#and I wonder if he counts himself among their number but he probably doesn't and just his.. internal rhetoric of not being deserving or | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

smells-like-mettaton · 3 years ago

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Rating: T Summary: It isn't that Gaster is stopping him. Asgore can't bring December back. She doesn't exist in this world's code. (The world revolves, until one of them no longer persists.) Word Count: 1055 Prompt: Gaster and/or Kingdings, "The moment when reality starts to make sense again"

For @a-snow-decahedron, tumblr at the ask but luckily I had the prompt request written down C:

XXX

It's a numbers game, a dice roll, an RNG, that throws Gaster into the not-garden between, with its crooked blood-red maple and royal purple grass. No flowers, golden or otherwise. Perhaps that’s on purpose—the Knight does love the gravitas of ancient human tales, and one doesn’t get exiled to Eden, but from it.

(Does that make the ever-spawning eggs his forbidden fruit? He’d hoped that something so mystical would taste better.)

A red leaf falls on his head. Time is moving again, then. He's been Connected. Will today's dose of interaction be the missed-taken vessel, the non-antlered girl, or—

"Gaster."

Asgore Dreemurr, the Roaring Knight, steps into Gaster's prison. His cape—a swatch of violent violet—stretches out behind him like a liquid shadow. Darker yet darker yet darker.

Despite everything, Gaster's shattered soul quickens.

"Dreemurr." Gaster nods. The leaf tumbles past his eyesockets, and he blushes at the thought of being seen with such an impromptu, immature hat, never mind that he’d forgotten it was there entirely.

His (universe's, not his his) Asgore would have chuckled at the sight. Gaster has yet to hear this iteration laugh, and would not bet on that changing anytime soon.

This Asgore does change, however. Has changed. Cycling through phases like the moon, like grief. Anger, sadness, bargaining. Never acceptance. What Gaster admired in his Asgore fractalled out, reflected and refracted until frustration overlaps infatuation.

Asgore sits down among the maple's thick roots and lets out an even thicker sigh. Not anger today, then. He hefts the shears that had been strapped to his back, running a paw along the golden blades.

"How long must this continue?" he asks quietly, his black eyes unfocused.

"UNTIL SOMEONE FAILS TO PERSIST," Gaster answers.

More leaves fall. Red, red, red. The lightwaves that travel the farthest. The Angel's unwavering shade.

“I cannot be the one to break,” Asgore murmurs. “I have to find her. For Rudy, and for Toriel. For Noelle and Kris and Asriel.”

Kris. The vessel that was never meant to be. They’ve suffered enough for Gaster’s mistakes, without their father spinning them around and around, open-close open-close. Strung on strings until someone bigger than they all chooses to snap them free.

Asgore could end this. Probably. Maybe. Gaster should know if Asgore is as much of a dependent variable as himself, but he doesn’t. Can the puppet be trusted when he says that he’s real? Should the staff lift up itself as if it were no wood?

“You understand, don’t you?” Asgore continues.

The shears snip, open-close. It’s a tick, nervous or otherwise, but not a threat. Even the weapon that tears fountains from the earth can’t touch someone who doesn’t exist.

“You can’t know everything. The world can’t keep revolving forever. Something… something has to break.” Snip. “Even if you say she can’t be saved—”

“SHE CANNOT.” Gaster sighs, like a pressure valve being released.

Revolving, revolving. Sometimes he wonders if Asgore forgets their conversations, if Gaster still carries the curse that severed him from his own reality. Untethered from the minds and souls of all who might have loved him, a drifter in the hands of code and fate. Looking too high, too far, just like all who followed and yet follow him.

Fists clench over golden blades. Gaster may be immune to Asgore’s touch, but not to the rage that boils off of him. Today is multiphasic, crescent and gibbous and half, sadness and bargaining and anger.

“If you would just help me, instead of sending your pawns to foil every attempt I make—!”

“DECEMBER HOLIDAY IS OUT OF BOUNDS. UNBOUND. SHE CANNOT RETURN ANYMORE THAN I.”

Gaster rests his skull against the maple’s rough bark. A pleasant texture. Rough is an easier sensation to hold than soft.

Asgore’s breath catches, hanging the room in silence.

“Then if you can return, so can she.”

Gaster looked to him, eyesockets wide with shock. It’s a logical jump—but the underlying notions are invalid, rendering the equation unsolvable.

Still, it warms him that this Asgore would think to try.

“I HAVE NOWHERE,” Gaster begins carefully, “TO RETURN.”

“No one has nowhere,” Asgore insists. “The Darkners, they think they have nowhere. And aren’t they happier when they get moved somewhere? When your pawns carry them off to their Castle Town—”

“YOU INTENDED THAT?” Gaster’s browbone furrows. He’d thought that was Ralsei’s idea. Has the prince been corrupted as well?

Asgore shrugs. “It would be best if they could reach our world and be free. But since, well, someone keeps closing my fountains…”

Someone also keeps opening his fountains. Kris pushes back against the Angel, their knife mirroring Asgore’s shears in an attempt to cut themself free. At least, that’s the only explanation for their chaos that Gaster can fathom. Variables, variables.

“THIS WORLD CANNOT BECOME COVERED IN DARKNESS.”

Not again. Not again.

Asgore shakes his head. “If you must blame me, so be it. But I cannot base my choices on your so-called ‘legend.’”

They’re talking circles around each other. Words with no meanings. No connection. Garbage noise.

“WE WANT THE SAME FUTURE,” Gaster mumbles, more to himself than to Asgore. There’s no altering his course. Stalwart as always, even when he knows he will lose. “WE WANT HAPPINESS… FOR THEM.”

The children. The ones who are left. Light and dark alike. The only difference between Gaster and Asgore is that Gaster knows the truth of this world, the layers of code that can’t be unwritten, while Asgore clings to ideals of what this world should be.

Gaster can’t bring himself to tell him, even after all this time. The knowledge broke the jester, and the salesman, and every other Darkner that Gaster thought could understand. He won’t break Asgore too.

“For them.” Asgore nods. “I will make it right. Fight me if you must. Hate me if you must. But I will save you, too.”

He says it with a smile, and for that moment, he looks so much like the Asgore that Gaster remembers. Calm, assured, carrying the weight of his actions no matter how hard they try to break him.

Maybe he could withstand the truth. Maybe he should have to.

But before Gaster can open his mouth, Asgore stands, sheathes his shears, and walks off into the dark.

A leaf freezes in midair.

#fic tag #tali writes #prompt requests #been a while since i finished one of these huh #kingdings #gaster #asgore #deltarune #knight asgore theory #(more like a headcanon its not like i have proof i just think its fun)

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imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl · 3 years ago

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Good Girl, Bad Boy (Pt. 07 of 15)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove X Reader

Word count: 1.6 K

Summary: You're the extreme opposite of Billy Hargrove. The good girl, with perfect grades, the child every mother wants to have. And you don't want to have nothing to do with his kind. Ignoring Billy – and his constant, lingering stare – became an habit. But after you're put together for a special school program, you'll have no choice but to get along with him. And soon enough you'll find out that Billy is so much more than just Hawkins' bad boy.

<-Previous part (06)

Next part (08) ->

{Stranger Things Masterlist}

{Dacre Montgomery Masterlist}

Don't Go

Billy did threw the keychain away when he got home. It was on the trash can he has in his bedroom, beside the desk. It remained there, among a few school papers for half an hour before he took it again.

It went right back to it's previous place at the nightstand.

Billy is deliberately skipping class. It's the fourth day now, and he doesn't feel like he'll be returning tomorrow.

He leaves everyday at the same time he would for school, and returns after. But he drives to lonely places where he thinks he can run away from his own mind. But it is everywhere he goes.

She is everywhere he goes.

Billy Hargrove did considered going back to his old ways. He even managed to make his way to the phone, ready to call Stacy again. But when he picked up the phone, he caught himself halfway through her number. The number that belongs to the girl he can't stop thinking about. To the girl he can't ruin. Whose life he can't destroy.

She's too good for him, and he knows that. An angel, as stupid as it may sound coming from a asshole like him. Because that's what Billy thinks he is. He'd live a thousand lifetimes and never deserve (Y/N). Her smile, her laughter, her blushing cheeks. Her amazing, sweet scent, that shine in her eyes when she looks at him.

What does that even mean?

Billy is looking at Hawkins, parked on this cliff. (Y/N) would like it, and he wonders if she ever came here. Probably not, since the only people who know this place are those who come here for a hook up. There are a lot of places Billy would like to show her, some of them would take an hour drive through the woods, but it's worth it. He found them soon after getting into town, because he couldn't handle to stay still, so he drove. Pretty much as he's doing now, constantly running away from something that's inside of him.

Sighing, he pushes the car door close. At this time, he should be leaving school, going to her place as always. Today they'd go over the Biology class, if he's not mistaken. (Y/N) loves it, mostly when it's about animals. She loves birds. She didn't had to tell him that, he got it from the way she smiled as the teacher spoke.

These little things, the small details, as silly as they may be, are making him fall harder.

But he can't.

Well, he can.

But not her. Billy knows who he was. Or who he still is. So he knows what people will say about her. They'll call (Y/N) mean names, say she's just another of his sluts. And that's something he can't do, not to her.

But despite knowing this is the right thing to do, it hurts. It hurts that he has to step away from her, for good this time. Billy doesn't know how he'll live from now on without their daily meetings. Without her soft voice, her sweet scent inebriating him every damn time.

He has it bad.

It's only worse because he remembers it clearly, that day at that stupid parlor, how she said they could try. They could wait and see what happens.

That was a chance. A small one, that probably would lead to nothing, but still, a chance. Something he never thought he'd get. Not with (Y/N). But now, he won't even try anymore.

This might be love, he thinks. Putting someone else's well being before his own.

It's a hard thing to acknowledge, but when it's real, there's no way to run from it.

Sighing, Billy starts the car, putting the daisy keychain on the passenger seat. For a moment he sees her image, looking at him and smiling. On the next second, it's gone.

With a weight on his chest, he maneuvers the car, heading back to the hell on Earth he calls home.

“I don't know, Nan. He just... He disappeared. Like smoke in the air and I don't know why.” Sitting shotgun in Nancy's car, you let your heart out. Billy didn't show up at school last week, and not today either. It's been five days already, and he doesn't even answer your calls.

“You know Billy Hargrove, (Y/N). I'm not impressed with this sudden change and neither should you.”

“No, Nan...” Running a hand through your hair, you sigh. “Trust me, Billy... He's not like that. Not with me at least and I know what you'll say. That he lies to get girls but... I've seen how he treats them and so have you. He... He never yelled at me, or called me bad names, he...” You're defending him. The idiot fled with no explanation and still, you're defending him.

“(Y/N), I trust your judgment.” She stops by your place, turning her body towards you. “If what you're saying it true, go after him.”

“I–”

“Look, I get that you don't want to talk about it because you're scared of having feelings for the bad boy, and I'll wait until you're ready, but honestly, I think you know what you feel.”

Looking down at your hands, you blush. “I really like to be around him, Nancy.” Your voice is low and weak, as you admit it to her and to yourself at the same time. “And I miss him.”

“Don't call him, then. Go after him.” She touches your shoulder, smiling. “...Just don't let Steve know Billy is making you sad because you know he'll freak out.”

“God, no!” Giggling, you reach for your bag on the backseat. Steve looks out for you, even now, and it's good to know he has your back. But you definitely don't need the two guys having a fight over some misunderstanding. “Tell him I'm fine. Because I am. I'll... I'll fix things. And if Billy does want to stay away from me for whatever reason... I'll be alright.”

“Good luck and call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you, Nan.” Giving her a hug, you step out of the car, heading inside. “Mom! I'm home!”

“Hi, darling!” She shouts from upstairs. Taking the chance, you run to the phone, quickly dialing Billy's number. It's not the first time you call, and whenever he picks up, you say ‘hello’ and the call is cut. It breaks your heart every time.

“Who's this?” A female voice answers, slightly pissed.

Relieved, you breathe out. “Hi, Max. It's (Y/N).”

“AKA the reason why the shitface has been locked in his bedroom like a jerk.” She speaks fast, and you furrow your eyebrows and giggle. “I think Billy is in love with you or something.”

“What?” Max says as if it's no big deal, as if she didn't made your heart start beating insanely fast, neck and cheeks heating up. “I-I don't think–”

“Billy never gets upset over a girl so...” Her voice fades, and you hear something in the back, wondering if it's Billy. “He has your keychain, by the way. A daisy flower.”

“Keychain?” You don't remember any keychains, so you just sigh, pacing around. “Max, can you do me a favor? I'm going there so don't let Billy go anywhere. And when I ring the door bell, let him answer it, please.”

“Alright. But don't take too long. Neil will be back around eight.”

“I'm going now. Thanks.” And you hang up, heading to the front door. “Mom, I'm going to get Billy!”

“Alright!” Good thing she doens't ask much questions, God bless her for that.

You try not to drive too fast, and you try to tell yourself this is no big deal. But you don't know what will happen. Preparing yourself for a heartbreak sounds good, so you decide to expect the worse.

