#But dear gods this timeline is something else | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jeanystillbeany · 2 months ago

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BillFord Fic 2

this is the second part ig

The shack was a quite the distance away from the lab. As many questions that swelled in the scientist’s lungs, he kept silent as everyone had. He trusted his own family and they’ve been here longer than he has. He could sense their weariness of danger. This route definitely had some sound sensitive beings that would eat them alive the second they even whispered.

Soos put Dipper down and ushered him inside along with everyone else. Closing the door behind them. Ford expected him to blockade the door or at least and he gave his brother a questioning look.

“What about-“

“Oh don’t worry about that, your nephew took care of it.” Stanley cut his brother off, emphasizing the word ‘nephew’. Ford assumed he was expecting some sort of shocking reveal where he would look at him in shock. But he didn’t take into account that Ford already knows about his niece and nephew through traveling through other timelines. How would he know?

“H-hi! I’m D-Dipper! So you’re the author! And you’re… supposed to be dead. Grunkle Stan… didn’t Bill… say…” The nervous excitement in the 13-year-old’s voice vanished as it was replaced by confusion. The kind of weary uncertainty that sends chills up anyone’s back. Especially for scientists who are particularly familiar with the name ‘Bill Cipher’. Ford felt his hands begin to shake as he looked towards Stanley. When did he talk to Bill? Did he make a deal? Was Bill listening right now?

“Ford. Welcome to Weirdmagedon…” Stan sighed out with a defeated look on his face.

“He’s- He’s out?! This… wasn’t just… oh dear god…! Stanley, how did this happen?!” Ford ran his fingers through his hair as his pupils grew smaller. Stanley sighed and shook his head.

“We’ve got a lot to talk about… but first…” without any warning, Stanley smacked Ford across the face. “Where were you?! Why did- You had no right to leave me!” Ford growled and grabbed the hand that assaulted him.

“Leave you?! You pushed me into the portal Stanley! You might not even be my Stan! I’ve been trapped, traveling different timelines for over 20 years! I’ve dealt with the time police, different versions of you! Do you know how many times I’ve watched these kids die, Stanley? I had to fight your zombified version of yourself from eating me alive! You ruined my life! I-…” Stanford paused with a sigh. Did he say too much? He glanced at everyone’s expressions. He realized something. He didn’t even take into account the horrified face of his dear nephew who silently listened.

“…where’s Mabel…?” Ford felt his chest tighten up. Was she already gone? Did it have something to do with the giant floating zodiac ball? Did this hellish Timeline tear the siblings apart again? Even the questions Ford spoke aloud were left unanswered as the tension filled silence latched itself onto the room.

“Look dudes! Dudes! Hear me out- let’s play 20 questions.” Soos nonchalantly sauntered between the two and put a hand on Ford’s shoulder.

“Doo do-do. There you go dude. Just relax.” Soos led Ford to a random box of rations and sat him down on it. The action allowed the rest of the crew to view the large scratch on his back. Wendy winced.

“Oh- yikes. That doesn’t look too good… I’ll grab the med kit. You guys… uh… work things out, yeah? Cool? Cool.” Wendy excused herself from the room as everyone continued to sit in silence. After about five minutes Soos stepped in to encourage the intended conversation.

“Mr. Pines… uh… fake Mr. Pines. Why don’t you ask Mr. Pines a question…?” Soos suggested, silently urging the twins to coexist in at least semi-harmony.

“I’M the fake!?” Stanford exclaimed and angrily jolted from his box. The sudden movement was followed by a burning sensation on his wound. The man sighed irritated but sat back down to re-ask his question. “…Stan… Where’s Mabel…?” He lifted a six-fingered hand up to his face to rub his temples as the other removed his glasses. It was clear he was already assuming the worst of his niece. After a long moment of silence, the youngest in the room spoke up.

“She’s trapped.” Somehow this kid could make Ford tense up like a twig or loose like water with every sentence he said. The Grunkle couldn’t help a small sigh of relief from escaping him as he looked up at Dipper, motioning for him to continue. Dipper lowered his head before going to the blinds of the Mystery shack and pulling them aside. “We believe she’s stuck in there.” Dipper explained, also bothering to show a picture of the out of place bubble with his sister’s zodiac on it. Ford nodded gazing through the glass.

“My turn.” Stan spoke up amidst the conversation. “Where were you?” Stan walked over to the fridge as he asked his question. He hooked his hand on the top of it as he shuffled through it- his hand clenching around it while the other found a soda. Stanley sighed and opened the can as he flopped into his heavenly recliner. Ford had no issue telling Stan this information… as long as he didn’t ask for details. But due to his most recent outburst, Ford doubted that he’d be asked about it soon.

“After I was… sucked into the portal I found myself back here. But it wasn’t my world. At the time I didn’t know that and messed up many timelines. It seemed that every timeline I got sucked into… it seemed to naturally want to kick me out. I call this the natural law of anomaly removal. Then I got arrested by the Time Police. I call that the unnatural law of anomaly removal.” Stanford was caught by Dipper’s excited squeaky voice.

“Oh! We know them!” Dipper exclaimed. Stanford’s eyebrows raised as he looked at Stan as if looking for confirmation. He immediately sputtered up the words sprouting up his throat and his brother did the same.

“You do?” The twins glared at each other from across the room as their voices synched up. Stanford was suddenly hit with a heart churning thought. Dipper wasn’t referring to anyone in the room when he said ‘we’. The Stan’s glares morphed into looks of pity as Dipper began to explain the encounter.

“So me and… my sister were at a fair.” Grunkle Stan made sure to cut in.

“I hosted it.” Dipper continued, not acknowledging the remark.

“And there was some guy there with a time tape measurer.” Dipper flipped through Ford’s old Journal to his added parts and showed a drawing of the tape measurer he just mentioned. “We may or may not have used it to… change the past a little bit… but the only timeline where I got what I wanted was when M- my sister lost waddles.” Ford smiled. He’s glad that the kids at least learned a lesson from this. “Oh but then the guy we stole the tape measurer from wanted revenge so we participated in Globnar.” Ford sputtered. These kids participated in the death battle!?

“Blog- what’s-a-whoosits?” Grunkle Stan asked, slightly sitting up in his recliner. This time his brother answered, pulling out his current journal.

“Globnar.” Ford corrected, “The gladiatorial combat game in Time Baby’s domain. It’s used to determine justice. If you win you get a time wish. You kids must’ve been lucky to be spared-“ Dipper immediately went to correct him.

“Oh- no. We did win.”

“You did?” Ford raised an impressed eyebrow.

“Yep!”

“Well then what did you wish for?” This question was particularly itching at Ford, if he had the chance to compete he probably would’ve wished for the death of Bill Cipher. Or maybe some other grueling fate for the interdimensional demon to suffer for all eternity.

“We gave it to Soos.” Dipper said simply.

“Well?” Ford asked, turning to said repair man.

“Oh. I just wished for the little dudes to be fixed up after getting so banged up for me on my birthday. Hehe. Oh- and this infinite slice of pizza.” Soos shrugged, taking the pizza out of his back pocket and taking a bite. Everyone nodded and shrugged in perfect agreement except for Stan.

“Woah, woah, woah. We’ve been out there risking our lives to scavenge for food- only for you to have an infinite slice of pizza in your back pocket this whole time!?” Stanley stood up and looked at Soos accusingly.

“Look dude. It was a personal pizza. It’s not my rules.” Soos took another hunk of pizza off from the slice which instantly regenerated.

“Well, can’t argue with that.” Stan sat back down.

“How did Bill get here?” Ford asked suddenly. If his twin’s chair didn’t have a back he would’ve fell off the back of it. He remained silent for a second- trying to correctly stitch his words together to soften the blow as much as possible. Sadly for Stanley, he was a terrible tailor.

“Stanley! Answer me.” Ford exclaimed, sitting up from his box again. He would’ve approached if it wasn’t for the large scratch on his back tearing through his coat. He winced and sat back down as he continued to glare at his twin.

“I opened it. But I only opened it to save you! I’ve been spending the last 30 years trying to get you back and I-“

“Stan, you were using my house as a fake museum. You read the Journals! You should’ve known the risks!” Stanford cut in with a blunt expression.

“Oh… right… the multi-timelines… or whatever…” Stanley sighed at the reminder. His brother already knew most of what had happened since he’s been traveling different universes and observing them. Stanley still didn’t totally understand what happened, but he knows that his brother knows about the basics of his life.

“Were you out of your mind Stanley? You nearly caused the end of the world! You endangered the kids! And now look where it got you! Bill is out there causing suffering to this entire town. You know or at least have some idea what that mind demon is like!” Stanford continued to rant as Stanley averted his gaze to the floor.

“It doesn't matter now.” Stanley’s eyes furrowed as he looked up to his brother- surprised that the scolding has stopped so abruptly.

“If there’s one thing I learned from traveling Timelines is that no matter what, you’re my family… and I should help you in any way I can. Dipper,” Ford turned towards his nephew, “We’re saving your sister.”

The room was still tense when the red head reappeared from the upper floors with a med kit. She approached Ford and handed it to him. Wendy quickly gave Ford the kit before escaping the room.

“I’ll be in my room if you need anything.” Ford quickly went through the supplies he was given before standing up with a wince.

“Hey- uh Ford can I talk to you for a second?” Stanley followed behind his brother like a stray, adjusting his collar.

“We just did, Stanley.” Ford said simply, his pace unyielding.

“No… privately.” Stanley elaborated.

“Why won’t you just leave me alone!” Ford exclaimed, reaching his room’s door and turning the handle.

“No- Ford that’s now-“ Stanley tried to explain, but the door was swung open anyway, to reveal Multi-Bear in a large wooden tub. He was in the middle of mid-Rubber Duck enactment of a Disco Girl concert when he noticed the two men in the doorway.

“…Multi-Bear’s washroom…” Stan finished.

“Oh come on!” Ford exclaimed, slamming the door shut. He grumbled and leaned against the wall beside the room. He used the surface as support as he sat down on the ground. The other twin observed in an odd guilty state with a pitiful look. He watched as Ford unpacked what he needed to treat his wound.

“Do… do you.. ’er… don’t suppose I could… tch, don’t know… help you?” Stan asked, feeling himself grow smaller. The other glared downwards, the way his eyes darted back and forth showed he was pondering the small-voiced question. His gaze softened at the floor, and then at Stanley.

“I suppose wouldn’t mind some… yes.” The twins smiled at each other for a minute… basking in each other’s nostalgia. Stanley was the first to break the moment, stepping behind Stanley and sitting down before pausing.

“…How do you do this again?” Ford sighed in his usual disappointment. And like usual, the fondness in the air revealed his true affection for his brother.

“I’ll talk you through it…” Ford slid the case behind himself for Stanley to use, “Use the alcohol and towel first. All you gotta do is dump it on the towel and dab it.”

“Alright… so… about what you said to Dipper…” Stanley began talking as he tended to his brother’s wound, “Just don’t make promises you can’t keep Sixer. I don’t wanna hurt the kid… y’know?” The wounded twin tensed at the nickname, taking note of his own shudder in his breath. Stanley helped Ford take off his bloodied jacket and set it aside. He didn’t seem to notice the other’s discomfort. As a kid, Ford always appreciated the fond nickname. It made him feel less self conscious about his unusual hands. Though- the time he had spent with Bill flipped his everything upside down. Even his feelings about the affectionate nickname. Stanford decided to be open with his brother. More open in general. Especially since he’d be in this timeline for a while. He’d like to believe forever… but the hope of this actually being his true timeline was slim. Whatever the case, no matter the universe, this was his brother and he wanted to make amends.

“I promise you. I fully intend on getting Mabel back. And… I appreciate the gesture Stanley… but can you not… call me that anymore? It’s… what Bill called me. I hope you understand why it can be a bit unnerving.” Ford let out a small grunt of pain as the alcohol began to cleanse his wound. Stanley shrugged. He was a lot more compliant about the request than Ford expected.

“Potato, potáta. I read yer’ journals. I know he made you a little messed up in the head for a while there. I won’t go complaining.” Stanley said simply, “Back to my first point Ford. We already have a lot going on- and we’ve been trying to get her back for a while. Last time Dipper and Wendy went on their own… they got really banged up. By FUCKING GIDEON!” In a spurt of anger, Stan hit his fist on the floor.

“I’m gonna rip that kid to pieces one of these days. He’ll see what’s coming. We are only a month into this mess and barely have enough food to last everyone another one! Are you sure you can handle this?” Stanley tilted his head as he finished with disinfecting the gash.

“What’s next?” He added.

“Bandages. Take the pad- the fluffier one and grab enough to cover the wound. Then wrap the plaster around to keep it there.” Ford decided to answer Stanley’s last question before going onto his earlier concerns.

“Trust me. I can handle this. Please Stanley. I want to meet my niece. Let me help you. Help her…” Stanford sighed solemnly- before feeling a hand on his shoulder.

“Ok. I’ll trust you- one one condition: We gotta get some grub first.” Ford nodded in response and took out one of his journals.

“Great! I’ll start planning.” Ford began scribbling in his journal and muttering half to himself and to his twin. “I’m probably gonna need to know what we’re up against. I’d also like to know how Mabel even got in there- simply to satisfy my own curiosities. How did the first trial pan-out, and are there guards? What even is that giant prison of hers…?” Stanley cut off his brother’s rambles with a simple pat on the other’s shoulder.

“Relax. I’ll fill you in on details later. For now we need to focus on our ration situation. All we have left are a couple cans of brown meat and some stale snacks. Got any ideas?” Stan asked, as he began to wrap the plaster around his brother’s torso.

“There surely has to be more places to go to… What about the one down the street? The closed down one?” Stanley shook his head.

“Got stomped out by a set of teeth first week in.”

“The mall?”

“Got claimed by the oversized centipedes. Tried.”

“The pizzeria?”

“The pizza is animate.”

“My old bunker?”

“Your… oh! That thing! Now I see where you’re headed. I knew that brainiac could be used for something other than complicated plans. Now c’mon. You’re all patched up. We’ve got a lot to talk about.” Stanley stood up and held a hand out to his brother, silently asking him to do the same. Ford took Stanley’s hand and pulled himself up, gathering the access medical supplies.

“That bunker has enough rations til the next century! Well for two people… but it should be enough.” Ford began scribbling in his journal.

“Well, food is food.” Stanley shrugged and began walking down the hall. His brother followed closely behind with the extra supplies.

“You can put that in the bathroom. Let’s hope we won’t need it for a while… I’ll go grab a team to see if we can get those supplies.” Stan gave a small smile towards Ford- a small sign of appreciation. But Ford knew this was only a small token of gratitude, and that he’d still have a lot to make up.

He still could’ve saved the kids. The time police still haven’t come after him- even for messing up the timeline. The amount of times he just watched for fearing the consequences to himself is eye-wrenching. He watched them fail over,

And over

And over-

“Hey, Ford? You coming?” Ford shook his head, snapping out of his regret induced daze. Now wasn’t the time.

“I’ll go.” He said. He needed to start somewhere.

“Go…” Stanley processed the answer for a moment before shaking his head, “oh no buddy. I just got you back. Do you honestly think I’m gonna fall for that selfless hero bullshit just so you can run off on me again?!” Ford sighed.

“Stanley, you need to understand- I’m not just gonna let my family sit here while you’re struggling to make ends meet in some… some hellish version of this place I know caused!” His brother shook his head.

“You are helping. You’re gonna make a plan to get our niece back-“

“What? So you guys can go get yourselves killed?!” Ford continued, “Look Stanley. You don’t know what I’ve been through. You have to understand! I need… I need to fix this-“

“You can fix this by staying here.” Stanley growled.

“You can’t tell me what to do!” His brother barked. Stan huffed.

“This is childish,” he stated only because he knew what his brother said was true, “we shouldn’t be fighting like this at the end of the world…” He shook his head and turned away from his brother.

“Therefore you should stay.”

“Stanley-!” Ford decided to cross his arms and huff, he knew Stan was right on one thing. This was childish. He decided to keep his mouth shut on the topic until it arises again.

“…so… how can we just stay here like sitting ducks? How has Bill not captured you all by now?” Stanley seemed grateful for the topic change- instantly jumping on answering.

“Now, that genius was all thanks to your nephew Dipper! He found one of your freaky little spells in one of your journals… apparently he modified it or something? I don’t know. I’d talk to him about it.” Stanley walked away as Ford pondered. He couldn’t be any more proud of Dipper- he was glad that the boy wanted to protect his family… though Ford couldn’t help but wonder where that unicorn hair came from. Next chapter finally has some Bill!

#gravity falls bill #gravity falls fanfiction #gravity falls stanford #bill cipher #stanford pines #dipper pines #stanley pines #mabel pines #gravity falls wendy #soos ramirez #gravity falls soos #weirdmageddon #gravity falls weirdmageddon #billford #billford fic

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fantasy-relax · 10 months ago

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Jealous kitty.

Bonus!(Brainrot)

Donna Beneviento x Reader (MC)

"I will be working with Cassandra on her.."

She doesn't listen after that static fill her head, you are leaving her. This Is her chance her route why Cassandra is always ruining it.

"You're going to leave me for Cassandra?" She can't help te venom in her voice, you are leaving her for her flirty, dramatic, excentric (adopted) niece. If it was Bela or Daniela she could at least understand the blonde was a softy behind her cold exterior and the red head was sunshine incarnate. But Cassandra?

"I don't going to leave you I'm just gonna be in Cassandra's play" You remark not made her fell better at all" For three months and one week approximately. The Romeo original is going to be better by that time. I still want to work with you, I just need to change the schedule for that.

She can't do nothing to stop the hurt that she feels, she was here first, she asked you to work with her first! how can you go to someone else so easily?.

"if is not okay with you, I-"

"Ok" her jaw is tight trying to bite the word before saying it" Okay, you need a more flexible schedule I can do that, It will be just for few months and you will come back to me " She can adjust both of your schedules to ensure she is in the theater when you were rehearsing because she refuses to let you alone with Cassandra, she knows how her niece can be.

She looks at you and her anger subsidy when in your face in your eyes all she can see is softness and care.

"I will always come back to you"

God, how much she wishes for that to be true.

She knows that next few months will be difficult for you, she knows that you need all the rest you can get but she is angry for your choices. It doesn't help that the play is Romeo ad Juliet, every single touch, hug and flirt put her in the edge of throwing her tool box at Cassandra's head.

"When I said left I meant my left, move it again" she was being petty but every single time her eyes closed the image of you with Cassandra tormented her so she decided to torment you "Good job, now these two" She ignored your pleading face.

-------—-------------------------------------

Everything was perfect, you were hers. At least for this timeline.

She knows that she is being clingy but she can't help herself, kissing you, touching you just being close to you make her the happiest woman in the world. And you let her! You don't get mad or annoyed with her, you don't mind her behavior at all you indulge her!.

You brought light to her world she can't lose you if you were gone she doesn't know what she would do. She prays for Forgetfulness in the next loop she doesn't wish to remember this happiness she doesn't wish to know what being yours mean, it will be too much pain for her to bear it.

She was the first to notice how some of her clients will sneak looks at you, how they would blush when you handed their order, how they would giggle like idiots outside the shop pointing at you oblivious self.

Troie.

When you finally noticed, you try to let them down gently some understood, others will come back bought something and flirt with you like she wasn't there.

Puttana. Vaffanculo, tutti.

"Sweetheart this can't go on" of course this can't go on, these bitches need to back the fuck out. "We need to maintain a professional image in the shop, that mean no kisses in front, no stealing me away to the nursery when I'm working and no picking fights with the clients, okay?" WHAT.

You are joking right? This is a bad joke right?. No. You are serious.

She pout and put her best puppy eyes. She can see how close you are to bending to her wishes but in the end you stand firm.

"Dear, sooner or later the glamour will fade way but the reputation of your shop will be damaged. We need to be professionals about this." Why did you had to be like this?

