#and SUDDENLY IT'S A DISASTER IT'S A BIG DEAL IT'S A MESS WE GOTTA FIGURE THIS OUT

[likesummerrainn]

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[steve0discusses]

Yugioh Ep 35 S4: Raphael Joins the Pile of Dead Bodies

Ah 2020, thankfully we have one trashfire somewhat behind us, but I’m still avoiding social media for so many obvious reasons because of all the other trashfires that just never seem to stop burning, so lets talk about Yugioh with all of this newfound time.

Ah, card games. Card games that go on for 6-7 episodes. Lets see how they pad it out:

In a lot of ways, Roland really is just padding for the show, and that’s OK. He’s doing his best, by doing literally nothing but stand outside and check the time.

Inside the dusty soul chamber, Tristan has decided to do us the favor of recapping what happened last episode, which included the return of our four dead friends, so that they could die...again.

Seto’s reaction to seeing these dead people suddenly alive again was very “guys...I went nuts like years ago, I’m just going with it at this point.” and he’s still 100% positive that this is all a hologram and that no one will ever die.

Whatever it takes for Seto to get out of bed in the morning, I guess.

(read more under the cut)

One of the big mechanics the game is that you need to stay level headed, or the Orichalcos just kind of slurps you up. This explains a little why Dartz is so freakin chill basically all of the time, just the Bob Ross of evil over there. It also is sort of funny because Pharaoh and Seto are the least chill people to have ever lived so he’s just kind of waiting it out to see whom between Seto and Kaiba gets the most angry first and completely botches it.

Yugi has to do literally nothing and for the first time in his life this is the right choice.

I’m so glad he gets to use his big brain move of “If I don’t play, no one dies!” from S1. Glad it came back to serve him for once instead of just make everyone else really annoyed.

Yugi just...not moving means it’s now Seto’s turn to put down some cards, and he kinda looks over at Pegasus and goes...well you know what’s gonna happen next.

I have no idea why he didn’t attack Pegasus. Like this episode is kind of weird because we got these flashbacks of Pegasus being like “you’re my only hope, Yugi!” and it’s like wtf, Pegasus trapped you on a murder island and tried to kill you multiple times. He abducted Mokuba and turned both the Kaiba brothers into cards.

yo did Seto and Pegasus get back together in between seasons or something? Was there a whole character development where these two have fun brunches in San Fransisco now? Because I would watch that anime. I would watch the anime where Seto and Pegasus are co-hosting Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and just destroying every unsuspecting local restaurant they brunch in.

But are we just assuming that the eyeball did all that evil stuff from S1 and that otherwise Pegasus is a good person? Because like...he was a mess before he got possessed. He’s kind of a Yugi, he’s kind of a Bakura, he’s kind of a Marik...in that there’s a mess in that bean, and getting possesed just only amplified what was already there.

So, with his smug as hell grin, Seto surprises Dartz by only barely getting affected by this inescapable moral dilemma and Seto just very quickly deciding to do a murder. And then we get a little blimp throwback to S2 (S3? I don’t even remember at this point, since we’ve been stuck in S4 for an entire year. Thanks 2020.)

If blocking the shot when Marik did it in S3 or S2 or whenever that was, didn’t get Mai to like Joey, then it shouldn’t work if you do it a second time.

But hey, I guess it’s better than letting her perma-die. Although this show desperately needs to figure out how to use Mai if they’re gonna keep her around, youknow?

Like all ships are fine and valid here, ship whatever you want to your hearts content: I don’t ship at all, as you know, but I hope one day they give Mai a personality that is consistently likeable. I do want to like her because she’s like...good at what she does when she plays cards and can be that can be a fun “hey I’m a girl but I’m not a freakin ‘gamer girl’ you male chauvinist assholes” type of character. But, the show just...the show doesn’t know what they want outside of a little romantic tension that they legally can’t follow through because of a 5-6 year age gap with a teenager.

This show actively tries to destroy this ship, and then turns around and is like “oh shoot this ship is all we have.” This show tries to lift up Mai as a feminist icon one season, and then tears her down for being “too” feminist the next season when she decides to--youknow--kill Joey Wheeler because he made her feel weak or something when he saved her life. 

Like the show does a lot to explore weakness and strength, and how what we see as weakness is actually strength, and how what we tend to attribute as strengths is actually weakness, and how our modern career/school/success expectations set us up for failure, but I think they explored that way better with Seto than they ever did with Mai.

Could’ve been cool Mai, you could’ve been cool.

Anyhoo, that was my spicy commentary on a 10+ year old anime, good to get it off my chest.

Seto and Yami have the typical problem they have whenever they play cards together, where one goes completely rogue. Except this time, the one going rogue isn’t Seto, it’s Yami. He’s just like...I’ll make life for Seto very difficult and I will lose this game and I don’t even mind because I’m already dead, deal with it.

So honestly this is an episode where it’s just Seto demanding we kill a bastard, and Yami being like “but not THAT bastard” and Seto just shrugging and saying “I have to kill A bastard, Yugi! Just CHOOSE one!”

That actual line in the show (I forget what it was exactly) does infer that Seto thinks Joey holds him back, and that implication speaks miles about Seto’s insecurities.

HOW THOUGH..........what are you jealous of, Seto?

You’re better at cards than he is, he’s never beat you at anything. It’s not about who’s best friends with Yugi because...Yugi’s possessed so Yami is always going to take first place...

......so what could it possibly BE?

Seto doesn’t attend school anymore, is it about that? Is it because Joey is likeable? Is it because Joey pretends he has a much older girlfriend? I mean hypothetically, Blue Eyes White Dragon is WAY older than Mai so...that can’t be it.

.....what IS it???

Does the “friendship” he have with Joey make Seto too soft? Is that what’s holding him back? Because Seto doesn’t actually think he’s friends with these people and says that Yugi and co are “Mokuba’s friends” so like....

.....what are you talking about, Seto???

Is it because you’re addicted to cards again? Because that’s...sort of Joey’s fault because he was the one who told you he needed a ride to Jacksonville, and then let slip that the “King of Games” title was up for grabs, is that it?

Are you just tired of Joey asking you for a ride?

Not like it matters, because Joey survives, and Seto gets to feel like a complete asshole about it.

As Raphael (who is this purple blur here) motorcycles into the dome of souls, Rolands last words were

“You can’t go in there!”

which was the weirdest thing to say to a guy you just saw fall down a 50 story building a few hours ago. Raphael not being dead should be the thing Roland fixates on, but instead he’s seen so many people die and come back to life, that he’s only concerned that Raphael will get in trouble for trespassing.

Again, Roland is the only Kaiba that hasn’t died yet, and it’s because he’s the only Kaiba that hasn’t broken the law.

Dude. What if the reason Roland is standing outside is because he’s been politely looking for the doorbell to be let in?

...the players asking for death...like clockwork...and me asking for the end of this freakin game...we played...1 turn this episode...

This episode was 1 turn!

And you may ask...well what else could possibly happen to stretch this out and well...

Raphael dives in on a motorcycle to save the day. Which is an aesthetic, by the way, this huge man covered in like a dozen belts, doing a wheelie jump into a chasm of 1 million souls. that’s an aesthetic.

So he shows up, gets off his bike and I was like “Oh good, someone to maybe save Yugi saving Joey saving Mai?” And instead, I was...not given that.

Mostly Raphael is here because he ALSO wants to kill Dartz, and is like “can I join? I know you’ve only played like 1 round, just deal me a new hand, it’ll be fine.” and it’s like...we already played the Orichalcos Raphael, this is not a game of Uno, you cannot just jump in.

Dartz is sort of obsessed with how everyone around him has potential for evil except for him, the chillest human to ever be born, and I gotta say...when he’s in this room...Dartz has a point.

+++++++++++++RANT ABOUT BEING PERFECT FEEL FREE TO SKIP++++++++++++++

It is sort of nice to have the concept of an older generation (in this case 10,000 years older) fighting with a younger generation. To have the older, more typically wiser generation say “Listen, I kinda screwed the planet and the war economy and the prison system...and I’m gonna keep doing that...and you can’t stop me because you’re a bunch of hypocritical dumbasses.” and then the younger generation say. “We don’t care if we’re a mess, dude. We aren’t the problem here.”

I may be putting some recent topical STUFF into this mold here, but it is a nice little analogy that they made even someone who is such a human disaster as Yami and Seto “morally good” enough to fight Dartz. You don’t have to be a perfect Harvard Grad to fight the system, you don’t have to be an entirely problematic-free savior, you can be even as problematic as Seto Kaiba--just get rid of the dumb assholes trying to destroy the world. That’s all.

Like this concept is strangely prescient because in 2020 we’re in a weird time period where if you aren’t perfect, you’re not allowed to have opinions. You’re not allowed to make content. You’re not allowed to make change. This is mostly an online problem in places like twitter, but it’s a real problem--because in the end what you’re left with is no one that wants to step up to the plate because they know that they, too, are flawed.

And like not even just as a political thing, even as a creator, as an artist, I see this problem more and more with kids. Kids who are like “I am afraid to draw because what if I do it wrong and I get dragged on twitter years later?” or “I want to make a story, but I’m afraid to get cancelled because my fantasy story has problematic stuff in it? Am a bad person for wanting to write it?” And it’s like...what are we doing to young creators right now? Did we all fail humanities? How have we failed art and literature SO badly that we’ve come to this point that people are too afraid to even learn how to do it right?

Anyway that was a tangent, but like...you see the similarities, right? That if you really were as perfect as Dartz either politically or creatively, you’d be a freakin monster and would probably just tear down everyone else around you on twitter rather than lift other people up. It’s a stretch but eh, it’s been a while since I went on a good Yugioh tangent and like

---it’s not like I can say this on twitter---

+++++++++++++++END OF THAT RANT+++++++++++++++++++

So it’s at this point that Dartz turns to Raphael is like “I mean...we weren’t really doing anything else, and Yugi and Yami are playing so slowly...I guess I have time to bust your nuts” and decides to bust his nuts.

Oh hey, I was right.

And yeah, that’s still effed up. Dartz killed his Raphael’s family, left him on an island, and then adopted him later after forcing him to dig up their graves. Like...Raphael, that’s effed up.

He also did the same thing to everyone else (and for Valon he just kinda glazed over that really fast because we had to edit his backstory out of the English version)

PS at this part Mokuba started sweating bullets and Tea leaned over and was like “Is this true, Mokuba?”

And Mokuba was like “...yes.”

Because, I don’t think Mokuba can keep any secret from Tea. Like for reals, Tea may be the most dangerous thing to all of KaibaCorp if she wasn’t so distracted by Yami’s endless string of problems. Mokuba is constantly telling them all of Seto’s deepest darkest secrets and there is like nothing Seto can do about it.

The animation of Gozaburo turning into a beautiful Dartz was just a simple fade to white, but man--imagine if they had dome some crazy effed up animation where Gozaburo just whips back his head and he has ass length blue hair and long, luscious lashes?

Imagine.

Anyway, this was enough for Raphael, who was already our most gullible and unstable person on this show, to just flip that switch and go lime green like all those other minibosses before him.

Really glad we built up Raphael for him to just die at the door hahaha.

That was so freakin random.

OK then. Thanks for nothing, Raphael.

I guess we go to the next episode to see if we finally play another turn? We can hope for good things. But if we don’t play a full turn I will NOT be surprised.

https://steve0discusses.tumblr.com/tagged/yugioh/chrono

[imagining-supernatural]

The Work Call

Part 18 of Seventy Percent

Series Summary: When you left on your trip to Vegas, you’d planned on letting loose for one last weekend before heading back to reality and getting your affairs in order so your best friend wouldn’t be left cleaning up your mess when your cancer finally ended your life. What you hadn’t counted on was waking up married to a celebrity who has a knight-in-shining-armor complex, connections with an oncologist, and amazing insurance…

Chapter Summary:  You call your boss to get some work to do in your free time and do a little flirting ;)

Word Count: 2,258

With Sebastian off in Georgia for a week, you felt like a teenager whose parents just left her home for alone for the first time. Suddenly, you could break all of the rules. Not that your rule-breaking was something that would get you in too much trouble…

Since the press seemed to have gotten it through their heads that you were off limits, you finally had your privacy and space back again. As a result, you were taking advantage of the last few weeks of autumn before the snow came. After your hospital appointments, you walked down the street to a cute little café and sat in one of the over-sized, plush chairs for a bit. You’d either bring a book or your laptop.

On Wednesday, the café cat apparently decided you were okay and hopped up into your lap, purring loudly as you read. You’d snapped a quick selfie and sent it off to Sebastian.

Me: [image attached] Don’t be surprised if you come home this weekend and I’ve catnapped ol’ Misty here

Sebastian: What if I’m allergic to cats?

Me: Sucks to be you, I guess

Me: The apartment’s lonely without you

You stared at the last text you’d sent, suddenly overthinking it. Sure, you were married. And, sure, you were wearing his ring now. But you two hadn’t really discussed what that meant, exactly. So was that last text too strong? Too forward?

Hell, you didn’t even know what you’d meant by it.

Sebastian: Don’t know how I feel about being able to be replaced by a cat

Sebastian: Maybe I need to up my game

Up his game?

Shit, it had been so long since you’d flirted with anyone. So long since you’d even considered a relationship. After your hellish life growing up, you’d put all of your focus into school. You were determined to set yourself up for a better life than the one you were born into. Then you graduated and worked hard to secure your place at your job. School only taught you so much, and you needed to be able to apply what you learned to real life.

Once you felt secure in your professional life and you were finally ready to start exploring a relationship, you found out you had cancer.

So to say you were woefully underprepared for this situation would be the understatement of the year.

Me: Luckily for you, I like Jenny’s coffee so much that I don’t want her to hate me for stealing her cat

Sebastian: You still thought a cat would replace me

Sebastian: That hurts, sweetheart

Sweetheart. In writing. 

Me: I’ll find some way to make you feel better this weekend

Oh shit. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.

Why did you never read over your texts before you sent them?

At least you hadn’t put a winky face emoji. Now that would have been a disaster.

Not that you didn’t want your relationship with Sebastian to keep going. You did. But there was a lot more pressure riding on this than there was back in high school when you went to the prom with Brad Trayton, or in college when you slept with the guy from your Chemistry 101 lab three times before having to break it off with him because he always smelled like bacon.

This was Sebastian Fucking Stan. And you were married to the guy. And you were in a literal life or death situation. If things went badly with him, that would make the rest of your cancer treatment very awkward, to say the least.

Sebastian: I’m sure you will…

Sebastian: I gotta go to a script reading rn. Skype tonight?

Me: Of course

You’d been Skyping with Seb at least twice a day since he left on Sunday night. It was almost like he never left, in that regard.

But with him gone, you found that you had a lot of free time on your hands. With your body starting to get used to the cancer treatment, you also had a bit more energy and nowhere to put that energy to good use.

So you called your old boss back home, dialing his direct extension to avoid getting his assistant. The press might have backed off, but thanks to the updates from Jasmin, people who knew you were still reeling over your marriage.

“Plathway.”

“Hey, Brendon, it’s Y/N.”

“Y/N!” he exclaimed, and you could just imagine him leaning back in his chair. Brendon Plathway was your mentor and had grown into a close friend. Of everyone in your life, you would say he was the closest thing to a good father figure you had. “How are you doing? I’ve seen your name on Facebook a few times.”

“I’m doing pretty good, all things considered. I’m in a clinical study in New York and the doctors are optimistic that it’ll work. They’re hoping I’ll get the tumor out sometime in February.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Brendon said. “And that husband of yours… he treating you well?”

“It’s not… it’s not quite like that. But yeah. He’s great.” It was a pretty decent segue into the reason for your call. “He’s actually out of town, shooting for a TV show. So I have a bit of time on my hands and was hoping—”

“Y/N Y/L/N?”

The unfamiliar voice interrupted you before you could finish. You looked up to see a guy about your age with a newsboy bag, notebook, and tape recorder.

A fucking journalist.

“I thought it was you. You mind if I ask you a few questions?” He didn’t say it like a question, nor did he give you time to respond before he sat on a stool beside you and set up shop on the small table. “If I could write an article on you, it would just—”

“I’m actually on a phone call right now.”

“Oh, I won’t take too long. I just can’t pass up this opportunity. You’re quite the enigma. No one’s gotten your side of the story.”

“And neither will you. I’m not going to answer any questions.”

He completely ignored you, flicked on the recorder, and put his pen to paper. “People have been saying that you planned your rendezvous with Sebastian Stan in Vegas. What do you say to that?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have no comment for you.”

“I thought you’d appreciate the chance to get your story out there. There are some nasty rumors spreading—”

You cut him off before he could continue. “I know my story and the people I care about know my story. I will not be answering any questions for you today.”

“Do you feel no guilt for being the reason Sebastian Stan’s reputation has taken a massive hit?”

“I’m going to give you one more chance to leave me the fuck alone before I call the cops.” He opened his mouth, but you spoke over him, voice lowering to a red-hot hiss. “And if you write a single word of this conversation or make any sort of insinuations that I said anything at all, I will slap you and whatever blog or magazine you work for with a libel lawsuit. Don’t even think about trying to manipulate your recording because you’re not the only one who has been recording this conversation. The phone call you interrupted was with my boss and it’s company policy to record all incoming and outgoing phone calls. He’s a witness that I repeatedly rejected your attempt to start an interview and anything else you say can be construed as harassment. Have I made myself clear?”

He stared at you, wide eyed. Guess he hadn’t expected a cancer patient to be so blunt. Nevertheless, he gathered his things and stood. Just before walking away, he muttered, “You didn’t have to be such a bitch about it.”

Once he was gone, you groaned. “Sorry about that, Bren.”

“Is that something you have to deal with often? That’s horrible.”

“No. Not since I got sick because stupid reporters were sticking their germy microphones in my face and Seb threatened them with lawyers.”

Brendon hmphed. “Well, you sounded like you had that speech prepared. Sounded like you’d said it a few times.”

“Before he left, Seb made sure I knew how to threaten any reporters like that. Luckily this was the first time I’ve had to remember what he told me.” The reporter had shaken you, and it took a few deep breaths before you felt calm enough to continue with your conversation. “Anyway, back to my original reason for calling… Are there are projects I could jump on long distance? I’ll probably only be able to put in about ten to fifteen good hours of work a week, but it’d be nice to have something to do other than wait for new episodes of my shows to come on Hulu.”

“Let me poke around the office a bit. I know there’s a big one coming up next week. Rachel’s heading that one. You’ve worked with her before right? She’d probably appreciate your input. Trent is in the middle of one for a pharmaceutical company, but he’s not feeling too sure about it. I’ll see if he wants you to try and hack the system and find holes.”

“Anything. I’ve worked with both of them before and I think we work well together. I did quite a few initial proposals before I left for Vegas and I enjoyed those more than most people do.”

He promised he’d send any projects your way that he could. After a few more minutes of catching up, you ended the call and headed outside to wait for Sean in the chilly fall air.

“How was the reading?” you asked later that night. “Any juicy plot lines?”

“Not that I can tell you,” Seb replied. The phone in his hand shifted as he settled further into the hotel bed that Marvel was putting him up in. “But it was good. We’ll start shooting tomorrow.”

“Excited to lube up your arm?”

He laughed, head falling back against the headboard. “I take it you finally did some research on me?”

“A little. The hospital was running behind today, so I was there a bit longer than I planned and I fell down the YouTube abyss of interviews. Anthony seems like a fun guy to work with.”

Sebastian grinned. “He is. Speaking of work, did you call your boss?”

“Yeah.” The reminder of the phone call – or rather of the interruption – made your roll your eyes.

“Didn’t go well?”

“No, no. It did.” You knew your news was not going to go over well with Seb, so you took a minute to get settled into the bed. It had been a long day and laying down felt good. You turned your laptop on its side so your face would still be the right way on Seb’s phone. “Brendon’s gonna check around work and find some projects and work to throw my way. That’s all good.”

“Then what is it?”

With a deep sigh, you began. “While I was on the phone with him, some hipster reporter dude interrupted.”

“Son of a—”

“It took a minute to get it through his thick skull that I was not going to give him a story but he finally left. It just kinda took a bit out of me.”

“God, Y/N. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yeah, it’s not,” you agreed softly. “But you prepared me. I handled it. Then Sean made me eat dinner with him and his wife. She’s an amazing cook. Sometime when you’re home, they want to have both of us over. And when this is all over, we definitely need to think of a hell of a way to thank him for everything. He’s done so much more than a driver gets paid to.”

The two of you brainstormed for a bit about how to repay Sean for his kindness and friendship. Then your conversation moved on to different subjects, bouncing around for a bit until you yawned for the third time in five minutes.

“You seem more tired than usual. You doing okay?”

“I’m fine. I mean, I haven’t been sleeping well, but that’s your fault.”

“My fault?” he asked.

“Yeah. You made me sleep next to you for two weeks then you just up and leave me alone. It’s rude, Mr. Stan.”

Something in your words sparked something in his eyes that filled you with… excitement?

“Well, Mrs. Stan…” His words were accompanied by a wink that stopped your heart. Forget your brain tumor. Sebastian was going to be the source of your death. “You only have two more nights before I’m home for the weekend.”

Flirting? Were you flirting?

“Two nights with you and five nights without you is just not a fraction I like.”

My god, you were flirting.

“If you can convince Marvel to move their studios to New York, I’m all game. Until then, we’ll have to make the best of those two nights.”

“Make the best of them, hmm?”

“Yeah,” he said in a low voice. “Mackie’s commentary on The Voice isn’t as good as yours. I’ve been waiting to watch the new episodes until I’m with you.”

The unexpected twist made you laugh out loud. It didn’t escape your attention how his eyes crinkled at the sound, affection flooding his expression. “The Voice on Friday and Dancing With The Stars on Saturday?”

“I’ll pen it in my calendar, sweetheart.”

“Ooo. I’m pen-worthy. That’s so much better than pencil-worthy.”

“You’re white-out-worthy, baby. I’d white-out plans I have with someone else to pen in plans with you.”

Fucking hell. Baby was a new one.

If he’d put on half this much charm on you in Vegas when you were drunk, it was no wonder you’d married him.

“Then I guess I need to go erase the pencil plans I had for Saturday evening and make room for you. Maybe even buy a special pen just for you.”

“Maybe wait for tomorrow? You’ve had a long day. Seems like you need a good night’s rest.”

“You too, hun.” The pet name felt foreign on your tongue, but it somehow felt… right? “Shooting starts tomorrow. You need to be ready to keep up with Mackie’s energy.”

“He wants to meet’cha, you know. Apparently I haven’t shut up about you.’

“Gimme a few more weeks to get used to this treatment and maybe I can spend more than three seconds around him without needing a nap,” you joked. “Unless he only has that energy when there’s a camera on him…?”

Seb laughed. “That is him all the damn time.”

“Then I better let you go for the night. You’ve spent the last few weeks shlumping around with me. Gotta get your rest to keep up with him tomorrow.”

“And you gotta get your rest so you can hand out candy tomorrow.”

