#although knowing Peter he'd do everything in his power

[spxnglr]

This is giving the Busters in 1984 2024 vibes.

[hoseokslefteyebrow]

Imagine your dad being a Miguel O’Hara variant and meeting Miguel pt.2

Pairing : Platonic! Miguel O'Hara x Earth Bender Reader x Spiderverse

I am back with my rant. anyway, it’s pt.2 to this,

Wordcount: 1.3k

Miguel O’Hara Masterlist

OKAY SO

We're back on the rant.

Because someone (cough @arianaw30) commented about how Miguel would also be like a dad to Y/N whilst Miguel 2, her actual dad, is on a mission.

And I totally agree. 

Like imagine Miguel 2 being sent out on a mission and Y/N just deciding to hang out at HQ for the day. And this mission is on a regular week day so most teen spiders and regular spider people would be out and about in their regular lives.

Which leaves Y/N with Miguel. (And her bestie Ben Reilly, but he sleeps until it's practically night, soo-)

I can also imagine that Y/N received their own gizmo. And that they'd hack it. Because although they might hate actually learning stuff because they simply can't sit still, they are still very intelligent. Like they'd mess around with the colours, and as a bender with the surrounding pieces of metal as well. They'd definitely change the colour of the screen and remodel the whole thing, complaining before that it looks a little bland and boring.

Miguel would surprisingly be okay with it as well. He didn't make it to look specifically nice, more because it'd be useful. And he's got a soft spot for you. If it were anyone else he'd be yelling already.

Miguel 2 would also have told you bits about Miguel back at home. Like he would have told you that he's cold because he lost people close to him. He does leave out how one of those people was a variant of you.

Miguel and Miguel 2 are very different in taking care of you. Miguel 2 is the type to leave you be until you royally mess up, because he knows you best. Miguel himself is more the overprotective type, refusing to let you go on a mission, and also not to keen on having anyone spar with you.

Anyway, whenever it's mainly just the two of you, you keep him company. And although you're not a kid, you're surprisingly easily amused. (That's also because technology isn't as far advanced in your world as it is in his.) You can talk for hours on end with both Lyla and Miguel. Once Miguel asked how you don't feel offended when he's grumpy or particularly agressive, and you replied with a confused cock of your hand and the exact words 'what do you mean? You're my dad, of course I know you better than anyone.' And although you're technically not 100% his, he realizes you're right. Because Miguel 2 and Miguel are generally the same, save for a specific few details.

And I can also imagine Miguel keeping a closer eye on Ben Reilly when the two of you grow even closer. Neither of you have feelings for one another, your personalities simply bounce off one another with ease. Miguel still can't help himself, Just the classic 'don't marry until you're old type'.

Everything does come to tension when you're hanging out with Ben one day, and your dad, Miguel 2, calls for back up desperately. The call is through Ben's watch, because you're technically forbidden to interfere as you're no spider person. But you're stubborn, double so as you're from the Earth kingdom and an O'Hara. And so you of course jump anyway, sending yourself into this new universe.

You don't bother appreciating the beauty of this universe, instead choosing to directly go looking for your dad. And you're quick to find him, under a tentackle of doc ock. A villain your powers give you an advantage of, as the man has a lot of metal on him.

Now imagine Doc Ock's surprise when you rip off his tentackle with a few precise movements of your body.

There were already two spider people on his ass (your father and Peter B Parker), and now you've also joined. 

Now the battle continues mostly with Doc Ock focused on you, and with you setting his 'tentackles' stuck in the ground, bending them to be unmoveable one by one. Your Miguel is already back on his feet and on his way to you, but meanwhile Peter B Parker is completely and utterly amazed by your performance here. (He hasn't met you yet.)  

Dock Ock has a lot of arms, and eventually he manages to bring a scratch on your face. Not much more, because that was his last tentackle. Unhappy with his doing, you create a ninja star out of lava, and cut this arm off, before whacking him in the face with it. You're not merciless though, so you bend his tentackle arm closed to keep him from making a mess with the fluids that run out of it, closing it off.

Miguel 2 pulls you behind him roughly after that, trapping the man in their odd red prison thingy. Cue a little while later when you're in Miguel's lab with a few stitches in your face, and not one, but two dads being mad at you. 

For the first time, they agree on why they're mad at you; you weren't supposed to be there. The both of them yell in that classic angry dad type of way for a bit, before they eventually calm down. And than they grow all soft when you softly whisper out a 'I didn't want to lose you too.' Breaking their hearts just a bit. And Miguel 2 crouches down to where you're seated comfortably on the ground and simply hugs you, telling you he never would and that you would be okay. All you do is hum in reply, and Miguel 2 messes up your hair as he often does affectionately before seeing the look on Miguel's face and giving you two space by leaving, claiming he needs a shower (you agree).

Miguel doesn't really know what to say, but he wants to comfort you aswell. Eventually he settles with telling you that if something were to happen to your dad, you'd still have a home here in the society. You hum, before looking up at him, a question clear in your eyes. When he tells you to ask away, you fill his heart with a kind of pride that he hasn't felt in a long while. You ask him if you could follow in his footsteps. You want to work in the society as well, and be able to do what he's able to do, admitting that you look up to him. And he smiles in that kind of way he only dies around you, nodding and telling you he'll teach you his ways.

Miguel might have lost a daughter once, but it seems he's gained one along the way as well.

[lookingforsneha]

Just read through a bit of year four in ATYD and I find it so incredibly interesting, the way friendships are characterized in this and Remus' internal monolog about it all.

One thing Remus keeps on referring back to us the fact that James and Sirius are closer than the rest of them. He mentions it over and over, from the first year, he keeps talking about how him and Peter were just on the sidelines- (although it was never the intention of James or Sirius, it's besides the point)

Remus does a wonderful job of capturing the inequality children often do feel in reality, and, how much that sucks. Kids have to suffer through years of friendship-power-hierarchies, and the way its portrayed in ATYD is really interesting, because for one, Remus desperately wants to belong.

You can read it in all the earlier chapters, but the moment that sticks out the most is when they're at the Potter's for Christmas and Remus can hear James' and Sirius's muffled words and he starts to curl uonin his own bed, crying about how he didn't have that with them. Or with James, in particular. He wished he had a friend like James- when he clearly, clearly did have James as a friend already. All he needed to do was reach out.

Another big moment was when he, in a rush of panic, tried to reach out to his Care of Magical creatures professor, when he'd seen everyone else have someone to share their thoughts with. However, again, he actively chooses against it in the end.

He so desperately wants to fit in it's a majority of what he talks about during many of the fourth years chapters, but the moment someone else shows these feelings, he immediately calls them out for it. He criticizes those who don't fit in, for example Peter. He criticizes Peter for the same need all the time. And feel like more than anything, it doesn't reveal anything about how the other's feel about Remus, but rather reveals everything about how Remus feels about himself.

Which, I know, it's an obvious observation he's got low self-esteem and he feels like he's not good enough and doesn't belong. But just the way it's written all so innocently and naturally is what gets me. Because it really embodies the real experiences kids have in friend groups.

They, just like Remus, develop such a horrible self-esteem and a large sense of shame that they feel like they can't fit in. That no one wants them there. When the truth of it all is that they just have to try and reach out, and more often than not, it'll be met with real friends who actually want you there. Friends who laugh together, friends who cry together, friends who listen to eachother. Friends who care.

It's like Remus sabotages himself every time he pushes them away, because the first active step to getting closer to others is letting them in, too. And I'll always compliment the way this was built up and executed in ATYD, since its such a real experience and its so well crafted into the story.

[the-sinister-story-teller]

MCU Character Headcanons

A/N: I love writing these and I don't even know why- I'm more than willing to take requests too for headcanons! I'll open up one-shot requests soon when I get used to this! ^^

Mentions: Fluff, Minor Angst Topic: You wake up from a nightmare and try to find comfort in them Featured: Bucky, Peter, Loki, and Thor.

Bucky:

He definitely wasn't very ok with you just waking him up in the middle of the night. However once you explained your current predicament, he would sigh and allow you to sit and talk to him about it over a warm cup of tea. After the talk, and him realizing you probably wouldn't sleep alone now, he would hum in understanding, before allowing you to sleep beside him. At first he wouldn't touch you and would turn over with a simple goodnight. However, after a bit of time having a guilty conscience for doing so, he'd spoon you. You would end up being the little spoon, and if you bring it up, he'd tell you to hush and go to sleep.

Peter:

When you wake up with a nightmare, it can go two ways. Either you wake peter up and he comforts you, giving you anything you want even late at night, and talking to you about it all, making sure your ok. Or you can go into his room and if he had a long tiring day before hand, he'll recommend you lay next to him and he'll quietly consult and comfort you through it all. He was definitely flustered about being in bed with you or you hugging him for comfort, but he figured he'd mention and tease you for it tomorrow.

Loki:

He...Definitely wasn't expecting you to come to HIM of ALL people for comfort. Despite him not being used to it however, he comforts you without hesitation. Although he isn't good at it, and can't help but crack a joke or two occasionally, he is only trying to do his best to make you at ease. If you want, he shows you cool little tricks he knows how to do with his magic to distract your mind off the previous nightmare.

Thor:

Once he found out you were spooked and upset from a nightmare, he did everything in his power (legitimately) to make you laugh and giggle. But when he realized you wouldn't budge, he stuck to quiet tactics to making you laugh, while cuddling you and eating whatever you please! Afterwards, he'd let you sleep by him, spooning you all the while.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: I'm sorry it took so long, I'm in the process of moving at the moment! But here, have some headcanons!

[themculibrary]

Peter Parker & Flash Thompson Masterlist

A Soft Place to Land (ao3) - Ink_Vault betty/ned, peter/flash N/R, 98k

Summary: "With great power comes great responsibility." Yeah, right. More like, with great power comes stab wounds and bloody sheets and a hero complex that could take down even the strongest of men. And Peter, well, he isn't the strongest of men. Not to mention that Peter's hero complex doesn't exactly extend to himself.

May still doesn’t know that he’s Spiderman. Because of this, she also doesn’t know about his increased metabolism, hunger, strength, sensitivity, everything. He didn’t really notice, for the first few weeks, until he hears May on the phone with one of her work friends discussing how she didn’t realize how much teenage boys eat. Peter immediately stopped eating.

Flash knows something is up. He knows the signs, or at least he thinks he does. And he's going to get to the bottom of things, one way or another.

Aye Oh- Let's Go! (ao3) - FrozenHearts wanda/vision T, 12k

Summary: Flash knows something is up with Peter.

He sets about to prove it to the Decathalon Team.

Bullying a Spider (ao3) - Jaidan T, 4k

Summary: Eugene "Flash" Thompson learns that being a bully can have negative consequences...

BY THE WAY (ao3) - hellotomyoldheart peter/flash T, 17k

Summary: Peter knows Flash, now. In a way he didn’t before. Sure, he knew about his dying dad and his false bravado and his strange stillness but he didn’t know Flash. Now he does.

Flash Thompson's father dies the week after Thanksgiving. That's how it starts.

Do I Deserve This? (ao3) - id_rather_be_reading_3 T, 72k

Summary: When the Avengers find a malnourished, traumatized, enhanced teen in a Hydra base, they manage to convince SHIELD that the kid is better off in the Compound than the SHIELD Headquarters.

Peter Parker thinks his luck might finally be changing for the better, until he hears a conversation between Captain America and Iron Man that terrifies him--if the superheroes find out that Peter was an assassin for Hydra, he feels certain they'll kick him out--or worse, send him to the Raft for a punishment he surely deserves.

Can the Spider manage to keep his bloodied past a secret from a room full of mind readers, spies and military? It'll certainly prove harder than he'd thought.

Do Not Cross The Line (ao3) - MARVELously3000 N/R, 3k

Summary: Although it's no excuse for the way he treats Peter, Flash's home life is not good.

Or Flash hurts Peter and Tony goes down to the school. Flash admits something that Tony can't just walk away from and forget.

flash thompson's spider-man conspiracy (ao3) - tempestaurora T, 4k

Summary: Flash Thompson has been making Spider-Man conspiracy videos for a long time, and Peter knows that making the WHO IS SPIDER-MAN? documentary is going to feed the flames, but he doesn't mind.

He also finds Flash's videos hilarious.

Have Them Over (ao3) - canonismybitch ned/peter T, 2k

Summary: Flash likes to host Decathlon meets, but he's never hosted one with his parents present.

OR

Peter and Ned are a cute couple around their Decathlon team, Flash's parents don't approve. That is not stopping him from defending his friends.

It Could Have Been Worse (ao3) - Eqquator G, 5k

Summary: “...and I know you’re all dying to know where we’re going on Friday! Well, I think you’ll be excited to know that we’re actually going to Stark Industries!”

