#and One right now sits at a very different place from the other series due to its place in the timeline

[quibbs126]

You know a while ago, I had an idea that if I were to properly make a megop kid, Nova would be a good name for them (or at least that plus maybe another word)

Since you know, novas are related to stars, like how Orion is the name of a constellation, nova in Latin means “new, strange”, which I think would be befitting of most interpretations for megop and this new development (though note I was mostly thinking of TF One at the time), and there already exists a character called Nova Prime so it kind of fits in with Prime’s name. Also, Anodyne 2’s protagonist is named Nova and I really like that game. Also she can turn into a car mode, just like a Transformer

Only for me to find out later that Nova seems to be a semi-common megop fankid name. Like I swear I’ve seen it 2 or 3 times elsewhere by other users. So like, I’d have to come up with something else to be more original

Goddamnit, and I had all those cool reasons to use the name too

[x-gabrielle-x]

Withered Cards | IV

Pairings: Jason Todd x Reader.

Warnings: Blood, gore, violence, murder, swearing, major and minor injuries, death.

Summary: Despite the many different problems you overcome with Jason Todd, you always eventually make it back to each other. Even after his death, how could you still love a man who changed so much? Even when you made a turn for the worst.

Series Masterlist

Your body still ached from the hits that Joker had blown at you only a week ago, the scab forming over your split lip leaving a metallic tang on your tongue. The bruises still had yet to heal, the purple blemishes littering your skin and serving as a fresh reminder of just how cruel and nasty the Joker really was. It had been a week. A week since your failed mission, and a week since you had last seen Robin.

You had found yourself mostly staying hidden away in your tiny room back in the warehouse, finding that it was much greater comfort than having to be around the tantalizing grin Joker always sent in your direction, like a lion baring its teeth to its prey. So of course, when you had heard a loud bang on your door with the Joker bidding you farewell, claiming he had 'unfinished business to attend', you were more than relieved to finally stretch your limbs and let your guard down; just a little.

Though even without the Joker there for the few days you had, your heart would leap into your throat whenever you thought to hear something similar to his maniacal laughter. You were constantly on edge even without him there, and Harley seemed to be mourning his absence just as much as you were enjoying it.

Sitting on a random rooftop with the glimmering city lights below did little to ease your running thoughts. The familiar chill of the freezing air pricked at your skin to which you folded your arms against your chest for a sense of warmth. Gotham had seemed to be a lot quieter tonight, a very rare occasion. Crime was low, and the usual distant sirens were quiet. You could even hear the occasional laughter and cheers from the bar just down the street.

You wished to bask longer in the silence, in your own company, but it was quickly gone when you heard the soft thuds of boots on the floor behind you.

You didn't need to look over to know that he was staring directly at you, observant and intrigued. In any other situation, you would have found yourself reaching for your knife and defending yourself against the charging enemy, fists flying and weapons drawn for blood, but this was different. Very different. There was no harshness to his steps, no attacks thrown at you, only silence.

The silence dragged uncomfortably long, and you kicked your legs back and forth over the edge of the building as you let out a long breath.

"I didn't think the Robin would be paying me a visit tonight," you kept your gaze trained below. "If I had known, I might have put on my better shoes!"

The pounding in your chest grew with each word you spoke, but if he had come to fight you, he would have done it by now.

He ignored your comment and instead came up beside you. It was then you finally turned your gaze up at him, noticing his yellow, red and green costume. The dominoe mask shadowed his face, though you could see little due to the dimmed lights of the city. He was staring right back at you, a little too much for your personal comfort.

He slumped onto the edge of the rooftop with a huff, maintaining the safe distance between you both. You had to resist from smiling a little to yourself at the silliness of it all. Robin, your enemy, the one who had made you fail your mission and make the Joker’s anger flare was currently sat five feet away as if nothing had happened.

He was playing a dangerous game, yet you were curious to see the reason of his arrival. If he wasn't here to start something, why was he here at all?

The tension was thick with something you couldn't place, but the feeling was oddly unsettling. Not because you were fearful, but because you were oddly excited for this coincidental meeting.

"Tough week?" he questioned in a tease, pointing to your split lip and the yellowish bruise poking out from under your mask. You merely scoffed at the boy before subconsciously licking the cut on your bottom lip.

"Maybe. It would have been a hell of a lot better if you had left me that vial, though," you looked at him, catching the smile that had appeared on his face triumphantly before he quickly disguised it with a bored look.

"What did the Batsy say when you handed it in," you continued. "It better have been good, considering the Joker wasn't too pleased when I returned without the one thing he had asked of me." You gestured to your eye again, his gaze lingering there for a few moments too long.

He tensed at the mention of Batman, lips twitching into a frown.

"Nothing you need to know," he mumbled out, irritation laced in his voice. You quirked a brow.

"I think I do," you laughed, though it was obviously fake. "Considering you're the reason I got my ass beat."

He ignored you, instead shifting himself so that his leg was now propped up on the edge of the roof. He tilted his head in question.

"What are you doing here, anyway? Another Joker deed or dwelling in your failure," he taunted.

"Having a breather," you were quick to reply in defense, and you noticed the way his eyes widened in surprise. He let out a soft laugh, something that surprised you considering you didn't hear laughter too often where you were, or perhaps too much from the Joker.

"Something that we have in common," he mused, and for the first time you felt a strange sense of welcoming with Robin. With anybody, for that matter.

The both of you remained at a safe distance, but his presence alone was one that confused you. Tonight, even with him a mere five feet away, you weren't worried about having to fight him, worried about hiding away, or worried about who you were raised with. It was nearly as if in this moment, you had somebody who didn't pose you as a threat. Or at least, not much of a threat.

Robin's movements were relaxed and composed, abandoned of any tension he may have held before regarding your presence.

“I’m guessing you don’t do this often,” Robin concluded. “If not at all.”

You frowned at him, slightly offended by his comment. “How would you know?”

The corner of his lip tipped into a smile, and he shrugged, flexing his shoulders in a way that caused for his suit to stretch.

“I’m here nearly every night, and I can positively say, I haven’t seen you out here once.”

“And I bet you wish you could see me, little birdy,” you fake pouted, watching him closely.

He breathed out a laugh, his eyes squinting under the dominoe mask that concealed his identity.

"Believe me, if it didn't end in you nearly breaking my nose last time, I might have considered it."

You just stared at him, your mind trying to figure him out. In all honesty, you don't remember the last proper conversation that you had with somebody. much less around your age.

"How old are you?" the question had slipped out before you could stop it.

Robin glanced back at you; a brow raised. "Not much older than you, I'd guess," he looked you up and down. "How old are you?"

"Thats not an answer," you deadpanned, ignoring him. "For all you know, I could be a sixty-five-year-old woman with insane plastic surgery."

"But you're not," he clarified. "No old woman would be able to jump off rooftops and work for criminals like him."

You cringed at the mention of the Joker.

Robin let out a low hum, and the city lights from below flickered across the right side of his face in what seemed to be like a dance.

You opened your mouth. "You're not-"

"Stop." He cut you off.

You paused. "Excuse me?"

He held up a hand, his gaze going past you. It was only then you heard the quiet grunts and rummaging from a nearby alley. You were already on your feet and moving toward the sound, steps cautious. Robin was right on your heel, and by the time you were both on the ground hidden by the shadows in the alley, you could see a hunched figure leaning against the brick wall, digging through what seemed to be a purse.

You turned to Robin, a mocking smile gracing your lips. You gestured an arm out.

"Well? After you, Wonder Boy," you said.

He frowned. "Is that some way you're going to get me distracted and then knock me out when my backs turned?"

You rolled your eyes. "No, do I look like a hero who fights purse thieves?"

He looked you up and down. "Honestly, no."

"You didn't have to answer, bird brain. Just go!"

The man who had been distracted for long enough suddenly snapped his head toward you both, snarling.

"What the hell?"

The man stood abruptly, stepping closer, though Robin was quick to move from the outstretched hand of the man. With a swift kick, the man was doubling over with a grunt and spilling the contents of the purse onto the floor.

The man growled in annoyance, lunging for Robin again, but he was quick to duck down away from the mans clenched fist before it could make contact. You, however, watched on with amusement.

"You could have been a bit more original rather than a purse thief," Robin called out to the man.

The grunts exchanged between the two continued, and you cringed at the few hits Robin had received. You had to admit, he put up a strong fight.

"Little rat!" The man yelled, holding his head where a punch managed to land before he stumbled out of the alley, disregarding the purse he previously held.

Robin huffed, brushing a dark stray of hair away from his face. He looked over, meeting your gaze as you clapped mockingly, stepping out from the shadows and closer to him.

He stooped down, picking up what looked to be an ID.

"Do you know a Lora Johnston?" He said, flipping the card in his hand.

"Can't you search that up on a special little gadget or something?"

He mumbled out something that you failed to hear.

There was a pause.

"I think you could improve on your movement," you said, and his eyes snapped to yours. Something changed in his features that you couldn't place.

"Teach me, then."

Your mouth ran dry. "What?"

"If you teach me, then ill teach you some stuff." He was quick to add, but you shook your head quickly.

"I don't need your help."

You went to turn, but you let out a yelp when you were suddenly tugged back and landed onto the hard floor.

"You let your guard down too easily," Robin teased. You only glared up at him with annoyance.

You stood back up to your feet and wacked him on the shoulder, pushing past him and walking toward the alley entrance to leave, but he quickly called out to you.

You ignored him, but he called out again.

"What do I call you?"

You stopped and turned to him, eyes wide.

There was a long pause. "Nothing," you said. "I can't give you a name."

"Well," he thought, a suggestive smile gracing his lips that you knew you'd see again. "I guess I'll just have to decide myself."

You turned again, waving a hand this time. "Until next time, birdy!"

He let out a chuckle. "Until next time, Princess!"

You remain silent the rest of the walk, your interaction with Robin nothing like how you would have imagined it. He confused you more than you'd like to admit, but oddly enough, tonight was a change, and you liked it.

You couldn't remember the last time you had spoken to somebody so casually, the sense of normality something you craved more of. Though the two of you barely knew each other, much less trust, you had hoped it wouldn't be your last interaction.

@annabellelee @stormz369

©x-gabrielle-x. Do not steal, copy or translate my works.

[inlovewithpandora]

ꕥ — Found Someone Better / A New Tide

Genre — Chapter four: Part One

Artists — Tonowari x fem!avatar!reader

Lyrics — You’re finally adjusting to your new life among the Metkayina and your relationship with Tonowari is progressing into something more. While Tonowari is out in the village, fulfilling his Olo’eyktan duties, he hears some of his warriors talking about you when the topic of mating season comes up, which catches his attention.

Music Advisory — Pre-Atwow, implied timeskip, fluff, comfort, implied courting/courtship, act of courting [acts of service], kissing, mentions of Tonowari’s past relationship, emotional moment, Olo’eyktan!Tonowari, jealous!Tonowari, mention of mating season, secret relationship trope, featuring Ralak [Tonowari’s right hand man/best friend]

Notes — Reader and Tonowari’s relationship is slightly sped up [between chapter three and four] due to the length of series and that I believe the Na’vi (especially a traditional man like Tonowari) wouldn’t take longer than a few months before starting the courting process.

Duration — 5.2k

Index — Kaltxì - Hello・Syulang - Flower

Words From Artist — Chapter four is finally here!! I hope yall enjoy seeing this side of Reader and Tonowari’s relationship! I’m hoping to have part 2 of this completed in a few weeks so stay tuned! I hope y’all enjoy and always feel free to comment and reblog, I love reading y’all reactions!

Current Platforms — Chapter One ・Chapter Two・Chapter Three・Series M.list ・Series Taglist・Main M.list

After months of living in Awa’atlu you’ve finally found your place in the clan, becoming a healer. When you lived in the forest you were a healer, working under Mo’at and learning all her ways and techniques. It’s a position you excel in and you were tired of doing odd tasks around the island so you spoke to the head healer and showed her your skills and after that she was happy to allow you a place in the healing pod.

You’ve learned to navigate the island’s resources, gathering medicinal herbs and understanding the local flora. Some flora is similar to what was back in the forest while other plants were completely different which sparked your interest. The knowledge you gained from Mo’at feels even more valuable here, as you adapt her teachings to the unique plants of Awa’atlu. You can now identify the subtle differences in the herbs and their uses, finding satisfaction in the skills you’ve obtained.

Your relationships with the villagers have grown since you first arrived, the initial curiosity that surrounded your arrival has shifted into friendship, with most members of the clan seeking your advice and sharing their stories. Even though it took a while for most of the clan to come around, Padma, who is now your best friend, is one person you’ve always been able to lean on. The kindness she showed you from the very beginning has helped you feel at home in Awa’atlu and it also helped show the clan that you were a good person and that they could trust you.

In addition to Padma, you’ve also grown close to other women in the clan. They’ve welcomed you into their circles. The camaraderie you share during communal activities, whether it’s preparing meals or participating in rituals, it has created a sense of sisterhood, something you’ve always wished for. Through all these connections, you find strength and support, enriching your experience in Awa’atlu.

While you’re sitting in your mauri, allowing the sun to shine its light into your home as you get ready for the day and start your duties, you can hear a familiar set of footsteps come through the entryway, causing a blush to creep onto your face. “Kaltxì, syulang.” The nickname ‘Flower’ was bestowed upon you a little after your relationship with the Olo’eyktan started to blossom. He thought it was perfect for you after he took you on a walk in the jungle and you couldn’t help but stop at almost every flora to take a whiff of its natural scent and focus on the beauty it held.

Tonowari's voice makes his presence known and soon after you hear a loud thud, making you slightly jump at the unexpected sound. When you turn around to see where the sound came from you see him standing next to a net full of descaled and fileted fish with a smile on his face, making a grin tug at your lips from yet another one of his gifts. You can always see the effort he puts into delivering these packages, whether it’s fish or some sort of meat from an animal that roams in the jungle he always makes sure it’s cleaned, skinned, and cut so all you have to worry about is taking them out of their leaf wrappings and cooking them anyway you see fit. “Another? I thought I told you I could hunt for myself. You don’t have to keep bringing me food.”

“Yes, you did tell me but why would I allow you to when you have a man that is fully capable of taking care of that for you.” Tonowari walks up to you, still wearing his bright smile while his hands rest on your hips once he’s in front of you, making the blush that’s rising on your cheeks even more apparent. “Plus, when I bring them to you it allows me to see the most beautiful woman in the village before I start my morning rounds.”

Tonowari knows exactly the words to use to make you feel swoon, his compliments always make your smile widen, making you feel like the luckiest woman on the planet to have such a loving and kind man. “Mmm, well who am I to deny you from that?” There’s an undertone of playfulness and affection in your tone while you speak and wrap your arms around Tonowari’s neck, allowing you the perfect opportunity to press your lips upon his. The Metkayina wasn’t expecting a kiss but he definitely isn’t mad at it. It's clear that his thoughtfulness and the fact he can provide is noticed by you and he can’t help but feel a sense of pride.

As you pull away from after the kiss, a playful glint shines in Tonowari’s eyes, and the world around you feels a little brighter. The connection you two share has grown effortlessly since the moment you shared on the beach. Since then you both have been spending more time together, going on dates, exchanging gifts, and learning more about each other in deeper ways. Since deciding to explore the potential of your relationship, both of you have prioritized open communication about your feelings. You both wanted to ensure that you were on the same page regarding how things were progressing and to avoid any sense of rushing into the next phase. After a few months, it became clear that you and Tonowari were on the brink of something deeper—courtship.

When the topic came up it felt natural and exciting but you were also nervous. The scars from your past marriage were still fresh and you didn’t want to deal with the same hurt and mistreatment again but you know that Tonowari aren’t your ex-mates, you know that he is so much different than them so it didn’t take too much thought before you agreed with Tonowari that courting was the right choice for your relationship.

“Alright, my mighty hunter.” You say with a teasing lilt, stepping a little bit closer to him while moving one of your hands and placing it on his shoulder. “How about I finish getting ready while you get the fish out of the walkway and into the cooking area? I don’t want to trip over them.”

Tonowari lets out a soft laugh, a hint of sheepishness in his expression as he glances down at the nets of fish he’d dropped right in front of the entryway instead of somewhere out of the way. “I suppose I was too focused on you to think about where I was putting them.” He admits, shaking his head slightly.

With a nod of determination Tonowari separates from you and allows you to finish your routine as he begins to move the fish. You can’t help but admire the sight of him lifting the heavy net, watching the muscles in his arms and back flex as he picks it up and walk it over to another area of the mauri. His strength and charm makes your heart flutter and makes you appreciate that you can have these small moments with him.

As Tonowari bends down to lower the fish in the area you want them to be in, your eyes catch a glimpse of something on his back. A thin dark line carved into his skin, a wound that looks fresh, meaning it could be causing him pain. “‘Wari,” you walk up to him and get a closer look, your voice laced with worry while you inspect the wound, gently running your finger over it. “What happened to your back?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” He replies dismissively while he stands straight up and shifts his weight in the process, meaning it’s not ‘nothing’ like he claims it to be.

“It’s definitely something, Tonowari.” Your healer instincts kick in and you walk over to your herbs and grab a salve and a liquid that will act as a disinfectant so the wound doesn’t become infected. “I can tell you're in pain, you must let me take a look at it.” At first, Tonowari wants to tell you that it’s fine and he’ll just patch it up later but he allows you to take a look, knowing you’ll take better care of it than he will. You bring over a wooden stool for him to sit on and you start working on him, cleaning off the droplets of dried blood before pouring a few drops of disinfectant. “How did you get this?”

“Accident from hunting,” He explains, trying to brush it off since it isn’t a big deal to him. “I was more focused on the catch than what was around me.”

