#HE SAW MILES’ MURAL ………………….. | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lets-try-some-writing · 2 years ago

Note

Since you have an au where Optimus used his holoform to become a teacher, I was curious if any of the other bots have messed around with their holoforms?

WELL-

I am just going to tie this in with Mr. Pax because goodness it fits too well. Enjoy!

Mr. Pax AU here!

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Optimus was by far the only bot in base who used his holoform so frequently. Being a teacher is taxing and he often goes out of his way to spent an almost equal amount of time in holoform as out. But he isn't the only bot who spends time parading as a human off and on.

Ratchet, despite almost never leaving base, has occasionally used his holoform during quiet days to travel to bigger cities in order to sit in on lectures. He fakes whatever he needs to in order to get into lectures on subjects he wants to know more about, usually relating to medicine and all things natural sciences. He has been known to show up for math lectures too. However, he is not exactly the most subtle. Coming in with bright orange and white hair, possessing scars to mimic his facial plating seams, and always dressing the same exact way while never seeming to breathe or blink tends to draw attention.

Much like Optimus, Ratchet has gained a bit of a reputation. His appearances are so random and so varied in location that there has been a forum dedicated to him specifically. He has turned up all over the globe to listen to lectures, and as such, folks have taken pictures and begun trying to connect the dots. Many a poor fool has lamented the absolute impossibility of Ratchet being in Tokyo for a debate over quantum physics only to then be in Istanbul two hours later to observe archeologists argue over Roman relics. Ratchet has no idea that he is regarded as the "Wandering Pharmacist", in large part due to his eternally present lab coat.

Arcee does not tend to use her holoform unless absolutely required. But after heading through a seedier part of one of the larger cities in America, she has taken to heading to the more crime ridden ones on weekends to do some vigilante work. Being a nonexistent person means that she is able to get away with quite a lot. Thus far, Arcee has busted quite a few drug rings, saved dozens of trafficking victims, and dropped anonymous details to the police regarding homicides. Is is a waste of time? She would argue "maybe". Does she go out anyway? Absolutely.

Always having her holoform in black and garbed in a biker helmet ensures Arcee is never caught. But there are rumors now in larger cities of a biker called "Lady Midnight". Arcee's habit of walking scared women home on dark nights has earned her a very favorable reputation, and more than one mural has been made by appreciative artists over the years. She knows she has a reputation, but she never changes her routine. Those who meet her regard her respectfully, even criminals. She too has a forum dedicated to her. No one has been able to successfully figure out who, or rather what she is.

Bumblebee has become a very well known gamer who turns up at the local arcade every now and then. His signature mask, yellow black marked hoodie, and dread locks leave him able to be picked out from a mile away. No one knows his parents or if he even has any. But when Bumblebee comes on into Jasper's arcade, the local children revere him as if he is some sort of god. His ability to beat the games is legendary, and never once does he utter a word. He has a small fanclub who do everything in their power to learn the way of "The Masked Boy"

Thus far, only one kid saw Bumblebee's holoform vanish and be reabsorbed. Not a soul believes the poor sod. If anything, it has only cemented Bumblebee's position as the Lord of video games. Rafael is the only one out of the trio who knows that its Bumblebee who goes the arcade. Jack and Miko assume that its just some rando who drops by every now and then. Oh how wrong they are.

Bulkhead has only uses his holoform for the express purpose of talking with the older folks at the bar. He took a liking to a group of construction workers shortly after arriving to Earth. They taught him a great deal about acting human while thinking he was a foreigner. The elderly crew treated him so kindly that Bulkhead has now made it a habit to go and get drinks with them once a week if he can manage. He loves hearing the stories of these elderly humans, and despite being ages older than them, he has a fantastic time learning under them.

Little does he know that the crew know that he's not human. But there is an old understanding amongst them. If someone it polite and kind, there is no need to pry. And so they don't. They treat Bulkhead as they would any other person and tell stories as if they can't see his holoform flickering off and on. What happens in the bar stays in the bar.

Wheeljack somehow managed to build himself a club by pure accident. He was meandering about and he saw a few kids being pushed around. And so on instinct, he slaps together a holofrom and gets out to beat the afts of those who were messing with the kids. From that point onward, whenever he was on Earth he offered greetings to the local kids, calling them by fun and unique nicknames. He even began instructing a few on how to throw a proper punch, if only for self defense. Is he around often? No. But do the kids respect the hell out of him? Absolutely. By giving them the watered down version of the Wrecker rules, the local children hold nothing but absolute adoration for him.

There is a whole club dedicated to following the rules he taught them. In his absence, the small gang of kids serve as Wheeljack's replacement and help protect the other kids from bullies and other such individuals. They even have gone so far as to get matching clothes and accessories so that when they are "on duty" they can look the part. Wheeljack has never been so proud.

Ultra Magnus has only used his holoform a few times, and all of which were to go meet Optimus at school. He has largely been the one to come bring Optimus things while the Prime is at work, or to otherwise look big and intimidating to cover for Optimus more subtle tactics. The students murmured about him possibility being Optimus's spouse, but those claims were dismissed with Ultra Magnus refusing to call Optimus anything other than "Commander". Now the class firmly believes that he has to be one of Optimus's kids or a fellow fae creature subserviently to Mr. Pax. The rumors are amazing.

Smokescreen can never keep his holoform straight. His is always changing appearances. And so whenever he goes out and promptly does something he really shouldn't be able to, he is often recorded and promptly lost to the ether. He is always the one breaking human biological limits through pushing his holoform more than it really should, often by accident too. All he wants is to go enjoy human culture and he almost always gets recorded doing something just strange enough to count as supernatural, but not odd enough to really warrant any attention.

Like Ratchet, there is a forum for him dubbed "The shapeshifer". He doesn't know about it, but the forum enjoyers are actually quite intelligent and have long connected Smokescreen's various holoforms together.

#transformers #maccadam #transformers prime #optimus prime #team prime #ratchet #bumblebee #ultra magnus #arcee #bulkhead #wheeljack #smokescreen #teacher au

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venuscrashed · 2 years ago

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Both Miles X Male!Spiderman!Reader

Fem Readers DNI 18 plus DNI

Um…let me know if you want a pt 2. This kinda sucks though so….yeah. It was rushed and I hate writing in my iPad.

PT 2

Miles was trapped in the spider society, all the other Spider-Man’s were arguing with what to do with him. They all knew they couldn’t convince Miguel, him being stuck in his ways, but there way one person that wouldn’t put up with him.

“Let him go.” The whole society stared at you.

“What did you say?” Miguel spat while walking towards you.

“Let him go.” You stared up at him blankly. Despite making a dumb move you were intelligent, and sly. Miguel was staring you down, killing you between blinks, due to his anger he didn’t notice you grabbing a portal. You’re intelligent, we mentioned this, but the type of intelligence where you can travel universes with a click of a button.

“He won’t be let go. He’s staying here and so are you.”

You were laughing at this point, he still hadn’t noticed but some others did. Miles, Hobie, and Peter B knew what was going on. “Really?” You asked. Before Miguel could say anything Miles blasted out of the cage and jumped towards you. The whole room was in panic. “We’re not staying. Have a nice life,” you then opened the portal and jumped in with Miles.

The portal closed before the others could join. In it, a show of colors jumped around you two, hypnotizing you two. You two didn’t even see you were being sent to the wrong universe. The DNA of the person sends you to their universe, Miles is coded for another one. His spiders one.

The portal opened and you two were pushed out onto a building. You landed on your feet while Miles rolled onto the floor. You bursted out laughing. “It’s not funny. I’m not use to it like you are,�� he groaned. Despite his attempts you were still laughing, practically rolling on the floor. He sighed and got up, leaving you behind while he went to his apartment.

You didn’t care that he left, by the time you stopped laughing he was out of sight. It’s not like you could go to his house, you’re dead in this universe. You’ll just go visit after in a bit. In the mean while you were fixing your portal, setting it up to go to your universe. You flipped it over and opened the screen. In bright blue the portal told you where you were, Earth 42. “No.” You screamed, “No, no. No. No. No!”

Without hesitation you started to go to Miles apartment. Him being with his family could mess this universe up. If anything happened he could not go back home and ruin his as well. The wind raced past you as you flew through the air. Within minutes you were at his apartment. On top of his building you started to make way towards the door, but bright colors were blinding you in the corner of yours eyes. Turning around you saw a mural of his dad. “This isn’t good.”

Putting the prices together you realized something, Ike’s wouldn’t be near if his dads dead, he was Aaron. “This idiot.” You groaned and swung to his uncles place. Only being there once before you soon found it. It was more or less the same as Miles universe, just darker.

Through the window a faint light was lit. The apartment looked nicer, this Aaron had more taste. Scouting the room, you saw your Miles on the punching bag. Before you got the chance to save him his uncle walked in. This one had a different aura, and if he was anything like the last one he’s the prowler. This Aaron walked around, Miles was trying to talk it out, inaudible words leaving his mouth. You could tell he was nervous, scared even. Aaron stood by a table, Miles still talking. Aaron had the prowler glove on and before acknowledging Mile she punched the punching bag on the side he wasn’t on. It took you so much strength to not jump into the room to save him.

Miles was even more scared now, but he soon became overwhelmed with his spidey senses. He looked to the top of the roof and a purple glow filled the room. Two eyes stared at him, they jumped down and stalked towards Miles. Aaron tossed the glove to him and backed up, the electric mask came off and soon Miles was staring at his own face. More words were said, Miles losing his cool demeanor earlier from the spider society. He had fear in his eyes, it all clicked with what happened in this universe. He tried saying something but his spidey senses went off, it was you.

He now had confidence knowing you were going to save him. You jumped off the roof and go to a high point on the other building. You still saw the silhouettes of the three in the window, their body language loud and clear. Miles was relaxed asking something, the other Miles tensed ready to punch him. “You so own me Miles.” You launched a web, swung, and crashed through then window.

42 Miles jumped back his mask back on. You slowly stood up, the moon light announcing you to the room. You stared him straight in the eyes as he froze. Without looking away you sent Aaron back with your webs before he could say anything. Your Miles had broke out of the chains and walked up to you, looking back at his alternate self.

“Because mine’s still here,” he continued their conversation from earlier. You didn’t have to look but you can tell he had a smug look in his face, this is going to be one long night.

#x male reader #x male y/n #spider verse x male reader #miles morales x male reader #miles morales prowler #miles morales x reader #42 miles morales x male reader #miles morales 42 x male reader #earth 42 miles #miles morales 42 #miles x male reader #spider verse x reader #male reader #venuscrashed

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colibrie · 6 months ago

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Genesis: Decompression

WE'RE BACK! Our (slightly belated) gift this holiday season is a new synthesis update! As always, credit for art and sanity goes to the amazingly talented @trilobitepunch. If you haven't subbed to her yet, go do it! If you have, feel free to scream your thoughts at us! (seriously, you should see the paragraphs I write about all the ways I love Trilos art, and it deserves so much conversation and analysis).

"I am afraid it's not much," Karai warned as she pushed open the door, shooting a smile over her shoulder as she beckoned them to follow her in.

The house was indeed small, consisting of a central room from which two doors extended from the back wall. The right wall was taken up by a fireplace, before which sat a small round table with two chairs, beneath which a threadbare rug covered the floor. The other wall held cabinets and a workbench, the scarred surface heavy with multiple neatly organized projects.

