#I think they should open up an orphanage together

[igneousiguana202]

SXF CHAPTER 108 SPOILERS!

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WE ARE SO BACK!!

Two months without an episode but it’s ok because endo cooked 🙏

Ive been trying to find out what the cards mean in these positions but everything is contradicting everything I’m gonna cry 😭Here’s what I’m going with-

Past: Ace of cups. You were going through a period of new beginnings and emotional fulfillment. In terms of relationships, there was a time of blossoming romance and deep connections formed

((probably a reference to the last time anya and Damian were together, in chapter 96))

Present: Four of Cups reversed. You are beginning to appreciate the opportunities around you. In terms of relationships, this card represents a renewal of interest and commitment in which both partners work towards happiness and fulfillment.

((Not sure abt this one. Sy-on boy’s as thunders as ever))

Near future: Three of swords, reversed. Represents the easing of pain and the beginning of the healing process— a period of rejuvenation approaches. In terms of relationships, it represents potential for reconciliation and healing of wounds, a period of understanding and forgiveness and bonding

((please endo please give my babies a break 🙏))

Advice: Three of wands: you are advised to expand your horizons and be open to new possibilities. Atm you may be stuck or limited

((Could be referring to how she can’t advance with plan A while on a break from school, or that she should take a different approach to plan B/the B plan))

other’s heart: death reversed. ( the closest thing I could find for this was “how someone sees you”). This person sees you as something that pushes them from their comfort zone. They feel stuck and resist steps towards positive change. They’re frozen by fear instead of motivated by love, and they see you as a sign of negative emotion patterns. it’s up to you whether that changes.

((This does kinda sum up Damian. Tsundere raised to believe he is above the rest, suppressing his feElings for anya bc he thinks he’ll be looked down on and that he’s too far above her in terms of status))

Asker’s mind: 10 of pentacles reversed. This card means you’ve lost sight of the big picture and are too hyper-focused on something. May signify you’ve recently gone thru a challenging time and feel a lack of security

((Yeah this fits. Anya is starting to get quite centered around succeeding at plan B so loid won’t send her back to the orphanage, it’s almost like she subconsciously doesn’t trust him when it comes to taking care of her. Which I guess is fair— after all he is still quite a mission-driven spy, and anya probably gained some trust issues from the lab))

Final: The Star. (Melinda said this card is reversed but cards are actually supposed to be read in the POV of the person who the reading is about so I think that’s just her blundering it.) this card indicates a time of healing and inspiration

((But like Mel brought up, maaybe it’s saying Anya’s gonna get another Stella? :D))

Shoutout to www.sibyltarot.com for practically all these meanings

[krazieka2]

Assassins!! They’re friends!!!!

[97linelover]

don´t treat me like a baby - Kim Mingyu

18+ / mdi

summary: Being the only Daughter in the Choi Family made you Precious. What if your Dad hires Kim Mingyu as your Bodyguard.

And what if you develop a huge crush on him?

content: Bodyguard Mingyu x Rich Reader, angst, fluff, love, fight, both are stupid and stubborn.

wc: 3.6 k

a/n: I saw this picture and I need to write a Bodyguard Gyu FF. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

You lived in a world where wealth was normal, where the rich people made fun of the poor, and where the poor did not have anything to say.

You hated this lifestyle; you worked as a volunteer in an orphanage; and you donated to many different things.  But carrying the name Choi was your biggest burden; everywhere you went, you were always the daughter of. 

You loved your family; they gave you everything they could, but sometimes you just wanted to be normal. 

"Y/N?" Your father's voice echoed through your office. "Yes, Dad?" You got up, your heels clicking against the marble floor. 

"I want you to meet someone," he said, opening the door, followed by an unknown man. You smiled politely. "Y/N, this is Kim Mingyu, Mingyu; this is my beautiful daughter." The man shook your hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Choi," he said politely. 

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Kim," you answered while sitting back down. "So what owes me the pleasure?" You leaned your head on your hand. 

"Mr. Ko won't be guarding you anymore since his Wife just gave birth, so from now on he will be your bodyguard," your dad said with a stern voice. "He will have a spare bedroom in the house so that he is never that far away." You looked at the handsome guard and nodded. 

"Alright, when does he start?" You crossed your legs, and you saw how his gaze fell onto your legs. 

"Right now, I talked to him about the important things, and he is ready." Your dad nodded at him and left the room. 

"I will wait in front of your office, Ms. Choi," he said again. "Alright, I'll be meeting Deborah for dinner today at 8.". 

"Noted, I'll tell your driver." With that, he left the room.  You watched him, and you then sighed. 

This was also normal—a security guard following you everywhere you go. 

-

"Wait, so Mr. Sexy here is going to be by your side 24/7? Lucky you" Deborah groaned while taking a sip of her Martini. 

"Deb's, stop drooling over my guard," You playfully slapped her arm. "Let's talk about the upcoming collection for my store, please," you pouted. 

"Do you have any locations in mind for your store?" She asked while looking through the design folder, "No, not yet. I'm currently doing the men's collection, and I need to find the models." You sipped on your daiquiri. "Mingyu, are you hungry or thirsty?" Deborah asked him with a flirty smile. 

"Thank you, Ms. Johnson, but no, I already ate," he said, smiling and bowing. 

"God, he is too handsome," she muttered, and you rolled your eyes. "Back to business, please." 

You two discussed some things, and you got lost with the track of time. "Ms. Choi, it's past midnight; I think we should head back home; you need to be in the office pretty early." He kindly took the documents, and you got up. "Thank you." You smiled at him, but he remained unfazed. 

"I'll show you the room," you said to him, and he nodded, following you. He tried his best not to look at your body, but the way your hips were swinging and your legs were glowing made it harder than he thought. 

"You can make yourself feel at home; you can eat everything in the fridge, and you can use everything in this house," you said as you opened the door.  "I'm really thankful for you here," you smiled, "and I really hope you will call me Y/N from now on; we will spend too much time together." He chuckled slightly at that. 

"Alright, Y/N, goodnight," he said as he walked inside the room. "Goodnight, Mingyu," and with that, you walked away into your bedroom. 

-

The next two months were basically the same: you went to work, then out for dinner, and then back home.  Mingyu was always by your side, and you two could actually talk right now; he was actually pretty funny. 

But you knew why he was here, that this was work, and that he was just doing his work. During this time, you developed a little crush.  He was completely your type, and you wanted him, but for the sake of your sanity, you quickly discarded that thought. 

"Y/N, your next model cancelled," Mingyu said while walking into the studio where you were standing and looking at the photos. "What? No," you whined. "He was supposed to be my center," you groaned. 

"Mingyu," you gasped, and his eyes widened. "No," he said sternly, and you smirked. "Please, Gyuuu, no one will see them," you pouted. "I only need a vision," you pleaded. 

"Alright, but we will do it quick," he muttered, and you cheered. "Okay, undress yourself, Mr. Kim," you giggled, and he rolled his eyes. He took off his button up, and you watched every move he made. His tanned muscles, now on full display, were better than imagined. 

"Okay, now put this on." You helped him. Your finger tips were tracing along his skin. Mingyu looked away so that he did not need to look at you. "I think you could easily work as a model." You giggled, which made him chuckle. "You think so?" 

You tied a knot and nodded. "Freaking beautiful," you whispered, and he looked down at you. You both were so close, your lips nearly touching. You felt his hot, minty breath against your lips, and your eyes fluttered close. 

"So, um, should we take the pictures?" He pushed you away, and you let out a small whine. "Sorry," he whispered, and you blushed.

Kim Mingyu was the first man to deny your kiss. 

You quickly grabbed the camera and snapped some pictures, and this is no lie, but there was not a single failed shot; he was insanely beautiful. 

"Are we done?" He asked while scratching his neck, and you nodded. "Yes, sorry, you can change. I'll wait outside." You hurried out of the room and groaned.

Luckily for you, Mingyu did not utter a word about what had happened. 

Inside the car, your brother called you "Hey Cheol." You said happily, "Hi Y/N, I have some bad news.. dad and me can't make it to the store opening." You were not surprised.  "Oh, alright, I did not expect you two anyway," you muttered, and before your brother could say anything, you ended the call. 

You leaned your head against the window, and you felt some tears rolling down your cheek. "You don't need them for the opening, Y/N," Mingyu said softly. "No one will be there, Mingyu; I'm alone. I'm always alone," you sobbed. "I will be there," he whispered. "Because it's your job," you cried out. 

Mingyu could not say anything at that, and you scoffed slightly. You were alone. 

And when he parked the car, you rushed into your bedroom, just locking yourself inside the room.

And when the opening came, you were dressed in the most stunning dark red dress; your hair was perfectly made, and your skin was glowing. You looked like a dream come true, and Mingyu knew it as soon as you entered the building.

You had given him the day off, but he wanted to see you. He wanted to keep you company on this important day. He was standing in the corner, dressed in a black suit with a red tie that matched your dress. You had gifted him the tie when he began because you told him it was the perfect color for him. 

He hated ties, but for you, he wore them. 

And while you were standing on the stage, your body was illuminated by the lights. He felt like screaming; he felt like the world was yours. 

He wanted you, but he could not have you. 

When you spotted him in the crowd, your heart felt like it was bursting, and a smile appeared on your face. 

He smiled slightly, and when the crowd cheered for you, he walked through the hallway, finding an empty room where he could calm down for a second. He looked out  of the window when he heard the door open and then high heels. 

"I thought I gave you the day off." Your soft voice made him turn around. "I told you I would be there," he said, and you smiled. "You missed me already, huh?" You took some steps towards him, and he really tried to control himself. 

"I'm just a man that sticks to his word," he smirked, and your freshly manicured nails landed on his chest. 

"Well, that's right, Mr. Kim, always so good for me," you said seductively, and he bit his lip. You were dangerous; he knew it the moment he saw you in that office.

"Y/N," he breathed, and you wasted no time kissing him. The kiss escalated pretty quickly. He turned you both around, lifting you against the wall. A whimper escaped you, and he pushed his bulge against your core, kissing along your neck. "Oh god," you moaned, and all of a sudden he let you down. 

"Fuck," he whispered, and you looked confused at him. You were breathing heavily. "Mingyu," you said, taking his hand, and he quickly pulled it away. "This should not have happened, Y/N," he said while wiping his face. "Don't say that," you pleaded.

"Fuck Y/N, this was a freaking mistake," he groaned, and you felt the tears sting your eyes. "Don't say that; I felt the desperation in this kiss," You tried walking towards him. 

"Maybe you're delusional, Y/N, but this was nothing," he said, looking at you. His warm, brown eyes were dull. You laughed slightly. "Mingyu, don't say that." 

"God damn, Y/N, you're nothing like me; this is not okay. I'm working for you; fuck, I don't want you," he said, raising his voice. "You're lying, trying to push me away," you whispered. 

"You're a spoiled little girl; I'm straight from the bronx; while you powder your nose, I'm fighting for the right things; I could never want you," he said with so much honesty that you choked out a sob. 

"Don't say that; you know how I am," you pleaded. "You know that I'm not like them, Mingyu.". 

He shrugged. "This is bullshit; do you really think that I want you?" He took a deep breath. "I'm not interested in a pathetic little girl who needs a bodyguard." With that, you rushed past him. 

"From now on, you will only see me in the office, and when I'm leaving the house, I will no longer talk with you unless it's important or work-related. So please do me a favor; don't treat me like a fucking baby when I'm more of a woman than you'll ever have." With that, you rushed back down. 

The next morning, you were dressed in a beige suit, and the black high heels made Mingyu look up. "Ready to go?" he asked while taking the car keys.

You grabbed some fruits and walked straight past him. He opened the car, and you got inside, typing away on your phone. A giggle escaped you, and you felt him glancing over. "I need to go to the warehouse," you uttered, and he nodded. "But you have the appointment later.". 

"Yeah, I know," you said, looking back down at your phone. 

The next few weeks were horrific for Mingyu; you became another person—the person he claimed you were. 

You acted like a snob; you treated him like a fool, and Mingyu was tired of it; he felt like screaming at you. 

Tonight, he was relieved when you just walked into your bedroom; he knew he could just lay down and sleep some more. But when he heard the front door slam shut, he jumped up and ran down, seeing you drive away with your Mercedes. 

He groaned, hurriedly took some keys, and got inside the car. There was no way he was going to find you in Seoul, but he drove around either way. He called you a thousand times, but you never picked up. 

God damn, he was pissed. 

He then remembered that you gave him access to your location, so he opened his phone, seeing that you were out partying. 

Within 10 minutes, he was standing behind you and saying, "Mr. Sexy is here, and he's looking pissed." Deborah yelled over the music, and your eyes widened as she turned around. Mingyu was walking towards you. "Get in the car." He stated, his eyes dark. "No." You walked past him. "Y/N, I'm not kidding. Get in the car right now." His voice was deep, and you sighed. "Fuck you." You spat, and he chuckled. "If you don't want to be treated like a baby, don't act like one.". 

"You're a fucking asshole," you muttered, and you rushed out of the club with him behind you. You got in the car, locking the door and driving off. 

You could see him driving behind you, and you slammed your fist against the steering wheel. 

When you entered the house, Mingyu groaned, "Why the fuck did you leave?" He was furious, and you turned around. "I don't need a fucking babysitter, so go back to the room and leave me alone." You took your heels off, and he came dangerously close.

"Don't act like a spoiled brat, just because you can't handle my opinion," he said, lifting your chin. "I don't care about your stupid opinion, Mingyu," and you slapped his hand away. 

"You do, otherwise you would not act like this," he chuckled deeply. "But you know, this attitude of yours should be punished," his body pressed against yours. 

"Mingyu," you whispered, and he lifted you up. "You wanted this, right? You wanted to push me until I fucking gave in." The way he carried you with such ease made you dizzy.

"You don't get to treat me like a baby," you said while sighing. "Baby, I will treat you just right tonight." He opened the bedroom door and laid you down, his buff frame hovering over you. "Now open your pretty legs, baby," he rasped, and you quickly obeyed.

He pulled his shirt over his head, exposing his beautiful tan body, while he kissed your legs.  He wasted no time eating you out like a starved man; the way he circled his tongue around your swollen bud made you scream out in joy. 

He brought you over the edge once, and now his goal was a second; his fingers were pumping in and out of you. "Come on, baby, give me another one," he whispered while placing a kiss along your leg. 

"Mingyu god," you whimpered, and he smirked, feeling your legs shake. "Yes, there it is," His thumb circled around your nub, and your fists clawed into the bedding, feeling the second high of the night. 

You were breathing heavily, and he just smirked. "Are you able to take my cock?" he asked while getting up, and you nodded. "Please, Gyu," you pouted, and he chuckled. He took his pants off, and you were groaning at the sight in front of you. 

His dick was beautiful; it was standing tall and proud. Pre-cum was leaking from his shaft. "Condom?" he asked while pumping his dick a few times. "Oh yes, wait." You got up with shaky legs and wobbled into the bathroom, grabbing the box. 

Mingyu put it on and then hovered over you. When he glided into you, his eyes squeezed shut, and he groaned, "God, you feel so good.". 

He buried his head in the crook of your neck and placed some kisses there. He held you close while thrusting deep inside you. Your fingernails clawed into his back, and you were a whimpering mess. "I'm close," you moaned, and he felt you clench around him. 

"Me too, baby," His thrusts became sloppier. "Come on, baby, milk me dry," he groaned, and you kissed him. You kissed him through your orgasm, and it felt so good; no one ever made you feel like he did. 

He laid down next to you, and you closed your eyes. "You're actually so goodhow I imagined you to be," you whined, and he let out a laugh. "Wow, what a compliment!" He pulled you on to his chest, and you both fell asleep like that.

It was the best sleep you had for a long time, and when the morning came, you woke up with a smile on your face. You turned around when you saw that he was not there anymore. You got up, putting on your bathrobe. 

The walk to his room made you feel nervous, and you knew why, When you opened the door, Mingyu's stuff was gone; there was no trace of him. 

You laughed to yourself and got inside your room, getting ready for work. 

The way to your office was different; there was no Mingyu who made sure you were safe, no one who gave you some coffee and some fruit.  You knew he left because of what happened last night. 

"Y/N?" The voice of your brother snapped you out of your daze. 

"Cheollie," you smile while getting up, "what brings you here?" You grinned slightly, and he sighed. "Mr. Kim has quit, as you may have noticed; he said he could not work with you anymore, and he left immediately after."

Hearing the words made you realize how Mingyu must think about you—maybe he was right and maybe you were spoiled. Maybe, after all, you were unlovable. 

"Soonyoung will be back tomorrow," he said, and you nodded. "Will you excuse me for a moment, Cheol?" You looked down.

"What happened with him, Y/N?" He looked at you with concern written all over his face. "I fell in love with him, Cheol." You felt a single tear rolling down your cheek.

"Oh, Y/N," he sighed, and you tried to smile again. "It's alright, I know it; it's always the same; they use me, and then they dump me," you shrugged, and he pulled you close. "Mingyu seemed pretty shaken up when he left," Seungcheol muttered. 