"Ok" CAZZO.

Your lunch break became make up break. But it seems not matter how many hickies she leaves in you, they still keep trying to take you away from her.

Of course she sees when that Figlia di puttana give you some paper, you take a look just to roll your eyes and quickly throw it in the trash, she was curious to know what exactly was so she picked up.

A number.

This. Is. Enough. She walked back to the nursery, less she throw a pot at the next woman that flirt with you, avoiding you every time she go out. When you grabbed her hand she easily go away just saying:

"We must keep a professional image in the shop, remember?" the look in your face made her smile.

You wanted her to play nice, she will play nice. You were about to know what Malicious compliance mean.

------—--------------------------------------

Avoiding you for almost week, was hard for her but it's all part of her plan. She can feel your eyes on her every time she is with you in the front.

Did she bend a little more that necessary? Yes.

Did she put more sway on her hips when walking? Yes.

Did she can feel the hunger and desire in your stare? Yes.

Did she enjoyed it? Absolutely.

Now the final details for her plan.

"Hi aunty! Did you are still messing with my roomie?

"I'm not messing with them, I'm doing exactly what they asked me, now can I ask you for a favor?"

"You betcha! What do you need?

" A friend of yours and your thieving skills"

The day has come, Five minutes before five o'clock she put the kettle her phone buzzed.

"We are outside!"

Perfect. She goes to the front, ignoring the sad look in your face. "Why dont you take a break I made some chamomile tea"

You nod, and she knows that you would come back quickly, not willing to leave her alone for more that a few minutes knowing how hard is for her to deal with people.

She almost feel bad about what is going to happen.

Almost.

Angie friend comes to her.

"My friend said that you would reject me I said that at least I should try so what do you say pretty girl, go out with me?" your stare was burning with jealousy and she don't even try to hide how pleased she was with that

"Well I have been a little neglected" she was being mean and she was enjoying it. "but is a no, sorry"

" Oh well I try it" the sigh that she let go was more of relief than disappointment the poor girl was perfectly aware of the murder in your eyes.

"Professional image, dolcezza" it's all she said before going back to the nursery. Riling you up was so fun.

You were fuming all the time you were working. Not even your so called fans were willing to talk to you for more than two minutes. At the end of the day you looked at her with fire in your eyes that made her so restless but she will no be the one to admit defeat.

"Do you mind if I walk you home?"

"It will be my pleasure, Tesoro" the smirk in her face just made you more angry.

The walk was silent one.

At the steps of her family home you looked at her, putting her best innocent face she looked back at you.

*Just a little more*

She took a step to you and patted your shoulder with a hand full of dirt, because she needs your shirt dirty for the next part of her plan and because she deserves to be a little shit. You blinked at her audacity.

"See you tomorrow, dolcezza" smiling she opened the door. One, two, three.

She was being hosted over your shoulder it seems that the adrenaline and anger was giving you strength, closing the door with your leg you make your way to her room, opening the door aggressively and throwing her in the bed.

"Why are you being so rough" She was pouting but she knows you can see the mischievous shine in her eyes.

Without answering her question you kiss her with all the hunger you had been keeping inside. Freeing her hair out of her bun, you tore her shirt open, kissing her free skin soft sighs escaped of her mouth transforming in a whine when you bite her clothed breast while taking off her pants, she raise her hips her patience had been running low since you put that stupid rule.

You move away with fascination and adoration in your face how easy is for you to made a mess of her, she is panting trying to catch the breath that you stole, tears in her eyes for the pain of your bite and she knows her underwear is ruined already.

She is so needy and she is not afraid of admit it.

"Beautiful"

Your praise never fail to make her blush, she is so embarrassed and so flattered.

She knows that you are still mad when you grab her legs rougly moving her to the border of the bed, quickly you kneel devouring like a starving beast.

-----------—---------------------------------

She loves this.

You in her arms sleeping so calm so comfortable. Your naked body pressing close to her your back and shoulders were full of scratches that she touches softly.

Maybe she was a little rough too. But considering that her legs feel numb and she is sure she is full of bite marks is fair to say this is a tie.

You are hers and she is yours.

She glances at the clock in her dresser. Well, she is the owner she can open a little more late is not like is the first time she has done it.

She just wants to enjoy this a little longer.

Later an alarm goes off, waking both of you.

Moving slowly you hiss "My love did you have to scratch the hell out of me?"

"Depends, did you have to fuck me into the mattress?" Not that she is complaining as is what she wanted, she needed your unshackled desire. And how much she enjoys feeling you so deep in her.

You blush but the proud smile in your face give away your satisfaction. "You could have cut your nails if this is what you were planning"

Oh this is not over yet. "I have been busy".

She tries to hide her smile when you asked her for clothes.

"Donna, sweetheart, darling, dear, you don't expect me to walk around like this" you gesture at your body full of marks that the tank top can't hide.

She shamelessly ogle you God, if she doesn't knew that you need to present your exam she would be all over you, under you, beside you.

When she became a pervert? Oh you were waiting her answer.

"I'm sorry cara mia Is all I have" she said with the most sincere tone she can muster. She hid all the other clothes obviously. She don't want her efforts to waste.

You sigh.

"You are going to be late, dolcezza" this time she can't hide her smirk.

Cursing you give her a quick kiss and run to the school.

She walks calmly to her flowershop. Her legs aren't numb anymore but she is still tired. Even so she feels like she Is walking in clouds.

The smug smile she gives to your fans when they see the marks that you left in her neck can't be stopped by her shyness.

Oh how much she enjoy the envy in their eyes.

She is yours, you are hers.

Her phone is buzzing taking it out she reads the message that her beloved niece have sent her.

"🤢"

"Sorry Bambina, I guessing you saw them? "

"🤮"

"Did you did what i asked you?"

"Yes, Daniela is outside and today is not her laundry day. Now excuse me I need to bleach my brain."

--------–——--------------------------------

When you came back every single client had a particular reaction to you appearance. You have been laughed, scoffed and nodded.

" Ah, problems with a misbehaving kitty?" Well she would have behaved if her partner stopped being so charming. "here this cream work wonders for that injuries"

She is laughing freely in the nursery she was having a blast with all this.

"Thank you, sir" she bets you're so red right now.

"Is nothing dear, I remember when I was younger my beloved Jerry was a jealous and clingy kitty, always wanting to be with me, practically throwing himself at me, fighting with whoever took my attention away" oh? "it was a problem when I had to work, he don't liked being alone that much so I made sure to let him know every night that how much I loved him and that I would never leave his side." OH

That is not a bad idea. God, she is really a pervert.

"Hey what is taking you so much! We're going to be late!" it seems that the kitty never stopped being clingy" Hurry up!

The man in front with you just laughed.

"See, so clingy" She walked silently to you side" Make sure to show your kitten love continously less they want to scratch you up" Good advice but she makes no promises, the man looked at her " Ah, young love " she blushes but smile" I'm coming Jerry!"

" Wisdom of your elders never should be wasted" you flinched, she giggles at your reaction " you should treat your Kitten right.

"I'm gonna start by putting a damn bell on you" you said before grabbing her by her waist.

"What about the Professional image, dolcezza?" She had gotten her way again.

"To hell with it" you kissed her" I need to take good care of my sweet, clingy and jealous kitty.

She was putting a show but the look of the few fans that refuse to take the hint was worth it.

She noticed the crow outside and she kissed you more aggressively.

She would enjoy her time with you. Because now you were hers but the next time it wasn't safe to say you would come back to her.

It will be too much if she sent a video to Miranda?

#resident lover #donna beneviento #my work

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robbinghisdick · 3 months ago

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It is head ache inducing trying to figure out how Logan dies in Wade's timeline for fic purposes because it SURE AS HELL isn't what happened Logan(2017). Like, Logan died in the future in a timeline with dead mutants, Wade is still in the past where the X-Men are fine. Logan, theoretically, would still be alive in this timeline!

And I know it's supposed to be all metaphorical, but dear god the X Men movies and Deadpool movies absolutely do not take place in the sane timeline. (Not to mention character inconsistencies, like Yukio being two entirely different people, Colossus as a whole, yellow suits, etc etc)

So I'm wondering how different the set up would have to be for Logan in DP's timeline to die. If he's too young for the adamantium poisoning to be killing him off, then something else would need to be working against him. Would Charles still be dead? Did Logan try and get Laura to Canada still? Just, how differently would it play out that still ultimately results in getting impaled by a tree and bleeding out?

#deadpool and wolverine #x men logan #logan howlett #x men

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kyaa-q · 1 year ago

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A Train Wreck (part 1)

Lee Know x fem!reader warnings: fluff but heavy angst and themes of abusive relationships wc: 8k>. AO3 link :) synopsis: Your life has changed a lot throughout the past 6 months, since you started dating Jun. Events lead you to slowly distance yourself from some of the people you loved the most - Stray kids. Even your friendship with Bang Chan, your closest friend, was damaged after that day. Now, you find your life to be like an unstoppable train wreck hurtling toward disaster. You're gradually losing the bonds that had always kept you sane, for a serie of events that turned your world upside down. It feels inevitable: you will crash. Could someone help you avoid the collision? Could someone take the wheel with you, and help you get control over your life again? You don't know anymore. There's only one thing you do know: you are not welcomed and Lee Know, in particular, might hate you. And his opinion about you hurts more than you wanted it to.

Or: Y/N is in an abusive relationship and ends up distancing herself from her friends (Stray Kids). She thinks everybody hates her, especially Lee Know. She doesn't understand the effect he has on her (and vice-versa).

important a/n: This work deals a lot with topics of toxic/abusive relationship. There is no physical violence, but it does show cases of emotional manipulation and the potential impacts it can have over someone. The reader is in a toxic romantic relationship (I'm sorry to all Jun's out there), and the story is basically about how it affect not only the reader herself, but also the people around her who she held dear to her heart. It does contain a lot of self-doubt, anxiety, depressive thoughts and having your world reshaped by someone else, taking down important pillars to someone's life, finally facing what it means to have been deceived and accepting it (eventually). Having said all that, if you think this is a sensitive topic to you, please proceed with caution (if you choose to do so). I suck at tagging, but I hope this note made things a little clearer. In the end, it's supposed to be a way of comforting and healing - which will come, eventually -, especially with the help of someone else. I'm not sure how long this will be, but there's still a long way to go. Also, I use "Lee Know" and "Lee Minho" interchangeably, depends on the feeling. A final note is that this chapter has a lot of flashbacks of the past, so the timelines might be confusing to some, but hopefully it is clear enough and I can convey the message and feeling I aimed for. Lots of love, everybody!

You just finished ordering when your phone rings. Your stomach drops and you catch yourself being scared that it might be your partner, Jun. It hasn’t been an hour since the fight you two had over the phone, and if you were being completely honest, you can’t even recall the exact reason for the argument. What you do recall, though, is the aggressive silence, followed by yelling, aggressive silence again, a very passive-aggressive monologue about how you simply can’t understand. Why are you making things so difficult?, a quiet rage when you tried to speak, finally ending with Jun hanging up on you. In that order, specifically.

You force yourself to analyze the conversation. You remember calmly asking him where he had been the past few days. The overreaction you got threw you off. After days of complete silence from his end, could anyone actually blame you for genuinely being intrigued? Did that mean you were you a control freak? That you did you not trust him? That had never crossed your mind, for God’s sake! You only wanted to know! It was insane what he accused you of, for simply wondering whether he was busy or something similar. Suddenly trying to justify your question as coming from a place of sadness, not control, felt like a weakness. It didn't matter nonetheless, since he had hung up so abruptly. A mix of shame and guilt engulfed you, with a hint of anger that you very consciously denied.

Before you knew it, you were outside walking without direction, just desperate to unwind your mind. You hoped the fresh spring breeze healing powers would be enough. So, you walked and walked and walked, crossing streets and taking turns mindlessly. Or so you thought. You cursed your feet when you, at last, realized where they had dragged you, spotting the JYP-Entertainment building at one corner. A few buildings away, you remind yourself, your favorite coffee shop still stood. You actively deceived yourself, claiming that that is the place your feet had been leading you all along and resuming a much more determined march. It was the craving for coffee that had brought you here, you told yourself, and not the fear of running into any of the boys.

“Ma’am?” The cashier, a boy that probably is still in school, brings you back from your daze. He has a painfully obvious worried look on his face. Do I look on the outside as shitty as I feel in the inside? The phone stops ringing and you blink, hoping your mask is good enough to pull off a relaxed demeanor.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” You reach into your bag and aim for your wallet, doing your best to ignore the pity on that young boy’s eyes. Shame swirls inside your chest and you’re scared you might start crying in front of this poor kid.

You hand him the money and allow your eyes to wander around for a moment. The mechanical sounds the cash register makes are relaxing, and you take in the place you so dearly liked. You aren’t alone in the shop — in fact, it is quite busy for a Thursday afternoon. It is better this way, you think. The sensation of merging with the crowd and disappearing is welcoming. The boy hands over your change, and your phone starts ringing again.

The color of your face must have disappeared, by the look of the cashier’s face. “Can I do anything to-“

“Keep the change.” You smile once more, cutting him off. You turn around before he can finish his sentence and head to the farthest table you can spot. On your way, you wonder whether you look as pathetic on the outside as you feel on the inside. Without realizing it, you made a decision. The decision of avoiding Jun as if it could make anything better — as if it could even change anything by any means. You hated yourself for being scared, afraid of something you can’t exactly name. It couldn't be Jun. Why would it be? Apart from the occasional raised voice, he has never done anything to you. It's just a phone call, you tell yourself. If it goes downhill you can simply hang up, just like he did to you before. As simple as that. By the time you reach your seat, you're determined. This is foolish, you swear under your breath. Still, you hesitate to take the ringing phone out of your pocket — but end up doing it anyway.

The word Chris glowing on the screen feels like a cozy blanket being wrapped around your cold body. You must have audibly exhaled, perhaps muttered some thanks — whether to a higher being or to Chan himself, you're not sure — because you notice a few people turning their heads toward you . It’s okay, everybody! Everything is fine now!, you want to say. You clear your throat before answering it.

“Hey there.” Hopefully you don't sound so gloomy. You put in a double effort to sound as cheery as possible. Perhaps, if Chan believes you’re okay, you might as well just be.

“What’s wrong?” Straight to the point, you wince by the dry, clearly worried tone. Tough start.

You know Chan and the way he worries extensively about everything and everyone — not enough about himself, some would argue, but you'd slightly disagree. It’s simply part of his nature, you’ve learned. As much as you admired deeply his instinct to help, you did not want to be the object of such attention at that moment. He is a great friend – fuck, he is the best friend. In normal instances, you wouldn't hesitate before sharing your mind and soul with him. Right now, however, worrying him also meant being faced with too many questions, none of which you wanted to answer — perhaps not even knew the answer to. Not only that, you were also vaguely aware about the upcoming Stray Kids comeback in less than two months. Having witnessed the boys go through times like this firsthand before, the last thing you wanted was to add your name to the list of “Things That Keep Bang Chan Up At Night”. In reality, you knew he couldn't do anything about your situation regardless. Therefore, you conclude, worrying him would simply be counterproductive.

“Ouch. Not even a hello?” You play it off, fidgeting with your bag’s strap. You know you can't fool Chan. You shake your head to ward off the thoughts.

“Hello. What is wrong, Y/N?” He insists and you shift nervously in your chair. Your eyes travel to the cashier, who is talking to the barista, a boy as young as him, keeping them both in your line of sight. “Why didn’t you pick up the first time?” Chan questions.

“Is it that weird for me to not pick up immediately?” You joke quietly. You know Chan is not buying your act. “Actually. I think I should be the one asking you. Why do you sound so urgent? What is going on?” You deflect, but Chan doesn’t take the bait. He takes a deep breath, audibly through the speaker, and you feel bad for making things difficult for him — you really do. But you know it’s the best option. You will sort all the awkwardness in the future, hoping it won't be too late for it to have settled and stained your friendship irreversibly. You want to fill the silence, but your tongue feels heavy in your mouth.

Is it really the best option? What would be worse — telling Chan and burdening him with your own confusing problems, at least having him know what’s wrong, or avoiding talking about it? Certainly, he will sense that something is wrong, but at least he won’t feel bad for not helping if he doesn’t know exactly what’s going on.

But where to start?

Chris exhales audibly once more. “Nothing. I’m sorry.” He wants to insist, you can tell, but you’re thankful he’s holding back. “I just miss you.” He says it so softly the phone barely captures it. It hits you like a truck, and tears are rolling down your cheeks before you acknowledge them. The lump in your throat grows, and you're afraid your voice will betray you if you try to speak. “I haven’t seen you in weeks. When was the last time you came to the company?”

And it has been weeks - months, actually. You’re sure you can hear your own heart shattering like glass inside your chest. You can touch the sharp edges of the cracks and spot bruises that were supposed to have healed long ago but linger still. You miss him too. Not only Chan, but you you’re your routine with him and 3RACHA. You miss Changbin’s loud teasings and Han’s snuggles. You miss spending the hours on end holed up in a practice room with the eight of them, watching as they dance and sing and spin and fight and laugh, as if their own life depended on it. You were just a lucky spectator who has been very much avoiding the fact that you've been neglecting your most precious fortune. When did you become this mess of a person?

You’re bothering them. The male voice resonates in your mind and you close fiercely your eyes. You are not one of them, Y/N. You’re just being a nuisance all the time. Why can't you see it?

You try to stop it, but it's in vain. The memory memory comes back regardless.

“I never said I was one of them. That’s silly.” You replied as you entered the company’s elevator, followed by Jun. With your hands occupied holding plastic bags filled with snacks handpicked for each of the boys, you press the button with your elbow. “I just don’t think they see a problem with me coming over from time to time. It's not like I'm showing up every day." You glimpsed at your watch. You were early and Chris wouldn't be waiting for you. Perfect, you could surprise them. "You know, Channie was the one-“ He scoffed and you felt a puncture of guilt. “Chris.” You corrected yourself, not wanting to get into a fight because of this again. “Chris was the one who texted me asking if I was planning to come or not.” You tried to conceal the pride warming your chest with that statement.

“Maybe it’s because they just want to go home, but they can’t because there’s always the chance of you showing up out of nowhere. Have you ever thought about that?" His tone was harsh and took you by surprise. Actually… No. You have not thought about that, in fact. He inhaled deeply, massaging his temples in a sign of stress. “Of course not."

“I didn’t ask you to come.” You mumbled, fighting against the flush of shame on your cheeks. What if he's right? What if you've been bothering and annoying some of the most important people in your life this whole time, and they've just been putting up with you? Your heart sank at the thought.

“Babe.” Jun appeared in your line of sight and placed his hands on both your shoulders. "You know I'm only saying this because I love you, right? I just don’t want you to embarrass yourself in front of those people, that’s all." You tried to avoid his gaze, but he gently turned your chin and held it. "Okay?”

His voice was soft, but clear. Too loud for your ears, perhaps. The soft tone did not make it easier to absorb the painful words. It took you a moment to register that the elevator's bell had run the doors had already opened. Your partner stepped back, taking some of the bags from your hands and turning to exit. Had you been paying attention, you would've noticed the cynical smile on his face as he turned toward the figure standing at the entrance. You only registered the other party after Jun's venomous tone. “If you excuse us.”

The shadow, meanwhile, did not excuse him. He didn't move not even an inch to the side, and you caught Jun trying to pass by them smoothly - but failing. The figure didn't show to care when he bumped into him, murmuring curses under his breath that were very much audible. You turned your head and found, as already expected, Lee Know standing there. Nonchalantly, hands in the pockets of his jeans, you met his piercing dark gaze, already fixed on you - and you only. He paid as much attention to Jun as he'd do to a fleck of dust.

