#I also feel like without his sticks he'd feel like less of a leader
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onesillymover · 1 month ago
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AHHH THE JOURNAL IS FROZEN, THAT'S SO COOL (Ba dum tss)
Seriously tho, would not have guessed this would affect the gadgets/tools that's super interesting.
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pomefioredove · 2 months ago
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hello! i'd like to request the vice dorm leaders + someone of your choosing with a reader who's cursed to speak in third person (the reader's used to it by now, it's everyone else who makes it a problem). maybe they see the reader getting made fun of by some other students? i hope this isn't too vague oTL
YAY vice dorm leader request!!!!! I love those silly beans. didn't include anyone else (sorry ruggie) cause my computer is dying as I write this
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ cursed
type of post: headcanons characters: trey, jade, jamil, rook, lilia additional info: romantic or platonic, reader is gender neutral, reader is not specified to be yuu
Of course, it just happened to be an obscure, ancient curse that no contemporary textbooks had a reversal for...
So, until Trein can go through his older tomes, you're stuck like this.
And all its ups and downs.
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you explained the situation to Trey after he had shooed off some first years who were bothering you about it
"that one's... new,"
but he adapts really well. better than anyone in his dorm, actually. perhaps he's just so used to being surrounded by nonsense, but he handles it with ease
it's just like you're speaking in riddles
he becomes a sort of interpreter for you, and before long, it becomes rare to see you without him, or him without you
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
the way Floyd was going on about that "funny thing you do", you may as well have been fetching sticks and rolling over. Jade isn't so surprised when it turns out to be nothing more than a curse
lucky (or unlucky??) for you, Jade doesn't mind
you don't say much, which gives him the wonderful opportunity to drag you around and talk your ear off about fungi
(finally, someone who can't tell him to stop talking!!!)
eventually, you begin speaking through different genera of mushroom, since talking about fungi doesn't require personal pronouns
you may as well just marry him now tbh
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Jamil, for one, is actually concerned about you
first of all, who goes around casting ancient curses on innocent bystanders?? second of all, why are you always an innocent bystander???
zero survival skills. SIGH
oh, well, if he must find you a reversal spell and save you from your curse and be your hero... so be it!
it's definitely not like he's taking advantage of your misfortune to get some attention... he'd NEVER (lying)
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Rook isn't phased. not for a SECOND. he probably speaks to himself in the third person when he's alone, anyway, so his reaction is something more like... "beauté!!!"
he's just a little freak. it'd take a lot more than a speaking curse to surprise him
he'll eagerly help you in search of a cure, or he'll interpret for you, or he'll just speak for you, if you'd like. tbh, he's probably already figured out how to reverse the spell, but he's enjoying having you rely on him
maybe a little too much
*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Lilia has seen a lot of weird things in his lifetime. a lot of amusing things, too. right now, you're a little bit of both
which he loves, of course
he's familiar with such a curse. niche, isn't it? he hasn't seen it in... oh, maybe three hundred years. you're quite special, aren't you?
he'll probably also start referring to himself in the third person alongside you, just because it's silly
of course, you don't think it's silly, but, strangely, he helps you feel less weird about it
Lilia will always match your freak
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yanderes-galore · 2 months ago
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Yandere concept hcs for Zoro (mix between romance and platonic please )
I've done some platonic stuff for him but... His actions are very similar between versions so I'll make this a mix, yeah.
Yandere! Roronoa Zoro Concept
Pairing: Romantic/Platonic
Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Overprotective behavior, Violence, Blood, Murder, Manipulation, Isolation, Fear of loss, Brief kidnapping mention, Dubious relationship/companionship.
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Zoro seems like he'd be an intense yandere.
Sometimes he can be... If provoked.
Most of the time Zoro is quite calm and stoic.
He's an overprotective and observing yandere.
Meaning, most of the time he's just lurking from a distance.
It's the same thing regardless of if you're friends or he has feelings for you.
He tends to give you... supervised freedom.
Zoro is actually a very controlled yandere compared to other members like Luffy and Sanji.
While capable of snapping, Zoro is significantly less volatile.
He's less prone to starting fights... more likely to finish them instead.
When he fights? Ruthless.
Especially if it's over you.
Zoro isn't too possessive.
Even jealousy has a hard time showing in him without him bottling it up.
He's the member most likely to give you your freedoms as long as he's around.
Other than that he tries to isolate you from danger.
A big part of Zoro's character is the fact he's loyal and does anything to protect his crew.
Like Sanji, he's self-sacrificing in nature.
One of his biggest fears is actually not being strong enough.
Which no doubt shows in how he treats his obsession.
He's another yandere whose actions are purely to keep you safe.
He's lost people before and he's very loyal to his crew and captain.
Zoro no doubt says to you at one point he'll always protect you and never leave your side.
Like... as a promise.
We all know he takes promises seriously, right?
You'd probably laugh it off, saying you don't doubt it.
But this man ISN'T laughing.
He really WILL stick himself by your side no matter what it takes.
Zoro as a yandere acts like your shadow.
He's always around and never far.
He's very low key with his feelings.
When people ask him about how he feels about you, I can see him being defensive.
He no doubt feels some sort of love for you.
Be that as a friend, sibling, or lover... is up to you.
Mostly because, since he isn't the most affectionate person, there's little difference.
Zoro as a yandere is having a bodyguard, be him your boyfriend or not.
He acts like he's continuously judging those around you with a keen eye.
He's careful and attentive... The moment someone does try to inflict harm on you?
Zoro cuts them down before you have a chance to blink.
He doesn't mind spilling blood.
He's not sadistic, he doesn't take joy in it...
Yet it's a necessary evil he must do to protect you and all he cares about.
He's not one for mind games... but he is capable of some manipulation.
It's less lying and more just him trying to convince you to stay out of danger.
Which... danger happens to be around other people...
So you should also stay away from other people.
He means his words.
Be them promises or threats.
Zoro is not all bark.
He has a bite to back up what he says.
While he is the quietest and most out of the way yandere of the Straw Hats...
I imagine he's also one of the worst when it comes to rivals.
This man would commit murder coldly if it meant you were safe.
Your safety means everything to him.
As a natural protector and leader, Zoro sacrifices almost everything to keep you out of danger.
Even himself.
While one of the calmer yanderes with you, always respectful and caring of you...
He's also the most intense and ruthless if set off.
Not towards you, though.
Zoro could never hurt you.
He dedicates himself to protecting you.
His most toxic traits are his smothering behavior and violent need to keep you away from danger.
Which often leads to bloodshed and isolation.
As I said before, one of his biggest fears is failing to protect those he loves.
Which means... He's terrified of losing you.
Funny, isn't it?
When most look at Zoro, they don't think he fears a thing.
But no, he does, he fears not being strong enough...
He fears someday, the blood on his clothes will be yours.
It frightens him.
This fear is often what drives him to train and always stick by your side.
He's almost as obsessed with training to protect you as he is with you yourself.
Zoro can be terrifying to deal with.
Unless it's you.
With you? Zoro's gentle.
Around you, he shows a small smile.
While he's mostly keeping an eye on you from afar... Zoro will hold a conversation at times.
He likes to ask basic things, like how you are.
Although if he's romantic, I can see him slipping in some affection too.
I imagine Zoro's affection would include holding you in his lap against his chest.
That's his preferred thing to do, usually when romantic.
Platonically he mostly just gives you a pat on the back, brings you things you need, and watches over you.
The good thing is he's a quiet yandere.
He's not too smothering... Just a constant presence in your life lurking around.
He almost seems like a natural force, watching and waiting for something to harm you...
Just to swoop in and take care of the problem.
Speaking of taking care of problems, I can also see Zoro looking after you.
As in, giving advice and being a voice of reason to you.
Although most of the time it's him keeping you out of trouble.
Ugh, Zoro cares so much for you but rarely shows it.
I feel he'd even take naps around you just to hold you close to him.
You think it's by accident... It could be...
Yet sometimes he does it on purpose to reassure himself you're still there.
In a way, his obsession is a bit... tragic.
Scared to lose you? That's upsetting.
But it does not excuse him isolating you on the ship, controlling who you talk to, or the blatant murder....
Zoro, like many of the Straw Hat yanderes, is still a dangerous man no matter how much he cares.
So while he usually stays a distance away, his eyes are always on you as he keeps an eye on you...
Zoro is still one of the most dangerous yanderes in the crew.
He does not act first.
He acts after... and usually finishes the encounter.
I imagine he's also stubborn.
When he eventually tries locking you in your quarters, you can try to talk him out of it...
Yet he sticks by his obsessive reasoning.
Safety. It's always safety.
He doesn't necessarily kidnap.
You're most likely part of the crew, so kidnapping mostly includes keeping you in your quarters against your will.
Although, when the crew splits up later on?
Yeah, you're coming with him, so you could consider that kidnapping.
He refuses to see you leave his sight.
At some point he hopes you understand his reasoning.
Even if you didn't, it won't change anything....
He'll still keep you to himself.
Zoro sees himself as disposable compared to you.
He dedicates a good amount of his existence to you.
If anything happened to you?
Well...
Safe to say no one's living to see that aftermath.
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theclaravoyant · 1 month ago
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AN ~ day two of @tommykinardweek : acceptance, it also includes themes from day six : tommy begins!
a tiny early tommy ficlet <3 enjoy
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Tommy Kinard has always struggled with belonging.
It's not that deep. He's a man with his father's name who isn't welcome in his father's house. He's a gay man in a military family, where those sorts of things only happen to other people. He's engaged to a woman he doesn't love, working for a man he hates, in an industry that likes to pretend people like him don't exist, but at least if he keeps his head down and his standards high he might get out of this alive. There's no room for belonging in a world like that.
What might be a surprise, though, is that Tommy feels the least alone while flying. Up in that pilot's seat, it's him and his thoughts, and even if there's someone in the seat next to him or the jump or the cabin, there's something that's just less – pressured, about it all. Plenty of things for his mind to keep up with, maybe, to keep him from ruminating. Lighter air. Longer views. Could even be it's as simple as the thrum beneath his feet feeling like something he can control instead of knocking around on the ground like a pinball just trying to survive.
Either way, the rush of swooping into land is something he's missed since he's come back stateside. His stomach jolts as the wheels touch down – he's rusty, okay, maybe it's not his smoothest – and he can feel a smile tugging at his lips. He doesn't dare free it. He's on land now, and Captain McGuire is a no-nonsense man.
What, you want me to tell you you did a good job? He can already imagine him saying. Get out of here. Next!
To be fair, he doesn't even know the man; it's just what the leaders in his life have been like. He hasn't even really noticed how hard he's braced for disappointment until McGuire lets out a sort of a cheer, and claps him on the shoulder.
“Nice moves, Firefighter,” he praises. “Flying colours. When can you start?”
Tommy blinks. He still hasn't taken his hands off the stick.
“Just like that?”
“Well, not just,” McGuire amends. He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a letter. “I asked Captain Nash what he had to say about you.”
Tommy's heart hammers. In spite of himself – he knows he's good at this – he almost expects: DO NOT HIRE. KINARD IS A NO-GOOD LOUSE WITHOUT A SINGLE BRAIN CELL BETWEEN THOSE GIANT EARS. Even so, he can't help but scan it. Words like exemplary stick in his throat and he wonders if that's what Bobby was smiling all wistfully about last shift. He hadn't told the man, and if it were anyone else he'd probably be pissed that one of his subordinates went around his back for a transfer interview like this. But apparently, that isn't how Bobby rolls, and Tommy's heart could just about combust.
“Captain Nash is a good man,” he manages.
“Reckons you are, too,” McGuire assures him. “Shall we say two weeks? Get your affairs in order?”
“I'll be ready in one, sir.”
“Well, alright.” McGuire nods and holds out his hand and finally, Tommy lets that smile crack through. He shakes it fiercely, knows he's clutching too tight, but McGuire takes his enthusiasm In stride.
“Welcome to the 217.”
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bluerose5 · 10 months ago
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[sticks leg out] may we see ur warden(s)/custom hawke(s)/inquisitor(s)
and if u feel like it how would any of them fare if dropped into Faerun (with or without Fenris/Zev)
Ohhh don't get me started!
Garrett Hawke, my beloved, although I hc him as elf-blooded. Ironic enough, in Thedas, "half-elf" or "half-blood" is used as an insult iirc, so imagine his expression to hear people use the term half-elf so casually in Faerûn. Just a little aside.
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For him, he is your typical purple mage Hawke, so I'd definitely say he'd bring that type of energy to Faerûn, no matter what time in his life he's in. He'd be excited as fuck to be in a place where he can use his magic openly without worry, and he would take the adventure in stride, even while he's screaming on the inside. (Still, none of this is as bad as Kirkwall in his opinion. 😆) Somehow gets everyone to fall for him without even trying. Not his first merry band of bi/pan misfits that he's had to deal with.
Then, there is HIM.
Darrian Tabris. My Warden. My Warden-Inquisitor. Love of my life. My angry rebel. The Dark Wolf himself! I djdbdhsbdfkf 😍💖💞💖💞
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Sorry, but he was a character I loved writing so much. Maybe I'll return to his story one day, but my energy has been more devoted to one shots and shorter works these days. It just suits my current habits and lifestyle better than going full multichap.
Darrian is a rogue/mage multiclass thanks to my setup on pc where I utilized the game's console commands and such. He's faced a lot of hardship in the Alienage and puts his people (elves and mages) first. He's also not above using less than savory means of achieving his goal (ex. the power of blood is a badass concept, coating his blades in his tainted blood to seriously fuck up his enemies, this is one of my favorites). He's also not above committing crime to get what he wants, but he grows into being a leader. In one AU I have, he even serves at Alistair's side as king (a poly relationship in this one). He also becomes Inquisitor and demolishes the status quo by encouraging rebellion where he can, so there's that too. 😂
So, with that in mind, how does he fare in Faerûn? Probably thinks it's too cushy compared to Thedas. His temper is his biggest flaw because he's so damn passionate that anything that angers him can set him off. Will be ready to fistfight any oppressive gods or former masters at the drop of a hat because he values freedom above all else. Could probably take Cazador out on his own ngl 💀
And of course Zevran was his romance (surprise, surprise). I don't think they'd necessarily act different around each other in Faerûn, but Zevran’s opinion would hold a lot of weight for him.