So when you're parking on the sidewalk in front of Bill'y house, you know what you'll do. You'll put a finger on his face and ask what the hell he's thinking skipping class like that.

When you reach the front door, you realize you've never been here. Well, Billy did dropped his sister a few times before driving back to your place. And then, you're whole act drops. “Damn it.” Pressing the door bell, you wonder if you'd have enough time to just run back to the car and leave. There's a discussion inside the house, with Billy telling Max to get the door, and she refusing. You would have time to run, but you decide to be brave. So you stand your ground, pressing the bell again.

“Damn you, Maxine.” Billy groans, and on the next second the door is violently pulled open.

You freeze, watching as Billy's face drops. “Hi.” You mutter, looking down at your hands, blushing. You shouldn't be here. This is stupid. Whatever Billy said at Scoops Ahoy, it's over. But still, you want to try. To break through him, even if it means you'll be pushed further away. “C-can we talk?”

There's silence, several seconds of silence. And you curse yourself. Billy would never like you. He's the bad boy Nancy warns you about, that girls like you should avoid. Biting your lip, you feel your throat burning, tears wanting to make their way to your eyes.

“Nevermind, I shouldn't have come.” Pushing the words out, you turn on your heels to leave. But Billy grabs your arm, forcing you to stop. “Let go.” You beg, looking back at him. Your heart is breaking and you don't even know why. You just need to be away from Billy right now, and from all these feelings boiling inside you.

“No, please, just... Don't go.” His grip gets loose, and his hand slides from your forearm to your hand, and he holds it, pulling you inside. “Come in.”

Taking a deep breath, you weakly nod, letting him pull you into the house.

@multific @clockworkballerina @tina1938 @graciehams @moatsnow @all-the-stars-on-your-skin @captain039 @rebelemilu @vivian-likes-frogs @prettyinpunk85

#billy hargrove fanfiction #billy hargrove x y/n #imagine billy hargrove #billy hargrove imagine #billy stranger things fanfiction #billy stranger things imagine #billy stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #imagine stranger things

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maxladcomics · 3 years ago

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Re: your post about Sans not actually knowing Papyrus. I'm a fan of the 'Papyrus is Gaster, but because everyone has forgotten Gaster, Papyrus has also forgotten himself' theory. And I had Thoughts of along similar lines to 'no one really knows Papyrus because he always lies', albeit from a slightly. Different source?

That is, Papyrus DOES lie a lot. But the people who seem to care about him most and actively seek his company, and the characters who are the most affected by him are all characters with high amounts of Determination.

Like, sure, yeah. if you kill Papyrus, Sans vanishes and then asks you about how you should be wielding power, and he may threaten you at the end of a phone call. But overall, his role in the game doesn't change much at all, and his attitude in the endings seems more representative of the Underground's attitude.

But as we know, Flowey is the previous holder of reset. We know he's probably the person who actually knows the most about Papyrus(only one to REALLY know his favorite food), and he's also confessed Papyrus is the person he finds the most interesting.

But! There's also Undyne! Now, she may not know as much about Papyrus as Flowey does, and I think she projects her own view of him onto him. But she's probably the character who talks about Papyrus as a friend the most. From Sans' dialogue about Papyrus, he views him as someone naive in need of protection. And to basically everyone else, Papyrus is not Papyrus, but who he is in connection to those around him. A skeleton who informs Undyne of problems, Sans loud and tall brother, etc.

But Undyne... Papyrus still lies to her, and she still thinks Papyrus is too nice, but she acknowledges his strength. She doesn't want to upset him, she wants to see him succeed and tries to help him do so in her own way, by giving him something to be passionate about. And when you kill him, it enrages her. I'm sure it enrages Sans, too, but she doesn't just judge you for it, confronts you much earlier and demands to know what you did to Papyrus.

So I wonder if there's. Something like a not-my-problem field around Papyrus, or spacetime distortion, that causes only people with Determination to really see him? Not that his lies make it any easier. it could also just be the lying, that's a lot simpler and more likely, but I do agree that Sans definitely does not know Papyrus anywhere near as much as he thinks he does, and is just running on a number of assumptions. Which is simultaneously weird and sad, that Papyrus has so few friends and not even his brother can really be counted among them.

...At any rate! Hope you enjoyed my rambling and found it interesting!

I DO FIND THAT INTERESTING.

Actually that brings up a good point, how forgettable or even ignore-able Papyrus is. Maybe he's yelling because no one pays attention to him pfff, I mean he tells so many jokes just for them to go over peoples heads, he shows excessive consideration towards others, just for the fandom to assume he's an asshole because he 'reacts badly' to puns.

//For those that don't know, they are doing a bit/playing with you. Sans' puns wouldn't be anywhere near as funny if Papyrus didn't react to them the way he does. Which makes it weirder to why Sans doesn't react to his at all. Why would he ignore them when it obviously makes him happy that Papyrus reacts? It's not just sans, tho, Undyne doesn't seem to notice or react to his puns either, but he responds to hers.//

The entire underground- or at least I know the entirety of Snowdin is affected when he's dusted. They all feel unsafe and unsettled suddenly, Papyrus has a huge effect on them. I do really love Undyne's response to him being dusted, the fact she knows he answers after two rings of his phone, means they talk a lot, and I love that.

Sans's reaction gives me the impression of "ok we're doing this run, byyyyeee" He only calls you a dirty brother killer, nothing else. He seems to care more about murdering you on a pacifist run than any other... I'm not hating on Sans for this, I'm just pointing it out- his vague awareness has put him in a mood of "Nothing REALLY matters" so it's because of that he doesn't really seem to care about Papyrus dying. He'll just call you a dirty brother killer and move into Toriel's house. Probably because he doesn't wanna deal with anyone asking about Papyrus, she doesn't know he exists, after all.

#maxask #maxramble #maxstop

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kepnerandavery · 4 years ago

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My favourite quotes from Romancing Mister Bridgerton..

1. “If sin could take a solid form, surely it would be a pastry.”

I relate to this statement on an emotional level. At the same time, a single cream puff is more captivating than half the men I’ve encountered in my life, so.. 😅

2. “But when Penelope was in the company of someone with whom she felt comfortable— and Colin realised that he was probably privileged to count himself among that number— she had a dry wit, a sly smile, and evidence of a very intelligent mind, indeed.”

So the dude’s not completely oblivious to how amazing she is. That’s a start, i guess. I mean, it’s not like he’s know her for twelve years or anything 😂

3. “He made her more confident, more daring. He made her more... herself. Or at least the herself she wished she could be.”

Colin making her more sure of herself without even trying to, is so precious. Also, the sudden rush of confidence is probably the only pro of unrequited love, if there ever was one 😂

4. “But he sensed that Penelope's feelings depended on his next words, and at some point in the last ten minutes, her feelings had become very important to him.”

I’m so sure that these two could’ve totally fallen in love way sooner, if they ever got the opportunity to have a real deep conversation 😢

5. “I've often thought it foolish that a man asks a woman's father for her hand before he asks her. The father doesn't have to live with him.”

Okay, Eloise Bridgerton is stan-worthy just for this statement alone 😂😂

6. “He didn't think she wanted to go, but he somehow knew that she would. She'd think it was the proper thing to do, and she'd probably also think it was what he wanted. Nothing, he was surprised to realise, could be further from the truth. And nothing could have scared him more.”

I really like how we get to see Colin’s entire inner monologue throughout the discovery of his feelings for Penelope & how each new realisation terrifies him more than the previous one🤣

7. “You're not going to die tomorrow!” he somehow managed to get out. “But I could! I could, and it would kill me, because—” “You'd already be dead,”

Penelope is having a full-on meltdown & Colin’s out here making dumb jokes. Did I laugh at said dumb joke? Absolutely 😂

8. “He looked at her, and somehow he didn't see the woman he'd seen so many times before. She was different. She glowed. She was a siren, a goddess, and he wondered how on earth no one had ever noticed this before.”

All it took was twelve years and one kiss, but the fact that someone finally started to see how incredible she was & that it was the only person she ever wanted to impress 😭

Also, How is it possible that every single Brigerton brother is an oblivious fool when it comes to love? Plus, they somehow manage to reach new heights of stupidity by innovating their own versions obliviousness ��

9. “She was strange that way. She always remembered the days of the week. She'd met Colin on a Monday. She'd kissed him on a Friday. Twelve years later.”

There is something so sweet about this quote. The hopeless romantic in me is not okay 😢

10. “I like you, Miss Featherington. I don't like a lot of people. It's as simple as that. And I want to see you happy.”

Lady Danbury is the real MVP of this book. In the few days that she was around Penelope, she had done a better job at offering her emotional support, than Portia Featherington had done in her whole life. Penelope truly deserved her adoration 😊

11. “I will not be insulted by that... by that nothing!” Cressida fumed. She turned to Penelope with a seething glare and hissed, “I demand an apology.” Penelope just nodded slowly and said, “That is your prerogative.” And then she said nothing more. Colin had to physically wipe the smile from his face.”

Colin Bridgerton is the founder & president of the “I heart Penelope Featherington club”, he just doesn’t know it yet 😍

12. “And then, before he even realised what he was doing, he'd facilitated Penelope's departure, and she left he scene without his ever having apologised to her. He supposed he should have deemed the evening a failure for that reason alone, but in all truth, he couldn't quite bring himself to do so. After all, he'd spent the better part of five minutes holding her hand.”

Okay, this is the cutest part of the entire book for me. How endearing is that they were holding hands the entire time. And that Colin was fawning over that fact like a love sick puppy 🥰🥰

13. “A fire like that was nothing compared to the feelings coming to a boil in his chest. Penelope had better have a damned good reason for coming out here by herself. She shouldn't be going anywhere unaccompanied, much less the city.”

Okay, the fact that he didn’t realise that he loved her at this moment, shows just how emotionally unaware he is 😂

14. “She wasn't beautiful. She knew she wasn't beautiful, she knew she'd never be more than passably attractive, and that was only on her good days. But he thought she was beautiful, and when he looked at her... She felt beautiful. And she'd never felt that way before.”

This is so sad & romantic at the same time 😭

15. “For God's sake, Penelope,” he said, grabbing her hand and yanking her down. “Are you going to marry me or not?”

Okay subtly? He doesn’t know her. Every man should propose to their girlfriend after having a full blown make out session at the back of a carriage. That’s the least they could do for having us put up with their idiocy for eternity 😂

16. “He hadn't realised just how tense Penelope's misery was making him. And she was definitely miserable. Good God, he couldn't wait to remove her from the bosom of her ridiculous family.”

Colin’s got such a pure soul. I’m fully convinced that if it came down to it, he would physically fight Portia for Penelope🤣

17. “But Felicity is unmarried, and—” “So are you,”he pointed out. “I know, but I'm old, and—” “And Felicity is an infant,” he spat.”

I can’t even. This entire conversation was so chaotic 😂

18. “Mrs. Featherington," Colin said tightly, "I suggest you begin treating my future wife with a bit more respect.”

Two words. Husband material 😍

19. “She was amazing. He didn't know how he hadn't realised it before, when he'd already known that she was smart and lovely and witty and resourceful. But all those adjectives, and a whole host more he hadn't yet thought of, did not add up to the true measure of her.”

Freaking finally ❤️ ❤️

20. “It was difficult to compete with food for Colin's attention.”

All is fair in love & food. Food comes before anything. Even love 😂

21. “For ten years, you have made people laugh. You've made them wince. You've made them think, Penelope. You have made people think. I don't know what could be a higher achievement.”

Colin should be a professional compliment giver or maybe a greeting card writer. But the fact that he put his jealousy aside & truly praised her talent in such a profound way, was so amazing 😍

22. “You may scold me all you wish for not having proposed years ago.”

For Colin, the only possible match for Penelope is himself. He knows that he’s been her soulmate all along & how much they both lost out on because he took so long to realise it 😢

23. “Our daughters should have money of their own. Separate from their dowries.”

Penelope is such an icon. What a queen. The bridgerton women should all start a feminist group. Their spouses would be their spokesmen 😊

24. “I love you, I love you with everything I am, everything I've been, and everything I hope to be. I love you with my past, and I love you for my future. I love you for the children we'll have and for the years we'll have together. I love you for everyone of my smiles, and even more, for every one of your smiles.”

These two are the absolute cutest. The fact that he said “I love you with my past”, makes me feel emotional on so many different levels 😭❤️

Also, where did the Bridgerton brothers learn how to give such romantic speeches? And why is Colin low-key almost as good at it as Anthony is? Did he give both Benedict & Colin a crash course, or what? 😂

25. “Tell you what?” “Why Colin sent us that abominably cryptic note instructing us to stick to you like glue all evening.” “He did?” “Yes, and may I point out that he underlined the word glue.”

The idea of Colin underlining the word “glue” is so funny to me. Also, I love how the family took it so literally. They’re all such wholesome idiots 🤣

#polin #penelope x colin #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #romancing mister bridgerton #bridgerton #favourite bridgerton quotes

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griff-us · 3 years ago

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Title: Free Fall

Pairing: Corvo Attano/Reader

Summary: You see him for him. He sees you as someone else. That doesn't stop you from falling for him.