"As you can imagine, I don't often entertain guests," Karai continued, snagging a piece of flint before heading towards the fireplace. "But it's warm, dry, and most importantly, it's safe. There's nothing here for the empire to exploit, so they do not bother with this planet beyond the occasional half-hearted patrol."

"It's great, Master. Really." Leo answered, barely daring to blink as he looked around.

"Yeah. It's a lot like our house back home!" Mikey added, words fizzing with so much bubbly joy that some idiotic part of Leo's brain wondered for a second if his effervescent baby brother could float away with it. "All it needs is a mural or two. I could totally paint one for you if you'd like!"

"That would be lovely Michaelangelo, thank you," Karai nodded, lighting the fire with a swift and decisive strike. "Now, given what I saw of your shuttle, I am willing to go out on a limb and say you two have been living mostly off of ration bars. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Master."

The words tripped instinctually off his tongue before Leo could question their purpose, or validity. After all, it wasn't as if the title held all that much weight now that there wasn't an order left to uphold it. It wasn't like it had particularly special meaning to him either. He hadn't bothered calling Splinter by his title in years and had zero plans to do so any time soon.

Yet he honestly couldn't picture not saying the honorific when Karai turned her smile on him. Not when the warmth that buzzed like bees in his chest felt just like it did when he'd been smaller, coming to her with every secret and insecurity that had harried him.

"I thought so. Michelangelo, there is a root cellar outside, around the corner to the right. Please go and fetch me three potatoes, an onion, and some ceebak root. Leonardo, please fetch water, and some meat from the smokehouse in the back."

It was easier than breathing to comply. Mikey scrambled towards the cellar, and Leo all but floated towards his tasks, hands moving on autopilot while his thoughts skipped and twirled like stones across a pond. Time stretched like one of Mikey's canvases. He blinked, and suddenly he was at the table, staring at an empty bowl while the fire shot sparks up the chimney and into the night. His stomach was pleasantly full, the last hints of something rich, warm, and earthy lingering on his tongue. Across the table Mikey was chattering a mile a minute, hands weaving and dancing with enthusiasm as he regaled Karai with stories of their training escapades.

"Goodness," Karai chuckled, grey eyes glinting as she raised her mug and took a sip. "Dangling off a sheer drop to train one's reflexes is certainly a... unique approach to training."

"Right? But Leo swore up and down that that's what you made him do at the temple!"

"Oh?"

Leo shrugged loosely as the attention turned to him.

"Eh, it was close enough."

"I almost went splat!" Mikey protested, though the laugh he was suppressing slightly ruined the attempt at indignation.

"But you didn't, didja? Ergo, you learned something, so, you know, you’re welcome."

"Oh yeah, Leon? How about I tell her about that one time you tried to..."

"Do it and I'll tell her about how you-"

"Alright, alright. Settle down you two," Karai cut in, amused but firm as she watched them make faces at each other. "There will be a time to fill me in on accounts of your adventures, but it's getting late and it’s time to rest. Tomorrow I will clean out the storage room for your use, but tonight I can only offer cushions and blankets in front of the fire."

"Pretty much anything sounds better than the shuttle back bench at this point," Mikey agreed, a yawn breaking free as the youngest leaned back and stretched his arms over his head.

The sight caught at the muscles of Leo's jaw, and he had to fight hard against the urge to follow suit. Limbs that had been light suddenly felt sluggishly heavy, spine curling as his neck burned with the effort of holding up his head. His body cried for sleep, but his mind recoiled from the very notion, stubbornly forcing his lids to part with every heavy blink. He couldn't face another night shadowboxing with his insomnia, endless hours trapped watching the shadows creep that much nearer while his thoughts turned on him. Perhaps worse, he didn't think he could face more dreams filled with his twins’ persistent calls. His stomach flipped, threatening to cramp as he glanced towards the door, mentally rummaging for an excuse that would pass both Master Karai and Mikey. Maybe a final tweak to the shuttle camouflage? A quick perimeter check? Yeah, that could work. Even if this planet was as secure as Master Karai said, a little extra caution couldn't hurt.

"-cushions are in the back of the storage room. You might have to dig for them."

"On it!"

"Thank you, Michelangelo."

"I'll clean up, then do a last sweep. You guys hit the hay," Leo volunteered as Mikey scurried away, pushing himself up before swiftly gathering the bowls and plates.

The night air was brisk as he ducked through the doorway and headed towards the well. The sky above was awash in start light, diamond-encrusted obsidian that softened the edges of reality with gilded silver and shadow. The darkness held out its arms to him, an old and tiresomely familiar friend happy to walk new paths.

He'd have answered it's welcome, if not for the appearance of a hand at his elbow.

"Where are you going, Leonardo?"

"Uh...to wash the dishes and check the shuttle? Like I just said."

"Ah, then I shall accompany you."

"No, Master you've done more than enough for us. It will only take me a few minutes max, so you should head in and-"

"I know it has been a long time, but I have not lost the ability to tell when you're lying, Leonardo."

"Huh? I'm not."

"Or, when you are avoiding something," Karai continued, staring him down with such knowing eyes that he had to look away and fight the urge to squirm.

"It’s nothing, really. I'm probably just a little paranoid after spending so much time traveling. I'll settle down after I take a walk."

"A walk that will "accidentally" lose track of time and end only once the sun has risen?" Karai asked pointedly, one eyebrow rising as thought silently daring him to deny it.

Damn...he had forgotten about that. He’d often snuck out of creche as a child to wander the halls of the temple on nights when his insomnia became insurmountable. He’d eventually be returned to either Karai or Splinter by irritated temple guardians, sheepishly offering the excuse of “losing track of time” to account for his ventures. It wasn’t something he’d expected her to call back to after all this time. He needed to change tactics, quickly.

"Heh, you've still got it, Master," he nodded, tilting his smile to be just the right mixture of boyishly sheepish and disarmingly charming. "Okay, how about this? I'll wash the dishes and go for a quick spin around the perimeter. Fifteen minutes, max. If I'm not back in that time, you can send Mikey after me. Kid is better than a stopwatch and has got a sixth sense, I swear."

"Hmmm...alright. You may wash the dishes," Karai nodded after a moment, stepping back.

"Number one dishes washer, at your service!"

He tossed her a casual salute, then set about scrubbing away every lingering scrap of food while his mind furiously worked on new solutions to the presented problem. He really should have considered that Master wouldn't fall for his first excuse. This wasn't Splinter he was dealing with after all. Karai paid attention. She was a pro of reading between the lines, a master of finding loopholes. Almost as good as Leo himself.

He'd have to do better. A lot better, to stay ahead of her. Fortunately, the situation wasn't yet impossible. He could give her the plates, take the fifteen minutes head start to scout the area for good places to chill unseen. He'd let Mikey bring him back, then sneak back out after the others went to bed. He'd have to be careful and ensure that he was back before they woke up, but so long as he appeared ready and was able to perform, it shouldn’t be too difficult to pull off.

Yes. That was a much better plan. All he had to do was keep his head and play it cool. Easy.

"Okay, that should be it," he called over his shoulder, stacking up the wet dishes and utensils before scooping them up and turning to face Master Karai.

"Here, could you-"

"Leave them there to dry, so we can have our walk."

"Our... walk?"

"Yes," Karai nodded, deft hands plucking the plates from Leo's grasp, setting them aside before returning to loop around his arm, "there is a small path around the garden that is perfect for a stroll."

"Oh, you don't need to-"

"Needs can come in different forms, Leonardo. Much like opportunities. One should never pass them by."

"Huh?"

"Nevermind. You'll understand in time. Come, let's go this way."

"I-wha-hey! Master c’mon. I know we just got here, but I'm not a kid! I can handle going on a walk by myself."

"Of course, you can," Karai agreed, nodding as she steered him steadily to the distant silhouette of a garden. "You, by your brother's accounts, are a skilled pilot and a good teacher. You know how to navigate the marketplace, manage resources, and strike shrewd bargains. You kept yourself and your brother safe while you searched for me. By all accounts, you've become quite the accomplished young man Leonardo. I'm very proud of you."

"O-oh...I... uh..." Leo stammered, tripping over his tongue as his companion pulled him onto a dirt path that seemed to follow the perimeter of the garden beds. Even under the veil of the night the heady scent of the turned earth, compost, and something delicate, faintly like vanilla, perfumed the air. Every now and then, stiff stalks would brush against his side and shoulder, leaves of velvet and silk sliding across his cheek and shoulder in gentle caressing sweeps.

"Oh, what's this? Cat got your tongue?" Karai teased, skillfully pulling him around an invisible bend. "That's not like you. If memory serves, you've always been good at finding words to fit every occasion."

"I am! I mean...I just didn't...so if you mean that, why are you coming with me?" Leo spluttered, the exhausted coils of his mind flickering and struggling to grab back the reigns of control that he had, somehow, lost again. Frustration flared, hot and bitter on the back of his tongue, but he tried to quickly swallowed it back down.

"Do I need a reason?" Karai asked.

"Everyone has a reason."

He blurted out the words before he could fully process them, and every cell in his body burned to take them back. For her part, Master Karai did not seem particularly upset by his outburst, or by his words. Her only initial response was a considering hum as she turned them down another near-invisible route.

"Well, were we to use your logic, then I believe I've already made my reasons clear. I am proud of my dear sweet Blue, and I wish to spend time with the man you've grown up to be. Is that disagreeable to you?"

"No! No, you're right. I've missed you too Master," Leo quickly agreed, pulling her a little closer to his side in an improvised hug as something strange and uncomfortable rumbled in his chest, expanding and stretching until even his skin felt wrong. "Things have been so insane, I guess I am still trying to get my head around all of it."

"And yet, you've successfully adapted," Karai asserted, fingers squeezing his bicep in turn as she guided him under some kind of structure covered in vines. "You took in the situation, analyzed the variables, then formatted and executed a plan to obtain help."

For a while they stood in silence, only the crunch of muffled sounds of nature and the soft rustle of their clothes to indicate their presence within the garden. The air seemed to hold its breath as the tension around them slowly built towards a crescendo, filaments stretching taunt, poised to snap.

"...I didn't."

"Didn't what?"

"Do any of that. I didn't analyze anything. I didn't plan anything. We weren't looking for help, because I didn't think there was even a minute chance that you were still alive. I just said we were because of Mikey. He trusts me and I couldn't..."

"Couldn't what?” Karai prompted him after giving Leo a few more moments of quiet to chew on his words.

"I couldn't...face admitting to him how badly I'd screwed this up," Leo bit out, the syllables sour in his mouth as he pulled his arm out of Karai's grip.

"This... What is "this"? What's happened, Leonardo? What's driven you two away from the home Yoshi built for you?"

"He goes by Splinter now, not Yoshi," Leo obfuscated, and somehow, he could feel the look of disapproval she gave him in reply.

"Leonardo."

"Well, he does! Kinda a weird choice as far as an inconspicuous name goes, but hey I'm not the name police."

"Fine. What happened that drove you out of Splinters home with no plan or backup?" Karai pressed, undeterred.

"He... they... he lied to me... to us. He's still lying!”

"They? Who is-"

"I mean," Leo plowed on, throwing his hands up as he turned away and started to pace, "what kind of “father” does that, huh?! "So sorry for being an awful person and a fraud, but I still get to dictate how you react to the biggest possible bombshell being dropped on your life." Worst. Betrayal. Ever. Score zero. No applause."

