on television! However, before we resume the rousing action of Round 3, let’s take a look back at the first two and half rounds that brought us here…”

Raising her hand high with her fingers spread wide, DiapOut’s production manager, Keelee, pointed her rolled-up cue list at the centermost camera facing CassiRole. “We’re live 5, 4, 3…” she shouted, going silent and using only her fingers to count the final two seconds.

In the blink of an eye, the studio surrounding CassiRole was showered with light as director, Jackson Lynch, cut from the short graphics package to a live shot of the thickly padded host. “Okay, let’s swoop in on Camera 4 for the crowd reaction. Stand by for general seating fill lights…go!” he said, whipping Cassi’s fans into a frenzy.

Waiting for her cue to continue her promotional monologue, Cassi soaked in the roar of her adoring audience. This was her shining moment, and with the show getting juicier every second, seemingly nothing could stop her from rising to the top. So what if she’d fried that Misa chick’s brain with experimental hypnosis tech? She couldn’t be afraid to break the rules if she wanted to be hosting the number one reality show on TV by this time next year. Plus, half the show’s fans would be lining up around the block for the exact same privilege anyway. Watching as Keelee began a silent countdown, she shook off her guilt-inducing thoughts and proceeded with the show’s pulse-pounding recap.

“Our first round kicked things off on a high note as our competitors worked together to complete DiapOut’s ultra-messy relay obstacle course. Representing the four stages of a diaper change, the Baby New Year herself got the Wetters off to an early lead, dropping a dozen feet into a giant diaper filled with pudding for the first diaper pin. Mia’s friend, Misa, would keep up the pace as she slipped and slid for the Wetters' second pin, though not before a heavy collision with her rival from the Messers, Rupert. Thanks to some quick thinking on his part to make up for Cade’s lost time, Rupert helped to propel Zeke past Ayaya on the lotion-covered staircase. Ayaya did her best to “hang on” to the lead but Zeke bared it all to come out ahead!”

Behind Cassi, a giant monitor displayed the humiliating moment when Ayaya accidentally ripped Zeke’s diaper clean off while attempting to reach the cloth diaper hanging overhead. Much like before, the audience ate up the raunchy scene.

“With Ayaya stuck on the stairs, the Wetters were helpless as Kyoko dug through the pit of diaper powder to find her baby doll, clenching victory for the Messers,” said Cassi, capping off her praise by slyly winking Kyoko’s way. The sadistic host savored the hues of red that swarmed Kyoko’s cheeks as memories of their backstage diaper play replayed in their heads. Had Zeke not been such a pussy when she invited him to her dressing room before Kyoko, it could’ve been him she was getting wet over, not that she minded letting her bisexual flag fly whenever it pleased her.

Biting the inside of her lip, Cassi couldn’t allow her insatiable libido to throw off her big speech. She exhaled sharply before resuming, “Going into Round Two with a 45-point deficit, the Wetters had a lot of ground to make up. Fortunately, they had ample opportunity to do so in DiapOut’s very first Mess-Off! Given one hour to mess their diapers, sponsored by The CrissBaby Diaper Company, our eight contestants were more than up to the task. Well…at least most of them were…”

Slow-motion footage of Mia hoisting Misa off the ground and squeezing her tummy until her nappy turned brown appeared on the monitor for all to gawk at. Misa would’ve been mortified to see herself filling a diaper in glorious 4k definition. Mercifully, she was too hypnotized to understand that the audience's laughter was directed at her. Instead, she merely pointed at the screen excitedly upon seeing herself, prompting Mia to reel her dopey friend in.

“Hehe! Such fun!” remarked Cassi, smirking as the clip cut from Misa's explosion to Ayaya’s. “Luckily, the Wetters have one heck of a secret messer on their side. We don’t know where she was keeping all that but we’re happy she’s feeling better now…” More cackling erupted as the replay of Ayaya’s pamper packing was blown up on the big screen.

Snickering at the same set of clips being replayed on the backstage monitors, Jackson listened for Cassi to pivot away from Ayaya’s hypermessy moment to run the next clip. “Looking good. Prep the highlight reel package for the Messers being fed by the Iris nannies, and get ready to close out Round Two with the Wetters ahead by–”

*WHISTLE!*

Peeking through the blackout current and giving the show's director a seductive wave, Ayaya had her eyes on a prize much bigger than any amount of money could ever be worth. Her gaze lingered on CassiRole’s closeup shot as she puckered her lips and blew a kiss Jackson’s way.

The front of Jackson’s jeans stretched as he coyly waved back at Ayaya, failing to notice his cue was quickly approaching. “Jackson…JACKSON!” shouted Keelee through the distracted director’s headset. Spinning around and diving back into his cue notes, he rushed to regain the show’s momentum.

Giggling at Jackson’s bumbling behavior, it had only been a day and Ayaya already had this place wrapped around her finger. Having worked as a struggling internet celebrity for the bulk of her 20s, she viewed this as her last best chance at stardom, for better or worse. She hadn’t exactly envisioned diapers would be such a huge part of her last best push for fame but beggars couldn’t be choosers. And given the constant internal strife at the hands of the gameshow’s current matriarch, there was a good chance that would be her closeup before the first episode of DiapOut ever hit airwaves.

“Ayaya! We’re gonna be on soon!” said Mia in a half-whisper, half-yell. Grabbing her teammate by the arm, she waddled as quickly as her ultra-heavy, waterlogged diaper would permit as she regrouped with the rest of her team. “Hey, Ayaya’s been found. How’s Misa?” Her concern doubled as she knelt down next to her hypnotized best friend, who was sitting criss-cross applesauce and babbling up a storm while playing with her feet; a far cry from her typical, angsty, diaper-hating personality.

Bouncing on the tips of her toes while bound within a constricting straight jacket, Lelaya did her best to keep a positive outlook in spite of her team’s numerous pitfalls. “Well, she’s gone from tantrum-throwing toddler to happy babbler, so I’d say we’re improving. How’s the diaper?” she asked, gesturing to the swollen pamp sagging between Mia’s legs.

“Hanging in there,” said Mia as she widened her gait to keep her knees from shaking. It would be a loss of ten points if she allowed her diaper to touch the ground, so it was paramount that she reduce her exertion as much as possible from this point forward. Sadly, with how many turns she still had to go before she could rest, the odds of her staying upright until then were looking slimmer and slimmer.

“Heh, just look at the way her legs are shaking. I give her five minutes tops,” speculated Kyoko, conferring with her team through a barred window. After landing on a special event punishment square, she found herself trapped within The Potty Monster’s pudding-filled potty prison until her next turn. Though, that didn’t stop her from micro-managing her team at every turn. “We’re gonna need a strong second half to make up for the massive deficit Zeke landed us in.”

Rubbing the back of his neck with his eyes trained on the floor, Zeke’s guilt over costing his team 25 of their hard-earned points was palpable. “Sorry, I’ll do better next time,” he said, a pit in his stomach forming as he anxiously stared at Keelee from across the studio, knowing his next turn would be coming up shortly.

“Hey, dude. Don wowwy bout it,” said Cade, the effects of the THC-laced lisping jelly finally kicking in. Being a habitual stoner, Kyoko had made it her mission to ensure both he and Rupert remained sharp and sober. Tragically, the DiapOut production team had other plans, not that Cade minded the mental sensation from what he assumed was merely a side effect of the jelly. “Chus chill, we’s chill. Evewyfing’s supa chill. Hehehe!” His infantile drawl soon descended into a fit of giggles.

Unfortunately, Cade’s glowing team assessment was far from the consensus. “Yeah, we’ll be chill…so long as SOMEONE actually lets me play next time,” quipped Rupert, still bitter over Kyoko using her veto medallion to prematurely end his challenge. Regrettably, he could only sound so intimidating due to the fact he was forced to ride on a hopper ball until Ayaya’s next turn, though that didn’t stop him from mean-mugging Kyoko any chance he got. Sure, his odds of winning his previous challenge weren’t great given he was still recovering from the effects of Hypermesser’s Syndrome. Still, it was the fact she didn’t even give him a chance that bothered him so much.

“Oh, whatever, Rupert…” responded Kyoko, knowing exactly who Rupert’s pointed comment was meant for, “...you can barely walk without leaning on Cade, and that Baron Van Blushy dude was running circles around you. I did what I had to–”

“Cut! Great job, everyone! Let’s get in position for the cut back to the game board for Round Three. I need both teams minus Kyoko to return to their spaces!” announced Keelee, rounding up both teams for the second half of CassiRole’s Candy Land rip-off, Cassi Land. Currently, the Wetters may have had the overall lead in points but the Messers had a slight advantage on the board, standing 3 spaces ahead of their adversaries. Since crossing the finish line first was worth a staggering 40 points, it was pivotal that the Messers reach the end of the board before the Wetters to have any hope of catching up score-wise.

The studio was once again abuzz as a dozen production workers, make-up artists, and personal assistants swarmed Cassi and the set. Round Three had already seen its fair share of exhilarating highlights but she was certain the second half, as well as the subsequent Final Round, would be even more outrageous. “Ta-ta-ta-ta. Ta-ta. Ta-ta. Ma-ma-ma-ma. Ma-ma. Ma-ma,” she recited, getting in some quick vocal warm-ups as she waited for Keelee to count her in.

“Okay, everyone! Let’s have a good rest of the show!” yelled Keelee, filling both the constants, the audience, and CassiRole with anticipation as she held up her hand once more and began counting backward. “5, 4, 3…”

Wetters: 171.1 (+/-10) points Messers: 146.7 (+/-10) points

TO BE CONTINUED…

« PREVIOUS l FIRST l NEXT »

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💕 Story By CrissieBaby 💕 💙 Edited By AllySmolShork 💙 💚 Edited By AliceKChan 💚 SubscribeStar: subscribestar.adult/crissiebaby pixivFANBOX: crissiebaby.fanbox.cc All CB Links: linktr.ee/crissiebaby

Special Thanks to Our CrissBaby Diaper Company Investors: BlushyBen DD JFN Nike Pansy Jason Sissikins PrincessKittenLizzi Rosie Princess SissyDina Strawberry Sweetsamantharebecca Tony & Two Anonymous Investors

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stardustluvs · 1 year ago

Note

hi, me again... I'm sorry but I need Nolan (I fell in love with your writing, please don't be mad at me)

I have one more idea for Nolan.

Let's go..... Nolan is participating in a video and has to win the challenge. But he gets hurt (nothing too bad) after getting hurt he keeps begging them to call his girlfriend, he needs her by his side

kiss it better || n.h.

Word Count:

Pairing: Nolan Hansen x fem!Reader

Summary: What the req says

Warnings: Slight injury(?), Mention of blood (not a lot)

Author’s Note: Changing up how I’m styling the title of my fics slightly! I wrote this instead of sleeping. Also, thank you anon for the request! I appreciate you! Also most of my fics are set in the older style of MrBeast videos as opposed to the newer ones just because I miss when it was his friends competing instead of random people LOL Also I know I haven’t posted a fic in two weeks, shhh…

Requests are open! || masterlist

Everything was going smoothly, he’d spent a lof of time in preparation for this upcoming video, a challenge whereas to win, a sort obstacle course race must be completed. Nolan completely understood the challenge he was faced with, though he may have underestimated the difficulty of it.

Upon looking at the race in person, he could see it would give him a plethora of challenges and problems. It also looked overwhelming, slightly dangerous. Jimmy spent a lot of time already reassuring him and the rest of their friends it would be fine and if God forbid something did happen, they'd be able to safely resolve the issue.

You would've gone to watch Nolan compete, you normally did, except this time you had plans that you needed to get done, having put them off for months now. You could easily expect a few updates from Nolan throughout the day though, he was constantly checking in.