General Warnings: Allusions to prostitution. Violence. Sex. Angst, so much of it.

Word Count: 2473

Notes: I've been craving some Corvo content and finally decided to make it myself. This is written with a black reader in mind, but I kept the reader very vague. I'll be taking liberties since I haven't played the games in ages and the lore is just massive. But I expect to have more lore accurate pieces as I. write more. This will probably be a two-parter! Excuse any mistakes, I didn't do too much editing. Likes and reblogs are appreciated, minors don't interact!

Called to the Devil and the Devil said quit Can't be bothered better handle your shit Keep about your wits man, keep about your wits Know yourself and who you came in with Can I sit down I've been hustling all day I can't even count how many souls I've made Off the same deal you on Remember, the Devil ain't a friend to no one But fine, true

He’s always been there; a distant figure shrouded in shadows. You thought it a coincidence or happenstance when you’d catch sight of him from the corner of your eyes; frame pressed against aging brick or perched on top of crumbling roof tiles. You never thought him odd, the Distillery District has always been overrun with criminals and strange people, that is until flyers began to circulate with his masked face—and a reward. It’s a wonder why a murderer would take a liking to you. Perhaps you were a target? That would surely complicate things, wouldn’t it? Then again, men tended to flock to your little dilapidated apartment, all of them searching for the same thing.

He shows one night; three quick wraps of his knuckles against the cracked glass of your window. You huff a sigh, hands scrambling for the candle at your bedside before shuffling towards the source of the noise. Freehand tugs back the curtain and there he is. Hands holding tight to the ledge. You stare blankly for a long moment, stunned at his upper body strength and—well intrigued beyond belief.

“You know…” your tongue darts out to wet parted lips. “Most men use the stairs, hm?” he doesn’t say anything, and you try again. “It’s two coin an hour. Ten for the night. Weapons are to be left downstairs, and I won’t be feeding you.” he remains silent all the while weight shifts lightly, and a single hand rises to fish within his robes. The strange man drops a leather sack in the palm of your hand; far too heavy to be the requested amount.

“I need not your services. Only somewhere to sleep and tend to my wound.” ah, so he can speak? You regard the man with slanted lips, and you think to turn him away. After all, he is a wanted killer; not to mention Slackjaw might get his trousers in a twist if he found out. But the weight in your hand is too good to pass up; you could have your clothes mended, and perhaps acquire a few extra meals for that poor boy on Clavering Boulevard.

“Why come to me?” a reasonable question among many; after all, he has been following you the past few weeks, and now this?

“I helped the boy on Clavering the other day. He mentioned you; said you were a woman to trust.” Damn children, you would have to have a chat with him. A sigh heaves past your lips, and you move aside to let him in.

“Shoes off please, there’s a plague about after all. I may be penniless but I rather not live like it.” the strange man does as you ask, frame hobbling slightly while he kicks heavy boots off. You watch while he lays them by the window. As he begins to disarm himself you find yourself in awe at the sheer number of weapons on his person.

“You really do kill people then?” a scoff sounds from the other side of the room as you finally turn to quickly count the coin he had given you. It’s enough to last you months. “I’ll be back.” you don’t wait for an answer; feet pad against splintering wooden floors as you hurry down the stairs and to the kitchen. You wrap the coin purse in a rag and stuff it under the sink, just behind a false wall with other precious items. You’d find a better home for it later after he leaves.

Teeth chew your full bottom lip, and you wonder if he’s eaten yet. Despite your warning earlier you can’t help but feel—grateful. With a grumble, you quickly put together a plate. Cheese, bread, fruit, and cured meat you had been saving for a rainy day.

‘I imagine you’ll need nourishment to help your wounds—” you return to him upstairs, hip nudging open the door to your room. The man keeps a silent focus; his robe and shirt neatly folded on top of a shaky chair in the corner of the room. You watch quietly as he finished stitching closed a rather nasty gash on his side with help from the moonlight.

“Here…” you set the plate by him and quickly snag a bottle of alcohol from under your pillow. “I haven’t a clean rag this may burn.” you make quick work of the cork with your teeth, freehand gently pushing against his torso so that you can get a better look at the wound. His skin is ice against your warm palms you swear he hums at the contact. You resist the urge to smile and make work by washing the wound carefully with small splashes of the liquid. He tenses, a hand falling to your shoulder as if to steady himself. You feel a flutter in your stomach that reverberates in the back of your throat. The feeling is pushed down and squashed nearly immediately; he is a murderer, an assassin. Best not to develop a childish crush on a man like him.

“There you are.” once finished, you take a step back giving him space and taking a moment to admire the hardened frame before you. He’s yet to remove the mask, but you don’t push him to—killers need secret identities, don’t they?

“Thank you.” you only nod, and motion to the extra mattress in the room.

“You should rest.” the man hums in agreement, his frame sinking into the old padding, and you watch from your own makeshift bed as his body visibly deflates. His back is to you, and you trace the numerous scars and bruises that adorned his skin with your eyes. What a strange man indeed.

***

The stranger is gone by morning; any trace of him from the night prior scrubbed from your home. Even the spare blanket sits folded atop the pillow just as you had them before. A shame you never got his name, not that he would give it. You can’t help but wonder who the strange is under that mask; quiet and gruff as he is—you can’t shake the way in which he treated you. Rather kind, far different from the typical treatment you’ve learned to endure from Slackjaw and his gangs of idiots.

It doesn’t matter; your transaction with the stranger is complete, and you’ve coin to spend. Within fifteen minutes, you are washed, hair hastily pleated in a thick braid that hangs past your shoulders. With money tucked away within the pockets of your dress you make for Clavering. First a stop to the general store and then to see the boy and deliver him food for the week. His bright blue eyes shine wide when you present him with a basket full of meats and bread.

“Remember to ration as I taught you, and keep this hidden from everyone, do you understand?” the boy nods enthusiastically, tiny fingers gripping tight to the beaten basket, and you send him off with an affectionate pat on his back. You stand there a moment watching as his small frame vanishes down the length of the ally, a smile on your lips. Head tilts, and your turn to peek up at the rooftops. A flash of shadows darts behind a half-fallen chimney, and you chuckle before continuing on with your daily chores and business.

A week has passed; the sun has long ago set, and a customer has just left you. The house is empty, and silent, save for your snivels. There are times a rather unruly drunkard will call on you, and there are times when gentle is the last thing on their mind. You may have protection thanks to your deal with Slackjaw and his gang, but that only saves you from the law, and death—they still use you as they please. Fingers press to your swollen lip, crimson seeping from cracked and broken skin. You inhale sharply and cuss lowly.

“Are you alright?” you hadn’t heard him slip in through the window, and you nearly jump from your skin at the sound of his voice. You turn quickly, and there he stands—your stranger. You quickly work to wipe away the tears that had begun to fall from tired eyes, nodding over and over as if to convince yourself.

“Yes yes. Can you please knock like a normal person?” feet wobble as you stand, and he moves to help you keep your balance. “I said I’m fine!” words are laced with far more anger than you intended, and the strange man silently backs off. “What do you want? I’m not taking any more customers tonight.”

“I—” you look up as he pauses a long moment, his mask making it impossible to discern any emotion from his face. “I’m not here for that. I came to see how you are doing.”

“Just wonderful.” sarcasm bites at your tongue, and you turn to him fully. You sense his unease now that he can see the bruises that have already begun to blossom across your neck and cheek. Without a word, the stranger steps closer, a single hand-raising while fingers skim the warm skin of your cheek.

“I should kill him.”

You scoff, smacking his hand away. “Oh please. I haven't seen your face, I don’t know your name. What gives you the right?” it is impossible to hide the bitterness that seeps into your tone. The stranger says nothing, and finally, you snap. “Leave. Now.” you turn away from him, arms cross over your middle as if to hold yourself together just long enough until he is gone. There’s a long moment of silence followed only by his retreating steps toward the window. And one word—a name.

“Corvo.”

***

Two months pass; Slackjaw ends up getting himself killed. You’ve been spared the details but there’s no question in your mind who felled him. It’s both a gift and a curse; the gang leaves you alone, but with their absence comes the absence of money, and protection. Luckily enough, an old contact gets you into the Golden Cat, a renowned pleasure establishment for the more monetarily endowed citizens. Better coin, slightly better treatment. You’ve got your own room; four walls, a bed, and a dresser for your things. A single window looks out over the city and it’s nice in its own way.

You haven't seen him since your last encounter—Corvo. Some nights you lay awake wondering what might have happened had you not told him to leave. Maybe he could have taken you away from it all. Maybe you could have stayed in that little hovel, spurred on only by his intermediate visits. They’re foolish, those thoughts. But you would be a liar if one man's kindness hadn’t won you over in the fastest fashion.

It was only when you had begun working at the Golden Cat and were privy to the talk of politicians and the elite did you realize that it was most likely Corvo Attano that had wormed his way into your heart—-an empress's murderer.

How foolish of you, you think one night while curled under thick blankets in the comfort of your tiny room. To become infatuated with a man whose face you’ve never seen, the man that murdered the empress and spiraled the empire into chaos. A sad sort of laugh falls from your lips while your head shakes.

“What’s so funny?” that voice, and from nowhere. You bolt upright from bed, and there he is; stood in front of the open window. Silence follows while you battle with yourself; to hug him, curse him, or call a guard.

“The bounty on your head could finally get me out of this life.” you decide to challenge him, but the waiver of your tone betrays you.

“So call the guards.” his boots are silent against the wooden floors as he nears, and you watch while Corvo sits next to you. Silence grips the room firmly, neither of you too sure what to say. Finally, he speaks. “I didn’t murder her. I loved her.” Oh. “She was assassinated, and I have been framed for it. I am here to find her…our daughter. They have her hostage here. That is how I learned of your presence here.” How…sad, you think. How tragic. You reach out, fingers brushing against his neck, and you watch for any adverse reaction while manicured fingers slip beneath the mask perpetually strapped to his face. Corvo tenses while you do, but he allows you to unhook the latches at the side, and slip the metal from his face.

Tired, hardened eyes stare back at you; laced with a grief not unknown to you. Your chest tightens, and you lean forward to hold his face in the palm of your hand. “You poor man.” His eyes close, frame leaning into your warm touch, and you feel as though your daydreams and longing have come true, but… “Why follow me, Corvo, why…why me?”

“You remind me of her.” mumbled so softly; each word laced with heartbreak. It breaks you just a little; here you are infatuated with a man who dotes on you, in his own way, because you remind him of his dead lover. Foolish. You’ve been so foolish.

“I—” you begin, but he cuts you off.

“I have to bring her home tonight, my daughter. After I leave this place won’t be safe for you.” it dawns on you after a moment, and you grow cold.

“You’re going to kill them?”

“If I must.” he takes your hand, lips brushing against your knuckles, and it's a wonder how someone so adept at causing harm can be so—gentle. “Here.” Corvo turns his hand over in yours and places a cloth pouch in the center of your palm. “Leave tonight. Flee through the servants' entrance in the kitchens. Find work, find a home.” You stare in utter silence. He’s come again to uproot what little comfort you’ve managed to forge in this brutal world. To wreck your heart, and your home. Damn him.

“What else is there for me, Corvo, but this life, hm? Who would—who would think twice of me?” He closes your fingers around the pouch.

“I would, and I do. I think of you every day, and I would like to see you safe.” you tremble, gaze locked with his, and you nod. Corvo squeezes your hand tenderly, leaning down once more to press another feather-like kiss to the back of your hand. “Take care of yourself.” you chew your bottom lip, and only nod again—you fear the sob that may bubble forth if you dared to speak. He stands, mask fixed to his face once again, and quietly slips out into the hall.

You sit there a long moment, a wild whirlwind of emotions taking hold. And it is only when you realize his words sounded like a goodbye do you allow yourself to sob.

#corvo attano #corvo attano/reader #corvo attano reader #corvo attano imagine #corvo attano/you #corvo attano you #dishonored #corvo attano dishonored #corvo dishonored

18 notes · View notes

ibijau · 4 years ago

Note

Losing their memory only to have it come back after a much awaited true love’s kiss Nie Huaisang & Lan Xichen please. Lan Xichen loses his memory (maybe on a night hunt?) And even though him and Nie Huaisang have been together for over a year they haven't told anyone else yet so Nie Huaisang tries to wait for him to remember on his own but when he doesn't Nie Huaisang eventually breaks down and ends up kissing him. (Either completely alone or in front of a huge crowd) again I don't mind changes

also on AO3

this got a bit out of hand and is nearly 6K, oops?

Lan Xichen turns toward Nie Huaisang, and smiles politely.

“And you are?”

Nie Huaisang nearly drops his fan. More than the question, it is the tone of theother man’s voice that shocks him. It is the polite but slightly distant tone that Lan Xichen uses when talking to sect leaders or people who have come to beg for Gusu Lan’s help. Nie Huaisang has only once before been on the receiving end of that tone, the first time he came to visit Lan Xichen after the events in that temple.

It was a slap back then to be treated so coldly.