"Leonardo, slow down-"

"Did you know he was going to take the Holocron away from Mikey? Kids got more natural talent in his pinky finger than half of the jedi in the temple combined, and he made him feel like crap about it! Like there was something wrong with him and his dreams! That's why we had to hide his training! That's why we were on that bloody moon instead of at the marketplace! That's why this all happened!"

"Why what happened?! Please, slow down and-"

"Donnie and Raph!" Leo yelled, voice raising to be heard over the sudden blast of wind that seemed to come out of nowhere, the plants in the bed to his left trembling in obscurity under its might. The weird thing was that the air didn't seem to be moving. Weirder still, his voice kept rising.

"He told us they were dead, Master! Killed in the purge, just like the rest! And we believed him, right up until those same "dead" brothers showed up in black armor and tried to kill us!"

"Donatello and Raphael are alive?!"

"YES!"

Something smashed behind him, ceramic sherds tinkling a shattered harmony as they hit the ground. Wood overhead groaned and creaked as if straining under a great weight.

"Leonardo, please, calm-"

"Calm down? Oh yeah, totally! Raph tried to smash Mikey into a paste, and my twin put me through a literal wall, but sure! I'm totally calm! See?!"

He tried to pull in a deep breath, but for some reason his lungs forced it back out, fast and sharp pants hitching his shoulder higher and higher. He tried to pause, but words kept pouring out his mouth, a flash flood of poorly connected sentences and thoughts that refused to be ordered or contained.

"He was so angry at me! He kept hurting me! And then... then we connected and it... he... he hurts, Master. He was hurt and scared, and it was so dark and cold, and he was alone! He was all alone and I promised him he’d never be! Then he saved me, and I promised him I'd find him! I promised! I can’t break another one!"

"You must-"

"We barely escaped in one piece. We barely got home. And then, and then," Leo seethed, vocal cords aching as he whirled around and stalked back towards Karai, hands balled into shaking fists, "he scolded us, tried to punish us! When I shoved the truth in his face, he spun us some woe-is-me sob story about how Donnie and Raph "died" during a sewer tunnel collapse and I was injured to justify running away. And to put the crappy cherry on top, he had the guts to order me to forget about them! Forget about my brothers!"

"Leo-"

"It was a load of garbage, just in case you were wondering. A great way for him to keep pretending he hasn't been a selfish coward all these years."

Wood snapped somewhere overhead, but he plowed on, a helpless buoy in the torrent pulling him along.

"I was never hurt, Donnie and Raph never died, and he has never cared about any of us! He probably just left them behind back then to save his sorry hide from the purge and now he's going to sacrifice them again! Well, I'm not! I won't! So what if it was stupid to leave without a plan?! So what if I'm in over my head?! I can't leave them in the dark Master! I can't, I can't! I-"

"LEONARDO, BREATHE!"

Karai's hands landed on his chest with the strength of a mallet striking a gong, staggering him. Something familiar; warm, and strong, stemmed the flash flood in his mind, loosening the bands that held his lungs from fully expanding. Instinctively he did as he was told, sucking in a deep gulp of air.

"No, don't gasp. Meditative breathing. Breathe in for four, hold for six, and out for eight. Let your thoughts follow each breath, let them settle like sand in still water. Like this."

He did his best to follow her example, his heart slowly stepping down from its punishing gallop as her hands held him steady.

"Very good," she murmured, one hand sliding up to press solidly against his pulse point. "Very good Leonardo."

"Please, Master...I can't..."

"No one here is asking you to."

The assurance nearly took him out at the knees, pitching him further forward into her grasp.

"What I am going to ask is a series of questions, and I need you to answer them honestly. Is that something you feel up to?"

"Yes, Master."

"Alright. The first question is, can you still feel Donatello?"

"No," Leo shook his head, "we only connected for a minute last time, and nothing since."

"Okay. During your travels, have you or Michelangelo encountered any other individuals in black armor? Even at a distance, or in passing?"

"No Master."

Her hands relaxed a little as she let out a sigh of relief.

"Very good. Now, the most important question. When was the last time you slept? And I mean, I truly slept, a full eight hours with no interruptions?"

He tried to look away, but her hand stopped him, firm pressure against his jaw turning him back to face her.

"Honesty, Leonardo. Please. How long?"

"I don't know...before we left home?"

"Oh, Blue."

"I tried! I swear I did, but I couldn't stop thinking. I couldn't close my eyes, because he's there, begging me to help them."

"It's no wonder... come."

Her tone permitted no argument, nor did her grip as it shifted once more to his arm. All Leo could do was put one foot in front of the other as Master Karai towed him away from the garden and back towards the warm, welcoming light of her home. Lights that steadily turned fuzzy around the edges, blending into messy, hazy halos as the adrenaline in his veins slowly dwindled, replaced by all too familiar numbness. He blinked, and suddenly they were inside, a familiar green blur bouncing towards them.

"Hey! Where'd you guys go? Is he okay?!"

"Ah, you've laid out the cushions. Wonderful job Michelangelo. Would you mind dashing out to the well and bringing in the dishes for me?"

"But Leo-"

"He'll be alright," Karai assured, fingers prodding him to lift his arms enough for her to slide off his jacket. "All he needs is proper rest. I'll take care of him; you see to those dishes for me."

"Yes ma'am."

"Thank you."

Leo watched blankly as Mikey trotted to the door. His baby brother hesitated, hand on the latch as he turned to look back at Leo with questioning eyes. It took a long moment to remember how to answer, to signal the muscles in his neck to move his head up and down in a wooden nod.

It probably wasn't the most convincing performance he'd ever given, but it seemed to give Mikey the confidence he needed to push open the door and slip out into the night.

"Come here, Blue."

He let Karai pull him to the hearth, half a grumble, half a whine stuck in his throat as he was pushed down onto something soft.

"It's not gonna help," he mumbled, allowing his heavy body to follow the call of gravity. "Stupid insomnia brain says no."

"And I say yes," Karai replied patiently, wedging a pillow underneath his head before pulling a heavily mended blanket up around his shoulders.

"But Dee… and Raphie..."

"We'll help them, I promise. But they'd want you to take care of yourself along the way. For now, try to relax."

Her hand swept over his face, cutting off his half-heartedly grumbled response before settling over his eyes. The same power that had helped him earlier returned, far warmer than any flame as it wrapped around his mind like a weighted blanket. His thoughts unraveled under its touch, dreams dissolving like fog under the radiance of the sun.

"Sleep."

_______________________

"One set of dishes, acquired!" Mikey called as he approached the door, barely restraining the urge to indulge in a few flips of joy.

Then again, why should he contain his razzmatazz? They'd done it, after all, he and Leo. They'd found Karai, a real Jedi master! Someone willing to teach them how to be a Jedi too! It was like his birthday and every other holiday all at once. Like finding out wishing stars were real and miracles bloomed like wildflowers! Surely that deserved at least a little celebration, right?

He had to bite his lip to stop the full strength of his smile from splitting his cheeks, giggling quietly as he indulged himself with a simple aerial, pushing the door open with his foot. Was it possible for life to be better than this?

"Where do these-"

"Quietly, please Michelangelo," Karai replied, her voice hushed. "You can just leave them on the table for now. I'll put them away later."

"You sure? I can totally...Whoa!"

"Shhhhhh," Karai shushed, one finger raising to her lips as Mikey's mouth fell open in shock.

Karai knelt between the cushions he'd placed at the hearth, outer robes discarded in a puddle off to one side. On her other side was Leo, his insomniac brother, fast asleep. No dreams twitched behind his eyes or pulled half intelligible mumbles past his lips. In fact, his big brother’s face was blank, downright peaceful.

Who needed wishes and miracles? They had Master Karai!

"How did you do that, teach me right now." Mikey demanded, dropping his voice to a matching whisper as he ditched the plates on the table.

"Just a simple suggestion," Karai chuckled, her thumb gently feathering across Leo's temple when he shifted to lay more fully on his side. "I’m merely helping his mind reach a state where it can enter and stay asleep naturally. However, the effectiveness of this skill is based on the mental fortitude of the person in question. Stronger minds are harder to sway, and thus it is not a technique you should become overly reliant on."

"Oh, I know that one! It’s called Jedi mind trick! Master Kenobi talked about using it!"

"I see you've been studying the holocron," Karai noted, eye crinkling at the corners as she beckoned him over to the empty cushion.

"You bet!" Mikey affirmed, flopping down and then rolling over to lie on his stomach and look up at her. "Leo started me on Master Fisto for basics, but I like Masters Kenobi, Skywalker, and Windu. I didn’t like Master Mundi as much; he was cold. I tried Master Yoda, but I couldn't make heads or tails of what he was saying."

"Many of us struggled to understand him if it's any consolation," Karai nodded, grey eyes staring into space as Mikey got comfortable. "Grand Master Yoda enjoyed his riddles, almost as much as he enjoyed watching people scramble their brains trying to work them out. But they always had a purpose in the end, a lesson, even if it wasn't apparent. You just had to trust and keep your mind open."

"Just like how we found you," Mikey beamed, words split by a huge yawn.

"Much like that," Karai agreed, her free hand moving to carefully pull off Mikey's mask. She set the orange fabric by his pillow before reaching over and pulling up his blanket. "The most important thing you must always remember Michelangelo, is that the Force is in all things, and all things are directed by its will. This is the core principle of the Jedi code, and so long as we have it, none of us are ever lost."

"I won't forget, I promise," Mikey promised, jaw cracking on another yawn as he snuggled deeper into his bedding.

"Good. Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow, we will start your training."

#rottmnt synthesis #rottmnt x sw #rottmnt leo #rottmnt mikey #rottmnt karai #rottmnt #angst fairy writes #rottmnt fanart #trilos art as always has me either rolling in laughter or sobbing my feelings.#triloartstrikesagain #help my feels!#Mikey is a sweet sunshine bean #Leo finally gets a nap.

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fox-bright · 10 months ago

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23 years ago today, my mother made me homeless.

I was thinking about that, on my evening walk with my husband. The sun was creeping away from us, the sky was high and cloudless, the air was cool but the river was low and so it all smelled a little bit of mussel shells. And I walked hand in hand with him for most of the four miles, past the fellow doing a mural on the underpass, past the ice cream shop that does an excellent key lime pie ice cream, all along the greenway beside the river.

I was thinking it's not--I have never liked the phrase "it's not fair," because I never encountered fair. But it feels like an insult, that there are hurts you can take and never get better from. I sprained my right knee and ankle in opposite directions, slipping on ice nearly twelve years ago; they will never properly heal. And similarly, the wounds from being thrown away after I came out as queer are probably going to ooze a bit forever. It's been more than half my life, I was only nineteen, and still I get sad and angry when I think on it.

My life is full of many things. I do not have to think on it often, if I do not want to. But anniversaries do creep up on one.

So we went for our walk, my husband and I, and I watched the swallows overhead, and looked for more baby snapping turtles like the one we saved from the bicycle path the other afternoon. And the walk was good, and the company was good.

And on the way back, nearly at the end of our way, I looked up the path and saw someone asleep on a bench beside the road.

