#and my goodness' you went on a wild goose chase to find me on here too lmaoo

[shuploc]

Hello!! I’m very very happy to have found you here on Tumblr omggg i found out about you through Insta then i found your Twitter (your art is doing extremely well and congrats!!) and then i found you here! I’m really pleased to know you’re such a sweet soul behind all the amazing artwork ^u^ i really enjoy your Miguel and Jayce stuff and can’t wait for your Peter B, you replied to my Insta comment about him 🙈😌

But anyway the real question: what do you think of building an audience on Insta and Twitter? It used to be so easy but now you get so easily pushed down algorithm-wise(?) and it sucks. Tumblr is the last safe place 😣🤞

I hope you have a good day!!!! Love your art 💕💕💕

Honestly, the only thing I know works when it comes to building a following anywhere is consistency (posting about the same thing and posting often), and also just not putting all your eggs in one basket. What I mean by that is, to not end up branding yourself as "the tumblr artist" or "the twitter artist", but instead make an account on as many sites you feel you can manage, and post something whenever you can. I use Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram and Artstation, and I'll occasionally post my stuff on subreddits too, if it seems appropriate. You kinda need to know what sort of vibe you want your pages to have too. Like you mentioned, Tumblr for me too is the only place I have where I don't need to be all professional, y'know. I keep all my other accounts very clean, but on Tumblr, I don't feel weird for talking or interacting with people, and I can answer asks and such 😌

I have not had much luck when it comes to being picked up by the algorithm though, so I 100% understand the struggle. For many many years, my "growth" was actually stagnant, and I was even losing followers at one point after switching fandoms. I'm almost certain that's gonna happen again too if I stop drawing Spiderverse stuff...

I have legitimately not experienced anything like what's happening right now though, ever, and it's all very exciting. People have been so sweet and supportive, it literally makes me so happy! I really wish I could've actually giving you some advice, but I honestly just chalk it up to luck at this point. Thank you so so much the kind words though and for the ask, I'm SO glad to hear you're a Jayce fan too 😍

[sweetbunpura]

Rollo tries to propose to Yuu but everyone tries to sabotage him 😈

LMAO, Rollo has to get through so many people just to propose to Yuu!

Rollo vs NRC

The fourth year had come, gone, and they NRC students had returned to the school to graduate. Rollo had spent his apprentice in Fleur city, learning about all he could with his new found interest in volunteer work and planning for his future... in more ways than one. He had purchased a ring, intending to propose to the love of his life at the graduation. Him and Yuu had only grown closer in the time apart, which was a surprise to Rollo, for he had heard how many couples had struggled with long distance relationships.

Outside of phone calls, Rollo had not see her for a year, so had had no idea how much she had changed. Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the portal and into the Mirror Chamber. Other 4th years were in there and chatting among one another, most paid him no mind....but he halted as a call of his name sounded.

"Roll-kun!" Cater waved him over.

Rollo approached him and took in the ginger's new looks. Cater had stayed the same height but his hair was different, he had dyed red locks on top of his longer hair. He wrapped him up in a hug and smiled.

"Look at you! Your hair has really grown out! Yuu-chan's gonna love it."

Rollo gave a soft smile and dragged his fingers through his long gray hair. "Thank you, Cater."

"And a smile too? She really changed you~"

"Indeed." Rollo patted his pocket and felt the box against it. "Now if you'll excuse me-"

"Going to see Child of Man with that ring?"

Rollo jolted and sighed as he turned around to see a smiling Malleus. "Malleus...."

"Hello, Flamme." Malleus gave a small bow. "Am I right in assuming you plan on asking her to marry you?"

"Wait, no kidding!?"

Rollo sighed and nodded. "I am. Now, I'm off to go find her. Farewell."

He left, complete unaware of Malleus and Cater smiling at each other. From there, Rollo could not find Yuu anywhere, and everyone he had asked had pointed him in various opposite directions. Idia and Ortho had straight up lied to him, stating that Yuu wasn't even here to begin with. Silver and Sebek just shook their heads and said that she might be else where, just not on campus. And yet everywhere else had wielding the results of "I don't know"

He was getting frustrated at this point, but before he could even think of where else to go, the announcement for the graduation started. With a sigh, he went to the podium and waiting for eveything to start.

Once the ceremony ended, he departed the stage and was about to start looking for her again, he got tackled.

"Enough of this!" Rollo glared at Deuce, Ace, and Grim. "Why is everyone so hellbent on stopping me!"

"You can't ask her to marry you." Ace grumbled.

"Yeah!" Grim added in. "She's my henchhuman and I don't want you macking on her!"

"By the sevens... We're already dating!" Rollo growled and pried the three off of him. "This is getting absurd!"

"You can't blame us..." Deuce said. "She means the world to us."

"I understand that, but she means the same to me." He sighed. "And I haven't seen her all day. We've only been communicating through calls... And I miss her terribly."

"Aw."

Rollo jolted and turned around to see Yuu standing behind him with Cater and Malleus in a headlock. She smiled warmly at her and her hair had gotten longer, they were worked into brains with hair ornaments in them.

"Love."

"Heard you been looking for me and everyone sent you on a wild goose chase." She shook Cater ad Malleus. "Thanks to these two."

"Guilty as charged~" Cater laughed.

"It was all in good fun." Malleus huffed.

"Now." She dropped them as they landed on the ground face down. "What's up?"

"I wanted to ask you something." He reached into his pocket and before he could get down on one knee to begin, the others started gathering around.

"Aw~ Snapping Turtle's gonna propose~" Floyd.

"How beautiful!" Rook.

"I'll be the one designing the dress no doubt." Vil.

"About time." Leona.

Rollo sighed as the chatter started up around him, Yuu tugged him forward by his robes.

"I know you had this all planned out, but you know how these guys are." She kissed him. "Put the ring on, the answer's gonna be yes no matter what."

Rollo opened the box and slipped the ring on her before placing his forehead on her shoulder.

"I hate them."

"No, you don't.

[moonxknightx]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ : FINDING SOLACE : :;

╰┈➤ ❝ [PAIRING] ❞ Worst!Logan Howlett x F!Reader

・❥・GENRE: Angst and fluff

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆FANDOM: X-Men

ੈ✩‧₊˚ WARNINGS: Mentions of alcohol use, themes of grief and guilt, references to losses and past violence. (Takes place after Deadpool and Wolverine)

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥SUMMARY: You find Logan drinking alone in Wade’s apartment, burdened by guilt over his past. Offering comfort, you help him find a moment of peace, reminding him he’s not alone in his pain.