"I don't care," you whispered, and he sighed. "You're so good, Y/N. Don't let this get to your head.". 

He kissed your head softly, and you nodded. 

Your brother truly was the best, but with him being away most of the time, your relationship suffered. 

With Soonyoung as your guard, you had one of your friends back by your side. Soonyoung was funny and cool to chill with. Mingyu had left over three weeks ago, and you started to forget about him. At least you tried. 

"Soonyoung, I'm going to run to the store real quick," you announced. "Wait, I'll join." He slipped on some shoes, and you walked down the street to grab some snacks. You were graving some hot sweet potatoes. 

"But you know what I meant, Soo," you giggled while running behind him, trying to catch him. "I know you love me, Y/N," he wiggled his eyebrows, and you laughed out. "You wish,"  you came to a halt. "Soo wait," you gulped when you saw him standing in front of your door. 

"HEY, WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Soonyoung yelled, and Mingyu lifted his hands. "I just want to talk with her," he said, and Soonyoung looked at you. "Is that him'?" You nodded and walked towards him. "Soo, will you let us alone for a moment?" He smiled softly at you and said, "Call me if you need me." He went inside the house, and you turned towards him. 

"What do you want?" You crossed your arms. "I wanna explain," he whispered, and you shrugged. "I don't wanna hear it, Mingyu; you made it clear." Mingyu's heart felt heavy. "Y/N, please let me explain." 

You took a step back. "Mingyu, we come from two different worlds; you made it pretty clear. I don't want you here right now. You think of me as a spoiled girl; fine, then I'll act like one.  You used me for your fun, and then you left," you chuckled. "Maybe I should've paid for that act, huh?" 

Mingyu grabbed your arm and pulled you close. "Can you maybe just shut the fuck up?" he whispered, and you looked at him. "I fell in love with you; I left because I fucking fell for you," he said, frustrated. 

"Your dad made it clear that if I touch you, he will talk bad about me; he will make sure that I'll never get another job. I knew the moment you laid in my arms fast asleep, I was fucked." You gasped at his words. "I quit because I thought that we could maybe then be happy," he whispered. "I needed to sort out some shit, and now I am here."

"You're shitting me, right?" You laughed out loud, and he shook his head. "I'm dead serious; I'm in love with you." He cupped your cheek. "So please let me love you." You smiled brightly at him and pulled him down so you could kiss him. Your lips moved in sync, and your heart felt like it would burst at any moment now. 

"Are you sure you want to spend time with a spoiled brat?" You asked, grinning, "More than sure, baby," and he kissed you again.

If you enjoyed it, leave a comment :)

[thiccpersonality]

Heaven Help Me: I Had To Leave My Children Home Alone For Work, And I Hope That When I Return I Have A Home (and Children) To Come Back To

If anyone were to ask Bruce or Batman how much he adored his kids, he probably wouldn't answer you-but! Some certain superheroes (looking at you Superman and Supergirl) would be able to hear the shift of the usually calm heart beat at the question, maybe even be able to smell the contentment and love that radiates off of Bruce at the simple thought of his chaotic children. Should he learn to actually answer the question honestly without fear of seeming weak? Most definitely. But if you were to tell the Big Ol' Bat™ that, you know what he'd tell you? Shut up.

Anywho, this isn't about Bruce's deep rooted emotional issues, this is about how much he loves and cares for his kids. How much he wants to see them happy, content-and most importantly-alive.

Anyone that has come to know Bruce well enough might tell him that the last part is a little over dramatic. They'd roll their eyes at his antics and tell him to, "just calm down. You're only leaving for work, they'll be fine." But that is the issue, he has to leave his kids home alone...you know? Together. In the Manor-did Bruce mention he's leaving them ALONE yet? Because he has to leave them alone without any adult supervision. And Bruce does NOT care that Richard is twenty-five years old, he knows that he'll be too lenient on Tim's coffee intake and Damian-oh, God! He will probably try and introduce his poor baby to the-in Dick's words-"the wonders of sugar!"

Bruce shivers violently at the thought of coming back to his home-scratch that, he is worried he won't have a home (or children) to come back to.

"Maybe I don't have to leave, Alfred. I have people that can do my job for me." Bruce stands in front of the mirror just in front of the entrance door, smoothing his perfectly combed hair back in a show of how distressed leaving his kids is making him. Alfred (bless his dear heart) just smiles patiently and ever so kindly at his son through the mirror, grabbing the car key after making sure all of Bruce's suitcases are accounted for. "But you have been planning this event for awhile, Bruce. You have been so excited to open up the new orphanages and learning centers, why the worry now? You know young Master Richard can be trusted with his siblings."

Bruce turns around to face his father, his posture a bit more relaxed compared to before, leave it to Alfred to know what to say. "You're right...maybe I-"

Before Alfred can make any sarcastic comment about always being right, the little moment between father and son is ruined by the sound of Damian stomping down the steps and peaking over the railing with a pout a glare. "Father! Are you departing so soon without me? I have packed my things! So I should be ready to partake in this adventure with you."

Bruce can only stare in surprise as Damian rushes down the rest of the steps, his suitcase thumping against the wood as he drags the too big thing behind him, his little socked feet shuffling against the floor until he is proudly standing in front of Bruce, his big green eyes sparkling in anticipation as he looks up to his father. The sound that escapes Bruce can only be accurately described as the air being punched out of him, he can't handle Damian when he gets like this...so the only solution obviously is-"We can bring him. I don't think they'll mind an extra Wayne attending the opening."

Damian nods and reaches for his shoes, a curse escaping him as a pillow is very precisely thrown at his hands, forcing him to drop his shoes.

"Hold it right there, kid. Dad said that we ALL had to stay here and that I, Richard John Grayson, would be allowed to watch my adorable little siblings. Isn't that right, B?" Bruce freezes at the stares he receives from his eldest and youngest child, he can't exactly go back on his word to Richard now...Heaven knows the young man will be crushed if Bruce changes his mind and takes Damian with him, plus, the boy does have school to attend.

"I...did say that, yes." The man gives a defeated sigh and looks down at Damian with the best reassuring smile he can muster, it's kind of hard when he doesn't want to leave his kids alone either, "I'm sorry, Dami. Maybe next time you can come with me, okay? For now, you listen to your older brothers-" Bruce pauses at Jason's cackling coming from the kitchen at those words-"Listen to Dick, okay? And no unnecessary arguments with Tim." Damian's shoulders slump in defeat, his eyes only widening under the instructions to-to listen to Richard-ha! "But father, who will be aiding you on this mission of yours? All due respect to Pennyworth...but he is not as young as he once was."

What does Damian mean by adventure and mission? Bruce is only traveling to officially open up a couple orphanages and education centers in Haiti and a couple other places.

"Damian, what do you mean by that?"

Jason makes an appearance in the kitchen entrance, a tub of ice cream tucked in-between his arms like a baby. "Pipsqueak here thinks your giving a secret code for a mission you have somewhere. I tried to tell him that you are genuinely just traveling for work, but he just cursed me in Arabic and then said something about me being a snake and speaking my native tongue: lies."

Bruce looks back down at Damian with a humored look in his eyes, "I'm going to work out some things abroad. I have been working on some nice things for some very good people, Damian. Batman's work isn't just at night, you know? It's helping the people be able to live easier day-to-day too." Damian manages to slump even more, tugging his suitcase close to himself while muttering, "Then can I go quickly pack my regular clothes? I can still come." The young boy shouts at Richard picking him up and holding tightly onto him, the older stubbornly keeping his grip firm despite the struggle while he turns to give Bruce a dazzling smile.

"You go have fun with those other kids! I know-ow! No biting, Damian! I know how much you enjoy children and I'm sure they'll appreciate your dedication to their health and education. I promise not to burn anything down while you and Alfie are away!"

Bruce was feeling reassured up until Dick mentioned not burning anything down...now all he'll be imagining is his kids trapped in this maze of a home screaming as its burning down. But before he can say anything about it, Alfred honks the car horn loudly thrice, signaling to Bruce that he shouldn't keep his personal pilots waiting any longer, so, with a sigh and a slightly worried look in his eyes, Bruce bends down to kiss Damian on his cheek goodbye. Smiling fondly at the eager look he receives from Richard when sitting back up and also placing a loving kiss on his eldest son's face as well, he quickly walks over to Jason and surprises him with a kiss as well, causing the nineteen-year-old to blush and sputter.

As Bruce turns to find Tim, the boy suddenly appears behind him, his eyes glued onto his tablet while tilting his face slightly to the side so Bruce can access his cheek.

After giving all four a kiss, Bruce feels he can finally leave...well, not without shouting rules and safety measures while slowly inching his way towards the car. The man finally leaving after Alfred honks at him again. Richard holds Damian up with an arm wrapped around his chest, letting the boy dangle while he waves at the car goodbye, sighing and shaking his head fondly when he can't see the car anymore. "B sure is something, isn't he?"

Damian crosses his arms and huffs: "By something, do you mean a traitor? I thought he loved me...I wanted to go with him."

Richard coos at Damian, quickly apologizing to the younger when he tries biting at him again for the babying. "Okay, okay...I get it! I made a list of fun things we can do together! I thought this could be a chance for us to bond more now that Bruce is away and we usually end up agreeing to surround him like a flock anyway. This time can be for just us as brothers and-yes, Jason?" The older teen lowers his hand after his name is called, "Do any of the things on your list include bank robbery?"

Richard is taken aback by the question, "You remember that I'm also a cop? Why are you asking me that? I'm supposed to uphold the law."

Jason scoffs and shrugs, "Supposed to doesn't mean you are. I'm just asking to see what our list of things are-oh, oh! Or maybe we can set fire to a gang's hideout I've been eyeing recently, they've been giving me a lot of shit lately and I don't appreciate it." Richard nods politely while sitting himself and Damian down on the couch, "Yeah...I appreciate your enthusiasm, Jay. But I don't think doing a crime is exactly the best way to have fun." Damian looks up at his eldest brother questioningly for the response, "I hate to agree with Todd...but that does sound very enjoyable. Who doesn't like fire?"

"Right? See. Baby Bird gets it." Jason says proudly.

Richard looks horrified, a scenario of him and his brothers stuck in a holding cell until Bruce is called back being all he needs to shake his head quickly in refusal. "Nope! I'm going to have to keep my eyes on you two. We aren't committing arson and we aren't robbing a bank of innocent peoples money."

Tim sniffles and looks up from his tablet, "The bank robs us. Who knows how they use our hard earned money? I say we rob them back!" Damian and Jason shout in agreement, the second eldest mentioning going to grab his mask but is quickly interrupted by Richard telling him to get his ass back on the couch-"Get your ass back on the couch! Have you three always been this...this insane? I think I'm beginning to see how Bruce feels." Jason snorts, "Yeah. You're ruining my fun already, old man." A gasp escapes from Richard's lips at the unnecessarily cruel words, he is not old!

"I know how to have fun! I told you I made a list of things to do that are fun AND keep us out of harms way until dad comes back so we don't have to care about it anymore."

Damian rolls his eyes, "Fine then. Let's read this list of yours." The boy reaches for the paper and automatically sighs at the things written down on it, "Really? Play hide and seek, make popcorn and watch movies, go on a shopping spree, go to an amusement park, tell scary stories-" Damian stops there and waves the list around-"What are we, five and out on a campout? This list is so juvenile, so immature and childish and I..." The look on Richard's face makes Damian trail off for a moment, the man looks so pitiful and hopeful at the same time. "I think...it sounds just fine all things considered. Father...father did tell me to listen to you."

Richard smiles big and hugs onto Damian while shouting thank you, rambling on and on about what they could add to the list, not noticing his baby brother sending threatening glares Tim-and especially-Jason's way. Dread is what the older two boys feel when Damian suddenly smiles and grabs the list from Richard's hands, an evil cackles escaping his lips as he starts writing stuff down. "You know...maybe we can enjoy this moment? I think we should add a water balloon fight to the list."

That look the younger is wearing on his face lets Jason and Tim know that from here on out, this means war.

(If anyone that reads this also has read my Damian Gremlin Wayne and His Even More Gremlin-esque Family, thank you first and foremost! But I know I still have other parts I need to write for that, but while sitting in bed I had this idea out of nowhere 😂. I might write them doing each of the things on the list, literally! Them doing each one until Bruce comes back home lol.

Don't blame Richard for the things on the list! He has never had siblings to start out with, let alone so many at one time XD. Though...maybe I'm biased? Cause those are things I'd have fun doing with my own siblings 😂. We literally put on a puppet show when the electricity went out once and were entertained, and in my happy/crack BatFam universe, Richard is the sibling that has silly little ideas like that (and makes it fun! Thank you very much.) I might also show the kids going a bit insane while Bruce is away, cause I know I'm not the only one that feels restless when my parents are gone for a certain amount of time....right? 😭😭😭

And please don't ask me why I title my stories in such a way, cause I don't have a proper answer for that other than I find it funny 😂. Also, I wish I had the money to commission a picture of the BatBoys (actually in civilian persona) in a holding cell with another picture of Bruce looking a mix of tired, stressed and worried as he gets a call that they have to head home already XD. I can hear Bruce now, "Alfred! Tell the pilot to turn around! The boys are in jail already!"

I love talking to y'all too much, these notes are always longer than expected or needed XD. But I appreciate you all for stopping by, and don't be scared to leave me a comment (you don't have to though. Stopping by to read is enough!) No matter what it is! As you can tell by these notes, I have no issue with speaking 😂, anywho! You darlings please stay safe, happy, healthy and of course lovely as always. 💛)

[lostinforestbound]

This is an exploration of Rolan, Cal, and Lia 's past together and how they met. I have read plenty of headcannons and fics that have already explored this topic (the ones I've read are so creative!) and I wanted to do my own little spin on it!

Cal & Lia & Rolan

Unlovable

An unwanted, despised child wanders Elturel one of the worst storms the city has ever seen, looking for scraps to survive the night.

Word Count: 3.1k (AO3)

Relevant Tags: Child Abuse (Only shown in the beginning), Trauma Responses, Sickfic, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with Happy Ending

A pitiful tiefling child is dragged by his hair, wailing as a woman kicks the front doors of the orphanage open. She tosses the young boy out into the middle of the storm, and he falls into a large, muddy puddle in the streets of Elturel. The rain hits his back harshly as he struggles to get up on his hands and knees.

“Don’t you ever come back to this place.” He hears the woman spit, and he tearfully looks up at her with golden eyes from his place at the bottom of the stairs. “This is no place for you, devil spawn. When you came to us originally, I bit my tongue in the name of our God; I thought we could shape you into something instead of what you are. Now you bite the hand that feeds you. A conniving, thieving, spoiled brat is what you are!”

She reaches for the handles on the doors, hatred in her eyes as she stares him down. “Leave, we will be more at peace without you to burden us.”

He weeps as the doors slam, wanting to plead with her; he didn’t steal anything, he never touched anything he wasn’t supposed to, and he was framed by an older child that resided further down the hall, but his voice has never worked ever since he was left here. The caretakers tried everything to make him speak; prayers, beatings, and starvation were all they resorted to, but none of those worked. It only made him silent. Even with how cruelly he was treated, he crawls up the stairs, trying not to slip on the wet stone, and frantically knocks on the doors.

His cries are left unheard or willfully ignored.

Body shaking violently with his sobs, the cold sinks deep in his bones as the rain mixes with the tears running down his face. He’s resorted to scratching at the wooden doors with his nails, but they’ve been blunted by the worshipers here. Cut down until they bled so they looked more humanoid.

Less devilish.

Please let him stay.

He yells out another cry when a loud clap of thunder hits, covering his sensitive ears from the sound. It hurts so much, the little ice needles called raindrops piercing his skin repeatedly without mercy.

To the happiness of those inside the orphanage and temple, he finally runs away.

No one would give him a second glance, and he never felt so isolated.

Pathetic.

Unwanted.

Abandoned.

His legs shake with every step after he stops running, whether from the cold or the terror that sunk into his bones. He’s directionless, not recognizing the street he's on and unsure how long he ran for. What did he do wrong? Should he have fought the caretakers less? Should he have gotten along with the other children more? Should he have been better behaved?

Is there something wrong with him?

As more lightning strikes, he picks up his pace again. A couple of small houses still have candle lights burning in their interiors, but he’s too fearful to go knocking. Who would want an orphan in their home? A tiefling orphan, no less? And on top of that, one that’s too scared to talk? Would they throw him out again?

He feels his stomach is being clawed at, hunger overcoming his senses. They were already punishing him for insolence by not feeding him, but thinking he stole something from the altar was the final straw in the haystack. He did not think caretakers could look at him so disgustingly.

Waterlogged by the rain, he finds a small house with their candles still lit, trailing over to the trash they left. It’s by the front door, the worst place for him to hide, but if he doesn't eat something soon he might collapse here.