The class’s reaction was instant and dramatic. Several people gasped, someone dropped their pencil, and Peter was surprised Flash’s neck didn’t snap the way he spun around so fast to stare at the boy.

Peter’s own reaction was less excitement and more mild terror.

Peter's class takes a trip to Stark Industries.

Peter Parker (ao3) - Forthelore T, 13k

Summary: The five times that Peter is a hero as Spiderman plus the one time Peter Parker is the hero.

She's my Mother... (ao3) - chibithedragonkitty T, 11k

Summary: It’s Parent Teacher conferences at Peter’s school to talk about his grades and mainly everything else. Though one teacher can’t help but talk about his “lies” along with a certain bully we all know to well.

Though how is it going to turn out when they see that his mother is not what they think

should i hang up my coat and call it a day? (ao3) - starlesbian steve/bucky G, 14k

Summary: Peter Parker has done a pretty good job thus far of hiding his superhero identity. He moved into the Stark Tower with all of the other Avengers, and shortly after Tony adopted him.

But, of course, his school has to plan a field trip to the Stark Tower. His own house. This'll be fun.

Stark Internship (ao3) - spidey567 G, 2k

Summary: Peter’s always had bad luck.

That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise when Mr Harrington announces the location of the decathlon team’s latest field trip during what initially, seemed like a normal Friday afternoon.

The One Where Everything Goes Well (ao3) - nokurde T, 11k

Summary: ...at least at first.

or

Upon learning his school won a tour of Stark Industries, Peter takes care of everything that could put his identity at risk. Flash didn't get the memo.

When A Parker Met A Stacy (ao3) - Spideyfan62 peter/gwen G, 5k

Summary: However, just as she’d turned to do so, Gwen noticed another student coming over to the guy before he squatted down and helped him pick up his stuff. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but she observed as the second one gently put a hand on the shoulder of the one who’d dropped everything, seemingly making sure he was okay.

“Oh yeah, that’s the friend of mine that I thought you should meet,” Flash explained, coming up to Gwen. “Hey, Peter!”

[tell-me-no-again]

First off I want to tell you that your trouble series has been living rent free in my head for literally years. It's one of those ones that's just never left. The one where they go to wakanda to dance in the rains was amazing - to the point I had started reading it on the train into work and quite literally worked out how to sit with my phone on the desk throughout the morning in order to finish it.... it was that good! (Maybe shouldn't admit that tho).

I loved the introduction of Kevin and the boys and just all the dynamics. I've also had a thought about the characters in my mind that won't go. I don't mean it to be demanding or anything btw I just wanted to share and wondered if you had any thoughts around it?

I just always wondered if similar to the one where the boys were caught drinking during the gala and were punished in the side room all together, they were all in a situation - sans superhero suits etc - and Peter is in full sub mode, restrained someway by Tony so Tony has all the power, and the others are all observing. Perhaps it is another spanking like before.

However, in the middle of it - Peter whimpering, apologising to Tony, Tony reminding him whose in charge - Peter suddenly freezes, mutters the word "red" and jumps into action. There's an intruder or assassin or someone trying to hurt them outside the door. Before they even have a chance to attack, Tony being defenceless and the others not able to help, Peter manages to take them down and restrain them while Tony calls for back up. While waiting Peter is composing himself and getting presentable for the coming agents/police. Afterwards once they are all alone again, Peter apologises for ending his punishment early and asks Tony if he'd like to continue? While the others are just looking at them like ???

I know it seems kinda random and probably not what you'd be interested in but I think it must be easy for the others to forget quite how capable Peter is. Like Tony is human, do you think they sometimes forget that the difference between is so much? Like I know everyone in that sort of relationship is there because they allow themselves to submit (or at least they should be) but I just imagine everyone getting odd reminders like that, that Peter could literally snap Tony in half if he wanted, rather than him willingly submitted to allow himself to be spanked etc?

Anyway, sorry this was really rambley I just wanted to let you know that I loved your series (still do) and Tony, Pepper, Peter, Kevin and the boys continue to live in my mind whether I give them permission to or not...

I'd have to write it my way! But! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about the soul of this prompt. Peter IS in the relationship consensually. He totally is 100% capable of snapping Tony like a twig (sans suit) at any point- including when Tony's got him exactly where Tony wants him, in a headspace where he's ceding authority and control to Tony. That's the fun of a D/s relationship and you're right- I don't showcase that aspect of the dynamic in any earlier stories. Maybe I should write that for my next one! Although I'm halfway through the Rains 2.0 and the wedding and oh yeah, I promised @khalixascorner I'd get her the Mile High fic posted sometime soon... But I mean... even if I never get to this idea, please know- TOTALLY. YES. FITS RIGHT IN. If I can get the juice to write it, I will, but assume it happened if I don't. Yes. SPOT. ON. YES. (And it would be VERY fun to capture everyone's reactions to him jumping up to save the day and then shaking off all the heroics to go kneel for Tony. That is YUMMY.)

[ariana-maryse]

I posted 105 times in 2022

74 posts created (70%)

31 posts reblogged (30%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@tawneybel

@raith-way

@borg-queer

@arianadevareux

@classichorrorblog

I tagged 105 of my posts in 2022

#anon message - 23 posts

#ask game - 21 posts

#get to know me - 12 posts

#tawneybel - 10 posts

#request - 9 posts

#anon ask - 8 posts

#give me a character - 7 posts

#blog update - 7 posts

#raith-way - 7 posts

#anon request - 6 posts

Longest Tag: 93 characters

#like that episode of spongebob where he's writing for like an hour but it's just a very fancy

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Alright, I finished Stranger Things. Here's my takeaway.

20 notes - Posted July 10, 2022

#4

PLS WRITE WHOLE ASS STORY FOR LURCH AND READER PLSNSGSGAHSHDDG

Okay I've never written like x reader in a full fanfic style and I'm not sure if I could do it properly. But I can try? Maybe do like a lil blurb at first.

Lemme ruminate on it. I typically write character x OC for full fanfics.

But also Lurch needs more content.

21 notes - Posted February 17, 2022

#3

Frank N. Furter

I could heal them

I could change them

I could make them worse

I could help them commit atrocities

I could make them wear cat ears

Give me a character and I'll tell you which category they belong to!

25 notes - Posted January 30, 2022

#2

⚔️ What slasher do you think you could beat in a fight?

YES.

I thought this said slashers and was prepared to do a full power point presentation about who's ass I could kick. But since I have to pick:

Billy and Stu. They come as a package deal. A package of BITCH because I'd mop the floor with them. Why, you may be wondering? I'm glad you asked.

I fight dirty. Idgaf about rules of engagement I'll bite em, put some dirt in their eye, hoof em in the wallace and doodleberries, targeted kidney punch. You name it. "But there's two of them," yeah and I'm a southern bitch with a fat ass I'll just sit on Stu and he'll have to wait his turn while I make Billy Loomis into Billy Loomwas.

Honorable mentions: The Blissfield Butcher big old ass, Freddy Krueger AKA the dude I beat in a nightmare I had when I was 5 smh, The Man from Hush that's just some mf that works in accounting,.

39 notes - Posted February 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Peter Graham Dating Headcanons Pt. 2

Part 1 Here. (For @lumosisasimp)

Because Peter can lean toward being clingy, you'd have to remind him that he needs to put effort into the other relationships in his life as well from time to time.

Although he wouldn't be great at remembering dates (phone notifications are his savior) he'd remember a lot of miscellaneous things about you; your drink order at the coffee/tea/boba shop, the show you'd been talking about watching, etc.

Peter would literally drop everything if you needed him. He can usually tell when you need help (albeit with a slight delay) but if you ask him, he'll be right there.

He'd definitely have you as his phone background. Or a picture of you two together. More than likely, it'd be you alone, though.

Tag List: @raith-way

Join My Tag List? | Buy Me A Coffee?

103 notes - Posted April 20, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[inkpromise]

the truth of truths is he's tired of being used. he's tired of being a weapon for machinations too complex for any human to consume and he's especially tired of doing the bidding of others. gallowglass loves his family despite everything they'd put him through and that's the real fuckery of it all; he still loves them. no matter how many times matthew snaps his fingers and points him in a direction or however many times phillippe told him to be a spear. gallowglass did it all. even when his heart was hurting over the loss of his maker he listened to every single order despite refusing to stand on french soil.

even worse was he'd continue to do it until he was six feet under. no one would know the exhaustion in his heart ( beyond what was playfully offered ) and no one would know that every single death weighed him down like an anchor to the bottom of the ocean.

although, if anyone was going to pick up on it he had the sneaking suspicion it would be his auntie astoria.

so, he hid in prague until this inevitable moment, early as it was. he hid in prague to lick his wounds and pick up all the pieces to tape back into something resembling a mask to slap back on his face. copper tinging the air is the only notice he needs to understand this isn't a social call. why would it be when he basically gave everyone the bird and disappeared.

at the mention of alliances, the viking looks down at his own meager glass of wine, slides it towards his auntie, and picks up the bottle instead. he could just hear matthew's voice in his head saying something similar. it was one of the topics of conversation that pushed gallowglass to leave in the first place. shoring up alliances when diana could just flick peter knox off the planet like a flea? when she finally had her power and knew how to use it? all that time in london for fucking nothing if all they were going to do was come back in time and shake in their boots.

" bah, " comes tumbling out right before lips touch glass. with the motion of his head wine come crashing down against his mouth. what was supposed to be a delectable vintage was not being chugged as though it were nothing more than water. that's what he gets for not shopping when he had the inclination.

" christ on a crumbly cracker, auntie, " the bottle slams down on the coffee table. although, it was pretty gentle for the strength gallow was known to exhibit. " i was there when baldwin took down her husband. what would you do if the tables were turned? my head's gonna be on a pike as a warning to whatever other de clermont sent that way. "

the blonde doesn't intend for his head to fall into his hands but it'd always been oh so easy to remain vulnerable in present company. astoria hit something in him. there was an understanding there he'd never been able to define. as fingers press down the bridge of his knows, the vampire sighs. " of course, i'll do it. " even after everything he'd do whatever it took to protect his family. " when should i go? do i have leverage of any sort? "

I'm tired of politics. It's a shame, then, that this is his family; escaping politics is impossible when one bears the de Clermont name, carries its history. Astoria offers her nephew a small, sympathetic smile, and she sets her anger aside for the moment. She is, now as always, eminently practical: her anger can wait, and truth be told, she doubts that the scion will last long. Matthew is too hot-tempered and impractical. Diana is too arrogant. She can tolerate Diana more of the two, but she doubts she'll ever forgive them for what they've put her family through. What they've put her mate through. Her thoughts flicker to Baldwin, as they always do when given space to roam, and Astoria bites the inside of her cheek until she tastes blood.

No doubt her host can smell it. Still, her smile is honest. She's angry because she's hurt, and she's hurt because she loves him. A sad rarity in this family, she knows, to be bound to one another by genuine affection. But they can repair the wounds later. She'll forgive him, and Marcus, someday. (She understands Fernando, bears him no ill will. She doubts she'll ever forgive Ysabeau. But her nephews... her nephews hurt.)

"Oh, sweetheart." He has a thousand years on her but they fall into these patterns easily. Astoria sets her wine down and reaches forward, rests a hand on his cheek almost maternally. "Your grandfather certainly didn't make things easy for you, did he? Having to keep that secret for so long, having to be so alone in it." It occurs to her now that she's never known Gallowglass without that secret, and she wonders, a bit sadly, if he was very different. Her smile grows sorrowful, her hand falls to catch his and squeeze lightly. "I wish I could say I didn't have more politicking and scheming for you, but I'm here to ask you for a favor."

Less asking for a favor than delivering an order, though if Gallowglass refuses, she's not going to beg, or try and force his hand. If he doesn't go, she'll send one of her daughters. "We are in the process of shoring up alliances. Taking stock of who we can rely on, and who we cannot." She doesn't mention that Gerbert's time is coming; she's sure that Gallowglass already suspects, at the very least. "There are two paths we're focusing on right now. Domenico Michele has made several overtures of friendship to the de Clermonts over the centuries, but he helped a great deal with our recent troubles." A delicate way of saying that he made life a little easier while Matthew and Diana most decidedly made things much, much harder. "Baldwin and I have left that to our children.

"And then there is the matter of the Drăculești. Specifically, Constanta. She is secretive, and likely with good reason, but the war between our families lasted far longer than was necessary after we killed her husband, and she has over the course of the last century been amenable to an alliance. It's time we settled that for good." Her lips twitch into a small smile again, and she shrugs one shoulder. "I could ask my daughters, but you were my first choice. Baldwin agreed. We need someone experienced in this realm, and someone we can trust implicitly with something so delicate. And there is no doubt in our minds that you can be trusted with the safety and security of our family. Besides." She leans forward, almost conspiratorially. "It would give you some distance from all of this." If he's hiding out in Prague, he clearly needs it. "Would you consider it?"

