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cloverdaisies · 6 months ago

Text

# THE LOVE POTION

eric sohn x gn!reader/ collab! 007 files w/ @winterchimez

— “you must locate, befriend & kill agent sohn.”

description: the infamous english spy eric sohn! travels into europe searching for an encryption that serves as a communication link for the secret service rival spectre.. it’s sohn’s mission to retrieve the device and return it to safe hands.. however upon arrival his ultimate distraction is you, can you craft the perfect potion that will make 007 fall in love?

genre & warnings: from russia with love! 007 au! 60s au! love triangle! betrayal & romance! mentions of blood! violence! mentions of death/ killing! but no actual character deaths! cursing! alcohol consumption! mentions weapons! kissing & other mildly suggestive themes! pls lmk if i’ve missed anything!

word count: 6k+

a/n: dt: @sohnric happy belated birthday bar 🤍 wellll … what can i say???? this is overdue !! do excuse my hiatus & messy schedule.. i would like to say a massive thank to @winterchimez for inviting me to collab with you for this event !! it REALLY pushed me out of my comfort zone & throughly enjoyed perfecting this plot as much as i could as a big challenge.. sorry for being so late … 🤍 please do go check out the others work for this event which you can find here and enjoy!

Devilishly you smiled to yourself in the mirror as you pulled on your white satin gloves and fastened a thin pearl necklace around your neck.

“Tea?” Your advisor of sorts, Sangyeon, suggested, gesturing a hand towards the teapot with a smile of generosity. “You’ve got a long week ahead, is it not better to relax now y/n?”

Sangyeon was a taller man, with darkish hair and buttery highlights that glimmered with sufficient light source. He wore a long black blazer with tailored trousers and a fitted white shirt to polish him perfectly. He’d been assigned to look over matters concerning your work, making sure you weren’t up to anything suspicious and meet your personal needs when required. Despite him being so helpful, there was something that irked you about his unwavering presence and constant eye over your activity.

Turning your neck ever so slightly, you grimaced letting out a small huff thinking of the mission you’d been proposed a little over the week ago by the organisation higher-ups.

“I suppose so. I mean…” You cleared your throat before chuckling quietly. “It’s going to be hard to fool one of the the top english spies, is it not? I’ve heard he’s a bit of a charmer. I can’t quite understand why I’ve been hired.”

“Quite so. He’s always got company you could say.” Sangyeon laughed in return, pouring the steaming hot tea from the pot with a gentle hand. “That being said, despite his charm you need to be incredibly careful not to reveal anything and stay on your guard at all times.”

“I always am. No man charms me. Id do anything for the mother country.” You reached out to grab the china teacup off it’s saucer and took it to your lips to sip.

“I definitely charm you, don’t I?” He retorted with a sly wink and a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

“Oh you wish.” You scoffed, placing the cup back down and shuddering at the comment before returning to the mirror to fix your appearance. “Besides, I have a dinner party at 8pm and I don’t need your loitering to be dampening my mood. Thank you for the pastries though, you should consider opening a bakery.”

“I’m glad you liked them. I’ll be back to escort you to your car then.” Sangyeon sighed, leaving the hotel suite with a soft close of the door.

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ📰☕️🎬ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

In England, the sound of a melancholy low trumpet hummed over scene from a street player outside, fading into the open window of a grand office. It was almost sunset, the sky tinting a pale shade of orange amongst dark clouds.

“It’s been 2 days since the killing of that agent they masked as you and you’ve got 3 hours until that flight to Istanbul! Do you understand the consequences if you don’t retrieve that lektor Sohn? That cipher machine connects their entire military intelligence and you’re walking around with a blinking target on your head! ” M recited to Sohn, between his fingers a thick cigar emitting a cloud of heavy smoke.

M, the head of the British Secret service, was addressing what was the assassination attempt of Sohn at a British military facility earlier that week. Sohn had been giving a mission to retrieve a soviet device called the lektor, a cipher machine developed to connect communications.

“I’m very aware, I’ll play my cards right when I get there.” Sohn replied, his lips twisting into a sly smirk as he was being lectured by the higher up.

“Very well.” M sighed rising from his chair, leaving his cigar to rest in a glass dish before retrieving a brief case from the side of his desk. “In that case, there’s 20 rounds of ammunition, flat throwing knives and a 0.25 caliber, rifle that folds it has infrared sight. Use this when you need it and don’t let it out your sight.”

“Thank you very much.” His fingers wrapped around his crystal glass of whiskey, Eric took a sip before inspecting the case with a smug smile. “I best be off.”

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ📰☕️🎬ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

As the evening settled in Istanbul, the dinner party had began not being invited to sit at the table yourself, you felt quite disappointed your importance in the operation had been significantly swept aside. Upon arrival you quickly recognized a ruddy faced man with a well kept moustache, his hair turning a dark grey with age and was smartly dressed in the cream suit that had been described to you by Sangyeon.

“Hello, I give my deepest apologies for interrupting your conversation. However, I must speak to you in private sir.” You gently tapped on the man’s shoulder, watching him jovially turn with attention.

“Very well, may I ask your name? What can I do for you?” The man answered almost like a store keeper with polite customer service, as if a mask of required kindness had been veiled over his face.

“I’m Y/N, L/N, former agent associated with spectre. I have quite the infatuation with Eric Sohn, I heard he was travelling to the country this evening and I was hoping I could help assist his duties.” You replied opening your eyes like an innocent fawn in attempts to convince your ‘pure’ intentions.

“What’s your interest with Mr. Sohn? How am I meant to trust your being genuine, Y/N, is it?” The head of the British Secret Service in Istanbul spoke softly to you as you chewed at your inner lips nervously. Politely observing your attire, his lips twisting into a curious smile.

Sticking to the script, you began. “I’d be willing to betray this country, for the man has me quite swooned. Therefore, if you would be ever so kind to introduce me to Eric Sohn himself, I’d be ever so grateful. It could get me killed if you tell any other soul.” You spoke eloquently, your demeanour slightly mischievous as you attempted to charm the gentleman.

“If that’s so. I’m sure he’d be happy to meet you.” He returned a smile , turning away from you likely to confront Eric about the matters. Your grin almost resembled that of the cheshire cat, deviously imagining the plans success.

“Aren’t you quite the actor?” The voice of Sangyeon behind you caused you to jolt in fear, in case it was one of the agents unaware of the mission assigned to you.

“You just scared the living day lights out of me, can you not just go jumping out of the shadows at me like that?” You brought your hand out to your chest and let out a sigh of relief.

“It’s what I’m trained to do sweetheart.” He chuckled, patting your head like a lost puppy before pacing himself around to the other side of you.

“Seems your plans going smoothly, you have someone approaching you, west.” He quickly pointed over to where Eric Sohn was with gentleman you spoke to earlier.

It came as no surprise to you that the man was incredibly handsome, his smile as he spoke to the other was just magical it served as almost a charm and worked on people like a spell. It was a smile that evoked emotions inexplicable, love, desire, a false sense of comfort that could easily be used as a weapon for betrayal. It was no wonder he was the most sought after member of the secret service in his country, his looks alone could turn his every target into his puppet. He was smartly dressed like described in a classic black tuxedo, a briefcase slotted into his right hand, his hair an enchanting shade of platinum blonde that emphasised his defined bone structure, a jawline so dangerous it could tear paper.

Almost choking on your previous words that no man could charm you, you gulped slightly, clearing your throat and fixing your posture as he approached.

“Allow me to introduce you to Y/N L/N who I’d briefly mentioned earlier.” The gentleman in the cream attire held out his hand to greet you, gently shaking it with a two hands.

“Hello y/n, I’m Eric Sohn. Its delightful to meet such a gem amongst all these people.” He leaned to great you with a polite kiss on the cheek, gently shaking your hand. Every feeling of morality in your body shuddered, nervously feeling the limbs in your body grow weak almost as if you were one flirtatious comment away from fainting.

“It’s such a divine pleasure to meet you too, I’ve been dying to finally get the chance to meet you in person. I’m such an admirer of you work.” You quickly gathered yourself together and carefully spoke with a soft velvety voice.

“Shall we go for a walk in the gardens?” Eric suggested, his eyebrow raising curiously as he also observed your attire and features.

“I’d be more than glad.” You responded as he held his arm out towards you to link, gently taking your arm and walking you out the grand marble doors.

The night was darker than usual, with a dull moon and stars that twinkled pathetically amongst thick clouds. However the bright lights that had been messily strung across the hedges lit up the the scene warmly. The sound of the blue piano being played from the inside faintly bled out into the garden along with indistinguishable chatter from guests up in the main hall.

“I must ask y/n, what gave you interest in the British Secret Service in the first place?” He began as you walked the side of the grounds arm in arm.

“Well… I felt as if my position in the country wasn’t appreciated enough. I don’t agree with their morale or treatment regarding myself.” You replied gracefully, glancing over to the tidy man. His presence radiated that of a tough masculine self assured nature. He looked at you with suspicion, allowing his guard to remain up like a fence.

“Well it’s in my best interest to not trust your intentions immediately, but I believe the information that resides with you is incredibly valuable to me and my mission.” He took a moment to take a breath before a cocky smirk crawled on to his lips. “Therefore, to test this loyalty of yours. I have to request a map, one of the military base that holds the lektor I’m after. Provide this and you earn my trust, sweetheart.”

You gulped for a moment, you had specifically been told not to leak any intelligence or assist him in anyway. You couldn’t foil his plans by providing a false map either, your hands were tied and even he knew that. Him and his manipulation tactics. He knew sly ways around people, you providing this map would mean surrendering all your loyalty to the secret service and despite having feelings inexplicable for the man beside you, you couldn’t give up what meant most to you. You had to figure out a plan.

“When do you want me to provide this to you?” You attempted the mask the fear that lingered in your throat, strangling your words with thick ropes that made you sound as if you’d seen several ghosts appear before you.

“Tonight, slip it behind the fourth pillar beside the stairs by 10 and I’ll soon be there to pick it up." He smiled, there was something sinister about his words as if he knew that it would be almost impossible for you to hatch a plan within that time.

“Very well, it will be there.” You took a breath momentarily, his warm touch departing you as he proceeded back into the large building. He turned back to you a last time, giving you a sly wink before going upstairs with a bright smile on his lips.

“Are you out of your damn mind? You are aware he’s drawing you right in his trap?” Sangyeon appeared from behind one of the pillars outside, having followed you around the entire time. “He’s not an idiot, he’s trapping you, you providing that map will lead him straight to his plan.”

“Then you best tell them to prepare.” You rolled your eyes, watching his serious dark eyes stare into your conscience. “If I don’t give him this, we lose all trust. He’s not an idiot but perhaps you are, now leave me be.”

You breezed past him, making sure to shoulder check him before making your way back into the hall with a bitter smile on your face. Going into the bathrooms on the left side of the building, you took a pen from your bag and began to map out a rough sketch of the secured military base housing the lektor Sohn was after. Folding it between your fingers, you left the bathroom, discreetly dropping it by the pillar he’d asked you too.

You grabbed a glass of prosecco from one of the many waiters dotted around the function room and joined Sangyeon’s friendly conversation with other associates. Nervously, your attention wavered from the bubbles appearing at the top of the champagne flute, to over your shoulder where Sohn was now making his way behind the pillar.

He walked around it as if he was daydreaming, picking the sheet of paper up and sliding it into his pocket. He gave you a brief smile before proceeding back to his gaggle of officials who’d be overseeing his work in the country.