The first part of the course was easy. He just had to not fall and get to the other side. Among him and his friends, everyone was able to make it easily, a few sly remarks from Kris and Karl, but Nolan knew it was all in good fun.

The second part seemed much more terrifying than the first, it looked harder too.

This course was longer, and it consisted of having to run, dodge, and balance at multiple areas.

He didn't get a lot of time to process what he had been looking at when Jimmy called out saying it was time to go.

He started out strong, actually, he was quite far in the lead compared to the rest of the group.

Karl was a close second, calling out to him and making joking banter towards Nolan. That was however, when things started to take a turn for the worst.

Nolan's foot caught against a bit of the course where the ground came up, causing him to trip. At first glance you'd assume he'd have been able to get up and carry on, no big deal. However as he fell, his knee scraped one of the nearby obstacles, sharp enough to break skin, even through the material of his pants.

Immediately he sat up, clutching his knee. He held back curse words and bit down on his lip to try to mask the pain.

Karl saw him first and immediately rushed over towards him.

"Woah- Hey, are you okay?" Karl urged.

Nolan just shook his head, moving his hands to see how bad the cut was. It wasn't so deep he would need immediate medical attention, however it was deep enough to form a nasty cut, and draw a decent amount of blood.

"Jimmy- Hey we need to stop, Nolan's hurt," Karl called over.

Jimmy wasted no time on listening to Karl, putting everything about the video on the back burner. He rushed over to where Nolan was sat on the ground. A few people from around set had rushed over with first aid supplies, being more than prepared for the incident.

"Can someone call Y/N?" Nolan asked to no one in particular. He allowed the people who rushed over to help clean up his knee, wincing a little at the pain from all the movement.

"Yeah- yeah, I'll give Y/N a call," Kris reassured, pulling out her phone and moving quickly to get to her contacts list.

Meanwhile, you had been sat in your car, parked in front of the grocery store. You had been scrolling through your phone momentarily before getting a call from... Kris?

It was odd, and you wondered why she would be calling if she was meant to be filming with everyone right now.

You answered, a little worried and concerned.

"Hello?" You asked as you pressed the phone to your ear.

"Hey, Y/N, can you come to the set right now?"

"Uhm, I'm a little busy, why? Is everything okay?" You asked, concern filling your voice more and more as you wondered what the issue was.

"Nolan's hurt- He's okay, he didn't like break anything or anything like that, but he fell, and his knee's kind of fucked up now," Kris explained, hurrying to tell you that he was okay, knowing you would worry.

"He asked for someone to call you," She added.

"Okay, oh my God, thanks Kris, I'm on my way," You said, ending the call and putting your phone away.

You sighed, knowing that it was probably going to be okay, you reminded yourself that Kris told you Nolan didn’t break anything and was okay except for the fact he got hurt. You were about fifteen minutes out from where the set was, and you could only do so much to get there quickly with all the traffic.

Back at the shoot, a medical team continued to try and get the bleeding to stop. It was slowing down…slowly, and it hurt like hell.

“Did you call Y/N?” He asked Kris when he saw her show back up beside him.

“Yeah, she’s coming,” She replied.

The reassurance that fell over his body at the news you were on your way was visible to anyone who paid attention. It was no secret that he was extremely dependent on you, and that was fine, it wasn’t like you minded him clinging to you any time something happened. It was cute.

When you got there, the first person you saw was Jimmy, who greeted you and was immediately guiding you over to where Nolan was.

It looked…worse than what you imagined in your head, which made you panic slightly, seeing all these medical professionals around your boyfriend. It seemed excessive.

“Hey, you okay?” You asked him, sitting down beside him.

Immediately he pulled you into a hug, wincing slightly when he had to move his leg.

“What happened?” You asked him.

“I fell, cut my knee pretty bad,” He replied.

“We’ll go home as soon as they’re done, okay?”

He was about to object, saying he wanted to continue the video, but before he could, his friends all seemed to agree that was for the best.

You waited with him, allowing him to rest his head against yours while the medical team seemed to finally be finishing up after what felt like ages.

They explained that he may have a bit of a difficulty walking since the cut was pretty nasty, but it should heal up in no time, which you thanked God for.

“Ready?” You asked him, starting to stand up as you reached your hand down to help him up.

He nodded, grabbing your hand. You helped him up the best you could. He inhaled sharply at the slight pressure being put onto his knee.

You allowed him to use you to lean on and help balance, saying goodbye to everyone and getting to your car.

“Thanks for coming so quickly,” He thanked you.

You shook your head, “Why are you thanking me for that?”

“Because I know you were busy today is all,” He said, shrugging a little.

“Never busy if you’re hurt,” You smiled softly, leaning over and kissing him gently.

#kit’s requests #nolan hansen #nolan hansen x reader fluff #mcyt #mcyt x reader #x reader #mrbeast crew #mrbeast crew fluff #mrbeast crew x reader #nolan hansen fluff #nolan hansen x reader

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smalls-words · 2 years ago

Text

Too Rough

Summary: Based on the Bluey episode where Bandit plays with Bingo and Bluey, but plays rougher with Bingo than she likes.

Pairings: Werewolf/Pup!Fem!Reader x Werewolf!Mama!Natasha x Human!Mommy!Maria

Warnings: Nothing serious, just a bit of fluff. I guess you could say boundaries were crossed, but they are later established.

A/N: I have no idea what Bluey episode it is, but I saw it the other day and it made me cry, so... ta da.

*not my gif*

You giggled as you played with Kate, tackling each other safely whilst keeping ears and tails safe. Eventually, you grew tired and she noticed, coming over to you on the couch as you panted.

As soon as she began to lick your ear clean from her splash of saliva, you began to giggle. Your loud laughter brought the attention of your aunts, uncles, and your moms.

Clint and Laura, one of the two human/werewolf pairs in the pack, had adopted Kate when her mother was sent to prison, her father already passed on. And with Clint and Laura being so close to your moms, she had begun to feel like an older sister, even though she looked nothing like your moms.

“Well, would you look at you two!”

A chuckle from your moms made your small tail wag. “Mama! Mommy! You’re back!”

You giggled as Natasha tackled you, tucking you into her as she rolled across the tiles. Her auburn tail matched yours whilst you had brown ears like Maria’s hair, your eyes like sparkling rock pools.

“How is my little pup?” Natasha cooed as she gently licked the fur of your ear back into place, making you giggle more.

“I’m good, Mama! How was the mission?” You asked, nuzzling into her as she stopped licking.

“It was very good. Your Mommy and Auntie Wanda are some of the best agents I’ve seen.” She praised, looking at her human wife.

“They are the bestest!” You exclaimed.

“Now, are you ready for some play time?” Natasha looked between you and Kate, which made both of you grin.

“Play time!”

“Natasha…” Maria warned her fast-wagging tail, both yours and Kate’s doing the same.

“Play time is in the playroom, remember?” Laura reminded Kate, who’s ears flattened slightly before she nodded.

“I’m sorry I forgot, Momma Laura.” She murmured.

Natasha scooped her and you up into her arms, gently kissing your foreheads before she walked you all into the playroom. The ‘playroom’ was actually an extension of the training room, in which it held much safer equipment that the wolves could always use to play with smaller wolves or pups.

Natasha put you both down and watched you run around a bit, jumping and playing on the little obstacle courses before Kate came over to her. “Auntie Nat, can you play with us?!”

“Sure, kiddo!” She grinned, coming towards you both.

You smiled at her and she gently kissed your ear. Kate suggested playing Wrestles, where the winner of the best wrestle gets to have a lolly later. Kate went against you first before she went against Natasha, to which the Russian played gently but firmly, winning convincingly.

“Alright, Y/N, your turn!” She exclaimed, pulling you into ‘the ring’.

You giggled as you circled each other, playful snaps and giggles between your wrestles. However, Natasha’s strength got the best of her and she played a bit roughly, making you give up and surrender.

“That was a good wrestle, moya detka (my baby).” She cooed, kissing your cheek softly.

She went back to playing with Kate and you came when Maria called you for lunch, smiling at the little pieces of chicken she’d cut for you. “Thanks, Mommy!”

“You’re very welcome, my little wolf.” She kissed your forehead before eating with you.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖⧖\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

When Lila and Cooper got home from school, another playtime session began. Clint and Natasha were excited to play with them since they didn’t often play, whilst Laura watched over as Maria and Wanda cooked a feast for dinner.

You giggled as Clint tickled you and played gently with you and Lila, whilst Kate and Cooper roughly tackled Natasha. Their shrieks of laughter and giggles sounded amazing, but you were much more happy playing with Clint at the moment.

“Alright, you, I have five more minutes before I have to go do some work, so it’s Mama-Pup playtime.” Natasha yanked you from Clint’s grasp and began to tickle you.

You giggled along half-heartedly as she flipped you and rolled you around, but you felt guilty that you were glad when it was over. Clint was with Lila and Cooper, calming them down from the playtime, so he didn’t see your flattened ears and your unhappy tail hanging low.

You bumbled along outside, sitting underneath the table shrouded with a tablecloth and curled up into yourself. You sniffled softly as tears sprung to your eyes - these big emotions didn’t come by often, and you wished you could tell Natasha.

“Who’s hiding under the table there?” A familiar voice made you giggle, your tail wagging slightly.

“Raaa!” You jumped out from underneath the table, exuding a laugh from Maria as you playfully trapped her leg.

“Ahhh! You got me!” She chuckled, but noticed how your eyes were still brimmed with tears.

She knelt down to your level and brushed away your tears into the little tufts of fur by your ears. “What’s wrong, my little wolf?”

“Mama’s playing too rough with me.” You murmured, making her gently scratch behind your ear.

“Yeah, she does play too rough sometimes, doesn’t she?” She replied.

“Yes.” You nodded.

“Did you use your big girl bark?” She asked gently.

“No… because I don’t have a very good big girl bark.” You answered.

“Really? Show me.”

“Ruff.” Your little bark was almost whispered.

“Oh, that’s alright. It just needs to be bigger.” She chuckled.

“Ruff!” You barked, which was slightly louder.

“Even bigger!”

“RUFF!” You barked, which sounded almost like a squeak.

“Whoa! There it is.” She grinned, watching your tail wag a bit faster.

“Now come on, let’s go find Mama.” She stood, taking your hand.

You came to Natasha’s closed office door, nodding to Maria when she asked if you were ready. She knocked twice and a few muffled words came through before Maria opened the door anyway.

Natasha turned to see you both, little stragglers of Kate, Cooper, and Lila standing next to you. “What’s up?” She asked, looking to Maria for guidance.

“You’re in trouble.” The three pups chorused smirkingly.

“No one’s in trouble.” Maria replied, her tone warning them to be quiet.

“Y/N just has something she’d like to say to Mama, that’s all.”

You shuffled over to Natasha, who gently picked you up and placed you on her knee. “What’s wrong, pup?”

“Sometimes you play too rough with me.” You murmured, fidgeting with your little fingers.

Her face fell slightly. “Oh, Y/N, really?” She asked, to which you silently nodded.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, detka. I didn’t realise. I think I just forget you’re a bit younger than your cousins.”

“I’m only four.” You added.

“But Mama, we don’t want you to stop playing with us.” Maria looked between you and Natasha, even though you couldn’t see.

“I’m just gonna get better at using my big girl bark.” You shuffled closer to Natasha, leaning on her.

She gently lifted your head up to look at her. “Well, how about we practise?” She offered.

“Okay.”

She held you in her arms as you all walked to the playroom, the three cousins watching as she came towards a big bouncy gym ball.

“So, is this rough okay?” She asked as she held you over the ball and bounced you against.

You giggled. “Yes, that’s okay!”

She lifted you slightly higher. “Okay, how about this rough?” She bounced you again.