“I’m excited for that, actually. Trick or Treating really slowed down back in Utah lately. I think last year I got, like, maybe three groups of kids?”

“You’ll get your fill this year. A lot of the kids in the apartment complex go to every door. Just be careful, okay? I don’t want you getting sick.”

It took twenty more minutes before you were finally able to say your goodbyes and hang up. You stared at your phone for a moment before placing it on the side table beside Sebastian’s bed and turning off the light.  

Houston, we've got some flirting!!! Also can we just take a minute to appreciate how amazing Sean is? But things seem to be looking up!

CHAPTER 19: THE LONG DAY

[argylemnwrites]

Fight or Flight - Chapter 2: Priorities

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Heir (canon divergent from the end of book 2)

Word Count: ~2900

Rating: R (language only)

Summary: Ninety minutes since The Walker Absconding

Author’s Note:  A series that follows the Walkers, their friends, and Cordonia as a whole after they flee the country with their daughter during Barthelemy Beaumont’s attempted coup. To catch up on this series, check out it’s masterlist, linked here.

Drake glanced over at his daughter sleeping soundly against his shoulder, her fists clutching tightly to the collar of his old denim shirt. The rocking of the car had lulled her to sleep within 20 minutes, before they’d even passed Applewood Orchards. Combine that with the fact that this was around her usual nap time, and she was out for the count. It was a blessing, he supposed, that she was so easily calmed in a car. This whole situation was stressful enough without a screaming 10 month old on top of everything. Plus, she hadn’t really noticed Riley’s utter breakdown.

When Drake had found Riley and Bridget out on the drive, he’d not even been a little bit prepared for what was about to happen. Obviously, he’d known Riley would be raging about Barthelemy’s plan. That was a given. And he wasn’t exactly surprised that the conversation she’d had with Olivia had been about a plan to get Bridget out of there. Riley had been acting cagey and weird, but when Olivia had pulled him aside not even a minute after Riley had left the room, pointed at a tube of diaper ointment on the floor, and told him to get to her driver and head to Lythikos, he’d assumed that nerves over getting caught by Barthelemy and his allies had been why she hadn’t even looked him in the eye before she left the room.

But it was a much bigger mess than that. He’d known something was up when Riley didn’t hand Bridget over when she called and reached for him. Bridget seemed to like being with Drake more at the palace, probably because he held her more at balls and galas while Riley worked the room. For Riley to insist on keeping Bridget in her arms was odd. And then, the truth came spilling out. That Riley had planned to just… up and leave Cordonia. With his daughter. Without telling him a damn thing.

At first, all he’d felt was a swell of anger. But rapidly, a million other feelings had flooded his mind. Pain. Confusion. Guilt. Sadness. Longing. Concern. Protectiveness. And those were just the ones he’d noticed as he’d scrambled to follow her pleas and desperation. Even now that the initial shock was starting to wear off for him, he wasn’t sure exactly what he was feeling. Too many things were competing in his mind.

All he knew was that he had to stick with his wife and kid. That had to be his number one priority. And so when Riley told him that she was leaving the country and taking Bridget, he knew he was going too. Even if he couldn’t fully understand her thought process at the moment, he knew she was just trying to protect their kid in the best way she could think of. So, he shoved the storm of emotions down and tried to be solid and steady, since it seemed like she was crumbling to pieces before his eyes.

Seeing her like that had been so strange. Even before, when Riley had cried about something in front of him, she’d never seemed out of control or desperate. Tears of righteous anger? Sure. Fear and anxiety? He’d seen that a few times as well. Even pure hormones during her pregnancy and postpartum period. But never had he seen her just panicking, her eyes wild and out of control, her whole body trembling just slightly. He’d never really seen anything like it before.

The closest comparison he could make was to the time he’d snuck out of bed when he was seven years old to grab a cookie and had stumbled on his parents fighting. It was the first time he’d ever seen them so much as disagree, and he’d been unable to go back to sleep that night, convinced his parents were going to split up. His mother had been in tears, begging his father not to take the promotion. The next morning, he and Savannah had learned that Dad had a new, more important job, so they would be living at the palace a lot going forward. At the time, Drake had thought his mother was just dumb. Moving in with Liam while Dad got a cool new job had seemed like a no-brainer as a child. Now, as an adult, he could look back on that moment and understand his mother’s fears and concerns. But watching his wife, who had been through so fucking much in her life, lost, unsure, and out of control had made him feel a bit like an unsettled and worried seven year old all over again.

Of course, he was now a grown ass adult, and he should not have been so thrown by his wife needing stability and support from him after the news they’d just faced. Hell, he should have known that the threat of having her child taken from her would hit her harshly, given the number of times her own mother lost custody of her. Riley was always so insistent she would be nothing like her mother, and it hadn’t even occurred to Drake that what Barthelemy was discussing would feel a little too similar for comfort. It should have, though. She had trusted him with the entire story of her childhood - her father’s abandonment, her mother’s addiction, her time in foster care - and he couldn’t even be bothered to think about how that might affect her when some asshole was threatening to take custody of their kid. 

He’d been worried about the big picture, what the goals of this fucking coup really were. What this meant for everyone. Meanwhile, he’d left his panicking, traumatized wife to worry first and foremost about their kid. And that’s why she hadn’t been planning to tell him until she already had Bridget somewhere safe, wasn’t it? Because she’d sensed that he wasn’t as solely focused on protecting their child, no matter the cost.

When had he become numb to the toxicities of court? When did that fucking happen? It seemed like it wasn’t that long ago he was telling Riley that court was going to chew her up and spit out her remains. But somewhere along the way, he got complacent. He’d found a few good people mixed in with the shitty ones, and suddenly it was all fine? He should have seen this coming a kilometer away. Someone is always scheming, plotting, maneuvering. Always. How had Riley absorbed all his early lessons while he somehow forgot everything he knew? He’d let them play him like a fool, standing there as they voted to take Bridget away from him and Riley and the crown away from Liam. Blindsided and sputtering, caught off guard. Like an idiot.

To be fair, there were still a few people he trusted at court. Liam, of course. Hana. Maxwell too, as his father’s actions had clearly caught him off guard. Besides, Maxwell had always been too earnest and accepting of everyone to have any desire to get caught up in something like this. And Olivia, oddly enough. She was clearly loyal as hell to Liam. And she’d worked with Riley to create a plan to keep Bridget with them. A plan that probably would have been a lost simpler than the shitshow they were about to face. 

Drake honestly had no idea how bad things were about to get, and based on the state Riley had been in out on the palace drive, she hadn’t given it any thought beyond feeling that having her daughter by her side was worth any price. But shit, this was probably gonna be a disaster. Their only destination was “Greece,” but it’s not like they had a place to go when they got there. Flying to Texas to hide out with Mom was out of the question since they didn’t have their passports and were therefore bound to the EU. Taking money from the accounts tied to their titles was morally questionable at this point, and it might not even be an option anymore, depending on who was running Cordonia at the moment and if they’d already moved to freeze the Valtorian accounts. Hell, his personal account, which didn’t hold that much, might be frozen, too. Their only funds that the government couldn’t touch was if Riley still had an American bank account, but something told Drake that a former waitress from a very expensive city wasn’t sitting on tens of thousands of dollars. And that didn’t even touch the fact that technically, Bridget was legally under Liam’s custody as a child in direct line for the throne.

Hell, even simple things. They didn’t have toothbrushes or toothpaste. Riley’s glasses or contact solution. A change of clothes. More than the dozen or so diapers that were left in the bag. Baby food. A pack n play or crib or even car seat. Shit, they literally couldn’t let Bridget out of one of their arms. They were going to have to figure out a way to buy some basics. And at the moment, Drake knew he needed to take care of some planning for Riley and him. She had already panicked enough without being confronted with the reality of her decision.

He glanced down at Riley, her head resting on his knee as she also slept. Within a half hour of being on the road, Riley had gotten very shaky, pale, and lightheaded, presumably dealing with the after effects of her adrenaline rush. Drake had encouraged her to lie down and take some deep breaths, and before long, she was lightly snoring. Given how broken and frantic she’d seemed, he wanted to let her get a little bit of rest before they dealt with the practical shit they were gonna need to address. But at this point, they probably needed to actually talk. Things weren’t going to get magically better, and he needed to get a sense of what she was thinking.

Shifting slightly, trying not to disturb Bridget, he settled his left hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze as he whispered, “Riley.” After several seconds, her muscles tensed, and her eyes blinked open.

“Sorry to wake you up,” Drake whispered, “but we gotta talk about some stuff.”

Riley stretched slightly before sitting up. “How long was I out for?” she asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“About an hour.”

“So we’re still in Cordonia?” she cast him a wary look at that.

“For the next 45 minutes or so, yeah.” Drake had been hoping to get some clarity from her on why Olivia’s Lythikos hideout plan was not an option for her, but based on the way she was looking at him, that topic was going to have to wait. He couldn’t have her panicking again. “That’s not what I wanted to discuss, though. I was just wondering if you had a destination in mind in Greece.”

Riley gave him a small smile as her shoulders visibly relaxed, but shook her head gently. “Not really. I thought maybe we could just head to the closest American consulate? There has to be a closer option than Athens, right?” she asked as she pulled out her phone and moved to open her map app.

“No, Riley!” Drake cried out, ignoring the little squawk Bridget gave out as he lunged for Riley’s phone. She looked at him with clear confusion, so he continued, “You need to turn off location services. Otherwise they will be able to track our location.” Since his little outburst had already woken up Bridget, he leaned to the side and tugged his phone out of his back pocket, turning off location services on his phone as well before rubbing his hand along the back of Bridget’s head, hoping to lull her back to sleep. After several minutes of murmuring soothing words to her, he could feel her getting heavier in his arms, and soon enough, her little eyes fluttered shut.

Once Bridget was asleep, Drake turned his head toward Riley. “Sorry,” he whispered, “I just didn’t want this all to be for nothing by giving them our exact location.”

Riley nodded, looking at a page of search results on her phone. “There’s a consulate in Thessaloniki, which is still a haul, but at least isn’t as far as Athens. How does that sound?”

Drake shook his head, “You had to renounce your American citizenship to be named duchess, remember? They aren’t going to be able to do anything for us.”

Her eyes fluttered shut as she breathed out a rough sigh. “Fuck,” she muttered, “That was my only plan.”

Sensing she was about to go back to that panicked state, Drake reached over, squeezing her knee in a manner he hoped was reassuring. “It’ll be okay. Ioannina is not too far from the border. We’ll be able to get a hotel there and lay low while we figure out next steps, okay?”

Although her eyes remained shut, she nodded, but a few stray tears spilled out of the corners of her eyes. Drake reached up and swiped them away with his thumb. This prompted Riley to open her eyes and turn more towards him, her lips pressed together tightly.

“Shhhh, we can take this one step at a time, Riley. This was never gonna go perfectly with how much that asshole fucking blindsided us,” Drake said, trying to be reassuring as he beckoned Riley to scoot closer and throwing his arm around her shoulders when she leaned up against his side.

“I just thought…” she began, but quickly trailed off when her voice started to quiver.

“I know. But we didn’t have much time to think it all through, did we?”

He felt her shaking her head against his side, so he decided to soldier on. “The way I see it, the first thing we’re gonna need to do is try and withdraw as much cash as we can from our accounts. That will prevent them from tracking our location, and if our accounts get frozen, we won’t be completely screwed.”

“Makes sense,” she whispered.

“After that, we need to stock up on some basic supplies. Diapers, toiletries, a change of clothes, some baby food, that sort of thing. We should also probably pick up a baby carrier so that we have a way to contain her but keep her with us. After that, we can find a cheap hotel, someplace where there’s little chance that someone is going to recognize a foreign duke or duchess. I think that’s a good enough start, don’t you?”

Riley just nodded, so Drake tightened his arm around her, trying to provide some comfort. “We’ll figure it out, Riley. We just gotta take it one step at a time.”

She let out a little chuckle. “When you met me, I had no problem traveling to a foreign country on a moment’s notice, not sure where I’d be staying, how long I’d be gone for, anything. It didn’t faze me in the slightest. But now, with her… I just… I’m worried, Drake. I know it’s impossible, but I want more of a plan.”

“I know. But I think this is as good as we’re going to get for now, alright?”

Before Riley could respond, Drake’s phone started buzzing and lit up on his lap. The name “Liam” flashed across the screen in white letters. Drake jerked his head around to look at Riley, her eyes wide as she reached for his phone. When he didn’t stop her or say anything, she grabbed it and swiped the red circle. But seconds later, the phone lit up again. She ignored that call as well.

“He’s not gonna give up, Riley,” Drake sighed, “It was only a matter of time before he was one hundred percent sure that we’d left the palace.”

“I know, I know. But please, can we wait to answer until we’ve crossed the border?”

“What difference is that going to make?”

She let out a big sigh before she spoke again, “He won’t be able to talk you out of doing it.”

Her words were like a punch to the gut. Again, she didn’t trust him. Again, she saw them as divided, with similar, but not the same priorities. He had to make her understand that if they were going to do this, they had to be in it together.

“Riley. If this is what you think we need to do for Bridget, this is what we are going to do, okay? Liam doesn’t get a say here. She’s our kid, not his. But we need to talk to him at some point, if only to figure out who is acting as king at the moment.”

“I know we do, but... please. Can we wait until we aren’t in Cordonia anymore?”

Drake knew they both had a lot to talk about here. This issue of her lack of trust in him wasn’t going away, and if they were fleeing the country and hiding out with basically nothing to their name, they needed to feel like they could rely on one another. But now was not the time for that discussion. So he just nodded and said, “Okay. We’ll wait,” before switching his phone to silent. Hopefully, that concession would allow her to trust him enough… for the moment.

Permatag:  @walkerswhiskeygirl   @riley--walker  @bebepac @ravenpuff02 @oofchoices @octobereighth @drakewalker04 @kimmiedoo5  @mfackenthal  @thequeenofcronuts  

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir: @ao719 @mskaneko @katedrakeohd @jovialyouthmusic @marshmallowsandfire @axwalker @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @dcbbw @yaushie

Drake x MC: @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria  @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @notoriouscs  @drakesensworld @drake-colt-lover-99

Fight or Flight: @burnsoslow @bobasheebaby @shz256 @iaminlovewithtrr​

[thebladeblaster]

Pokémon: the Vanguard Descends The Movie: Celebi Lost In Time (part 1)

Aichi’s current team

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Many years ago Arceus foretold that his messiah would appear as the offspring of Gin Gaillard…

“Subject 003v. The human to Pokémon ratio in his dna is perfect. As well the programming has been perfectly calibrated to account for his power. As for his power he is far stronger than our previous two successes in project Psyqualia.”, Ryuzu said.

Gin touched the tube with his hand looking at his recently born son: A familiar blue haired boy with blue eyes. He looked back at his father.

“003v is the one who will fulfill our ambition. The perfect life form who will allow us to finally take over the world and defeat that infernal god, Arceus. You understand right my son?”, Gin said, smirking.

However, much to the terror of the world and the mistake of Arceus he told Gin this. Thus Gin decided to take control of destiny and the messiah. Instead of being Arceus’s avatar to fulfill his will he turned him into his avatar to fulfill his will upon the world, Team Asteroid ultimate weapon, the strongest creation of project Psyqualia, the ultimate despair, the anti-messiah, 003v...

Emi rode as fast as she could on the back of a Galarian Rapidash. She looked a bit older than she should be, looking more in her teens. By her side flew a girl with vibrant red hair and red cat-like eyes. She wore a yellow and orange dress with a big yellow hat and red shoes. She had glowing white angelic wings. Riding upon a Corvknight by their side was a shadowed figure and weirdly Suiko.

They flinched as they heard explosions in the background they hurried as fast as they could through the greenery.

“Come on Kai, Miwa, Kamui, Kyou, *static*! You’ve gotta buy us the time we need!”, the figure grumbled.

“Your fools if you think you have anytime without Team Asteroid’s permission.”, they all froze and paled in fear as they heard a familiar voice.

Descending down in front of them covered in a murky dark blue aura and rainbow spirals in his eyes was none other than 003v. Like Emi he looked a bit older for some reason. He wore a long black general-like coat lined with red. The side of the shoulders had a yellow part hanging off. Underneath was some sort of white zipped up top. He wore grey pants and long white boots. He had a belt similar to his father’s with a red A. His arms were crossed, his expression had a bit of annoyance and exasperation. He simply raised his pointer finger sending a blast of energy that stopped their mounts and the flying girl in their tracks, a dark blue aura and two intersecting rings surrounded them, binding them. The rings were pitch black with an ominous red along the edge.

“Absolute lock!”, 003v said as he binded the girl and the other Pokémon.

“Stop this 003v!”, Emi pleaded as 003v turned his gaze to her, his expression looking a bit softer when he looked over to her.

“I should be telling you the same thing Emi. Seriously rebelling like this? It must be another teenage phase. Come on, it’s time to come home Emi.”, 003v replied as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Stop treating me like this is simply a phase! Team Asteroid isn’t protecting anyone! It’s merely an authoritarian power controlling the world!”, Emi replied, very red.

003v nearly scoffed at this.

“Wait, but he’s here does that mean he…?”, Suiko questioned.

“Oh, yes your so-called god is dead. You know, for the battle that had been hyped up my whole life it was rather disappointing.”, 003v answered smugly.

They all looked completely horrified.

“You killed Arceus!? You're supposed to be the messiah! The one who was supposed to bring peace to the world! How could you!?”, the winged girl questioned.

“I have brought peace to the world. Ever since I enabled Team Asteroid’s take over of the world there had been no wars, disasters, or conflict. Not until you tricked my sister and tried to mess everything up.”, 003v replied with his voice full of venom, glaring at the winged girl.

His presence that had been restrained before was leaking out. They felt themselves choking from his oppressive aura. It made them feel like bowing and groveling for forgiveness at his feet. If they had weaker wills they would be doing so. It was so impossibly strong and seemingly infinite that they shook. They knew internally that no being could defeat this monster, but they tried anyway.

“Hey idiot! Can’t you get it through your thick skull that you’re on the bad guy side!?”, the shadowed figure said as he got in front of 003v dismounting the Corviknight.

003v completely ignored him as if he wasn’t even there focusing his attention on Emi. The shadow figure growled at this enraged that he was being ignored like this. He raised his fist and Suiko looked very panicked.

“*static* I don’t think that’s a good idea! You’ll only piss him off!”, Suiko warned.

The figure didn’t listen, punching 003v which was also ignored. He threw a punch and heard a loud crackle as his fist bent at an unnatural angle and blood tripped from it. He fell to his knees howling in pain clutching his fist.

“*static*!”, All of them minus 003v and the figure cried out.

003v looked completely unfazed by this, single mindedly focused on Emi. The figure growled throwing out a master ball revealing the seed of destruction; Yveltal. 003v still didn’t seem to care, even with the destruction legendary right next to him. He simply didn’t fear it or seemingly anyone or anything else. What should an ultimate life form have to fear?

“I’ll keep this bastard at bay!”, the shadowed figure said.

This made 003v break into uncontrollable laughter.

“Oh so you can hear me you bastard! Grieon use oblivion wing!”, the figure ordered angrily.

“You think you’ll stop me. That’s cute. You people never learn do you?”, 003v replied.

Emi took this chance to slip by paling as 003v was hit by the red light shot by the legendary, only to look untouched. The others remaining gaped in disbelief as 003v stood in the crater created by the destruction Pokémon‘a attack unfazed. He casually looked over his coat.

“Dang. You couldn’t even ruffle my coat, this is going to be so boring.”, 003v groaned.

“You arrogant prick! Oblivion wing!”, the shadowed figure replied as Grieon fire at him again.

They gasped as 003v walked through the blast like it wasn’t even there.

“Man you're so weak. I’ll just have Imaginary Plane deal with you so I can pick up Emi.”, 003v said, talking as if the legendary was merely a minor inconvenience.

003v threw out a Poké ball revealing a Haxorus who smiled sinisterly at Grieon.

“Not her!”, the winged girl called out.

003v turned his back to leave as the Haxorus fired scales at the legendary. Grieon raises up its wings in defense. Loud bangs could be heard as the scales bombarded Grieon’s wings.

“Arceus was wrong about you! You're not the messiah! Your pure evil the opposite to the messiah! The anti-messiah!”, the winged girl yelled venting all her frustrations in tears.

003v just smirked at this.

“As I said before I am the messiah. I brought peace to the world as Arceus desired.”, 003v replied, holding out one of his hands and gesturing with it.

“You're so brainwashed you can’t tell the difference between right and wrong! What you’ve done subjugating the entire world! Taking away everyone’s choice! Having them live in fear! That’s wrong! ”, the winged girl yelled.

“Pfft. I’m brainwashed, sure. Emi completely changing her mind about Team Asteroid after years was totally natural.”, 003v replied sarcastically.

The winged girl fumed with anger glaring at him. The shadow figure growled as Grieon was losing ground.

“Haxorus! Haxorus! Haxorus! Haxorus! Haxorus! Haxorus! (You can’t lose yet! I’m still having fun!)”, Imaginary Plane said.

003v suddenly froze, realizing something. He looked around seeing Emi was out of sight now.

“You're stalling me.”, 003v growled with annoyance.

“Of course.”, the winged girl replied.

003v took a step forward, seeming to disappear to them. Emi jumped hiding something in her arms as 003v seemed to appear in front of her. Emi backed away a bit as he walked forward.

“It’s time to come home Emi. Stop this nonsense.”, 003v said, outstretching his hand to Emi.

Emi turned away as 003v frowned.

“I wish…I wish things didn’t have to be like this. I wish you could be the kind person you naturally are. I wish...we could have lived together with mom, happily far away from dad.”, Emi said quietly with tears in her eyes tightening the grip of whatever was in her arms.

003v narrowed his eyes.

“You know that can never…”, 003v trailed off, freezing as could see a yellow cloth-like appendage sticking out not covered by Emi.

She looked up at 003v, her brother who for the first time in a long time looked genuinely panicked. His eyes widened in shock Emi’s arms revealed what was in her arms as he shook in tears. It was Jirachi, the wish Pokémon. 003v quickly faster than humans could ever comprehend thrusted his hand forward at Jirachi. He sweated nervously as he realized it was too late the eye on its belly had opened.

Light enveloped everything and the winged girl was released from her binds being swept away by the light.

“Emi!!”, she called out as she held her hand out as she was swept away.

The next scene showed Shizuka holding an infant Emi and Takuto standing before her. Shizuka’s eyes widened with complete disbelief and betrayal as she read the hacked information about her son and Team Asteroid.

“I know you may not trust me Shizuka Dou. But, something that is an irrefutable truth that I have revealed to you is that your son is alive. And your husband hid that fact from you. You must realize the kind of man your husband has become and leave here with your children.”, Takuto said.

She just wanted her babies to be safe so she nodded. Takuto disappeared for a brief moment teleporting before reappearing in a few minutes with an unconscious boy. He had blue hair and blue eyes. He wore a grey dress shirt and pants with black shoes. It was 003v, only 3 years old. Shizuka instantly grabbed hold of her unconscious child holding him close to her chest along with an infant Emi.