He sneakily opens the wicker basket and looks inside, trying to find scraps. A loose crust of bread, old meat, bad fruit, anything he could find sustenance in. Anything that can tie him over for the night.

But there is nothing. Only broken glass from what looks to be a shattered plate, stray strings of yarn, and old needles that have long rusted.

His eyes start stinging again, knowing that luck will never be on his side. It’s the only trash he sees out here in this street, everywhere else is now too dense to peek through. He doesn’t even hear the door open, he only feels the waft of warmth from the inside-

The door is open.

He trembles again, not just from the cold, but dread. He can’t will himself to run away. Maybe he’ll be shown some mercy if he gets on his knees to beg, wordlessly hoping the punishment wouldn't hurt him too badly.

“Hello?” A feminine voice calls out cautiously, opening the door fully as the light hits his skin.

He quickly looks up at the figure, petrified.

She’s beautiful. The light gives him a better view of her orange skin and darker orange eyes. She’s wearing a white night dress, loose fitting with frills at the end of the sleeves. Her short black hair is a mess as if she got out of bed rapidly.

A Tiefling, most importantly.

He stares at her in a childlike wonder, surprised by the warmth he feels just by seeing her soft, sleepy eyes.

“Oh my goodness, you poor thing. Come in, now.” She states, gently but urgently pulling him inside.

Tugging him along to the interior of the small home, the tiefling woman sits him down in an old chair and puts a heavy blanket over his shoulders. “Sit tight- Cal, Lia, what have I said about staring?”

“It’s very rude…”

“Very good Cal.” She says softly, mirth and honey in her voice.

He didn’t even notice that there were other people around. They sounded young, like some of the other kids in the home. Their voice is sweet, the one that spoke. Innocent.

Quiet steps quickly approaching, she comes back with a towel, kneeling in front of him and carefully wiping his face. He leans into the towel's softness, enjoying the texture and lightly starting to purr. “Gods above, what happened to you sweetheart?” She asks as she takes one of his hands, looking down at his blunted nails in horror.

Opening his mouth, he tries to speak, but nothing comes out. What would he even say? His teeth chatter violently, threatening to crack the incisors that adorn his mouth.

“You’re freezing. Cal, Lia, please find some of the old clothes in the closet. He’s soaked to the bone and we need to get him dry.”

He hears the tinier tieflings run off somewhere, the woman carefully pulling him up and leading him into a bedroom. It’s small but comfortable. The orphanage was cramped and he had to share a bunk bed. He always took the top one, since it would be easier to hide himself when he was higher up. When he was out of sight, he was out of mind.

The other children arrive with a clothing pile, and while he can’t look them in the eye, he sees the amount of clothes they bring as they threaten to fall onto the floor.

That makes the woman giggle, a sweet sound that relaxes him even while he shivers. “Thank you. Now, sweetheart-“ She starts, gently tilting the boy’s chin to face her. “Do you have a name?”

He glances at her, dumbfounded. Yes, he does have a name, but it feels as though his throat is closing.

She gives him a sad smile, moving her hand away. “How about you change into some dry clothes? Come out whenever you’re ready.”

Getting up, she leads the other two children back out the door with hands on their backs.

”Mom, why won’t he talk?” The taller of the little ones question.

“Hush, Lia.” She whispers, closing the door behind her after they leave.

Silently looking around the room, he spots a portrait hanging high on the opposite end of the bed, easy to see even while laying down. It’s the woman, but she looks much younger, and there’s a man next to her. Red of skin with similar black horns, but they were cuffed in some kind of jewelry. Ceremonial, perhaps? They seem so sweet, holding each other’s hands like it was their whole world.

They’re in love. He hasn't seen the man around, though.

He snaps out of his trance, starting to peel off his wet clothes. The shirt snags on his horns, and it rips the side open while trying to yank it off.

Damn it all, the only shirt that he owned is now ruined. How could he fix this? The caretakers never taught him how to sew like the other children. They didn't let him participate at all, usually. It was too delicate, they said; his claws would tear the cloth and he would ruin it, like how he ruins everything else.

He ignores the tears stinging the corners of his eyes, focusing on putting on the new clothes. They’re big on him, clearly meant for an adult, but it’s dry. Kicking off his shoes mostly in frustration, he now looks at the door that leads back out.

Does he leave now? Is he allowed to?

Feet tiptoeing to the door, a shaky hand reaches out for the handle and opens it. He winces when the hinges creak so loudly, and he starts to shake again. Should he hide under the bed? Will they be angry about the noise?

No one seems to come after a few minutes, but he thinks that might be worse. Maybe they’re waiting for him to show his pathetic face.

But he smells something wonderful coming from what he thinks is the kitchen.

And gods, he’s so hungry.

He makes himself walk over to the area, the warmth of the room and the smell of chicken overwhelming his senses. The other children are sitting at the small table, waiting patiently with empty bowls as the woman, their mother, stirs her pot.

Her ear twitches, and she looks over with another soft smile. “Ah, there you are. Please sit, I’ll get you a bowl once this is ready.”

Wordlessly, he trails over to sit down on one of the available chairs, wrapping his own tail around himself. He doesn’t want it to get stepped on like it did in the orphanage.

”So, why were you out in the rain??” The girl asks suddenly, startling him. “It’s cold! And I heard that the storm was getting very dangerous.”

She looks like the man in the portrait, he notices. Red skin, longer black horns. She is staring at him expectantly, but he’s very distracted by the decor of the house. It’s colorful compared to the orphanage, with pots of flowers settled on tables including the one they’re sitting at. There are loose pieces of fabric, with a wayward needle and thread fastened in between so it wouldn’t disappear.

”Hello???” She calls to him.

”Lia.” The woman warns, turning her head and giving the child a stern look.

”But mom-“

”If he doesn’t want to speak, we will not force him. Leave him be.”

Lia pouts, puffing her cheeks slightly but doesn’t speak to him again.

He’s never been defended like that, before.

The fire stops suddenly, and their mother brings out a larger spoon. “Come here Cal, you first.”

Cal excitedly hops out of his chair with his bowl, tail swishing behind him rapidly as he trots over. Lia does the same after him, happily taking their bowls back to the table once they’re filled up. They take no time at all to start eating, even with how hot the soup is.

The woman sets a bigger bowl in front of him, filled with the same thing. “Eat as much as you’d like. There’s plenty.”

He looks at the contents, seeing the steam rise up and disappear in the air. It’s hot against his face, and he sees all the ingredients through the thick broth. Chicken, peppers, onions, and probably some spices too.

He shouldn’t be allowed to eat, he’s done nothing to help in the kitchen.

The other two finish way before he ever could, but he didn’t even touch the food. Thankfully, they don’t comment and run off to go play in another room.

He doesn’t hear their mother approach, so he jolts when he sees her kneeling beside his chair. “Are you alright, sweet pea?”

Fear washes over him fairly quickly, thinking she’s angry. He can’t get his tongue to work, even now. He wants to apologize for being rude, for not eating, for daring to enter this home, for everything.

For existing.

She gently cups his face, a look of concern as she searches for something in his expression. “Honey, you’re not in trouble. Not at all. I want to make sure you’re okay; please, eat.”

No one has ever been this kind before. No one has ever looked at him so lovingly.

Mom.

He starts to weep, ears twitching down and tail falling limp as his vision goes blurry. He can’t see her expression anymore through the tears he’s been keeping in ever since dinner started. That’s when she gathers him up into her arms, holding him as he gets on the floor with her.

She coos at him and lets him cry in her arms, holding him closer to her chest. “Shh, cry all you need. You’re okay.”

His sobbing grows louder and more desperate, as if he was grief-stricken. He cries and cries, but that never deters her one bit. She gently rocks with him, hand scratching at his scalp as she whispers comforting words.

When he finally calms, she takes out a handkerchief and wipes his face clean from the tears and snot. “Do you think you can eat, honey?”

He weakly nods, sniffling.

She easily lifts him up back onto the chair, pushing the bowl closer to him, and he finally takes a spoonful of soup into his mouth. He forgot how starved he was and ate up eagerly. It takes another two bowls before he’s satisfied.

He gets led back to the bedroom he was originally in, and she has him sit on the bed. “Get some sleep, okay? Don’t worry about anything, I want you to rest.”

He carefully lays down on the bed, doing what he’s told. The mattress is large and surprisingly soft, so he easily gets under the blankets. He wished the blanket was heavier, but he knows not to ask for anything.

The woman smooths his hair back with a smile. “If you ever need anything, I’m here. Feel free to come get me or call out when you want to talk, okay?”

He watches her leave the room afterward, exhaustion setting deep into his bones. Eyes growing heavy, he finally decides he wants to rest.

Hot. He’s burning. His skin is overly sensitive, and the drag of fabric along his skin is borderline painful. He tries to wake up, but can’t force his eyes open.

A muffled voice reaches his ears before he can panic. “You have a fever, dear. I will take care of you. And sweethearts, stay away from him. I don’t want you getting sick.”

”Yes, Mama.”

He’s in and out of consciousness constantly; sometimes hearing muffled voices, sometimes falling into a dreamless, uncomfortable sleep.

Sometimes he cries when woken up, part of him hoping he never wakes at all. But she wants him to drink water, so he will obediently. Maybe then, she’ll let him stay here. He’ll be good.

He promises to be good.

Please let him stay.

When he feels himself start to get better, he finds himself gathered in her arms as she gently hums a tune for him. He chastises himself internally when he feels the sting of tears in his eyes; is he so pathetic that he would cry over being comforted? Being loved so dearly?

“Darling, I can’t let you go back out into the storm. It’s too dangerous. Stay here.” She murmurs, thumbing his bony shoulder. “I’ll keep you well fed. I have more than enough to feed another mouth.”

He nods a little too frantically, hand crumpling the sleeve of her dress.

“Good. Let me go get something for you, okay?”

He reluctantly lets her go and patiently waits as she walks away. The rain hasn’t let up at all, still beating on the windows harshly as the cold tries to seep into the room.

The floorboards creak with her return, holding a blue shirt and brown trousers. “I made you some clothes. I noticed you only had one pair with you, so I made you another.”

She puts it in his hands as he looks it over, and he runs his fingers over the material.

It’s soft. Softer than anything he was ever given.

”Try it on whenever you’d like. Would you like some lunch? I’m making some steak and eggs.”

He nods a little, and she smiles as she leads him to the kitchen once again. Cal and Lia are already there, and super excited about his presence.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better! Did you like the blanket? It was one of my favorites when I was small!” Lia exclaims happily.

She doesn’t seem deterred at all by his lack of response.

“It’s the best one!”

“I like that one too. Is it still soft?” Cal asks, looking up at him. When he nods, Cal smiles more, and he idly notices the small boy is missing a missing tooth.

”Settle down children, the steaks are almost ready. Ah, how do you like your eggs darling?”

He stares at her with a confused look, and she gives a small frown as she tries to think of an example that he would understand.

“Me and Cal like ours scrambled! Mom, maybe he’ll like scrambled??”

“That’s the safe option, I suppose,” She giggles, going to a different pan where the eggs are being cooked. “I enjoy sunny side up. It's where you only cook the underside and leave the yolk on top untouched.”

He remembers a visual he saw in a picture book. Is that sunny side up?

”Ah, I suppose I should ask this question. What would you like to be called for now? Sweetheart? Darling?” She asks, looking back at him.

These nicknames are something he’s not used to. The people who ran that hellhole he stayed in usually called him ‘boy’ with such disdain he could crumble onto the floor. They stopped at nothing to make sure he felt like disappearing. That he was a disappointment to them; but that place was all he had.

Maybe this place is different, and he can be cherished. This woman never once made him feel like he was a burden, even when he thought himself to be.

Maybe he can be safe here.

Maybe he can be loved.

“Rolan.” He finally responds to her.

She looks at him with wide eyes before the brightest smile appears on her face, warm as the sunrise.

Lia squeals as she quickly stands on her chair. “Mom! He talked!”

[dellalyra]

Hey,i saw your reqs are open! So if i may, can i request for gojo with a fem s/o who i as strong as him but no one knows that since she hides that from EVERYONE. (Maybe she thinks shes alone with a curse and she is toying with a special grade curse and easily kills it, and gojo accidentally sees that and is like.... You're stronger than you let ppl know?)

Thats it and i hope u have a great day!!

Family Formation - Part Nine

Summary: Satoru discovers the extent of readers cursed technique.

CW: fluff, canon typical violence, mentions of mythology, fluff, fluff, teen satoru and reader (17/18), the elders (angry face)

A/N: this was SUCH A FUN REQUEST I love reading about powerful readers so this was a lot of fun to write, I wrote it this was bc I also felt I needed to explore their dynamic pre-relationship and also Y/N’s cursed technique before I get to other *ahemshibuyaahem* parts of the story. thank u all so much for all the love and support :) <3

Recommended Listening:

Brutal - Olivia Rodrigo (reader’s fight)

The Fruits - Paris Paloma (the explanation)

The Tradition - Halsey (the backstory)

Won’t Bite - Doja Cat (the ending)

The sunlight reached its peak, reflecting off Satoru’s bright white hair. Geto was bored and taking a ‘rest’ day and Shoko… well, she threw a water bottle at home when he even approached her room. That left you, he needed someone to hang out with, something to do because all of this hanging around was going to drive him even nuts than he already was. He text Shoko, asking where you were since you two were joined at the hip usually and you weren’t answering your phone. She replied telling him you’d been sent on a mission alone that morning – some abandoned orphanage down by the Shinjuku district. The next line nearly made the man’s eyes pop out of his head – a semi-grade one? Alone? You were only in second grade and the same age as him. Only a 1st year. Sure, you could hold your own in a fight but – this seemed like a reckless match.

Pulling on his sneakers and bomber jacket (not wearing his uniform felt weird) he Googles Shinjuku Abandoned Orphanage and finds an article about one being shut down 3 years ago due to the children speaking of ‘witnessing paranormal activity’, it had been closed due to the terrible publicity surrounding it. He rang for a driver and pointed him in the right direction.

A 20-minute ride was filled with Satoru thinking about how he should have been sent on this mission – not you, he was the strongest sorcerer alive after all. He kept telling himself the gnawing feeling in his gut was excitement for a fight – not worry, he wasn’t worrying about you. No, not. Why would he?

He could hear Suguru’s voice in his head from their last mission together.

“Bro, you love her. Just accept it, my guy. It’s clear she’s into you too.”

The car pulls up and Satoru unfolds himself from the back seat and waves the driver off. The building in front of him is surrounded by barbed wire fences, it’s been vacant for a long time if the boarded-up windows set in the building’s imposing front are anything to go by. He could sense a strong cursed energy, definitely a semi-grade one – along with something else, something stronger. Something far more ancient and far more powerful. It was familiar but different.

He had to find you.

He pinpointed the location where both energies were – third story, east wing, 5 doors down the corridor. He raced his way down thinking about how he’d love to practice his techniques warping abilities so he could quit all this running around. Maybe someday in the future, he’ll be able to just *poof* into a room. He was surely gonna do that to annoy Shoko.

He slowed down, nearing the room as he heard a familiar laugh coming from the room.

He knew that laugh, it always made his heart skip a beat – but why were you laughing now?

You were meant to be in danger. Not that he was hoping to be your knight in shining armour so he could see that shiny look of adoration in your eyes – no, that’s ludicrous.

The door was hanging off its hinges and nothing could have prepared him for what he saw inside the room.

You.

Y/N.

But – different.

You stood, your stature still miniature in comparison to his lanky, boyish frame but you seemed so much larger now, your presence was pulsating through the room – overwhelming to anyone but him.

Your feet were bare on the concrete floor and you seemed to almost hop around your prey, your tiny little hands, nails usually painted a pretty pale green – we’re still pale green but not your nails, no – claws were protruding out of your dainty little hands. He could see from here they were as sharp as any cursed knife. Your hair, seemed longer and wait, were those… vines? Vines and leaves seemed to grow from your head as naturally as the hair itself, mingling with the pretty cascade of your hair down your spine. Your eyes he so often couldn’t take his own off were alight and you were talking, and when you opened those pretty lips that he flirted with you about how much he’d like to taste your lip gloss – leaving you to tell him to save his flirts for someone he was into (both of you were so oblivious to the obvious feelings that you held for each other that Shoko and Suguru might cry if it went on any longer), he saw two sharp as needle fangs, pearly white on your pillowy lips.

You were completely and utterly ethereal.

What shocked him – was the mess in the middle of the room. A grotesque mess of a curse – horrifyingly long, spindly limbs attached to a body that was just stretched mottled skin over bones – the whole body covered in beady eyes, almost insect-like. The creature had no discernible head, just those torturous limbs. He’d seen worse things before.

He had seen your techniques, you could do things like to make a wall of thorns to deflect curses - he’d seen you summon whips of vines to lash at and bind a curse, he’d even seen you seemingly have a chat with a ladybug one day. And of course, your marksmanship with your cursed longbow was unrivalled, sniping shots that seemed impossible. He knew you were a very capable sorcerer, the most intelligent he knew in the school (even beyond Nanami). Your love for books helped that too.