It is even more so now, with the new balance they’ve tentatively started to reach.

Nie Huaisang is too stunned to answer, but the juniors around Lan Xichen seem unsurprised by this. They trade a few worried glances, then the most confident Lan junior grabs Lan Xichen’s sleeve and smiles up at him.

“Lan zongzhu, that’s Nie zongzhu,” he explains. “He’s the one who came with the Nie juniors to help supervise the Night Hunt. You really don’t remember that either?”

“Not right now,” Lan Xichen amicably admits. “But I’m sure it will come back to me very soon. I’m sorry if that was rude, Nie zongzhu,” he adds, turning his attention back to Nie Huaisang and bowing slightly. “I seem to have suffered through a slight mishap and cannot remember a number of things. Please be patient with me if I behave inappropriately.”

Behind Lan Xichen, a few of the Nie juniors grimace. Even the Lan kids look uncomfortable. None of them know how close the two adults with them are, but they’ve seen their friendly banter earlier in the day, miles away from this reserved manner of address. Lan Xichen has never called Nie Huaisang ‘Nie zongzhu’ outside of discussion conferences. It feels wrong, so wrong that Nie Huaisang almost feels dizzy.

He keeps himself calm though. The children are already very distressed, and Lan Xichen is obviously not in a state to deal with anything, so Nie Huaisang has to take charge until someone more competent comes along.

“What happened?” he asks the Lan junior who spoke earlier. “Did he get hurt?”

A wound to the head could explain temporary difficulties, but Lan Xichen doesn’t look unwell. Indeed, the Lan junior only briefly hesitates before shaking his head.

“We’d spotted the demon,” the boy explains, glancing up at his sect leader. “Lan zongzhu thought there was something strange about it, so he asked us to stay back while he got a better look. But the demon spotted him and did something, and now he’s like that and doesn’t remember anything.”

Nie Huaisang nods along. So does Lan Xichen.

“If that’s so, I’m glad I went ahead,” he says. “A demon? How frightful. I’m glad none of you children were harmed.”

In spite of his growing anxiety, Nie Huaisang can’t help a weak smile upon hearing this. Even like this, Lan Xichen is still the same person, and Nie Huaisang is impossibly fond of him. It must be terrifying to not know who anyone is or what’s going on, and yet Lan Xichen is so fundamentally kind that he’s still more worried about the children than his own state.

“Indeed, we were lucky,” Nie Huaisang agrees, opening his fan to hide that smile he can’t contain. “From the way villagers described it, I wouldn’t have expected that demon to be strong enough to harm Zewu-Jun. That’s you,” he adds, catching Lan Xichen’s confused gaze. “Your courtesy name is Lan Xichen, you are sect leader of Gusu Lan, and your title is Zewu-Jun.”

“It’s pretty,” Lan Xichen muses. “What is your title, Nie zongzhu?”

Nobody says anything, but Nie Huaisang can still hear the juniors of both thinking ‘Headshaker’. He doesn’t get called that too much these days, but he doubts that it will ever fully leave him. Usually he doesn’t mind, but somehow it’d be embarrassing for this more innocent version of Lan Xichen to know anything about Nie Huaisang’s tricks.

“I don’t have a title,” he announces, before turning again to the children. “Do you have everyone from your group? Did you count yourself after the demon escaped? No one missing or added?”

“No, Nie zongzhu,” a different Lan boy answers. “We’re the same number as before. Nie zongzhu, can you cure Lan zongzhu?”

However touched he is that anyone would have that sort of faith in him, Nie Huaisang grimaces.

“No, probably not. Let’s go back to the inn for now, and from there I’ll send a distress signal to warn Hanguang-Jun.”

“Hanguang-Jun?” Lan Xichen curiously repeats. “A friend of mine?”

Before Nie Huaisang can answer, the Lan juniors all start correcting their sect leader, eager to explain who Lan Wangji is. Even some of the Nie children join in, such is the fame of the great Hanguang-Jun. All Nie Huaisang can do is herd everyone toward the village where they’re staying, and make sure that nothing too outrageously untrue is said.

He notices that while the children don’t hesitate to speak about Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen’s claims to fame from the Sunshot campaign and after, they are careful not to say anything about more recent events. The oldest among them can’t be much more than thirteen, but they already have enough good sense to guess that speaking of Jin Guangyao would only hurt Lan Xichen. Nie Huaisang feels proud of them, though he knows he has no reason. He’s not the one who raised them, and even his own disciples have not felt his influence much.

Perhaps more than pride, it is gratefulness that he feels. Or else, it might be admiration. Such is the effect that Lan Xichen has on people: it is impossible to know him and not care for him.

With the children chatting and Lan Xichen listening, they make it safely to the inn. That’s where Lan Wangji and the inevitable Wei Wuxian find them after a few hours.

Things, after that, go very fast. Lan Wangji checks on his brother while Wei Wuxian interrogates the juniors to learn more about the demon. Nie Huaisang stands to the side, knowing he won’t be of any help. He pays their bill, and announces to the village chief that they won’t be able to eliminate the demon just yet, but will make sure the situation isn’t allowed to degenerate.

It is a bit of a surprise when Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian say that they have no idea how to get Lan Xichen back to normal, but it isn’t a huge shock either. Nie Huaisang is starting to suspect the demon might have been extremely powerful, but merely of mischievous temper rather than outright evil and thus only caused small problems for local people. It is a little worrying that Lan Xichen might have been cursed, but the Lan elders are wise people and they will set him right in a matter of days.

So while Lan Wangji takes his brother home, followed by his husband and the Lan juniors, Nie Huaisang gathers his own little disciples and prepares to do the same without having exchanged another word with Lan Xichen. It doesn’t bother him too much.

He knows he’ll soon hear from Lan Xichen, and together they'll laugh about this misadventure.

As days turn into weeks, Nie Huaisang tries not to worry about the lack of news coming from the Cloud Recesses. If things weren’t going well, he would have heard about it. Gusu Lan might have a rule against gossip, but servants and guest disciples still like to chat. Just as Nie Huaisang was among the first to hear when Lan Xichen entered seclusion after the death of Jin Guangyao, he’s sure he would know if his curse had proved impossible to lift.

Lan Xichen must be fine.

Which means, also, that his silence must be a deliberate choice. That for whatever reason, he cannot find time to spare to tell his lover that he is feeling better, nor to schedule when they might try to meet again. Lan Xichen is a busy man, and ruling Gusu Lan is a more involved job than ruling Qinghe Nie, so Nie Huaisang has been warned from the start that if they chose to change the nature of their friendship, there would be long periods where they wouldn’t meet.

Nie Huaisang, refusing to appear possessive or clingy, decides not to ask for news when none is given. He has distracted Lan Xichen from his responsibilities too often when he was playing the fool, he cannot continue doing so now that he is no longer hiding.

Weeks continue passing, and still not a word from the Cloud Recesses, except an official letter reminding Nie Huaisang that he is invited to a discussion conference set there. The letter bears Lan Xichen’s seal, further proving that he is fine and simply too busy to fool around. Or perhaps that incident with the demon, and how useless Nie Huaisang was in the aftermath, has reminded Lan Xichen that aside from plotting murder and painting, his lover isn’t good for much.

The advantage of a secret relationship, Nie Huaisang realises one day, is that there’s no need for a public break-up. Lan Xichen only has to stop contacting him, and things are over.

He realises, also, that it was Lan Xichen who insisted on keeping things secret as they figured out if this could work. He had said that Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji might have objections otherwise, which seemed like a wise consideration at the time, but now Nie Huaisang can only wonder…

If this was Lan Xichen taking revenge for being left in the dark about Jin Guangyao’s true nature, then he played his cards well. Nie Huaisang never saw it coming, though perhaps he should have.

Even for a man as kind as Lan Xichen, some things must be too much to forgive.

When the time for that discussion conference comes, Nie Huaisang considers not going. There’s never much there that interests him in those conferences, and he doesn’t quite feel ready to face Lan Xichen yet after what he is now convinced was a silent break-up. He also refuses to give anyone the satisfaction of having wounded him, though, and that means he has to go to Gusu and act unaffected.

Not so long ago, it would have been odd to arrive at the gates of the Cloud Recesses and not be greeted in person by Lan Xichen. Usually whoever is guarding the entrance has instructions to go warn their sect leader that his old friend has arrived, allowing Lan Xichen to lead Nie Huaisang inside even though he was given a jade token long ago, back after his brother’s death.

This time, Nie Huaisang gets to use that token at last, because he is told to go in alone since Lan Xichen isn’t free to come at the moment. He supposes he should feel grateful that the token hasn’t been deactivated. Maybe Lan Xichen feared there would be a scandal. Maybe he doesn’t care enough to remember that Nie Huaisang even has that token.

Either way, Lan Xichen isn’t there, and ultimately it is Lan Wangji who comes to meet him and leads him to the guest quarters. Nie Huaisang figures it’s better than if it had been Lan Qiren, who still scares him a little from his time as a student.

At dinner that evening, Lan Xichen is absent. Nie Huaisang doesn’t ask any questions, but someone else does, only to be told that Lan Xichen has to deal with some urgent situation and likely won’t be present during the entire discussion conference. There’s some whispers about that, unsurprisingly, but no one is alarmed and Nie Huaisang least of all. With Gusu Lan’s reputation, they tend to be asked to help with very delicate cases that require great expertise. It is not so extraordinary for Lan cultivators to have to drop previous engagements to go help those in need.

Nie Huaisang may or may not be relieved that he won’t have to face his former lover just yet. Either way, he is careful not to show any emotion, especially once he notices that Wei Wuxian keeps glancing his way.

He will not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing his heartbreak.

Come morning, the discussion conference starts as it normally would. Lan Xichen’s absence is hardly felt at all. Lan Qiren is more than competent to represent Gusu Lan, having done so for many years. If Nie Huaisang’s eyes accidentally start looking for Lan Xichen every time someone says something particularly stupid… well, it’s unlikely anyone will notice. His reputation has improved, but Qinghe Nie is still not quite back to being a Great Sect again, nor is it likely to happen in his lifetime, so nobody really pays attention to him. Nobody except Lan Xichen, and…

Well, not even that anymore.

Which is fine.

Nie Huaisang has managed to be on his own for ten years, he doesn’t mind going back to that. The only regret he allows himself is that time passes so slowly in those damn conferences when he has nothing to look forward to. Inane chatter is so much worse without the promise of stolen tenderness later on.

But instead of being able to run to his lover’s arms

, when the discussion ends for the day, Nie Huaisang finds Wei Wuxian waiting for him at the door of the hall.

“Nie-xiong, let’s have a chat,” Wei Wuxian demands, grabbing him by the arm and kidnapping him so he cannot join others to dinner.

“I’m kind of hungry,” Nie Huaisang complains. “Can it wait?”

Wei Wuxian grins, and takes a small box from his sleeve, holding out for Nie Huaisang to remove the lid.

Nie Huaisang starts salivating the instant the smell hits his nose.

“Dumplings from that place you used to like,” Wei Wuxian announces. “It’s still the same man making them. So, can we have a chat, or would you rather have a proper Lan dinner with everyone?”

“Wei-xiong, you are the worst and I hate you,” Nie Huaisang grumbles, staring at the dumplings. “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”

Wei Wuxian grins and continues pulling him away from everyone. Lan Qiren, who leaves the hall last, notices them going away and glares at them but doesn't actually say anything.

"I see the in-laws are liking you a little better these days," Nie Huaisang remarks, carefully grasping one dumpling. He would have preferred not eating with his hands, but he can make sacrifices for the sake of a good meal. "Not long ago, Lan Qiren would have gone mad, seeing you disturb his conference like this."

"I didn't disturb anything, you lot were done for the day," Wei Wuxian objects, letting go of Nie Huaisang’s arm. He too grabs a dumpling, and inelegantly shoves it in his mouth. "And he's glad I'm helping with Lan Xichen," he adds, spitting food. "It's a difficult situation."

Nie Huaisang knows he's being baited. He truly knows it.

"What about Lan Xichen?" he still asks, unable to stop himself.

"Nie-xiong, don't you remember that curse he was hit with? We're still trying to lift it."

Nie Huaisang stops in his tracks and stares at Wei Wuxian.

"What do you mean you're still trying to… It's been months! What could take you so long? Aren't you supposed to be a cultivation genius? Isn't Gusu Lan a well of wisdom?"

Wei Wuxian shrugs, and gobbles another dumpling.

"So you really didn't know, eh?"

"How was I supposed to know? No one saw fit to inform me of this situation. Excuse me for having too much faith in your competence, Wei-xiong."

"Didn't it strike you as odd that Lan Xichen stopped contacting you after that incident?" Wei Wuxian retorts. "I know the two of you had become close again lately. Some friend you are, letting this much time pass without news."

Nie Huaisang's face burns at those words, and he quickly opens his fan to hide behind. It shouldn't surprise him that Wei Wuxian guessed what was going one between him and Lan Xichen.

"Yes, yes, we both know I'm a terrible friend, especially to Zewu-Jun," he grumbles. "I just assumed he was busy. Not everybody can ditch their responsibility whenever they please to go Night Hunting like you do, Wei-xiong." Nie Huaisang pauses, and sighs. "Is it really serious? Is he in any danger?"