Also, semi-related, but I have so much art commissioned of these two. I didn't have my thoughts organized for this post at all so if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
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livia-dovehallow · 2 years ago
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Hello. I'm writing a fic about Grace, and I want to include Gabriel, Cecily, Gideon and Sophie (bc I want her to have a relationship with her family). It seems you have a lot of experience writing them (I think mostly Cecily and Gabriel) do you have any advice to write them, like their chore characteristics? I don't have the time to reread tdi. Thank you.
Hi! I'm honored you've asked me about this (this is like the fic-writer's equivalent of a Grammy??)
Gabriel
Gabriel's core characteristics are loyalty and honor. He's very quick to anger and easily annoyed, so writing descriptions like him rolling his eyes at something Will or Gideon says is in character for him. However, despite his temper, he is a very loyal person and will stick to those he is loyal to no matter what. He values family a great deal, so emphasizing his relationships with them is another good habit to keep in mind when writing Gabriel (as a brother, as a husband, as a father, as an uncle, etc.). He will do anything for them and that lends itself a lot to how he acts (quick-to-anger becomes protectiveness over his family, for example).
*With Grace, I think he'd be very quick to snap at those who speak ill of her. He'd also be very focused on giving her time to adjust to him and doesn't try to push a relationship with her too quickly (as she likely does not feel very comfortable about grown men).
Cecily
Cecily is also quick to anger, but she is less explosive than Gabriel. She had a very lonely childhood, so keeping that in mind when writing her will expand on many other traits she has, like being caring and protective of people she sees as her friends and family. She is also a romantic and an affectionate person, so she is more likely to display her love for her family openly and without question. Cecily is fiercly brave to the point of recklessness. Her own safety is not at the forefront of her thought process when she does anything. Another major part of her character is her cheek--she is very witty and has a response for nearly anything anyone ever says.
*With Grace, I think Cecily is the one most poised to relate to her. They both grew up lonely, in the shadows of their brothers, and just want to feel wanted. I think out of all of Grace's adult family members, she'd form the closest bond with Cecily.
Gideon
Gideon is very practical and a leader. He does not enjoy feeling useless to anyone, especially those he cares about. As an oldest child, he feels responsible for his younger brother and sister and what happens to them. He holds a lot of expectations of himself on his shoulders. He can appear stern but is caring and gentle and this is made even more evident with Sophie and their children. When writing Gideon, I tend to focus on how his sense of duty and responsibility impacts his relationships with various people. With family, he's softer, more patient. With politics, very steadfast and has a strong sense of justice and fairness.
*With Grace, Gideon is very much a matter-at-hand person. Find her a place to live that is safe- check. Get her some clothes that fit well and are comfortable- check. Ensure she has food to eat- check. He'd also be the one to mitigate her communication with the Clave as much as possible. If he can step in for her, he will.
Sophie
Sophie has lots of experience of Imposter Syndrome--believing she isn't actually qualified or good enough to do the job she has. Over time, she grows more confidence and instills that same confidence in her children. She is a caring person and a loyal friend. She is also often described as being wise. When writing Sophie, I focus on how she gives advice and her relatively-calm demeanor compared to her husband, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. However, she is also capable of being authoratative when the need arises and commands respect when she does so. Keeping in mind that Sophie grew up as a Mundane and a servant for twenty-or-so years of her life, she likely has different perspectives on many things than those around her who grew up as Nephilim their whole lives.
*With Grace, I think Sophie would be a great source of comfort and the kind of maternal gentleness she never got with Tatiana. While Grace may be closest with Cecily, I see Sophie being that true mother-figure to Grace. Concerned for her wellbeing and health and someone she feels comfortable speaking to.
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Because it's almost Halloween, I've been playing Stardew valley and out of inspiration from episode 5 I thought of this.
Feeling that he was a bit of an AH during the whole birthday event (80% out of guilt and 20% due to the glares and tongue lashings he got from his vice leader and relatives) Male Dom imp overlord asks, actually ASKS if Striker, Blitzo, Moxxie and Collin would go with him to the arcane autumn festival in his home village to meet his family as a legitimate thank you/apology.
Dom Imp Overlord asking their S/O to there home town.
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Striker
Ever since the birthday incident, you'd felt off.
Now, while he had gone directly against an order, you didn't blame the Cowboy Imp for his slip up.
He'd only been trying to do something nice.
Trying to show some affection, trying to make it special.
And... sure, he did break a rule.
And that was a major No-No in your relationship, and something he'd usually be punished for.
But he was trying to do something for you, something one should be able to do in a relationship, so you couldnt be all too mad at him.
So, waiting for an appropriate moment, you took him to the side.
And after a moments silence, you told him you'd like him to accompany you somewhere every important.
Striker knew what you looked like when you were being serious.
He also knew what you looked like when you were conflicted about something. So, he agreed, you quickly getting back to business.
It would be less then a week later that you left, you not telling him anything about it all the while.
All you'd told him was to pack warm clothes.
Much to his surprise, you didnt take a full armoured convoy. Instead sticking with a simple line of black humvees.
The serpent-cowboy-Imp was even more surprised to find you on wrath, driving down some old dirt road.
He was almost anxious, mostly due to your near total silence the entire trip.
But you did eventually pull him close, leaning against him. It was a sign of trust, a sign of vulnerability you only showed to him, the Serpentine Imp being allowed to hold you close.
Allowed to love you without worrying about your image.
It was a long ride, you spending much of it curled up with him. The Imp happy have you close.
Eventually you approached a sizable little town, it holding a simple beauty, an abundance of trees around it. Each one a beautiful orange-brown, dying leaves falling leaves painting the surrounding area an orange-brown.
You pulled into the humble town, and Striker instantly notice just how clean and pretty it was, it was almost unerving. Especially on Wrath.
And getting out he found... men. Lots of men standing about, all dressed in formal attire.
Not just the general 'clean duds', you found on ranchers when they went to pick up their sweethearts.
No. These men had a job, and based on the fire-power some of them were weilding, he could only guess what that job was.
The pieces all came together when you began walking, each Imp you passed giving you a brief nod, or shallow bow.
He knew that look.
They worked for you.
You walked through the town like you owned it. And you likely did. You had a knack for taking control of places.
You made a beeline for one of the houses.
On its balcony sat an older Imp, the man having a large white beard, a double barrel laid across his lap.
He greeted you simply, the Imp calling you by what he could only describe as a nickname meant for a child.
But instead of getting annoyed at such disrespect as you normally would. You just smiled, asking him if someone was inside.
With a very obvious yes, you went inside.
Stepping inside you turned to him.
You told him, firstly to clean his shoes, something you did often as you were meticulous on your image, and leaving dirty foot prints was a big no-no for you.
Cleaning him up, you told him simply, 'Behave, and speak only when spoken too.' A command he would ignore If it were anyone but you.
Entering a pristine living room you quickly found an older lady Imp, the woman hooked up to a breathing tank.
A rare sight for sure, as most Imps couldn't afford such medical attention, so she was clearly someone of note.
She was clearly very old, skin more then wrinkled and her hair an almost silvery white.
Walking up to her, you kneeled down and striker instantly snapped to attention when you said warmly, "Hi Mum."
The Cowboy just watched for a bit, listening as you and your mother had a little reunion, a touching heart to heart.
You pulled striker into the interaction when you waved him over, introducing him as your S/O.
Striker did his absolute best to charm your mother, paying your mother the utmost respect. The Imp keeping his composure as you stared at him, calculating eyes watching for the slightest hiccup.
But he did well, even when asked how you met, he pulled you into the conversation, allowing you to take charge. And when talking about what you did, the look you gave him was more then enough for him to be vague, telling her you were a big deal on Pride.
Your mother seemed happy at that, telling him she always knew you'd be something special.
Striker just looked at you, a knowing smile across his face, 'If you only knew' he thought.
You quickly took the old bird outside, the Imp now noticing the walkways along the road that seemed just perfect for a wheelchair.
He found the town even larger then he'd initially thought, the Imp only realising just how populated the little town was.
You quickly entered the town hall to find a flurry of movement, it was a veritable festival.
Streamers, ribbons, and great big banner that said 'Fall Festival', and it all made sense.
It was a seasonal festival.
And given how casual and routine it seemed for you, you likely attended every year.
The next few hours were spent wheeling your mother about, chatting with Imps that seemed to know you, Striker being his charming self when introduced.
After you did the rounds, and set your mother by her friends, the older ladies all fawning over you and Striker.
Eventually you went to the side, you holding Striker as you stared at the happy gathering.
As you did, you explained that when you were young, this festival had been the only real fun your town ever had.
Your home used to be a thriving town but had steadily declined, turning from the beautiful place your mother grew up, into a veritable ghost town.
So when you rose to power, one of the first thing you did was come back here and rebuild the place from the ground up.
Just how your mother remembered it.
And so, every year you held the festival, for your mother, she deserved to relive the beauty of her youth.
After this exposition, you had him follow you, you quickly walking to the edge of town where the old Imp from before was waiting, a small bouquet of flowers.
Taking the flowers, thanked him entering the graveyard.
Striker quickly removed his hat, following after you faithfully.
You came across 5 small graves, only two of them having a name.
"My brothers and sisters." You told him somberly.
There was a long pause, Realisation feeling like a stab to the heart. He apologised, placing a hand on your shoulder.
You kneeled down, an act you rarely did, and placed a flower on each of them.
You stood up, retreaving your flask, making a sombre toast before taking a long swig.
Striker knew what that meant.
That meant you didn't want to talk about it.
So, coming up besides you, he pulled you close, kissing you cheek as he gently thanked you. Thanking you for letting him in like this, he knew it couldn't be easy.
Holding his hand, you just shared a sombre, but tender moment, the two of you sharing it for a while longer before you turned, leaving the graveyard.
The rest of the festival was rather pleasant.
You didn't get involved for the most part, just watching the festivities, spending some time with your mother and such.
The festival spanned 3 days, you showing striker about during the mornings, telling him about your childhood and just spending time with him.
And while normally, you wouldnt join the festivities. By the end you usually would get a little involved, you and Striker partaking in some of the festival games.
By the end of the three days, you gave your mother all of your love before you left.
Getting into the car, you pulled him close, giving him a deep kiss, breaking it and telling him you loved him.
Striker just smiled, telling you warmly, 'I know.'
Blitzø
Your relationship had effectively returned to normal since the 'Birthday Incident', as you liked to called it.
But since then, every time you saw the gift he'd left for you, it would leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Yes he had broken the rules, but only because you hadn't told him the truth. It was a murky situation.
So, you decided to do something about it.
After dinner, you took him to the side, telling him you were going somewhere important and wanted you him to come with you.
Of course, he agreed without a moments hesitation, asking where you were going. An answer you left vague at best.
The two of you did little preparation, as most of it was already done by the help. And with that, the two of you loaded into the cars, and went on the road.
You always kept Blitzø entertained with something or other, usually a film played on one of the cars little TV'S.
Spirit was his favourite, but anything with horses tended to work.
It was a timely trip, the cars pulling into a humble, yet abnormally clean little town on Wrath. Blitzø couldn't help but feel like the whole place didn't belong on Wrath. Or Hell for that matter.
The armed Imps walking about were a surprise, each of them giving you a familiar nod. The Imp quickly figuring out they all worked for you.
You quickly approached a particularly well tended house, an old Imp holding a shotgun rocking on the front porch.
You and the old timer had some back and forth, Blitzø jaw hitting the floor when he called you by your childhood nickname, something you didn't even let him call you.
And he was even more surprised when you just smiled, rolling your eyes.
He didn't say anything as you went inside, the Imp already making sure he was clean and tidy, wiping his feet.
But you still checked him regardless, telling him to watch what he said. And telling him in that, 'Don't fuck it up' tone you used quite a lot with him.
So, turning about, you entered a pleasant little room where He found a little old lady, sitting in a wheelchair, air tube across her nose.
He almost had a heart attack when you called her mum. Barely keeping it together when you introduced him as your S/O.
He was shaky at first, but after taking a moment to compose himself, he was back to his usual charming self, eagerly chatting with your mother.
You seemed to watch him with almost loving eyes, it actiuall taking him a few moments to realise what the look was, as seeing you so openly loving was a rare sight.
Eventually you left the quaint little house, wheeling your mother down the beautifully cleaned streets.
A rare sight on any ring of Hell.
Heading to the Town Hall, you found a great big festival going on, Blitzø quickly getting excited.
Blitzø got right into the festival, he even found himself a cowboy hat.
And of course, you stuck to the sidelines, although as much as you resisted, the Imp would manage to pull you into the festivities, Blitzø never knew you could dance like that.
You danced, ate, shot targets games. They even had a pony.
Needless to say, Blitzø almost had a fit.
Eventually, as it was getting dark, you led him away from the festivities, telling him it was important. And you didn't say something was important, unless it really was important.
You took him to a little hill out of town, the old timer from before waiting in front of the small graveyard, bouquet in hand.
Taking the flowers you exchanged a silent nod, entering the graveyard like it were a unholy sight.
He followed you until you reached the 5 child graves, you telling him they were your siblings.
You told him the town used to thrive when you were young, but like everything in Hell, it went rotten.
The town went to Hell, disease and famine ravage the populous.
All the while your mother did her best to care for you even as you lost your siblings.
You stood there in silence for a long while after telling him that. Blitzø completely unsure of what to do.
You were the dominant partner. You always knew what to do, what to say. He wasn't used to having to think for himself.
So he did the only thing he could.
He hugged you, telling you he was so sorry.
The two of you just stood there, wrapped in each others arms. You leaning on him, literally and figuratively, this being the first time in your relationship that he had to be the stronger partner.
But after a few moments you pulled back, seeming to be back toy your normal self.
Placing a flower on each grave, you curled your hand into his, something you only did during the more intimate moments of your relationship.
You didn't go back to the festival until much later that night, the two of you curling up on the Graveyards fence, sharing your flask as you pointed out each place of note, telling him some of the more joyful moments of your childhood. Telling him what life was like when you were young.
You and Blitzø spent lots of time about town, often with your Mother. Blitzø and the old bird seeming to get along quite nicely, having a similar crass nature, although for very different reasons.
But eventually you had to get back.