The hours toward the end of the afternoon, into the early evening, are sometimes the safest time to sleep, when you have to sleep rough in a city. It's not unlikely that after sunset you have to get up and stay up, lest you be fucked with by the cops or rousted out, or suffer violence from the sort of person who likes to go out and cause trouble in the dark. I felt a sick twist of sympathy, seeing the man with his socked feet sticking off the end of the bench. A familiarity.

But then as we got closer to him, I saw his socks were matching, and pretty clean. And his haircut was recent. And he was wearing, I realized belatedly, a set of matching sky-blue scrubs.

The hospital was less than a block up the road. This poor doctor hadn't made it any farther than that before he had to sleep, he had to sleep, and here he was looking like a dead thing. Absolutely unmoving. Face mashed into the slats of a metal bench.

I worry about what's coming. Everyone is already so tired.

Just have to put one foot ahead of the other, and get what rest we can. And where we can, look out for one another.

#my actual life

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roseamongroses · 5 months ago

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eggheads | en

Shuri/Riri Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Summer Camp Teacher!Riri, Auntie! Riri, Auntie! Shuri, Plot Device Rainstorm, Sexual Content, Missed Connections, Riri Williams is a Hot Mess, Shuri's into it

Summary: Sometimes smart people can be a little dumb when it comes to matters of love.

Shuri picks up her nephew from summer camp and meets his rather interesting teacher. Sparks fly--or at least they could, but it'll take a little more effort for them to get to the first date.

ao3

“Science camp?” Shuri repeated outloud, baffled—floored—befuddled even.

She swung her carry-on over her shoulder, her wide, glossy sunglasses sliding into place as she stepped outside the airport, “You paid…American dollars... to send my nephew—my cherished blood— to an…" she tasted the words on her tounge, disgust plain, "American, science summer camp? You could have sent him home for free. Is he being punished?”

Nakia’s holograph flickered over the left lens of Shuri’s sunglasses, “Not at all,” she said with a light-hearted chuckle, “You must understand, he practically begged to go. He wants to be like his auntie,” she teased, eyebrows raising pointedly, “Every kid his age apparently goes there for the summer, so I thought it’d be a good experience.”

And at that—Shuri’s heart warmed a smidge with smug satisfaction, “What does he even do there?” she asked, signaling her driver.

“Well, last week they learned about rock formations and visited a river to collect samples. This week they’re learning about circuits and— ” Nakia paused, squinting a bit, lips pursed as she thought, “He wants to show you himself, so I can’t spoil all the fun.”

“Bah--keep your secrets then,” Shuri said, popping the trunk to her car and throwing her suitcase in without a second glance. She accepted the keys from the driver, passing back a sizable tip in return, “What’s the address again?”

Miles away there was a little brick building across from the East Shore Public Library. It was a community center that had seen better years, but it wasn’t any less lively. Rainbow paper-chains threaded through the metal chain-link fences, green cups peppering the front window sills that were filled with budding sprouts, and a faded mural of stars and planets spanned the wall facing the street.

Several kids burst out of the front doors, capes tied around their shoulders as they clambered after one another. They all sprinted towards the jungle-gym out back--an adventure has begun it seems.

Inside, chipped, sickly-yellow walls were littered with peeling flyers. The words were bright, demanding you remember that--and dream for this--and volunteer for that. Little heads slouched along one wall, dark eyes staring ahead--the lot scowling, pouting, and grumbling as they waited to be freed from time out.

A line of colorful doors dotted down the hallway. Inside each classroom there were equally colorful tables, chairs, and walls. The kids clustered around each one--voices overlapping like a chirping nest of birds, grubby fingers reaching for the many tools and materials sprawled across the surface of their respective table. Scissors, wire, little light-bulbs and batteries--they all fought for their weapons of choice.

Their teacher moved about the classroom with ease. She stood tall--which wasn’t saying much, but she stood tall enough. Her grown-out, auburn braids were gathered in a messy bun, sitting crooked at the top of her head. She wore a long, cargo skirt that dragged behind, the sound of her beat-up work boots catching your ear long before you saw her face. The kids dutifully worked on the project, following her instructions.

Well…most of the kids did.

Toussaint stared at the scattered pieces in front of him. Clunky, disconnected--looking nothing like the cartoon diagram. He frowned, mouth shrinking into his face, hands crumpling the instructions as his frustration grew. It tickled his throat and clogged his breath.

“I…don’t get it,” he mumbled to himself, lip wobbling a bit.

What was he doing wrong?

Everyone else understood the instructions just fine. Little lights flickering on one-by-one, each one leaving him behind.

“But it's so easy? I’m done--” Demitrius boasted next to him.

He was a boy who was more afro than face. He had been doodling on the paper and table for most of the time, his project hastily put together long-before they even got instructions. It looked equally wrong and was covered in pudding--gross.

Across the table, the only girl at the table was slumped over, snoring away. Lunella had spent a total of five minutes putting together her project with little difficulty. She didn’t follow the instructions at all. There were parts moving, blinking, and whirring away--most of which she had grabbed from her bag.

She was most likely closer to being a scientist then any of them--then him.

Toussaint flinched at the realization, blinking rapidly as those little drops flowed.

He stared at the paper--it started right back.

Why didn’t it make any sense? Why couldn’t he do something so simple--

Looking up again, Demitrius did a double take, crayon falling as panic flashed across his face. His hand shot up, waving a bit, “Uh…Titi?” he called out, eyes darting around the classroom.

Riri let out a long, drawn out sigh, pinching her nose, “No, lil-man you cannot eat the wires. I done told you this--” she turned around, face falling.

No matter how long she's done this--she could never get used to the face of a crying child.

Toussaint sniffled quietly, tears running hot down his cheeks. They fell onto the instructions, blotting out the words like scattered shadows-- his hands shaking. He didn’t hear the footsteps nor the dragging skirt. He doesn’t know when, but he blinked and the sickly, yellow walls of the hallway were around him.

Riri crouched in front of the child--speaking low and unhurried.

Toussaint didn’t catch a word of what she said, but he pretended to hear. He wiped his nose, “...I’m okay,” he said, voice small--easily swallowed by the noise of the classroom and hallway, “I’m okay, I promise,” he repeated, hoping she’d believe him. Hoping she wouldn’t bring it up to his mom--she was busy enough. He didn’t want to worry her because he was being stupid. At that thought, he let out another choked up sob.

“Hey-hey, hey, I believe you,” Riri reassured softly, nodding as she wiped his face, “We’re jus’ gonna chill for a bit, that’s all.”

Toussaint nodded, sniffling as he blinked back the remaining tears.

After a while they finally returned to the classroom.

Miss Riri eyed the remains of his project curiously for a moment.

Toussaint fidgeted in his chair, looking off, embarrassed, but by the time he looked back--the light was blinking. It didn’t even look all that different from how he had it before and yet it worked.

Bright eyed, Toussaint looked up, “You fixed it,” he said, awed, prodding the project carefully.

“There wasn’t much to fix,” Riri said with a small smile, pointing to the two wires--purple and orange--he had unintentionally crossed, “You were on the right track, you just got a little mixed up.”

Demitrius nodded along, afro bobbing with the movement, “Of course she fixed it, my Titi’s the smartest in the world” he boasted, flashing a toothy grin.

Miss Riri snorted, ruffling his hair, “Well I guess I-”

At that, Toussaint’s nose scrunched up, “She’s not the smartest,” he said, matter of fact.

Demitrius scowled, head whipping around, “Yes she is-”

“No she isn’t-” Toussaint huffed, eyes narrowing as his chin raised, no lingering tears to be seen, “My Tati is the smartest.”

“No my T--”

“I’m sure we’re both smart,” Miss Riri said, cutting them both off with a no-nonsense look, “It’s not a competition, so--" her words were cut short as loud shrieks erupted from a nearby table--a kid threw up. Riri rushed over, conversation long forgotten as she tried to settle down the chaos.

In the meantime, Demitirus and Toussaint stared at each other, eyes glinting as a new challenge had been issued.

Afternoon pick up was a shit show like always.

Kids forgetting shit-- the shoes on their feet and the beads in their head. Parents acting tough for no good reason. Xavier had to break up several fights in the parking lot already. One kid crawled behind the front desk and scribbled over the entire sign in/out sheet in metallic sharpie. Then when she went to confiscate the sharpie, he threw up on her.

So yeah-- a normal, shit end to a shit day.

Riri didn’t hate her job, per say, but it certainly wasn't something she ever imagined doing. Wiping noses, breaking up fights, teaching the planets through song. It wasn’t exactly the filthy rich, inventor, astronaut she always envisioned herself becoming.But...it wasn’t like she had many options at this point. It helped that she liked dealing with kids better than undergrads, but she wasn’t sure that a consistent check was worth the biohazard-ass conditions.

After the first wave of pick-ups--the usual stragglers were left. The rest of the summer staff began to either clean up or supervise the remaining kids playing out back.

Riri manned the front desk, busying herself with the mountains of paper-work. She flipped through the sign in/out sheet, wincing as she noticed the sharpie was bleeding on everything else in the stack. Knowing her boss, he’d expect everything to get reprinted. She’d been bugging the man about setting up a digital sign-in, but he was averse to anything that wasn’t invented before the 1900s.

The bell on the front door rang, but she didn’t bother to look up, eyes darting between her open laptop and the stained paperwork.

Light footsteps approached the front desk and someone cleared their throat, “I’m here to pick up Toussaint,” they said with an accent she couldn’t quite place immediately.

Riri was briefly annoyed about the lack of a last name, but then remembered Toussaint was actually the only kid enrolled with that name this summer. She glanced up, before doing a double take.

That...was not Toussaint’s Mama.

Slim fingers with neatly trimmed nails rested against the counter, a long line she couldn’t help but follow up. Tall, lean, with tightly cropped curls. Shades blocking her eyes, dark and glossy like the athleisure set she wore. Expensive. She stood out—then again, she’d stand out anywhere. The stranger smiled—a cheeky flash of silver and dimples. Riri’s stomach flipped--funny—distantly she heard children laughing.

“Uh, right,” Riri blinked, brain doing a hard reset as she set aside the papers she was sorting through, “Can I see some I.D?” she asked, mouth on autopilot.

Reaching behind the desk, she found a beat-up binder, bursting at the seams. She flipped through the pages and accepted their Passport I.D comparing it to the student’s file. Very professional, calm, mature--fuck she looked a mess. She confirmed the information and picked up her walkie-talkie, notifying them to send Toussaint up.

Riri inhaled, putting on her best customer service smile, “You must be the famous Tati,” she mused as she handed back the I.D. She then adjusted her top, hoping to hide the stains.

Shuri raised her sunglasses, perching them on top of her head—distracting, dark eyes, catching the fluorescent glare like unearthed, precious stone, “He talks about me?” she asked.

“You’re all we can get him to talk about,” Riri shared, unconsciously tugging a braid loose from her bun and twirling it as she spoke, “He had us thinking you're the Queen of England.”

“Oh?”

Riri looked her up and down, eyes taking great care to take in every detail. She leaned against the counter, “I can believe it,” she said, looking around before her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, “You’ve got a presence--real regal like.”

“Uh-huh,” Shuri murmured with a creeping smile, “What? Are you saying I'm intimidating?”

“Something like that…” Riri said with a low laugh, fingers tapping against the counter.

Everything about the teacher was--distracting.