What shocked him was what you had done. It looked like the very earth was cooperating with your every whim, grasses and vines and tree branches had broken their way through the floor and were caging the fighting curses limbs as they grew weaker and weaker against your onslaught. There was a beam coming through the ceiling, moonlight? At 2 pm? It seemed to sear and burn the curse in licking flames as it shot down onto it before returning to the shape of a small, silvery orb and absorbing itself into your palm.

“You lay here, waiting each day for night to fall, didn’t you? To prey on these children, to torture their little minds with fears and terrors – to be the monster under their bed. The children who were already scarred and frightened – but you knew that, and you loved it, didn’t you? Oh, you loved the feeling of drinking up the screams of those innocent children – and do you know what that makes you? It makes you a monster. Funnily enough, my family were taught and raised for one destiny, but me especially, I was born with ancient rage, and I was born with the strength for one thing – to kill monsters, just like you.”

And with that, you notched an arrow into your bow and muttered something under your breath.

“You won’t harm anyone anymore. Sleep well.” And with a smile, the arrow tip glowed a soft gold and flew threw the air into the restricted body of the curse who was quickly engulfed in a golden light as it screamed and fell, returning to the ground as nothing but dust.

“Nurture the earth now, do some good for the world.” You whisper, low enough that Satoru could barely hear. How you still manage to keep your heart so soft will always amaze him.

Satoru’s phone dropped from his hand, and you spin, notching another arrow into your bow and aiming directly at his head.

You gasp when you realise who’s here.

“Gojo, what are you doing here? How long have you been there?” You ask, lowering your weapon.

“Y/N. What the fuck. YOU HAVE CLAWS.” His jaw was hanging open, hardly believable image of what he’d seen.

That ancient energy wasn’t another curse, you hadn’t been in danger – you had been the danger.

You sigh. Gojo would have found out sooner or later, guess it was sooner. A part of you was worried about what he’d seen, would he think it ugly? Would he think you cursed? This boy – you had accepted your feelings but even though you thought (idiot) he’d never love you back, you didn’t want him to think any less of you.

Well, no escaping this conversation now.

“Wanna grab boba? I’m done here so, we can grab some on the way back to school. I’m guessing you have some questions.”

Uncharacteristically quiet, he just nods.

You walk ahead, slinging your bow on your back and taking out your phone. He sees you dial Yaga’s number.

“Hey, yeah it’s all done. Just as we thought.” You say, and he hears the deep rumble of his sensei’s voice through the speaker.

“Yeah thing is, I’ve had an unexpected visitor. Seems someone thought I might not be able to do it alone so showed up at the end. Yeah, I have it handled. Yup, exactly who you think. Yaga! Stop! I’ll see you later.”

You hang up the phone, just as you reach your favourite boba shop.

“Drinks are on you, Satoru – you gatecrashed my mission.” You smirk.

“Hardly gatecrashed if I turned up and feared for the safety of my pretty face!” The shock had worn off now and he was just in awe and desperate to hear what the fuck he witnessed.

He ordered you both your usual orders and sat across from you at a secluded table outside. You notice the dewy drop of sugary tea on his lip, his skin glistening under the golden sun. God. How can someone be that beautiful, surely it’s illegal?

“So sugar - you’ve been hiding something from your dearest darling best friends, haven’t you?” He looks at you with eyebrows raised.

“Not my choice. It’s a complicated situation. Yaga thought it best to keep it under wraps until I’m 18.”

“I hear ya – but the question still stands: keep what under wraps? Here was me coming to my princess’s rescue,” your cheeks flushed at his (what you thought) casual flirting.

“It’s a long story – you sure you’ve got nothing better to be doing, Mr Honoured One, no ladies to dazzle with those pretty eyes of yours?” You laugh, slurping up a brown sugar Pearl.

“Oh I’ll always have enough time for you, sugar, plus – am I not dazzling a pretty girl now?” You both giggle it off, unaware that he’s being serious and that you were dazzled by him long before today.

There’s a beat of silence.

“My family’s inherited technique. The elders think it’s long extinct but I was born with it. Legend says my family is descended from dryads, forest spirits, you’ve known that nature is the root, no pun intended, of my technique since the start but – it goes a bit deeper. I’m listed as grade two, but only because the elders don’t know the truth. I’m meant to hide everything until I’m 18, so only 5 months left to go anyway. The elders will throw a bitch fit when they find out. Your ancestor La and mine worked together, and when I was born my mother and grandmother chose to keep the technique hidden until I was legally an adult and could make my own informed choices about whether or not I wanted to stay part of the jujutsu world. The elders… don’t take kindly to my family. We’re kind of considered outcasts, like the Inumaki clan.” You say, taking a breather to sip your drink.

“Why? Your mom is so nice” He adds in.

“Ah well, my family, we’re very much a matriarchal family. The women have typically done everything in their power to fight the elders on their idiocy. Given that they’re old, sexist men – this didn’t go down well. So we’ve typically been hounded by them. Then, I was born. Not only the heir to my clan but a woman which ancient cursed abilities. Our family has always scared them, but I’m their worst nightmare trifecta. I made a deal with my family, I’d keep it secret until I’m 18, then I’m free to do as I wish..” You added, smiling, because in truth – being the bane of the elders’ lives was a source of pride.

“So they hid it until you can make your own choices, and take the helm of the clan leader at 18?” He asks.

“Yeah, my mom just wants a quiet life. She’s travelling the world writing of jujutsu sorcery and my grandma is holding the fort. We’re not quite the Gojo’s, Zen’in’s or Kamo’s – but we’re a very old sorcery family, so we’ve influence enough.”

“Y/N. You know you’re not grade two, right?” He asks, dead serious.

“I know, Gojo. I’m special grade. Yaga is a friend of my uncle’s so he agreed to keep it all quiet.” You finish up your drink.

“Gojo – what I’ve told you, only Yaga knows. This stays between us, okay?” He nods and crosses his heart.

“And don’t worry, you’re still the strongest. I’m just good backup.” He giggle, swinging your bag over your shoulder and motioning for him to follow.

“You say that part of your technique is ancient? And thought extinct? Which part? Now you’ve told me I wanna see everything.”

You look back and forth between the streets, and you find an empty alley.

You stop.

He stops.

“Snow leopards are your favourite animal, right?” You ask and he wonders why his heart skips a beat at you remember such a silly detail.

He cocks an eyebrow and agrees.

“I’d tell you to close your eyes, but it won’t do much good.” And with that, a flash a golden light encompasses you and instead of the oh so pretty girl he loves seeing in front of him is a snowy white, fluffy, golden eyed leopard.

And in a flash, you’re back in front of him.

“I can’t do it for long. It’s still really taxing to do and zaps my cursed energy.” You say, gripping his elbow and making your way back to the main road.

“Y/N. I hope you know. That might have been the coolest thing ever. Oh! Can you do like a little mouse so I can just hide you and carry you around in my pocket all day and give you cheese and –” his enthusiasm is cut off by your loud laughter.

“Maybe when I’m stronger Satoru, then I’ll stay with you all the time and you won’t have to follow me to my missions when you’re bored.” You’d text the driver to pick you both up.

“Hey! I was worried! I didn’t know you were some freaky nature fairy when I left did I? !” He grins, and god he looks so handsome in the late afternoon light.

You swat his arm.

“You’re one to talk Mr. I have nearly the same number of eyes as a spider.” And with that he tosses your much smaller form over his shoulder.

“Hey – you might be cool but I’m still the strongest and right now, it’s time for me to demonstrate that.” You half heartedly thump at his back as you laugh at him to put you down.

The car pulls up, a curious gaze from the driver who is thoroughly confused by why you’re over Gojo’s shoulder.

He tosses you into the backseat of the car.

“That’s for keeping secrets from your bestest friends ever.” He flicks your forehead, buckling your belt.

You just roll your eyes.

The drive back home is filled with idle chatter, but Gojo can’t stop thinking about how goddamn fucking perfect you are. You’ve always been strong, kind, beautiful, sexy, funny but god the feral determination he saw in you today shook him to his very core. You say your goodbyes as you head to shower and sleep, but your phone buzzes that night – with a terribly photoshopped picture of your face on a mouse, captioned – ‘btw- ur technique, it’s really beautiful Y/N, I’m really hpy I saw you like that, and thx for telling me, u nd ur secret r safe w me ’. You can’t fight the smile on your face, a weight lifted off your shoulder now that the boy you love knows everything about you – well, except that one secret. The one that you’re hopelessly in love with him.

Maybe some day.

TAGLIST: @vesta-ro @lilithlunas @mialexandruh @sassy-cat-in-town @madam-ri @cjm-cookiethief

Requests open <3

[lovewithkarma]

Can u do parent figure flags with a child reader who has a similar backstory to "My Eyes Deceive" (rblx game btw and plantonic yandere)

My child

Tw: yandere, major mention of SA

The flags were on a mission , apparently there was this guy who got involved with the port mafia. The flags were told that "He stolen some of my antidote's and other medicine" by Mori.

Iceman was able to find out where he lived just by spying on him for less then a day. He got the flags all together and went to the man's house. Iceman was holding a cigarette while chūya kicked down the door.

They heard a man rushing from the basement. He basically ran to them, tripping his on two feet. He felt the eyes of 6 men on him, next moment there was screaming and crying...

Iceman was returning from the car, he locked the trunk so the man couldn't get out

While doc was looking for the medicine he saw the basement door trying to go up. The door was on the floor so Doc kneel down tempted to see what's inside. Right as he was about to open it -he saw a little pair of hands trying to open the basement door.

Pianoman was overlooking doc shoulder. He saw the little hands and was confused. Did he really have a child? Pianoman walked to doc an kneel down.

"Doc, did you just see what I just saw?"

"A child hands? Yeah"

By then all of them flags were around the basement door. Pianoman slowly open the door to see a little child trying to lift the door open.

"What are you doing little one?"

The flags were surprised by seeing a child.  pianoman lift you up and put you close too the flags.

" Dear? Are you alright? "

You seemed to be sensitive to the light as you put your hands over your eyes. That or you were crying.

"What do we do? We can't exactly leave her?"

Chūya Said looking at pianoman.

"Im not sure."

In the end the flags decided on a  plan to take you, clean you up and take you to a orphanage .

Pianoman told albatross to let you wear his sunglasses because of how sensitive you are to the light. As soon as he put his sunglasses on you -you looked confused. Not knowing what to do.

Pianoman lift you up and took you to the car. Pianoman had to calm you down as you cried and cried.

He made it too the car with you crying a little less.

----

Doc was in his office. He was done with checking if you were okay. What he found was horrifying . He then turn to you

"(Name) did your father ever..."

Doc mumbled under his breath

" how could i explain this to a child.. Maybe if gave them a paper..."

Doc handed you a paper of human body parts,asking you to show where your father touch you . When you pointed at the places his face went cold.

" I'll be back"

---

Doc, pianoman and Iceman were talking about what to do with (reader)

Iceman took his cigarette and raised it near his lips

" It's none of my business whenever they goes or stays "

" hm, I think we should let them stay for a bit longer before sending them to the orphanage"

Pianoman looked at doc

" So tell me, how was their exam? "

"It was going good at first, they seemed to be really timid and sensitive to light. However at the end I found something rather.. Disgusting"

Iceman and pianoman both found look at doc

" We found DNA in them "

"Oh, you don't mean-"

"I do. That man who we kidnapped is a child rapist"

" well what do we do now? We can't exactly keep them"

" No but we can keep them till their safe"

-

(Name) has been in the port mafia medical care for days now. Even though they have gotten better (physically ) doc didn't send them out. He claim (name) needed to stay for longer and him being the Port Mafia's Medical Supervisor Doctor medical nobody question him.

It wasn't like you couldn't just lay in peace while albatross was talking non stop to you. You laid there as he talked for hours without end.

At least doc was always there to help, whenever you glance at doc he was quick to kick albatross out.

" Leave the kid alone would ya "

Iceman did come from time to time, he would always bring a gift with him too. Coloring books and anything that didn't cause a mess. He would just be there sitting on the seat as you played.

" ... "

Lippmann was the same as albatross but way more calm. He was always talking about his new shows

" So (name) I got a offer as a -"

Pianoman always had a smile on his face, with a gift too. Usually a homemade one that was beautiful. He was skilled with his hands from what you could tell.

" dear I brought something I made just for you "

While you liked all of the gifts, you wanted to leave. You slowly got up and gently pulled his coat.

" when could I leave?"

"When your back to Heath (name)"

Doc said with a smile

" but I feel perfectly healthy"

" your medical reports doesn't say the same now get back to your bed before I make you take icky medicine"

" awh "

--

While days passed it had almost been a month since you were took by the flags. You wanted to be free and you were sick of the "hospital" so one night you sneak out of the room. All you saw was red walls with beautiful designs. You heard some noises coming from a room.

" We can't let them leave , do you know what doc found out what their father does to them!"

"Yeah, well their father isn't exactly with us right now. But I agree I mean what if they do the same in the orphanage "

" See? Even Lippmann agrees"

"Albatross, you're yelling-"

Pianoman stop his sentence as he heard glass breaking. Pianoman open the door then Everyone went quiet.

"Hello (name)"

[digenerate-trash]

hey its the anon who had the scenario i wanted to ask about. Ok so what if PC managed to skip town. Like ok let me break it down. PC when they got this deal was at the police station for their crimes and was about to be sent to prison and they were just thinking about how their life managed to lead up to this point. And they start crying you know cause they didnt want to steal but they had to to get enough money for robin and themself. And now because of Baileys stupid demands they are now being sent to prison for their crimes. But then the guard opened up their waiting cell thing and this woman came in offering a job. One that according to her needed the expertise of someone like them. When PC asks if the job includes them being a criminal the woman just laughs and says the job isnt anything like that. Its a job that helps people. Helps people that are in the sex trafficking ring get out and live life again. And that they needed someone that is good at gettibg away wihtout leaving evidence and has fighting skills in them. The woman offers PC a place to live as well and a ticket to leave this town should they choose to accept. So of course PC accepts it.

Now the thing is PC doesnt tell anyone this. Not even Robin and especially not Bailey. They know Bailey wouldnt want to let go of his best moneymaker and it would just break poor Robins heart if PC told him they were skipping town. So they simply plan to escape the orphanage duribg midnight and meet the woman at pub street at the train station. The only people that knows PC would be leaving is Jordan and Leighton. Jordan because PC is a temple initiate so of course they have to tell him should they be leaving town permanently. Leighton so he could write in his records that PC would be transferribg to another school. 

And the plan succeeds. PC managed to successfully escape town without any of the yanderes foiling their plan! So how do the YAN DOL cast react? I know the School Li would know of this from their teachers telling them PC transferred. Who would find out first besides the people I have already mentioned? Would they try to get to PC or just wait in Rapechester?

Wow ok so that was a doozy. Would love to see your thoughts on this tho! Take care of yourself and have a nice day.

(I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean to take this long promie. I was out of it and everything got away from me)

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Whitney 

Absolutely ruined, he's got no clue why you'd leave him high and dry like this especially after he claimed you as his. He's not having a good time and he's fucking sick of not having you around anymore. As soon as school is over he's hunting you down with nothing but brass knuckles and spite. 

You escaped and that's not how things work around here. You should know that. He's made sure to drill it into your thick skull and yet you left without so much as a goodbye. He's tracking you down and dragging you home. Not to the orphanage. You are staying with him. 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Robin

He absolutely can't handle it himself he's crying every day and can't eat or sleep or handle himself at all. He calls around he can't find you. He wants things to work out but he can't see it happening. Robin is trying his best to keep it together but he becomes a terrible shut-in. would probably die in the orphanage alone. 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Kylar

Coming after you no exceptions. He's looking through everything he's going through hospital records school records he's digging through baileys stuff and intimidating students. The man is hysterical and panicking. He packs up a bag and promises his parents he'll be back soon before he hits the road. When he does finally track you down he's so happy to see you he's crying. You haven't changed a bit! That's what hell insists on before he knocks you out and drags you back to his home. Youre never getting out of the basement now. (he took your legs)

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Sydney

Pure Sydney is regretfully relieved. Though sad. You were too tempting. You were a lot to handle and he's thankful that youre no longer distracting him and causing issues but he misses you. And he waits for you to come back. He plans on marrying you still. 

Corrupt Sydney is a bit worse. He bothers people in town about where they think you went he causes problems he tries to track you down but doesn't get very far. He's sent back to therapy by Sirris… 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Eden

Let's be fair. You never escaped Eden. He's on high alert all the time. Even if you did manage to get away from his grasp he found you first and dragged you to the cabin. He keeps you held down and in the cage every time you mention leaving. He's not great with letting things go. And he's even worse when you mention needing space. 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Avery

Avery thinks this is fine. And it is fine. Youre just an aid date after all he can always get another one. But it still bothers him. Thinking yore out there somewhere. Indulging someone else probably. He says he is okay. He thinks he is even when he drags other orphans who look exactly like you on dates. He makes them respond to your name. He chokes them when they slip up. He is much less patient with them. After a little while he pays a private investigator to find you. 