So, telling your mother a heart felt goodbye, you and Blitzø did the rounds one last time, visiting the notable parts of your home town.
Of course, letting Blitzø visit the Pony one more time.
Loading up the cars, Blitzø climbing in, finding you hesitating, looking back at the town you'd rebuilt.
Calling out to you, you turned to him, a gentle smile crossed your lips. Seeing him, well, it made it so much easier then times before.
You drove away from the town, Blitzø assuring you, you'd be back, and in mean time, you had him.
The two of you curled up, your relationship feeling stronger then ever.
Moxxie
Moxxie was still somewhat anxious around you.
While you'd effectively assure him you weren't mad about the incident. He still felt awful for having disobeyed you like that and constantly felt anxious around you.
He was a good boy and always had been. And it was easy with you, the Imp felt right obeying you. It felt right.
And the Imp was desperate to get that feeling back. Getting back to normality.
So, when you approached him, telling him you were going to be taking a trip and wanted him to accompany you, he jumped at the chance, hoping for things to go back to normal.
The trip was quick, the Imp curling up to you and was quite happy when you pulled him close, holding him for the rest of the trip.
He was shaken awake, realising he must have fallen asleep curled up with you. Not at all a rare event.
He found himself in a beautiful little town, and walking through it, he quickly found many of the Imps had a familiar look.
They all worked for you.
That wasn't surprising.
What was surprising was when an old timer called you your childhood nickname, something he only knew because you told him as much during one of his breakdowns.
He'd had many of them in the earlier days, Moxxie had a lot of doubts and issues you had to tear down in order to build him back up better.
But you'd just smiled, having a short back and forth before heading inside, the Imp racing after you.
Moxxie quickly cleaned his feet, removing his coat before you checked him over, making sure he was presentable.
Giving him a little smile you took his hand in your own and lead him into a delightful, spacious living room.
Releasing his hand, you walked over to a little old lady in a wheelchair, a breathing tube visible across her upper lip.
He almost had a heart attack when you called her mum, the little him anxiously standing at attention, this being the last thing he had expected.
He felt a warmth bloom in his chest when you introduced him as your S/O, the Imp anxiously introducing himself again. Your Mother fawned over the little Imp, Moxxie blushing when she called him adorable.
You spent a little time together, catching up before you left the house, pushing your mother down the street.
Moxxie found the town a delight, amazed at the gathering at the town Hall, it was all so lively. So fun.
And even more amazing was to see how casually people treated you, particularly the older Imps, hugging you and such, using your childhood nickname like it were normal.
It was uncanny for him.
The two of you spent the next few hours at the festival. And although you stayed close, you allowed him to have his fun, winning him a humble cowboy hat, one he wore for the rest of the festival.
He even got to play guitar for a little, the whole town loving his abilities, which made him break into an adorably timid blush.
And as much fun as you were having, when it began to get dark, you quietly led him to a graveyard, the older Imp waiting outside.
You came to a set of graves, each of them too small to be an adult.
"My brothers and sisters... none of them made it past 10... I was the only one to make it." You told him somberly, placing a flower on each of them.
Standing back up you said nothing, staring as you did when you had nothing to say.
Moxxie, perpetually the tongue tied was alittle emotional, coming up and hugging you, surprised when you picked him up, holding him to your chest as you had a rare moment of emotion.
The Imp just curled up to you, an odd sense of gratitude to you for letting him be there for you.
The next few day went by fast, you had some more fun at the festival before work called you back.
Sitting in your car, the little thespian felt your connection to be even stronger then before, a newfound intimacy bubbling between you and the Imp feeling he was still a good boy.
Collin
The birthday incident was the only hiccup your relationship had ever had, although you'd hardly call it a hiccup.
Regardless, the little sheep was quite happy it hadn't affected your relationship. The fallen Angel still your beloved pet.
And one day, not too long after the incident, you told him simply you would be going for a trip together, the sheep happily agreeing.
It was a surprisingly short trip for the sheep, although the world always seemed to move faster when he was curled up on your lap, your running your hands down his back, the sheep likely drifting in and out of conciousness.
He found himself in an beautiful little town, you carrying him down beautifully paved street with perfectly groomed lawns.
His musings Eventually led you to enter a humble home, passing a rather scary old Imp with a shotgun before you brought him into a beautiful little home.
Placing him down, you cleaned your feet then checked him over, making sure he was well groomed.
He was quite surprised however, when you introduced him to your Mother, your Mother being an older lady, clearly on canisters air.
She utterly fawned over him, the Sheep meekly enjoying the praise and attention your mother was giving him.
You all travelled to the town hall together, the sheep curled up in your Mother's lap as you walked down the increadibly clean and tidy streets.
The town hall was amassed with activity, the sheep quickly caught up in the festivities.
And while he certainly had fun, he noticed you were sat off to the side, seemingly content with watching.
So the sheep quickly scampering off to you, curling up into your lap. Always wanting to be with you whenever he could.
Eventually, when it was getting dark, you took him to the side, gently leading him away from the town Hall.
You didn't speak, something he quickly found to be an indicator he should follow your example.
You led him to a graveyard, the scary old Imp from before waiting for you, a small bouquet in hand.
Taking them, you led him into the graveyard, quickly leading him to a set of graveyards.
You sat down, pulling him onto your lap before telling him, "These were my siblings... they didn't make it. It was difficult, seeing them suffer, before dying like that."
"That's why I do this festival. Even when we were ravaged by famines and plagues, this was the only thing that kept us going."
"This was my home. Where I grew up and The first major project I carried out. Well, other then taking Imp City that is." You told him, your mood seeming to lighted for just a moment. "My mother suffered for me, so the least I can do is give her a place she can live in peace."
Collin became quite emotional, unable to speak, so instead choosing to just curl up against you, tearfully thanking you for trusting him with this. You just holding the sheep close.
You just smiled, not an unusual sight, but the sheep always loved your smile. It meant there was something good in the world.
The next few days were a pleasant break for both of you, the sheep never having seen you in 'relaxation mode' for more then a few hours at a time.
And all the while, you had your little fallen angel close, making sure you knew exactly how much you loved him. Something the little lamb couldn't help but find all too intoxicating.
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sanzusbestie · 3 years ago
Note
I love your whole blog and I read it to de-stress, it is great and refreshing to read it! And I don't know if it can be requested / requested but please could it be other headcanons with a similar premise, and so instead of S / N becoming a leader or a player she becomes a famous idol; moonbyul, chung ha, hyuna or chanmina style. If it is not understood, excuse me and if you feel uncomfortable ignore them, you are more important 💖🫂🛐
♡ We meet again ♡
V1/V2/V3
Characters : Bonten men and f!reader as their sister
Genre : Angst
Warnings : Death, suicide, bullying
A/n : I'm SO shocked that this story gets a THIRD version lmao but it makes me so so happy 🥰 Also thank you so much for your kind words 💕 Also the fact that you read my works to de-stress and then request angst is do funny for some reason 😂 For those who didn't read the other versions it's their sister that's had disappeared like many years ago suddenly reappears. Thank you for requesting and have a nice day ♡
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Manjiro still remebers how he used to tell you that you couldn't rap
"And why ?"
"Because you're a girl !" he'd answer and stick out his tongue
You were still kids at that time
And you wished you stayed one forever
But it was impossible, life would go on and you lost everything
Shinichiro, Emma, Izana (even though you didn't know him much he was your brother) and Manjiro was getting distant
He didn't do it intentionally but it was automatic, what else could he have done ? You'd die if he stayed by your side
So you left first, it'd hurt less, right ?
It did hurt and it still hurts today
Yet you couldn't do anything about it, it was too late
Plus, you got some news on him in an anonymous letter (you moved out right after you received it) : Manjiro completely changed
You made the right choice
He watched you as your girl group was performing
And he cursed you
How could you be happy on stage with other girls while you and Emma promised to each other you'd be the best duo ever ? How could you be so happy after you left him alone ? How could you be so happy when you had no family anymore ?
He threatened everybody to be able to wait for you backstage, hoping you'd acknowledge him
But when you came back and noticed him, you turned your head and walked the other way taking with you the last tiny hope and light Manjiro had left in his heart
You made the right choice, right ?
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You told them you were going to leave
You told them you were tired of being their little sister
You didn't have any genuine friendship, everybody was scared of you, even your teachers
You didn't want to live like this anymore
So you said "I'm gonna leave, don't look for me."
But you wished they'd at least try to stop you
But Ran only said "Okay, we get it don't worry."
While Rindou nodded
These were the last words you exchanged
Until that special even where artists would meet their fans
Rindou's girlfriend had dragged him there
They had been waiting for at least an hour when he finally spotted you at the long table, laughing and hugging your fans
"I have to go to the bathroom," he only said and went outside
Nobody knew the Haitani brothers had a little sister and that wasn't about to happen soon, they wanted to leave you alone just like you asked for
"Are you sure it was her ?" Ran asked on the phone
"For the last fucking time, yes it was her !"
"I'll be there in a few."
As promised, he arrived soon after, Rindou's girlfriend stepped out at the same time
"You missed your chance, Rindou ! That's a shame, I really wanted you to meet her, she's amazing !"
"Next time, sweetheart," there wouldn't be a next time, he knew it was the first and last time he put his feet in this kind of place. "Can you go home without me ? I have some Bonten business to take care of with Ran," he said and gave her the car keys
"So she's a Y/n fan huh ?"
"Well, Y/n isn't her name anymore but yeah."
"You're called at the reception," a girl of your group told you
The receptionist only said "two men want to talk to you behind the building." He looked frightened
You knew it was them and you didn't want to meet them, but your feet brought you there
"So your girlfriend is a fan of mine huh ? Pretty ironic," you bitterly chuckled. "Don't look surprised, I saw you earlier."
"Oh. But you know, we both enjoy your music too !"
"What's my last solo song called ?"
"..." They didn't know you were a singer until that day
"Bullshit. I guess you're still as interested about my life as before. I told you not to look for me. I have to go now."
Ran grabbed your arm before you could leave. "For fuck sake Y/n, you don't even know what you want ! And now you're being a bitch about it !
"Don't you dare raise your voice at me, Ran," you said as you freed yourself, "What I wanted was a normal life, a normal family and a normal fucking relationship with my brothers ! But no ! All I did my entire fucking life is hiding because of you !"
"Go ahead then, leave," Rindou said
You didn't give them the satisfaction of hearing your voice and left
This was your last encounter with your brothers.
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Kakucho always was sweet and caring towards you
This until you parents died
He became indifferent and violent
Heating you and humiliating you everyday
You never understood why he suddenly changed, your parents death was never a reason
Maybe it was because of Izana ?
Until one day you got adopted and parted ways with him
You got a chance to start over
You were now a young happy and healthy young lady
You got parents and siblings that loved you and cared for you
You moved on
And he came back
"How did you find my address ?"
"It was pretty easy, Y/n."
"And why are you here ?"
"I'm here to apologize."
"After all these years, Kakucho ? Seriously ?"
He couldn't even look at you, he was too ashamed of himself
You sighed. "It's okay, Kakucho. It's over now. I'm fine." You didn't bother asking how he was doing
"Yeah... Sorry."
"Y/n ! We gotta go now ! You'll be late !" someone called you
"I guess I'll go now," Kakucho said, "I'll leave since you have to go somewhere."
"An audition. I'm going to an audition. Maybe my dream will finally come true."
"Ah, you still like to sing."
He raised a hand to run it through his hair
But you flinched and slapped his hand away, a reflex
It was silent for a few moments, a horrible silence before your adoptive brother came to get you
"Come on, Y/n, you'll be late. We have to- Oh hello."
Kakucho was glad, you had someone to support your dreams
"Sorry, I'll go now."
Once he walked away, your adoptive brother asked you :
"Who was that ?"
"No one," you said as you went to the car, "it was no one, don't worry about it."
You turned around to look at your brother one last time only to see that he already was looking at you
Kakucho probably got your message.
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Takeomi has been overwhelmed for years
Senju's death, Haruchiyo sound whatever the fuck he wanted, and you disappearing after your debut
He never witnessed a family more fucked up than yours
He didn't think anything more could happen
Yet there he was, in front of your tied up body, as a hostage
Not of Bonten buy of their rival organisation
"If we knew two of your members were the brothers of this little star, we would've found an agreement way sooner, don't you think ?"
"Let her go. Tell me what you want," Takeomi demanded
"Fuck you. Are you seriously going to give them what they want," Haruchiyo turned to the others, "You can kill her for all we care. We won't give you shit."
"You hear that, little star ?" The man caressed your face with his gun
You searched for Takeomi's look with your panicked eyes, hoping to get help from Haruchiyo was useless
"I don't even have the plans !" Your first older brother exclaimed
"Yeah you don't. But I know he does," the man said looking at the pink haired man
"I fucking do yeah, but I won't tell you."
"You're heartless !" He said, a fake hand on his heart, "Your little sister here is about to be the next new thing ! Don't you wish to see her succeed in life ? This- Hello ?" he picked up the phone, "Alright, okay." He hung up. "Well, my friends, I have some great news ! We don't need your stupid plans anymore ! I guess you'll get to see another day, little star." He looked at Takeomi. "Or not."
He shot you.
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You finally did it, you finally made your team come true
He really was happy when he saw you in that ad on one of the big screens adorning the streets of Tokyo
He new why you left years ago and be understood, it was his fault after all
Hajime quickly managed to be in contact with you
And you let him back in your life for some reason, he found that a bit weird but he was happy
And you were too, it was a nice change from the bullying you received online everyday
So you secretly met a few times, but you never told him why you accepted him back and you weren't planning on it, you knew what he was capable of
Until one day, a paparazzi spotted you and after a few hours of hard work from him, everything, absolutely everything was on the internet
Starting from Akane's death to Bonten, and of course you
And it was ten times worse
"Fucking slut" "Whore" "You don't deserve anything you have" "Sister of a fucking psychopath" "She must be one herself" "Kill yourself"
And more
And you couldn't handle it, it was too much
You finally had a tiny bit of happiness and it was all gone
The next day, all the headlines were talking about you
About how you left the world too soon
About how people should stick together against bullying
About how they should help each other
About how suicide should be prevented
But who helped you ?
Hajime never smiled again
It was all his fault.