“I think it’s home time for us.” Sangyeon closed the conversation with a sigh, placing a firm but soft hand on your shoulder. You smiled at the group of men in front of you, before slipping past them arm linked with Sangyeon.

“The officials aren’t pleased with you.” Sangyeon muttered through pursed lips. “However, they understand that you sincerely had no other choice."

"And? Are they preparing?" You replied raising one eyebrow cockily.

"They can't assign enough men to cover the base tomorrow. However if Sohn gets his hands on the device, which is unlikely, they're use as much forces as they can to retrieve it back." Sangyeon sighed at the seemingly idiotic plan, his rough palm wiping the illusion of sweat from his forehead and loosening his slim black tie as you elegantly slipped into the parked Mercedes.

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ📰☕️🎬ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

The quiet hums of soft jazz fell across the café like a warm blanket, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and a plethora of pastries baked earlier that morning danced through the air as if it were a spritz of expensive perfume. Outside, rain fell like hail, beating the ground like drumbeats and forming puddles that resembled ponds or even lakes.

Upon first encounter it would seem that you had your nose stuck into an edition of wuthering heights your eyes flickering over the nonsensical words, so often turning a page with a dramatic sigh. However, the act of appearing busy wore you out like no other, your fingers rested on the right side of your face with impatient taps.

“Well… What a surprise to see you here!” An almost sarcastic voice sounded as the bell chimed over the café alerting you from the words on the page.

Your eyes snapped to Eric Sohn, neatly dressed as usual in a tuxedo with pin stripes, the outfit missing the blazer but tied together with a waistcoat. If you hadn’t been so stressed about the date, you would have fainted over his rolled up dress shirt that exposed his toned forearms. You would have been a mess, but that’s not the point at hand.

“Well yes, I do enjoy a morning read, you could say.” You smiled, almost grimacing at the script-like conversation. Finding yourself almost upset you had to talk to him that way, wishing you could genuinely talk to the man on a level that wasn’t inevitably leading to the utter destruction of betrayal.

“You seem like you’re away with the fairies this morning, what’s on your mind?” He sat beside you for a moment, his elbows rested on the table behind him. His face was just above your head, eyes looming over you suspiciously.

“I’m just worried.” You replied simply, packing your things into your bag with a short huff. Awaiting you both was Sohn’s plan to breach the military base that very afternoon.

“How so?” He chuckled almost, smile lines breaking out in his cheeks, his grin lighting up his every feature, helping you to climb down from the stool you’d sat on.

“Well, what happens if this doesn’t go to plan?” You looked him in his deep brown eyes that glistened so prettily under the warm lighting, his smile dampening quickly.

“In my way or yours?” He smirked cockily, turning from you to leave the café, briefly turning to check you were following. However, you stood frozen still, what does that mean? Your plan hadn’t worked? Your blood ran cold, he’d truly had you wrapped around his finger, he knew.

“Sorry? I’m not sure what you mean by that.” You laughed the situation off, watching as his pitiful smile broke again, an almost pathetic laugh escaping his lips.

“Don’t play dumb.” He rolled his eyes momentarily, grinning with a hint of mischief to his words. “You and I clearly have our differences. I don’t fall for this entire act you’ve got going on, sugar.”

You felt sweat forming in the palms of your hands, your lips begin to quiver slightly, whilst your tongue felt like it had been duct taped to the roof of your mouth. With a clenched jaw you chose silence, watching him smirk as you stared into the pitiful void in his eyes. His hand ran through the platinum blonde strands of his hair as he sighed, unable to contain his chuckles as he watched you drown in your own psychological mess.

“Instead of being confused, I think it would be more worth while considering siding with me. Why don’t we get you out of this mess of a life you live? You’re ordered around like dog and it’s not fit for a diamond like you.” He sighed pacing around you like a lion playing with its food. “I’ve taken a liking to your dedication, I can see you’re so badly trying to stay loyal to your work but there’s something else you can’t resist.”

You shuddered as his lips hovered over your ears, whispering words of temptation in the most insatiable manner. Your body still frozen in time had not moved an inch from the table you’d been sat at. Warmth rising to your features whilst your stomach rattled around like a brittle old machine in the dry cleaners.

“You know this too. I’m not trying to manipulate you as I have nothing else to gain from your companionship. However, I’m quite fond of you y/n. I think your intelligence is to be treated better.” He shrugged his eyes glistening in a way that presented his words as something genuine, something honest. His praise lit up fireworks in your system, you were on rich compliment away from detonating completely.

“I appreciate your words Mr. Sohn.” You began, clearing your throat gently before continuing. “However, I think you and I are destined to be opposed. I wish you well.”

You fiercely clutched your bag in the warmth of your hand, swiftly rushing to exit the sheer embarrassment of the situation. The once soft sound of harmonic trumpets now sounded like the chaotic thrill of elephants stampeding through the small confinements of the café. It was in no way complimented by the grating sound of a piano keys being smashed in a way that was neither melodic or enjoyable to listen to. Yet before you could grasp the golden handle of the door, you were beckoned back by the honey sweet sound of your name amongst the frightful waves.

“Y/n?” Eric who turned to face you a final time, smiled, not a classic smirk or sinister chuckle, a small smile that made his eyes resemble those of a harmless puppy. “Contact me, if you change your mind.”

You looked back with a blank expression, observing his relaxed demeanour with bitterness lingering heavy on your mind. A bitterness, a feeling of resentment, but what you would do to run away with him if you could. You’d be killed.

The sound of the café bell chime felt almost like the sound of a distant gunshot to Eric, at heart he knew he’d never be able to swoon you in the way he’d hoped. There was a small rose seed sewn into his heart especially for you, he himself resented the way you as intelligent as you were, could be used as shark bait and treated like no more than a sniffer dog. Unusual for him to grow such a soft spot considering you were the enemy in the equation. He sighed, clutching the briefcase he’d been gifted and headed out to do what he came here for in the first place.

The military base was fairly small, observing the blueprints you’d traced for him, his plan was fairly simple. The box-like building was connected to an underground train link, there was no service running for another half an hour, which gave him that much time to secure the lektor and catch the next train inbound.

A small ladder led up to a hatch secured in the bottom of the facility, gently he used his fingers to open it almost silently. Stupidly, the officials thought Sohn would blatantly try to enter the building through the main entrance, a line of armed men waiting behind the doors.

The operations room was a littered with different documents, weapons, machinery, cupboards the only option for Sohn was to scramble through every shelf hoping to find the device wherever it’d been temporarily hidden. Underneath a satin sheet, there was a black box that somehow resembled the demonstration he’d been shown of the device. However, as he opened the box an explosion of smoke popped causing his ears to ring as the distant sound of yelling was heard from the unmanned room. This couldn’t stop Eric, he calmly continued to rake through the drawers as the voices grew louder.

In the bottom drawer, was the box he was looking for, checking once to see that it was not another trap and the actual device. As he pulled it from its case, the sounds of shots hitting the wall behind him caused him to pull a small pistol from his blazer pocket. Shooting back at the guards, neither of them being able to see clearly through the smoke from the trap. Eric crawled to the hatch, lektor huddled close to his chest.

The honking of the steam engine down the tunnel relieved him as he fired up the hatch to warn the soldiers not to come down. With his back against the wall, the train narrowly passed by him with little space to leave. He elbowed one of the windows as it slowed on the tracks, hurling himself onboard one of the carriages. He quickly switched suits, and sealed the device in his briefcase as protocol before exiting the broken room on the carriage and proceeding to another.

A sigh of relief slipped his lips as he sat down with his briefcase beside him, he even decided to purchase a cup of tea for the journey and peacefully kicked his legs up to read a newspaper. At least for the first ten minutes, the sound of his cabin door sliding open alerted him to look up casually from the words on the page. He couldn’t quite explain who the man who stood at the door was, he was familiar but not a man he knew at least. He was dressed a long black tux with brownish hair, his eyes replicated those of fury, aggression, enough to alert Sohn at least.

“Hand it over.” Pulling a gun from the waistband of his tailored black trousers, his face remained blank as Sohn raised his hands in the air with a laugh.

“That’s not very friendly.” Eric tutted, standing up from his seat with the case laying on the seat behind him. As he observed him more carefully the identity of the man began to become less pixelated, funnily enough it’s as if everywhere Sohn went he saw a face like resembling the man in the crowd. “I’m not a fan of stalkers but I’m sure we could settle this with an autograph.”

The joke seemed to land terribly with the other male, his lips curling in disgust as he readjusted his finger over the trigger of the gun in his hand.

“Get over yourself.” The man sneered before looking Sohn directly in the eye with a cold stare. “Your plan is hardly turning out successful, poor y/n came crying to me about your twisted bullshit.”

“Ah yes, now I remember!” Sohn clasped his hands together beginning to pace the small room, the man’s gun latching target to his head. “You’re y/n’s little lap dog! That makes so much more sense, unrequited love, that must be hard for you buddy.”

Sohn’s words cut through him like a knife, the anger boiling through his veins as he struggled to keep his composure. The gun wavering only slightly as his lips pursed furiously.

“I’m more than that buddy.” The unnamed man laughed in a way that attempted to conceal his emotions but instead the line came out as no more than a high pitch croak. “Now hand it over before I turn your brain into several servings of spaghetti.”

“Sangyeon!” The sound of angry footsteps stomping through the corridor alerted the man, however he didn’t take his eyes off Sohn for a second.

“Listen, Sangyeon is it?” Sohn laughed, his voice sounding assertive despite the noise of the rattling train and noisy horns. “I think you better calm down, she won’t be happy with what you’re trying to do here.”

Sangyeon’s gun lowered, just to the point where it was out of sight of the narrow train passage but still somewhat aiming at Sohn.

“What is it?” He called, the relief of Sohn’s face when he saw yours outside of the window was golden. It would have been so tedious attempting to get out of the situation himself.

“I’ve been looking for you all bloody day! Now I found out you’re trying to leave the country? What are-”Your eyes originally blinking in red fury softened into bright pearls upon meeting Eric’s. Then all of a sudden they turned red again as you looked back to Sangyeon with increased suspicion. “Step away from the door.”

Surprisingly he did just that, revealing the gun that was pointed towards Sohn just out the hallway. Eric discreetly took the opportunity to assemble the weapon given to him as Sangyeon’s eyes focused on yours.

“There is no way, I’m letting you kill a man that’s not business to take care of.” You sighed, blocking the doorway and staring into the soulless void of eyes. “Leave here immediately. You’re only gonna end up hurt.”

“Y/N? Are you out of damn mind?” Sangyeon burst out into maniacal laughter almost resembling one of those villains from a popular comic book at the time. “I’ve spent years protecting you and you repay me by - I don’t know - falling in love with the enemy?”

“I am not in love with Mr. Sohn-” You refuted, the lies slipped from your tongue as denial spun its web around the pink mush of your brain. You couldn’t coherently finish the sentence without entering a spiral.

“Really?” Sangyeon eyes flickered with false confusion, his lips breaking out into a scary grin. “Then tell me why I can’t kill him?” He left a pause for you to fill in the space, but as your eyes darted around the room you realised that he was perhaps right. You couldn’t admit that but there was no reason to let Sohn get away with the device needed to connect the entire unions military operations. It was simply ridiculous.

“Thought so.” Sangyeon sighed. “It’s a shame you’d leave me with such a broken heart.” There was a glint of genuine pain in his eyes, underneath the tough exterior. He was always good at concealing his emotions, rarely showing them and acting as enthusiastic as a piece of cardboard most days.

“Leave.” You looked him in the eyes more seriously than you ever had before, you were of course furious with Sangyeon. However, you couldn’t watch him get hurt or at least die trying to defend a union that didn’t even value his work.