A frown casts upon your face at how Tonowari just ignores his wounds and swallows the pain. “Well, you need to be more careful. You shouldn’t ignore wounds, even if they are small.”

Tonowari's expression relaxes as he feels your fingers across his back, a hint of admiration comes across his face, feeling grateful that he has someone in life that takes care of him again. "You always worry too much about me."

"It's my job," you reply playfully, but your tone is serious. "And I care about you."

“I know you do,” The Olo’eyktan murmurs, his gaze softening as he glances back at you, his usual stoic demeanor giving way to something more vulnerable. As you tend to his wound, Tonowari’s mind begins to drift, memories of Ronal slipping through his thoughts like the gentle pull of the tide. She’d always been the one to patch him up after his hunting or sparring accidents, her hands steady and sure, her voice lightly scolding him for being reckless. She’d always tell him that his strength didn’t mean he could ignore his injuries, and despite his grumbling, he’d let her care for him, feeling both humbled and cherished in those moments.

Now, as he feels the same careful touch in your hands and hears the same gentle concern in your voice, a pang of bittersweet longing stirs within him. It’s different with you, of course, but he realizes he’s missed this feeling of being looked after, having someone who sees past his strength to the person beneath. In some quiet, comforting way, your presence eases a part of him he thought he’d long buried, reminding him of the warmth he once felt with his widow.

As you finish dressing Tonowari’s wound, you notice that his gaze has drifted somewhere distant, a shadow passing over his usually calm expression. His expression is filled with something you can’t quite name—grief, maybe, or longing, like he’s carrying a memory too heavy to put into words. “‘Wari,” you say softly, catching his attention. “Is something on your mind?” You keep your hand on his shoulder, hoping to offer whatever comfort you can.

Tonowari hesitates, looking at you with an intensity that suggests he’s debating whether to answer. You and him haven’t talked much about your past marriages. Both of you are still hesitant to discuss those parts of your lives, and neither of you want to push the other to share before they’re ready. You both agreed early on to open up when the time feels right. Tonowari has only shared little details here and there about Ronal, he mentions her from time to time but it's usually quick and he breezes over it, not wanting to stay on the topic for too long or his emotions will get the best of him. He’s thought about having a full discussion about her with you before but he always chickens out, not wanting to be vulnerable in front of you but he also doesn't want to continue keeping you in the dark about his feelings.

After a long moment, he sighs, glancing away as though the words are easier to say to the air than to you. “My mate,” he says finally, his voice rougher than usual. “Ronal.” He looks down, his jaw tight, trying to hold himself together to tell you the story as emotions resurface in his heart. “She was… everything to me. Strong, kind, stubborn as the sea,” he continues, a small bittersweet smile tugging at his lips, memories of her reeling in his mind from the years they shared as a mated pair. “She always looked after me, kept me in line when I needed it.”

There’s a quiet, aching pause as he gathers himself, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance, trying to collect his words and make sure he correctly phrases them based on how he feels in his heart. “She passed when an illness casted over the clan,” he says, his voice full of sorrow when he thinks about how the illness took over her body in a matter of days and soon after he could barely recognize the woman he fell in love with. “She went to help those who were sick, as she always did. She believed it was her duty as Tsahìk to protect others, even when it meant… risking herself in the process.”

You feel a pang in your chest as you watch him speak, seeing the grief he’s been carrying around all this time, a grief that’s only now finding voice. “After she was gone… I didn’t think I’d let anyone take care of me like that again,” he admits, his voice soft, almost hesitant. “I told myself I didn’t need it. But being here with you now, it… reminds me of her.” It was true, even though you and Ronal are different in many ways there are a few similarities he sees in the both of you. The way you care for others, how fiercely you protect those you love, sometimes when he looks at you he feels like he’s seeing pieces of Ronal again.

Your heart aches for him, you know how hard it was for him to share and you’re so glad that he felt brave enough to say how he feels. To show that you're here with him in the moment and are listening, you glide your hand down his arm until you reach his hand. When he feels your hand wrap around his he glances at you and you notice his expression softening from the painful one he once had. Tonowari’s grip tightens around your hand, a silent appreciation of your presence and support.

You take a moment, letting the weight of his confession settle between you before taking a deep breath and speaking, wanting to make sure you say the right things to him, wanting to give him the comfort he needs. “Tonowari,” you say gently, “I’m so glad you had Ronal as a mate, if you hadn’t had all those wonderful years with her you wouldn’t be the amazing man you are today or have your two beautiful children. She took care of you for as long as Eywa allowed and now she watches over you.”

Tonowari’s eyes glisten with unshed tears, and he nods slowly, absorbing your words. “You’re right,” he admits, a soft smile breaking through his sorrow. “Ronal taught me about love, strength and sacrifice.”

“And you carry everything you learned from her with you. You’re not alone on this journey of life, Tonowari. I’m here for you. I want to be that person that cares for you now, the one who always tends to your wounds and keeps you in line if you need it.”

Tonowari’s gaze deepens, reflecting a number of emotions—grief, gratitude, and an unmistakable warmth that radiates from the bond you share. Your words wrap around him like a gentle embrace, showing him that he can be in the present while honoring his past. “I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that,” he admits, his voice steadying, though it remains with hints of emotion.

You squeeze his hand tighter, feeling the strength of his grip and the connection that sparks between you. “It’s the truth,” you reply, your heart swelling with love for this man who has faced so much yet he continues to stand tall. “You’re a great father and a leader, and the love you shared with Ronal doesn’t diminish what we can build together.” You know that Ronal will always be a part of him, she’s the mother of his children and his first true love. Ronal will always be in his heart and you’re completely fine with that but you also want him to know that there is enough room for the love you both now share to grow as well.

A soft smile crosses his lips, the heaviness in his eyes lifting ever so slightly. “And I’m grateful for that, for everything.” He pauses for a moment, his earlier playfulness returning to his demeanor. “Besides, I’d be lost without you keeping me out of trouble.”

“Yes, you definitely need me to keep a close eye on you,” you tease, relief flooding through you as the mood lightens, meaning Tonowari is feeling better than he did a few minutes ago. “Just don’t expect me to let you get away with anything.”

Tonowari chuckles, the sound music to your ears. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, causing you to melt in the process. “Thank you for being my light. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Of course! Just keep bringing me gifts, and we’ll be just fine,” you tease once again, a playful grin stretching across your face as you look up at him. The warmth of the moment fills the small space of your mauri. You rise from your stool and begin to organize the salve and healing items, your fingers dancing over the familiar textures of the herbs and containers.

As you tidy up, sunlight shines brightly through the woven walls, casting a golden glow that warms up the air and takes away the coldness from the early morning breeze. The air is rich with the invigorating scent of fresh herbs, mingling with the distant sounds of Awa’atlu coming to life—laughter and chatter drifting in from outside, a gentle reminder of the community that surrounds you.

“You truly have a gift for healing, both the body and spirit.” Tonowari says in a low tone as he fills the space behind you, his presence a comforting weight as he rests his head in the crook of your neck, along with his warm breath sending a delightful shiver down your spine and his hands wrapping around your waist.

“Well, it’s easy when I have someone worth caring for.” you reply, raising your hand and placing it on his cheek, gently rubbing your thumb against his skin while your smile softens at the sincerity of your own words.

“And you make it impossible for me to focus on my duties. I could stay here with you all day,” he admits, using a playful yet serious tone as he starts to trail soft kisses across your neck, making your stomach flip.

“As tempting as that sounds, I think the clan might have something to say about it.” Thinking of the clan brings a familiar sense of responsibility, reminding you both of the lives that rely on your work. If you both disappeared for the day, when you’re both known to be dedicated to your duties, it would certainly raise suspicions.

Truthfully, the idea of spending the day in the quiet of your home with him is hard to resist, especially with the way his lips are brushing against your neck, causing your body to tingle all over. But you know, despite the attraction of staying close to him, that your duties come first, especially his come first. With a soft sigh, you gently pull away from and turn so you can look into his eyes, giving him a lingering look that speaks of how much you’d rather stay wrapped in his arms.

He chuckles, nodding with a sense of understanding, though his gaze still lingers on you with a quiet intensity. “You’re right, as usual,” he says, his tone resigned yet affectionate. “They need us, and I need to get started on my rounds.” Leaning in, he brushes a gentle kiss against your lips, his touch lingering, wanting one last kiss before you have to part ways. “Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

“I will,” you assure him firmly, your voice resolute. “And you better do the same. I won’t be patching you up twice in one day.” The banter is light, but beneath it lies a genuine concern for his well-being. You and Tonowari walk out of your home at the same time and you both hold hands for as long as possible before you have to take different paths. You and him exchange loving gazes one more time before the two of you start to split off to different places on the island.

As you start walking towards the heart of the village and making your way to the healing pod, the vibrant colors of the village greet you, alive with the sounds of laughter and the salty breeze of the sea. The sun rises higher, illuminating the faces of your neighbors as they go about their morning tasks, a scene of harmony that fills you with purpose.

—

The early afternoon sun cast long shadows over the village as the Olo’eyktan gathered his warriors for a meeting. Tonowari finished his rounds a while ago, assessing the well-being of his people, making sure the hunters were collecting enough food to feed the clan, that the healers had sufficient supplies, and making sure that the warriors-in-training are up to par. Every so often Tonowari calls a meeting with all his warriors to discuss whatever he deems necessary for them to have knowledge of so currently he’s standing in front of a group of seasoned warriors with a steady and focused expression on his face. The warriors listen intently as he speaks, discussing plans for the coming weeks, the new resources they’ve gathered, and trade strategies with neighboring clans and how they’ll be conducted.

Once the meeting is concluded, the warriors begin to relax, their expressions easing as they fall into conversation. Mating season is approaching for the Metkayina, and the topic quickly shifts to the thrill of potential partners and possible courtships.

One of the younger warriors, a grinning Na’vi with bright eyes, leans in toward the group. “So, do any of you have someone in mind? I hear a few of the women in the northern pods are particularly interested this year.”

Another warrior laughs, elbowing his friend. “The northern pods? Well, I have my eye on someone a little closer.”

The group chuckles, sharing knowing looks and nudges. A third warrior, braver and bolder than his peers, leans back against a nearby tree and crosses his arms with a smirk. “Well, if we’re speaking of those who’ve been catching our eyes, I’d say that the newcomer is quite… intriguing.”

Tonowari’s ears perked up at that, his expression carefully neutral as he listened in on what his subordinates were saying. He feels a tightening in his chest as they continue their conversation and he can’t stop the slight clench of his jaw. He knows exactly who they mean when they say ‘newcomer’ and it’s stirring up a nasty emotion inside the Olo’eyktan at the mention of you.

The warriors exchange looks, some nodding their heads in agreement. “Ah, yes,” one said with a grin. “She has a spirit about her. There’s something different. And she’s been here long enough now, I’d say she’s part of the clan.”

Another warrior chimes in, his tone lighthearted but admiring. “She’s smart, too. Not to mention skilled in healing. I think any one of us would be lucky to court her.”

Tonowari’s fists tighten behind his back, his fingertips pressing into his palms as he fights the urge to respond. The mask of calm he wears, cultivated through years of leadership, is beginning to slip, and his tail flicks in irritation despite his best efforts to remain composed. His ears, trained on the voices of his warriors, catch every casual, careless words they speak about you—the admiration in their voices, the hints of desire, the presumptuous confidence they hold in their tone when they discuss you as if you’re an unclaimed woman waiting to be courted.

Each remark feels like a tiny ember dropped into his chest, sparking a jealousy he’s struggling to contain. He reminds himself of the choice you both made to keep your bond private, to protect the quiet intimacy of what you share, away from the curious eyes of the clan. And yet, in this moment, he feels the weight of that choice bearing down on him. These warriors—his own warriors, those who have fought by his side—speak of you like a prize to be won, an object of competition.

The restraint he shows is as much for himself as it is for them, for he knows that one slip in his expression, one moment of sharpness in his voice, would reveal more than he’s currently prepared to share. But with every laugh, every nudge, and every insinuation, the irritation coils tighter within him, a reminder of how fiercely he feels for you.

A laugh echoes from the group, and one of the warriors, with a mischievous smirk, declares his intent to “try his luck” with you, claiming you might need “someone strong to keep you grounded.” The remark brings a sharp, almost feral look to Tonowari’s eyes, a dangerous edge beneath his calm. He reminds himself—again—that they don’t know, that their casual interest is not meant as an offense. But his jaw clenches, and his heart beats faster, wrestling with the possessive surge that threatens to overtake him.

While the Olo’eyktan is having an emotional debate within himself, Ralak, looks across the circle of warriors, reading the slight tension in his leader’s stance. With a small, knowing smile, Ralak excuses himself from the conversation and walks over to Tonowari.

“Walk with me, Olo’eyktan.” Ralak says, his voice calm but with a hint of humor in his gaze. Tonowari gives him a nod, eager for the chance to leave the warriors’ chatter behind before he blows a fuse. They move a few paces away, leaving the others deep in their discussions about their pursuit for future mates. Once they’re out of earshot, Ralak chuckles softly. “You know, it’s quite amusing to see you like this, Tonowari. You, of all people, should be used to admiration. But hearing it directed at her—now that’s something new.”

Tonowari exhales, the tension easing slightly at Ralak’s teasing tone but not leaving completely. “They speak as if she’s theirs to court,” he mutters, his voice barely concealing his frustration. “As if they have any idea who she is.”

Ralak chuckles, crossing his arms as he leans against a nearby tree. “Of course they don’t know. You’ve kept things quiet. They see her as a woman who’s simply here, one who’s… available. And, well,” he smirks, “you cannot blame them for noticing. She’s a rare presence.” The Metkayina have always been curious of what Na’vi from different parts of Pandora look like so now that they’ve laid eyes on you a new curiosity has grown, what it’s like to be with a woman that's the opposite of them.

Tonowari sighs, a mixture of pride and frustration filling his chest as he knows that men in the clan want you yet you only have eyes for him. “I know that. But to hear them talk so casually, as if they could just… approach her, as if she would give them a second glance…” He shakes his head, fighting the urge to march back and make it clear that you shouldn’t be discussed this way.

“And yet, you’ve kept her hidden. Why?”

Tonowari hesitates, glancing toward the village beyond where he’s spent countless evenings with you. “She and I… we wanted something just for ourselves. Something apart from the clan’s expectations, the constant eyes on us. She wanted time to settle in, to find her place here, without everyone immediately knowing.”

Ralak nods, his expression softening as he begins to understand his reasoning for keeping your relationship under wraps. “Then don’t let their words get under your skin. They speak in ignorance, not knowing what you and her share.” He places a firm hand on Tonowari’s shoulder. “But… I would suggest you think about telling them soon. With mating season approaching, the interest in her will only grow.”

Tonowari grimaces, knowing his friend was right. His warriors are respectful, but also persistent when it comes to finding their potential mate. The last thing he wants is for you to be put in a situation where you feel uncomfortable, or worse, pressured by their advances.

Ralak raises an eyebrow, seeing that the Olo’eyktan is still facing an internal battle with his feelings and thoughts so he decides to give him a few more pieces of sound advice. “Or maybe, you should remind her just how deeply you feel. Make sure she knows she doesn’t need to keep your bond a secret if it causes you both trouble.”

A small smile breaks through Tonowari’s tense expression, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “She knows,” he says softly. “But I’ll admit, it’s hard to hide it when I feel this strongly.”

“Then perhaps a little less hiding wouldn’t hurt. You are the Olo’eyktan, after all. You have every right to make your intentions known.”

Tonowari nods, his resolve strengthening. The quiet, private moments with you are cherished by him when he wants to escape from the demands of his role, but he can’t deny the desire to stand by you openly, to show everyone that you are his.

Tonowari takes a steadying breath, the weight of his friend’s words settling into his mind. He knows now that if he doesn’t make his intentions clear, others will continue to see you as someone they could pursue and that is something he can no longer allow. “Thank you, Ralak,” he says, giving his friend a firm nod. “I’ll speak with her.”

Ralak nods with a smile, satisfied with Tonowari’s decision and glad to see him happy. “Good. She deserves to be seen as the one you’ve chosen, not just another face in the clan.”

As the two men part, Tonowari feels a new sense of purpose filling him. His jealousy sparked something that needs addressing, but more than that, it reminds him of how fully his heart has opened up for you. And if claiming you publicly means drawing a few surprised looks, he’ll gladly accept that challenge.

Previous — Chapter Three・Next — Chapter Four / Part Two

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[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

Are You Sure?! - Episode 1 Observations

Who said it during the Bon Vogaye S3 interviews? "We click". Was it Jimin or Jungkook? Either way, it's clearly mutual and and we've heard iterations of that throughout the years in other contexts, particularly in terms of work ethic.

The first night they spent in Connecticut at that cabin in the woods showed us a different facet, in a more domestic realm. The delegation of each role during cooking pointing out what the other one likes, knowing exactly how to prepare something based on a word. It was like a well-oiled machine that has been functioning for ages. It also gave us a taste of what was to come the next evening when Jungkook cooked pasta, an entire scene worthy to dissect.

But what stood out to me more was what happened next. I know we've all joked and talked about poor Jimin and his stomach bug. A very unexpected topic, but here we are. The level of candidness might have felt surprising (at least for me initially), but they are also guys and perhaps coming from a place socially and culturally in which it's not unusual.