Your giggles soared up the octaves, your body wriggling in her grip. “Yes, that’s okay too!”

Another sector higher had your tail slow in its wagging before she bounced you roughly. “RUFF!” You barked, to which you were met with a warm embrace and a few licks by your cheek.

“Okay, too rough. Now I know!” Natasha beamed.

“Thank you for listening, Mama.” You nuzzled against her, to which she rumbled softly and walked to the kitchen with you in her arms.

“Hey, Wands. Is dinner ready yet?” She asked.

“Almost. I’ve got about ten more minutes of simmering and then it’s done.” The brunette replied, smiling at you.

“Good. Just enough time.” Natasha muttered to herself, but you obviously heard.

“Enough time for what, Mama?”

She didn’t answer you but sat down on the corner of the couch, curling herself up before pulling you into her chest. You curled up right against her, just close enough for her to look after you with a few licks here and there.

Soon, you were joined by the rest of the pack, all of them smiling at you before Maria brought you both a bowl of dinner. Maria fed you whilst you sat against Natasha, the three of you moving under one blanket for movie time.

Natasha gently kissed your tired temple as your eyes began to flutter closed, the feeling of your Mama and Mommy’s warmth guiding you to sleep.

#smalls words #blackhill fluff #blackhill x fem!reader #blackhill x reader #blackhill #blackhill hurt/comfort #mom!natasha romanoff x reader #mom!maria hill x reader

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cranetreegang · 1 year ago

Text

In the Light of Death - Part 4

Sebastian x FemReader with former Ominis x FemReader

Summary: Things are awkward as they wonder how to proceed with their relationship

Warnings: Explicit Content - They getting on that Rocket 69 babyyyy and they having SEX

Word Count: ~2,500 words

Read Part 3 Here - Find Whole Light of Death Series Here

---------------------------------

Their supper is a quiet one. There’s an underlying tension building beneath the surface as the night begins to come to an end. She’s not sure how to broach the subject which is on both of their minds. Even as they clean up the kitchen, they can only make awkward eye contact with one another - the words never quite making it out of their mouths.

“I enjoyed today,” she says, hoping he would understand it included their morning as well.

He smiles, “I wouldn’t mind taking you out on more explorations, ya know. Another set of eyes to witness some of the lost beauty with me.”

She nods, “Perhaps we could. I… missed being out in the field like that.”

“It’s nice having you along.”

They both shift between their feet as they stand across from one another. She bites her lip then steps away from him.

“I… should go to bed,” she whispers, noting the longing in his eyes.

“Of course. Been a long day,” he replies with a terse grin. “So, um… goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” she turns on her heel then heads towards the stairs.

Every step feels heavier than the last and once she arrives at her bedroom door, she can’t quite bring herself to go inside.

How can she go back into that dark, empty room?

She turns around and her back hits the door, sliding down with a heavy breath. Her gaze lingers down the stairs - the lights slowly dimming until she’s fully in the dark with only the moon to keep her company. Several emotions all fight for control within her. Before long though, one emerges above all others.

Loneliness.

It’s a selfish feeling, but she has it all the same. And it’s enough to drive her slowly to her feet. She sneaks her way down the stairs, and pads softly across the wood floor towards Sebastian’s door. The looming obstacle makes her heart pound loudly in her ears. She raises and lowers her trembling hand several times before sucking in a sharp breath and knocking on the door.

Before she can even think about running away, he opens the door. His eyes are wide for a moment then he shifts into a warm smile. He holds out his hand in a silent invitation. She stares at his awaiting offer, wrestling with the last bit of doubt still lingering within herself. Another deep breath to quiet her hammering heart and she takes his hand.

With a slight tug, he guides her inside and shuts the door behind them. She’s lost in his warm gaze while he cups her cheek. He leans down and just before his lips can brush hers, he whispers,

“Is this okay?”

“Yes,” she whispers breathlessly.

His lips are warm and gentle against hers. Like he’s trying to coax a scared animal from hiding. She eases into him, and his arm wraps around her waist to pull her closer. In a sudden movement, he lifts her up and she gasps while wrapping her legs around his waist. He grins, then takes her to the bed to lay her down.

He cups her cheek like she’s a delicate doll while his eyes roamed over her blushing face.

“Tell me to stop, and I will,” he whispers.

He awaits her answer, hovering over her like a predator ready to pounce. Like he’s barely able to hold himself back from devouring her. It makes her skin tingle and her body shiver.

“I promise, I will.”

It’s all he needs to hear to capture her lips with a far more needy kiss. Not wasting any time, he’s quick to rip off her clothes then his own - leaving them both bare. He leans back to admire her and how the moonlight bathes her in an ethereal glow. Never in all of his wildest dreams did he ever believe he would have her like this. His lips trail down her neck, taking the sensitive flesh between his teeth to mark her before he ventures down.

Sucking, biting, and massaging her breasts makes her emit the softest of noises. It all but encourages him to lose control - to consume and ravage her. Oh, how he’s longed for her. But, he wants to take his time. Unlike their morning, he wants to savor her - to engrain her into him. He wants to hear more of these sweet sounds from her. He wants-, needs to know every inch of her.

She watches him as he continues his journey down. Her breath hitches in her throat and her eyes widen as he kneels in front of the bed. His eyes seem to almost shimmer with want and desire as he beholds her plaint form laid before him. He kisses down her stomach and past her hips. His eyes roam over her while his hands work along her legs dangling over the edge. The soft flesh of her inner thigh is too tempting to not indulge in and he sinks his teeth into her.

She whimpers, biting her lip to keep some of her desperate pleas at bay while he creates marks on both of her thighs. The way he looks up at her with such searing intensity makes her heart skip a beat. He pulls her legs to rest on his shoulders and she forgets how to breathe for a moment. Watching him as he kisses his way closer and closer to where she wants him, makes her mind go blank. Without breaking her gaze, he places his lips right over her.

Her head falls back onto the bed with an audible gasp. She can feel his smirk against her then it’s quickly followed by his warm tongue. He swirls and laps at her while his calloused hands hold her hips, rubbing up and down her flushed body. When his lips enclose around her to gently suck, she can’t stop herself from letting out a pitiful whine.

“Sebastian,” she whimpers, her back arching off the bed for a moment.

He makes a pleased noise, vibrating her to the very core, while he continues to unravel her. Her salty-sweet essence and divine warmth makes Sebastian’s head spin. Desperate to find something to ground herself, she tangles her fingers into his hair and her other hand holds his. He emits another moan, squeezing her hand while he flattens his tongue across her folds. A warm coil starts to burn itself inside her belly, and her legs tremble and tense. She opens her eyes and leans up enough to watch him. His eyes are closed and he looks positively lost in her.

Sensing her watching, he opens his eyes to meet her gaze. Her breath catches in her throat with how he looks at her. A soft moan escapes him, which brings her dangerously close to her release.

“Wait,” she pants, pushing his head away by his forehead.

His eyes widen and he looks as if he’s been stricken.

“Is something wrong?”

She opens and closes her mouth several times, suddenly shy at what she’s wanting. He gives her a gentle smile, stroking up and down her thighs and squeezing her hand.

“You can tell me, sweetheart. Tell me what you want,” he says.

“I…,” she has to look away from his awaiting gaze, “I want to… I want to make you feel good too, Sebastian.”

She slowly looks back over to him, and he has a soft smile on his flushed face.

“And how would you like to do that?” He wonders, placing a kiss on her inner thigh.

Unable to form words, she pulls his hand and guides him back on the bed. She gently pushes him to his back and she straddles over him. He watches her with both curiosity and burning want. She strokes his cheek then places a kiss upon his swollen lips, tasting herself on his tongue as she does. His hands roam up her back and it takes every ounce of strength to break apart from him.

With a deep breath, she rotates herself - sitting on his chest while she admires his hard cock resting against his belly. She looks over her shoulder to him, finding his eyes wide and his lips parted.

“Is this… okay?” She quietly asks.

He blinks then lets out a breathy laugh, “More than okay.”

His hands run up her legs then grip her hips - gently urging her to slide towards him. She leans down, trailing her lips down his taut stomach until she hovers over his cock. Seeing him up close, she notes how large and rather girthy he is. Her hand wraps around his base, giving him a light squeeze, then she places the glistening head into her mouth.

Sebastian lets out a surprised, but pleased groan from below her. Hearing his pleasure, she takes more of him - letting her tongue twist all around him. He silences his moans by pushing her onto his lips. It’s hard to concentrate on taking his cock deeper when every lap of his tongue makes her body roar with electric currents. Her cloudy mind focuses enough to engulf his cock, nearly all the way to his base. She slowly works back up to his pulsing head, twirling her tongue to earn herself more of his needy moans. Hints of salt coat her mouth while she continues to bob her head up and down his cock.

A finger prods at her entrance then dives into her, making her still for a moment. She tries to concentrate back on pleasing him when another finger joins in, stretching her. She lets out a strangled whimper when his fingers press against a spot inside her. His nimble fingers combined with him sucking on her, she’s all but a needy mess. Her legs tremble and she’s completely flush against him. The coil in her lower stomach burns and snaps.

“S-Sebastian.”

She’s panting, unable to do anything but ride out the wave of his lips latching onto her and his fingers thrusting into her.

“That’s it. Yes,” he encourages as she tightens and pulses around his fingers. He gives her one last kiss then guides her to face him once more. Her eyes are blown out and her breathing is all but heavy pants. She’s fully draped over him - practically putty in his hands.

He grins, wrapping his arms around her to bring her into a sloppy kiss. Her hand tangles into his messy hair and he does the same to hers. His other hand grips her hip, squeezing her on occasion. They part with a heavy sigh and she holds his lust-filled gaze as her hand reaches down between them. He audibly gulps when she guides him into her, both of them letting out breathy moans. She’s so tight around his aching cock - it’s nearly maddening.

With both of his hands on her hips and hers on his shoulders, they work in tandem with one another. Her pants and breathy moans spur him to drive deeper into her. The threads of his control are all but snapped - and when her lidded eyes look down at him with such unbridled desire, he is fully lost. His heart hammers in his chest, and despite how close they are - he needs her closer still.

He flips them over and pins her to the bed, locking his lips with hers while he drags one of her legs to wrap around his waist. Her body pressed against him makes his skin spark and chest coil. His movements are frantic and desperate, and she has to cling onto him. He grunts as he practically slaps his hips into her, making her see stars.

Their eyes gaze into one another, with his filled with a loving adoration for her. Seeing a flicker of the same sort of love kindling within her eyes causes him to fall apart. Whimpers and moans flood the room as he spends himself inside her. He presses his forehead to her, letting out hard, heavy breaths through his nose. He places soft kisses wherever his lips land on her face, slowly floating down from his blissful high.

Unable to bear the thought of letting her go, he falls beside her while keeping a tight hold around her. She gives him tender kisses over his cheeks and forehead, making him blush. He tucks away her stray hairs behind her ear - a warm smile coming over the both of them.

“I’m happy you’re here,” he whispers.

She strokes his cheek as she whispers back, “I’m happy you answered the door.”

As he drags her into his chest - and she nestles into his neck - she wonders just how deeply he feels for her. And where her growing affection for him will lead them. The longer she listens to his slowing breaths, the more she can’t bear the thought of sleeping alone again - of being alone again. She needs him… she wants him.

The very notion makes her gut churn with guilt. Like she’s betraying Ominis by letting a love grow for Sebastian. She traces her fingers up his chest until they arrive at his neck - where she rests just under his jawline. A soft kiss is placed on her hairline.

“What’s on your mind, sweetheart?” His voice is gentle, but laced with undeniable worry.

“Us,” she admits.

He tightens his hold around her for a moment as he asks, “Are you having… regrets?”