Taglist : @eriskaitto @smycc
Sorry I forgot to put it
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visd3stele · 3 years ago
Text
literary parallel : Nikolai Lantstov, Kaz Brekker, The Darkling
disclaimer:
saw a tumblr like this on pinterest and decided to get my own take on it, but can't remember the user's name. If you happen to know them, pls tag them.
this is about book characters and my take on them, NOT about the show and DEFINITELY NOT about the actors. THE ACTORS ARE NOT THEIR CHARACTERs (yes, I am obviously implying that I love Freddy and Ben)
feel free to start/join a debate, but respond nicely and respectfully!
°•▪︎~▪︎•° Proceed carefully, spoilers °•▪︎~▪︎•°
At first glance, there is nothing alike in these three characters. An almost hero, a dark morally grey character and a real villain. What can they possibly have in common? Well, I found some similar aspects, if you're kind enough to stick 'til the end. Be warned, though, it will be a long enough read, not a properly academic essay, but a prelude of one, if you will.
Quick characters' presentation:
Nikolai Lanstov, prince of Ravka, is certainly not a hero. But as a morally grey guy, he leans heavily on the good side. He's selfless, kind and fair. A natural born leader who cares deeply about those under his command. Blessed with a bright mind, Nikolai is also a great inventor, being known for his crazy, yet spectacular inventions and ideas.
However, the young prince is never afraid to take one step after another, dancing around the dark side. To win the crew's respect as Sturmhond he cut a man's fingers and fed it to his wolf, for instance. Even though he puts on a confident show, the reality is a bit different.
Kaz Brekker takes things a little farther. Driven by his revenge, the boy becomes a prodigy criminal. Willing to do whatever it takes to see a job through, greedy and selfish, Kaz would never bet against his team. The bastard of the Barrel doesn't like too many people and he certainly cares about less, but when it comes to his crows, he'd work tooth and nail to see them breathing by the end of the day.
Sharp, cunning and terribly smart, Brekker managed to make himself a terror for Ketterdam. Learned magic tricks all by himself at a ripe age, taught himself how to pull the biggest strings around the corrupted city and always has a plan at hand. Even when things don't go as he originally thought, his schemes run so deep and tangled, only the wanted outcome can occur in the end.
However, he still has some limits and boundaries, lines he won't cross and a scratch of morality (see the scene where he flips some guy off a roof because he dared threatened a r*pe victim, for example - not just, but this is what comes to my mind).
The Darkling won't let anything stay in the way of his plans. Viewing himself as the only possible savior of Ravka, this man is a pro manipulator. Dark, powerful, patient and intelligent, the Darkling doesn't care who gets hurt as long as the biggest picture of the greatest good he sees come to pass.
He pulls the strings, never yielding control, trusting no one but himself. He owns so many masks, plays so many roles he cannot act like Aleksander Morozova anymore. The man he becomes is ruthless, vicious and scary, shedding pieces of himself for his cause until there is nothing left. Tragic, really.
This guy has zero morals, no boundaries, no limits. He'd cross any line without remorse (4 words: Genya and the king)
Following a five points argument, I will try to draw a parallel between these three interesting characters: the edges and the middle of the same line:
messy upbringings
incredible intelligence
loneliness
drives and ambitions
love interest
Despite, or rather exactly because of, his noble status, Nikolai Lanstov grew up ignored by his family, with barely any friends in sight. However, the most painful side of his childhood must have been the rumors about his parentage. Being a bastard made young Nikolai feel the need to constantly prove himself, which later bottled up in his personality, hidden behind fake confidence.
His character is seen as mischievous, a young trouble maker who can't sit still, by the high nobility of Ravka and the servants in the castle. He seeks comfort in books, thinkering with metal and wood until he comes to create his notorious fleet (amongst other). But even as a little child, Nikolai learns kindness, solidarity and compassion, as seen when he finally makes a friend. Qualities that later will help him be a beloved leader.
He befriended the boy brought to calm his temper. This boy would take the prince's punishments when he misbehaves, something which Nikolai won't allow. His connection with the other boy, friendship that lasted a long while until their departure on the battlefield, assured the future king stays on the good side.
By the age of fourteen, Kaz Brekker managed to make a name of himself in the darkest, most dangerous part of Ketterdam, the Barrel. As a child, he lost everything: his parents, his home and eventually his brother. Gaining a touch aversion and trauma, plus a late limp and a scary cane, the boy build a myth around himself, Dirty Hands. But all his efforts were to take revenge on the man who was responsable for his brother's death.
The ruthless lieutenant of the Dregs, the daring jobs and impossible heists, weren't just out of greed for money and power. He needed money and power to take down a monster. Kaz actually cares about his people - and not just the crows, but those loyal to him. In his own way, long since unused to love. More than that, he has principles, morals. For example, when he was threatening information out of a man, he was willing to let the person go after he got what he needed from them. But as soon as the man offered him dirt on a pleasure house girl, Kaz killed him.
Also, he knows what he is. He knows he's bad and rotten. He admits it and accepts it. But for the one he loves, he can try to change.
The Darkling was born as Aleksander Morozova. His mother pampered him, feeding him the tale of his godly power. In her attempt to shield him, for the Grisha were treated awfully, his mother prevented the boy from creating real connections with the world. Aleksander grew up a dreamer, persecuted by people he got to hate them, despise them. Not even Grisha, his own people, could be trusted. The Darkling is a living amplifier, which means his bones could power up a Grisha talent. An incident in one of the camps, when a girl tried to kill him for that exact reason, rose dread and fear in his heart. It was then he decided to never trust anyone but himself again and vowed to make the world safer for Grisha so no one would have to end up like that girl.
So, all alone - because his mother was colder than Ravka's snows - Aleksander begin plotting. He only had his own view of the world, no one to correct him, challenge him. Left to believe the worst of everyone he meets, thinking its better to control people rather than building relationships with them. So he never got to care about another being, but himself. Yes, his scope may have been noble, pure and good, but it got stamped over by years of wrong lived life.
The Darkling sacrificed anyone and anything to the cause, keeping the walls around himself high and thick. Not caring who gets hurt or how many die, he kept believing he's Grisha only hope, their savior. He never saw his wrongs.
All three have great minds. Nikolai read and learned everything he knows all by himself. War game, strategies, science, you name it, he studied it, know it. Kaz is a man boy of many tricks, courtesy to no one but his strong will. He picked up magic tricks from watching people in the streets, he taught himself lock-picking, he learned the going of the Barrel and worked his way to the top. The Darkling didn't manage to build a safe palace for Grisha because he was dumb. He's not a general of the Second Army because he's brainless. He thinks. He thinks a lot way too much. He knows the games of the court, how to scheme and plot. Manipulate and deflect. But what is possibly his greatest ( and worse) achievement is when he learned merzost by himself, an unnatural practice of the Grisha, forbidden and only information about it being barely scrapped over in some journals.
All three are lonely, in their own rights. Surrounded by masses of people, the prince is never feeling himself. He has to hide from them, or else he risk hearing unpleasantries. On the battlefield, leading his troops, he felt better, but the wearying feeling of not good enough, one he never shows, is constantly at the back of his mind. Even as Sturmhond, his alter ego, he cannot share himself wholly with his crew.
Kaz chooses to keep to himself, trust coming hard to him. Besides, he works better alone, no one to annoy him, no one to distract him. But it doesn't mean he's happy. How can he be wholly when he yearns for touch, but never able to reach out?
Much like the others, Aleksander brings up a wall around himself to protect what is left of him. He chooses to be alone, his work far too important to risk the mingling of another mind, which he'd view as nothing compared to his.
All three are driven by past trauma that leaves its mark on them to present days. All work from the shadows, posing to the public only what they want to be known. But the takes each follow to fulfill their goals couldn't be more different.
If both Nikolai and The Darkling want a better Ravka, the former wants to build it alongside his people while the latter would have everyone on their knees, ready to take orders. Kaz never dreamed of a better world, but it doesn't mean he can't see it through. As a boss of Ketterdam's worse criminals, he can shape the city as he likes, and as I said before, the boy does have principles.
They all fall for strong, powerful, amazing women. But that is where the similarities end (with The Darkling, at least). Nikolai and Kaz would give up Zoya and Inej in an instant if that'd make the girls happy. Nikolai loves her adderantely, not just for her looks, but also for Zoya's brave hurt, sharp mind, skills in a fight and the fierceness with which she protects her own. Therefore, Nikolai gives her his crown, knowing she'll make a remarkable queen. And when he said "Then I'll love her from my grave" as an answer to the question how will their relationship work seeing he'll die long before her, only shows the devotion, affection, love and loyalty that runs deep in his heart.
Kaz lets Inej go because she needs it. They both need to heal their own selves first before trying to work something together. Which only shows how much Kaz respects and loves Inej. In the savage way of Ketterdam, but love her nonetheless. So much, in fact, he's willing to piece himself together for her. Not just work on his trauma and touch aversion, but be a better person altogether. Plus, Kaz didn't just offer Inej space for herself she well needed and deserved, he also gave her room to find herself outside the Barrel and reconnect with her long lost family.
Now The Darkling is a whole different matter. Unfortunately for poor Aleksander Morozova, The Darkling doesn't know how to love. Doesn't understand love ( yes, he never really was on the receiving end of it, but he's a hundred years old grown man he can do better if he so chooses to try). He expects Alina to fix him "you might make me a better man", but never puts effort into changing. His feelings looks more like an obsession than actual love, with him being convinced they were made for each other because of their powers and refusing to let her make her own decisions. He wants her to sooth his loneliness, but doesn't understand, or won't accept, that for as long as he remains hidden, she can't do anything at all. Besides, he s*xually assaults Alina and treats her horrendously after his real identity is revealed, threatening her, making her believe she's going crazy, not allowing her privacy (which shows how little to no respect he has for her). So, he doesn't love her, just wants her love.
Therefore, Nikolai is what the Darkling could have been if not losing himself to his own demons and long life and Kaz is the other side of a coin he's sharing with Sturmhond, the result of a decaying society like Aleksander, but never getting to taste the curse of immortality.
notes:
1. I do think that the Darkling would be reedemable if he acknowledge that he is not perfect and feels truly guilty and wants to do better
2. His redemption doesn't have to bring forgivness to it, because redemption is about the character seeking it, regardless of the others' justified wish to not firgive him
3. I feel like he is different in the show and I hope it will take a different path than the books (a few points on why he is diferent:
-his display of merzost is shown as a mistake based on emotional response and not a deliberate move gone wrong
-he seems closer to grisha at the little palace; unlike in the books when he rarely is present, in the show he knows them by name, is pattient and involved in their training and is invested in knowing about their well being
-more respect for women
-trying to talk to Alina and listen rather than dismissing her, even if he doesn't have a change of heart yet)
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Text
We Met Within This Screen (chapt. 3 PART 1)
[Donnie x reader]
sfw, part 2 here
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"Leo?" 
Donnie froze. Leo stood firm where he was. The atmosphere of the lab fell still and Donnie got up from his chair, slipping his phone into his pocket. 
"I was getting ready," Donnie almost stammered out, though he managed to get through it barely. "Just…" 
He couldn't think of anything to say. No excuses; he knew he was caught. Why would he have been smiling, chuckling at his phone? Why would he have been that distracted as to not detect his brother? There was no explanation to give. He was far less acute than their leader in his senses—less intuitive—to have been able to know that. He berated himself as Leo folded his arms and gave him a look of knowing. Always with that look. You knew you were busted when Leo deployed that one. 
"You can either tell me what's going on now or you can do it out there, where everyone can hear," said Leo sternly, body partially blocking the exit anyway. 
Donnie scratched on the same spot on the back of his neck that he'd always picked at when he felt uncomfortable. "I can explain," he finally said in a low tone. "Just let me. And please don't alert everyone else immediately. Promise?" 
Pausing, Leo contemplated on his response, coming to the decision that he'd at least give him that. He nodded and motioned for him to start, "Go ahead."
"I, um…" 
Donnie's heart rate picked up a bit as he began to feel a wash of embarrassment seep in. He'd never been very open to his brothers about how he sometimes wanted connection with the outside world. He hadn't thought much about love or romance given their situation, either, but it did crop up from time to time—he still never mentioned it. 
Releasing a deep breath, he explained, "I met someone. Over a game. She wanted to text, and I figured that, since the possibility of—" 
Leo halted him. "Time out, what? You met someone on a game, they wanted to text, and you just...agreed?" he asked, surprised himself by Donnie's actions. Before he would hear his brother's response, he continued, cutting him off once again, "Did you forget that there's a reason why we don't just go around talking to whoever?"
Donnie felt a spark of anger and he stood up straighter, stepping forward toward Leo. He hated nothing more than being implied he was stupid or naive. But he still kept his distance, and still tried to keep his voice low so that prying ears couldn't hear. 
"Trust me, Leo! I've been talking to her for a few weeks. We only started officially texting recently. You know I've fixed up our phones so they aren't traceable; what is the issue? Am I not allowed to have my own life?" 
Leo scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "Don, come on, dude," he reasoned, "can you even be sure that's a girl?" 
Donnie's lip twitched in annoyance and he scoffed, himself. Of course he was sure! If he'd ever had any inkling he was being baited by an older man, he never would have played with them, or even agreed to text. But Leo didn't seem to listen to anyone's intuition but his own and Splinter's, and so he wouldn't hear out that argument. Donnie suddenly wished she'd sent a picture of herself so he could prove to his brother that he was not, in fact, that empty-headed. 
"Also, you do have your own life, it's with us. Which means I have to look out for both you and the rest of the family. I mean it when I say this is risky. Don't be a fool, Donnie. Plus, what were you planning on doing when she eventually wants to know more about you? Lie your way through it? Even if she is who you say she is, it still doesn't change the fact that she's a human girl and you're a mutant. And you can't keep up the charade forever." 
Donnie's heart panged at his last words. He wanted so badly to say that he was wrong, but really, he knew that Leo was painfully correct. He couldn't keep up the act forever. Not unless he wanted a friendship built upon lies and deceit by omission. As much as he hated to admit it, Leo was right; it was foolish to have thought it would somehow work out. 
