#I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS LIN WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME

[5arcasmw]

the more i learn about the american revolution the more hamilton: the musical infuriates me

(read tags for context pls i go off on a mega tangent)

[spectorswife]

Sneak Peak of Bi-Han fic :)

Keep in mind, I have never written a fanfiction before in my life, let alone smut. I am showing you guys a sneak peak of what I am writing and I want ya'll to let me know whether or not I should continue :)

“You lack conviction”

“Same as you lack intelligence, speaking to your Grandmaster with such disrespect”

You two are alone in his chamber since you needed to speak with him urgently before training, and somehow it always turns into a screaming match between you two. It’s no surprise he would pull the ‘Grandmaster’ card, it’s all he ever uses. It tends to get old really quick, REALLY fast. You felt a headache form as you rolled your eyes in annoyance. The fact that you still put up with it is honestly mindblowing. You tend to follow in Kuai Liang’s footsteps when it comes to ignoring the superiority complex of his brother, however today it’s finally getting under your skin. When training as a fellow member of the Lin Kuei, you endure alot of things, pain, suffering, whether its physically, mentally, or emotionally; however Bi-Han manages to make you want to simply wish for him to silence himself the way he does the other members of the clan.

“I thought the title of ‘Grandmaster’ would also allow you to have common sense and competence, but it seems both are lacking in your favor”.

You see his eyes squint at you and you see his eyebrows squeeze together, you never noticed him being this riled up yet still maintained his posture. He proceeds to move his steps closer to you and points at you,

“Why would I take orders from someone as yourself, not a single drop of Lin Kuei blood in your veins and you still continue to blabber your idiocy at me like a fool, you are not one of us, so don’t spit at me asserting the power you wish you had”

Those words were spat in your face almost as if you just got punched in the face by the grandmaster himself. Just like that, you felt your blood boiling, your jaw clenches, your eyes narrow with you feel your fists clenching. Because your Grandmaster who stands before you has done the one thing that he has never done before, which is insult your origin. You have always known you were never truly a member of the Lin Kuei, however you were very thankful when Kuai Liang found you and took you in. Bi-Han was against it from the very beginning, however you never understood why he disliked you in particular, you always followed his orders and you were one of his best fighters, right up there with Kuai and Tomas; and he still continued to undermine your potential. In this instance, he proceeds to undermine you, degrade you, as if your training and time with the clan means nothing to him. All you did was present an idea on a new training method for potential new comers, since Kuai Liang has trusted you to train the young ones along his side, all you want is what is best for the clan since this clan has become a new type of family to you, and Bi-Han decides to toss it to the side like it’s trash.

You’re already trying your hardest to keep your composure in the presence of him, he knows he gets under your skin, and with his huge ego, he is constantly fueled by what you say in return. He knows that what he said got to you, he can basically see the fumes leaving your body and all you can think of in the moment is violence, however if you hit him now, you’ll lose, if you open your mouth again, you lose; it seems like anything you do, ends up being a loss on your behalf. That’s how he always made you feel, like you’re never enough and you finally decided to accept it. He stands before you with his arms crossed, just simply waiting for what you have to say next. You inhaled deeply, and exhaled calmly, you felt your fists unclench and you did the only thing you could do in this scenario:

You walked away.

When doing so, Bi-han to some surprise, is in shock with your actions, his eyebrows rose in disbelief and he unfolded his arms. “Hmmph” he grunted, “Mind your place”, and shut the door behind you, masking what he was truly feeling. Although this was a win on his behalf, he sure didn’t feel like a winner. For the first time in a long time, the infamous Sub-Zero, felt bad?

LET ME KNOW IF I SHOULD CONTINUE :/

[succubusphan]

Two Man Team - Chapter 6

Summary: This is the story of two struggling friends who after many trials and tribulations find their way back to each other and build the life they've always dreamed of.

Or how Phil changed his life by talking to random strangers on the internet.

Rating: E

Tags/warnings: Friends to lovers, Friends with benefits, mental health issues (mainly anxiety), Slow burn, Dan is a psych student. Canon divergence (the timeline is altered and some things never happened), Slutty Phil, Angst with a happy ending. The fic spans many years.

Author's Note: Written for the OSPBB 2023 @oldschoolpbb. Thank you @effingmeteors for being my life saviour and beta as usual and to my artist Lin @anironsidh.

Edits and the art will be added at some point, we are busy bees.

POSTING EVERY DAY UNTIL IT'S COMPLETED.

Total Word Count: 75k ish

Read on Ao3

CHAPTER 6: The Winner Takes It All

2012

They didn’t speak or text until mid-January, when Dan just showed up at Phil’s flat one day, dark circles so deep that reminded him of Jack Skellington. He looked sick. 

Phil stood there in silence, not knowing what to do until Dan pulled him into a hug and started crying.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, wrapping his arms around Dan.

“Everything,” Dan muttered, his voice cracking. “Can I sleep here tonight?”

“Uh, sure,” Phil said, feeling weird about it. Both because he didn’t know where they stood at the moment and because Dan had never asked that before, he’d always just stayed.

They walked inside and Phil started making tea, not because he wanted one but because he needed to collect himself. “So… what’s been going on with you?” He asked, his back still turned to Dan.

“I can’t do anything right,” Dan said, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. “I can’t stick to my schedule, I’m drowning in the material and I feel like everyone hates me right now.”

Phil let out a little frustrated sigh and turned to look at Dan. “I don’t hate you, Dan. I can’t speak for everyone, but I don’t,” he said. “Have you discussed it with your therapist?” Phil added before Dan could say anything.

“I haven’t been in over a month,” Dan said, avoiding his eyes and picking at his jeans. “I haven’t left my room either.”

Phil pressed his lips into a line but tried to be as gentle as possible, it was evident that Dan was still trying to calm himself down. “Why would you do that? Even therapists have therapists, you said it yourself years ago.”

“He said that I’m depressed and I don’t agree. I think this is just how I am. I’ve always struggled with the simplest of tasks, I’ve always been low. It’s just who I am.” Dan looked up, his eyes red and swollen; he’d been crying far longer than he’d been at Phil’s.

“What are the symptoms of depression?” Phil asked, knowing that he couldn’t argue on this, he needed to make Dan reach the conclusion on his own. 

“Sadness, hopelessness, anger or frustration, even over small things, loss of interest in normal things like sex or hobbies, insomnia or sleeping too much, lack of energy, loss of appetite, anxiety, brain fog… Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures - or self-blame,” he said, his face slowly transforming as he went over the symptoms. 

Phil hummed. “That does sound familiar, don’t you think?”

“I guess…” Dan admitted.

“So?” Phil pressed. “Why don’t you go to therapy?”

Dan frowned. “For the same reason that you haven’t gotten help for your anxiety disorder,” he said, a bit too harshly, but continuing in a calmer tone after a deep breath. “I guess I’m not ready yet.”

“That’s fair,” Phil said, ignoring the biting comment. “We need to come up with a plan of action then. I have always managed my anxiety with different methods, you were the one who came up with most of them. I’m meditating at the moment and it’s helping a bit - with the sleeping issues at least, have you tried it?”

Dan shook his head no. “I don’t think I can meditate myself out of depression, to be honest.”

“I know that, don’t be silly,” Phil waved him off. “I’m saying that you need a depression plan and that you can meditate when you feel anxious. You said they come together sometimes, right?”

Dan nodded. “Yeah, I do have some anxiety but it’s not my main issue.”

“Alright. What is your biggest problem right now?”

“Sleeping and getting to class.”

Phil added the tea bags into the mugs and poured the water over them, having the sugar and milk at the ready. He walked over to the coffee table and pulled a small notebook and a pen from the storage space under it. “So, you need to wake up at 8 to make it in time to Stats, you can study at Starbucks or the library for two hours and go to Personality. If you are too tired then, you can go back and take a nap before Intervention but I think you should drop Cognition and you can try again next semester.”

“But I’m doing well at Cognition. Cognitive Neuroscience is the hard one,” Dan said with a small smile, his eyebrows raised.

“Oh, right,” Phil said, slapping his forehead. “I always get them mixed.”

Dan raised his eyebrows at Phil but didn’t say a word.

“What? What’s that face?”

“You remember what classes I’m taking and when,” Dan said in wonder.

“Of course I do,” Phil scoffed. “I helped you plan your schedule.”

“I don’t know, I didn’t think you’d remember. Nobody remembers.”

“I remember,” Phil said with a small smile. He gave the notebook to Dan and went to get the mugs before the tea got too strong to drink. He added the sugar and milk, putting them back in their respective places and carried the mugs to the coffee table. “Here,” he said, handing the mug to Dan and sitting at his side.

“Thanks,” Dan said and took a sip and set the notebook on the sofa between them. “Just how I like it.”

Phil ignored the comment and grabbed the notebook, starting another page. They needed a more global approach. “So… you have Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays off in the morning. Let’s set some ground rules in general. Weekdays bed before 2am and wake up no later than 10.30. Also, be productive until 5 on weekdays. Anything you didn’t do during the week, finish it during the weekend and that’s when you take a break. You can sleep in until 1 on the weekends at least. What do you think?”

“Sounds good. I have a huge pile of laundry though.”

Phil huffed a laugh. “Do laundry here during the weekend and you can finish any homework while the washer runs. But you are doing the laundry, not me. And no mixing colours, I’m still wearing pink boxers.”

Dan snorted. “Ok, Dad.” He looked out the window for a moment and turned back to Phil. “What are we doing for your birth?”

“Are you coming?” Phil asked, raising one eyebrow at Dan.

“Of course I am!” Dan said, blushing just a little.

“Alright,” Phil smiled. “Small party here I guess but I have to go back home to celebrate with my family - and Richard and the others want to hang out the week after that.”

Dan laughed. “Why is your birthday always a month long affair?” 

“Because my birth is an important date to commemorate. I’m important.”

“You are,” said Dan.

The sound of jingling keys at the door announced Mark before his melodic voice came through the hall. “Hey, love. I finally found some decent oranges for break- oh. Hi, Dan!” Mark said. 

Phil rushed to help with the shop, grabbing the bags from Mark’s hands and setting them on the kitchen counter.

“It’s so nice to see you again, what brings you over?” Mark asked Dan, casually pressing a quick kiss to Phil’s lips and pulling him closer by the hips ever so slightly.

Phil mumbled a hello and gave Mark a wide-eyed look before peering at Dan out of the corner of his eye. He looked upset, perhaps even mad at the display. “Sorry,” Phil said, not really knowing why he was apologising or the reason Mark chose that particular moment to kiss him.

Dan shrugged and shook his head, his lips moving as he attempted to form words but no sound came out.

Dan was left speechless for the first time since Phil had met him.

Mark smiled widely, ignoring the others’ reactions. “Are you staying over for dinner, darling?” he asked Dan.

“Uh, sure,” Dan said.

“No laundry today?” Mark teased.

Phil shot him a look, Mark was going for something here, but he didn’t know what exactly or why. Dan had never mentioned doing his laundry at their flat in front of Mark so this made it evident that Phil had relayed this information to him. “No, we were just catching up. Why? Did you want to help out?” He ended the sentence with a tight smile, trying to silently tell Mark to quit it already.

“A tempting offer, but I think I’ll stick to cooking, you are the laundry specialist after all.”

“Ok. You do that, Dan and I will continue our conversation in my bedroom,” Phil said, and guided Dan away from the conflict. Once in his room, he shut the door and let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry about that.”

“No, it’s alright. I don’t want to intrude,” Dan said without even taking a seat. “I’m so sorry for showing up unannounced. Obviously you want to enjoy your night with your boyfriend - I should go.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Phil rushed to say when Dan took a step towards the door.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Dan bit back, his voice rising with every word. “He hasn’t been your boyfriend since like 2009, he’s just the person you sleep with, live with, cook with and basically do everything with.”

“It’s not like that,” Phil said defensively, as he started to pace around the room. He felt like he’d been caught cheating even though he didn’t even have a boyfriend. He had a fuck buddy and a buddy he wanted to fuck but who didn’t reciprocate, none of which wanted to actually date him.

“What is it like then?” Dan snapped.

Phil froze and turned on the spot, feeling the fire coming out of his eyes. Dan had some nerve to be upset by a kiss when he hadn’t made any attempts to be exclusive with Phil or even to continue with any sort of intimacy, or even their friendship for that matter. He had become a ghost in Phil’s life and now he was upset that Phil had a smidge of attention from someone else. “You’re right, maybe you should leave. Take the plans we wrote down and work on that, and if you need to call someone at 3 am try Sam. See if they care to take your calls.”

Dan took a step back, looking as if he’d been slapped. He wasn’t used to Phil saying no to him. Phil was always there for Dan, unlike Dan who liked to come and go out of his life as he pleased. “Phil, I’m sorry.”

“Ok,” Phil said in a robotic tone.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” Dan admitted.

“Neither do I,” Phil conceded. “Just go, we’ll talk soon.”

“I still want to celebrate your birthday - if you still want to,” Dan mumbled. “Just us two.”

Phil resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Text me when you’ve calmed down. And stick to the plan. Get your shit together.”

“I will. I promise,” Dan said, rushing out of the room, grabbing the lists they’d made and his backpack on the way out, barely mumbling a bye to Mark and Phil.

Phil let out a deep sigh and massaged his temples. Life was exhausting. He tried to calm down fully but he was still angry with Mark. He considered just sleeping it off, but the headache wouldn’t go away so he marched into the kitchen. “Why the fuck did you do that?”

“Do what?” Mark asked and Phil resisted the urge to slap him.

“What do you think?” Phil snapped back.

Mark shrugged. “You’ve never been upset about me kissing you.”

“I need you to stop pretending that you did that innocently or I’m going to lose my fucking mind.”

Mark dropped the spatula on the counter and turned around, leaning back against it. “Fine. I’m fucking tired of seeing you upset over Dan. He likes to play games with you. He strings you along and doesn’t want to commit to a relationship. It’s like he wants your attention but also Sam’s and when he doesn’t need you, he just disappears.”

“Huh, Well -” Phil sputtered. “That’s none of your business. And he’s not playing games, he’s just confused and depressed.”

“Who isn’t? We all have problems. I just wanted to see if he cared or not, and he did, but why? Is he jealous because he has feelings for you or is it some sort of ego boost for him?”

Phil paused for a moment. “He’s not a bad person, Mark,” he said. “And what ego? He barely has any self-esteem. He was bullied his entire childhood and - he had a lot more going on than you know, but I’m not going to betray his trust to justify him. You just don’t know the full story.”

“I don’t think he’s a bad person, but he’s neglecting your friendship and ruining any chances of getting with you, if that’s what he wants.” Mark reached towards Phil, pulling him into a soft hug and setting his chin on Phil’s shoulder. “I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

“It’s fine. I can handle it myself,” Phil mumbled.

“I know, you are all grown up, but I’ve never seen you so… interested in someone.”

Phil silently thanked Mark for not calling it what it was. Phil had never been actually in love with anyone, not really, not until Dan. It was not supposed to be this way; he wasn’t supposed to catch feelings for his friend and he was supposed to find someone who valued him and wanted to be his boyfriend. Maybe… “Do you think it’s my fault?”

“What is?”

“Nobody has ever been in love with me. Or even had feelings. It’s like I’m unlovable. I’ve been out there for years, I’ve dated so many guys for three months at a time and all of them wouldn’t even spit on me if I was on fire.”

Mark snorted. “I would spit on you.”

Phil snorted. “Only because you’re a kinky bastard.”

“True but also because you are my friend,” Mark said. “I love you, even if it’s not the way you need to be loved and I’ll always care about your feelings. You’ve always known where I stood because I like to be upfront and honest which is something Dan is not doing.”

“Well, you’re older than me and very mature and he is four years younger and has a lot to work on.”

“Yeah, I forget that sometimes,” Mark admitted. “Tell him I apologised for making things awkward when you see him. We can celebrate your birthday when you come home.”

“Were you listening behind the door?” Phil asked, finally looking into Mark’s eyes.

“No, love. You were being loud and the walls are not that thick in this flat.”

---

Things started to pick up after that. Dan surprised him with tickets to a Muse concert and brought him a cake and a bouquet of stuffed piranha plants from the Super Mario games. He also dropped by on the weekends and stuck to the schedule they had thought of. 

The semester started to look up for him and they continued to post solo videos as well as a few collabs. In a way, filming a ‘Day In the Life’ brought them closer together than they had been in a while. They even had a sleepover the night before, shared breakfast and visited their favourite places, sparking memories of the day they met.

Phil wanted to promote a small play Dan would be doing as he slowly got back into theatre, but Dan was terrified that the crazy fans, who were starting to follow them around and just mysteriously pop into the places they frequented, would ruin everything or cause a scene. Theatre was a hobby for Dan but he took it fairly seriously and he didn’t want the other actors to resent him or think that he was making a mockery out of the play.

Even though Dan was not ready to start having regular therapy sessions yet, he still went ever so often when he felt like he needed to make adjustments in his life. It was recommended to him that he keep a journal to put his thoughts into order and also remember anything else he needed to bring up on the next appointment. That just turned into the spark that started a new fire: Dan’s newfound love for creative writing resulted in a variety of short stories that Phil was always happy to proofread and support. He was at Dan’s side every step of the way, in the same manner that he was always front and centre in the crowd of every play, even when the stories were not so interesting to him, he loved to see Dan thrive.

In June, just as summer was beginning, they went on their first free trip thanks to YouTube. The deal was that they would get a free trip to Jamaica and new digital cameras to take pictures and film vlogs as promotion. It sounded almost too good to be true, but thankfully it was a real contract. The vacation was a blast, they recorded a bunch of content, had every expense covered and hung out with a group of youtubers, most of which thought that they were a couple, but were cool about it. 

The only downside, if there was even one, was that it was a bit weird to be filmed at all times because everyone was vlogging and Dan and Phil were just a bit more popular than the rest of them so any footage they could sneak into their videos would drive traffic to their channel. The phandom was quite dedicated.

The Phandom. Dan had accidentally named their fandom after saying that their ship - which was apparently a thing already - should be called Phan. Dan was equally excited to be important enough to be shipped with Phil and a bit weirded out about it. Still, he often oscillated between casually encouraging the shipping with jokes and getting weirdly defensive about it, going as far as to tweet someone “FYI I like vagina.” To be fair, that was more in response to the allegations that he was gay. Dan had not figured out his sexuality yet, and sometimes Phil thought he didn’t want to anyway, it was easier to ignore it, but when constantly proved for an answer, he’d snapped.

Phil didn’t appreciate the speculations either but at least he didn’t make a Tumblr sideblog to argue with the fans. Phil’s approach to life was to mostly ignore people since giving them attention would only make it worse. People went a little too crazy on the internet and he didn’t want any part of it.

By the time September rolled around, things really started to come to a head. Charlie was still being a bitch, basically, constantly rounding other youtubers to bad mouth Dan, to speculate about his sexuality, and ended up threatening Dan. Unhappy about the lack of attention Dan was giving him, Charlie dropped the covert accusations and resorted to outright calling Dan out for being gay.

It broke Phil’s heart to read Dan’s replies, so he texted him to ask how he wanted Phil to reply as well, but Dan asked him to be quiet. Instead, Dan tweeted that he was honestly scared of Charlie's behaviour, hinting at him being potentially mentally unstable, making his claims about Dan’s sexuality unreliable while trying to appear calm and collected himself, but Phil knew better; this was Dan’s worst nightmare. There was not a chance that Dan was unbothered about the speculations.

After that, Dan continued to post videos regularly, go to uni and do the occasional play, but at any given chance, he would put physical and emotional distance between he and Phil. They still collabed semi frequently but even when filming Pinof 4, it was very evident that Dan didn’t want to even sit close to him. Overall it went well, or as good as they could have expected and the fans liked it, but they could tell that something was a bit off. When Phil saw all the edits, he briefly regretted leaving him calling Dan special in the video, but Dan said it was fine.

To tackle his love/hate relationship with the Phandom, Dan posted his ‘Fandoms’ video in October, making light of the situation, spinning it as a relatable story yet still including a soft call out, almost like a beg for a semblance of respect for his humanity beyond being an entertainer, but it didn’t work. Phil could see how everything was weighing down on Dan but Dan said he was fine and tried to push through. It was not every day that you could be paid to film videos in your room, get free stuff and get a following.