“No. And I think that’s what bothers me the most.”

He’s silent for several breaths before he turns her chin up to look at him.

“Being with me, doesn’t mean you love him any less.”

Her lips part for a moment and she turns her eyes away from him.

“It doesn’t feel that way,” she murmurs with pinched brows.

“Sweetheart,” he urges her to look at him again, which she finally does. He strokes her cheek with a thoughtful expression as he says, “Your love for him was always something I envied. You loved him fully, and completely. It’s what he deserved - someone to love him like you did. So, don’t think for a moment that you’re betraying that. I never want you… to question that. And I’m not asking for you to love him any less. I meant what I said. I only want you to be happy.”

“And what about you? Are you happy like this? With… me?” She wonders.

He holds her gaze, his dark eyes flicking over her features. Not even the night can dampen his glow - the moonlight highlighting his serene face.

“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy as well,” he smiles. “And I mean that. No matter what, you’ll always be my closest friend. Not a thing in the world could ever change that. Your happiness has always meant the world to me.”

She doesn’t realize she’s crying until he gently wipes away her tears. She buries herself into his neck with a soft breath.

“Thank you.”

It’s all she can say. As to what she’s thankful for, she’s not sure.

His understanding? His patience? His kindness? His love…

It’s all things he gives to her, yet she doesn’t deserve any of it. Not when hers are only given with half a heart.

He brushes her hair and places more tender kisses on her.

“Sweet dreams, love,” he whispers.

His embrace makes her eyes grow heavy and she soon falls into a deep sleep.

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Read Final Part Here

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AN: Ominis watching as his best friend is pounding the shit out of his wife from the afterlife - "bro... this is NOT what i MEANT by taking care of my WIFE!"

Anyways, more smut, cause i can't help myself and the idea of Seb going down on her and being super needy and romantic and wanting her just idk sounded good.

Final part should be out soon and it'll wrap everything up. hopefully everyone is enjoying the fic so far -> can't believe this was meant to all be in one long post and I'm glad I broke it up so you're not just bogged down by a whole ass novel.

Feedback always welcomed <3

#sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #ominis gaunt #fanfic #creative writing #former ominis x reader #sebastian x reader #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow fic #sebastian x mc #hogwarts legacy fanfic #fanfiction #hogwarts legacy sebastian #smut #sebastian smut #hogwarts legacy smut #fluff #cuddling & snuggling

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starwriterulia · 3 months ago

Text

Tomb of the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon - Chapter 8

SUBJECT MATERIAL WARNINGS FOR THIS FANFICTION ARE INCLUDED IN THE MASTERLIST POST OF MY BLOG AND THE FIRST CHAPTER OF THIS FANFICTION.

Sun and moon divider by @saradika

Banners for scene cut and creator support by @cafekitsune

A/N: Hi, writing this when first starting this chapter because I had enough energy and desire to work on the next chapter at nearly 9 PM and it's so weird to admit that. OK, see you after working on this if there's anything I have to say then!

(Post-big revision, August 23,2024:) That's a lot better. Is it a different writing cliche? Yes. But, I will attempt to do it well! I believe I'm a goose! I believe and honk at the sky! I think about your bells night and day! And you best get the fuck out 'my way, HONK! I enjoy writing possibly interesting scenarios, and I hope that this new version of Chapter 8 is interesting! (Jacksepticeye voice:) DROP YOUR GUESSES FOR WHAT "HENJIN" LOOKS LIKE AND WHAT HIS GIVEN NAME IS IN THE REPLIES! PUNCH THE LIKE HEART IN THE ARTERIES, LIKE A BITCH! A-AND, SPIN YOURSELVES AROUND! *SPI-NNING! SPI-NNING!* AND, I WILL SEE YOU GUYS! IN THE NEXT SHIT CHAPTER! BYE BYE!

Hooray for a

ten paragraph long chapter summary!

Someone please put me in fanfic writer's timeout!

If you can't tell, it's time for my medication and bedttime. It is 10:38 PM. I am 8 minutes late.

OK, bye! Thank you for all the likes, replies and reblogs! I have work tomorrow, and the day after, so I'll see how much of Chapter 9 I get done. It will be a multiple day process. ^w^

Faith

Chapter summary: Oliver watches Faith draw her first three arrows, Dinah, Cissie and Emiko entering as she looses her third, and are all impressed by Faith's natural but imperfect skills. Oliver begins to coach Faith how to jump again, but realises she needs better balance and strength, and tests her with the equipment before activating an obstacle course that rises from the floor and walls. Afterwards, Faith discusses her vigilante name and costume, then goes with the girls for groceries. Faith bids Oliver and Dinah goodnight, and begins to listen to her favourite ambience to sleep when Barbara texts her with an apology that consumes multiple paragraphs, mentioning that she thinks Dick and Tim forgive Faith as well. Faith is emotional as she reads. Faith thanks her, and they chat about what Faith is listening to before saying goodnight. Faith falls asleep quickly.

Zatanna had fallen asleep too, and after seeking Faith, finds her at the tavern of White-Sun Harbour in the Dream World on Paper, SOFFFIAA greeting Zatanna and mentioning the area is a recreation of Great Inagua from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The magician and dreamer begin walking to a grassy area to practice magic. Ra's had opened and entered the window of the guest room Faith slept in, and Faith wakes as he tries to take off her pyjama pants. The struggle for a short few seconds as Oliver receives a phone call from Zatanna. Oliver interrupts the scuffle just as Faith hugs Ra's' waist, giving pause to the villain and a moment for Faith to apologise and come clean, and asks him to take her somewhere else.

Ra's says he's done caring. Faith tells him to record them having sex for blackmail. Ra's repeats her request, baffled that she wants to be recorded for this purpose, but accepts, and tells Oliver that she'll be home in the morning, who is content with this. Ra's leaves with Faith on his back through the window. Oliver, of course, doesn't believe Ra's will come back with Faith.

Ra's descends with Faith into an especially narrow alley, and knocks to enter a door. Faith doesn't know what's inside, as she keeps her eyes on the floor, as she had been instructed to by Ra's. Ra's brings Faith into the office. Yamagata Jin speaks Japanese to Ra's, insulting Faith's looks. Ra's tries to upsell her, mentioning her name, age, that she's a virgin, and that she has metahuman dragon powers. When Yamagata voices concern for his establishment, Ra's replies that Faith can be killed like a mortal, easing Yamagata.

Yamagata inspects Faith's teeth and speaks English to voice disgust, Faith replying wordily, as usual, to explain. Yamagata shares his annoyance with Ra's. He says that she has anxiety, depression and PTSD, and Ra's reminds Yamagata that Faith is a virgin, and says, "Surely one of your sons will think Faith is worthy of his attention." Briefly pondering, Yamagata smiles, Ra's having a similar grin, and Yamagata purchases Faith for 100 thousand dollars. Faith knows those smiles aren't good, and tells herself that she is the O-type star, and use magic to get out, but wants to stay so her virginity and hormones won't be in the way, anymore.

Ra's leaves, and on his tail, Yamagata brings Faith out, who sees a large, empty nightclub. Faith internally guesses it's closed, but remarks that it's odd because it's Monday, and supposed it's so because Yamagata's sons aren't home. They go into a room where six girls are lounging in a nice living space. This amazes Faith. Yamagata instructs the girls to prepare Faith for Henjin, and Faith furrows her eyebrows in thought, not recalling Henjin to be a name.

Connecting that Yamagata is mocking one of his own sons, and that's who Ra's was talking about, and why he and Yamagata smiled, Faith lets out a shallow breath. Yamagata notices, and from Faith's face knows she's anxious. He smirks, saying, "You had better wisen up, Faith." He leaves, chuckling.

The six sex workers hear a brief retelling of Faith's story and about her dragon powers. One asks if Faith knows her name in Japanese, which she does. The girls introduce themselves as Jennie, Sekine, Kiki and Leia, who wear matching dresses that Leia designed and Kiki crafted, and Mai and Fuga. Fuga tells Faith that the club is called One Night Fever, and Faith comments that it's a good name for a nightclub. Fuga and Mai reply that's it's an awful name, citing that nineteen year old Yamagata, and they all laugh.

Faith whispers that they could give her Dragon Persona gifts for a wish and get new, safe jobs, and assumes they want to stay in their galaxy, Leia confirming, and Faith looks at all of the girls and realises this is what she has to do to make things right. As Jennie helps Faith find lingerie, she notes Faith's feet, and Faith says how the right foot is sensitive. Jennie asks if she can fight, and Faith says she's decent, for someone who's trained for two days and has disability, and that she should be able to hold her own until she needs to use magic and the Arrows come, and that they'll all leave together, and Jennie nods firmly. Jennie says that Kiki can modify a pair of sexy boots for Faith, Kiki confirming happily, and Jennie will teach Faith how to act in front of Henjin and the customers tomorrow night, when Yamagata's sons return from Japan.

Fandoms: DC Comics, Batfamily, no Batcest, Arrow family, Thalassic Space (OC; takes inspiration The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and other sci-fi, fantasy and horror titles, as well as original concepts, such as the science and lore of the galaxy.)

[In order of appearance] Characters: Faith Lawson (TBA; self-insert), Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), Dinah Lance (Black Canary), Cissie King-Jones (Arrowette), Emiko Queen (Red Arrow), Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Ra's al Ghul, Jason Todd (Red Hood), Roy Harper (Arsenal).

Word Count: 6706 (Ah, hey! Some consistency! I wonder how long this will laaaast!🙃) 9472 (NEVER MIND CONSISTENCY WITH THE NEW VERSION OF THIS CHAPTER. AND THAT IS A-O-KAY.)

Content warning: None, I think? Let me know if I'm wrong!

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9

Oliver stood by Faith as she held a simple black bow for adolescents. She had asked him how to hold it, as she hadn't really learned how, just from watching people, and so Oliver had helped with that, and told her how to not hit her face with the string. Faith had drawn the string without instruction just fine, but her arms were loose. Oliver hadn't told her about it, as he said she'd do her first draw without help. Faith looked at the wooden target on the wall. Her eyes drifted a little to the right, then back to center, and her hands were going the opposite way.

She heaved a sigh. Oliver inhaled to ask what was on her mind. He saw Faith's eyes focus on the center circle, the muscles of her arms becoming taut as her aim slowly went in the right direction, but a little bit high. Faith released, her aim going down about three inches. The arrow landed about an inch below the bullseye.

"Oh! Wow, I actually corrected myself a little by thinking about what you do, in the comics and TV show." Faith said, relaxing her arm a little, but not lowering the bow, as Oliver fetched the arrow and replaced in the black quiver on Faith's back.

'Ah, and she's not lowering the bow right after, nice.' "Well, it worked out pretty all right." Oliver said. "Uh, well, try again! See if you can do better, without my help, and then I'll chime in."

"OK!" Faith bent her right arm over its shoulder and grabbed an arrow.

'Lucky her, with how her arms bend due to her dwarfism, and that they're at an OK length to grab things. It seems as if she has no issue taking arrows from a quiver on her back.' Oliver thought. Faith drew the string, her eyes finding and staying on the centre easily this time. 'Good, and?' Her arm was tense, and she seemed to be aiming a little bit high and to the right, this time. 'OK, not bad. Let's see the release?' A couple of seconds later, Faith let go, her aim slightly lowering and going more to the right. The arrow struck the upper left of the bullseye, about a centimetre into the white.

"Oh! That was OK, too." Faith relaxed her arm as she had done before, again. Oliver retrieved the arrow, and put it in Faith's quiver again.

"Yeah, that wasn't horrible, either. Are you sure you've never done this before?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Hm. Well, let's keep going. You're actually scarily close to getting it, on your first two tries, are you sure you're not using magic?" Faith nodded. "W-We didn't go over it, but you're not using magic, right?"