Silence befell them, and even though he spoke the truth, Leo felt bad upon seeing his face fall like that. He reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "I know it gets lonely. We all do. But you have to face it, Don. That up there? It isn't for us," he told him gently, trying hard to lift the tension from the room. "Let's just stick to what we know best, okay?" 
The shadows. 
Eyes averted at the ground, Donnie swept the hand on his shoulder off. He walked right past his brother and grabbed some gear on his way out. "Yeah. Let's go." His reply was quiet and curt, steady as he could make it. Though on the inside, he was frustrated. Frustrated that he'd dug himself into a hole that he'd now have to not only dig himself out of, but let down someone else while he was at it. He'd have to let her go. Less angry was he with himself as he was his situation, and Leo knew that feeling well. He wanted to protect his brother—he just hoped Donnie would see that. 
Out on patrol, they went about their routine as usual, but everyone noticed the mood-shift. Raph and Mikey were excitable as ever, but the other two were more reserved that night, not talking much to each other. 
They leaped from one rooftop to another where they decided to stop for a quick rest, Mikey racing ahead of all of them as he vaulted from the roof and onto the next. "You guys are slow!" he called from the other side. He grinned and jumped up onto the scaffold of a water tower while Raph  barrelled across the gap with a roll on impact, Leo choosing to take a flip. Donnie trailed behind and simply jumped the ledge. 
"Yo, what's up, D?" Mikey asked through heavy breaths, picking up on his standoffishness. "You been quiet all night!"
"And you're slow as hell," Raph commented. While not as perceptive as Mikey, he had noticed the odd tension and was beginning to get suspicious as well. He knew someone wasn't saying something; he just didn't know what. 
Leo and Donnie exchanged looks. He silently hoped that Leo would take the hint, but when Leo sighed and glanced back at the other two, he knew it was hopeless. He'd get chastised at for being ignorant all over again. At least by Raph, he judged. Mikey couldn't really talk because he'd been in a similar boat before, and now, he knew how he'd felt all those times they got onto Mikey for trying to make contact with humans. 
"Well?" demanded Raph, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You gonna tell us or what?" His eyes were on Leo rather than Donnie, because he already had an idea that they both knew something that he and Mikey didn't, but everyone turned to Leo when something like this came up.
Leo chewed on his lower lip for a second, conflicted as to whether he would come out with it or save Donnie's pride. They were brothers, family—he couldn't feel truthful keeping them in the dark. But he also recognized that it wasn't his place to say it. He instead turned to Donnie himself, looking for any sign of what they were gonna do. It was up to him, he concluded; if he wanted to stay quiet about it, he could. 
Mikey was confused. Raph was growing more impatient. Donnie felt pressured to blurt it out. And he did. 
Breaking, Donnie strung out, "I met someone online and we started talking and Leo found out and I didn't want you guys to know because it was stupid and...and...oh, just let me finish this now!"
Leo awkwardly stood back in silence while Raph looked at Mikey, then back at Donnie and him, and soon enough everyone was just staring at one another, all waiting for someone to say something, but no one did. Done, Donnie took his phone out and opened up the messages shared between him and her, holding it out for his brothers to see. 
Without warning Raph snatched the phone from his hand and started scrolling, Mikey peering around his shoulder and trying to push him out of the way to see. 
"You actually talked to a girl," Mikey awed. He was excited at first, but it faded when he thought about the fact that Donnie had kept a secret from them. They didn't keep secrets. 
"Yeah, one named [y/n], who lives in New York City," Raph emphasized, "and works at wherever this is…and...how did you even meet this girl, Don? Is that even a girl?" he questioned Donnie accusingly, waving the phone around as he spoke. He almost dropped it and Donnie quickly took it from him, telling him to be careful as he slipped it back into the strap on his bicep. 
Leo kept vigilant watch around them while the conversation played out, being the only one truly paying attention. His eye caught some erratic movement in a tucked-away alley down below them. 
"For the last time, yes! She is a girl! And I met her on a game," Donnie answered, throwing his hands down. 
"Save it for later, guys, we got company," Leo interjected. He pointed down at the alleyway adjacent to the building they were on and motioned for them to get moving, dropping down onto the fire escape of an apartment complex. 
Raph bumped Donnie in the arm purposefully as they approached the edge of the roof, "We ain't done yet," he said, dropping onto the fire escape. 
"Yeah, not done yet," Mikey added whimsically. 
Groaning under his breath, Donnie whipped out his staff, and leaped down. 
Mikey followed behind him, jumping the ledge and launching himself to the opposite balcony. They came upon the scene of a couple of men each carrying a sack out of a backdoor in a building, what was assumed to be the ringleader overseeing it from a car parked next to them. 
They turtles were silent, perfectly hidden and moved within the black of night as they descended. Raph pulled out his sai and was about to drop down on one of the unsuspecting men when Leo shoved him back. "Hold on," Leo told him. Begrudgingly, Raph stood down. Donnie peered around the corner from ground level while Mikey clinged to a wall in the shadows. Above, Leo and Raph took the high ground, watching them from a balcony nearby. 
"Hurry up and get this shit loaded into the car, I don't wanna get caught back here," a rough voice ordered from the vehicle. Donnie spotted another person in the passenger's seat. 
"We're goin' as fast as we can!" one of the men spat back. All were beefed up, tattooed, and based on the scars, no strangers to a fight. 
Raph looked at Leo with a smirk. Leo gave the signal and everyone closed in, red and blue dropping from the balcony onto the two completely unaware men, while Donnie and Mikey went to take care of those in the car. 
"What the fuck?!" a man shouted, stumbling back as the duo dropped heavily in front of them. He tossed the sack away and Raph saw he was going to pull out a gun, which Raph went for immediately with his sai. He charged into the man before he could even try to aim and stuck the arm holding the pistol with his three-pronged weapon, forcing his wrist down and the gun to fall out of his hand. Leo took the other and barely had to use any force in pinning the man against the wall with his blade and forearm, but had to duck out of the way when Mikey came through swinging his nunchucks at one of the men who had tried to flee the scene. 
"Watch where you're going with those things, Mikey!" Leo yelled, grunting as a crowbar collided with the side of his head. He spun around and threw his fist at whoever was behind him, an incapacitating blow to a human, but barely his full strength. 
Mikey easily caught his target and gave his legs a mighty sweep to sent him tumbling down. "You thought!" he bellowed with a laugh. "Can't outrun M.C. Mikey." 
Donnie caught the driver on the far end of the fight scurrying to pick up the sacks before making his getaway, and quickly he forcefully jabbed his staff into the solar plexus of the man, sending him onto his back. He was winded, coughing and struggling for air. 
"Donatello! You good over there?" Raph called out, delivering one final kick to the stomach of the man he was on. Donnie heard the skid of a shoe on the pavement behind him and didn't even have to look as he whirled around with a swing of his staff, hitting the man in the head with near-devastating force. It was a knockout blow—the guy dropped, and the fight was over as quickly as it had started. 
Donnie looked around and collapsed his staff, "All good," he answered curtly. 
All five of the men lay on the ground, a couple flat-out unconscious while the rest hissed and groaned in pain. While Donnie inspected the sacks strewn around, Raph chuffed and kicked the gun that had fallen away from the hand that was slowly reaching for it, looking down at the pathetic criminal as he instead stepped on his wrist. The burly man let out a whimper, like a baby, and Raph chuckled. 
"Just money," Donnie announced. All of them heard the sirens of police cars approaching. "Let's get out of here, guys." 
"Those morons weren't even a warm-up," Raph gloated, fist-bumping Mikey. Leo and Donnie were already scaling up to the roof. "Guess if I want to be bored outta my mind, I'll find these guys again." 
"Oh, we'll find 'em again," Mikey added, pulling himself up onto the fire escape. He glanced back and saw the red and blue flashing lights starting to round the corner. "But, uh, not before the cops do." 
The four made their way back up to the roof and left the area. They still had some time left on patrol, so for a minute, they lingered around, Raph keen to reignite their earlier conversation. Donnie already saw it coming and mentally prepared to answer all of the questions that were about to be thrown his way—which he was correct about, as Raph proceeded to open with, "So, what, you're keepin' secrets from us now? Anything else ya been doing behind all our backs?" 
"Cut it, Raph," Leo said, stepping between him and Donnie, "you know that's not it. Don?"
"We're your pals, man, you should have told us," frowned Mikey. 
"I just didn't want anyone to freak out," Donnie explained, "and I didn't know I was going to meet anyone I liked that much, I was only planning on playing the—" 
Both Raph and Mikey asked in unison, "'Like'?" 
He scrambled to fix his wording. He cursed his nervous chatter; he couldn't help himself, he was uncomfortable. Maybe even anxious, because he knew he was going to have to face reality and break it off with his new friend.
"No, not—not 'like'. Like, not like that. I mean in general, as a person," he stuttered, floundering with himself. 
Mikey knew he was lying. He knew it well. Though gullible at times, when it came to the heart, Mikey truly was the most in-tune out of the four. As for the other two, he couldn't say as to whether they saw the lie here, because sometimes, Donnie stuttered just because he was excited or frazzled. Other times, it was definitely because he was lying. The entire time he felt a little bad for his brother. He imagined himself in his shoes and it made him sad, thinking about having to let go of a friend right after having them in his life. 
Putting a hand on his shell, Mikey shook him a bit, "You like her, bro," he whispered. 
Donnie lightly pushed him away. "She's a friend," he clarified, eyeing Mikey. 
Raph was silent for a moment while he thought about everything. He wasn't mad about the fact that Donnie has found someone as much as he was that he never said anything, kept a secret from his brothers. The four of them had a rule that went without saying; they didn't keep secrets from one another. Not about anything major, at least—which this was. He didn't even contemplate on what he thought Donnie should do about it, just that he'd hidden something significant from all of them.  
"Still doesn't change the fact that you didn't seem like you were plannin' on coming clean with any of us," Raph huffed. "Not if he didn't catch ya." He pointed at Leo. 
Donnie suddenly felt his temper flare, and he bit back, "What about you, Raphael? You constantly hide your feelings! How is it not the same thing?" 
"Except for his anger, he's pretty upfront about that," Mikey quickly added in before sinking away from the two. Leo sighed and flicked his head. Donnie was right. Raph was a hypocrite and they were getting nowhere. 
"My feelings don't endanger people around me," growled Raph, stepping in toward Donnie. They met each other half-way as Donnie wasn't about to back down from his brother, who he was not scared of. "That is absolutely different from what you're doing!"
"Guys, we need to get going," Leo stated, seeing how the moon was far its descent. "Splinter's clear about when he wants us back." 
"I'm finishing this right now," Donnie said, pulling out his phone. He opened up the messages and began typing.
Hey. Sorry for the sudden message and I apologise, but I can't do this anymore
He hadn't noticed yet, but the last text he'd received was only twenty minutes prior, right before they dipped from the crime scene they'd just handled. It read: 
Damn, I hear all this racket outside my apartment and it's kind of making me nervous
Like guys yelling and stuff getting banged
Nvm someone called the cops, I guess it's good now 
Everyone was gathered around Donnie watching the screen as he typed. Raph and Leo both caught that last message. He pressed send and it was only then he saw it, too, and everyone slowly looked at each other in recognition. Everyone was thinking the same thing. 
"Awkward," Mikey drew out. 
All were at a loss for words. When a new message pinged, they all shoved at each other to get a good look. Raph accidentally stepped on someone's foot. "Ouch! Give me some space, guys," Donnie snapped. 
What? 
What's wrong? 
Donnie looked sadly at the screen. He started typing his response, something skin to "it's complicated" followed by an apology, but Mikey stopped him. "Dude, you can't tell her that, it's gonna hurt her feelings!" Mikey exclaimed, "this is totally unfair! To both of you."
"Look, I ain't tryna be petty, but last time I checked, the rest of us aren't allowed to have human friends," grumbled Raph.
A new message popped up and it read:
Well...I won't question your decision. Bye Bo, I guess
Sighing, Donnie turned off his phone and put it away. He turned to everyone. "Happy?"
"Of course not, bro," Mikey responded. He looked around, as if expecting agreement. There was none; Raph stood away and Leo was watching Donnie's face go from annoyed to dejected. "Guys?"
Leo patted Donnie on the shoulder. "You did the right thing," he said. Donnie didn't say anything. "Alright, let's get going."
Chapter 3, part 2
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yanderes-galore · 1 year ago
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hii! can I request romantic yandere tucker headcanons from red vs blue?
I love him sm.... I wasn't sure where to focus this concept so it's after Chorus but before the whole Mark Temple situation. Which basically just means more mature leader Tucker. This feels short to me but idk, I hope you enjoy it :)
Yandere! Lavernius Tucker Concept
Pairing: Romantic
Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Mentions of intimacy (It's Tucker, so-), Manipulation, Clingy behavior, Obsession, Stalking, Jealousy, Overprotective, Violence, Murder, Dubious/Forced relationship, Kidnapping.
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Tucker is a character who went through a lot of change throughout RvB.
He comes off as a man who's obsessed with he idea of intimacy and that's it at first.
Yet Tucker has become a great leader despite his Insecurities about letting people down or getting them hurt.
Tucker can come off as a strong yandere.
The moment he sees a darling he wants romantic intentions with, he is always with them.
His yandere behavior (I forgot it-) is Obsessive, Manipulative, Protective, Slightly jealous, Flirtatious, and Intense.
He's heavy with flirtation and makes it a goal to win you over.
Early RvB Tucker would be more flirtatious but late RvB Tucker would calm it down a bit.
He flirts with you because he's genuinely attracted to you but also because he just feels so... empty.
He wants to try and fill the void of insecurity within himself with everything involving you.
Even when he's grown as a leader for the Reds and Blues he still has the same goal.
Tucker will back off with his "courting" if you show discomfort.
As much as he wants a relationship with you he knows he isn't going to get anywhere if he breaks your trust.
Trust means everything.
When he's not flirting he makes crude jokes with you, hoping to make you laugh.
Tucker can actually come off as a nice guy to be around.
He's a bit impatient with his romantic feelings but will try not to force anything for the most part.
Tucker is a yandere who sticks close to his darling and has protective intentions.
He can also be jealous yet tries to play it off as a playfully/childish jealousy kind of thing...
In reality there's times his jealousy is burning.
In a way his obsession also heightens his Insecurities.