THE SUN HAD ALREADY GONE DOWN WHEN YOU FINISHED WORK, exhaustion settling in your bones. The walk home was a familiar one, the chilly evening air biting gently at your cheeks as you approached your apartment building. As you neared the door, you noticed the light on in Wade’s place.

Curious, you decided to check in on him. Wade was known for his unpredictability, and it wasn’t unusual for him to be up to something insane. You and Wade had become good friends over the years—neighbors turned best pals through shared movie nights, endless banter, and the occasional assistance with whatever madcap adventure Wade was embroiled in. Sometimes, you were the one thing that kept him grounded.

You entered his apartment without knocking—a habit both of you had grown accustomed to. But the sight that greeted you was far from the chaos you usually associated with Wade’s place.

Sitting alone on the couch, a half-empty bottle of whiskey in hand, was a man you had only seen a few times before—Logan Howlett. His rugged features were etched with an expression that was a mix of sorrow, guilt, and something far darker. He didn’t even flinch as you walked in, seemingly lost in the depths of his own torment.

“Logan?” you called softly, closing the door behind you.

His eyes, usually so sharp and dangerous, were now clouded, staring blankly at the floor. He looked up at the sound of your voice, a flicker of recognition passing through his gaze.

“Wade’s not here,” he muttered, his voice hoarse, drained of the usual gruff confidence. “Gone off on some wild goose chase. Dunno when he’ll be back.”

You nodded, taking in the scene—the empty bottles scattered around, the stillness in the air, and the heavy weight of something unspoken hanging between you two.

“Mind if I sit?” you asked gently, gesturing to the space beside him on the couch.

Logan shrugged, a noncommittal gesture, and you took that as permission. You settled down beside him, the scent of whiskey and something distinctly wild filling your senses. For a few moments, neither of you spoke, the silence comfortable yet charged with a tension you couldn’t quite place.

“Rough day?” you finally asked, keeping your tone light but laced with concern.

Logan let out a humorless chuckle, the sound brittle and broken. “You could say that.”

You didn’t press him, knowing instinctively that Logan wasn’t the type to spill his heart easily. Instead, you waited, offering your presence as a silent comfort, letting him take the lead if he wanted to.

Minutes passed before he finally spoke again, his voice low, almost a whisper. “I wasn’t there when they needed me. My team… the people I cared about. I wasn’t there. And because of that… they’re all gone.”

Your heart clenched at the pain in his voice, the raw vulnerability that he was so clearly unused to showing. Without thinking, you reached out, placing a hand gently on his arm. The touch seemed to ground him, his gaze shifting to meet yours, and you saw the depths of his anguish reflected in those dark, weary eyes.

“You couldn’t have known,” you said softly, your thumb brushing gently over the fabric of his jacket. “You can’t blame yourself for something you had no control over.”

Logan shook his head, his jaw clenched tight. “But I should have been there. I could have stopped it. Instead… I went on a rampage. Killed so many people because I couldn’t deal with what I’d done—or hadn’t done.”

His admission hung in the air, heavy and full of regret. The man beside you, who had always seemed indestructible, now looked utterly broken. You had heard stories about Logan’s past, about the violence and the bloodshed, but seeing him like this—vulnerable, hurting—was something else entirely.

“Logan,” you murmured, your voice soft and full of compassion. “You’ve been carrying this guilt around with you for too long. But you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve got people who care about you, who want to help you. You don’t have to keep punishing yourself.”

His eyes searched yours, as if trying to find something to hold onto, something to pull him out of the darkness he was drowning in. And maybe, just maybe, he found it in the sincerity of your gaze, in the warmth of your touch.

Without a word, Logan leaned into you, his head resting against your shoulder. You felt the tension slowly drain from his body as you wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Enough for him to know that he wasn’t alone, that someone cared.

The two of you sat there in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside and the occasional clink of the whiskey bottle as Logan absentmindedly set it on the table. The weight of his past still hung between you, but it was a little lighter now, shared between two souls instead of one.

“Thank you,” Logan whispered after a long while, his voice thick with emotion. “For… being here.”

You smiled gently, resting your head against his. “Anytime, Logan. Anytime.”

And in that moment, as the night stretched on and the world outside continued to spin, Logan allowed himself to let go of just a little of his burden, finding solace in the quiet presence of someone who cared.

🏷️: @twinky-wink @fidgetingbee @astarions-girl-dinner @layladestiny8 @birdy-bat-writes @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @shybluebirdninja @boomveronika @wolviesgirl @slowlikehoneyyy @lanabobana

If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know!

[nothoughtsjustfic]

Wild Goose Chase - W.JH

🛸Who: Wen Junhui (Seventeen) x reader 🛸What: Sci-fi. Humour/low-key crack. Established relationship. Alien Junhui! 🛸Wordcount: 2k 🛸Warnings: One mention of intentionally hurting someone, but it doesn’t happen. I think that’s it! 🛸Summary:“ During an overnight campout with your friends, Soonyoung admits to his true reason for gathering you all tonight; to hunt down the alien spaceship he somehow just knows is in the woods.  

All you can do is follow along and hope that your boyfriend succeeds in his plan to mislead your friends so they don’t find out that it’s his ship they’re looking for. ”

Masterlist

It seemed like a good idea at first, but you should’ve known better than to trust an idea suggested by Kwon Soonyoung and backed by Lee Seokmin.

You adore the pair, you truly do, but they have about two braincells to rub together between them and frequently forget to put them to use, resulting in all sorts of chaos; which, unfortunately, you often find yourself a part of.

And tonight is no different.

You truly thought it was just an overnight sleep out in the woods with your friend group, and it definitely did start that way. Setting up tents, building a firepit and cooking dinner over the flames to share with a few drinks and lots of laughter.

Until, when the sun was truly down and moon was high in the sky, Soonyoung got up and declared he had gathered you all to search for an alien spaceship.

Which, in of itself wasn’t surprising; Soonyoung is a huge alien conspiracy theorist and consumes any and all media portraying aliens, insisting that they have to be at least a little accurate in their depictions. Though you only need to look at your boyfriend of the past year to know that the movies are utter bullshit.