Although it had been about two months since you started dating Jun, all the boys had already met him. You held a habit of visiting them regularly at the company after being close to Chan for so long. Dating Jun hadn't stopped you from doing that, in fact, for some reason, he'd insist to come along. You tried questioning him if that came from a place of jealousy, but gave up after a few attempts. Mentioning Stray Kids was usually the motive for big arguments, which never led anywhere. Coming to the company to hang out obviously gave Jun as much amusement as he’d get from attending a seminar on top 10 best lore of teenager’s movies, and it was up to him how he spent his time. You actively did your best to dismiss his mean comments about the most insane things, be it the lightening of the place or the paint color they chose to paint this one specific wall or the supposed secretary’s rudeness. Every aspect of the building had something wrong with it that deserved a specific remark about it. Jun had learned not to make any unpleasant comments about - or even to - the boys. That was the only instance you would not let slide. In return, you learned to let him rant about how god damn cold or hot or crowded or empty the building was.

You never told Chan - or anyone, for that matter - about it. Practically any of the members, even Chris himself, had ever explicitly stated whether they liked or disliked Jun, and you never asked them directly. They maintained an awkwardly polite demeanor in Jun’s presence. At least they tried to keep it civilized, even when Jun was being difficult. Well, practically because there was one exception.

Lee Minho clearly disliked your boyfriend, and the feeling was mutual from day one. The first day Jun came along and you introduced him to your friends, they were all respectful and dealt fairly well with Jun’s special ironic remarks. Minho, on the other hand, had withdrawn into a state of heavy silence and deadly stares that alternated between you and Jun. You tried to ignore it, initially, not giving it too much thought. That was until Minho questioned, in a very audible and shameless, almost whiny voice, 'Ah, Hyung! When is this thing leaving? It’s so annoying.'

Before you could decide whether you’d argue with Minho or Jun, your short-tempered partner was already looking, outraged, for the source of the voice. You grabbed his arms and tried to drag him toward the door, saying goodbye to the boys with a hasty 'Yes, I’ll see you soon! Take care!' And, 'Let’s go, Jun, we have to—'

But as you left the room, both you and Jun saw that Minho had stood up and was leaning proudly against the wall. His deadly stare had followed you to the exit and you caught when the shadows on his face gave place to a malicious smile forming on his lips. He was looking at Jun, as he gave a tiny wave, somehow a sign of imminent violence. Just before you closed the door, you couldn't stop the shiver running down your spine when you noticed he was staring at you. You couldn't read what they said, but your stomach churned nonetheless.

Minho was the primary target of your boyfriend’s distaste ever since, and a common fight motive. Jun had always been the type to overthink, but it was ridiculously worse when it came to Lee Know - which was tragically hilarious. From all the eight, he had chosen Lee Minho to pick on? You'd try to argue, but his reply would always come to You can’t be this blind. It was maddening, always as if you were both arguing about two completely different things.

Thus, you weren't surprised to find Lee Know in front of you - that particular mocking tone coming from Jun in If you excuse us, would only be used with Minho. What did surprise you, however, was Minho himself. Standing as still as a statue in front of you, the man emanated annoyance and deep displeasure. His dark eyes exuded an anger you were certain you could touch. It made the air surrounding you heavier and colder. The chill reflected in your stomach as your face grew hotter. You couldn't look away, as if you were under a spell - and perhaps you were. You didn’t know if you wanted to scream, to run, or to hide. Maybe all three options. The knowledge you were the reason behind this anger was as clear as running fresh water, and it gave you goosebumps. Somehow, it wasn’t a question. You didn’t know what you could’ve done to trigger such fierce feelings from Lee Know. Although his feelings were as transparent as clean glass, you were unable to read his thoughts. Honestly, you weren’t sure you even wanted to.

How long it passed, you couldn’t tell. How long you stood there, pitiful and unable to move or look away, a mess of flushed face and glassy eyes, remains unclear to you to this day. What was very clear even at that time, however, was the shadow of disappointment you spot on the vastness of his deep dark eyes the moment before he turned around. He walked to the opposite direction of the hallway without saying a word. The abrupt withdraw left bad taste in your mouth. The spell was broken and you could breathe again, but the air was too icy in your lungs, making you wonder whether it'd be better to go back underwater - to be back under his gaze. That shadow of disappointment in his eyes persisted like an annoying fly you couldn’t shoo away, accompanied by a heavy weight in your chest.

“What the fuck was that?” The angry whisper suddenly reminded you that you weren’t alone. You might as well have been, though. The world could have ended and the universe collapsed at that very moment, and yet, staring into Lee Know’s eyes, you knew it wouldn’t make any difference. Under his gaze, you wouldn’t have noticed anyone but you and him. Your eyes followed the dark spot going down the corridor, until the moment he finally took a turn and disappeared completely. You collapsed against the elevator’s wall, finally breathing in as deep as you could until your lungs ache. Hold for one. Two. Three. Four. Exhale.

“Hello? What the fuck Y/N?” For a moment you considered yelling at Jun. You felt your nerves on the surface of your skin, and your heartbeat was distractingly loud in your head.

“I don’t know.” You breathed out, realizing that, in fact, you didn't have energy to fight. Your legs were unsteady and you realized your hands were shaking. The fog in your mind dissipated a little, and the pleas in your mind for Minho to come back died out. You tighten the grip on the left bags on your hands and push yourself forward. In automatic mode, you got out the elevator and headed to the first and closest safe place your mind could think of: 3RACHA’s Studio.

Perhaps you should have realized that you were heading in the same direction you had just seen him go, only a few minutes before. That you would, unavoidably, end up facing Lee Know again - although 3RACHA’s Studio wasn’t the only active room on that floor, that was the most obvious conclusion to arrive at. Maybe you knew it, unconsciously. Today, you wonder if you didn’t turn back that day simply because following Minho was like an instinct. You were confused, sad and scared, but still, going to Minho felt as natural as searching for a shelter during a storm. In this case, Minho was both the storm and the shelter. You should’ve turned your back and gone home, but you didn’t. Your mind was a hurricane of confusing feelings and images that, in the end, returned to the same name being chanted again and again. Lee Know Lee Know Lee Know.

Jun kept saying things you didn’t register. His voice was just a bit more than an agitated whisper, and you wished he would just shut up. Or even better, stayed at home. The doubts and fears resurfaced and you couldn’t shake them away. What if he was right? What if what had just happened was a statement of how much you annoyed and bothered this people?

Did they hate you that much?

As this last thought crossed your mind, a loud thud echoed, followed by a harsh voice. You froze, realizing it was emanating from 3RACHA’s Studio, and the door was half-open.

“Why is it still going on? It’s ridiculous!” It was… Minho? Could it be? You had never seen him raise his voice in anger - at least not seriously. It was unmistakably Minho, but the so intense anger was foreign to you. You couldn’t place it to the so coldhearted and detached person that Minho had always shown.

“YA! Don’t go around slamming things!” Changbin’s scolding came even louder, followed by mumbles you thought was Han's, but they were too muffled by the distance and walls to be sure.

They were fighting. They were very seriously fighting, and the realization sank in.

You should run. Run run run. Something was so clearly and deeply wrong. You should not be here. Now. Run.

Your members didn't follow your mind’s orders, and you caught yourself frozen in place.

You couldn’t move.

Your eyes snapped to your left, where Jun started moving. The sparkle of hope was extinguished when you realized he was moving forward, and not back to the elevator. He took one step closer to the door, and then another. Slowly, but surely trying to get a better listen. This isn't right.

“What do you want us to do, Minho?” Chan’s voice was also alien. The hasty, firm and contained anger just didn’t fit his patient personality. “Should we yell at her? That’s your solution?”

Her. Obviously this was about you. The word solution haunts you to this day, but even back then, the harm was starting to settle in. The need of a solution arises from the existence of a problem. You. In the end, you were the problem they were looking for a solution for.

“I can’t do this.” It was Lee Know again. Although his voice was much lower, it was as clear as it would’ve been if you were in that room with them. Pain and exhaustion overflowed from his words, and you felt their weight on your own face, in the form of tears that welled up and streamed down nonstop. His agony was overwhelming, and you felt as if your own heart was a broken dam. “I can’t, Hyung.” It was getting harder to understand his words - not only for the walls muffling them, but also for your own heartbeat was deafening. For a moment, you considered whether they could hear it too.

You sized your options. First, you could casually knock on the door and hand them the bags – somehow still in your hands –, then find an excuse to leave right after. Oh, sorry! I’m super busy, just wanted to give you guys these. No, it’s fine! Enjoy! It could work. Except the atmosphere inside was beyond intimidating. You would never be able to put on such an act that convinced them you weren't listening. The second option was simply leaving the bags in front of the door and leaving instantly. You shook your head, discarding the idea as soon as it happened. Leaving without saying a word would be a clear statement that you heard them, then felt bad and left. While it was precisely what had happened, you did not want them to know that. No, you couldn’t bear having Chan forcibly explaining to you in which ways you were a problem to the boys. The fact that he felt this way - or at least knew the others did - and had not talked to you prior stung at the back of your brain. Lastly, you could just leave. Dragging Jun and all the bags, you would leave no traces behind and, hopefully, Minho would think you didn’t even leave the elevator. Maybe he would think you had seen him and finally realized you were not welcome, then you had made the smartest choice – the one you should definitely have taken – and had gone straight home. He would ignore it and not mention it and-

Shouts suddenly pulled out from of your daze.

“GONE! OUT OF HERE! OUT OF MY FUCKING SIGHT!” Someone vociferated, followed by the sounds of a chair being dragged and steps. You grabbed Jun's hand and started pulling him after you before you even register doing the action. Desperately going back to the direction you both came from, you prayed to find an unlocked door before anyone heard your footsteps and plastic sounds. Not sure how, your pleas were quickly answered. In a moment of despair, trying to open an unknown door, you pushed both you and Jun inside the empty dark room. Shortly afyer you shut the door and locked it, hoping the thud noise went unnoticed.

“Are you crazy?” As soon as he started, you dropped all the plastic bags and covered his mouth with both hands. You closed your eyes – to avoid the tears that threatened to spill or to hear if anyone had left the studio and came after you, you didn’t know. Regardless, you couldn’t hear anything over your heartbeat and a high buzz in your ears.

“Y/N?” You blink, coming back to the present. You open your eyes, and the barista is in front of your table holding your coffee. You notice his uncomfortable gaze and blush in embarrassment, murmuring thanks and apologies as he hands you the cup and leaves. He must’ve called you and you didn’t hear, giving him extra trouble to leave his spot and hand it to you personally.

It can also be due the tears flowing uninterruptedly on your face. Who knows.

You look at the black screen on your hand, laying on your lap now. You unlock your phone and blink to try to clean your vision from the tears, regardless, there is no new notifications. You can't recall the conversation with Chan exactly - if it could even be called a conversation. You don't know whether it was you or Chan who hung up, or even if you got to say goodbye. Had he noticed you crying?

You stare at the ceiling, doing your best to stop the tears. That was the last time you went to the company, and that was months ago. You miss Chan. You miss Changbin and Han. You miss spending the afternoon simply watching them working on music. You miss how they were loud and lively and intense. You miss how you felt when you were with them, and knowing that the feeling was only one sided broke your heart in ways you have no idea how to heal. You can’t shake the feeling of losing them - it seemed inevitable, and you wanted to scream.

You don't know why you act the way you do - running away since then. Evidently, it wouldn't magically make things right again. It wouldn't wipe out your memories of that day, or care less, for that matter. Some of the dearest people in your life thought of you as a problem to be solved, and it simply hurt. Minho’s anger and disdain were far too ingrained in your brain. You’ve been ignoring the acute pain that always followed remembering his exasperation and fury. Gone, he had shouted at the top of his lungs. He wanted you gone and couldn’t fathom why no one had talked to you yet. Honestly, it's hard for you to not question the same.

Something very solid and real had broken inside you that day. Your attempt to pretend nothing happened was reinforced by the fact that, that day, Minho had, indeed, did what you hoped he would do. You texted Chan a little after, apologizing for not showing up, and he didn't say anything about you being there. Minho hadn’t told them about meeting you, and you felt relieved – maybe you could work things out by yourself, without having to make things even harder for them. You still didn't know how - but you planned on finding out.

The weeks that followed that incident were a messy blur. Thankfully, Jun didn’t mind your absentmindedness. It didn't bother him – interacting was an action that had to come from your end, and, since your mind was preoccupied with something else, he wouldn’t even try pulling you out from your thoughts. You couldn’t focus on anything else for too long, your thoughts would always, somehow, end on Minho’s resentment. On Minho's angry pleas to the winds for you to go away. On Minho's eyes. On Minho. Minho. It drove you mad. You felt bad and didn't want to admit you resented Chan a little. As you learned, asking Jun for advice proved to be completely unhelpful – in fact, it made things worse most of times. The situation was as clear as crystal to him: the boys were busy people, while you were someone desperately clinging to their attention, and, in the end, it saturated them. They were also not assholes - except that guy, he'd add - and that’s why they had been trying to give you hints. Then, you could arrive at the conclusion yourself, and there wouldn't be a need to go through the confrontational phase. Unfortunately, you hadn’t done your part and didn’t read between the lines, that's why you stood where you did. Why are you so upset about it? Fuck them! I never liked those guys anyway, and variations would usually put an end to the "conversation".

At work, however, you didn’t have the comfort of having your absentmindedness be dismissed. That was quickly noticeable not only by your clients and colleagues, but also by your manager. He was a patient man, but seemed to be in a permanent state of exhaustion and you guessed that's what capitalism did to a person. He never raised his voice and treated employees as human beings – an unprecedented event according to your own experience -, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have the company as top priority. He tried to listen and help, but wouldn’t hesitate to fire someone if they messed up. The first time you were called to his office, he questioned, impassive, about the embarrassing decline in your productivity. He didn’t seem exactly worried - employees had ups and downs all the time. You tended to overwork yourself, and, although you weren't the employee of the month, you knew you did a good job overall - so did your superior. “It’s just proceeding, you know?”

The downs persisted, unfortunately, and two weeks later you were called again. This time, his approach was more assertive and concerned.

“You can’t stay like this, Y/N.” He turned the monitor on his desk to face you, showing the numbers you had missed the last 15 days. “What is going on?”

“I’m sorry, sir.” You bowed deeply one more time, having no explanations or justifications for your bad performance. You couldn’t tell your manager you had your confidence undermined, that you were questioning every single act and interaction you had. You couldn’t tell your superior how deeply you missed your friends, missed love and hugs and affection and care. You missed yourself. You couldn’t tell him about the constant presence in your head that kept saying you were doing everything wrong. Everything. All your achievements, be they your job or your relationships - all of them were product of luck and you clearly weren’t good enough to keep them. Chan instantly came to mind. Even though he was texting you regularly, you couldn't get rid of the overwhelming sadness gripping your neck and kept your replies short. Obviously he had noticed, but respected your space - he stopped asking what was wrong after the first week. Knowing him, it was good that he didn’t know where you live, and that his own job kept him busy through day and night, or else you were certain he would’ve shown up at your door already. “It’s all my fault and I am deeply sorry I am bringing losses to the company and-"

“Y/N.” Your manager cut you, “When was the last time you slept?”

Confused, you blinked. “Excuse me?”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “That answers it. You need to see a doctor.”

“I’m fine.” You raised your hands in surrender. “I promise, I don’t need to-“

“You can be a lot of things, Y/N. Sleep-deprived. Careless. Stressful. Anything but fine.” You flinched on the bluntness.

“Don’t you mean stressed?” You mumbled, embarrassed, trying to play off a joke.

“No, I said what I meant. Stressful. I cannot go on even for one more day if I look at my window one more time and see you staring blankly at your hands for God knows how long.” Before you could protest, he stopped you again. “I’m serious. I can’t afford the trouble of having an employee passing out because of lack of sleep. Take the rest of the day off and go to the hospital to get checked up. Come back tomorrow with the results in hand stating you are not dying or turning into a damn zombie.”

Left with no choice, you headed to the hospital. The feeling of guilt lingered in your chest a little, wondering if the insomniac nights were obvious in the dark bags under your eyes, if your anxiety was that evident in your eyes, words and walking.

You expected your health to be in check. You were certain modern medicine wasn’t capable of curing broken hearts yet – unfortunately. In worst case scenario, you’d probably walk out with a prescription to help you sleep and that’d be all. You took a deep breath before going in.

“Y/N?!”

Your body reacted before your mind and your eyes snapped in the direction of the source – Chris. He was already walking toward you, emerging from inside the huge building you had been staring at. You wondered if you were finally at the stage of hallucinations, and perhaps it was good it was happening next to a hospital - but this thought soon evaporated. Before you registered your own actions, you were also walking toward him, falling into the so missed and familiar hug your heart ached for.

It was the first time meeting Chan in almost a month. Usually, it wouldn’t have been a big thing, but it was for you. Your heart had been bleeding out for the past four weeks, and you hadn’t found a way to stop the pain. Chris was instant medicine, one that you had been actively depriving yourself of. You allowed yourself to be selfish for a moment. It was okay if you disturbed them and if you were an overall headache to them. In that moment, though, it was just you and Chris. You let yourself to believe that the love and appreciation you received from him were as real as they felt.

“Hi.” You murmured against his chest, inhaling his familiar perfume. His body vibrated with a chuckle, backing off just enough to look you in the eyes.

It was short, but you saw when the fun and joyful semblance turned into a concerned expression. You thought you sensed Chan becoming rigid, stiffening the hold on your shoulders just a little, as if you could run away if he let you. You remembered how you awfully sick and tired you might look. “How are yo-“

“I’m fine.” You cut off him, not being able to hold back a smile. “Do I look that terrible?”

He shifted, trying to cover up for his shameless stare. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”

Your smile widened; it was so easy to mess with him. “I’m just joking. I’m really fine, though.”

He glanced at you suspiciously. You could’ve well said you won the Olympics, and a quick look at you was enough to say that both of those things – being fine and winning the Olympics – were equally unlikely. And you didn’t account for the fact he had caught you standing in front of a hospital, just about to go in. Then it clicked, a hospital he just walked out of.

“Wait, what were you doing there? Are you okay?” It was your time to shamelessly look for wounds and signs that could hint if there was anything wrong with Chris. You noticed his clothes – shorts and a black long-sleeve shirt, it’s not something he’d normally wear outside, and rather stay inside working or even practicing.

He laughed shortly. “I am fine. Jeongin had an accident during practice and-“

“Jeongin had an accident?” Your voice was high pitched. Your eyes shifted to the entrance, past Chan, and you tensed, afraid you could see a badly hurt I.N.

“He is fine, Y/N.” He put his hand on the top of your head and turned it back to him. Looking into his eyes, you searched but found no traces of lying. Indeed, Chan looked quite chill, given the circumstances. “We feared he had a strained ligament or something, but he’s fine. I'll still hurt for the next few days, for sure. But he'll survive."

You breathed out in relief. “That’s great.” The story also explained his clothes.

Chan smiled at your concern. “Actually, they should be here at any minute now.” He glanced at the watch on his wrist.

“They?” You looked at him puzzled, but as if waiting for its cue, a loud calling Hyung! drew his attention.

When he turned around, keeping one hand gently on your elbow, he stepped aside and gave you a clear vision of the hospital's entrance.

Your heart caught in your throat. It wasn’t the imagery of an injured Jeongin, who limped just a little toward you and Chan, using a crutch to support his body. Oblivious, you didn’t even notice the way he was happily surprised to see you after so long, his dimples showing even after he had just left the hospital.

No. In all honesty, you had barely registered Jeongin’s presence at all at first. Instead, your eyes met with the figure following him, just slightly behind. The simplicity of the large white shirt and gray sweatpants would have made anyone else look comfortable, casual at most – but Lee Know wasn’t just anyone else. He wasn’t just comfortable or casual. He was so goddamn attractive - he was hot, you dared. His dark hair was even longer than it was the month prior, falling a little on his eyes depending on the movement of his face, and you had the urge to place a lock behind his ear.