You see, Tucker has always been concerned his actions will get others hurt or killed.
When he begins to care for his darling so much, he becomes aware of just how easy it is to lose you.
He cares for you like family, just like the Reds and Blues.
Except with you it's less platonic, he genuinely hopes to be close enough to "see you without your armor on".
Tucker is still a pervert even when he's matured.
When he finds an opportunity to watch you, he's going to take it.
Tucker always thinks of you and watches what you're doing.
Sure... the others think it's weird but he has his reasons.
He'd be the one to constantly bring up the idea of a romantic relationship between you until you comply.
You have to accept at some point, yeah?
If you accepted a relationship with him, one way or another, he'll try to take it slow.
Eventually you'll get more intimate (It's his nature), for now he just wants to do something like hold you.
Tucker cares deeply for his obsession.
His first thought in situations is often how to keep you safe.
Tucker is capable of violence and harming others if it means he can't lose you.
It's usually a last ditch effort and always in a big genuine combative fight, but he'll use his sword.
Normally he finds murder too much effort, yet Tucker gets motivated if you need aid.
It's expected, you are in a war setting after all.
You don't bat much of an eye when he slashes an opponent down with his sword.
You don't even notice the intensity of it if they were trying to hurt you.
Tucker's greatest fear is losing you.
He doesn't care if he loses your respect, he plans what he does to keep you safe and happy.
Tucker may kidnap... although it's not a method he thinks of often.
I just say this because I think I saw a video that explains his name, which translates to thief I think?
Tucker tries to plan most of acts around keeping you safe and happy.
Hopefully all with him.
In terms of affection Tucker is most likely a kisser more than anything.
He's on the more intense side of romantic feelings and does his best to please you during such moments.
Just a little thing I talked about with a friend a long time ago, If we're talking about Tucker when he still has Junior, he'd use him against you.
Junior is his Sangheili son born of... alien means.
Tucker would take notice if you show parental care to Junior and use it as a way to date you.
It's hard to be a single father... and you seem to know what you're doing.
Why not date him? Junior could use two parents.
Maybe you can even give him a sibling.
This is a way he can be shown as manipulative instead of him jet being overprotective and using that to drag you around.
He's an intense yandere who's bold and willing to sweep you off your feet.
He seems so attentive and caring to your needs, all your needs.
What you most likely don't know is Tucker is using his obsession to drown out his internal issues.
You make the problems he has to deal with as leader more bearable.
As a result he tries to maintain trust and respect between you.
He really does love you and hopes you two never have to part. Ever.
He can't really handle the thought of losing you-
It gets to the point that even if you point out his behavior or tell him to stop, he may be too far gone.
There's point he doesn't care in your relationship if you begin to hate him.
He isn't going to leave you.
Tucker needs you to keep himself stable and functioning.
He... needs you because he loves you and can't lose you like his fears tell him.
He doesn't care if you want to fight him after it all, he'll never stop loving you, and he'll always keep you safe and his.
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echo-three-one · 4 years ago
Text
Whatever It Takes
Sequel to A Forgotted Memory
Somewhere out there
Beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me
And loving me tonight…
Chapter 14 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ❤️
Previous Chapter : Alex and Augustus
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Meet Me Halfway
John "Soap" MacTavish
Task Force 141
Location Unknown
18 hours ago
He thought he was dead. He thought they were going to kill him. He wished they would, just to end the suffering. But he also wished they wouldn't. He had greater plans, he still wanted to enjoy his life. And it looked like Nero granted half his wish, while depriving him of the other half. He's going to live the rest of his years in hell.
He couldn't stop thinking about that song, he lay flat on the ground, feeling weak, powerless and defeated.
If I lay here… Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
He couldn't feel a thing but he knew he was being transported somewhere. Red flashes filled his eyes as he slowly slipped away from the conscious world.
~
2 Seconds.
A single drop of water plopped on the cold floor where he laid every 2 seconds. It was getting annoying, but he thanked it for actually waking him up.
Soap struggled to get up and forced himself to do so, grunting in pain as the muscles and bones of his body reacted to his sudden movements. Enduring all the pain, he gasped and got up, moving to the direction of the only ray of light from a crack in the ceiling.
He limped but he had hope, exhaling with excitement as the light got closer every step he took. Then clang! He hit his head on an iron bar. He's in a prison cell, deep underground.
"Shite." he cursed, dropping his knees on the ground, his energy already ran out and he felt thirsty.
"That's freshwater dripping down there." An unknown voice emerged from the darkness, Soap wanted to believe he's hallucinating, but an old figure emerged from the shadows. His hair mostly greyed out and it was long enough that Soap believed he'd been here for far too long.
"The name's Jack. And I suggest you rehydrate. I've been here long enough that you could trust that it's safe." he suggested. His tone was strict but helpful and Soap knew he's trustworthy. They're both prisoners and as the saying goes: "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"
"So… uh Jake. What brings you to this dark and gloomy place?" Soap asked, his voice was barely audible but he was heading straight to the dripping freshwater.
"Turns out our friend Nero doesn't want me dead yet. He couldn't pry any information from me. I'm CIA, literally trained half my life to keep information away. He should've just killed me when he got the chance." He replied.
"So, that means he's going to get something out of you too…" he added, Soap looked worried, he didn't undergo some torture training and hes afraid of what Nero wants from him.
"Look kid, I know you're worried. That's why we won't let that happen. Okay? I have a plan." Jake patted Soap's shoulder, it still hurts from all the stomping and the tossing around but he knew he didn't mean it.
"So… CIA. Guess you crossed paths with Alex." Soap asked, his low accent echoed across the dark cage.
"Yeah. Alex. He was like my son, trained him and assisted him all throughout his CIA Career."
"He kinda disobeyed orders by joining the good side which looked bad in the eyes of the higher ups." Soap reported.
"Hm… It's very unusual of him to not follow orders, unless he believes it's for a better cause." Jack supplied to which Soap nodded, agreeing Jack's assumption.
"It was a good cause. Sacrificed himself for the greater good. Miraculously made it out, but lost his leg in the process." Soap continued, updating the old man about his protege, he's actually glad he did as he could feel the man's mood rising from grumpy prisoner to someone a little less grumpy.
"He had good morals, that kid. He could go far with that attitude… I just hoped that falling in love would not be his downfall… just like what happened to me…" he muttered. Soap didn't make out the last sentence so he assumed it was his own thoughts leaking out of his head. He didn't bother asking again.
The iron doors opened and a new patch of light opened. Jack looked at Soap with determination and nodded.
"Looks like it's showtime, sharkbait." Soap nodded noting the Finding Nemo reference at these trying times.
Jack was right. They had a practice of how to handle prisoners for interrogation. A few stomps, handcuffs, sack on the head and push you if you don't cooperate. Soap had to go through the whole thing, and as far as he knows, Jack must have gotten the key.
He limped his way to the interrogation room, buying enough time for Jack to blindly find the keyhole from the cell. He tried fighting back but the taser sticks were already giving him a bad time.
Just as Jack described, the interrogation room consisted of a dentist chair and a television, his captors were beside him preparing orders from Nero on the screen.
Soap squirmed his way out of the chair, trying to be convincing that he had no idea what's going on.
"Stop squirming! Tell us where the girl is… or I'll take a wild guess and destroy your base instead." Nero yelled. His voice was low, like it ran through a voice changer.
"Sod off…" Soap spat and squirmed again, receiving a shock from the taser. He groaned as tendrils of electricity ran through his body shaking him almost unconscious.
"Lower the voltage or he won't respond! Dumbasses! We need something from him!" Nero yelled at his henchmen.
"So… MacTavish…22nd Parachute Regiment, S.A.S., Now Task Force 141… Skilled in combat, Sniper and Demolitions… You know a proper brainwash would help me get the code from you right?" he mused.
"FOUR!" Soap roared from the top of his lungs, panting after he yelled.
"Four? What the fuck are you talking about?" Nero asked, looking confused. Addition to that, the ground shook and made everyone else in the room wonder.
"What's going on?" Nero asked.
"What? we're under attack? By who? How?" Soap's ears could hear the distress from their leader and from the looks of it, 141 already found him making it easier for him and Jack to get out of this hell hole.
"Augustus is gone? They're going to pay! Okay boys kill this man now. We have to send them a message!" Nero yelled angrily and the tv turned to static.
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Meet me Halfway
Francine "France" Winters
Task Force 141
Task Force 141 Base - Briefing Room
"We're being pressured to capture Nero. With our base compromised, the Board would now decide for our force's future. Simon Riley is now researching Augustus' burner phone, if we're lucky enough, it could lead us to our next clue." Shepherd calmly informed the force about the status. He looked in distress but he had to keep pushing forward, to end this warfare.
"Some of Nero's forces are already in New York. It turns out he could command the brainwashed civilians to deploy EMP blasts but recon noticed that he could only command a few at a time. This means without the IP address, he is still powerless and trying hard." Shepherd added.
"I want you all to always be ready for an all out attack on Nero. Let's prove to the board that we're the best one for the job." He muttered and dismissed everyone. France decided to stay in the briefing room and let the quiet consume her thoughts.
"You okay?" A reassuring hand held her shoulder. She knew it was Gary and tears started to fall from her eyes.
"I… I can't stop worrying about him, Roach." She croaked and gave Roach a very pained stare. She actually missed John's presence even after being together for a short while, she felt that they shared a lot of common things together, the strive to become better, the response to danger even off duty and the determination to achieve a goal. Those were her traits that he also had, these same traits that made him like her despite his cocky first impression.
"Let's help out Ghost track that son of a bitch Nero down. And maybe it'll lead us to him." Roach assured them as they both stood up and went to Research.
"How… how can you still be so sure that he's okay?" she sobbed.
"The dogtags." Ghost interjected while typing furiously on the computer.
"If Soap was dead, he should've shown us his tag. That would cripple some of our Force's focus and would lead to his success in invading and capturing Samantha." Ghost continued, he made sense and France almost smiled with the two's support. Instead, she just breathed out and helped Ghost.
"So, have you traced each source?" France asked Ghost as she also started furiously typing codes and strings of data input.
"Yes, they're really sneaky with the encryption, but I keep on getting pings at one location before it spreads in different places." he explained.
"The nearest signal tower. Every packet almost goes through there. You see that?" France pointed at the screen.
"Yeah I do. Let's start tracing that source." Ghost muttered and the map already pinged the tower's location.
"Bingo." they both whispered and cheered, hugging each other as a sign of success. France felt Ghost's tight hug and felt something off about the guy, then he actually removes half of his mask and pouts his cheek close to hers.
"I…. uh… I'm sorry" Ghost shyly said as France pushed him away and felt awkward at the situation. Gary just stood there in shock as Price entered the room.
"What's the news?" he asked, looking at the three.
"We found him, Sir." Ghost cleared his throat and put back his mask.
"Well, bloody hell. Let's go then!" he said as they all ran towards the exit and prepared themselves. France didn't have the time to think about the events earlier as she was still worried about Soap's safety. She hopes that whatever lies in that place would give her an answer.
~
"FIRE!" Captain Price yelled as snipers quickly shot the guards surrounding the icy fortress. The gulag housed people that the world didn't want but couldn't kill, and she hoped that John MacTavish was on that list.
Danger close explosions crippled both attacking and defending forces as Price roared at Shepherd to be careful. France gulped as she saw a very open field that they're dropping in on and knew for a fact that she's very open and weak at these positions.
Her mind raced, looking at every angle. Tangos were everywhere carrying different kinds of weapons. With minimal angles to hide on, the force, led by Roach aggressively advanced to the Gulag, dodging heavy fire, grenades and RPG Rockets. As soon as they found the tunnel leading deep into the Gulag, France already felt comfortable. This was her playing zone and no one's going to stop her from getting into Nero.
The way in was almost clear, no enemies were against them but instead they ran further into the Gulag. Something was off.
Gunfire was heard deep into the Gulag and as soon as the team reached the control room, Ghost already did his magic. Opening gates, looking at the cameras and defending their six. The masked man helped them further advance into the Gulag.
"Nero's not here…" Ghost said.
"How so?" Price angrily muttered.
"He never set foot in this place. He only uses a television to communicate."
"Bloody hell. Now what?"
" I see two heat signatures behind that wall."
Roach quickly planted a c4 breach and as soon as it exploded Francine pounced at the closest person, raising her fist and looking at its eyes to see the punch go through.
Blue eyes. Those shades of blue. France stopped his fist as tears started to well from her eyes, dropping some on his bare chest.
"John…" she whimpered and smiled.
"Fra.." she didn't let him finish, she kissed him. She didn't care what everyone else thought. The gunfire and explosions suddenly felt nothing to her. She didn't care how John's lips tasted, all she cared about was that he's alive and she's on his arms.
Extraction quickly followed as Shepherd's forces already did a lot of damage on the old fortress. They barely got out just in time for the building's inevitable collapse but they're safe.
Next Chapter : Secret Alliances
Notification Squad my beloved
@samatedeansbroccoli @enderio @smokeywhalee @beemybee @whimsywispsblog @ricinbach
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rocksandrobots · 5 years ago
Text
Of Rocks and Robots Ch. 21 - Fishing Trip
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"So what do you wanna do this weekend?" Hiro asked Varian.
The other boy only shrugged his shoulders as he had no idea.
It was Friday and they were both walking home from school while trying to make plans for the weekend. All of their other friends were either away or busy due to Father's Day coming up. Fred was going to accompany his dad on a mission. Gogo was driving down to her father's for a few days. Wasabi had bought plane tickets to fly back to his hometown of Seattle. Karmi went back upstate for the weekend with her parents, and Megan was still grounded, but had a full day planned to butter up her dad. Even Honey Lemon was going home to spend time with her abuelo.
This left Varian feeling a little awkward. In Corona they had a Guardians Day, which was meant for both parents or caretakers in general, but for Varian it was always a day for just him and his dad to spend time together. One of the few times in the year when his father wouldn't work in the field, or go to market, or have business at court.
Varian knew precisely what a day like Father's Day meant and how special time spent with the man who raised you could be. He envied his friends, but mostly, knowing this would be the second year without his dad pained him.
In a way, he was thankful that Hiro shared his delima. Though he certainly wouldn't have wished his predicament upon anyone, it was still somewhat comforting to know that he wasn't alone.