[narcissisticmf]

come back, please | peter pevensie x fem!reader

description: y/n lives in narnia and after the pevensie siblings leave, she feels like her connection with peter was left unfinished. she begs aslan to go see him in his world.

trigger warnings: angst, violence, sword fighting, mentions of anxiety/depression, etc. read at your own risk.

word count: 3.1k

You stood beside Caspian as you watched Aslan stand before the crowd of Telmarines and Narnians. The air was rather brisk that day, you felt your clothed arms grow subtle goosebumps all amongst them. You attempted to avoid eye contact with anyone except Aslan, for you were unable to look to the Pevensie siblings without shedding a tear or two, or many more. You felt Caspian nudge your arm softly with his elbow as a way to comfort you without using words. You forced a small smile to your glossy lips and continued to look at Aslan.

"If any Telmarines wish, I will return you to your forefathers. I'm not referring to Telmar, either. Your ancestors were seafaring brigands. Pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world. The same world as our kings and queens," Aslan trailed off and continued to explain more about where he would send any of the volunteers.

When he'd mentioned the kings and queens of Narnia, your eyes flickered to the Pevensies. The warmth in your eyes slowly started to grow cold when you locked your gaze with Peter, who looked back at you with a gentle expression. Through your lashes, tears blurred your vision. You felt as though you shouldn't be crying, you did your best to fight it, but the tears continued to trickle down from your waterline, along your cheeks staining your soft skin.

After a family had offered to go through with Aslan's offer, he awaited upon another volunteer. You bit the inside of your cheek, knowing what was coming when Peter stepped forth.

"We'll go," He swallowed thickly, his gaze bounced from Aslan to you.

"We will?" Lucy's voice raised in pitch.

"Come on. Our time's up," Peter released a breath and walked towards you and Caspian. His attention was solely on the prince as he pulled off his sword. "After all, we're not really needed here anymore," He handed the sword over to Caspian who took it in his grasp.

"I will look after it until your return," Caspian spoke with incandescence.

"I'm afraid that's just it," Susan spoke up. You glanced up to her with a knowing expression. "We're not coming back," She finished.

You felt Peter stand before you, but your eyes refused to look up to him. Without making any weeps, hot tears fell down along your flushed cheeks. Your blurred vision caught a glimpse of Peter's hands motion towards your face. His warm palms caressed your wet cheeks, making you finally look up to him.

"Why must you go, Peter?" You released in a soft whisper, nearly inaudible.

"I've learned what I can from this world, Y/N.. it is time for me to live in my own," He spoke gently, a subtle sadness under his tone.

"I will miss you so much," You choked out, in an attempt to keep your voice steady, but you failed miserably.

Peter parted his glossy lips and stared at you with the most comforting gaze you could imagine. He snuck his arms around your shoulders and buried his face into your shoulder, squeezing you tightly. You wrapped your arms around his torso with all the emotional strength you had left in you. You couldn't let go, not until he would first.

"Don't forget me," You whispered, lifting your head up to look at him.

"Never," Peter pressed a soft kiss to your forehead. You fluttered your eyes closed in response and let the warmth from your forehead spread throughout the rest of your body.

You felt Peter pull away, his fingers grazing across your sides as he stepped back, keeping his eyes upon you as he made his way to stand beside his siblings. Caspian and Susan shared a goodbye beside you, but you continued to watch Peter as he did you.

A burning sensation overtook your eyes as you watched the Pevensie siblings make their way between the trees of which Aslan had made for anyone who wished to go into another world. As soon as they stepped between the trees, they disappeared and you were left with your heart sunken into your stomach. More tears trickled down your cheeks as you stood silently watching the same spot Peter once stood.

More Narnians and Telmarines volunteered to go, but not all. Many people chose to stay. You planned to stay in Narnia with Caspian and the rest of the Narnians. You continued to stand still, watching the same place Peter was last seen before he disappeared.

.

The night was rather cold in Narnia, brisk wind and starry nights. You remained in the same spot for hours on end, still staring at the same tree. You hadn't known why you felt so weakened by Peter's departure, but you knew there was no way you'd be able to cope in any healthy manner.

"Don't you think it is time you get some rest?" Caspian's voice was heard from behind you. You couldn't break your gaze from the trees as more tears begun to fall.

"He's not coming back," You whispered through your parted, dry lips.

Caspian begun to walk up along the steps behind you. He stood to your side and followed your gaze to the same tree. "If it makes you feel any better, I am just as unhappy to know that Susan will not be back either," Caspian stated quietly.

"Knowing we are both miserable makes me even more unhappy," You released a soft breath, feeling emotionally tired.

Caspian sighed and continued to stand beside you, for even his company may do some good for you. After hours upon hours of looking through the trees, you broke your gaze and looked at Caspian. His eyes found yours and your parted your dry lips, breathing slowly.

"I've done enough mourning for one day," You spoke, "Goodnight, Caspian."

Starting down the steps, you walked along the stone of the fortress and headed towards your chamber. With sleep, prehaps, you'd be able to regain some emotional strength for the days to come.

.

The sun's rays snuck through the curtains of your chamber and struck your eyes mildly. You groaned and turned over, in no desire to awaken just yet. Your body felt awfully heavy and the skin around your eyes puffed due to how much you'd been crying.

Slowly, you fluttered your eyes opened and felt the mixture of mucus and tears harden along the inner corners of both your eyes. You took your knuckles and rubbed them away, releasing a deep sigh as you did so. You begun to sit up against the headboard of your bed. You pushed yourself off the mattress and walked barefoot about your room. You quickly changed from your sleepwear to your armor. Although not needed, you decided to practice some sword fighting early that day, in hopes of getting your mind off of Peter.

You pulled your boots on over your barefeet and grabbed your sword from the case at the end of your bed. Hurrying across the hall, you made your way out into the field where many Narnians were gathered. You kept your eyes peeled for Caspian, in hopes of asking him to practice with you.

"You're looking well rested this morning, Y/N," The voice of Caspian was heard from behind you, making you jump.

"Don't creep up on me like that," You scolded softly and watched him chuckling lightly. "Mind practicing with me for a little while? I need to get my mind preoccupied."

Caspian nodded his head, "Allow me to get my sword first." You nodded in response and scurried out further into the field, where you both would maintain a harmless battle away from the rest of the Narnians.

Awaiting in the field, you held your sword by the handle, having the blade kiss the grass. The sun's rays were potent that day, the leather armor against your body grew hot against your skin. When Caspian was seen in the distance with his sword and two shields, you released a breath and felt the adrenaline begin to build.

"We can't fight without shields," Caspian offered a grin as he tossed one to you. You rolled your eyes playfully and held up the shield in your free hand. "Ready?" He asked as he stood relatively far from you.

"Are you?" You offered with an evil glint, swinging the blade towards him as he dodged it with his shield. When Caspian tried to strike you from the head, you bent down so that you'd dodge his hit. You took the opportunity to swing your sword at his feet, causing him to stumble backwards.

You stood straight and watched as he slowly got up, swinging his sword towards you from the left and right. A grunt left your lips when your blade came to contact with Caspian's shield, a spark flew off the metal.

You couldn't help but remember Peter, how you and he would often practice together. Mostly because your sword fighting needed some work, but never directly spoke of that. You missed him truly and it grew harder to come into terms with when you knew you'd never see him again.

Caspian's strike to your blade kicked you from your thoughts. You mentally thanked him for that. You let out another grunt and swung your sword to his, the strike so powerful that it knocked it from his grasp. Caspian looked rather surprised and when you kept swinging, he dodged almost every hit with his shield.

You swung beneath his feet, which caused him to jump, swiftly avoiding your hit. You watched as Caspian reached for his sword upon the grass, making you swing to his shield again.

The both of you froze when you turned to notice Aslan was watching over the field at the top of the castle, overseeing all the Narnians. You released a soft breath and slowly brought your blade down, endless thoughts of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy ran through your mind. You dropped your sword and begun to run back into the castle.

"Y/N! Where are you going?" Caspian called, but you were already hot upon your feet, too fast to turn back.

You scurried up the stairs, making left and right turns until you'd make it to the top, where Aslan stood overseeing everything and everyone. You needed to take the opportunity you had to speak with him yourself. You opened the doors to the top and looked straight ahead, seeing Aslan still there, before the same tree you spent all of yesterday looking at.

"Aslan," You breathed out and watched as his head turned to look at you. His light green eyes found yours, his mane moved softly with the brisk wind. You made your way towards him and stopped once you came to the edge.

"I see you've been practicing on your skill, dear one," Aslan stated, turning his head toward you.

"I need something to occupy my mind," You bashfully admitted.

"Missing them, are you?" He asked, with concern.

"More than I would like to admit."

"I miss them too, Edmund and Lucy will return eventually, in a few years potentially," Aslan continued to look at you, finding your face was written with distress. "What's the matter, dear one?"

"I must see Peter again," You spoke in a shaky tone. "I want him to come back and be here."

"Y/N, Peter has grown and learned all that he could from this world," Aslan said, his eyes softening.

"Can't I visit him in his world?" You spoke gently.

"Yes, but only for a little while," Aslan breathed out.

"How long?" You whispered.

"Two days of their world and then you will return."

You nodded gently, parting your lips as you stared at Aslan. He nodded in response and motioned towards the trees, the wind picked up in and the leaves rustled against the thin branches. You watched with a mesmerized gaze, keeping your eyes locked with the leaves. The color of the sky faded into a dark grey from a light blue. You squinted softly and turned your head to look before you. The road was slick and droplets from the sky fell rapidly down upon the ground. Puddles overflown against the sides of the road.

Glancing down at your clothing, you noticed you'd been dressed in a maroon colored uniform with your hair now straightened against your shoulders. You parted your lips and turned to look around, noticing how busy the streets were.

Slowly, you stepped forth to make sure no oncoming vehicles would hit you, when both sides of thr street were clear, you scurried across and made it to the other end, seeing that many a persons walked about the concrete. You'd been in Narnia so long that you'd forgotten what the streets were like during the daylight. You questioned if daylight would still be referred to as the same despite the gloomy whether that arose over England.

You turned your head to notice several people were exiting the underground railway station. You felt a nervousness grow deep inside your stomach. The center of your palms produced a thin layer of sweat when your eyes were met with four people you knew all too well in your world. You parted your lips softly and watched as Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy came up from the staircase and upon the same sidewalk as you had been upon. You were unsure if they'd recognize you, being so far away.

Your eyes locked with Lucy as she turned her head and noticed you. She had a wide grin upon her face as she reached to tug Peter's sleeve, her gaze never breaking with yours. Your lips formed into the most beautiful smile, shining ever so brightly on such a dull day.

When Peter looked to Lucy, she pointed towards you and her eldest brother followed where her finger led to. When his deep blue eyes fell into your warm ones, he froze in a state of shock, but also great happiness as you could tell his smile was rising. You missed everything of him, his smile, his eyes, his voice, his arms and his incandescent attitude. Susan and Edmund were the last to notice you, smiling happily.

You couldn't hold yourself back any longer, you begun to run towards them with pure excitement running through your veins. The adrenaline ran through you like wildfire, spreading about beneath the surface of your skin. The pit of your excitement lied within your chest, where your heart was palpitating like crazy.

"Peter!" You smiled as he started running in your direction. Behind him, the rest of the Pevensie siblings ran to you. You released inhaled deeply once you were close enough to Peter. His smile was wide as he wrapped his arms around your torso, lifting you up and spinning around with a sweet laugh escaping his lips. You hugged his shoulders and buried your face into his neck.

"Ah! Y/N, I missed you," Peter spoke as though a large weight was taken off of his shoulders.

"I missed you.. all of you," You let happy tears trickle down your cheeks as Peter placed you down onto the concrete. You slowly peeled back from him and took Lucy into a hug, along with Susan and Edmund.

"How did you get back?" Susan asked with a grin to her lips.

"Aslan, I will be here in your world for two days," You released a breath.

"Why two days?" Lucy questioned.

"I suppose it has a lot to do with how much I miss you all.. how terrible it was to let you go the first time.. it'll hurt no less the second time," You sighed gently.

You looked from Lucy to Peter with a softening expression. "If it's okay, I would like to speak to you," You mentioned softly.

"I'll catch up with you, wait at the traffic light for me," Peter looked to Edmund, Susan and Lucy as they all nodded and headed up along the sidewalk. You turned to look at Peter, who was already staring down upon you.