It only takes a couple of months for Avery to show up to your new job. In person. 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Black Wolf

Devastated puppy dog eyes. 

Can't handle it constantly looking for you can't even track your scent anymore. Can't even go into town. 

Blackwolf just has to wait for you back at the cave. He hopes you come back home soon

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Great Hawk

Same as black wolf but with more bird sounds. 

Has a pile of jewelry waiting for you. 

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Alex

Absolutely wrecked. He thinks he's the one whos done something wrong to drive you away. He asks around and finds out youre gone from town and no one can find you. He feels sick all the time can't even take care of the farm anymore

He doesn't track you down. He can't even think about you without feeling sick and angry with himself

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Bailey

He's tracking you down instantly. Don't get comfy in your new life because you won't be there for long. He's dragging you back home within days of your disappearance and hes pulling no punches. 

Youre chained and locked away forever now. He's never letting you go and for the next few weeks, he refuses to talk to you. He treats you terribly and can't even look at you. Pissed off that you would ever even think of leaving

•···········································•✦•···········································•

Harper

Good luck escaping this fuck :)

[crguang]

Hi!! i want to make a prompts request from your event. Its the angst one

Its Natasha x f!reader who's dying..😏

prompts #5 : "why didn't you say h-how bad it was?"

prompts #6: "am i going to die?"

The story can start by Reader follows the trailblazers to defeat cocolia..but I don't mind if you have another ideas 🤝🤝

my period came today and before writing this i started thinking about how many patients natasha must have lost and how shaky her voice was when she learned her father passed away in her companion quest. and how she thanks her patients for surviving particularly gruesome surgeries. i genuinely cried writing this and had to stop cause i couldnt see the keyboard anymore so i hope youre happy. /lh

You’re falling. The cloudy sky is a blur, the only thing you can distinguish, and harsh winter winds are in your ears deafening you to the world beyond muted grays and boring whites. Your body is weightless and your mind is in a daze, compelling you to close your eyes and succumb to the temptation of oblivion. You spend a lifetime in the air, the moment stretches until you can’t anticipate the end of it; perhaps it was mere seconds or a full minute, but the thoughts breezing past your foggy mind compose decades worth of memories. Chastising hands swatting you away, carefree laughter between closed doors, a tangle of legs and warm sheets— then it’s a faceless person waving their hand in front of your face, handing you something soft and small before stepping into your personal space. You don’t feel a thing where you assume they touched you, a peck on the cheek or a forehead against yours? Or is it meticulous fingers cupping your jaw? You look down to see a keychain-sized teddy bear. The faceless person disappears. There are smaller people, children, swarming your legs with a blank slate where their faces should be. You can’t hear a word, the wind speaks for them as they don’t have a mouth. You are cold, it hits the tip of your nose and spreads to your chest cavity. It’s unpleasant and also irritates your eyes, they flutter shut in response. Against the boundless darkness is a human frame you can’t recognize sitting at a table with something in hand. They are far from you and you have to stare hard to make out the animal plushie and colorful sewing threads. The sight is gone the next instant. You never hit the ground.

You hear an amalgamation of sounds converging together to form a senseless cacophony. Tremors run through your body and you have a fleeting thought that you might be moving, or rather that someone is moving you. You can make out no distinct voices, only a searing pain near your abdomen with every movement and your own strained groans. Time does not pass, you try to open your eyes and fail each attempt. As you’re being carried, fragments of recent events come back to you in broken order; meeting up with Seele and the Astral Express, locking your door this morning, conversing with… Your breathing is ragged and you force your muddled mind to fill in the gaps. Oleg. Conversing with Oleg in the Underworld. But you saw clouds and an unreachable sky, you can’t be in the Underworld. And if you left for the Overworld with Seele in tow, then… something important must have happened. It all hits you in the next instant. The Supreme Guardian, rescuing Bronya, the Engine of Creation— you were injured in the fight. That falling sensation must have been you getting thrown off the enormous robot. Your body jolts in a person’s arms and the pain in your stomach gets too much to bear, you slip in and out of consciousness for what feels like an eternity. 

Years of living underground where resources are scarce and people barely make enough to afford their lives have made Natasha resilient against any stressful situations that can come her way. As the leader of Wildfire, the only doctor in town and the person in charge of its largest orphanage, she can’t afford to freeze in front of daunting obstacles because that moment of hesitation might come at the price of someone’s life. She’s lost too many patients, couldn't save too many men and women whose sole crime was to be born in the Underworld. She bears every loss on her chest and does everything in her power not to add any names to that depressing list. She’s decisive and cutthroat when needs be because hundreds of lives depend on her ability to stay upright. Her expressions are practiced as to not alarm her patients or the children under her care whenever she learns disappointing news. Rattling her isn’t an easy feat and even then, she’s able to do her job long enough to save a person from immediate danger. 

Her pulse thrums in her ears, so loudly the beeping of machines and urgent orders of the Overworld hospital staff can’t penetrate past the persistent drum that seems to reverberate through every corner of her head. Her vision blurs at the edges as she looks down at her open palms with shaky breaths and sees the tremors in her fingers rendering her immobile. She’s a surgeon with trembling hands standing in a near empty hospital room, head spinning so fast she feels her heart will come out of her throat any second, and a single thought joins the racket inside her skull; she’s useless. She’s faltering, frozen in place, a doctor who can’t heal and a leader who can’t save the people she’s sworn to protect. She feels stripped away of her identity for the long moments she stares at the quiver of her fingers. Without her hands, she can’t do anything. She was too late to arrive and it was a blessing in disguise because she could not have operated or remembered her decades of medical training in front of your pale face and strained breathing. Her legs would have buckled and her hesitation would have worsened both your condition and her mental state. It’s a small comfort that gets lost in the sea of anguish entering her nose and mouth, filling her from the inside until she’s helplessly sinking beneath dark waves. Natasha is drowning. You’re laying on a bed two feet away and hopelessness chills her bones to the fingertips. 

The choked noise you make as you try to cough rips her from her defeatist state. She’s at your side in seconds, her shaky hand hovering over your limp one on the white sheets, hesitant for a moment before her palm slides under your cool skin to share some of her warmth with you. She knows it’s pointless, but she hopes her touch will at least provide you some form of comfort. Your eyes move beneath your eyelids, your brows twist, and Natasha rests her forehead against your temple as you stir awake. She softly shushes your pained moans, her fingertips lightly brushing the lines of your palm. Stray tears fall on your skin. 

Your throat is on fire, the pain in your abdomen has dulled somewhat, but you feel your strength get sapped out of you with every passing moment. You’re weaker than you were a minute ago and the world’s colors overwhelm you when your eyes sluggishly blink open. Your surroundings are unfamiliar, your mind is clouded, and it takes you too long to feel the hand in yours and the weight against your head. From the corner of your eye, you catch a glimpse of muted blue hair. Your lips part to speak and your sentence gets stuck in your dry throat. You have to swallow multiple times before you can utter anything.

“Na…”

“I’m here,” Natasha tries her hardest to keep her voice from breaking. The last thing you need is to sense her resignation. 

The lights over your head are too bright. Her reassurances are close to your ear, soft and sad. Despite your condition, you long to alleviate her worries. 

“Are… you crying?” Her reply doesn’t come and your fingers twitch to hold her hand in a loose grip. “Don’t cry…”

“Does it hurt?”

You can’t shake your head. You swallow again, voice hoarse and breathy. “Not too bad. Did—Did we win?”

Natasha raises her head to meet your eyes. The sight of her ruby irises eases something inside of you. They’re glassy, shining with unshed tears, and you hate being the cause of her pain. She’s had enough of that for a lifetime. Her free hand cups your cheek, soothingly stroking the skin under her thumb. 

“Yes. Belobog has a future now,” her small smile trembles. “You got injured. Old wounds reopened and… You were hurt before you left. Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you say h-how bad it was?”

You vaguely remember Hook sneaking into Rivet Town and getting caught by fragmentum monsters. She was lucky you saw her, there were quite a few of them, too big for her to take on her own. An icicle pierced the flesh near your ribs but you managed to finish them off and send the girl back to safety. You learned some tricks spending time in the clinic helping Natasha with easy tasks, so you decided to save her the worry and patched yourself up on your own. It didn’t look bad enough to bother her with it; she does so much in a single day, you’d never want to add to the burden she has no choice but to carry.

You think of her question and the despair attached to it. She already has the answer, no words will comfort her now. It gets harder to speak, the burning sensation in your throat is deeply uncomfortable and you have to rest your eyes because of the harsh lighting. The effort you make to breathe steadily is taking a toll on you. A strange feeling overcomes you, and like Nat, you can’t help asking what you know to be true. 

“Am I… going to die?”

Natasha turns her head away from you so you don’t see the tears wetting her cheeks. She doesn’t answer, she can’t, but it doesn’t matter. 

You strain to hold her hand more tightly and can only squeeze it for a couple seconds. “It’s okay. Nat… I saw the sky and could only think of you.”

You remember the flashes you saw as you were free falling, all moments shared with her. Her voice still rings in your mind, telling you of the sky’s colors during different hours of the day and laughing at the wonder in your eyes. You’d seen it in pictures and books, having lived underground all your life, and today was the first time you experienced it for yourself. You wish she would have been next to you.  Natasha seems to compose herself enough to face you. She leans to press a gentle kiss on your forehead and a shuddering breath leaves you. She spends the night at your bedside murmuring sweet nothings into your cheek, weighted I love you’s and soft reassurances that she’ll be okay while she strokes your hair. Her voice is the last thing you hear when your eyes close a final time and oblivion’s embrace is as warm as her loving touch in the palm of your hand.

[wonderland-smile-stories]

~ Chapter 3. 04 ~

I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes and how poorly written this fanfic is. English is not my first language and together with my dyslexia ass things can go wrong I'm sorry.

Ji-su was the first one to stand guard well the rest of us slept. Well not all of us. After what just happened with waking up like that, I wasn't in the mood to sleep or risk for another episode to happen and waking everyone up.

They all need their sleep. I'm used to a long time not sleeping.

"You should sleep," Ji-su whispers looking down at me.

"Sure and then I can scream everyone awake when it's time to get up, besides I'm used to not sleeping," I said with a fake smile on my face.

Ji-su let out a sigh knowing I wouldn't listen to her.

After a while, she spoke up again.

"Is this way you sometimes look really tired, because you don't sleep?" For a few seconds, I look into her eyes before looking down bringing my knees to my chest.

"Maybe," I mutter out, but she still hears it.

My eyes went back to her when she took a seat in front of me.

"Do you..."

She stopped for a second to think about what she would say next.

"Always wake up like that?"

I nodded my head.

"Pretty much yeah, but most of the time I end up on the floor because I trash a lot in my sleep. My neighbors really love me."

She let out a small chuckle looking away for a second before looking back at me.

"Did you always have those dreams?"

I bite the inside of my cheek shaking my head.

"It started a few months ago."

I pause for a second taking a deep breath.

"Something had happened before I moved here. I think that it's the reason I have them."

She nodded her head inspecting my face trying to see if she could see more that I was letting out.

"It's also the reason you moved countries."

I have never told her why I moved here, even Eun-yu doesn't know. It's not like they have ever asked me why, which, to be honest, I was happy with.

"Yes," I answer.

"It must be something big if you moved to a whole other continent instead of a new city."

I shrug my shoulders, putting my head on my knees.

"Something like that," I whisper out.

Ji-su could probably tell I didn't want to talk more about it because she stood up looking at her phone. I guess it was time to switch guards. I have offered to stand guard the whole night, but they said I had to sleep too.

"I lived in an orphanage my whole life with an awful woman of a caretaker who loved to beat the kids for the littlest thing, and that was one of the nicest things she did," I spoke up when she walked past me to wake up the next person.

She stopped in her tracks before turning around to me. I was looking at the wall in front of me, but I could see her in the corners of my eyes.

"When I was legally going to turn an adult in the U.S. she would have sold me off to one of her old church friends so I could become his wife. Those people from that church are just as bad as her. So you can only imagine what my life would have been if I had stayed there." It was the first time I have ever said it out loud and even I can't believe it.

"I'm sorry." I hear Ji-su mutter.

I shrug my shoulders.

"It's okay. You deserve to know as well, you're one of my best friends. I wanted you to know it for a long time, but I never knew how to say it." My vision began to get blurry because of the tears that were forming in them, but I wasn't in the mood to cry.

I could hear Ji-su opening her mouth to say something but spoke up before she could.

"Go, you need to sleep. Wake up the next person." I guess she got the hint that I didn't want to talk about it anymore because she turned waking up Hyun-su.

I listened to how they talked about Hyun-su being infected and asking each other to kill them if they fully turned. I was basically sitting at the door with my face toward the bathroom door, so Hyun-su had to stand in front of me where Ji-su stood a few seconds ago.

I was staring at the door thinking what we should do next. Should we stay here or go look for other survivors? Mr. Han has enough food for now, but with all of us here it would be gone soon.

Tomorrow we need to make a plan for what to do next. We can't just sit here waiting to die or for someone to turn into a monster.

"I'm kind of an orphan too."

I look up at Hyun-su when he mutters something.

I wasn't sure if he was saying it to me or not.

"What?" I asked confused.

He looked down at the ground not giving me one look.

"I heard you talk with Ji-su. My family died in a car crash not that long ago." I looked at him surprised.

I wouldn't have thought he would say that. Not that his family's dead, but him talking about his life and past. We only met one or two days ago. I honestly don't know anymore at this point.

He was never the one who would start a conversation, let alone talk about himself. All I know for sure was his name, that he loves gaming, and loves ramyeon. That's it. He looks more like a closed-off person, so I didn't expect this.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I said loud enough for him to hear it, but not to wake up the others.

It was silent for a second before speaking up again.

"Is that why you wanted to jump off the building?" He looked up, but his back was still facing me.

"You don't have to tell me, but I know why you would do it. Hell, even I have tried to end my life, but I guess chucking two bottles of vodka and a bottle of sleeping pills just won't do it for me. I woke up with a massive headache and stomach ache in the hospital the next day. Let's just say I was disappointed that I was still breathing after that. It's a wonder people had even found me."

I was looking at the wall again thinking about the time I first got here. I had tried to live on, but I couldn't do it. I was just so scared they would find me and I just couldn't forget everything that had happened. I managed to get my hands on the vodka and pills and I just did it without thinking more about it.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Hyun-su turn around to look at me. To my surprise, he took a seat beside me leaving some space so he could still see the door.

"I don't know anymore. There were a lot of reasons why I wanted to jump off."

I nodded my head looking at him.

"I get it. Life can be messed up. People are monsters if they want to be." I stopped speaking for a bit.

Who am I kidding?

My whole life was a mess.

"I guess it doesn't matter anymore now," I mutter out laying my head against the wall behind me.

"I guess not." I hear him whisper leaving us in total silence afterwards.

Previous Chapter ~ Next Chapter

[becauseplot]

Inktordem!! More of a plot-y fic where I toy with some fun ideas I had, less character-driven. I am. So sleepy hfjdks.

Spoilers through early OPC episodes. (Probably through 1-ish, or 3-ish.)

DAY 7 — NEVE

Dante saw the dusting of frost crystals along the bottom frame of his window this morning, but getting hit with a blast of icy air when Ivete opens the front door is a whole other feeling entirely.

“Goddamn!” she exclaims. “They weren’t kidding when they said ‘cold snap’.”

Arthur sighs. “And not even any snow to show for it.”

“Shame,” Dante remarks, pulling his coat a little tighter around himself. His usual cape is underneath it, and he’s suddenly grateful for the layers. “As fun as it would’ve been, though, it’s probably for the best.”

“Oh probably. I don’t think São Paulo is equipped to handle snow.”

“Or ice.”

“Or ice. Damn. At least we wouldn’t have to drive in that to get to base.”

“Come on, come on, keep moving,” insists Ivete. Dante hears her head down the short steps to the sidewalk. “We’ve got to shut the door to keep the heat in.”

Dante feels Arthur move forward down the stairs. He follows after, his own hand finding the railing—cold and slick with moisture, a feeble frost that dies instantly under the heat of his skin. Dante makes sure he’s got a good grip on it before he brings his white cane in front of him and heads down the steps with practiced ease. And perhaps just the slightest bit more of caution.

Ivete’s arm finds his once he’s on the sidewalk, their elbows linked. Ivete shivers a bit. “Damn the cold.”

Dante smiles a little, pulling her closer. “Got the door, Arthur?” he asks.

“Yep.” There’s a telling thunk and a jangle of keys. “All set here. Let’s go.”

“We’ll warm up a bit when we start walking,” Dante says to Ivete.

“We better.”