But it did contribute to that element of authenticity I mentioned in my first post about the series. I want to digress a bit here because the entire situation reminded me of a conversation I had perhaps more than a decade ago. I was talking to an acquitance about elements that are usually kept out of films, part of the mundane. What is left out of the story due to its lack of relevancy. And he said that scenes of people urinating are common in films, but we don't see/hear people taking a shit, or even talking about it. Yes, the language was that crude. (And no, Salo doesn't count). Shortly after, Godard's Adieu au langage was released and if my memory serves right, it had that exact scene that my acquitance was talking about. I don't think it was a matter of authenticity, the film was a lot more complex than that in its experimentation, but it did go as far as to show somehow the hidden parts of human behavior on screen, now suddenly at a forefront.

What's the purpose of that in a travel show? What does it say about the choice to show it and about the people? In variety content including surviror type, travel or even food show, issues connected to the body are not something foreign or unusual. But in AYS, it's about the length and how it became a way to show the care a person has for the other and consequently becoming another example of that authenticity.

Both Jungkook and Jimin kept a light tone over Jimin's progressive state of sickness, but in no circumstances has Jungkook ever treated it like he needs to keep his distance. The man was sitting in bed, telling Jimin it's alright, while he was fighting for his life in the bathroom.

Despite keeping a light tone, in Jungkook's case it's often about his actions. His own way of showing that he cares more than what appears to. He might laugh and joke that Jimin is dying, all the while being the one to give him the medicine. He keeps on making jokes as he goes outside, only to immediately decide to build a stone temple so Jimin can get better.

I found it all very moving. I know it might also seem trivial, but I choose to see some gestures for what they appear to be a sign of: complete comfortability, with no uneasyness or shame or lack of aknowledgement. It's a result of seeing that person going through everything and knowing that person intimately, at whatever level any of us choose to interpret it.

To be continued...

[finnedfatale]

Well, let me take it for a try. How about some fluff headcanon about favorite things to do when relaxing for Diasomnia. I really love fluff about Tsunotaro!

Giggling, rubbing my hands like a fly. Four big guys. Headcanons are my favorite tbh, I love taking characters and mishmashing what I feel is right for them.

Lilia, Sebek, Silver and Malleus.

You said you like malleus so get ready to read pookie.

Lilia's obviously is hanging upside down. You'd think he does that only to scare people, but for him it's a surprisingly comfortable position to read in. He used to practice instruments for fun but now he has most mastered, from guzheng to percussion so he doesn't find it all that relaxing anymore. He prefers to sit in a dark room, enlightened by candles as he reads something. It's usually a romance, he steers away from any books he deems as fantasy due to thinking they're boring (and already reading the better ones a long time ago). Though, one time Yuu offered him a book from their universe. Despite being a thick and complicated fantasy series, Lilia read through it in less than a day. He was fascinated by all sorts of magic described in the book, having to take everything he knew about his own universe and reconsider if all this fantasy in the book was meant to truly be like a weird alternative version of the one he is in. Yuu never saw that book again, though Yuu did get thousands of questions from Lilia about said book.

Sebek doesn't relax. You think he relaxes? WRONG!!! He's always on high alert in case his liege needs him.... Though he does admit, reading is a hobby of his which he indulges in often. It may not be very surprising but everytime there is thundering outside he relaxes like never before, he himself never is able to fully relax until he hears that distinct rumbling and a deafening crash of light. Though he only watches from inside due to most lighting being accompanied by cold rain, he prefers warm places! (Canonically he finds the school's botanical garden relaxing due to it being warm and humid!)

Silver's weird fact about himself is the fact that he keeps a collection of sword handles. He used to keep full swords (and he still has some) but his collection took up so much place that he decided to shorten them. Blades of the swords were never interesting to him anyways, it's mostly the handles that were intricately designed. To relax he often goes through his collection and polishes them until they shine so bright that it's almost like looking into a mirror. If still needing to relax and his polishing attempts didn't calm him enough, he goes outside in order to feed the birds. The Diasomnia dorm is mostly surrounded by crows which always scurry around him when they see him.

Malleus is somewhat of a yapper. He doesn't get too into talking though until he is sure he can, keeping a distance to his words before actually yapping. Though... When one of the people he trusts more comes by, he tends to talk and talk about mundane topics until the corners of his mouth hurt from speaking. Even other people in the dorm fail to get to see that side of him, it's reserved for those who he can actually open to which isn't a lot of people. When Yuu came by he opened up to them due to a few simple reasons. Tamagotchis and dedication. Other than Malleus having one, Yuu carried about three on their person. He wondered why Yuu needs so many only to find out that two were broken and serving simply as keychains, he understood it simply as attachment to an item they deeply cared for. But for Yuu it was more of a "fixing it costs more money" situation. The two didn't talk much, occasionally passing eachother in the hallways. Yuu found out through Idia's doing that the little devices were compatible despite being from different universes and if given a bigger screen the creatures could interact. Everyday that Malleus saw Yuu, he silently watched as they paced back and forth while planning things. It gotten to the point that Yuu randomly screamed out "Eureka!" and other stuff in class when they gotten a plan on what to do next. Though with the two broken devices Yuu managed to make a scuffed version of a wide tamagotchi. It was like a small connecting screen which as soon as it was placed near a tamagotchi (or a similar device) transfered it from the small screen to the bigger one. Malleus was hesitant at first, obviously scared to put his beloved object next to something that looked like a portable bomb or a Nintendo switch without a casing. But everyday he did it and the two talked while they took care of their little electronic creatures. Malleus finally felt like he could open up, everytime he talked with Yuu he could feel his heart warming up to them. Eventually he forgot about the toy for a bit, only coming to Yuu in order to talk about everything and nothing. Hobbies, food, new things he learned, things Yuu may have not known, history of twisted wonderland... He finally had a friend he could talk to :)

This was long oh my days. This ask was actually so cute so I decided to yap and yap like Malleus. I think I'm getting more comfortable about writing to you guys because my posts are only gonna get longer.

Though... i can't stop imagining what would happen if he finally found a friend in Yuu and the next day they were able to go back to their universe bro would be mentally destroyed 😭

Also this got me thinking why Silver doesn't have a last name. Like shouldn't he have one?? And why is Sebek the only guy from Diasomnia from another place?? Like said place doesnt even have a tumblr tag 🤔

I think I should go offline for today. Too much thoughts.

[dreamofjoys]

— 𝗖𝗛𝗣 𝟭 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣𝗢𝗡 𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠

→ this chapter is part of a series that I am working on. please visit here for more information before proceeding to read

→c/w: fem reader

→ prologue (previous) / chapter 2 (next)

Your eyes shot open, blinking once and twice to adjust to the darkness. Sitting up on your bed, you sighed, realising that it's one of those weird dreams that you were having ever since you have landed in twisted wonderland. Well, you are in a world full of magic, so it's normal to experience things that are considered out of the norm, right?

The crescent moon hung high above the night sky, an indication that it was still late at night. Seeing as how you are wide awake now, you decide it would be best to take a night stroll around ramshackle dorm. Slipping in your sandals, you opened and closed the door quietly, careful not to wake up the cat that was currently snoozing away on the couch.

The cold air hits your body the moment you exited the dorm, making you cross your arms over each other as an attempt to warm yourself up before proceeding on to your usual route. Ramshackle is located in a desolated space, so it shouldn't be a surprise at how eerily silent and dead the entire area is. You ignored the chills that were running down your spine, focusing to walk on the path that you usually take whenever you go on a stroll.

A little deeper. You thought, further stepping into the dark forest that just lies outside of the broken dorm. You weren't one to venture into a forest in the middle of the night just for a stroll. In fact, you could literally shit yourself in your pants right now from how dark the forest it. You don't have super eyesight for night vision, what if you trip and fall onto something?

However, there was a desire burning inside you that overcomes your fear of the unknown. Just a little bit more, he should be here-

"Child of man?"

A deep melancholy voice pulls you away from your thoughts. Instantly, you turn to face the man that you have been pining for ever since the both of you met in this same exact place. "Tsunotarou!" You smiled widely, feeling delighted to meet the dark fae - also the very reason why you decided to venture into this dark woods.

“Hm, your eyes seems a little puffy today. Did you just woke up?” Due to the height difference, Malleus had to peer his neck down to look at you. "Ah yes, I just woke up. But I couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to walk around the woods, uh, ACHOO-"

Your hands immediately fly up to cover your mouth, feeling embarrassed that your conversation has been interrupted by a mere sneeze. "Sorry about that, tsunotarou." Malleus hums, observing your small hands rubbing on each other to create some warmth for your cold body. He notes that you are only wearing a thin cotton layer of night gown that does little to provide warm. The tip of your nose and the plane of your cheeks were red, your body slightly shivering from the night air.

"You are catching a cold." Malleus commented, seeing the small goosebumps appearing on your skin. "It's fine, I have a strong immune system! I won't get sick easily." You tried brushing off the topic, hoping that Malleus would start rambling about one of his ruin discoveries, but Malleus only looks at you with a serious expression, his dark lips pressing into thin line.

Letting out a sigh, Malleus snaps his fingers, and a piece of cloth suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The cloth, or rather the shawl, lands on your shoulders nicely, covering your upper chest. You stare at the shawl in awe, mesmerized by the gold and green embroidery that thread into roses, decorating around the border of the shawl. The fabric itself is a soft black colour. Somehow, the colour palette reminds you of Malleus.

"You can keep this, it's made of high quality fabric that are meant to prevent one from getting cold." Malleus reaches out to help you wrap the shawl around your neck area properly. His movements were soft and delicate, making sure that it's not wrapped too tightly, careful to not let himself touch you inappropriately.

You were glad that your cheeks were already red. If not, you won't know of any idea to explain the reason behind your tomato face.

"Th-thank you." You almost slapped yourself for sounding so pathetic.

"No problem. Let me escort you back to the dorm, it's dangerous to leave a young lady like you alone."

The walk back to the dorm felt way faster than when you came out at first. You and Malleus were both engrossed in the conversation, sharing about your days, talking about the recent VDC competition, and basically whatever that the both of you had in mind.

Within a blink of an eye, the both of you had already reached the entrance of Ramshackle dorm. You were still laughing at one of Malleus's jokes, well, poorly attempted joke since you were only laughing at his failed attempt. When you set your eyes upon the familiar set of doors, your laughter starts dying down, and your expression seems down a little.

Fortunately for you, Malleus is an observant person. "Don't worry, we can still hang out tomorrow." To anyone, he would have sound like a sarcastic person. But you know better that despite his lack of expression, giving you words of affirmation was just one of his ways to comfort you.

"Okay! See you tomorrow then, tsunotarou! Goodnight!" You turned to face him with a bright smile, waving goodnight and thanks to your friend. The moonlight shines on your face, making you glow brightly. Malleus watch you retreat back to your dorm. His sharp ears detecting your loud footsteps thumping up the stairs and into your room. It seems like you were giggling at something. Has his promise to hang out with you tomorrow excites you so much?

For the first time in his life, Malleus felt his heart skipped a beat.

♡♡♡♡♡

You were elated when Malleus had first asked you to hang out with him, so much so that you were skipping your way down the hallways and into your room.

As you dive back under your covers, the shawl that he had gifted you was still wrapped around your neck, and it was definitely something that you would treasure greatly. You bury your nose into the neck, snuggling against the warmth that Malleus had provided you. It would be good if his scent was on it-

No. You shake your head off those thoughts. Your feelings towards Malleus is nothing more than a puppy crush. You were painstakingly well aware about the differences between you and Malleus. You, a commoner without any magic. And Malleus, a SSR Magician that can literally change the weather on his will. Besides, you were going to return home soon anyway, what benefit would it bring to love someone who is going to be worlds away from you?

Shutting your eyes, you decided to just sleep and get over it.Those feelings won't last. You thought to yourself minutes before dozing off the dreamland. But somehow, those thoughts hurts.

♡♡♡♡♡

You start wondering if the sight that you are seeing infront of you is real.

There was 2 figure sitting together under a tree, watching sunset together. The taller figure, who seems like a woman, was leaning her head on the other person's shoulders. The other person, whose figure resembles a man, was holding up a strawberry, pressing it onto the woman's lips. The woman opened her mouth, revealing what seems to be a pair of fangs before taking a bite on the fruit.

Your vision was hazy and blurry, but you could still deduce that both figure were talking and laughing - though you couldn't hear them at all. Judging by the loving gestures, they were both lovers.

It's a dream again. You thought to yourself, wondering if this scene it's just a part of the movie that you had watch back on earth.

Geez, have you miss earth so much that you are dreaming about movies now? It's probably about time for you to wake up.

You couldn't control your body or speak in the dream. You had concluded that your brain was just making up weird fantasies, not until you notice both pair of figures facing you, almost as if they have finally noticed your presence. The woman's mouth opened, she was speaking but you couldn't hear her. Heck, you don't even know how they look like given the hazy situation.

Both figures starts rushing towards you in a frantic manner, but before they could touch you, you had woken up in cold sweat.

Your hands immediately reaching up to pull the shawl close to you, seeking comfort to calm down your frantic nightmare. That was definitely one hell of a nightmare.

[worldswithoutendings]

Eye for an eye [Michael Langdon] PT.1

Hello everyone! guess who is back after a very very long time, I'm rewatching AHS and can't help but fall in love with the antichrist. so enjoy! This might be a series, I want to test it out first.

Pairing: Michael Langdon x Female reader

Warning: none

Summary: 15-year-old you made a sort of deal with the devil, for a love life. pathetic. you know. but he comes with a different approach to what you actually want. but will it work?

You still regret the day you made the decision, the worst decision in your life so to speak of. When you made a deal with the devil. But on the other side, who can you blame? When you’re 15 years old, desperate for love, a life you wanted so badly. Due to all the influence, the neglect in your family. The yearning. You still remember his reaction to this day. Loud laughter ran through the reddened sky, ‘Sweetheart, please, don’t be so pathetic. You want to make a deal with me, for a love life?’ ‘Yes! Please’ you cried out, feeling foolish ‘Foolish, foolish little girl’ he mumbled as he sat on his throne ‘you can be so much more, you have so much potential. Yet you’re here, with me, pleading for love’

‘I’m sorry’ you whisper as you look down, hot tears flowing over your rosy cheeks ‘You’re so young’ he keeps mumbling about the great aspects of you ‘You could rule the world one day’ ‘I don’t want to do it alone’ you blurt out "oh! Now I have you talking, so you want to rule the world?” “I mean, yeah, doesn’t everyone want to rule the world at one point in their life?" his laugh echoes again ‘no one, can rule the world like you, but, I can arrange something for you. If you arrange something for me’

‘What do you want’ you blurt out ‘I want, you to be the bride, the bride to end all times, to end all days, to end eternity on this earth’ ‘What do you mean?’ you say as you try to get rid of the tears on your cheeks ‘I will give you, a husband, you have to find him first. He isn’t ready yet, I'll give you directions when the time is ri-‘ ‘NO!” you yell out

‘I want to be loved now, didn’t you hear me!? How old are you? Like two thousand years old?-‘ ‘-older my dear’ ‘Well then fix yourself some hearing aids!’ you blurt out, making Satan laugh again ‘Oh foolish girl, you’re going to give him a hell of a time’ and by that. Time stops. The sky turns back from red to gray.

You find yourself back in your bedroom, the cuts you made for your offering are gone, the dead bird has disappeared and all the candles are blown out. ‘What a joke’ you mumble to yourself as you cry yourself to sleep that night.

27th of November 2023

7:30.

Corpus ave.

Dress code: black

You can’t help but laugh, corpus ave? How fitting for a cooperative meeting. You are now 26 years of age. You did age gracefully if you have to be honest. Maybe Satan was right and was keeping you youthful for your husband.

you laugh okay quit it y/n your 15-year-old was screaming in your head about how you deserve to be loved, yet no one ever bothered to go further than a lazy one-night stand or a short conversation filled with flirtations but no invitations. You thought Satan totally saw it as a joke and to be honest, you started to see it like that too over time.

But on the other hand, you hadn’t expected an invitation to a cooperative meeting, led by Satan, or rather his Spawn. You had heard from him, Michael Langdon, ‘son’ of Tate Langdon and Vivien Harmon. You didn’t want to expect much from him so you kept your expectations low as you got ready for the night.

Stupid dress, why did I buy you in the first place?! Even though you had better dresses in your wardrobe, you also wanted to impress the people there. So you took advantage of your body, with a black body con dress, that rose up every time you walked. That means I will be sitting down for the rest of the evening ‘Miss van son!” you hear, and you look up, to see an unknown face ‘You don’t remember me? My apologies, my name is Rutherford, Jason Rutherford. We went to high school together’ ‘And you are calling me by my last name because?’ ‘Because I have to, Miss van Son’ Jason smiles. But his eyes aren’t smiling. Which says enough for you, and you give him a 20-dollar tip ‘Have a nice night Jason’ ‘Thank you, mis-Miss van Son’ Jason stutters. You sit down in the ballroom with all the people who have money. Lots of money. You feel out of place.

‘all rise’ a man screams, making everybody stand up straight ‘Michael Langdon, The antichrist.’ Michael comes through the doorway and your breath hitches oh my. He is beautiful, with deep sea blue eyes, golden hair past his shoulder, and a girl to his side. Hold up. A girl!? It’s not him you sigh why else would Satan, of all people, invite me to a cooperative meeting ‘sit down” Michael's cold voice echoes through the room ‘first of all, thank you for coming. Second of all. I want to introduce my girlfriend, soon-to-be wife, Rosalie Withers. You can not question her about anything. I will have your head on a silver platter’ He shows his white teeth at the end, and you can’t help but feel jealous, so who will it be then, the so-called love of my life.

When it’s time to socialize, you scrape your throat. Getting ready to walk to the bar for a heavy drink. Only to lock eyes with Michael. You show him your best smile and raise your empty glass at him as he opens a pathway for you to the bar. You can’t help but see him scan your body again!? No ‘Hi how are you’ or anything else? ‘Hi, how are you?’ Michael says softly ‘I’m good, thank you mister Langdon” he has to be a few years older than you.