“We have to go now. Grab a hold of my hand.”, Takuto said urgently.

“Get him!”, Gin yelled from behind the door.

In a flash Shizuka was gone with her children to the small region known as Kakusa. She calmed down the crying baby Emi. She still held 003v close to her chest as well.

“I’ve altered his memories. As far as he’s concerned he’s been raised by his single mother and that you fled Galar with him and his sister to escape Team Asteroid.”, Takuto explained.

“You messed with his head?!”, Shizuka questioned, glaring at Takuto.

“Trust me it’s better that he doesn’t remember. You remember what you read right? How Gin had been raising him?”, Takuto replied.

“I know but…”, Shizuka trailed off as she looked down.

“Wait, what about his name? Isn’t his name being 003v a bit suspicious?”, Shizuka questioned.

“What do you want his name to be?”, Takuto asked as he held his fingers up to Aichi’s head.

Shizuka froze remembering the name she had originally thought up for him.

“Aichi...I want his name to be Aichi. It has many meanings including love, wisdom and...light of hope. Also, I don’t want to find it easily so our last name will now be Sendou.”, Shizuka replied.

An aura flashed around Takuto as 003v now was named Sendou Aichi. To further distance themselves from Gin they said their names like those in Kakusa did with their family name first.

She finally got to sit down when they got to PSY Sweets and she would stay there till she found a place to live. She was rather anxious as Aichi gained consciousness after sleeping soundly in the room’s bed. She held in a deep breath as Aichi stirred, rubbing his eyes in confusion. He looked over to Shizuka who held Emi in her arms. Emi roused from her sleep laying her eyes on her brother for this first time.

“...mom? Where are we?”, were the first words she heard her son say groggily.

She froze as he heard her son call her mom for the first time, forgetting to breathe. She also noted his noticeable Galatian accent like her own and Gin’s. To blend in further in Kakusa she would later make him hide it till eventually he lost his accent all together.

“We’ve made it to Kakusa, Aichi. We’re in PSY Sweets.”, Shizuka replied, finally remembering to breathe.

Aichi looked around tiredly in a way that reminded her of Gin in the morning. The physical resemblance he had to Gin added to it though he had Shizuka’s colors.

“Oh okay…”, Aichi replied, half asleep.

He crawled over to Emi who looked over at him curiously in her arms. Emi giggled as he came near and Aichi smiled.

“I’m glad Emi’s alright.”, Aichi said as Shizuka felt a very warm feeling in her chest.

Later after they had found a home in Sanctuary town. Aichi had a fateful encounter with a certain someone.

Aichi walked along the street wearing a blue shirt, black shorts and a backpack. He had scuff marks and a bandage on his face. He looked down sadly walking back home. Tears were stinging his eyes and he was recently used as a punching bag by the local bullies again.

He stopped when felt someone wipe away his tears. It was Ahmes as Ralts with him was a younger version of Kai.

“Ralts! (Don’t be sad!)”, Ahmes said, wiping away his tears.

Kai looked equally stunned by the Pokémon’s action before smiling.

“Ahmes seems to have really taken a liking to you.”, Kai said laughing a bit.

“O-oh this is your Pokémon?”, Aichi asked.

“Yeah, but I think it should stay with you now it seems like you need it a bit more.”, Kai said.

“T-there’s no way I c-“, Aichi stuttered.

“It’s fine I got other Pokémon. Besides I have a feeling that together the two of you will be able to get real strong.”, the young Kai replied, patting Aichi’s back.

Later…

Aichi smiled as he and the Ralts, Ahmes played tag together. He had never had friends to do this with so he didn’t realize you were supposed to have more people play. They both chuckled as they laid in the grass.

Many years later Aichi met Kai again and finally got to battle him after he moved all those years ago. He miraculously beat the experienced trainer and promised to battle him again one day. This was the start of Sendou Aichi’s adventure through Kakusa. On his journey he met various people, many who had become his friends. He fought Team Asteroid liberating Megacolony town, Kagero town, Grandblue city, Oracle town, Tachikaze town, Palesville, Dai city, Sanctuary town, and eventually the league from its control. He trained with Alfred and Takuto to defeat them. With Kamui he battled Kyou. With Kamui and Kourin he fought Asuka and he later fought Tetsu alone. He battled Ren after defeating the elite four, saving the region and becoming champion. Afterwards a huge party was thrown in Sanctuary town with people from across the region joining in. Then, Mamoru who had recently been freed from Team Asteroid’s prison was sent by the Kakusa government to determine if he was truly on their side. He passed and was accepted by the government. For Christmas Aichi went above and beyond as a champion to make everyone happy. So, for him Emi and his friends came together to give him a happy Christmas. Finally, when the day came he finally fought Kai as a rival and equal. Kai left to help those outside the region suffering from Team Asteroid and they vowed to meet again one day. Aichi would stay to protect Kakusa as the champion.

A couple of weeks after Aichi and Kai’s battle…

Aichi’s current team

Level 78 Ahmes (Gallade) psychic/fighting

Moves:

Close combat

Solar blade

Swords dance

Future Sight

Level 76 Wingal (Lycanroc (dusk)) rock

Moves:

Stealth rock

Crunch

Stone edge

Play rough

Level 74 Llew (Golisopod) water/bug

Moves:

Sucker punch

Blizzard

Liquidation

First impression

Level 75 Gancelot (Lucario) fighting/steel

Moves:

Focus blast

Stone edge

Meteor mash

Dragon pulse

Level 80 Soul Saver (Haxorus) dragon

Moves:

Outrage

Iron tail

Dragon dance

Scale shot

Level 100 Alfred (Aegislash) ghost/steel

Moves:

Sacred sword

King’s shield

Iron head

Shadow Claw

Emi opened up Aichi’s door looking annoyed as Aichi was still in bed fast asleep when he’s supposed to go to school.

“Man that dream was so stupid. My idiot brother could never be a super villain like that. It was probably because of all the crazy stuff we were told recently that I had it. I mean come on, brushing off an attack from a legendary? Killing god? Taking over the world?That has to be an exaggeration.”, Emi thought, shaking Aichi to wake him up.

“Five more minutes…”, Aichi groaned sleepily.

“You don’t have five minutes! If you don’t get your butt up you’ll be late!”, Emi yelled, causing Aichi to groggily get up.

[cherishingstydia]

Inspired by~The Blue Lagoon: The Awakening~

Eddie Diaz and Evan Buckley weren’t necessarily enemies but they were far from being friends. They had mutual friends so always ended up being around each other. Neither one seemed to want anything to do with each other. Until one day fate changed things.

A mutual friend, Hen was having her birthday on a boat thrown by their other friend Chimney. They were out at sea when suddenly the water got rough. Buck saw Eddie fall over the edge into the water. Being a former life guard Buck dove into the water and grabbed onto Eddie.

“What are you doing” Eddie snarled

“Saving your life” Buck huffed.

“Do I look like I need saving” Eddie pushed Buck away.

After arguing for 5 minutes over whether or not Eddie needed saving the Boat was getting further and further away. With the distance between them and the boat combined with the music no one heard them yelling.

“This is all your fault!” Buck yelled.

“My fault? I didn’t ask you to jump in after me.” Eddie shouted.

“Years of being a life guard kind of just make it an automatic reaction to spring into action when you see someone in trouble” Buck said as he began swimming away.

“Where the hell are you going? The boat is that way genius.” Eddie said condescendingly pointing in the opposite direction.

“Yeah there’s no way to catch up with the boat. I see trees, and where there’s trees there will be land. It’s dark and cold and I don’t really feel like dying out here. Especially not with you” Buck groaned.

“Feelings mutual buddy” Eddie said swimming after Buck.

“I’m not your buddy” Buck yelled.

“Can we not....like for one night can we not argue” Eddie rolled his eyes.

After 15 minutes of swimming they were finally almost to the shore.

“Whatever. Now swim faster I don’t wanna have to come back out here to save you again. That’s how we got in this mess in the first place” Buck said as he walked through the shallow water up to the sand.

“Make yourself useful and start a fire” Eddie grumbled.

“What do I look like a boy scout?” Buck laughed mockingly.

“Fine just find me some dry sticks and some leaves” Eddie finally was making his way up to shore.

Buck was stripped down to his underwear looking for supplies. Eddie had always found Buck attractive he just couldn’t stand to be around him, but he wasn’t hating the view and just stared.

“Ummmm hello can u stop staring and start the fire” Buck said glaring.

“What um I-I was just trying to figure out why you decided to take off your clothes”

“I don’t want hypothermia and those clothes are soaked, once we get the fire going we can lay them out to dry.” Buck said as he threw the sticks and leaves on a pile.

“Makes sense” Eddie said ripping off his shirt and pants.

Buck hadn’t ever seen Eddie with out a shirt, when he wasn’t talking Buck thought he was kinda hot...well he always thought he was hot but when he wasn’t speaking he was a lot more enjoyable to look at.

“Hey Buckaroo how about less staring and more helping” Eddie joked.

Buck couldn’t believe with all the people he was stuck with it was this smart ass. Out of everyone on the boat he was the worst person to be stuck with.

“What do u want me to do?” Buck forced a smile as to try to make time a little less miserable by trying not to fight.

After the two of them got the fire started. They decided to sit side by side for warmth and they both checked their phones but both were ruined from the water.

Buck eventually laid down once his boxers had dried completely. Then he felt Eddies body heat behind him and his strong arms wrap around his waist.

“Whoa what are you doing” Buck jumped.

“Relax this is just for survival. I don’t wanna freeze to death so this needs to happen. Our clothes are still wet so this is the only choice. I’m sure you’re used to being the little spoon any way so what’s the big deal” Eddie laughed.

“What makes you think I’m the little spoon? Besides I’m taller than you anyway.” Buck huffed.

“Fine be the big spoon. I don’t care.” Eddie groaned.

“No...if we’re gonna do this I want to be comfortable. So I’ll be the little spoon.” Buck said.

It was actually quite comfortable considering the circumstances and they both quickly fell asleep.

-the next morning-

Considering Buck had to sleep on the sand in his boxers next to someone he couldn’t stand he hadn’t felt this well rested in a long time. He tried to get up but Eddie just grabbed onto him and held him even tighter. Why did this feel so good? It’s Eddie he can’t stand Eddie, but the more Eddie held him the less he wanted to get up. Soon he drifted back to sleep.

Sometime later Buck woke up and Eddie was gone. Buck got up to find his clothes folded on a pile and they were now dry, but Eddies clothes we’re gone.

Buck decided to get dressed and take a look around. He finally found Eddie at a spring getting a drink of water.

“Hey” Buck waved.

“How’d you sleep?” Eddie smiled.

“Considering the situation...pretty well” Buck nodded.

“Me too!” Eddie smiled.

“So do you think anyone knows we’re gone yet?” Buck sighed.

“Depends how crazy that party got last night could be awhile before they notice” Eddie shrugged.

“Now that it’s daylight maybe we should look around a bit see if we can find any other people around” Buck smiled.

“Probably a good idea I’m getting pretty hungry. I’m kinda grouchy when I’m hungry” Eddie said.

“Oh you must be hungry all the time then” Buck joked.

���Haha” Eddie said sarcastically rolling his eyes.

After looking around for hours they’d searched the whole island (it wasn’t very big) and there was no sign of anyone anywhere. They  were stranded. Luckily they found some fruit trees so they at least had something to eat.

A few days had passed they were getting along a lot better but there was still no sign of any help coming.

“This is a disaster” Buck screamed

“Hey it will be ok, they’ll come for us” Eddie said reassuringly.

Buck continued to freak out and Eddie really didn’t know what to do he wasn’t the best at comforting people.

“Buck please calm down. No need to upset yourself and make a bad situation even worse.’‘ Eddie put his hand on Bucks shoulder as to try to help comfort him.

It wasn’t working Buck was now having a panic attack. Bucks breathing became very rapid and he couldn’t calm down.

“Come on man you gotta try to slow your breathing. Think of happy things.” Eddie said.

“I can’t all I can think about is how I’m gonna die on this island”

Buck was not able to slow his breathing. So Finally Eddie did the only thing he could think of and grabbed Buck and kissed him and Buck kissed him back before pulling away. Buck stared at him slightly confused.

“H-how’d you do that” Buck stuttered

“I once read holding your breath can stop a panic attack. When I kissed you, you held your breath.”

“I did?” Buck asked.

“Yeah” Eddie smiled.

“Thanks, that was really smart.” Buck said letting out a deep breath.

-A few days later-

Now it was totaling about a week of being stranded. Eddie and Buck had been getting along better every day. They were actually enjoying each others company.

“Hey Eddie” Buck said nervously.

“Yeah?” Eddie smiled.

“I’m ok I’m not having a panic attack, but would you maybe wanna kiss me again’’ Buck asked

“I’d like that a lot” Eddie grinned.

Buck went over and straddled Eddie. They stared into each others eyes for a few minutes almost in disbelief of how beautiful the others were. Buck leaned down and kissed Eddie. This continued for a while until they heard a boat coming there way.

Chimney scratched his head “I thought they hated each other”

“I told you they were into each other” Hen laughed “It wasn’t hatred it was sexual tension.”

Hen and Chimney helped them into the boat.

“Look how hot we both are we couldn’t help our selves” Eddie laughed.

Buck cleared his throat “Speak for yourself”

“Ok I’m so hot Buck couldn’t help himself” Eddie joked.

Buck rolled his eyes. The humor he once found annoying he now saw as kinda cute.

“Get a room you two” Hen said.

“Oh we plan on it” Eddie winked.

“Well maybe after some dinner. We’ve been living off just fruit all week.” Buck groaned.

“You asking me on a date Buck” Eddie grinned.

“I think I am” Buck smiled.

Eddie leaned over to kiss Buck.

“Even tho it took being stranded on an island to get here with you I’m glad it happened.”Eddie said squeezing Bucks hand.

“Me too” Buck said laying his head on Eddies shoulder.

“I think I liked it better when you hated each other” Chimney said pretending to puke.

[pineappuu-pineappley]

Forest Secrets (Yokai AU Hiroji)

A oneshot self-ship fic becasue I drew one (1) smol art and I,, honestly couldn’t get enough;;; I haven’t written anything for more or less 10 years and this is the first thing I made kkjskfs

I just wanted to put this somewhere without yeeting a gdocs link so here I guess

The leaves crunched beneath my feet as I reached a small clearing within the forest. I breathed in the scent of damp soil a little too hard and sneezed, still not used to how strong my sense of smell has become. It has been a few years since papa's seal had worn off, along with its expiry came a furry set of ears and a tail I never knew I was supposed to have. 

Living with Rei jiejie made it a tiny bit easier to come to terms with not being fully human, even though it was a total disaster when we both found out that my weird eyes and sharp fangs were supposed to be normal. I hummed a little song to myself as I paced around, stepping on leaves that looked extra crunchy before stretching towards the sky and yelling. Some startled birds weaved through the trees and flew off. I giggled, yelling felt great, especially in the forest where I could be as loud as I wanted.

A few times a week, I would come to this clearing in the forest to talk to a few of papa's old friends. We met at the mountain side once and they had recognised me. Since it was still dangerous to wander around in the open, being a yokai-human hybrid, they told me to look for them in the forest right by jiejie’s home. So far, I had met them again a few times to learn more about papa and the yokai realm. They have also been a huge help to my understanding of their kind. Jiejie has taught me much too, but only the general bits.

I sat on a stump and waited for them to arrive, long enough to almost doze off. They were never late so this was...unusual. 

Ah, I forgot, they were busy with something in the yokai realm today. I huffed, kicking a rock over. Oh well, at least the forest is calming. 

Suddenly, my ears twitched, picking up faint rustling of leaves. I turned my head towards the sound, sniffing as I pulled out the kanzashi that was holding my bun up and brandished it towards the source of the noise. Narrowing my eyes, I listened harder as the rustling stopped. It started again, a little louder this time. I smell, something, someone familiar…

"Oi! I can smell you, you know," I called out, still not relaxing my stance. It may smell familiar but I still do not fully trust my sense of smell. A soft "poof" sounded behind me, followed by the crunch of leaves. I whipped back, kanzashi still firm in my grip, and growled.

"Hoo, so fierce," he cooed, holding his hands up in mock surrender, "now, now, Hiro-chan, no mischief from me today, I promise!" I cocked an eyebrow and hesitantly lowered my kanzashi. It was just Tanuki. I could have accidentally stabbed him again since he kept appearing like that.

"My, my," he continued, "your senses have gotten stronger since the last time I've seen you. How have you been?"

I pouted, shaking the hairstick in his direction and mumbled something about him being lucky I never stab him for constantly scaring me like that. He always appears out of nowhere and he really likes stealing my kanzashi right off my head. I had only recently managed to make this prankster promise not to touch my kanzashi, but sometimes it feels like he lied about it, a stinky one he is.

I put my hair back up in a bun, sighing a little, "Just normal I guess. Today I learnt how much I can shed. Imagine how much more if I could turn full wolf!" I picked a stray piece of hair off my sleeve. Was it head hair or tail hair? I can't tell anymore.

"Hm, hm, shedding really is a big deal alright. Did you brush your tail?" He asked, picking a leaf off my head and studying it, before placing it on the stump.

"Just about a hundred times. Is it shedding season or something? I wouldn't know, I forgot to ask." A few years didn't feel so long, everything was still new to me. I felt my ears droop a little, that still felt kind of weird. "Hey, Tanuki, tell me how it feels like to be a full yokai."

"Hmm," he drawled, placing his hand on his chin, "I would tell you, but you gotta call me by name," he smirked, eyeing me as I sat back down on the stump, chin in my hands. 

I raised an eyebrow, "Why? Can't I just call you tanuki?" I tilted my head, stifling a giggle when he pouted. "Hey, come on now. I told you what it was right? Unless, you forgot?" He squatted in front of me, copying my pose somewhat.

"Hm, maybe I did forget your name, Mr. Tanuki," I lied, hiding my smile behind my hands. 

"Oh? Then I'll just teach you again until you know it. It's Ko. To. Bu. Ki. Say it with me, dear," he tilted his head, waiting for me to repeat it.

"Okay, Koto-stinky, got it," I smiled innocently, watching him sink onto the ground. 

“Aw, I didn’t teach you my name just for you to butcher it,” he whined, voice muffled in his sleeve. He’s so pouty today, I wonder if he's really as old as he says he is.

"Alright fine, Kotobuki onii-san, happy now?" He shot up from the ground so fast, startling me, with a stupid grin plastered on his face. 

"Atta girl," he praised, tapping my nose. I felt my cheeks burn a little and I tried to cover them a little more in my palms.

"Hehe, you even tacked on an ‘onii-san’, how lucky am I," he teased, his grin turning into a little smirk. Suddenly, I am unable to look him in the eye. “Oho?” he mused, gaze focused at something… behind me? 

Oh.

"Looks like your tail has been wagging ever since I got here. Am I seeing things or did it get faster? Hiro-chan must be really happy to see me, huh?" He pointed out, tapping his chin and shifting his gaze back to me, seemingly amused when I scrambled to grab that cursed thing. It is way too hard to lie about being excited now because of it, and even worse, I didn't even notice it wagging so hard. 

"Don't look!" I whined, cheeks burning hotter. It only made him laugh more. I swear I heard him mumble something about me being cute as I used my tail to cover my face. I could feel my heart race and my breath hitch slightly. I always looked forward to seeing the tanuki spirit but hearing him say that he knew was just so embarrassing.

"Enough about the tail, tell me how it is being a full yokai," I blurted out clumsily, brushing my fur with my fingers in an attempt to calm down. I stared down at it as I brushed, waiting for a reply.

"Well, about that," he started, my eyes snapping back up to watch him carefully, "I don't know how to explain it to ya," a nervous laugh escaped as he scratched the back of his head. He probably sensed my disappointment since he scrambled to add on, "but y'know it's just a part of you. I’ve only ever been a tanuki spirit and I wouldn’t be able to describe it fully. You just gotta experience it yourself! What's more special is that you're half a human too, so you make your own definition of what it means to be a yokai," He smiled gently, raising his hand towards my head.

My disappointment at his vague answer and weird advice disappeared as soon as I noticed his smile. My cheeks flushed and my heart rate quickened again, I haven’t seen him smile like that before. I snapped out of it when he patted my head. Unconsciously, I nuzzled against his hand. It feels so warm... I accidentally let out a contented sigh when he started stroking my hair. Tanuki is patting me and it makes me so wiggly inside. 

He suddenly stopped patting my head and I opened my eyes again, pouting and whining softly. Instead, he held my hands and pulled on them gently to get me to stand up. 

"Actually, I came by today to ask you something important." I blinked, looking down at our hands then back up at him. He was looking directly at me with a serious look on his face. I felt a small shiver down my spine. It was so unusual to see Tanuki like this. I couldn’t look directly at him, nor could I hide the growing blush on my cheeks. “Hiro-chan,” he spoke, his voice sounding a little deeper than usual. I jumped, squeaking out a soft “yes?”. To think that I was able to wield my weapon against him earlier but yet be able to be reduced to a quaking mess just because Tanuki decided to get serious for once was embarrassing. He hesitated. I waited, heart pounding hard in my chest, trying to think of what he was going to say next.

“Do you like me?” he asked, keeping the same intense gaze.

Nothing could have prepared me for that.

“Y-yes, of course, we’re friends, right?” I answered shakily. What kind of question was that? Tanuki knows he is my friend, doesn’t he? Why did he have to ask? For some reason, I knew it wasn't the answer he wanted, nor was it the answer I wanted to give. My breath too was shaky, I don’t want him to know what I really thought. I don’t want us to not be friends anymore because he might think that a weird kid like me has a cru-, taken a liking to him. After all, he had been around for quite a long time, I'm sure he would have known better yokais, or humans. 

"No, I mean, do you like me." Ah, I knew it.

I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, trying to avoid his eyes as much as possible. He waited patiently as I racked my brain to come up with an excuse. With the way I have been acting around him lately, it was hard to deny anything. Even my brain refused to conjure up a denial that sounded convincing enough. Not to mention, he had already figured out that much just from looking at my tail. A furless, tailless life was so much easier back then...

'You know what, maybe I'll just tell him. He might just stop teasing me so much.' I thought to myself. However, the possibility of not getting teased anymore hung heavy on my heart. I really liked it when he fools around. I think I just like Tanuki, a whole lot.

I took a deep, shaky breath, and finally opened my mouth, "yes, Kotobuki-san, I r-really like you," I half-whispered, staring holes into the ground, accidentally gripping his hands because I was shaking so much.

A sigh escaped his lips. It startled me, but it sounded like relief?

I felt my hands rise, soft lips pressed against them. I looked up shyly to watch him, as I did so, I felt him smile against my knuckles.

"Ah, I'm so glad," he spoke softly, letting go of one of my hands to brush a stray hair out of my face. His gentle smile once again adorned his face, the sight of it warms my heart immensely. "That means I can give you my little present now, hm?" he smiled wider. I tilted my head, confused. 