Sure, Wen Junhui looks otherworldly, but that’s just because he’s endlessly beautiful, gorgeous, a piece of natural artwork you could spend forever and a day admiring and never grow tired of his pretty lips and cute moles and silly expressions and…well you get it.

Your boyfriend is utterly divine, a real treat for the eyes, but he looks like any other unfairly attractive human man. Except he’s not, because he’s an alien from a planet you can’t even pronounce the name of, who crash landed over a year ago in the very same woods you’re in tonight with your friends.

Which is where the problem comes in.

For the first time in perhaps his entire life, Kwon Soonyoung is actually in the right place to get the proof he so desperately wants and somehow, you and Junhui have to stop him.

“Do you think some really big branches will do the trick?” Junhui suggests to you in a whisper as the pair of you trail at the back of the group with your hands swinging between you contently as you walk.

“Like cover your ship in branches?” You question, giving your boyfriend a look as if perhaps he’s the idiot here and not Soonyoung. Oh how the tables turn.

“Yeah, like in movies where they need to hide their car from bad guys in the jungle and they use pieces of trees and plants to do it!”

“Oh, my sweet, innocent, darling,” you coo and lift his hand connected with yours up to press a kiss to his smooth, warm skin. “Even Soonyoung wouldn’t fall for that; he’s not that absent to miss a spaceship because of some leaves, baby.”

“He hasn’t noticed me for a year and he’s literally seen me almost skinshift,” he points out, reminding you of the first time Junhui went drinking with you all.

It was before Junhui was used to human alcohol; his skin had shimmered and wobbled at his first taste of vodka. Luckily, only Soonyoung had seen it, other than you, and he was too drunk to think it anything but his eyes playing tricks on him.

You never thought you’d say it, and it’s the only instance you have so far, but thank fuck for Soonyoung’s low alcohol tolerance.

“He was drunk,” you remind, and Junhui makes a noise to show his acceptance of your words.

“Okay, no to trying to camouflage the ship,” Junhui agrees. “What do I do then? It’s not like I can move it; someone will definitely notice that.”

“I have no idea,” you admit, pulling a face at your own uncertain words.

“Trip Soonyoung so he hurts his leg and can’t walk around all night? If he’s out, then the hunt is over; he’s the one making us all do this.”

Although you should probably not encourage your boyfriend to hurt your childhood friend, you don’t dismiss the idea. It could definitely work.

“Okay,” Junhui takes your silence as approval and uses his free hand to rummage around in his pockets until he pulls out a bundle of knotted yarn. “I just need to get these knots out then I can titty trap him.”

“Booby trap.”

“That’s what I said.”

You think you should probably say more, explain to Junhui that this is not a time when you can interchange terms for breasts, but honestly, you think “titty trap” is too funny and you really want him to keep using it, so you move on.

“Why do you have knotted yarn in your pocket?” You wonder, curious as ever about how the alien’s mind works. You’re not sure he even knows, which is very understandable.

“So I’m always prepared!”

“For what?”

“Anything! This is so versatile, you know, as I will prove when I trip Soonie and end this hunt, just as soon as I get these knots out.”

You leave Junhui alone for a few moments as he focuses hard on trying to remove the endless amount of stubborn knots in the yarn, but when he almost trips for the fourth time, you reach out to grab the bundle and put it in your own pocket.

“Hey, I almost had that one,” he pouts at you, far too cutely for a grown man/alien/beautiful bastard of a boyfriend.

“It was more danger to you than him, baby.”

“Oh…yeah, you’re right. Maybe I should give it to him and ask him to unknot it for me.”

“That…could actually maybe work, but later; he’s too focused on looking right now to care about anything else. He’s not even begging for snacks.” You motion to the front of the group where you can just about make out Soonyoung leading the way with Seokmin and Chan just behind him and sharing a bag of giant marshmallows.

For the pair’s sake, you hope Mingyu doesn’t notice because you’re positive those are the fancy marshmallows the tall man bought specifically to cook over the fire and you all know how sensitive and pouty the man gets about his food being used “incorrectly”.

“Oh,” Junhui exhales with widened eyes as he takes in the way Soonyoung isn’t hovering around the snacks and silently asking for some with rounded eyes. “He really is focused.” You hum in agreement. “So, next idea; diversions.”

“Diversions?”

“Yep. Whenever we start getting close to my ship, I’ll run off and create something to block the way.”

You truly have no idea what exactly Junhui intends to do, but you don’t have a better idea yourself so you just nod and hope that things will go to plan, whatever that plan is.

For hours, you trudge along with your friends through the woods, guided by Soonyoung with your boyfriend intermittently rushing off when no-one is looking to take up his apparent new job as a cartoon specialist, based on the increasingly ridiculous ways he diverts Soonyoung and your group away from where his spaceship his hidden in the woods.

From hiding behind trees where he makes menacing sounds like a wild beast, to creepy little figurines made of twigs and random items he has in his pockets placed ominously in paths, which thoroughly freaks out enough of the group when they realise that the little voodoo doll looking items appear eerily like some of them.

Honestly, you’re very impressed that your boyfriend manages to do such a good job with the figures considering his limited time and items and tell him as much when he slides back into place at your side while the others are convincing Soonyoung that you all need to leave before you collectively get cursed by whatever, or whoever, prowls these woods.

“I think you should take up making stick figures,” you comment in a whisper to your boyfriend while leaning into his side comfortably and wrapping your arms around his waist as his arms go around your shoulders.

“What?” He looks at you bewildered, sweat dappling his hairline from all of his running around tonight. “What are you talking about, babe?”

“Those voodoo doll looking things you set up to scare the guys.”

“I didn’t do that,” he declares seriously, though the second your eyes widen a little, he breaks and starts to laugh. “I’m joking! I definitely did.” You swat at him and try to move away but he laughs harder and reaches out to pull you back to encircle you in his arms. “Noo, come back my favourite being to have ever existed in the known universe.”

“What about the unknown universe?” You hum, glancing at him from the corner of your eye, where he’s now pressed against your back and swaying you both from side to side.

“That’s a real big ask, babe. I don’t know what kind of hot piece of ass is in the unknown universe.”

“Okay, good point,” you concede and nod in understanding while turning to look over at the group standing a little away with a few talking heatedly, still trying to convince Soonyoung to give up on his search and let them go home where there isn’t someone stalking them through the woods and making creepy dolls of them.

“I’m going to make them all life sized ones for their birthdays and leave them in their homes for them to wake up to,” Junhui decides, plopping his chin on your shoulder.