“I can’t do that. You know I can’t. You’re going to get us into a situation you don’t know consequences of.” Sangyeon spat his words firm, eyes bulging out of their sockets as if they were signalling your final warning. “I’d do anything to protect you y/n. Now let me.”

With that he pulled your arm out of the way of the door, only to reveal an Eric Sohn that was more than ready to pounce. Sohn tackled Sangyeon, wounding his arm but managing to throw his gun down the other end of the carriage. Sangyeon panicked, attempting to reach for Sohn before he could take your arm. He yelled out for you, the change in his voice causing you to whip your head around as Eric’s sprinting stopped.

“Y/N!! WAIT!” The agonising shriek ran cold through your bones, you gasped turning to the man as he rose from the ground. “Don’t leave. I serve no purpose without you.”

“I love you.”

The scene looked like a shakespearean tragedy, the two men on either side of the carriage looking at you expectantly. Sangyeon the tragic hero, the final villain to be defeated clinging to a last thread of hope that you’d take his hand and run away with him instead. Then on the other hand Sohn, a dream-like protagonist that had fallen in love with an enemy in battle, waiting to ride his horse into into the sunset. Your mind ran codes like a computer, processing your deepest desires battling the virus of conflict that had been hard-wired into your system.

“I can’t, but we will meet again Sangyeon.” You sighed, your love for Sangyeon was purely platonic, forced out of a system that took you for granted and fed you to the sharks. “Leave this line of work as soon as you can, you don’t deserve to be hurt this way. But I have to go.”

Tears welled at Sangyeon’s eyes for the first time in perhaps over a decade, he knew you were right, in fact he didn’t want you to be in danger anymore. Mature, as he always was, he knew your decision was ultimately the right answer. His love for you, was far greater than his selfish desires, but succumbing to your own was the best thing you could do. The only thing he necessarily cared about over his broken heart, was Sohn’s ability to keep you safe - he knew he would. As he clenched his fists watching you and Sohn run into the hills together he smiled, a chuckle leaving his lips, glad you had your happy ending.

“Where is he?” Asked a gaggle of soldiers boarding the train, their rifles over their chests as they marched down the carriage.

“I lost him.” Sangyeon replied, his lies convincing enough to deter the soldiers away from the area, as he weakly stepped off at the last stop of the train. It was a beautiful day outside, a beautiful place to announce his new beginning. He sighed, as he viewed the coast line from the train stop, maybe opening a bakery isn’t a bad idea after all.

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ📰☕️🎬ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

“You ever visited here before?” Sohn asked, leaning across the canoe as he rowed down the streets, the sunshine lighting up his golden skin.

“Well, I’ve never left the country.” You chuckled, causing his face to light up in amusement as you admired the waters surrounding the city of Venice.

“I thought I’d ask, I’m glad I’m able to provide such a romantic spot for such a beauty like you.” He winked mischievously, laughing as you cringed at his advanced his eyes scrunching into crescent moons.

“Do I have to be worried about all this flirting Mr.Sohn? I’m not falling for any tricks.” Your eyes squinted at him suspiciously, propping your head in the palm of your hand as you leaned across the canoe.

“Well, if this is anything to settle your worries. I’m in a bit of trouble with M for accepting your side quest. He said to me a few years ago that if I let romance get in the way of my missions ever again, I’ll either get myself killed by it or even M himself.” He laughed thinking back to conversation. His eyes that sought out reminiscence in the distance then flickered to meet yours. “When I first met you, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep that promise.”

Melting into his words, you laughed as you felt the heat rise to your cheeks and the irresistible warmth of true love blossom in the pit of your stomach. As your eyes lingered on each others, you observed the beautiful nature of Sohn himself. He was etched in the model of a greek god, you finally validated yourself for falling into his trap, perhaps the love potion you were casting accidentally splashed yourself. For a few moments, Sohn hesitated, leaning closer to you for a moment as you froze. Your brain almost completely malfunctioned as he smiled, lifting your chin with the palm of his hand. Finally pressing your lips to his you smiled to yourself, as the sun began to set in Venice, the once blue sky-line was painted like a canvas with the most vibrant shades oranges and pinks.

Despite your mission abhorrently failing, the feeling of true love and freedom was the most successful ending your desolate heart could have asked for.

Besides, the love potion seemed to be successful.. Eric certainly seemed smitten as your words fell on his ears like sugar, as you talked the past and other interesting things about yourself. Venice seemed like the perfect place to forget your lives, forget how you met and fall in love all over again.

fin. — “you will locate, befriend and fall in love with agent Sohn.”

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pinksugarscrub · 9 days ago

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Guts

Hobie Brown x fem! spider! reader

Late octobie submission, prepare to be amazed

Event by @the-kr8tor Banner by @the-shroom-garden

Special thank you to @hyperfix-wip for being my number one pookie and beta reader 💙❤️

word count: 1,707

parts: 1, 2

cw: cursing and general shenanigans

F.E.A.S.T. has been a part of your life since you could remember. It’s where you met Peter Parker, your Peter Parker. In his prime with more than a dozen job applications while you were halfway through high school.

Now your roles are reversed with Peter leading the Emily-May foundation alongside Harry Osborn and you finishing your first year of college. Things couldn’t be better. Not that you would say that out loud. Peter is superstitious and now you’re starting to believe him after Doctor Connors turned himself into…well a lizard.

The smell of pumpkin permeates the air. Small candles lit and fixed across all of the plastic tables you helped setup just this morning. It makes your nose twitch and a headache soon appears but you don't have the heart to tell May.

There are artificial leaves hanging from the ceiling along with streamers. A tree trunk made of packing paper and tape in the corner. Notes with something everyone is thankful for along with a few polaroids. All in all the day is shaping up to be great!

Denial is a river in Egypt.

“Hun, don’t you have a paper due tonight?” May asks. Concern etching her face as she catches you mid-errand.

“What? No-” you wheeze. Pretending to struggle with the boxes in your hands when another volunteer walks by. It turns out to only be Peter. Who makes short work of taking the boxes off your hands. Always a gentleman.

“Here, let me help!”

“Your protege is stretching herself thin again Peter.” May tsks.

Peter shifts the boxes of clothing just under his chin. A knowing look on his face that sometimes you wish you could just squash under your shoes.

“Is it the battle of the bands? You’ll do great junior, it’s nothing you can’t handle.”

“That’s today?” May gasps.

“Would everyone just-” Your voice raises in irritation and it immediately deflates as you catch May and Peter exchange a look. “I’m fine. I just need a break. Sorry.”

Peter’s eyes follow you as you stuff your hands in your pockets and storm up the steps.

“All yours Pete.” May sighs. Patting his back and sending him off with her prayers.

When Peter finds you, your eyes are rimmed with red and your fingers are fidgeting like they always do when you’re anxious.

He can remember finding you in the same place and predicament when he first started mentoring you.

Peter has never really thought of himself as this great hero. Even after seeing Spider-Man themed sneakers and branded t-shirts (He hasn’t seen any of the revenue from that by the way).

Peter just happens to be at the right place at the right time. Granted he chose to be someone the neighborhood could rely on but greatness wasn’t something he was used to being described as by anyone other than his close friends and May.

To have to live in his shadow was something he couldn’t quite comprehend until you voiced your bubbling insecurities to him. You were such a small thing then. Still trying to find your way in the world and become Spider-Woman .

Since then this rooftop,in and out of costume, has become the center of uncomfortable conversations and warm embraces that fill a space in Peter’s heart that he wasn’t even aware he had. You were his family now. With Mary Jane and Harry. It was a weird conjunction of people but a happy one nonetheless.

Peter holds onto the door until it quietly locks back into place. You don’t move but he’s sure you’ve noticed him. He stands until you quietly ask him to sit and for a while it’s silent. Peter knows you like it that way. You’re such an analytical kid.

The city streets are as noisy as ever. It’s New York. But the leaves are a vibrant array of orange, yellow, and red. The air is cold and the sky is gray.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize again.

“No sweat.” Peter smiles. Glancing over before squeezing your shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

You snort, “cold.” Wrapping your thin sweater tighter around your body to make a point. “I forgot my jacket.”

“I can see that,” he laughs. Then it’s quiet again except for his shuffling as he sets his jacket over your shoulders.

“You did a great job with the decorations.” He tries to veer the conversation in a different direction. You aren’t ready to talk yet.

“It’s just colored paper.”

“Ah there’s only room for one self deprecating person on this roof and that’s me. Get your own gig.”

You laugh and finally look up from your scarred hands. Freshly healed from a run in with Rhino.

Peter smiles wider. That goofy smile that MJ fell in love with when they were just sixteen. You will die before ever admitting you once found him cute. You will also take to your grave the massive crush you had on Spider-Man before getting bit. What? You were fourteen!

“What about depression?” You quip. “Anxiety is a good candidate too.”

“How about something positive for once.”

“Anxiety is positive. It keeps me alive.”

“Alright, something serotonin inducing,” he corrects himself.

“Arson.”

“That isn’t illegal.”

You sigh loudly and slump against the wall. “Fine. Uh…what about being stuck up? That’s free and still mildly annoying.”

“Mildly?” He chokes out a laugh. “I beg to differ. What about being a know it all?”

You wave your hand dismissively. “Too basic.”

You stare at one another before bursting into laughter. His arm comes up to bring you into his embrace.

Peter knows how to give good hugs. You’ve deduced this after watching him console civilians. Just the right ones too and Peter always smelled distinctly of soot and ash. Like he can never quite separate Spider-Man from Peter Parker.

“What is it?” He asks after seeing your expression slowly sink back into sadness.

What was it? Was there a simple answer? Everything felt congealed into one. Gooey and sticky until you were left with a multicolored wad of gum. You suppose that’s the best answer you can give Peter.

“It’s everything.” You exhale. Shoulders slumped as you look back to your clammy palms. “College admissions, the band, today’s dinner.”

You drown further into his much too large jacket. You could stay in it forever if it meant not having to face reality.

“What’s worrying you the most. Let’s start there.”

You scrunch your nose and ponder over the list of things weighing on your mind. One sticks out like a thorn in your side no matter how hard you try to think about graduation or what to wear tonight. The show.

“Remember Hobie?”

Peter perks up. “Yeah, of course. We’re meeting him today along with…Gwen and Pavitr, am I saying that right?”

If it wasn’t for the fact your stomach was in knots you would have teased him for taking so long to remember.

“Yeah, Pav works too.”

Peter parrots the shortened version of Pavitr’s name under his breath. Mentally storing that information so he can make a good impression on your friends.

A deep breath leaves your chest as you tap on your knee. “I want him, especially him, to think I’m cool. Is that weird?”

Peter shakes his head. “Not at all. I mean, talk to MJ. There is no shortage of embarrassing stories about me trying to impress her.”

“Yeah,” you chuckle. “Like the time you ate it in the cafeteria when you were trying to catch up to her. Or the time-”

“Ok, ok!” Peter sputters. Face growing hot as he relives the most devastating moment of his life. “Jeez, are you trying to kill me?”

“It would make this process go a lot faster,” you joke.

“Right, feelings stink.”

“Suck Peter. They suck.”

“Same thing,” he argues.

“No it isn’t Mary Poppins- can I finish now?”

Peter raises one hand in surrender while the other remains on your side.

“Thank you,” you huff. Lips twitching as you fight the urge to smile.

Thinking over your friendship with Hobie—that you’re hoping will evolve into something more—there is one thing he has an adamant distaste for and that’s capitalism.