Not everything was bad though, being a youtuber came with real opportunities. In fact, they were hired by the BBC to film a Christmas Special, which went amazing and opened the door to negotiate for a spot on Radio 1 the following year. Dan had seemed excited to join him, even though the offer had been extended only to Phil initially, but Phil had made it clear that they were a package deal and that was the parameter set for future negotiations.

The thing is… Dan had been pushing himself for quite a while. Everything he did had become a chore, something that he no longer wanted to do, he didn’t want any of it, not even uni, or that’s what he told Phil. One day, just like Dan had come into his life and offered his friendship, he took it all away. 

He moved out of his dorm, no longer reached out to Phil or barely answered when Phil initiated, stopped posting YouTube videos without a warning, and above all, he abandoned Phil in every way possible. 

Phil understood, or he tried to understand, but he was heartbroken - and the public fallout was evident. People were constantly asking where Dan was and what had happened between them, if they had broken up (those were the phan truthers), but Phil was not going to let that stop him. With Mark supporting him every step of the way, Phil went to his first Vidcon, started doing liveshows and prepared to move to London, putting every cent that he had saved to pay rent upfront, because, obviously, being a youtuber was not great on paper to rent a fucking flat in London. Fuck, sometimes he hated Dan, but more than anything, he hated himself. He had given Dan every opportunity even though Mark had warned him about it, but he’d wanted to believe that Dan would never hurt him like that.

The truth was that Dan didn’t love him back, didn’t want to be his friend - apparently (Phil could only guess since Dan never gave him an explanation) - and didn’t want to be associated with him privately or publicly. It was as if their friendship and everything they’d built together meant nothing at all. The Sam situation and the messiness had been only the start of the rift between them and by the end of it, it was the least of their problems.

[summerwritesfics]

🌾Earthrealm Valley, Chapter 1 - Into The Valley

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 1774 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Stardew Valley AU, Fluff, Angst, Slice of life, Slow Burn, This fic runs on Stardew Valley logic so please don’t expect realism in any form

Earthrealm Valley Masterlist Notes: Me: hmm, I have plenty of fanfic projects I really don't need any more. Also me: SubScorp Stardew Valley AU, SubScorp Stardew Valley AU, write it write it write it. So yeah ^^;; I picked SV back up a few days ago after not playing it for ages, with a new save file where I'm basically roleplaying as Kuai Liang (you can read about some of his adventures on my tumblr) and hellbrain basically badgered me into this ;0; I have some idea's of what everyone's doing, it's not going to be a 1:1 where you can look at a character and say "oh they've replaced [SV Character]" but you may be able to make some comparisons. I don't want to just directly copy SV, but explore what the MK cast would be like in such a different environment. It's mostly gonna be fluffy slice of life stuff, but given this is me, there will be some angst here and there. Also Kuai is far more feral than this first chapter makes him seem, like he's gonna get more unhinged as the fic goes on and he gets used to farm life XDI am trying something a little different in this fic. I usually write really long essay length chapter's in long fic, so this is an experiment in writing shorter chapters. Also, theres a piece of art at the beginning of this chapter, but don't expect illustrations for every chapter. I got a new ipad and procreate so i'm just going a little ham with it atm XD

The bus rattled around Kuai Liang as he lent his head against the cool glass of the window. He hadn't anticipated how long this journey was, it was already early evening and he’d set off around midday. The sun was still up, but it wouldn't be for too much longer. Despite how tired he felt, he was also at ease.

Strange, considering he was about to completely change his entire life in a single day.

His hand in his pocket brushed against the envelope given to him by his Grandfather so many years ago. He hadn't thought about it much after he’d been given it, especially since he was told he couldn’t open it right then. He was sat in his small office space at Joja, crushing emptiness building inside, from both the job and the circumstances of his personal life, when the words his Grandfather had said in his last moments rang through his mind. That he should open the envelope when he needed a change in his life.

He hadn't expected the envelope to include the deeds to a farm.

Lin Kuei farm was a very distant memory for Kuai. He remembered his brother and himself spending a few summers there with their Grandfather. He was always fascinated by the farm, having fun playing in the fields and helping his Grandfather with his crops. He remembered declaring he wanted to be a farmer too when he grew up, while Bi-Han, ever the overdramatic asshole, declared he's rather be anything else. That was probably why the farm was left to Kuai and not his big brother.

Not that it really mattered, given Bi-Han couldn't have an opinion on such things anymore.

His heart hurt just thinking about it.

It wasn't something he could just push aside either. It was partially the grief from the loss that made him decide to move onto the farm. Was it a little reckless to abandon everything you knew for something that may not work out? Yes, or at least, his best friend Tomas certainly seemed to think so. However he'd come to the realisation he was miserable, and if this reckless decision could lead to happiness and healing, it was worth the chance. He wished he hadn't left the city on such bad terms with Tomas, but maybe after Kuai had been on the farm awhile, and nothing terrible had happened, Tomas would come around.

"Hey, bud, just so you know, Earthrealm Valley is the next stop!"

Kuai lifted his head, and called out to the bus driver, "thank you!"

He grabbed this suitcase and backpack and began to make his way to the front of the bus. He could see the bus stop through the window, and seconds later the bus came to a stop and the doors swung open.

"Have a good evening," Kuai said to the driver with a short bow, the other man just offering a short nod, before Kuai turned away and stepped off the bus. The door closed behind him, and the engine started, and the bus was off.

"Hey there," a voice called and Kuai's gaze snapped over to a man lent up against a fence. "I'm going to assume you are Kuai Liang?"

"I am," Kuai said, trying to not sound confused as he approached, dragging his luggage behind him.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Jackson, but everyone calls me Jax," he explained, holding out his hand to Kuai. "I'm the local carpenter, Mayor Raiden asked me to wait for you and help you take your luggage to the farm."

"Oh. That's very kind of you," Kuai exclaimed, reaching to accept Jax's handshake. "It's nice to meet you too."

Jax smiled and went to take Kuai's suitcase. Once he had it in hand, Jax turned to show Kuai the way.

"Raiden's waiting for us on the farm," Jax explained, as Kuai quickly glanced around. He vaguely remembered this area from his childhood, but it had changed a lot since then. More trees and a nicer fence, he remembered the old one being rotted. Kuai wondered if this was some of Jax’s work. "It's been abandoned for as long as I've been here, so it's nice to see someone take it on."

"I just hope I can make something with it," Kuai answered, he could see the gate at the end of the path. He remembered when he was young, he refused to open it, instead electing to clamber over the top. The thought made him smile, especially his Grandfather exasperated reaction every time Kuai did so. His Grandfather used to call him an accident waiting to happen. Kuai had to admit he was amazed he had never managed to seriously injure himself over the years.

"Well, if you find you need any repair work, or hell, want to build new buildings, come find me and I'll see what I can do for you," Jax offered, as they reached the gate. Kuai curbed every instinct to climb over it. He was weird, but figured he should wait a few days before really revealing the extent of his weirdness. People were often put off by his oddities and quirks.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." He opened the gate, holding it for Jax to walk in, before following himself.

As he stepped onto the grounds of the farm, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect. It certainly wasn't this however.

The farm was sadly in a state of disrepair, years of neglect after his Grandfather's death and Kuai couldn't help but feel bad that he'd left it this long to come. There were weeds everywhere, overgrown trees, rocks an other debris. It would take some work to clear everything, but Kuai was nothing if not willing to at least try.

"I left you some spare tools by your door," Jax offered, "just some basic stuff, but should be enough to get you started. I'm sure if you talk to the blacksmith, Kung Lao, he'll be able to upgrade them for you."

"That is very generous of you. Thank you."

Kuai turned his attention to the old farm house. It was definitely looking a little past it's best, but in his hazy memories it still looked almost exactly like he remembered. He smiled to himself, a strange feeling coming over him. Not just nostalgia, it was something more.

Like he'd finally come home.

He hadn't even noticed a man sat on the porch until he started waving Kuai and Jax over. As they got closer, Kuai realised he did recognise the man, if only barely. He looked a lot older than the last time they had met however.

"Kuai Liang?" The man greeted, pushing himself up and reaching to take Kuai's hand in his to shake. "I'm Raiden Narukami, Mayor of Dragon Town. You've certainly grown up since you were last here, I don't suppose you remember me."

"Just barely," Kuai confirmed, feeling slightly justified with the smile this elicited from Raiden. He hadn't really put two and two together when talking on the phone. Kuai could just about remember his Grandfather and Raiden sat on the porch drinking wine while Kuai convinced Bi-Han to help him pet a chicken. "You were a close friend of my Grandfather's if I remember right?"

"Yes, Qiang was a dear friend of mine." Raiden looked wistful for a moment, looking out across the land. "This farm was his pride and joy. It is a shame it has fallen into such a state of disrepair." He sighed and turned his attention back to Kuai. "I am glad that it has finally moved on to new hands. I'm sure you'll do your Grandfather proud."

"I hope so." He really did. And at the very least he'd try his best. He knew his best was always good enough for his Grandfather.

"Speaking of," Raiden began reaching to pull out a set of keys. He handed them to Kuai Liang, "those are the keys to the house, I made sure the bed was at least useable although the rest of the building may need further renovation."

"You made sure?" Jax teased, elbowing Raiden's side. "As I recall it was me who put it together."

"Well I suppose you helped," Raiden mumbled while rolling his eyes. Jax began to cackle. "As I was saying, hopefully you'll at least have a comfortable night. You do look rather exhausted, so maybe we should leave you to settle in and get some rest."

"Yeah, that may be for the best," Jax agreed, clapping Kuai on the back. "But be sure to stop by town tomorrow. The news of someone new has gotten everyone rather excited."

"I will do, thank you both for your kindess." Kuai gave a short bow in thanks, adding "I will see you both tomorrow."

The two other men waved before they began to walk away. Kuai watched them unhook the gate and leave. Once they were gone, he reached for his suitcase and headed towards the door. It took a couple of tries to get the key in the lock right, but once he'd done it, the door swung open with a loud creek. He peered inside.

The place had definitely seen better days, and he was already planning how to best utilise Jax's services. Still he stepped inside, putting his suitcase down before turning back out to grab the tools left for him. After he'd gathered them and brought them in, he closed the door behind him. It was almost pitch black if not for the few rays of light seeping through the cracks, and the building didn't seem to have any lights. Something I'll have to talk to Jax about.

In the dark he spotted a small package on the floor. It was giftwrapped and laying there innocently. He slowly walked over to it, picked it up. The gift card read "Here's a little something to get you started - Raiden". Kuai pulled back the wrapping, to find several packs of turnip seeds inside. He'd have to plant those tomorrow.

For now, he placed them on the table, and walked over to the bed. As he settled down, he realised the bed was probably the sturdiest thing in the place. He'd have to find a way to thank Jax for preparing this for him. Hopefully he likes turnips.

Exhaustion was settling into his bones however, sleep a siren calling to him from the deep. He closed his eyes, as he felt himself begin to succumb to his tiredness. Before he slipped into unconsciousness, he had one final thought.

I wonder what the future will bring for me.

≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

[haechanniesunflowers]

Stray kids reaction to your kid misbehaving with you

Guys I wrote this while travelling back and forth (does that make sense) I had to travel 4 hours to the capital to get my degree and meet my best friend and now I'm going back home, a 4 hour long bus ride, and I just finished this

Warnings: household problems, angsty/emo teenagers, yelling, degradation, disrespect

Bang Chan

You were in the kitchen with your twins, Noah and Mema, baking and laughing with the 10 year olds. It was almost 9 pm and your 13 year old son Joey (Aaron) hadn't come home even though his curfew was 6 pm. You anxiously waited for him to be back before his father. You guys were concerned about Joey because of his changing behaviour and friends, so Chan tried to control him little by little, the first restriction was the 6 pm curfew.

You heard the door unlock and footsteps near the staircase so you followed and were angry but relieved to see Joey.

"where were you? have you seen the time?" you ask sternly.

He gives you an annoyed look and continues going towards the staircase.

"Joey, I asked you a question".

"I was hanging out with my friends, get off my back" Joey says.

You were shocked at his rude behavior.

"Joey if your father finds out about you coming home this late he-"

"he'll what? huh? what will he do? you two are so annoying always keeping me from having fun and living my life the way I want. Why can't you guys be cool like my friends' mom and dad? why are you guys so stupid!"

You are at a loss of words, anger boiling inside you. He's looking at you with anger and you try holding his hand but he swats it away and screams "don't touch me mom".

"How dare you speak to your mother like that" says an angry voice.

"dad I- no I was joking with mom, I was teasing her".

Chan comes to stand next to you with his arms crossed in front of his chest. The look he's giving your son is enough to have him shit his pants.

"misbehaving and lying, don't recall teaching you that. Or is that what your friends do all the time that you've picked up" Chan says.

Silence. He tells you to go back to the twins, that he needs to have a word with your son.

Joey insists that you be there because he knows Chan will hold back for your sake, but Chan is beyond angry and you don't want to get in his way of educating your son. You see fear in Joey's eyes and anger in Chan's.

"Bang Aaron Jinhwan, go to your room and wait for me there" Chan says strictly and Joey runs to his room.

Chan hugs you and kisses your forehead, "don't listen to him, you know he doesn't mean any of it" he whispers to you. "go easy on our baby Chris" you say giving his hand a light squeeze. He gives you a sad smile indicating that he won't. You know he needs to talk some sense into him and it has to be him because Joey doesn't listen to you at all.

Best believe Joey won't misbehave with you again.

Lee Know

Yunhway, your 15 year old daughter, had snuck out and you found out. Minho had come home late, had an apple for dinner and went straight to bed. Phew, at least he didn't find out about Yunhway. You knew he was in a deep sleep from his heavy snores. After putting your 6 year old, Jaehyun, to sleep, you waited for your daughter on the couch. She came home around 1 am, her shoes in her hand and tiptoeing to her room. You switch the lamp on, startling her.

"come here Yunhway" you say.

She doesn't listen to you and walks to her room, you follow her. You sit on her bed while she changes into her pajamas.

"leave me alone mom" she says.

"keep it down, everyone's asleep" you warn her.

"then why're you awake? go away mom"

"Yunhway I am your mother, I was worried sick. You snuck out to see that boy again didn't you" you say and her eyes widen.

"you have no right to ask me that".

"you are my child, I have every right to ask you that. I told you not to meet him, he's not a good guy and you went against my word. Not just by seeing him but sneaking at night. Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Why are you being reckless Hway".

"my God mom do you hear yourself, stop trying to control me. You're just jealous that dad doesn't spend much time with you and I have someone who cares about me and is by my side. Ugh now get out of my room" she spits venom while opening the door to find an angry Minho standing at the threshold.

Yunhway looks at him then you with pleading eyes. Minho walks into the room and you quickly get up to hide your daughter behind your back. "Minho no I'm talking to her, go to bed I'll come to you". Nothing you say is getting to him because he's walking towards you two now and holds Yunhway's hand. You hold his wrist but he gives you a blank expression. You get out of the way, not wanting to make him angrier.

"who is he?" he asks his daughter.

"he's just a friend dad it's nothing".

"then why did you sneak out? and you just came back? is he really just a friend" he asks angrily. She doesn't say anything. He nudges her arm "answer me!"

"dad it's nothing, I was out with friends I promise I won't do it again please" she says, crying.

"and what makes you think you can talk to your mother like that??" he says and you grab his shoulder and put your other hand on his chest, motioning to him to stop. He ignores you and keeps speaking.

"you have no idea what kind of hell your mother went through to bring you into this world, not only that, she sacrificed her needs just so you could get the best. She always always put you before her and this is how you talk to her?? You disrespect her and mock her about her relationship with me? When it is her who taught you to speak. You are standing here because of her! Apologize to her right now!" his face is red with anger. Your daughter is crying and you are at the verge of tears.

"Minho please stop, I'll talk to her, please honey" you try convincing him, caressing his face.

"mom I'm sorry. Please forgive me, I'll listen to you, I'm sorry". She cries. You hug her trying to calm her down. Minho hugs you both too, still angry but you guys can talk to her in the morning.

Changbin

Your daughter Lin (Hyolin), 14, is in the kitchen with you, telling you about the new cute boy in school. You're both giggling about all the girls drooling over him and you giving her tips on how to make him like you, since he is in your class. Your son Juno (Junhong), 16, comes in talking on the phone with a girl. He grabs an apple from the fridge and tells her "bye baby girl, see you tomorrow". You have a good bond with both your kids so you're concerned about not knowing who this girl is.

"hey Juno, come sit with us" you say.

"uh no thanks mom, I don't want to know about that guy Lin's telling you about" he scoffs. You and Lin exchange looks.

"okay then how about you tell us about the girl you were talking to" you say playfully.

"there's nothing to talk about" he says dryly.

"come on, baby girl? Really Juno?" Lin says.

"stop teasing me. And mom please don't ask me personal stuff, it's my life okay?" Juno says.

You're a bit shocked because even though he keeps things to himself, he does let you know about things from the surface, just the main parts.

"Juno, hey is everything okay?" you ask. "what do you want mom? you want me to tell you what she smells like or how she keeps her hair? or you want me to introduce you to her? sorry to say mom but I would be embarrassed to introduce you to her. You're too touchy and want to get involved in things. Just look at yourself giggling with a 14 year old over some guy. You really need a life mom".

You're embarrassed by his words, not because you think he's right but because that's what he thinks of you. Just as you're about to say something he shows you the hand "mom please just stop, you've heard enough" the audacity of this kid I swear

Juno is turned to face his father, who has his arm in his hold, his expression is a mixture of annoyance and anger.

"Seo Junhong you got some nerve speaking like that to the woman who's the reason you're standing here" Changbin says.

"Changbin it's nothing, he's-" Changbin motions for you to stop.

"say that again, I don't think I heard it completely" he says loudly. Juno stays silent, Changbin's grip not leaving his arm.

"dad I'm sorry" he says

"I didn't tell you to apologize, did I? I told you to say whatever you said to your mother again. Oh and Lin will fact check incase you miss something, won't you Lin?" he says and Lin nods quietly, knowing far too well not to make her father angry with her.

"go on. Or do you want me to highlight some points for you. Tell us how you're embarrassed by your mother, and how you hate it when she gets involved in your super personal business hmm?"

Juno looks at you and you stand up and tell Changbin to let it go. "I don't want you to apologize to her because I'm not through with you. You won't introduce her to your girlfriend? She won't meet her and neither will I. If this is how you treat your mother, I'm ashamed to think how you treat girls around you. Go to your room" Changbin's words are heavy and Juno, who is a tough kid, starts crying.

"mom dad please, I didn't mean it, I'm sorry".

Changbin sits on the seat next to you and changes the topic to how his day went, giving your head a tight squeeze. You know what he's doing and you want to hug Juno but he needs to learn his lesson.

"and Minho hyung tried so hard not to call me out so I kept testing his patience" he says smiling at the memory, continuing his story.

Juno stands next to Lin's seat, trying to get your attention but you're playing Changbin's game and he will teach his son a lesson. Just because he babies his children a lot doesn't mean they get a free pass to disrespect you or him.

Hyunjin

You and Hyunjin only have one daughter, Yerim. As much as you guys want more children, your health doesn't allow you to conceive so you accept it. You can always have another child later, when you're healthy. With only one child, both of you spoiling her, there's no wonder she was beginning to become rotten to the bone. (lmao what did I just write)

You didn't like how your 13 year old kept inviting her friends over without letting you know about it. You always find random people in your house and her coming home late. You feared what kind of habits your daughter was indulging in. You complained about the unwanted company to Hyunjin and he told Yerim to at least let you know beforehand. What was that? He's just allowing her to invite random people to your place? You hate this and are going to talk to her, since her father won't do anything about it.

Hyunjin just left with Seungmin and now is the perfect opportunity to talk to her.