You cackle at the thought. “I’ll help you break in and leave them.”

“Forget the hot piece of ass in the unknown universe, you are the best being I could ever be blessed with the attention and affection of.”

“I am. I’m glad you’re aware of that.”

“I definitely am very aware.” He plants a kiss on your jaw. “Now tell me how great I am too.”

Just as you’re about to comply and start waxing poetic about your boyfriend in a way that you know will lead to him taking you off somewhere to do wildly inappropriate things in between a couple of trees, there’s a cheer.

“What’s going on?” You call, speaking up loud enough that your friends can hear you, which draws their attention.

“He’s agreed to give up the alien hunt!” Seungkwan enthuses, clapping happily and already trying to urge the group to turn and head back in the direction you came to get here.

“For tonight,” Soonyoung reiterates, pouting in disappointment as he reluctantly trudges across the dirt when Jeonghan takes his hand to pull him along with you all. “We’ll come back another day; when you’ve all forgotten about the creepy dolls.”

“Another night of pointlessly walking around in the woods?” Seungkwan complains. “No way!”

“There is an alien spaceship here, I just know it!” Soonyoung replies. “And I’ll prove it.”

“At least pick one area to look, not the whole woods; this place is huge!”

“I don’t know which area the ship is in though; I just know it’s here.”

“Why don’t we just ask Jun?” Hansol pipes in casually, making everyone stop to look at him puzzled. “What?”

“Why would we ask Jun?” Jeonghan questions while you and Junhui exchange a quick, panicked look.

“Because he’s an alien?” Hansol replies, while looking around the group as if they’re all idiots. “You seriously never noticed? The dude’s way too weird to be human.”

All at once, the group turn to look at you and Junhui where you stand hand in hand with matching wide eyes, too dumbstruck by the knowledge that it seems that Hansol has known your secret for some time yet never said a word because he assumed everyone knew already. Funny how things work out.

“Well?” Seungkwan prompts when the pair of you just stare dumbly in shock.

Once again, you and Junhui exchange a look, silently communicating before turning to look back at the group as Junhui grins sheepishly. “Surprise?” He offers with a cute shrug.

There’s a moment of stunned silence before Soonyoung’s betrayed yell fills the night air. “What the fuck?!”

Don’t forget to reblog if you liked to help spread the story and let others read it too! And don't be shy to leave comments or send an ask so I can see your thoughts 🥺 💖

Permanent taglist: @okiedokrie, @tusswrites, @svtiddiess

[msookyspooky]

Fours a Franchise

Part 19

Wordcount: 6,978

A male cop sat by your bedside that afternoon.

Asking you as much as he could while Judy and him took turns writing things and asking things as well. “Those men, who were they?” 

“Hard to say.” You replied as calmly as you could. You were a horrible liar according to everyone but you tried your best to dance around the truth. Sweating bullets and being able to thankfully blame it on sepsis and medication.

“What about that night?” The cop asked as Judy wrote things down.

“They just showed up… Do we have to ask all this right now?” You coughed out sickly. You felt like absolute death.

“I'm afraid we do, Miss YN... Did you know them?...Witnesses  say you called someone.” 

“Jill is the only one alive. Just say Jill.” You mumbled in agitation. Oh you wanted so badly to unravel her lie that she was SUPPOSED to be hiding under a bed and you were on the roof on the other side of the house fighting Ghostface when you called Stu. She was a fucking liar but you had to bite your tongue. You both had a deal here.

“No, of course not. Who I called wasn't those guys if that's what you're implying...I was calling numbers on my phone for help and accidentally called a distant friend I barely ever see. I meant to call Dewey and accidentally called him. He probably thought I was pranking him or something. Ghostface attacked me after that I dropped my phone in the yard and fell off the roof.” You shrugged. Trying not to look at the cop and keeping a poker face with the truth with sprinkles of lies in it. 

The officer wrote things down, “Did those two men take you against your will from this hospital?” 

“Yes.” You firmly stated and looked back at him. Not a lie. They did drag you out. That was God's honest truth that you wish they wouldn't have done but also what choices did you all have left?

“Their description?” 

You tried to ponder, truthfully having to remember what Jill even said. She rushed it out while threatening you in a half delirious fever type of state. “I um…They uh didn't let me look at them too much…”

“Elaborate for us. Why wouldn't you look at your captors?” He sternly demanded

You softly raised your hand trying to find the words and swiped a hand motion over your eye. Getting nervous he might be unraveling you already. 

“You mean blindfolded? Threatened you?” 

“B-Blindfold. Yeah, they blindfolded me once in the car.” What a lie but a good one to save yourself. You didn't know if you could lie that well so try as you.might you gave a half truth. “I passed out most of the car ride, anyways. I didn't see where they took me like roads and everything. And um…And once at the house, I wasn't around them much and they didn't let me see them with being uh…Blindfolded and tied. I was way too weak to even try escaping…” You swallowed. 

“Too weak?” 

“Yeah. Too scared. Too sick. Too injured. I really was out of it and a sitting duck as a hostage.” You gave with a tight voice. God, you might puke again. 

You yelled internally, ‘Damn it, YN. Pull it together. Tell some damn useful fake info!’ Especially now that the cop eyed you, pausing in their writing to analyze you. 

You continued, “But um I did see them a few times and at Kirby's of course…One had red hair I think and far apart teeth and eyes. Tall… The other with dark hair had a hook nose and tan skin…Um…The tall one had a tattoo of something on his shoulder. Uh…Right. Yeah, his right shoulder. He… ” You debated but just went for it. “They reminded me of that Tim and James guy from Windsor years back. Just older and different.”

“So you think these men are the same ones from the 98 incident in Ohio??” Judy asked instead and looked intrigued at the revelation.

It was risky. It could link Billy and Stu to Tim and James like you tried 13 years ago…But it could also get them away from the Tim and James image and send police on a wild goose chase for a while.

You sighed, “The one's never found or proven? I can't say..Maybe? I was in too much shock. It all happened fast and I was on anesthesia once at the hospital and…” You sighed more begrudgingly this time. “This time; I was too focused on protecting Jill at the house than to get details on who those men were but they did remind me of them. I just know that the one definitely had a tattoo and the other had a hooked nose and gree- no, blue. Yeah, blue eyes.” You swallowed down the lies just spewing from you to save your ass while you felt your back sweating and soaking your hospital gown.