"I couldn't bear it," You released in a gentle breath. Peter offered his hand and you gladly took it, feeling an overwhelming sense of butterflies in your stomach. He lead you to a small bench before the road and you took a seat in it, soon after he did as well.

"Peter, I wish you could come back with me," You admitted.

"I wish I could as well," He pressed his lips together, "But I'm afraid I am just grown too old to go back."

"You're never too old for Narnia," You spoke softly. Peter offered a thin smile and took your hand in his own, entwining your fingers together.

"Come back, please," You felt your eyes brim with tears, "There's so much I haven't gotten to tell you."

Peter gently took his free hand and brushed away the tears from beneath your eyes. "What is it that you haven't gotten to tell me, Y/N?" He whispered and leaned in closer, making the moment much more intimate.

"Two days won't be enough time," You looked up to him.

"Come back, bring Lucy, Susan and Edmund.. Narnia needs you. I need you," You admitted ever so gently. "I'm unsure if Aslan will ever do this for me again, Peter."

Peter rested his forehead against yours and looked down at your fingers intertwind with his own. "There's only one thing Narnia has that I would go back for in a mere second," His voice lowered.

"What is it?" Your eyes flickered up into his own, a deep nervousness kicked back into your stomach.

Peter pulled his head back gently and smiled, his dimples caving in as he did so. You parted your glossy lips and watched as his blue eyes locked with yours. You felt your body move closer to him, not physically, but rather emotionally.

Before you could comprehend it, your lips were overtaken by Peter's. You fluttered your eyes closed in response and gave into the kiss, feeling your lips mold together in the most perfect sync. You felt his chest press against your own. You took the opportunity to cup his cheeks with your palms, feeling pure gaiety within your body. You missed Peter more than you could even begin to explain. You were unsure where else this kiss would lead, but you had no intent to rush there.

.

a/n: hello lovies!! so this may have been one of my favorite things i've ever written. i know it's angsty but those are the types of pieces i love writing the most. i hope you enjoyed this one and who knows maybe i'll write a part two? hmm? haha! anyway, thank you so much for reading! be safe and treat people with kindness. — angelina.

[fanfic-wonderland]

Slave For You {Tom Riddle}

(A/N): Hello! This one was originally requested on Wattpad so I hope you like it! 

Also, Tom Riddle and The Marauders are the same age on this one!

Pairing: Tom Riddle x Gryffindor!Reader

Summary: For the longest time, you have been 'working' for Tom Riddle and doing all of his chores for him. You assume that it is simply because he despises you but it turns out that there might be another reason as to why he's keeping you around.

Warning: Suggestive smut at the end (?)

Word count: 3.2k

●○●

'Your tasks of the day are simple. All you have to do is clean my bookshelves and organize the books in alphabetical order once you're done. These should be finished by the time I get to the dorm.'

After you read the note found inside one of your books, you scrunch up the small piece of paper and throw it aside with a groan. Being Tom Riddle's little helper is not something you planned on doing when you got to Hogwarts but, somehow, he managed to wrap you right around his finger. Although you're not too fond of it, there's something that prevents you from putting an end to it all. Tom can be very 'persuasive' so It's not that easy to escape him if he wants something from you. "Everything okay?" Remus looks up from his notebook with a raised brow. The other three stop their movements abruptly; Peter's quill stops tracing letters while James and Sirius pause their own little paper war in order to stare curiously at you.

"Yeah, just..." you point your wand at the ball of paper and it disappears within a second. "It's Bertha Jorkins, she says she has 'new gossip' to tell me about."

Sirius makes a gagging sound. "Since when are you close to Bertha?"

"I'm not. She just has no one to talk to."

"And for good reason, I'd say," James says and Peter snickers in the background. "You're way too smart for her."

You laugh. "Are you actually going to meet up with her, though?" Remus asks as he resumes reading.

"Yes, it shouldn't be too bad." You shrug in hopes that they'll drop the interrogation. James and Sirius look at each other as if to say 'I wouldn't be so sure about that'.

You hate lying to them but if they ever find out about what's happening between you and Tom, they'll flip. It's bad enough that they can't stand him already so a lot of times you feel like you have to do everything in your power to never let them know, because you know that they'll try to do something about it and it won't end up well.

The Marauders are strong... but Tom is stronger. You know the things he's done.

He's made it very clear from the beginning what his intentions are with you.

"You're strong, very strong. But I need to be the strongest." He had said that day when he cornered you inside a dusty broom closet. Both arms were caging you while your back pressed against the nearest wall. "So, from now on, you shall do as I say."

"And what if I don't?" you spat.

Tom smirked calmly. One hand reached to grab a loose strand of your long hair, curling it around his index finger. He tugged on it, pulling your face closer to his and you couldn't stop the wince of pain that left your lips. In a low, menacing voice, he said, "Then, I'll kill you like the cockroach that you are."

Your breathing hitched at his words. Surely, he didn't mean that. You knew he was not exactly what he made other people believe -the charming, perfect Slytherin Prefect- but he couldn't be a murderer...

You gulped. "No, you wouldn't."

Tom laughed bitterly. "You don't think I'm capable of doing so? Not even after I killed that little mudblood, Myrtle Warren?"

Your eyes widened at the sound of her name. "Th-that can't be..."

"If I were you, I wouldn't want to find out if It's true, then," his hand moved down to rest on your neck and you felt like he'd tighten his grip if you said the wrong thing. "And I also suggest that you keep this between us. You wouldn't want your dear friends to get hurt either, right?"

A shiver ran down your spine. Deep down, you were certain that he meant everything he said. Tom was never the one to make jokes.

You shook your head without saying another word.

Surprisingly enough, you're not as miserable as you thought you'd be working for Tom. At first, it was bad, really bad because you felt like you hated his guts and he hated yours. But, as time went on, you began to... warm up to him, in a way. Or maybe you've just grown used to his presence and his ways that they simply do not affect you anymore. It's hard to tell.

You're at his dorm after you're done with your essay. It's easy to slither in; unlike your own, Tom's friends are very well aware of your little agreement, so he's most certainly made it clear to them that you should be allowed access to their Common Room whenever you need to. As always, they confiscate your wand at the entrance, but you're used to it by now. With the same old defeated sigh, you waste no time in starting your work on the large bookshelves. It takes longer than you initially think but, compared to other things that you've had to do for Tom, this is no more than a few drops of sweat.

You sit down on a nearby desk chair to catch your breath and admire the final product as soon as you're finished. Although It's never under the best conditions, you cannot deny that you're good at doing chores like this one. You're probably even better than Tom, considering he feels the need to utilize you for such things.

"Oh, you really think so?"

With a loud gasp, you sit up straight and turn to face the doorway. The very person you're thinking about is standing there with his hands behind his back, fixing his gaze completely on you. You feel like he's been in the room for longer than he makes it known.

When you analyze his words, you suddenly remember that, while you're better at doing chores, he's way better at using Legilimency.

You clear your throat trying to pick yourself up and not look too surprised. "Well, yes, it sure seems that way," you stand up as you talk. "If it were the other way around, you wouldn't be needing my help so often."

"I don't need your help, though," he walks closer to you; you do not move an inch. "I only feel the need to make you do these things in order to take away from your development as a witch."

You feel your blood boil and he knows he's struck a nerve. You can tell by the way his lips turn into a faint smirk. "Well, clearly the fact that you feel the need to do that says a lot about your own skills as a wizard. Surely, if you're as strong as you say, you shouldn't have to feel so intimidated by me."

Tom takes another step forward. "I never said I was intimidated by you."

Somehow, you gain the strength to step closer to him, as well. At this point, there's only like a foot of distance between the two of you. It reminds you yet again of the day he made you his 'helper' but, somehow, this time it feels different. "Actions speak louder than words, I guess." It's your turn to smirk.

The words being thrown back and forth are challenging but they do not feel menacing. It feels like you're both teasing each other in a more light-hearted manner, so much that you do not feel uncomfortable with the way that Tom's body is almost hovering above yours. "Where did this smart mouth of yours come from?" he chortles quietly.

"I guess It's better than to be miserable around you." You admit with a shrug.

Tom nods. "I like that. It makes you less pathetic."

"And it makes you less of an asshole, somehow."

He quirks an eyebrow but says nothing about that. Instead, his hands finally come into view and you see that he's been holding your wand this entire time. "Here."

You gladly take it. It's a relief to have it in your hands, again. "Much appreciated."

When you make your way towards the exit, he turns to address you for the last time. "I will write to you tomorrow for your next tasks."

You don't say anything back but Tom knows that you heard him perfectly. Once you are fully out of sight, he scans the bookshelves, very impressed (He always is) with how neat you left them. It makes the faintest of smiles appear on his lips but he disguises it with a clearing of his throat and his hands moving up to loosen his tie.

For the longest time, he's been trying to avoid having you on his mind at inappropriate times, most noticeably when he's all alone in his dorm. Today is no exception.

***

After breakfast, you and the Marauders head to the Courtyard to get some fresh air before your first class of the day begins. A few students seem to do the same, some chatting away while others play Gobstones in a quieter manner. You lean against the nearest column while letting out a sigh of relaxation and indulging in the peaceful atmosphere. James, who is staring at you without your awareness, is the first to break the silence. "So, (Y/N)... how did it go with Bertha yesterday?"

You turn to look at him, only to realize that It's not only him who's eyeing you suspiciously; the other three are, too. Come to think of it, you did notice that they have been acting a bit unusual since you saw each other at the Great Hall. Regardless of their odd behaviors, you say, "It went well. We talked for hours."

"Oh, really?" Sirius, alongside James, begins to walk around your figure at a slow pace with quirked brows as if their intention is to make you confess to something bad that you've done. Peter follows their steps like a helpless sidekick. "Interesting..."

You tilt your head in confusion but deep down you begin to feel uneasy. "What is?"

"What's interesting," Sirius stops right in front of you and points a finger in your direction accusingly. "is that you're a liar!"

Your breath hitches at his answer. Although you know he's mostly being playful, you feel panic rushing through you now that you're sure that they're onto you. You try to play it cool, though. "What do you mean?"

"Bertha confirmed to us that she hadn't seen you all day yesterday," Remus explains. "Is everything alright?"

The look on his face makes your stomach drop. You hate lying overall but lying to Remus is a whole other thing. Perhaps that's why you cannot bring yourself to think of an excuse. Would it really be too bad if they knew about the whole Tom thing? Would Tom really dare to do something to them? To you? Yes, maybe he is capable of doing horrible things but murdering five students would bring a lot of attention to the school, surely he could not get away with such a thing...

... Or could he?

"(Y/N)?" Remus places a hand on your shoulder and it snaps you back to reality. He looks concerned all of a sudden.

You sigh in defeat. "Okay, you guys caught me. I have been lying to you all."

"Aha!" Sirius exclaims, snapping his fingers in a victorious kind of way.

"So, what have you been keeping from us, huh?" James wastes no time asking.

You stare at all four of them individually but no words seem to come out. You're still in a constant fight with your own mind about how you should handle the situation. If you lie then It's going to keep going until it finally blows up some other time, and that would probably be worse. But if you tell them now then you might be risking their safety as well as your own. "Well," you gulp and try to take a deep breath, and you just talk without even thinking about it. "You see, for a while, I've been-"

"(Y/L/N)."

All of you turn to see that the sudden voice comes from the very person who created this whole mess. You hear Peter let out a loud shriek once Tom begins to make his way toward you. "What in the bloody hell do you want, Riddle?" James glowers at him.

"A word," Tom answers as soon as he's standing just a few feet in front of you. "With (Y/L/N). It's not quite your business, is it, Potter?"

"Well, you've got no business coming to her, either," Sirius states, coming almost face-to-face with Tom. The height difference between them isn't much but it is still clear that Tom is slightly taller. That does not seem to bother your friend, though.

"Guys, It's fine," you reassure them. They look at you as if you've gone insane but you ignore it as you turn to Tom. "It should be quick, I suppose?"

Tom nods firmly. His expression is blank and you can't comprehend what he's thinking, but you figure it is nothing good. "Of course."

You follow him all the way to his dorm, ignoring the usual nasty stares from the few students hanging around the Common Room. You suddenly feel even more nervous than before because the first thing that goes through your mind is that Tom is angry at you and that he definitely knows that you almost exposed him in front of the Marauders. That's why, when you walk in first, you don't dare to turn around immediately, you're scared of what you'll see. Of what he'll do. "Look at me," he says.

His voice sounds softer than usual but it is still firm. Taking in a sharp breath, you slowly do as you're told. You expected him to be pointing his wand at you, ready to hit you with the Killing Curse, but he seems... harmless. At least for the time being. "You nearly told them about our deal."

"I know. I apologize." You drop your gaze down to the ground.

You sense him coming closer to you but it isn't until he grabs your chin that you're forced to look back up at his face. "Tell me, why can't you just obey me and stay silent?" Tom asks you quietly.