He moves gracefully but strategically ‘You have potential’ Michael says ‘Excuse me?’ you almost choked on your saliva ‘I say you have potential’ he says a bit harder, but not harder for the room ‘Oh, thank you. I guess?’ you try to push your body through Donald Trump and Michael's body. You see how he takes a whiff of your smell and you see his eyes darken oh shit you try to pick up your pace to the bar but Michael has beaten you to it ‘a vodka soda, please’ you say to the bartender ‘Make that two, and two shots’ you hear Michael say and you furrow your brows

‘my father says I have to be polite’ ‘Well, you’re father is a shitty man’ you can’t help but blurt out. Making Michael laugh, almost the exact same way you got humiliated eleven years ago. You bite your lip on the inside and take a deep breath as you wait ‘I’m sorry, Miss Van Son, right?” ‘You can just call me y/n’ ‘you can just call me Michael’ ‘I’d rather not’ you say as the bartender puts down your drinks ‘why not?’ “well, you’re Satan offspring, I’m already... seen like a fool. Don’t want to humiliate myself that bad that I will definitely not have a-I don’t know why I’m telling you this, have a lovely night Mr Langdon’ you walk away with your drink and leave Michael with the two shots.

After you finish your drink you walk outside to feel the crisp air you’re still a foolish little girl you hear Satan roar through your mind ‘I know, thanks for the newsflash’ you say as you raise a middle finger to the ground ‘That’s where you are, right?! everyone looking down at you. Pathetic’ you mumble as you feel yourself getting irritated.

You wished you had brought a shawl or a coat but no, you thought it wouldn’t be long. Yet it’s already 2:45 ‘shit’ you mumble as you look at your phone, only to feel a coat be draped over your shoulders ‘Figured you might need it’ Michael says as he walks back to the club he followed me?! He didn’t see me flip off his dad, right? You shake your head and make your way home. Longing for your warm bed, funny enough, Michael's scent hypnotizes you in a funny way. Making you not remember going home at all. Just as you fell asleep in your bed, still wearing his coat.

[crazyunsexycool]

My little love

Chapter 25

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x enhanced!reader

Word count: 3.7k

Warnings: gun use, angst!!!!!, sad Lottie 🥺, crying Bucky 😭, talk of sexual assault, little bit of fluff.

A/N: im really doing everything in my power to make this series last as long as possible 😂. I just love them I never want to stop writing for the Barnes family!! Anyways I made myself sad writing the second half of this so yeah…

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The music thumped along and pushed people to dance either on or off the dance floor. Strobe lights blinking in different colors cast shadows across the room. You wore a black dress that hugged your curves in all the right places with a slit up the skirt, leaving little to the imagination. With your own abilities you added your metals to the dress in decorative chains.

You moved freely to the rhythm of the song that was playing while Sam was in front of you with his hands on your waist. He pulled you in closer as you wrapped your hands around his neck. Sam dipped his head so that you could hear him over the music.

“Let’s move to somewhere more quiet.” He says as his eyes dart behind you and he gives a little nod.

You give a nod of your own before his hand falls to the small of your back and he’s leading you to the vip section.

****

Sam’s hand stayed firmly on your thigh, skin in skin as the slit on your skirt exposed more of the area once you crossed one leg over the other. The contrast from the main floor to the vip section was incredible. It obviously was empty with the exception of you, Sam and a group of about five men. It was a lot more quiet. In fact it was a perfect place for an arms deal.

The men sitting across from you kept their eyes on your chest or thigh and they stared at you as if you were nothing more than a piece of meat. You ignored it however and kept your attention focused on the deal Sam was working on. While he sat up straight, partly due to the suit he was wearing, you sat back and kept a hand on his shoulder. It was meant to look like a loving caress from one lover to another. That was the cover.

“5 million is cheap if you consider that the weapons were made with alien technology.” The leader of the group, Paul, said. He was tall and slender, almost creepily so. His hair was jet black and greasy and it stuck to his cheeks since it fell to his shoulders. He also had a subtle Portuguese accent, but it seemed like he was working towards getting rid of it, at least hiding it well enough.

“But 5 million for what, ten guns? And they’re not even the full gun they were, what did you say?”

“Re-engineered.” You provide, causing Paul to throw you a deadly glare.

“I’m willing to do the 5 million but I need at least 15 guns and I want a demonstration first.”

“We have a video we can show you right now.” Paul says as he snaps his fingers so that one of the men that was standing around would give him a phone. Sam lifted his hand though, and stopped it.

“I want a live demonstration. Matter of fact I want to shoot the gun myself.”

“Mr. Barron I assure you that everything is in order.”

“I don’t know baby, it seems like they’re trying to con us.” You mutter as you lean forward and rest your chin over Sam’s shoulder.

“Why don’t you stay out of it you nosy bitch.”

“I’d be very careful about how you speak to her.” Sam’s voice is low and steady, it’s a little frightening. The only reason you were undercover was because you both resemble the actual Mr. Barron and his partner. With the help of nano masks you’re able to take their place for this meeting.

“Mr. Barron please, you must understand that women are sensible creatures and while your girl here is absolutely lovely to look at, I’m sure she would much rather be down on the dance floor. Isn’t that right?”

“No it isn’t. But I’m willing to forget your disrespect if you show us the guns and let us try them out.”

Paul scowls in your direction before looking back at Sam. “Fine. I’ll take you to the warehouse myself.”

Sam stands and offers you his hand to help you up. The two of you follow Paul out of the club and into waiting cars. You’re driven through the streets of Portugal until you’ve left the city behind. The car stops in what looks like an abandoned warehouse and the door is opened for you. During the journey you could hear Bucky, Steve, Clint and Nat talking in your ear and making plans.

Although not your favorite footwear for missions you were wearing stilettos. Fortunately for you though Nat had forced you to train with heels for moments such as this. So even though the ground was a mixture of cobblestones and loose dirt you managed to walk around as if you were on a catwalk.

“Right this way.” Paul says as he pounds on a metal rolling door and it begins to slide to the sides.

The warehouse seems abandoned on the outside but the inside is another story. The warehouse is massive and filled with people, machinery and crates filled with guns. You adjust the necklace you were wearing to make sure the small camera was capturing everything.

“Right this way.” Paul sweeps his arm towards another set of doors. This time further into the belly of the building and then down a flight of stairs.

The basement has been transformed into a sort of shooting range. There are large chunks of concrete missing from the walls, from where you assume the gun blasts had hit.

“Here you go.” Paul holds out a rather large and bulky gun for Sam to take.

Sam looks over in your direction and you give a little nod before he takes the gun. He aims and shoots. It’s more like a canon than a gun and if Sam wasn’t as strong as he was he would have been sent flying backwards. Sam gives a nod of approval as he inspects the hun closer.

“Give us the word and we’ll move in.” Steve says over comms.

“Paul, you have yourself a deal.”

Paul gives a satisfied smile to Sam before they shake hands. All the while you can hear the team starting to move. Sam is aware that the team is moving in but you can actually hear them on the floors above. You’re already working your chains into a weapon of your own as the doors at the top of the stairs burst open. The room descends into chaos with all of Paul’s men shooting without looking first. Instinctively your hand goes up as your chains mold into a shield just as bullets rain down on you and Sam. The gunfight is a blur but it ultimately ends with you and Sam taking down everyone in the room.

“Everyone ok down here?” Steve asks as he walks down the stairs.

“We are.”

“Good.” He looks both of you over. “Unfortunately we aren’t done here. Most of the guns were already shipped out. We have to follow it and stop the shipment from arriving at its destination.”

You really didn’t like the idea of being away from the kids so soon after the CIA incident and now you’d be away for a little bit longer.

“How long?”

“Another 12 hours at most.”

You give him a nod and start heading upstairs so that you could change into your actual mission uniform. On the main floor of the warehouse you walk past a group of people that have been arrested. The flashing lights of police cars and ambulances illuminate the area. Clint gives you a thumbs up as you pass by and Nat gives you a little nod. Undercover was not your specialty, it always made you nervous that you would make a mistake. Fortunately this time there wasn’t room for error. The one thing you do notice is the lack of Bucky.

It had only been a few short days since he had to sit with Everett Ross and since then there had been limited contact. On his part, not yours. You weren’t sure what was wrong but the only person that he would say more than one or two words to was Steve. Even then he didn’t say much. You sighed as you climbed up to the jet and grabbed your gear to get changed. By the time you were done everyone was on the jet and ready to go and track down the shipment. Once the jet was in the air you moved to the communication station and called your dad through a secure line. You let him know that you would be gone one more day, fortunately since he was retired he was fine with staying with the kids for longer.

“Mama, when are you coming home? Is daddy coming with you?” Henry asked. That was another issue. You were fine with giving Bucky space but the kids didn’t understand why he was slightly absent.

“Hi my sweet boy. We have to stay out a little longer but I promise when I get home we’ll do something fun.”

“Is daddy going to be here too?”

“I’ll let you ask him.” You turned to find Bucky glaring at Sam for some comment about how much fun he had with you dancing. It was all teasing on Sam’s part but you knew it annoyed Bucky. You hold up the head loser and hand Bucky the and give him an expectant look while he stares at it.

He reluctantly took the headset from you and put it on. “Hey bubs.” He greeted Henry and you walked away to give him some privacy.

“Give him some time. He’ll snap out of it soon enough.”

“I can give him all the time in the world, it’s the kids that don’t understand what’s going on. I wish he would just talk to me, Steve. Even just a little bit. But he just shuts me out everytime I try to make sure he’s ok.”

Steve pats your shoulder and gives you a sympathetic look.

“Let's just focus on the mission so that we can go home.”

“Morning mama.” Lottie whispered. “Mama, habe suwpwise.”

You stirred in bed. By the time the second part of the mission ended and you got home, it was already late at night and the kids were sleeping. After a quick shower you went straight to bed and fell asleep quickly. Now you were being woken up by Lottie’s sweet whisper and her gentle caresses. She placed a soft kiss on your cheek before resting her head on your chest. Your sweet girl always loved to cuddle after being separated due to a long mission.

“Good morning my sweet Angel.”

You’re met with happy blue eyes when you finally open yours. Her chubby cheeks and messy black hair take up all of your attention.

“Hi.” She says with a giggle.

“Hi. Did you say surprise?”

“Can habe it now, mama.” She moves away from you on the bed and you instinctively reach out for Bucky. Sighing sadly when you realize he isn’t there again. The door opens and you turn to see Henry walking in with a bowl in his hands. You’re about to say something to him when you’re splashed with something right on your chest. You gasp at the cold sensation and turn to see Lottie holding a now empty bowl in her hands. When you look down you realize that there is milk and cereal all over you, the bed and Lottie.

“Oh no.” you say when you see Lottie’s bottom lip begin to wobble and tears start falling. She had been a bit more emotional than usual and you’d hate to think it was because she was missing her daddy.

“Sowwy mama.”

“It’s ok sweet Angel, it was just an accident.” You say as you sit up. The mess of milk that hadn’t been soaked up by your shirt rolled off you and fell onto the bed. “Did you guys make me breakfast?”

“Yeah, we wanted to surprise you like on mother’s day.”

“Oh sweet boy, that is so nice of you to do. Is there more cereal?”

Henry nods.

“Ok, how about I jump in the shower and clean myself and Lottie up quickly and then we can have breakfast together?”

“Ok.”

“Kay.” Charlotte sniffled as she put her arms out for you to grab her. Henry carefully walked back out with his breakfast in hand while you and Charlotte cleaned yourselves up.

****

When you walked out to the kitchen you found that three bowls sat on the table along with cereal and milk. Henry sat on one of the chairs patiently waiting for you. You settled Lottie on her booster seat and opened your arms for Henry.

“Thank you for breakfast bub, that was very sweet of you.”

“You’re welcome.”

You take your seat and Henry insists on pouring everything and setting it in front of you. He gives you a genuine smile, one of the few he has given since the CIA broke in.

“You both are so sweet for making me breakfast. Where did you come up with the idea?”

Henry shrugs one shoulder. “We wanted to do something nice because you’re sad.”

“Sad?”

“Yeah because daddy isn’t here.”

“Oh, I-uh I-”

“It’s ok mama. He’ll be back soon, I know it.” Henry said confidently before turning his attention back to the food in front of him.

****

After breakfast and watching a movie with the kids you left to look for Bucky. It took a while but you found him in the garage Tony had prepared for him so that he could work on the motorcycle you gifted him for Father’s Day. You lean against the doorway and watch as he tinkers away on the frame. After a few minutes Bucky stops what he’s doing and he finally acknowledges your presence by looking at you.

“How are you?” You ask him. The question is stupid but you aren’t sure if you’ll be met with resistance or not. At the same time you’re also upset because Bucky has shut you out. The tension in the room is palpable. On one hand you want to be gentle but on the other you’re not opposed to an argument.

“Fine.”

“Could have fooled me.”

He averts his gaze back to the job at hand and he turns his back on you while looking for a tool.

“Why are you here?” He asks.

“Because I’m worried about you. The kids miss you.”

You watch as his head lowers at the mention of the kids.

“Henry is confident you’re coming back home soon.” You step into the garage and close the fort behind you. “Is he right in his assumption?”

He stiffens at the mention of his son and you know this is where he’ll shut down on you.

“Bucky, just talk to me. That’s all I want, please don’t shut me out.” You say as you walk closer to him. Your instinct is to reach out and touch him but you know better than that. “I understand that what you went through wasn’t easy-“

“Do you really?” He snaps at you. He’d never done that before but his eyes are dark with rage. “Do you know what it felt like to not have control over your own body?”

“I said I understand. I know that I will never truly know what it felt like. You’re safe now, you’re safe with me, just tell me what’s going on.”

You looked at each other for a while. It was like when he first came to the compound. You sigh and give a little nod in understanding that he wasn’t going to say anything, you turn to leave.

“I wanted to hate her.” He says before you open the door. Bucky turns in your direction but he won’t look at you.

“Who?”

“Charlotte. When you told me she was my daughter, I wanted to hate her.” He admits with a whisper and you know he feels so guilty about it.

“Why didn’t you? Why did you step up to raise her?”

“Because I heard you.”

Your eyebrows furrow as you try to understand what he’s talking about.

“After you told me and I walked out, you went to see Lottie in the med bay. I did too, I wanted to look at her and prove to myself that I didn’t have any paternal feelings towards her but I heard you. You said that I’d come around and that I was just scared but that I was a good man.”

“You are a good man.”

“I’m not!” He shouts. “I did horrible things. I don’t deserve to get the girl and the kids and be happy. The CIA coming in here reminded me of that. Someone will always come after me, after them because of me. So don’t tell me I’m a good man.”

“I guess this will be a point of disagreement for the rest of our lives then.”

“Why do you even think so highly of me?” Bucky whispers.

“The first thing you did for that little girl you wanted to hate was buy her a pink teddy bear in hopes that it would bring her comfort. You didn’t even know you were her father. You’re there for Henry whenever he has a nightmare and you’re willing to spend hours chasing them away. You’ve taken care of me whenever I’ve gotten sick or been hurt during a mission. So despite everything that hydra did to you and made you do, you are good. Nothing will ever change my mind about that.”

You were both silently crying and you wanted nothing more than to hug him but you knew that the interview with Ross had taken a toll on him.

“Can I hug you now?”

Bucky nods and takes you in his arms, holding on to you tightly. Like you’re the only thing that can keep him grounded.

“You can always talk to me. No matter what, I won’t judge you.”

“I was embarrassed and I thought you’d be ashamed of being with someone who was used like that. I had never been sure if they’d sexually assaulted me but seeing Lottie I couldn’t deny it anymore.”

“I could never be ashamed of you. I’m so proud of you for everything you’ve overcome. I know that the way you’ve had your kids was not normal but you’re such a good father. No one can take that away from you.” You say as you cup his face, using your thumbs to wipe away the tears.

Bucky nods before resting his forehead against yours.

“I’m sorry for pushing you away.”

“Apology accepted baby.”

“Sergeant Barnes, Agent Y/L/N, your presence is needed for the debrief for last night’s mission.” Friday announces.

“Of course we do.”

“Come, the faster we get it done the faster we can go home.”

“Really?” You asked, your eyes wide and bright with hope.

“Really.”

You walk into the apartment first. Giving Wanda a hug and thanking her for watching the kids. As soon as she leaves Bucky steps in much to the delight of the kids.

“Daddy!” Henry shouts as he runs full force into Bucky’s embrace.

Charlotte however steps closer to you and wraps her arms around one of your legs. She watches as Bucky and Henry hug and then looks up at you.

“Hey, doll.” Bucky says after kneeling in front of you. Lottie looks at her dad but moves to hide herself behind your leg.

“Sweet Angel, are you ok?”

Poking her head out from behind you, she looks at Bucky. “Dada no hate?” She asks quietly and you can see Bucky’s guilt written all over his face. Of course she would know about that conversation in the garage.

“I’m sorry, doll. You’re so special and daddy loves you so much. I could never ever hate you.” Bucky says softly. Charlotte moves away from you and wraps her arms around Bucky’s neck.

“Dada so good. Is best an lobe you dada.”

Bucky begins to cry quietly and Henry moves to hug him from behind. You can’t help but also join the hug pile on the floor in the middle of the living room. Even Alpine joins in.

“Can habe seepover?” Lottie asks as she pulls back in order to get a better look at both you and Bucky. Her best pout and pleading eyes on display.

“Of course we can. Dada needs lots of cuddles.”

“Can gibe them.” Lottie says proudly.

“Me too.” Henry adds.