“What was it? The tattoo?” 

Oh shit…Shit! Damn, what did that little murdering cretin say it was? Oh no…Think think-

You gave a tight uncomfortable smile and shook your head, “A Phoenix or Dragon or something? I don't remember.” Well the not remembering part was true. 

“And if we reviewed cameras; would it match your story of being dragged out?” 

You ALMOST felt a coughing fit happen at how dry your mouth was…But ICU had no cameras in the room, you remembered that much. Only the hallway.

Judy wrote all this down and nodded to herself. Hopefully that was good…

“Yes…I was dragged out against my will.” 

———————————

Gale listened beside Dewey as they stayed out of the room but within ear shot as he was still technically on the case as Sheriff till he fully turned his badge in. Dewey seemed like he didn't want to see you, didn't want to be near you, didn't want anything to do with you, especially the more you spoke. 

After the officer left your hospital room with Judy in tow, Gale went in despite Dewey trying to get her not to. It seemed she wasn't even worrying about Judy, just enraged at your lies. Dewey was trying to grab her arm but she barged in anyways once you 3 were alone.

You laid there still sicker than a dog but feeling more aware with the right treatment each hour. You gazed over at the woman you once tried so hard to see as a friend even after everything she had done over a decade ago. Look where it got you?

“What are you doing?” Gale demanded with a stern hiss. “What are you playing at? We all saw them and you know who they were. Shit, you protected them! You protected them from Dewey!” 

You said nothing…Glancing over at Dewey in the doorway who wouldn't look at you. A frown and tense look on his face as he folded his arms.

“Listen, YN. I know now. Okay? I do. I should have listened; I believe you. I know Jill Roberts was one of the Ghostface's and she helped Charlie. If you help me; we can lock her up. Randy and all the other victims can get justice.” 

Your eyes widened with a tiny glimmer of hope in you but you shoved it down and knew better. Gale could just be baiting you. Getting you to admit just to lock you up too. And besides…It was too late for that. They shoved you aside, damned you, and protected Jill. There was no turn from that. They could have killed Jill when she showed how she was the potential killer or at least arrested her and kill or fight Billy and Stu afterwards…You didn't know if you would've fought for Billy and Stu as much had Jill been dead but you'd be damned if Jill lived and your only support in Billy and Stu died because of Dewey and Gale. That hope was dead.

Gale stared at you as you were silent. She urged you, “Please just give a correct goddamn statement. Even just to us. I swear, if you tell us the truth, we'll get her…Damn it, do it for Randy. Wasn't he your friend?” 

You stared at her long and hard. “...Because you're so trustworthy after everything you've done?” You mumbled then stayed silent. Anything you said could and would be used against you with cops or the media…Especially Dewey and Gale now. 

“Hmph. So that's how it is, huh? You're gonna betray everyone to hide those two and to keep your own ass safe? Using Selfish Bitch." Gale spat not even whispering now.

Apparently you were a bad liar and a using bitch to everyone lately.

You just looked away wishing she would just leave. “...I told you that night.” You croaked out. “I told you and look what you did. What both of you did…I told you 15 years ago and then 13 years ago…” You shook your head to yourself. “And from a decade onward I've had to rely on myself…You both did this decades ago and now you're trying to blame me?”

Gale perked up and Dewey spared a glance.

You continued in a low mumble, “...I never helped Billy and Stu in 1996. I meant every bit of that. I swear on my life, I never helped them kill my friend's and tried to get them caught for it.” You told the whole truth but carefully in case Gale had a wire. “And you tried taking me to court to be tried as an accomplice for murder over a delay and possibly altered tape. A serious crime with decades of prison time had it worked and you expect me to trust telling you anything? Fuck you.” 

Dewey subtly eyed you. Frowning deeply at ‘friend's’ knowing that meant Tatum too. Yet he seemed like he couldn't even bring himself to truly look at you let alone talk to you. Gale's eye twitched at you dishing the fact of what she tried to pull years ago.

“...Fine.” Gale shrugged mockingly. “Fine, you weren't involved then but you know they're alive. You knew all this time and you hid it…Why? Why did you hide it? Why did you buck me so much at Windsor? Whether we had bad blood or not; we both agreed. We both know who Tim and James are and the first description is accurate. Not this shit you're selling. We both saw them at Windsor, we both saw them a few nights ago in ICU and they do not have a hooked nose and blue eyes and red hair and a fucking tattoo. Why did you hide them in Hollywood? Why are you hiding them now? WHY?” She pleaded urgently with a frown.

You blinked at that but kept your lips sealed.

“Dewey has the pictures of you with them in a motel. Twice.” She threatened through gritted teeth. “I didn't see a fucking hooked nose. I didn't see red hair. I see a damn liar meeting up with two murderers…And they look like grown up Billy Loomis and Stu Macher.” 

Ah…That's right. Randy seemed to mention something or maybe it was Dewey? It was hard to tell in the chaos. Regardless, you didn't care if it was clear as day…You were gonna deny it. You had nothing left to lose but your life and freedom and you weren't talking.

Gale seemed to be losing her patience with your tight lip routine. “Aren't you gonna talk? Why are you lying? Why are you giving false descriptions of them when those aren't the pictures you described at college? Andrews and Richard's description matched too…What happened to that scar on James aka Billy's cheek, hm? The one you insisted on at Windsor. Same side you cut Billy with shears the night before he supposedly roped you in against your will. He had gauze on his cheek at the party from you and he still has that scar. In fact, I saw it here at this hospital.  Why leave out that important identifier?...If we found this guy you had relations with or whoever else is on your phone; would he have a scar, YN?” She growled out through her teeth.

“13 years ago…I was under stress and projecting my trauma. I saw what I wanted to see and I think Randy did too. I was in a bad place mentally. But now that I'm more aware and better?” You stared at her long and hard. Lying but this was an easy lie to retell because it was a lie people already labeled you with. “...I just don't remember a scar now-”

“Stop lying!” Gale scoffed loudly, “How can you live with yourself knowing two murderers are free all because of you!? How can you lie to us all these years? In fact, if I was more shocked I'd return the favor and hit you like you did me back in the day; but I'm not that shocked. I always knew you were a liar, I just couldn't prove it. You probably did work with them in 96, right? You're just trying to make it look good, right?...Huh? Are you secretly happy that everyone is dead?” 