"No, I'm not using magic. You'd see white-blue light in my right hand, or neon orange light in my left hand, if I was."

"Huh, OK. Also, nice job on not lowering the bow when relaxing your arm, when you're still wanting to use the bow."

"Oh! I just did that naturally. Good to know. Anyway, here we go again!" Faith said.

The door lock beeped, and the door opened as Faith drew, tensed, looked at the bullseye. Her arm went a bit lower than it had, the last time. 'A bit too low, about a centimetre again.' Oliver pondered. 'But her aim is perfect. Is she seriously about to hit bullseye on her third try?'

While three pairs of footsteps quietly progressed through the room, Faith loosed the arrow, the natural motion of her arm moving her aim up half a centimetre. The arrow struck centre. "Aaaa!" Faith cried, happily. Oliver's mouth was ajar, as were the mouths of Dinah, Cissie and Emiko. "Wait, seriously?!"

"Did she really do that?!" Cissie exclaimed.

Oliver walked to the target to examine. "You are forty-percent on the mark, Faith." He pulled the arrow, and walked over to put it in Faith's quiver.

"Woo hoo, I hit it!" Said Faith.

"Woo hoo!" Cissie said.

"High-five, girl!" Dinah said, right palm extended. Faith slapped it with her left hand. Cissie also wanted a high-five, and Faith gave it to her. As the girls did so, Oliver held up three fingers on his left hand. Dinah mouthed, 'Three tries?' And left her mouth open further than she had, when Faith hit the mark. Oliver nodded.

"Hi, Emiko!" Faith greeted.

"Hi, nice to meet you." Emiko replied.

"Faith, you did that in three tries!" Dinah said, amazed.

"THREE?!" Cissie said. "I'm sorry, what?!"

"Same, girl, same." Faith said, in a slightly country voice, and chuckled once.

"Well, kh, keep going! It'll only get easier from here, right?"

"That's right." Oliver said. Faith nodded, and prepared her bow and arm. She loosed the arrow, and it landed on the red again, but a bit higher, at the left corner.

"Kuh!" Faith remarked. "Um!"

"'Um!'" Oliver echoed. "'Um!' what, Faith? You're a natural." He patted her right shoulder, and sat on the edge of the extended desk area, Faith seeing the other Arrows nodding.

Faith made a face by pulling her cheek muscles to their sides. She removed her left hand from her bow, lowering the bow, now only held in her right hand, and she raised her left hand. A black holographic HUD with white text and details appeared. "Hey, SOFFFIAA?"

"Yes, Faith?" Said an alto with an Northern Indian accent.

"Please tell me that my author-self on Earth-33 isn't cheating, and that I'm indeed not using magic, and please be honest."

Two seconds passed. "I can confirm. Your author-self is not cheating. You are actually performing this task, and you are not using magic."

"OK! Thank you."

"You're welcome." Faith lifted her right arm and moved her left hand back into place on the bow.

"Had to ask a friend, did you?" Emiko said.

"Yeah, my friend Chandra's Dragon Persona is part Android, and she's integrated in the TSRPG app. I have a Dragon Persona too, but Chandra is five-stories tall, and I'm only as big as a large gazebo."

"A large gazebo. No specifications?"

"Uh, not without asking SOFFFIAA to look it up. I haven't written measurements down in the lore, for that Persona."

"That's fair. Sorry, continue." Emiko said. Faith nodded, and turned her attention and body to the target. She prepared, and after about five seconds, released. It struck the white above the bullseye, the top of the arrow barely in the red. "Not bad."

"Yeah, a little bit high, that time, Faith." Said Oliver.

"Still, for four attempts, that's good." Said Cissie.

"Really good." Oliver said, nodding with furrowed brows. Faith continued, having similar results, three times, and landing on the outer red circle to the lower right the fourth time.

"Aw-awww!" Cissie said. Emiko clicked her tongue.

"Man!" Faith said, giggling. Dinah chuckled with her.

"Not a bad streak, for day one." Cissie said.

"Oh yeah, that's decent, for sure." Emiko said.

"Tired yet, Faith?" Oliver asked.

"Nah, not yet."

"Well, when you want to be done, we can go back to physical, if you're up for it. Still got most of the day to burn."

"Sure! You said you had an idea of how to get me actually moving again, so I'd love to try."

"O-kay!" Oliver said, nodding firmly with a small smile. Faith nodded back, smiling a little too.

Oliver had arranged three unpainted wooden blocks on a thick black mat with gaps that increased in distance by a foot, then two. Faith stood at the end of the first block, her eyes bouncing up onto the object and onto the floor several times, Oliver observing. "You're overthinking it." He said.

"Oh, I overthink everything." Said Faith. "I've always needed help to simplify not just my actions, but my perspective on others and myself. That's actually why my subconscious and dream world is so intense. I was unable to let things go because my foster parents spoiled me, and then neglected me after giving me Benadryl and putting me in the crib for bad behaviour." Oliver hummed, unpleased. "I wasn't well-fed by them, either. But, yeah. If you can just explain to me how to simplify the thought, and remind me of what jumping and running feels like, it'll become natural again. It's like me at my retail job, learning all the stuff. I'm a keyholder, so I get to do things."

"Oh, so you're familar with responsiblity."

"Yeah, but even that took years. I was fifteen when my mom slapped me, pulled my hair and called me a cow for being mean to my little brother for so long. It took, like, four years after that. The fourth year, I moved out, and began to learn how to be responsible with money. Well, I still make mistakes, but I'm not horrible with it." Oliver hummed. "That being said, it shouldn't be that hard. If it is, it's because I'm too used to the fear," Oliver hummed, nodding several times. "And I'm OK with, er, no, grammar, sorry," Dinah chuckled. "I've accepted that I'm probably going to have an anxiety attack while relearning how to move. I was wanting to remind you of that when I started this little ramble, and so now I have."

"We'll start working on that tomorrow." Dinah said, raspily, while nodding.

"What? Dinah, that was a perfectly fine time to do a bit of exposition." Oliver said.

"I agree." Said Cissie.

"She does this, a lot?" Emiko said.

"Yes." DInah replied.

"Yeah." Cissie and Oliver said.

Emiko said, "I say, let her just do it. It's part of her personality. Well, maybe work on it a little bit."

"That was the idea, yes." Dinah said.

Oliver said, "Thank you, Faith. I'll keep that in mind, and if you need to stop and do some breathing, just do it. I'll stop you from getting hurt beyond general muscle strains that are bound to happen."

"Sounds good! Let's start."

"All- right." Oliver said, a brief pause between each word. He stood to Faith's right, and moved as he described. "So, you know to bend your knees when you jump."

"Yeah, but I think I'm mentally thinking of bending too much."

"How much is too much, to your brain?" Oliver watched Faith bend down to where her hips were, standing upright, her butt pointing diagonally down and left. "Ohhhh, yeah," Oliver politely corrected Faith's position, holding her waist. He rapidly said, "Yeah yeah yeah." At a normal pace, "You want to stand like that." Faith and shut her eyes, and looked to be thinking. "What are you thinking about?"

"It's been a long time, I don't remember ever standing like this."

"Because it used to just come naturally to you. And it will, once we've done this enough times." Oliver said. Faith nodded. "OK, you put weight in your lower legs, like a spring,"

"Right." Faith did so.

"A little less, for now, we're only going up by a foot, Faith."

"Sorry, OK." Faith returned some weight to her torso, her back straightening slightly.

"Yes, there you go. That probably feels better, right?"

"It does, actually!"

"Good. And then you push the weight down, and the rest of you will go up."

"Oh! Oh, OK. My only question is how do I land on both feet? I can try landing on one foot, later."

"You put both feet in front of you, and your body should do the rest."

"Ah, OK. 'Cause I think my legs like to go to their sides."

"Like this?" Oliver spread his legs, feet pointing outwards.

"Yes! Just like that! Why do I always do that, when my knees buckle? It makes every fall really awkward, and hurt."

"Ah, you've got poor balance."

"Very poor, yeah. It's better in my left leg than my right. I can stand for like, five seconds on my left, and two on my right. Which is funny, 'cause my left knee is the one that dislocated." Faith said.

Oliver hummed. "Well, I think we should work on your balance and leg strength, before we get to you jump."

"Sounds good."

"OK. Let's, uh, go over to the leg press, and see how much you can lift. We'll even check how much you can lift with your arms."

"Sure! I've used a leg press before." Faith said, as she and Oliver went to the equipment.

"How much were you able to lift, in school?"

"420 lbs."

Oliver whistled, the other Arrows nodding and humming. "That's a lot!"

"Yeah, I was impressed, too."

"Well, let's see what you can do, now!" Faith sat on the bench with her feet on the pedals, and she and Oliver went through each weight. She couldn't lift 210, but had been able to lift 200.

Faith said, "Eh, I expected as much."

"You are quite a bit below average, for a woman."

"What's the average?"

"258 lbs."

"Oh! Oh, so I had really strong legs!"

"Yeah, you did. Now, let's see how much your arms can lift." Faith began to lift dumbells, and was able to lift sixty-five. "Hm, all right. That's a little below average, too. Average is seventy-four, without training. With almost a year of training, it's 137."

"Oh, so I'm not far behind."

"Mhm. You get your practice in every day, and it shouldn't be too long before you'll have your full strength back, and hopefully then some." Oliver said. Faith nodded. "All right, let's move on to balance, which I actually want to work on with you, today."

"Sure." Faith said.

"Could someone hit the button, please?" Oliver said. Emiko interacted with the computer. As Oliver walked Faith to a series of railings that rose from the floor, platforms attached to the walls that varied in height with tightropes of different lengths and widths of differing materials became visible.

"That's pretty cool."

"Right? OK, let's start over here. Don't worry about falling, I'll catch you. We'll go until you're tired, and then you can do some reps on the equipment."

"Sounds good!"

Oliver walked beside Faith, who walked to the couch, where Dinah sat, with a slight pause, panting, the armpit and neckline of her shirt wet with perspiration. Faith occupied the middle seat, Dinah to her left. "Sorry, hah, do you want me to move over?" Faith said, while Oliver sat in the armchair nearby.

"No, dear, you're fine."

"Oh, hah, 'kay."

"Good work today, Faith." Oliver said.

"Thank you."

Dinah said, "Yeah, you're looking good, for someone who just started training, yesterday."

"Thank you."

"Catch your breath, and Cissie and I will take you home after an errand for groceries, OK?" Dinah said. Faith nodded.

"You should add whatever Faith wants to the cart, too." Oliver said.

"Oh, absolutely."

Faith asked, while looking at the Emiko, "You've got your own ride?"

"Yeah, the rooftops." Emiko said. Faith chuckled, encouraging the others to join.

Oliver said, "Actually, I wanted to know what you want to be called, Faith."

"Oh! I was thinking Dà-ochd."

"That's Gaelic."

"Not bad pronunciation, there, Faith." Dinah commented.

"Thanks. It means Two-eight." Faith said. Oliver and Dinah hummed, nodding differently. Emiko bobbed her head a little, too. "I intended to have it be Double Eight, proper noun, which would have worked if I hadn't capitalised."

"What would it be, then?" Dinah asked.

"Dùbailte ochd."

"Oh, you'd be saying 'eight' twice." Dinah said, as Cissie returned from the bathroom.

"Yep."

Oliver hummed. "Well, it's unique, and seeing as it's a direct reference to Thalassic Space, which is yours, I think it's a good choice."

"I think so, too."

"Sorry, what'd she pick?" Cissie said.

"Dà-ochd." Said Oliver. "Gaelic for Two-eight. Faith had to compromise in translating Double Eight."

"Ooh, I like it!"

"Thanks!"