"Yerim-ah don't you think it's a little weird that people we're not completely familiar with just roam around in our house? It's uncomfortable and what if something gets stolen. If you really need to invite people over, make sure it's just your friends"

"what's the big deal mom? chill out no one's stealing anything lol. And like dad didn't say anything about it, so don't tell me who I can or can't invite"

"never speak to me like that again. You're living under my roof, and I'm warning you. I don't want to see anyone in this house that's not your friend. Got it?" yeah you weren't gonna let the spoiled princess sass you, you're the sass queen.

"omg mom you're not the boss of me and get out of my room" she says shoving your shoulder.

You being weak sauce, lose your balance with the shove and try grabbing onto something to keep yourself from falling. You are caught by your husband's arms, his expression of shock and pure rage.

"yah! Yerim ah!" he's never yelled at her before and the girl is startled.

"I didn't do anything dad she tripped on her own"

"I don't want to hear another word from your spoiled mouth. You are grounded for a week"

"dad no you can't do that my friends are coming over today"

"you are not allowed to call anyone over again, you hear me?"

Hyunjin makes Yerim apologize to you and leaves the room with you. Your daughter crying and throwing tantrums in her room. He apologizes to you for being ignorant and tucks you in bed with snacks and water and leaves with his card, which he came back to get.

Jisung

You weren't the type of woman to let people be rude to you and bring you down, you're a force to be reckoned with and that's what Jisung loves about you. So when Doyoung, your 16 year old son was talking back at you for staying over at his friend's house without letting you know where he was, you were having none of it.

"you have the audacity to disobey me, you could've at least sent me a text or answered my calls!"

"buzz off mom, I'm not a baby anymore, stop acting like I depend on you"

"I'm not acting like that. Watch your mouth. I'm concerned about you. What's wrong with you Doyoung, when did you get so rebellious"

"I'm not rebellious, you're so annoying. I'm just doing what I want to do and you can't handle that because you have issues. You can't handle that dad is almost never home and you want me to be here so you don't lose your fucking mind!"

You're taken aback, you can't believe that the child who never created much fuss because he didn't want to overburden you, is now grown-up to talk shit to you. Your jaw is hung open, your dad never spoke to you like that, Jisung never spoke to you like that. How can someone you gave birth to, and cared for and loved unconditionally ever since, speak to you like that. You feel miserable because you love him too much but he hurt you, had it been anyone else you'd have slapped them square across the cheek. Doyoung leaves you and you're sitting on the couch still processing his words and the pain in your chest. Jisung comes home 2 hours later and you're lying on the couch, hugging the cushion. He greets you and you hum trying to hide your gloomy mood. He picks it up and sits next to you. Jisung notices your swollen face, from crying and how uncomfortable you are.

"what's wrong honey?"

"nothing, I'm not feeling myself today, I'm going to bed"

"going to bed? It's 7 pm, are you feeling okay?"

"yeah I just need to rest" you say, your voice cracking. Jisung grabs you by your wrist and makes you face him. You burry your face in your hands and cry hard, he embraces you, extremely worried.

"y/n something happened. Tell me, you're worrying me"

"I'm not feeling okay Jisung, it's nothing really" you manage to say between sobs.

"I've known you for 22 years, and the times I've seen you cry, I can count it on my fingers. Something is up, talk to me please"

"Jisung do you think I'm going insane? Am I annoying?" you sob hard

"what? Where did that come from? Of course not, why're you saying that?" he's getting angry because someone clearly hurt you.

"you're only saying that aren't you"

"look at me, you know me way too well. You know I would never lie to make you feel better. Now tell me who hurt you" his grip on your wrist tightens and you're afraid of how he will react but he won't rest until you give him a name, so you get to the point.

"Doyoung, he snuck out last night and when I scolded him, he said I'm trying to keep him locked at home because dad's never home and I'm annoying and going crazy" fresh tears spill from your eyes. You're crying like a baby because your son really hurt you with his words. Jisung doesn't know what to say, he rubs your back and takes you to your bedroom. He runs a bath for you and takes good care of you. You're tired from crying all day so you're knocked out almost instantly. He quietly slips out of bed and goes to Doyoung's room.

"hey have you seen your mother?" he pretends to not know.

"she was in the lounge the last time I saw her, might be in your room"

"no she's not there, I looked for her so I came her thought maybe she'd be here"

"uh no, did you call her?" Doyoung asks starting to feel guilty and concerned.

"yeah, she's not answering" he says calmly, studying his son's expressions. He can clearly see panic and guilt setting in.

"dad we gotta look for her, where could she have gone?" Doyoung gets out of bed and puts his shoes on.

"uh no, let it go. She's so annoying anyway, maybe she finally lost her fucking mind and got lost" Jisung says as he leaves the room, making it clear that he knows what went down and now it's hell for Doyoung.

"dad, no, I- where's mom? I need to talk to her"

"go to bed Han Doyoung" Jisung gives him a stern look and he quickly goes back to bed.

You don't speak to him for 2 days and he's crying and begging for your attention.

"mom please I'm sorry, I was stupid for saying that please talk to me"

Felix

Felix has a very good relationship with his children Eve (Evelyn) 14 and Danny (Dennis) 11. You are a perfect family. Good genes, pretty smiles, everything about you guys is perfect. Your children are well mannered, smart and talented, like their father. Everyone always complemented the family and thw children for being respectable and warm. So Felix couldn't believe his ears when he walked in and heard Eve yelling at you. Danny and Eve had gotten into a fight and you were trying to resolve it. Eve was clearly at fault but she was not having it. To her, she didn't push Danny down the stairs because he mocked her dancing. She was simply defending herself because Danny was being mean to her (yeah right Eve). Right now, Danny was clinging to you with a bruise on his temple and lip, pain in the left elbow, which you treated and gave medicine for. You scolded Eve for the absurdity of her actions.

"what if something big happened to your brother huh? How could you do this Eve, I can't believe you"

"mom please shut up you're acting dumb. I was defending myself he just slipped"

"Lee Evelyn Hyeri! How dare you use foul words with me"

"oh my God mom please you're-"

Felix walks in the room, disappointment evident on his face. "look me in the eye and say that again Evelyn".

Her eyes go wide oh shit. "dad mom is taking Danny's side, she's being unfair".

Felix looks at Danny's tear stained face, he's sitting in your lap, clinging to your torso. It makes him upset seeing his son hurt and his children fighting but the reason behind his pain is his own sister.

"apologize to Danny and mama right now"

"but-" "right now" he says in his low dark voice. "no" she screams with tears of frustration in her eyes.

Felix hugs her to calm her down and reasons with her, calmly telling her about what could've happened if Danny's fall was serious and how hard you work for them and the sacrifices you make. By the end of the father daughter session, she comes to you and you for a hug and apologizes for her actions and words. Felix comes in for a hug too.

Perfect family.

Seungmin

Like Seungmin, his children were calm and collected. But there was one problem, they inherited the savagery from him and sass from you. That's a lethal combo. Your family was like that, always messing with each other, displaying your sass and savagery. To an outsider, you guys were always fighting but you all knew it was fun and games. That's all that matters right? The family should know your intentions.

So it wasn't hard for Seungmin to sense your 15 year old son Keith's (Kyungsoo) intentions of hurting you when he said you're a weak woman. You and Keith were arm wrestling and he cheated and smacked your hand hard and out of excitement went "hey loser, don't even think of a rematch you're weak and you know it". With this you, Seungmin and your 10 year old Hyesung went silent.

"stop that" Seungmin said before Keith could say anything else.

"I won. I won. I won. Huh. You're no match for me woman"

"Keith you're hurting your mother I said stop it" Seungmin says and Keith looks at you, feeling guilty. You were physically weak, it was commm knowledge, working around the house made you tired easily and your boys helped you with the chores, you were in this together. It made you upset that you couldn't put you 100% in for them but whatever you did was more than enough and they knew that. So Keith saying this made you upset. He realized his mistake and sat down to hug your legs. "I'm sorry mom, I didn't mean it like that. I love you and I really appreciate you" he says. You kiss the top of his head "I love you too" you say.

Jeongin

You're pregnant with your third child and it's getting hard to do work around the house. Your older children 13 year old Jihoo and 7 year old Yedam do whatever they can for you but you have to admit, Yedam is more considerate than Jihoo. All Jihoo does is play games and stay in his room. Jeongin doesn't notice much because he comes home late. By the time he comes, you're either asleep on the couch or the bed or you're cleaning the kitchen. He always helps you when he sees you working. You're right months in and Jeongin decides to take some time off work to be by your side so he comes home early. None of you hear him come in. You're feeling sick and ask Jihoo to bring you medicine but he refuses and tells you to get it yourself.

"Jihoo if I could I would get it myself, please I'm really sick and I need to make dinner"

"mom I'm not your servant, please go away, ask Yedam to get it"

"and she's your servant right? She cooks for you and cleans after you in this condition, she's practically a servant for you Yedam" Jeongin interrupts, seething.

Yedam is embarrassed and tries to explain himself. Jeongin takes your hand and brings you to your bedroom. He tells you to wait and gets the medicine and snacks for you.

"I'm sorry he talked to you like that. I don't know why he's like that but I'll talk some sense into him" Jeongin says rubbing his neck.

You rest your head on the head of the bed, feeling dizzy. "mm remember when we had him, we were over joyed, ready to die for him. I never thought he'd be like this" you say.

"I'll make sure this doesn't happen again y/n I'm sorry for not teaching our boys, I'll be better for them" he says and kisses you.

[funkyj4eva]

So, little obsessed with kyalinzumi and thought I’d share this little fic.

Kya is visiting Izumi at the Fire Nation Palace, Lin is in Republic city. Just a phone call between the ladies.

=====================================================

“Just call her to confirm. That way you can guilt trip her if she’s wavering.” Izumi responds as she waves off Kya’s incessant what if scenarios whilst making her way over to the large bookshelf in her study to find a reference to a bylaw.

“Foiiiinnneeee.” Kya responds as she drops her cheesy romance novel on the coffee table and pushes herself up off the lounge set, heading towards the phone sitting on Izumi’s desk. After dialling the number for Lin’s assistant, she perches herself on the edge of the desk waiting to be connected.

Upon verifying who the caller was, and checking the Chief’s schedule, Hui  places the caller on hold and heads over to the Chief’s office to knock on her door.

“Chief, I’ve got the Fire Nation Royal Palace on the line.” She informs her boss, who glances up from the report she was skimming through.

“Put them through.” She says as she scribbles a note on the notepad beside her.

                                ******

With a nod of her head in acknowledgement, Hui returns to her desk to update the caller, “Hello? Are you still on the line?”

“Yes, I’m still here.”

“Perfect. I’m just putting you through now. Please hold.” Hui responds to Kya.

“Patching through now, Chief.” Her assistant calls out and closes the office door once she hears the phone ring.

“Beifong.” Lin answers after she tucks the receiver between her head and her shoulder, so that she could flip the page of the report.

“What chu wearing?” Kya purrs down the receiver as she entwines her fingers with the phone’s line.

Without skipping a beat, the Metalbender replies in her no nonsense, gruff, Chief voice, “Limited edition Republic City Chief of Police uniform in black with gold trim,” as she continues skimming through the report, not paying much attention to the question or the caller as she was still engrossed in the findings.

Dumbstruck that Lin actually answered her without reprimand, the Waterbender was at a loss for words and failed to answer the woman, as the vivid image of said woman clad in her police uniform and commanding tone sent a shiver down her spine and a warmth spreading to her core.

“Hello? You there?” Lin speaks again into the receiver, after adjusting it so that she was holding the phone. “Hellooo?” she repeats as she places the report down, giving the caller her full attention now.

Still no response.

Completely forgetting what she called the Metalbender for and in her panicked state she slammed the receiver down on the hook and clasped her hands in front of her face, shying away from the phone.

“Shit.” She mutters to herself as she hears the line cut and the sound of the dial tone fills her ears, “stupid line must be playing up again,” returning the receiver onto the hook.

  Meanwhile on the other end of the line…

“So? Did you get through to her?” Izumi queried as she made her way back to her desk while flipping through to the page she was after.

“Uh… yeah.” She responded while still dazed.

“Annnddd? What did she say?” the Firebender prodded.

“She said that she was wearing her uniform.” She replies in an aloof manner, as the Fire Lord shoots her a quizzical look.

                                  ******

Riiiinnnggg, riiiiinnnnnngggg!

The shrill sound of the telephone cut through the air and temporarily paused the conversation between the two women.

Placing the book down on her desk and eyeing the younger woman, Izumi pushed her glasses back up before answering the phone.

“Izumi speaking.” She answered in her formal voice.

“Hey, it’s me. I was just on a call with the palace and the line cut all of a sudden. Were you after me?”

Relaxing as she heard Lin’s voice over the receiver, she reverted to a casual tone, “It was actually Kya.”

“Oh? Is Kya with you?”

“Yes, she was the one who called.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, wasn’t paying attention to the voice on the other end of the line.” The younger woman apologises, “Should’ve known that it was her, as you don’t exactly ask what I’m wearing when you call.” She chuckles at the thought.

“Is that something that you would like me to partake in?” the Firebender responded with a smile teasing at her lips and her eyes alight with amusement as she turns to regard Kya.

Clearing her throat from the sudden turn of conversation, the Metalbender responds, “Um, I’m not - that’s not the point of this phone call!” She splutters and abruptly cuts herself off, feeling a little flustered. “Did she actually have a message for me or was this a call for pleasure? I’m a bit flat chat today and she knows that we don’t do this while I’m at work.” She said cutting to the chase.

“She did have a reason for the call, though I am intrigued as to what you said to her. You’ve left her in a bit of a stupor.”

“She asked me what I was wearing, so I told her that I was wearing a limited edition Republic City Chief of Police uniform in black with gold trim.”

“Mhm, and did you say it in your Chief voice?”

“Uh, yes?” Lin responds a little perplexed as to why the conversation was still being steered to what she was wearing.

“No wonder.” She responds with a gentle laugh, “I’ll have to sort her out as you aren’t here.”

“Zumi?”

“Yes?”

“The original point of the call?” Lin offers in a slightly exasperated voice as she tries to take control of the conversation once again.

“Ah, yes. Kya was wondering if you will be attending the Mid-Autumn festival gala this year at city hall? I have managed to adjust my schedule and will be making my way to Republic City to make an appearance at the gala, and will also use this time to check in on the Fire Nation embassy while I’m there. Kya of course, will be joining me.” She answers in a semi-bored tone. “Irrespective of your attendance, please note that we will be staying at your residence for the duration of our visit.”

Leaning back into her chair, Lin processes the information before replying with an air of playfulness, “Is that right? And how long will your visit be?”

“A total of five nights.”

“Hm.” She hummed in response, “And what happens if I decide not to be present at either locations during your visit?”

Slightly taken aback by the Metalbender’s response, the older woman seats herself in her chair before dropping her tone of voice to a low and sultry one, usually reserved for their private quarters, “Well then you will have been a very, very bad girl, and will be punished for your actions.”

Biting back a smile and trying to stave off the slight giddiness from the possibility of some long overdue playtime, she quickly responded, “I’ll think about it” before hanging up on the Fire Lord.

With a scoff, the older woman leaned forward to drop the phone back onto the receiver, before pushing back into her chair, shaking her head in amusement at the bratty-ness of the younger woman.

“Well?” Kya asked in anticipation, having snapped out of her daze.

“She said that she’ll think about it.” Izumi said as she vacated her chair and walked towards Kya, grabbing her by the middle of her dress and pulling her in for short but searing kiss. Having brought back the warmth in her core, Izumi abruptly broke off the kiss and pushed the woman back to her original position and letting go of her dress. Using the same hand that just released the Waterbender, she lightly trailed a finger from the mocha skinned woman’s chest up her neck and to her chin and then tapping the side of her jaw twice with two fingers, eliciting a groan from the needy woman.

“Come, we need to take care of your situation.” She said in the same low sultry voice that she had only just used with Lin, before swiftly turning to exit her private study and to head to their bedroom.

[not-all-dead]

angstpril day ten: don’t look back

CW: reasonably vivid/gory death, slight hysterics, more very sad

fic under the cut

Kya had to fight to focus on the injured man in front of her when she heard the shout behind her. The fight had been going on for a time now, Lin and many officers called in to moderate yet another triad war. They’d been almost immediately pulled into the fight, the opposing triads abandoning their hate for one another and focusing their attacks solely on the police.

Kya head been called in with her team of healers to deal with the injured, both triad members and police. Kya had taken up a station with her back to the fight, knowing it would be almost impossible for her to not rush to Lin’s side. She knew Lin could easily hold her own in a fight, but she still worried.

So when she heard that shout, it took every ounce of her self control to not look back. Her steady hands began to shake, her grip on the healing water slipping. She closed her eyes against the what ifs that her mind was feeding her, but it only brought the images to life. It was then that she couldn’t take it anymore, abandoning the man she was healing and turning to where her girlfriend was fighting.

“Lin!” Kya yelled, trying to get the young chief’s attention.

Lin glanced back at her with gritted teeth, but kept her focus on the attacking triad. Kya scanned down Lin’s body, searching for the injury that could’ve caused her cry. It wasn’t hard to spot, a large red stain growing steadily on her right thigh, skin showing through her ripped pants.

“Lin, you’re hurt!” Kya tried again to get her attention, quickly realising it would take more than just that.

She knew the only way she could convince Lin to stop fighting so she could heal her was with words, and lots of them. The only way she’d get enough words out for it to work was if she was close to Lin, speaking normally. She had to go in and join the fray.

She grabbed the water she’d been using for healing, gesturing quickly for one of her colleagues to take over for her before making her way to Lin.

Several triad members tried to attack her on her way, but she dodged and weaved through the onslaught expertly. She quickly made it to Lin, pressing their backs together and defending them with the little water she had.

“Lin, you are seriously hurt, I need to heal you,” Kya said, creating an ice shield against a blast of fire shot at them.

“I’m fine,” Lin growled, moving completely in sync with Kya to switch their directions, wrapping a cable around the firebender’s ankles and causing him to fall.

“You are not fine, listen to me,” Kya continued, her voice growing more desperate with every word.

“I can tell that you’re in pain- ”

“I’m fine.”

“ -and if you don’t let me heal you you’re going to bleed to death,” Kya froze the ground beneath a woman’s feet, making her fall mid-charge.

Lin didn’t answer this time, instead focussing her energy on taking out triad members. Kya knew then that it didn’t matter what she said, Lin would not walk away from this battle. She tried not to cry as they both continued fending off benders and nonbenders alike, the number of injured waiting for care on the sidelines ever growing. Lin seemed to be doing alright, somehow still standing despite the injury and blood loss, and Kya dared to hope she’d be alright.

It was a terrible mistake.

Lin let out a blood-curdling scream and the steady pressure against Kya’s back was gone. Kya gasped, trying not to panic while still being bombarded by the triads.

Don’t look back, she repeated to herself over and over, a lump forming in her throat.

Tears slipped down her face.

“Lin, talk to me, you’re alright,” She said, voice shaking, as she was still forced to fight.

“You have to stay awake, okay? Stay awake, you’ve lost a lot of blood, but you’ll be okay,” She let out a sob when Lin didn’t answer.

“Lin, please, talk to me, please,” She continued, finally giving in to the urge to look back at her girlfriend.

What she saw was worse than anything she could have imagined.

“LIN!” Her scream turned the heads of most of their assailants, as well as people on the sidelines.

Lin lay on the uneven ground, eyes closed and breathing shallow. Her arms sprawled out at her sides, her head resting at an uncomfortable angle.

Her legs and lower torso lay several feet away.

The fighting seemed to still as Kya fell to her knees beside Lin. All eyes were on her as she began to sob messily, bringing violently shaking hands to her girlfriend in a futile attempt to heal her. Deep down she knew how hopeless it was to still try saving her, but she didn’t stop until she could no longer keep her grip on the water.

She slumped over Lin’s chest, sobbing and pulling her up from the ground. She was unsettlingly light despite the armour still clinging to her as Kya hugged her tightly. Lin’s head drooped backwards and blood poured from her severed stomach, her skin getting paler by the second. Kya ignored the puddle forming around her, the warm wetness of Lin’s blood thoroughly soaking her dress. She sobbed into her shoulder until someone lightly touched her shoulder, making her suddenly aware of how much time had passed.