Can I help? he wants to ask, though the very idea is so ridiculous it isn't even worth saying out loud. If all of Gusu Lan and Wei Wuxian have failed to bring Lan Xichen back to normal, Nie Huaisang won't be of any use.

"It's more inconvenient than anything," Wei Wuxian says, lifting a weight from Nie Huaisang's shoulders. "Aside from the memory loss, he doesn't suffer at all. His cultivation is still the same. He hasn't even forgotten everything either. He recalls everything to do with cultivation or the arts quite well, he can still fight without problem… But anything personal is just gone."

"Oh. Well, then it might be more of a blessing than a curse," Nie Huaisang remarks. "Or have you told him…"

Wei Wuxian quickly shakes his head, nibbling on another dumpling. Nie Huaisang steals another one and does the same, refusing to watch his dinner be eaten under his nose like this.

"We only told him basic things, to see if it would help his memory. He knows he has an uncle, a brother, that I'm married to Wangji… But since that didn't really help, we figured it was better not to say too much. Lan Qiren decided it would just have distressed him."

Nie Huaisang nods. He still remembers the way Lan Xichen looked that night, at that temple, after everything had come to light. To inflict that upon him a second time would have been too cruel.

"Truly a blessing then," Nie Huaisang muses. "Maybe it's for the best and we should let him be."

"Nie-xiong, you really are too dramatic," Wei Wuxian complains. "We've told him that his past has painful things in it, but he still wants to remember. And you should know, he's been asking about you."

Hearing this startles Nie Huaisang who gapes at Wei Wuxian.

"Didn't… Didn't you say he doesn't remember anything? Wei-xiong, make up your mind about this. I swear if you're lying…"

"Not lying," Wei Wuxian retorts, biting into the last dumpling. "He can't remember anything from before that Night Hunt, but apparently you make a strong impression on him that day. He frequently asks about the 'handsome young man' and has said a few times he wants to thank you for helping and keeping the children calm that day."

"He's just being polite," Nie Huaisang grumbles, his cheeks heating up upon hearing that even without memory of their acquaintance, Lan Xichen still finds him handsome. His looks aren’t too bad, but he doesn’t quite compare to some other cultivators. "I suppose some things don't change."

Wei Wuxian shrugs, and puts away the now empty box.

“So, Nie-xiong, are you coming with me so see Zewu-Jun? We told him you’d be here, he’s very impatient to ‘meet’ you at last.”

“No,” Nie Huaisang says.

“No?”

“No.”

“And why not?” Wei Wuxian asks, his expression quickly losing its warmth. “Aren’t you two quite close lately?”

Nie Huaisang hides behind his fan, and looks away.

“Wei-xiong, me coming to see Zewu-Jun can only have two effects,” he says, and raises a finger. “One, it does nothing to help his memory, he realises that aside from my face I don’t have much to interest him, and he’ll be embarrassed for even asking about me. I’m not stupid, without shared experiences, there’s little to draw him to me. It will just be awkward for both of us. Or else...” He raises a second finger. “Two, seeing me unlocks his memory. And wouldn’t that be cruel? He has a chance to live free from the burden of what happened, I would not take that from him.”

“Nie-xiong, you’re still a coward after all,” Wei Wuxian remarks.

“Think what you will,” Nie Huaisang retorts. “I’ve had to hurt him once like this. I can’t do it again. Could you, if it was Lan Wangji?”

“I know Lan Zhan would want to remember. Without the bad, we wouldn’t have the good either. Zewu-Jun said he wants to remember too, and he said he wants to see you. Isn’t that more important than your guilt, Nie-xiong?”

Nie Huaisang grits his teeth. There’s no reasoning with Wei Wuxian when he’s convinced to be right, and for someone who was so blind for so long, Wei Wuxian certainly thinks himself an expert about romance.

Lucky him, if what he has with Lan Wangji is worth all the pain, all the suffering. Nie Huaisang, given the choice, would rather not have gone through all of that. Even if it meant never getting the chance to be with Lan Xichen, who surely would have picked someone else if life hadn’t pushed them together. And whatever Lan Xichen says now, when he doesn’t know what darkness lurks in his past, Nie Huaisang is convinced he will regret it if his memories return to him.

Nie Huaisang doesn’t mind making that choice for him.

It won’t be the first time.

Besides, he’s already mourned the romance that had only just started between him and Lan Xichen. He is quite fine with having lost this, even if it isn’t in the way he imagined.

It’s fine.

Everything is fine, and this is for the best.

“I’ve made my choice, Wei-xiong,” Nie Huaisang announces with all the confidence he can fake. “Please tell Zewu-Jun I cannot meet him. Even if he’s upset at first, I’m sure he’ll get over it quite easily.”

“Nie-xiong!”

Ignoring his old friend, Nie Huaisang turns around and starts walking back toward the heart of the Cloud Recesses.

If he feels a cold, gnawing sensation in his chest and stomach, he’ll blame it on hunger. After all, Wei Wuxian very rudely ate over half his dinner.

Due to a mistake, the disciples Nie Huaisang brought with him to the conference have been given their own separate room rather than to stay in the same guest quarters as him, as would be more usual. Or, well, it might be unkind to call this a mistake. It is an arrangement that became needed after things changed between him and Lan Xichen, so they could more easily have time alone. Nie Huaisang can’t remember what excuse they gave to justify the need for this, but apparently whoever is in charge of organising things for the guests wasn’t told that this isn’t needed anymore.

A shame, because Nie Huaisang isn’t particularly in the mood to be alone. Or at least, not in the mood to be alone in the damn Cloud Recesses, where he has no way of getting his hands on alcohol except through Wei Wuxian and… well, it’s not really an option. Nie Huaisang will have to face his renewed heartbreak sober, which isn’t something anyone should have to go through, he thinks.

Just as Nie Huaisang starts wondering if he should just go to sleep and try to forget this unfortunate situation, there’s a knock on his door.

It is odd for anyone to come see him. His disciples know they can’t wander around so close to curfew unless there’s an emergency, in which case they wouldn’t knock. Wei Wuxian is angry at him, and will probably remain so for a few days to a few weeks, until he forgets they had an argument. King of Grudges Lan Wangji has done his best to pretend Nie Huaisang doesn’t exist, just as he does with Jiang Cheng. Nie Huaisang can’t think of anyone who might come see him.

There’s another knock on the door, the rhythm of it familiar, yet also not. After some hesitation, Nie Huaisang decides to go check, though he carefully keeps one hand on the handle of the dagger he took to carrying everywhere since launching in motion his revenge plan.

Nie Huaisang opens the door.

And then very nearly closes it again when he sees who his visitor is.

“I’m sorry for coming so late,” Lan Xichen says with a polite smile. “And I understand that you told Wei Wuxian that you had no desire to speak to me, but I really must have answers for some of my questions.”

Nie Huaisang does some quick math. He could still try to close the door. Either Lan Xichen would accept his rejection and things would end for good, or he will force the door open and Nie Huaisang simply isn’t strong enough to stop that. He knows what Lan Xichen would normally do, but he has no idea how different this version of Lan Xichen is. Nie Huaisang would rather not risk antagonising him, not now that they aren’t even friends anymore, and not when he knows better than most how terrifying Lan Xichen could be, if he just bothered.

With a sigh, Nie Huaisang gestures for Lan Xichen to come in.

“I have little to tell you that your brother and his husband couldn’t say better than me,” Nie Huaisang meekly states, his heart clenching at the sight of Lan Xichen in this room, too much like other times and yet so different. “But I’ll try to be of use, of course.”

“I’ve tried asking them first,” Lan Xichen reveals as he steps inside, letting Nie Huaisang close the door behind him. “But they’ve admitted that they didn’t know the answer to some of my questions, and they were reluctant to share speculation with me.”

Nie Huaisang hides a grimace behind his fan. He supposes he should be grateful that Wei Wuxian and his husband have acquired such a distaste for gossip, but sometimes it’s really annoying.

“If they don’t know, I doubt I’ll know much more, Zewu-Jun.”

“And I think you do,” Lan Xichen softly insists. “I have done my own share of speculation. I have found some letters, some paintings, a few gifts, and so I must ask… Nie zongzhu, am I right in thinking we were not only friends?”

The hopefulness in Lan Xichen’s face, in his voice, are so unbearable that Nie Huaisang has to look away.

Of course Lan Xichen would have figured that out. However much they tried to hid in public, in private they were quite open about the way they felt, all the more so because they never had the chance to meet quite as often as they would have liked. Nie Huaisang’s letters were hardly restrained, though still more so than some of the ones Lan Xichen sent him. The content of those would have left no doubt possible as to the nature of their relationship.

“Zewu-Jun, I’m not sure this really matters,” Nie Huaisang says, avoiding the question. “Since you have no memory of anything, no matter what our links were in the past, it would be unfair of me to demand for them to be maintained. I will not make demands of you, don’t worry.”

“I would not mind if you did,” Lan Xichen protests, stepping closer. “All these weeks, I’ve been thinking of you a lot. Everyone else acted so worried, but you were the one person who kept his calm, you took care of the children, you made sure the innkeeper was paid, you even made sure to update the people who had called for our help on the state of their problem… I was so impressed by how level-headed you were, and that’s why I started asking questions about who we were to each other.”

Blood rushes to Nie Huaisang’s face upon hearing his behaviour that day being praised. To him, what happened back then is a bit of a blur because he was so worried for Lan Xichen, so he doesn’t really remember what he did at all. Surely he can’t have handled it that well, it must just be that Lan Xichen is too kind, as always.

“Zewu-Jun, things between us… I won’t deny that they were a certain way,” Nie Huaisang admits, gripping his fan a little harder. “And I am very touched if I made a good impression on you that time. But things between us… you have to understand, even if things were good, it had come at a heavy price. I have done many things that you did not approve of. Things I am not sorry about, because in the end, I got what I wanted, and I’m the sort of person for whom that’s what matters. To put it bluntly, I’m not a very good person, and I have no intention on improving myself.”

“I don’t think you’re quite so bad,” Lan Xichen retorts with amusement. “I have read the letters you sent me. You seem like a very soft and sentimental person, Nie zongzhu, and I think I like that.”

Nie Huaisang sighs, and shakes his head.

Suddenly, he misses Lan Xichen.

The real Lan Xichen, the one who knew his tenderness and softness didn’t mean he wasn’t also capable of horrors. The one who loved him in spite of it… perhaps even for it, at times. And the reverse was true as well. Although he'd always had a bit of a crush on Lan Xichen, it wasn't until everything was exposed, until they'd both known the best of the worst of each other, that Nie Huaisang had really fallen in love.

He can't wish for this ignorant Lan Xichen to suffer what the original one had suffered, he isn't that unkind.

But he also can't love someone who doesn't have the life experience to understand why he is the way he is.

"Zewu-Jun, I'm really not the way you think," Nie Huaisang states, as coldly as he can manage. "If you remember someday, then I'll be happy to resume what we had, should you wish it. Until then… for your own good, it's better to go our separate ways. I don't have anything to give you, not as you are now. And I love you too much to wish you the pain of remembering your past."

"So instead, you cause me the pain of being rejected," Lan Xichen bitterly remarks, walking closer, close enough to touch, if Nie Huaisang wanted. He wants to. He still doesn't move. "Can I do anything to change your mind?"

"Zewu-Jun…"

"Please understand it is very unpleasant to hear you say that you love me at the same time you’re pushing me away. If you gave me a chance…”

Nie Huaisang laughs behind his fan.

“Trust me, it’s better for you. Just walk away and forget about me.”

“Nie zongzhu, give me a chance,” Lan Xichen pleads, looking so heartbroken that Nie Huaisang has to avert his eyes.

“It’s better that way.”

It is.

It has to be.

It isn’t like things could have lasted anyway. They both have a duty to their sects, to their families. It really is better this way.

“Then at least… would you kiss me, Nie zongzhu?” Lan Xichen asks.

“Zewu-Jun, that’s not…”

“Give me this at least, if you won’t give me anything else. If we were happy once, don’t I deserve a last goodbye?”

That would be a terrible idea. Nie Huaisang knows himself. If he gets that small taste of what he used to have with Lan Xichen, he’ll be tempted to actually take that risk, and then when it fails, when this too innocent Lan Xichen realises what he’s capable of and starts hating him for it, Nie Huaisang will know it was his fault for being weak, for not making this end cleanly.

It would be stupid to kiss Lan Xichen.

But it’s been months, and the day has been so long, and Nie Huaisang is too tired to continue making the right decisions.

“Just one kiss,” he sighs, closing his fan.

In an instant, he finds himself pulled into Lan Xichen’s embrace, soft lips pressing against his own with a clumsiness that he once found endearing, when it all started. Lan Xichen was so inexperienced when they got together, though he learned fast. To be kissed against with that unskilled enthusiasm is a bitter reminder that this man isn’t quite his Xichen.

Even knowing this, Nie Huaisang returns the kiss with a touch of desperation, his arms around Lan Xichen’s neck, keeping him close while he can have him.