He stopped walking suddenly, his gaze locking with yours. In that moment you knew the word that best described Minho: breathtaking – quite literally.

It lasted for a moment. Chan called for I.N and Minho started walking in your direction. Your eyes instantly deviated from his, and you forced yourself to focus on the maknae, rather than the burning stare coming from Minho or the blood flow running in your ears.

“Y/N!” Jeongin smile was contagious.

“Hey there, baby bread! How are you feeling?” You wanted to hug him, but you were unsure about his injuries, so you chose to stick with the smiling. Lee Know caught up to you all and placed himself by Jeongin's side.

“Oh, it’s nothing serious.” You saw him blushing. “This thing helps," he jiggled the crutch, "but it makes it seem way worse than it actually is. Ice will do just fine.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Innie”. You smiled at him, and he smiled back. Keeping your hands in front of your body, highly conscious - conscious of your posture, choice of clothes, and greasy hair. You felt like a prey being watched by a predator – but choosing to avoid the predator’s eyes instead.

“What’s wrong with you?” Although Minho’s voice didn’t carry any resentment or accusation, you still winced. The sensation was like having a burnt hand and then someone grabbing it and placing it under a stream of cold water for relief. Yes, the relief would come right after, but first came the moment of shock and instinct to move away, before realizing how much you needed the cold water (his voice?) to relieve the pain of your burnt hand (your heart?).

“Come on, Lino. That’s not how you greet people.” Chan began, glancing at you apologetically. Unable to ignore him any longer, you let your eyes shift towards him.

His expression was a mystery, as hard as if it were sculpted in marble. Minho's face revealed no emotions, nor did his words. The bluntness could be mistaken by indifference, still his gaze was intense, making it hard to breathe and sending chills down your spine.

“Why would anything be wrong?” You questioned. Your voice somehow didn’t shake, and you hope you didn’t look as affected as you felt.

“Because I have eyes.” You felt your face growing hotter. “And because you are in front of a hospital. What is wrong?” A sparkle of defiance lit in your chest – you owed him nothing. In fact, last time you checked, Lee Minho had made it very clear he did not want to see you.

“That’s not nice, Minho.” Chan scolded him, more fiercely this time.

“No, Chan.” You began, smiling warmly at Chris. He had so much on his shoulders already, you wouldn’t let Minho become another topic of trouble for him. “I’m fine, Minho. I’m here only to get checked up. Routine, that’s all.” You sustained his gaze with one of your own, hands held in fist so tight you’d later find red marks on your palms.

Minho raised a brow, almost mocking your poor explanation. The maknae spoke before him, “Are you sure you are well, Y/N?” The gentleness appeased your heart.

“You have to be joking.” Lee Know scoffed, apparently to himself but audibly to all of you. He was infuriating, daring to demand answers he had absolutely no right over! Why was he pressing on this? Why did it matter, anyway? Before you launched on him, Chan spoke.

“Okay! We’re done here.” He felt the weird energy between you two and wanted to prevent a war. “The driver is waiting for us, we need to go back. I.N, can you walk by yourself?”

“Yes, Hyung.” The maknae responded, particularly confused for the sudden shift but not daring to ask any questions.

Chan clapped “Okay, great. Minho, let’s-“

“I’m staying.” Minho said simply, placing himself by your side. Both you and Chan turned your heads to him abruptly.

“You are what?” You stepped away from him in disbelief. Your voice was a little higher than you wished. His face remained impassive, but there was something in his eyes that you quite put your finger on. “No, you are not.”

“Oh, come on. I’m not gonna do anything to you.” He exasperated.

You tried to sense his motives, but it made so little sense that it was hard to put some logic into it. Did he get some twisted pleasure from upsetting you? It could be. But again, not a month had passed after the incident at the company. Back then, the sight of you had triggered as far as rage in him. But even now, he didn't look exactly the type of person that was getting any satisfaction from being in your presence.

Chan’s tone was serious. “Minho,” His eyes left yours and shifted to the oldest, changing his demeanor in a bit. His posture was rigid, but his gaze carried a determined defiance. “What is going on?”

Minho pointed at you without adverting his eyes from Chan. You gasped angrily, about to protest, but he didn’t give you the space. “She is going on, hyung. Look at her. If not for the obvious signs of being ill, then for the fact she’s missing work to come to the hospital.”

You argued. “I’m missing work because my boss told me to!"

“Which only proves my point.” He continued, letting his hand fall right by his side. “Something is so obviously wrong that it was up to her boss to step in, or else I doubt she’d come by herself.”

Ouch. “Listen." You interrupted. "I don't know what's going on with you, but you’re making it way bigger than it actually is. I am okay and I most definitely do not need your help.” You glanced at Chris, but his attention was still directed to Minho. You could see the gears working in his head, but you decided it was time to leave. “It was great seeing you guys. I mean it. But I really don't have time for this. If you excuse me.” You turned your back and tried to leave, but in vain. Not even two steps later did a hand wrap around one of your wrists. Minho’s hold was gentle, but firm, and you tried to hide de burning in your cheeks. “YA!”

He pulled you closer than you were before, and his voice was deeper when he spoke. “How long has it been since you last saw your boyfriend?” You were dizzy. The sudden shift in subject, accompanied by the warmth Minho's hand transmitted to your wrist and the disdain he had put into the word 'boyfriend,' clouded your thinking.

“Jun?” You blinked, trying to disperse the fog, but the scent of his perfume was inebriating. Minho was too close. “I saw him yesterday.”

“You saw him yesterday?” Minho’s voice had a hint of disbelief, and he searched for lies in your eyes. You saw him becoming tense, and you prepared to feel his grip tightening, but the hold on your wrist remained the same. “Are you sure?”

“What?! Of course I am sure! What kind of question is that?” Angrily, you pulled your wrist away from his grasp. He let you, keeping his stare a little longer. “What is wrong with you?!” You turned your eyes to Chris, begging a way out of this insanity. You caught I.N behind him, almost as uncomfortable with the scene as you were. Chan sustained Minho’s gaze for a moment, and your eyes darted between the two of them. No words were spoken, but obviously they weren't needed. The silent conversation through telepathy or whatever the sorcery clearly didn't include you.

After what seemed like forever, Chan sighed, defeated. “Okay. Y/N," he turned to you. "do you mind if he accompanies you?”

“What?! This is madness! Of course I mind. I’m not a child!” You begged.

“It’s not that, sweetheart.” He got closer and you let him when he pulled you to a hug. “We’re just worried about you. We all know you’re very much capable of taking care of yourself.” He added the last phrase when he felt you were about to protest. “We just want to make sure you are okay and can go home safely afterwards.”

“I can do this by myself.” You mumbled.

“I know, I know. But Lee Know can’t. He won’t be able to rest if he doesn’t make sure you’re safe and sound.” He kissed your forehead. “And my mind will also be at ease if I know you’re with him.”

After a moment, you sighed. “Fine.” You accepted reluctantly, stepping away as Chan positioned himself next to the waiting maknae.

“Thank you, Y/N. You’re amazing. Lemme know how things go, yea?” Chan’s warm smile was impossible to be angry about. You nodded with your head and waved a tiny goodbye to I.N and watched them walk away.

Lee Know, didn't move an inch throughout the entire time. When you turned to him, somehow, he seemed relaxed. Even his eyes had changed. Although they still carried a wince of something unknown - similar to concern but deeper in a way -, they were calmer. They were almost… gentle. It could’ve made you mad. He had made a huge thing out of nothing, stressed both you and Chris, and now dared to look at you with tenderness in his eyes. You exhaled, knowing it'd be pointless to yell at him. You were exhausted and had no energy spared to bicker. His motives was still undisclosed, but perhaps they weren’t important right now. You decided that your main task was to get whatever prescription as easily as possible, and then have a doctor to state you were not about to collapse. Then, not only would it solve the matter with your boss, but also it meant you would finally get rid of the man in front of you.

Okay, that sounds like a plan.

“Shall we?” Minho reached out his hand with an overly soft voice. You rolled your eyes.

"Weirdo." You cursed under your breath and avoided his hand, heading, finally, straight to the entrance. You did take note of the small chuckle he let out, and how he smoothly followed you behind.

#lee know x reader #lee minho x reader #stray kids x reader #stray kids fanfic #skz fanfic

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mrsdesade · 5 months ago

Text

Coming home;

Pairing: Loki x fem!y/n (I used Mira for this one) TW: no one in particular, just a lot of angst Timeline: Loki Season 2 Words count: 2,2k Summary: You came from a different timeline as well, you were a Variant of yourself. And you've been caught for a Nexus Event in your timeline with Loki, your soulmate. They took you to the TVA and you two are forced to work for them for survive. And after all the events of the two seasons, after he after he abandoned you to save the sacred timeline, you decided to leave TVA to meet the God of Stories. Notes: Let's get wild with something really sad (I know you love these kinds of stuff) and focused on the Disney series.

You perfectly know how dangerous it might be, but since the moment he left, your existence in the TVA became irrelevant. You were there for him, not for the others, not for the sacred timeline, not for a faith in the One Who Remains.

Mobius is trying to cheer you up everyday when he caught you talking about Loki. But it's pretty difficult for you living in an unknown time without a real purpose. You're constantly thinking about your old life, the way you and him where happy, the happy place you've created, even your daughter. You don't have anything to embrace, not a single picture, just your memories.

One day, you discovered that the TVA keep the Infinity Stones literally everywhere just to decorate their workplaces and a little hope awaken in you.

"They might be helpful. Really helpful."

"No, it's a suicide mission. No one can reach the Three without being killed. Please Mira, don't do anything reckless." Mobius said in a really worried way to you when you explain to him your idea.

"I've no reason to stay here and wait for nothing."

After that day, you started to study the Stones more often, and after some months you finally discovered something. The Reality Stone would allow you to don't disappear while you're trying to reach the Three. For a couple of days you've been under observation of the whole TVA, your idea was crazy and no one can believe you're really doing it.

Until the day finally came.

You know that you might don't survive but you're most focused on trying than give up. Your desire to meet him again is strong than anything else.

You finally reached Yggdrasil. You tought is this a trick? I'm alive. It feels too good to be true.

Loki stands completely motionless, speechless, and numb on his throne. Silent. Holding the time branches, all around him a dark green glows light up his face. He sensed a change in the air, a break in the balance, a shift in the cosmic energy that surrounds him with every breath he takes.

You stand still. Your eyes are full of hope, and the look on your face is filled with longing.

''Loki...I'm here.''

With a heavy and tired exhale. He stares at you, studying you through the shadows and the dim green light that surrounds him.

"Who are you?"

And then, you realize that time flows differently there.

It's like a dagger in your heart. Your expression falls, the gleam of hope and joy fading from your eyes, replaced by a look of profound sadness. You thought he would immediately embrace you. You expected it, hoped for it, dreamed of it.

''W-who I am? Dear, It's me...''

He feels a familiar presence, a strong one, but he can't really recognize who you are. His expression remains cold and calm. No realization. No sign of change.

"I don't know you.''

There is a hint of sorrow in his eyes, a hint of melancholy in his voice, as if deep down he knows that there is something in you, something he once cherished.

''Why did you call me dear?''

Your lip trembles faintly, but you try your best to control your emotions, to appear calm and composed. Yet, your heart is racing, and a flicker of fear dances in your eyes. It was terrifying to think you've come all this way, all those months at TVA, planning, only to discover that he doesn't know you.

''Because you were the dearest person to me. You still are. In this world and in another now destroyed, now far away in time. How could you have forgotten everything?''

The green light dances on his pale face, making the shadow of his weary and pained expression even more pronounced. His fingers twitch, an instinctive movement, holding the brances with pain. Something deep within him recognized the sadness in your voice.

"This is some kind of deception. You are a trick. Just a dream. Because if you were who you say you are… I couldn't have forgotten."

The glow of the timestream envelops him, giving him a divine aura, he appears to you as if he has lost his humanity.

How could it be possible? You felt it, the connection between the two of you was so strong and undeniable, it felt like it would last forever, you didn't think even eternity could have erased the memories of your love.

But look at you now, two lost souls.

''No. I know you haven't forgotten me, I just think it's been too long. For me it was months, I stayed at TVA looking for a way to reach you. But for you...here, how much time has passed?''

He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before answering you. He was feeling your presence at a spiritual level, your soul called to his, but it was as if a wall was keeping the memories of you away.

"A very long time…"

Time has no meaning for him anymore. It's an insignificant and ephemeral concept. For how long he has stood on this throne as the God of Stories? He has lost count himself.

"Maybe you don't remember… but I remember you. Every detail, every moment. Our life together. I remember it all. How you saved me, protected me, loved me.''

You step closer, a desperate hope sparking in your eyes.

He stares at you in silence. Can he even allow himself to hope? Is his mind playing a cruel joke on him? Is this nothing but a beautiful delusion?

As you slowly approach the throne, Loki feels his heart beating like an imprisoned bird, trapped and desperate.

''Stop it.''

He says quietly. It's a last attempt, a futile one, to keep you away. But something in your voice, ignites a spark within him. A spark that spreads across his mind like wildfire, making him question his sanity.

''You, woman. You are here, to steal my throne, my powers, like many others before you. Over the centuries, attack after attack, they have attempted all sorts of deceptions on me. But you... you look like so alive. So real. Terribly real.''

Your face falls as he accuses you of being nothing more than an illusion, a deception crafted to manipulate him. The words sting like venomous bites, cutting deep into your heart. But you try not to lose your sanity, or you too will be lost forever.

''You are still the God of Lies and Mischief, you can recognize a lie so easily, look at me, I am real.''

He lets out a bitter laugh that echoes throughout the throne room. The sound bounces off the walls and dances around you like a chorus of mocking echoes.

"I've been lied to so many times, I've lost count. I have been deceived, betrayed, manipulated, for centuries upon centuries. Do you really think you can fool me now?''

''Oh no dear, no. I'm not trying to manipulate you, I would never do that...''

You called him dear again.

That simple word creates a nostalgic echo in his mind every time, as If that tone, that voice of yours took him back to a time he didn't remember anymore.

A flicker of sadness flashes in his eyes for a moment. The pain in your voice, the expression on your face, it doesn't lie. It's too real to be fake. He can clearly tell that.

''No one has called me like this for centuries. No one has looked at me like you are looking at me. Like there is still something left of the man I once was.''

''Despite the time that now weighs on your shoulders, despite you look different, it's still you.''

You can tell from the way his expression softens that you have reached him. His defensive demeanor has begun to crumble, replaced by a vulnerability that he struggles to hide.

"That man you're looking for. The one you're trying to find in me. He's dead. Long gone. And...I'm so sorry for that.''

No, you can't allow yourself to cry now. You refuse to give up. You have come too far to stop and return empty-handed.

With determination in your heart and a sparkle of stubborness, you take another step forward, standing in front of the throne, mere inches away from him.

In his mind, a voice whispers, telling him, let her come closer, let her reach out to you.

"Don't...don't come closer. You're risking your life. The branches, are dangerous.''

"I don't care.''

You kneel on one leg, so you can look at him from below. You smile at him with immense kindness, without any fear. While inside you are shaking with fear that everything could end just like this, into nothing.

As you kneel, a surge of memories washes over him like a tidal wave, flooding his mind, like a flashback of a second. He sees your smile, hears your laughter, feels your touch as If all those moments from the past were real again. Just, for a single moment. Too short to realize. A whole life in a second.

But you see humanity in his gaze.

The wall that separates the two of you crumbles, allowing you to see him as you once did. Not a deity, not a king, just a man. A man with loneliness in his heart.

''Come back to me, my love...''

Your voice is kind, delicate, understanding. You place your hands on his. How long has it been since he last felt the touch of another soul? For the first time in centuries, he feels the branches slipping from his hands.

"How can I come back when I don't even remember the way?''

"I'll light up the way for you. If you wish it.''

You look up at him, your eyes meeting his. There is trust, hope and love radiating from you, you're offering him everything you have. Yourself.

He looks at you, truly looks at you. Searching for the familiar details, the curve of your lips, the soft lines on your face, the glint in your eyes.

"And If it's too late?"

''Oh Loki, time does not exist here, we have the eternity to remember, to relive. I'm here to tell you everything once again. I'll be here forever. I will spend my existence here. Telling you about our every moment, every single word, every caress and every kiss we shared. Just to bring you back to the memory of our life together.''

He listen to your words quietly, then he looks at the time branches, symbols of duty and power, weighing on his hands for centuries. With a sense of liberation, he lets them go.

Your fingers gently grazed against his cheek, drawing his attention back to you. The touch of your skin against his is a spark, a catalyst for dormant memories to begin to stir within him.

A soft gasp escapes his lips as your touch awakens something buried deep within him. He opens his mouth to speak, and at first there is only a trembling whisper, barely a sound. But then, a little louder.

''Mira...''

Your face lights up in a bright smile as you hear your name spoken from his lips again, in that familiar voice you thought you'd never hear again.

"Yes, love?" you reply gently, and with a hint of humor.

Tears well up in his eyes, and he blinks rapidly, attempting to hold back the flood of emotions surging through him. The weight of his past choices now hitting him with full force.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry--- for leaving you, I had to. I had to... I never wanted to forget you. Never. But I made a choice, and it cost me… everything.''

Your heart breaks as you watch him struggle with guilt and sorrow. Without hesitation, you gently reach up, wiping away his tears with a tender touch.

''Shhh… It's alright. I know you never wanted to forget. You never would do that if you could. I know.''

He lifts his right hand, his trembling fingers hovering just millimeters from your face, as if afraid that touching you would make you disappear into a thousand pieces of broken memories and lost dreams.

But he doesn't. He stops before his fingers connect with your skin. Instead, he whispers in a broken voice.

''Oh my. Why do I feel this emptiness inside me when I look at you? Please, tell me who you were to me. Tell me everything I forgot.''

He wants to embrace you, pull you close, touch you and run his fingers through your hair. He loves you.

Unable to hold back anymore, he lets himself collapse into your arms, burying his face in your shoulder. He clings to you like a drowning man, wrapping his arms around you, holding you close as if he's afraid you might disappear if he lets go.

''Don't be afraid, my beloved God of Stories, I will tell you ours.''

Your scent, your voice, the sound of your heartbeat, everything about you sounds like he's finally back home.

---------

This was pure suffering even for me. But we're done! Hope you enjoyed as much I did! Kisses <3

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agoddamnbeautifulidiot · 5 months ago

Text

Flicker of Hope

Epilogue Two: Madison Square Garden – Night Two

A/N:

Here is it. The final part of FOH…well unless I eventually feel like writing anything else lol. Who knows what else @harrywavycurly or anyone else might inspire from me for these two.

Note that I do play around with the timeline of Niall and Hailee’s relationship to benefit this story. Here, they only see each other from January 2018 to sometime in July 2018.

Also, we’re circling back around to death in this and there will be discussion of depression, slight unintentional ED, so bear that in mind.

Big, HUGE thanks to everyone who has read this series and spent years asking me when there would be more. You’re the real ones.

And big thanks to Niall for just being Niall. Wouldn’t have been able to write this without his beautiful music.

Alright, enough sappiness from me, here’s some more from our favorite couple. And maybe some spice. You never know with me.

-----------

You’re just coming out of the bathroom when Niall’s alarm goes off. He groans loudly and you giggle as you watch him roll over to smack his phone. The sheets are tangled in his legs and pulled taut around his hips. Flopped on his stomach, he shoves his arms under a pillow and smashes it against his face.

Smiling, you walk over to the bed, climbing on it by his feet. Crawling over him, you settle over his covered thighs and sit down. Niall grunts, turning his head just slightly. One blue eye peeks back at you and you laugh, leaning forward to press a kiss to his bare shoulder.

He hums. “Good mornin’.” His voice is rough from sleep and singing last night.