You're shocked by this kind of behavior coming from him. "I-I don't know..."

You still half expect him to do something bad but, judging by the way he's looking down at you, you realize that maybe today your life will be spared. Most surprisingly, he lets out a quiet chuckle and shakes his head in an amused way. "What am I to do with you, then?"

You build up the confidence to say, "Whatever you want, I guess. I don't think it matters anymore."

Tom's stare moves down to your lips. "I was going to let you free a lot sooner, you know," he suddenly confesses. His face is closer to yours now. "This whole thing wasn't supposed to drag on for too long. I just needed you under my grasp until my skills exceeded yours."

You remain quiet. "However," he resumes, his voice falling into a whisper. "I could not bring myself to let you go and I never understood why. What is it about you that draws me in so much?"

"Tom..." you say his name softly. You do not know what's happening, either, but, as soon as you realize that with each word he says he's leaning closer, you find yourself closing the gap between both of you.

His lips are soft and gentle, which you do not expect from such a cold-hearted boy, but you cannot deny that it wakes up something inside of you. You feel warm all over and you clench onto his robes for dear life, wanting to keep him as close as possible in fear of losing that warmth. He seems to be doing the same thing as he wraps an arm protectively around your waist while the hand grabbing your chin moves to bury itself in your hair. He does not feel like the Tom you met for the first time, when both of you were merely First Years and you immediately understood that there was something very wrong with him. He was full of darkness and yet he would hide it so well that no one ever noticed. His charm grew over the years but it was a façade, almost like his own personal weapon that could help him get whatever he wanted. This Tom, however, feels real and vulnerable. He's kissing you like he needs you in order to live, to finally feel something after having to pretend for so long.

Your tongue slips in between his parted lips and he groans at the sudden sensation, his grip on you tightening subconsciously, but it does not hurt. In fact, you want him to hold you like this for longer than you dare to admit. You should hate him for basically having you as his own personal slave all this time, but you cannot find it in you right now.

Your back presses against the wall and Tom takes the opportunity to wrap your legs around his waist, lifting you up almost effortlessly. His lips go down to press against your jawline, then to your neck, and although it feels bloody amazing you cannot deny that your lips miss his touch instantly. You grip his shoulders while he licks and nips at your skin, closing your eyes and letting out a quiet sigh because of how good it feels. "You do not have to do my chores any longer," he says against your skin, followed by a trail of kisses. "I do not intend to make you go through that, again. But maybe-" He pulls away to look into your eyes, both of you breathing heavily. "-maybe stick around, if you wish to do so."

You recover just in time to smirk at him. "What are you asking of me, exactly?"

Tom drops his gaze and clears his throat. No matter how much he tries to hide it you catch a glimpse of the blush rising through his cheeks. "I'm asking you to be with me." He finally replies.

"As in, boyfriend and girlfriend?" you laugh lightly.

He looks up, again. "Perhaps."

You bite your lip. You cannot believe that you're actually considering it. "Well," you wrap your arms around his neck, your noses brushing against each other. His heated gaze makes your heart skip a few beats, so much that you're worried you'll go into cardiac arrest in front of him. "I guess we can see where it goes from here."

Tom lets out a breathy laugh while pressing his forehead against yours, his hands pulling you closer to him despite the fact that there was barely any space left between the two bodies. "Understandable. Then, I guess I'll just have to savor this moment while it lasts."

He begins to walk backward and then turns around so that your back makes contact with the mattress. You can't help but giggle as he climbs on top of you, caging you in between his arms. He kisses you, again, a little rougher than before but it still feels good. Too good, actually. "The Marauders won't take this well, you know." You tell him.

Tom smirks as he removes his jumper and throws it across the room without a care. While undoing his tie, he says, "I'm very well aware of that."

[rafaelblackbird15]

Teen Wolf Fic Recs Part 2: Steter

It took me quite awhile to gather all these together, so please enjoy discovering more parts to the incredible world of Teen Wolf, provided to you by the wonderful writers of our fandom.

Leave comments and kudos for these writers if you can, they really deserve it, they're wonderful. And it's my honour to try and share their creations with tumblr.

These are Steter, Stiles Stilinski/Peter Hale fanfictions. Read them at your will. Check the tags on the actual fics for warnings and such.

I have included links to authors that write a lot of Steter as well, and some of their fics for examples. I'm sorry this post got so long, haha, but enjoy the stories, they're worth it.

If any of the links don't work, just comment and I'll fix it.

Check out my other Sterek fic recs [Part 3] and [Part 4] and Steter fic recs [Part 1]

*********

Broken Bones and Broken Bonds by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 20148

Chapters: 4/?

Summary:

Stiles kind of wished that he’d at least tried weed before this. 

Or something, you know? Maybe taken up a graffiti hobby, or even just skateboarded in front of City Hall often enough to get a citation. 

He wished he’d done something to be deserving of the looks people gave him now, rather than just being the recipient of his dead father’s unused power. 

**********

Stigmata by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 1661

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

He feels so hollow that he almost wonders if he's been turned inside out. This emptiness he feels; is it the vastness of the entire world?

How do you fill a world? With people, he supposes. But his people no longer want him.

He needs people.

*********

Beefcake Mountain by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids) on Archive of Our Own

Words: 14565

Chapters: 7/7

Summary:

Shortly after moving back to Beacon Hills, the left hand of the Hale Pack opened a text from a mysterious number.

"Is there a mirror in your pants? Because I can see myself in them."

What the f—

**********

Steter Week 2019 by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

Works: 4

Complete: No

Summary:

There isn't a summary listed so I've included the first fic underneath:

Marvelous Miss and Magnificent Mischief by twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

Words: 3346

Chapters: 1/1

also Part 1 of the Magnificent Mischief series

Summary:

“Marvelous Miss and the Magnificent Mischief!” the carnival barker shouted just outside the corridor with all the food tents. “Come see Miss Paige do amazing tricks with her talking raven! He not only speaks, but he jokes! He teases! He philosophizes!”

********

Author: twothumbsandnostakeincanon(somanyofthekids)

This author has a lot of wonderful Steter fics, and their writing of the pairing is really worth having a good look through.

*******

Blood Runs Cold by Smalls2233 on Archive of Our Own

Words: 111408

Chapters: 22/22

Summary:

“So then why are we letting Scott and Derek search for it if you know it's useless?”

Peter looked down at Stiles and cocked his head with a grin. “Because I think seeing my nephew and your best friend run around like headless chickens while I think up a plan is hysterical.”

“And the plan is…?”

----

Trusting Peter Hale is something that Stiles had repeatedly told himself to never do. He had seen first hand the results of Peter's plans and schemes, but when a shadow began tormenting Beacon Hills, he found that sometimes he'd have to to play along with Peter's games.

This story does include a dose of Chris&Stiles interaction about midway and carries on throughout, and then Chris/Peter towards the midend, which also carries on. And it kind of dissolves into Chris/Peter/Stiles. If that's not your taste, that's fine, because the majority of the story is Stiles/Peter, and that majority is really really good Steter.

**********

No One Listening Tonight by Smalls2233

Words: 6985

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

That left… well it left Peter and only Peter. Relying on Peter for help was only slightly better than stabbing himself through the eye with a hot poker. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

Of course, there was always the option of packing up and letting whatever was trying to destroy the town succeed this time. Stiles snorted under his breath as he thought about how that would probably leave him with fewer injuries than dealing with Peter would. But unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. Stiles knew he needed to head downtown to Peter’s apartment and pray the man was willing to work with him.

----

Stiles stumbles into a magical trap forged by a wannabe warlock.

*********

Author: Smalls2233

*********

Blue by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 3179

Chapters: 2/2

Summary:

Derek brings both Scott and Stiles to the hospital to prove a point about hunters, but Stiles isn’t sure the point he’s getting is the point Derek’s trying to make. Especially when his black and white world explodes into color the moment he looks into Peter Hale’s eyes.

*********

The Long Way Around by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 15569

Chapters: 3/3

Summary:

When Peter leaves Beacon Hills for good, he expects that to be it for the broken bonds of the last remaining members of the Hale pack. Fate and Stiles Stilinski aren’t of the same opinion.

**********

Prowl by Wynnebat on Archive of Our Own

Words: 3454

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

Laura's body is never found, but instead of continuing with his murder spree, Peter gets distracted by the scent of his mate. Stiles gets very distracted by the huge wolf that starts showing up at his house all the time.

**********

Author: Wynnebat

This author writes some really interesting, deep stories about Steter that are really beautiful.

**********

your last white lie (everything is not alright) by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 4023

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

Stiles says yes, and things go downhill from there.

**********

reflect by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 569

Chapters: 1/1

Part 1 of the dig your teeth in and tear until you taste (peter/stiles oneshots) series

Summary:

(previously posted to tumblr)

When he dreams, he can sometimes still hear his mother’s voice, explaining it to him: Reflections are the price we pay for what we are.

*********

sentire by snowdarkred on Archive of Our Own

Words: 1027

Chapters: 1/1

Part 2 of the dig your teeth in and tear until you taste (peter/stiles oneshots) series

Summary:

[to feel]

Stiles hears the whisper of death before it strikes.

**********

Author:

snowdarkred

This author writes some really intense, interesting stories about Peter and Stiles. Not as long as some fics are, but they're really good adaptions of Steter with a lot of feeling.

**********

The Striking Complication by aurevell on Archive of Our Own

Words: 27235

Chapters: 4/15

Summary:

The smile slips off Stiles’s face. “Hey, um. Why am I here?” he asks, voice unsteady. “I’m—I have this weird feeling like I shouldn’t leave you. I’ve felt all day like...” He can’t finish the thought.

Peter looks as surprised as Stiles feels. A strange expression passes over his face, there and gone before Stiles can decipher it.

Stiles snaps awake each morning with the sense that he’s missing something. Weirder still, he can’t wrap his head around his sudden, inexplicable trust in Peter Hale, who seems to know way more than he’s letting on. Nor can he guess why a half-remembered nightmare seems to haunt his every move.

Rinse and repeat. Because time loops suck, apparently.

*******

Author: aurevell

This author has 11 Teen Wolf fics under their belt. 5 Sterek and 6 Steter. Happy rummaging!

**********

the teeth right down to the blood by sazzafraz on Archive of Our Own

Words: 2133

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

‘We’re pretty fucked right now.’ Scott says. Stiles doesn’t speak but there’s something singing in his bones that says Scott got the message anyway. (In which both are bit and things are gruesome.)

This has a sprinkling of Scott/Stiles, Scott/Stiles/Peter, and Scott/Allison as well as Steter, but it's worth the read, a good story with an interesting concept.

*********

Author: sazzafraz

This author doesn't have that many Steter stories, although they do have a few. Although they do have some pretty lengthy Teen Wolf fics about other characters of the show.

***********

Everything goes (wow) by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 8215

Chapters: 5/5

Part 1 of the Aranea & Babewolf series

Summary:

It was supposed to go like this:

1. Peter summons demon to the circle.

2. Demon remains in said circle until Peter outlines their contract.

3. Demon agrees to elegantly crafted contract, becoming loyally bound to Peter and Peter alone.

Instead, the creature steps casually out of the circle, tosses its things onto the leather sofa, and starts immediately meddling in Peter’s immaculate space, touching all of Peter’s very expensive things.

*********

It's only by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 2905

Chapters: 3/5

Part 2 of the Aranea & Babewolf series

Summary:

“Darling, please don’t pout.”

“You’re pouting.” Stiles pouts, from the upper corner of the library, everything from his hip bones down an angry mass of hissing fangs and venomous chelicerae. “Why would we ever go back to that garbage town? Everyone there is the worst, the only good thing is the very rad and awesome curse I laid.”

*********

You are a memory by midmorning_bomb on Archive of Our Own

Words: 900

Chapters: 1/1

Part 2 of the Little glimpse series

Summary:

If he has to bleed to breathe warmth back into Peter’s icy body, he will.

Because Peter’s done the same for him.

********

Author: midmorning_bomb

This author has 16 Steter fics. A little unfriendly to some of the other characters, but it's only kind of obvious because it's not subtle about it, and not exactly underserved. Has some really interesting ideas as well as some kind, well developed Steter. Definitely have a read through.

***********

[inhcritance]

He had considered, and not only once, keeping the files. He hadn't made it this far by being careless -but maybe a bit by being blind, he couldn't help the inner voice commenting- and by expecting the best of people, but by being cunning despite his attempts to do good.

But, he knew, if he was going to do all in his power to help his father, who had hidden just as much from Harry and who certainly hadn't been there for him more, then keeping something that might harm Peter in the long run was not an option that sat well with Harry.

"It's been a long time." Was all he offered.