You just took it. Numbly gazing at her. Anything you said would be against you. Gale was baiting you to talk and you weren't falling for it. They could claim they had evidence and you still wouldn't speak. 

“You aren't even gonna defend yourself?” Gale demanded. “We could go through your phone, you know. We can see who called. Who you texted. Pictures. I can dig deep. I can find evidence at your house. I can ask around.”

You sighed and just shrugged. All while holding her gaze as you laid in that hospital bed. You felt like you had done this too many times and honestly? You were damn tired. If you did go to prison…So what? This shit was getting way too old for you. Might as well try lying and playing stupid and see if it's as easy as these Ghostface's act like it is.

She grumbled out, “You fucking -” 

“Gale.” Dewey's voice rang out in a low tone. “Leave her alone…She clearly won't talk. We're wasting our time.” 

You frowned deeply wanting desperately to talk to him, more than Gale, to explain…But you knew that was a wasted effort. He wouldn't listen. Hell, he could be bugged; not the same Dewey you knew. So you kept quiet as Gale stormed out before turning back to you and marching back to your bedside to get her final say. 

She returned to get the final word. “You know, I'm a tough cookie. I can handle my maid of honor at my wedding betraying me. I can handle you being a fucking liar…But I can't handle you hurting my husband. He's done nothing but be heartbroken and who can blame him? A woman he looked at like a little sister knew the guys that killed his actual sister; that they were both alive! All while she lied to his face for 15 years!” She spat out, looking almost ready to hit you.

“Gale!” Dewey ordered in a shaky way that just didn't even sound like him. “That's enough. Let's go.” 

You knew your face was failing you. The one ‘Woodsboro Family’ you had left thought you killed Tatum or at least Randy. And at best; he thought, no, he knew you hid his sisters' murderers from him for years.

You swallowed to get the lump down in your throat. Your chest ached as you looked at Dewey and you both locked eyes for a moment and you saw a cold look. Hurt and hate in his eyes you never thought would ever be directed at you as he and Gale left you alone in that hospital room.

“Dewey.” You mumbled to Dewey. “…Where's the Dewey I knew in Hollywood that nabbed my files for me to help me?…Or who read all my book just because I wrote it and found it inspiring?…And now you won't even talk to me alone and hear me out?” You tearly gave in to his revenge and anger and bitterness making him a totally different man. Like seeing Billy and Stu made him spiral and you know it was the cherry on top. “I'm still sorry, Dewey.” 

Leaving you feeling more alone than ever before. Such a stark contrast from him 15 years ago hugging you and crying in your arms at the hospital and defending you…To being the one accusing you and staying away.

Dewey stared at you. His mouth twitched in a tight frown before he left you alone.

———————————

Gale listened as the officer interviewed Jill and her mouth hung open as Jill gave the exact description of the two that you did…It was a lie! It was impossible!

As Judy wrapped it up, Gale all but grabbed her. “This isn't right! Damn it, aren't you trained in observation? Didn't you see the guy that shot you!?” 

“Get your hands off of an Officer, Gale.” Judy ripped her arm away defensively, “I didn't get a good look at him because he shot me after he hit me in the head but he was tall with far apart eyes-” 

“And the hair? Was it dark blonde or red?” 

Judy pondered, “Blondish?…No, Red. Strawberry Blonde-” 

“No!” Gale grumbled at her memory being tainted by Jill and you. “Look at the cameras! Me and Dewey can give an exact description.” 

Judy sighed, “And I believe that of Dewey.” Gale's eyes narrowed at the favoritism as Judy continued, “But we have two witnesses that claim differently and they match up even when interviewing them separately and being away from each other for days. And the cameras only show certain angles that match! We didn't see faces up close and the footage isn't in color.” 

“Why the hell not!?” 

“It's a small old hospital!” Judy exclaimed and shrugged dramatically. “And I'd rather discuss this with Sheriff Riley alone, Gale.” 

Dewey's shoulders were tense as Gale rubbed her face and ignored the blonde's last statement.

Gale mumbled to herself, “I don't understand... How does Jill go from wanting YN dead and claiming she's involved to claiming she was… What? Just scared and misunderstood the situation? And how did they both lie correctly? They had to have communicated together recently under our fucking noses. They had to!” Gale ranted as none of this went how she expected. 

Judy got out her notepad, “Do you want to give another statement? These guys…Sheriff Riley said Billy and Stu…He said in a past statement Jill told him that YN-” 

‘Oh Dewey…’ She thought to herself as she watched him walk away and gave him space. The man looked defeated. Like everything he knew turned out to be a lie.

Gale and Judy blinked hearing something be thrown in the bin nearby. Gale faltered seeing Dewey stalk off. “Sheriff?” Judy worriedly called out to him as Gale went to the trash bin. Picking up his hat with a tight frown. For her husband to do that? To something he was so proud of and his job? 

————————————

You took a stressful 2 days to ‘recover’. Everyday was you on edge and sicker than a dog, you swore your blood pressure was probably up and heart rate a permanent over 100 bpm. The police bothered you one more time for a description and you tried your best to lie about their appearance and you knew you were suspicious. Probably a shitty liar. Stressed and tense and nervous as Hell. But lucky for you, one thing was truthful; you did not know where they were or directions of where they took you. During the day, you were passed out. At night, you were feverish and it was dark. 

You were waiting for them to catch you in a lie. To search your phone. You hated that Billy and Stu stupidly sent you here with your phone on you. Probably not even thinking with you close to death. 

However, it didn't happen. Gale came to pressure you one more time with the photos Dewey had. And to your relief, yeah you COULD say they looked like Billy and Stu especially a decade ago but the most recent ones had them both pretty obscure while inside the motel on the outskirts of Woodsboro. In fact, you couldn't see them. Judy just took shitty pictures to report to Dewey. They had nothing. 

Of course, when she pressed the cops once she realized you wouldn't talk…They questioned.

“Who are those men and why were you meeting them?” 

You paled at Judy's urgent questioning on day 2 in a half of you in that hospital. You sighed…Damn Gale. Damn her.

"You mean the ones you followed me and took pictures of in secret? Stalking me?" I grumbled.

Judy remained aloof, "It was Sheriff Riley's orders to keep an eye on you at all times. Who were they?"

“...One is my mechanic and the other I met in Hollywood years ago…I met them for…” You groaned and was unable to make up something better. “We have…We needed each other.” You nervously coughed out.

Judy looked oblivious. “And what for?” 