Oliver stood, and said, "Well, Bruce sent me your measurements, after Zatanna told him you're with us now. I'll get to making your suit right away. Any details you want to add, besides the Double Eight on it, somewhere?"

"Actually, don't put the Double Eight on it."

"No?"

"I've been using a new banner, for this part of the story, on Tumblr."

"Huh?" Emiko said.

"She's also on Earth-33, chronicling her adventures." Dinah said.

"Oh! That's kind of cool."

"The design is by @cafekitsune. I'll describe it to you, and then suggest how to use it."

"Sure. I'm listening."

"On the left is the outline of a blue crescent moon. It's not neon. It's academia toned."

"Academia toned, OK."

"The colour I have in mind is somwhere between dark blue and light blue. You can just ask me to show you, if you don't get it right."

"Sure."

"The hollow part of the moon faces the outline of a orange-gold sun, and to the right is of the sun is an identical crescent moon, and its hollow part faces the sun, too. Between each moon, towards the sun, is a small blue dot, an orange-gold diamond, and another small blue dot."

"Oh OK, I can see that."

"You can take any part of this design and put it on, say, the hood, neckline, sleeves or hems of the top or pants, and if you're feeling fancy, the boots."

"That on the boots would be cool. Any particular style you want the outfit to have?"

"Pirate. Make me look like a pirate." Faith laughed, the others joining. "With ankle boots, a petticoat, a cool butterfly-sleeve blouse, and a waistcoat!"

"O-kay! Ask and you shall receive."

"Are you asking for an eye-patch, too?" Emiko asked.

"Nah, I can just use my hands to be dramatic, when using one magic or the other." Faith said. Oliver wheezed a laugh. Dinah chuckled, and Cissie laughed, Emiko shaking her head.

"You are an odd one, Faith."

"It's almost like my life experiences made me into a clown." Faith replied. Cissie laughed loudly.

"Are you implying that you own a clown costume?"

"Well, I haven't touched my magic Astral Jester Costume to bind it to my body to wear it on command, but yes, I own a clown costume."

Emiko said, breathily. "Wow." The group chuckled and laughed. "How many pieces does it have?"

"Nine. A hat with four sections that have a cluster of jingle bells, a crop top, shorts, cuff-bracelets lined with jingle bells, a choker with a cluster of jingle bells, and hiker shoes with a cluster of jingle bells."

"Why not a converse or tennis shoe?"

"My feet are deformed, so I can't wear flat shoes."

"Ohhhh." Emiko said. Faith removed her right foot from her shoe. "Oh! That looks painful."

"When colliding against obstacles, yes, it's very sensitive."

"Batman measured your feet, too." Oliver said.

Faith nodded. "Yeah, I remember. It was just this morning, after all."

"All right, I'll get to work drawing some ideas, and I'll get back to you on that, Faith."

"Thank you, Ollie."

"You're welcome."

"Shall we go, ladies?" Asked Dinah. The girls said words of agreement while Dinah and Faith rose from the couch. As Cissie, Emiko and Faith went to the door, Dinah pecked Oliver on the lips, who repeated the action, both smiling. Dinah went to the door, which Emiko held open, then Emiko shut the door, which locked itself. Oliver sat at the desk, turned on the drawing tablet, and began to work.

10:34 PM.

"Goodnight, Faith." Dinah said, quietly, walking beside Oliver to the master bedroom as Faith began to close the door to the guest room while entering.

"Have a good sleep!" Oliver added.

"Goodni-ight." Faith replied, tiredly. She closed the door, removed her underwear and shirt, put her pyjama pants back on, and crawled into bed. She plugged in her wired earbuds, opened YouTube and played the pirate tavern ambience she had listened to at Wayne Manor, turning her phone off to save power, the track still playing due to her Premium subscription. She reached to the nighstand for the TicTacs she bought during the errand run, popping one into her mouth and exhaling as she sank into her new grey maternity pillow.

Several minutes passed, then her phone vibrated. Faith groaned and double tapped her phone to wake up the screen. The Messenger icon was there. Unfortunately, she couldn't preview the message from her lock screen, so she pressed and held the icon, unlocked her phone, and the app opened to the chat. Faith read the top of the UI and batted her lashes in surprise. It was Barbara. Faith pursed her lips into a frown, upon reading the first sentence, flicking her lips up as she read the last sentence.

BARBARA: Hon, I'm sorry for dumping dishwater on you. I know you take things very personally, and I heard from Dinah that we *really* scared you (and that you hit bullseye on your third try! Wow!!). As the senior-most Batgirl, it's my duty to speak with you, the promising girl we expected to be the next Batgirl, about what happened today. This is going to take a few messages, so please bear with me. [Faith liked this message.]

BARBARA: Thank you.

Faith bobbed her head in agreement numerous times as she read the next message. She whispered, "Thank you." Upon reading the fourth sentence.

BARBARA: We acted on our anger instead of talking with you. I know that you know that, I just wanted one of us to admit it, sooner rather than later. You said you wouldn't have acted on your inappropriate desires while with us. I believe you, and I forgive you. I won't speak on their behalves, but I think Dick and Tim have forgiven you as well. You were trying to live on, with shame literally stuck in your mind, and we slammed the door in your face instead of letting you stay when you needed friends.

BARBARA: I think we all can make an accurate guess of what part of you Dohannar represents. No offense regarding your preferences in fantasy people, your cat anthropomorph family was fascinating and lovely to meet. It was unfortunate for *everyone* that the thoughts you never wanted to act while part of us were exposed, so easily.

Faith gasped after reading the last sentence of the following text, and said in an upwards climbing tone, "She knows my name!" 'Dinah must have told her. The others probably know it by now, too.'

BARBARA: You should stay with the Arrows to finish your training. I hope it goes as well as it did, today. Truly, I do. If you're in need of someone to talk to, or you want some more Batfamily-style training, I'd be glad to help. I think Dick and Tim would be willing, too. Maybe take Jason's rather harsh advice and stay out of Gotham for a couple of months, until you're ready to meet the world as Dà-ochd, OK?

BARBARA: Oh, and you may now respond! 😜

FAITH: Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️ I will definitely stay here until I'm ready LOL. Jason is a big guy, and he's got guns! 😰

BARBARA: Valid, LOL not to mention Damian has a sword, and Tim had to get Stephanie to stop prattling about how she wanted to beat you up!😬

FAITH: Yeah, yikes!

FAITH: I'm guessing Bruce left immediately to let his anger out.

BARBARA: Yep. Nothing from him, yet. You probably won't, until he's talked with Oliver and Dinah about how things are going with you (I think that's already happened a little bit today, and they'll probably meet tomorrow to talk some more), and some time has passed.

FAITH: I'm OK with that. 😊 He's not exactly a puzzle, he just has a way of doing, like, everything.

BARBARA: True, very true.

FAITH: Also, I've been thinking hardcore in the background, and I think I'm actually aceflux demisexual?

BARBARA: Oh, all right! If that makes more sense to you, then that's all good! 😁

FAITH: Thanks, Barbara.

BARBARA: ❤️

FAITH: TBH, I almost keep typing Babs aflkasjflds it's two less syllables so my brain is like, "Ah, yes! A shortcut!" I was trying not to make that mistake IRL because I know only Dick calls you that.

BARBARA: LOL. Yes, that name is something that Dick likes to call me, and he and I are exclusive, and I think you're aware of that.

FAITH: Yep! I just wanted to bring it up, 'cause it was like a dog that needed to drag its ass on the carpet LOL

BARBARA: LOL. Ewwww!

FAITH: I'll stick with Barbara, don't worry. 😜

BARBARA: Thank you, Faith. If you come up with something else that only you use for me, you're welcome to, though! No pressure to come up with it right now. ❤️

FAITH: Yeah, I think that'll take a bit of thinking LOL.

BARBARA: Well, I know it's your bedtime, and you've probably taken your meds (you *have* taken them, right?), so I'll let you sleep. We can chat in the morning, if you want. Aaaand you might have apology messages from Dick and Tim to respond to.

FAITH: Yes, I took my meds and am in bed, listening to my favourite pirate tavern ambienc, which funnily enough has no actual pirate sounds.

BARBARA: LOL

FAITH: The visuals are of a galleon at full-mast on the water near the tavern. Pretty sure it's AI. But I like that it has the ocean and boat creaking. The crickets get a bit annoying, and apparently the bird songs are from morning birds LOL. More evidence that it was made by AI. Which sucks, because it's otherwise perfect!

BARBARA: Aw, is that the only one you like?

FAITH: No, it's not the only thing I have in my Sleep Playlist. Here, lemme share it.

[FAITH shared a link.]

FAITH: The video right after the pirate tavern I like, the medieval fishing village with visuals of a stone port, verandah and schooner, has quieter crickets and ocean sounds again. And I believe none of it was made by AI! Both work fine, and so do the playlist entries after it. I usually only listen to the pirate tavern and fishing village videos, which I have downloaded.

BARBARA: Hm! Well, so long as you know what works for you, hon.

FAITH: Anyway! Sleep time! Thanks again, Barbara. Goodniiiight! ❤️

BARBARA: Goodnight, Faith. ❤️

Faith closed Messages, returned to YouTube, and turned off her phone, tucking it under the two stacked normal pillows against the headboard. She relaxed her arms, legs, and face muscles, sighed deeply whlie closing her eyes, and let her mind sink into the bed until she was asleep. Oliver and Dinah, reading books with the nightstand lamps on, heard soft snoring coming from the closed door of the guest room. Oliver chuckled once with his chest, and Dinah scoffed with light laughter.

"Someone was tired." Dinah said.

"Oh yeah. It's only her second day of training, too."

"Oh, yes. We should get some sleep too, so we can be ready with her." Said Dinah. Oliver hummed in agreement as the couple put down the novels, turned out the lights, and settled down.

Zatanna fell asleep too, and sought Faith. She found Faith, wearing a beautiful multi-coloured brown skirt and a brown tank-top with pretty crochet work, sing and dance with tavern-goers. Beyond the docks was the ocean, held by the crescent shaped land. Zatanna glanced behind her to see a well-built pirate town, in good condition, a jungle farther that way, and to Zatanna's right, up on a hill, a white mansion. Zatanna's left hand vibrated like a cellphone. She looked to see a holographic black HUD with white details. SOFFFIAA had sent a new message, and Zatanna clicked the notification to navigate.

SOFFFIAA: Hello, Zatanna! Welcome to the Dream World on Paper, where the deceased, comatose and lucid dreamers of Thalassic Space are free to adventure, play and participate in romantic scenarios otherwise impossible to them in real life.

SOFFFIAA: You are currently in a recreation of Great Inagua from "Assassin' Creed IV: Black Flag" called White-Sun Harbour. It is one third of the Realm of Tree Peoples, but I think you already know that! If you would like, you may read as much lore about Thalassic Space from the TSRPG app while dreaming, thanks to your new connection to Santa's Snowglobe Room, where all of the galaxy's information is archived.

SOFFFIAA: I noticed you were looking the tavern (Please note that alcohol consumption is not required to attend the fun!), and spotted Faith Lawson, the Great Little Starwriter. I am glad that she is your friend and future pupil, as she is my lady-in-waiting with the honourable title of Court Jester. While I expect you to approach her, you may also to visit Captain Arles, who I believe is in the mansion, looking over her collection of maps, or to explore other areas of the Realm, which have access points to other regions of the Dream World on Paper. Take care, Zatanna!

"Thank you." Zatanna said, relaxing her hand, noting that she only needed to start curling her fingers to dismiss the hologram. Zatanna exhaled, raised her cheeks to smile, and walked to the tavern. Some of the revellers glanced at her. "Faith!" She called. Faith paused her dancing and vocals, and turned her body left to see Zatanna.