And, well, no your band doesn’t make million dollar record deals but the genre of music is so generic not even you can keep from making fun of the four chord pop songs you make.

However after spending more and more time with Hobie you started to see the stark differences in why you both create music. You can’t help but think Hobie might not be able to see past it. You almost feel like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A poser, a fraud.

But you love music. Your songs are a mix of a little bit of everything in that they aren’t one in the same. Stemming from your background, your bandmates, and what’s popular now. You don’t stick to just one thing. But what if that doesn’t impress him?

Punk is a form of expression against oppression while pop is an innovation of style and skill. Moreover focused on presentation. Hobie plays for freedom while you play for a different kind.

“Well,” Peter began, “I’m no expert but from what I’ve heard-”

You roll your eyes as he fakes an english accent. It’s horrible. Like scratching your nails against a chalkboard.

“-he sounds like a pretty great guy. I almost want to marry him.”

That you can agree with.

“I doubt he’d ever break up a friendship over something so trivial in the grand scheme of things.” Peter considers there’s a slim chance he will. Slim. So he continues. “If he does. You and I can cry over a box of oreos.”

“Cookie dough,” you correct. On the verge of tears as you smile. Not for yourself but for Peter.

You never received ‘you’re being ridiculous’ or ‘you’re overreacting’ from Peter. He never sugar coated anything either. He would make a great dad someday.

“We’re getting through this together. Whether you win or lose. You’ve always got me.” His voice softened. “Ok squirt?”

Air escapes Peter’s lungs as you barrel into his chest. Clutching onto his battered ‘the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell’ shirt until your knuckles turn white.

“Thanks Pete.”

#hobie brown #across the spiderverse #atsv #hobie brown x reader #atsv hobie #hobie brown x you #hobie x reader #spider punk x reader #octobie #octobie wildcard #octobie 24'#hobie october event #x reader #x fem!reader #x female reader

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freesia-writes · 5 months ago

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Ch 14: Blossoming

~ Master List ~ Previous Chapter ~ WC: 3.5k

Hunter took a deep breath, sinking deeper into the plush L-shaped couch in the corner of Tech and Phee’s living room, trying to tune out their excited chatter as they bent over the glowing blossom from the cave. They were huddled at their dinner table, datapads and records scattered everywhere, and they were deep in thought and theory as they considered all of the possibilities of its significance. Lyra shifted her feet where they lay crossed on the large ottoman, tilting her head sideways against the tall cushion behind her to gaze at Hunter, who noticed immediately and glanced in her direction.

They’d both been thoroughly interrogated by Tech upon recounting their adventure, with some interjections of awe and curiosity from Phee, and both felt entirely spent, realizing they should have slept in more if they were to be subjected to an afternoon of this. But upon gathering enough information to be satisfied, if only temporarily, Tech and Phee had dismissed them to the living room in favor of a thorough examination of the flower, requiring them to stand by in case they were needed for a cave visit later.

“Did you manage to sleep at all?” Lyra asked Hunter, who nodded slowly. “How?!” she pressed, having been unable to stop replaying all that had happened, still not entirely sure that the whole thing wasn’t just a dream.

“I’ve seen a lot of weird stuff in my life,” he shrugged, stretching his own legs out across the ottoman. “No point in dwelling on it when there’s nothing to be done.”

“Well that sounds just fine and dandy,” she chuckled. “I wish I could turn my brain off.”

“I’m sure Tech could come up with something for that.”

“Ah, yeah… I’m not quite that desperate.”

“Smart choice.”

They gazed at each other for a moment longer, then at the floor, the window, their feet… anywhere to take a break from the magnetic pull they felt. Hunter was picking up on an odd combination of anxiety and comfort from Lyra, although he wondered if he was also projecting what he himself felt and was unable to reconcile. There was an inexplicable sensation of not knowing what to do with himself and yet still feeling some kind of compulsion, all while being deeply content in her presence. Attempting to push the thoughts from his mind, he rose to his feet, ambling to the dining table where Phee was carefully holding the petals apart as Tech scanned each one with his datapad.

“Having fun?” Hunter asked, resting a hand on the back of Tech’s chair.

“I am not sure I would classify it as–”

“Yes,” Phee interjected, grinning at Tech, who gave her a thin-lipped yet harmless look at her interruption.

“Yes, you may call it fun,” he conceded, turning his luminous eyes on Hunter. “This is a remarkable piece of flora. Did you look at it closely?”

“Not really,” Hunter shook his head.

“There are runes along the edge of each petal that are nearly indecipherable to the naked eye, but we have been able to magnify and analyze them after a methodical scanning process.”

“And?”

“And they appear to be either some sort of language native to Xylo or an ancient form of communication that is no longer utilized in any modern database. Therefore, their meaning will continue to elude us until we are able to make sense of the patterns and strokes.”

“You couldn’t have given us a better gift,” Phee laughed, dragging her finger from one side of her datapad screen to the other, where she had organized the runes and was running various trials on them.

“Indeed,” Tech agreed, eyes glimmering behind his yellow lenses. “With our unique experiences and expertise in this area, we are truly the most terrific team to be tackling such a task.”

“Ooh, alliteration,” Phee said in delight. “He really is excited.”

“Alright, well… Do you need us anymore?” Hunter asked, feeling decidedly “other” between the two of them.

“No,” Tech said bluntly, and Phee gave him a little bump on the elbow. “What?”

“What he means to say is ‘thank you for this fascinating project, and if you would like to get some more rest or have some time to yourselves, we will be in touch if we have any further questions,’” she filled in, and the light sound of Lyra’s laugh from the couch behind brought a small grin to Hunter’s face. “Although I still want to check out that cave.”

“I’d be willing to bet it’s all closed up again like it was the first time we were in it, but I gave Tech the coordinates, so maybe the two of you can have another hot date when you get tired of this.”

“I find it unlikely for this to become tiresome in the immediate future.”

“Got it. Well have fun,” he said, turning back to the living room to see Lyra on her feet, pulling her bag onto her shoulder, ready to follow him out the door.

They wandered along the path toward The Forest, where both of their houses lay nestled near its edge. Lyra’s was much lower, close to the sea on a large, flat field that ended with a cliff overlooking the ocean, while Hunter’s was up near the school, tucked into a much more densely-wooded area. Both were east of town, so they walked together until they reached the split in the road, turning to face each other for a moment.

“Does crazy stuff always happen around you?” she asked abruptly, and he chuckled after a beat.

“It used to,” he admitted, a heaviness suddenly apparent in his smoky voice. “I was hoping that here it would be different.” The weight of his words hung between them, leaving her unsure of how to proceed.

“Well,” she attempted, absently pulling her hair into a low ponytail as the wind picked up, “I’m not really one for adventure… But… That was pretty cool.” She smiled, the admiration clear on her face, and he took a deep breath, standing a little taller.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he offered, zipping up his jacket. “Hope it didn’t terrify you too much.”

“It would have if you hadn’t been there,” she blurted out, flushing with embarrassment at her admission. He looked down, hiding the curl at the corners of his lips, and tucked his hands into his pockets.

“I vote we stick to more domestic activities next time.”

“Yes!” she agreed emphatically, “Like bed!” Both of their eyebrows shot up, and they stared at each other in surprise. “I mean! Wait,” Lyra backpedaled, her husky voice growing higher in pitch as she realized her insinuation. “Not bed together, heh, but bed… Like you wanted to go to bed. So… That kind of bed. Your bed. And my bed…” She slapped her forehead with her palm, shaking her head with a miserable smile on her face. Finally, she looked up at him with a clarity that rarely appeared in her self-conscious demeanor, “I need to stop saying the word ‘bed’,” she laughed, “And I don’t know why this keeps happening around you.”

“At least Echo isn’t here to make us miserable this time,” Hunter attempted, shoulders lowering a little at her sigh of relief. He smiled, inexplicably relieved that he wasn’t the only one who had difficulty in social situations, and then he offered his hand to her, which she took in the most awkward and randomly-executed handshake ever.

“I’ll see you soon,” Lyra said quickly, taking her hand back and turning toward the lower path.

“See you soon,” Hunter echoed, watching her for a moment before beginning his trek up the hill.

* * *

The scent of a fireplace filled Hunter’s nose as he strolled into the clearing where his cabin and Wrecker’s stood at right angles from each other, and a lazy tendril of smoke curled gracefully into the foggy sky, welcoming him home with a twist before disappearing. Birds chirped in the branches nearby, and Wrecker’s booming laugh echoed from within the walls up ahead. Kicking his boots off inside the door, Hunter was pleased to see Omega and Wrecker having a blast over some small tabletop game that involved small rocks and levers, and had he been intentionally quiet, they likely wouldn’t have noticed his appearance.

“Hunter!” Omega exclaimed happily, giving him a wave before rushing her hands back to her little wooden levers. “I got the engineering internship!” she announced, unable to tear her eyes from the game.

“Her first choice!” Wrecker yelled, oblivious to his volume because of his jubilant pride at her accomplishment.

“That’s great, kid.” Hunter said, hanging his jacket up in the entryway and joining them at the table, in the sturdy wooden chair closest to the roaring fire. “When did you find out?”

“This morning, when you were still sleeping,” she poked, sending him a playfully accusatory glance. “You were out laaaate last night, eh?”

“Yeah, Lyra and I found some weird flower in a cave,” he said quickly, peeved by how much he suddenly felt like a child under parental scrutiny.

“Is that what they’re calling it these days?” Omega kept a straight face despite Wrecker’s delighted guffaw, both glancing at Hunter, whose dumbfounded expression gave them another round of chuckles.

“Calling what, exactly?”

“Oh, come on, Hunter,” the girl teased, “Just because you were created in a lab doesn’t mean that’s where everyone comes from. You see, sometimes two people come together…”

��Don’t, Omega!” Wrecker interjected gleefully, “I don’t think he’s ready for that yet.”

“Good grief,” Hunter groaned, “You’re making me miss getting shot at.”

“I’m sure Crosshair wouldn’t mind some practice,” his brother cajoled. There was no reply, just a dejected shake of the head from the former Sergeant who wasn’t sure how or when he’d become the butt of everyone’s jokes.

“Alright, Omega, let’s hear more about the internship,” he said, anxious to talk about literally anything else.

“It’s going to be a whole month!” she exclaimed, flipping one of her wooden catapults to launch a rock toward the small cups on Wrecker’s side. “And it’s with a small cohort of engineers and mechanics over on Plata, where they’ve developed a whole new method of conducting energy to provide backup power for ships and buildings.”

“Plata, eh?” Hunter murmured, painfully aware of his complete inability to “protect” her from elements of a civilian world that he himself wasn’t well-versed in either.

“I know,” Omega nodded, wrinkling her nose at Wrecker’s next lever pull. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and a lot of work. I just can’t believe I got in there! Only two other students got it. I’ll have to thank Lyra this week – she helped me with so many details on the applications. I’ll bet that’s why.”

“She may have helped, but you did all the interviews and work around them,” Hunter reassured, heart warming at the reminder of Lyra’s charitable nature. “So… when do you leave?”

“Next week!”

“Looks like it’s just you and me, boss,” Wrecker said, heaving a huge, dramatic sign as Omega landed her final rock.

“Good,” Hunter grinned. “We can finish the project.”

“We haven’t even started the project!” Wrecker exclaimed.

“What project?” Omega asked, glancing curiously from one clone to the other.

“I know,” Hunter said, ignoring her for a moment. “But a month should be plenty of time.”

“I’ve got other stuff to do, you know!” Wrecker complained.