He cupped my cheek, stroking it lightly. I nuzzled his hand again, it just feels so nice. "Stay still and close your eyes if you trust me," he said, gently tilting my face up. I know this, I think. I’ve seen Ran-nii do it with jiejie many times. I am not sure why they kept doing it though.  

I stopped nuzzling him and squeezed my eyes shut, then decided to peek. He chuckled, “no peeking, that’s not playing fair.” I pouted and closed my eyes again, feeling my heart thump loudly in my chest. I hope he can’t hear it, it’s so loud that I can’t even hear the forest anymore. 

I felt him shift closer and I tensed up. Gosh, everything sounds and feels so loud now. I could feel his face hovering so close, hesitating slightly before his lips pressed gently against mine. Then, I felt him smile against them before he pulled back, and my eyes fluttered open. 

“Again,” I blurted out before I could stop myself. I am well aware of how wildly my tail is wagging and it probably looks ridiculous but I feel like my heart is about to explode. My face is on fire and I'm about to die, but… I wanted to do it again.

I pressed my hands against his on my cheek and nuzzled, pouting. If Tanuki gave me a kiss, it meant he liked me back, right? Would he give me another one? 

He laughed, grinning widely, “Oh? Hiro-chan really likes the little kissy, shall I give her another?" he teased, closing the distance between us again. If I could catch fire right now, I probably would have done so. 

Tanuki is back to normal, he's teasing me again, watching me shift uncomfortably under his gaze as he hovered close. I pulled on my sleeves, trying my best to look him in the eye. He tilted my chin up again and I accidentally whined. He only chuckled again, "so cute," he whispered, before placing another soft kiss on my lips. This time, I shyly kissed back, hearing the soft smack of our lips made me giggle. I covered my mouth with my sleeves as we parted, wiggling hard and giggling uncontrollably. He just watched, looking with such a soft expression that could make me melt. 

The sun started to set, and I suddenly realised how late it was becoming. 

"Ah shoot, I have to go home now!" I paced around frantically, but I really didn't want to go just yet. I grabbed Tanuki's hand, "Kotobuki onii-," 

"Onii-san? Hm, I thought I would be your boyfriend already," he interrupted cheekily, holding my hand in his. Ah, the wiggles are back. 

"B-boyfriend?" I asked, trying to hide behind my sleeve again, but I couldn't stop giggling. 

"You don't want that? Aw, but I thought you liked me," he pouted, at the same time he laced his fingers between mine. I slapped his arm softly. "You didn't ask. I thought you had to ask, I don't know. You're onii-san right, tell me!" I spoke too fast, my tail wagging wildly again. 

"Asking huh, well then. Hiro-chan," my ears perked up, "do you want to be my girlf-," I nodded before he finished his sentence. He laughed, stroking my head and placed a kiss on the top of it. This side of Tanuki is so gentle...

"See, I didn't really need to ask, did I?" He grinned, pulling me along as he started walking towards home. "You need to go home now, right? I'll walk you." Oh, I forgot about going home again. 

"About that," 

"Hm?"

"I don't know if jiejie or Ran-nii would let me, um," I held his hand tighter, "d-date."

"Ah, so this will be our little secret then," he answered, "at least until I'm sure they won't make me into soup." 

A secret, huh. Our little secret… The thought of it makes my heart speed up again. 

"I don't know how long I can keep it, Ran-nii is very sharp," I pouted, slowing down when I could see the edge of the forest. 

"I can handle it just fine, don't worry," he assured me, "after all, you'll be by my side, right?" We stopped walking and he let go of my hand. My ears drooped a little again, I still wanted to stay just a little longer. He noticed it and pinched my cheek softly. "Hey, I'll see you again tomorrow, okay? I'll show you a pretty little spot I found. Don't miss me too much," he chuckled, pulling me into a quick hug. I sniffed his chest. He smells good, not stinky at all. I gave a quick nuzzle and perked up immediately, "okay." 

My ears twitched, I can hear jiejie calling for me. I hesitantly let go of him and walked towards the house, waving him goodbye as he winked and disappeared back into the forest. I thought back to the things he said and did and blushed again, then decided to run the rest of the way to the house. A cover-up for my racing heart and pink cheeks, I thought, as the leaves crunched loudly at every step I took. 

I returned home safely but I can't wait to get back out and see him in our forest again...

[sophfandoms53]

“All I wanted was for you to be happy.” Debbigail...I may have looked over off of the angst list on your search area...X3

Aight this is lowkey really late but I hope this wait was worth it!

“All I wanted was for you to be happy.”

Dewey and Webby are 22.

Small Warning: Discussion on Abusive Relationships, Mention of drinking and mature themes. It doesn’t get too intense but I wanted to put out this disclaimer!

-

Two years.

It’s been two years since the heartbreak.

The tears.

Their break-up.

It was a day neither of them could forget. What started as any ordinary day, ended in sobs and screams. It was a mess. Each night it haunted his mind and it echoed at the back of her mind. There would always be a sting in their hearts.

But they moved on.

Or, acted like they did.

They never saw each other, so whatever feelings and affections they had for each other were subsided and ignored.

Dewey found someone else.

While Webby didn’t have much luck.

She tried, but no one could ever capture her heart the way Dewey did. It seemed that after they broke up and he left, he took her heart with him.

Her back was hunched as she leaned on the bar counter with her glass drink in her hand. She felt multiple sets of eyes on her, both male and female, but she quickly dismissed all of them. She wasn’t in the mood to be stared at.

The cold brew slid down in her throat as she sipped it, an ice cube landing in her mouth, and she played with it while it melted. Her eyes wandering the room as she saw familiar faces from the last few times she was here. She made small talk with the few people she liked and that was it.

Her eyes then locked onto a very familiar figure and her heart stopped in her chest. She’d never seen him there before.

What is Dewey doing here?

She watched as he conversed with his buddies in the booth, the spot to his left was noticeably empty but it gave her a clear view of him. She saw his zooshed hair falling over his right side perfectly as it moved with every movement he made. She caught sight of his right hand sliding under his leather jacket and rubbed his left shoulder contently, with a slight cringe each time he did so.

Webby took a mental note of this. She wasn’t sure why she did but something about his discomfort with his shoulder didn’t sit right in her stomach.

Before long that left spot that was opened was then taken by a fairly beautiful duckling. Her brown hair fell at her waist, her knee cut jeans and her black shirt that fell off her shoulder all complimented her figure and tan complexion.

And here’s Adyson.

Webby felt herself glaring at the girl. She had no reason to. She didn’t know Adyson. But from what she’s heard about Adyson from Huey and Louie, she wasn’t very nice and they weren’t too big of fans of her. Louie also noted that there was a change in Dewey’s behavior. He was becoming a lot more closed off and distant, barely kept contact with anyone.

More of a reason to make that mental note.

She licked her lips and her glared remained. She felt her glare becoming more intense by the second. Something about this girl just didn’t feel right. And it wasn’t because she was Dewey’s new squeeze. She gave Webby a bad vibe.

Adyson then caught sight of Webby and her glare, to which Adyson glared back. The two girls had a glaring match for a while before Adyson’s attention was brought to Dewey, who wrapped his arm around her waist. Webby’s breath hitched and quickly looked away when she saw his hand travel up Adyson’s shirt.

Webby shook her head and placed her drink down. She couldn’t watch that. Pulling out her wallet, she took out her cash and tip and left it on the counter. She grabbed her bag and made her way out the door. She hated how seeing Dewey, even in a distance, brought such confusion and frustration to her. She wanted to fix things. Make them normal. Somehow.

Adyson licked her lips as she pulled her gaze away from Webby, giving Dewey a smirk as she did so. “What were you looking at?” He asked.

“Nobody important.” Adyson shook her head, “Just some girl with a bow holding her pony-tail. She poses no threat, yet.” She took a sip of her drink.

Dewey blinked.

Girl with a bow holding her pony-tail?

That description fit only one person and it made Dewey’s head spin. He looked up and scanned the place again, but Webby was nowhere in sight. He didn’t know why he suddenly had the urge to see her. He’s avoided her since their break up.

“Dewey?” Adyson’s voice pulled him back to reality, “You look nervous. You okay?”

He swallowed dryly and nodded, “Yeah, yeah. Just thought I saw someone I knew.”

Adyson narrowed her eyes, “Was it the girl?”

“Huh?”

She grew agitated, “The girl with the bow? Is that who you were looking for?”

“Hey Adyson, relax.” Anderson said, “Ease up. Dew’s had a long day.”

Rolling her eyes she said, “Alright.”

Dewey unwrapped his arm from her body and rubbed his shoulder again. Doing so gained a look from Anderson and Enzo. Dewey froze and just stared at the two of them, “What?”

“Dewey would you accompany me to the bathroom?” Enzo said getting up with Dewey following close behind.

They got to the bathroom and Enzo broke their silence, “Okay bro. We gotta talk about this shoulder thing.”

“I told you it’s not a big deal.” Dewey said shifting his arm.

“Dewey I know that’s a lie.” Enzo then checked to see if the other stalls were taken and luckily they were alone. “Take your jacket off.”

Dewey blushed lightly, “Whoa. Enzo, dude, I know we dated last year but-”

Enzo hit his back lightly chuckling, “Not for that man. Besides, I don’t need Adyson coming for my ass. Now take your jacket off.”

Dewey slipped his jacket off his body and Enzo held it, “Show me your shoulder.”

He gave Enzo look, implying he didn’t want to do that. But the look Enzo gave him said he had no choice.

Dewey unbuttoned the first four buttons on his shirt and pulled down the top of his left sleeve.

“Exactly what I thought.” Enzo said.

-

Webby rummaged through her laundry bag, separating her clothes into piles to put them away. It was taking her longer than usual to do such a normal errand and it was because her mind kept traveling back to night at the bar.

He was right there. Just a few feet away. She could’ve said something but.. She didn’t. It wasn’t the first time she saw him in the distance and it wasn’t the last time either. She saw him later that week down the street by the cafe.

She shifted the pile of clothes from her bed to her dresser and she heard something fall onto the ground. She knelt down and picked up the object, it was a picture frame. Her heart crashed against her chest as she examined the picture. It was 3 years ago. Her and Dewey. His arms wrapped lovingly around her shoulders and the two of them had big smiles on their faces. Those were the days. She felt the lingering sting in heart. She placed the frame back on her dresser and sighed.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

She grabbed her bag, keys, phone and made her way out the door. No more wondering. No more guessing. She was gonna fix this now.

She locked the door but before she could make it to her car she saw a guy standing in front of it. He looked familiar. It was the guy sitting next to Anderson at the bar.

“Um. Can I help you?” Webby asked.

The stiff-tail duck turned around and smiled, “You must be Webbigail?”

“Yeah that’s me.. and you are?”

He held his hand out, “Enzo. I’m a friend of Anderson and-“

“Dewey. Yeah. His brothers mentioned you a few times.” She shook his hand.

“So you’ve heard of me? Well it’s nice to meet the girl that Anderson has told me so much about.”

“Sure I guess.. it’s nice to meet you too. What.. what are you here for?”

“To talk.”

“About?”

“Dewey.”

“I doubt he wants anything to do with me.” She gripped her bag, “I don’t know how much Anderson and him told you but-“

Enzo placed his hand up, “I know. You and Dewey dated for 4 years and had a pretty messy break up. I was told.”

Webby swallowed dryly.

“I’m not here to lecture you about breaking up with him or anything. I’m sure Anderson and Dewey’s brothers did all that when it happened.”

“Oh definitely.”

“I’m here to tell you that.. Dewey needs you.”

Her heart stopped in her throat. “What?”

“Whether it’s as his friend or his ex or whatever. Dewey needs you.”

“Why me?”

“He’s not safe.”

-

He rummaged through his bathroom cabinet and pulled out the cream placing it on the counter. He tightened the wrapping on his wrist, the remaining blood leaking into the bandage. “This whole thing better be worth it. I don’t know long how I can hold this up.” He grabbed the cream and squeezed it on his hand and applied it onto his shoulder, rubbing it harshly. He seethed, “Suck it up, Dewford.”

He closed the cap of the cream bottle and put it back in the cabinet. As he rubbed the cream on his shoulder he looked at his wrapped wrist and reflection in the mirror. He was a disaster.

The sound of his door-bell went off in the house.

“What the hell?” He picked up his phone, “It’s 11 am.. Who could be here this early?”

The bell went off again.

“Just a second!” Dewey called out.

Getting rid of the excess cream with a paper towel, he got his light blue tank top off the hanger and placed it on his body and grabbed a light sweater making his way to the door. He unlocked the three locks, opened the door and the sight brought his heart into his throat.

“Webby..”

“Hi.”

He swallowed and his body shook, his nerves taking over, “What.. what are.. What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” She dodged his question.

“Oh uh.. Okay.. I guess.” He stepped out of her way and she walked in.

He watched as her ponytail swayed side to side in rhythm with her hips while she walked. Two years since he last saw her, at least this close in person, and her beauty still captivated him. And yet, all he could hear in the back of his mind was their big fight on the night they broke up.

Closing the door he looked at her skeptically as she said, “So how have you been?”

He shrugged and walked to the living room, “I’ve been fine. You can sit. What about you?”

Webby dropped her bag on the couch, “Good good. A little here, a little there.”

They both awkwardly nodded at each other.

Everything was weird. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. And Dewey knew Webby didn’t show up to his front door just because. She had a reason. She wanted something. So he cut the tension, “What do you want Webby?”

She was taken aback for a moment but collected herself, “To talk.. About us.. And what happened..”

Dewey raised an eyebrow, “Funny. You didn’t wanna talk much two years ago.”

“Like you did either mister ‘I’m gonna ignore all my friends and family’.” She spat back.

“Hey I kept my distance because I had to deal with the after effects. So excuse me for not wanting to be lectured for two years. I got enough of that after Huey and Louie found out. God they wouldn’t shut up about anything. Every damn day they yelled at me for what happened.” He walked into the kitchen and got a water bottle.

She stood up,“And you don’t think I’ve struggled these past two years? Dewey it hasn’t been easy on me either. Every night our fight haunts me and it just echoes in my dreams.”

“That happens to you too?”

“Has been.. For awhile. And I don’t wanna let this- let us stay this way.”

“Well you should’ve thought of that two years ago.”

“Why are you putting this all on me? Our breakup was a mutual decision.”

Dewey swallowed. She was right. After the screaming fest, all there was left were tears and little words. He brought up the suggestion of breaking up, and didn’t expect Webby to agree to it, but when she did he had no choice but to oblige. That entire night was just a big regret for both of them. They thought breaking up was the only decision they had and that they were helping the other. But instead breaking up caused more harm than good.

Webby walked closer to him, “Dewey, please. Can we just talk without it turning into a screaming match?”

He shook his head and began to rub at his shoulder again. Webby narrowed her eyes as she tried to figure out why he kept doing so. After a week, his shoulder still bothered him.

“Are you okay?”

“Hm?”

“Your shoulder..”

“Oh this. Yeah yeah, nothing to worry about.” He began to walk passed her, “Not that you were worried.”

Webby, unknowingly, grabbed Dewey’s wrapped wrist, “Excuse me?”

Dewey whimpered as pain shot up his arm. The combination of the shock and sting in his shoulder made his body twitch, and Webby’s grip on his wrist wasn’t helping.

“What makes you think I wasn’t worried?” She asked, completely oblivious to the pain Dewey was holding in.

He turned to look at her, she had concern, anger, and confusion in her eyes. He closed his hand in fist to ease the pain, not that it did much. “Well.. this is the first time we’ve seen each other in so long so.. I don’t know what you would be worried about.”

Webby looked down. She needed to tell him about the bar. And what she’s been told about-

His wrist is wrapped.

“Dewey.. What happened?” She lifted his wrist up to an eye-view.

His eyes widened, “Nothing. I just hit my wrist on the wall.”

“Unless there’s a knife in your wall, I doubt it made you bleed.” Webby said sternly, “Dewey what’s going on with you.”

“Nothing! Would you let it go!” He yelled, his frustration bubbling in his stomach.

“You’re lying.” Webby said, “You’re lying about everything. Your shoulder, your wrist. Something’s going on, and you won’t say what.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because before we dated, we were friends. And I cared about you then, and I still care about you now.”

Dewey looked down, “Webby let go of my wrist.”

She released her grip and he held his wrist and rubbed it gently.

“Dewey I want to fix things between us but I can’t do so if you’re just gonna push me away. Again! This is exactly how we got into our argument that night.”

He swallowed and glared down at his feet.

Webby placed a hand on his shoulder, “I just wanna figure this out.” Unfortunately it was his left shoulder, the bad shoulder, and Dewey hissed in pain which caused Webby to retract her hand quickly, “Dewey I’m so sorry I didn’t-”

“Its okay.. It’s not your fault.” Dewey said, rubbing his shoulder once more. He looked at her and saw the concern look on her face. His heart melted at the sight. “You’re not gonna leave are you?”

Webby walked closer and grabbed his hand, “We walked out on each other once. We’re not gonna do that again.”

He nodded. “You know.. there are days I wonder… what if we never had that fight? What if we handled it differently? We’d be in such a different place right now and-”

“Our lives would be different.” Webby finished, “”Yeah.. I’ve thought about that too.

For the first time since their fight, the duo looked at each other and smiled. And they weren’t fake smiles. They were genuine and sincere.

“Webby?”

“Yeah?”

Dewey shut his eyes and took a deep breath. This would be the first time he’d say this out loud, and it wasn’t to Anderson. It was to her. He wanted to be honest with her about that night. “All I wanted was for you to be happy.”

Webby perked, “What do you mean?”

He opened his eyes and faced her, locking their gaze. “That night.. as we were fighting.. I realized.. or I guess I thought.. this relationship… wasn’t making you happy.. I wasn’t making you happy… that’s why I said we should break up.. It’s not that I didn’t want to fight for us.. It’s just..”

“The situation was falling out of our control…”

He nodded, “We never fought that bad before and I.. I got scared.. i saw how bad I hurt you and I didn’t think there was any way to fix it.. so I acted on impulse… i wanted you happy and if it wasn’t with me.. I had to accept that.” He turned his back to her, hiding the tears that built in his eyes threatening to fall.

Webby licked her lips anxiously. Guilt flooded her system. She was the one that made him feel he wasn’t trying… that he wasn’t enough.. that he wasn’t making her happy.. all of that couldn’t be further from the truth. “Did I do this to us?” She asked, clenching her hands into fist as tears built in her eyes.

Dewey immediately turned around and shook his head, “What? No no no. Webby…” He hesitated for a moment but slowly put his hands on her shoulders. That was the first time he willingly put his hands on her since she walked through the door. He took another breath, “I did this to us.. When you told me there was a possibility that you..” He shook his head, “I panicked and that made you panic. Before I knew it we were yelling at each other back and forth until we were crying and in the mist of what was going on I said things I wish I could take back. But I can’t. This is where we are and we need to deal with it. We’re both at fault but.. I brought us to this point. If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have taken-”

“Dewey.” She placed her hands on his, which were still on her shoulders as she gently rubbed her thumb on his knuckles, and locked their eyes. “We’ve both done things we regret these past two years. And maybe if we spoke before this point, things would be different… Maybe things between us would be different.. And you’re right.. We’re both at fault… we should have just talked like we are now… but we didn’t.. And you move- we moved on. You’re with Adyson and-”

He quickly retracted his hands and backed away, “How.. How do you know about Adyson?”

She raised an eyebrow, “Well your brother’s still spoke to me while you were busy ignoring everyone and they said a lot.”

“What did they tell you about Adyson?”

“A lot.” Webby repeated, “And… it wasn’t very positive.”

Dewey’s hand, on impulse, laid on his left shoulder and he rubbed it.

Enzo was right…

“Can I see your shoulder?” She asked gently.

His eyes darted from the ground to her, “What?”

“Your shoulder, Dewey. It’s been bothering you for a week now.”

“How would you know?”

She froze, “Uh…. I…” Swallowing she confessed, “I saw you the other night.. at the bar… and I saw you with Anderson, Enzo and Adyson.. And before Adyson sat down, you were rubbing your shoulder..”

“Oh..”

“Yeah..” Webby rubbed the back of her neck, “Enzo told me a few things about Adyson too.. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Dewey rolled his shoulders, pain inflicting on his left side but he needed to shake his nerves. “Alright.. Just.. don’t freak out okay?”

“No promises.”

He slowly slid of his sweater, and his hand covered his shoulder. He took a deep breath and faced Webby, carefully removing his hand.

Her eyes opened widely, her breath got caught in her throat, “Oh my god..” She was breathing rapidly as she examined his shoulder. There was a dark bruise that started at his left collar bone and traveled to his left shoulder. It wasn’t faint at all. Despite it being a week old, at the least, it looked to be fresh.. As if he got it yesterday.

She felt her heart crashing against her chest. He got hurt. “Dewey..” She spoke softly and raised her hand slowly, asking permission to place it on his shoulder, to which he nodded. She walked closer and gently grazed her fingers on his bruise. “Does that hurt?”

“It stings.. It only hurts if you apply pressure. I have this cream to help ease the pain.”

“Did she do this?”

“What?”

“Adyson.. Did Adyson do this to you Dewey?” She looked him in the eye as she continued to breath heavily.

Dewey didn’t give her a response. He just blinked and looked down.

Webby connected the dots. She lifted his chin up with her free hand, bringing his gaze back to hers, “Is she also the reason you have your wrist wrapped?”

He just sniffed and turned his head away. Webby yanked his head back to face her, “Hey.” She spoke gently, “I’m right here. You don’t have to hide anymore Dewey.”

Without really thinking, Dewey did the only thing his heart told him. He wrapped his arms around Webby, engulfing her in a hug and he gently sobbed on her shoulder, “These past two years have been so hard.”

She wrapped her arms around him and ran a hand through his hair, “I know.. I’ve had a rough time too but.. Dewey.. You don’t deserve to be harmed like this.”

“After what I did to you.. I deserve worse.”

“Dewey. Stop it.” Webby said, “We both messed up that night, okay? Enzo told me that Adyson had been hurting you but.. I didn’t think it was this bad.. How long has she been doing this to you.”

Dewey sniffed. “A few weeks but.. It’s not that big a deal.”

“Not that big a deal?” Webby questioned, “Dewey you’re kidding right? Your girlfriend is hurting you. None of that is okay. You can’t stay with her.”

He slowly pulled away, “I can’t leave her either.”

“Yes you can.”

“No Webby.” He shook his head, “I can’t. I tried to end things with her earlier this month and.. You’ve seen my shoulder.”

“That bruise is a month old?” Webby’s eyes widened.

“Girl has a strong arm.”

“What about your wrist?”

He chuckled bitterly, “That night.. That night you saw me at the bar.. Adyson caught sight of you and when I asked her who she saw she said, ‘A girl with a bow holding her ponytail’. I knew that description could only apply to you and.. I suddenly had this urge to see you and she noticed and… when we got back here she shoved my wrist onto the counter.”

Webby cupped his face, “Dewey.. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize Webby.. It’s not your fault.. I did this to myself.” He said.

“Is there anyway to get you away from her?”

He shrugged, “Possibly but.. I’m not too sure..”