The fight must have been somehow resolved, only a few healers and civilians left in the area. The sky had grown quite dark, and the once hot and sticky blood covering her was now cold and dry. She slowly pulled her head back to see who had tapped her, and she exhaled unevenly when she who it was.

“Toph,” She cried softly, looking up at Lin’s mother.

Toph’s head hung low, tears streaming from her unfocused eyes. She stood there silently for a moment, hand on Kya’s shoulder, before crouching next to her.

“You need to let her go,” She said gently, wrapping her arm around Kya’s back.

“No,” Kya whispered, shaking her head.

“I can’t. I- I won’t,” She pulled Lin’s torso in closer, her short fingernails scraping the metal of her armour.

“Kya,” Toph’s tone was harsher now, though Kya heard the pain through it.

She didn’t respond, instead burying her head in Lin’s shoulder again. After a short moment of silence, Toph shifted beside her, securing her hands under Kya’s arms before heaving her up. Kya wobbled on her feet, leaning into Toph before realizing what she was trying to do.

“No,” Kya said, anger and fear brewing in her chest.

“I won’t leave her!” She tore away from Toph, sinking to her knees again.

There was a deafeningly loud silence between them before someone approached Toph, asking if she needed any help.

She didn’t hear Toph’s answer but soon felt someone prying her hands off of Lin and pulling her from her arms. Another person was just behind her, supporting her weight and lifting her once Lin was removed from her. She screamed at them, kicking at the air and trying to get away with everything she had, trying to get back to Lin.

“Kya,” Someone in front of her said, walking towards her despite her flailing legs.

“Kya,” They repeated, placing a hand on her cheek.

She stopped kicking and screaming, sobs shaking her body in their place. She finally looked up at the woman in front of her, suddenly realizing why their voice had seemed so familiar.

“Mom,” She wept, the strong arms previously restraining her releasing her into Katara’s embrace.

“I know, baby, I know,” Katara said, stroking her hair gently.

There was a quiet cry from the person behind Kya, causing Katara to pull away. Kya turned to see Toph standing there, her hand pressed against her mouth and eyes squeezed shut. Kya shot her mother a glance before stepping towards Toph and pulling her into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry,” She whispered.

“So am I,” Toph responded, her voice dry and cracking.

They cried into one another for a long time, Katara joining them briefly before moving them back to the Air Temple so they could clean up and rest. Everyone on the island was a mess for a long time after that, but they all were glad to have one another for support. Lin may have been gone, but at least they could count on each other.

[seventhstrife]

SubScorp Week 2021 Day 4: Lust 1/3

I AM SO MAD ABOUT THIS PROMPT!!! IT GOT RIDICULOUSLY LONG!!! LIKE, AN UNREASONABLE LENGTH OF FIC WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS PROMPT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE EASIEST ONE!!! WHY IS MY BRAIN LIKE THIS!!!

Special shoutout to all of the wonderful, lovely, ridiculously patient people on discord who weathered me complaining about my stupid hellbrain lolol

Only part 1 tonight since I literally spent all day writing nearly 10k words, and there’s no way I can edit it and also sleep before my shift LOL

Read it on AO3.

Part 2

It would have been kinder, perhaps, to simply announce his arrival, but Hanzo had grown so fond of being amused in recent years and he could not resist the urge to indulge.

Gathering a handful of small stones, Hanzo climbed the nearest building and darted across the sun-baked clay of the rooftops, careful to remain unseen as he trailed his target.

A smile curled his lips beneath his mask. He waited until he was sure he was completely concealed, then let loose one of the pebbles in his grasp—a direct hit to the back of Kuai Liang's head.

The sight of Kuai Liang's flinch, as well as the sharp snap of attention and his dark expression of annoyance and suspicion through the crowded, dusty streets of the road, stretched Hanzo's smile into a grin. He bled into the shadows, knowing he would have to be swift if he wanted to stay ahead of Kuai Liang's attention.

He only managed one more stone's throw before Kuai Liang wisened up and scaled the nearest building. He was no fool, and tracing the stone's trajectory was a simple thing. Hanzo was forced to duck behind any cover he could find to avoid the Lin Kuei Grandmaster's thorough, careful scrutiny of his surroundings.

His next throw would be his last, he knew. He would have to make it count if he did not wish to be caught.

Hanzo crouched low and waited for his moment. The instant Kuai Liang turned, still scanning his surroundings for any movement, he sent his last stone flying.

He saw the beginning motion of Kuai Liang's whip-fast reaction, hand darting up in a flash to catch the stone, but Hanzo was already gone, swallowed in hellfire, and before Kuai Liang's fist fully closed around the rock, Hanzo appeared directly behind him.

Hanzo didn't hesitate. He tackled Kuai Liang to the roof, perched atop his chest before he could react.

Blinking in the harsh sunlight, Kuai Liang's scowl of deadly promise melted away into shock.

"Hanzo?"

Hanzo smirked. "Is this the standard of Lin Kuei assassins?" Hanzo shook his head. "Perhaps I should reconsider allying myself with a clan that is so soft."

Kuai Liang's eyes narrowed in a glare, but it was lessened by the reluctant smile that tugged on his lips, as if against his better judgment.

"I think I am the one who should be reconsidering my allies, if they are so eager to attack me on the streets," Kuai Liang pointed out, and Hanzo chuckled, finally stood and offered his arm.

Kuai Liang took the offered hand and absently brushed himself as he stood. His dark eyes, pleased and curious in equal measure, peered at Hanzo with confusion.

"What brings you to Outworld, Hanzo? And to me, specifically?"

Hanzo crossed his arms, gazing across the sand-dusted streets and modest abodes of the city, half of it hollowed out from the bright red clay of a mountain.

"I had received word that you accepted a mission from the Thunder God." Hanzo's face darkened with a grimace. "I would be neglecting the conditions of our alliance if I did not aide you."

"My mission is one of reconnaissance, Hanzo," Kuai Liang said, brow furrowed. "My life is hardly in danger."

"No mission from Raiden is as simple as he makes it seem," Hanzo said darkly. The loss of his clan—again—still burned. "If my presence is an insult, I beg your forgiveness," Hanzo continued, and he bowed. When he rose, he met Kuai Liang's eyes dead-on, determined and stubborn. "Allow me to accompany you, if only to set my mind at ease."

Kuai Liang had appeared taken aback at first, but understanding quickly bled onto his expression, and no little guilt. His own memories of the Kamidogu, and the manipulation he'd suffered, did not appear to have been forgotten either.

"...I accept your offer, Hanzo. Thank you." Kuai Liang said, and he returned the bow. "Shall we?"

The Thunder God's power had sent Kuai Liang to an Outworld city, but Kuai Liang's true destination laid deeper in the forest. An ancient temple, Kuai Liang informed him, long abandoned, had been rumored to have worshippers once more. Raiden merely wanted confirmation of such a thing, to decide his next move. The worship once practiced there had been forbidden, one steeped in ritual sacrifice and practices so brutal and cruel that even Outlanders shunned it, and if some sort of revival was in the making, Raiden suspected it would only be a matter of time before the cult spilled into Earthrealm and claimed the inhabitants there for their depraved rituals.

A simple mission, but one that did nothing to abate the uneasy feeling that had overcome Hanzo from the moment he'd learned of Kuai Liang's undertaking. He had not lied to Kuai Liang for his reasons for being here, but he had neglected the full truth: that, more than anything, he worried for his friend and what might happen to him when caught up in another machination of a God.

Once Kuai Liang had debriefed him, they fell into silence, traveling the forest with their ears peeled for the slightest sound that stuck out: voices, a footstep, anything that would confirm Raiden's suspicions. But caution and vigilance would only help them so much if Raiden had sent them into some sort of trap.

Hanzo pushed the worry from his mind. Nothing will happen to him. I will ensure it, he vowed.

The temple emerged from the trees when they were nearly on top of it. If it had been recently re-occupied, it did not show on the outside. The forest had been allowed to encroach upon it, nearly to the doors, and lichen and vines covered the side of the crumbling stone building as nature reclaimed it.

Hanzo and Kuai Liang knelt side by side as they observed the building, but it truly seemed abandoned.

"Shall we take a closer look?" Kuai Liang asked once it was plain they were quite alone outside.

Hanzo repressed a grimace; telling Kuai Liang he had a 'bad feeling' was out of the question, unless he wanted to make Kuai Liang think he indulged silly superstition and thus, lose his respect forever.

Hanzo nodded. They took a closer look.

Their steps were slow and cautious as they climbed the sun-bleached steps. Cracks and fissures stretched across nearly every surface, and while the stains were very faint, Hanzo still recognized the dried blood dotted across the stone.

It only took a few minutes to carefully sweep the temple for signs of life, and they met in the dusty temple's center once they were done.

"It appears abandoned," Kuai Liang observed, dark eyes lingering in a dark corner for one last check before he finally looked at Hanzo.

"I agree," Hanzo said, crossing his arms. "I hope the Thunder God has promised you something worthwhile for this waste of time."

A small smile tugged on Kuai Liang's lips; Hanzo pretended he did not find the sight incredibly gratifying.

"The terms of a contract are confidential, Hanzo."

"So, nothing," Hanzo surmised with a nod. "Unsurprising."

Kuai Liang's smile grew, amused. "Your time was wasted as well," he pointed out. "Will you demand compensation from Raiden?"

"Do not tempt me," Hanzo warned. He could do so without shame or remorse. After what the Thunder God had put them both through, it was the least he deserved.

Kuai Liang opened his mouth, eyes dancing with mirth—

But then his eyes shifted, just slightly, and he tensed, all over.

Hanzo barely had time to react before Kuai Liang was shoving him with a rough shout of, "Get down!"

His balance was upset but Hanzo recovered, quickly rolled to his feet in a crouch, one arm braced on the floor, the other already unsheathing his dagger.

"Jussst asss my hunger growsss, what ssshould I find but fresssh blood in the unlikeliessst of placesss?"

Skarlet ascended the last steps of the temple, an expression of satisfaction and interest on her features. She held a single hand aloft where an orb of thick, viscous blood twirled idly.

She came to a stop some distance away and widened her stance. Her fingers curled into claws and she stretched the blood like a scarf between her palms. Her eyes flashed between the two of them.

"My lucky day," she rasped slowly.

Hanzo frowned heavily, though it was almost a relief to finally face the inevitable complication he had been expecting this entire time. He darted a quick glance at Kuai Liang.

Kuai Liang was much in the same position and appeared unscathed as he leveled Skarlet with a heavy frown. A smear of blood shards streaked across the space they once stood.

"What are you doing here, Skarlet?" Pure, icy contempt dripped from his tone.

"I am the one who ssshould be asssking the questions, Sub-Zero." Skarlet arched a single thin eyebrow. "Asss the Outworlder, I am not the one who doesss not belong here..."

Hanzo rose and Skarlet's gaze cut to him, wary and deadly. He unsheathed his second dagger and gave them a spin.

"You are outmatched, Skarlet." He pointed at her with a blade. "You would be wise to leave."

Her mouth was hidden behind a crimson mask, but her smile was only too obvious in her tone.

"I am trembling with fear," Skarlet said mockingly, and barely before she'd finished drawing breath, she moved her hands in a quick sweeping motion that sent a wide arch of blood, suddenly crystallized, straight for them.

Kuai Liang had his ice to defend himself with, so Hanzo did not waste a moment summoning a ring of fire, nose wrinkling as the blood met his flames and burst on impact. A power based on draining the life from another—it was barbaric.

Hanzo's words had not been an idle boast—together, he and Kuai Liang were formidable, and years of fighting at one another's side had only fostered a deadly alliance, one of devastating power and precise, efficient strategy.

Barely minutes into the fight, Skarlet was showing signs of unease. She was smart to keep her back to a wall at all times, to better prevent them from flanking her, but the ceaseless assault of ice and fire was clearly wearing on her.

When Kuai Liang froze her leg, just long enough so that she caught a fireball to the chest, she staggered, fell to one knee as her harsh breaths echoed through the ancient temple.

Tales of her cunning and deadliness had not escaped them, however, and neither man allowed their guard down, approaching slowly, fists raised.

"Thisss," Skarlet panted, glaring at the two of them, "Isss hardly fair, isss it?"

"You chose this fight, Skarlet," Kuai Liang said pitilessly.

The way her eyes narrowed at Kuai Liang—that earlier feeling of unease rose within Hanzo once more.

"I did," she agreed. "And it isss time I evened the oddsss..."

Skarlet thrust the hand—that before had been clutching her side—at Kuai Liang, and a small disk of blood, no doubt razor-sharp, shot towards him at an incredible speed.

Too fast to deflect it properly, Kuai Liang raised his arm, and Hanzo only caught a glimpse of how it burst moments before impact, hovered in the air in dozens of pinpricks of needle-thin blades, before crashing again. As Kuai Liang dropped to a knee and ducked, shielding his face from the worst of it, Hanzo was already backing away as Skarlet flew at him in a sudden burst of deadly fury.

"I can already tassste your blood," Skarlet said with relish. The blade of her blood dagger locked with Hanzo's and their faces hovered close. Her eyes shined with wicked triumph. "I will enjoy gorging myssself in the daysss to come."

Hanzo only glared back, disgusted. Between them, a sudden light grew and Skarlet glanced down with wide eyes to see her dagger glowing-white hot to match where it met Hanzo's as his arms caught fire.

An instant later, the blade, warped, shifted, and burst. Skarlet cried out, backing away as the blood singed her and the hands she shook out were bright red from the blistering heat.

"You will only taste defeat," Hanzo swore, summoning his kunai.

The low thump of a body hitting the ground drew his attention away, however, and it was with dread that Hanzo clapped eyes on Kuai Liang—teeth gritted in a grimace of pain, hands clawed against the stone as if he might crumble the stone at their feet.

He raised glassy, straining eyes to meet his.

"H-Hanzo," Kuai Liang managed, and then he shuddered, hunched over, and a low grunt of pain escaped him.

The sight and sound of him chilled Hanzo to his very core. Kuai Liang had been trained, practically since infancy, to withstand incredible amounts of pain. Anything that made him cry out like that—

Hanzo looked to Skarlet and he had no problem recognizing the sheer relish and satisfaction of her expression.

The hellfire, always kept carefully maintained, overflowed into instant, black fury.

Faster than she could ever predict, Hanzo flew across the room, seized Skarlet by her neck and did not stop until he slammed her against the opposite wall. Her strangled choke—brutally cut off by his hands, pressing deep—only incensed him further because this one cry of pain was not enough.

"What have you done to him?"

Skarlet strained against his grip, but she could not touch him, not when he burned so hot. She quickly realized she could not escape, but she only laughed, a reedy, raspy thing that made Hanzo see red.

"It—It isss a new concoction," she hissed, throat working harshly beneath his fingers. He barely loosened his grip so that she could speak, despising every moment he was not killing her. "One I-I have been..." She swallowed. Her heels scraped against the stone wall for purchase. "Very eager to try out."

Hanzo tightened his grip once more and Skarlet's eyes grew larger, panicked and desperate.

"WHAT. HAVE. YOU. DONE."

With each word, flames licked Hanzo's tongue, eager to escape. The temptation to release the flames on Skarlet's wretched head, to burn away her smirk until only bone remained, was nearly overwhelming.

But Kuai Liang's life hung in the balance. He could not give in to anger.

He allowed Skarlet breath, and she finally spoke, "That blood wasss poisoned," Skarlet hissed and Hanzo tensed.

"Where is the antidote," he demanded, and Skarlet laughed again.

"It isss not that sort of poissson," she said. "Thisss one was made for...ssspecial occasssionsss..."

Hanzo narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"

Skarlet looked into his eyes and victory shined in her dark, mad eyes.

"It isss a powerful aphrodisssiac," she purred, and Hanzo tensed. "If he is not sssatiated, his blood will boil."

Alarmed, Hanzo glanced at Kaui Liang. It looked as if he was already feeling the effects, if the way he clutched his abdomen meant anything. He ground his forehead against the filthy stone floor and even a short distance away, Hanzo could see the red welts rising from his skin, as if he were burning from the inside out.

"It would be bessst," Skarlet continued, able to speak more in Hanzo's moment of distraction, "If you left usss here." Her eyes darkened with desire and twisted eagerness. "I am more than up to the tasssk of helping him, and I am sssure he will find me very sssastisfying."

Kuai Liang would rather die, Hanzo knew.

Slowly, every line of his body a taut line of repressed violence, Hanzo allowed Skarlet to slide back down the wall so that her feet touched the floor.

Her eyes brightened with victory—and then Hanzo yanked her close, so that they instead widened with surprise and a quick flash of fear—for he had not released her yet.

"No," he simply said, and then he shoved Skarlet back.

Her skull cracked against the stone and she went limp.

Hanzo let her drop carelessly, turned his back on her, and quickly made his way to Kuai Liang's side. She would not die, he was sure of it, and though he dearly wanted to make her pay for poisoning Kuai Liang, there was still a chance she would be needed in the future, should her words prove false and some sort of antidote could only be procured through her repulsive blood magic.

Hanzo fell to his knees at Kuai Liang's head, hands hovering or unsure.

"Kuai Liang..."

Shakily, Kuai Liang raised his head. Hanzo didn't hesitate to clasp his hand when it was raised and his eyes widened to feel the heat of him, hot enough to rival his own skin.

"Hanzo..." Through his fierce grimace, Hanzo saw the flicker of uncertainty, the worry and anxiety brought on by this sudden vulnerability.

"I have you," Hanzo assured him and he squeezed his hand tightly. "We will fix this, I promise you."

Kuai Liang stared into his eyes for a moment, panting, face beginning to bead with sweat.

He sagged with a nod, weary and pained.

Hanzo swallowed them both in hellfire, and only the scorched stone and Skarlet's crumpled form marked their ever being in Outworld.

[normal-person-wannabe]

Talk less, smile more (LMM/reader)

Chapter 1

Warnings: swears, smut implied

Author's note: It's my first ever fic, so be kind lol. Anyways, if you'd like, leave some feedback, I want to know where I can improve

"You know me, you know I am the most bothersome blabbermouth, the very queen of ramblings without an end, princess of procrastination and empress of making a fool out of myself in every possible way known to humans and even aliens, but believe me when I tell you, sis, at Maya's wedding, that night, that beautiful night, I was at a loss for words. I mean, I was my regular self for a while, but then... Dear God, I was so happy I fell silent." 

"Oh, please tell me you ended up screwing each other's brains out. Y/n, your endless frustrated rants made you sound like a horny Mrs Andrews, from middle school. Remember her?" "I'm gonna take that as a compliment, I really loved that woman. Crazy as a stoned baboon, but a charming teacher nevertheless. Anyway, it's a long story, and I'll tell you everything, but you need to let me do my shit and take the long, winding road to the end.” "I know, but tell me, I can hardly wait to know... Is he hot? With a chiseled jaw and, I don't know, a Greek god's body? What was it like? Hot and heavy like a passionate quickie in the hotel's bathroom or like a romantic slow-burning flame?" "Damn, calm down, Let me-" "I want every single detail, starting from the size of his-" "Stop! Please, let me start from the top.” "Fine, but-" “Yes, I will make sure to include every sordid detail, I promise. But you will have to wait until tomorrow. Certain things cannot be told over the phone. Okay? See you tomorrow. Usual table at Antonio's?" "Oh, so there are filthy details! And of course, I'll pick you up at seven.” "Perfect" "Don't be late, or-" "Or you will slap me with Antonio's menu when I least expect it, I know. Don't worry. I'm dying to tell you the whole story." "Ok. I love you, even if you're a fucking mess of a sister" "I know. Love you too. G'night" "Night". You put the telephone down and you let yourself fall on the bed. You hoped to hear him chuckle against your lips, once again, in your dreams. - The next morning flew by, between work and the frequent flashes of his face buried between your legs, while his eyes scanned all your movements looking for the spots that would leave you breathless. And God knows he found them. You desperately tried to set the thought of him aside, forcing your gaze to stay focused on the screen. At some point during the morning, between a yawn and a contemptuous glance from your boss, you felt your phone buzz from inside your bag. Your heart skipped a beat. *Asked Maya for your number. I finally found you. You can't rid yourself of me that easily. Btw I have the answer to your question: I would definitely be a wombat. I hope to see you soon.* *-Lin* “Oh, shit,” you thought “I’m fucked. Really, really fucked”. It's not that you didn't want him to find you; you knew that sooner or later the aura of mystery you had created around you would disappear. But that's beside the point. You're scared. Scared of the insane amount of passion, of sheer pleasure, of intimacy that you shared that night. This isn't just another random one-night stand. That's a hell of a lot more than that. And you're afraid of its consequences. You tried to compose yourself, inhaling and exhaling slowly, as all your mindfulness podcasts have told you to do. “Hi wombat, happy you found me. Hope you’re ok. Ps. You know wombats poop cubes, right? I just googled that. -Your cockatoo.” “Yes! Which is why I love them! Are you free on Saturday? Wanna grab dinner?” "Of course you knew that. Nerd. Btw, I don’t know. Have to check my very-busy-woman schedule. I'll get back to you.” “Liar.” "OK, fine, I just wanted to sound like a grown-up. I want pizza though. And some dessert. Ice cream or waffles. Or you.” "Sounds like a perfect night to me. Bring your brightest smiles, please. I miss them.” “Will do. Now, let me do my very annoying grow-up stuff, my boss already hates me.” "Sure, Miss grown-up. But if I were your boss I'd question my sanity. How could I hate such a wonderful human being, whose smile I'm sure it's lighting up the whole fucking city? I know 'cause I can see it from here." "Stop it, you creep. But I am smiling, thank you. You've made my office hours less of a bore." "Any time. See you on Saturday :))))" Yep. You're fucked.