“I’m just really looking forward to spending this time with you,” Hunter jabbed, happy for someone else to be under fire for a change.

“Alright, alright.”

“What project?” Omega repeated, squinting suspiciously at each of them in turn.

“You’ll see.”

* * *

The rest of the week passed by in relative peace and quiet. Tech and Phee had indeed ventured to the cave and found it as unremarkable as it was impenetrable, so they resolved to continue their investigation at home. A few successful morning hunts created plenty of work at the butcher shop, and Omega was becoming more and more insistent that she didn’t need to be escorted to school and back. Wrecker took on a few more construction endeavors, and Echo reminded both Crosshair and Hunter that the first day of his self-defense workshop was approaching. They also received a stern lecture that they were expected to stick to the plan, with no surprises, otherwise “he would turn Luciana loose on them”, a threat that was met with chagrined eyerolls all around.

Lyra was notably sparse, visiting Hunter’s shop only once, and he had a gnawing sense of insecurity, wondering if he’d unknowingly done something to alienate her. But it was continually pushed to the back of his mind as he busied himself with work and preparation for Echo’s class, spending any remaining time at home with Omega before her departure.

The defense workshop day arrived, and Hunter and Crosshair found themselves standing in the field of the Training Academy, both wearing athletic pants and jackets. It was a cool day, but the chilly wind was mercifully still, freeing them the need from extra layers. There was a decent crowd of attendees, all radiating an eagerness that should have been encouraging, but Hunter found himself looking forward to it being over. He’d been working extra hard all week up until that morning, when he’d gotten up early to see Omega off at the port, and he felt an odd sense of despondency for no reason in particular. He yearned for some quiet and solitude, having missed the semi-regular walks in the woods due to an increased workload, but also didn’t find the idea of being alone with his thoughts something to rush toward.

“Alright, everyone listen up!” Echo announced, launching into an explanation about the benefits of preparedness and the various scenarios they would cover that day. He introduced the first exercise, pointing to Hunter and Crosshair to demonstrate, and after they’d modeled a fairly basic way to escape a two-handed choke hold, the participants were partnered up to practice. The clones wandered among the students, pointing out adjustments here and there, and Hunter felt as though he were in a daze, going through the halfhearted motions with Crosshair for the thirteenth time. A few people arrived late, causing some people to shift partners as Echo reviewed the skill they were currently practicing.

“Hey Hunter,” he called, beckoning from the edge of the crowd. “I need to partner you up since we have an odd number of people now.”

“He’s just saving you from me,” Crosshair hissed with a smug grin as Hunter trotted away, coming to a rather startled halt next to Echo as he saw who stood in front of him.

“Lyra here seems to be without a partner all of a sudden,” Echo said with bulletproof nonchalance. “Would you mind going through the drills with her? We want to make sure every student is well-prepared.” Hunter stared into Echo’s impassive face, brown eyes meeting gray with an entire conversation communicated in an instant.

“You’re unbelievable,” Hunter muttered, stifling the urge to roll his eyes as Echo’s expression grew shocked and innocent. He turned to Lyra, who had a tiny, shy grin of her own, and his face softened slightly. “Did he put you up to this?”

“He may have shared all the benefits of being thoroughly capable of defending myself in any situation,” she admitted, turning to smile at Echo, who had magically disappeared. “Yes, he told me to come,” she whispered to Hunter, clasping her hands awkwardly in front of her. “But you don’t have to be my partner if you have other stuff to do.”

“No, let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, spirits lifting a tad as he squared up to her, readying to practice the last move of a quick twist of the wrist, but Echo’s commanding voice broke apart the sparring partners.

“Alright, moving on to the next one!” he yelled, pointing at Crosshair who had come to stand in front of him. “This is called a Rear Hold Defense, and is highly useful when you’re grabbed unexpectedly from behind…”

“You might need this one to protect yourself from the office ladies if they get any more courageous,” Lyra murmured, and Hunter snorted aloud in gleeful surprise. Echo gave him a stern look from beneath sharp brows before continuing.

“The trick is to make yourself as much like an uncooperative loth-cat as possible. When you try to hang onto one…” he said, having thrown both arms around Crosshair, who immediately twisted and dropped to the ground out of reach, “...you find it very difficult.”

Crosshair rose to his feet, brushing himself off, and gave Hunter a grin across the clearing. Hunter sighed.

“You really don’t have to–” Lyra said, rubbing the back of her neck timidly. “I can wait, or just watch, or join another pair…” Hunter searched her face, trying to discern if she didn’t want him to, was too self-conscious, was trying to do what she thought he wanted, or some weird combination of all of them.

“Do you not want me to?” he asked plainly, watching her shift from one foot to the other in her sweatshirt and sweatpants. “Just don’t tell Echo, or I might get fired from this non-paid position for not ‘ensuring that each student is well-prepared’,” he chuckled, feeling more and more lighthearted by the minute. Something about her mousy, demure shyness paired with the fact that she had indeed come to the class made him happier than he was willing to admit, and he saw a little spark in her eye for a split second.

“Well… I’d hate to get you in trouble,” she said quietly, turning around and crossing her arms across her front to allow him to practice the move. “So we’d better do as we’re told.” Hunter grinned, stepping behind her and ignoring the slight increase in his heart rate.

“You’re not being put into a coffin, you know,” he chuckled, nodding at her odd position.

“Well what am I supposed to do with my hands?” she said indignantly, a little embarrassed by his good-natured ribbing.

“Just act normal.”

“I don’t know what normal–” she began, cut off by his sudden grasp from behind. His arms wrapped firmly around her middle, below where her own had been loosely held together like some kind of deformed T-rex, and she gasped in surprise.

“Come on, get out of it,” Hunter breathed in her ear, and she shivered before stumbling a few steps backward in utter shock. They teetered back and forth for a few seconds as she made a few feeble attempts in different directions, turning slightly within his hold but making absolutely no progress toward any semblance of freedom.

“You’re making it a lot harder than he made it look,” she panted, squirming until her shoulder was in his chest, but his arms were still firmly fastened around her, just beneath her elbows. Her heavy breaths and racing pulse grew louder as she continued to struggle, and he didn’t see how red her cheeks had become until she threw her head sideways to face him, a mixture of insult and anger on her face. It was so sharp and uncharacteristic that his eyes widened in surprise, again struck by that pang of fear of crossing a line somewhere.

It was then that she dropped like a stone, allowing her legs to buckle completely to throw her full weight to the ground, and his momentary distraction cost him dearly as he pitched forward with his hands still locked around her. They toppled to the ground, a flailing pile of arms and legs, and he scrambled to break his fall to avoid crashing on top of her with his full weight. She collapsed onto her side, throwing an arm up instinctively, but he landed on all fours, with a hand splayed on the grass on either side of her head and his knees framing her legs. They froze in shock for a second, staring at one another as though they’d just defied death itself, then Hunter clambered to his feet, so completely befuddled that Lyra was left to get up on her own.

“Nice job, Lyra,” Echo said, appearing out of nowhere. He turned to Hunter, clicking his tongue beneath stern brows. “As for you, please stop trying to mount the students.”

“Oh for kriff’s sake,” he began, but Echo silenced him with a held-up scomp before casually heading back to the front of the group. “Agh, sorry,” Hunter exclaimed, seeing Lyra brushing herself off nearby. “I didn’t mean to just leave you there.”

“Well I didn’t mean to throw us to the ground, so…”

“But hey, you got out,” he said, searching for anything to move past the awkwardness. “So… nice job.”

“Thanks… But… I… uh… I think I’m gonna need some more practice,” Lyra said quietly, slowly meeting his surprised gaze and delighting him with her sudden candor.

“Oh yeah?” he murmured, a small smile creeping onto his face without his permission.

“For safety…” she said assuredly, turning away from him again with the tiniest hint of coyness and crossing her arms across her chest.

“For safety,” he echoed, pressing his lips together as he took position behind her.

Previous Chapter ~ Master List ~ Next Chapter

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helluva-simper · 7 months ago

Text

Drugs

Word count: 1k

TW!: drug use, 18+, suggestive content, cussing, violence. Minors DNI

Valentino walked into his penthouse, the main color of the room being a red and dark pink with an occasional blue and purple. He sits on the couch turning on the TV. He leaned towards the table to grab the cigarette box but when he opened it, nothing was in it. “Voxxy!? Where did I put my extra cigarettes?!”

Valentino gets up and looks around the living room as Vox yells, “I don’t Fucking know! You probably used them all since you smoke them like there’s no tomorrow!” Valentino audibly groans.

Vox walks into the room and laughs at Valentino’s look of despair. “You look so stupid, Val. Can’t you just smoke something else to control the bitches.” He asked, carrying his “fuck Alastor cup.” in a blue robe. “I could but those are my favorite.” Valentino whines as Vox sighs. “So… Voxxy baby~... can you do me a favor and watch over the club while I’m gone.” “No. I’m incredibly too busy to deal with your bullshit.” Vox said.

“Come on~. I’ll pay you back. And I promise you won’t regret it.” Valentino said, running his fingers down the side of Vox's TV screen. Vox groans as he pushes his hands away. “Val, I said-” “You don’t even have to stay long. Just need you to make sure everything is going smoothly.” Valentino says grabbing his phone about to call someone to pick him up already knowing that he has won. “Ugh, fine.” Vox walks away drinking whatever was in his cup. Valentino was off to see you.

You were a bee demon that went by the name of ‘Hunne’. You were a popular and wealthy demon by selling a product called “Honey buns” since it was originally supposed to be in food but… eh… you just thought that drugs would be better. It was a drug that could make you feel like you could fly or make you feel completely relaxed depending on how much you take. It was in all forms: pills, powder, cigarettes, and that was why Valentino was taking the time out of his day to drive to the other side of Hell.

He walks in to see you smoking your own stuff. “Hunne, baby, how ya been?” Valentino said walking to the counter almost scrunching his nose at how strong the smell of smoke was near you. “Tino, haven’t seen you in a hot minute. Ran out of my stuff?” You asked, putting your cigarette in the ashtray in front of you.

You had black and yellow stripes all over your skin, your hair was messy and was covering your face barely able to see through your hair to see your fully black eyes. You were quite skinny and frail with boney fingers that had long, black nails. When you spoke, you would make a buzzing noise.

“Sadly so, but I also came to see my favorite stoner.” Valentino said, having a toothy grin resting his upper left arm on the table. “Of course, Tino. Now…” You stretch out your thin arm and open your hand. He digs inside his robe and pulls out his wallet giving you the money. You smile, taking it and putting it in a lock box behind you.

As you bend down, Valentino wolf whistles looking up and down at your body. Even though you were very scrawny, Valentino found it very interesting. How easy it would be to dominate you, break you. But if he wasn’t your best customer, you would have shot him with the gun you had in the box as well. So, you just let him wish.

“You know, you would make a wonderful assistant~.” Valentino suggested with a smug look. You stood up and grabbed a vial from inside a cabinet as you said, “Maybe in the next Hell.”

Valentino had a specific type of cigarette that he always requested. It had a vibrant red color and had a chemical that, without the right protection, would make anyone other than him incredibly high, that’s why you wore gloves and a mask.

Valentino rolls out his tongue letting his saliva drip into the small tube. When it was full he said, “I would like to see how my little worker bee does their job.” “I prefer for you to stay outside.” You answered walking to the backroom door. As you did, he walked to you.

He puts his lower arms on your hips and the upper on your shoulders. “Baby, come on~ I won’t touch anything… unless it’s you~.” He purrs in your ear. Since you knew that you were too weak to fight an overlord, you just turned around, dug out his wallet, feeling his bare chest sending chills down his spine, pulled out his wallet, and took out 2 $100 bills.