“Me three.” You say as you pull Henry into your lap and kiss his temple. “What about a movie night? We can have snacks and all the cuddles.”

“Yeah!”

“Alright let’s go get our comfiest pajamas on. Come on sweet Angel, I’ll help you get your pjs.”

“No, dada do it.” She says as she tugs on Bucky’s arm.

Bucky gets up after giving you a kiss on the cheek and lets Lottie drag him to her room.

“I told you he’d be back soon.”

“You did, sweet boy. Why don’t you go get your pjs and I’ll start on the snacks.”

“Just no cereal in bed.” Henry quips as he stands up.

“It was your idea in the first place not mine.”

He giggles and runs into the hallway.

****

After snacks were made and everyone was changed, the kids chose the movie they wanted to watch. While the movie played you and Bucky sat against the headboard. Your attention was split between the movie and the kids singing and dancing along to all the songs from Encanto.

You knew there was a deeper conversation that you and Bucky needed to have but for now you were just happy that he was where he belonged. As the night went on and the movie ended and a new one was chosen. Henry was already tucked into your side. Lottie made her way to her dad’s lap. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and yawned as she found a comfortable position. With her back against his chest she settled to watch more tv until her head lolled to the side and soft snores filled the air.

Most importantly her pink teddy bear held securely in her arms.

Ch. 26

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Sitting with the Norris family I feel like I've known them forever, even Flo and Cisca who aren't much younger than me are happy for me to be here. The afternoon passes so quickly I'm amazed Lucas is still sleeping.

"Do you mind if I ask how far along you are in your pregnancy?" Cisca asks and I know everyone has an opinion on this baby, even people who don't know me assume things.

"I've just gone 17 weeks and I'm due the 4th of March" subconsciously I rest my hand on my ever growing bump "everyone thinks I'm so much further on than I am, I'm huge compared to my last pregnancy"

"Do you know what you're having? I know my pregnancies carrying boys then girls were totally different"

"Yeah she's a girl. I only had a scan a few days before I came away and haven't told anyone yet. I had a feeling though because I've put on so much weight including in my face and my skin has been so bad but last time you would've thought I'd just put a football up my top" saying my baby is a girl out loud catches me off guard. I wasn't going to tell anyone until she's born.

"You still look incredible and she'll be worth it in the end" Cisca tells me and I feel like every word she's ever going to say to me is true.

"Mama I want my claren" noticing Lucas wake up I take him into my arms until he wakes himself up fully before I introduce him to everyone. "I Lando mama"

"I know you're Lando. Are you going to say hello?" In an instant Lucas is up off my knee and telling everyone he's Lando and he drives a McLaren.

"I drive a claren mama. No Ferrari" talk about being put in my place.

"I know Lando drives a McLaren baby. You have your McLaren here" I say handing Lucas his toy cars from his bag which he proceeds to show off proudly while singing let's go Lando.

"He's like my brother in child form. It's so weird how much he's like Lando in fact he's probably more mature at two years old than what Lando is" from the time I've been sat with the family I've noticed Flo is the more outspoken one but she's very similar to me. 

"Is his name actually Lando? His energy reminds me of our Lando when he was little" Cisca asks watching my little boy show Adam his cars he brought with him.

"No it's not, his name is Lucas. It's funny though he was nearly named after Lando, I had my heart set on it. My family are huge formula one fans"

"Oh really? Lando would've loved it if Lucas was named after him. We'd never hear the end of it"

"Some days I think I should've just called him Lando. His thing at the minute is to tell people his name is Lando and he point blank refuses to answer to Lucas"

"That's so cute. We'll have to tell Lando when he arrives. How come you changed your mind?" Cisca asks as Lucas continues to show off his Lando cars.

"When I was pregnant Lando's name really stood out, as a family we watched him coming through the ranks and getting his first Formula One start it only seemed right my baby would have a racing inspired name" I smile to myself thinking back on how Lucas got his name "My ex hated the thought of Lucas being named after Lando, he tried to say the only reason was because of Lando being attractive. I'd brought it up a lot when I was pregnant because I loved the name so when he left me before Lucas's birth was registered I decided he was my baby and I was going to call him what I wanted. I came across Lucas and there was no going back from that, it was close to Lando without being an exact copy. I then went through hundreds of middle names and settled on Valentino" I explain thinking back on how Lucas got his name. Now I couldn't imagine him being anything other than Lucas Valentino.

"As in Valentino Rossi?" Cisca asks.

"Yeah my dad has always been a fan and I guess it rubbed off on me"

"It's scary how alike you and Lando are. If I didn't know better myself I'd say you'd been manufactured in a lab for each other!" It's so strange for me to hear Cisca saying how similar I am to Lando. I would've thought we're worlds apart "have you and Lucas been to races together?"

"Yeah my family have been going to Silverstone since before I was born and now we still go as a family. My mum went to Silverstone when she was pregnant with me and other than Covid years I've gone every year, I got judged for it but Lucas went for the first time when he was barely three weeks old. I'm not completely irresponsible he wore ear defenders the whole time we were there but it was amazing to share that moment with him"

"You're his mum, you know what's best for him and your decision is final. Don't ever let anyone tell you any different" my mum has always given me amazing advice and from speaking to Cisca for the small period I have I feel like she's very similar. It's like she's an extension of my mum.

I spend the rest of the day and the evening with my newly adopted family. They've taken me under their wing and Lucas being here hasn't bothered them at all. They invited us to dinner with them where they continued to make me feel like I belong with them. When I spoke to my family back home they couldn't quite believe I'd became an honorary Norris for the duration of my holiday, almost to the point where I think my brother was tempted to get on a flight because he feels left out. I didn't tell them that Lando is joining his family in the next few days in case it doesn't happen but mainly because I don't want to get my hopes up.

Being a similar age to Lando I've followed his career closely over the years and I've seen him race multiple times before he even made it to Formula One. From a fan perspective I admire everything he's done, as a person I can't lie I do find him extremely attractive. Do I think he would ever take notice of me? Absolutely not but I can admire him from a distance.

"Adam!" Lucas practically screams as he runs across the restaurant when he spots Adam sitting at a table for breakfast the next morning.

"Lucas wait for mummy!" I try to keep up with Lucas but thankfully Adam catches him before he can get far.

"Mummy I Lando!" Mummy rather than mama? I'm definitely in the bad books. Noticing the distinctive curls sticking out the back of the cap on the person sat next to Adam there's no denying who it is. Lando has arrived and I suddenly feel sick with nerves. Hearing his name Lando turns to look at Lucas and I can only watch the scene in front of me.

"Are you Lando just like me?" Lando asks Lucas his energy matching my two year olds as they meet for the first time. I can see Lucas is confused but trying to work out if he knows Lando, his face tells me he knows he recognises him but he's unsure. The amount of videos Lucas watches of Lando, I have no doubt he knows who he is in his own little way.

"I Lando! I drive a claren!" Lucas explains to Lando pointing at the picture of the McLaren car on his chosen T-shirt for the day.

"Me too! You'll have to show me your McLaren I bet it's better than mine!"

"Morning" I say to Adam not knowing if I belong in this conversation "if we're interrupting we'll leave you alone"

"Nonsense. Have a seat and we'll get you some breakfast ordered. The girls should be down soon. Lando this is Natalia who we were telling you about, Natalia this is Lando our son" usually I'd be confident when I meet someone for the first time but meeting Lando I am so nervous. He's even more stunning in real life than he looks in photos. His jaw is perfectly chiseled, his hair despite being covered by a cap looks like it would be soft to run your fingers through, his smile lights up his face, the small gap between his teeth adding an extra layer of charm and his eyes. Oh my god his eyes are beautiful. I've never seen anyone have such green eyes but yet they're so blue at the same time. It’s almost like they can’t decide what colour they want to be.

“It’s nice to meet you Lando” I can’t take my eyes off Lando as I sit down at the table opposite him. I can smell him from a distance, maybe it’s the increased sensitivity to smells due to pregnancy but he smells incredible.

“Likewise. My sisters have mentioned you a lot since they met you. Is this Lando 2.0?” Lando asks dividing his attention between me and Lucas who has now decided to get all of his toy cars out to show Lando.

“This is Lucas but he thinks he’s Lando 2.0. He won’t answer to his own name and refuses to drive anything other than a McLaren”

“I like his style” watching Lando with Lucas im amazed at how Lucas has taken to him within minutes. There’s a chair pulled between Lando and Adam that Lucas has sat himself on and I know he’s in his element having someone to play cars with.

As the conversation between Lando and I flows my nerves disappear. He’s given me no reason to feel on edge and he’s talking to Lucas like he’s known him forever, as a mum I couldn’t ask for more. My child is grinning from ear to ear, who am I to put a stop to that. Even being left alone with Lando as Adam goes to get us all drinks I don’t feel like I need to run away from the man in front of me.

“I’ve heard you’re a fan of mine” Lando asks barely looking up from where Lucas is showing him yet another car but I see the look in his eyes and the smirk on his lips. Is he flirting with me?

“You could say that but then I’m also a fan of Mercedes and Ferrari as well so make of that what you please” I say with a shrug eating the strawberries that are in front of me.

“By the end of this holiday you won’t remember who Mercedes or Ferrari are Natalia, I can promise you that” biting my lip I don’t get to respond to Lando as we’re joined by his mum and sister but the look on his face tells me he knows he’s got me, hook line and sinker. Fuck.

[the---hermit]

A lovely festive card from a friend and random notes.

19|12|2023

I am back after being very ill again. This time I got the flu, and to make things worse my panic disorder kicked me once again and it was bad. I am starting to feel a bit better now, but I am still very weak and my stomach isn't at its best yet. I spent a couple of hellish days, and decided to skip class this week. I confident I will be fully recovered for Friday when I'll have to speak in the seminar, but until that day I am not leaving my house and I am taking things slowly. This of course means that my nice study plan is totally fucked. I am so beyond schedul and I am not in shape to get caught with it, so I will simply have to sit down and make a whole other plan. I am starting to slowly getting back into doing some work during the day, but I have not enough mental energy to power through the book I have to study. So this week I will try to stay productive as much as I can but minding what my body allows me to do. I will study less hours during the day, do lighter stuff, and stop whenever I feel like I need to lie down, or move around depending on what my body is asking me. This morning for example I got about an hourish of work done, I was very happy with myself but then I simply had to accept that I needed to lie down, and I did so. I am fighting with the guilt of not sticking to plans and feeling overwhelmed with everything I have to do, and I am trying my best. The other thing I am struggling with at the moment is food, not in a concerning way, but more in the sense that right now I feel like I lost the joy of eating and having a good meal and that is impacting my mood so bad. First a couple of weeks ago I went to the dentist and struggled so much with pain in my mouth for a while, and now due to my stomach being affected by the flu, eating has just become something I have to do and I despise feeling like this. I want to sit at my table and be happy about what I am going to eat, I want to look forward to my meals and I have yet to figure out how to get back there. Maybe I just have a bit of a scare since in the past two or three years I often had my anxiety and panic symptoms strongly linked to my stomach and I am now scared that I'll get back into that stupid place in which eating was anxiety inducing for me. I just hope that will get better soon and that I will be able to enjoy the amazing food my family will make during the holidays.

calm hobbit winter activities and productivity:

read first thing in the morning (I managed to read ten pages which is such a big win after these awful days)

wrote notes for the second chapeter of Nature, Human Nature and Human Difference by Justin Smith

updated my reading journal

started watching cabinet of curiosities (in the past few years I have been terrible at watching new series, but this morning when I had to lie down after studying I felt like watching something new could be a good way to keep my brain a bit active. I watched the first two episodes and loved the first one. The second one fell very flat for me but I am exctied to see more of it, it definitely has the gothic horror vibes I adore)

started reviewing my men theories and power practices notes and added a few additional informations here and there

practiced my presentation for Friday

📖: Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree

[half-dead-writer]

|| Just a man-crush ||

[ John Doe / Joker x masc Reader ]

John is very jealous of you and Harley hanging out. He can't take it anymore.

Accidental confession + dissatisfying ending?

🌈 || John Doe / Joker [Batman: The Telltale Series] 🌈 || ~1k words 🌈 || masculine (& mlm) reader

Can be read as part 2 to this. Mayhaps gonna do a part 3.

Ever since you joined The Pact, John was ecstatic about a new face around.

You laughed at his jokes, even told some of your own, which got him interested in you.

Everything seemed perfect, at least in his mind, until he noticed Harley started taking a liking in you.

You didn't really like Harley though.

Still, you tried to at least be politely nice to her. She was running this place, so you didn't wanna get onto her bad side.

John partially knew that, but some other part of him was jealous.

He tried to explain to himself it was just his delusions and even tried to ask you about it - to which you responded honestly of course - but it still wasn't enough to convince him.

Whenever he saw you two, he had this indescribable feeling inside.

He was really torn, he valued you as his friend, but seeing you around Harley just broke his heart.

You were just so perfect- Of course Harley would prefer you over him.

He didn't want you to notice, but his behavior did change slightly as the feelings got the best of him.

He was more irritable at the mere mention of you going somewhere with her.

Even if you two were having a good time, the thought of you and Harley crept into his head and didn't wanna let go.

And one day he just snapped.

"Dammit, Y/N, stop lying to me!" He shouted while clenching his fists, catching you off guard.

"...Lying? John, I don't even like Harley that much." You tried to calm him down, but he seemed adamant in his opinion. "And you know that-"

"Well- Yes- Yes, I know! But- I just got this- feeling, I can't get rid of it!" He seemed desperate for any kind of solution in this situation. He really didn't wanna feel that way towards you.

You sighed calmly, still patient and ready to help your friend. "What are you feeling exactly, John?"

His breathing hitched slightly but he managed to compose himself.

You two were sitting in his room, and even though emotions got the best of him, he didn't want Harley to hear what's going on.

Which was especially hard with the place being practically out in the open, due to the big empty windows in his room.

"I know you don't like Harley, yes, you told me that- But for some reason, I have a voice in my head telling me... that something's wrong." He admitted after a while, looking at you like a lost puppy.

You stayed quiet for a moment, contemplating what to say.

"I mean- Look at you." He stared you up and down, making you feel a bit weird inside. "I know what Harley sees in you."

You took another moment, running out of options on how to convince your friend that you're really, really not interested in her.

"Uh... John." You decided to finally say something that would probably change his mind.

He looked at you intently, hoping you'd have some sort of definitive proof.

You didn't really have a reason to say anything like that before, so you held off from that, but it seemed now was the right time to confess.

"I'm- Generally not interested in women."

John blinked at you once, then twice. Processing the info.

He stayed silent for a brief second, making you wonder what was going through his mind in that moment.

But John was quick to tell you.

"Well..." His tone was different. Not negative, but... slightly confused. "That changes things... But actually- Not really."

You weren't afraid of him treating you differently after that confession, John seemed like the most accepting person ever. But you were a bit unsure of what John was getting at.

You tilted your head slightly, waiting for him to continue.

"I- I do feel different now." He admitted, not taking his sight away from you. "But there's still something there..."

"Uh... What is it, then?" You patiently asked.

He tried to pick his words carefully, still figuring out himself what he had on his mind.

"I'm not mad at you, that's for sure now." He figured that out.

"But..." He looked at the floor now in deep thought. "I'd be kinda mad if Harley were to talk to you?"

You weren't sure if the idea in your head was correct, but John seemed to be even more confused than you.

"...You're saying... You don't want Harley to hang around me."

"Yes, that's exactly what I said." He nodded, still unsure what you were getting at.

You felt a bit- flattered, even if it probably wasn't John's intention. But the possibility still haunted your thoughts.

"Uh... John, do you..." You started a bit awkwardly, nervous if you totally misread the situation. "Like me?"

"Of course I like you Y/N! We're like, best friends, right?" He grinned with an innocent expression on his face, which only made you even more nervous.

You awkwardly cleared your throat.

"Um, yeah- But- Do you like me... More than Harley?" You cautiously yet calmly asked.

That shut him up for a longer second, forcing him to really think about it.

"That's..." He once again put a thoughtful expression. "A possibility."

You weren't even sure if John was aware of how much of an effect he had on you, which only added to the feeling.

Did he like you? Or was it just his possessiveness over Harley?

"Well, we know you like me more than Harley, right?" He tried to light up the mood.

"Of- Of course." You responded, unsure to which direction he was getting at.

"Hm... It's true I've been thinking about you two a lot recently." He kept on with the subject. "But I've been convinced it's just been my jealousy over Harls."

You stayed quiet, letting him talk, although in your mind there's been a lot of thoughts now.

He then let out an ambiguous chuckle.

"Look at that, I've just been jealous over my best pal!" He finally concluded. "Well, glad we established that."

He then got up from his bed to give you an unexpected hug.

"Thanks for the help!"

You froze for a moment there, but you didn't want him to feel pushed away, so you gently patted his back.

"Um, you're welcome."

"Well, I think I gotta talk to Harley now. So- See ya!" And so, he stormed off, leaving you in his own room, confused.

...Was he aware he just confessed? He will always remain a mystery to you.

[henrysglock]

The Plinko Game as a Possible Microcosm of Henry's Time Powers and Timeline Theory

Hilariously enough, I'm going to go in chronological order with this one. Time powers, then timeline theory, from episode 6 to episode 7.

Henry's Time Powers

In episode 6, when El has her first in-depth conversation with Henry about 001, Brenner's lies, and things/people not being what she thinks, she's struggling to get her plinko chip to land in slot 3.

She hits 5.

Then 4.

Then Henry sits beside her, and advises that she step away from the board and take a moment to clear her mind before trying again.

She ignores his advice.

She hits 6.

In light of her frustration, stubbornness, and failure to hit the right target, Henry tells her she reminds him of someone he used to know very well. He takes the fifth chip out of her hands...