[min-sugar-7]

DAY 7: Free Day + Magic Reveal

Arthur should have known.

Years of calling Merlin the idiot, it turns out it is him that is the idiot. Not just any idiot. An absolute buffoon. An useless, oblivious, tunic. Heck, even a tunic is more observant than he is.

There is only one question running through his mind: how the hell did he miss this?

To answer the question, no, he did not miss this. To some level, he knew there was something off about Merlin. Convenient hearing loss when Merlin yelled out gibberish is one of them. Temporary convenient blindness when bandits go flinging around is also one of them.

While Arthur knew that there was something different about Merlin, he refused to acknowledge what. But now he can’t.

Because Merlin’s giving him a nervous smile while there are at least half a dozen arrows frozen around them. Thank God it’s only them in the forest. If, by some stupid decision, he had agreed to bring some Knights today…

Arthur does not want to think of that either.

Arthur crossed his arms and faced Merlin. Another wave of arrows descended upon them. Merlin’s eyes flashed gold again, and there was no denying it. Arthur only hoped that he could wake up from this nightmare. Some time soon would be preferable.

“Do you have-” Arthur stalked forward, jabbing his finger at Merlin. “Any idea-” Merlin stumbled backward, eyes flashing gold to stop another wave of arrows. Arthur had to pause for a second because, damn Merlin’s eyes are exceptionally beautiful. Especially up this close.

Arthur shook his head because if he concentrates hard enough, he can shake those thoughts away, too.

“-any fucking idea, how hard you’ve made both our lives?” Arthur finished. Arthur heard the bushes ruffle behind him, and Merlin’s eyes once again flared gold. Arthur still had not moved. This meant that his mind just compared Merlin’s eyes to sunsets and stars. Which then deemed it more beautiful than all of Camelot’s jewels combined.

“I’m sorry these bandits decided to shower a bunch of arrows on us!” Merlin protested. Being up this close also meant that Arthur could easily read Merlin. His eyes were wide, mouth set in a defiant line, but Arthur could see the smidgen of fear tainting his features.

Arthur jerked back, startled. Did Merlin really believe that Arthur would h-hurt him. The mere thought of that sent Arthur’s stomach hurling.

Arthur saw a bandit emerge from the bushes behind Merlin, silently aiming his arrow. Arthur rolled his eyes and pushed Merlin aside. He shot a glare at the supposed sneaky bastard, who disappeared back into the bushes.

“You should be grateful we are alone,” Arthur mumbled. Soon enough, bandits gave up on attacking from a distance. Arthur cut down one that sneaked up behind him and blocked another attack. Merlin sent them all flying away, two at a time.

“We-” Arthur began, thrusting his sword into a bandit, “- are not done with this conversation.”

“Whatever you say-” Merlin sent another flying, his head banging into a tree painfully, “- your pratishness.”

“I heard that!” Arthur shoved a bandit back into another, sending them both toppling down.

“Great, your ears are working then,” Merlin smiled over his shoulder. Arthur got distracted for a bit and didn’t notice the bandit sneaking up. Thankfully, Merlin had him covered. His magic only served to distract him more.

Arthur shook his head, willing those traitorous though away. Now was not the time and place.

The bandits, realizing that they didn’t stand a chance, scattered away at once. That left Arthur and Merlin, standing in the middle of the woods, staring at each other. Neither knew where to begin.

One thing is for sure. Merlin cannot remain in Camelot as long as his father is on the throne. Arthur didn’t understand what possessed Merlin to come to Camelot in the first place. Also, judging by how Merlin didn’t utter a single word, he is more than just your average sorcerer. He shuddered at the thought.

But hell, this is Merlin.

“Alright. Here is what is going to happen-”

“-We are going to pretend this never happened and live our lives peacefully?” Merlin interrupted, looking and sounding hopeful. Arthur gave him an unamused look.

“No. You are going to leave Camelot and not return until I am King-”

“-Bullshit-”

“No-” Arthur placed his hands on Merlin’s shoulders, giving him a hard shake, “- you will, for once, listen to-”

Merlin stumbled, grabbing onto Arthur’s arms for support. “You are an absolute clot pole if you think you can banish me. Do your worst, Pendragon.”

Merlin’s grip on Arthur’s arms tightened, his face set in a hard line. His jaw was clenched, eyes glaring.

Arthur, on the other hand, was stunned into silence. Merlin didn’t seem to notice one bit.

“Here’s what’s going to happen. You will shut up and either forget this ever happened or accept this for what it is.”

Merlin’s voice started off hard, but it wavered at the end. Merlin took one shaky breath, his eyes glossing over. Arthur did not know what to say. He just continued to stare, his hands still resting on Merlin’s shoulders.

He settled for a small, “why.” It was Merlin’s turn to be silent. “Why would you do this? If it is for protection- you know I will protect you. Or is it because I call you weak? You should know I do not mean anything by it.”

Arthur hated the silence, but he did not want to blabber on in fear of revealing something stupid. But hell, Merlin looked like he didn’t understand what Arthur was saying. Like that was the last thing he expected Arthur to say.

“No,” Merlin breathed out but didn’t say anything else. He crooked his head to the side, eyes searching for something.

“No? No what?” Arthur asked.

“No I don’t do it for that,” Merlin chuckled. Chuckled. Arthur didn’t understand what was so funny about this. “I was born with it- and I use it for you.”

Arthur took a few seconds to process the words. Of course, Merlin would be born with it. It was impossible, and it was something only Merlin would do. But using it for him? For Arthur? “For… me?”

Merlin nodded, the corners of his lips tugging up. Arthur suddenly realized that they were still holding on to each other in a weird way. He did not want to move or let go of Merlin. Oh, God, Arthur was stupid. How was he supposed to survive without Merlin until he’s King? Impossible. He would go mad with boredom in a day.

“You have no clue how many times I’ve had to save your royal backside,” Merlin teased.

“Nonsense,” Arthur immediately stated. Merlin’s smile grew.

“You’d be dead a few thousand times over if not for me.”

“I- what?” Arthur stumbled over his words. That didn’t sound like something Merlin would do. He is the one who needs protection-

“The fact that you’re still alive is enough proof.” Merlin's smile immediately dropped. “Which is why you can’t send me away.”

Against his explicit wishes, Arthur felt his heart melt. Because, of course, Merlin’s going to confuse him even more. “Just when I thought I had you figured out, Merlin,” Arthur sighed, “you go ahead and confuse me even more.”

“Yeah, well, you’d get bored of me if I were normal.” Merlin smiled cheekily. It was easy to pretend that everything was back to normal, that they were still Merlin and Arthur. In a way, things might have changed, but not by much.

“I don’t want you to change,” Arthur replied, shocked by his own honesty. Merlin’s smile dimmed, only by a bit. In a moment of courage, Arthur shifted his hand until it was cradling Merlin’s neck. “I want you, to always, be you,” Arthur whispered.

“Arthur,” Merlin swallowed, throat constricting. Arthur realized that Merlin wasn’t wearing his neckerchief. It only served as a distraction. He had something to say… but can’t remember anymore.

After that, it was simple to just give in. It was simple to lean forward, pull Merlin closer, pressing his lips against his, and lose himself in them. Merlin groaned, hands slipping from his arms to Arthur’s hair, tugging his strands. And God, it was perfect. Like Merlin’s lips were made for him, and his for Merlin.

When they pulled back, Arthur probably had a dopey look, and Merlin wasn’t any better.

“I’m not going away,” Merlin said, resting his forehead against Arthur’s.

Arthur could feel his breath on his skin, his presence the only thing he could focus on. “Bold of you to assume I am letting you after that.”

“Should have realized a kiss is all it would take for you to listen,” Merlin mumbled, pulling away. Arthur immediately missed the contact. “Come on, let’s head back.”

Hiding Merlin’s magic from his father will be a near-impossible task. But Merlin’s been able to do it for so long, so maybe there is a chance they will succeed. They definitely have a lot to talk about. Merlin might get around and answer them, only if Arthur could stop obsessing over his kisses. They have plenty of time, anyway.

[songbookff]

The request I am referring to is KyaLin (if that is alright with you): "You saw me broken and apart, but you stayed!"

Thank you anon, for this wonderful prompt. See my drabble below the cut.

This takes place in the South Pole after Lin has lost her bending and is AU for an established Kyalin relationship. Angst warning ahead. And perhaps a CW for alcohol, although not heavily referenced. 

Kya hovered in the doorway of her hut, her blue eyes studying the back of Lin as she stood, albeit slumped, against a post on the porch. An amber bottle was held loosely in her left hand as she stared out onto the tundra in front of her. She had her brown coat thrown haphazardly over her shoulders and Kya had to resist the urge to bring her some furs.

She knew that Lin was processing the trauma of the last few weeks and how to be herself after the loss of her bending. Kya couldn't possibly understand the life altering experience Lin was trying to work through, so she had spent the last few hours sitting in silence with her lover while she worked her way through the bottle.

It was breaking her heart to watch Lin struggling to come to terms with the loss of her earthbending. Kya knew that if she could, she would trade her own bending to see Lin whole again. But she didn't know how to heal her this time, not even Katara had figured it out.

Lin emptied the bottle and took two stumbling steps forward into the snow. Then she hurled the bottle across the tundra and watched as it shattered on the frozen ground. Kya winced, but didn't move. She had been waiting for this. Lin had been too quiet, too still, since she had come to the South Pole.

Therefore, she watched as Lin reached down to the ground to pick up a chunk of frozen earth and throw it after the bottle. It met the icy tundra with a satisfying crunch. Another fistful of snow and ice followed soon after.

This continued for near half an hour. Silent tears slipped down Kya's face as she watched Lin throw the snow, ice, and dirt that she could no longer bend into the open space. It wasn't until she noticed that the harsh cold earth had dug into Lin's palms, causing the white snow to spot pink where she put down her hands, that Kya interfered.

"Lin..."

Kya was careful to approach her because she knew that Lin was having a hard time with people accidentally sneaking up on her now that she could no longer sense those around her. Before she could get to her, Lin dropped to her knees with an agonizing gasp. Sobs wracked her body as she doubled over in what Kya could only imagine was both a physical and mental pain.

"Oh, my love..." She whispered as she knelt beside her. Gently as she could, she began to rub small circles on Lin's back. The other woman continued to cry helplessly. Just as she was figuring out how to get Lin back into the hut, Lin began to speak.

"I have nothing left." Lin's voice was strained, and her breath was coming short puffs. "That was all I had...my bending and my job. It was the only thing keeping me going..."

"That's not true, Lin, I know that's not true." Kya tried to reassure her. "You are so much more than that. You are-"

"You." Kya was confused by Lin's interruption, but she waited patiently for Lin to find the right words. "All I had was my bending, my job, and you. And now...now I only..."

Before Kya could figure out what she was going to say in reply, Lin fell on her side, curling up into the fetal position in the snow. She was shaking from either the cold or grief or the alcohol. Although a combination of all three was more likely.

Wiping her own eyes, Kya said, "Lin, I need to get you inside. You'll freeze to death out here. And I love you, but I don't think I can carry you."

When Lin didn't answer, Kya considered her options. There was a possibility she could use the snow and ice around Lin to waterbend her back towards the hut, but didn't want to use bending so obviously. She could get someone stronger to lift her, but she was scared to leave her alone. Lin's eyes were closed now, and hypothermia could set in within minutes.

"Spirits, Kya! What happened?"

Kya looked up and to her great relief saw her older brother walking up to her hut with a tray. "Oh, Bumi, thank Kyoshi. I need your help getting her inside."

Bumi hurriedly handed her the tray, which upon further inspection, had two bowls on it. It seemed her mother had sent food over. Bumi bent down and carefully lifted Lin into his arms. She had lost consciousness now, oblivious to the world around her.

"She's freezing," muttered Bumi as the siblings hurried into Kya's hut. "What the hell was she doing out there?"

"She's struggling. I've never seen her like this. It's like she's lost the will to..." Kya choked on the last word, all of her own fears bubbling to the surface. Bumi's scolding face softened at her words and he let Kya guide him to the bedroom. There he laid Lin delicately on the bed.

"We need to get her out of these clothes, she's soaked through," he said and started to pull off her overcoat.

Kya put a hand on his arm and softly said, "I can do it. But thank you."

Bumi hesitated like he didn't want to leave them alone, but somehow, he understood that Kya needed to do this. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and left without another word. Slowly, Kya peeled back the far too few layers of clothing to reveal Lin’s pale skin. Then she grabbed a thin blanket to lay over Lin while she healed her. Of course, Kya could only heal the exposure to the cold and the cuts on her hands. As she bent the spirit water across Lin’s body, she allowed herself to cry again.

The tears weren’t just for Lin’s loss. They were for the days to come; for the struggles they would be facing; for how unfair the world was. But unlike before, Kya would be there, every step of the way. This time she wouldn’t leave for the far reaches of the earth or hide away in the South Pole under the guise of caring for her mother. She’d be by Lin’s side no matter what.

And when Lin woke the next morning, she was warm. Thick blankets were tucked lovingly around her. Her throat was a bit parched and she had a headache. Of course, the only thing she couldn’t feel was the earth. The hopelessness that had plagued her for weeks seeped back into her soul.

That was until she saw the woman curled up in a chair next to the bed. Kya was dozing, still in the same clothes as she had worn last night. Next to her on the nightstand was a bowl of soup and Lin felt her stomach growl. So she pushed herself into a sitting position, but as she did, the bed creaked and Kya woke with a start.

“Lin!”

At first, Lin didn’t know what to say. To apologize for whatever had transpired last night or simply thank her. And the words came, she wasn’t sure why she said them. “You stayed.”

A frown crossed Kya’s face and she leaned in close to her lover. “Of course, I’m right here.”

“You saw me broken and apart, but you stayed.” It was the first time Lin had felt grounded since she had lost her bending. Slowly, and blinking back tears, Kya left her chair to sit on the edge of the bed. Then she cupped Lin’s cheek and pressed a single, gently kiss to her lips.

“I will always stay.”

[nerdycanible1]

Izumi's Coronation

I hope you guys like. This took me maybe 3 and a half hours to write to 4. This is a funny story with some shared kisses between Lin and Kya and Lin and Izumi. I hope you guys like.

There is exactly 4,000 words in this. OwO I am happy. Please enjoy.

Izumi inhaled softly as she stared at herself in the mirror. The noises was muffled, she barely paying attention. She was going to be Fire Lord today and it was still sinking in.

She was fixing her robes, it either was too tight or too loose. She sighed as she took her glasses off and hoped she looked more better. Once she did she only saw a blur of reds and black. She growled and stuck her glasses on.

"Wow the future Fire Lord already to burn things to the ground." Izumi jumped and turned around seeing Bumi with a smile.

Izumi frowned and smoothed out her robes. Bumi was stationed there that month for extra protection for the new Fire Lord. Him and Izumi have been getting along pretty well and were still learning new things about each other. Which is fine, new memories.

"I didnt set a single thing on fire today Bumi now shush." She huffed a sshe went for retie her robes.

BumI rolled his eyes and walked forward and took it from her. He tightened it a bit and soon began to tie them. "You're sure are scared today." He mumbled. Izumi kept her head down as she tried to hide the blush from him.

"I'm fine." she insisted. "Its just nerves." She muttered. "I'm fine." she muttered.

"Yeah you're fine." He agreed a bit too fast to which Izumi glared at him through the mirror. He smirked and tilted his head. "What?"

Izumi scoffed and walked away from him and walked to her desk. In front of her were piles and piles of letters from different suitors around the Fire Nation. She sighed as she had a lot of homework to do by denying each and everyone of them.

Bumi watched her and stood there with his arms behind his back. He had a goatee and he kept his beard at bay. He had groomed himself. He was looking out the doors while Izumi secretly checked him out. His nose a little crooked though that's to be expected from a man in the military.

His chest sturdy and he was fit. He had dressed well that day, though it just was his uniform had been washed and polished. Jsut them a smirk formed on his face. "I see you checking me out." He fixed his coat and Izumi scoffed again and grabbed her lipstick.

Bumi knew Izumi had been self conscious of her looks from a young age. Due to that stupid Fire Nation school. It had hurt him really seeing her try and starve herself or when she ate food that was not her favourite. And now with the damn lipstick. Her lips were beautiful, plump and a perfect mix between maroon and purple though a lighter shade.

He strolled over to her and plucked the lipstick from her hands. "You dont need that. Less is more beautiful." He scoffed as he hid it behind himself. "You're perfect, stop fussing."

Izumi glared at him and held her hand out to him. "Give me the damn lipstick Bumi. Now." She demanded.

Bumi snickered and hummed. "Now you're sounding like a Fire Lord." He uncapped the lipstick and looked at it and then at her. "You know... I've always wanted to see why girls fussed over this. Maybe I'll try it." He hovered it over his lips and Izumi looked at him. Her stare cold and ready to murder.

Not a second later she was chasing after Bumi around the room. Bumi laughed and ran and jumped on her bed and jumped off running. Izumi laughed seeing him try and put it on his lips though he kept missing and either hit his teeth or he got it on his face.

Bumi smiled seeing her smile, he would do anything to see her smile. All seemed to have been forgotten about the coronation as Izumi and Bumi chased each other.

Though when Kya and Lin walked in Bumi wss pinned to the floor by Izumi was she was trying to put eye liner on it. "Damnit Bumi stop moving I almost took your eye." she snapped as she snorted and laughed seeing how wonky the eye liner actually was.

"Get off I said the damn lipstick." He chuckled. Lin arched her brow and crossed her arms as she watched it all unfold.

Bumi screamed again and Izumi huffed and finsihed up and rolled over and laid down next to him panting. Lin and Kya chuckled and Kya walked inside.

Lin grabbed Izumi's glasses and shook her head. "What did I expect, I thought, Hey I bet Izumi is already dressed and sitting in the throne. Hey maybe Bumi is doing his job for once and protecting the Lord of the FireNation." Bumi and and Izumi looked at Lin in surprise and Izumi squinted.

"Wait are you wearing a dress?!" Izumi asked seeing a blur of black and green on Lin.

Lin blushed and handed the other the glasses. Once it was on Izumi saw Lin was wearing a dress suit instead of a dress. Izumi was a little disappointed not seeing the dress but seeing Lin in the suit was hot.

Kya noticed Izumi staring too long and smirked. She helped the other up and pulled her hair a bit and whispered into her ear. "Don't even think about it."

Izumi blushed and scowled at Kya. Lin was ordering Bumi around and was helping him remove what they can from his face. "I wasn't thinking anything." she muttered as she began to take her hair out of its messy bun and began brush through it as Kya helped.