She smiled, “We’re gonna find a way to fix this Dewey. We’re gonna get you away from her.”

He pulled himself away from Webby, his heart yelling at him for doing so, turned around and crossed his arms while shaking his head, “It’s not that simple Webby. I can’t just pack my bags, break up with her, walk out of the house and call it a day. It’s a lot more complicated than you think.”

“Her abusing you isn’t complicated Dewey.” Webby said with her hands behind her back, worry still present on her face and anger in her voice.

“Not that.. I mean..” He swallowed, “Okay.. How do I word this..”

Webby choked back on revealing the other information Enzo told her about Adyson. She wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure if Dewey knew, “Word what?”

“This.. this whole situation.”

She took a deep breath and fumbled with her hands, “Does that have to do with FOWL?”

Dewey did a full 180, his eyes widened, “How did you-?”

“I didn’t. Enzo did.”

He rolled his eyes and rubbed his temples, “Of course he did.”

“So you know Adyson’s true nature?” Webby asked.

“Of course I know!” Dewey yelled, “I’m not an idiot.”

Webby placed her hands up, “I never said that but… if you know Adyson is working for FOWL just to get to you-”

“Why am I still with her? Because unknowing to Adyson,” He walked over to a picture frame on a wall, moved it to reveal a hidden vault, he put in his combination, and opened it, “These past 3 months I’ve been collecting information on Adyson’s background and how to get to the head of FOWL.” He grabbed the bag and folders and placed them on the table.

Webby stared in awe. He really was a clever one. She walked over and opened the folder, scanning all the paperwork, “How did you manage to get all this?”

“Adyson has a strict schedule, she spends the majority of her time out of the house, and Enzo is always looking out for me so he told me to keep watch on her, and with her almost always gone, it left me time to figure out who she was. And she isn’t really Adyson.”

As he said this, Webby stumbled on Adyson’s identification paper and he was right. She wasn’t Adyson. “Her real name is Claudia Beacon?”

Dewey nodded, “And she has a record of capturing many of SHUSH’s agents.”

“Wait wait. But you don’t work for SHUSH, you’re in a completely different organization.”

“I know but LOUD has connections to SHUSH and that’s what’s she’s after.”

Webby shuffled through the papers, “Okay you lost me. So is Claudia after you or someone from SHUSH.”

“The latter.” Dewey responded which caused Webby to look up from the papers, “Claudia is after someone from SHUSH.”

“Have you figured out who?”

He nodded and took a deep breath, “Yeah… Claudia’s after you, Webby.”

She blinked. Her head began to spin. This didn’t make sense. If Claudia was after her, why use Dewey? “Me? But.. that doesn’t.. what?”

“I figured you’d be confused.”

“Um.. yeah. Are you saying Claudia is using you to get to me?”

“It’s exactly what she’s doing. Not too long after I met her, she actually asked about ‘my history with Webbigail Vanderquack’ and if there was any way for her to meet you.”

Sweat formed in her hands, “What did you tell her?”

“Just that I haven’t spoken to you in a couple years and I don’t have anyway to contact you.”

Webby raised an eyebrow, “That’s it? You didn’t tell her anything else?”

“If I did she’d just go after you.”

“How’d you end up dating her?”

Dewey froze and a blush formed on his face. “Uh… um well.. We might’ve.. slipped up at a club and ended up in a hotel..”

She gasped loudly, “Dewey!”

“We were drinking and being stupid! I wasn’t really paying attention to my actions. Next thing I knew I woke up and she was next to me.”

“You slept with the girl that’s trying to kidnap me.”

“No!” Dewey disagreed, “I mean, yes-kind of! But it wasn’t what I intended! I know that sounds bad and it was but that morning I realized what I could do.”

Webby smirked as she crossed her arms, “oh I gotta hear this. What was your brilliant idea after hanging in her sheets?”

Dewey glared playfully and said, “I realized that Adyson had genuine interest me. Part of it was for her mission and the other part was because of my dashing good looks-.”

“Get to the point.”

“Right right. Anyway. I noticed that, if I formed a relationship with her, maybe she’d be too distracted by us to want to go after you. And it worked. The first two months all Adyson paid attention to was me and her. Your name never came out of her mouth till recently. But for those two months I knew you were safe.”

She dropped her arms from her chest, “So you put yourself in this relationship.. to protect me? All the abuse.. everything she’s done.. you did it to keep me safe?”

Dewey smiled shyly, “Yeah.. I did.”

She felt her heart flutter but felt guilty. Two years after they broke up, he still cared about her. Despite them not speaking after their break up, she was still important to him. But the guilt eating at her brain was that because of their break up he ended up in an abusive relationship. If they just talked everything out things would be different, she knew that.

But even with all that baggage.. She stood up and locked eye’s with him. By what he’s just told her and the look in his eyes, she knew one thing. And that one thing never changed.

“You still love me.”

She said this in full confidence and smiled sweetly at him as tears slowly formed in her eyes.

His eyes widened as he was taken aback for a few seconds before collecting himself. He kept his gaze on her and said what he’ve been hiding for two years.

“I never stopped loving you.”

Webby felt the tears falling down her cheeks and she laughed nervously, “wow we’re a mess.”

He did the same, “We always have been a mess, Angel.”

The nickname made her tummy flip. God she missed him and his names for her. She could confirm now that they both wanted to start over. But right now they have to deal with Claudia first.

“What do you say we find a way to take down Claudia and fix our mess?” Webby smiled.

He smiled back and said, “Sounds like a plan. And if we’re gonna start over, let’s take it slow this time.”

He held his hand out to her, “Hey, I’m Dewey.”

She giggled at his antics while grabbing his stretched out hand, “Hi, I’m Webby.”

The duo shared a mutual laugh and blushed.

“This is a good start for us.” Dewey said.

Webby agreed, “Yes, yes it is.”

They weren’t erasing what happened. They knew after everything with Claudia was dealt with, they would have to talk about everything. But for now.

All they wanted was for each other to be happy.

And starting over was the key.

-

Woo! That was a ride! I hope you enjoyed the request Izzy! Sorry for the delay!

Also, if you guys want, a Part 2 is possible!

[numba99]

The Arrangement Part 3

Part 1 Part 2

Summary: You’re an aspiring model in NYC who is offered an opportunity of a lifetime - an arranged relationship with a famous Ranger. Things start out rough and are further complicated by the fact you’re already in a relationship. Will you be able to figure things out or will it all end in disaster? Word count:2,787

A/n: hi sorry I have been MIA for so long take this as my peace offering. Also for the sake of this we gonna pretend like media is bigger into hockey players social lives okay tysm

After your date with Mika in Central Park, you waiting for an angry confrontation from Eric that never came. There were a few tweets floating around with the photos of you two (which was still incredibly weird for you), but he never mentioned it. He must not have seen it, and for that you were incredibly thankful. It would be hard to continue the whole Mika is an asshole story when the two of you were joyfully tossing popcorn at each other.

It was only a few days later when your next date was set up. You were told you would be having dinner at a restaurant with Mika, which made you nervous. Not that you thought it would be a bad time, but because that felt a lot more like a real date. You knew how it would look to Eric, and you weren’t sure you he would believe anything you tried to tell him. Your only hope would be that he would remain oblivious to it as he seemed to be right now.

You stood in front of your closet, looking for a “sexy but casual” outfit, as Alice had instructed you to wear. You were going to a dinner at a restaurant that was frequented by many celebrities who visited New York, though you’ve never been yourself. It wasn’t exactly in your budget. Apparently, the restaurant’s vibe was sexy casual and you just had to dress the part. Whatever that meant

You finally decided on your favorite pair of black skinny jeans that hugged you body in all the right ways, a plunging dark red body suit, a leather jacket and black pumps. Black and red was sexy right? You thought to yourself as you dressed yourself. You checked the mirror and you had to admit it, you felt pretty hot.

Just as you finished all the last touched, there was a knock at the door. You were praying it wasn’t Eric because you knew he would have a lot of questions if he saw you about to go out dressed like this. To your relief, the person behind the door was Fred, who was a lot shorter than you had thought.

“Hey Fred!” you greeted cheerfully, “You look a lot different standing up.”

Fred chuckled. “Yeah I get that a lot. I was just going to text you as usual, but Mika wanted me to give you these flowers,” he said handing over a bouquet of red dahlias, “He would have given you them himself, but apparently he’s not allowed to yet. I really don’t get this shit.”

You laughed. “Neither do I. Thanks Fred, I’ll just be a second.” Fred nodded and waited outside the door for you. You pulled out the little card which read, “Dahlias symbolize staying graceful under pressure. Seemed appropriate. - Mika.” You smiled, replaced the vase filled with the peonies (which were way past their prime) with your new bouquet.

You then headed out, following Fred to the car. He opened the door and helped you slide in, which you were really grateful for since these heels weren’t always your best friend.

“You know, it’s a little spooky how you managed to pick flowers that matched my outfit,” you teased Mika as Fred shut the door behind you.

“It’s a talent,” he shrugged, laughing lightly. The two of you made light conversation as you were driven to your destination. Mika, of course, had eaten there a few times before and promised you you were going to love it. He did, however, say that there was almost always paparazzi there, so you should brace yourself.

When you pulled up to the restaurant, you realized what he was talking about. A bunch of people were standing outside, cameras in hand. Just waiting to take pictures, pictures of you. You tensed up, not sure you were ready for what was on the other side of the car door.

Sensing your nerves, Mika shifted over closer to you. “Are you alright?” Mika asked.

“Yeah I- I just guess there were more people than I expected,” you replied, trying not to allow yourself to get too flustered.

“I know it’s kind of scary,” Mika replied, “But I’ll be with you the whole time, okay? And if it makes you feel any better, they’ll probably be disappointed it’s only us. They really want actors and singers, we are boring.” Mika laughed at himself, making you smile despite the nerves.

“I’ve never been so happy to be boring. I think I’ll be okay though,” you said.

“I know you will,” Mika assured you, placing his hand on the door, “Ready?” You nodded, and with that the door swung open. Mika stepped out first, grabbing the attention of the paparazzi.

“Mika!”

“Mika over here!”

“Who’s the girl?”

There rapid fire questions buzzed in your ear as you were bombarded with flashes form their cameras. Mika’s hand landed on your lower back, gently guiding you towards the door. You kept your head down as you walked, hoping by some miracle they wouldn’t get a good picture of your face.

Finally, you made it to the safety of the restaurant. “I think I’m going to go blind,” you said, trying to blink the flash out of your eyes.

Mika chuckled, “You’ll get used to it.” You shook your head, as you were led to your table wondering how you could ever get used to that.

“I thought you said no one would know it is you?” you asked as you weaved through tables in the dimly lit restaurant.

“Hey I’m not that boring,” Mika teased, “New York media is crazy though. Big sports town and people care about the players. Kinda weird, but it is what it is.” You nodded, guessing that was true. In your time in New York you have quickly realized people take sports very seriously here. 

When you arrived at the table, Mika pulled out the chair for you. “Never got a chance to tell you, you look great tonight.” You looked down, hiding your blush, as Mika walked around to his seat.

“So do you,” you replied, taking him in. He wore dark jeans and a white shirt, with the buttons opened, revealing a necklace dangling over his ski. It was so simple, yet he looked so good. It suddenly hit you how attractive Mika was, with his dark mess of hair and hazel eyes that were damn near hypnotic. There was something so enticing about him. You fidgeted in your seat, uncomfortable with this revelation.

Luckily, the waiter came over, distracting you from your thoughts. You ordered drinks - just water for you, seeing as you were under orders not to drink while you were together. Can’t control people when they’re drunk, you guessed.

“So this is how the other half lives,” you said, looking around the very expensive looking room.

“Nice, isn’t it?” Mika smirked.

“Not bad,” you agreed, “But, truthfully, I’d be just as fine at home in sweats ordering in.”

“That sounds pretty nice right about now,” Mika replied, pushing up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing muscular forearms.

The waiter came back around, asking for orders. You hadn’t really looked at the menu, so you just asked for the first thing your eyes landed on. Mika picked what he wanted without having to look at the menu.

“How has your week been?” you asked as the waiter walked away.

“Tiring,” Mika admitted, “Coming back from road games is always tough.”

“IS the team playing well at least?”

“Eh,” he shrugged, “We are kind of in rebuild mode. Could be worse, but definitely could be a lot better.”

“That must be frustrating,” you replied.

“Yeah it kinda sucks sometimes,” Mika replied, “But it’s part of being an athlete I guess. I have some great teammates, though, that makes it a lot easier.”

“That’s good,” you replied, “Maybe I’ll have to come out to a game one of these days.”

“You’ve never been to a hockey game?” Mika asked.

You shook your head, “Was never really my thing. My boyfriend goes occasionally, but it’s more of his friends that are into it. I’ve never really bothered to go.”

“We are definitely going to have to change that,” Mika replied.

“I think you just want to show off for me,” you teased, feeling bold out of nowhere.

Mika chuckled, “What can I say, I enjoy an ego stroke.”

“I won’t be doing any stroking… wait that doesn’t sound right.” The two of you erupted in laughter at your poor choice of phrasing. “Shit okay I blew that one. What I meant was I’ll go to a game and give my honest opinion. You gotta earn your stroking in this house.”

“Fair deal” Mika replied, flashing a dazzling white smile, “So what have you been up to this week?”

“Just a few little photo shoots here and there, nothing special,” you told him.

“You don’t sound too excited about it,” Mika noted.

You shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for every opportunity I get, but little campaign ads aren’t what I really want to be doing. I want to do like high fashion things, walk runways, things that are a little more interesting.”

“I know you said you don’t want anything because of someone else, but I do have some connections at Gucci,” Mika told you, “I could get you in the door for their next casting call. I could set it up so they wouldn’t know I sent you, so if you got the gig, it would be because of you, not me.”

“Mika I-I don’t even know what to say, you don’t have to do that,” you replied in disbelief.

“I want to,” Mika insisted, “I think you deserve something nice after having to go through all this.”

“That would be so amazing, I would appreciate it more than you could know,” you told him, feeling excitement bubbling up inside you. You’ve wanted to do high fashion for so long and a brand like Gucci could open so many doors for you. The thought alone made you giddy.

“Consider it done.”

Mika began to tell you about how he’s gotten close with the creative directors of Gucci over the years, and you listened intently. You were love fashion, and found all the behind the scenes information so interesting. Plus, it helps to know this stuff in your profession. The two of you chatted all about fashion throughout the meal, which you both equally enjoyed.

“It’s so nice to finally have someone to talk about these kind of thing with,” you gushed as you finished your food.

“Eric not a fashion man?”

“If you consider three pairs of jeans and some t shirts or flannels fashion, than sure he is a fashion man,” you joked.

“Do you love him?” Mika asked. You stared at him for a moment, taken aback by the blunt question.

“Yeah, I love him, but,” you paused, trying to think of the right way to say it.

“You know, my mom always told me that anything a person says before the word but doesn’t mean anything,” Mika replied. You frowned, not liking that he was picking at a topic you would rather not think about.

“I love him,” you restated, formulating a way to explain it without saying but, “It’s just that, sometimes he doesn’t always feel like the guy I first met. We can be really different at times, but opposites attract right?”

“Right,” Mika nodded, checking the watch on his wrist, “I think it’s about time we get going.” You nodded, glad to avoid a conversation about Eric. Mika pulled out his wallet and tossed down two $100 bills, as if they were nothing.

“So we’re supposed to say we’re just friends on the way out, right?” you asked, trying to recall what Alice had told you to do.

“Right, but I should warn you,” Mika began, stopping right before the the exit, “There are going to be more people out there than before now that they know we are here.” You gulped, wondering how there could possibly be more than before.

“Great,” you sighed sarcastically.

“Don’t worry y/n, I’ll be right here,” Mika said extending his hand to you. You took it, giving him a soft smile. Mika turned towards the door and the second it opened flashes were all you could see. He was right, there were a lot more than before, including screaming fans.

Mika held your hand tightly as you walked to the car, which thankfully Fred had waiting right outside. He held his other arm out in front of him, clearing a path for the two of you to walk. You heard your name being called in the crowd and your heart dropped as you realized they figure out who you were.

“Mika, y/n! Over here!”

“How was dinner? Was this a date?”

“Are the two of you in a relationship?”

“We’re just friends,” Mika replied, in the direction of the voice. It was impossible to tell where exactly it was coming from. You looked up and nodded in agreement, grateful had his wits about him enough to say something.

“I seriously don’t know how you’re not blind,” you stated once you finally were secure in the car.

“I think I’ve built up an immunity at this point,” Mika replied, “You handled it like a champ though.”

“Thanks,” you replied shyly, “Kind of freaky they know my name now.” You frowned, knowing this would not go over well with a certain someone.

“You may want to put your social media on private,” Mika suggested.

You pulled out your phone, but got distracted by missed calls and texts from Eric. “Fuck,” you mumbled to yourself.

“What’s wrong?” Mika asked.

“Eric must have found out, and he’s not happy,” you sighed. You didn’t want to read them all, knowing they probably weren’t very nice (the first one you saw was ‘come see me when you’re done cheating on me,’ and you decided to stop there. “Fred, could you take me to my boyfriend’s house? It’s just down the block from my place,” you asked. Fred nodded and you slumped in your seat, not looking forward to this.

“Are you going to be okay?” Mika asked.

“Yeah, I mean I get it, this doesn’t exactly look great. I’ll just have to tell him something that will hopefully calm him down,” you sighed. As you finished talking, Fred pulled up to Eric’s building, sending a wave of nerves through you.

Mika squeezed your hand. “You can do it. If you need anything, feel free to call me,” he said. You thanked him before saying goodbye and slipping out of the car.

The elevator ride up to Eric’s seemed longer than usual. Each floor you passed made your heart beat a little faster. Finally you were outside his door, and although you were debating running home, you found yourself knocking on the door.

Eric answered almost instantly, and he was fuming. “Do you want to tell me what the fuck is going on?”

“It’s not what it looks like,” you insisted, stepping in and closing the door behind you so his nosy neighbors couldn’t listen in.

“Really? Because it looks to me like you’re on a fucking date with another guy,” he snapped.

“It’s not, really, it’s just a part of the interview process,” you told him.

“What sort of interview involves you dressing like that and going out to eat at an expensive restaurant?” Eric questioned.

“I don’t know, I just do what my agent tells me. It’s all business, it’s just how these rich and famous people do it,” you replied, anger bubbling up in you. Okay, sure, you were kind of lying. But there wasn’t anything going on between you and Mika and that was the truth.

“Are you fucking him?”

“What? No, are you crazy?” you snapped, pissed he would think so little of you.

“At this point, it wouldn’t surprise me,” he replied.

“You know what? I don’t fucking need this right now. You clearly don’t trust me and I am not about to be yelled at by someone who doesn’t even care about me,” you spat turning towards the door.

Eric yelled something nasty after you but you could barely hear it, on account of how angry you were. You were seeing red as you made your way home. You tried to walk as quickly as you could, but the heels were not helping. By the time you made it to your apartment, anger had mixed with sadness.

When you reached your bed, you flopped down, tears spilling out of your eyes until sleep finally took you.

[rockynfriends]

Rocky’s Stay Chapter 4: Night Watch

This is the final chapter of the narrative regarding Rocketchu’s recovery visit, featuring characters developed by @augmentedampharos. Rocky’s canonical return is soon to follow.

Rocky’s eyes suddenly snap open and he tilts his head towards the door of his room. A thumping sound from the threshold was more than enough to wake him, and in a split-second he’s by the door listening.

“One day…One day…at a time…”

Oddly relaxed by the song, even from an unfamiliar voice, he smiles as he thinks back to earlier that day. Dinner had been lovely, especially in light of sharing with his new friends. He’d been able to contribute his own recipe, which had gone over better than he hoped. His decision to go to bed early was more from a desire to rest than a feeling of apathy – if anything, he had more energy now than he’d felt in a long time. He throws back the covers and steps outside to see a Charmander standing near a table, looking somewhat miffed at his recent collision.

“When did that get there? Hope no one heard—oh. Oops. Sorry, stranger! I just got home and I was trying to avoid waking anyone. Guess I messed it up.”

Rocky smiles. “It’s alright. I was just admiring your singing voice. What’s your name?”

Charmander blushes. “Heh…I had that song in my head and didn’t even know I was singing it! I’m Tas. I live here. Are you Golden’s new friend?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tas. No, I originally came here because Fugue invited me, though I’d like to see Golden someday. Name’s Rocky!”

As Rocky regards the fire-type, he suddenly realizes that the Charmander is looking rather past him.

“Is there something behind me, or…?”

“Oh, no. The sound in the room just bounces a lot so I was a little off in determining your location.”

“You came remarkably close. I hope I didn’t sound…”

“Oh, no, don’t worry, you didn’t. I was born this way and it’s really not a big deal. Sometimes it even helps when I’m pretending to listen to a grown-up lecture me,” he winks.

Rocky chuckles. “Grown-ups can be tiresome. I think most mean well though.”

“They do, but they don’t know everything. I was playing with Chester, otherwise I’d probably already be in bed.” “I haven’t met him. Is he nice?”

“Yeah, but he likes to stay outside. His ears are like my eyes, so we use telepathy to talk and play.”

“I didn’t know a Charmander could learn that! I’m very impressed.”

“He’s a Kadabra, so he has enough psychic power for us both. You should see us in our dart gun games. We’re unbeatable.”

“I imagine so, what with your synergy.”

“You seem a little different, if you don’t mind my saying.”

“Oh? H-how so?”

“You’re gentle. Most strangers are pleasant, but…kinda noisy. Did something happen?”

“Yeah, a lot did, actually. I’ve been thinking a lot and trying to help get my head right. I think I’m almost there.”

“Well gosh…can I help?”

“You kind of already are--” once again, the Pikachu is surprised by the Charmander’s eyes lighting up.

“Wait, I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots. You’re Rocketchu!”

“That’s…my official name, yeah. It’s reminiscent of a time in my life long since over. Thus the shorter moniker.”

“It’s an honor. I’m kind of a fan of Team Recover. I mean, you’ve got the guardian of everything, a super-powered cyborg Eeveelution, and a Pikachu who can turn into a superhero!”

“I wouldn’t say the last part quite like that…but how did you know?”

“Well, I listen to broadcasts of Rescue Team events, but I’ve also heard about you from Fugue and Chester…and Budapest. I’ve wanted to meet you for forever! When Fugue told me you were friends I made him promise to introduce me some day.”

Rocky can’t help but blink. “That’s awfully kind of you to say. Now that we’ve met…your thoughts?”

Tas grins. “Definitely as cool as I thought.”

The Charmander can’t see it, but Rocky is touched. At the same time, Rocky notices that he and Tas have exited the house to the yard without ever mentioning going outside.

“Well…that’s honestly more humbling than anything. I mean, it’s very kind of you – but the truth is I’m just another Pikachu trying my best to make the world a little better. I don’t know what I’d do otherwise.”

“And you think that’s ordinary? You are not an ordinary Pokémon.”

“Well, neither are you! I wish I was as quick to encourage others as you are – and as quick to perceive the good in others.”