“You drive a hard bargain, my sweet.” He spoke. “If you don’t take your dick holding hands off me, I will not make your drugs.” You said firmly. Valentino pulls his hands away and holds them up, surrendering.

When Valentino backed away, you opened the door. The room was almost pitch black with a very dim orange light. A visible black smoke filled the room, making Valentino choke. “Fucking hell! How do you work or even breathe in here?!” Valentino said, waving his hand around. You just shrugged.

The same way a bee collects pollen, your hair always had pollen in it, the only difference was that you didn’t need to taste good. You always being in an enclosed room while smoking tainted the pollen being the main ingredient. When it’s mixed with Valentino’s saliva well… you’ll be so high you might attempt to fly off the Vee’s tower.

You walk to a giant mixing machine and put the two ingredients in it. You put the time for 3 ½ minutes and started it. As it mixed you walked over to a table and grabbed the lighter and cigarette from it then lit the cigarette. Valentino watched your every move with a growing idea.

Valentino walks to you taking the cigarette out of your hand. “What the fuck man?!” You exclaimed, reaching for it but you were too weak to move the hand that was pushing you back. He wrapped his hand around your chin and pulled your face to his. He took a drag, pulled down your mask, and blew it in your face. Being the addict you were, you instantly inhale the smoke. “Give… give it back.” You muttered trying to pull away but he didn’t let go.

“So, Hunne, baby~. May I know why you have to wear all this protection?” Valentino asked. He didn't really didn't need to though since he already knew. You had told him the first few months he started requesting his special drug. He just want to hear your own voice say it.

You stayed silent, not replying to his question trying to step away but used his lower arms to keep you in place. Valentino tales another drag watching you breathe it in like you needed it, like it was oxygen.

“Come on, baby~. I just need you to say a sentence or two. Can be too hard, right?” He spoke backing you up into the wall. You were terrifide. Yeah, you being his favorite drug dealer let you know that he wasn't gonna kill you… somewhat but him towering over you like that was making you feel uncomfortable.

Before you could tell him to go fuck himself, he pushed himself against you and moved your chin up allowing him to unravel his tongue around your neck. Your breathing stopped.

What was this smell? God, it was intoxicating making your vision blur. You felt like you had just stopped thinking. Valentino could see the break on your face. He kissed you and you didn't fight back, didn't even think about it (as if you could). He sild his tongue inside, exploring, making the effects of the chemical worse.

Valentino, his voice deep and breathy, whispered in your ear, “Perhaps the drugs can wait… can't they?” The only response he got was incoherent noises which made him smirk. “Till then, just be a good little “Hunne” bee and let Daddy do what he does best.”

After reading all this comment "WNTBT" (We need therapy big time) in the comments and I'll be paying for your therapy

Tag

@rerarlo

@kadegravy -my fav Stoner

#random #hazbin hotel #Valentino x reader #Valentino x you #hazbin valentino #valentino hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel valentino #valentino #the vees #Hazbin hotel #Hazbin #vox hazbin #vox hazbin hotel #vox the tv demon #hazbin hotel vox #Valentino fanfic #Vox fanfic

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its-jaytothemee · 17 days ago

Text

Until I Met You - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Last Night

Pairings: Halsin x Tav

Word count: 2,620

Rating: Currently M, will be Explicit in later chapters.

Chapter 1

Read on AO3

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Summary: Tav and the gang have what they hope is their last night in the shadow cursed lands. Part 40 of the slow burn fic. Tav and Halsin POVs.

Tags: Slow burn, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/comfort, fluff, eventual love confessions, eventual smut, angst, implied past rape/non-con and abuse, graphic description of injuries, brief suicidal thoughts.

A/N: A bit of a shorter chapter to tie a few things up and get us ready for the next few chapters! Super excited to share the last part of this act with you over the next few weeks <3

Tav rolled her shoulders and stretched her arms as she settled into her tent for the evening. She thought that she would be happier with this potentially being their last night in the shadows, but she also knew the perils that would await them in the morning.

She tried to close her eyes, if anything as long as she could trance for a couple of hours, it should be enough to get her through the day.

“Knock, knock!” Gale’s voice called from outside.

Tav cracked one eye open, seeing a purple haze shining through the thin opening left in her tent.

“Gale?” She popped her head out to look at him.

“Good evening! I’m here on behalf of Gale of Waterdeep. He wishes to extend you an invitation for a private conversation in a more suitable locale.”

“Huh?” Tav blinked at the bright light emanating from the projection.

“Ah, shall I repeat myself? Good evening! I’m–”

“No! No.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Just tell me where he went so I can go meet him.”

“Gladly. Just follow yonder path and you will find him with ease.” He gave her a small bow.

Tav slipped past the image of Gale and followed a small path out of their camp. It wasn’t long before she entered a small clearing where he was seated on a blanket.

To her surprise, she could see the stars. Not just the stars either. Ribbons of colorful light danced across the sky. There were no shadows in sight.

She knew it was just an illusion, but part of her wanted so badly to believe it was real. That somehow the shadows had already been driven from the land.

“Thank you for joining me,” Gale said softly, not turning to look at her.

“This is incredible, Gale,” Tav gasped as she took a seat next to him. “Did you do this?”

“I did. This could be my last night alive. I wanted it to be under a canopy of beauty and wonder.”

She gave him a curious glance.

“Do you have so little faith that we can win?” Tav wasn’t sure if she should feel offended or not.

“Oh, I have more than enough faith in you, my friend.” He smiled at her. “I have no doubt you will lead us to the heart of this Absolute. Then, I will do as Mystra commands.”

Those words knocked the air out of her lungs.

“Gale…”

“I thought if I could have a night of peace, it could make the weight of what I must do feel a little lighter. I thought if I could spend one more night with a friend, I could let go a little easier…but now I am not so sure.”

“You’re truly willing to die just for the promise of Mystra’s forgiveness?” Tav felt the tears welling in her eyes.

“To die is the inevitable end of all living things. Babe or crone, coward or hero, human or elf.” He cleared his throat. “Mystra’s forgiveness, however, is not something that comes along so often.”

Tav sat in silence, not wanting to believe her ears. Gale had scarcely said a word about the orb since his conversation with Elminster almost two tendays ago. Now, he was telling her that he indeed planned to sacrifice himself on Mystra’s orders, making the decision before they even found the Absolute.

“There’s no use running from it, Tav. Better to meet it, on my terms. For so long I’ve worried my death would claim countless innocent lives. But now…” Gale let out a soft, sad laugh. “Now, I at least have the opportunity for it to have meaning instead.”

Tav understood the sentiment. She knew how important magic was to Gale, how his life had revolved around it since he was a child. She knew the shame and pain he carried with him each and every day.

Which is why she surprised herself with the next words out of her mouth.

“Fuck meaningful deaths.”

“Beg pardon?” His confounded expression stayed frozen on his face for a few moments.

“Gale,” Tav turned to face him, “I’ve watched so many people die for causes they believe in so they could have ‘meaningful deaths.’ I’ve watched people die far too young because they thought their death needed to be in service of something greater than themselves. I’ve seen too many good, decent people die while tyrants and liars and assholes live long, happy lives.

“When those good people die, it leaves the opportunist dickheads to take over. They come in when civilizations are at their weakest and take advantage of those heroic deaths. Suddenly, the noble sacrifice that some long-forgotten hero made is rendered meaningless. All because the good people are never given the option to simply live.”

Her chest ached more and more the longer she spoke.

“While I appreciate and honor the sacrifices they made, there is something to be said about those who choose to go on living instead. You truly want your death to have meaning, Gale?”

He just stared back at her, tears shining in his eyes.

“Live a life that has meaning first. Give yourself a chance to learn from your mistakes, to help steer others away from making the same ones. Leave a legacy for others to look up to long after you’re gone.”

Tav took a deep shaky breath, tasting salt from the tears on her lips.

“But please, Gale, don’t just give up. Don’t just take the first option given to you, no matter how tempting. You say Mystra’s forgiveness can be earned. Then earn it.”

“I…” Gale stammered, his chin and lip quivering. “Thank you, Tav.”

He stared back up at the starry expanse of sky above them, searching for any answers dotted among the constellations.

“Damn you,” he continued with a shake of his head. “Damn you for giving me so much to care about. If it were only me, this would have been so much easier…but it isn’t.”

Tav leaned over and pulled Gale into a hug. His beard scratched at her neck as he buried his face in her shoulder.

“Stay with me a while, would you?” He pulled away from her, fear clouding those big, brown eyes. “I don’t want to think about it anymore, but I don’t want to be alone either.”

“Of course, Gale.”

Tav scooted closer and looped her arm around his, laying her head on his shoulder. She looked up at the night sky, seeing stars for the first time in days let a brief feeling of calm settle over her.

Even if it was all just an illusion.

***

Halsin found himself wandering to the edge of their camp. Just a few paces away from him was the fresh grave they had dug for Tav’s brother. The large pile of rocks offered some meager protection for the soft, unsettled dirt, the best they could manage in this cursed land.

After he took an uneasy breath, he knelt next to the small grave. He never knew Tev’aron, but he felt like he owed him this. From what little he did know, it was obvious how much he loved Tav.

Halsin wanted him to know that she wasn’t alone.

“Hello, Tev’aron,” he started, working to keep the nervous tone out of his voice. “We never got a chance to meet, but I’ve heard so much about you from your sister.”

He paused out of habit, waiting for a reply that wouldn’t come.

“Tav harbors so much guilt over your death. She feels like she never got the chance to repay you for your years of love and protection. Something tells me you never expected her to, though.”

He laughed lightly.

“She misses you terribly. But I suppose that’s obvious.”

A small gust of wind blew past him, cooling his bare arms.

“I know you were here that day as well. That you fought against Ketheric Thorm, against the shadows. So few of us made it out. It hurts me to know you were here all this time.”

Halsin let out a shaky sigh, not allowing himself to go deep into his painful memories of that day.

“I’m not entirely sure why I’m sitting out here in the dark talking to you. I think I just wanted you to know that Tav isn’t alone. That she’s not facing this grief while walking backwards into her own self destruction. I wanted you to know that she still has others looking out for her, even when she doesn’t want to let us see her faltering.

“I’m not one to ask for permission or blessings, where nature dictates, I go. I suppose that might be a tad different from how you were both raised. But I would like you to know that I care for her. I want you to know that…”

Halsin looked around, suddenly worried that someone might have snuck up on him. He didn’t see anyone, but he still lowered his voice.

“I want you to know that I think I’m falling in love with her. That if I were fortunate enough to have her feel the same, she’d never have to be alone again.”

A relieved breath escaped his lips with the words. Being able to say them out loud lifted a heavy weight from his shoulders, but he decided to amend them ever so slightly.

“Even if she doesn’t feel the same, she doesn’t have to be alone again.”

The words came with a small stab of pain, but he meant them, nonetheless.

“I don’t know why I can’t tell her that yet. But one day I will. When that day comes, we might be far away from this place, so I wanted you to know now.”

Halsin felt a few hot tears streak his cheeks as he stood up again.

“I’ll watch over her, Tev. We all will.”

Just as he was about to go back to the fire, Tav and Gale emerged from the trees walking arm in arm.

“Oh, hello Halsin,” Gale called out.

“Hello, my friends.” He smiled at the two of them. “Out for a late-night stroll?”

“Something like that.” Tav squeezed Gale’s arm before letting it drop from hers. “I figured you’d be resting by now, everything okay?”