They were a less than a block away from the Lucky Cat, still discussing things to do, when a sleek car pulled to a stop beside them. The window rolled down to reveal a man with blonde hair, a large nose, and a wide smile. He was wearing a plaid shirt and a tan floppy hat.
"Hey Hiro! Go grab your overnight bag and some sunscreen!" He joyously ordered. "Your new brother, cousin, thingy too. We're going fishing!"
Varian could only look on confused, he didn't know this man nor why he wanted to him and Hiro to go on a fishing trip with him. However, Hiro apparently did know him and was also apparently not onboard with this idea at all. He stood with his mouth a gape with a look of horror in his eyes.
After processing this terrible news, Hiro could only sputter out, "But.. but why?"
The man in the vehicle began to offhandedly list his reasons. "Because fishing by oneself isn't any fun unless there's someone else around to show off to. Because I had an awful childhood, whose own father would never take fishing, and now I'm living vicariously through you. Also, you're still my intern and for the rest of the year, I still own you."
The man flashed another wide grin and Varian began to put the pieces together. This must be Krei. Owner of Krei Tech, the man in charge of the portals that brought him here, and also Hiro's boss. Though, this new revelation did nothing to stem the confusion in his mind. He couldn't for life of him see why he was being invited along on the trip nor did he understand Hiro's objections.
"But...but...b, but…" Hiro suttered desperately trying to think of way out of going.
"No buts! I've already talk with your aunt and got her permission, reserved the campsite, and I even bought you both fishing poles!" Still grinning, he reached down beside him and lifted the new poles up for Hiro and Varian to see.
Hiro let out a wordless half groan, half whine in defeat, before turning around and slumping towards the cafe. Varian blinked and looked back and forth between the two of them unsure what to do. Krei waved to him cheerfully, clearly excited for the upcoming trip, and Varian numbly waved back before deciding to follow Hiro and pack his own bag.
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Varian found himself enjoying the fishing trip more than he had expected. The first day was spent mainly getting there and setting up the campsite. The second day was spent fishing, exploring, and just taking in the scenery.
Varian had been allowed to bring Ruddiger along, as Hiro had also brought Baymax. His pet was overjoyed to be back in his natural environment and Varian had to admit that he felt more at home here in the great outdoors than in the crowded streets of San Fansokyo. The big city was fascinating but he'd always be a simple farm boy at heart.
Krei felt much the same way. The businessman hadn't been raised in the countryside the way Varian had, but he had a great love of camping, fishing, and being out in nature. His passion stemmed from childhood summers spent on vacation at something called 'summer camp'.
Varian found he got along with older man well. They spent the ride up chatting about science and it's more practical applications, spent the trip sharing wilderness tips, and fishing out in Krei's boat. Fishing had never been Varian's favorite activity, but he now found a new sense of nostalgia for it and the praise Krei would send his way whenever he caught one helped to fuel his enjoyment of the sport even more. Plus he got a chance to show off his cooking skills after they had cleaned their catch. Not the most pleasant task ever, but Varian could stomach it much better than butchering other kinds of meat.
Hiro however did not enjoy fishing, or camping, or anything to do with the outdoors really. The other teen mostly sulked the whole trip. When he wasn't busy gagging at the worms used for bait or getting scared by the unfamiliar sounds of the local wildlife that is. Mainly he stuck close to Baymax and the tent, bored out his mind and annoyed he had been forced to come long. Varian's enthusiasm only aggravated him further and, if he was being honest with himself, he was a little jealous by how easy things came to the other boy. He'd spent half a year trying to get on Krei's good side and impress him, while Varian had managed it in mere minutes of meeting the CEO.
The only time Hiro came out of his grumpy shell was at night, when they built a campfire and roasted marshmallows. Varian had never had smores before, but they were tasty, if also sticky and a little too sweet. Ruddiger however went nuts over the fluffy sweets and had to be kept from stealing the whole bag of them. Hiro didn't really care one way or the other about the traditional treat, but was more than eager to share ghost stories with the rest of the group. Gleefully recalling with gory detail about the spirit of an ax murderer who apparently stalked the woods. Perhaps it was a little vindictive of him, to try his best and scare the other teen, but Hiro couldn't help filling a little thrill whenever Varian gave a little jump or clutched his pet raccoon even tighter in comfort.
Keri was only amused by the story. He'd heard similar ones growing up at camp. He laughed at the end of Hiro's tale.
"Ha! Kids are still telling that one? Let me tell you a real horror story."
It was about tax audits.
Both boys could only shrug at each other.
"I do not understand the purpose of a 'ghost story'." Baymax observed.
"It's suppose to be for fun." Hiro informed him.
"I see; an adrenaline rush within a safe and controlled environment can be considered a pleasant feeling for some people. However I do not understand how taxes figure into that."
"Uuuuh, neither do we." Hiro admitted, "but I guess fear is subjective. Do you have any stories to share, Varian?"
Varian had to rack his brain on that one. His own life was more of a horror story then most ghost tales he knew, but he didn't want to devel into that. Instead he told a folk legend that his dad had once told him. It had been an old story from his home country; a parable about a rich man who was so greedy that he hoarded a well from the poor townspeople during a drought. Forcing them to pay him tribute lest they die of thirst, but he made the mistake of refusing water to a witch and so was cursed to become a vampire. To spend an eternity in thirst himself and to be forever alone, because he could no longer get close to other people without risking harm to them.
"And so a leader must care for his people, son," he remembered his father instructing him at the end of the tale, "He must share and give back to the community. He who sacrifices love for his fellow man in exchanged for selfish possessions, forfeits his right to live among mankind and to even be called a 'man' himself."
If only his father's words had been true. If real life had been as simple as stories, then Corona would have sided with him and not the evil king who kept the wondrous healing flower hidden away and who turned his back upon people need. But Varian conveniently left out this more personal anecdote.
"Wow." Hiro said flatly. "That's deep."
He wasn't used to horror stories having explicit morals attached to them and didn't know how else to respond. The tale hadn't been scary so much as eerie with an unnerving ending. Unlike his serial killer story, it wasn't anything you could be afraid of happening to you, yet questioning your place in the world was somehow more off putting than simple dismemberment.
The mood was broken however, by Ruddiger stealing Hiro's marshmallow off his roasting stick. It turned out to be last one as Krei had spent the majority of Varian's story battling the gluttonous raccoon over their food stores.
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"I know racoons aren't 'mankind', but does this mean he's doomed to be a marshmallow vampire now?" Hiro joked as Varian got onto his pet.
"I don't know. Your robot looks like a walking marshmallow though." Varian shot back good naturedly.
Now out of food, save for leftover fish, they all decided to tuck in for the night.
                                              ----------------------------
Hiro hated the woods. He hated how unfamiliar everything was, how inconvenient it was, and most of all he hated how gross it was. He woke up irritated and sore from sleeping on the thin sleeping bag inside the tent. He couldn't find anything decent to eat for breakfast. He never stopped grumbling while he was forced to use the bathroom outside. To make an awful morning even worst, he couldn't shake the feeling of being stalked as strange animals hooted and howled. One bush in particular shook right when he pasted it. He nearly jumped out of skin when Ruddiger pop out of it holding the last of the fish in its mouth.
He groaned as he watched the raccoon scurry away and climb up a tree a little ways off from the campsite. He didn't much care for the creature, or for wild animals in general, but he knew how important the pet was to Varian and so had tried to be polite about having it around. Still Hiro's patience was wearing thin. The walking bottomless pit had eaten practically everything in the camp.
Hiro reluctantly followed after, debating if it was worth trying to get the fish back. Probably not, he didn't even like the taste of fish all that much to begin with. He stopped in surprise when an apple core fell from tree and nearly hit him. He looked up and found Varian sitting in one of the top branches, raccoon by his side, and reaching up to pick another apple off the tree.
The other teen paused when he saw Hiro. "Hey! Morning! You wanna an apple for breakfast?"
Hiro's stomach growled in response but all he actually said was, "How did you get up there?"
Varian laughed, "Climbed up here. How else you do think? Fly?"
Hiro looked up at him blankly. It was an obvious answer, of course, and he felt silly for having asked it.  
"Come on up!" Varian encouraged. "There's plenty of apples to go around."
"I..I can't." Hiro admitted sheepishly.
"Why not?"
"I don't know how to climb a tree." He mumbled.
Varian looked surprised by this revelation and before Hiro could do anything else, the other boy quickly climbed back down to join him.
“You never climb a tree before?”
‘Well, I did once, with Baymax’s help.” He rubbed the back of his neck self consciously.  
“It’s not like there’s a whole lot of trees in San Fransokyo to climb.”
“Oh, well, it’s easy. Here, I’ll show you. Just put your foot there, in that knot, and place your hand here on this bump in the bark.” Varian instructed, helping Hiro find the footholds. “Now you see that groove up here, place your other foot there, and as you hoist yourself up grab that lowest branch with your other hand, like climbing a really uneven ladder.”
Hiro did so, though not without some struggling, but eventually he pulled himself up onto the lowest branch.      
“Great!” Varian cheered and followed after with practiced ease. “The hardest parts done. Now all you gotta do is swing up the rest of the branches, like so.”
Varian took off, showing Hiro the best way to navigate the tree top. Hiro followed him, mimicking the other boys actions. With great effort he hauled himself up onto the final branch and heaved a ‘wooooph’ in relief of having made it up.
His sigh quickly turned to awe though when he caught sight of the view. The early morning sun sparkled on the lake. Further out a misty fog was beginning to disperse and you could see the opposite shoreline reflected in the water like glass. Beyond that giant redwoods poked out of the canopy of trees and way, way off in the distance you just about make out the tips of blue mountains.
“Woah.” He breathed. Hiro had to admit, you didn’t get scenery like this in the city.
‘Here.” Varian handed him an apple. It was smaller than the ones you’d buy in the store, with pink and yellow skin. Hiro tentatively took a bite. It was crunchy and very tart, but edible. Not to mention it was practically the only food they had left in the camp, so Hiro wound up eating it all and started in on a second one.
“So, where did you learn to climb?” Hiro asked taking another large bite of the wild fruit.
“Oh, I’ve been climbing trees since I could walk.” Varian laughed. “We owned an apple orchard along with the farm. Also the forest is right next to my village.”
Ruddiger joined them, procuring his own apple and sitting right on Varian’s lap to enjoy his meal. Varian scratched his pet’s ear.
“Does he ever get full?” Hiro asked.
“Nope.” Varian replied, and then they both broke into giggles.
Once the laughter had subsided Hiro commented, “I guess that’s why you’re so good at this outdoors stuff. This is the first time I ever been fishing, and with any luck, it’ll be my last.”
“My dad taught me.” Varian quitely confessed. “He’d take me on trips like this sometimes. Try to teach me how to hunt and fish. The fishing is a lot better than the hunting, let me tell you. I never could fire an arrow right and I can’t stand the sight of blood.” He cringed as if recalling a gruesome memory. “But, I guess he was just looking out for me. He taught me the skills he had to live on to survive. Apparently there were no farms where he grew up, the land was always baren. I guess that’s why he prefered gardening to being a knight.”
“Wait, your dad was an actual for real knight?”
Varian nodded, “Yeah, I found his armor after...after the accident. Along with a bunch of other important stuff he never told me about.” He added bitterly.
Hiro didn’t know how to respond to that. So he stayed quiet and let Varian dictate the conversation.
“Anyways, it worked. The fishing did come in handy. I had to do a lot of that, when.. when I was on my own.” He worked his jaw as he mulled over that last confession, his eyes gazing out to into the distance, clearly not seeing the breathtaking view before them.
Hiro’s heart dropped. He had a vague idea of what happened to Varian, but this was the first time it really hit home just how messed up the other’s teen’s life had been before now. He could empathize with losing a loved one, but he had always had his aunt and his friends to depend upon. If nothing else to be there and take of him as he sank into depression. But Varian had to do everything for himself, even while battling that same depression. The idea of having to catch or scavenge for your own food on top caring for you ill father was a nightmare that Hiro could barely comprehend. A nightmare that only somehow got worse.
“Fortunately, there’s a river that runs through my village, and I could set up lines overnight and just go check them in the morning, and we had food stored up for winter. Like oats, bacon, dried peas, that sort of thing. That is, until spring rolled around and the king's guards run me out of my house.” He said irritably.”Then I just had to forage or steal to survive.”
“Be...because you stole medicine?” Hiro asked disquietly. He couldn’t imagine a world so cruel and yet to his surprise the story got even worse.
“Oh no, this was before I stole the flower.” Varian said matter of factly and Hiro just stared at him in horror. Varian heaved a heavy sigh and went on to explain. “My father was the only other person who knew about the sundrop. The king kept it hidden from everyone. I guess when he found out that my dad, was, was ‘gone’, he decided to try and remove me from the picture, so as to keep his secret safe. He made a bunch of false charges about me ‘attacking the princess’ so that no one would believe me when I asked for help or told them the truth about the flower. Then he sent his elite guard to arrest me and I had to run.”
Varian gave a little shrug and added, “I guess after that, ‘treason’ didn’t seem like that big of deal. I mean they were going to throw me in jail either way, and not many people leave those dungeons alive.”
Hiro could barely process what was being told to him. He didn’t know what to say. His stomach churned and his breath shallowed. Varian’s past was far scarier than any ghost story.
Then suddenly he felt guilty. He’d been so caught up in his own grief and his own struggles with readjusting, that he hadn’t actually stopped to think about things from Varian’s perspective. He had thus far grinned and bared the discomfort of having his life turned upside down, because, well because that's what he thought he needed to do in order to be a mature decent person. And while that was true in part, it never occurred to him that this move was yet another upset in Varian’s life, in a long, long string of seemingly never ending upsets.  
Hiro found himself so easily annoyed by the other teen, yet he really had no right to be. Varian was readjusting to whole new culture and way of life in addition to struggling with his grief and trauma. So what if he cooked weird food sometimes, didn’t always know the appropriate conduct to certain situations, or was so super confident in nearly everything he did that it made Hiro self conscious and a little jealous at times. Deep down, Varian was suffering through something that no one in Hiro’s little corner of the globe could fully understand, and the least that Hiro could do was try to be a little more patient and a little more open about letting Varian into his life.