Those hands, always in motion. The little cartoon band-aids around her thumbs, a bright, vibrant orange that matched the chain of little flags looping around the marbled, front desk. Gold hoops and a matching chain hanging above her collarbones, moles dotting the curve of her neck. Those broad shoulders and toned arms. Cropped tank-top and that long skirt that hung low on her hips--nothing indecent, but enough to be appreciated. The way her eyes never hesitated to meet her own--a silent challenge—a question.

Then Riri smiled again or rather her smile changed. It became smaller—less polished. Crooked—shy almost. The front gap in her teeth peeking through her lips. Distantly she heard children laughing.

Shuri was unable to decide where her eyes should land.

It was hard to describe--that lingering, something. The air tense, but not unfriendly as they stared at each other-- expectant. As if they were both waiting to see who’d be the first crack--the first to exhale--the first to ask--

Riri stiffened as her walkie-talkie went off again and she remembered herself--her job. She cleared her throat, “Yeah, Toussaint is a sweet student, but…”

At the mention of her nephew, Shuri's attention sharply pivoted, “Did something happen?”

“He had a tough time in lessons today,” Riri gently explained, “He got overwhelmed and had to step out of class for a little bit. Otherwise, he had a pretty good day.”

“Overwhelmed…?” Shuri repeated, uneasy, “Are the lessons difficult?”

After a certain age, she never saw the boy get upset at much. He was always a bright, cheerful child.

Then again, the same could’ve been said about her growing up. More often than not, she became rather adept at hiding the nastier feelings.

Riri sent her a sympathetic look, “The lessons are age-appropriate, but sometimes kids get frustrated and that makes it harder for them.”

Sometimes it wasn’t a matter of being smart enough. Humans are far too complicated to be ruled by logic alone. She knew it unsettled some guardians when their kids struggled. Knowing that it wasn’t something that’d be a quick fix or easily brushed under the rug. Sometimes she’s even had parents pull their kids out of the program--accusing her of all sorts of things, before eventually re-enrolling once they realized the options in the area for affordable S.T.E.M programs were slim to none.

Shuri looked a bit concerned, but she nodded her head, “I’ll be sure to inform his Mother. Thank you for letting us know," she said, making a mental note for later, “So... do you help plan the lessons?” she asked, conversationally.

Riri barked out a laugh, “Nah,” she said, shaking her head, schooling her expression quickly.

Shuri raised her eyebrow, “Not a fan, then?”

Riri hummed, looking off to the side, “The lesson plans are...fine,” she reluctantly admitted, “But, some kids are further along then others, so they get bored and…act up.”

“I’m sure they keep you busy.”

“Mhm," Riri's mouth pinched at the thought, muttering under her breath, "It’s my karma for all the shit I pulled in school growing up.”

“You? A troublemaker?” Shuri asked, leaning against the counter.

“You don’t believe it?” Riri's eyes squinted, cocking her head. A clean scent crept into her space--she didn't entirely mind.

Oh, Shuri believed it.

The teacher was trouble. From that ever elusive smile, to those dangerously sharp eyes--all carefully tucked behind that flimsy professional demeanor.

Growing up, the elders always said that where there was trouble, Shuri would follow.

Today wasn’t any different.

Shuri considered this for a moment, knowing what her next move should be, but--

“Tati--!” Toussaint shouted, sneakers squeaking as he rushed to greet his aunt.

The pair jumped at the sound, pulling away from each other.

Shuri cleared her throat, glancing back uncertainly, but she was quickly distracted as Toussaint jumped into her arms with a bubbly laugh. He was as bright as she remembered. Her worries eased, if only for that moment. It seemed as if her nephew had already forgotten his difficulties.

She lifted him up, the squirming boy falling into another fit of giggles as she tossed him about before setting him down.

Toussaint grabbed her hand, pulling her along as he chatted away. He tossed a careless wave behind, “Bye-bye Miss Riri, ” he called back, pushing through the doors.

Shuri sent Riri one final, lingering look before she was dragged away.

Once the door slammed shut, Riri sucked in her teeth, body slumping against the front desk. She pressed her head against the cool countertop, knocking it a few times for good measure as she collected her thoughts. She let out one, lengthy groan--disappointment rolling right into frustration.

Fucking dammit.

Sure she was sleep-deprived, covered in questionable stains, and looked a mess, but she definitely still had a chance.

If she was lucky, maybe she’d get to see her again.

Shuri swung that baby-blue, back-pack decorated with pink cats over her shoulder. She walked slower then normal, eyes glancing back towards the building every-so-often before inevitably returning to her nephew who was skipping, full-speed ahead.

She was confused, to say the least. They were interrupted, but Shuri had some time to at least ask for her number, give her number--something. But her mouth was dry, intended words lost and easily swept away by her nephew’s excitement.

It was undeniable--she froze.

That big brain of her--faltered, lingering far too long to get to the point. That never happens. She’s been attracted to women in the past. It certainly wouldn’t have been her first time initiating and yet she hesitated.

Riri was working. She was clearly exhausted. It didn’t…feel right to hit on someone when they couldn’t easily reject her advances.

That was probably it.

That was all there was to it.

Shuri shook her head, annoyed at herself. Regardless, the other woman was clearly interested. She should’ve taken the chance, but there was no point in getting too hung up over it. She was leaving in a week anyways.

She settled into the car, starting it up. She glanced into the rear-view mirror, making sure her nephew didn’t forget to put on his seatbelt as he continued to talk his head off.

“Did you go to college--” Toussaint randomly asked in the middle of describing the latest episode of that cartoon series he’s been watching.

Shuri took a moment to process the change of topic, pulling out of the parking space, “...College?” she echoed, confused, “No, I haven’t. Why do you ask?”

At that, her nephew’s face crumpled. He fiddled with his hands, mumbling, “Demitrius says you can’t be the smartest if you don’t go to college…”

Shuri paused at that, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Demitrius?

It must be one of the kids from camp.

“Our education system isn’t structured the same as western institutions,” she said, meeting his gaze in the mirror.

Toussaint straightened up at her tone, recognizing it as another one of her haphazard lessons.

Seeing that she had his attention, Shuri continued, “A good percentage of our population resides in rural areas, so our education system is relatively decentralized and the other tribes--”

Shuri’s built more schools then she’s attended to be honest. Over the years she’s even expanded beyond Wakanda to set up outreach and educational facilities. It was the reason she was in Chicago to begin with--she was overseeing the final touches of the newest facility.

Toussaint listened avidly as she detailed the various tribes and their educational systems. Sometimes she worried if she was going too fast or using too many words he didn’t understand, but he never balked at their discussions. He always took everything in, drinking in each word. Later on he’d usually quietly ask her to elaborate or explain anything he didn’t catch the first time. She figured that he preferred not to be babied. And considering the fact that he was their future King--she knew it was best to inform him the best she could.

Then out of curiosity, she asked what they were even talking about to bring up college to begin with.

“Oh, Demitrius said Miss Riri was smarter then you cause she went to MIT,” Toussaint explained, scowling at the reminder.

“She did?” Shuri asked, interest stirring once more, “Do you know what she studied?”

Toussaint scratched his head, nose scrunching up for a moment before he shook his head--no.

Shuri sighed, a little disappointed, “...Anyhow, you can’t quantify intelligence based on education alone," she said, deciding to move on, "There're far too many variables that can impact that and it can be difficult to compare across regions. Do you understand?”

Toussaint nodded, arriving to a conclusion. Although it probably wasn’t the conclusion Shuri anticipated. He stared out the window, watching the raindrops scatter towards the bottom, envisioning his raindrop beating the rest to the finish line.

#mcu #marvel #bpwf #shuriri #shuri x riri #shuri #riri williams #mcu riri #mcu ironheart #black panther #wakanda forever #fanfiction #writing #happy valentines day

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adhdzagreus · 8 months ago

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One Big Bed

Pairing: Cassandra/Rapunzel/Eugene Fandom: Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure Length: 900 words Prompt: Day 5 "Only one bed" for @polyshipweek

Zhan Tiri may have blasted a hole through the wall, but Rapunzel’s bed is still intact. Her murals weathered the final battle with minimal damage too.

Most importantly, Cassandra and Eugene emerged from the ordeal unscathed. Rapunzel has not left their sides since Zhan Tiri was defeated and the Sundrop and Moonstone were returned to the heavens.

Night fell fast after the dust settled and everyone was accounted for, and the three of them ended up in Rapunzel’s room. She can’t stop staring at Cassandra’s black hair. Cass looks pale and tired, but her dark eyes are focused and clear.

Eugene has been talking a mile a minute since their victory, trying to defuse any lingering tension, and Cass has told him to shut up three times already, and that’s how Rapunzel knows they’re going to be okay.

“You sure you want to sleep in here, sunshine?” Eugene asks, looking at the debris from the hole in the wall.

“It’s not so bad, Eugene,” she says. “Some fresh air will be nice, and we just spent the afternoon getting the guard back in order, so there’s no danger.”

“Yeah, I mean, what are the odds we get attacked twice in one day?” Eugene agrees.

“Pretty high now that you’ve said it,” Cass puts in.

Rapunzel laughs and sets Pascal on his perch before flopping down on her bed on her back. “This was a good day.”

“Sunshine, we almost got stomped by a giant demon sorcerer lady,” Eugene says.

“The key word is almost,” she says with a sigh. Her body feels liquid against her silk bedding.

“It’s certainly been a day to remember,” Cass says dryly. “I guess I’ll head back to my room. It’s still there, right?”

Rapunzel sits up on her bed. “What? I mean, yeah, it’s still there, but you’re gonna leave? You just got back, Cass.”

“Well, yeah,” she says, but she hesitates.

“Well, I’m not going anywhere,” Eugene says, throwing himself on the bed next to Rapunzel. “Pretty sure Zhan Tiri trashed my room anyway.”

Rapunzel laughs. “You’re welcome here anytime.” She takes his hand, and he squeezes it. “Cass?” Rapunzel says.

Cass huffs as she sits on the edge of the bed. “Someone needs to look after you two.”

“Yay!” Rapunzel squeals. She leans over to kiss Cass on the cheek before she stands up and darts behind her dressing screen to change into her nightclothes.

When she gets back, Eugene has taken off his jacket and boots, and he smiles when he sees her. “I’m gonna have to get used to not calling you blondie anymore.”

“You’ve always been slow on the uptake,” Cass says. She’s still wearing her black and gray bodysuit with the hole where the Moonstone used to be.

Rapunzel digs around in her drawers until she finds what she’s looking for—a white blouse and brown leggings, leftover from a long ago sleepover with Cass. She hands them to her without a word, and if Eugene is surprised that Rapunzel still has some of Cassandra’s clothes in her room, he doesn’t show it.

“Thanks, Raps,” Cass says. She stands and ducks behind the screen.

Rapunzel lays down in bed and rests her head on Eugene’s chest. He plays with the ends of her new haircut.

Cass returns in soft white and brown fabric, and Rapunzel beams at her. She rolls her eyes as she climbs into bed on the other side of Rapunzel.

The princess’s bed is big enough for the three of them, and Rapunzel curls up between Cassandra and Eugene. Eugene drapes an arm over her, and Rapunzel wraps an arm around Cass with a sigh.

“The last time we did this, we were all on the way to the Dark Kingdom,” she says.

“Feels like just yesterday,” Eugene says.

Cass huffs a laugh. “Feels like a lifetime ago to me.”

Internally, Rapunzel agrees with both of them. “Are you still going to leave tomorrow, Cass?’