And places it flat within the 001 slot.

Henry doesn't play the game. He circumvents the plinko board entirely.

He completely bypasses every possible alternate ending by moving outside the dimensions of the plinko, something El doesn't conceptualize the possibility of. She's so focused on trying to manipulate the process (something she doesn't seem to be able to do) that she completely overlooks the possibility of just...going to the right spot from outside the board.

Consider the path of a plinko chip to be the life span of an average person without time-related abilities.

Their chip is dropped into the game at birth, and a series of massive, life-changing events (plinko pegs) exist outside of their control. Which side they bounce to when they hit those pegs dictates:

Which other pegs they encounter

Which final destination they come to

Your final destination in the plinko is not your death, necessarily. It's present day.

Chips cannot choose the path they take. They cannot manipulate their own endings. This is because:

Their path is limited to the inside of plinko board.

They cannot conceptualize space outside the board, nor can they anticipate future pegs.

They do not have the physical ability to change course of their own volition. They will encounter pegs whether they like it or not.

Imagine the plinko board, the frame, being space-time. That's our existence. The plinko path, top to bottom, thus, is our conceptualization of time by itself. It's a straight line, the glass holds you in, there's only one destination, hitting different plinko pegs dictates your destination, and each row of plinko pegs was once a destination board.

You, as an average chip, can only move from top to bottom...right?

Right?

Anyway. Now, imagine you're a being who has the ability to make holes in the glass.

You now exist outside the limits of linear time. Your only true limit is the point to which time has currently progressed (read, the current spread of destinations). You have a few more options than your average chip, though. You can:

Ignore your abilities and play the game the way everyone else does, with no control over your path or destination due to the glass covering the board.

Escape the glass and begin to move between destinations, hacking the process. Note: this does not guarantee the existence of a happy destination, it doesn't allow you to view pegs past the present set of destinations, and it doesn't allow you alter paths. You can only move between different destinations.

Option 2 is accessible to you only if:

You are aware of the game.

You are aware that existence outside the glass is possible.

You are aware of your ability to escape the glass.

Once you gain awareness of all these things, glass and pegs (time, life) look far different to you than they does to the other chips. Instead of the the plinko path, time, being a straight line that only moves from top to bottom...it becomes a loop. You become aware of different possible paths, and you can insert yourself at present and past destinations (though time will continue to march forward whether you like it or not).

This knowledge doesn't allow you to move pegs, but it does let you:

View and conceptualize all the possible paths

Place yourself into certain points in time on any of those paths.

This time-navigating being may be Henry.

He himself describes the three criteria above in his monologue:

"I could not close off my mind and join in the madness" Henry becomes aware of the game.

"I realized I didn't have to" Henry becomes aware of existence outside the glass.

"I could make my own rules" Henry becomes aware of his ability to move outside the glass.

We never see the completion of the clock scene, but...

Remember what I said about the glass on the plinko board, which prevents the chips from leaving the board?

Well.

Guess who made a hole in the glass and escaped the board?

Here, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the wooden frame of the board in our space-time analogy.

If the plinko paths are time, and the glass is holding the chips in, then the frame itself is the space component.

The board, of course, has a back. You can break through the back of the board and end up somewhere else entirely.

And guess which duo just keeps breaking back and forth through the back of the figurative board?

I have another post in the works re: the dynamics and characteristics of the different upside-downs we see throughout Stranger Things. However, if I had to guess right now? The wall gates might be space-time gates, and the floor gates might be just space gates with no time component. Movement through time alone looks like a different, 3rd thing.

(An aside: Notice how the cracks in the glass of the clock are wall-aligned cracks, and the Rifts are floor-aligned cracks? Time, no space...Space, no time. Inverses.)

Now, in regard to Timeline Theory.

The second time we see El with her plinko is also in episode 6, right before 002-005's attack.

She's still failing to hit her desired outcome, her slot 3. When we see her with the plinko this time, we specifically see her chip land in slot 4.

When she leaves to investigate Henry being shocked, we can see that her chips are in slots 4, 8, 9, and 10.

Still not at the right outcome yet.

The last time we see El with the plinko is in Episode 7, after 002 is shocked for hurting her but before the escape attempt.

Her chip falls into slot 5. There are once again chips in slots 4 and 8, and El has missed her desired slot 3...

Or...has she?

She now has chips in 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10 (for the briefest moment, before she collects chip 10).

A whole chip appeared between camera cuts.

El, somehow, between cuts, got her correct outcome...via an extra chip we never see her play.

This plinko sequence leads directly into shots of 005, 004, and 003 (respectively) glaring daggers at El.

El drops her chips when the reflective balls in 004 and 003's maze collide, and Henry swoops in to pick up the chip furthest from her.

He asks if she'd like to try something more challenging than plinko: chess. Chess is just more complex plinko. It's plinko, but between two people who can affect each other's paths directly and knowingly.

This is when he tells her about Brenner moving people like chess pieces and about Brenner's plan with 002. There's more here, and ironically...I don't know enough about the mechanics of chess to pull apart their moves, but the games have always had a deeper meaning.

Some interesting things to note:

We never get a chip in slot 1 unless Henry himself puts it there. Henry is not beholden to linear time when unrestrained.

We always get chips in slots 4 and 8.

El always plays only 4 chips, and Henry is always involved when an extra chip appears.

El's 4 chips in episode 7 are directly in front of her, and the extra chip falls all the way to the side. Henry's chip is, once again, an outlier.

El only gets her desired outcome (read: the correct/desired timeline) once. Even then, she only gets it when it's surrounded by massive fuckery.

It's hard to say whether the chips in the bottom of the plinko align with only the present scene or with future scenes as well. - When Henry places his chip in slot 1, it's because he's revealing 001's existence to El. The chip in slot 8 is likely flat because Henry, the flat 001 chip, is going to tell El about Kali within the bounds of that scene...but we don't know that Henry is 001 yet. So it's foreshadowing for the next episode, but it aligns with the present scene. - In the scene where El's chip lands in slot 4, 004 is focused on immediately after 002 tells El they'll kill her if she snitches. So...foreshadowing for Henry's "Papa is going to let them kill you" bit, but again it aligns with the current scene as well. The cut from 002 to 004 is a very weird cut, since the POV of 002 from just prior seems to continue after the clip of 004 as though it was never interrupted. It's like someone inserted the clip in without adjusting the other POV for the time it takes to show the clip. There's also a bizarre growling sound/audio distortion that plays while 004 specifically is attacking El. It's the same distortion that plays when Henry uses El as a swiffer when they fight. For Henry, though? It's labeled as [sinister snarling], but for 004...it goes unlabeled. We only get subtitles for El screaming. - When the chip in slot 3 magically appears, El is already aware that 003-005 intend to harm her. The destinations seem more like an indicator of present time, but they could possibly be an indicator of future ones as well, given the massacre scene timeline fuckery.

The chess scene leaves me with the same old questions:

Henry gives El his keycard, but somehow gets down to the boiler room without it...despite El needing it to get down there herself. How did Henry get down there?

002 is shown in rough condition in the infirmary, but somehow when the massacre comes around, within hours of when El saw him unconscious in the infirmary...he's in the rainbow room. How did 002 get in there? Why was he in there?

Near the end of the massacre fight, Henry tells El that it "wasn't supposed to end like this". How was it supposed to end, then? How many times has this fight happened? Which destination was he anticipating?

As usual, I do have a few miscellaneous questions too:

If a person can break the glass and escape the bounds of time, then to what extent can they manipulate the path of their chip during the fall? El doesn't seem to be able do it, Henry alerts us that it "wasn't supposed to end like this", so I'm not sure either of them can by themselves.

Is there any possibility that Henry is aware of future pegs, and if so...to what extent? If he was, you'd think he would've avoided being sent to the lab/getting yeeted into the hell dimension...but you never know.

To what extent are the physical board and the movement of the chip entangled? If, say, Henry moves within time, do all the other figurative chips move with him? Or is it just him?

Henry fucks with time. When El breaks through the back of the figurative board, is she just fucking with space?

Brenner has massive amounts of Henry-like time fuckery, but he's also heavily linked to different types of gates. How does he figure in? We see left-parted Brenner in ST1 being linked to the wall gate in HNL, which...seems to be a space-time gate, given changing details in the Byers' kitchen (that one's an Em catch). Right-parted Brenner is linked to the floor gates in ST4, which seem to be space-only gates given the frozen date. I need Brenner origins, stat.

Now that Vecna can break through the back of the figurative board...which dimensions can he manipulate? Space? Space-time?

Another interesting detail to think about:

In the first plinko instance, El hits slots 4, 5, and 6. 8 is already filled when the scene opens.

So...the numbers in this shot, after El's final run in that scene?

4+5+6=15, and 8.

Eight fifteen, but in reverse.

[sunnyie-eve]

8 | An Accessory

Series: The Benefits 

Paring: Coriolanus Snow x OFC Plinth!

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: implied sex, mention of death

| MASTERLIST |

~

That question kept Aurelia up at night. The rest of the party was a success, and Coriolanus did everything right being the boy she once knew. A sudden knocking at her apartment front door startled her since it was super late at night. Getting up going to see was on the other side she was surprised to see Coriolanus standing there.

When she opened the door, revealing a disheveled Coriolanus, his blazer was discarded and still in the dress shirt he wore to the wedding shower/ birthday party with a few extra buttons loose, "Have you been drinking?" He stumbled past her to sprawl out on the couch.

Coriolanus pinched his thumb and pointer finger close together in response to her question "Be honest, do you really want to marry me?" Coriolanus's tone was soft and gentle.

Aurelia slowly made her way closer to the couch, "I don't know anymore... It used to be a yes then a no after the truth, but now... You confuse me Coriolanus. You're hardly the boy I knew and fell for. Most of the time you're the cold emotionless person, but will flip like a switch at times with me."

"I love you and I'm sorry."

"You're drunk." She sits in front of him on the carpet.

"So? I know I love you and I'm sorry for taking your brother way. I wasn't trying to get Sejanus killed on purpose, just in enough trouble to decenter myself from the situation. I cried after it happened wishing he had a different fate. I didn't really like him most of the time due our differences, but I also didn't wish harm to come to him. He was my only true friend I had other than you. He was your brother and I knew how much he meant to you so I became his friend. I remember when your family first moved here you told Sejanus who needs friends because we have each other. And you hated seeing others bully him." Coriolanus stumbled through his sentences.

"I'll get you a glass of water." Getting up from the floor to walk to the kitchen, Coriolanus took her hand in his to stop her.

"Don't leave. Just tell me you believe me. Please, I'm being vulnerable to you right now." He cries getting upset as he pours his heart out to her.

It's true, he's ever cried like this in front of her, "You said to never lie to each other once we got together so I believe you." She squeezes his hand, "I love you too Coryo." He slides off the couch to pull her onto his lap to place his lips onto hers and smiles into the kiss as she kisses him back.

-

Aurelia sat in a room by herself, in a wedding dress. This morning she was made to be woken up early seeing Coriolanus wasn't there anymore. For the past couple of days she oddly loved it when she would wake up with his arms wrapped around her, it made her feel something she hadn't in a very long time.

She was forced into a bright room with many cosmetic items around, they did her makeup and hair before putting her in a huge white dress with red detailing. Then they left and she was made to sit there until she was ordered otherwise, which she assumed would be soon, she would be correct.

"Look how beautiful you are. Honey, look at our little girl." Ma enters the room.

"Thank you, Ma." Aurelia hugs her mother then father.

"Are you ready?" Her father puts his arm out for her so she takes it while Ma leaves to go take a seat letting everyone know it's time.

As she walked out of the room and onto the long red carpet-lined aisle, she immediately regretted that thought. Her face was bombarded with camera flashes as she walked towards Coriolanus. He was standing with a small red rose in his hand to match the one he was wearing and as she approached he stepped forward ever slightly.

"For you my love," He whispered to her before placing the rose behind her ear.

He found her to be the most beautiful person he has and ever will lay eyes on for the rest of his life, standing there in white, his color, she was his. He smiled down at her and she flashed her unremovable grin at him. He took both her hands in his, stepping back, and staring into her eyes intently.

The officiant stepped up as more photos were taken he started by explaining what this wedding meant, a unity between the Capitol and the districts, a peace. They went on to say their vows, Coriolanus ever so charming, and her quite nervous, he made sure that wouldn't be the case though, as his warm, comforting gaze fell over her. They exchanged rings, both being white silver, his with red inlaying, and hers with a lovely bright red ruby in the middle. Soon she was in Coriolanus' arms being kissed by him, a deep loving one, one full of promises one that assured her that he would never leave, til' death do they part. They pulled apart the whole crowd screaming and then there she was, Mrs. Snow.

Coriolanus was quick to pull her away from all the excited reporters outside, and into a small room, "Why do cameras' flashes have to be so bright?" He laughs as she leaned against the wall, "Are you okay?" He asks worried about her.

"Yeah, don't worry. You just know I hate all the cameras." She gives him a tiny smile so he walks over picking her up to place her to sit on the table next to them.

"I know, at least you aren't ugly." He smiles making her laugh.

Soon they would be taken by their stylists stripped out of their more extravagant clothes and put into some toned-down clothes, still nice, but not too nice. When she walked out and saw Coriolanus he looked stunned as he stared at her, "What is it bad?" She'd asked him and he just chuckled before grabbing her hand and leading her to a huge dining hall for their dinner with all the important Capitol people she did not know the names of.

Over the whole extent of the dinner she sat next to Coriolanus, his hand on her thigh protectively, he spoke to various people many congratulating the both of them and also many talking to him about seemingly important things.

As the night went on she hated seeing how everyone treated her like an accessory an animal, Snow's girl. Whenever someone would talk to her it was just about Coriolanus, when are they gonna try for kids, the Capitol was lucky to have the two famous families get together.

As Aurelia sat there staring at her hands in her lap and she didn't notice Coriolanus trying to get her attention. "My love? Are you okay?" His voice was gentler than usual, concern seeping in as he placed a hand on her face, turning her to look at him. She came out of her thoughts when he did this smiling up at him, silent. "Sweetheart?"

"I'm done for the night. I'm ready to go home." She stared up into his icy eyes, he was standing above her and when she looked around there were very few people left, was she really out of it for that long? He dropped his hand from her face before taking her hand and helping her up.

"Let's home," He said to her dragging her by the hand out of the room in quick strides as they exited the building.

Soon they ended up back in their home, entering through the door Aurelia just stared at the room picturing her future with kids, who Coriolanus would spoil, seeing herself as this perfect wife and mother. Being an accessory for him. If he was to ever become President, she knew she would have to make a whole persona to fit in. Give in and finally be Capitol. Aurelia was now going to be the the main rose for Coriolanus.

"What's wrong love? You look bothered."

"My future is already set and planned out for me by everyone else since I'm married to you know. It was so obvious talking to people tonight. No one sees me as my own person with choices, but as if you own me." She walks towards their room.

"I don't own you. Just like me you are very stubborn." He follows her, "When I say your mine, I don't mean it like that."

"I don't care what you say or think about me! I care about them, Coriolanus!" She snaps, "Someone said you won both Plinth Prizes to me tonight. I'm not a prize."

"I understand you don't want people to see you in that way so you have to prove to them you're not. You're gonna rule your way to the very top with me. You're gonna idolize you one day trust me. We'll work together and get that." He walks up to her rubbing her shoulders, "Imagine the power we'll have together." He smiles running his hands down her arms, "Also you are no where near being a prize," He leans down placing a kiss on her lips, "You're so much more important and better than that." His lips move to her exposed neck.

"I hate you." Aurelia giggles grabbing his face to pull him in for a kiss, "Now prove to me how much you love your wife, Mr. Snow." She bites her bottom lip.

The look in her eyes drove him crazy. He crashed his lips onto her. It was forceful, ensuring she couldn't turn away. His tongue was already in her mouth before she could even register it. Coriolanus was in bliss. Her lips were soft, molding perfectly to his. She moaned into his mouth, and it made his body heat up all the same. Coriolanus couldn't get enough of her.

They didn't break their kiss once while undressing each other. Aurelia's mind was so foggy and runny a muck she had no control over her body. When he finally detached his lips from hers, the both of them panting, Coriolanus wrapped an arm around Aurelia's bare waist tossing them onto the bed.

A prideful smirk overtook Coriolanus's face. He moved getting a hold of her wrists in one hand, dragging them down over her belly, and placed himself between her legs, "Mrs. Snow, you have no idea how much I've been waiting for this."

"Then don't disappoint me."

[evalevaeva]

manga | fuma

It wasn't strange to see good-looking customers from time to time at the book stord you worked at. They'd come in and you'd feel your breath be taken away like all the main characters in the shelves of mangas you arranged, then they'd come to the cashier and pay for their manga and you'd never see them again.

That was the usual storyline of your day to day life in that store at the corner, but somehow that day felt different. From waking up before the alarm rang to getting a free hotteok from the aunty at the corner store, everything was going well.

You placed your bag on the floor behind the register as you stretched your arms, cracking your shoulders as you got ready to tackle the overwhelming amount of books that were jumbled up due to the new stocks from the previous day.

You flipped the sign on the glass door at the front as you walked to the first wall of books. It wasn't a hard job, and it paid well, so you barely had any complaints, other than when teenagers would come in and make a bunch of noise before leaving without buying anything, that got on your nerves a little, especially if they began talking to you.

"Three sets of Ouran High School Host Club, nice," You couldn't help but talk to yourself as you chuckled silently, ticking off the title off the little piece of paper in your hand.