"Zatanna! Hi, welcome!"

"Would you like to do some training with me, while we're in an optimal place for practice?"

"Sure! Let's go to the grassy area just in front of the jungle, for now."

"Sure!" The magician and dreamer began to walk. The window of the guest bedroom was silently opened. Ra's al Ghul entered. His eyes thirsted for Faith, although she wore pants, the blanket didn't cover her left ass cheek.

Ra's pulled down Faith's pyjama pants to reveal her ass, and Faith felt this in the dream. "Oh. Let's do this tomorrow, Zatanna. I think I have a villain to fuck. Consensually. Trust me, or call Oliver." Then Faith was gone.

"Faith? Faith! Ohhhh no." Zatanna forced herself awake, and called Oliver.

Ra's paused while Faith stirred. As she began to look over her left shoulder, Ra's used his hands to cover her nose and mouth. Oliver heard his phone ring, pried opened an eye, and saw the caller ID. He struck out his right arm to grab and answer the phone as he instantly sat up and hurried to the hallway. "Wait, wait!" Faith cried, under Ra's' hand. She leaned on her right ribs, arms reaching in the air for Ra's.

"No. No, we're done, Faith."

Oliver popped open the door and rushed in. Ra's turned and rose from the bed. Faith let out a loud grunt as she lunged forward, grabbd Ra's' waist, and burrowed with her face to lick under the hem of his shirt. Ra's paused. Oliver socked him in the face. "Guh! Could you wait a moment, Mr. Queen?"

"Sure! Just don't make any sudden movements."

Ra's tilted his head down to look at Faith, stroking her hair with his left hand. "Now, was that so hard, Faith?"

"I'm sorry." Faith said, nuzzling into his hand and Ra's playing with her hair and face in response. "I didn't expect my command to actually work, or the ritual, and then for you to find me, a-and I panicked when you forced yourself on me when you came to my apartment. Can we just... go somewhere else to do this? And then you can leave me alone, and be finished, like we all want?"

"Do I get to keep your child?" Ra's gripped Faith's chin and looked in her eyes.

"You want me to die from a high-risk pregnancy?"

"Your life has no value to me, Faith."

"But you keep pursuing me, and I keep letting you get this close to me. Either I die trying to give you a human baby,"

"What about a dragon baby?"

"There's no magic O-type star here. It wouldn't survive."

"I'm sure we could figure something out."

"No, Ra's. That's an absolute. The O-star is why there are dragons in Thalassic Space."

"Did you just make that up?"

"No, it's real." Faith said. Ra's sighed tiredly and dropped his hand.

"I don't want you."

"Ra's, record it. Dangle my lust for you, a villain, above the heads of people who will hate me and depend on me, in the future."

"You want me to blackmail you?" Ra's sounded intrigued.

"Does that sound fair, since you're going to threaten my life just by fucking me?"

Ra's turned his lips upwards. "Yes, that will suffice."

"Thank you. Now, can we please go somewhere else?"

"Hmph. Yes. I know where to take you." Ra's looked at Oliver. "I'll have her back in the morning, eight o'clock."

"Sounds good." 'I know he won't bring her back, but complacency is required. Hopefully, Faith can hold on until we get her out.' Oliver then said to Faith, "Stay safe." Faith nodded. Oliver left the room, closing the door.

"Grab my shoulders. I'll carry you there."

The alley that Ra's descended into was uncondtionally narrow. Ra's made two steps to a dark grey door with a spyhole. He knocked five times, paused, then three times. Three seconds passed. The door opened, the only part of its operator visible dark hair, tan skin, Asian eyes and a black blouse.

Ra's stepped inside, and as the door master shut the door, Ra's knelt to let Faith down. He held her right wrist tightly and bent with his chest, and made eye contact. He said, "Keep your eyes to the floor and don't say anything, unless you want trouble." Faith nodded.

'Yeah, he's just gonna sell me, isn't he?' Faith thought. They slowed as they came to a door, to the left of the large main room, and one of the men outside the door knocked and spoke Japanese to the person inside. The person, a man, replied, then the door was opened, and Ra's walked Faith inside, the door closing behind them. Whlie Ra's talked with the man, in Japanese, Faith kept her eyes lowered.

"You have not made an appointment, al Ghul. Who is this?" Said the man. "She has nice boobs and beautiful hair, and she is short, but she has too much meat on her legs and stomach. Not many of my customers will like her."

"This is Faith. She's twenty-four years old, and a virgin. She's a metahuman who can become a dragon. She denied me what was promised to me, and I no longer want her. I want 100 thousand dollars for her."

"If she's a dragon, then she's a risk to this establishment. I refuse."

"She is mortal. You shoot her with a gun, she dies. You cut her with a knife, she dies. 100 thousand dollars."

The man rose from his chair, walked around, and gripped Faith's chin, rudely forcing her to look at him. Faith estimated the man to be in his late fifties with a average height, but large hands and firm chest and arm muscles. His black hair was cut short, his dark eyes and nose unremarkable, and his round face had a good jawline. He wore a white-silver dress jacket, a white carnation corsage, a tan shirt with a komodo dragon scale pattern and black hem-work, black trousers, and black dress shoes.

"Smile." Said the man, in English. "With your teeth." Faith did as asked. He forced her face to whip down and leftwards as he stepped in front of Ra's and spoke angrily in Japanese to Ra's. "Her teeth are rotten!"

"They aren't that bad." Ra's responded cooly.

The man said to Faith, "Why are you teeth so ugly, girl? Huh? Are you too lazy to brush your teeth? Do you have no job, so you can't go to a dentist?"

"I usually don't have energy to brush my teeth."

"Argh!" The man scrambled his hands near his chest.

"And whenever my dentist appointment comes around, I don't have money because I need it for food and other personal things."

"Oh, like what?" The man cross his arms.

"I spend money on birthdays, too."

The man flourished his right arm. "What, do you buy presents for your whole family, all year 'round?"

"No, just my mom and brother. Personal things like household items and hygenic things, plus leisure."

"Well, it's a good thing you're so ugly, so you can spend all of your money on yourself, huh?" The man bent to level his face with Faith's, and spit in her face as he said, "Huh!?"

"Yamagata-san. If you don't want her, I'll find another buyer. She has a pale, round face, beautiful, big green eyes and thick hair. Don't you think Lei-Xiānshēng would like to have her?"

Yamagata's face became deep red. "Ra's al Ghul, I ought to put a bullet in your head for sayin the name of that swine."

"Do you want the girl, or not?"

Yamagata was silent for several seconds. "You want 100 thousand for her?"

"That's right."

Yamagata addressed Faith. "Are you really a dragon metahuman?"

Faith sighed. 'If I lie, it'll be worse.' "Yes."

"I would ask you to show me, but that would give you a chance to escape."

"I... I don't want to. Look, I want to accept responsibility for how I treated Ra's. This is the least I can do."

"Ha. Ha ha!" Yamagata looked at Ra's. "Ha ha ha ha! Aha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha! This little bitch is crazy!" Yamagato looked back at Faith. "This is the last thing you're going to do, Miss Lawson. You've just given Ra's al Ghul permission to sell you to a Japanese sex club! At least you're not my only white-faced girl, bwa ha ha!"

Ra's said, "Yamagata-san. You want her. She has anxiety, depression, and assumedly PTSD. Like I said, she's a virgin. Surely one of your sons will think Faith is worthy of his attention."

Yamagata was briefly speechless, his eyes thoughtful as they looked at Ra's' face. He smiled. "You have a deal, Ra's."

"Excellent." Ra's said, donning a similar grin.

Faith thought, 'Uh-oh. That's not a good smile. I don't have to go through with this, I can transform or use magic at any time. I am the O-type star of Thalassic Space. But I also want to be done with this. I don't want my virginity and my hormones to get in the way, anymore.'

Yamagata went to the right side of his desk and interacted with the framing of a portrait of a Japanese girl in a bikini seated mermaid-style on a beach. The portrait swung open, and Yamagata fiddled with a safe. He opened it, grabbed cash, put it in a black suitcase stored in the cabinets behind the desk, and gave the suitcase to Ra's. The men had a firm handshake. "A pleasure, al Ghul."

"As always, Yamagata-san." Ra's turned and left the room without another glance or word to Faith.

Yamagata took hold of Faith's arms and turned her to the door. "Let's get you ready, little dragon." He forced her to walk out of the office, and Faith seized the opportunity to look at the main room. It was a club with dark purple and pink lighting, and ample seating space made of black polyester and black leather with glass coffee tables and side tables with black frames. In the middle of the area was an area for dancing, beyond it a bar, against the left wall, to the right of the bar black table sets with matching chairs. To the right of the back seating space, the ceiling extended higher, and there were dancing poles with seating and tables, and black stairs to an upper area.

'It's empty!' Faith's mind remarked. 'I'm guessing they're closed, even though it's Monday, because Yamagata's sons aren't home.'

"Curiosity killed the cat, Miss Faith." Yamagata said.

"Sorry." Faith replied, moving her eyes to the floor.

"No, you're not."

"I'm Canadian."

"And too willing to share personal details. You'll be lucky if you live to see the morning." Yamagata said. They went left, past the furniture, into a door on the same wall as the office, and the six woman inside all turned their attention to Yamagata. The walls were white and the floors black oak hardwood.

Closest and left of the door was a kitchen with a stainless steel kitchen sink, stove-oven and microwave, and a small white marble counter space with a white cabinet and cupboard. A black table set with four matching chairs was nearby, then two black polyester sofas, an armchair and a loveseat. A 62" TV screen positioned to the left wall where the living area furniture was placed played a Japanese daytime talk show. The TV stand containing a DVD player, gaming consoles, and its vertical shelves held a collection of discs and game controllers. Two Japanese women occupied the couch, and a young woman, sat on the armchair.

'She's white passing, like one of my Homestuck friends. Nice.' Faith thought.

Against the wall after the living area furniture were two vanity desks, the rightmost occupied by a young Black Japanese woman. A pair of white dressers, a walk-in closet, and two black bookshelves with novels, manga, comics, magazines and framed photos were on the wall to the right of the door. Against the wall behind the living area were two queen sized mattresses with black and white bedding, and two Japanese girls, visually the youngest, laid on the rightmost bed. Both had long, black hair and dark eyes. The one closest to the foot of the bed wore red lingerie, and the other wore hot pink. The outer sides of each bed had a black nightstand with a black lamp.

Faith batted her eyes upon observing the room, and how the girls were relaxed. 'Wow. I'm actually impressed!'

Yamagata said, "Clean her up. Have her pick a name in Japanese. Ask what her favourite colour is. I want her to look extra skimpy for Henjin."

'Henjin? Never heard of that name before.' In Faith's mind, stories and characters enlightened her of the truth. 'Oh. It's a nickname. For one of his sons. For the sexual, social outcast of his sons, who likes ugly virgins he can manipulate easily, because no one else wants them. For me, it's not that I'm visually ugly. I've had boyfriends, although three out of four were online. My heart is ugly. And so is Henjin's, by the sound of it.'

"Yes, Yamagata-san." The women answered as Faith let out a shallow breath, and Yamagata looked at Faith.

Faith whispered, "Oh, I'm fucked."

Yamagata saw her expression and smirked. "You had better wisen up, Faith. Henjin doesn't like ugly girls who don't know their place." He chuckled and exited the room, shutting the door.

One of the women seated on the couch got to her feet, and came to Faith. "Do you speak Japanese?" The woman had shoulder-length hair and wispy bangs, and dark eyes. She wore a dark orange shirt, jeans and black converse.

Faith recognised the sentence from watching anime and Youtube, but shook her head. "I can if I cheat."

"Cheat?" Lightly accented.

"I'm a metahuman. I can become a dragon."

"And Yamagata-san agreed to hire you?"