After a while, Lan Xichen’s mouth pulls away. Nie Huaisang, who had closed his eyes at some point, opens them again and finds his lover staring down at him with an air of shock, panting harder than the kiss truly justifies.

Before Nie Huaisang can say anything, Lan Xichen breaks into a smile and kisses him again.

This kiss is different.

This time, Lan Xichen isn’t so clumsy anymore, he knows how to lick into Nie Huaisang’s mouth, how to bite and suck on his lips just right, leaving the other man breathless. His hands are no longer just on Nie Huaisang’s hips either, they move to pet his hair, to grope his ass, his thighs, to pull him closer until there’s no space between their bodies, pushing him against the door until Nie Huaisang is trapped in the most perfect of ways.

When that kiss ends, Nie Huaisang too is breathless, and his legs feel so weak that if he weren’t clinging to Lan Xichen so tightly, he’d fall to his knees for sure.

“You ridiculous man,” Lan Xichen breathes against his lips. “You always have to make things difficult, don’t you?”

Nie Huaisang’s grip tightens. The other man’s voice seems different suddenly. Warmer. If it weren’t foolish to hope…

“Even after all this, you really can’t believe I’d trust you?” Lan Xichen accuses, sounding too amused, too fond. “We’re going to have to work on this, A-Sang. I really thought you’d learned not to try to handle everything alone.”

“Xichen,” Nie Huaisang gasps, half fearful that he’s misunderstanding. “A-Chen, are you…”

“I’m back,” Lan Xichen confirms, rubbing their nose together before stealing a brief kiss. “And I’m not letting you go, you silly man, even if I’m a little cross you’re still so convinced you don’t have my full trust. You’re really…”

“No, don’t scold me,” Nie Huaisang mumbles, suddenly a little embarrassed by how dramatic he’s been, even if he still thinks he wasn’t wrong. “You can scold me later. For now, just kiss me again. I’ve missed it, and I’ve missed you, so kiss me, A-Chen.”

Lan Xichen grins, and promptly obeys.

Nie Huaisang pulls him closer. He loves this man, loves him so much, and he’s so glad to have him back at last.

#xisang #nie huaisang #lan xichen #wei wuxian #mo dao zu shi #mdzs #jau writes #and that's why I haven't done a prompt fill in a bit this one was just so damn long lol #theuntamedmulti

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the-travelling-witch · 3 years ago

Note

Holly! 🥺

Its Cookie🍪

Girl. Today I just need me a black coffee...just pure bitter.

I spent almost three weeks working on a research paper for one of my classes and kept wondering why I wasn't getting a grade. Only to receive an email today saying that my teacher unfortunately lost a fight to Covid-19☹

Sigh...life.

Anyways.

So I dont have a prompt today...but a question thats been on my mind a while now🤔

Among the genshin guys:

. Childe

. Thoma

. Diluc

. Kaeya

. Zhongli

. Itto

. Ayato

. Albedo

. Venti (don't know if you consider him an adult)

. Kazuha

. Xiao

Who do you think are virgins and who are not (what do you think their body count is if they aint virgins) Do you think they lowkey desperate for the action, the wait-for-marriage kinda guy, or simply doesn't care about it?

Thats all for now...Thank you❤

Cookie Customer 🍪

first of all, let me extend my sincerest condolences; even if you weren’t close to your teacher it’s painful nevertheless; i feel like a lot people see this pandemic as a done deal but we need to remember this is far from over

dramatic change of topic in 3…2…1…

suggestive/ nsfw-ish content below the cut (to be safe, minors shoo):

oof, okay here we go but don’t expect too much (warning: overuse of the word probably)

childe (i’m sorry, dear) likes to pretend he’s getting some but no, he has no experience at all; with that job and position at this age you really think he’s getting himself into any positions?

≫ despite talking all that, i don’t think childe would get down and dirty with anyone and while he’s a family man, i don’t think he’d wait for marriage either

thoma is not a virgin anymore but his body count isn’t that high either, hmm maybe one or two? he’s still the dutiful housekeeper of the kamisato clan, there’s a reputation and time management to keep up

≫ he definitely needs an emotional connection with someone before anything happens, so it probably only happens with someone he’s in a relationship with but he wouldn’t need to wait for marriage either

diluc…mmh, what do i do with you? on one hand he’s pretty distant with people he doesn’t know, so i don’t think he’d get any flings going but if he’s in a relationship i could see it happening; i guess we’re all on the same page when i say that diluc doesn’t do casual when it comes to relationships, so the body count is probably 0/1 depending on what i said previously

≫ neither desperate nor abstinent until marriage, more on the “doesn’t care” side of things (listen, he has a wine empire to run)

kaeya, kaeya, kaeya… his body count isn’t as high as his flirty demeanour would make you believe; he’s probably had a couple of flings just for the experience but there were no emotions involved and no strings attached; also, he hits the tavern a lot, people drink and…things happen, you know…

≫ not necessarily desperate but i think he craves emotional intimacy over everything, it’s something he doesn’t receive and give a lot

zhongli is hard for me full stop to judge, definitely not a virgin but he’s probably not as active as he used to be (man is a grandpa /j) but over 6000 years the number’s risen

≫ this man? desperate? yeah, no i can’t see it; i don’t think he’d wait for marriage either, well at least anymore, maybe when times and traditions were different?

itto, just like childe, is all bark no bite; i don’t think he could do one-night-stands though, he needs someone he knows, someone he can trust

≫ i think it’s not that itto himself sees sex as something he needs to have (he wants too though), i think it’s more a peer pressure sorta thing like he needs to lose his v-card to be a “man”??

ayato is another one where i had to think for a bit, he’s honestly too busy to get a lot of action and bc of his position as the head of the kamisato clan, he has a reputation to uphold, so no flings here either

≫ he’s honestly the only one where i can see a “wait until marriage” disposition but that too probably stems from his title, depending on how it’s handled in inazuma (arranged marriage maybe?)

albedo does it for science! or not at all, he’s not entirely human but obviously he knows about this particular activity; fascinated by the idea that something primarily intended for reproduction is done out of want not need, he’s curious to see what it’s all about

≫ he doesn’t really care, at least until he finds someone he’s actually interested in (depends also a bit on how his “research” went), waiting until marriage is just a social construct that he doesn’t partake in, why would he let traditions dictate what he does?

venti (who is in my eyes an adult) is uhhh… has uhhh… idk i can see this going two ways: his archon appearance gives a very angelic/ innocent vibe, like he’s just that pure but we all know venti…he’s not; he’s still lived for 2000+ years, so i don’t think it’s a stretch to say he has some experience but it’s hard to estimate a body count, i’m drawing a blank here

≫ on one hand, there’s his child-like demeanour and appearance but we’ve seen there’s so much more depth to his character, so i don’t think you can just write him off as naïve and inexperienced; on the other hand, he’s the god of freedom, do with that what you want

kazuha is too cool to be a virgin lol; but for real, he just gives me those chill vibes where he’s not really trying but people just flock to him; it’s not like he initiates it, he just kinda goes with the flow, idk how to explain it but i get these certain vibes from him that i can’t shake

≫ as i said, go with the flow kinda guy; not desperate for some action but also not bound by traditions or family to wait until marriage (he travels teyvat by himself, he can do what he wants)

xiao… yeah, karmic debt said no; considering his past, his current duties and his behaviour towards both mortals and adepti, i don’t think he’s been able to be that vulnerable with anyone (yet), he also doesn’t want anyone to possibly be affected by his karmic debt

≫ mortal concepts like marriage hold no real meaning to him anyway, so that’s not the obstacle here; much like kaeya, i think it’s emotional intimacy he seeks more than just physical pleasure, it would require a whole lot of trust for him to give himself to someone so openly in this way

phew, i hope i didn’t sound like a broken record at the end haha; those are just the first vibes i‘m getting but it’s not like i’d defend them to death

anyway, this is all just for fun, just remember there‘s not right or wrong thing to do here, don’t pressure yourself or let anyone else pressure you to do sth you don’t want to; the most important thing is to be comfortable and to take things at your own pace ❀

i hope the coffee and the company helped ♡

#coffee & tea break #my regulars ♡#letter from: the lovely cookie customer 🍪 ✿#this turned into more of a character analysis haha #genshin impact

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rainybubbles · 3 years ago

Text

Imagine disappear, and Bakugo is searching you.

• That was during a normal day; you peacefully walked during your rest day.

Distracted by the advertising spots where Shoto sold cold sobas with his hero pro suit, and where Midoriya and Bakugo showed up there, perfume with the tittle "wonder duo, wonder smell, Axe."

• Then, everything exploded.

• You couldn't think that, your ears whistling and the ground trembling uncontrollably.

You were born without a quirk, but you went to Yuei in general, and you had to do some obligatory emergency formations.

• So you had the good reflexes, and you seek some shelter, but the notorious villain who attacked, saw you.

After all, you were his target.

He used again his exploding blast wave quirk; you felt on the ground.

• The other civilians screamed in agony, and some of them desperately tried to intervene, but the exposed floor was instable and their sens perturbed.

And for the communications, the villain's waves probably had been affecting it.

You heard some steps, came near to you.

•"What if we take the number 1 of the number 1 neh ?"

He laughed mockingly and...

You had a used total black out.

• A few minutes later, the heroes arrived, but the villain escaped with you.

• The witness explained the chaotic scene and some heroes were called to search you.

• The worst inevitably came when Bakugo heard the news.

He was coming back from a stupid mission with a pick-pocked who had the gluing ass quirk and which had fun to steal handbags with sitting on it.

And he heard that.

You...

You, his pillar.

• The one who he met in his therapy.

The one who helped him with this therapy, who helped him to better understand the no-quirk person.

The one who doesn't abandon him.

• You had also managed his social medias a while ago and the majority of his follower due to your work, your fucking photography.

(he knew that most of them were while he was with you, because when you're here, he can smile, he can stop screaming...)

• And you're missing, you disappeared.

He exploded and called the 1-A.

• He would never do this before, but he knew that among those extras, some of them like Shinso or Fumikage, were more adapted to him, to find you.

• Everyone started to search you or wait for the probable ransom because...

"'THEY'RE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF ME !" Bakugo screamed.

"Kacchan, calm down."

"Izuku, it's serves nothing to try reasoning him. Moreover, I would like to contradict him, but..." Momo started

"Y/n was in danger because journalists saw them, with us. More precisely, with Bakugo. Your relationship is platonic, but the gossips were persuaded that you're going out. So the villain just kidnapped the person who the heroes care about, in particularly the number one. And he found y/n." Tenya said.

Bakugo stopped and disproportionately hurt the wall.

He knew it.

But fuck, if he looked out for...or if...

If you lived together, if he had the balls to confess at the graduating ceremony, maybe you would not been in the street but at his home or...

"Bro, you can't do anything to change the past. On other hand, when we will find them, it will be come the moment to be manly, dude !"

• The red hair was aware of Bakugo's feeling toward Y/n, the class, too. But he was the only who directly had the confirmation by Bakugo himself.

Eijiro even had thought that the blonde will confessed, but Bakugo wanted to be the number one before this, like he didn't deserve Y/n if he didn't reach this objective.

• "We will put all the means into action to find them. The important thing is to not let our feelings take over us. The more time we waste, the less chance we have found them safe." Jirou said.

• All nodded their heads.

Flashback :

"I'm sure that you will finish with a pro hero." Y/n said while they were eating with Bakugo on the roof.

That was during their third year at Yuei, all the Fridays lunch were with them.

All the lunch was for them, but sadly the Bakusquad didn't let him the choice. So he negotiated the Fridays.

"Tss why are you saying this ?"

" Well, I'm sure that if you let you carry away, you exploded. So imagine if a normal civil is sucking you and bam you exploded at their face in the both sens of the term..."

"Y/N WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT ?!"

They laughed.

"Sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction. I'm sure that everything is working, even down there."

Bakugo grumbled.

"Tss, sure it works. If you wanted so bad, I will make you a round on it, asshole."

Y/n blushed.

"Maybe one day..."

Bakugo was surprised by the answer, but let this in suspense.

If he knew it...

He would have devoured this lips a long time ago.

He would have said to them so much compliments, at a point so high, that it would equal with his ego.

End of the flashback

"You have to sleep." Kirishima said.

"Fuck no, I stay here."

"He didn't call, and it's been a week. Katsuki, you must sleep. Don't even dare take a coffee, yourself said it was horrible for your "fucking and perfect health, extras." "

Bakugo put the goblet and let a frustration sigh.

Nothing.

Not a fucking ransom.

No demand of money, no explosions or news of them.

They were nowhere.

"WE GOT NEWS !" Izuku screamed.

Katsuki stood up, but a black stain appeared, following by several others before everything turned black, and he collapsed on the ground.

________________________________

"Hello Aurora Bakugo, and welcome to the world of the living." a distant voice said while he painfully opened his eyes.

'Shit even here you placed a Disney reference y/n." Katsuki grumbled

He stopped himself.

Y/n ?

Suddenly he straightened up to see them next to him, with some injuries and a splint on the hand.