Izumi and Kya were finished as Lin looked at a loss. "It looks like Bumi was out at a night if hooky. Izumi, how do you take makeup off?" Izumi rolled her eyes and pointed to the dressers. That in the blue jar." Kya hummed as she finsihed pinning her hair.

"Wheres Tenzin and Suyin?" She asked glancing up at Kya.

Lin rolled her eyes. "He was caught up with some FireNation girls. Asking him about his tattoos and does he workout." She muttered.

No one said it but they all knew Lin had a small thing for Tenzin but didnt want to be killed by her. "And Su saw a boy and ran off." Lin sounded disgusted and sighed.

"You guys all ready?" Lin asked unbuttoning her second button. It was a lot hotter than she expected it to be. She took off her jacket and held it over her shoulder and looked at them. Bumi, Izumi and Kya all looked at Lin.

Lin may have not been a feminine woman but she sure as hell was a looker. Bumi was the first to snap out of it and brushed his hair back into a undo sort of thing. He had yet to cut it. Izumi on the other hand looked at the two and sighed as she needed to stop being a raging bisexual.

Kya walked to her brother and helped removed what they could of the eye liner. Now Bumi was 10x hotter than he was which was going to be distracting for most women that saw Bumi. "Your father is waiting." Lin held a hand out to Izumi to take, she would escort her there. Izumi smiled and was ready to take the hand until Kya placed her hand there giving a look to Izumi.

Lin rolled her eyes and held her other hand out to her. Izumi took that and Lin began to escort the women. Kya being a little frisky and tried to flirt with Lin. Bumi just followed behind and just smirked.

Once there Zuko looked at the women and smiled at them. It made him feel so old to see them all grown up. Lin was stronger and had a more muscular built but was a beautiufl woman none the less.

Kya was taller of course but had softer features and would break any person's heart. And Izumi, his own daughter.

She had a sharp chin, something she got from his family, and of course she was easy on the eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her. The hall suddenly went quiet as the priests and court got ready.

Suyin was sitting on the bench talking to the boy before she went quiet and waved at Izumi. Izumi waved back and smiled before she got ready.

Suki was standing to the side though she did look a bit older that didnt mean she wasn't beautiful. Zuko stood before the court and swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. It only just hit him that his little girl had grown up and could care for herself... to a certain extent.

"We are gathered here on this special day. This day will mark a new generation, a new world." He took a deep breath and looked at his wife. Mai smiled and watched with pride and happiness in her eyes. "Not only have my friends and I helped return the world to balance but... we each were given children that we can pass the world too." He smiled and his features relaxed. "The newer generation will make great changes, not just for their nation's but for themselves. For the world to better themselves. A 100 years of fighting and now, here we are. Prospering into soemthing greater. We will not know now, but soon we will."

Suki and Sokka's son smiled and let out a happy whoop at that. The court looked back at him and Ridge blushed and shrunk. He was almost as old as Kya but maybe a year younger. Ridge looked a lot like his mother, same skin tone and everything. But his bright blue eyes and personality was Sokka.

Izumi blushed and smiled at him and looked back at Zuko. "It appears that I am for at a loss of words... I am just so overwhelmed with pride for my daughter. I've never met someone with so much spirit and leadership."

With one last inhale he smiled and lead Izumi to stand before the court. "Now a few words from my daughter before she is crowned."

Izumi's hands were trembling as her eyes were watering. Emotions were just hitting her and it was nice. Izumi saw the camera's and heard a few of them go off. Lin saw this and scowled at the cameras. She slipped from view and soon told them off.

Izumi watched this and soon her hearing went back. She gulped as she released a shaky breath. "I am Princess Izumi of the FireNation. I-" she gulped again and Lin smiled at her and nodded her head and told her to take a breath. Izumi followed her movements and kept her eyes on her. "I am honoured to be able to take the throne. I promise to withhold my father's words of keeping peace and I promise to give my Nation a chance to prove themselves and show we are no longer a threat." Lin gave her a thumbs up and went back to sitting down.

"I will uphold the new generation of the FireNation, and promise to keep the citizens safe. To protect my country is what I will do." She gulped and smiled at her mother before she turned and looked over at Suki. "The Kyoshi warriors will always have a place here. Employment and homes will be provided for keeping me safe and my family." Suki beamed with pride and smiled at the woman.

Suki was like a second mom to Izumi, of course there was always a place for her. Izumi looked at the crowd. "There will be a few changes of course but that will be discussed privately, but I will say that our military will ally with Republic City's. We will not break that bond." Everyone in the room was quiet and gave their silent approval with a nod and hum.

"ALL HAIL THE NEW FIRE LORD!!" Yelled the court as Izumi had finished. The people all gathered around outside have bowed as did everyone in the room. Izumi has the flame in her hair before she began to walk down the stairs. Everyone followed her with their eyes and soon she stood before her people. The people have bowed to the ground giving Izumi the respect she deserved.

The love and affection from the people, from her family made her so happy. She bowed to them lightly before she smiled at them. She took her glasses off and lightly dabbed at her eyes to removed any stray tear before she watched the fireworks go off and the confetti fill the sky.

Music began to play and soon people began to line up to greet her and welcome her as the new Fire Lord.

Lina, Kya and Bumi hung back and watch Izumi hold a child and kiss their forehead and wish them luck and then go back to shaking hands. "She's perfect for the job." Lin mused.

Kya nodded in agreement as Bumi hummed. "She really deserved this." Suki smiled and walked up to them.

"Nice to see you kids again. It's been awhile." Lin saw her aunty and beamed as she hugged the woman. Totally losing her facade. Suki was always her favourite aunty while Katara was her second mother.

"Its always nice to see you." Lin said looking at the woman. She was a inch shorter than Lin but barely noticable.

Toph was teasing Suyin in front of the boy. Suyin's face was on fire as Toph told stories of her as a punk child or a crying baby. Suyin huffed and gave up and went to go lead the boy somewhere else.

Sokka pulled Toph into a kiss and smirked. "You should really leave her to her own. I'm sure shes thinking of way to get back at you."

Kya smiled and just watched Lin. Her family was now all together and it just felt right. This was how it was supposed to be.

Izumi, Kya, Lin, Tenzin, Bumi and Ridge went to the beach side. They left the adults at the palace to do whatever the older people did. And Suyin was off with the boy probably kissing.

Izumi was sitting next to the water and just watched the waves. Lin smiled at them and hummed. She sat down next to her and handed her a cup of the drink.

"You were amazing today." Lin said softly. "I'm glad you didn't go into full panic mode." Lin says with a chuckle. She sipped her drink as she loosened a few buttons. She could relax now, they weren't in the public view and it was shot as shit in the FireNation.

Izumi blushed as she stared into her cup. "It wasn't that bad Lin." Muttered. She pouted and looked down at Lin. "I got it, it worked out."

Lin looked at hwr before she rolled her eyes and smiled. "It did work out." She sipped her drink. "So what now?" She asked softly. "I mean... we all have our jobs we wanted and we're all living our lives now."

Lin was sad to have the thoughts drawn on her. Lin was a police officer now and Bumi was in the military, Izumi the fricken Fire Lord, Ridge a Kyoshi warrior and Kya... just living in the moment.

She felt fingers lace with hers and she gulped softly. The soft and warm feeling spread up her arm made Izumi blush. "We do what we always did. Stay together." She whispered softly. Izumi looked into Lin's dark green eyes and squeezed her hand lightly. "We're not dying Lin, we have years to be together."

Ridge yelped as Bumi pinned him down. Kya smirked as she held the alcohol to his lips. "Drink it already!! Lose your drinking virginity Ridge!" She laughed.

Lin blushed and smiled as she caressed her hand lightly before she stood up. She held a hand out to the other. "Let's go join them." She smirked.

Izumi smiled and grabbed Lin's hand and Lon lifted her without effort. Lin lead them to the fire and Lin laughed seeing Kya drowning Ridge in alcohol. Bumi had let go and was on his ass laughing. It was safe to assume they were tipsy. The alcohol their parents had during the dinner was stronger than most. The only ones that seemed the most sober was Lin and Izumi and partially Kya.

Kya finished up when she made Ridge finish the cup. Ridge was panting and wiping his face off as he blushed. He glared at his cousin and wiped his face off.

Bumi and them all gathered around the fire. Kya sat next to Lin on her left and Izumi on the right. Lin smiled as she finished her drink before she asked them to fill it. "So what game do you guys suggest? I'm tired of Never have I ever... you guys get too nasty."

Izumi laughed as she drank hers and looked around. "Well, I dont have any. How about you Kya?"

Kya smiled as she sipped her drink and hummed. She asked for another refill. "Alright you have to drink after every question okay? Cant skip or anything. We just ask questions to a random person okay? I should go first." She looked around the group and then looked at Lin of course. "What's the worst date you ever been on?"

Lin blushed and smiled a sshe looked down. "I didn't like this one, his name was Jin." She shook her head and everyone snickered. "We went to this cheap restaurant and he was cute." Her cheeks flared red.

"Anyways this man orders two big orders of fried noodles, a arctic hen, some stir fry. Just everything on the menu. He was a big dude so of course he'd eat that much." She groaned and shook her head. "This damn idiot then continued to talk with his mouthfull. You can practically see the food spot from his mouth." Bumi began to laugh as Lin huffed and smacked the ground. "That idiot then up and left when I told him to shut his mouth and left me with the 200 yuan dinner." She grumbled as she was heated up again. She sipped dher drink and smirked. "But I did get to arrest him for destruction of property."

Izumi laughed and Lin leaned back a bit. "Hey Ridge, what's the most illegal thing you've ever done and got away with?"

Ridge immediately blushed and shook his head. "No! No! I refuse this question." He avoided Lin's eyes as he blushed. Bumi chuckled and now everyone was looking at him.

"Don't say anything now Ridge and we'll cut your hair off." Bumi got ahold of him and Izumi pulled out her knife.

Ridge tried to squirmed but Lin bended up the sand and solidified it and locked him in place. Ridge screamed as Izumi grabbed his ponytail. She barely even got to touch it before he screamed out again.

"MY BOYFRIEND AND I RAN THROUGH THE STREETS NAKED!!!" Everyone was stunned and Lin was the first to crack up laughing. Lin let the sand go and it turned back to grain.

Lin's face was red as she just lost her mind. Who would've thought her older friend was a streaker. Lin didn't care about his sexuality but Izumi and Kya were surprised.

Bumi let go of him finally the laughter set in and everyone began to laugh. "Did you hear his squeal?!" Kya laughed holding her stomach.

Ridge blushed and threw sand at Lin for asking such a terrible question. "Meanie." He huffed. "Bumi you go." He grumbled.

"Well what's the question?" Bumi asked watching him drink his alcohol.

"I know you at least kissed one of the girls, which one?" He huffed as he fixed his ponytail. He had an under cut and he had tattoos on his head though it was a mix of earth kingdom and water tribe tattoos.

Bumi blushed and looked over at Lin. Lin looked away and held her hand up. "Before you guys ask how let me just say it was my fault." she laughed.

"It was a party meant for any military personal and of course I was invited. I was drunk and I was dared to kiss the first man that bought me a drink. so I hung around the bar and Bumi was being nice and bought me a drink and I kissed him."

Lin rubbed the back of her neck. "Now who's turn-" Kya pretended to gag as she looked between the two.

"Gross!!! Ew!" she teased. Lin glared at her and she laughed.

Bumi laughed at her and hummed. He sipped his beer and looked around for Tenzin. "Anyone seen Tenzin?" Lin nodded.

"He went inside. One of the firebender girls took him." She sighed and rubbed her lip.

Bumi hummed and looked at Izumi. "Izumi, I have a question for you." From his tone of voice Izumi knew it wasn't a good question. Kya seemed to perked up and everyone began to listen in as well.

Izumi lcneched her jaw and sipped her drink lightly. "And... what is it?" She looked at him hoping she didnt need to kill him.

Bumi giggled before her got serious. "If you could kiss anyone in the group who would it be? And if that person accepts it you have to kiss them." That sneaky bastard. Izumi thought ready to kill herself instead.

Ridge bit his lip to bite back a smile as he knew the answer. practically everyone knew the answer except Lin. Lin looked at Izumi, expecting an answer.

Kya gripped Lin's hand ready to protect her. Izumi cursed under her breath and gulped. She released a breath and took her glasses off. She then turned and looked at Lin. "You." Was all she said.

The air was knocked out of Lin and her face burned red. "M-Me?" She began to lean back and look behind her making sure Izumi wasn't talking about Kya.

Izumi squeezed Lin's hand to get her attention. "You... Lin you."

Lin blushed as she had no idea what the hell to do. Just.... Lin squeezed her eyes shut before she leaned forward and kissed Izumi's lips. Lin's lips were surprising soft. Her lips were moisturized, and she appeared to have applied lipstick that because it had smeared all over the others lips.

Izumi leaned into the kiss to deepen Lin pulled back and panted. "N-No." She blushed. Kya pulled her hand out Lin's hand ready to walk away before Lin grasped Kya's hand. Kya stopped and glared down at Lin ready to let go.

Lin pulled Kya down and kissed her lips and Kya exploded. Izumi blushed and watched as she tried to compose herself. It was safe to say Lin was drunk as fuck. Turns out Lin cant hold her alcohol.

Kya gulped as she stared into Lin's eyes as she could feel her ears burn. Lin pulled her fully in the sand and soon broke the kiss and she panted. Her lipstick was all over her lips as she squeezed Kya's hand and Izumi's hand.

"Okay I'm tired now." She mumbled. She stood up and looked st the ladies. "I'm gonna go seep, you're welcome to join." Lin slurred lightly. She stood up and wobbled a bit before Lin was walking off to the palace.

Ridge was so confused but happy, there was no fight that's a plus. Bumi was laughing as he watched the girls in shock. Lin's lipstick was over both of the girls lips before Izumi scampered up and Izumi followed after. Chasing after Lin.

Bumi laughed and sighed as he drank his drink. The night was warm and the fire left the area soft and warm. "Well that was an interesting dilemma dont you think? Did you think Lin swung both ways? I'm glad, she deserves a night."

[halfpint55]

A Defence of Kataang with regards to how they are portrayed in TLoK (it’s long but there’s headcanons at the end)

Note: This is not about shipping wars. This is a safe zone. This is not about Zutara vs Kataang. This is me defending Kataang and the characters themselves...from the writers. 

I initially wrote this as a response to a post that got me heated. My reblog just made it too long so here it is as its own post. 

Now this post ripped apart Kataang as a couple but more than that said some stuff about Aang himself that hurt my heart. I didn’t really want to pick on this post but its condemning of Kataang was based almost entirely in what we know of them as parents in TLoK and honestly it’s that lil nugget of canon that I take issue with. It has bothered me from the get go because it doesn’t make sense from a writing and story perspective, and it’s been pissing me off since I watched it.

TL;DR nice and early bc this post is gonna be a long one:

This particular condemnation of Kataang rests almost entirely on the SHITTY way they were portrayed as parents by the writers of LoK, and in all honesty, on this particular topic, canon should be ignored.

Overall Kataang parenting is of my biggest gripes with LoK because in terms of writing it’s totally incongruous - it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t align, and it makes zero sense for what we know of those characters, and I don’t know if I can ever forgive the showrunners for allowing it to be written it into canon.

I will also preface this by saying I like LoK - love it. I had a scroll through the comments and reblogs on this post, and a lot of the hate towards this portrayal of Kataang ended up being blamed on the “terrible writing of LoK” which is not where I stand at all. That being said I am so angry at the writers for this one.

The other portion of the concurring comments that were very hateful towards Kataang came from Zutara shippers and honestly for me, although I do ship Kataang, this not a just a Kataang issue. I’m of the belief that Zutara would’ve just as easily been written to have similar issues due to very similar dynamics - Zutara also would have been two powerful benders from very different cultures, and with Zuko/Aang (whoever you ship w her) having a massively important global leadership role that is embedded in who they are, and therefore impossible to ignore as a factor in their relationship.

Now let me be clear, my desire to reject canon on this front is by no means me wanting to believe the best of my faves, and not wanting to hear a word against Aang. It’s not even necessarily a defence of Kataang bc I ship it that hard (I mean I do but I can set that aside for the sake of argument if that’s what you need from me here). 

The first, and main issue people have with Aang/Kataang in Korra, is the first point of the original post:

So why in hell would [Katara] be okay with Aang ignoring TWO of their children’s complete existence once he found out they had an airbending son?

And I agree with the post on this front; Katara would not have allowed her children to each be treated differently by their father. I had the same initial thought when watching LoK, and it’s the reason I hate and want to ignore the canon of LoK so badly. 

As much as it hurts to think of, we have to accept that Aang wouldn’t have been able to stop his preferential treatment for Tenzin from bleeding through into his parenting just out of a desperate desire to save his culture (which is absolutely understandable - doesn’t make it okay, but it’s understandable; Aang suffered an incredible loss, a massive cultural trauma which he alone carries the burden of). So of course he wasn’t able to hide how excited he was, and forgot to be mindful of his attitude and behaviour towards Kya and Bumi. So this aspect of canon Kataang? Yeah, I’m with it. So far so good. EXCEPT the most unrealistic element of canon is now that Katara would let him. I simply do not believe for a second that Katara would’ve allowed Aang to be the kind of parent LoK painted him to be.

However, I do not think it would’ve been a point of contention between the two of them! Katara would pull him aside, Katara would gently (but firmly) point out what Aang mightn’t be able to see for himself - he’s focusing too hard on Tenzin.

And Aang would listen.

All throughout A;tLA the two of them often help the other sort through their stuff. Aang has a great track record of being receptive to Katara’s advice and help (calming him down when discovering Monk Gyatso’s body, The Desert when he Appa is stolen, Serpent’s Pass when he’s bottling his feelings about Appa being missing). He’s also just so receptive to others’ ideas - he just goes with it and trusts in his friends (think of his trust in Katara’s plan to rescue Haru, his trust in staying behind with Sokka in the library to get the eclipse info). Aang’s humility is one of the most incredible things about him and it’s at the core of who he is. He would absolutely be able to hear Katara telling him he’s focusing too hard on one child - he would be open, and he’d listen.

So to me now canon just does not make sense at all. it does not align with their established character traits. And yes, people change as they get older and grow into adulthood but honestly, the elements of their respective personalities that we’re talking about here are pretty core elements of who these two people are.

Katara has always been fiercely protective of those she loves, strongwilled, stubborn, and ready to (vocally or physically) fight for what she believes is right and that wouldn’t disappear as she gets older. She wouldn’t let Aang’s preferrential treatment slide.

Aang has always been, and chose to be despite his loss, an optimistic, kind, believe in the best of humanity kind of person. He’s open to all points of view, he’s a good listener, he always tries his absolute best to find solutions that are good for everyone. And again his humility, his willingness to love, is who he is.  He believes all humans (including fkn OZAI) and all life are sacred, he believes in the absolute right to life. The kid is a vegetarian for crying out loud.

Now the parts of the take in the post that hurt my heart to read about what OP thinks of Aang:

“Aang never made an attempt to establish anything resembling a real familial unit with Katara, basically just stayed around until she popped out an Airbender [...] she was treated like some trophy wife to give birth to airbenders and that’s it!”

I wasn’t going to address this in this post until I read the comments in the notes, because people seem to agree. They share the sentiment that Katara was reduced to “just a love interest” by the two ending up together.

However I do very much take issue w the notion that Aang “basically just stayed around until she popped out an Airbender” (and honestly that entire paragraph - we don’t actually know that Aang didn’t make an effort to establish a family unit). As much as the LoK writers fucked up in their portrayal of Kataang as parents, this is a much harsher judgement of Aang’s character as a husband and father than anything implied by Aang and Katara’s children. I just don’t buy that Aang would view Katara (or anyone he married, even if you don’t ship Kataang) as a trophy wife, whose only role is to have airbender children. He never has viewed her that way - he has always looked at her like she’s the sun, and the most important person to him after she pulled him out of the iceburg. He loves her the most of anyone on the planet. It does not align with his character, his values or beliefs that he’d think of her (or any partner) that way. He is so besotted with Katara for who she is it HURT me to read that part of your take. Aang simply would never. Look at how he looks at her! 