“Of course,” he shifted in place, “just wanted a short walk to clear my head.”

“Come on then,” she held her arm out to him, “join us on the way back.”

“Happily,” he responded, letting her hook their elbows together.

The three of them chatted about their day and the plans for the morning as they walked back. Gale seemed a bit more distant than usual.

Tav suddenly grabbed both Halsin and Gale by their shirts and threw them behind a tree.

“Tav! What–”

“Shh!” she hissed before peering around the trunk where they were all hiding. She didn’t look alarmed, she looked…excited?

Halsin tentatively glanced around the tree, his head hovering over hers. Gale’s curiosity had also gotten the better of him. He crouched down so he could peek his head out below Tav’s.

By the campfire, they saw Wyll and Karlach. They were dancing together.

A sweet, sappy look came over Tav’s face. Halsin could see tears gathering in her eyes as she watched the two of them spinning around the fire. He had to admit it was a charming sight, Wyll and Karlach seemed like a good fit together. Halsin had noticed some of the long looks he had given Karlach, how his eyes sparkled anytime she laughed.

When they finished their dance, they both knelt down on one knee. He saw their bright, kind smiles shining through the shadows.

Then, he saw Wyll lean forward to place a soft, lingering kiss on Karlach’s lips.

Tav let out an excited squeak. Halsin quickly grabbed both her and Gale, hugging them tight against him to hide behind the tree again.

“Did they see us?” she whispered, her entire body shaking with joy.

“I don’t think so.” He kept them held there for another moment before allowing another peek around the tree.

Wyll had turned to go to his tent. Karlach still stood by the fire, a delirious smile spreading across her face. It wasn’t long before she skipped away to her own tent.

Halsin, Gale, and Tav all let out their held breaths.

“Well, as exciting as this evening has been, I think we shall be needing our rest for tomorrow.” Gale yawned and stretched his arms out in front of him. “Sleep well, friends. Erm…trance well?”

“Goodnight Gale,” Tav chuckled.

“He’s right, of course. We’ll need all the strength we can muster tomorrow if we are indeed going for Ketheric Thorm.” Halsin felt his eyes growing heavy.

Tav took a shaky breath; he caught the slight quiver in her lip as she did so.

“What is it?” He reached over to put a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s just…” she sniffled, “we tried once. We thought he was dead. What’s to stop the same thing from happening again? I can’t help but feel we’re up against an impossible task.”

“I suppose we won’t know for sure until we get there,” Halsin sighed. Tav wouldn’t meet his gaze.

He racked his brain for the right words to say. She was right of course. There was a chance that they would march on Moonrise Towers, face Ketheric Thorm, and discover all they had worked for – all they had grieved and lost – had been for nothing.

But that despair was easily beaten back by the hope he felt at his new friends’ sides. At Tav’s side.

“This has been a task one hundred years in the making, my friend.” He took both of her hands in his. “For many of those years I feared there would be no one brave enough to even attempt it.”

She finally looked up at him again.

“But look at all we’ve accomplished so far. For so long, I truly believed I would never see Thaniel again. Yet he’s now safe and sound here in our camp, reunited with his other half. Karlach worried she’d never be able to touch another again. Her days are now filled with as many hugs and handshakes as she wishes. Lae’zel lived for years under the tyrannical rule of a false queen. She is now armed with the truth and seeks to break her people’s chains.

“You have all created an incredible team based on friendship and trust. Somehow, you’ve helped unite the most unlikely group of adventurers I’ve seen in my long life. You’ve helped one another break free of chains that had weighed you down for years, all while living with a mind flayer tadpole in your brain.”

He smiled before bringing his forehead down to rest on hers.

“So don’t say it’s impossible, Tav. Stranger things have already happened.”

She sniffled as he wiped away a couple of stray tears from her cheeks.

“Thank you,” Tav whispered back before pulling him into a hug.

“Happy to help.”

He welcomed the gesture, letting her cling to him and bury her face in his shoulder. If anything, it helped to hide his own trembling hands.

Halsin meant what he said to Tav. He believed they could finally put an end to Ketheric Thorm and even the Absolute. It didn’t mean he wasn’t absolutely terrified of doing so.

But when Thaniel spotted them and came out to join, wrapping his arms around Halsin’s waist, those fears melted away again. Thaniel was a reminder of why he was there in the first place – of why he endured his suffering for so long.

A reminder of why he was so confident they would prevail the next day.

#bg3 #bg3 fanfiction #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #bg3 halsin #halsin fanfic #halsin silverbough #halsin x tav #halsin x tav'ahria #oakflower

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jolalibrary · 1 year ago

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just some personal thoughts and a ramble. but also like sharing in case this is in any way relatable.

tw: anxiety under the cut

like anxiety is a weird thing.

I’ve had it for so long it’s like almost who I am. so things that sound worrying to others, feels almost normal. but then there’s sometimes where I find it surprises me.

for the last couple of weeks, more so, (but months, truthfully), I’ve had a rotten time. I’ve tried very much to keep things consistent in several places in my life—something I know not everyone is able to do, and I’ve been fortunate to do this time around. this wasn’t for show or anything, but rather because consistencies help me.

but now as I step through the mist of it all, it’s the little things I’m noticing that I’ve been left with. like I was consistent, but I wasn’t doing things to the best of what I could do, by being so stretched thin. and this crushing guilt is what I’m left with, y’know? for so many things.

like before my anxiety felt like I’d been engulfed by a sheet (like someone has thrown it over my head). blinded, rendered entirely useless.

and now it’s a cape tied around my neck. it tightens periodically, but mainly it’s just there, blowing behind me—kinda there, but kinda not. I can feel it, but it’s not so easily seen. and normally, it’s a thing in my pocket, and I’m wondering if it’ll ever fold up that small again for a while, or if this is the best it’ll be.

because of this, my body is now looking for something to be anxious about, because it’s spent so long being anxious, it’s now become a muscle memory. I finish work, get home, and relax and relax—then boom, mini anxiety attack? like, what? how is that fair 😂

then it’s the way that i keep replaying the last two months. feeling so much guilt, and even if I felt guilty before for things (being a bad friend, not being consistent enough) it feels like it was in black and white. but now it’s in colour!?

I’m able to see all the things I’ve not managed to do, the ways I’ve kept people at arms length in all aspects of my life. the way I’ve not answered truthfully when asked things. left now wondering and worrying if I can get things back with the people I let slip. feeling like I didn’t do enough, but also knowing I had nothing else to give.

because I tried to hold all the strings, but I know there are some I’ve let go of and I can’t place what they are. can’t find them. like there’s no trace of them.

but, I feel better. like I do. I feel like I can think, without being underwater. I can feel things somewhat at a normal level. but at the same time, I also now aware and can see the absolute mess I’ve left in my wake by the anxiety spiralling out and unsettling so many things. it had tunnel vision’d me, but now I can see it all, and I’m like well fuck, this is…. a lot. that whole time was a lot.

and now it’s this weird moment of just half wondering if i shoulda woulda coulda, while also just standing there going, wow, and taking a moment to pause.

because I’ve spent such a long time just trying to get from a to b each day, that now I feel a bit aimless.

I don’t really know why I wanted to share this, I just began writing it and didn’t want to write it from a reader or anything like normal. just wanted to be jo for a minute, be honest, be a bit vulnerable.

cause it feels lonely feeling like this, but I don’t envision I’m alone in feeling it. which is both comforting and makes me sad, cause I’d never wish anyone to feel like this or experience it, ever.

y’know?

#tw: anxiety #tw: mental health #jo’s thoughts #I’ve literally rambled about my brain and like I don’t expect anything #it’s more sharing for sharing sake #we’ll be back to scheduled things in half an hour #I just needed to post this somewhere

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thrawns-backrest · 3 months ago

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Is it wip Wednesday?? Do I even do wip Wednesdays?? who knows lol, but anyway here's a little prologue to a fic I'm working on. I should be working on the main plot of my au but I keep getting distracted by the siren call of more minor original characters

@random-user753 because there's a cameo I think you'll find entertaining and @russiandeathcup since we talked about these two particular gents

____

“Lieutenant Dross, perform a life-form scan on quadrant 4B. Make sure to include microsentients.”

And there it was.

Ult braced for impact.

“Lieutenant Dross?” A note of impatience entered that neutral voice and Ult swiveled his head ever so slightly to get a better view. Like him, all eyes on the bridge had landed on poor Lieutenant Cogg, currently sweating in Emilien’s seat.

The awkward silence was broken by an equally awkward cough.

“Uhm, Lieutenant Dross is unavailable, sir. Medical leave.” The young man supplied clumsily. “I’m his temporary replacement.”

Ult watched as the Admiral’s face spasmed again, almost like he couldn’t comprehend the situation.

Normally their buckets weren’t well suited for distinguishing subtler emotions. There was a special setting, made for interrogation and manhunts, that allegedly ameliorated the issue – another fancy feature the tech devs prided themselves on, ignoring the fact that it was there to account for an existing flaw – but Ult couldn’t say he saw the difference. He didn’t need a setting though, to identify how their Admiral currently felt.

“And how, pray tell, did that come to be?” Tohm bit out.

“Food poisoning, sir.” Someone else piped up, coming to Cogg’s rescue. “We suspect our recent landfall at Moruna had something to do with it.”

Another frown twisted that bisected mouth. Ult watched it settle and sour on the young admiral’s face, coming dangerously close to petulance. Their CO had always been good at improvisation tactics. Ult doubted there was anyone in the navy who could react to a situation faster and more efficiently than their fledgling leader. However, when it came to his own tools, and not their enemies, he rather hated having anything out of order or out of place.

Tohm liked having the most nimble men as his chief sensor officer. That was Emilien. And certainly not Cogg. It probably didn’t help that Cogg’s seat was on the admiral’s blind side, making the news all the more insulting on delivery.

The air on the bridge thinned as the crew took a collective breath, wrestling with the rising tension, before something seemed to give and snap back into place.

“Very well,” Tohm sighed, clearly struggling with the compromise. “Tell Lieutenant Dross I wish him a swift recovery. And proceed with the scan.”

“Quadrant 4B, sir?”

“Yes, quadrant 4B.”

May the Force, or whatever else was out there, be with that kid.

Letting himself relax, Ult shifted his stance into something slightly more comfortable. Whatever annoyance the Admiral felt, it seemed to be directed at Cogg and not a certain someone else.

From the corner of his eye he caught Virgossi react to the admiral’s words with an approving nod and resisted shaking his own head. The next hour of his shift was spent watching Cogg blunder through his orders while Tohm practiced some advanced form of an exercise in self-control. At the very least it served to relieve some of the habitual boredom that came with a bridge shift.

Being relieved of his post still came as a relief though and he relished the opportunity to stretch his legs for the next couple of hours on patrol. Still boring but unfortunately he couldn’t afford to complain, not without losing face.

One of the few downsides of the orange piece of plastoid strapped to his shoulder.

It was eighteen hundred standard when his shift finally ended and could head off to do what he’d intended to since getting up that morning. The joys of a twelve hour work day. Flexing his shoulders and adopting a more leisurely pace, he headed for the barracks where he dropped off his rank insignia and opted for a more compact side arm – he didn’t bother changing into his uniform, he never saw the point of it – and set a new course for the ship’s med bay a good distance away, deciding to stop by at the mess on his way there.

Somehow, he reflected as he dived back into the shiny low-ceilinged corridors, the most essential parts of the ship always ended up closer to the officers’ quarters and not the men’s barracks. Mess hall, med bay, food stores… escape pods. Go figure.