“Perception requires practice. Kind words…more practice. Oh, but you’re about to ask me a question.”

“I—you’re right! Well, here it is. Earlier…that song you sang. Do you remember where it comes from? What it is?”

“Oh! Well…I only remember the first line.”

“So it does have words. What’s it titled, do you know?”

“I don’t, honestly. But…how about the first line…and maybe that’ll refresh your memory?”

“It’s certainly worth a shot.”

“Okay…here you go.”

So saying, the Charmander takes a breath and begins the melody.

“One day, one day at a time.”

Rocky’s eyes widen as it suddenly comes in, and he hums.

“Bum bum…dun-dun…dadada…one day, one day, at a time.”

“You know it?” Tas says, a bit excited. “Do you know the whole thing? What’s it from?”

“It’s the Song of Life,” Rocky says. “I’d practically forgotten it. It’s the song that flows through every fiber of our world. Written by the reality guardian, and then sent into the heart and soul of every one who could sense it.”

“And now you remember it? Will…will you sing it for me?

Eyes shining, grin wide, Rocky’s nods. “Tas, I would be honored.”

One day, one day at a time! Some days I feel I’ve lost before I even try! On my own, losing grip, trying hard not to cry. Seems like all the others here have got life figured out, But I’m poised on the edge of a breakdown. Life hits me, so how can I fight back? Trying to hold on but the power I lack! I try all I can, but still lose the fight! Wear a smile all day, to fall apart at night! At the end of my rope and I can’t hold on! I fear every moment that I’m getting it wrong! I start calling for help and I hear this song! Don’t worry…don’t worry.

Don’t despair! There’s always trouble out there! Yeah it’s okay for you to still care! Just don’t let it absorb your mind! Don’t give up! There’s so much power in love! You keep your eyes fixed on what’s above! And then you take it, one day, one day at a time!

I want to learn to live in peace a little faster. Enjoy the moment, think less of disaster. Keep my focus on peace, faith, love! The rest will come, those three are enough! Yeah the world is a mess, but it’s not all on you! There’s a lot to be said, for the good you do! And there’s always someone Who loves you too! So don’t worry…don’t worry.

Don’t despair! There’s always trouble out there! Yeah it’s okay for you to still care! Just don’t let it absorb your mind! Don’t give up! There’s so much power in love! You keep your eyes fixed on what’s above! And then you take it, one day, one day at a time!

Tas listens as Rocky’s voice seems to fill the air. Suddenly Rocky whirls around as if in a choreographed routine and begins to chant.

To exhausted ‘mons, and trainers in pain, And the people on whom life’s a constant drain, You gotta take it, you gotta take it, one day at a time.

To the broke down, and let down, and hurt ones like me, To addicted and lost all trying to get free, You gotta take it, you gotta take it, one day at a time.

To the struggling workers, whatever your load, When you’re overwhelmed I promise you’re not alone! You gotta take it, you gotta take it, one day at a time!

From adults to children, let’s never forget! Life’s not always glee, but we’re not home yet! You gotta take it, you gotta take it, one day…one day…one day!

Don’t despair! There’s always trouble out there! Yeah it’s okay for you to still care! Just don’t let it absorb your mind! Don’t give up! There’s so much power in love! You keep your eyes fixed on what’s above! And then you take it, one day, one day at a time!

The song ended, Rocky’s eyes close, and he stands silent for a moment, taking a deep breath.

Tas applauds. “So that’s…Cassiopeia’s song?”

“I doubt they’d call it that…but in a sense, yes. I think it’s everyone’s song, though. The world isn’t fair, and life isn’t easy, and sometimes it flat out stinks, but…there’s still so much out there to be encouraged by, be it events or friends and family. This is an anthem of love to remind us that no one is truly alone where they are. I had forgotten not only the words, but the meaning of the song itself. Thanks to you, Tas, I remember. And now I know what I have to do.”

“Oh? Is that good?”

“Yeah. It’s time for me to go home.”

The two spend the next couple of hours talking about the song…about how they met Fugue, and any number of other things. After a long pause, Tas finally sighs and smiles.

“You know…it’s nice to find out you’re not…I dunno…”

“Untouchable?” Rocky laughs.

“Kind of. I mean, I knew hanging out with you would be great – I just didn’t think it would be like…this.”

“Well, what did you expect? A cape?”

“I guess so!”

Rocky grins. “As much fun as that would be…I’m glad I didn’t seem…like a comic book hero. I’d much rather have friends than fans – and honestly I’m still amazed by the stories you told. You can bet I’ll come back for more…and with more!”

“We’re a couple of special Pokemon,” says Tas, giggling. “I’m only sorry that I met you only in time to see you go…especially with the sun rising now…I guess you’ll want to leave soon?”

“Yeah, but it won’t be too long. You’ve all done so much for me. I wish I could return the favor.”

“That sounds like the beginning of a farewell,” says a familiar voice. “Rocky…you going home?”

The Pikachu and Charmander both turn around, and the former nods with a smile. “My mind…and more importantly, my heart – are back where they need to be, Fugue. My team needs me – and I’m finally ready to be there for them again. You, and Athens, and Budapest, and Tas…you helped me get it together and I can’t thank you enough.”

Fugue smiles, wiping away a few tears. “Rocky…that’s what friends are for. You’re always welcome here whenever you choose to return.”

The Pikachu can’t help himself, and finally tackle hugs his dear friend. “I love you, Fugue.”

“I love you too, Rocky.”

They separate and exchange a smile.

“Alright,” Fugue grins. “Your family can’t wait to see you again.”

“I can hardly wait to see them. Oh, but Fugue…one other thing. I figured out the song.”

Fugue’s smiles curiously. “Really?”

Rocky nods, gesturing for the taller Pokémon to lean over. Fugue does so, and Rocky whispers something in his ear, causing the larger Pokémon to break out into a broad smile.

“Well now…I guess we both needed that reminder.”

“Everyone does, once in a while,” Rocky replies. “Tell everyone ‘thank you’ for me!”

With that, he speeds off, but as they physically separate, the three Pokémon remain united in mind with a particular refrain.

One day, one day at a time…

[storiitime]

Green Euphoria

Joker x Reader x Harley Quinn

Part 3

Part 2 Part 1

Rated M

Words: 3674

Events take place after Suicide Squad.

You stood in the dark room in front of the empty desk, waiting for the boss to arrive. You were soaked; your hair hung loose and the strands clung to your neck and back. Your dress clung to you uncomfortably, and you didn’t even want to know how your makeup looked. Someone wouldn’t have to ask how your mission went, one glance at your appearance would be enough. You were scared, how would the Boss take it? You knew you would be punished, but you didn’t know how or for how long.  As you stood there waiting, a small pool of water formed at your feet from the water dripping off of you.

 Suddenly, the door flung open behind you, causing you to jump. You closed your eyes and listened to his footsteps coming closer to you. When they stopped, you opened your eyes. He was standing right in front of you, his eyes menacing, brows furrowed, obviously very angry. Before you could speak, he reached up and slapped you across the face, causing you to fall to your knees, grasping your cheek. The pain was intense; searing and red hot, you had to use all of your might to hold back the tears.

 “You fucking bitch,” he yelled down at you “you had one job. One fucking job, and you messed it up!” You sat on the ground, trying to compose yourself. “What the fuck am I supposed to do now, huh? He’s dead. How am I going to find out that information now?” He was breathing heavy, pacing in front of you as he spoke. As you tried to stand again, he took the opportunity to kick you right in the gut. You fell back to the floor; the wind being taken right out of you. You struggled to breath, wrapping your arms around you. “You’re absolutely useless. Your cunt isn’t even that great either.” He spat down at you.

 As you wheezed and rolled around the ground in agony, one of his men entered the room. “Boss, you got a phone call.”

 “Shit.” He groaned, still very angry. He paused, taking a moment to look down at you before stepping over you and walking out the door. “Deal with this garbage, take her back downstairs.”

 You weren’t in a condition to put up a struggle as he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder. You knew what downstairs meant; back to where you had been when they experimented on you. It meant more tests and torture. It was like hell, and it was the reason you listened to them so obediently. Your conscience went in and out on the way down, and you only became fully focused when they threw you down on the cold cement floor. You heard him lock the steel cage door and walk away. You were freezing and shivering; soaked to the bone and beaten. Tears stung your cheeks as you lay there, not knowing how long you would have to endure this hell. You just wanted it all to end; you wanted to die. What was the point of living if this was your reality? To help ease the pain, you put yourself under your euphoria. The pain slowly went away and your thoughts slowed as you took in the familiar blissful feeling. You never wanted to come out of it.

You didn’t know how many hours had passed since you had been locked up. You had fallen asleep for a bit while you were under, but you woke up to a commotion upstairs. You heard the faint sound of what you thought was gunfire. You could tell people were yelling. You did your best to sit up, pain shooting through your gut, your head pounding. You looked around; there was no one else downstairs with you, all of the other cells were empty.

 Suddenly, the doors that led upstairs blew open in a large explosion. You covered your face, protecting it from the debris and smoke. You coughed, waving the black smoke away from you. You couldn’t see anything for a moment, the smoke was too thick. Then you heard a menacing laugh that was all too familiar.

 How could it be? How could he have found you? This location was well hidden, even special forces wouldn’t have been able to find it. As the smoke cleared, you could see his figure walk up to your cell. There was someone behind him. He came up to the bars, grabbing onto them with one hand, the other holding a rifle, staring down at your pathetic form. His mouth was open as he took you in; he was wearing a leather purple suit with the jacket open, revealing a black bulletproof vest over his bare chest. “Found you.”

 Harley then appeared right next to him in blue and red shorts and matching jacket, coughing and waving away the smoke. “What an entrance, Puddin. Maybe next time a little less explosives?” When her eyes found you on the ground, she gasped. “Oh no, what have they done to you?”

 It was clear from their reactions that you looked like a wreck. In that moment, you didn’t care though. The smoke fully cleared, and you could see the Joker’s men run down the stairs. They were like a small army in terms of their artillery. One of the men came up with what looked like a small chainsaw and started cutting the lock on the bars. You were so confused, you had no idea how to react. The lock on the door fell to the ground with a loud clink, and the henchman pushed the door open. It was Harley that ran in first, jumping onto the floor next to you.

 “Are you ok, darlin? You look like a mess.” She seemed genuinely concerned. You didn’t look at her though, you remained focused on the Joker as he slowly sauntered into the cell. “Can you stand?” Harley asked, taking your arms and helping you onto your feet. Your legs were wobbly and weak, so she put your arm over her shoulder and she wrapped her arms around your waist.

 “How…” you began “why?”

 The Joker came up to you, placing his hand gently on your cheek. He exhaled an audible breath. “I told you; Gotham belongs to me, and so does everything in it.”

 “Let go of me!” You heard from behind. You looked around the Jokers shoulder to see your Boss being dragged down the stairs by two men. The Joker turned his attention to him, raising his arms in the air.

 “Well, what do we have here?” He said tauntingly. His men plopped your boss on his knees right in front of him.

 “Listen, I’ll pay you whatever you want. Just please, let me go.” Your boss begged in front of him. This was a sight you had never seen before. You always feared him, seeing him as a large, violent man who could do anything. Yet here he was, begging for his life on his knees in front of the Joker.

 “Shhh” Joker began, putting his finger over the man’s lips. “I’m not going to kill you.” He smiled, turning around. His eyes met yours again as he spoke, “We’re going to have lots of fun together.” Then, he snapped his fingers, and his man started to drag your struggling boss back up the stairs. “Harley, bring her to the car.” He spoke as he followed his men back up the stairs.

 “Come on doll, you gotta help me a little bit, I can’t carry you all the way there.” Harley started to walk, and you hobbled right next to her. You were slow, but you eventually made it up the stairs. You were able to see the result of the chaos that you heard earlier. Everything was a disaster; bodies lay on the floor in pools of blood, tables overturned, empty bullet shells scattered everywhere. When you walked outside of the building doors, you were able to tell that you had been in the cell for almost an entire day, the sun was just about to set completely, leaving just the slightest orange in the sky. There were several vans parked outside, as well as a large black Escalade. Harley took you towards the Escalade, where Frost sat in the driver’s seat and the Joker in the passenger. She helped you in the back and climbed in right next you, keeping one concerned hand on your leg. The drive was silent as Frost drove behind the vans, following them. The Joker was on his phone, typing some message you couldn’t read, and Harley kept her attention outside the window while humming an upbeat song.

 You were in the car for what seemed like a very long time. The location they were going to was obviously well hidden, as if you didn’t know what you were looking for you would never be able to find it. The area was surrounded by thick swampy trees and seemed very dark and quiet.  The cars finally slowed down at a large heavy steel gate. The gates had large J’s knotted into the frame in an intricate design along with the silhouette of the head of a court jester. The gates slowly opened and the cars drove down a long tree covered driveway in single file until you came across the largest house you had ever seen. It was a large mansion that didn’t seem like it belonged in this type of gloomy environment. The dirt driveway turned into cobble stone, and the entrance was lined with large stone pillars. A large fountain was placed in the center of the circular driveway. The cars came to a stop and everyone started moving again. Frost and the Joker jumped out of the car, along with all of his henchmen in the vans. They poured into the house, dragging along your boss who now had a black bag over his head. You looked out of the window of the car in awe.

 Harley came around to your side of the car and opened the door. “Come on sugar, let’s get you cleaned up.” She helped you out of the car, taking your waist while you leaned your weight against her.

 “Where are we?” You asked

 “Home.” She answered

“What?” You questioned, but you immediately lost your train of thought when you entered the house. It had a dark mahogany and red theme. The foyer was large and grand with a large crystal chandelier hanging above. Harley led you up a grand staircase and down a long hall. You were brought into a large bedroom that seemed quite cozy. Another crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and a large canopy bed big enough to fit about 10 people was the center of the room. Next to it sat large dressers with an assortment of different handguns laying on the top of them. She led you into the bathroom connected to the room; it was contrastingly bright with a light-colored marble scheme. She sat you down on the corner of the large marble bathtub.

 “Now just hang tight for a second while I go and get you some clothes.” She smiled warmly, starting the water and prancing out of the room, leaving you alone. A large mirror covering the length of the wall was across from you, and you were able to see what you looked like for the first time. It was hideous. You looked like a creature out of a horror movie. You carefully stood up, wincing a bit from the pain and limped over to get a closer look. You brushed your tangled hair out of your face, revealing a nasty bruise just below your eye from where he slapped you. You ran your fingertips along the purple markings, wincing slightly when you came across sensitive patches.

 “Luckily we’re about the same size!” Harley said, entering the bathroom again. She had changed into a loose fitting black silk robe with three small red diamonds above her breast. The robe barely covered her bottom half, and the way the robe fell open, you could tell she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Her hair was now hanging loose instead of pigtails. In her hands was a long lace black robe. “We need to get you cleaned up, my love. Can’t have you looking anything but gorgeous.”

 She placed the robe on the counter and proceeded to undress you. You didn’t put up much of a fight as you just watched the clothes come off of you in the mirror, revealing more bruises on your stomach. She helped you into the bathtub, the warm water feeling nice on your freezing skin. She sat on the side and began to wet your hair and massage some shampoo into it.

 “This is nice! I don’t get girl time very often.” She beamed

 “Why are you doing this?” You asked

 “’Cause Puddin wants me to, and to tell you the truth,” she put her lips right next to your ear and whispered, “so do I.” She laughed and went back to massaging your scalp.

 “Aren’t you guys just going to kill me? Why go through all of this trouble?”

 “Kill you?” Harley scoffed “We wouldn’t do no such thing, love. We like you!”

 You lifted your hands, examining them. “But why? There’s nothing special about me.”

 She cleaned the shampoo from your hair and proceeded with conditioner. “What do you mean? You’re just like us!”

 “How so?”

 “We all came from the same toxic chemicals. We’re practically family, and we’ve got to stick together!”

 “How do you know that?”

 “Mr. J had Frosty do some digging on ya. After last night at the club you were all he could think about.” You could hear a slight pout in her voice. “He had a bunch of his goons out searchin for ya. He found ya pretty quick, too.” She washed the condition out and went on to scrubbing your skin with a rag. “I gotta say, you made quite an impression on him last night. I don’t know what it is you did when you two were alone, but you definitely got his attention.” Her smile faded a bit. “Lucky you.”

 “I wasn’t trying to. To be honest, I’m very confused right now, and I’m not exactly sure how I should be reacting to all of this.” You looked her in the eyes, not even trying to hide the worry on your face. You didn’t know what it was, but you felt safe around Harley, well, safer than you’ve felt all day.

 She smiled again, her focus returning back to scrubbing your skin. “Don’t worry, I can tell you for sure that Mr. J won’t kill you. I haven’t seen him so excited in a long time, and if he’s happy, then I’m happy. But to be honest, I kind of like you too.” She said the last part very warmly. She finished up washing your skin and face and helped you out of the tub, drying you off with a towel. She took the black lace robe and wrapped it around you. The material was sheer, and you could see the faint circles of your nipples peeking through. The robe was long and flowy, with long loose sleeves. A gold ‘J’ was embroidered on the pockets on the side near the waist. She didn’t give you anything else to wear besides the robe. She dried your hair a bit until it was just damp and brushed through it. You looked at yourself in the mirror, already looking a million times better. The purple bruise on your face still stood out, but after being cleaned up a bit it looked better.

 “Now let’s go join the party downstairs!” She smiled, taking your hand and leading you out of the bathroom. The mahogany wood beneath your bare feet was cold, and you could hear the footsteps you and Harley made as you made your way down the hall. After the bath, you were able to walk better, the warm water heating you up again. You walked down the stairs, and the faint sounds of screams began to get louder. You two walked closer to the sound until you reached a door. The screams were loud behind it, and you could tell they were coming from your Boss.

 Harley knocked on the door, “Puddin, it’s us!” The door opened, revealing a room full of the Jokers Henchmen holding various guns. They stood scattered around the room, which seemed to be a large office. Your boss was sitting tied up to a chair, the hood was no longer on his head. He had blood running from his nose, eyebrow, and mouth. The Joker stood in front of him with his back turned. As the two of you made your way inside, you heard him sigh.

 “Ahh,” he began, turing around to face us. “If it isn’t the lady of the hour.” He looked you up and down, a hint of hunger in his eyes as Harley led you closer. “Thank you for fixin her up, doll.” He said to Harley, taking her cheek in his hand and kissing it. She smiled, a flirty laugh escaping her. “If I may?” He asked, holding his hand out.

 “Be gentle, Puddin, she’s pretty beat up.” Harley said, giving your hand to him.

 “Oh, come now,” He began, taking your hand, “I’m always gentle.” He turned back to your boss, holding up your hand as if putting you on display. “Now how could you treat such a divine creature like this so poorly?”

 “Her?” Your boss began “Is she what this is all about? This is all about some insignificant bitch?”

 “Careful,” the Joker said, releasing your hand and sitting in your boss’s lap, taking his face into his hands. “Choose your words wisely.” The Joker let out a low growl. “Now tell me what you did to her.”

 “I’m not telling you shit.” He spat. The Joker looked at him for a moment before flashing his signature silver smile. He crawled off his lap and snapped his fingers. One of his henchmen came up and handed him a purple and gold handgun. The Joker smiled again before pressing the gun against the man’s leg and firing it. The bullet went straight through his leg and into the floor, followed by a stream of blood. The boss let out an agonizing scream. “Fuck! Fuck, shit, shit!”

 “Look what you did to my floor,” The Joker began again, running a hand through his green hair. “And I just got them redone.” He pointed the gun at his other leg.

 “W-wait! I’ll tell you everything! We kidnapped women to turn them into weapons to use against our rivals. We turned her using the chemicals from the nuclear plants. She turned out to have a useless ability so I used her as an escort to get information!”

 “Useless?” The Joker said, mocking a pout “I’m so sorry you see it that way. Is that it?”

 “Yes.” The boss panted

 “What a shame.” Then, he pointed the gun towards the boss’s head.

 “Wait, wait, please!” The boss begged

 “Unfortunately, it’s not up to me to kill you.” The Joker turned to look at you. “Come here.”

 You took a gulp and walked over hesitantly. The Joker placed the gun in your hand. You had never held a gun before, it was heavy and cold. You stared at the glossy metallic colors, noticing the intricate joker designs. In the reflection of the gun, you spotted the purple bruises on your face. You turned your attention back to the boss who was panting in his chair. You slowly raised the gun. “Don’t you fucking do it.” He started “You won’t, I know you.”

 The Joker stood behind you, resting his chin on your shoulder. “What are you going to do? This is your chance to get back at him for all the pain he’s caused you.”  You were surprisingly steady while holding the gun, you didn’t shake, and you were strangely calm. This man caused you so much suffering, and he was the reason you lived in a nightmare.

 “You won’t fucking do it!” He yelled from his chair, clearly panicking.

 The Joker placed his hands on your hips and whispered into your ear. “Choose.”

 You watched as the man struggled in his chair. He looked so weak and pathetic, and you felt so much power over him. This was probably how he felt when he watched you struggle. The images of your friends and past life popped up in your head. You used to be so happy. You had a life ahead of you. This man changed everything, and there was no going back.

 You pulled the trigger, watching the bullet make its way right between the boss’s eyes. In that moment, the room went quiet as the sound of the gun shot echoed off the walls. His body hung limp from the chair, his eyes still wide open in horror.

 The Joker was the first to break the silence with his laugh, followed by Harley’s who had been standing in the corner. “Leave us.” The Joker ordered, taking the gun out of your hand. You watched as the men left the room, taking your boss’s body and the chair with them. The Joker stood in front of you, and Harley came up from behind, wrapping one arm around your waist and another under your breasts. When the room was empty, the Joker took your face in his hands. Your eyes went to his, and you were sucked into his deep blue orbs. He brushed a cool finger over the bruise on your face. Instead of pain, though, the temperature of his skin actually felt good. He then placed a small kiss on your lips, barely pushing his lips against yours.

 He growled, quickly retracting his head, looking you in the eyes again. “We’re gonna have some fun.”

To be continued.

Tags: @crazyfreckledginger

[iguana012]

The Lord of the Wedding Rings: The Return of the King - iguana’s 2017 HELLsinki Worlds recap

This is it guys, the last big competition before the Olympics. So much potential for great skates, great disasters and great distress; this competition did not fail to deliver. Nor did the announcers, who were screaming out names and scores as if it were a wrestling match. And it was, in one way or another. Albeit a sparklier one. For a brief couple of days, we thought Javier Fernandez was gonna win his 3rd consecutive World title and I almost had those memes ready but at the same time I knew coming from behind like a wrecking ball was Yuzuru Hanyu’s specialty. To nobody’s surprise Evgenia Medvedeva broke a record; to everyone’s surprise, she only broke it in the long program. Meanwhile, Wenjing Sui and Cong Han’s blues for koolk brought the pairs crown back to China and Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir purple rained on Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron’s parade. Let’s start the recap!