Despite yourself you felt flustered because even as a lie; you didn't feel like claiming a booty call. “Um…Relations.” 

She blinked. 

You narrowed your eyes; dear lord how did she have a kid? 

“Sex.” 

Judy's eyes widened even buggier than usual. “Oh…OH!” She wrote something down. “You with…Both??” 

“Yes.” You forced out cheeks heating and a glare at the wall. “I have a well known name and I know how unconventional it is so they're a secret.” 

Judy cleared her throat and uncomfortably adjusted herself. “Well…Ms. YN. There's no room for secrets with a string of murders. Where are they?” 

“Don't know, we called it off.” 

“Oh really? And what were their names?” 

You shrugged, “Vincent and Den..Nis. Dennis.” 

Judy raised a brow. “Last names?” 

“Vincent never told me his last name.” 

“And you never asked??” Judy looked bewildered.

You blew air through clenched teeth, “Look it was never serious enough. Not everything is a Disney Romance, you know... Vincent is just a guy that works at some mechanic shop that I think is closed now and we have…Look we just have quick relations, okay?” You grumbled wanting to be anywhere but here. 

“And Dennis? You met him in Hollywood? During Stab? Could it be-” She gasped. “...The actor?! Rafkin?” 

You winced, “...Um…Maybe...Yes. He keeps a low profile probably out of the Country on Holiday.” Unable to get out of this one. 

“Do you have their numbers?” 

“Yes but I doubt they'd answer. We called it off.” You gazed over at her. “And they weren't involved. I promise I know my…-” You grimaced. “Guys and they were not the two guys involved in this.” 

Judy wrote things down. “You know we can get a warrant to look through your phone-” 

“You can now.” You swallowed hoping doing this might make you look more innocent.

You felt your palms sweating as she looked. Then raised a brow seeing ‘Vincent’ texts. “What's this?” 

“We spoke secretly because I did not want Randy and them to look down on me for my private life…We called in secret. I heard a noise and thought it was the killer and it wasn't. So he texted me frantically thinking something happened.” 

And that was the honest truth, actually…Hm. Maybe this lying thing wasn't too hard. Just tell what truth you could throughout the lies.

Judy nodded looking through your phone seeing you had called an ‘unknown’ number the night at Kirby's.

“That was Dennis. I meant to press Dewey's contact. I always kept his unknown because he was so…Embarrassed over being with someone like me.” You forced yourself to give as if a woman scorned.

She eyed you and you prayed she bought it. To your immense relief, she handed you the phone. “You deserve better. Especially if he's the same guy I heard you arguing with at Mr's Meeks' house in the backyard. I know how tough a situationship can be, believe it or not.” 

“Can't argue with that.” You sighed out in relief. 

“Well, for now, they're not suspects or witnesses. We aren't resting till we capture these guys that kidnapped you though. Murderers, kidnappers, one shot an officer and could've killed me…I swear, I'll never forget his face…I swear he looked familiar.” 

You forced a head nod but felt tension at that. That tension didn't leave even as she finally left. All it would take is watching a movie with Dennis and boom.

You heard Gale arguing with her down the hall and you rolled your eyes. You saw Judy warn Gale to back off of police business. Showing her badge for emphasis through the window.

Gale wasn't gonna stop. She just wasn't. And if she did? It would be a while. Years of watching your back, who you talked to, who you called, what you said.

You sighed and leaned back, closing your eyes in your elevated hospital bed. You couldn't go home fast enough. No more hustle and bustle, no more interviews, no more book signings, no more. You didn't care if you had to work remotely or a shitty normal job  if it meant peace. A nice domestically slow leisurely life. You were so damn eager after all this time and all this stress; so much grief fueling you to shut yourself away like you did a decade ago. Only this time no Randy or Dewey by your side. 

It was a little bit later that you turned on your tv while trying to stomach food of some sort…Every news station was you and Woodsboro and…Jill Roberts.

You declined every single interview not only to appease that little monster but because you just wanted to be done with the limelight. If Jill wanted all eyes on her like a spoiled brat? So be it! 

Your eyes narrowed and a sickening feeling came up as Jill played the victim in her hospital room still down the hall from you. Most likely an interview from earlier today. 

“It was terrifying…I'm just so glad me and YN made it. YN really fought hard but after she went down I did what I had to survive and finish off Charlie and the other two thankfully stayed down…It was traumatic.” She dabbed her eyes.

That lying little bitch. 

You felt anger well up in you. There was no answer. Either go to prison for god knows how long and have your name tainted to HOPEFULLY get her to go to prison too…Or suck it up that the person that murdered her friends and yours; got away with it. Clearly the police after interviewing you both separately again and again were positive despite Dewey or Gale's rambling and a stray nurse or doctor that didn't line up. The police and media seemed to think that you weren't involved and sadly neither was that piece of teenage shit.

Two crudely drawn pictures of ‘suspects’ were up. They somewhat resemble Billy and Stu but not quite. Not enough to pick them out of a crowd right away. Thankfully after you ‘admitted’ to Windsor pictures of Billy and Stu as Tim and James not being accurate and Randy unable to buck you or those two Detectives; they weren't reliable now. Just a traumatized teen girl that needed on meds back in ‘98 that poorly convinced, but convinced nonetheless, the authorities that the current sketch was more accurate of ‘Tim and James’ aka the guys ‘Most likely’ involved. Vincent and Dennis may need to change their look and lay low for a year or two. Maybe even change identities…But they might get away too, and despite how wrong it was, you were kinda…Relieved. 

You groaned and turned your tv off. Unable to listen to Jill's fucking lies. She lied much better than you did but thankfully since both your stories matched and they had no idea the cunning weasel Jill was. No clue she called you in secret on someone's phone or even the hospital staff for all you knew with how devious she was…Who would contradict your statements? Your ‘description’ matched up and you two were the only ones at the house to say so and the hospital had a few camera shots of them but too many contradictions. Judy barely got a glimpse of them and could clearly easily be swayed. Dewey was ranting like a lunatic that it was Billy and Stu and was obviously discredited for it and Gale was 50/50 if people would believe her. 

Dewey and Gale's descriptions were accurate and looked like Billy and Stu who were supposed to be dead. You and Jill's description match for the most part and you both were the victims at the house and both of you feigned innocence that ‘How could they possibly be Billy and Stu? There's no way.’ 

Who would the cops and the media believe? Exactly.