On his way there a particular tremor traveled up the soles of his boots and he surmised that the ship was in the process of maneuvering. Probably turning away from the asteroid field to angle back towards hyperspace.

Earlier, during his patrol, he’d felt the faint ghostly reverberations of the overhead laser cannons, signaling two discharges. That was the sound he’d struggled the most with identifying when he’d first started serving on the ship. It manifested as more of a mechanical whirr than a powerful blast as it made its way down the walls of the ship, turning into a low vibration by the time it reached the upper internal levels.

If the ship didn’t make the jump to hyperspace in the next few hours, it would probably stay to patrol the system for a few days before taking up its new assignment.

Ult almost sympathized with the pirates whose base had warranted those two powerful blasts. There was a high possibility they’d find nothing when they arrived here, guided only by rumors, but apparently they’d been lucky.

He almost wished he’d been on the bridge to see it, even if there wasn’t much to see, truth be told. The screens of the men who fired those blasts looked like a hologame, a rather blandly designed one, and the destruction was usually so far away you’d struggle to see it through the viewports. He wondered if anyone on the bridge felt anything at all when they hit their targets.

Still, it was better than being stuck downstairs, in the middle of a patrol. The kick of the guns for one, was probably more satisfying.

Continuing at his leisurely pace, he reached the mess just as the clock at the top of his HUD hit nineteen hundred. He watched as a large group began to pour out of it, did a double take and adjusted his trajectory to give them a wide berth as they passed.

The gaggle of pilots stumbled past him, laughing and shoving at each other while making a good deal of ruckus. A full thirty-two hours since their pit stop on Moruna and they still acted like they were drunk, he thought to himself. That wasn’t why he was avoiding them though.

The Resillient’s pilots were a loose turbolaser. This group especially, Ult thought as he eyed the man in front, the tallest and loudest of them all.

Liv Tarsit. Captain of the ship’s most elite squadron. Commander of its combined TIE forces. And, in Ult’s opinion, insane.

Granted, few on the ship seemed to share that opinion but he was adamant about it. No man who flew into danger like that could be okay in the head and the way Tarsit and his flyboys did it, they probably had enough loose screws to fix a speeder.

“Hey, trooper.”

Ult stopped and felt his hand twitch around his blaster. Behind him, the group had stopped as well.

“Mind if I have a word?”

The group parted obediently and fucking Tarsit broke away from them to swagger up to him in a few long leisurely steps.

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“You heard anything from your men lately? Anything about foul play?”

Ult blinked at him, jostled out of wondering how the other recognized him without his pauldron on.

“Foul play, sir?”

“My men have had things go missing. Possessions missing from their bunks.”

“… Anything valuable?”

“Nothing worth bothering the brass for.” Tarsit gave a one-armed shrug. Ult paused to consider it.

Now, Ult dealt with missing items all the time. It was a given when you had a few thousand men living under the same roof. Troopers being forgetful, petty or just dying of boredom and horsing around. To think that someone had the guts to mess with Tarsit’s group though?

It was more than unlikely.

“Can’t say I’ve heard anything of the sort.”

Tarsit nodded.

“If you do, keep me informed.” He reached out to pat Ult’s rerebrace before walking away to rejoin his flunkies.

Ult watched him go and made sure they were well on their way before turning around and resuming his course towards the mess. The exchange had left him wondering. But not enough to deter him from getting a quick meal and getting back on track.

He picked a table closest to the exit, took a moment to relish his meal and placed his helmet back on. As expected, the mess was nigh empty by now, most of the off duty crew having piled in early to get the best stuff while it was still warm.

Before long he was back on his way to the med bay, navigating the familiar corridors like the back of his hand. A slight chip on the wall there, then two right turns, past the turbolift doors. Areas like these were where you were most likely to run into some rookie officer, trying desperately not to look like they were lost.

Common ship procedure was to pretend you were suddenly daft and let them figure it out by themselves.

Walking past the glowing lights of the turbolifts, he spotted the emergency cots at the end of the hall, signaling the entryway to the med wing. His destination was right beyond that and he stopped to activate the opening switch to the examination wing, squinting against the harsh glow of the ER.

The hatch let out a smooth hiss as it admitted him and slid shut again behind his back. No medic popped their head around the corner to scowl at him so he turned his gaze to the row of utilitarian beds lined up against the wall.

And there he was.

The most miserable man in the galaxy.

Or the most dramatic one, depending on who you asked.

“Finally!” Emilien whined as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. “I was starting to think I should eat my own boots to keep myself entertained.”

#imperial oc

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chocolix76 · 1 year ago

Note

I dunno if this post is still relevant but if it is, I’m kinda interested in seeing some (non canon ofc) interactions of lord eclipse and lunar in your au? I’m very curious in their dynamic and I enjoy seeing the bean suffer. If not that’s cool too

Your wish is my command. I'll admit I had a great time writing this. Also, sorry it took so long-

Word count: 1,393

The distant sound of the sharp clicking of heels against the marble floors sent Lunar sprinting down the seemingly never ending hallway to his room, throwing himself through the open door and closing it behind him. That particular pattern in the footsteps didn’t match those of Sun who normally took very slow and cautious steps as if placing his foot in the wrong spot would cause him to be punished. These footsteps were quick and purposeful and held the air of arrogance that belong to the person behind them. That was not a person Lunar wanted to run into if he could help it.

Lunar pressed his body against the rotting wooden door to his room, surprised that his weight didn’t make it cave in. His room smelled moldy and vaguely of something rotting, spiders climbing up the walls and building elaborate webs that Lunar’s face often got caught in, but anything was better than being stuck out in the hallway with Eclipse. Tilting his gaze up towards the omnipresent floating eye that always followed directly behind him, Lunar darted across the room and grabbed a chair from his desk, wedging it underneath the doorknob. The eye had gone from its usual menacing orange to a malevolent black, the white pupil widening to a size of a dinner plate. Eclipse was watching.

The door creaked dangerously on its hinges, the chair struggling to hold itself in place as Eclipse rattled the doorknob. He could have easily broken the door down, but Lunar knew he wouldn’t do that so soon. A few terrifying moments passed where Eclipse kept jostling the door as Lunar curled into a ball in the corner of the room knowing that he wouldn’t be safe no matter where he hid. The sounds of Eclipse’s malevolent laughter cut through the thin wooden door like butter, seeming to echo through the room and chill Lunar all the way to his endoskeleton.

“Why don’t you make this easier on yourself and open the door, Lunar?” Eclipse said coolly, giving one last twist of the doorknob. “I think we both know that you’re long overdue for giving me some…entertainment, considering the little stunt you pulled last week. Wouldn’t want to make this harder on yourself now, would you?”

Trembling at Eclipse’s words, the chilling tone of his voice seeming to bring down the temperature of the room by a few degrees, Lunar reluctantly removed the chair from beneath the doorknob and opened the door, forcing himself to look up into Eclipse’s eyes. The piercing orange eyes narrowed at him, a wide toothy grin stretching across Eclipse’s face as he stared down at his victim, mentally going over what he could possibly have Lunar do that day.

Wordlessly, Eclipse looped his arm around Lunar’s and led him down the hallway. Such a gesture could have been considered almost sweet if it weren’t Eclipse who was performing the action. Eclipse’s claw-like fingers dug into the plating on Lunar’s forearms which had begun to indent in that area after repeated warning scratches when Lunar tried to wiggle away. As they made their way down the hall to the dreaded spiral staircase, Eclipse hummed to himself, the melody rolling off his voicebox like honey. So many actions that would have been considered brotherly love if they were performed by anyone else but Lord Eclipse.

As much as Lunar wanted to pull away and sprint down the staircase and into the relative safety of the library where Sun resided, Lunar kept marching forward knowing from experience that any deviation in what Eclipse wanted only made things worse later on. When they reached the top of the staircase, Eclipse’s humming paused only for a moment when they passed a closed door that had Lunar’s face painted on it with light blue paint that appeared as if it had been drawn by a claw rather than a finger. Lunar turned his head away, not wanting to remember the existence of that room as long as he could avoid it. However, with what was bound to happen in the next few minutes, Lunar would be going in there soon enough.

“What do you have in mind for today, Lord Eclipse?” Lunar squeaked as Eclipse roughly shoved him into an almost dungeon-like room. The room was built in a precarious arch shape, the stones above their heads holding together by nothing but the power of the star. There wasn’t a single window in that room, nor a light to go by besides the singular torch that hung at the far end of the wall.

Eclipse paused at the question, the grin on his face only growing larger and exposing more razor sharp teeth. “I’m not feeling quite so bored today, so I think some simple entertainment will do. You know, it pains me that you don’t like to come up here. I always think we have so much fun together.”

Knowing what would happen next and yet having no clue what Eclipse would choose to do, Lunar backed up against the dungeon wall, holding his hands over his face to protect himself from the slap that almost always came first. He held himself in that pose for what felt like hours, expecting pain that never arrived. Hesitantly moving his hands away from his face and risking a glance up at Eclipse, Lunar was seized by the neck and lifted into the air, his feet dangling nearly a foot off the stone floor below.

“L-Lord Eclipse, please let me go!” Lunar begged, kicking his legs back and forth but failing to make contact with any part of Eclipse’s body. He could feel the mechanical parts in his neck shifting over each other and hear dull cracks and pops beneath Eclipse’s fingers as his grip tightened, causing a white hot agony to wash over Lunar. “I-It won’t happen again, I-I promise!”

“Sure it won’t,” Eclipse said with a sickly sweet tone, moving his clawed fingers so that more mechanic parts scrapped over each other, causing an agonized scream from Lunar. “Regardless of whether you’ll behave from here on out, I think you’ve had enough fun. I believe it’s my turn to have some entertainment.”

Just as Lunar was about to let out another plea for his life, Eclipse tossed him across the room, Lunar’s back slamming into the stone wall behind him with an echoing crack and crumpling to the floor with only a small whimper of pain. Oil oozed out of the cracked and shattered parts of Lunar’s plating as he slowly brought himself to his knees, pressing his hands together in an almost prayerful motion as he glanced up at Eclipse. He desperately tried to ignore how pure agony ran through his systems and made it nearly impossible to think clearly or how Eclipse smiled in a way that confirmed Lunar’s current fear. He wouldn’t make it out alive, but Eclipse still wanted him to believe that there was hope even for a moment.

Lunar opened his mouth and closed it a few times, gaping for words that refused to come to him. Oily tears ran down his faceplate and dripped onto the floor where they mingled with the oil that was still streaming freely from his wounds. With a smile that bordered on sympathetic, Eclipse knelt down next to Lunar and gently placed a hand underneath his chin, tilting his head up the slightest bit to meet his eyes. As much as Lunar wanted to believe that Eclipse had changed his mind, it was all tricks. A ploy to make him feel a sliver of hope in his final moments. However, death wasn’t final for Lunar, even though he often felt like staying dead would be a mercy.

“Goodnight my sweet Lunar,” Eclipse taunted before removing his hand from underneath Lunar’s chin and kicking him in the face with as much force as he could muster.

Lunar’s faceplate exploded outward on impact, oil, wiring, and mechanical parts spraying across the room as his body slumped forward lifelessly onto the cool stone floor. With a sharp tutting sound, Eclipse wiped some of the oil off his robe and faceplate before ringing a bell to summon Sun into the room. Within a few minutes, the mess would be cleaned and Lunar would be wandering around the palace again as if nothing had ever happened.

#five nights at freddy's #fnaf #sun and moon show #daycare attendant #fanfic writing #lord eclipse au #anima sola #writing #FNAF Eclipse #FNAF Lunar

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