They get to the main thoroughfare soon enough. Dante tilts his head. He can hear…more cars than usual? It sounds busier. Not as many willing to walk in the chill, he supposes. Dante’s never been a fan of the colder months—the orphanage was “drafty” at best, and his apartment with Jasmine and Leo wasn’t much better; but when the worst of the cold is a brisk 20 minute walk and an underground base that gets a little chilly sometimes, it’s not so bad.

He can enjoy the novelty of it now, he supposes. Frost decorating the window when he woke up, bundling himself up in a coat, walking tucked a little tighter to Ivete’s side than usual as they head to base together. It’s not so bad.

~*~

“Ohhhh, hey, hey!” Dante hears Agatha spin off her chair in the back of the ritual room and come trotting over. “See, this is what I was talking about—people are posting videos about the snowfall south of here.”

“Yeah?” Arthur’s chair creaks as he leans, likely to look at Agatha’s phone. There’s the rustle of papers as he sets down his case files on the table. “Oh yeah, look at that.”

“Look, there’s one of someone nailing their friend on the back of the head with a snowball from like, twenty meters back.”

“Oh seriously?”

“Yeah! Dante, you wanna watch?”

Dante pauses his fiddling with the artifact in his hands—the arrangement of its etched sigils has some intricate pattern with the hum of the Paranormal beneath the surface of its chain links—and shrugs. “If you think I should.”

“I do, I really do think you should. It’s important.”

“Alright.” Dante opens his eyes, and the veil is parted in a swirl of imperceptible shadow, and he Sees. His head takes a second to adjust to the sudden stimuli as usual, but the shape, color, sharpness of Arthur and Agatha sitting at the table before him settles in his mind quick enough. “What am I looking at?”

“This here,” Agatha says with a grin, scooting closer so Dante can see over her shoulder. She has a different sweatshirt today, he realizes; black with a faux wool lining inside the hood. He moves his cane out of the way so he can get closer. “Look look look, it’s funny, I swear.”

They’re four silly videos into a hashtag of people dunking snow on each other’s heads when there’s a knock at the door. “Come in!” Arthur calls.

Samuel pops his head in through the door. “Morning, all. You guys busy?”

“Ehh, not really?”

“Depends on how you define busy,” Dante provides.

“You wanna watch someone get snow poured down their shirt?” Agatha asks.

“Uh, in a minute,” replies Samuel, a small laugh in his voice. He sobers a beat later: “CRIS might’ve picked up some activity, and you guys are the only ones in this early who aren’t already wrapped up in something.”

Dante feels the air in the room shift immediately. “Occultist?” he asks.

“Hard to say, but…I don’t think so?” Samuel opens the door a little wider and points towards the computer room. “I can show you guys, if you want.”

~*~

What Samuel wants to show them, apparently, is more videos from Twitter. They aren’t like the ones Agatha was showing them, though. These ones were all taken during the previous night when the snow rush hit: videos from people sitting at bedroom and living room windows, showing the wild tempest of swirling snow outside, the rattle of it against their windows, the roar of it against their walls. Porch lights were shattered, a few people lost power, and someone even lost their whole satellite dish to the winds.

And there is one video in particular showing, through a window, a strange glow from somewhere in the darkness, bright and blue-purple-orange around its edges. The person who posted it initially thought it was a broken power line, but when they checked this morning, the power line seemed intact.

“All of these posts came from the same town,” Samuel explains, a heat map of location pins pulled up onto his second monitor. “And the thing is, I’ve looked at the official reported weather patterns in the greater region, and what you see here is way more intense than what it should have been.”

“And then there was that glow,” Arthur says.

“And the ‘roaring’ sound from some of videos,” Dante adds. He looks at Arthur. “That didn’t sound like wind to me.”

Arthur considers this. “Soooo, creature causing a blizzard?”

“Could be. Or feeding off it. Either way, it’s worth checking out. Has anyone from the region been reported hurt or missing, Samuel?”

“Nnnnnot that I’ve seen…” Samuel says slowly. “There might be more in the database of the local police, but I haven’t seen anyone post about anything like that other than like, normal accidents that probably happened as a result of the sudden power outages. Nothing major.”

“We should try to keep it that way,” Arthur decides. “There’s nothing in particular we’re needed for here, so Dante and I can go check it out.” Arthur looks his way. “That is, if you’re up for dealing with some more of the cold?”

“It’s not so bad,” Dante replies. He feels his own smile somewhere in it. “When do we leave?”

[dyscanthe]

Special Halloween Party Event

Chapter 11: Surprise

This is a rough translation of the story. You may encounter minor errors on the way, please be understanding and considerate (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠) With that being said, enjoy reading!

ITALICS - Narration; BOLD ITALIC - Dialogues

While I was walking down the third floor hallway, there were jovial voices echoing from the dance lesson room. I peeked inside through the small gap of the slightly opened door.

Nac: Na~ na~ na~ na~ na~~⁠♪

Keroppi: Your voice sounds so beautiful~!

Pekkle: Nac-san is an expert at singing that's for sure!

Bellen: Yes, you could tell just from his vocal training. How amazing.

Nac: Fufufu. I appreciate your compliments.

Oh? The one over there is…

Ah…

Nac: Aruji-sama, so you have visited us.

Bellen: I see. Looks like the door was open. Did our voices leak out to the hallway?

Yeah, only a bit.

Bellen: I wonder if we disturbed everyone in the mansion.

Nac: It does appear that we were being noisy.

Why are you doing vocal training?

Pekkle: We were thinking of doing a performance for the Halloween Ball!

Performance?

Keroppi: Yup! Isn't it important to also have entertainment to liven up a party?

Pekkle: So we decided that the four of us should do a song and dance show. I happened to like singing, and I also like to dance. My special skill is tap-dancing!

That's amazing.

Keroppi: I'm also great at singing!

(They're so lively and adorable…)

Bellen: Hmm… I suppose I'm the only one to have something to fret about.

Why?

Bellen: I'm not particularly weak at singing or dancing… But to do it in front of everyone… How should I put it? It feels slightly embarrassing.

Is that so?

Bellen: I often sang and danced for fun to entertain the children in the orphanage when I was young… But now that I'm an adult… Not to mention the fact that the spectators watching will be your acquaintances is a bit…

I feel like I get what you mean.

Bellen: Sigh… It'll be reassuring if Aruji-sama is near my side.

Huh?

Bellen: Fufu ⁠♪ Aruji-sama, would you like to stand together with us on the stage?

Eeeeh!?

Keroppi: “Arujisama”, you'll be joining our performance too?

Pekkle: Great idea! It'll be a great surprise too, it'll definitely liven up the party!

Keroppi: Yup! So what kind of song should we choose~?

Pekkle: I think a fun song with lots of beats would be nice!

Bellen: I'm sorry, Aruji-sama. I involved you in this. I only said it on a whim. But it is true that I'm anxious and uneasy right now. Would you like to if you want? Please say no if you truly didn't want to. I'll explain it to Keroppi and Pekkle as much as I can.

It’s a rare chance… So I'd like to try it.

Bellen: Really?

I also have worries, so I want to have lots of practice as well.

Nac: If Aruji-sama is participating too out of their own will… Be not afraid, this Nac…! He will be your trustworthy instructor! Bellen-san too, of course… I'll be your instructor if you allow me.

Bellen: Is that so? How reliable you are. I'll be in your care, Nac-sensei!

We'll be in your care please, Nac-sensei.

Nac: S-Sensei!? A-Aruji-sama called me with the title of “sensei”... How terrific…

Pekkle: Then that means Nac-san is the leader of our team!

Keroppi: A leader and a sensei! Nice to meet you, Nac-sensei!

Pekkle: Nac-sensei!

Nac: M-My… I feel an immense pressure on my back. But please leave it to me! This Nac Stein! He'll make sure to train everyone to their utmost potential and put out the best stage!

As expected of Nac, you're so reliable.

Nac: I am Aruji-sama’s reliable butler after all. This much is obvious… Fufufu ⁠♪

[chloeriversongwrites]

[Fluff] Toriel And Female! Human Child Reader School Days

An alarm clock went off, and a small [Skin tone] hand reached for the clock and tried to find the off button, finding such a thing was a pain. “I hate alarm clocks.” A child girl sat up, her [Hair Length] [Hair Color] was messy. “[Name], I hope you’re up to my child.” A female voice said from downstairs, making the girl sigh. “Yes Mother, I’m up.” [Name] got out of bed, and her [Eye color] eyes were looking into the mirror. [Name] shook her head, walked out of her room, and headed downstairs.

The air smells like Cinnamon and butterscotch pie, which makes the teenage girl smile as she walks into the kitchen. “Morning Mom, morning Frisk.” She greets both her mother and sibling, who nod their heads. Frisk was a mute child with Brown hair, kept their eyes closed, and had a striped shirt. They only nod their heads or do sign language with their hands, which [Name]  taught them.

The goat monster was named Toriel, who had taken [Name] and Frisk in, raising them as her children. “Smells good Mom, my favorite kind of pie for breakfast.” [Name] smiles as she takes a seat next to Frisk, the two of them spend time together playing video games or watching movies together. “Thank you, my child.” Toriel watches her two children eat their breakfast, she takes a seat at the table.

Toriel had adopted [Name] after she took in Frisk, she had gone to the orphanage on the surface since the barrier had broken and all the monsters were living in peace with the humans. There were monsters and human kids who had been orphaned or dropped off by their good-for-nothing parents who didn’t want anything to do with their children. Toriel had seen a few children but [Name] had caught their attention. She had adopted [Name] and introduced her to Frisk.

The two of them got along just fine, which made her happier to see them getting along so quickly. “My children, you should get ready for school.” She giggles as the two finish eating their breakfast and go to get ready for school, getting up from her seat and picking up the dirty plates. Maybe I should give them chores to do when they don’t have something to do, hm I’ll think about some chores for them. Her eyes are closed as she cleans the plates.

[Name] came back downstairs with a skirt that covered her knees, wearing dress shoes with long socks to cover the rest of her legs. She had a white dress shirt and a black t-shirt under it, and her book bag was [Favorite Color] with [Favorite Cartoon, Anime, or Creature] on it. Her [Eye Color] wanders around the house as she waits for Frisk to come down, and a smile appears on her face. “Ready to go, Frisk?” She asked her sibling once they came downstairs.

Frisk nodded their head, having a smile on their face as they took [Name]’s hand. “We’re going to school mom, see you there.” [Name] chirped happily, holding Frisk’s hand since the two of them walked to the same school. “Alright, be careful you two,” Toriel replied from the kitchen. “We will mom, goodbye.” [Name] replied as she opened the front door with her free hand, walking out of the house with Frisk behind her.

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the birds were singing a tune. [Name] and Frisk started to walk to their school, enjoying the beautiful day on their walk. It’s so beautiful out, I’m glad that we can walk so we can stretch our legs. She ran a hand through her [Hair length] [Hair color], and her eyes were focused on their surroundings as they walked. “After school, do you want to do homework together?” She asked Frisk, who nodded their head with a smile.

After some time, the two siblings got to school on time since the bell didn’t ring yet. Frisk watches the students stand around, waiting for the bell to ring so they can walk in and get ready for a long day at school. The bell rings loudly, and students start to walk inside and go to their lockers to put their book bags in them, gather their things, and go to their home classes. [Name] and Frisk had the same classes together, which made it easy for them.

Their homeroom was with their adoptive mother, which made them happy to have their mother as a home teacher. After the late bell rang, the class started as Toriel started her lesson. Frisk was in fourth grade, and [Name] was also in the fourth grade. Their mother allows them to work together on projects and do homework together, she watches the two do their homework together as they help each other with problems they run into.

~Time Skip to the end of school~

The bell rings, which means the school has ended for both students and teachers. [Name] and Frisk went to their lockers, putting away their school books and supplies in their lockers as they grabbed their book bags. Frisk walks over to their sibling, waiting for their goat mother with her. “I’m so glad to go home, we got our homework done during class before the bell rings.” [Name] smiles at Frisk, who returned her smile.

Toriel walks over to her children, greeting them with a smile. “Hello, my children, ready to go home?” She asked. “Yes, we’re ready to go home.” Her daughter replies happily, while Frisk nods their head. “Alright you two, let’s go home.” She holds [Name]’s hand with her left hand and Frisk with her right hand, the three of them walk out of the school and head home together as a happy family would.

[emmatgc]

Wonderful World FanFic (Chapter 6)

(This is only for Seon Yul and Soo Hyun shippers, nothing more. This is my own interpretation . This is a sequel to their story. New characters were added. This will be a mini novel for most probably 10 parts. Enjoy and thank you for the few who are supporting this! This is for you who made a request ❤️)

Chapter 6: The Moon is Beautiful 

“He likes you” is on a loop on Soo Hyun’s mind a lot after that fateful night talking to her sister. Seon Yul on the other hand is feeling good. He likes seeing Soo Hyun happy or at ease. He is worried about Yoo Ra but he has always been a very private person and for him she is just a friend, nothing more. She wonders why Soo Hyun brought her up during their time together and it made him smile. Was she jealous? nah , it is impossible, he thought. 

 A lot has happened in 3 months. Soo Hyun managed to get a loan for her staff and the physicians even if those were really volunteers but with her connections, even though she rarely uses it, the orphanage is thriving under her care. It is an exclusive one but one open for an opportunity of a foster home and care if a family fit to be one will adopt a child. Their daily routine was to start their day at 8am, have breakfast at 7am and lunch at 11am and end by 5pm. It is a whole day of work and “Wonderful Smiles” just like Soo Hyun, is a work in progress and like their owner, a very good one. Soo Hyun is not always present everyday at the orphanage for her other duties as an author. She is thinking of coming back to teach in a university should her schedule allow.Seon Yul on the other hand, is present and available to the kids everyday not missing a day or an hour. The children adore him and the staff loves him. From time to time he would do conference calls and talk to his Chief Resident at the hospital. 

One day, he got a call from his best friend , Soo Jin.  “Hey, how is our prodigy doing there?. He replied, “I am just doing fine, thank you for asking”. “Any news to share with me, bro? “Ummm, Nothing that would entertain you, Soo Jin. “You always entertain me, Seon Yul”. They both laughed and shared some hospital stories while Seon Yul was gone and stories from the orphanage. Before their phone conversation ended, Soo jin told Seon Yul that Yoo Ra has been asking about him and Soo Hyun and it is exhausting to constantly reply to her that it is none of her business. “Our pretty friend might have a little crush on you, Seon Yul, better be careful” “You sound like it is a bad thing, Soo Jin”. “Well, love can make pretty girls crazy”. “I'll talk to her when I get back”. “Oh good, are you finally getting back? I was thinking you might live there and give up everything here for your lady love? “ What are you talking about? Seon Yul was puzzled but also smiling. “Seon yul, my man, you are a smart man, don’t go stupid on me now. You are there for her. You liked her, always has been. Your revenge is done and what's left? Love”.  That is impossible Soo Jin, he replied. “Is it really? Impossible? For you, two? I don’t think so but anyways, it's your life and again, I am telling you to be careful always but I also want you to be happy and I hope you are”. “Seon yul nodded and smiled, Soo Jin’s words comforted him and before they finally hung up the phone, he said “I am happy, truly”. 

Soo Hyun and Seon Yul are two people who share the same silence and experiences over the last 10 years. People are baffled why they are almost “in sync” with each other. Even the staff are surprised at how smoothly they work together and it seems that both know each other too well. There was a week when Soo Hyun got sick. Seon Yul, as the Doctor notices Soo Hyun coughing. Typical Soo Hyun just brushed it off as a normal cough until she fainted one afternoon. She had an allergic reaction to a food she had eaten in one of her book tour signing events and it is a good thing they already had a pharmacy in place inside the orphanage. Seon Yul got so worried and acted as her nurse during her recovery stage. Seon Yul realizes he doesn't want Soo Hyun getting hurt or in pain. Soo Hyun was treated at the orphanage for the 1st 2 days and her medical care continued at her house. Seon Yul wanted first hand to take good care of her. He monitored her day and night. 

Soo Hyun woke up late one night and she saw Seon Yul sleeping near her bed, his arm in her bed and his head down on it. She didn't want to wake him up but as soon as she wanted to move or attempt to go down her bed , she was surprised to hear “Don’t you dare get off your bed, Dr. Soo Hyun”. Jumping and acting a little scared, it is actually kinda dark in her room, she replied “I thought you were asleep, you scared me!” “Well, i wasn't really asleep, I was just pretending to be, besides, I know you are stubborn , stubborn enough to get off this bed and go back to work!” Seon Yul was being funny she thought but he aint smiling at all, he was serious. Soo Hyun, being the joker at times said “You sound so serious, it was just a minor thing”. 