The former lady-in-waiting is quiet for a moment. “Yes,” she answers. “There’s a big world out there beyond Corona, and we only saw a bit of it.”

“Okay,” Rapunzel says. She knows what Cass means. She knows Cass has to leave for the same reason she did, and for the same reason that she turned down Eugene’s first proposal and floundered at his second. “Will you be coming back?”

“Of course. Just don’t ask me when,” she says.

“We’ll hold you to that,” Eugene says. “So don’t take too long, or Sunshine’ll send the Royal Guard after you.”

“Eugene! I wouldn’t do that!”

“You would,” Cass and Eugene say in unison.

“Only if I was really worried,” she concedes.

The trio falls silent for a moment. Eugene’s arm is warm and comforting around Rapunzel’s waist. She can feel Cass’s steady breathing as her chest rises and falls under Rapunzel’s arm. Eugene lets out a sleepy sigh.

“Will you still be here in the morning?” Rapunzel whispers.

“Yes, Raps,” Cass says, fond and exasperated. “I won’t leave without saying goodbye.”

“Okay.”

“Now get some sleep.”

“Okay. I love you,” Rapunzel says.

She can practically feel Cass rolling her eyes through their connection. “I love you too.”

“That’s great, but can we have this discussion in the morning?” Eugene says with a yawn.

“Can it, Fitzherbert.”

“Love you too, Cass.”

Rapunzel falls asleep with a smile on her face.

#tangled the series #rapunzel's tangled adventure #unknighted dream #cassunzel #eugunzel #new dream #i think those are the tags lmao #polyshipweek24 #poly ship week 2024

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vikkirosko · 2 years ago

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Hihihihi :DDD

Can I request Phoenix and Miles adopting a male teen reader with a punk/gothic style? It can be seperate ofc

(because I lack a father figure in life)

Here's the background info about our spunky reader.

The reader is around 13-15 years old in foster care, he is always forced to move in with different foster houses, no matter how much he tries to prove that they can be worth something (oop abandonment issues 😜)

Basically, his parents left him in the dump when he was an infant, leading up to their arrest and losing their parental rights. Nobody in his biological family wanted to take him, thus turning him in for foster care.

The reader is the definition of a typical teen, he dyed his hair, skateboards around the streets, spray painting murals and street art with kids around his age (legally ofc).

The reader's personality really fits the whole 'Don't judge a book by its cover' thing. He's a sweet and laid back kid, often running around the streets and helping the locals with their errands. He can be cunning, compulsive, and sarcastic at times, often having witty banters with the local kids in his age.

The reader is doing his usual errands when he witnesses the murder first hand, thus turning him into a key witness to the case. And now we meet both Nick and Edgey.

They both find it surprising that he's actually very cooperative and polite in contrast to his looks.

While gathering his testimony and his background info, they learn about the reader's past and current situation.

They then started to develop a father and son relationship throughout the trial, answering the reader's questions about their work, the reader rambling on about their current interest, and even helping the reader in his homework.

After the trial concludes and fast forward to a few months later, they have a little surprise for the reader and they pull out the adoption papers.

(Yes you can adopt a child in foster care if the biological parents' rights gets terminated by the court.)

Also sorry if it's too specific Kdhdndhsk-

Platonic headcanons Don't judge a book by its cover

⚖️ Phoenix Wright x teen male!Reader 🚲

You met Phoenix during one of the investigations. You were a teenager who was problematic in the eyes of society. That's what the police thought when you told them you witnessed a murder. They didn't believe you, thinking you were trying to interfere with the investigation, but Phoenix believed you. He knew from his own experience that it was not worth judging people by their appearance, so looking at a teenager with dyed hair, in a black leather jacket and with a skateboard, he was sure that you could really help him get to the truth and protect his client

You were talking in his office and then he found out that your appearance and your character were very different. Behind the gloomy exterior was a nice guy, polite and ready to help with the investigation. You tried to tell as much as possible of what you remembered and agreed to stay in the office until the investigation was completed. Phoenix was afraid that the real killer might try to get rid of you, because you were a key witness. He offered to call your parents, but you said it wasn't necessary. You openly told him that you lived with a foster family and that they didn't care where you were if you didn't cause them problems

Phoenix sincerely sympathized with you and did not understand how it was possible to treat you like this. During the time that he conducted his investigation, you seemed to him a good child. You chatted a lot, he helped you with homework as much as he could, you talked about art, because as it turned out, it was interesting for both of you, and Maya joked that you looked like you were father and son. This confused Phoenix, but the very thought did not repel him

After the completion of the trial, Phoenix continued to communicate with you. You saw each other often and he cared about you much more than your foster parents. A few months later, he called you to his office and said that there was something important that he had to tell you. After that, he took out the adoption documents. All these few months he has been preparing everything so that he can adopt you. When you found out about it, you couldn't hold back the tears. You were happy that a real father would appear in your life who really cares about you and who loves you

⚖️ Miles Edgeworth x teen male!Reader 🚘

Prosecutor Edgeworth has always taken his job seriously. That's why when he found out that there was a witness to the murder who saw everything that happened, he decided to talk to this witness himself. He was surprised when he saw a teenager with dyed hair, a black leather jacket, pierced ears, leather bracelets with spikes on his hands and a skateboard. You were the witness

At first he thought it would be a problem to get information from you, but it turned out not to be so. You didn't hide anything and were ready to help the investigation. Miles also took a responsible approach to finding out more about you, because he could not ignore the fact that you could lie and be associated with the killer. But it wasn't like that. You were an orphan with a difficult past and an equally difficult present. That's why you preferred to be in the police station or the prosecutor's office than in your temporary home

He didn't mind you being in his office. You didn't cause him any problems, you could talk peacefully, you were a smart and polite guy, he even helped you do your homework and explained topics that you didn't understand when he had free time. Several times he took you to a cafe so that you could eat properly. He acted like he was your father. You didn't have a father figure in your life, but Edgeworth handled that role well

After the completion of the trial, the prosecutor continued to spend time with you. The police are already used to seeing you, because you often came to Edgeworth. A few months later, when you came to him, a surprise was waiting for you. Adoption documents. Edgeworth wanted to adopt you, if of course you didn't mind. He wanted to become the same person for you as his father was for him. He wanted to give you a good life and a loving family that you deserved more than anyone else

#Ace Attorney #Ace Attorney x Reader #Ace Attorney headcanons #Phoenix Wright #Phoenix Wright x Reader #Miles Edgeworth #Miles Edgeworth x Reader

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silent-raven13 · 1 year ago

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High School AU

(Au: All the Spider gang are in high school except for Miguel, Peter, Jess, Ben, and etc. Miles and Hobie are dating. Gwen is Grunge aesthetic with Hobie's group of friends. Pavtri is dating Gayatri being the typical high school sweethearts.)

In Brooklyn Vision Academy, Miles giggles being pin against the school lockers while his tall skinny punker's hand on his waist muttering very dirty, yet romantic words towards the graffiti artist.

Miles is only seventeen years old having on his white collar uniform with spray paint stains and embroidered sunflowers on it, his blue jacket around his waist. His hairstyles into twist part is dye red.

The Academy may be strict on their educational system, and provide more opportunities, they are quite strict on dress code. Luckily, Miles always stated he's part of the art club and they are working on a massive mural right outside in the courtyard.

However as for Hobie, the punker didn't care how many dentition, warnings and all the other lectures, he does what he wants and wears what he wants. And he never steps out of bound from the dress-code policy, he specified how his ripped pants is suitable for low income students, and brings up classism. Either way, the principal normally left him off the hook not wanting to hear him.

So here's Hobie with his wicks tied into a bright blue loose ponytail, he wore two belts of different colors of yellow and pink, and miss match shoes and socks. His blue pants with patches, ripped white collar shirts and piercings. His lips painted black, wearing eyeliner and a messy smokey black eyeshadow with a bit of dark purple. All breaking dress code in the eyes of older teachers.

The seventeen year old teenager smirks at his boyfriend having to whisper to him again, "Mi, you gonna ditch Spanish or what?" His lips hovering over his Sunflower's lips as they make out.

Miles wraps his arms around his punker's neck, "Bae, you know I can't miss Spanish. My mamí got mad for having a B in class."

"Tsk," His punker sucked in his teeth then whispers again, "Luv, you can skip a couple of classes. Yuh a smart lad." His cockney accent coming out from time to time.

"Mmm," Miles' big doe eyes on his hot boyfriend, still thinking about it. When he thinks to himself, he does this put pout where his lips puckered out.

Hobie's heart flutter by his Sunflower's cuteness. Ugh, he wants to be greedy for today, so he flirted some more. "Come on, Sunflower." He purrs having his voice low, his hands pulling his boyfriend's hips forward feeling his crotch. "Don't do me like this. I want you to go to my pad and maybe we can you know."

"I know what?" His Sunflower asked pretending to not know what his boyfriend means.

"You know," The tall teenager leans over for another kiss, his lips feeling such soft sweet lips. The sounder of their lip locking echoes up in the third floor in building A, a place no one is ever around. "Hmm?"

"Mmm," Miles sighs loving how great of kisser his boyfriend is, "Okay, but if I get in trouble I'm gonna be mad at you."

"Luv, I'll take all the blame as long I'm with you." They made out with tongue this time, Hobie purrs lowly as he pull away, "Your so fine, right now. I gotta have you." His mouth hungry for more as he went in another heated kiss.

"Ohh, mmm." His Sunflower's knees felt weak feeling those soft lips. Pulling away to kiss him, "Bae, you're too much."

"But you love it." This made Miles bashful, he does love it when his boyfriend spoil him. They were about to kiss again, until one of the doors to the second floor opened wide open. The two froze seeing their happy bubbly friend spotting them.

"I knew you two would be up here!" The brown skinned preppy boy happily said, he saw Hobie looking annoyed. "Awe, don't be mad."

"Pav! What are you doing up here?" Miles asked. He tries to avoid his boyfriend's grumpy attitude.

"Gwen kept texting you if your gonna skip your last class, but never responded." Pavtri chuckles, "and I knew it's because ya'll were up here. Were you the ones leaving used condoms on the staircase." Just joking around, he likes seeing Miles' face. So priceless!

"What! No!" The Black Latino looks so horrified like hell he'll get caught in the school. Sure him and his boyfriend done things like touching each other, but never full blown sex in the school staircase. "That's so ballsy! I'm not the type!"

Hobie chuckles, his Sunflower is too cute. His arms wrapping around his hips. "He's only teasing, Sunflower."

"Yeah, like you ever done that." Pavtri cracks up. "Anyway, are we down at your pad, Hobie?"

"Miles said yes, so yeah. We should get going!" The punker chimes.

"Alright, I'll go let the gang know. See ya there." Their friend left them alone, which was a lot better.

The punker was about to go back to kissing his boyfriend, until a hand stops him. "What?"

"If I'm skipping, I need to get my art supplies from my club. I left it in the art class instead of my locker." Miles pointed out. "And my painting is there."

"Okay, we'll go get it, but first..." His mouth went in for another kiss. The two happily share kisses.

#punkflower #miles morales #hobie brown #spiderman #spiderverse

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chameleon66 · 1 year ago

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The framed fate of two twins

Sanders sides soulmate au: In this universe on your sixteenth birthday the last photo you and your soulmate were both in will be sent to you framed and when you first touch it will reveal the picture (And that picture can be updated to the most recent picture).