No excuse and no apology, and not exactly a peace offering, in Harry's eyes. But still he opened one of the drawers on the desk, taking out a small, still sealed box, and then a small drive from it. Moving the files was as easy as putting it on the table, then swiping the files towards it.

And with that out of the way, what remained were more delicate topics... or they should have been. Because Harry knew Peter too much not to recognize his rambling for what it was, but on the other hand, a video of Mayday being cute was not an option easily ignored. And he knew they'd definitely need the cuteness as the conversation progressed.

He still forced himself to be professional. Mostly. He only smiled a little -it took most of his restraint- as he watched it, after having rewatched the security tape he'd asked for, and confirmed what he'd feared.

"I'd rather the video of the... Green Goblin," he settled for, "wasn't moved at all."

It could leave trails, and he didn't want to risk that, if there was to be any hope of keeping the situation contained once everything was said and done. He'd rather have it deleted, in truth, but perhaps not yet. Not when it might still be useful in the upcoming days.

"And Mayday remains adorable, and almost able to distract me." He pointed out, although his tone wasn't stern, as he returned Peter's phone, then dragged another folder in front of them. This one, however, he didn't open just yet.

"I have reasons to suspect," he told Peter, "that my father turned himself into the Green Goblin here, at Oscorp. Which is," he added, rather dryly, "not unexpected, we both know that."

Oscorp had been the cradle of far too many villains, after all, and it was no secret that Harry loathed that fact.

"I have far less information than I'd like, because most of the investigations that could have led to that point were conducted in utmost secrecy, and without any kind of surveillance."

As it had been traditional in Oscorp for many years. Harry himself had participated in projects like that, after all.

"I believe, at this point, the root cause of the changes might be chemical, in nature. But all I have are theories, and you are the one who has fought him often." He settled for. "So I would gladly hear out anything you can tell me about him."

This didn't surprise Peter. Maybe it would've, twenty odd years ago, when he was inexperienced and dumb. But he'd been doing this for a long time, and he had had many run-ins with Oscorp. Even just ten years ago, even being here, in this room, would've made him uncomfortable. But life was life, and Oscorp hadn't been the only people who had tracked down information about him. The fact that they hadn't discovered who he was? That was the only thing he really cared about. Still - it was a different feeling actually seeing the files. Like coming face to face with a stalker.

Well. Not quite the best analogy. He'd been in that exact position before, and for all that this was worth - this didn't hold a candle to that situation.

"Little more than I expected." He commented, deciding to ignore the intrusive memories of stalker guy and instead focusing on the files with a small nod. Harry doing this; even if it was a side note, or if there were other things coming - it felt like he still had his back. He was well aware that he didn't have to do this, and in a different universe, he could easily see Harry holding onto this stuff just in case. But ---- Peter never liked comparing his best friend to his counterparts. And no matter the reason, the end result was the same. Harry was giving up files, because he knew his (best friend?) was Spider-Man.

"If you're offering, I'll take it. Thanks, Harry; there's probably something useful here." And it'd give him the chance to look through it in his own time, without taking up anymore of Harry's. He was probably going to delete it, after. He doubted Oscorp had anything in depth. But just in case, right?

And then Harry asked about the video, and he patted down his pockets, pulling out his phone. "Yeah, I mean, I was going to send it you. But I figured that Facebook messenger wasn't the most secure route and that you'd -- well that you'd ask when you wanted it." With the video up, but paused, Peter slid the phone over to Harry. "Oh, and if you want to see something cute, the most recent video is Mayday pretending to eat MJ's fingers. Which I can just send to you later if you wanna focus on-" He waved around at their surroundings. "Stuff. But it is adorable. And you will miss out if you don't look at it."

Peter B had given Harry some space, so there had been a distinct lack of baby photos or videos from Peter lately. Which Peter felt bad about; he didn't want to keep Mayday from Harry. Which is part of the reason why there had been one or two, sent from MJ, to Harry. A lot less than what Peter tended to send, but enough to still keep him in the loop if he wanted to be.

And Peter knew he was mentioning it at the same time as the video of Harry's dad. But-- Peter had never been good at times and places. Clearly. And rambling about his daughter was a security net.

[urupotter]

So while I've said before that I don't like the HP subreddit, I still frequent it because occasionally I read something insightful. This is one such case, where I read a reading of Lupin that I'd never seen before in response to a comment of mine analyzing the shrieking shack confrontation between Snape, Remus, Sirius and the golden trio, where I mentioned that Lupin was a gaslighter so I wanted to share. It was created by reddit user u/UsuallySiSometimesNo and is posted here with his permission. We had a little conversation in the comments. Read it under the cut

UsuallySiSometimesNo: That struck a cord with me, too. I didn't think about that on a conscious level before, but when I read it, it felt instantly true.

Honestly, I think the strongest examples of Lupin gaslighting are actually done to himself. The biggest, character-defining example, I think, is that after finding friendship with James, Sirius, and Peter, he becomes so desperate not to be ostracized from them (due to his issues of self-worth and his personal brand of impostor syndrome) that he deliberately and routinely feeds himself false narratives about their behavior until he can no longer tell fact from fiction, even as he's experiencing it.

Their relentless bullying of Snape? A childhood rivalry.

Their casual bullying of other students? Kids being young and stupid.

Their clear disinterest verging on contempt for Peter, someone less fortunate and vulnerable with whom they're supposed to be good friends? Just mates being mates.

Even actions taken against Lupin, himself, are revised in his memory to be 'no big deal', because he desperately needs that to be true. Let's pretend for a moment that Snape indisputably deserved to be slaughtered by a werewolf the night Sirius told him how to get past the Whomping Willow. Sirius did not send Snape to be killed by any old werewolf. What happened that night was that Sirius - one of Remus' best friends, if not his actual best friend - attempted to use Remus' curse/illness against someone (which is a big enough betrayal on it's own) without ever telling Remus that when he woke up in the morning (covered in blood and in the presence of a shredded corpse) it would be to find that he had committed the act he was most petrified he might one day commit. In setting Snape up to be killed by Lupin, Sirius, at the very least, risked Lupin's sanity, and, at the very most, risked Lupin being sentenced to death.

Now, I understand that Sirius wasn't thinking about all of that when he did what he did, and I, as a someone removed from the situation (and armed with the additional character/situational knowledge granted to a reader) can even understand why Sirius' own trauma led him to grant such a blind death sentence to Snape (which I think is related to a point you made elsewhere, u/Adventure_Time_Snail, about Sirius' "violence towards those who trigger his fundamental fear of wizard fascists" because of his abusive upbringing). But Lupin's perspective is not one of an unbiased observer. And once James found out what was happening and pulled Snape back before it was too late (which, I would think, was more to save Lupin than to save Snape) and once Remus awoke the next to day to discover everything that transpired the night before, I find it hard to believe there wasn't at least some conversation about the true gravity of the situation. And yet, even all these years later, Lupin doesn't bat an eye when Sirius not only doesn't display shame when the event is mentioned in POA, but offers something akin to regret, NOT at the fact that his actions could have gotten Lupin killed, but that that they DIDN'T get Snape killed: "It served him right...", he sneered. etc. etc.

I think the obvious question here, is 'Even disregarding what Sirius did to Snape - how can Lupin be okay with the knowledge that Sirius has no regret, at all, for what he did to him, even now that they're adults?' Well, we're not in Lupin's point of view in the books, which means we can't hear his internal monologue, but I think a satisfactory answer to the question is that he's done a substantial amount of internal gymnastics in order to get to a point where he doesn't see this as a big deal, or even as something that he has a right to be upset about.... just like a gaslighter does to their victim.

Again, because we're not in Lupin's POV, we can't point to the exact instances that such internal gaslighting took place, but, based on what we do observe from Harry's POV (and based on external knowledge of gaslighting as a true-to-life concept) I wouldn't be surprised if Lupin so desperately needs everything to be okay that he derides himself for feeling bad or betrayed, that he calls himself stupid for thinking terrible things that have happened to him are a big deal, that he wars with himself about how people who are his friends and who are so good to him and who are better friends than he thinks he deserves could possibly do something to harm him/others, and that he beats down whatever emotions and senses and gut feelings he has that tells him something his friends have done might be very wrong. What we see in the books is a man who makes excuses for his friends and harbors a warped perception of reality in much the same way victims of gaslighting do, and he seems to exploit his own insecurities in order to instill doubt in his own experiences in much the same way perpetrators of gaslighting do.

I can't help but think that, by the time Lupin tells Harry that Snape harbors a particularly strong hatred for James because James was a better Quidditch player, Lupin has become so adept at gaslighting himself that he actually believes it.

tl;dr: One of Lupin's defining characteristics is that he gaslights himself out of a desperate need to be liked by others, since he has a difficult time liking himself and seems to believe all of his relationships are incredibly fragile.

Urupotter:

This is a fascinating reading on Lupin that I've never seen. I don't read him the same way, in that I think Lupin actually does know that what he's doing is wrong, he just doesn't have the moral courage to act on his conscience. (I view him as the anti Snape, great conscience, but abysmal moral courage, while Snape had unbelievable moral courage but a shitty conscience. Their arcs are about growing their moral courage and their conscience respectively) Realizing that his negligence almost got Harry killed is what triggers his arc, concluding when he goes back to Tonks and Teddy after running away, taking responsibility for his actions for the first time.

But this reading is so interesting that I'll have to reflect on it. Do you mind if I post it on my Harry Potter tumblr blog? I'll credit you of course, I would just like to discuss it with my followers. Of course if you don't want to I won't.

UsuallySiSometimesNo:

Honestly, I think the lack of in-depth conversation about Remus Lupin (at least compared to fan favorites Sirius Black and Severus Snape) is a missed opportunity and a shame. Don't get me wrong, I can discuss Sirius and Snape until blue in the face, but Lupin's arc is just as powerful in an understated (and often underestimated) way. The muddy, oversimplified truth is, without the fatal-flaw decision making of all four Marauders throughout their lives, the series of events proceeding the first chapter of the first book don't happen, and the story we all know and love never comes to be.

And speaking of sparking a discussion about Lupin...

I think Lupin actually does know that what he's doing is wrong, he just doesn't have the moral courage to act on his conscience.

You know what? I agree. And that's what makes him so interesting, I think. He is constantly and dependably full to bursting with internal conflict. When his friends are wrong/do something wrong/say something wrong, he can and does immediately identify the situation as wrong. When he does something wrong, or when he does nothing in the face of something wrong, in that moment I believe he knows the full weight of the situation. Like you said, he has a strong conscience, as well as a deeper, perhaps more nuanced understanding of right and wrong than do, for example, James and Sirius. Now, Lupin needs his friends. They're not just people to hang out with, they're a lifeline for him. He's not going to engage in conflict with them if there is even the slightest chance that he might lose them (for a variety of reasons, he lacks, as you said, the moral courage to do so). But he's also a generally decent human being, and with a strong conscience comes the capacity for sincere guilt and remorse. So, not only will he not confront his friends, he needs it to be okay that he doesn't confront them. And it's at that point that I think the self gaslighting is triggered.

But Lupin is intelligent and nobody's fool, so the gaslighting creates only a thin layer of ice over the problem. Just enough of a cover that he can live with the things he would otherwise deeply regret. I do think he believes the alternative reality he makes for himself to be accurate as long as it isn't really challenged. Crack the ice, though, and we see him express remorse and reveal an underlying awareness of past and present truths. But then the moment is over, and the war between the uncomfortably and full weight of the truth and his need for the companionship of his friends returns, and then the gaslighting begins again, allowing him an easier return to his closest friends (and eventually his closest friend, singular, after the others have been taken from him as was his fear all along) without conflict and with minimal strain on his conscience.

Once Sirius, the last of his original chosen family is gone - truly gone, as opposed to 'located elsewhere' as he was when in prison - following OOtP, suddenly Lupin's arc takes off at a greater speed than at any point prior. He's now literally lost all of the people he'd been terrified of figuratively losing. Although there are still people and things he cares about, he isn't as dependent on any of them as he was on those foundational friendships, and the finality of their absence allows him to finally grow beyond his stifling cycle of reality shifting, confront the truths of his reality and his circumstances, and, as you said, finally take responsibility by returning to Tonks and Teddy - a decision that, ultimately, triggers his death (I don't mean to imply that it was a bad decision or that it's the sole cause of his death, but Rowling has said that being 'out of practice' contributed to his loss at the Battle of Hogwarts, which makes for a fantastic tragedy).

I don't mean to overstate the importance of this theory or imply that it's always present when he's on-stage, and, as with anyone, many other elements, of course, factor into his actions/words/motives. But I think it's a fascinating potential component of his character all the same. If you have more thoughts on this, I love to hear them - and I look forward to reading the discussion on your blog!