“I don't want you getting hurt, alright? I need you to be ok, Soo Hyun”. Soo Hyun was shocked to hear him call her first name for the 1st time ever. I’m sorry, I hope it's ok to call you by your 1st name? Seon Yul was shy and nervous. “I am too old to be called by you by just my 1st name”, she replied. “I don’t care,” he replied almost instantly. Soo Hyun’s chest tightened a little bit. She got butterflies seeing how nervous Seon Yul is and hearing her name that way, is a pleasant but awkward surprise. “I am sorry for making you worry, Seon Yul. I am sorry you had to look after me. I am alright though, no need to check up on me all the time”, she reiterated to him. “Please, let me take care of you, Soo Hyun”. Soo Hyun bursted out laughing and said “are you taking care of your guardian?” He seriously replied, “You are not my guardian anymore remember” Seriously, you’ve got to take good care of yourself. You are not only allergic to some food but you are clearly exhausted. You need to rest and sleep more. I did some laboratory tests on you and it seems you haven’t gone for a regular check up for a year! Soo Hyun is smiling, is he mad at me? She asks herself. He seems so mad at the thought of her neglecting her health and so on and she can’t help it but think, this might be the feeling when somebody is worried about someone, or maybe if her son is old enough to care, if he was alive, and he will tell her this? Soo hyun and her thoughts were shut down when Seon Yul stood up and walked away from her a bit. Why is he acting this way?

“You are not listening to me”, he said. Soo Hyun is grateful , but she is confused as to why Seon Yul is acting so worried and weird at the same time. Seon Yul, Thank you, she replied. “I am listening but I guess I am also still on a high from the painkillers you gave me”. They both smiled. I will see you tomorrow. Sleep well. The next day, when Soo Hyun woke up, there were flowers in a vase. Her staff said it was from Seon Yul, that he picked it outdoors while he was jogging early in the morning. Seon yul gave her “Mugunghwa” also known as the rose of Sharon. 

Soo Hyun’s ex husband came to visit her after knowing at her Mom’s house that Soo Hyun is recovering at the orphanage. He brought flowers, too. He brought white lilies. It’s Soo Hyun’s favorites. Both chatted a lot and discussed some “work” related stuff and he opened up about her wanting to teach again. Seon Yul was told by the staff Soo hyun got a visitor and he wanted to check who. He entered her room and saw the two of them laughing at each other. Seon Yul was again, so serious checking up her blood pressure and her IV. He looked at him earnestly and he just smiled and greeted him. He thanked Seon Yul for taking care of his ex wife. “Thank you for taking good care of my ex wife, Dr. Seon Yul”. It is good she listens to you and stays treated here. She can be stubborn, you know. Seon Yul got a bit irritated hearing the words “ex wife” and answered, “I know” and excused himself. 

“Well, somebody’s jealous. Haha” Soo Hyun smacked Su Ho’s hand in return. “You dont have to say that!” He replied, “That you were my ex wife? It's the truth! Haha still laughing at Seon Yul and her. He is so obvious, my goodness, it is so obvious, you two! What is? Soo Hyun asked. “Come on Soo Hyun, the boy gave you “rose of sharon” flowers and I gave you lilies! So? She was confused. Oh my, you don't know what “mungunghwa” means? It is deep affection. Like eternal adoration and devotion or something. That kid is smart. He doesn't do things without thinking about it. Oh, don’t tell me “he just picked it out outside “ hahaha he didnt’ .

The guy was obviously jealous of me and that is why I mentioned you as my “ex wife”. Please leave now So hu, Soo hyun shouted at him embarrassed by what she heard from him. They laughed out loud and just felt warm to be having this conversation with her ex husband. Before So hun left, he told Soo Hyun “I will always have your back, Soo Hyun, you know that right? If he makes you happy, go for it. It's not gonna be easy but hey, nothing is. At least, he is a million times better looking than me” hahaha. So Hun left and again, a lot of feelings are intertwining in Soo Hyun’s thoughts. 

Seon Yul was indeed jealous and he knows it. He shouldn’t be, they are exes, of course he will visit her. His thoughts are running wild. He seems irritated that he didn't know her favorite flowers. He also seemed bothered that they were laughing and they hugged each other, too. Seon Yul has always been an introvert and one thing’s for sure, he has never been in love. So, he doesn't know just yet. He was reading a Japanese book to kill time until he came back to Soo Hyun’s room. He wanted to ask Soo Hyun to eat outside since she is now almost healed and recovered. He had it all planned out with the staff. Together with the flowers in the table, her favorite and allowed foods to eat, Soo Hyun was happy to be asked out since she was dreading staying for a couple days in a room confined and strictly monitored. Under that same moonlight there they were, both sitting and eating casually. He handed her a plate and got her food even if she insisted it was hers to get but Seon Yul won’t let her. They were music sort of and the trees, and the leaves were swaying like in the movies. It was a great ambiance, a romantic one. 

Seon Yul started the after dinner conversation. “ How are you feeling?” I am great, thank you. I have the best Doctor”, she replied. I’m sorry, he said. For what?, she replied. “For not knowing your favorite flowers”. Soo Hyun laughed loudly “hahaha, Oh God, don’t be! I don't even remember anymore. It has been a long time since” He then seriously replied “ But Soo Hu didn’t”. Of course, he was my husband. I would be angry if that detail was left out or erased, she honestly replied. They talked about the orphanage and they talked about her plans to go back to teaching. 

Seon Yul doesn't know what took over him but when Soo Hyun started talking about her plans and the way she smiles, he noticed her eyes lit up, her face blooming and her lips, so soft and all in 1 slow motion. All this pent up emotions for the last 6 years. He doesn't know if he hears everything she is saying, and in that moment he knows. This is the moment he is waiting for. With his heart beating so fast, and another lifeform taking over his body, with a thousand times of confidence and desire,  he held her hand softly and he said the words “The Moon is Beautiful”. 

The feeling of being so close yet so far. Suddenly, there was silence but there was music in the air. They stared for a while, until Soo Hyun finally opened her mouth and said “Are you in love with me?”

(The Moon is Beautiful means “I love you or I am in love with you" in many cultures especially in the Japanese culture. This is an inspiration I got from the Kdrama “Romance is A Bonus Book" which is one of my personal favorites of all time. Chapter 6 is coming up soonest. I am sorry something came up today but I hope I made you smile with this chapter 😘) 

[aquagirl1978]

Hii so I'm kind of mentally preparing to not be able to carry children one day, so do you think you can write hc for the suitors with a s/o that can't have kids/might have a risky pregnancy?

If you have to narrow it down, maybe Leon, Chevalier, Yves, Nokto and Clavis?

Anon, thank you for the request - may these headcanons provide some comfort for you.

IKEMEN PRINCE HEADCANONS - SUITORS REACTION TO RISKY PREGNANCY/INFERTILITY (Leon, Chevalier, Yves, Nokto, Clavis)

Leon Dompteur

Leon held you in his arms as the doctor spoke the words - children will never be a possibility.

The doctor left the room quietly, leaving you alone with the news.

"Leon, I am so sorry...." You started to sob, knowing Leon's past and how important it was to him to have a family of his own, that dream now shattered.

Leon gathered you in his strong arms, and held you close to his chest. He kissed your tears away, his warmth comforting. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for," his whispered, his words comforting. "All hope is not lost, we can always adopt."

You glanced up at him, your cheeks tear-stained. "There are plenty of kids in the orphanage needing a family to call their own. Seems only fitting that things would work out this way, no?"

Of course Leon would see the sunny side to this situation. Glad to have him by your side, your future looked even brighter together.

Chevalier Michel

"Stop pushing yourself," Chevalier scolded, folding his arms. "You were warned of the risks."

Sighing, you ignored your fatigue. "Just a bit more." There was only one more pile of books left to put away. And knowing your growing condition, you wanted Chevalier's private library as organized as it could be before you wouldn't be able to work any longer.

Chevalier approached you, plucking the book from your hand. With a long, elegant finger, he gently flicked your forehead. "How many times do I have to tell you, simpleton."

He pulled you into his arms and gently carried you into the chair he once occupied alone. He rubbed his palm awkwardly down your arm, resting it on your belly. "You're carrying the king's heir and the doctor has warned there are risks."

"And because of that," he continued, "I am putting you on immediate rest."

You stared into his eyes, pools of stern blue, ready to pout and protest against his orders.

"You do not need to prove yourself to me," he said, his smile soft as he gently kissed your forehead. "I will not allow any harm to come to you or our child. Ever."

Yves Kloss

The words rang in Yves' head over and over again - children will not be a possibility.

He watched with agony as you laid in bed, tears staining your cheeks, unable to move from your spot.

Yves did not know how to comfort you at this time - should he go to you? give you space? - so instead, he fidgeted nervously in a nearby chaise.

You called his name out weakly, beckoning him to your side. He approached you slowly, and took your hand in his. "I'm so - " You choke out a few words in between sobs, much of it incoherent.

Yves took a seat on the bed next to you. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a pink handkerchief and dabbed your eyes.

You squeezed his hand as you looked into his grief-stricken pale blue eyes.

Yves squeezed his eyes shut tight; he didn't have it in him to tell you that a small part of him was relieved. Relieved that he would not have to pass down to a child his unwanted Obsidian blood.

Maybe, just maybe, things were better this way.

He opened his eyes and smiled at you gently, stroking your forehead with his fingertips. "I don't think I could ask for anything more than a life with you by my side. As long as I have you, I am happy. I don't need anything else."

Nokto Klein

"Twins?" Nokto repeated the words you just said to him, slowly and stunned.

"Yes, Nokto," you replied with a small smile from under the pile of covers on the bed. "The doctor confirmed we are having twins. But..."

Nokto was barely listening to the rest of what you had to say. Twins. How could this happen; how could this happen again?

He sat down on the peppermint bench by his bed, resting his head in his hands.

"Nokto, did you hear everything I just said?"

He turned and looked at you, and only just now noticing the fear clouding your usually bright eyes. "What's wrong?"

"The doctor has some, um, concerns and has ordered immediate bedrest for me. He said there are some possible risks - "

The moment you said the word "risk", Nokto was up and by your side, his hands clasping yours. "Risks?"

You told him everything the doctor had said - that this pregnancy would not be without risks, and the best and safest course of action would be immediate bed rest.

Needing to be by your side, to feel you, to touch you, he lifted up the covers and climbed into bed next to you. "Whatever you need, whatever you want, just tell me." He placed a gentle hand on your belly. He hadn't met them yet, but Nokto knew he'd be shattered if anything happened to either of them.

Clavis Lelouch

"Children are...."

"Not a possibility," you finished Clavis' sentence.

"Hmm..." Clavis stood there staring at you, for once at a rare loss for words. "No kids, huh?" No children to teach pranks. No children to cook outlandish desserts for. No children to carry on his name.

You stared into golden eyes that had dimmed. "Are you okay?"

Clavis laughed at you; not his usual laugh, no. This was artificial. "Me? I'm fine, I'm always fine," he quickly brushed your concern away, adjusting the lapels of his jacket.

He snaked his arms around your waist, pulling you close for a quick kiss. "I'm fine as long as I'm with you."

He smiled at you, his golden eyes crinkling as he spoke. "I was thinking, we could adopt a child. Or a few. Or a dozen. Imagine...a whole Lelouch army of my children."

You buried your head in his shoulder, your bodies rumbling with laughter, your heart swelling with love, knowing you could conquer anything at all with this mischievous man.

[earth616variant]

hide and seek | steve rogers ; 4

summary | Hide and seek is over. You and Steve need to clear the air before he returns the stones in their timelines.

words | 5041

genres | angst, fluff

pairing | endgame!steve rogers x avenger!reader

warnings | catws & endgame spoilers, mentions of blood and characters death (nothing graphic)

note | It took me so, so long but here is the final part! I am so thankful for everyone who read this series and patiently waited for this update! I had so much fun writing this unexpected series. let me know your thoughts! reblogs and feedback are appreciated :))

main masterlist | series masterlist

The sun shines brightly on your face as you slowly peeked your eyes. Groaning, you turned your back against the open window of the room. Steve probably forgot to close them last night.  It took you minutes to realize that you are not in your room and you cried yourself to sleep. Suddenly, the heavy feeling in your heart is back again. It has been weighing on your chest like an elephant. You sat slowly on the edge of the bed, pressing your lips together. You felt like crying all over again as if tears never ran dry in your system.

Come on. I can just go to the shelter again. 

Anna would not mind seeing you today, right? Even though you originally planned to stay at home for this day. But after hearing that your boyfriend is leaving last night, you don’t think you will ever be ready to have a conversation with him. You cannot just stay in this room. You have to go somewhere; the orphanage is the only place you can go. You can be busy there and have both your time and mind occupied. Or maybe you can temporarily stay with Clint and his family. But they live on a farm in the middle of somewhere.  You can’t leave Anna with the orphanage.

“Doll, Y/N…”

You can hear Steve knocking softly on the door. But hearing him just makes you cry harder. You try to calm yourself. Instead, you just felt more pain in your chest. 

“Please, leave me alone, Steve.” you sobbed.

“Please talk to me.” he almost begged. You were weak but you did not give in. he knocked again. “I’m here, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart. He rarely calls you that. And you immediately felt the tenderness in his voice. You swore this man can unconsciously get into you without him knowing. He can make your knees weak with a call of your name. Or take your breath away by staring at you with his crystal blue eyes. Fuck, you’re totally weak for Steve. You clenched your fists, still in tears, arguing with yourself if you should open the door. But then, fear crept into your soul, worrying you about any possible consequence of talking with him.

You don’t know how long you were staring at the plain ceiling of your guest room when you decided to get up from the bed. You made up your mind. Just go back to your routine again, avoiding any talk with Steve, even though you know he is returning the stones today. If he is not coming back, then don’t. That’s it.

Maybe he is staying with Peggy. Perhaps he figured he still loved her more than you. All of the maybes you can think about are all leading to one thought: Steve is coming back to Peggy. And you don’t want to talk about it or probably hear it coming out of his lips. If you are going to choose to talk with him, it’s just like laying your heart on the ground for Steve to step on.

So, you made a checklist in your head: run quickly to your room, change into new clothes, and leave the house with minimal interaction with your boyfriend if he is still home. Sighing deeply, you thought you were ready. That’s why you let your hand turn the doorknob. Only to be instantly greeted by Steve, who has his arms crossed over his chest. His shoulders were slumped and you notice the dark circles under his eyes. It made you feel bad, wondering if he stayed up all night outside your room.

“Hey…”

Steve was quick to catch the surprise on your face when you opened the door. But when you stared at him quietly, your eyes instantly glistened with worry. His heart breaks seeing you like this. He has been waiting outside your door overnight, listening hopelessly to your sobs.

He softly called your name, hoping that you would finally open up to him. But instead, you were ready to close the door to his face. But Steve stopped you, blocking his foot in the small gap between the door.

“We need to talk.” 

Blinking your incoming tears away, you shake your head for an answer. Steve knew that you were usually quiet with your thoughts and emotions. It was a problem at the beginning of your relationship before but you worked on that. He thought that you two already fixed it, promising that you will always talk about things that need to be talked about. And now, this is the first time in years. Once again, you were running away from any conversation with him. It made him wonder if he really made it clear to you back then that he already moved on from Peggy. He didn’t expect you to be this distant after what happened in Peggy’s office.

“I can’t.”

You felt like it was a dumb answer but that was the only thing that rolled out your tongue. You just can’t.

“What do you mean you can’t?” Steve asked, genuinely confused.

No answer. You wordlessly walked past Steve, leaving the guest room. You make your way to your shared bedroom. And it took Steve a few more seconds of trying to understand what you meant then he followed you to that room  When he walked in, he sees you going through your closet and it took him no second to figure something out.

“You cannot leave again.” he heaved, slight annoyance already hinted in his tone. “We need to talk about everything eventually.”

You acted like you were busy picking clothes. But you cannot focus as Steve talks behind you. You can feel it. You probably crossed his patience’s limitations. He stood there, hands on his hips with an exasperated look on his face.

“You can’t keep doing this. You cannot keep shutting yourself off. It’s been weeks, we both know we need to talk.” 

There was a quiet moment, giving you a chance to at least say something. He can feel tightness in his chest. Like tons of frustration are starting to build up. He can hear Natasha’s voice at the back of his head, Be patient with her. 

When you still ignored him, He resumed, “Look, Bruce already has everything rebuilt and you know that we originally planned for me to return the stones as soon as we can. So, today–”

“Steve, if you are leaving, can we just not do this today?!”

You cut him off, finally speaking out. You don’t want to hear every single detail of his mission or possibly plan of leaving. Collecting any left courage in you, you finally turned around to him. Steve’s face eased when he noticed the waterworks in the rim of your eyes.

“Or ever! Just don’t!” you continued with a clear exclamation. “If you want to talk because you are leaving, just don’t. Okay?! Just fucking leave me alone! Because you are not the first person that I will lose! I already had a lot before any of this superhero bullshit. I experienced losing half of my friends in a snap before! And bringing them back cost another loss. Tony sacrificed himself and already had his funeral by the lake!  And Natasha… My best friend…”

You paused and your eyes get lost in thinking about your lost friend. You stuttered, “S-She's one of the best people I know… Oh my god. Natasha.”