It began with the forging of the Great Rings. Three were given to the Technical Panel, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Nine to the Judges, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And the rest of the rings were gifted to the race of Men, who above all else desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and the will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made. Deep in the land of Eden, in the Fires of Mount Timshel, the Philosopher Lord Machida forged a master ring in secret, and into this ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate Hanyu’s all life. One ring to rule them all.

But on April 1st 2017, the world had changed. Yuzuru Hanyu could feel it in the ice. The stars were veiled. Something stirred in the East of Eden. A sleepless malice. The ring was THERE.

Ok seriously now, this guy had been waiting for this gold for 3 years. The first time he got it there were HOLY SHITS and OH MY GODS and CONTROVERSIES because 2014 Worlds is still remembered as that one competition where the difference between gold and silver was 

None of that shit here. Yuzuru Hanyu’s long program performance should be framed and taken into the church. Because no one else comes close to his ability to make those quads look like spinning on a fucking chair, all the while hearing music in the background and interpreting it. He really needed this gold medal and I’m glad he got it. 

World Silver Medalist Shoma Uno has been skating to Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra (aka Ladies in Lavender) all season and that’s a song I will personally forever associate with Tatsuki Machida’s retirement (ahahahah) but that program gave Shoma a new personal best, a medal, and a 2nd place in the World standings. Not too shabby going into the Olympic season. 

Boyang Jin has successfully defended his bronze medal with two great programs. I just can’t believe it was only 2 years ago when he and Shoma were battling for the JUNIOR Worlds gold and now here they are giving some uncles a run for their money. His quad lutz is a masterpiece. It can probably belong in the Sistine Chapel. 

Javier Fernandez’ Elvis wasn’t successful enough for the long program. While he dominated the short with his Matrix Malaguena, Hanyu skating a flawless program before him proved to be too much pressure for the two-time World Champion (how the fuck). tl;dr it was a mess. Probably a ~hot~ mess for some ladies and gents. 

Patrick Chan has successfully defended his 5th place from last year but this time he got a small bronze medal and joined the 100 club in the short! He also landed a quad salchow and not so Canadian axels. His programs this season were great and his skating is great. 

Nathan Chen had boot issues huh? Well honestly, after US Nationals and 4CC I would have been very surprised to see him skate another clean competition because: it’s his first senior year, he is pressured af, he will be even more pressured going into the Olympic season but hey - at least he got a nice, cold bottle of Coca-Cola to make him feel better. 

THE LADIES

And here’s the most disastrous event of the whole shebang. Well at least it was disastrous enough for Evgenia Medvedeva to refrain herself from smiling during a 9/11 program?? I guess??

Heavy silver medal favorite Anna Pogorilaya reverted to the old Pogofalls in the long program. It was almost like she’s been under a spell since Boston and it broke near its 1 year anniversary. That was certainly not what the Russian federation wanted to see, but Maria Sotskova wasn’t much better either. All in all Ilia Averbukh proved his point; his programs can save the world and Russia’s 3 spots at the Olympics. 

Speaking of spots, the Canadian ladies managed to get 3 spots for the first time in a millennium and they did it in high fashion; both Kaetlyn Osmond and Gabby Daleman made the podium. Who would have guessed? Figure skating is full of surprises after all. And it looks to me like the judges are more ready to reward Osmond than Pogorilaya. She’s going with a good reputation in the Olympic season and she has the support she needs to follow the footsteps of Joannie Rochette. All she has to do is deliver. 

Delivering is not always the best solution for other girls though. Wakaba Higuchi was criminally underscored in the short program. And by criminally I mean she can sue those judges for boycotting Japan getting 3 spots. With a 3Lz-3T and a 3F in the second half of the program she was 9th after the short. Really bitch? Really? They suddenly decided they were gonna punish the lack of steps into the solo jump? The fuck? Mai Mihara was great but that mistake in the short program was very costly Veeery costly. And lastly Rika Hongo was very brave. She was tired, she was injured, she wasn’t supposed to be there. But she was brave and I applaud her. 

The American ladies were lucky. And they did enough to keep 3 spots. The judges also did enough there I said it. Karen Chen did great, I love her short program. 

Basically everyone got back home having fulfilled their main goal, except for Japan, who has the deepest field in the World after Russia. For the first time in over 10 years, only two ladies will represent Japan at the Olympics. Figure skating fans are speculating who JSF will favor which ladies are more likely to get it. Will Mao Asada get her triple axel back? Will Satoko Miyahara manage to get back to her top form after injury? Will Marin Honda make a splash in her first year as a senior? Will Mai Mihara continue to stay consistent? This topic probably needs a separate post of its own. 

PAIRS AND ICE DANCE

Aliona Savchenko is a badass. The height she gets on the triple twist is probably the equivalent of two, two and half quad lutzes of Boyang Jin. Also throw triple axel!! Wtf bro my ankles hurt just looking at it!!

But Wenjing Sui and Cong Han were no doubt the class of the field. Two A-M-A-Z-I-N-G programs. You can see how connected they are. Not a single movement is wasted. Truly a gift in the field and I’m so grateful Wenjing recovered so well. 

Shoutout to Xiaoyu Yu for her potato finish! She’s done so well this season considering circumstances. And she’s so beautiful to watch!

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron had pretty uninspiring programs this season but the free dance they put together was perfection. Yeah it’s nothing we haven’t already seen but everything about that performance was top stuff. 

Scott Moir had to fuck up to showcase Tessa Virtue’s flawlessness. But their Prince SD is great stuff. So great it broke some nice records. Including most of the free dance event (seriously what the fuck was that mess).

This is probably all I have to say about Worlds? This review sucks big time but I’m so tired I feel like I've been competing myself. Well that and the fact that Japan losing one spot really put me off. And I’m constantly worried about Satoko Miyahara so my snark wasn’t as sharp as it usually is during other competitions. This one was too much of a Real Deal y’know what I mean. 

Meanwhile the GP competitions next season look something like this

10/20-22 Cup of Russia 

10/27-29 Skate Canada 

11/3-5 Cup of China 

11/10- 12 NHK Trophy 

11/17- 19 Trophee de France 

11/24- 26 Skate America 

To be more exact 

Ah it smells like Olympics already. 

Just like last season and the season before last season I’m gonna make a top 10 programs of 2016-2017 sometime soon. But first I gotta get your requests done lmao sorry for the delay /o\ 

But since it’s (almost) the end of this season I want to thank you all for following me, sending me nice messages and being interested in my childish ramblings. You’re the bestest. 

[boudiscanon]

Domestic Boud Ficlet Fuck Yeah

Cloud woke up to a bellowing baritone, belting out some old folk song over the sound of sizzling bacon. He untangled himself slowly from the mess of little girls’ clothes he’d fallen asleep folding and shuffled towards the kitchen.

“Dude.” Barret just grinned in response, finishing up the chorus of his song with a flourish and an admittedly impressive flip of a pancake. Cloud slumped at the island and reached over to grab his own pancake from the leaning tower Barret had already done up. “When did you even get back?”

“Little bit before five this mornin’,” Barret answered shaking his head at Cloud’s table manners. “Saw you all wrapped up in Marlene’s clothes like a bird makin’ a nest and figured you wouldn’t be awake to make breakfast. 

Cloud frowned, but he couldn’t argue. Especially since Barret knew full well that breakfasts with Cloud consisted of cereal, or toast, and maybe an orange if he was alive enough to make Marlene eat something healthy. The one time he had tried to make a breakfast feast a la Barret, it was such a disaster that Marlene ended up running to get Tifa to make him stop. He was always relieved when Barret came back to pick up the Dad Duties--Cloud was not cut out for the stuff.

“How long you back for?” he asked, reaching for another pancake. Most of the stack was for him anyway--Barret knew his appetite. 

“Til the end of the week, at least!” Barret replied, voice triumphant. “Got finished up with the last gig early! Told Reeve I was havin’ some quality time with the family!” 

Cloud took a bite to hid his smile, just as little footsteps came stampeding down the stairs.

“PAPA!” Marlene hurtled herself into the kitchen, and Barret didn’t miss a beat, turning around to scoop her into a bear hug.

“Baby girl!” He rubbed his scruffy cheek against hers, making her giggle and push his face away. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and set her down so she could scramble up onto a stool next to Cloud.

“You didn’t say you were coming home yesterday! Are you gonna be back for a long time! I missed you so much! Cloud missed you too, right Cloud?”

Cloud blinked, suddenly put on the spot and looked from Marlene’s glowing smile to Barret’s content one. “Uh, yeah, sure.”

Barret burst out laughing, “Don’t hurt yourself gettin all worked up Cloud!” making Cloud frown at him. It wasn’t like it was a lie; he just normally didn’t say that kind of stuff. He wasn’t as feelings-y as the Wallace duo were. 

“Come on papa! He just doesn’t say it!” Marlene insisted, seeming to read Cloud’s mind. “Say you’re gonna be back more than a few days this time! Please?” 

“I got til the end of the week,” he replied, making Marlene’s eyes light up even brighter. “Maybe a bit longer, if it takes awhile for the next project to start up. But don’t get your hopes too high.” Too late, Marlene was cheering and throwing her arms in the air, spinning her stool so wildly that Cloud instinctively reached his arms out to catch her. 

“Marlene, chill, or you’re gonna spend your dad’s vacation with a broken arm.” She stopped spinning, but the grin on her face had not shrunk a bit. Instead she grabbed his arm.

“Cloud! We gotta think of something fun to do! Eat faster!” 

Cloud nodded, not quite understanding why Marlene insisted he “help” her make plans, considering she never seemed to need his--or anyone’s--input. Barret chuckled again, pulling plates out from the cupboard (thankfully Cloud had actually gotten to doing the dishes last night) and setting out one for each of them. He quietly sat and ate, soaking in the chatter as Marlene detailed everything that Barret had missed since his last phone call. She had to be practically thrown out the door to go to school, insisting she should get to stay home, and only begrudgingly left under the condition that Barret come pick her up himself the second the schoolday was over.

As the volume in the house instantly dropped, Cloud sat back down on the couch, quietly finishing the folding job he’d given up on yesterday. After watching him for a moment, Barret plopped down with his full weight, jostling Cloud and making him jerk his head up, only to have Barret ruffle his hair with all his strength. 

“Wha--hey! What the hell!?” Cloud escaped--not without some effort--from Barret’s grip and shot him a death stare. 

Barret just laughed. “Quit stressin’,” he said, reaching over to start helping fold clothes. “If you weren’t doin’ a good job, I wouldn’t be leavin’ her with you.” 

Cloud frowned, unable to find a way to counter that logic. After a bit he said, “But I suck at all this domestic stuff. She cooks more than I do. And Tifa had to teach me three times how to wash clothes the right way. And thank god she’s smart because just looking at her homework makes my brain hurt and she’s only in the second grade.” Cloud sighed, slouching back on the couch. “I have no idea what I’m doing. Why the hell do you trust me with your kid? For fuck’s sake I spent most of my formative years in a tube.”

Barret picked up a dress that Cloud had bought for Marlene--with help from Tifa--and smiled. “You been doing this for what? Less than a year now? You think I knew what I was doin’ at that point? Ain’t no parent know what the hell they doin’ Cloud! I was the youngest of all my siblings. When I got Marlene I’d never changed a diaper. I’d never done the wash. I’d never had to deal with a baby cryin’. And I had one arm!” Cloud watched Barret’s face intently. He rarely spoke of his early days as Marlene’s dad. “If it weren’t for findin’ AVALANCHE, and finding all y’all, ain’t no way in hell I’d be able to do any of it. I felt like I was always screwin’ up, raisin’ her on my own. Took three people just to stop her runnin’ into traffic when she learned to walk.” 

“Yeah, but, you at least feel like an adult.”

“You callin’ me old?” Barret turned and raised an eyebrow at Cloud, who raised an eyebrow back, a joking smile tugging at his face. “Look man, I know you had a fucked up life. Ain’t gonna argue on that one. But not knowin’ how to pack a lunch don’t make you a bad dad. And don’t make me a grown up.” He turned back to folding to laundry and Cloud noticed how Barret defaulted to using just one hand when he wasn’t paying attention to it, despite having had his prosthesis for so long. “You know all the important parts. How to be kind. And loving. How to protect her. How to want the world to be better than the shithole we grew up in, so she don’t have to deal with the crap we dealt with. You’ve already been doin’ all of that. When she calls me, she talks all about you--helpin’ her sort out her problems, showin’ her how to fix her bicycle, playin’ along with her games, and showin’ up to her school events. You don’t let her get away with using those big brown eyes to get out of trouble as much as I do.” Barret placed the last shirt on a stack and leaned back, placing and arm around Cloud’s shoulders. “And you don’t gotta be good at all of it anyway. That’s why there’s two of us. For when one of us screws up.”

Cloud couldn’t help but smile at the earnest look on Barret’s face, although he wasn’t sure he believed all that or not. It still felt good to hear, for now. 

“Fine,” he said, closing his eyes and leaning against Barret’s side, feeling the early morning sink into him. “But you are old though.” He snickered as Barret cursed him and shoved him onto the floor, making both of them jump as the pile of clothes began tipping over. 

[captusmomentum]

Excessively detailed asks: 1-19 odds only for Inan, 20-38 evens only for Tace plz :D

fuck me running this is a lot OKAY HERE WE GOOOOOO

INANALLAS

(heads up the pronouns are gonna jump around here bc inan uses they//them and she/her so hopefully doesn’t get too confusing rip)

1. What does their bedroom look like?

Surprisingly Clean. They’re exactly the type you’d expect to be super messy but thanks to living in such small spaces like aravals all their life they’re very good about keeping things in come kind of order. This stands even for modern verses, they’re very good about it. In verses they’re inquisitor they actually rearrange the room a lot, putting their bed on the balcony and making the main floor more of an office/living room as well as creating panels to help block out some of that sun bc HOLY SHIT WINDOWS, they also have a panel set to block the view of the bed which is really just wedged between it and the railing. The little bed alcove is very cozy and the main floor is much more functional and better for have friends up :D In modern aus, like say amd, they’re one of those people who’re like ‘ live in an apartment that’s only 90ft big :D’ and when they show you how it’s like part science miracle and part acrobatics bonanza. Like look at any tiny home or tiny apartment type show/place/thing and thats’ how they Roll. Mainly bc they’re fucking Broke AF, creative/innovative and well trained by dalish life for it. So bedrooms are usually like, lofts and shit like that which can mean it’s not much more than the essentials of Snoozing. 

3. Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?They do! Inan works out pm everyday in pm every verse. Their style of magic is very, very very physical so it requires a lot of working out and training even in verses where they’re not constantly murdering ppl like canon ones they gotta get diesel for magic. In most verses they primarily do a variety of martial arts (or just one elf/dalish one? depends on how deep into worldbuilding you wanna get here honestly) and then things like running, weight lifting general kinda fitness exercise things. I imagine in modern verses and such (maybe more canon ones too tf do i know) that places like Arlathvhen’s there’s like, a sort of pow wow/olympics type event that goes on and clans have people representing them and Lath was disqualified for cheating bc she’s Weak in the temptation of Victory so Inan is the Obligatory Contender in at least some of the mage events, usually like, dueling bc it’s ironically her specialty. So she really does have to stay sharp when in verses where there’s no fighting bc she’s gotta bring home gold for clan Lavellan. 

(if u wanna get a sense of how inan fights it’s a LOT like pm anyone from avatar the last airbender/Legend of Korra especially Korra and Katara(atla) )(apologies about the katara vid and that shit music there’s So Little out there sobs)5. Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

Inan isn’t the most organized or together person which is combined w/ their dalish upbringing is why they’re Hyper Organized. Things have places and they go there ALWAYS otherwise they’ll never be found again ever. Also lots of labels. Their own living spaces are more organized than their work spaces, generally bc other ppl touch things or put things on their desk. Every time someone touches their things they have a small heart attack bc it means that something CRITICAL might have been moved and will never be found again. Seriously they are held together only by the power of their aesthetically pleasing organization and labeling. So school is Really Fun in modern aus (read: i’ve considered having them be a high school dropout for Various Reasons).7. Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

They Dream of wasting time. They Long to waste time. Everyday they pray they can waste time. Usually a lot of her time goes into things like Clan Stuff, Magic Stuff and Work Stuff so any chance they get to dick off they do. They fave method in modern verses is tv or youtube but in canon-y verses its Tavern w/ Bull or Tavern w/ Sera, the 2 people most likely 2 not call her out for Ditching Shit. Drinking w/ Dorian and/or Varric is very high on the list in all verses.9.Makeup?

Naaaahhhhhhhhhh. Generally too lazy for it and doesn’t like feeling of it on her face. Also it’s a real Bitch bc she’s always got tats on like 70-90% of her face and freckles (which she actually likes) so like foundation’s a Nah but you can’t do things like cover her dark circles w/o foundation otherwise the difference is Too Obvious like it’s just a Disaster. She can be convinced to wear it at special events and things but someone else has gotta do it. 

11. Intellectual pursuits?Some and very disorganized. Generally answering any Burning Mystical Questions they have regardless of worth or importance, debating (fighting) about topics involving analysis in books and things, Fade Stuff, Learning Elvhen. They don’t really actively pursue a lot of things bc they’re doing so much shit normally, they really only pursue it when the interest strikes. Also, proving that the occult is Real and Valid.13.Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?hoooooooooo boy dksjlgjfdsgfk, pansexual demisexual/grey-asexual is probably the best description. they don’t know they just like people and they don’t think about it they don’t think about Sex Stuff or ppls orientations it’s all W/E IDK and while they’re not prudish or squeamish about it they will run screaming for the hills things get too raunchy. Sex –especially sex involving them– has them looking for the nearest exit, not necessarily bc they’re sex repulsed but they are Extremely Anxious and Scared of interpersonal interaction so kissing is yiKESSSSSSSSSSSSS15.Biggest and smallest short term goal?Hmmmmm that’s really hard. Biggest is usually like: Not Die. Smallest is something like: whatever is next on to do list. They live a life of unnecessary extremes. 17.Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dressGoth mori/strega fashion vibes. Lots of skirts and layers and looking very much like a peasant wizard. Usually they just dress for the weather and put on as many layers as they can to feel safe and protected (and snuggly). There’s a lot of similarities in their logic about it with Uthvir but with miles of soft fabrics instead of spikes. Usually darker colors with an emphasis on blues. There’s not too much in the way of ritual around it since they’ve tailored their wardrobe so they can grab things put them on, and look good w/o any real effort.

 here’s the for inan fashion stuff 

19.What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

Usually they go through a very specific ritual when going to sleep since they’re a dreamer to help keep that shit on lock which involves a lot of emptying of the mind and relaxing and preparing to deal with Fade Shit. If they don’t it’s just existential dread, anxiety and depression shit and panic. So they don’t not do the thing…….

TACE

20.Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?Tace wasn’t really sick much more than the normal amount and kinds as a kid and was the kind who conks out the whole time and doesn’t say, try to get up and play. As he got older and his dreamer abilities started to kick in he reacted to it like someone who was very sick, fevers, hot and cold, sweating. slept too much or not enough. He began to have trouble keeping food down and lacking an appetite which he still has problems with to this day along with sleep trouble and exhaustion. 22.Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?either doodles of dicks and such or a rude, raunchy or somehow unacceptable letter to someone whether he knew them or not he wrote for a laugh with no intention of sending. He’s very mature24.Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?He actually excels in a lot of things, he’s a pretty gifted mage. He just Hates the Circle and all that academia type shit so regardless of his skill in them he doesn’t want to do them. He thinks intellectual pursuits are on a whole a waste of time because they’re mainly just there to make people feel more important and fancy.26.Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?NOPE. NONE. past maybe ‘consult with that statue of Eleni Zinovia back in Ferelden about what to do w/ my life’ and ‘get a boyfriend’. 28.Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?hoooooo that’s Rough. Probably Banal though he’s more a father figure. He wasn’t very close to his other mages and hated the templars. Later when he meets Keshet and Shalev I guess they become his best friends which is...... very gay and lame.

Worst Enemy is Cullen and Meredith but Meredith is dead so fuck youuuuuuuu Culllleeennnnnnnn.30.Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)Boy This Sucks [Drinks like a monster even more than usual] 

he’s pretty desensitized to tragedy but also a shambling mess so it’s really just his usual self but like 1000000000000000% worse for a while

32.Thoughts on material possessions in general?

MORE PLEASE. he loves shit give him all the stuff he wants to lounge in a gaudy parlor on a opulent chaise. He never got to have much in the way of possessions in the circle so he lots shit now. also he’s just a material little shit.

34.Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)He doesn’t care about other people’s privacy pretty much at all and loves getting into people’s shit but he’s VERY intense about his own privacy. He’s deeply protective of himself and his things and privacy. So he’s a wildly hypocritical guy.36.What makes them feel guilty?Not fucking much. He occasionally feels bad about how he’s treated someone but it’s not often and he’d never say it out loud. just kinda adds it to the pile of fuel for self-loathing.38.Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality?

He’d be a Type A if it weren’t how his life has gone so I guess he’s like, a burnout Type A. 

[nicksilveirart]

(SING!) Story Not Told, chapter 12 – Tears in Heaven

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9 (MATURE)

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Click here to read chapter 12:

"No! I mean... Yes, he's in there and not coming out. I've tried that! That also. You're what? No, not today. At least let the guy get a good night of sleep before that. Knowing him, he'll be up first thing in the morning. Okay. Go ahead, I'll just... Keep trying. Thanks." Eddie was whispering into the speaker, then turning his attention to the door in front of him. "Buster, you can't hide in there forever!" He knocked for the, he figured, billionth time. "Open up!" He could make out soft cries and sobs on the other side. The knob turned to reveal the theatre owner. Buster was a mess, and felt like such. Sniffing, he looked up at the much taller sheep. "Yes?" "I ordered pizza." "I'm not hungry, Eddie." He forced himself to smile at his friend. It was not his fault he had destroyed the theatre and was now headline news, right? "But thanks." "Okay, forget the pizza. Wanna play something?" "Nah, I'm good… I think I'm gonna call it a day." He rested down on an inflatable bed, and looked up at the TV. Citizens are shocked, and it's a miracle anyone survived this great disaster. Whilst Moon has not been found to give interview, sources say- Eddie quickly grabbed the remote, and turned the TV off. "You don't have to listen to this, you're beating yourself up as it is." He sat near his friend. "I deserve it." He chuckled sadly. "Let alone destroying the theatre, Eddie, I could've killed everyone. I deserve everything they're saying." "You could've gotten yourself killed back there, that occurred to you?" He froze for a second, thinking about his girlfriend. He could be the biggest loser he knew, but someone saw something in him. Ash wanted to be near him, a fraud or not. And she would've been sad if he had died, or so he figured. "Now it did." "So don't beat yourself up too hard over this." He flopped onto the couch. "Anyways… That girl that was here today?" Buster's ears perked up. "What about her?" "I've never seen you so comfortable around a girl before." The sheep laughed. "Well…" He pulled the sheets over himself. "Can't be all awkward around the cast, right?" "Except for she's not cast anymore. She was here with no competition up." Good god. The koala definitely didn't like where this was heading. "Yes?" "Dude… You like her or something?" He shrugged. "Maybe." Eddie looked at him intently. "Okay, we're together." "That's awesome news, man! Congrats!" "Thanks." He smiled. "How long?" "A couple days." "While the competition was still up?" He raised a brow. "Hey, if it was for that she wouldn't come here." Buster sighed. The same assumption Lance had made, and it was enough to make his stomach turn. He knew her, Ash wouldn't go that low. "True." He yawned. "Good night, Buster." "Night, Eddie."