"Ra's al Ghul brought me here." All movement paused. The TV and a the TikToks of the girls on the bed were all that could be heard. "Long story short, we had a shared wet dream. I'm from Earth-33."

"I-I was scared, I didn't think my command in the dream for Ra's to learn how to reach me using a liminal space from my jumpscare girl Persona would work! I-I just thought it was a very lucid dream, like the sex we had!" Faith said.

The woman in the orange shirt hummed.

The young woman on the armchair had strawberry blonde hair to her waist, heavy sectioned bangs, and rich brown eyes. She wore a white, strapless dress with a tinge of pink, pale pink chiffon and soft yellow stars decorating the front. She asked, in English, "Did he take your virginity?"

"While that wasn't the first time I've had sex in a dream, yes, I'm a virgin." Faith said. "After he grabbed one of my magic items from my dragon tomb, he found the door to my apartment in that liminal place and forced himself upon me while I was still asleep."

The woman, and the other on the couch, with a bleached silver pixie cut, and light brown eyes, clicked their tongues. "Oh, that's scary!"

"That's also why I rejected Ra's. I panicked and ordered the liminal space to hold him while I packed a bag. I thought he would just bring me home. He brought me to━" 'Nope, can't say Wayne Manor.' Faith had paused, and swayed, feigning that she was tired, but she actually was, since it was nighttime and she was supposed to be asleep, so it became a genuine motion. The woman in front of her steadied Faith with her arms, and brought her to sit on the vacant bed, together. "The Batcave, and he threatened to kill me in front of Batman." 'That's essentially true.' Faith thought.

"Ra's cut himself with the item he stole, thinking it would give me control of the liminal space, and creatures from the space took him into a room to rough him up. I ordered the creatures to go home, and I sent Ra's into a door to his home. Batman and I knew he wouldn't stop pursuing me. So, I started training with him and the Batkids."

The women on the couch and armchair and the woman at the vanity desk gasped. "Cool!" Said the woman on the couch. Faith giggled.

"Hey, I know what you said!" Faith said. The seated girls giggled, and so did the ones on the bed. "This morning, I opened a portal to the outside of my dragon tomb to claim my powers and items to me,"

"Wait, really?" Muttered the girl in black lingerie on the bed, turning her head to look at Faith. She had long black hair with curtained bangs, and dark blue eyes.

"I think she's serious about her being a dragon!" Said the girl in red lingerie. She had long black hair, choppy bangs, and mid-brown eyes.

"And I went inside with the Batkids, Batman, Wonder Woman and Zatanna, who had come along on behalf of the League and because Zatanna was going to help me with my magic."

"Waaa!" Said the girl in red lingerie.

"That's so cool!" Said the girl in black lingerie.

"Lucky!" Said the Black Japanese girl. She had chest length locks and dark eyes, and wore a black version of the dress the strawberry blonde wore with bright blue chiffon and vivid green stars.

"But one my friends guarding the final room, who was my lover in a past life, exposed me for liking some of the Batkids, and they freaked out, 'cause I'd become part of their family."

"Did you expect that?" Said the strawberry blonde.

"The reaction to be disgust and shock? Yes. For it to be as drastic as it was, or to be revealed by someone other than me? No."

"Ah."

"I walked back with Wonder Woman and Zatanna in the darkness left by Batman's cape, and that wasn't fun for my anxiety."

"Oop." Said the Black woman.

"The Batkids punished me for my betrayal of trust. One dumped dishwater with bacon grease on me, one gave me a nasty bunny plush, and the one with a sword was going to hurt me before Batman stopped him."

"Damn!"

"I'm sorry they bullied you instead of just talking." Said the woman in the orange shirt. The woman on the couch nodded.

"Batgirl did text me, tonight, apologising. She thinks Nightwing and Red Robin have forgiven me, too."

"But not the rest?"

"No. I wouldn't expect them to."

"Soooo, Wonder Woman and Zatanna brought you here?" Said the Black woman.

"They asked me if I wanted to go to a homeless shelter or help, and I chose help. So, yes they brought me here, to Green Arrow. After he was caught up, he accepted me, and my apology, and why I wouldn't have acted on those desires, and especially don't want to, now."

"They scared you pretty good, huh?"

"Yeah, it wasn't fun."

"Well, at least a few of 'em had it in their hearts to forgive you."

"Oh yeah, big time. Everything was fine, until tonight. I had just met Zatanna in the dream world to do some training when I felt Ra's start to take off my pants." The women all grumbled and tsked.

"Oh, we're sorry." Said the woman in the orange shirt.

"He didn't manage anything, though. We struggled for a few seconds before Green Arrow came in the room, just as I hugged Ra's, and that made him pause. I told him "sorry", and the truth about why I didn't submit to him, and I asked him to take me somewhere to fulfill my promise. Green Arrow allowed it because Ra's said he'd bring me back in the morning. I figured he was lying, and I know Green Arrow knew it, for sure."

"Sounds like you've had a rough past few days." Said the woman in the orange shirt. Faith nodded. "What's your name?"

"Faith." The girl in red lingerie began to quietly practice the name.

"Faith. You know what that is in Japanese, don't you?"

Faith nodded, a little smile on her face. "信仰 (Shinko)."

"Yes, Shinko. My name is Jennifer, in English. It's directly from my Japanese name, 純粋な (Junsuina). You can call me Jennie." Faith nodded. "We've got Sekine, on the couch," Sekine waved, and Faith returned the gesture. "That's Kiki,"

"Hi-i!" Said Kiki.

"Hi!" Faith replied. "White passing, right?"

"Yes, I'm white passing."

"Cool! I like your dress!"

Kiki tilted her her head, batting her lashes. "Thank you! I made it myself!"

"That's Hamako, at the vanity,"

"Hi, girl! You can call me Leia, when we're not out in the club, 'kay!"

"Yes, OK!" 'I'll call her that in my head, too.'

"I made the designs Kiki and I are wearing."

"Oh, nice! Both versions are good!"

"Aw, thank you!"

"Thank you!" Said Kiki.

Jennie said, "And on the bed, in red, is Mai."

"Hello, Faith-chan!"

"And Fuga is wearing black."

"Welcome to One Night Fever!" Said Fuga. "一夜の熱 (Ichiya no Netsu)!"

"Ooh, that's a good name for a nightclub." Faith said.

"Noooo!"

"Noooooo!" Mai added.

"It's such a bad name!"

"It's so cringe! It was named by a nineteen year old boomer named━"

"Yamagata Jin!" Mai and Fuga laughed heartily. The others girls and Faith laughed along.

Jennie said, "You probably already know this, but sex work is dangerous."

Faith nodded more. "Yes, I know from listening to active and retired sex workers, online."

"It's especially dangerous in spaces owned by men like our boss, Yamagata-san. You're in the sex working circle, now. And Henjin, the nickname of Yamagata-san's youngest boy, who Yamagata-san wants to meet you, will bring you further into the pit, if he likes you. If Henjin doesn't, you'll get a harsh slap on the face, and his penis up your ass while you suck on the dick of one of his buddies, and the other one rapes your pussy."

Faith cringed her face. "That's not nice."

"No, it's not."

"Sorry," Said Sekine. "But since the Justice League are going to come for you━actually, it's a wonder why they aren't here, already,"

"It might just be the Arrows."

"Oh! Well, what's taking them so long?"

"They might be dealing with the League of Assassins. And no, Ra's no longer has access to the liminal space, the Batkids made sure I fixed that."

"Oh, OK. So then, if this place is going to get busted, where are we going to go?"

"Right, 'cause you're all legitimate sex workers."

"Mhm!" "Yep." The women all said, humming as well.

"I could use my Role as a Cultist of Asherah to help you get new, safe jobs." Mai and Fuga gasped. Faith looked at them, and at the other women, who looked a little hopeful. "Well, "safe" in quotation marks, for the usual reasons, unless you want to leave this galaxy."

"Mm, yeah, no thanks, I think we'll stay here."

"Yeah." Said Sekine. The women all laughed.

"Cult of Asherah?" Said Kiki.

"Yeah, what's that?" Asked Leia.

"There used to be prostitutes outside the Temples of Yahweh, in the very early days of worshipping Yahweh. The Yahwehists didn't like it, and demolished it. We only know they danced around gold painted trees or wooden poles. I've revived it to have importance in my stories in that it educates children and protects sex workers, and women, youth and queer people at risk."

"Oh, that's cool." Said Sekine.

"That's actually really cool. Like, a good idea to work with." Said Leia. "I bet your stories are good."

"Thank you! Been working on Thalassic Space for four years, now."

"Nice!"

"Um, but if the Arrows don't help you, I will. Hell, if I could go around the world, saving people with all of my demigoddess powers, without fear of people calling me Mary Sue or me punishing myself for being too strong by putting myself into horror media that I like, for a night of terror, I'd do it!"

Sekine said, "So you aren't doing it out of fear and to be humble."

"The first of those things, yes, but I wouldn't say it's to be humble. I would call it being fair, and not cheating. Yes, there's some stupidly powerful people, already, but I, I just don't feel like it would be fun to use all of my power. I will, if absolutely necessary, and I have a plan, or just a little bit of an idea, since me improvising with no feedback is how things get messy." Faith said. The women all responded with hums of processing and head bobs.

Faith glanced at the door, then beckoned for Jennie to come closer. Kiki and Sekine perked their ears, Leia tilted her head to listen, and Mai and Fuga turned their heads, too. Faith whispered, "But if you give me a present, declaring it to be for the Goshenite Stargazer Dragon, I can grant you a morally good wish to help you, someone else, or nature, without being a Mary Sue because my Dragon Persona is a wish-granting dragon. Rocks, flowers, gemstones, seeds and saplings, and art of any kind, be it visual, digital or performance."

"Ohhhh." Jennie softly said. Mai and Fuga whispered among themselves.

"My right eye, a magic O-type star, creates, and is a source of magic, and is why the wish-making is possible. I've got two other Personas, but the relevant one is the dragon."

"Wow!"

"Well, you've got our attention, Faith." Said Leia.

"We'll, uh, get back to you on that, tomorrow night." Said Sekine. Faith lifted her cheeks, and nodded. "I'll translate for Mai and Fuga so they get the full picture." Sekine rose from the couch and sat on the bed Mai and Fuga occupied.

"Thanks!" Faith replied, then withdrew her body from Jennie, who draped her right arm behind Faith's back, holding her left arm. At a normal volume, "Now, can we play dress-up for big girls?"

"Oh yes," Jennie said, Sekine, Leia and Kiki laughing with her. "Yes, now we can play dress-up." While walking Faith to the dressers, she said, "What's your favourite colour?"

"Blue! Dark blues, like midnight or navy. Bright blue is nice, too."

"Oh, yes," Jennie said, opening one of the drawers as Faith removed her pyjama pants. "We have both. Your feet look so painful." Jennie said, handing Faith some items.

"Only if I walk or stand for too long. This one," Faith shook her right foot, then removed her pants. "Is really sensitive to being banged against things, though."

"Ooh, I bet. But you can fight?"

"I'm decent, for two days of training, as a person with disability. I should be able to hold my own until I need to use magic, or the Arrows come, and we all go out together."

Jennie nodded firmly. "We'll give you sexy boots. You know that Kiki can sew. She has fabrics of all kinds, so she can make it fit."

"Hell yeah!" Kiki said.

Faith said, "Awesome."

"And, we'll teach you how to act in front of Henjin and the customers for tomorrow night, when the boss' sons are supposed to come home from Japan for a big party, OK?"

Faith nodded. "Well, let's see what fits!"

"Fingers crossed!"

Click emoji to navigate to the next chapter. (To be posted! If you'd like to be tagged in the next chapter, let me know.)

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