“You know,” Hiro slowly said, trying to ease the conversation and offer a little understanding, “I never really knew my dad. I was just four when he and my mom died. It was always Tadashi who taught me things, like how to ride a bike or how to hotwire a robot. Though he never taught me to climb to tree, so I guess that’s one I owe you.”
He smiled encouragingly at Varian, who nervously returned it. Once again Varian wasn’t used to praise or acknowledgement that he anything ‘right’.
“Maybe, you could teach me more outdoorsy stuff.” Hiro offered. “And I can teach you more about more modern stuff, like how to play Mind Smith II Turbo .”
“That..that’s that video game you like, isn’t it?” Varian asked as he tried to remember what Hiro even talking about.
“Yeah!” and with that Hiro eagerly launched into a detailed description of the game.
Soon the boys were interrupted by Krei emerging from the tent. He stretched sore back and tried to reheat the leftover instant coffee he’d brought. He then promptly spit it back out in disgust. The boys tried their best to suppress their snickers. Keri spotted them anyways.
“How ‘bout we pack it up and go get tacos instead?” He asked them.
“Yeeesss!” Yelled Hiro, who was more than ready to go.
“Sounds great!” Agreed Varian. “We’ll be right down!”
Keri went back in the tent to start packing and Ruddigger scurried down after him, hoping to maybe steal another treat from the camp.
Varian stood up and started to also make his way down when Hiro’s voice stopped him.
“Ummm...Sooo how do you get down exactly?”
                                              ----------------------------
The day ended with a trip to Yaki Taco and a huge feast of fast food nachos and deep fried burritos. Rudiger was once again confined to his carrying cage, but was allowed a cup of some cheese sauce to snack on. Baymax was let out of his charger case to kept an eye on the mischievous raccoon. All agreed it was actually the best part of the camping trip.
“Say, ‘cheese’.” The robot said, as he took a photograph with his internal camera.  
The three guys sing songed the the word even as actual cheese dripped off the burritos they held in their hands, plastering on dopey grins for the camera. Then a few more pictures with silly faces to complete the set.
“Fantastic!” Krei said. “I want copies for the office.”
“Why?” Hiro asked.
“So if any clients come in I show off ‘my family’ to them instead just the photo of my mother. I love the woman but she doesn’t necessarily impress the image of ‘family friendly company’.”
“I knew there was a catch.” Hiro scoffed.
Keri looked wounded. “Hey, I told you, my employees are my family.”
Hiro rolled his eyes but he couldn’t help giving a little smile at that. He knew Krei well enough by now to know that, underneath his seemingly conviving self-serving self, he had a heart, and he wouldn’t have invited Hiro and Varian along if he didn’t care.
“Aunt Cass put you up to this, didn’t she?” He prodded.
“I’m sworn to secrecy.” Krei insisted and they gave Hiro a knowing wink. Then more seriously he said, “I know what it’s like not having your dad around on Father’s Day. So, I figured, why not a fishing trip? It’s better than being stuck at home while your father’s away on a business trip to Tahiti that weekend.”
Hiro raised in eyebrow. Keri had a tendency of oversharing at times.  
“Buuut, enough about me. Who wants dessert!?”
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thewayofthetrashcompactor · 6 years ago
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Rating: G
Warnings: None
Words: 1.5k
Summary: Rose & Rey and Rose & Ben post-sequel trilogy friendship fluff, where Rose tries to figure out what's going on with the Thing between the last Jedi and the Jedi killer
ALSO ON AO3
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"So what's he like?" Rose asks.
Rey starts, the question interrupting her concentration over a complicated legal document Leia had given her to try to understand.
"What?" she says, looking up from the pages filled with complicated Basic to where Rose sits sprawled on the couch with a holopad. The pad rests on her stomach as she looks over at Rey.
"Kylo Ren. What's he like?"
"Ben," Rey corrects automatically, then flushes when Rose smirks.
Rey shakes her head slightly as she considers the question. Ben encompasses so many things to her, it seems impossible to answer. "He just...is?"
"Sure, Ben. Same question."
Rose snorts. "He 'is' to you a whole lot different than he is to anyone else, even the general. Anyone can see the way he looks at you. And you don't treat him like the monster everyone else does. So what's his deal?"
"Finn doesn't treat him like a monster," Rey protests, dodging the question, then realizes something. "And neither do you."
Rose purses her lips thoughtfully. "I don't think Finn knows what to make of him," she says. "He doesn't want to talk about it yet either. And I can't hate him because we would have all been dead if he hadn't turned when he did. But he could have changed his mind sooner too and saved lives. It's complicated, so I'm thinking about it. You know him better, and..." She hesitates, then continues firmly. "I trust you."
"I -- Thank you." Rey stammers.
"And you trust him," Rose observes, looking at her intently.
Rey pauses for a moment, but it can't be denied. Ben has broken her trust before, but he came back in the end. She'd put her life and those of her friends in his hands, and they'd all come out on the other side. Mostly. "Yes."
"How?" Rose asks, her dark eyes still watching Rey. Not with any anger, just open curiosity for a story she doesn't know.
Rey's mouth works as she decides where to start. Rose sits up from the couch and joins her at the table. "It's the Force," Rey tells her. "We're connected. We've seen into each other's heads. And he's still a mess, and still figuring things out, but he's made his choice. He's not going back again." Not that there's anything to go back to, unless he decides to revive the Sith singlehandedly. He'd done a thorough job of burning the Order in his wake.
"Wow," Rose says, and pauses to consider. "That sounds...intimate."
Rey flushes. "I guess," she says. "It was a lot to get used to at first. Especially with everything happening. But then it started to feel...right. Like a part of me. And it's nice to be able to reach out to him. Know I'm not alone." She looks away. She's never talked about her bond with Ben to anyone besides Leia and Finn, and she doesn't know what to do with the vulnerable feeling exposing this part of herself evokes.
Even though Rose sometimes trips over her own words and still gets nervous around Leia, her idol, she has a knack for saying the right thing. "People used to say they thought Paige and I were in each other's heads, with how close we were. It wasn't the Force, but sometimes you just know people. When the entire universe keeps falling apart, it's good to have someone to hold onto, you know?"
Rey breathes out, shaky. "Yeah."
Rose nods, half to herself. Her eyes glisten. "I'm glad you had someone like that."
"Thanks," Rey says quietly. She'd heard in passing about Paige from Finn and Poe. She's not experienced in comforting people besides Ben, and it's different to not have that connection to the other person's feelings. "I'm sorry about your sister."
Rose sniffs. "Thanks." She wipes her eyes. "It was hard being here, after. But there's still good people."
Rey smiles, thinking about how she's seen her first friend and Rose sitting close together in odd corners of ships and the new base. "Like Finn?" she teases.
It's Rose's turn to blush. "Yeah," she says, voice quietly pleased. "It's not the same, and I still miss her. But he helps." She sniffs again and rubs her nose.
Rey doesn't know quite what to say, so she nods. Tentatively, she reaches out for Rose's hand resting on the table next to her and squeezes it, like she's seen Leia do to grieving officers. Rose turns her hand and squeezes back gratefully. They sit together, both lost in their thoughts, until Rose sighs and gently pulls back. Rey retrieves her own slightly sweaty hand gratefully, still unsure how these sorts of things are supposed to go. Rose brushes her hair back from her face, though it springs back into place, curling away from her cheeks.
"Hungry?" she asks Rey, eyes still red-rimmed, but smiling.
"Always," Rey says eagerly.
"I hear they got a shipment of real veg from the New Republic," Rose says as they stand.
"Really? I don't think I've ever had any," Rey says, setting aside her holopad.
"Neither have I," Rose admits. "But it's got to be better than those bars."
Together, they make their way to the mess hall, ready for a good meal.
---------
Ben leans over his tray, setting himself to his usual goal of eating as quickly as possible. His mother had asked him to make an effort to be a part of the day-to-day of the Resistance-turned-New Republic, in an attempt to ‘humanize’ him, make him less of the Supreme Leader and more of a face people got used to seeing around. It hasn’t seemed to make much a different so far; people still give him a wide berth. The looks they give him tell him they never intend to forget what he’s done. Not that they should. He deserves anything they do to him.
So he takes his meals with the rest of the troops to make his mother happy, so they can both pretend that things will get better, and shovels food down as fast as he can to make the experience last as little time as necessary. Rey joins him when she can, but the last Jedi keeps busy, and more often than not, he brings food to her when she gets caught up in the Jedi texts or underneath an x-wing. He eats at odd hours too, when he thinks the fewest people will be around. He keeps his head bent, not making eye contact with the few officers left in the room.
Lost in his own thoughts, he doesn’t notice someone approaching him from the side until a tray lands on the table next to him. He jerks and looks over at the newcomer, instinctively ready for a fight. A few of the Resistance have decided to try themselves against him to get their revenge, but Leia had put an end to that. The newcomer doesn’t look like one of those though. Short with dark hair that curls at the ends, she seems almost familiar. He frowns, then the connection settles in place. He’s run across her a couple of times visiting Rey in the hangar. She spends time with FN-2 -- Finn as well. One of the mechanics. She sticks out in his memory as one of the few that don’t flinch away at his approach. He eyes her warily.
“I’m Rose,” she says and sticks out a hand. He looks at it, then slowly extends his own.
“Ben,” he says awkwardly.
“I know,” she says. She swings her legs over the bench and sits next to him. He flushes. Of course she knows. Who in the galaxy doesn’t?
She starts eating and he watches in disbelief. She really intends to eat with him like there’s nothing odd about what she’s done at all. He opens his mouth to ask what she’s doing, but can’t think of a way to say what he’s thinking without his mother berating him for it if she heard, so he closes it again and returns to his food. He takes a few bites, and then his curiosity gets the better of him. Rude or not, he has to know.
“Don’t you have anyone else to eat with?” he asks, half looking at her, half at his food.
She shrugs. “Yeah. But I felt like eating now, and you looked lonely.”
He blinks. Not what he’d expected. He takes another huge bite of food to avoid replying. She doesn’t seem to mind, and keeps eating as if nothing had happened. In between bites, she tells him about the ship she’s working on at the moment, and how she can’t get the parts to fix it the way she wants, but how she and Rey are figuring it out. He nods and eats his own food. He finishes before she does, but for some reason, he sits there and watches as she finishes hers. He blames his mother’s etiquette lessons.
She finishes talking and clears the food off her plate. When she’s done, she stands and smiles down at him. “It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow?”
He stares at her, then unsticks his throat. “Yeah. Sure.”
She nods and smiles again, only a little nervous, then takes her tray away to be washed. He watches her go, still confused as to what exactly just happened.
He unfolds himself from the bench and picks up his tray to follow her. He wonders if she’ll actually be back tomorrow.
Maybe his mother was onto something after all.
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gaycey-sketchit · 3 years ago
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(Gary anon) I saw that and almost put that in the last ask just for absurd that was, a**** is not something one brings up lightly. (And words like that are losing meaning being tossed around so arbitrarily) But yeah, I can't tell if this or the Suicune capture caused the bigger controversial fandom response to Journeys so far. It's ironic Alain is the center of yet another one of these, and sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if more people jump on Leon. (It is a kid-oriented anime, but it's also)
.
(Part 2) (bringing back characters people grew up with. I understand the worries how they'll get treated, Dawn's is still being criticized) As I said, I don't think Alain was brought back just to be only fodder, even if the Charizard vs Charizard could have been a bit longer. He has history with Steven and Ash, and they're battling each other. Alain also is a Mega user and Ash has a Mega Lucario. He could be the final key to help Ash beat that Charizard, and in a way, it avenges him.
(Part 3) (Also, just as I predicted: He and Paul get after-stories before Gary. Curse you, anipoke. /j) Plus he was the only main rival to have the same exact goal as Ash at one point, it was either keep it [and keep using him as a rival] or change it so he can written off, but can still reoccur without expecting to oppose Ash; like other rivals. (At least it feels like he got some of his old traits back without regressing his development, and him being a researcher does not negate him from)
(Part 4) (still being an active traveler nor lacking in battle prowess. Alain and Kukui existing opened his horizons; who have thought he'd be fighting legendaries? Much less, catch one?) After Paul, I think the Gym Leader angle is dead. Doesn't mean he still can't visit Viridian though. (I'm sure they will, I think each battle until the finals will be at least an episode long, plenty to do for 3v3s and for them to each be unique)
(Part 5) Hopefully they get to keep their radio show or have it go out in a bang. Lately I'm been thinking it'll be the reason we could see more old characters show up.
Yeah, it's frustrating when something so serious gets tossed around casually like that. Especially when it's something you've been through and you have to see people make light of it like that. (Thankfully, the responses on my TL were a resounding "hey that's a fucked up comparison to make.")
But anyway, yeah, that battle sure caused a stir. People have already been accusing Leon of "plot armor" like he isn't canonically the strongest trainer in the world.
Yeah, true, but I just... wish people wouldn't get so heated about it. And if they hate it so much, like... Journeys is almost over so just take a break and see if they prefer the next season. This fandom makes it difficult to enjoy anything because every time literally anything happens it's another wave of negativity from some people. I'm so tired.
Yeah, there's a good chance he's going to stick around for something later. The point of that battle was to show just how powerful Leon is.
Alas.
Yeah! The only way to conclude their rivalry was to put them on different paths, and like... out of all the Blue incarnations, he's apparently the one with the most positive relationship with his grandfather, so following in his grandfather's footsteps actually makes sense for him.
Yeah, Journeys has done good things for Gary. Traveling with a lofty goal, meeting legendaries without it ending in trauma a third time and actually catching one? Love that for him. Love that his first onscreen capture was Regidrago of all things. (On a side-note, it is wild to me that he has been a character in Pokeani since the very first episode, 25 years ago, and his first onscreen capture happened just a couple weeks ago.)
Yeah, I'm fine with that too. I'm honestly pleased with what he's got going on. He's come into his own and seems a lot happier than he's been in the past.
I'm optimistic about it! Very excited for Ash vs Steven.
Yeah, would love to see the TRio's radio show continue into the next series, or at least have a strong conclusion. That could be a way to bring in other past characters, yeah! IIRC there was an implied reference to Cilan at the end of the episode their radio show started in?
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