“Morning,” you say. You sit back, bouncing slightly on the tops of his thighs, making him grunt again. Grinning, you bounce one more time before climbing to the side and off of him. You move to crawl off the bed, but Niall’s hand grips the end of your robe and pulls until you fall into his side. You're laughing as you roll over and snuggle into him. “Something you wanted, my dear?” He opens his eye again, looking disgruntled with his hair tousled. His arm wraps around you, smashing your face into the pillow, making you laugh again. You run your hand over his back, scratching lightly.

Niall finally rolls more fully towards you, both eyes open. He yawns, jaw clicking with the force of it before he leans forward and nuzzles his nose against yours. You offer him a closed mouth kiss and your hand moves into his hair, attempting to smooth out the chaotic strands. “You showered.” He says, rubbing his nose on your cheek.

“I did.”

“I wanted ta shower wit ya.” He pouts and it’s ridiculous how adorable you find this man.

Massaging his scalp, you offer him another kiss. “I’m sorry, honey. I had a call this morning so I got up early to do that and then figured I’d go ahead and shower. I will remind you though, we did shower together last night.”

He just stares at you, continuing to look so adorably and sleepily disgruntled. “Is dere a rule against showerin’ together two times in a row dat I don’ know about?”

“No, you dork,” He grins when you roll your eyes. Ignoring his face, you pull away, finally managing to crawl back off the bed as he reaches for you. “I was gonna order some breakfast. You want anything?”

Niall adjusts, sitting up against the pillows, still grinning at you. Most of the covers are bunched up at the end of the bed, so he fixes the sheet until it’s mostly covering his legs. “Guess I’m lucky me alarm went off. Knowing you, you would’ve had a whole feast without me.”

“Oh my god, you’re so dramatic.” You start going through your suitcase, trying to pull a suitable option for the start of the day. “I was coming to wake you up anyways.”

“Cause you're hungry.”

“Cause I’m starving, Niall.” He laughs when you whine, pulling a sad face at him. “I’ve been up for hours and all I’ve had was a pack of airline nuts that I literally have no idea when they’re from and some really bad tea from the coffee bar.”

“Where did you find peanuts?”

You throw your robe onto the chair and pull on some shorts and a shirt. “They were in one of the side pockets on your suitcase.” When you look up at Niall, his eyebrows are raised. “What? I told you I was hungry.”

He shakes his head, tossing the sheet off his legs to get out of the bed. “Those could literally be years old, babe. Can’t remember da last time I got nuts on an airplane.” Brow furrowed, you just stare at him for a moment. He huffs out a laugh and leans over to kiss you on the forehead as he walks by. “‘M gonna jump in the shower. Order me like a full spread and some coffee, please.”

You stand there for a full minute, just thinking about those peanuts. “Gross.”

——————

It’s not the most comfortable, but you’ve somehow managed to sprawl across several floor seats as you listen to sound check. The seats are hard and there are several legs digging into your side and thigh, but you’re content to just lay there and listen to Niall and the band play.

Eyes closed, you hum along as the opening bars of “Mirrors” starts. You remember the videos you were tagged in over and over all those years ago when you’d have to leave Niall behind in Tokyo to deal with the loss of your dad. Thinking back now, it had felt like you were leaving half your soul behind. Because honestly, you had.

Other than all the nonsense with Robbie and the subsequent falling out the two of you had had, the lingering effects of your dad’s death had been the most difficult part of your relationship. Not because any part of it had come between you, but all of it had put you under so much stress and Niall had felt absolutely helpless.

The worst part of all of it had been what happened with your sister Charlie. Despite the fact that it had been what had finally reconnected you and Niall.

Your eyes are starting to blur from how long you’ve been staring at your computer screen. It’s almost dark in your apartment, which should tell you to get up, turn on a light and find something to have for dinner. But this is easier. Sitting on your couch, working. The same thing you’ve been doing for months.

It had been months since you’d spoken to Niall. Since the end of January really. Back when Tara had let it slip that the rumors about him and Hailee were true. You just couldn’t bear to reach out to him. Not that he was reaching out to you. Your text conversation had been relegated to the bottom of your messages app, something that cut at you any time you thought about it.

Your eyes flicker down to the date on your screen. 8/19/2018. Red Rocks. Niall, someone who you once called your best friend, was playing Red Rocks tomorrow and you weren’t going to be there. Groaning, you rub your hands over your face, finally leaning over to flick on the lamp on the side table. Setting your laptop to the side, you stand up and stretch, rolling your shoulders. You head into the kitchen, wondering if there’s any actual food to find.

“Pathetic,” you mutter, opening doors to barren cabinets. “You have no food, your whole body hurts and you’re thinking about a guy who probably isn’t sparing you a single thought as he has the best time of his life. Utterly pathetic.” You pull out your phone and see what you can get delivered. It’s later than you thought, but thankfully there are still a few things open in London.

Food ordered, you head back into the living room, walking around the room a few times to avoid sitting back in your chair. You’re dazedly staring out the gap in your curtains when your phone rings loudly in the silence.

“Hey, Josh,” you greet your brother in law.

Josh sighs, “Hey, kid.” He sounds tired and your brow furrows.

“Is everything ok?”

He chuckles at that, but they’re sad sounds, almost like he’s holding in tears. “No, no, everything is not ok.”

You can’t help it, you practically drop down into your chair, stomach sinking with dread. “What’s going on?”

“She did it, Y/N,” He says. “Charlie filed for divorce.”

It’s like the world stops spinning around you for a second and when it starts up again, you’re dizzy. “What the fuck? What are you talking about?”

Josh laughs again, and this time the sound is truly wet with tears. “She came home today and told me. And then she packed all of her stuff and moved out.”

“Josh.” It’s all you can say for a minute. Your brain tries to catch up with what he’s saying. “But, she…she’s been going to therapy. You’ve been going to therapy. I thought everything was getting better?”

“Yeah, I did too.” He scoffs. “I don’t know what happened. Yesterday, everything seemed ok and then today…” Be trails off and you can’t do anything but stare sadly at your worn out bunny slippers. “There’s more.”

You take in a deep breath, trying to hold in your panicked laughter. “What more could there possibly be?”

“Well, we were waiting to tell everyone, but at this point, we need to.” Josh pauses again and you can hear him breathing deeply over the line. “She’s pregnant.”

Gasping, you stand up, pacing around your coffee table. ��Pregnant?! What the fuck? What…and she…Josh…” You don’t even know what to say. Everything he’s telling you is making you feel like you’re in an alternate reality.

“Yeah, and I tried to bring that up, you know? Like how are we getting divorced when we’ve got a kid on the way? But she, she doesn’t want to be with me anymore, Y/N.” His voice breaks and you feel tears coming on. “And I’m not going to make all of us miserable if we’d be happier apart.”

“What are you guys going to do?”

Josh sighs. “We’re going to figure it out. We’re having a kid and getting divorced. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to get through it.”

You try to think happy thoughts for him, even though you know all of this is killing him. “You’re going to be the best dad, Josh.”

That makes him chuckle, and it’s still wet with tears but you know he’s smiling. “Thanks, kid. You’re going to be the best aunt.”

The two of you talk for a few more minutes until your door buzzer goes off, signaling the arrival of your dinner. You grab your food, placing the bag on the coffee table and sitting back in your chair.

Staring at the bag, you can’t seem to force yourself to open it. Your stomach growls loudly, but you don’t even hear or feel it. Josh and Charlie breaking up and having a baby? How do you reconcile that? After everything else that’s happened this year?

Your phone lights up and you grab it to check it. It’s the notification from Niall posting on instagram and there’s something about this moment that feels like a sign. Opening up your messenger app, you scroll down and hesitate over his name for just a second before clicking the chat open and beginning to type.

Something nudged your foot and you frown, readjusting. The band has stopped playing, but you can hear them messing around from where you’re laying. You feel a shove on your foot again and you open your eyes, gasping and sitting up.

“Oh my god!” You squeal and throw yourself into your brother’s arms. “Arthur! Mom! Nate!” You hug each of them in turn. “Josh!” He hugs you tight and you both laugh when little hands try to tug you apart. Looking down, you laugh at the face your niece is making. “And is that my Lucy Goosey?” She smiles and preens, dancing in place the way only a five year old can. You lean down and scoop her up, propping her on your hip.

Lucy looks around, eyes big as she takes everything in. “Look!” She points at the stage and you nod.

“Yeah! That’s the stage.” You can see the band starting to wind down and Niall has his back to all of you as he talks with several people. “Do you know who that is?” You point at his back, giving her a chance to squint her eyes and shake her head. Leaning in, you whisper in her ear. “That’s Uncle Ni-Ni.”

Her eyes light up and she gasps and shouts. “Uncle Ni-Ni!”

On the stage, he turns and pretends to search the arena before he finds her and he jumps up and down a few times. “Luce!!” He shouts and comes running down the stage. Lucy giggles and bounces on your hip as he gets closer. “Well if it isn’t my best gal Lucy.” Niall shoots you a wink as he reaches the end of the catwalk. “Hello everyone!” He greets your family and they all respond.

Lucy continues to bounce, reaching for him on the stage. You meet his eyes and he nods as he leans down, so you walk over to the barrier and hand her to him. Once he’s got her on stage, he starts walking around, telling her all about the arena and what the show is going to be like.

“It’s just so amazing he’s playing here.” Arthur says, looking around the giant room. Him, Nate and Josh start talking about how many people can fit inside the room, looking thoughtful in a way only guys can about something you could easily google.

Your mom rolls her eyes at them, coming to put her arm around you as you watch Niall. “How you been, honey?” She asks.

Laughing, you wrap your arm around her. “Mom, we spoke two days ago. Not much has changed.” She just shrugs and smiles at you.

“Yeah but now you’re in New York and your boyfriend is playing this big arena. It’s so exciting, I just thought I’d check in.”

You eye her curiously for a moment, but she just continues to smile, turning her glance to Niall and Lucy. Glancing back and your brother and step dad, you lean into her, whispering, “Charlie didn’t want to come?”

Her smile goes a little thin as she meets your eyes and simply shakes her head. Nodding, you take a deep breath and count to five, eyes focused on the edge of the stage. Your mom tightens her arm around you. “Charlie,” she sighs. “Well, she’s still figuring it out, sweetheart. I told her it wasn’t fair to you, this silent treatment, but she’s as stubborn as they come.”

You focus back on Niall, who’s listening to Lucy babble in his ear, but is watching you intently. You paste on a smile, because all of this is for him. Niall is what matters right now. “At least she let Lucy come.”

“Oh, wild horses couldn’t have kept Lucy Goosey from her favorite Aunt and her Uncle Ni-Ni.” You laugh at that and notice the tension ease just slightly out of Niall’s body. “Now, how about we all get some lunch?”

————————

After lunch, you and Niall head back to your hotel to change and have a little bit of time to yourselves before the show.

Niall lays down on the couch immediately, shoving his hat off and just closing his eyes. You plop down in the chair, pulling off your sneakers and socks. Brow furrowed, you stare at the blank tv screen.

“Can hear ya tinkin’, love,” Niall mumbles, eyes still closed.

You’d roll your eyes if it wasn’t so endearing how well he knew you. “It’s nothing.” You murmur. Lifting his head up, Niall opens both eyes to look at you. You stare at each other for a minute and your leg starts to bounce. He refuses to relent, only lifting a brow at you. You do actually roll your eyes this time, slumping further down into the chair. “I’m just thinking about my family.”

He nods, relaxing back into the couch, still watching you. “It’s nice they’re here.”

“It is. I’m really happy they came. I just wish…”

“You just wish Charlie were here?” He guesses.

Nodding meekly, you play with the frayed edges of your shirt. “Or that she’d talk to me, you know?”

With a deep sigh, Niall pulls himself off the couch and leans on the arm of the chair, his hand rubbing soothingly on the back of your neck. “I know, love. But Charlie is gonna do her own ting and it’s honestly better that she isn’t here if she’s not ready.”

“Yeah,” You sigh, leaning your head on his hip. “It just sucks.”

“It does.” He agrees.

The two of you sit there quietly for a few more minutes. Finally, you lean back and look up at him, your hand gripping his calf. “You should go take a nap. Recharge your batteries for tonight. Can’t have a tired pop star on stage.”

He smiles at you, eyes crinkling in the way that makes your heart hurt. “You wanna nap wit me?”

“I think I’m gonna go for a walk. Grab some more coffee. I can bring you back something if you want?”

Eyeing you for a moment, he nods and leans down to kiss your forehead. “Just do me a favor, take someone wit ya, ok?” When he pulls back, his eyes are mischievous.

You chuckle, pulling away to stand up so you can step between his legs and wrap your arms around his neck. “I got lost one time, Niall James. One time!”

“One time too many for me.” He responds, hands on your back as he pulls you closer for a thorough kiss.

——————

Your walk turns into just going down to the hotel cafe. You order an iced coffee and find a cozy space to sit and just watch the city moving outside the windows. It’s probably dangerous for you to be so alone with your thoughts, but you’d rather be here than feeling like you’re bringing Niall down with your mood.

As the city bustles by, you think about the last time you and Charlie had really talked.

“Ok, but you have to give us some space here, Horan.” You say, hands on your hips in Niall’s closet. “I’m going to be here for the whole summer, I want to put my clothes away.”

Niall stands in front of a set of drawers, arms crossed. “Ya have some space babe. I gave you a whole section right dere.” He points and you scoff.

“Niall, I have three suitcases of stuff. That five inches of space is not going to be enough.”

He rolls his eyes and glares at the bags in question like they’ve offended him. “Don’t know why you brought so much stuff. Not gonna be wearing a lot this summer if I have anyting ya say about it.”

“Oh my god!” You laugh, annoyed at the smirk on his face. “Niall James, just make some more room or I’ll do it myself and I won’t be neat about it.” The two of you stare at each other for a minute before he rolls his eyes and relents.

“Fine. I’ll take some of this stuff down to a guest room for now. Still tink you brought too much.” He grabs another small section, huffing and grabbing a bit more at your pointed look before he sticks out his tongue at you and leaves the room.

Feeling triumphant, you start going through your clothes, hanging some items and folding others for the drawer he so graciously cleared out.

“What is he gonna do if we ever move in together?” You mutter to yourself. Your head whips up, just to confirm he hasn’t heard you before you continue. You and Niall had been official for almost five months, so you weren’t out here trying to put any pressure on.

You’ve just unzipped your second case when your phone rings and you grab it, answering without checking the ID and putting it on speaker. “Hello?”

“Hey sis.”

Charlie’s voice stops you cold. The two of you have had very little interaction since she’d decided to divorce Josh. Mostly on Charlie’s side as you’d done quite a bit of reaching out. From what your mom had told you, your sister was convinced pretty much everyone had taken Josh’s side in everything and there was no point in talking further on it. As if that would be the only reason you wanted to talk to her. You quickly check the date, noting you’ve still got a week before her projected due date.

“Hey,” you say, trying not to sound hesitant. “How are you?”

Charlie sighs. “Very pregnant.” You both chuckle softly at that and you’re happy you can still have a moment like that with her.

“I bet. How is my little niece to be?” You ask, quietly going back to unpacking.

“You’re so convinced it’s gonna be a girl?” She asks.

You shrug and then remember she can’t see you. “I don’t know why. I just feel like you’re baking a girl in there.” Charlie laughs a bit at that. “Niall’s convinced it’s a boy, though I’m not sure why, he just says it’s his intuition, although I’m not sure where he thinks he gets this intuition from.” Charlie doesn’t respond and you check the phone to make sure she’s still there. “Char?”

“So,” she says haughtily. “The Niall thing is still happening huh?”

It’s a good thing she can’t see you with the incredulous look you give the phone. “The Niall thing? What does that even mean?”

She groans in annoyance. “You’re still like trying to make it with him or whatever?”

“I mean I’m in a relationship with him, so I guess you can say it like that if you want.”

“Ok,” Charlie scoffs and you know your face shows your annoyance. “But how long do you really think your ‘relationship’ is actually going to last, huh?” The way she says it makes you feel gross, like this thing that is exponentially important to you is just some piece of garbage she found on the side of the road.

Several hangers click together loudly when you shove a dress on the rack. “What the fuck does that mean, Charlie? Are you like rooting for my relationship to fail?”

“I am just being realistic here, sis,” she counters and it’s your turn to scoff. “You’ve been friends how long and it took all this drama and nonsense for him to come to his senses? Be for real.”

“And you know what about my relationship, Charlie? When is the last time you actually asked me something about myself or how I’m doing?” You’re mad now, practically flinging clothes into your drawer.

“I’d say I know more than you considering I’ve been married and it didn’t take a stupid scandal and another woman for Josh to see he wanted me.”

Everything stops and you just stand there for a minute, breathing deep with your back to the phone. “An expert on marriage but you’re getting divorced?” Your tone is biting and you mean it to be. The two of you have always fought fire with fire.

She’s breathing heavily over the phone now and a small part of you worries about her stress, but you refuse to be bulldozed by her. “You don’t know shit about my life and my situation, Y/N. But have fun with your little pop star fling and when he finally decides he’s really done with you, don’t come crawling to me for sympathy.”

You don’t need to check the phone to know she’s ended the call. You stay there, staring into a messy drawer full of items you’re going to have to refold and taking deep breaths. How does every conversation with your sister go so left so quickly these days?

“Well, I see what Josh was talkin’ ‘bout,” Niall’s voice startles you and you whip around to find him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and an annoyed look on his face.

Your hand comes up to your chest, heart racing. “God, Niall, announce yourself or something. I’m gonna have to get you a freaking bell this summer.”

He just shrugs and gives you a tight lipped smile. “Sorry, darlin’.”

Going back to the drawer, you glare at the mess you made. Suddenly, you turn and look at him. “Wait, what did you mean ‘what Josh was talking about’? When did you talk to Josh?”

“Yesterday.”

He ignores your questioning stare and you huff in annoyance turning back to your drawer. “Since when are you and Josh all buddy-buddy? What do the two of you even have to talk about?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” His reply is just sarcastic enough that it pushes you closer to the edge you know you're teetering towards. “There’s dis one person we both love dat I’m pretty sure we could bond over. I’ve also known Josh almost as long as ‘ve known you, if ya care to remember dat.”

You press your fingers over your eyes, mentally willing this petty argument away, but knowing you’re too wound up to stop. “Fine, whatever. So you and Josh talk about me and talk about Charlie and do what? Compare and contrast?”

Niall’s face twists in confusion. “What?”

“You know, comparing experiences, trying to figure out if I’m going to turn out like her.”

“Dat is not what’s happenin’.”

You’re ignoring him at this point. “If you’re that worried about it—“

He groans. “What are ya on about?”

“I can just go.” You say, fully turning back to face him. Niall looks…dumbfounded. But this, this is what’s been eating at you and Charlie’s phone call has just finally caused the word vomit. You’re shaking, desperately trying to hold everything else in, every bad thought you’ve had, all the tears you want to cry, as he just stares at you.

Finally, he takes a deep breath and steps towards you. One hand reaches out to you and you jerk slightly as he grips your hand and pulls you towards him. His other hand cups your neck, fingers brushing softly into your hair. With a shaky sigh, you lean forward and bury your face in his neck, circling your arms around him, gripping tightly. His other hand rubs the small of your back and you both relax into each other.

“I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m so sorry Niall.” You mutter into his neck, eyes squeezed tightly shut.

“I know, love. It’s alright. Gonna take some gettin’ used to, all of dis. Everyting with Charlie and Josh and being an us, ya know?” His breath ruffles your hair. “We’re not gonna do dis though. No more fightin’. Not over shit like dis. We’ll talk to each other. And, hey, look at me,” he pulls back just enough, meeting your eyes, hands on either side of your face. “You’re not goin’ anywhere. I want ya here.” You nod. “And you’ll talk to your therapist ‘bout dis, yeah?”