So what do you think? Is this a valid reading of Lupin? I'd say it is, but I'm interested in reading my followers thoughts!

[ginkgomoon]

Hello there! I hope everything is going well with you. (・∀・)

I have some questions. In CH 30 & 32 the Time Observer mentioned about the "price being too heavy/dear" & he mentioned that he never expected for Victor to choose that method to prevent the crisis. I was wondering what price is he talking about & what's "the method" he mentioned? & Victor collapsing in CH 32 was not from hitting the bullet I believe. What exactly happened there?

Also...I don't know the details but I think I saw it somewhere that Victor goes through different timelines & dimensions for 10000 years in the later part of the story...? I remember reading it in a R&S that every time he crosses a dimension he'd experience soul crushing pain... The mere thought of doing it for so long honestly made me feel traumatized. I was hoping you could give me some insights as to what exactly he was doing.

I hope I'm not bothering you with tons of questions & they made sense. Thanks a lot in advance! Have a good day! <3

Hello!!

Thank you, you too! :)

I hope I helped answered your questions here. It's quite long, so enjoy the read!

I did Victor’s Time Observer analysis and I’ll be heavily referencing that post to help answer this particular ask. Big thank you to @cheri-cheri and @ey8508 for help clarifying some of my thoughts concerning Victor this chapter! Spoilers down below! ⏱

“With great power comes great responsibility.” -The Peter Parker Principle

We all know Victor bears great power, but also with that comes great responsibility. He is the sole individual who has the will and power to alter time and space, however this develops drastic consequences to his health and to history- all for his love for MC.

Victor doesn’t care about this price- he is more concerned with whether he can prevent the death of the girl in every unpredictable future.

“The person who can save the world… is not me, but her. As for myself, I know my ending line and how much pain I can bear better than anyone. I would rather take such a risk.” -Chapter 35-36 Rumours and Secrets

Chapter 30-6

Victor is seen to be flanked by bodyguards on Adagio Street. Moments later, in a pure white space, we see the Time Observer addressing Victor.

I stood in the centre of the street, looking hesitantly around, but I was unable to spot that familiar figure.

In the dead of the night, from the distant horizon, there seemed to come the sound of a mechanical little violin.

In a boundless, pure white space, the music would be at time peaceful and solemn, and at others somber and mournful. After the final note, that pair of tightly-closed eyes opened.

The Time Observer looked at Victor, neither showing surprise.

That pale white hand brushed lightly over the violin strings, and his gravelly voice spoke up with the pluck of the string.

TO: “The natural rules of operations no longer supply. This world… in memory is a turbulent past and in imagination, there is no serene future. She should have stayed in that world. Her return was a mistake.”

Victor: “If you’re still here that means we still have a chance.”

TO: “A chance that comes at such a heavy cost. Is it really worth it? You will soon understand, in some things, you are doomed to helplessness. Try with all your might, and yet, it remains out of reach.”

Victor: “I won’t let her die again. No matter when."

This will foreshadow future events such as in Chapter 32, where Victor shows a demonstration of this.

Chapter 32-6

Amidst the scattering glass shards, I saw a number of bullets flying towards me.

Only one thought ran through my mind.

Am I going to die?

Chapter 32-8

In the darkness, a crack suddenly splits open, and a blinding light appears, obscuring my sight. My heartbeat practically came to a standstill, the pain I expected never came. The blinding light disappeared, instantaneously replaced by darkness.

Time seemed to pause for a second.

The pitch black bullets, the fractured glass, the car in mid-air…

And then it fell all heavily to the ground.

And in this moment, Victor challenged “fate”, or rather, the “natural rules of operations”, stated by the Time Observer.

I reached out and grabbed the black clothing fluttering before me. Even my voice was trembling.

MC: “Victor…”

I looked in a daze at the man before me, at those fierce eyes beneath his wind-blown hair.

He was looking back at me, as if trying to etch me into his eyes with his deep gaze. But there was another emotion hidden within as well.

After confirming he was unharmed, I let out a sigh, then looked anxiously into his eyes.

MC: “What are you doing here?”

Victor: “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”

But this time, his voice was flat.

MC: “I’m sorry… but I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m not unaware of the danger… I must simply stay and stop them.”

I hastily wanted to get Victor out of danger, but his feet were planted firmly. I looked up, to get a look at his expression.

His voice was steady, stopping me in my tracks.

Victor: “I see.”

MC: “You really believe I can stop them?”

Victor: “I said before, even if you don't trust yourself, always trust me. I won’t do anything I'm not sure I can handle. Go what you think needs to be done.”

He patted the back of my head lightly, with a hint of tremor in his voice. He didn’t ask me or stop me, as if he already knew the choice I’d made.

So, while the STF agents and runaway Evolvers were battling, MC was literally going to die at that moment. But Victor enters- using his Evol to stop time, ultimately stopping the bullets and MC’s death.

I whirled around, hoping to catch sight of him.

MC: “Victor!”

I wanted to tell him I’d done it, that I really had prevented this crisis.

A faint worry floated up in my chest. What about Victor?

Medic: “Someone, come quick! There’s another person here!”

I turned and hurried to the end of the bridge.

I then quickly found him.

Ringed by a crowd of people, there he was, the person I would recognise anywhere.

It was…

I halted my steps for a moment, then ran to him without hesitation.

I broke into a panic.

Chapter 32-10

Victor… What happened to him??

I pushed the crowd aside and frantically ran to him.

His face was pallid, eyes squeezed shut, his hair plastered messily to his forehead with sweat. I grasped his hand, unable to believe how icy cold it felt to the touch.

MC: "How could you… Why did you…”

Just then, those eyes shut with pain cracked open. He pursed his lips and then coughed violently, blood started trickling out. Even like that, he still chuckled weakly.

Victor: “I used to think… that your problem was that you thought you could control fate all by yourself. Stubborn, self-reliant, in over your head. Whenever anyone tried to tell you anything, no matter what they said, it was always in one ear and out the other.”

Although it sounded a little weak, his voice was unusually calm, and didn’t really even pause or halt. Almost if, if he stopped, he wouldn't be able to start again.

Victor: “But I really did learn a little something from you. You are the thing unto yourself, so only know the best what your values and decisions should be. No one can guide you. And just like I can’t hold you back, you also can’t change this decision that I’ve made. Don’t ask why, this time, just let me say my piece.”

His voice grew weaker, but he managed to lift his right hand and place it over mine.

I clasped his hand, and a feeling of suspense and dread came over me like I'd never felt before.

MC: “I know… I know… You don’t have to say more.”

He was afraid of something, but not because his life was slipping away. It was more like… something would happen.

Victor closed his eyes, completely exhausted. I squeezed his hand tighter, as if trying to hang on to those remnants of warmth.

You have to make it through this.

A man standing by the riverside swiped his hand through the fog, swiped his hand through the fog, stirring it up into an erratic vortex.

Zero: “Did he actually…”

TO: Like I said before, he is the most suitable candidate.”

Zero: “But he refused to help us open the Door of Return.”

TO: “Perhaps it’s only temporary, and he’ll change his mind. I didn’t imagine he’d choose this method for preventing this crisis. Too bad… the price was so dear.”

After Victor saves MC from death, she finds him on the ground- pale and in terrible pain. Throughout Victor’s time with MC, we slowly see the influence he has on her- and the influence she has on him. He tells her that while she shoulders everything on her own and never listens to anyone, she did teach him things in the process. With her love and kindness, she strives to defy “nature's course” and saves worlds. Literally.

You were correct, Victor didn’t suffer injuries from the bullets because he stopped them just in time but Victor is overusing his Evol, and it’s gradually taking a toll on his body. Even back before MC crossed over to the Winter World, Victor was trying to find other alternative ways for MC to live and not sacrifice herself. Unfortunately, there were none. He did also suffer immense pain whenever he time traveled, especially when it led to his time travel pocket watch cracking and breaking in the end.

Victor would normally be practical and very principled in how he executes his plans, but this time around, it was him. This- he- was the plan. That's it. This is similar to how Victor opened a time rift to send MC away in Chapter 18- to somewhere and sometime in space. He waited for her to come back with the help of the Time Observers to confirm her safety. Only someone with his powerful Evol could do that, otherwise they’d risk losing consciousness in the “Time Rift”.

Additionally, he held onto that hope that MC could and would be saved in the end, like how he tried to find her for 17 years after the orphanage incident, not knowing whether she was dead or alive. Victor wants to wield that control, denying “helplessness” and “winning all the bets” he had with MC prior to her “death” in Chapter 18. Victor stated that if she couldn’t trust herself, then she should trust him and his decisions to protect her. Even if it’s detrimental to his health. Life-threatening, even. Because in the end, Victor knows he will always win. He just does.

And since he knows that he won’t be able to stop MC from doing what she wants, we now see him fully embracing then acting upon it. He accepts that she’s her own person and he has grown to have so much faith in her, seeing how she successfully survived Winter World then coming back home safe. It’s almost like- “okay. It’s you and me against the world”.

On the sidelines, Time observer and ZERO both observe, surprised that Victor will pay such a high price to avoid MC’s death from occurring- with the risk of his own. Could they have lost their most powerful time Evolver from this incident?

Though, we shouldn’t be surprised that the Time Observers think that Victor would be so foolish to use his Evol up to the point where it would actually kill him just to save MC. It's literally in their name- “Observers''- they haven’t and aren’t even allowed to actively participate in the events that happened in Loveland, let alone the different histories and worlds that existed, other than claiming to “correct it” by influencing other people who can. They don’t appear to have this kind of empathy in understanding Victor and why he wants to save MC’s life, or how important she is to him.

“You misunderstand. We never alter, we are correctors of history. We want you to join us, your power’s scope of influence has already surpassed the dimension of this current world. Before you are rejected by it…”

Victor: “I will not leave this world.”

“Even if you’ve seen the future of what is all to pass?”

Victor: “No matter what happens, the person I’m seeking for is right here.” -Black Curtain: Chapter 6

Also taken from my Time Observer Analysis-

Since Victor’s Evol is strong and has the capability to do more than “observe” like the Time Observers, he is the one who is deemed the most suitable and more responsible for “grasping the time in the past and the future”. Ever since STF found out about Victor’s Evol, they wanted him to cooperate with them too. Every time he stops time, certain surrounding energy and space changes.

The organisation also entertains the idea of fate, and how things should be refused to be changed. Since they have “seen the future of how the world ends”, they want Victor to cooperate with them in making it stop. Nobody can rewrite the ending among them, except him. Victor refuses to join because he doesn’t adhere to this idea.

“QUEEN’s return has brought unexpected consequences; the entire collapse of the world is ahead of schedule. The world’s line has come to an end, no matter through time or space, we can no longer interfere in this world.” Was there a difference in letting each world go to the end alone to close all the world lines in the future directly? Although we found a breakthrough, this situation really caused us a lot of headaches: she who should not have survived and she should not have been sent to other worlds. As a result, it would seriously interfere and disrupt the timeline. No one had done it before, and no one except Victor could do it.

In disbelief, we weighed it and threw the olive branch- as long as he is willing to cooperate, we will help him find her. As decisive as he was to refuse a few times before, this time he had promised me without thinking. And for a moment, I didn’t know if his decisiveness was good or bad. -Chapter 33-34 Rumours and Secrets

Victor "travelling ten-thousand years in the future" was mentioned in his Chapter 35-36 Rumours and Secrets. The Space and Time Administration (who the Time Observers were under) could "repair his abilities", after he stopped the bullets from hitting MC. He would have to stay there for the Space and Time Administration's time duration of ten-thousand years. Victor accepts. (BIG THANKS TO @cheri-cheri FOR CORRECTING ME LAST MINUTE WITH THIS ONE, YOU AMAZING HUMAN!!)

[seaveyspotter]

might make this to an actual fanfic, but this is all for now.

peter parker x fem!stark oc

Ashley knew Peter had a press conference that evening, but she didn't come. She wanted to, but she just couldn't. Press and flashy cameras were the last things she needed. Questions about her father, her family, Nat and Steve.. It was all too much for her. She was just 21 years old. Just 21. Found new freaky powers. Just lost her dad. Barely getting by.

Ever since they died, Tony, Nat, and Steve.. Ashley felt like she lost her family. The Avengers were broken up again, all over the place, messy. At least when they were doing the time heist, they were back together, doing it together, winning together. And it was all gone.

Pepper. What a saint. She was still taking care of Ashley despite the fact she was now an adult who did not have any blood relations with her. She could Ashley go, throw her away. But she didn't. Pepper loved Ashley like she was her own, even if Tony wasn't around anymore.

The memorials, the murals, the tributes scattered around New York, the whole country, and even internationally always seemed to follow Ashley wherever she went. To remind her of the people she had lost.