You broke down, even more, voice shaking when you mentioned your best friend’s name after a long time of avoiding it like the plague. You washed your palms all over your face. Your breathing shudders before you weep again. Steve watched you slowly sink yourself weakly down on your carpeted floor. Your shoulders shook as you mourn.

“Nat’s body is not even here... She did not even get a proper funeral…”

Steve looked down at his feet, hearing your defeated statements. For the first time in weeks, you let out everything you have been feeling. It was like watching a volcano erupting with all the hot, burning, destructive lava it’s been keeping inside.

“She is dead and it feels so unfair for her. She is alone on that fucking mountain with some skull guy Clint told us. And I know that Natasha deserved to live, to be here, more than me. God. She deserved to be here after everything she has done.”

It took him this moment to realize that you weren’t just avoiding him because of what happened while collecting the Tesseract or when he didn’t tell you about giving up the shield. Yes, you are still understandably grieving. But at the same time, you are carrying this huge amount of guilt in your chest. It was a mixture of overwhelming emotions.

Steve lowered down to your level, ready to hold you. But before he can even do anything, your teary, pained eyes peeked over your arms and looked at him.

“I already lost a lot, Steve.” you sobbed. “And if you’re leaving too, I don’t want to hear anything more about it… Just go.”

A free pass. That is what you’re basically giving him. It’s not that you want him to go. But after seeing Peggy and his reaction to her, you thought it would be easier if you just end this yourself. Most of the time, you had no say in the people you lose. They were gone all of a sudden, leaving you to deal with their disappearance without any closure at all. Now, after discovering that Steve is planning to give up the shield and maybe leave, you figured that maybe it’s better this way.

You heard your boyfriend let out a deep exhale. You felt him getting up, followed by heavy footsteps moving further away. You hugged your knees closer to your chest.

“So, you and Rogers?”

A few hours after arriving in the Avengers compound, after rescuing Vision and Wanda, you and Natasha finally had time to talk while the others were busy. Steve is currently with Rhodey and Bruce to talk about what happened with Tony and the flying donut in New York. But before he left, Steve planted a quick peck on your lips while his hands softly held your waist. 

He assured you, “Stay with Nat. She knows things around here. You can have my room if you want to take a nap.”

Then, he kissed you again. It happened in front of your other friends, who had their own reactions. Natasha was smirking while Sam’s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets, watching the whole scene happening. Wanda’s mouth agape before she turned to Vision.

“Yeah, we talked…” you timidly replied to her. 

For the last two months, Natasha has been encouraging you to finally say something to Steve. But you were hesitant, scared that the First Avenger just see you as nothing but a friend or worse, an old colleague.

“That’s nice.” she subtly smiled with her teasing tone. “I will happily tell your love story in my speech when I became the maid of honor on your wedding day.”

“Nat!”

“What?” Natasha asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“The relationship’s barely a day old and here you are, already discussing marriage.” 

Your laughter at the last word of the sentence came out a little nervous and awkward. Marriage. Stability. It was something you always thought of as impossible when you were still in that horrible situation. After going through the worst scenarios, you gradually lost hope that you will ever have that normal, domestic life you wanted. Natasha knew that. You two talked about it before since you have almost the same experiences in the past and goals for the future. And Steve, also shared how he dreamt of those things when you two would sit in front of an early sunrise. He would describe it in detail and you would end up imagining sharing that kind of life with him.

Before you know it, you’re spacing out and Natasha had to call your name repeatedly until you snapped out of your daze. Just by the look of your eyes, she knows that something is bothering you. 

“What’s going on?”

“I… I don’t know.” you sighed, shaking your head. But your best friend remained unconvinced. She didn’t have to say a word to make you share more of your thoughts. “I mean, I don’t think Steve will see me as the person he’ll offer marriage to… Maybe I don’t fit his type…”

Natasha raised an eyebrow, “His type?”

Your lips twitched as you stared at her. You sighed, “Whatever. Maybe I am just overthinking things. Just don’t bring up this whole marriage thing again. We’re too early for that.”

You tried to laugh while trying to drop the topic and Natasha picked it up immediately. She simply smiled softly,

“Alright, alright. I’m sorry.”

She then handed you a can of soda from the compound’s refrigerator, “You and Steve complement each other well. You two are perfect. Whatever that is going on in your head, it’s probably bullshit.”

You simply laughed at that. Even though you didn’t share your contemplation more, Natasha understood.

“Just… Just know that you are not your past and you are not alone anymore. Someone will always be ready to hear your thoughts of all kinds. Don’t let yourself bottle it all up. Your head might explode.”

The last line was a joke but you get what she meant.

He’s leaving. You don’t know how long you were crying to yourself when that sudden drop in your stomach happened. Something in the bottom of your gut is telling you that something’s wrong. It was like the beating of your heart stopped for a second. There was a long silence before you blinked and turned your head up again, only to be greeted by nothing. He left. Steve left.

It was like someone gave you a slap on the back of your head. Time seems to slow down and you can hear your heart pounding heavily in your chest. You let him go, right? Wait. No, no, no.

“Steve?” 

With a soft sob, you tried calling his name. But you heard no response. Did he leave? Your panic increased like your stomach contacts into this tight ball. Adrenaline pushed you to stand up and leave the bedroom. You tried once again as you stared down the stairs, “Steve?”

Nothing. He can’t leave. Maybe he’s not that far. He just left. You can still run. No, you have a car. You’re fast. You were an Avenger for fuck’s sake– Oh, stop. You were already planning in your head when you pace around the kitchen and living room. Both are empty. But at the same time, you are an emotional mess who is running around after telling your boyfriend to leave you alone (possibly forever).  You were finding it harder to breathe to think that that is probably the last time you see Steve. It’s not even an hour since you told him to go, but you’re already regretting the fact that you probably pushed him away. You exhaled deeply as you looked down, taking a pause from all this.

“Sweetheart?”

Your breath hitched when you heard that nickname. You spun almost instantly, wide-eyed eyes meeting his concerned eyes. 

“Why–”

Without letting him even finish, you just run to him. Steve, although confused, automatically enveloped you in his arms while you breathlessly murmured,

“I… I thought you left already..”

Steve listened quietly, moving his hand up and down on your back. He hoped that the small action brings you the same calmness you bring to him at this exact moment. His chest which was feeling heavy for the whole month, especially after last night, lightened up. His shoulder slumped while he rested his cheek on the top of your head. Then, he realized, this was the first time you hugged him after Tony’s funeral.

You continued,  “I’m sorry…”

“No, no.” Steve softly consoled you. “I was just on the back porch. I called Bruce. I told him I could not return the stones today.” 

He felt you turning your head up to him. He can read the question on your face as lines form between your eyebrows. So Steve answered you before you get deeper with your thinking.

“I don’t want to return them without having a proper conversation with you.”

You stared at him for a few seconds. A proper conversation, you repeated in your head. That’s what you two have been lacking for this past month. You have been obviously running away from it for too long now, scared to know about Steve’s real plan in this last mission. But you knew you needed to do this. Whatever the outcome may be. Closing your eyes, you nodded at him.

“Okay.”

“Here.”

Steve placed a glass of water on the table in front of you. You decided to finally have a conversation on your back porch. It seemed like the sunny weather was trying to cheer you up when you walked out there minutes ago. You swore you almost forgot that it was just morning.

“Thank you.” 

You took a sip from the glass, soothing your dry throat from all this crying that happened. While you sat on the left corner of your outdoor sofa, Steve occupied the opposite side, keeping a good distance. He watched you quietly as you put down the glass on the table.

So, how do you initiate this kind of conversation? Where would you begin?

You uncomfortably shifted to your seat. You can feel Steve’s eyes on you and you cannot push yourself to look back at him, settling on staring at your fingers tapping on the soft couch. Muted seconds passed before you broke the stillness of the moment.

You gulped, “I’m sorry.”

You met Steve’s stare as you continued, “I knew we could have just talked about this earlier. But I kept on making excuses– reasons to be busy with other things. And if you’re leaving me, us, I completely understand, Steve.”

“But I’m not leaving,” he told you in a firm but gentle way.

You looked away as you whispered in the air, “For now…” 

“Doll, why do you think I’m leaving?”

“Because of Peggy. You can go back to her now. I mean with the stones and time travel stuff, you can finally have a choice of coming back to your time. You won’t feel like a man out of time again. Just like you told me years ago.” you replied, recalling those times you would sit with him during daybreak. He shared a few times how he felt out of place sometimes.

“Except I don’t want to go back.”

His tone was serious. But it did not stop you to ask him:

“But did it ever cross your mind? Because you like you did when… when we went to the 70s. When we hid in her office. Y-You seemed sad, shocked, surprised– I don’t know. But on top of it all, it was like you were disappointed.”

Unconsciously, your voice shakes as emotions take over. You were heartbroken, recalling the time you hid with him in Peggy’s office. The look on his face. The single step he took to have a closer glance at her was enough to crush the security wall you had in your relationship. 

“Doll–”

You nod, cutting him off, “I know, I know we already talked about her before. You assured me and I always thought that I don’t care about it anymore. But…But Steve, it’s Peggy. When she walked into that room, I witnessed how everything stopped. Not just for you but for me too. It was like I lost you in that very second. Then, all of these fucking insecurities and fears rushed back into me.  Like, are you just with me because you already lost her? Was it because you already lost your chance to spend a lifetime with her?”

Steve was shaking his head as you wipe the uncontrollable tears from your eyes. He was about to reply but you went on. You tried to relax a little bit.

“She was your first love and I know that you held dearly to her until her very last breath. You always visited her in the retirement home before because she’s the closest person from your past. And now you have the chance to go back to her and stay for all the times you missed. So I completely understand if you want to end this relationship here. I understand if you choose–”

“You. I’ll choose you because it’s always you.” Steve didn’t let you finish your sentence. That’s when you catch how his jaw was clenched. He may look angry at the first glance but as you look at his blue eyes, you can easily read his authentic emotions: hurt and sadness.

“I was just surprised when we were in her office. Everything was unexpected. I never thought Peggy would keep a picture of me before the whole supersoldier serum happened. I assumed that by that time she already went on with her life, meeting new people. I was sad for her. But I never thought of leaving you for her. Yes, I felt like I was an outsider when I came to this century. But that was before I get to know you. Before you welcomed us in your farmhouse after years of having no contact. Before we sat through different sunrises and cups of coffee. Or before I knew I wanted to spend all of my dawn and dusk with you… That was before us. And after I realized you and your importance to me, I knew that I would never feel alone again.”

It was a confession. Steve tried not to break, keeping his calm. He admittedly feels tired not just physically but also emotionally with everything that happened. He hates that you doubted yourself or this relationship because he spaced out previously in Peggy’s office. Like he was leaving you when he never thought of that in the first place. He wanted to let you know that it’s just you. 

Hearing those words from him made you chew on your inner cheek. You almost murmur as you said, “But you’re giving up the shield to Sam. I heard you and Bucky talking last night.”

“Yes, I am. It’s because I’m planning to focus on my personal goals,” he revealed. “I was supposed to bring it up to you if we ever talk before I return the stones. But you were avoiding me. I was planning to finally… you know… settle down.”

“Settle down?” you repeated like it was something far-fetched.

“Yes. I was–” he paused like he was stopping himself to say what he was about to say. But he sighed, “I already bought a ring, years ago. I was planning to get on one knee before this whole thing even happened. I was just waiting for the right time. Then if you say yes, we can move back to that farmhouse you lived in before because I know you missed living in a quiet place. Or we can stay here since you love managing the orphanage. Whatever you want will be fine with me.  I just want to finally settle down with you in peace without this Captain America responsibility.”

And that was the final drop for your lips to quiver and your eyes to weep again. This time, it was the built-up guilt and shame that made you all overwhelmed.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’m sorry that I ran away instead of talking to you.” you sobbed. “You were so patient and kind. You tried so much to communicate but I was too scared. I should have known better. B-But I–”

You rambled and Steve just moved closer and caged you in his arms. He doesn’t want this to lead to you blaming yourself or him blaming his own.

“It’s okay, sweetheart…” he whispered before gently holding both your cheeks against his palms, making you meet his eyes once again. “Just–” his voice breaks. “Just don’t push me away like this again, okay?”

You nodded, tears flowing freely.

“Talk to me. Tell me anything, okay? You have me. Always.”

“Remember, you’ll have to return the stones to the exact moment they were taken. Otherwise, we’re still looking at a whole bunch of nasty alternate realities.”

After a day of confrontation and resting on your shared bed with Steve, he finally gets to do his one last mission. You, along with Sam and Bucky, planned to watch him travel back in time for the final time. Bucky smiled at you when he spotted you arriving with Steve. You smiled back. Sam was joking the whole time, claiming he should go with Steve. Bruce disagreed as the Pym Particles were limited.

“Got it. I’ll clip all the branches.” Steve replied jaw clenched.

Bruce handed him the case that contains stones, “You’d better get going. We’re almost ready for you.”

Steve nods and looks at you. With tears threatening to fall, you beamed and just hugged him. His palm rubs the small of your back while the other holds the case. He planted a kiss on your forehead before walking to his two friends.

“You know, I tried. When I had the gauntlet. I really tried to bring her back.” Bruce suddenly spoke beside you, making your head turn back to his direction. “I miss her.”

Your eyes saddened as your lips form a melancholy smile, “Me too, Bruce.”

Your palm rested on his arm, offering silent sympathy.  No words need to be said. Although you and Bruce don’t have any alone moments together, you knew you connect to each other through Natasha. He put on a tight smile. You two looked back at Steve who is now walking to his place on the platform. 

“How long’s this gonna take?” Sam asked, arms crossed. 

“For him, as long as he needs. For us, five seconds.”

Okay, five seconds. That would be quick.

“Ready, Cap? You’re good to go. Meet you right back here, okay?”

Before answering, your boyfriend moves his eyes to you. You nod in encouragement with both thumbs up. Your lips mouthed three words: I love you. He grinned.

“You bet.”

The Hulk began counting down as soon as Steve replied. He effortlessly picked up Mjolnir from the ground after clicking on the suit.  It will be fine, it will be fine. You recited the words in your head over and over again as you felt your heart beating louder and heavier. You know he will come back. Steve shrunk to nothing. 

“And, returning in five... four...three...two...one–”

Your lips broke into a grin as Steve appears back on the platform. Sam clapped, greeting him. Bucky was quiet but wore a small smile on his face. You ran to your boyfriend as he got off the podium. You jumped into his arms and he was laughing as he lifted you easily for a few seconds before he put you down softly.

“You did it!” you cheered.

Since you were too consumed with joy and Steve, you didn’t notice that he was walking you near the lake as you spoke to him. And when you two stopped walking, you see that you stood at that spot, near a bench. Bucky and Sam still stood near the platform, watching you two in a distance. You were confused.

“What– Why are we here?”

Steve grinned before he opened his other hand. Your eyes widened as you immediately recognized what it was.

“Oh my god.” your eyes sparkled as you looked up at him. “Ho… How?”

“Nat gave it to me herself.” Steve simply answered before clasping the silver chain bracelet on your wrist. It was originally yours but you gave it to Natasha during their stay in your house after you learned she never had one before. “Just had to throw some white lies.”

Your cheeks hurt from all this smiling but you don’t mind. It was a great souvenir.

“Wait, there’s more.” 

Steve reached for his suit’s pocket. Nothing. To his other pocket. Nothing too. You see panic form on his face. He patted all over his body, looking a little ridiculous. You were about to ask when Bucky shouted.

“You dropped something here, jerk!”

Steve looked back up, “Wait here, doll.”

He jogged back to his best friend, You stood there awkwardly for seconds before he came back. You raised an eyebrow.

“What is it?”

He lets out a single chuckle before getting down on one knee, “Well, I’ve been waiting for the right time…”

Nothing but joy bloomed in your heart as Steve slowly opened a small, red, velvet box in front of you. It was an elegant rode gold engagement ring. You cannot help but giggle out of excitement.

“Y/N, sweetheart, will you marry me?”

It did not even take you a second, “Of course!”

Steve laughed. You squished his cheeks between your hands as he was getting up. You pulled him in for a kiss. It was a bright day and you felt butterflies playing all around your stomach. Sunshine filled both your and Steve’s souls. 

He was the one who pulled away, “Wait, you should wear the ring first.”

As Steve slid the ring on your finger, you hear cheers and whistles in the background. You see the three guys: Bucky, Bruce, and Sam. And of course, the ring was a perfect fit. It shines blindly as it hits sunrays. Your boyfriend– now fiance wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you closer. You sighed, taking in the contentment and ease in your chest, as you drown in his crystal blue eyes.

Hide and seek is a tricky game. You can win, you can lose. It’s a matter of patience and perseverance. As you were trained to do, you’re used to hiding. No matter how many battles you’ve been in, you still have fears and one of them is presenting yourself and vulnerability. So, you probably lose in this round. But you are glad you did. You’re glad Steve is patient enough to seek you and not end the game.

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