You giggle a bit, sniffling. “Yeah, I promise.”

Niall nods and leans forwards, lips meeting yours sweet and slow. He pulls back slightly and presses a few wet kisses into your cheek and neck before huffing. “Now, you’ve made a right proper mess of dis drawer, so let’s get dat taken care of.” His words have the desired effect and you laugh against his shoulder.

The vibration of your phone brings you back to the present and you’re shocked that you’ve been sitting in the cafe for almost two hours. Checking your notifications, you notice a few texts from Niall.

Opening them, you chuckle at the ridiculously rumpled, grumpy faced bed head selfie he’s sent you and read his message:

Pre show nap: 🤘

Waking up with no girlfriend to

cuddle: 😣

Well it’s a good thing your girlfriend

is about to be on her way upstairs to

remedy that for you

You want me to bring you a tea or

anything?

No thank you love, I’ll get one

when we leave for the show. All

I want right now is you in my

bed

Aye, aye captain

Oh babe, you know what that kind

of talk does to me 😉

💋

Niall looks up from the bed when you come through the main door, back against the headboard with his shirt off and the covers bunched at his waist. He smiles. “Der she is.”

“I am at your service, my good sir.” You say, dropping your stuff on the side table and sitting on the bed.

“Ooh, first I was captain, now I’m sir?” Niall jokes, tugging on your arm until you're straddling him. “Damn I’m a lucky guy.”

You laugh, burying your hands in his hair and mussing it further. “You really are, Horan.” He just smiles up at you, hands stroking your thighs. “We need to pack, don't we?” Niall grimaces and nods at you. With a groan, you pull away, struggling slightly as Niall tries to keep you on top of him.

“I wanted cuddles!” He whines, arms circling you, holding you tight while his head rests on your chest.

“I promise you can have all the cuddles you wanted after the show, on the bus.” Grabbing his head, you attempt to pull him up, yelping when he refuses to be moved and his teeth nip at the skin of your chest. The two of you wrestle with each other for a few moments and you’re both laughing when you finally manage to roll to the end of the bed. “Come on babe. Let’s get this done so you can go be a big superstar and play yet another sold out show at Madison Square Garden.” He continues to pout at you, and you check the time on your phone with an eye roll. “Alright,” you climb back over him. “Thirty more minutes and then we have to get up, Niall James.”

Smiling widely at you, he nods and his arms wind around you again. “Dat’s plenty of time, darlin’.” And then you’re squealing as he lifts you, shoving you back on the bed so he can crawl over you, his mouth meeting yours.

——————

There haven’t been a lot of times that you’ve been in the audience for one of Niall’s shows. Your preference has always been being backstage, but with your family here, you end up in the suite that had been set aside. It’s a good time, hanging out with Niall’s family and friends and watching them interact with yours.

Nate, Josh and Mully seem to be talking about golf and Arthur is bonding with Deo of all people which would make you nervous if your brother wasn’t so very level headed.

Your mom and Lucy are up towards the front of the suite, dancing to the music playing as the arena waits for Niall to take the stage. Checking your phone, you note that he should be coming out within the next ten minutes and you feel a little antsy not getting to be back there with him as he goes on.

Mully must sense your weirdness because he comes over, throwing his arm around your shoulders. “Ya alright love?” He asks, smiling at you.

“I am.” You say, smiling at him.

“Bet ya wish you were back der with him, huh? Instead of out here with us lot.” That makes you laugh and Mully squeezes you with a smile on his face.

“Not gonna lie,” you reply. “I do like being back there with him. But this view isn’t so bad.”

He takes a few sips of his beer, gazing out at the arena. “Yeah it really isn’t so bad, huh?” The both of you grin, sharing a moment of pride for Niall before Mully does what he does best. “But you’ll be glad once lover boy is out here, shakin’ it for ya.”

He laughs and almost spills some of his beer when you shove at it. “God, fuck off Mully.” You’re laughing and several other people in the suite are joining in, knowing whatever Mully did, he more than likely deserved your annoyance.

Finally, “The Chain” starts playing, MSG erupting in cheers as the fans know what that means. You join your mom and Lucy up towards the front and you just have to pull out your phone to film the crowd singing along as they get ready for Niall to come out.

As always, once the lights go out, it’s deafening. With a glance at Lucy, you double check that her protective headphones are in place as the opening of The Show: Live on Tour starts projecting across the curtain.

Niall is a dream on stage. The outfit choice alone is enough to get you a little worked up.

“Oh my god.”

Niall looks up, glancing at you in the mirror of his dressing room. “What’s up babe?”

You just stare at his back for a minute. “Niall…”

He turns to look at you. “What?”

“You look like a 90s heartthrob, what the fuck?”

His smirk grows and he crosses his arms over his chest and your eyes move over his arms. “Oh yeah? Am I gettin’ ya worked up over der?”

Leaning your head back, you close your eyes. “I hate you.” Niall laughs loudly.

It’s clear Niall is in a good mood again tonight. He’s a little less talkative and definitely a little less emotional than the night before. Even from up in the suite, you catch him throwing waves and winks in your direction and you know several are meant for Lucy, who waves enthusiastically back every time.

The band starts setting up for the acoustic set and Niall spends a minute talking to the crowd before they start to play. You typically know what the setlist is going to look like before the show, so you are absolutely floored when he starts playing “Paper Houses”. It’s your absolute favorite song, something he knows, and suddenly you’re just mouthing the words as you start to cry.

They’re happy tears. Grateful for how far the two of you have come. Proud of him for how far he’s come. You’re so in love with this man, it almost hurts. He’s sitting down, playing the guitar and he glances in the direction of your suite. Logically, you know there’s no way he can actually see you, but you don’t care. You blow him a kiss and lay your hand on your heart, hopeful that he just knows.

—————

It’s almost weird being back on the bus, despite the fact that you’d only spent two nights in the hotel in New York.

After the show had ended, you and your family had gone backstage and spent some time with Niall and the band. It had been a big group, family and friends for everyone just celebrating. In truth, all you’d wanted to do was get your boyfriend alone.

Finally, everyone had started to shuffle out and the band had started to make their way out to the buses. You and Niall had loaded onto yours, making your excuses about wanting to be alone, heading to the bedroom in the back. You and Niall had taken a shower together, mostly just to be close as the tour bus showers weren’t really big enough for anything too exciting.

Afterwards, you’d spent a very long time showing Niall just how proud you were of him, how much you loved him. In the end, it left both of you sweaty and shaking as you lay there. The tv was on, reruns of something neither of you were paying attention to playing with the sound off, the light flickering over both of you tangled in the sheets.

With a sigh, you adjust until you’re laying on your stomach, ear over Niall’s heart. The steady thump is soothing and you close your eyes. “You played my favorite.” You say softly, running your fingers up and down his chest.

His chest rumbles as he hums. “I did. Wanted ta surprise you.”

“Definitely a surprise.”

He shifts a bit under you, the arm behind you wrapping over your shoulders. “Ya liked it?”

You lift your head to meet his eyes. He looks so soft and rumpled and you swear it actually tugs at your heart. “I loved it.”

“Good.” He smiles and you lean down to press a kiss to his peck before you lay your head back down. The two of you lapse back into silence and Niall’s breathing slows enough that you think he’s fallen asleep. You’re slowly drifting off, body and mind content, when he squeezes at your shoulder. “Hey, you asleep?”

“Not yet.” You breathe out.

“Come ‘ere.” The two of you shift and sleepily work together until you’re further up the bed, legs tangled, your head on Niall’s upper arm as you face each other.

Reaching your hand up, you rub at his scalp and run your fingers down the side of his face. “What’s going on, honey?”

“Just wanted to look at ya.” He says softly and if you weren’t already a puddle from earlier, you’d honestly melt at the look in his eyes. “I love you, ya know dat?”

You smile at him. “I think I’ve heard it a few times.” His lips twitch up slightly. “I love you too. So much, Ni.”

His free hand caresses your waist, curling around your hip and drawing your body that much closer. The two of you lay there in silence and your eyes drift shut as you listen to him breathe. He takes a deep breath, tangling his fingers with yours.

“Marry me.”

Your eyes flutter open, meeting the startling blue of his. His gaze is resolute and you swallow against the emotions building in your chest. “Are you-?”

“Don’t ask me if ‘m sure. I’ve never been more sure of anyting in me life.” His hand leaves your hip in favor of cupping your cheek. “There is nothing more I want than to spend da rest of my life wit you. I want ta experience every good moment with you. And I want to experience every bad moment wit ya too. I want everything with you. Your name is branded all over me heart, darlin’ and I’d rather carve it out than ever be without ya.” You sniffle and Niall smiles as he wipes a few tears off your cheek. “So, Y/N, marry me?”

You smile, nodding into his arm. “Yes.”

Niall’s face lights up and he pulls you in tighter, fingers gripping your flesh hard enough to bruise, but you don’t care. “Yeah?” He asks breathlessly.

Hands on either side of his face, you lean in and kiss him, both of you gasping into each other. You pull back slightly, your nose brushing his as you smile at him.

“Yeah.”

——————

A/N: And there we have it kiddos. Flicker of Hope is officially over.

…Unless I suddenly get inspired or one of you gives me a prompt I fall in love with lol. It was never not going to end this way for me. These two were always end game.

I hope you liked it ❤️

#it’s weird that this is over #it’s been 7 years like wtf #like I’m crying on the plane posting this in my drafts because a)I never thought I’d finish it and b)I’m sad it’s over #flicker of hope #my writing #niall horan #Niall Horan fic #niall horan blurb #niall horan fanfiction #niall horan imagine

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moonisthedoor · 9 months ago

Text

ok here's the deal. i post this on here and then maybe i'll crosspost it to ao3 but this was actually originally posted on ao3 in 2022 i just deleted it after like 12 hours for no reason. but anyway

rated T for swearing, No Entities AU wth questionable timeline, GerryMichael <3

The bag hits the floor with a dull thump, and Gerry briefly considers joining it there before thinking better of it. With a heavy sigh, he closes a door behind himself and just stands in the hallway for a moment, his eyes half-closed. God, he’s a mess.

He takes off his headphones first; they’re big and thick-padded, chosen specifically to block out as much sound as possible even when he’s not playing music because otherwise public transport would be impossible to bear. Right now, though, in the quiet of his own apartment, they feel too obstructive and heavy on his head.

The next thing he does is take the elastic out of his hair, hissing quietly as the pressure on his scalp lets up. He put it in a tight bun when leaving work so there’s less chance of it getting stuck somewhere – there were incidents – and he’s pretty sure that before that he’s been wearing it in a ponytail since probably lunch, so. Not good. Better now, but he knows it’ll take a bit for the headache to subside.

He lets out a quiet string of curses as he leans down to unlace his boots; he found that for some reason swearing helps with the stress and the various aches in his body and since there’s no one around, he doesn’t feel embarrassed about whispering “fucking hell” to himself at a particularly stubborn knot.

Well, almost no one.

“Rough day?” Michael asks softly, standing in the doorway to the kitchen. Gerry finally manages to take his boots off and straightens up to look at his wonderful and very pretty boyfriend who works a normal 9-to-5 job and has probably been waiting for him for…

“What time is it?” he asks and cringes at the way his voice sounds.

“Half past eight.”

“Shit.” For the millionth time in his life, Gerry seriously contemplates quitting.

Michael winces in sympathy and takes a step closer.

“You want a hug?” he asks, opening his arms. Gerry falls into him instead of answering, still in his coat, burying his face in Michael’s shoulder. Michael pets his hair softly. “Let me guess: Elias was a bitch again?”

“Mhmm.”

“And then one of the statement givers said something that reminded you of another bad memory and you were already not feeling great?”

“Eurgh.”

“And you didn’t mean to be so passive aggressive to them because it’s not their fault and now you feel bad but also fuck them all and at least it’s Friday today so you don’t have to go back to work tomorrow?”

“You know me so well,” Gerry sighs into Michael’s shirt. He feels his smile even without looking up.

“Come on,” Michael says, gently coaxing him back up. “Take your coat off and then we can eat and you can bitch about work.”

“Mm. We have food?”

“I made pasta.”

“I love you,” Gerry says, putting his coat on the coat hanger. “There’s ice cream in the bag.”

“Oh?” Michael perks up. “Did you –”

“Yes, I got mint chocolate for you. Though I still think it tastes like toothpaste.”

“Maybe you should stop eating toothpaste then, dear,” Michael sing-songs, picking up the bag and waltzing back into the kitchen.

“Fuck you,” Gerry calls after him but he’s smiling as he heads into the bedroom.

He changes quickly; briefly considers keeping his binder on but by this point he knows pain would bother him more than anything else tonight. He usually wears oversized clothes at home anyways – and besides, it’s only him and Michael here. It’s alright.

There’s a bowl of pasta on the table in the living room when Gerry returns, and Michael’s already cross-legged on the couch with another one in his lap, flipping through the channels on TV. It’s so domestic Gerry has to stop and take in the sight for a moment.

Something inside of him aches – but it’s a good ache.

“What’s the matter?” Michael asks, looking away from the TV. Gerry shakes his head:

“Nothing. Just… admiring the view.”

He’ll never get tired of seeing Michael blush.

“Oh, shush, you. Get over here and eat before the food gets cold.”

Gerry finishes his pasta surprisingly quickly; honestly, he hadn’t even thought he was that hungry but then again, the last time he ate was lunch and that was six hours ago. This is his third meal of the day, though, so Gerry mentally counts it as a win.

“More?” Michael asks when he sets his now-empty bowl back down.

“Maybe later,” Gerry says. He waits until Michael finishes his own food and then, with both bowls safely on the table, flops down into Michael’s lap face-first. Michael giggles, startled.

“I need to wash the dishes,” he says. “And we still have the ice cream.”

“Later,” Gerry repeats, turning on his side so he can see the TV better. Michael laughs again but doesn’t protest, his hands moving to slowly card through Gerry’s hair.

“Okay?” he asks.

In two days, Gerry thinks, he’ll have to go back to work, and suffer through annoying statement givers again, and try his best not to strangle Elias. But there’s a weekend ahead of him, a whole forty-eight hours when he has full right not to do anything except hold his boyfriend close and watch mediocre shows on Netflix and order takeout.

And maybe all of his problems won’t magically go away by Monday even if he desperately wishes they would. But it’ll still be enough to get him through another week.

“‘s perfect,” he mumbles, looking up at Michael and smiling.

Michael beams back.

Yeah. It’s enough.

#gerrymichael #dani writing tag

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whumprecs · 11 months ago

Note

you’ve prob done this but umbrella academy whump/angst recs?? all ur others are so good!

Sorry about the delay! So I am a huge Five fan, so most of them are slanted that way, though I think Diego sneaks in there a few times -but also they're almost all Family Fics.

I'm going to leave off the NSFW/non-con ones I know of, just in case. If you are interested, feel free to send another anon ask (or message if you would prefer) and I'll send links.

i'm walking backward into my own myth by eluvion Five is in 1963. He’s in 2019. He’s in 2002. Time is falling apart, and Five is in every piece. Five is a disease, and time is coughing up a lung.

Or; Five Hargreeves breaks time.

I kept running (for a soft place to fall) by chromaticality He'd hoped they had given up. Really, he should have known better. The Handler thinks he's the solution to all her problems. Five thinks he'd like to turn the whole place into a slaughterhouse. But with Allison and Luther caught in the crossfire, Five has to cooperate with the Commission's plans until he can figure out a way to get everyone home.

No Time, No Time, Dear Brother O’ Mine by I_Logophile

At Gimbel Brothers department store, Five’s injury is a bit more serious than a simple bullet graze. Not that it matters to him.

That is, until the police show up while he’s trying to leave, and Five finds himself remembering things he’d rather forget. -- There’s something going on with his brother. That much is very clear to Diego.

Why else is Five at a crime scene? Why else is he attacking the people trying to help him? Why else is he going around ranting about time?

There’s something going on with his brother. And Diego is going to find out what.

He just has to get Five some medical attention first.

the walls kept tumbling down by Ingu It started small.

There was a nagging ache in his chest, phantom pain from where the bullets had pierced his flesh, in the overwritten timeline that never will be.

(the one where rewinding time doesn't miraculously resolve mortal gunshot wounds)

Here, Beneath My Lungs by beastboy12

After they get back from the 60's, Five starts investigating a string of suspicious murders while distancing himself from a family he's convinced he's already lost. So, naturally, Klaus and Diego join him. "Holy shit, Five," Diego says, rushing forward. "What the hell happened to you?" Five is off-balanced by the sight of Diego. Shouldn’t he be at the other address? What is he doing here? Klaus appears on the other side of Diego and lets out a laugh that sounds almost frantic. "Oh, thank God you can see him, too.” “Why are you here?” Five says. Diego scoffs. “Yeah, no, the one covered in blood doesn’t get to ask questions.”

Series

Part 1 of Five is an emotionally stunted yogurt lid

The Longest Roads Lead to Home by assaily (twistedskys) Five raised his glass to the rafters. “I’m home,” he said simply. “I’d like to take the time to enjoy that, y’know.”

Diego watched him pour another drink, suddenly understanding him. He’d been gone a long time, lost in a really terrible place that probably never felt like home unless he could somehow forget he was the last soul on Earth. ‘Home’ meant a lot to him.

When Five’s glass was ready again, Diego raised his own, still half-full. “To being home,” he said.

That earned him a smile, a real one that managed to soothe the crease in Five’s brow and make him look so incredibly young in its sincerity, and so incredibly old in its deep gratitude. He raised his glass and clinked it against Diego’s. “To finally being home.”

~-~

Or; Five gets kidnapped and it goes wrong (for the kidnapper).

heart heart head by morimaru

a series of hurt/comfort snippets featuring Five.

Blink by Lady_Origami When Five blinks, sometimes he's back in the world of ash and embers. It's hard to remember how to breathe when that happens. In which Klaus tries to play the role of supportive brother with Ben's help, and Five struggles more than he lets on.

Can you hug me as I go? by maddienole What if the FBI captured Five instead of Vanya?

2x7 canon divergence.

Simple by sharkneto Diego runs into Five at the park. He’s just here to catch a mugger. Why does Five always complicate things?

Lend a Hand by sharkneto If Luther’s being honest, he’s not sure how they’re going to get out of this one. Effectively trapped and powers negated, the Umbrella Academy is in a dire position.

Luther really needs to stop underestimating the lengths Five is willing to go to save his family.

Howling at the Moon by assaily (twistedskys) Five is now a permanent resident of the Hotel Oblivion. The rooms are crap, service is even worse, and he's pretty sure his family left him here. But at least they're safe, right?

A pre-season 3 AU of season 3, Hotel-as-a-prison concept from the comics.

lie awake, sleep awake by morimaru Number Five does not get sick. He refuses to be sick. His body obeys. Right up until it doesn't. (- this one is literally my favorite of all of these rec's, I have lost count how many times I've read it)

and all the kids cried out by morimaru The one where Five is sick, the Handler is clingy and hard to get rid of even after death, and Klaus has a ghost-busting side-gig that is a lot less exciting than it sounds.

Guilt Trip by I_Logophile In typical Five Hargreeves fashion, a drug ring bust with his family turns into a rescue mission, which turns into a complete and utter shitshow. Because, of course, things had to go sideways— No, scratch that. Things didn't just go sideways, things went upside down, backward, and inside out. And then got blown up. Literally.

In the aftermath of the whole fiasco, Five is left reeling, floundering, drowning in guilt.

Because how could he have done that?

How could he have attacked his family?

spoiled by morimaru Number Five is a survivor. He fought his whole life: he fought their father, the apocalypse, the commission, then – the apocalypse, again. Having made that fateful jump back to 2019, he unwillingly left his old body with all of its scars behind. Physical ones, at least. It’s funny, in a way, that the hardest thing for him to fight ends up being food.