Ash walked towards her apartment. That had been a busy day. The whole theatre coming crashing down aside, she had been walking for a good hour before finally catching sight of the NYC suburb-styled building she lived at. However, that wasn't the only thing she got a glimpse of. "Oh no…" She hid in a bush just on the other street, and peaked her head out. "Come on, why are you doing this to me?" Just outside the door, sat her mother and father. "You never cared before, you never- Goddamn it…" No way in hell she was going to face her parents. Turning around, she silently prayed they hadn't spotted her as she walked in another direction. Tara was laying down at the couch, re-watching Two and a Half Moose, and laughing to herself at the stupidest things said by the characters. After a tiring day directing many crew members around a set, she gave herself a marathon of her favorite series as a reward. She loved directing, but couldn't deny it was a ton of work. Holding onto a bucket of popcorn, she slowly drifted into sleep. Between an episode and another, the doorbell rang, and she woke up in a jolt, dripping popcorn all over the place, and falling over it. The doorbell rang again, and she stumbled her way over to the door. "Who is it?!" She asked, distressed. "It's Ash! I kinda… Need a place to stay. My parents are keeping guard at my house." Tara quickly opened the door. "I'm sorry, okay? They put me against the wall, your brother said we had seen you, and-" "Whoa there!" Ash laughed. "I'm not complaining, Tara. Actually I kinda expected that to happen, I knew he wasn't going to keep secret. I just need to crash somewhere and well… You're the one friend I've got that won't smoke weed through the night." "Oh. Uh… Get in." She stepped aside. "Thanks." Getting inside, the rocker rested her guitar case by the door, quickly noticing the mess in front of the TV. She burst out laughing. "What happened here?" "You happened here." Tara smirked. "I was watching TV, eating some popcorn, and fell asleep." "I told you many times you gotta learn how to sleep in a bed." She said, plopping herself onto the couch. "I will soon, mom." The otter shot back. "Wanna watch something?" "Whatever you are watching." "Fox is having a Two and a Half Moose marathon." "Two and a Half Moose it is." "Great." Tara flopped herself onto the couch. "If you're hungry, there's popcorn all around." "Pass." In-between episodes, breaking news showed the destroyed theatre. Tara looked at her. "Well, this happened." "Damn! Moon put a massive tank in there?!" "Moon built a massive tank in there. Using practically anything he could find that was made of glass." Tara's jaw dropped. "Are you okay? I mean… Your chance to perform your original and all." "Yeah, I'm good. I talked to Buster, about putting the show together again, he told me to call him tomorrow." Tara laughed. "He gave you his number?" "No, we are going use telepathy." Tara laughed. "You moron." "He just wanted you to call him." She winked. "You think he has a crush on me, don't you?" "First praising your talent, then the song, and now he asks you to call him? Pretty sure he does." "A bit old for me, don't you think?" "As long as he makes you happy." Ash raised an eyebrow at her friend, smirking. "Wait, no way!" "Yes, we are." "Tell me how it happened!" "We were at the theatre, and kissed. No big deal." The otter was listening expectantly. "The tank who caused all this? He got squids to perform there. Yesterday, he took me there and showed what he had planned, and we kissed." "Was it good?" Tara was holding onto a cushion. "It was great. We kissed and, well… You know. Everything happened fast, but it was nice." The other girl held a hand up. "He took you to bed with him?" "More like I took him to bed with me." Ash laughed. "Straight-forward. Was it good?" The teenager nodded. "Great." Both girls turned to the TV in time to see the adjectives that were being thrown at Buster, and Ash could only hope he wasn't watching the news. She was almost asleep when her phone rang, startling both girls. Groggily, she picked up the phone. "Hello?" She yawned and rubbed her eyes, suddenly jolting awake. "Oh hey, Miss Crawly."

On the other side of town, Lance finished another gig with his current girlfriend Becky. House wasn't full, but they had gotten a decent amount of claps. Offstage, they shared a drink. Performing mostly in bars, it was more than usual for them to get one or two shots on the house. It was also around this time that the only folks you could find around were drunk animals singing karaoke, band members chilling out, or stoners from around town. "Well done, babes." "Thanks. You feeling better?" "Getting there." He rubbed ice along his bruised arm. "I swear, I was this close to kicking his ass." Before Becky could reply, a female voice laughed right behind them. "Sure you were." "Don't you have a better place to be, Laura?" Lance replied, annoyed. "My shift's over, I'm just another employee enjoying a drink." "Go defend your boyfriend someplace else." "He hates me just as much as he hates you, Lance. Know why? We're both cheaters. And you know you deserved it, talking about that girl like that." "Did you eavesdrop on us?" "More like heard it on accident." Becky stared at her. Laura merely smirked as she took another sip of her margarita. "You teenagers shift emotions towards someone so fast… And when you look back you see you made a mistake." "If you start talking like a wise old lady I'm gonna throw up." The other girl snickered. The three of them laughed. "I'm not that old, and I don't have to be the wise lady. Time will teach you, Lance. Breaking other's hearts isn't cool." "Why don't you go bother another cheater?" "I don't know another cheater." Laura laughed, as she rested a couple $5 bills on the counter. "Gonna get in line for karaoke." "Don't blow our ears up!" Becky mocked, and both porcupines laughed. "I'm not worse than the two of you, don't worry." She walked away. The two lovers, in lack of a better program, proceeded to listen to Laura's singing. They would never tell her, but she had just a fine voice, and pulled Ewe Clapton's Tears in Heaven just fine. Not too long after, one of the TV's in the bar started showing news from the incident at the Moon Theatre. Becky quickly turned to the bartender. "Hey, put that up please? Lance, look!" Both of them turned just in time to see the site the theatre used to occupy destroyed, chairs and bricks everywhere. Lance's jaw dropped, and he soon replaced it with a smirk. "Suits the koala just fine." He laughed. "A handmade fish tank? Seriously? He thought that was gonna work? And to think Ash traded me for that idiot." "I know, right?" Giggling, Becky got off of her chair and motioned for Laura to look at the TV. The koala got distracted for a second and, upon finishing her song, ran to the counter. "Good lord…" She couldn't help but remember all times Buster had told her about the theatre, how much he loved directing and how close him and his dad were of buying it. The times he worked at the car wash after school, sometimes even missing their dates, to clean a couple more cars. All for that place. And there it was: his beloved theatre reduced to ashes. "Hey, you know what? Now that the guy's probably curled on himself crying, might just be the best time to win him back." Laura stared up at the porcupine. "Come on, don't be mad, I just want to reunite the lovebirds." Lance moved closer, and started messing with her ears. They twitched. Without another word, she kicked his chair, and the much younger male fell face first on the ground. "Might as well tell Buster he doesn't have to fix your buck teeth anymore."

[trickshxt]

cry wipe away their tears. / ghoststorytm

When he’d made Level 5 he’d been sat in a room, handed a thick folder without a word, and left with a buzzing fluorescent light to read. So he’d done what any good Level 5 Field Operative would do: he read.

And he read…

And he read…

He read until his hands cramped and the papers trembled - a warning or a whimper even he wasn’t sure - from fingers back to the pile that was as much black as it was white. His eyes blurred until words streaked into grey shapes, grey blurs, a grey mess so thick he checked his fingers for fear of staining.

When Sitwell came back he stood, knees wobbly, and asked one question. “You sure about this?”

Sitwell raised an eyebrow; Barney suspected it was a skill required of Field Lieds. (He wondered if there were mandatory classes.) “About retrieval?”

Barney shook his head. “About keepin’ it from him.”

The mention hung heavy between them and Barney was no fool. He knew the pregnant silence of indecision, could feel it twist in the man’s chest even if Sitwell Jasper showed no outward change. “The decision has been made.”

But by who, Barney wondered. All he could do was nod. “Course it has.”

“Is that going to be a problem, Agent Barton?”

There was really only one answer and they both knew it. “No, sir.”

Jasper shifted, just a minutia, and Barney saw the way his neck tilted, consideration on the man’s mind. But brown eyes flicked to the camera in the corner and Barney, though disappointed, was unsurprised when Sitwell straightened his shoulders. “We leave at 04:00 sharp.”

“Yes, sir.”

As he reached the door, Sitwell added, “And Barton?”

“Yeah?”

“Bring a bow.”

The order had made more sense the moment he’d stepped off the jet. Ice bit into the sliver of cheeks showing through his mask and the overheated cargo pit suddenly seemed far less of an inconvenience. Muttered curses reached his ears as guns were quickly holstered against the rapidly dipping temperature. Barney’s grip just tightened over the grip of Clint’s third best recurve.

Any outward signs of HYDRA had already been erased with the worsening weather. A tip of a boot was the only hint of the siege that had occurred. Medics were zipping up body bags, red snow already brown, and Barney looked away with a tight coil in his stomach. (Sacrifice for a greater tomorrow, he reminded himself.) The fortress, built into stone, was silent to it all. Barney wondered what it would say if it could speak.

What it would scream.

He found Sitwell easily enough; the man commanded a natural authority when he chose to do so. Their base was small, but well organized as such and Sitwell was at the center of it, fielding questions with an easy yes, no, and hold.

When Sitwell turned, he nodded once. “I want you with me.”

He nodded and flicked the quiver open at his waist. “Sure.”

And follow he did. Through a labyrinth of tunnels, each more sterile than the last, the body count higher the further in. The stench of iron presided, a metallic king laughing until Barney realized it was solely the splash of his boots on the floor. He kept his gaze steady, breathing calm, ignoring the way ghostly faces passed in the corner of his vision.

(He’d think about those halls for weeks later, in the dead of night; feeling the cold press into his head and pick at the spot between his eyes.)

Their destination was a single room, no different from the other concrete doors or labs that Barney had seen since he’d started field ops. Beakers of things, tubes of liquids Barney knew he’d likely never know the true function of, consoles with monitors flashing messages in Russian (he’d know that soon enough; his first class was in two days). Barney prided himself on knowing a good deal of things, but this realm? This realm was a life not his.

He paused, however, at something he did know. A heartbeat, low, steady, but oh so low, flashed up on a touch screen, distorted, then started again. With a frown he reached out a hesitant finger and tapped at the screen. A form appeared, levels dipping slowly before rising, a name: Актив

“Barton.”

He left it be and stopped at Sitwell’s side. “Huh.”

Their breath fogged as they stared, all of them, so silent they could hear the zippers of bags closed from further up; ziiiiiiiiiiiip-ziiiiiiiiiiiip-ziiiiiiiiiiiip.

Barney had once argued with Clint, long ago, about legends. They’d been young - not that Clint had lost that idealistic streak - and Barney had been reading out loud from an ancient library book missing half the cover. He remembered stopping, thinking Clint had turned off his hearing aids.

Instead, Clint had bit his lip. “What do you think they’re like?”

“What who’s like?” He’d been annoyed; Pecos Bill had been his favorite back then.

“All of them. Pecos Bill an’ Paul Onion an’ John Henry.”

Barney didn’t bother to correct him. “They’re not real, Clint. They’re just legends.” Clint had quirked his brow so Barney put the book down and repeated it, signing as well. “Legends.”

“What’s that mean?”

“A legend is a story about someone or somethin’ inspiring. Something that makes you want to be a good person.”

Clint chewed his lip. “But they aren’t real…”

“No,” Barney said. “They aren’t.”

“But what if I wanna be one someday?”

Barney had snorted. “A legend?” At Clint’s nod he’d put the book down. “Gonna have to do somethin’ really good then. Somethin’ so big and good and that helps so many people that no one can forget it.”

“Like Captain America?”

“Yeah.”

“But he was real!”

Which is a paradox Barney had to think about for a moment. “Yeah, he was. But see, he only became a legend after he died. People during his time? Woulda called him a hero, but not a legend.” He didn’t add that he wasn’t entirely convinced one Steven Rogers had been the paragon of perfection he’d been touted to be. It wasn’t what Clint wanted to hear tonight.

Clint had gone quiet, still. “You g-gotta die to be a legend?”

Barney had shrugged; it would be a conversation they’d forget tomorrow. “Yeah. So no going and being a legend any time soon, ok?” And he’d smiled, picked up the book, and changed the subject.

Now…

Now he stood there, over two decades later, staring down at a living, breathing, legend and wondered if James Buchanan Barnes didn’t really die years ago.

***

The last time he’d seen Barnes, it had been delivering the cryogenic tube to S.H.I.E.L.D. R&D months ago. He’d been kindly told to leave, now, thank you Agent Barton, and when he’d asked Sitwell a week later about progress he’d been told in no uncertain terms that the entire topic was on blackout and would result in instant termination should it be uttered again.

So he’d left it alone because he had Russian classes to take (though he suspected they’d been ordered a bit prematurely), Clint fell off a building, Coulson needed another body to cover for said falling disaster, and life in general didn’t stop just because a body was pulled from the ice - that he could say from experience given last year.

By the time he thought about James Buchanan Barnes again, it was 3:30am and he was just stepping off a Quinjet with a headache that rivaled the ego of the Chinese crime lord they’d finally, finally tracked down in Thailand.

He hadn’t expected Sitwell to be there, so the even “Agent Barton?” had caused him to stumble on the last few steps of the ramp.

“Jasper?” And he’d almost corrected himself, but Jasper was indeed there, watching him with the eye of someone about to ask a favor.

(Barney knew that look well.)

“If you’re not busy…”

“I gotta debrief…” But Jasper straightened, neck stiff, and Barney could see the collar of his shirt was damp enough to loosen his tie. “Can wait, though.”

Sitwell nodded. “Good. Come with me.” And Barney had followed him to the elevator, watching as Sitwell’s pass was swiped and one of the buttons that never worked for him dinged softly.

“Everything ok?” he asked, careful, because eyes and ears were everywhere, but damn if he didn’t at least have something of a heart left to use.

Sitwell Jasper caught his eye, something akin to a fond smile flitting over the corner of his mouth. “I am quite all right, thank you, Agent Barton.” Barney relaxed. Up until the doors opened and Sitwell asked, smoothly, “By the way, how is your Russian?”

Arguing flooded in, rapid fire Russian, answered in singular, solid blocks of ice that took Barney a moment to recognize as a voice.

A medic - Agent Petrov (new, young, desperate for approval) - hovered around what Barney logically knew was James Buchanan Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier, aka The Asset, aka Bucky. But broad, bare shoulders, sweats that probably would have fit one, and a tangled mop of hair were so still, so quiet, so stoically hunched that Barney felt a chill go up his spine. The air was akin to the mausoleum Barney had broken into on a dare once; numbingly devoid of anything but dying memory.

NO.> Bucky? James? Barnes spoke so suddenly Barney jumped, jaw gritting and very human hand squeezing so tight the bones cracked.

Petrov, bless the kid, reached a hand out before Barney could warn him.

Lightning fast Barnes was on his feet, Petrov backed against the wall with a human hand inches from his head and a wall of well-honed muscle reminding him just how much worse it could be.

Barney noticed three things then. The first was the way that Barnes’ breathing was non-existent. The second was how Barnes’ fingers trembled. The third was how his left arm, dull even in his lighting, didn’t move.

Sitwell stepped forward then, clearing his throat.

Barney saw the way Barnes reacted to that. Knew the reaction well. (Mr. Barton was his father, always a figure he couldn’t, wouldn’t be.)

Barnes let his hand drop and Petrov’s feet found motion then, propelling him toward Sitwell with barely contained terror in his eyes. Barney felt a flare of pity for him. He’d been overambitious; the pathway to Hell and all that.

Barnes didn’t turn to them, so Barney didn’t move. Jasper, bless his heart, motioned for Petrov to get on the elevator and then glanced at him. Barney frowned a bit. Why him? Of all people… He followed Sitwell’s pointed look, saw the way Barnes’ fingers were curled back into a fist, and a small part of him got it. Ah.

All right then.

Sitwell said, Russian accented and halting in places.

Barney’s Russian isn’t that good, but even he knows that tone. That nasty, sliding, bitter hiss.

Sitwell turned, giving him a long look, tapped the phone at his belt once, and then disappeared into the elevator with a near babbling Petrov. Barney found that without them, the silence deepened until he could hear the metal plates of Barnes’ non-functioning arm shift gently.

What do you say to a legend? he asked himself, bitterly. The thought made him snort in derision at the whole thing. Why me?

The sound found two blue eyes pinned to him; unnervingly clear, unnervingly far. Barney swallowed, went still, and tried to think. What do you say to a dead man?

He’s not dead, he’s alive.

But was he?

(Was this what sacrifice for a greater good got you in the end? a dark part of him asked.)

Barney had died once, for two minutes, a few years ago. The whole experience hadn’t left him with any real insight on the afterlife, though the tunnel had been warm and the light certainly had been bright. There had been thoughts: Harold, Edith, Clint, the circus, the army, the time after. So many memories he could only explain it all in gestures rather than words, and even then he fell short of the jarring disconnection that had come when he’d come back.

In the end he had decided he’d been lucky.

Staring at Barnes - the way his eyes never wavered, watching him, waiting for a strike - he realized that this man had yet to decide whether he was lucky or not. Had yet to fully feel out what life was, what it could be, whether he wanted it or not. Maybe, maybe, he could work with that.

Barnes stared, unblinking. Barney winced at his own Russian, wondered briefly if he’d conjugated wrong, and cleared his throat.

He looked around the room - sterile, bare, anything remotely weapon like removed. A poster on the wall with a cat on a branch: Hang In There.

Barnes didn’t move, didn’t breath. Barney pushed his frustrations down and tried not to curse Jasper too much. Some guidance would have been nice. And had Barnes even blinked yet? He thought back to the reading from months ago and took a gambit.

That got a blink from Barnes. The briefest of shifts in weight, metal creaking. Barney inwardly smiled. He added, quickly,

Barnes looked away, but Barney could feel his eyes on him. A curl of something in the slant of his brow now.

He trailed as Barnes looked away, shoulders sloping. A miscalculation, he realized, bringing it up.

The name hung heavy in the air, heavier than the silence, pervasive in its command of them both. It felt odd to say it out loud; he could see it felt odd to hear it. At least they were both on common ground.

Stop.>

Barney is startled at the response. His mouth clicks shut. Barnes isn’t looking at him, but Barney is acutely aware of being seen. If there’s anything he has learned from Clint, however, it’s when to not stop.

Barnes curled a fist. Barney pressed.

Enough.>

He gestured at Barnes.

Barnes’ shoulders tightened and Barney scrambled, unsure of whether that was a good sign or bad. He needed a response. Needed that curl from earlier to be drawn out. And he wasn’t a psychologist, so far from it that it hurt. But Barney Barton had grown up knowing one thing very, very well: that anger brought out something in everyone. Every time.

Still no answer, and he was running out of words. What did you say to a man who had lost everything to a choice not made for himself? What did you say to someone lost in time? What did you say to someone dead?

What did you say to a legend?

It hit him then.

Barney knew Barnes had moved even before he felt the fingers around his neck or the wall against his skull. His feet left the ground and pain exploded through his head, down his neck, into his spine. His hands came up, an automatic response, to curl around Barnes wrist and he could feel skin under his nails. His foot tried to kick but wouldn’t respond as pain, pain, pain radiated all the way to his feet.

ENOUGH!>

Barney creaked his eyes open, blood rushing from the corner of his mouth as he sucked in a breath. Barnes’ eyes were narrowed points, black, and wet-

Wet.

It seemed like minutes passed as he watched. Morbidly curious, dazedly fascinated, as a tear slid out of the corner of Barnes’ eye and glided so, so slowly down his cheek. He could see the trail it left behind. Could smell salt in his nose and taste it mixed with iron on his tongue.

His brain felt foggy and the Russian words rolled around in his mind before slipping out of his ears. He struggled, felt the grip tightened, and gasped. It came out as a creak. “Who….be…”

Barnes’ eyes narrowed, but the grip lessened just enough. Speak.>

Fucker knew English. Of course he did. “Who do y-you want to be?”

Barnes didn’t answer.

Barney licked his lips and fought his brain to loosen his own grip on Barnes’ arm. “Who do you want to be? C-Cause you can be the other guy, or this guy, b-but you can’t be…” He coughed then and fought for the word. “Nothing. You’re not nothing, B-Barnes. So you gotta choose what you’re gonna be…”

The grip hadn’t loosened and oxygen wasn’t coming like it used to. You should probably do something, his brain supplied helpfully. Without thinking much on it, he reached out with a thumb and guessed as to which of the three faces in front of him was the real one. His thumb slid, wiping the second? third? tear away.

“Not nothin’.”

Barney fell to the floor with the grace of a sack of potatoes, knees hitting the ground so hard he groaned. His wrist twinged as it broke his fall, a secondary pain to the fact that his throat was on fire. Oxygen, sweet oxygen, poured in as he gasped, coughing blood against the ground from the bit tongue. His hands came up before he could think of how this all looked, feeling his neck, brain still unconvinced there weren’t fingers there.

He heard Barnes walk away and had already composed a half formed apology to Sitwell consisting mostly of a punch to the face when the steps came back.

When he opened his eyes, Barnes was crouched in front of him. Perfectly balanced, dead arm and all. Holding out a bottle of water.

Barney took it slowly, gulped down too much, coughed, and wiped off his chin with his arm. He stared at Barnes, wary for a moment, before trying another sip. “So?” he croaked.

Barnes had the decency to at least look slightly surprised before his expression settled back into cold uncertainty.  

But the words had lost some of the hard edge and Barney felt as if he could speak now without cutting himself on the edges. “Didn’t today.” Because Barney wasn’t fooling himself on this. You didn’t waste money on tools you weren’t going to use.

With one last cough, he capped the water and stood uneasily. Barnes stood with the grace of a trained dancer. It absolutely was not fair. Barney ran a hand along his neck, up to his head. He winced at the soft spot there.

Barnes simply watched.

Barney let his hand drop. “So?” Barnes raised an eyebrow. “Where do you want to go?”

This time Barney let a bit of his irritation color his voice. “Already said,” he wheezed. “Ya didn’t.” Barnes almost, almost looked apologetic. He would have to get better at reading just what that slant at the corner of his eyes meant. “Maybe tomorrow. Today, though, you get your choice of anywhere on this floor. So, where do you wanna go?”

And for a brief, brief moment, Barney could have sworn he saw something not a scowl in the crook of Barnes’ lips. It was gone in a flash. He’d missed it and would likely not see it again for awhile. But Barney needed a win right then and there so he took it for what he thought it was and held it close.

That was good enough for Barney; he took him to a vending machine, letting him pop in quarters for an ice cream bar, and wondered as he watched Barnes consider when he should mention the lie that would come apparent some day.

Maybe tomorrow.

For now, he wanted to know what ice cream living legends preferred.