Ships: Prinxiety and Dukeceit (Yeah that poll I did was a joke, I was going to do both along)

Warnings: Remus being himself, soulmate au, mild angst, (Let me know if I need to add anything)

Word count: 3129

Remus and Roman were about as different as twins could get from each other, Roman was in the drama club and well liked by practically everyone as he was charming, witty and not to be shallow but very good looking.

Remus had always been a problematic guy, he liked to fool around and break rules, he wasn’t bad, just chaotic. Plus there were people who admired his bold and outgoing nature.

Despite their differences there was one thing the brothers had in common, they could not wait for their sixteenth birthday to find out who their soulmate was. After hearing their parents' story of meeting each other they both desperately wanted to know who their soulmates were. The idea of having the special someone to share secrets and love with made them both giddy with joy.

Soon enough it was their sixteenth birthday and both of them made plans for the day, Roman invited some of his theater club friends and they all chipped in so they could go to the local community theaterhouse to watch ‘The Neverending Story’. While Remus asked Janus to go to a R rated movie with him then they’d go look at some wall murals downtown.

Remus was on cloud nine knowing he’d get to know who his soulmate was that nightstand couldn’t stop talking about it, not that Janus minded, he always thought Remus was adorable when he was excited. Remus hardly payed attention to the movie and when they stopped to take pictures together in front of the mural, in the back of his mind he thought it wouldn’t be so bad if saw one the photos he took with Jan in the frame, but out of all the people on earth what were the chances it would be him. Remus didn’t know Math isn't his strong suit but he could hope.

Roman meanwhile was to put it lightly, a complete stressed mess. He couldn’t stop thinking that he’d get to see who his soulmate was that night and he was going a mile a minute snapping pictures of everyone in the group and everyone passing by because according to him “What if I walk by them today and don’t realize it Patton!” It took Patton the whole walk to the theater to calm Roman down with his promise that the stars wouldn’t doom Romna to be alone forever and once he met his soulmate they’d be perfect for eachother, Roman could only hope.

Both brothers arrived home just before dinner was to be served and they’re mom couldn’t stop saying how happy she was for them and that they weren’t her little baby boys anymore while their dad patted both of his sons on the back and told him he was happy for them.

After dinner they all shared a chocolate cake that their mom baked herself, then it was time for them to open the packages that came addressed to them that afternoon when the mail man arrived. They all sat down in the living room, both brothers shaking in anticipation as they were handed the wrapped packages. Remus and Roman didn’t hesitate as they both messily tore off the wrapping paper then opened the lid of the boxes to find two identical frames in the box.

Both twin’s hands reached down in the box and grabbed the frames which instantly lit up to reveal the pictures hidden. Remus’s picture was the selfie he and Janus took earlier that day downtown in front of a mural called while Roman’s was the cast and crew photo from the show he had closed at school a few days ago, Beauty and the Beast.

The brothers were stunned quietly as their parents began yelling happily but neither responded to the yelling.

Remus was thrilled, his best friend was his soulmate but did Janus like Remus that way? What if they weren’t meant to be? What if he ended up losing Janus as a soulmate and best friend? What if it was a mistake? Millions of questions flooded Remus’s brain all at once, and Remus had no answers.

Roman was puzzled, His soulmate had to have been in the picture but then which person in the picture was his soulmate? I couldn’t have been Patton or any of his other friends he was with that day since he took many other pictures with them that day. So that narrowed it down to at least a dozen other people in the photo, but then who was it?

— Timeskip, to the next day at school —

That morning both brothers came to school with a purpose, to talk/find their soulmate. Remus texted Janus before class to meet up at their favorite spot behind the bleachers at the football field during lunch. That is when he planned to tell Janus that he was his soulmate, until then all he could do was hope, which felt like all he had been doing lately.

Roman on the other hand was as busy as a bee playing detective trying to find out who his soulmate could be, before school and in between his classes he took selfie after selfie with the cast and crew of the recent school play but the picture in the frame remained the same picture. In fact Roman almost gave up when he was rushing to the cafeteria to meet with Patton for lunch class when suddenly someone crashed into him and knocked his phone out of his hands.

Both Roman and the person he walked into fell to the floor in the hallway with a grunt.

“Oh I’m sorry.” Roman started to gather the belongings scattered across the floor. “I wasn’t looking where-.” Silence woke up mid Roman’s sentence when he looked at the person he crashed into. Then all time seemed to fall still.

The person Roman crashed into was dressed darkly in ripped jeans and a hoodie that looked to be hand sewn, his hair was dyed purple and he had dark circles under his eyes that could have been makeup with how dark they were. The person blushed as he looked up and met Roman’s gaze and quickly scooped up his stuff and speed walked away from Roman, leaving Roman there on the floor unsure of what had just happened.

Once Roman collected him and his belongings he began walking much slower to the cafeteria checking his phone on the way. Once he finished checking his instagram notifications he decided to clear up some memory in his phone by deleting a few of the many pictures he had taken that day, trying to find his soulmate.

When he opened the app he saw a photo of the guy and him he had chase into, he must have accidentally clicked the photo button while he was falling, the angle wasn’t very flattering but he could clearly make out the features of the guy, that’s when something clicked together in Roman’s head, that guy was on costume’s crew for Beauty and the Beast.

His name was Virgil and Roman had talked to him before when they were on a five and he needed his sizes for his Lumiere costume, but could it be?

Before Roman could properly understand what he was doing he reached for the frame stuffed down into his backpack and compared the image in it to the one on his phone, they were an exact match. Which could only mean one thing, Roman had found his soulmate.

— Meanwhile with Remus —

Remus couldn’t focus on what was happening around him, the shadeness from under the bleachers, the taste of hot and spicy chips in his mouth or the sound of Janus ranting about how a kid in his Science class Logan was such a teacher’s pet and always reminded the teacher about their homework.

Normally Remus would laugh and crack a few jokes but now he was just silently pondering to himself, he was sitting right next to his soulmate right now and Janus didn’t realize it. He hated to admit it but he wanted Janus, he wanted to kiss his vitiligo coated face and protect his smile and laugh forever. But then what if Janus ran away and got freaked out, I mean Janus knew he could be a bit much but that never stopped Janus from being his very best friend so why would that stop him from being his soulmate. Things would never be the same if he told Janus.

“Earth to Remus, are you even listening to me?” Janus shouted in his ear bringing Remus out of his head and back into the real world.

“Yeah I’m listening.” Remus flashed his toothy grin but Janus looked unconvinced.

“Yup, something’s wrong.” Janus narrowed his eyes at Remus, as if trying to see through him to figure out what was the matter.

“With you?” Remus tried to redirect the conversation away from himself.

“No, you.” Janus moved closer to Remus and Remus felt like he would have combusted right then and there on the spot.

“You've been really quiet, which is highly unusual for you.” Janus stated in a tone of voice that reminded Remus of a lawyer. “Does this have anything to do with you finding out your soulmate last night?”

Maybe Janus was some undercover law school student because he always seemed to put two and two together and know what was going on. Remus knew he had to do it, he just couldn’t hold it inside anymore plus Janus’s birthday would be in a few months so he’d find out on his own sooner or later so Remus just had to tell him.

“Janus.” Remus started “I need to tell you something important.”

“Did you finally commit a felony and need me to represent you in court?” Janus mockingly asked but Remus didn’t laugh, that is what told Janus that this was serious and he sat still waiting for Remus to continue talking.

“So… I did find out my soulmate and I do think I like them, romantically.” Remus hated the way the sophisticated words sounded coming from him but he didn’t know how else to put it without sounding like a creepy stalker.

“Well then who is it Re?” Janus gently asked but something in his head was telling him he knew who it was but he couldn’t believe that voice, it was best not to get his hopes up too high, that’s what he had been telling himself for weeks before Remus’s birthday.

Remus groaned into his hands “It’s so weird to say.” Remus whined.

“Say it.” Janus urged “I double dog dare you to say it.” Janus smirked knowing Remus never said no to a dare.

“Ok, fine, it’s you ok, I saw the selfie we took yesterday at the mural in the picture frame!” The words came out of Remus’s mouth in a tizzy and Remus couldn’t get anything else out of his mouth so he just sat there looking down at the ground listening to the silence of Janus.

Janus almost felt his eyes bulge out his socket out of every emotion that ran through his head at once, first came shock, then bewilderment, then finally rejoice. He was Remus’s soulmate so that meant Remus was his soulmate.

“I’m sorry.” Janus said in such a melancholy voice that it almost sounded depressed. And Remus almost had to mentally kick himself to get himself to respond.

“What?” Remus looked up to see Janus’s eyes down on the ground now.

“I’m sorry that you got stuck with me as your soulmate.” Janus sunk in his seat as he spoke.

“No, don’t you pretend to not know how incredibly amazing and sexy you are.” Remus’s hand went up to Janus’s chin and pulled his face up to look at his.

“Stop Remus.” Janus giggled and flustered at Remus’s comment; this made Remus feel more confident so he decided it was time to ask him.

“Janus, would you like to be my Boyfriend?”

Janus took a pause, a pause that made Remus grow tense again, what if he said no?

“What’s the dowry?” Janus purred and Remus could help the chuckle he let out.

“Whatever I have in my pockets and…the last photo on my camera reel?”

“I accept.” Janus replied putting both of his hands on Remus’s neck drawing them closer together.

It was meant to be, they were meant to be, they both knew it for sure as their lips met in a passionate first kiss. Remus’s hands cupping Janus’s face and Janus’s hands on Remus’s shoulders.

Well Remus was right, things wouldn’t ever be the same after that.

— And now we’re back with Roman —

It was Roman’s last class of the day, theater. Which should have made Roman happy but he was too busy wallowing in self pity to be happy about his favorite class. He had tried to talk to Virgil twice that day but every time he messed up and ended up running away.

The first time during lunch he almost walked up to Virgil but then the person Virgil had been sitting with spotted him and Roman panicked.

Then the second time after lunch on his way to his fourth period he spotted Virgil in the hall and tried to introduce himself but ended up saying “Hi, I’m Roman numeral.” Where did that even come from?

After that attempt Roman became even more stressed out, fearing he had already made his own soulmate hate him. To make the situation even worse he had his Theater period with Virgil so he was just sitting in his seat in the auditorium trying not to look at Virgil.

Perfect, just perfect.

Since it was the first class after they closed their show the teacher had a small party planned where they pretty much got to eat snacks and talk with each other all period. Roman tried to sit at his own desk and focus on one of his latest passion projects but he just found himself fantasizing about Virgil. How the universe had planned for them to be together but was making it so difficult for Roman to talk to him without sounding like a complete brain dead moron.

Roman was so busy mentally scolding himself that he almost missed the tap on his shoulder. When he looked up from his paper he saw Virgil standing next to him.

“Hey…” Virgil rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, he took a deep breath then asked Roman “Do you think we can talk for a minute?”

Roman’s mouth felt dry as sand in the desert but when he nodded his head in response he felt like something was gnawing at his stomach.

“Ok.” Virgil began to walk away from the isle where Rpman was sitting then motioned for Roman to follow him. Roman got up not bothering to grab his things and followed Virgil to a secluded part of the Auditorium where no one else was.