The Dangers of Vigilanteing by aceofwhump Diego gets injured during one of his vigilante acts and is forced to go back to the one place he swore he'd never return: The Umbrella Academy

Also, the best way I've found to get to the fics I want in this fandom is to troll through favorites of the authors of my favorite fics. Most fandoms that doesn't seem to work, but this one it does. Happy reading, and again - sorry about the delay!

#the umbrella academy #five the boy #five hargreeves #diego hargreeves #TUA #tua five #whump rec #asks answered very very late

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insaneintheemembraneowo · 7 months ago

Text

it's not paranoia if they're really out to get you.

**please read!**

hi there, this is my first time publishing a long fanfic on tumblr. updates will be a lot slower here as i like to post longer chapters on tumblr (at least 1-5 chapters need to be written before posting to tumblr) just as a personal preference. that means updates will take a lot longer here than other platforms so please follow me on wattpad or ao3 if you'd like to support me more or read this book faster. find me at @ insaneintheemembrane thanks!

in which a burnt-out detective/vigilante meets the ninjas.

a trans-fem!reader with spiderman? powers x ninjago boys & girls.

slow updates

i will make a male and gender netural version of this book if its wanted! please check out my profile for other books,

posted books; > into the fog (fem!reader x dbd) - only ao3 and wattpad atm > its not paranoia if theyr're really out to get you (fem!reader x ninjago) - all platforms

upcoming books; > teen by day, wicca by night (fem!reader x twilight) > fight for me (sodapop curtis x fem!reader x steve randle)

chapter 1 & 2

A/N: the timeline is fucked and I've added my own parts to spice up the plot so it isn't similar to other fanfics. i do attempt to stick somewhat to the order of things though. please excuse the spacing, this was copied to multiple sites from notion.

warnings: mentions of blood & violence, swearing words: 1906

chapter 1

i didn't know where i was going or why i even the station, i just needed to get out, needed to do something, anything else. nothing made sense, my thoughts were irrational and i wasn't stable enough for this case. i needed to hand it to someone else, but i couldn't, people were counting on me to solve it.

i'm amazing at cases, this is what ive always wanted to do, what i've dreamed of, so why couldn't i? when it mattered and when it counted why couldn't i solve a singular case? what was wrong with me, why was my brain acting like this? god, it felt like my brain was running at 100 miles per hour.

i kept walking, turning different ways when i felt like it. eventually i came to a tea store. outside was a huge poster for fresh tea and pastries on a discounted price for the winter.

'yes' i thought, 'exactly what i need.'

i walked into the store and was immediately greeted by the smell of an intrusive citrus tea. it flooded my senses and slowed my brain down almost instantly.

"hello dear, something i can help you with?" a calming voice asked.

i spun around to see an older lady, she had grey hair and kind green eyes. she was wearing a light coat of well applied makeup and was smiling at me while holding a cup of tea (which seemed to be the culprit of my relaxation.)

"i, uh, i saw the uhm." i tried to explain using my finger to point toward the window, but my eyes were very obviously glued to the cup of magic the woman was holding.

she followed my gaze and lightly chuckled. "you like the smell of this tea? its ours new brand of organic lemon balm tea, otherwise know as melissa. It increases GABA activity, meaning it's a fantastic choice for calming you down andddd getting to sleep at night!" "sounds just like what i need."

i look from the cup to the shelves, they are covered in hundreds of boxes of tea, ranging from all different colours and types. on the shelves behind the counter sit at least 200 different teapots.

"well lucky for you we have an offer on this type of tea, as its new. 2 boxes for £15. although you do need a good teapot to brew this kind of tea to a high standard. so for an extra £15 ill through in a teapot as well." she responded, putting down her teacup, grabbing two boxes of the tea from the shelves and walking behind the counter to select a teapot.

this woman moved fast, i hadn't even said i wanted it yet.

"right okay, £30 sure." i nodded approaching the counter.

as the woman turned back around she knocked the shelf causing one level to fall. without thinking id hopped over the counter and caught the shelf before it could cause any real damage.

fuck!

"oh woah, those are some… fast reflexes. and your quite strong too. hm" the woman said stepping back putting the teapot she had selected for me on the counter. she then turned round and looked me up and down.

i propped the shelf back up and sighed nervously.

"aha, yeah well, i am a detective so quick reflexes and all."

"sure sure, whatever you say, just seemed a little… unnatural is all." she responded with a smile.

i walked back round the counter, pulling my purse out of my oversized winter jacket. it was like this woman could see right through me. read me like a book - as cringey as that sounds. i pulled out three 10s and handed them too her. she bagged up my things and handed then to me.

"have a nice evening and come again!"

"thank you."

i spun around making a b-line for the door, 'freedom!' i thought, right before the door opened in front of me and i crashed into the stranger that had walked through.

"woah! sorry about that, wasn't expecting you to come through." i said apologetically, regaining balance.

i looked at the guy in front of me, he was solid and hadn't even wobbled when i bumped into him. he had fiery brown hair, gelled up into stupid spikes. he had beautiful light brown eyes, but they were currently looking cold and sharp right at me.

"watch where you're going next time." he half-shouted.

i scoffed, looking at him in disbelief. i was being kind and apologising! what was this assholes problem?

"kai! don't be rude to customers." the woman that had served me said from behind.he rolled his eyes walking off to the back grumbling about something. the woman started to say something but id already walked out, fuming.

like my shitty day could get any worse, not only am i in a slump at work, i nearly exposed my powers to the tea lady AND that guy was unnecessarily rude.

i angrily walked back to the station and set my tea down in the locker room. i ignored everyone's confused looks and sat back at my desk, head in hands.

chapter 2

blood dripped down my face and onto my vigilante suit, not like i wasn't already covered in snake juices and blood but it was still an inconvenience. i had been on my way home from work when i heard cries down an alleyway. a group of snakes had stolen a baby. very original.

i dipped into the alley, stashed my bag and tea in an old bin and changed into my suit, before saving the baby. i fought of the serpentine and found the mother a few streets down crying out for her lost child. a few of the slimy bastards got away so i tracked them through the city, to the sewers. it was some kind of hive for all the serpentine clans too meet. how freaky.

that's when i saw them, the ninja. the most irritating men you will ever come across.

4 arrogant, cocky, colourful men in pyjamas. they call themselves ninjas but fail to do the simplest of tasks, not to mention they are always in my way. they believe in no killing unless absolutely necessary, i believe some people just aren't worth keeping around and that not every life is worth saving.

it's fair to say we don't see eye to eye.

they were all here, trying to fight off the serpentine horde and (to my misery) winning. this place must be important because they were all here blue, red, black and… pink? since when was there a pink ninja? what happened to the white one?

i saw the one in black get knocked down and decided to be his knight in shining armour. i pulled down my hood and used my webs to swing myself into the fight. i grabbed the snake on top of the black ninja with my webs and flung him into a wall. the ninja on the ground looked up at me and nodded, swiftly getting off of the ground, rushing back into the fight.

i rolled my eyes, although he couldn't see that. we continued fighting until the serpentine were dead, tied up or knocked out. i'd been scratched a few times but nothing serious. most of the blood on me wasn't mine, not that you could tell whose blood is what anyway, a certain breed of these filthy things exploded into blue goo when it died. extremely gross. there were only a few stragglers left, but i thought that the Pyjama Men could handle them on their own - they were big, scary ninjas after all. i turned on my heel, prepared to leave, when i heard a scream behind me. i looked over my shoulder to see the pink (white?) ninja being lifted up by his neck. the thing lifting him was grotesque; it was like a hybrid snake. it was bigger, stronger, and covered in markings, and metal.

the remaining ninjas rushed to aid their friend, while i took care of the less powerful serpentine who were trying to assist the hybrid. dealing with the remaining serpentine was easy, and i dispatched them quickly while the others did their best to help their icy companion.

the poor guy was choking and struggling as his teammates desperately tried to get the thing off of him, attacking them with everything they had. their golden weapons, powers and strength didn't work so i helped out and tried my best to strike the hybrid with my weapon. nothing worked and the thing just shrugged us off or threw us back. i eventually got fed up and webbed the guy's hands up, he dropped the icy ninja to try and get the webs off. the fire ninja grabbed the ice ninja and we all ran out of there while we still could. there was no point fighting something so strong, especially since we were very under-prepared. plus i could sense that the ninja still weren't my biggest fans even after i just saved them.

we ran out of the sewers and hid in an alleyway. i lifted the bottom part of my mask, revealing my mouth and gasped for air. it stunk in the sewer and i appreciated the fresh air. part of my hair fell out of the mask along with it.

"are you a girl?!" exclaimed the blue lightning ninja.

"i thought that was obvious?" i responded, looking his way.

"not to me."

"it was obvious, you're just a dumbass jay." the earth ninja said rolling his eyes while checking on his injured friend.

"your name is jay?" i asked.

"oh for fucks sake cole!" the red one exclaimed.

"and yours is cole?"

"shut up you two!" the injured white one shouted, his voice sounding croaky and sore. "she knows too much about our identities now, we will have to take her to master wuu."

"yeah good idea. besides, we still need to discuss whatever that monster was." the red one replied nodding, a hint of disgust in his voice toward the end.

"im not going anywhere with you lot." i started backing up, they came toward me and i turned around and bolted.

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chained-sweater · 2 months ago

Text

୨୧ dear diary

— a/n : i said i'd post my fics on here. i kept my word.

— characters : darrel "darry" curtis jr., sodapop "soda" curtis, ponyboy "pony" curtis (mentioned), steve randle (mentioned)

— timeline : several years post-canon

— warnings !! : swearing (just one), angst, implied mental health issues, implied suicide

— chapters : 1/1

— words : 655

dear diary?

dear journal?

dear future me?

future me?

yeah, that sounds about right. anyways, i don't know why i'm doing this. i mean, i saw ponyboy doing it himself. he told me that writing in a journal helps keep him organized and composed of his thoughts. or something along the lines of that, i'm not sure.

like i said, i'm not sure what provoked me to do this: write in a journal. i normally don't do this. i usually just bury my feelings deep inside until i can no longer hold them in and explode into a mental breakdown. it's just...i don't know..it's...strange. yeah, strange is the best way to put it.

i know i'm supposed to write for an extended period of time, but my hand is cramping already. having bookkeeping as your second job when you already work in construction takes a toll on you. i suppose i could take a break and finish writing later.

see you, stranger.

— darry?

— past you

* * *

future me,

hey, it's me again, your past self. i know i said i'd write again after a small break, but i completely forgot. two months ago. (oops.) i guess that's what happens when you toss things away carelessly into your jungle of a closet.

but...yeah. i guess i have an excuse though. ponyboy left for college a while ago. i miss him, i think. i don't know. the night before he was supposed to leave, we got into an argument. it was our worst. we were screaming at each other so loud steve could hear us all the way from his house. ponyboy had tossed his luggage into his car and said he never wanted to see me again. sodapop was still crying after he left. ran off to his room. i feel bad. neither of us are entirely over it, but soda's getting better. i'm not. i got nightmares about our argument, ponyboy leaving. it got to the point where, by some miracle, the gang scrounged up enough money to send me to therapy. that's why i couldn't write in this. (well, it was mainly because i was stressed at the time and cared less about finding a stupid journal i wrote in a long time ago.)

ah, i got too carried away there. maybe this is good for me—writing down how i feel and getting my thoughts out. it's working, i guess.

i'll write some more another day. let's hope it's not in another two months.

— past you

* * *

i need to keep this out in my line of sight to keep up with my entries. it's been almost a year since i last wrote in this thing. so much for me promising to not have such huge time gaps here, huh?

god, i don't know where to begin. i got out of therapy a few months ago since i was deemed "cured," but the gang thinks otherwise. they know the night terrors haven't gone away, and they definitely noticed that my depression has gotten worse.

my headache is killing me right now. i'll write later.

* * *

i'm fine.

i'm fine, okay? it's been six months since i last wrote in this thing, and i honestly couldn't care less about trying to find a consistant schedule for my entries. i don't care. why do i even bother in the first place? it's just a hobby i was pressured into doing.

well too bad. i'm not writing in this shit anymore.

* * *

...hey.

i know what you're thinking: 'how long has it been since he's last written here?'

well...it's been...a while.

oh, and before you say anything else, this isn't him. it's his brother, soda. now you're probably wondering why i'm the one writing here...the answer is rather simple.

darry killed himself two years ago. stole one of our dad's guns from the attic and shot himself clean through his skull.

...i'm sorry.

— sodapop curtis

୨୧ the end

#the outsiders #the outsiders fanfiction #darry curtis #sodapop curtis #ponyboy curtis #steve randle #my work #ao3 #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer

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theoneeyedgoldenwolf · 1 month ago

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The Deity and the Mortal

Whumptober 2024, number 18: Revenge, "I see what's mine and take it."

Summary: Time knows there are lot of things the Fierce Deity hasn’t shared with him. And he’s fine with that since those aren’t his to know. Yet, he certainly would’ve loved to have bit more of knowledge of the guy before putting his life on the line. Honestly, all he really wanted to know was if the guy was going to be a threat to him and his boys…

CW: Eerie feeling, black magic, painful binding magic, betrayal, cursing, striking magic back at the enemy, knife to throat, blood, murder

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Fierce Deity knew there was lot of information he should’ve shared with his mask’s wielder. Yet, he still withheld the knowledge. It wasn’t because he wouldn’t have thought Link to understand or to be able to deal with it. He couldn’t even fall down into the claim of him being too young like back when he had first gained the mask into his hold.

The God of Protection held back with his past for several different reasons. One, he didn’t really think that some situations mattered anymore. Two, he believed the information wasn’t his to share as there had been many whom had used his mask. And sometimes his and his wielder’s memories and knowledge mixed while making it bit hard to know which pieces were his to begin with. Three, he didn’t want his current wielder to feel sorry for him or angry about the situations. And four, he did NOT want his wielder to take revenge on his stead.

Unfortunately, secrets and hidden information has the bad habit of coming out when one least wished for such to happen. And usually at then the one at question would certainly curse and regret having not talked before. Fierce, sadly, ended up into such situation. In fact, he should’ve seen it coming with how the portals worked and threw the Heroes he looked after through different eras, timelines and situations. This was bound to come forth.

The Deity recognized the man the moment he saw him. And the guy certainly recognized the markings Time had on his face. “My dear friend, we should not stay here.” He called out while knowing something bad would happen the longer they’d stay at the town.

“We need to restock and rest, Fierce.” The one eyed Hylian reminded while taking in the seen guy’s outlook. “Tell me. Who is he?” He half requested even though he was certain he wouldn’t get the answer he wanted.

“Someone you should not deal with.” Fierce answered while keeping his memories locked. This wasn’t for his wielder to deal with. Yet, as a ghost bound into a mask, he couldn’t really do much without the Chain’s leader’s acceptance, strong feelings or request. He knew if he explained, the one the eight called as Time would certainly face the guy and take revenge. He couldn’t allow that. Not on his behalf.

“If that guy poses a threat to my boys, I will hold you responsible for that danger.” Time stated out firmly and felt the Deity nod within him. He couldn’t do a thing just by a feeling. He inwardly growled and tore his gaze off of the man and into the current situation as they were searching for an Inn.

“Caught something we should deal with?” Warriors inquired while giving a check of the guy his little brother had been almost glaring at.

“No. Just a feeling.” The Old Man replied with a slight smile. He was grateful of the distraction and the sharp eyes his older brother had. At least he could count on someone else keeping them safe too.

“You think that guy’s a danger?” The Captain continued and gave a slight nod towards the man.

Time glanced at the guy for one more time before shrugging. “Hopefully not but keep your guard up.”

“Night shifts?” The war Hero continued while noticing the other slowly starting to catch up on their conversation.

The Chain’s leader hesitated for a moment. Part of him wanted to keep up the shifts jut to be safe but he eventually shook his head. “Nah. We’ll cramp into one room.” He told with a slight smile. He chuckled a bit at the whines and slumps from the rest of the Chain. “This town just doesn’t feel safe at the moment. Not monster attacks dangerous but… Different.” He explained and resisted the urge of looking at the guy again.

“Thugs?”

“Robbers?”

“Yiga?”

Time shrugged at the offered reasons. “Something like that but I doubt it’s as dangerous as the Yiga are.” He answered while calming down. “Just keep your eyes and ears open. Stay on alert and look after each other.” He half commanded while knowing he didn’t really need to give this kind of advices but it felt nice to remind every now and then. The others nodded and took a check around but they were unaware of what to search for.

Once everyone’s gazes were off of the Chain’s top command, Warriors gave a slight jolt to the one eyed male. “Sprite. Do NOT go after the guy alone.” He signed while giving a stern look to his little brother.

The Old Man held back his half groan, half whine while just rolling his eyes. “Sure, take my fun away.” He replied in sign and stuck his tongue out the Captain. He grinned a bit at the younger male’s slight start before bit chuckling at the huff.

“Take at least someone along. For back-up. For witness. For… You know what for!” Warriors nearly snapped with his signing.

“I know, I know. And I will. I promise.” Time replied before blinking in start and slumping a tad while giving a sheepish look to his older brother.

The war Hero stared at his leader before groaning and facepalming. It just was confirmed that his little brother was going to go and face the guy for whatever reason he saw right. He sighed heavily and shook his head. “Don’t do anything stupid.” He nearly begged.

The oldest Link shrugged. “Not planning to. I can’t say the same about the other guy, though.” He replied with a cheeky grin before chuckling as the Captain facepalmed again.

“Gremlin.” Warriors signed while grinning and messing his brother’s hair. Time yelped and swatted the war Hero’s hand away while chuckling. The Chain glanced at the duo with a slight frown before shrugging. It wasn’t rare thing for the duo to fool around when feeling calm enough.

A while later they found the Inn and booked the biggest room from there. When the Chain was off to handle the restocking and information gathering, the Chain’s leader requested for Legend to stay with him. The Veteran was bit uncertain but he nodded and they waited for the rest to leave the house to scatter around.

“So, what gives?” The Specialist queried while crossing his arms over his chest and bit frowning.

The one eyed male took a deep breath and ignored the Fierce’s commands of NOT going to face the guy. “I need to handle something but for safety reasons I can’t do it alone.” He started while bit grimacing at his own words.

Legend raised an eyebrow at that. “Shouldn’t the whole Chain be around at then? Or dealing with this situation differently? What exactly is the situation?” He listed out the questions calmly but firmly.

Time felt like pacing around but he stayed still. “I need to face one guy. Something’s off in him but I can’t really prove anything.” He explained and ran a hand through his hair. “I need you to stay out of sight and just listen. To be a back-up if needed. Or to fetch the others if things go down such line.”

“What are you fearing to happen?” The Specialist asked while feeling his worry grow.

“I don’t know.” The Old Man answered truthfully. “I’m hoping things will go down easily but I doubt it.”

“Who is the guy you’ll face?” Legend continued while having carefully moved to lean against the door. He didn’t feel like letting his oldest brother leave in the state of mind he was at the moment.

“I don’t know. I only saw him.” Time replied and began to pace. “Fierce knows him, though.” He told with a shrug and short chuckle. “Yet, he refuses to tell anything.” He sighed heavily and shook his head. “I need to make sure the guy’s not a threat to us.”

“If the guy is…” The Veteran began but the Chain’s leader shook his head firmly.

“Just a mortal like us.” The oldest Link assured firmly.

“If the Deity’s worried of the guy, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Legend stated out while frowning. “I don’t think you should face him alone.”

“I’m not. You’ll be there with me.” Time replied almost cheekily with a wide grin.

The Hero whom had gone through more quests than his brothers groaned loudly. “That’s not what I meant and you know it!” He snapped roughly. “You wouldn’t let us handle this kind of situations alone either!”