'Wait, what's going..."

"You fainted due to the lack of sleep and food. They took you to the hospital, where they did the necessary. It's been 10 hours since this, because like during high school, you're a grandpa who needs his sleep schedule."

" And you, you..."

"'are fine. The villain waited, to make it more dramatic and show my beauty at all the city's screens because "mouahahaha I stole Bakugo's partner", except that unfortunately for him, I'm not your partner. But, well, he was persuaded of the contrary and his ass was kicked."

" You can become it."

"What ? A villain ? Ah no, thanks. I put gloss, so I can't become a Tomura number 2, it will be a failure."

"Tss, I talked about been a partner."

"Deku will be jealous."

"Like you can equal him."

" It's true that his thighs are unbeatable."

"Yours too."

You blushed.

"You must be in morphine."

"No, I'm just under adrenalin because the person I dearly loved was kidnapped, and they're just here because I was a coward."

"You didn't be a coward. You're still a coward. But it had nothing to do with this kidnapping."

"I was unable to tell you, that I love you."

"But you made it today and, that's what it counts."

You smiled at him.

Oh, this radiant smile.

Fuck, he will be ready to fight with All Might just to see it.

"I love you back Katsuki, if your brain hasn't understood it yet, which maybe will the case seen how you stared the wall."

"Shut up, I just observed..."

"Observed ?"

"You."

You took his hand in your free one.

He leaned towards you, but...

"I may be disappeared, but your fresh breath too, above all that you stayed here ten hours. So if you want to passionately kiss me, you have to wait."

"I will wait for the time it takes. I'm the fucking number one."

"With Izuku."

"Shut up."

You laughed.

Yes you disappeared on his life, on his heart, on this city, but now you're back...

He, sure, count to brush his teeth to finally kiss you.

But he wants, too, to give you the envy to stay at his side in order that never this lack reappeared.

(sorry for my mistakes and my english, it‘s not my first language

(ó﹏ò｡)

#boku no hero imagines #katsuki imagine #bakugo katsuki #katsuki #my hero academia #mha imagines #mha #bnha

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hoaxsen · 4 years ago

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| angst has been coming to me easy now and idk how to feel about that.

| tw; character death, in depth talk of death, mentions of blood and other gruesome parts, season three spoilers.

| word count; 1.8k.

It was all over, spreading like a plague inside the walls upon their arrival. The victory of Wall Maria, along with the near extinction of the Scouts. How many supplies were lost during it? How much destruction was there while it all went down? Does anyone have a true number on how many bodies were being carried back on those flatbed carts after that expedition?

They were mostly parts of bloodied and mangled things, some weren't even able to be called a body. More like a massive piles of mixed dirt, debris and whatever part of the human body there could be. One hundred and ninety nine people, turned into one enormous jigsaw puzzle that anyone has ever seen. How many carts were used for that, and which cart did this specific body rest upon?

This body held the features of bright blue eyes, that the captain of the Scouts could sometimes find himself staring into for hours on end. Unknowingly at that. Blonde hair just swept back and kept so neat with its undercut. Sometimes Levi wonders if it was soft to the touch, it doesn't look to be hard, or dirty. Just right, minus those brows. If anything there were times where Levi wanted to trim the blonde bricks of hair off Erwin's face himself.

Now, days like that will never come. For the sole purpose, of Erwin Smith being deceased. Giving his life up to his stupid cause and dream, this isn't what Levi meant by plundering your dream and lead those crying brats to hell. Was it selfish of him to think that Erwin might come back alive for him? It was, wasn't it? The man having to live through this shit as the leader, making gambles that no one knew how the hell they paid off. Let's not forget about the cadets and soldiers lost along the way in his gambles. A devil among men, though it was Levi wanting to be the one to raise hell right now. Bring a darker hell to the one on this very Earth for the fact that he chose to revive Armin instead of Humanity's Hope.

Cold, and hardened steel grey hues watched as his body was pulled away, riding alongside on his own horse with this cart. Levi felt only himself at fault, what if he did revive Erwin? Despite the small specks of rocks, falling out and shredded intestines, and lack of life in the blonde's eyes, how would he look taking on the power of the colossal titan? Would he have looked the same as the treacherous Bertholdt, or better? If anything, he'd be alive right now. . .fighting a war once more in this hell. Yes, it was selfish, but Levi Ackerman had his reasons to be selfish in a time like this. Bringing back Erwin instead of Armin wasn't just going to be for humanity, it was also going to be for his own desires. To stop toying with the feelings the ravenette has for the blonde, to stop the daily lies about his ' small crush ' being just a phase.

The captain never even got to make good on his promise before the commander passed. Wanting so hard and bad to end the Beast Titan, to make him feel the pain Erwin did before his final moments. Hopefully that chance comes back for him some other time. How badly Levi needs it, it'd only be fitting since Erwin gave up his dream for the wall retake to even have happened and succeed.

For all Levi could do now, was regret and hope that Erwin's funeral would bring him into a small state of piece. Since the ex-commander was already in a permanent state of his own, never to be disturbed. The Ackerman slowly starts to wonder to himself, which kind of suit would really bring out a dead man's eyes? For blue, it had to be a subtle white, right? An ashen grey? Whatever color it was going to be, Levi knew he'd detest it. Knowing it'll be the final suit he sees Erwin in.

Fast forward a bit to the lowering of the old Scouts' commander into the ground, Levi stayed behind a little ways after the ceremony. Standing before Erwin's grave, a short sigh leaving him as he placed a hand on Erwin's tombstone.

Erwin Smith

xxxx - xxxx

Humanity's Beacon of Hope.

The words Levi read over, and over, and over again. Humanity's Hope, snuffed out a little ways too soon. Levi just had to wake up and face the music, it was bound to happen one day or another. He just wishes that day came a little later than this. Brushing his hand over the words, better now to say this before he keeps it inside for too long. He already regrets not saying this to him when he was alive.

" How many of these have we attended for our fallen? Now look at you, dumbass. Right there with them, tell Petra I said hi when you see her. "

His last chance to say this all know, because whatever God out there knows that Levi wouldn't visit Erwin's grave again after this. For the small grudge he'd hold against himself for using the syringe on Armin.

" I followed you into the fire, made it out with a few scrapes. Though you were burned, still had the guts to carry on more bravely than me. . .even make a choice with that odd line. ' What if there is humanity outside the walls. ' Or some shit like that, and then I realized, and knew. . .that was how you were plundering your dreams and leading those crying brats to hell. "

Unbeknownst to the captain, he wasn't alone. Just standing from afar, was another grieving heart. Armin Artlet, another soul wanting to say an unspoken peace to their old commander. But ended up seeing Levi there before him.

" It's not fair you know, Erwin. Or that just might be me being selfish right now, yeah sounds like it. A biased opinion, since I fucking loved you and didn't have the guts to say it. Wanna know why? Cause I'm a coward. Since people I love keep leaving me in ways like this, death. Am I that detestable that death is the only way out? Gotta be, shitty way to go if you ask me, but probably your only way. Call it a curse, I guess. Sadly shit like this happens in the fucked world. I didn't even want to use it on Artlet, but you made your choice. So I had to make mine, fucking bastard. "

Now that was a surprise to the little eavesdropper in the back, covering his mouth with his hand to not make a sound. Azure eyes bugging out of his head as the captain droned on. Armin himself wasn't even sure why he was saved, wouldn't Erwin have been a better pick? The power of the titan wasted on him, that's how it sounded. On the bright side, the colossal titan was in their arsenal with Eren's titan. Just with the wrong user in Artlet's mind.

" It's not fair, you asshole. You get your peace, and leave me behind in this hell with a bunch of brats! Yes, they can pull their own weight. But you're not leading them anymore, instead it's gonna be someone else who can't live up to your name. All because I got emotional and saved that runt, when I knew, even with Hanji, that you were the better pick! A massive fuck up on my end, but then a small lived victory right? We have another titan ready to fight for us when needed. But I want you here! It's not fair, you trusted me to do the right thing with that weird liquid, and I don't know if I did! I promised myself that I'd follow you wherever, why did you have to go somewhere I can't go yet?! You and your stupid gambles, well make one with the devil down there and win, come back goddamn it! "

At this point, Levi was screaming to a grave on the verge of tears. From standing to dropping on his knees, the turned up dirt from a freshly dug hole in the ground was staining his pants. Giving him the feelings of touching the underground floors, though this time he didn't care. Fighting back an attack of tears, his hands digging into the soil and gripping it. Dirt being trapped in his fingernails, a fierce look on his face with a few stray falling tears from his eyes.

" I promise you, I'll make that sonva bitch pay. Along with aiding in to see that your final goal, your final dream is fulfilled. Even if I have to die to make that happen. "

It was a footstep, and the use of sharp senses that brought Levi out of his moment. Spinning around quick as could be, just to be met with a crying, tear stained face of one of his cadets. This was Levi's moment of vulnerability, being seen by Armin as if privacy wasn't a thing. Though now, the man couldn't hold it against the boy, dusting off himself to be free of the dirt and grime. Levi sent Armin a small glare, no words have been spoken yet, and not one really knew what to say.

" Captain . . . I'm sorry, but you should have us--. "

" Can it brat, I dunno how much you heard, and I hate repeating myself. But I'll make an exception, Erwin made his choice. I acted on it, now you might have to step up to bat. "

Levi's words drew a small gasp from Armin, making him want to roll his eyes.

" No one can live up to be Erwin, but I trust that you know what you're doing. Don't make me regret saving you now. "

" Y-Yes sir! But can I ask a question? "

That made a brow raise on Levi's face, a sign for Armin to carry on with what he was saying. The boy had to take a deep breath to even get the first word out. It almost made Levi scoff at a time like this.

" Y-You l-love Commander Erwin, sir? Is-Is that true? "

The stuttering fool really had the balls to ask. The captain almost looked impressed, but at the same time angered somewhat.

" Yeah, I loved him, Artlet. A main factor playing on in why I wanted to use the syringe on him. But something happened during it, like I said. Don't make me regret it. "

All he got was a frantic nod from the other blonde, even a salute for some reason. Levi responded with his own nod back, figuring now that his time alone with Erwin was up. Looking behind him at that grave, he sighed, his eyes narrowing somewhat.

' Don't worry, Erwin. You won't be along for long, I said I'd follow you right? Into that same fire I'll soon be going. '

He whispered out, making his way to leave now. Going as far as to pat a startled Armin on the shoulder. His own line echoing inside his head to help cope with this, just tweaked a bit this time.

' Plunder all your dreams, and lead those crying brats to victory. In his name. '

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arohasfiction · 5 years ago

Text

Secretive Idol ( Moonbin X Reader)

FINALLLY!!! Wrote sth for my bias Moonbin I'm so happy that i was able to write sth for him, i had alot of fun writing it and i hope you Enjoy it too ♥️😄

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Title: Secretive Idol ( Astro Moonbin x Female Reader)

Word Count: 1801

Gener: Fluff

Note: Astro members sentences are coloured

(Sanha & Mj, Orange) (Jinjin, Green) (Moonbin, Red) (Rocky, Blue) (Eunwoo, Purple) and Lastly your sentences are in Pink ^^

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Summary: you are Astro's Manger and also a secretive idol (no one knows your identity) you live with Astro members in their dorm. You faced some problems in your previous dorm which made you move to another forcely..

You are in Rocky's age and also Moonbin's grilfriend and only astro members knew about your relationship with him. Although you work as their manger, you managed to go to college to complete your studies as your parents wished. Eunwoo is your Sunbai in the college and you shared some classes in which you both attended together. Nonetheless, Nobody knows about you being Astro's Manger there, and you two acted like a normal student and sunbai in the campus.

You were known in your major group in the college as the intelligent beautiful student, it's not over reacting or exaggerating, but you were way too beautiful that in most of the time other students shipped you with Eunwoo due to your amazing visuals.

You signed a contract with Fantagio as a secretive idol and your stage name which was presented to people it was ( Park Ye-rin) you were an idol that only shared her voice with the fans, nobody really knew your identity and how you looked except for the agency's CEO which happens to be one of your dad's friends. You always faced problems with your previous agency , and that's what made you shift to Fantagio. Among astro members everyone used to listen to Park Yerin cuz her songs (Japanese or Korean) were so awesome and some of them were Dramas OST, one of your biggest fans was your boyfriend Moonbin, but he himself didn't know that you were Park Yerin, you always thought about telling them, but you didn't know how to bring up the topic so you decided to stay quite for the main time.