Right now, she was sitting at the edge of a roof, a giant Iron Man mural behind her. Sometimes it made her sad, but sometimes it comforted her. Knowing that people appreciated the sacrifice her father made. And it was kind of like having him around her. Like he was still there beside her.

She looked at it, fought her tears from pouring out. Ashley crossed her legs and said, "Hey dad." Although she barely managed to not sob.

"So.." she continued. "Got these freaky powers. I wonder what you'd say about them. They're like Wanda's but in gold.. Kinda like it, don't know what to do with it though."

"But you would," she whispered. Even though the murals made her feel remotely closer to him, she still wished he was still there to give her advice and actually talk to her.

From a distance, Ashley saw a man in a red iron suit, slinging webs her way. He sat beside her, completely out of breath, and the helmet opened automatically, revealing Peter Benjamin Parker.

"Tough press?" Ashley asked as she took her flask, sipped some alcohol and offered it to Peter.

He politely rejected it. "No thanks, I might puke. I haven't quite built up my alcohol tolerance yet."

She nodded and put the flask aside.

"And the press.. Well.. It was a nightmare. Kept asking me if i'd be the next Iron Man–" he began to rant. "I left early. Just swung out."

"Oh, been there," Ashley nodded.

"Right?" said Peter, "I'm just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, I've never done stuff half as big as he did."

"Well.." she started, but Peter stopped her before she could even utter another word.

"No, no," he shook his head, and placed a finger over her lips. "Don't even start with the 'You went to space' crap."

Ashley chuckled. "Well, you did."

"I also died there, Ash."

"But you came back."

They held each other's gaze. Peter smiled, and looked down at her lips. He just wanted to keep her close, and kiss her, and–

"Just do it," she demanded, interrupting his thoughts. Like she knew what he was thinking about.

"What?" Peter asked, flustered.

"Just kiss me," she chuckled. "It's not like we haven't done it before."

And without warning, Ashley placed her hand behind his neck and pulled him towards her, and pressed her lips against his.

Pure bliss.

There was nothing better than this.

Peter made all the shit Ashley went through somewhat worth it. He made everything better.

And Peter had never had something so good in his life. Ashley was the best thing that could've happened to him. And we wanted to keep it, whatever their relationship was. He'd like to cherish it forever.

"I uh.." Peter stuttered.

Ashley chose not to tell him everything about her powers yet. She was still learning about them, getting to know them. And at the moment, she was not really in the mood to get back to those super hero gigs.

"Do you wanna go back to my place and have dinner with my mom and Morgan?" Ashley offered before Peter could comment about them, and their relationship.

Peter and Ashley kissed on the battlefield when they were fighting Thanos' army. When they reunited. Yes, Ashley cared about him. Madly. Probably in love. But for now, she needed time to heal herself and she wanted him to heal as well. So she figured that she liked the way things were right now with Peter. She would love to go further, but for now.. This was itm

[jafndaegur]

Sesskag Week 2020 | Day 1: Crime

He-who-annoyed-her

Sesskag

a/n: If you accuse me of writing a wannabe BNA au, then I mean...youre not wrong but way to call me out lol

Kagome took a deep breath when she woke up. The unfamiliar room and the unfamiliar sounds of a city that wasn't her own caused her to pause and bite her lip. Sitting up was a disorienting affair. It felt as though the air hammered against her from every side, and it took every second of her waking to try and just focus on herself and the action of sitting up in bed.

"You're focusing too hard on the wrong things," the low voice from the other side of her door huffed, slightly muffled. "Just breathe. Let everything flow around you."

She growled and grit out, "I'm not in the mood."

There was no reply and she welcomed the silence.

That man on the other side of the door infuriated her. If she could even call him a man for that matter. That male. She groaned and rested her forehead against her palms, wishing she was anywhere else but here.

Still...she wondered how solid his advice was, he who annoyed her. Taking a few stabilizing breaths, she focused on the sounds and shifted pass the sensations—like strokes through water. Gradually and painstakingly slow, the overstimulation eased away. The bombardment that had assaulted her mind, all those irritants that she couldn't quite name, finally petered off. Taking a breath of relief, she slid her legs off the bed and dressed for the day.

Opening her door, the back side of he-who-annoyed-her faced her from across the room. His head was bent down and yet his posture was impeccable as always. The shorts strands of his hair tampered back along the base of his head, stopping just above the nape of his neck—pointed ears displayed quite clearly. The rest of him was hidden away behind an ever-pristine white coat, a red t-shirt, and jeans. He looked so clean cut, Kagome was almost grateful he wasn't wearing a stereotypical PI outfit of trench coat and suit.

"You are in less distress." His tone never wavered and it never reached anything other than a disinterested monotone. 

"Thanks for the advice," she muttered.

"Hn." He shut the book he'd been occupying and returned it to the shelf in front of him. "You'll find no shortage of youki, jaki, and miasma in this city. For as long as you stay here, a natural ability to ignore it is apparently imperative for your daily functions."

Kagome bit her lip and nodded, despite the sharp pang of pride stinging and making her want to snap and tell him she knew exactly how to block out things that weren't her reiki—she knew he was just trying to help. In fact helping was all the man, male demon she corrected herself, had done.

He turned around so that the bright glitter of his gilded eyes, and the stark contrast of crescent moon and magenta stripes on full display. This was Private Investigator Sesshomaru. Current landlord of her loft (which was actually a rooftop janitor's closet in his study) and interestingly enough her savior.

He stared listlessly at his nails. "I've recorded and analyzed the scents at the site where you were found. Based on the olfactory trails that were left behind, you were kidnapped and dragged here by a centipede demon."

"Centipede demon?" Kagome echoed with an owlish blink.

He flicked his gaze up with an unamused expression and didn't repeat himself.

There was a pause as Kagome messed absentmindedly with her bangs. Three days ago she woke up in one of the most dangerous places a girl like her, a miko to be exact, could be. Shikon City. A city with a 100% population of demons or those of direct demon descent. Not knowing where she was or how she was there, she suddenly woke—her body ablaze and overreacting to the completely untamed demonic energy that saturated the metropolis. And in her loss of control that was when he-who-annoyed-her found her, knocked her out, and took her to his home. Because there was one teeny tiny problem about Shikon city, unless you were an official or extremely and brazenly overpowered, the barrier surrounding the town neither let things in or let them out. So obviously the PI had questions. Questions she couldn't answer. 

What's your name?

"Kagome Higurashi."

Occupation?

"I'm a highschool student—although I just applied for my first year at Tokyo university."

You realize demons cannot leave this area, correct?

"W...what do you mean demons? We're in Meguro...aren't we?"

You're human.

"Um. Aren't you?"

"Thanks to your scent being eradicated by your reiki outburst a few days ago, I can neither confirm nor deny that you are actually from outside the barrier," Sesshomaru clenched his hand. "However your little stunt did not vanquish the smells on the surrounding ground and further behind you. Congratulations Ms. Higurashi, you may be able to process out of here in less than a month if what you claim is true."

Ah yes. That was one other thing, and it was the main reason for why she'd so kindly dubbed him the annoyance of her existence. "I told you. I had a wallet on me, and it wasn't there when you found me. Someone must've pinched my wallet, but if you find that, my ID in it would prove that I really am not a demon or from this city!"

"And yet conveniently, said-wallet disappeared before I arrived on the scene of your kidnapping."

"Aren't you a detective? Isn't it your job to find missing things?" She bit out with exasperation.

"You need money to hire me, Ms. Higurashi." He gave her a cruel and fanged smile. "And that was stolen. Apparently. Be grateful I'm scenting without charge as to why you are missing from wherever you came."

Her lip curled up in anger and she stormed away. Sesshomaru made no move to stop her and she was glad. Maybe she'd find her own way out! She didn't need that stupid, smug, stuck-up jerk's help. After all she was a miko, if she could make a barrier then surely she could escape one.

Outside in the open-city was as unnerving as it had been the first day. Different auras of all demonic pedigrees pressed upon her as if they knew she were a human. As if they knew they could disperse the holy energies inside of her. She shivered and didn't like the idea. Trudging along she wrapped her arms around herself and tried to avoid bumping into people along the walkways. The demons here were for the most part humanoid. Sesshomaru told her no one took on their true forms unless it were for festivals or protection. And extreme emotional overload. Her warned her that for every chance that she could blow a circuit, so could a demon. And neither outcome would be pretty.

Something pulsed.

The air, herself, the aura inside her. Sight shooting up, she swung her gaze everywhere, trying to spot what drew in her power. And that's when she saw her. An eerily tall, four armed woman with wiry wavering locks. She was walking away from her, and right then and there Kagome felt a shiver of familiarity. A centipede demon. What were the chances? Honestly in a demon city, what were the chances.

Tucking herself to the crowd and trying to appear small, Kagome followed the woman. There was no proof that the demoness had stolen the wallet—but if it was the same centipede that Sesshomaru had sniffed out, then it was really truly super super possible that the wallet had been stolen by her kidnapper. The only question was, why go through the impossible hassle of dragging Kagome from the human city to a demon one. It shouldn't have even been plausible and yet somehow it happened. But all that was taken was a little tiny wallet that was hardly more than an over-glorified coin purse.

Kagome tailed the centipede demon to a back alley that led into a dumpster area—little more than a small turnabout for garbage trucks to circle around once they've picked up their loads behind the buildings. Crouching against the wall and doing her best to hide, she waited to see what the centipede would do. To her horror, the woman turned towards her direction and slid a long and slimy tongue from parted lips. Between clawed hands she reached into the pockets of her outfit and held Kagome's missing item in the air.

"Oh little human so predictable. Come out, come out, I'm hungry," she sang out.

Hand covering her mouth, Kagome paled. Oh no.

"You need this don't you?" The demoness didn't move, just swung the pink wallet back and forth like a pendulum without a string. "All I had to do was hold onto this and my little meal came back to me without a fight and more importantly without that stupid guard dog. How tantalizing. I like obedience in a girl."

Something struck a nerve. 

Kagome stood up and stomped her way over, holy pink aura unhinged with her anger. "I'm hardly obedient! Least of all to someone like you!"

"Oh but you came to me, didn't you?" The centipede dropped the wallet and lunged—maw outstretched and ready to snatch up her snack.

No time to lose, Kagome ducked to the side, wrapping herself around the woman's leg and sending out a bolt of her aura. Purification rose into the air like the crisp clean stench of bleach. The demoness fell back and screamed as her leg faded away to wisps of incense—her body spasmed in pain as the residual effects of the purifying blast took its toll. Smiling Kagome picked herself up and sauntered over to her wallet. Well that was that.

One moment she was on her own two feet and the next she was elevated upside down, body restrained by tight exoskeletal coils. Kagome screamed and kicked, sending wave after wave of her miko abilities. And yet the hold on her only constricted.

The centipede woman extended her jaw and giggled. "See if you can get through my skin now, little human. Your struggling makes me even more hungry!"

This is it. This is where I die.

A flash of white, an agonizing scream, and then Kagome slammed into the hard cold cement. Her head spun and her limbs protested in agony. But when she looked up, Sesshomaru stood in front of her—protectively, angrily—claws barred and nose in the air. The centipede woman was no longer in her true form. The centipede woman was no longer. She lay in pieces, in shambles, in tatters on the floor melted by acid and torn apart. 

Not a single spot of blood stained the PI's still immaculate jacket.

Sesshomaru turned around with a smug grin that quickly faded while she sat up. His nose flared and his gaze snapped to the abandoned and pink wallet by his foot. He grabbed it and flipped it open, staring at the contents as if they personally offended him. 

The glare he shot her could've burnt a hole through her forehead if she had been paying attention. It took her a moment, but she realized why his nose was acting up. That wallet, that precious little thing that she'd been desperate to find and that he hadn't cared to find, held one thing that spoke on more volumes to he-who-annoyed-her than the words printed on the plastic ID in the pockets. That wallet had been stolen before she woke up her first day in Shikon City, and subsequently before she had burned her own scent in the subconscious attempt to self-purify. 

That meant her pure and unblemished scent, the details of her original home and original whereabouts, all sat there waiting for him to take a sniff and realize.

"Will you help me now?" She staggered to her feet and cradled her side. 

His gaze slid to where her hand rested, and lifted a delicate brow at the sight of blood seeping through her shirt. One of the slabs of the centipede's skin must've sliced the side.

"Only a human," he huffed and pocketed the wallet. He easily slid his arms beneath her legs and scooped her up against him. "Once we patch you up, we'll take you to the police for an official statement. This one will be able to start conducting the investigation from there."

Kagome smiled weakly and poked his chest. "Hey. Did you save me for free too?"

He rolled his eyes and didn't answer, carrying her out of the alleyway.