You turned to walk to the back area where all the manga were stored but was given the shock of your life as you saw a tall man sitting on the floor with a manga in his hand. His black hair seemed silky smooth and his blazer perfectly matched his youthful looks. He didn't look older than you but definitely wasn't younger than you.

"Hello! Would you like any help?" You asked as you nervously watched the ethereal being before you. The man looked up in surprise as his eyes widened. He stood up quickly and dusted off his pants as he scratched the back of his head nervously.

"Ah, no. I was just looking around and found this particular series quite interesting," The man said as he closed the manga and showed you the cover.

"Decelis Academy! That's a very popular series right now! Even I'm a big fan, who's your favourite character?" You asked as the both of you seemed to ease into the conversation.

"Heli, but I'm not really getting where this story is supposed to be heading, I mean... a burning house and suddenly it's Sooha's fault? And Isn't it obvious that Heli is a vampire?" The man responded as you couldn't help but agree with such enthusiasm that no one could argue against you.

"You get my point! Everyone in the story acts like they have no common sense and no sense of awareness!" You agreed as the man laughed as he placed the manga back on the shelf. He checked the silver watch on his wrist as he waved at you, "It's been really nice talking to you, I'll be back tomorrow so I hope you'll be working,".

For the first time in your career working there, you weren't mad that a customer didn't buy the product they were looking at.

The next day was so surprise to you as you saw the same man, at the same exact spot he was at the day before and soon it became a cycle. Every day, you'd see him there, and you would both talk about the different mangas that you've read and how the storylines and the characters are well written or deserve to be burnt.

You placed the last book on the shelf. The both of you hadn't spoken but the silence was comforting. The man was reading a new story as he suddenly lifted his head and his eyes were set on you, watching as you hummed to yourself, checking the list every once in a while as you slid the books on the right shelves.

"Who are the idiots that placed this stack up here? Do I look like I'm tall enough for this?," You grumbled to yourself as you saw a stack of books on the highest shelf, most probably the work of a bunch of teenagers that had come in simply to cause a nuisance.

You extended your arm, on your tippy toes, as you grabbed the closest book you could get, and before you knew it, the stack was about to come crashing down on you.

The man's eyes widened as you closed your eyes, bracing the impact of the hard covered books, but it never came. The man shielded you with his body as the books came crashing down on his back, hitting it as they dropped to the floor. The sound was deafening as you opened your eyes to see the man with his eyes closed shut, his long eyelashes standing out more at that moment.

"Are you... alright?" The man asked as you gasped.

"How could you be asking me that when you just got hit with almost twenty hard cover books?! Are you okay....?" You scolded him as a stupid realisation washed over you.

You never asked for his name, and neither did he.

"I know this sounds stupid but.." You started off as you looked at your shoes, trying to avoid his stare.

"Fuma. My name is Fuma," Fuma said as he couldn't help but smile at your sudden question.

"Oh, well my name is-" You were about to introduce yourself until he said your name faster than you could.

"How did you know my name?" You asked curiously as he pointed to your nametag on your uniform.

Oh right.

You smiled as Fuma took a step back, squatting down with you to pick up the mangas on the floor, holding them to his chest as you did the same. You were occupied with the mangas until you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turned to Fuma as he held up a particular manga from the romance section, and coincidentally, one of the mangas you and Fuma bonded over. (talking about ideal dates).

"What do you think if I took you up on that idea and we go out for a date?" Fuma asked, trying to act cool but feeling the heat climb up his neck as you burst out in laughter, watching as Fuma hid his face behind the small, brightly coloured book.

He peeped his head from the side of the book as he continued, "But I'm asking genuinely, would you?".

You didn't have to think.

"Yes?! Wow, so did you come here to flirt with me? Not to patronise our shop?! I knew you were a swindler..." You teased Fuma as he shook his hands in disagreement, genuinely trying to change your 'opinion' on him.

"Hey!Hey! I'm no swindler! Maybe I did have something for you and that's why I came by often, but I did patronise the shop! I bought a bunch of mangas and books! Don't get me wrong!" Fuma said as he looked as if he had a rain cloud above his head.

---

eva's notes: i didn't sleep but &team just came back so here's my man for y'all

[whatistheworldreading]

Previous Submissions (Jan - March 2024)

📖 Title: "The Midnight Library" 📖 Author: Matt Haig 📖 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy 📖 About: The story follows Nora Seed, who, faced with the possibility of many regrets in her life, discovers a library between life and death. Each book in this library represents a different life she could have lived. 📖 Personal Enjoyment: Absolutely loved it! The exploration of life choices and the concept of infinite possibilities was thought-provoking. 📖 Rating: 4.5/5 🌍 Country: India ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title:  Aphrodite & the Duke 📖 Author: J.J McAvoy 📖 Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance 📖 Rating: 4/5 📖 Review: I have never been one to fancy historical fiction. Quite frankly I was always one to run from it! But after watching Queen Charlotte on Netflix I wanted more. I must have spoken a lot about the series because I was gifted this book. Which was difficult to get into in the beginning due to the way in which they spoke translated to the pages. The book takes place in the regency era where Titles, wealth and marrying into the right family matters.  I rated this 4 out of 5 not biased from it’s similarity to Queen Charlotte but because  how it highlighted how women were valued, how sometimes true love is not enough in the eyes of family.  The book left me appreciative of how far we have come now. And without giving it away the conflict in the story was well written in my opinion.  🌍 Country: Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: The Neighbor Favor 📖 Author: Kristina Forest 📖 Genre:Romantic Comedy 📖 Rating: 5/5 📖 Review: Loved it! If someone made a fan fiction of Slowly I swear this book would be it. My rating is 5/5….pretty high of a rating right? But I mean who doesn’t want to hear about what happens when a woman on one side of the world sends an email out to a guy  on the other side of the world innocently and ends up growing feelings for him.  But that’s all I am going to say. It was a page turner for me. The author has a free flowing writing style so this book could easy be finished in a day (if you are just sitting around watching paint dry haha) or at least within a week tops!  🌍 Country: Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: El aire que nos faltó 📖 Author: Magdalena Salazar 📖 Genre: Fiction 📖 Rating: 5/5 📖 Review: This is a book with few pages. It is structured in chapters where you can to look differents versions of each characters about the situations  that occurs in their family life. The point of union of characters is the younger daugther with disability, probably brain palsy, and how her disability does affects to his brother's life and the relationship of her parents along the years, besides you will know the perspective of hers too. This book has a plot that you can read quickly and it is interesting. In my opinion this book merits five stars🌍 Country: Chile ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: The Stranger 📖 Author: Albert Camus 📖 Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Crime Fiction 📖 Rating: unrated 📖 Review:I associate it with this instrumental beat:

The moment I listen to it, I feel like I'm teleported back into that book and I feel the character Meursault walking next to me and starting doing his things, his numbness and lack of feelings until he's sentenced to death. I almost feel his dried mouth in the heath at his mother's funeral. I can hear him sigh thinking of his girlfriend ...and so on.  🌍 Country: Slovakia ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: Heaven and Earth 📖 Author: Paolo Giordano 📖 Genre: 📖 Rating: 📖 Review:This novel has 2 main characters: Bern and Teresa, that we follow since they were kids until late in life. It's a very complex novel where you have to understand more what it's not said than what is written. And they devoured the sky so much..... that the sky fell on them, to express myself metaphorically without giving away any spoilers. Anyway, I have in my mind the perfect songs for both characters. For Bern: 'Run Boy Run' by Woodkid and for Teresa: 'Power' by Isaac Danielson.  🌍 Country:Slovakia ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: "The Widow Queen" 📖 Author: Elżbieta Cherezińska 📖 Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy 📖 About: The story based on true historical events. The young girl, daughter of great duke of Poland, marries the king of Sweden as a part of alliance with the north vikings warriors. Very soon she builds a strong position on the court and after death of her husband she faces a choice to marry a king of Denmark or bring war upon her people. This is a story about an extraordinary woman, whom we meet not only from the perspective of Polish history but also medieval Europe. Sigrid the Bold was the daughter of Mieszko I and the sister of Bolesław I the Brave. However, she made history primarily as the Queen of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as the mother of the King of England. 📖 Personal Enjoyment: It was amazing to learn about history of medieval Europe and found out that one of the most powerful person of that time was a woman from Poland. 📖 Rating: 4.5/5 🌍 Country: Poland

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: "The Silent Patient" 📖 Author: Alex Michaelides 📖 Genre: Psychological Thriller 📖 About: The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a painter who is accused of murdering her husband and then stops speaking. The narrative unfolds as a psychotherapist tries to unravel the mystery behind her silence. 📖 Personal Enjoyment: Gripping and full of unexpected twists. The exploration of mental health and the complexities of human emotions kept me hooked from start to finish. 📖 Rating: 4.8/5 🌍 Country: India -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

📖 Title: The Woman In Me 📖 Author: Britney Spears  📖 Genre: Biography 📖 Rating: 5/5 📖 Review: It’s rare that I read a biography of a musician..muchless a popstar. I didn’t read this because I am a Millennial and grew up with Britney’s music. I didn’t read it because I am just into pop culture. I read it because I wanted to really understand her conservatorship and felt that something was off with her. Low and behold I was right. At the end of the day if you strip away a persons status, title, money, material things…they are just a human being…with feelings. With a life that they deserve to have a say in. To the world she was Britney Spears but behind closed doors she was treated so unfairly by people that loved her. People that she trusted, and each one of us has people we love and trust who we hope would not betray us. What she went through could and has happened and still happens to people to this very second. She shed a lot of light on what many people under conservatorships go through and how much power the conservator actually has over ones life. To me this is a complete 5/5 because it is raw, it is real, and it can be resonated with by many.   🌍 Country: Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📖 Title: The Gift 📖 Author: Edith Eger 📖 Genre:  📖 Rating: 📖 Review: It is a story (autobiography) of a woman who survived the holocaust. It is inspiring for me and really put a lot of things in perspective 🌍 Country: Philippines -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[sjsmith56]

Ride With Me - Chapter 16, Finding Jade

Summary: Bucky shows up unannounced at Ma’s place outside Santa Fe. Jade, initially excited to see him, gives him a hard time when he asks her to take him back.

Length: 5.6K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Jade, Ben, Ma.

Warnings: For readers over the age of age of 18+ due to sexual content. Minors do not interact. Residual anger at Bucky mostly as Jade acts like a bitch towards him.

Author’s notes: final chapter. Originally my apocalyptic tale was much more bleak, filled with angst and suffering but as the story progressed it became more about people finding connection and hope.  Especially Bucky, who never wanted to be looked upon as a leader and decided to go back to get Steve, knowing the group needed his reliable authority.  It allowed Bucky, without that pressure on him, to come up with a low-tech tactic that he could test with strangers before offering it to the Avengers.   Finally, about Jade...I didn't want the usual pretty girl.  The model, whose image I used on the cover, is an Australian, Ollie Henderson.  For a time she went all blonde to get a totally different look from her usual brunette hair.  Jade had to be visually, mentally and psychologically different due to her childhood trauma with the religious cult.  When she took Bucky's memories into her own consciousness I wanted to show how it upset the yin and yang that was their relationship, leading to their breakup. 

<<Chapter 15

🏍️🏜️

Eight months after Bucky left the Bunker.  Four days after Bucky left New York.

Jade was busy scrubbing the dirt off the rocks she had collected that morning.  There were some good specimens in there.  Good enough to bring in some money at the rock hounds sale in Santa Fe in a month once she sliced and polished them.   The rock hounds club in Albuquerque had asked her to set up a table there but she had declined.  Still too many dark memories of that town.  She could hear Ben laughing in the house and looked at Ma.

"He's talking to Peter," she said.  "He's supposed to be teaching him but they're talking about gaming."

"Can you tell them both to get back at it?" she asked.  "Honestly, you would think Peter would know better.  I've a good mind to phone May."

Ma laughed.  "You're sounding more and more like a normal mother every day," she said.  "What happened to you?"

"Don't go there, Ma," said Jade.  "It was my decision.  Normal mother sounds good to me right now."

She bent back over the bucket and scrubbed too hard on the one stone.  She splashed water on her shorts but ignored it as the dry New Mexico air would take care of it.  It had been almost nine months since the showdown with the cult in Albuquerque, eight and a half months since they implemented the plan to destroy all the Others' queens, eight months since she last saw or heard from Bucky.  That wasn't quite true as he sent a postcard from New York City, showing it being rebuilt after the attack on the Others there.  All it said was "Thinking of you, Bucky".  That had been over a month ago and since then, nothing from him directly. 

Peter had sent out little snippets of information since they all left, complete with links to news video coverage.  About six weeks after Bucky left there was a live streaming event of a news crew at Avengers HQ shadowing the various members of the Avengers.  Some of them like Steve, Peter and Sam were very open and informative.  Scott was very popular being the friendly man that he was in real life.  Bucky was reclusive, not wanting to be filmed or interviewed.  When they did finally get him in a sit down situation he was abrupt and clearly uncomfortable.  The footage of him and Steve taking on a series of nests by themselves and running so fast as they dropped off the flash bangs that they were both a blur was popular, generating a lot of likes on social media. 

Just a month and a half ago the Avengers were given the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction and the Congressional Gold Medal for their efforts in fighting the Others.  A week later they were interviewed on CBS Mornings in New York in the rebuilt Times Square with fans behind security barriers holding up signs naming their favourites.  The signs with Bucky's name were being held by predominantly female fans.  His reclusive nature had appealed to a certain type of woman who all thought he should show his face more.  The hosts showed a picture of Bucky with his short hair working on his motorcycle to the screams of his female fans.  Word from Peter was that Bucky was still debating whether to stay in New York with the Avengers.  Apparently his decision was still unknown. 

She heard Cherry nicker in her paddock and called to the mare, one of the three horses the Avengers had bought from the outfitter.  Cherry was the first one she had connected with and they still had a good relationship, just not a telepathic one anymore.  Apple, a chestnut mare, and Butch, a roan gelding, had also made the trip to their home.  Clint would have liked to take them to Missouri but thought it was too long a trip to subject them to so when she and Ma moved near Santa Fe after finding that big hunk of gold they brought the horses with them.  Drying her hands she went over to the fence.

"What is it, girl?" she asked.  "Am I not giving you enough attention?"

She felt inside the food bucket and brought out a piece of carrot for each of them, stroking their necks as they crunched through their favourite vegetable.  Two miles away where the road to their property came off the highway she caught the sound of a big motorcycle, loud and loved by gear heads, slowing down on the highway and turning onto their road.  At first she thought it was somebody using it to turn around but the dust plume from the rear of the bike kept coming closer.  Buddy sat up, his ears perked forward, watching the rider approach.

"We have company!" she yelled. 

Ma came forward, peering at the approaching motorcycle.  Then a smile crossed her face but she said nothing other than it was a friendly.  She went back to her garden leaving Jade to greet the visitor.  Jade waited and the biker finally pulled up in front of her.  It was a man and after he stopped he tugged off his leather gloves.  It was then she noticed the black metal hand.

"Bucky?" she said.

He took his helmet off and she rushed to him.

"Hold on," he said, smiling.  "Let me get off the bike."

As soon as he was off the bike she jumped into his arms wrapping her legs around him.  He wrapped her in his arms, running his hand through her hair and kissing her when she finally raised her face to his.  Buddy started barking happily, his tail wagging as he recognized Bucky.  Ma came forward then with a big smile on her face.

"About time you got here," she said.  "Poor girl has been pining away for you."

"I wanted to come sooner," he said, "but I had obligations.  I'm on leave for a month so I'll be hanging around, if that's okay."

"You're always welcome, Bucky," said Ma affectionately, "always."

Jade was crying now, still wrapped around his waist.  He held her like a baby, stroking her back and talking softly into her ear.  It took a few minutes before she relinquished her hold on him and turned away, wiping her face.  By that time Ben had heard the commotion and came to the door.

"Bucky!" he said, running to him and giving him a hug. 

"Jesus, kid," said Bucky, rubbing the boy's hair.  "What the hell is your mom feeding you?  You've grown almost a foot since I last saw you."

"Ma says it's a growth spurt," replied Ben.  "I've got hair growing in strange places, too.  And you wouldn't believe what I wake up to some mornings."

Bucky burst out laughing.  Ben was still the most direct kid he ever knew, not that he knew many.  But if anyone could get through puberty without trauma it would probably be him.  Everything was just normal to him. 

"How come you never called or wrote?" demanded Jade, anger replacing her tears.  "I received one postcard with one sentence in almost eight months.  We have a phone you know."

"I know," he said.  "I have no excuse other than things have been hectic with the hunt for Others nests.  The military is taking over a lot of the hunts now so the Avengers get to go back to being the Avengers."

"Does that mean you're staying in New York?" asked Jade, a little fearful.

"Well, no, not exactly," he said.  "I'm staying with the Avengers but they want a permanent presence at the Bunker now.  Bruce already decided to stay there and I kind of like the peace and quiet."

"Which is why you have one of the noisiest bikes, right?" said Ma, laughing.

"What can I say, I'm a complicated guy," he said.  "Jade, would you take a ride on my bike with me?"

"Only if you go horseback riding with me before dinner," she said.  "Those are my terms."

"Fair enough," he said smiling.  "I could use a drink and the use of your bathroom."

"Ben, get Bucky a beer," said Ma.  "Come sit in the cool of my garden when you're done."

Bucky took his back pack off, and went inside, ducking his head at the low door.  Ben pointed to the bathroom.  When he came outside he went under the pergola and took his leather jacket off.  A beer was sitting on a side table near Jade.  She patted the open space beside her.  He took a long drink of the beer and looked at the three with warmth.  They still felt like family to him. 

"Tell us everything," said Ma. "How is everyone?"