Roman already started scripting out an apology in his head, for being annoying or whatever Virgil was going to be mad at him for. Which really was a shame because Roman honestly wished Virgil felt the same and that they would live happily ever after but maybe fate was wrong.

Virgil stood against the wall while Roman stood about two feet in front of him. Roman swallowed trying to regain some of the moisture in his mouth then he tried to speak.

“I-I’m…I’m sorry about-.” Roman tried to gather his thoughts into a sentence but so much wanted to come out all at once and none of it sounded right.

“Listen, Roman…I know I’m your soulmate.” Virgil’s eyes avoided Roman’s and the blush was obvious even behind what looked to be a layer of white foundation.

Roman’s mind went blank for a few milliseconds, trying to remember if he was daydreaming or if this was actually happening and after he concluded this was really happening he realized Virgil knew that they were each other's soulmates.

“My birthday was a few months ago…” Virgil explained. “I’ve honestly kind of always had a crush on you but I’ve always been too nervous to actually talk to you. But during the closing show on Sunday I heard some of the other actor’s talking and one said it was going to be your birthday on wednesday, so I guess I figured you found out, right?”

“Yes! I-I did.” Roman was now practically vibrating with anticipation, he had no clue what Virgil was going to say next, was he going to ask Roman out? Was he hearing all of this right or was he just crazy? No, Roman was definitely hearing things right. But that meant his soulmate was in love with him, so what did that mean for them now?

“So…would you be interested in meeting up with me tomorrow after school, for coffee, as in a date?” Virgil's smile made an appearance on his face and Roman smiled back.

“I’d be delighted too.” Roman beamed at Virgil and Virgil beamed back.

The both just stood there for a moment lost in the moment with each other, looking into the others eyes. Roman was lost in Virgil’s brown eyes, they were an enchanting display of dark brown with flecks of gold shining in them. But then the school bell jolted them out of the moment and they both jumped out of surprise.

“I’ll see you tomorrow after school.” Virgil excused himself walking past Roman but as he walked past Roman felt the press of lips on his cheek for but a second then it disappeared along with Virgil from his line of sight.

Roman touched the place on his cheek where Virgil kissed and felt himself swoon in bliss. He really just got a date with his soulmate and a kiss.

Ok, so maybe today wasn’t so bad.

— After school —

Both brothers arrived home in great moods, for once not arguing on the car ride home and when their mother asked how their day was they both replied in unison “Perfect.”

Author’s note: So this was my first attempt at a soulmate au fanfiction, I think I did pretty well, but please let me know what you think and maybe I’ll do another soulmate Sander sides fanfiction at some point again soon. Thank you for reading.

#random #sander sides #sanders sides #i love them #remus sanders #roman sanders #sander side virgil #sanders side fic #virgil sanders #janus sanders #soulmates #soulmate au #prinxeity #prinxiety #demus #dukeceit #fanfiction #fanfic

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jerzwriter · 2 years ago

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Objections: A Twist of Fate (1/3)

Book: Crimes of Passion (Book 2)

Pairing: Trystan Thorne x F!MC (Carolina Rose)

Category: Chapter Rewrite - Ch. 4

Rating: Teen

Series summary: I think one scene could have been expanded on, one should have been added, and one could have been better. So, I took a stab at it (pun intended ).

Part One: The king and queen command Trystan's presence, and he won't go without Carolina at his side. What transpires leaves them both stunned.

Words: 1,475

A/N: This is the first time I've ever written fanfic for a series that isn't completed, so it's a little different experience for me. Who knows what will happen in the future (so some of this could be dispelled in canon), but I think Chapter 4 deserved better, so this is my take. All three parts will be posted before Choices releases Chapter 5 is released next Wednesday.

Series Masterlist | Crimes of Passion Masterlist | Full Masterlist

Parts in italics are direct from the story.

The silence was practically deafening. If not for the sound of their footsteps echoing through the cavernous marble corridors, it would have been easy to believe that the world had ceased to exist. Although their discomfort was palpable, it had nothing to do with the guard walking behind them, sent to ensure Trystan would make it to the desired destination. The guard was of no concern; they knew they could easily take him if desired, but other things weighed heavily on their minds.

Medieval castles were as familiar to Trystan as the local bagel shop was to Carolina. So he was unaffected by the suits of armor, elaborate murals, and questionably begotten jewels that lined the hallways through which they traveled. Carolina was another story. She wasn’t a woman who was easily intimidated. But Drakovia, and this very existence, left her feeling like a fish out of water. Miles away from normal, she was out of her league, and her grip on Trystan’s hand unconsciously tightened.

From almost the beginning, and without their consent, Trystan and Carolina felt like kismet. Easily in tune, they were somehow able to anticipate the other’s needs before they even occurred. At any other time, Trystan would have noticed that simple motion and been aware of how anxious his partner was, but today, it went unnoticed.

Carolina was longing to get this over with, close this chapter, and return to normalcy in New York. But Trystan was already wondering what the future held. This wasn’t New York; it wasn’t a democracy – especially not for him. His parents summoning him... from the same room? He knew nothing good could arise from this. More trumped-up charges? A public admonishment? An agenda, yet unseen, that he was unwittingly being made a part of? Whatever lurked behind the ornate door being opened before them would not be pleasant, and Trystan would be lying if he said he wasn’t afraid.

Carolina let out the tiniest sigh of relief when they entered. It wasn’t the palatial space she imagined, but a tastefully decorated room, modest by palace standards, and family members filled every corner. But Trystan took no such relief, and she was about to understand why. A gathering of Thornes wasn’t something that happened by choice, and it was rarely a pleasurable affair.

The queen sat in the center of the room, as austere and formal as ever, and raised her head when they entered. In direct contrast, King Maksim leaned casually on the wall behind her, smiling with ease when his eyes fell on his son.

“Trystan!” He beamed. “You’re actually on time. I told your mother you could pull it off.”

“Hello, Father,” Trystan grinned, and as the two men embraced, Carolina's heart warmed as she saw a hint of the carefree man she knew return.

There were too many siblings to count, and they were already grouped by allegiance. Enraged as always, Bas seemed eager to end the charade, while his brother Vasili seemed to welcome the event. Uninterested, Astrid made her position clear: a mimosa and friends thousands of miles away would always be preferred over this nonsense, and Carolina couldn’t say she blamed her.

As usual, Marguerite rose above the fray, settling next to her mother on a long sofa on the edge of the room. When she spotted Carolina, she jumped in for the save, offering her the seat beside her. From there, she watched the drama unfold until another Thorne sibling detected her presence.

“Why is she here?” Trystan’s younger sister, Emika, whined. “This is family business. Trystin’s little wanna-be lawyer shouldn’t be here!”

Carolina was about to retort when Trystan jumped in.

“Carolina is much closer to family than any of you, Marguerite, notwithstanding. Neither of them has attempted to imprison me.”

“You’d think they’d be happy I proved their brother’s innocence,” Carolina whispered to Marguerite, who contained a laugh.

“Fat chance of that.”

“Are you still hung up about that?” Kasper, yet another brother, groused. “You have to let that sort of thing go, Trystan!”

“It happened yesterday,” Carolina chortled. “Surely a little more time would be required for that.”

Various sibling quarrels filled the corners of the room, and King Maksim in to control things.

“Simmer down, children. The queen and I have one announcement to make. Then you can return to your squabbles.”

“Of course, Father,” Vasili jumped in. “We’re listening.”

“Given the outcome of yesterday’s trial, the queen and I have decided to reinstate Trystan as the heir to the Drakovian throne.”

“What!” Trystan gasped. “You... you can’t be serious!”

Equally as surprised, Carolina shook her head in astonishment. “You expect him to return like nothing has happened?" She blurted before thinking. "After how horribly you’ve treated him?”

The entire clan turned to stare daggers at the unwelcome guest.

“Don’t mistake our tolerance for your presence here as permission to speak, New York,” Lydea threatened.

“I believe I made clear how little your threats meant to me back in New York, Lydea. Trystan is right; I’m more family than the lot of you, and I’ve seen the effect exile had on him. I think you have a lot to atone for before they ask him any favors.”

The buzz in the room grew louder, and many faces turned red. Only Queen Viktoria appeared undisturbed by the reaction. She silently studied Carolina before replying.

“Your concern is noted, detective,” she stated. “But ultimately changes nothing. Trystan has a duty to the crown.”

“A duty!” Bas fumed. “He’ll destroy everything Juliana fought for!”

“Chin up, children,” the king interrupted. “Your parents love you equally, etcetera, but Trystan has been training for this his entire life.”

“My entire life save the past eight years,” Trystan spat.

Quickly losing her tolerance, the queen clapped her hands together. “Enough!” She commanded. “Now that Trystan has been absolved of guilt, he will resume his duties, and he will perform them with the decorum expected of a Drakovian heir. Have I made myself clear!?”

Her words and her tone had everyone scrambling, and Carolina watched in horror as the man she knew appeared to crumble before her eyes.

“... Yes, Mother,” Trystan frowned sheepishly.

“You can’t be serious,” Carolina muttered under her breath.

“Preparation begins now,” Viktoria stated. “The rest of you can take your leave.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Carolina exclaimed as a flustered Marguerite ushered her out of the room.

“Carolina, not now.”

She turned to take a final look at Trystan, standing crestfallen, as she was pulled through the doors.

“I’ll show you to your suite,” Marguerite began as if nothing unusual had happened. “I think you’ll find the guest quarters quite comfortable.”

“Comfort? Comfort isn’t what I’m thinking about right now. I need to help Trystan.”

“I don’t think you understand what just happened. This isn’t something Trystan can just walk away from.”

“Really? I know Trystan likes to trash the American educational system, but I do remember a thing or two, and abdication is a thing. They can’t force him to rule.”

Marguerite sighed wearily. “I understand your concern. I really do, but you’re out of your league right now. Don’t do anything rash. Trystan is going to need you.”

“And it’s always all about what Trystan needs,” Bas seethed from across the room.

Once again, the siblings broke out into debates over succession and which children deserved recognition. But Bas turned all of his ire on Carolina.

“This is all your fault!" He shouted. "You should have stayed in New York.”

Carolina broke into laughter. “What a delightful family! I have never been more grateful to be an only child! You would have been happy to see your brother go to jail for a murder he didn’t commit? For what? So you could move up one step in the pecking order for a job Trystan doesn't even want?”

“Are you sure about that, Carolina?” Vasili questioned ominously. “And more to the point, does what he wants even matter?”

“What Trystan wants matters to me! I can see why my caring for him seems to be a novel concept to the man!" Carolina hollered as Marguerite dragged her away.

While she made sure to put her bravado on full display, Vasili’s words haunted Carolina as she waited for Trystan’s return. Pacing her suite, she fumed over the injustice. They were able to save him... and for what? For him to live a life he didn’t desire? She gulped as dread coursed through her; perhaps a life... that wouldn’t include her?

Carolina's life hadn't been easy. Punctuated by loss and pain, she happily shut out even the idea of love. She was comfortable with the life she led when Trystan Thorne barrelled into it and turned it upside down. Her past self would have mocked her for allowing herself to get into this position. If she followed the rules, she'd be back in NY, her heart protected and safe. But she had no regrets and wasn’t about to back down. She marched over to a mirror and looked at her reflection with determination.

“I didn’t travel halfway around the world to save him just to let his life be taken from him anyway. No,” she resolved. “There is an out, and I will find it. These Thrones will not beat this Rose!”

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