That day you were called to the ceo's office and he told you that you're going to collaborate with one of Astro's members, you were shocked but happy at the same time, you will be able to sing with one of them, it was your dream ( since you actually were an aroha even before becoming their manger). You were in charge of Writing the song and some parts of the lyrics.. and Moonbin which happens to be your boyfriend is your collaboration partner, and he was supposed to write the other parts of the lyrics, you avoided each chance that can lead both of you to meet and just told him that you will text him for anything regarding their song (ofc from you texted another number), and if he needed anything he could just tell the ceo and he will tekl you as astro's manger. The song recording day came as your song was ready, it was supposed to be your recording part since you can be alone with some staffs who the Ceo trusted them about the matter of revealing your identity. You started recording , but in the same time Moonbin arrived with JinJin and eunwoo ( they were together so they came along), he finished his schedule faster than usuall , of course he will, because he is Park Yerin's fan, he wanted to meet her or even just talk to her, you weren't aware of that he already came inside and saw you through the glass while recording( he didn't recognize you at the beginning cuz you were recording while giving the others your back) .once you finshed you came out in hurry without putting back your mask and your faces met , Moonbin couldn't believe what he just saw, he was speechless and was just staring at you and so did the other two. Mainwhile, your heart was already in your feets but you covered your face and immediately went out.

Later at the dorm you were making Ramyun for you and the rest of the boys, when Moonbin entered with JinJin and eunwoo, you tried to act cool as if nothing happened but it didn't work, it would actually have worked if it was another person, but the one who saw you was your Boyfriend so, you couldn't just lie to him, you took a deep breath and run towards him, " Hey, binn-ah, how was the recording?. Oh right want some Ramyun?". He didn't answer and just went to his room. The other members were wondering about why he ignored you like this so jinjin came closer to you and said, " Don't worry, he's just still a bit shocked, Is it okay with you to talk about it with us ? Of course if you don't want its okay", you cut him saying," No no no!! I already was planning to tell you all after the song is released, but it happened earlier than I've expected...." You sat between them when Mj suddenly said, " What's wrong??? Did something happen?", You just looked at Eunwoo and Jinjin, they understanded that you didn't know how to start so Eunwoo begin saying, " (Y/N)-ah , Jin-Hyung... Shall i speak? You and jinjin both nodded. " Well you know that we went with bin to the recording studio for his new collab song right?!... Well we saw someone wonderful and its not easy to meet her too ..." , Rocky cutted eunwoo saying," Hyung! Do you mean that you met Park Yerin!? For real..how lucky..." You jolted a bit you didn't know that it would be so hard like this to tell them, you weren't scared actually from the fact that they will know your identity but from their reaction, "Hyung How does she look? Is she younger than us?" Sanha said excitedly, " Well, you can ask her, she sitting right here" eunwoo said while pointing on you with a smile on his face, You giggled nervously and stood up " Haha..ha well, hello I'm Park Yerin, nice too meet you.." and you sat back with your head down ", WHAT!!!" screamed MJ, Rocky and Sanha then jinjin and Eunwoo started laughing on their reaction and smiled at you kindly, " (Y/N)-ah, Don't worry, you don't have to low down your head like this, you should be proud" said JinJin while patting on your shoulders, " But what about Binnie... " You said , " Just give him some time to process it , i would probably be the same if i find out that my girlfriend is an Idol and more than that she's my favourite one" he claimed with a warm smile .

Days passed and Moonbin still doesn't speak to you and whenever your eyes met, his face turns red as Strawberries. You liked the fact that you're able to see a different side of him but you were annoyed that he was ignoring you, you couldn't stand it anymore, so that day ,you came back to the dorm, you saw him next to the fridge taking out a bottle of water so, you immediately run to him , grabbed him from his arm and pulled him with you inside your room and locked the door. He was standing still but trying to avoid your gaze, you called him many times but he kept silent, you slowly started walking towards him , cupped his face with your both hands and kissed him on his lips, he wasn't able to move as he was locked between you and the wall , receiving your warm kiss with widened eyes, you parted away and you looked directly in his eyes, you were about to speak when he pressed his lips back again at yours and this time it was sweet and deep which made you two fall on the bed, he was on the top of you but he didn't stop, he kept kissing you with passion, And because you both needed air to breath, you parted but your faces were still so close that you could feel each other's breathing. He locked his eyes with yours, " Why didn't you tell me? " He said, and you saw the smirk on his face , " Are you mad... cuz i didn't tell you..?" You said while turning your gaze away, he took your hairlines and placed them behind your ears then his hands cupped your face from the left side you expected a kiss again so you closed your eyes but you were wrong this time... You slowly felt his breath on your neck.,, He slowly whispered in your neck , " and how come i get mad of my favourite idol that i really admire and happens to o be my gf" and he gave you a warm kiss on your neck, the heat in your body reached your cheeks, it felt like there is a volcano inside you.. you tried to cover your blushed face but he didn't give you a chance and kissed you again on your lips. A moment later you heard the boys sound outside as they came back so he got off you and helped you sitting, "But,.. Why did you ignore me ? Did you feel uncomfortable because your favourite idol is your Girlfriend?" You asked while pouting , he patted your head and pulled you in a hug, " Sorry babe, but i didn't know how to react about it... Actually when i saw you in the studio that day, i was really confused, i thought for a moment that i was hallucinating Cuz i missed you alot", even though you couldn't see his reaction while telling you that but you giggled to yourself, " if is it okay to ask , why do you keep your identity hidden?.. ah of course if you don't want to tell me its okay..." , " No we promised each other that there are no secrets between us so I'm going to tell you" you said while hugging him tightly " My mom and dad are against me being an idol Cuz they wanted me to complete my studies ,so when i became one i didn't tell them , of course I'm still studying and trying to mange the time between all these things but i wanted everyone to hear my songs, i felt like i want sing for the whole world so, i moved first to live in a apartment close to my university and previous-agency but at that time I didn't get enough support of them so i shifted to Fantagio and i ended up being your manger and a secretive idol at same time, and as too keep my promise to my mom and dad i kept my identity hidden and I'm not thinking of revealing it soon, i like how the things are now ..." , He looked at you with his sweet big smile, " Okay then all i gotta to do is support my beautiful girlfriend right?! But as we don't hide secrets from each other, i want to you to be honest with your parents, I'm sure they will understand if you explained it to them, and if you needed someone with you don't forget that i will be on your side..okay babe?". You gave him a peek on the cheeks and smile at him while nodding. After that you lived normally with them like it was from the beginning nothing changed, the reactions that you've expected was all something from your wide imagination.

You walked in the agency's hall when you spotted the boys waving at you, you turned to the wrok mode and said "Fighting!!! (Y/N)-ah!" To yourself and walked to them.

The End

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imaginetonyandbucky · 7 years ago

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So theirs not enough Mermaid WinterIron, we need to rectify that. Ok so bucky is a larger Pacific striped octo-merman who shamelessly ravishes his shy Lionfish mate Tony. Gotta sprinkle in some angst the other merpeople find their coupling weird and try to court Tony any way they can, doesn't work out and Bucky shows them whose boss

Taking Your Hand

There’s the Reef, and then there’s the Drop. Along the Reef, thevarious piscines live in their small village. The Reef waters are warm and fertile,the village is protected. Beyond the Reef is the Drop and then the unknown.Piscines that venture beyond seldom make it back and those that do are foreverchanged by their adventures.

Cephs aren’t allowed in the village. They’re violent, the piscinessay, prone to fighting among themselves, and there are dark whispers that saycephs have actually eaten piscines.

There’s one, though, a dark-haired octomer with a mangled andbattered body, his arms covered in scars, and more than one of them missing outright(some say he tangled with a great white, but Tony isn’t sure he believes that)that lingers on the border and watches the village. Watches… Tony, inparticular.

He’s staring again, and Tony flutters behind the coral reef.

“He’s watching me,” Tony reports. A shiver runs down his spine.

“That’s because you look tasty,” Obie says. The rooster-fish, big,muscular and mean, is Tony’s guardian. Which means he’s eating most of Tony’sfood and saying Tony should be grateful for it. He reaches out and pokes at oneof Tony’s spines. “Don’t worry, though. He’ll find out you’re poisonous, soonenough.”

“Rather be venomous,” Tony mutters.

“Maybe we could rip off your spines and hurl them like javelins,”Obie says. “Just ignore it. It’ll go away if you stop paying attention.”

Tony rolls his eyes. Like that ever works.

Ignoring the octomer doesn’t work. Tony says so, but he is prettysure no one’s listening.

The village elders call a meeting to discuss what to do; no onehas been to war in generations. There’ve been a few skirmishes, where some ofthe bigger, more fierce piscines have tried to get the octomer to leave.

“We don’t even know he’s a threat,” Tony protests. “He hasn’t doneanything, he’s just watching.”

“It’s only watching you, Stark. I can hardly imagine why,” Sternsays. He’s one of the elders, a puffy blowfish.

“What, do you think I should go talk to him? Find out what hewants?”

Tony is being sarcastic, but a surprising number of the otherpiscenes take him seriously at exactly the wrong moment. Why now, whenthey’ve never treated him like anything other than an extension of his father?And Stern isn’t exactly nice about it; points out that Tony won’t be missed ifit goes all wrong.

Which is how Tony finds himself with an armful of clams -- an offeringto a creature with uncertain motives and appetites, He creeps around the sideof the coral reefs. He’s not sanguine about the situation in the slightest.“Hello, hello Mr. Octoperson… hello?”

“Septoperson,” came a resentful voice.

“Huh?”

“Don’t have eight arms anymore, just seven,” the octomer says.Tony almost drops his armful of food, startled. The octomer has been blendingin with a section of coral and Tony didn’t see him at all. That is… not theleast bit scary, Tony tells himself firmly.

“Uh, okay,” Tony says. He holds out one hand, offering a clam.“The… the uh, village wants to know what you’re doing out here?”

The octomer -- septomer, whatever! -- waggles the stumpy tentacleat him, stirring the water. Bubbles form everywhere and for a moment, Tonycan’t see. “You think I can be out in th’ Deep, like this?”

“You’re here for safety?” Probably not the best plan, given thathe’s agitating the piscenes. It won’t be long, Tony knows, before they attack,just to make the septomer go away.

The septomer shrugs. “An’ other things. Came here, for safety.After.”

Tony considers this; seems unfair for the villagers to drive himoff. He wonders what other things, but decides it’s not his business. Thesepto-- oh, great Neptune, that’s just ridiculous, calling him that. “Do you…my name’s Tony,” he says.

“I do. Whatever it is that you’re asking.” The septomer snatchesone of the clams out of Tony’s hands, and that would be a little unnerving,except he does it and the tip of his tentacle strokes down Tony’s cheek, asneaky little caress. “Name’s Bucky.” He ignores Tony for a moment, crackingopen the clam with a powerful arm and then devouring the succulent meat inside.

“You’re making everyone nervous,” Tony points out, but he’s stillhanding over the clams to Bucky as quick as Bucky can eat them. Bucky is thin,too thin, really. From up close, Tony can count his ribs.

“Do I make you nervous, starfish?”

“You stare at me,” Tony says.

“You’re pretty,” Bucky says. His arms poke and slide along Tony’sribs, against his fishtail, lift up his hair.

Tony twitches away from the exploratory arms just to bump intoother ones. Bucky’s arms are everywhere, touching, caressing, seeking. It’sunnerving, Tony thinks. And kind of nice at the same time. Tony’s used to beingignored, except by his few friends. His father was a fierce warrior and thevillage has been disappointed with the way Tony’s turned out.

“I like looking at you,” Bucky says. “You’re th’ only interestingthing in that fishbowl of chum.”

Tony spits a jet a seawater in Bucky’s direction. “Rude.”

“What? Callin’ ‘em chum? Ain’t we all, starfish?”

“You’re using them for protection,” Tony points out.

“Don’t gotta outswim the shark,” Bucky says, shrugging his oneshoulder. “Just gotta outswim the slowest one of them.”

“Are you really that cruel?”

“Your fishie-wishie friends throw rocks at me,” Bucky says,indicating a pattern of bruising along his ribs. “An’ they mock you. Maybe youshould ask if they deserve it. Or you.”

“What do you mean?”

“They don’t deserve you,” Bucky says, his arms going around Tony’sback and waist and pulling him in close. “They sent you out to me to die.”

“Of course they didn’t,” Tony says. He probably wouldn’t die;his spines protect him. It is more likely that Bucky would die, if he tries tohurt Tony. Of course, he’s also not sure that Bucky isn’t right. No one reallylikes him. Even his few friends keep a careful distance between them.

“You should come with me,” Bucky offers, holding out his hand.

“Go where, you already said --”

“I have a place to sleep,” Bucky says. “An old human thing, afloater that doesn’t float anymore. We’d be safe there. Safer than here.”

“Why?”

Bucky shrugs. “You talk to me. You’re nice to look at. You broughtme food. And news that I won’t be safe here, much longer. It’d be nice to havecompany, starfish. An’ I can’t think of better company than you. Come on, youdon’t have anything here that you’d be leavin’ behind.”

Tony looks back over the village where he grew up.

Where the village leader tells him he won’t be missed. Obie eatsmost of Tony’s food anyway.

Bucky is nice. And looking at him with a heated gaze.

Tony puts his hand in Bucky’s. “Well that would be outlandish and,uh, fantastic. I'm just not the adventurous type. Clearly.”

“Well, you don’t have to do it alone,” Bucky says. He tugs, just alittle.

And Tony swims away with him. Not looking back.

#winteriron #tony x bucky #tony stark #bucky barnes #mermaid AU #fish tank AU #octobucky #lionfish tony #prompts #tisfan #Anonymous

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