"Peter is in university, but you already knew that," he said.  "Steve is in charge of the Avengers and is doing a ton of recruiting, Sam is still Captain America.  He and Maria went back to Louisiana but he's on call all the time and can pretty much fly anywhere in the country within an hour.  Scott and Hope are staying in California but they're on call as well.  Clint decided to retire but I think he'll be bored out of his skull in six months.  He had a protégé all ready to take over from him, named Kate Bishop.  She lived with his family during the occupation.  Wanda is Wanda.  She'll be there if and when we need her.  Strange is kind of working with Steve to find suitable Avenger candidates.  King T'Challa died but his sister Shuri and Queen Ramonda lived.  They will get Wakanda back on its feet in no time.  Still no sign of Thor or the Guardians.  New Asgard survived and Valkyrie still rules there.  That leaves me.  How have you all been?"

"Ma and Bruce are dating," said Ben.

"I just go out there and spend time with him," said Ma quickly.  "I wouldn't call it dating. It's not like we go anywhere.  We just enjoy each other's company."

"But you do sleep together, Ma," said Jade with a mischievous look in her eyes.  "I can tell."

Bucky looked at Ma, smiling.  "Seriously?" he said. "You and Bruce?  Nice."

She didn't say a thing, just sat there with a small smile on her face. 

"Did you ride your motorcycle from New York?" asked Ben.

"I did," said Bucky.  "I packed some clothes in my back pack and headed out on the road, all the way here."

"What are your intentions?" asked Jade, suddenly.

"That's why I want you to take a ride with me," replied Bucky.

"Take the ride, Mom," said Ben.  "Oh, sorry, was that out loud?"

"You've been hanging out with Peter too much," said Bucky smiling.  "But he's right.  Take the ride with me, Jade, please."

She agreed and when Bucky finished his beer she put on her jean jacket, which was actually his jean jacket that she stole when they still lived in the Bunker.  He looked at her bare legs beneath her shorts.

"You should put some jeans on," he said. 

"I'm fine," she said.  "Lead on."

He shrugged and gave her his helmet to wear.  Then he mounted the bike, started it up, and waited for her to get on and wrap her arms around him.  He carefully drove the two mile road to the highway and set off for wherever he fancied.  After about 15 minutes he saw a sign for a state park lookout and pulled into it.  She got off the bike and took the helmet off.  He lifted his right leg over the bike and sat facing her, pulling her in close.  She lifted her right leg and leaned on him with her knee on his thigh.

"I am sorry," he said, touching her face.  "I should have never left but all I heard in my head was you telling me to leave."

"I also told you I would talk to you later but you just flew off the handle and left without even saying goodbye," replied Jade, trying not to cry.

He pulled her in even more so their bodies were touching, cradling her face in his right hand, while his left hand was on her hands behind her back.

"I regretted it the moment I was on the highway but my pride wouldn't let me come back,"  he said softly.  "I wanted to call since then but I wasn't sure you would talk to me after I left without a word to you.  Me deciding not to call was easier than hearing you say you wouldn't talk to me."

"No excuse," she said, pulling away and standing several feet from him.  "It was just a stupid argument.  I thought you didn't want me anymore after my decision."

"What? No!" he exclaimed.  "That had nothing to do with it.  You had to do what was best for you.  I respect that.  What we experienced together, that will be special forever.  But I fell in love with you, not your gift."

She sighed and walked away from him towards the fence overlooking the view.  He came over and leaned on the fence next to her.  They didn't speak for a few minutes.

"You cut your hair," she said.  "I liked it long.  But you look good all the same."

"We had to do some media stuff and one of the criticisms of my appearance was it made me look homeless or like a motorcycle gang member," he smirked.  "Not the image they wanted for the new incarnation of the Avengers.  It's already grown some and won't take long to grow longer, if you like it that way."

"Why should I have any say in it?" she asked.  "It's not like we're a couple anymore."

"That's why I'm here," he said, turning to her.  "I never wanted to leave you.  When we were together I always thought we would get married, maybe have a kid or two."

"Then why did you leave?" she yelled, trying not to cry.  "Especially when I needed you so much?  I cried for days!"

She walked away from him to a place where a bench was and sat down, putting her face in her hands.  He watched her then walked over and sat next to her.  He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a black bandanna, offering it to her.  She took it, blew her nose and offered it back but he told her to keep it.

"Because I was an idiot," he said bluntly.  "Trust is hard for me, as hard as it is for you.  When you told me about Strange and Wanda removing your abilities I was hurt that you would take that step without talking to me.  It was always your decision, I get that, but I wanted to have my say before you did it.  I over reacted and said some shit to you because that's who I am sometimes.  I tried to take it back as soon as I said it but you wouldn't listen so I did what I'm really good at.  I ran away, and I've been miserable without you ever since.  I even trashed a building when I realized how stupid I had been."

"So why are you here, Bucky?" she asked, poking him in the chest.  "Why are you really here?"

"I'm going to be stationed at the Bunker, permanently," he said, grasping her hand and stroking the back of it.  "Starting in a month.  I want you to come with me, Ben and Ma as well, if they want.  I want to marry you."

He didn't know what he was expecting but yanking her hand out of his, picking up a bunch of rocks and throwing them over the fence wasn't it.  She stood there after, her nostrils flaring, her eyes glaring and looking ready to burst.

"You have your nerve," she said defiantly. "We bought that place with the gold we found.  It's ours, completely ours. We have a good life here and you want us to uproot everything to go and live in that concrete box again?"

"Okay," he said carefully and calmly.  "Then marry me, stay here during the week and either come to me for the weekends or I come here.  Lot's of couples do it.  I don't want to be without you again, Jade.  I've been miserable since we broke up.  Whatever you want, I'll do it, anything except quit the Avengers.  It's what I do best and I like it."

She sat back down next to him and looked at him.  "This is when I miss my gift," she said.  "This is when I would take a peek in your brain and see if you were serious.  I can't tell because I never had to develop the human ability to tell when a person was full of shit."

"Do you still love me?" he asked.  "I think you do, otherwise you wouldn't have greeted me the way you did."

"Yes," she admitted.  "I don't know why but I do."

"Sure you do," he said.  "You know why you love me.  Say the reasons.  I'll start.  I make you feel safe."

She looked at him expressionless until he raised his eyebrows.

"You listen," she carried on reluctantly.  "Your body makes me weak in the knees.  Your eyes are like the ocean.  Your voice is so soft and silky that it makes me wet with desire.  Your stupid face is in my dreams every night.  You've ruined me for other men.  I don't want anyone else.  I want you."

The last parts were spoken with a whisper as she struggled to keep her composure but he heard her loud and clear.

"Then say you'll marry me and we'll work out how we do this," he said quietly.  "Because I want you, too.  I love you and I want a life with you, however we make it work."

"I have to think about it," she said.  "Really think.  I'll give you my answer when we take our horseback ride."

"Okay," he said, satisfied for now.  "Let's go back, before Ma thinks I kidnapped you."

Only love can bring the rain

That makes you yearn to the sky

Only love can bring the rain

That falls like tears from on high

Love, Reign O'er Me by The Who

"It's raining," said Bucky, looking out the window.  "We won't be able to ride."

Jade looked outside.  "It's virga," she said.  "Rain that evaporates before it hits the ground.  Stop trying to back out."

She had already saddled Butch for Bucky and was just saddling Cherry.  Even without her gift she could tell Bucky was nervous about riding Butch, but it was so needless.  Butch was a big softie of a horse, calm and compliant.  A baby could ride him.  She finished tightening the straps and stood beside Butch.

"Want a hand up?" she asked, sarcastically.

"No, I remember how," he said, miffed.

He put his foot in the stirrup and lifted himself up onto Butch.  Jade mounted Cherry with ease and she pulled the reins to take the trail leading away from their house.

"We're off, Ma," she yelled.  "Back at sunset."

"Dinner will be ready," Ma yelled back, watching them go, calling back Buddy, then whispering.  "Say yes, you silly girl."

"Stay on the path," said Jade.  "There are rattlesnakes around."

"Where are we going?" he asked, bringing himself alongside her.

"To a nice view," she said. 

"Thanks for giving me my jean jacket," he said. 

"You're welcome," she replied. 

"You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?" he asked. 

"No, I'm not," she snapped back.  "There's something about being kidnapped by a religious nut bar who expected me to lay on my back and spread my legs for him that changes a person, especially when he turned out to be my father.  You want me?  You woo me."

She rode a little faster to get ahead of Bucky.  He realized she was doing it deliberately to hurt him physically since he was such a lousy rider.  Swallowing his pride he encouraged Butch to go faster and he caught up to her. 

"How can I woo you if you won't slow down?" he asked.

"Aren't I worth a little discomfort?" she retorted.  "I recall you saying you would die for me.  This isn't death, just hard on the ass."

"Man, you have really become quite mean since you gave up your gift," he said pointedly.  "Lost all of your empathy, your calmness, your good manners."

Jade smirked and rode even faster.  She turned around to look behind her and didn't see Bucky.  She stopped and turned Cherry around only to have Bucky whip by her from the opposite direction.  He looked back with a big grin on his face as he expertly pulled up.

"Son of a bitch," she muttered.  "He took riding lessons."

He rode back to her and she saw he was quite at home in the saddle.   With grace, she smiled and conceded a draw.  She led him back onto the original path and they finally came to the spot she wanted him to see, a view of rolling hills to the west as the sun was low. 

"This is a nice view.  I missed these sunsets," he said while he looked out over the vista.  "I took riding lessons when I was researching a delivery method that didn't depend on me and Steve running all over the place.  I'm not as good as you, obviously, but I can handle it."

"The horse detachments...that was you? Did you also do it for me?" she asked. 

"Partly yeah, I did," he said.  "What Clint said about the Others not being threatened by the horses stuck with me and I worked on the idea.  Then as I got more comfortable riding I knew I wanted to come back and ride with you. When I found out you brought the horses here it became a goal for me.  I envisioned us doing this, going for a leisurely ride just before sunset, when the light was golden.  I imagined us bringing our horses close together, and me leaning over, and kissing you."

He did the movements he described as he said them.  After kissing her he sat back in his saddle and pulled a small box out of his jean jacket.  Ma had given it to him in the house; she had kept it safe until he returned.

"I saw myself bringing this box out and showing you this ring that I made, with Ma's help, with the jade gemstone in it that you found on one of the best days we ever had together.  I practiced saying Jade Chambers, would you marry me?  I thought I did a pretty good job of it as well.  Of course, in my imagination you always said yes."

"You jerk," she whispered.  "Why did you have to go and make it so perfect?  Now I can't say no."

"Is that a yes?" he asked bringing Butch closer.

She didn't answer.

"Jade, will you marry me?" he asked, his horse right beside hers.

"Yes, it's a yes," she whispered back, trying not to cry. 

He leaned over and placed the ring on her finger, then pulled her close for a passionate kiss. 

"Does this mean you forgive me as well?" he asked innocently.

"That depends on tonight," she said, with a smile.  "But your chances are good."

"Then we better get back," he replied.  "Don't want to keep Ma waiting.  She's practically screaming in my head right now."

Jade laughed.  She took his vibranium hand in hers.  "I really missed you," she said, tears finally forming.  "I truly thought you didn't love me anymore.  That's when I missed my gift the most.  But I couldn't keep it, knowing there were people who thought it made me something I wasn't, a prophet, an object of worship, or a weapon.  That's why I did it.  It has changed me.  I'm not that strange anymore, except my looks.  That still causes peoples' heads to turn.  But then I open my mouth and they know I'm normal."

"I still worship you," he said sincerely.  "You're still beautiful inside and out.  We made love with the mental connection that one time and I will always remember how special it was.  It was a gift because I let you in and I had never let anyone into my head like that before or since.  You know my deepest darkest secrets and fears yet you still love me.  You will never be just normal to me, you will always be special."

They kissed again, and as if knowing, Butch and Cherry moved closer so the two riders didn't have to lean over as much.  They heard a rumble of thunder and looked around seeing a storm starting to develop in the distance.  Bucky turned Butch around and they started back for the homestead.  By the time they got back and had unsaddled and cooled down the horses a wind had picked up.  Ma called them in for dinner and commented they would get a good storm that night.  While they ate they could hear the incoming thunder but there was no visible lightning or rain until they had finished.  Ma looked at Bucky and Jade and told them to go on to bed upstairs, she and Ben could handle the cleanup. 

"Upstairs?" asked Bucky.  "I thought this was a single story ranch house?"

"Optical illusion," said Jade.  "Come on."

Bucky grabbed his back pack and they went up a narrow staircase to where a bedroom had been built in the attic with a skylight window facing north.  It was rustic and cozy, and it would be theirs.

"Who did this?" he asked. 

"Ma did some serious negotiating with some tradespeople for the staircase, window and the electrical," Jade replied.  "We did all the sanding.  I bought the furniture and bedding from some of my earnings."

"I thought you didn't think I was coming back," he said.

"Ma kept saying you would and her future seeing was always better than mine," she answered.

"Then why didn't the cult kidnap her to be their prophet?" asked Bucky.  "I always meant to ask that."

"Because she was past child bearing age," said Jade.  "Elder Abraham aka Dad said he was destined to be the father of greatness with the white haired mother of greatness, which was me, not her.  Enough talk."

"One more question," he said, "I promise.  You still have your implant?"

She lifted up her arm and showed him the small scar from the injection then lifted up her other arm with the faint but large scar where her father tried to carve out her birth control implant.  He touched the large scar then put his hand on her face and kissed her softly.  She kissed him back and they sat on the edge of the bed, caressing each other's face and hair.  Leaning forward she pulled his shirt off, tracing the edge of his prosthetic shoulder with her fingertips, then to his pectoral muscles before stopping at the top button of his jeans, undoing it.  He pulled her shirt off, smiling that she wasn't wearing a bra.  He pushed her down onto the bed to caress her breasts and kiss her neck.  Her pale skin glowed in the dim light then a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, lighting everything up in its brilliance.  It was quickly followed by a crash of thunder.  They both undressed completely and got under the covers waiting for the next lightning flash.  As they waited they softly kissed and caressed, becoming familiar with  each other's bodies again.  By the time the thunderstorm started in earnest they weren't paying attention to it any more.  Instead Bucky was in her slowly thrusting himself deep as he kissed wherever his lips moved to.  Jade ran her hands down his back to his bottom squeezing and pulling him closer.  He started mouthing her ear and moved down to her breasts.  Pulling his face back to hers Jade kissed him, running her tongue over his before kissing him hard.  She clenched around him and he groaned feeling her tighten.  With a grin he ground his pelvis into her, connecting with her clitoris and drawing a large sigh from her as she lifted her face upwards towards him.  As they both got closer to the moment before their bodies would release in a flash of pleasure he brought his face down to her ear.

"I found you, Jade," he whispered.  "I saw you on Red Wing's surveillance video.  It was me who told Steve where you were while he was out on patrol.  All I saw was your hair, your beautiful glorious hair.  That's why I combed it out and washed it when you were still unconscious.  I wanted to see your hair."

"I know," she murmured back.  "I saw the memory in your head right at the beginning.  It's why I was attracted to you from the start.  You saw beauty in me before anyone else.  I saw it in you, too, James."

They kissed deeply for a long time still moving in rhythm as their passion built to a crescendo of cries and thrusts until they reached their pinnacle together.  She arched her back, crying out his name and he pressed himself into her neck with loud gasps.  Below them in the living room, Ben looked up.

"We'll be hearing that a lot for the next month," he said drolly, as he rolled the dice while they played Yahtzee.

"Why don't you put some music on?" said Ma.  "I know Peter gave you some playlists.  Let your grandmother listen."

Ben took out his iPad and connected to the Bluetooth speaker, then picked out his favourite playlist.  There were swear words in it but if Ma said to play it then he was going to play it.  Above the living room they were just coming down from their bliss.  Jade heard the music playing and her eyes grew big as she heard some of the words.  She was going to go downstairs and say something but Bucky grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his arms.

"It's a different world that we live in," he said, kissing her.  "He's a good kid.  Let him have his music.  He's probably playing it because we were a little loud.  You want him to listen to us having sex or a few swear words?"

He winced when The Penis Song by Macklemore came up.  "I'm going to kill Peter Parker," he said, flopping back in the bed.

Jade started laughing and kissed him again.  She laid on top of Bucky and looked at the engagement ring with her namesake gem stone in it and thought back to the day when they found the piece of jade together.  It was before the cult kidnapped her.  They were walking along the wash away from the Bunker.  Everyone had got into scouring the area for gemstones and Jade had shown them how to shape, sand and polish the stones.  The geodes had become popular as room décor once she showed them how to crack the rocks.  She had found the jade by accident, noticing a fossil exposed by the last rain.  Together they had uncovered parts of the fossil and debated digging it out but it was huge so Bucky made a GPS record of it for the time when they could notify the university about it.  Just beside it was a small piece of jade that had been scoured on the side facing up.  Bucky said it matched her eyes and asked if he could have it for a project.  She realized right at that moment that the ring had been the project.  He had worked on it since before the cult took her.  Looking at him, she smiled.

"The ring was the project," she said.  "You've wanted to marry me for a long time."

"Took you long enough," he replied, amused.

Pulling her into his arms he kissed her again and played with her soft fine hair that he had always loved.  For the next month they would be in this bed often when they wanted to be intimate.  They would also ride his bike, ride the horses, and he would start being a real father to Ben.  Working out how to have a long-distance marriage would take time but he knew in his heart they would definitely marry.  Then someday have a child together.  He had found his gem, his Jade, and no one would ever separate them again.

Things are beautiful if you love them.

Jean Anouilh

💍 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Series Masterlist

I hope you all enjoyed this different take.   If you did, please like, comment or reblog.