What’s more is the unwavering respect and deference he shows Katara as his waterbending master - he recognises and loves her as the whole, complete, three dimensional, TALENTED POWERFUL INCREDIBLE WOMAN that she is. She is NEVER “just” a love interest for Aang. (But ALSO, do we respect Suki any less for being Sokka’s obvious love interest??? No. suki is written to be so badass that Sokka is HER love interest and I think Katara has equally badass energy but I digress).

Moving on!

OP made an excellent point that there would’ve been culturally different values between the two but I don’t think it would’ve been family that was the clashing point. Yes the airbenders value spirituality and enlightenment. But they lived together in massive communities! They supported and raised one another. Their community and culture was strong, and they were bonded in their spirituality! They value love, as well as enlightenment, peace, and the lives of all.

Now, again the points they made about the cultural divides within the Kataang family unit are valid, but also again I dislike how they chose to portray this in LoK. It would definitely be a struggle they faced as a couple. However I think they really missed an opportunity here with where they took it. Because they do at one point in the comics have Katara bring up the fact that their family will be a blend of two cultures, and she brings it up because Aang is trying so hard to bring balance back to the world by means of seperation.

They’ve known from the get go of being a couple that they’re going to have to navigate being a culturally blended family unit.

So I find it so shitty that they wrote it so that Kya got to learn the waterbending culture, Tenzin got Air and bumi got…nothing? It’s dangerously close to the way Disney does the “the girls are carbon copies of mum, and the boys are carbon copies of dad” thing (think Lady and the Tramp). It’s lazy. Especially when we had that “separation is an illusion” episode, AND things like Zuko learning different nation’s styles and applying them to his firebending, and Sokka learning an element of strategy or fighting from every nation. 

So give us Kya using Airbending moves with her waterbending (maybe she invents the water scooter)! Give us Tenzin doing more grounded moves that Aunty Toph (or Lin, while they were together) taught him from earthbending.

There are much more creative ways to illustrate the bumps and troubles Kataang might have run into in trying to navigate incorporating equal parts of their cultures in their children and family unit. Even just smaller scale issues like food and meals - how do they figure out how to do mealstimes with Aang’s vegetarianism with Katara’s culturally significant Water Tribe meat dishes? And then even taking into account how picky little kids can be!

Give me a scene where they literally just ate moon pies for a week because toddler Kya would scream if you put anything else down in front of her.

Maybe Bumi demanded sea prunes over and over but Katara and Bumi are the only ones who like them, and Bumi bonds with his mother this way - they go on little one-on-one outings to water tribe restaurants in Republic City, searching for the most authentic sea prunes!

Kya maybe likes the water tribe fashions the most because it helps her connect with her namesake BUT Kya also has a playful sense of humour - not unlike Monk Gyatso - Aang sees how much she loved moon pies and teaches her to throw them with waterbending.

We know Tenzin was a calm, quiet, and possibly shy child. Maybe he loved to hole himself away learning crafts. Give me Tenzin learning to tattoo, Tenzin learning to carve (and carving his first glider - it crashes of course), but also Tenzin learning to carve water tribe adornments and necklaces. Katara tries at first but when she gets busy Sokka comes in and teaches Tenzin to break all the carving rules Katara has laid down (”it doesn’t need to be perfect my little pupil - let the creativity flow!”)

Tenzin may not be able to waterbend but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn other means of healing. As the littlest he spent a lot of time watching Katara work - she teaches him to tie splints, dress wounds, and yes deliver babies.

If you made it here I love you so much for reading. I love sharing my thoughts so HIGH FIVE YOU MADE IT, ur now my friend - the friendship is non-refundable sorry 😌😌

[whatamidoingwithmylifeman]

Mortal Kombat 11 Michiko vs Canon intro fight dialogues

TW: implications of torture and ptsd

Michiko, Reiki, and Nozomi are my OCs. Reiki is genderfluid and goes by she/her and he/him pronouns. I decided to replace the guest characters with canon characters from previous games that make sense for said OC to be interacting with. Also, Sindel in this, is not the retcon Sindel she is in the games. Plus I include my own HCs.  I will post the other part to this when I am finished with it. Please read below the cut.

Baraka vs Michiko

Baraka: I smell the scent of a demon.

Michiko: I would turn that nose away before you catch the scent of your own blood!

Baraka: Come and try “Earthrealmer”.

---

Baraka: How well do you handle blades?

Michiko: As long as they aren’t running with a buzz I’m cool with it.

Baraka: Then you’re in luck.

---

Baraka: Your mate burned half our camp!

Michiko: He got scared!

Baraka: He will pay!

Cassie vs Michiko

Cassie: I didn’t know there was another woman Lin Kuei.

Michiko: Wait, another!?

Cassie: Oh you have got to meet Frost!

---

Cassie: Wait, you’re Sektor’s sister!?

Michiko: I’m trying to forget that myself...

Cassie: Then how did you get powers and he didn’t?

---

Cassie: Sooo heard you and a certain fire type were together?

Michiko: Who told you about Reiki and I!?

Cassie: Yes! It’s cannon!

Cetrion vs Michiko

Cetrion: You’re friends with my niece?

Michiko: Nozomi was the first one there for me when I became lost.

Cetrion: Treasure that friendship young one.

---

Cetrion: You aren't a cryomancer?

Michiko: I’m what you would call a demon.

Cetrion: then I must send you back into the Netherrealm.

---

Cetrion: Your anger in Hanzo is misplaced.

Michiko: he’s trying to take Reiki away from me!

Cetrion: Trust me, those aren’t his intentions.

D’vorah vs Michiko

D’vorah: This one is intrigued by your ice

Michiko: Please observe from a distance.

D’vorah: Afraid of bugs, Michiko?

---

D’Vorah: The hive would like a word with your fiery friend

Michiko: You won’t put one stinger near him!

D’vorah: Fine, this one will put them in you.

---

D’vorah: You are not human?

Michiko: no.

D’vorah: This one will end you just the same

Erron vs Michiko

Erron: Boy you must be real valuable to have a warrant this high

Michiko: What are you talking about Erron?

Erron: Your brother paid me to bring ya home.

---

Erron: You stepped out with Bi Han?

Michiko: Err almost..

Erron: Hit and miss?

---

Erron: Need help with courting some ladies?

Michiko: if I did I wouldn’t ask you.

Erron: that hurt worse than a caliber.

Frost vs Michiko

Frost: Family reunion!

Michiko: Huh? What do you mean?

Frost: You're back, and Uncle Sektor is too!

---

Frost: Wait, you’re a demon?

Michiko: Unfortunately, yes.

Frost: You just became even more badass!

---

Frost: I heard you really tore Kuai a new one when he kicked me out

Michiko: Frost, you are the only reason I returned to the Lin Kuei a few years back

Frost: You... you came back for me?

Fujin vs Michiko

Fujin: Despite being of odd origins, I sense you are more human than most

Michiko: I’m a demon Fujin. A monster.

Fujin: Even demons can achieve humanity.

---

Fujin: What has possessed you to act so violently?

Michiko: Possessed. Ha, good one Fujin.

Fujin: I am being serious Michiko!

---

Fujin: Your love for Reiki carries across the winds

Michiko: Could you bless our wedding?

Fujin: I am no Elder God.

Geras vs Michiko

Geras: For an ice type, you boil over so easily

Michiko: If people could just leave me and Reiki alone I wouldn’t be angry all the time

Geras: There’s more to your anger than just your fear of losing your lover.

---

Geras: Michiko. Demon of the Lin Kuei.

Michiko: Strange sandman. Weirdo of whatever.

Geras: You are not like many others.

---

Geras: What is your greatest desire?

Michiko: I want to be far away from Earthrealm with Reiki!

Geras: Serve Kronika, and she will grant your wish

Jacqui vs Michiko

Jacqui: You’re cooler than Sub-Zero!

Michiko: Is that a compliment or an observation?

Jacqui: Both!

---

Jacqui: So are you like the girl version of Sub-Zero, or Sektor?

Michiko: Ah! Don’t compare me to my brother!

Jacqui: Roger that.

---

Jacqui: What’s your deal with Hanzo?

Michiko: He doesn’t know how to stay away from my mate!

Jacqui: A little relationship tip for ya, jealousy isn’t romantic.

Jade vs Michiko

Jade: Do you work for Quan Chi?

Michiko: I’m a demon. Not a bitch.

Jade: That does not answer my question.

---

Jade: Child of a nymph

Michiko: how did you know?

Jade: I like to study in my free time.

---

Jade: No you may not borrow my staff!

Michiko: awe please! Just for a day!

Jade: I know what your intentions are Michiko.

Jax vs Michiko

Jax: What do they call you back home?

Michiko: Depends on who you’re referring to.

Jax: Is that good or bad?

---

Jax: You’re Lin Kuei?

Michiko: Was. And I’d like to keep it that way.

Jax: Shit. Must have been a bad trip.

---

Jax: Don’t let others define you based on your origins Michiko.

Michiko: Where was this advice when I was a kid?

Jax: Probably just outside those cold walls.

Johnny vs Michiko

Johnny: So if you’re actually a demon, then where are the horns and pitchfork?

Michiko: What do you base your imagery of demons off of?

Johnny: No comment.

---

Johnny: Cassie and I thought of some ship names for you and Reiki!

Michiko: Oh by the Elder Gods, spare me!

Johnny: What about IcyHot? No no! Freezer Burn!

---

Johnny: You may have the coldest ice around, but I’m still cooler than you!

Michiko: Tch. I’m not even gonna argue with you Cage.

Johnny: ha! So you admit it!

Kabal vs Michiko

Kabal: So do you eat souls or some shit like that?

Michiko: I eat life essence, not souls.

Kabal: What’s the difference?

---

Kabal: How are you able to withstand Reiki’s heat?

Michiko: She can control the amount of heat in her flame.

Kabal: That’s actually badass.

---

Kabal: There’s no way you and Sektor are related!

Michiko: not by blood. No.

Kabal: Wait, you're adopted?

Kano vs Michiko

Kano: could use a gal like you in the Black Dragon.

Michiko: I’d rather avoid clans. Thanks..

Kano: eh. You’re loss

---

Kano: I could help you for a favor in return.

Michiko: Didn’t your parents teach you not to make deals with demons?

Kano: Making bad deals is in me blood.

---

Kano: You know your brother’s been lookin for ya.

Michiko: Whatever he paid you, I’ll triple if you can pretend you never met me.

Kano: Deal!

Kitana vs Michiko

Kitana: You are not like many other demons

Michiko: dare I ask how?

Kitana: You have more control than you realize.

---

Kitana: I’ve heard others call you a princess. Is this true?

Michiko: Oh no! It’s just a nickname they gave me.

Kitana: I hope it is used in a good way.

---

Kitana: What brings you to Outworld?

Michiko: Escape with my mate.

Kitana: I can only offer you both so much refuge

Kollector vs Michiko

Kollector: Everyone who comes to Outworld must pay a fee

Michiko: I heard you don’t actually serve the current Kahn

Kollector: She won’t be Kahn for long.

---

Kollector: How do you get by without any wealth?

Michiko: Do you know what I am?

Kollector: A pitiful mortal.

---

Kollector: I wager you're more nymph than demon.

Michiko: You know I can’t really answer that.

Kollector: I will take my wage in hand now.

Kotal Kahn vs Michiko

Kotal Kahn: Weren’t Nymphs once considered minor Goddesses?

Michiko: Not the Nymphs of this world.

Kotal Kahn: There are others?

---

Kotal Kahn: Which lineage do you honor?

Michiko: Can’t honor a lineage that died before it could really grow, now can you?

Kotal Kahn: Surely one of your parents has a deeper origin than what is known.

---

Kotal Kahn: You seem more human than anything.

Michiko: That’s because I was raised as a human.

Kotal Kahn: So it is of nurture rather than nature

Kung Lao vs Michiko

Kung Lao: You face a Shaolin warrior

Michiko: And you face whatever the fuck you feel like calling me today.

Kung Lao: I know a God that can offer you great counseling.

---

Kung Lao: Have you seen your brother?

Michiko: What brother?

Kung Lao: Are you not related to Sektor?

---

Kung Lao: Did you ever eat any Shaolin life essence?

Michiko: see that’s the thing. I don’t remember anything when I am in that form.

Kung Lao: For your sake, you better hope you didn’t!

Liu Kang vs Michiko

Liu Kang: I know a God that can offer you great counseling.

Michiko: Is it Raiden or Fujin?

Liu Kang: Ah, I see you’ve met them both.

---

Liu Kang: You do have a heart Michiko.

Michiko: What makes you so sure?

Liu Kang: Your love for Reiki proves it so.

---

Liu Kang: The monks can help you with your anger.

Michiko: They’d probably just exorcise me.

Liu Kang: You judge incorrectly, Karasugawa.

Mileena vs Michiko

Mileena: I heard you spoken with my sister. How is she?

Michiko: She’s doing fine actually.

Mileena: Good. Mother and I do worry about her.

--

Mileena: I heard a certain shadow’s been calling your name.

Michiko: I will have nothing to do with that traitor!

Mileena: A bitter break up?

--

Mileena: Amuse me Nymph.

Michiko: No thanks, Edenian.

Mileena: You’re actually good at this.

Nightwolf vs Michiko

Nightwolf: I seek peace with my demons. You can do the same with yours.

Michiko: I am my demons, Nightwolf.

Nightwolf: Not all of them.

---

Nightwolf: Why not help de-cyberize the Lin Kuei?

Michiko: I want nothing to do with that place!

Nightwolf: Is it the place you fear, or its current inhabitants?

---

Nightwolf: You have lost yourself Michiko.

Michiko: Do I even have a self Nightwolf? Do I?

Nightwolf: The Great Spirit can help you find it.

Noob Saibot vs Michiko

Noob Saibot: Where has your love for me gone Michiko?

Michiko: It died when you joined my brother in the time merger!

Noob Saibot: Let me explain myself.

---

Noob Saibot: I see you’re friendly with those flames now.

Michiko: At least Reiki won’t betra- flames?

Noob Saibot: Oh sweet, naïve, Michiko. Have you truly not noticed him following you like a lost puppy?

---

Noob Saibot: Do you still remember our promise?

Michiko: That promise is broken and gone like the love and trust I had for you.

Noob Saibot: You’re a terrible liar, Michiko.

Raiden vs Michiko

Raiden: I normally do not allow demons in my temple.

Michiko: I am not just a demon, Raiden.

Raiden: I am aware of this.

---

Raiden: You’re of Hinpar origins?

Michiko: And Earthrealm origins too.

Raiden: So the lost realms do exist.

---

Raiden: I sense a deeper madness in you.

Michiko: No matter how far I run, I can still sense my brother nearby.

Raiden: Blame the sorcery that has been cast to bind you two. 

Rain vs Michiko

Rain: You will make a powerful ally.

Michiko: Ally or servant?

Rain: You have befriended Nozomi. So ally.

---

Rain: Your power type falls under mine.

Michiko: My ice is a category all on its own.

Rain: Prove it to me.

---

Rain: Worship me as you do Nozomi. 

Michiko: I work with Nozomi, not worship her.

Rain: You would be wise to do both.

Scorpion vs Michiko

Scorpion: I promised Reiki I wouldn't let you get hurt

Michiko: That was when we all though he was dead!

Scorpion: A promise is still a promise!

---

Scorpion: How did you walk so calmly through those flames?

Michiko: My ice is not that of a cryomancer’s Hanzo.

Scorpion: It is of a Nymph, isn’t it?

---

Scorpion: We share one thing in common.

Michiko: And what is that, Hasashi?

Scorpion: Loyalty to our loved ones.

Shang Tsung vs Michiko

Shang Tsung: Are you having fun sharing thoughts with your brother, Sektor?

Michiko: So it was you who binded us!

Shang Tsung: It was your fathers’ idea.

---

Shang Tsung: Your soul will prove most delicious.

Michiko: Jokes on you, I don’t have a soul.

Shang Tsung: You have one somewhere.

---

Shang Tsung: Michiko Karasugawa. A demon-nymph of dual origins.

Michiko: How do you know of that name?

Shang Tsung: I know of its true demise.

Shao Kahn vs Michiko

Shao Kahn: Nymphs used to serve the gods.

Michiko: That’s cause the gods have treated us like their own.

Shao Kahn: Today, they will serve me

---

Shao Kahn: Do you consume souls like that wretched sorcerer?

Michiko: I don’t eat souls, Shao

Shao Kahn: That’s Shao Kahn to you, demon!

---

Shao Kahn: Your lover is a powerful one.

Michiko: Touch her and you’re dead.

Shao Kahn: Just try and kill me, nymph!

Sheeva vs Michiko

Sheeva: You release too much of your anger in the wrong way.

Michiko: There’s a right way?

Sheeva: Through Kombat.

---

Sheeva: You and Reiki will make fine warriors!

Michiko: How so?

Sheeva: There is no greater strength, then two lovers on the battlefield together.

---

Sheeva: The Lin Kuei need you Michiko.

Michiko: I’m not going back there!

Sheeva: Even the toughest of warriors must face their fears.

Sindel vs Michiko

Sindel: You are much like my Mileena.

Michiko: Wait, how?

Sindel: You have chosen to be with your lover among all else.

---

Sindel: As queen of Edenia, I welcome you and Reiki to our realm

Michiko: We might not stay long, but thank you, your highness.

Sindel: Stay as long as you need to. This is a safe place.

---

Sindel: Where in the realms did you learn to scream like that?

Michiko: I used to have at least nine screaming matches a day with my father.

Sindel: By the Elder Gods child.

Skarlet vs Michiko

Skarlet: So you are nymph and demon?

Michiko: I am.

Skarlet: Your blood must be delicious.

---

Skarlet: You and I are of similar origins.

Michiko: How?

Skarlet: I too come from a line of nymphs.

---

Skarlet: You excel at taking life?

Michiko: I am not proud of it.

Skarlet: You should be!

Sonya vs Michiko

Sonya: I am surprised to see you back at SF.

Michiko: I need more relationship tips from Jacqui.

Sonya: I can offer them too you know?

---

Sonya: We need your help with dealing with Sektor.

Michiko: I am sorry Sonya, but I would rather keep my distance from him and that place.

Sonya: But you are the only one who can help us take him down.

---

Sonya: You really don’t have a legacy to live up to huh?

Michiko: Unless you count being a demon and a nymph.

Sonya: Well that’s when you make your own!

Sub-Zero vs Michiko

Sub-Zero: You know, since the time merger, I have not seen your past self.

Michiko: That’s because I had once lived outside the time dome of this world.

Sub-Zero: Where did you go when you died?

---

Sub-Zero: Please come back.

Michiko: Why, to look at their portaits and be reminded that I too am a monster?

Sub-Zero: You are no monster Michiko.

---

Sub-Zero: How did you escape the cyber initiative?

Michiko: buzzsaw. Buzzsaw. BuzzSaw!

Sub-zero: Michiko?

Sektor vs Michiko

Sektor: Many others have told me you fear me. Why?

Michiko: You use the magic that binds us to screw with me!

Sektor: I just wanted to be close to you...

---

Sektor: You and Reiki are engaged?

Michiko: She is my soulmate after all.

Sektor: As long as she makes you happy. 

---

Sektor: Come back home, little sister.

Michiko: So long as that painful, loud machinery operates, the answer is no!

Sektor: How badly have I hurt you?

Cyrax vs Michiko

Cyrax: If I’m mustard, and your brother’s ketchup, what does that make you and Reiki?

Michiko: Cherry and Plum.

Cyrax: Sweet!

---

Cyrax: Be lucky you managed to escape before you were cyberized.

Michiko: Be lucky the anesthesia actually worked for you.

Cyrax: You were awake during the process?!

---

Cyrax: Do I have permission to marry Sektor? 

Michiko: Do I look like my brother's keeper? 

Cyrax: Yes you do, Cain. Now answer the question.

Smoke vs Michiko

Smoke: You and my Enenra are friends?

Michiko: Wait, Enenra considers me a friend?

Smoke: He does call you his demon friend.

---

Smoke: We both harbor demons in us.