The one eyed male grimaced and recoiled backwards a bit. “You’re right. I wouldn’t.” He agreed and sighed heavily while sitting down to the bed. “And yet, you’re the only one whom can go around without being seen.” He commented bit sorrowfully while knowing he could’ve loaned his Stone Mask to someone to keep them hidden too.

“You’re not going to back out of this, are you?” Legend nearly groaned and slumped.

“Sorry, Specialist. I feel like I gotta do this on my own.” The Chain’s leader apologized sorrowfully.

The Veteran sighed heavily and nodded. “Fine. Let’s get this done, then.” He grumbled while moving off the way and pulling out his Magic Cape. Once it was on, he vanished from sight. Time just nodded once and left the room with the hidden Weapon Specialist of his following him.

It took quite a while before the Old Man found the guy. Time didn’t even try to hide himself as he really just wanted to talk and see what the deal was between the Deity and this man. The guy nodded once to him before showing to follow. The one eyed male wasn’t certain of the situation but he went after his current target of sorts into an abandoned warehouse while feeling the worry and fear grow within Fierce. “Since you won’t talk, I have to find the truths on my own.” He reminded the Deity as calmly as he could.

Once deep inside the building, the guy already started to call out magic. “I see what’s mine and take it.” He stated out roughly as the needed words to put his spell into full work. Time frowned at the whispered words before already gasping as the man turned around and sent the pulsing ball of dark brown at him.

Things happened too fast for the Chain’s leader to even think about trying to avoid. The magic struck hard and roughly into his chest. The impact sent him flying with a scream escaping from him before crashing cruelly into the floor. He was desperately trying to get his breathing into working while gritting his teeth at the agony of the magic that bind him to the floor and left him unable to move.

The man smirked and moved over to his victim. “I don’t know how you do not have all the markings but that mask is mine.” He growled while crouching down next to Time. “A shame for the loss of an eye but maybe I can fix it with my own body and life.” He mused while placing his hand to the one eyed male’s chin. “Let’s take this off now so I can take back what belongs to me. You’ve had your fun.”

The Chain’s leader desperately wanted to talk but the cruel magic coursing through him left him wordless. He tried to open his right eye but even that felt like having been prevented. He gasped as he felt the guy’s fingers at his skin and feared what he’d pull off since he wasn’t wearing any masks.

“Stop.” The command was firm and cruel. The guy’s gaze flew up into the ghostly figure of Fierce Deity and gasped in shock. “He does not wear my mask.” The God of Protection stated out while glaring at the guy before him. The man slowly stood up while starting at him. “I did not think I would meet you again.” Fierce nearly growled the words out in suppressed rage.

“Your mask is with him nonetheless. Where is it?” The man replied firmly while slowly starting to smirk. “Your power has diminished quite a bit. Your ghost form isn’t as solid as it used to be.” He commented and glanced between Time and Fierce. As the realization dawned to him, he scowled. “I see. You have bound yourself to him. He’s the reason you’re so weak.” He nearly snarled while drawing out a knife.

The man crouched back down and smirked cruelly as the Old Man whimpered at the cold touch of the knife at his throat. “I believe that if I kill your current host, your Spirit will be fully free and intact again.” He told while not yet causing harm. He was bit wondering where to strike and how. Heart and throat were easy and quite fast along with the wrists. Yet, it might not have been as much of fun.

“Not true.” Fierce stated out while fearing for his friend’s life. “I and him are bound far stronger then you could ever believe.” He continued and glanced at the door as it was slammed open and several of the Heroes of Hyrule dashed in.

The guy gasped and growled at the sudden interference. He snatched a hold of Time and yanked him up while placing the knife to his throat. The one eyed male screamed at the movement as the magic struck again to keep him from moving. He held his eye closed while whimpering and trembling. “Stay back. This is not your concern.” He growled out while turning his gaze into Fierce. He smirked again as he saw the worry and fear in the Deity. “You honestly care about this guy.” He chuckled cruelly.

“This is very much their concern as the one you hold hostage and are harming is their brother.” Fierce almost snarled while wishing he had struck the guy the moment he had managed to come into this Realm. He glared at the guy while seething with rage and hoping the unseen Links were already working on getting their Chain’s leader safely freed.

The guy snorted and shrugged. “A same for them.” He simply said before narrowing his gaze again. “The mask. Where is it?” He commanded and pressed the knife closer to Time’s skin. “I won’t ask nicely anymore. Give me the mask and he can live. I’ll rip the piece of you he holds but I’ll let him live.” He told while bargaining with the Deity.

“At the Inn.” Fierce answered as calmly and certainly as he could.

The man snorted and shook his head. “Wrong answer.” He growled and the one eyed male screamed as the knife broke the skin at the his throat. “You can’t be far from the mask. You are bound to it. It is in his possession. Don’t make me kill him and search the dead body’s pockets for it.”

“Alright. Do not harm him any of further. Please.” The Deity raised his hands in calming manner. He had noticed some of his dear friend’s boys sneaking around the area. They needed a moment to get to right places to aid. “But, before that… He deserves to know the truth. He deserves to know our past. He deserves to know why you want my mask.” Fierce told while swallowing his rage and fear.

The man snorted cruelly. “A Deity begging.” He smirked and shook his head. “Didn’t think I’d ever see something like this.” He mused before a wicked thought came up to his head. “How far are you willing to go for this host of yours?”

“As far as it is needed for him to survive this.” Fierce admitted without hesitation.

“Then tell him.” The guy commanded. “Tell him who I am to you. Tell him and see how far he will go for you.” He stated out nearly evilly. “He has already stolen part of your life and you are still willing to risk the rest of it for him. You truly are bad at making right choices.” He mocked with a cruel chuckle.

The God of Protection was ready to counter that claim but he held the words inside. It wasn’t yet right moment to give that answer as it certainly would endanger Link’s life even further. Right now he owed an explanation to his dear friend and telling that story would give enough of time for the others to reach right places to fix the situation. Yet, more than anything, he really hoped the boys of his mask’s wielder would deal with things so the one they called as Time wouldn’t end up taking the revenge on his behalf.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Long ago the God of Protection walked on the ground of the kingdom of Hyrule. It was his job to defend the beautiful lands from the monsters and Demons. He had dealt with Demise, Majora and the like many times.

He had been named as Fierce Deity for his style of fighting and intensity of his love towards the kingdom and its inhabitants. He fought alone but that didn’t mean he was on his own. Many of the species had made close contact with him. Some of them even followed him into the battles even though there wasn’t a need for such. Yet, even though he feared for his companions’ lives, he was grateful of their presence. With them he felt like he belonged to there. That even with his divinity and power, he was considered as one among others. He really didn’t like it when the people feared him.

Fierce had once again dealt with Demise and sent the God of Destruction back to where he belonged to. The men with him cheered of the victory and he smiled even though this battle had been harder than any of the earlier ones. He knew his powers were diminishing little by little each millennia he spend in the Realm of the Living. It wasn’t the right world for him but he loved the people too much to leave them.

“I have been working with magic, Fierce.” One of the Hylians told at one day. The Deity smiled and nodded while feeling happy for one of those he considered as his friend. In fact, he considered lot of people, in all races, to be his friends. He felt fortunate to have so many by him whom looked up to him and weren’t afraid to approach him just to talk and spend time with him.

“Forgive me to say this but I accidentally overheard your and Goddess Hylia’s talk few days ago.” The man continued bit uncertainly. “Is it true that you are not as powerful as you should be?” He inquired bit worriedly.

The God of Protection sighed and bit slumped at the first notion before bit chuckling. “There is nothing to worry, my friend. I chose this. I know the cost and I do not fear the end. I am here for you and everyone else.” He promised calmly.

“I have been working on something after that day.” The guy told bit sheepishly. “I believe it could give you back your power.” He stated out firmly.

“Oh? Go on.” Fierce coaxed with growing interest.

“Not here, please.” The man requested while glancing at their current comrades.

The Deity sighed a bit but he nodded and got up. He glanced once at the sleeping people by the campfire. He closed his eyes and let his senses spread. He gasped a bit when he opened his eyes after having let his magic and powers check the perimeters and deeming the place safe and sound. There were no dangers around so he followed his friend out of the camp and into old ruins.

The moment Fierce came to the area, he knew the place wasn’t worth of staying. “We should not be here. This is made for sinister magic.” He told while looking around. The magic that surrounded the area had kept him from seeing it as he scanned for the camp’s safety. The place was abandoned but the dark spells were still working.

“I know.” The guy told calmly and the God of Protection stopped dead on his tracks when he caught the sinister undertone of the voice. “I see what’s mine and take it.” The man continued roughly as he turned around and quickly grabbed the Deity by throat while casting the magic.

Fierce screamed as the wicked spell struck and burned him. “Your power will never diminish again. What you have now will always be there.” The man spoke as he watched the Deity being vaporized. It was cruel and hellish to watch but he was morbidly fascinated by the scene.

Eventually the God of Protection was gone and a wooden mask of his face clanged into the floor of the place. “I will make great use of you.” The man smirked and reached down to the soul-bound item he had created with the dark magic he had learned from this kind of places.

“NO!” The sudden scream startled the guy and he stumbled a step backwards. The area flashed brightly while taking down all darkness and evil spells in there. Yet, it also made the mask vanish.

The man screamed in rage before searching all around the ruins and its vicinity but he didn’t find the mask. He could feel it still being somewhere in Hyrule but he couldn’t locate it. In his rage, he returned to the camp and murdered his sleeping comrades.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Time snapped his gaze open in shock. He had had lot of theories of how Fierce had ended up into being a mask. Yet, none of them had been anywhere near of this kind of cruelty. In fact, he had hoped for the Song of Healing to have been created by Fierce himself.

“I wasn’t wrong.” The guy told with a shrug. “Your powers haven’t diminished since that day.” He stated out before narrowing his gaze and glaring at his hostage. “Until this guy chose to steal part of you.” He snarled and pressed the knife deeper into his victim’s throat. The one eyed male shut his eye and screamed as the weapon’s movement got the binding magic to react and strike hard.

“He did not steal anything! I gave him part of my life!” Fierce shouted in fright. The man holding his mask’s wielder stopped and snapped his startled gaze into the God of Protection. “He was ready to give up on his own life for me on the day he gained that scar over his eye and lost his sight from there. The fight was too hard. We were taken off guard. He did not want me to be harmed. He did not want my mask to be destroyed in any of way. He took the strike. It was going to cost him his life and I could not accept that. I shared part of my life to keep him alive.” The Deity explained nearly frantically.

“Why? Why would you do something like that?! For a mortal!” The guy screamed in rage while pulling the knife out and pointing it at the divine being’s ghost.

“Because he deserved it. Very few of those whom have used my mask have ever been as self-sacrificing fools whom love these lands even after all they have gone through. He is like me.” Fierce explained even though he wasn’t certain if the guy would understand. “He did not think twice back in that day. He did not even ask for rights. He just did what he saw right to protect and save a life. Even though a Deity’s.” He continued bit sorrowfully. “All that I learn to know of him only makes me care about him even more. Do not harm him any of further and I can promise that you will leave this place with your life intact.”

The man snorted and shook his head. “See if you can do a thing, ghost.” He stated out wickedly before already moving to slash his captive’s throat open.

“NO!!” The God of Protection screamed in terror. Things happened so fast that he barely even understood what happened.

Legend, whom had left the warehouse only for a moment after the magic attack, had shot a flare up into the air to inform others of the need for help. He was certain the others understood once they’d reach the place After having given the signal, he returned inside and quickly moved next to his leader. Something held him back from attacking and taking the bastard down. He wasn’t certain what it was but he stayed close and ready to react.

Some of the Chain had seen the signal and quickly gathered everyone together before already going to the right spot. Wild left to find a window or such to use. Hyrule and Twilight changed forms to sneak into the place. The rest made a swift and rough entry in hopes of causing bit of ruckus and surprise to give a chance for the others. Yet, they stopped by the door when the knife was brought to Time’s throat. Wolfie and Hyrule kept sneaking but there wasn’t much of hiding places close to the trio in middle of the room. Wild failed to find a place to snipe the enemy so he put the Stealth Clothes on before sneaking in. Yet, like with the Sacred Beast and the half-fairy, there wasn’t much of chances to get close.

When the bad guy was up for killing Time, everyone moved swiftly with Fierce and Legend being the closest ones to react. The Veteran swiftly snatched a hold of the guy’s arm to stop the knife from being struck back into his oldest brother’s throat. The Deity screamed and snatched a hold of the man’s throat. He squeezed and yanked the guy away from his mask’s wielder. He let his rage overflow in the form of magic that had been used against him and Link. He still recalled the agony of having his Spirit and Soul being reduced into a transformation mask. Yet, he didn’t need to find the dark magic from within him. He gently placed his free hand on his dear friend’s shoulder and carefully pulled the binding magic off of him before striking it right back into the bad guy.

Legend, after having stopped the knife and Fierce having snatched the guy away, had quickly caught the one eyed male from crashing into the floor. He was just up for lowering them both down when the God of Protection put his hand on Time’s shoulder.

The Chain’s leader whimpered in pain but it was rather bearable and slowly started to breathe easier. As the dark magic left from his body, the more of control he gained. He blinked his eye open and gasped a bit at the scene. Yet, before he could concentrate into the divine being taking down the one whom had betrayed him, the rest of the Chain had already surrounded him.

Even though the magic should’ve created an item to where one’s Soul and Spirit were bound to, Fierce didn’t allow such to happen. He prevented the mask or other item from being created and just made sure the guy died. Once the man had vanished from his hold, he gasped and staggered a bit. He shook his head and snapped his gaze into his mask’s wielder. He smiled a bit as he saw him moving and Hyrule having healed the wound around his throat.

Time’s gaze was fully in Fierce Deity. He had calmed down and nodded his thanks to his boys. That had calmed the Chain down a bit and moved aside from his line of sight. “You are God of Protection, Fierce.” He stated out firmly while carefully, with bit of help, stood up. “And you did just that, my friend. You protected.”

Fierce sighed and shook his head. “It was not protecting. It was revenge. I do not...” He started before already trailing off in slight anguish. He didn’t want to be a God that took revenge.

The one eyed male sighed heavily and slowly, bit fearing how well he’d stay to his feet, walked over to the ghostly being. “Fierce.” He called and got the Deity to look at him. “Sometimes revenge is only way to protect. I know I’ve done it. I know my boys have done it. You know all this already, right?” He started and the God of Protection nodded with a slight frown. “He was going to be a threat if he stayed alive. To me. To you. To my boys. If you hadn’t taken his life, I would’ve. And if I couldn’t, my boys certainly would’ve done it. Not happy of that but I understand it.” He continued firmly before shrugging and sighing. “My first quest…” He shook his head. “You keep telling me that what I did back then was to protect those I care about and the kingdom of Hyrule. To this day I still call it revenge. It started as such and it ended as such. So, I’m tell you now what you keep telling me whole time. You protected. You did what you had to, to save me and my boys.”

“It was cruel. It was wrong. I should have talked instead.” The Deity countered while knowing his time in the Realm of the Living was running thin.

Time sighed exaggerated and rolled his eye. “Yeah, the guy certainly was going to listen. It wasn’t like he was up for slicing my throat there because I got part of you due to trying to save your life years go.” He nearly grumbled and shook his head. “You think Ganondorf was going to listen? You think I was thinking straight after all he had done? You think words were going to go through his head or for me to even find the right ones when he was in charge of the Forest Guardian’s death? In fact, in fault of LOT of deaths and hell. You think I thought about protecting while taking him down?” He nearly growled the questions out.

“My friend, I…” Fierce started but the Chain’s leader cut him short.

“Just shut it!” The Old Man snapped roughly. “If you can’t allow me to think about revenge being my motivator for taking Ganondorf down, then why the fuck do you think I’d let you to think of such?!” He screamed and glared at the Deity. “I take revenge when my family is threatened. I do not hold back if they’re in danger. I can feel sick and sorry later on but right then and there… My family comes first. Always.”

The God of Protection stared at the marked Hylian before him. That slight anger and defensiveness got him to tilt his head a bit to side and frown slightly. After a while, though, his expression calmed down and he slightly smiled. “You are right.” He nodded and crouched down a bit to be more in Time’s level. “I am a God. And I consider myself to hold high morality. And yet… There are times I find myself doing something I never thought I would be capable of.” He started surprisingly calmly and he gently cupped his mask’s wielder’s chin. “You, my dear friend, have taught me far more than anyone else ever has. Just because I am a Deity does not mean I know everything. And hence…” He continued and softly touched his forehead against’ the one eyed male’s. The Chain’s leader closed his eye while calming down and letting himself relax. “I have always needed a guide like you, Link. Just, fierce and protective. You and the boys you share the Hero’s Spirit with… You are the family I, as a Deity, never thought I could gain. You and your boys have given me something far more than I ever believed to be possible. I had a purpose, a reason I counted on for millennia.” He pulled off and smiled sorrowfully.

“The betrayal, the false usage of the mask… I had lost my trust in people. The Heroes were needed as I was not capable of the job anymore. And then…” Fierce smiled fondly at Time. “You.” He kissed the one eyed male’s forehead gently. “Child that had gone through hell and back again more times than one can count. Lost and gained way too many times. Craving to be cared but not daring to be close. And yet, despite all this, so fiercely fair and caring. You proved to me that there’s still good in the world that deserves to be protected.”

The God of Protection stood up and nodded firmly. “I did what had to be done. But, at least I know now better how you feel when you are forced to take a life. And, hopefully, I can aid you more at those times should there come more forth. Yet, I am grateful you and your boys did not need to do this this time around.” He told and looked once at the eight watching the conversation before turning his gaze back into his mask’s current owner. “Take care of yourself and of your family, Link. I will always be close by when you need me.” After that he took a step backwards and vanished from sight.

Time sighed and crashed to his knees. The Chain screamed out his name in start before already surrounding him in worry and slight fright. “I’m okay, guys. Just bit exhausted.” He assured calmly before bit chuckling. “Shit. Never thought I’d oppose Fierce like that.” He mused with a slight grin.

“He knows it all came from heart of gold.” Warriors told with a slight grin which widened when the Chain’s leader blushed slightly.

“Well, this settles one thing.” Legend stated out firmly with deadpan look. The one eyed male frowned and tilted his head slightly. “You are NOT going to face any other bad guys that Deity’s not happy with ALONE. Like it or not, we ALL will be there by you at then.”

Time blinked once in start before starting to grin until laughing a bit. “Damn it.” He half grumbled while grinning mischievously. “I thought it went pretty well, don’t cha think?” He laughed again when the Veteran groaned and facepalmed. The others were bit startled. “Okay, okay, I promise I won’t be doing this kind of foolishness again.” He told calmly before bit shrugging. “Hopefully Fierce will give more info at then too so I won’t go in as blind as I was this time around.”

“Hopefully we won’t crash with more of his past comrades.” Sky stated out while aiding his leader back to his feet. “Anyway, let’s get you back to the Inn. I’m sure you’d love some food and rest, hmm?” He suggested gently.

“That sounds like a perfect plan.” The Old Man replied and let Warriors and Sky stay close to him to make sure he wouldn’t falter on his walking. The rest followed while sticking close to the trio. Once at the Inn, Wild straight off went to claim the kitchen while the rest of his brothers went to the shared room. After the meal of crepes, jams and hot chocolates, it was time for the Hero Pile of Support and Comfort.

Time sighed contently while having his boys right by him. This was what he lived for. Family. And he knew Fierce understood it too. Without people to love and care, there was no reason to fight. The Deity had considered the residents of Hyrule as his family but now, through the current owner of his mask, he finally truly understood what family was. And both the Chain’s leader and the God of Protection knew that they’d do absolutely ANYTHING for those they cared about.

#whumptober2024 #no.18 #Revenge #“I see what's mine and take it.”#linked universe #linkeduniverse #fic #eerie feeling #black magic #betrayal #cursing #knife to throat #blood #murder #my stories #lu time #time lu #fierce deity #the chain

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