Michiko: You have a demon, I am a demon. There’s a difference Vrbada!

Smoke: Not in our circumstances, there isn’t.

---

Smoke: I finally know how you feel now…

Michiko: What are you- oh, no. Come here Tomas.

Smoke: I’ll be fine Michiko

Hydro vs Michiko

Hydro: You and Kuai both need to be careful about the fire types you associate with!

Michiko: I’m not a cryomancer, Hydro. I can handle the heat!

Hydro: That doesn’t mean you can’t be hurt!

---

Hydro: You have grown since the last time we met.

Michiko: Well demons do age quite fast.

Hydro: But you are of two odd origins. 

---

Hydro: You may be grown, but have you really honed your skills little snowball?

Michiko: I have honed more skill than you can ever imagine, water spout

Hydro: Then shall we test them, little fox?

Sareena vs Michiko

Sareena: I’ve never met such a cute demon

Michiko: Wait, there are more demons?

Sareena: oh you poor baby.

---

Sareena: We can form our own clan.

Michiko: I’m quite sick of them.

Sareena: Just give it a shot.

---

Sareena: Tell me, how often do you get to release that pent up rage of yours?

Michiko: When the moon is either red or gone

Sareena: I can show you another way.

[hamiltonimagines]

I Like You, You Idiot

Pairing: Lin x Reader

Requests: I combined two requests for this story

“LMM and Miscommunication” - @ousi-chan

“I’ve never done one of these before, but could I request a Lin x reader that is angsty, but ends as fluff? Thanks so much!” - @heatherdawn82”

Word Count: 1.1k

Warnings: Some angst and arguing but then pure fluff

I was currently sitting in Lin’s dressing room. I was apart of the Hamilton staff, I was in charge of all the cast’s costumes and making sure I fixed their costumes when they broke. Lin was one of my best friends and he had gotten me this job.

We were both talking right now and the show had just ended. I was laying on his couch and he was sat in a chair. Then his desk started to vibrate. “Ooo looks like somebody is popular. Answer your phone” I told him. “Actually, its your phone. You got a text from some guy named Porter. Apparently he thinks your hot, cause he just asked you out for drinks” Lin said, smirking at me.

“I’m not interested” I said, rolling my eyes. The secret was that I had a crush on Lin. I knew that it was childish and maybe silly and I should probably just ignore it, because let’s face it. There was no one Lin would ever like me back.

“Good, this Porter guy doesn’t deserve you” Lin told me. He had always been really protective over me, I figured he saw me as a little sister. “Why do you care if he deserves me or not?” I asked him. Hoping I’d get the answer where he confessed he had feelings for me and we lived happily ever after, but that didn’t happen. Instead, he said “Because you're my best friend and I don’t want to see you hurt. But why are you so opposed to this guy?” He asked me.

“Well if you have to know, I like someone else” I said, simply and not elaborating as to who it was.

Lin’s smile seemed to fade and he looked upset. His happy demeanor that he had while we were talking before was gone.

“Hey what’s wrong?” I asked him, not knowing why he was upset. Then before he could answer, someone knocked at the door. I looked over and saw it was Leslie. “Hey Y/N, Anthony spilled on his costume” Leslie said. “I’ll be right there” I said, smiling. Leslie then left the room. I stood up and gave Lin a kiss on his forehead. “Please stay until I get back, we need to talk” I told him. He nodded and then I left the room to go find Anthony.

I walked into Anthony’s dressing room and saw him holding his jacket that he ended the show in. “What'd you spill this time?” I asked Anthony as I took his jacket.

Jasmine was sitting in his room too and she said “He thought it would be a good idea to drink coffee in a white jacket”. “Coffee? Come on Ant, you always spill on your clothes the most out of the whole cast” I told him, jokingly rolling my eyes.

“I’m sorry, I’m just keeping you employed. Without me, you would have nothing to do” he said, laughing. “Yeah there’s the bright side” I said, as I started to work on cleaning his jacket.

Eventually after about ten or fifteen minutes, I had gotten the stain out of Anthony’s jacket. “Thank you Y/N, you’re a lifesaver” Jasmine said as she pulled me into a hug.

“No problem Jas, just tell your boyfriend to stop making messes” I told her, giggling. “Oh trust me, I have. He just doesn’t listen” she said, glaring at him.

“I try my best” Anthony said, defending himself. “Try harder Ramos” I said as I quickly gave him a hug and then walked out of his dressing room. I walked quickly down the hallway back to Lin's dressing room.

I walked in and Lin was still sitting where I had left him. “Hey can we talk now?” I asked him, sitting down on the couch. “I guess” he said, reluctantly.

“What’s up with you? Did something happen that you didn’t tell me about? I’m your best friend, you can tell me anything” I told him, honestly. “God, you’re so blind sometimes” Lin said and then stood up, running his hand through his hair.

“Then tell me what I’m not seeing” I told him. “It is so obvious and you just can’t seem to catch on. Everyone else knows, why does it take you so long?” He said, started to get louder and sound more frustrated.

“What are you talking about?” I asked him, trying not to yell. “Whoever this stupid guy is that you’re always going on about liking and you always rub it in my face and you are so full of yourself that you can’t see how much it hurts me. I like you and I always have. I could deal with you rejecting me, but you won’t even address it. It makes me feel horrible and you don’t care” he said, at this point he was pretty much yelling.

Then it all made sense. I couldn’t believe he liked me back or that he thought I liked someone else. “I like you, you idiot” I said, frustrated.

“Wait, what?” Lin asked, and his whole demeanor softened. “This whole time, it’s always been you. I thought it was so obvious that you had to know” I told him.

He ran over to me and pulled me into a hug. He wrapped both his arms around my waist. “I am so sorry about all those things I said. I didn’t mean any of it. I just got frustrated, I hope you can forgive me” he whispered into my hair.

“Of course I can forgive you. You’re my number one” I said, smiling as we pulled away. “So about this whole liking each other thing” Lin said, suddenly sounding very nervous. I ignored all my nerves and just grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him in to kiss me.

He seemed shocked for a second, but then put his hands on my hips and kissed me back. It was completely magical. It was a moment that I had always dreamed of, but also a moment that I never thought would happen.

We both pulled away slowly and I rested my forehead on his. “Woah....you’re a really good kisser” Lin said, seeming to be at a loss of words. “You too” I said, giggling as I leaned in and pecked his lips again quickly.

“So you were jealous, huh?” I teased him, smirking. “I just wanted to be able to call you mine, so yeah I guess you could say I was a little jealous” he said, shyly. “Well, if it’s any comfort, now you can call me yours” I said, smiling up at him. “Yes I can” he said, smiling. Then he leaned in and kissed my cheek, while still holding me tight.

[luthien-t]

Resurfaced Memories. Chapter Two.

Loki x Female reader

Summary: Fast forward to current times, you work as a florist with Linda in small shop. Loki and Thor are here in midgard for their weekly visit, will you meet again?

warning: angst-ish

A/N: (Taglists are open) + I am not sure if I want to make this a 15 chapter series or a short series of 5 chapters, but we will see! Happy reading!!

3.1K+ Words

Current Time

Carrying the flowers and plants from the truck, you were helping Linda restock this month. It may be a small local shop, but it is always filled with the same usual costumers. Sometimes they just come in to be surrounded by the nature of this shop to read a book or work. You always told Linda how adding a stay in option for the costumers and making tea or fresh beverages will attract more and the crowd that comes in every time in the morning just adds a nice, subtle, relaxing aura to this flower shop.

Walking in from the back with the new cacti and aloe vera, you stand by Linda. “Sweetheart, just set them back there and i’ll get to it.” Linda says as she sat on the stool next to you. For the past 75 years, you and Linda have been through many obstacles, you sometimes assumed that maybe you were injected with the serum like her, I mean, she always joked about it, considering how you never aged, your strength and body still holding you all together.

“Are you sure you don’t have any of that super-soldier serum in you somewhere, y/n?” She said as she busied her hands with removing the thorns from the roses carefully and you let out a soft laugh, carrying two more boxes in your arms to set them beside her. “75 Years later and I’ll give you the same answer, Lin, I don’t remember, but maybe, I guess.” She chuckled and went back to organising the shop before opening hours. 

“Honestly, you look like you haven’t aged a day since 1945, sweetheart.” She smiled at you and you bit the inside of your cheeks, her words ringing in your head.

She has a point, you look the same, your body heals and no matter how much alcohol you consume, you are still the same sober y/n. This isn’t the first time you questioned yourself and your inhumane abilities, it was always a mystery to you and no matter how hard you try, you always end up with the same answers. I don’t remember. For Linda on the other hand, she is just now slowly starting to age, wrinkles were visible and grey hair was starting to peak in her roots, she knows that she still has a long way ahead of her before it is her time. You assumed that signs of ageing will appear to you in a couple more years, considering how much younger you are compared to Linda, or at least that is what the doctors always told you regarding your age.

Through the years, you’ve started taking courses about almost everything, you and Linda traveled to places you can only dream of visiting, you’ve met people from across the world from different cultures and you were absorbing every knowledge from every religion, culture and even mythology. 

You’ve grown attached to Norse mythology the most, something about it just sucked you in, you learned about the realms and their people, you’ve taken courses about them and watched documentaries for your entertainment, it attracted you even more when it was proven a reality from the Avengers, Thor the God of Thunder was real, so you can only imagine the other Gods and what they’re up to. 

“I’m gonna go grab a cup of coffee, need anything?” You say as you set the last box next to Linda. 

“Just be here before we open, sweetheart, the pretty one should be coming today!” She smiled at you. Every Thursday for the past two months, a nice gentleman would come, have small talk with Linda while she prepares him his bouquet, you’ve always been busy with getting things for the shop or just in the back cleaning up so you never got the chance to meet the gentleman she brags about. You kissed her cheek and grabbed your book before walking out. “Be safe!” She yelled before you left and you smiled to yourself, she was like a sister, a mother and a friend all together, you were extremely thankful for her, and maybe even more thankful for that serum. It is the reason she is still around with you, it may feel selfish but you can’t imagine where you’d be if you lived all these years alone. 

You loved your morning walks before opening the shop. The streets were filled with busy people trying to get to work or students rushing to school with their friends, you absorb the soft sun hitting your skin and walked towards your favourite cafe, music playing in your ears.

Reaching the coffee shop, you greeted your usual barista, she knew you routine like the back of the hand and had your drink ready before you reached the place. Tipping them after taking your usual order you go to your usual seat by the window. You loved coming here, it was a local coffee shop with freshly brewed coffee and sometimes good tea, but nothing tops the tea Linda makes, smiling to yourself you open your book and start reading, living in your own world and blocking out the noises around you, slowly you start losing track of time as the book grabbed your attention more and more.

“Thor, this is ridiculous. Do we have to leave the tower?” Loki crossed his arms, following Thor through the streets to god knows where. He knew that his brother leaves The Tower every Thursday, but this is his first time tagging along. “I promised Jane that I will see her, I just need one thing- Ah, we’re here!” Thor smiled widely at his favourite flower shop. Loki rolled his eyes at the place, these flowers and plants were nothing compared to the ones they have back in Asgard. “You could’ve brought something better from Asgard, it is free.” Loki mumbled to Thor, walking in behind him into the shop.

“Lady Linda!” Thor beamed, ignoring Lokis comment. 

“Thor! I was worried you were ditching the shop today! The usual?” Linda says as she starts preparing his usual bouquet.

“Yes, please! Now how can I ditch this beautiful shop?” He says.

 Loki behind him, was growing impatient by the minute. Deciding he had enough of following Thor and not liking the idea of being the spare in Thor and Janes gathering and with that he slowly stepped out of the shop, his gaze roaming around the streets before his legs took the lead, taking him to wherever he wants, as long as it was far from the two lovebirds. Thor has an entirely different life here and Loki barely knows the Avengers back in the tower, he has the right to roam around this boring realm for any source of entertainment. 

“Lady Linda, please, meet Loki, my br-“ He turns around, Loki was nowhere to be found and his sighs. “-other.” He finishes his sentence. “I saw him leave, that’s all right, dear. I’ll see him next Thursday?” She smiles at Thor as she wrapped his bouquet and he smiled wide. “You can count on it.” He says as he take the bouquet from Lindas hand before leaving the shop and to Janes place, leaving his brother be. He understands why Loki hates it here, maybe if Loki walked around freely he might find a liking to this place.

Loki was aimlessly walking around the city, disgust written all over his face as he passed the meaningless shops, watching the people interact with each other, he watched every window of every shop before his eyes landing on a particular stranger with her book. Stopping in his tracks, he stares at her. He knows that face anywhere, he has it engraved in the back of his mind.

Is that-? No it can’t be. But There is no other. No.

Unsure of what to do in this situation, all he does is watch her. His mouth was running dry, hands clenching and unclenching trying to stop it from shaking slightly. He must have been staring for too long because she noticed, her eyes averting from the book and slowly up to him, his heart beating faster, now he is sure that it is her. He could never forget those eyes, even if he wanted to. He blinks as he looked at her through the glass, a smile slowly appearing in his face, after all these years. She gently smiles before looking down at her phone and closing her book to get up. 

Almost done with your book, you feel a pair of eyes on you, trying to ignore the feeling you slowly look around before you meet the prettiest eyes you have ever seen, a smile slowly appearing on your face at him, his eyes capturing you. 

There stood a man on the other side of the window, black hair, almost reaching his shoulder, he was wearing a tight black suit and his skin was pale yet his face was perfectly contoured and he was practically glowing under sun, his eyes never leaving yours, growing nervous at the sudden attention, you close your book and get up after checking the time and cursing under your breath. You’re two hours late, Linda is going to be so mad at me, you bid your farewell to the barista and walk out of the shop, you wished to see the man again but you’re running late so you pray silently to see him another day. Jumping slightly as you walk out the cafe, the man that was by the window is now standing in front of you. You gasp lightly, he is even more alluring up close.  

“Sigyn- I thought I’ve lost you, my love.” The stranger says to you, the name echoing in your head and you blink at him. “I’m sorry?” You start and take a small step back, your heart aches for the mans loss but he is mistaken. “Don’t apologise for my fathers doing,” He chuckled gently, a smile appearing in his face and you shake your head, your hands were starting to tremble and this time you take a big step back. His words were sending warning signals to your mind, fathers doing? “You’ve got the wrong girl, sir” You tell him, looking away from him. His smile drops and stares at you. 

“Sigyn, my lo-“

“I’m not who you think I am” You turn your head and look at him. 

“Then who are you?” His brows furrowed, confused, just when he thought he found you.

“Not Sigyn?” You reply, confused.

“Who are you?” you emphasise your words, repeating his words back to him before glancing quickly at your phone. You know who Sigyn is, she is the second wife to Loki, her love story with him is one you’ve always dreamed of, minus the complications they have in mythology. 

“You don’t know who I am?” The man asks you, shock dripping from his words as if you’ve said anything wrong, shaking your head, you start to question if this stranger is worth getting late to work.

“I see..” The man takes a step back and nods, sliding his hands into his pockets. “My apologies, I shouldn’t have bothered you.” He starts to slowly walk away from you. “I hope you find her though!” You say to the tall handsome man before walking quickly away from him and to your work. 

Loki watched you leave, your last words glued in his mind, you were always supporting him and hoping his plans work, he lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and slowly follows you, he refuses to believe that you’re not the one he loved before. You walked with elegance that the mortals lacked, you smiled at the strangers passing by and his heart clenched, how is it possible that after all the years you simply just deny him? His eyes widened slightly when you walked into the flower shop and ran a hand through his hair. He has to find Thor.

“You won’t believe what just happened?” You say as you walk in the shop, seeing Linda with her arms crossed. “Better be a long two hour story to explain why you’re late” She said and you gave her a small sheepish smile. “Well not exactly but, a man today called me Sigyn? As in Goddess of Victory? As in Lokis wife?” Lindas eyebrows raised in interest and she sat down. “Carry on.” She said and you started working on the Lavender behind the desk, fixing its soil and organising it in the pot. “He said he thought he lost me? But I just said he has the wrong person and came here as fast as I can.” You smiled at her. 

“Interesting…” She says and you glance her way, this time your eyebrows were raised. “Anyway, did the nice gentleman come in today?” You ask, changing the subject and she chuckled. “Yes! He was here thirty minutes ago!” You nod and let out a small hum. “You know? I never got the chance to tell you who he is.” She said before walking to the back of the shop. You laugh and nod. “Yes because a man who comes every Thursday for flowers is so important, Lin.” You say and water the plants before cutting any extra leaves you find. 

“The God of Thunder, y/n.” She said as she stood behind you and you snort. “Suuure” You giggle and wear your gloves to remove some plants from their soil. “His brother was here too, today, black suit, black hair, barely looks like Thor.” She said, as if she was stating the most obvious facts.

“But he left quickly, before Thor.” You nod at her, not sure what to add to this conversation.  

“How can you be smart and stupid at the same time? His name was Loki, y/n.” 

Your eyes widen and you set down the watering can. Realising that you just interacted with one of the Avengers and the same person you’ve read stories about. 

“Oh my god. And I had the audacity to ask him who he is” You snort then rub your face with your palm. 

“I mean, it could be him considering how close that cafe is from here, but who knows” She adds. Your conversation was cut short when the door was open, both Linda and you turn your head towards the door and you swallow at the man standing in front of you. 

“You work here?” He asks, his eyes wandering around the shop and you just simply nod, your mouth running dry. Lindas eyes switched between you both before standing up. “Time for my lunch break! Bye.” She said as she quickly walked out of the shop and you flip her off quickly before the man turns back to you. 

“you made doubt that it is not you, but, you just keep proving me wrong.” He whispers, a smile appearing on his face and you just stare at him. “You’ve always helped mother in her garden” He chuckled and looked down at his feet before back up at you, you were speechless, unable to form words. You just continued to stare at him. 

“Sigyn-“

“No” You interrupt him, as much as his aura was pulling you to him, you just don’t want to pretend. It is not fair, he was confusing you.

“I’m y/n. I have never seen you in my life, Loki.” You say and he smiles at you. 

“I missed hearing my name with your voice.” His memories of you never left his mind, the way you feel, your voice, your smile and your touch, all of it was glued in his mind, remembering you every second of the day.

His words caught you off guard and you just stare at him, an eyebrow raised at him. 

“Ever since Odin told me what you’ve done, I refused to believe him, you would never leave my side, not like that.” You open your mouth to protest and he raises a finger. “Please” His voice, desperate. “Let me speak” You sit down and look up at him, nodding at him to continue and he smiles softly down at you.

“I have waited for you, everyday. For months, years, even decades pass and still no word of you, I have travelled realms with hopes of seeing you again, how is it that everything we’ve been through and you don’t even want to talk to me? Have I done wrong?” His voice breaks in the end and he kneels down to your level, his face aligned with yours and you shake your head, turning it to the side and your eyes glued to the people passing by, unable to meet his gaze from his strong words and question that you don’t even have the answers to. “What have I done for you to leave without a word? For you to change your identity? To hide? From what?” He raises his hand to your cheek slowly, craving to touch you, to feel you again but you stop him with a hand around his wrist and he closes his eyes. Even when your touch was a warning, he was drinking every bit of it, remembering everything that was before. 

“I don’t know you, this is my first interaction with you. I’m sorry, I understand that you’re a god, but if you stay in this shop any longer, I have no option but to call the police” Your voice was stern, his eyes widen and he looks at you. “You don’t remember.” He whispers, lowering his hands and standing up. Shocked at his words, you furrow your eyebrows. 

“Excuse me?” You look up at him before standing up and walking towards the door, opening the door for him to leave. 

“Si- y/n. How long have you been here? on mid-“ he sighs, hating the different names this place carries. “On earth?” His question startling you open the door wider and look up at him, giving him your silence as your only answer. 

Loki was staring at you, trying to find any hint of hidden truth, his mind was contemplating his next moves until he takes a step outside of the shop, looking at you. Your eyes met and something in the back of his mind was telling him to not move, not leave, to just stay here in your presence, Sigyn or not. But your actions next jabbed him in the heart, he watched you as you shut the door and go back to where you stood before he walked in, his eyes never leaving yours while you busied yourself with your work. 

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