You closed your eyes. Back to square one. Being the innocent sweetheart was good while it lasted but you knew it wouldn't last forever. Just like you knew it wouldn't last for Jill either…She'll find out the hard way attention isn't always good. 

You knew conspiracy theorists would side with Gale and Dewey just like they did in the 90's when Gale made her claims you were involved. Some believer had attacked you at your damn house. And truthfully, this time around they'd be half correct. But thankfully, no one but tinfoil hats and naysayers would trust Gale's word over you, Jill and the media.

————————————

Gale paced their house. “This is bullshit…” She shoved a newspaper onto the table. “Utter bullshit, Dewey!” 

Dewey clutched his head. Yesterday still on his mind and today. He had to identify Randy Meeks body for Karla before they planned any final arrangements yesterday. He didn't want Karla to have that on her…Seeing his lifeless face.

The legal battle of Randy being Jewish and the state versus his religion on keeping his body for examination way past 24 hours for any evidence. He looked like a Halloween prop to Dewey. Skin unnatural from being kept on ice so to speak. They made sure he was not embalmed, at least only kept on ice and a Rabbi performed the right ceremonies for him. The Jewish Community the Meeks were a part of, including his sister Martha, fought the authorities wanting his body buried immediately while coroner's had to gather as much evidence as possible. Fibers, prints, how he was killed, if the knife matched a suspect.

It was only after determining the killer was most likely Charlie after finding knife patterns matching his Dad's hunting knife and shoe prints matching his in the mud and a hair found almost days later on Randy's jeans matching Charlie that they could put him to rest…Even though there was plenty of other contaminated evidence from the party on him and even if arguably some evidence was overlooked. Dewey just had to confirm the body one more time before putting him to rest. The coroner wanted more time but was legally advised along with the police department not to. That they had already pushed Jewish law enough as it was for the examination and Randy's family would win in court if they were taken there, something they threatened if even one more day went by. After all, his body had been kept for over a few days.

Bruises on the neck from the rope, lifeless features, skin so cold it was blue with veins showing. He couldn't imagine how much sewing they had to do to his body under that sheet despite his religion; or else his innards would be spilling out everywhere while on the examination table. When they opened his eyes slightly, lifting the lids, they were gray and dead…He looked nothing like fun jovial smart alec Randy and yet it was him. 

“Are you listening!?” Gale snapped.

“No.” Dewey mumbled in a strained voice, nursing whiskey. It has become a crutch to sleep and to loosen up right now. “No, I'm not. I had a pretty bad few days, Gale.” 

Gale went to snap a snarky remark but faltered. Then with a heavy sigh she leaned over the table. “...I know this was a shitty week. But if anything, it's more of a reason to not stop fighting.” She pointed at the table. “Do. Not. Give. Up.” 

Dewey leaned back looking at her. A lot of hope drained from him the last few days. “...And what? It's an open investigation now turning into a cold case.” He groaned and lightly smacked the table. “There are multiple fingerprints, one might match Billy Loomis from ‘96 but what will that do if they're nowhere to be found and no evidence they're alive? You said it yourself! We'll be laughed out of the courtroom. They'll claim the fingerprints were unreliable smudges or someone else. Same with the blood. If they aren't in the system paying taxes or buying things from reputable places or have credit scores then what good does it do? They might not even be in the Country now.” He shook his head.

“So what?” Gale urged. “And we don't know that. If they're stupid enough to stick around to help YN-” 

Dewey winced at that, “Can we just stop talking about it?” 

Gale looked dumbfounded but sat down. “...Don't you want this solved?” 

He scoffed, “Of course I do! But if Billy and Stu are never found then what good does it do?” 

“Um, incriminating Jill? The actual killer.” She grumbled. “If you won't search Jill's phone records then I will go to the Attorney General and get a subpoena.” 

Dewey glared at his wife, “No you won't.” 

“And what's stopping me? Why not!?” She demanded at her wits end with her husband  going in circles. “Still think Jill's innocent?” 

Dewey's mouth twitched and he rested his chin on his forearm on the table, “I don't know what to think anymore…But you are not going to rock this case until we find Billy Loomis and Stu Macher.” 

“Why?” Gale demanded harsher this time. “What's stopping me from just pointing it out online to some crime junkie then?! That video was shot in Jill's room Dewey and it's obvious and I can't believe you and your department are glossing over it!” 

“Because you're not throwing YN in prison, alright!?” He finally snapped before his voice and face wavered. “If you search Jill's phone and we find that evidence or we overanalyze the video and prove it was there then a case will go to court and…I don't know how much YN is involved. But I just…I just can't send her to prison until those bastards go first!...Besides, a video isn't enough without DNA and eyewitness testimony…Kirby said nothing about Jill or YN, only Charlie, and both their stories match up suddenly. We're the odd ones out here and Judy was knocked out before she could truly see them…All you'll do is send YN to prison, possibly Jill and those two jerks walk free like they have for 15 years.” He firmly declared.

Gale looked bewildered, “I can't believe this.” She huffed with a shake of her head. “You told her to get out and never come back. You were hunting her down. You wanted to arrest her if it meant getting answers-” 

“I wasn't thinking, Gale.” He grumbled and sipped his glass. “Maybe…Maybe I do think Jill could be what you claim?” Gale looked pleasantly surprised but he continued, “Maybe I realize this is bigger than I thought? Maybe, just maybe, I still have a bit of faith in YN that she wouldn't do any of this unless blackmail or forced or something…Why else would she come back? Why else would they send her here? You saw her! She was fighting them down the hall! She didn't want to go-” 

Gale scoffed and got up from her chair, “You're being an idiot!” 

“And you're being an opportunist.” He bitterly told her. “You're being the Gale I broke up with years ago. It always comes full circle for you, doesn't it?” Gale stiffened at his tipsy words and looser tongue as he buried his weary head in his arms on the table. 

“Hey, it does not! I have a career!” She argued seeing Dewey get more tipsy it seemed by the hour. Minute even. 

“Randy's dead. YN's a Traitor whether by force or her own will. Jill could be the victim or the killer. Billy and Stu lived and are out free. Hell, maybe I'm the killer at this point? Or you!” He slurred with a pitiful groan.

She huffed, rolling her eyes and taking the bottle from him. Gale gazed down at him and her usual stoic smugness softened. “...I know this is probably harder on you than it is me and we're being assholes to each other.” She sat the bottle aside and cupped his cheek as he damn near pouted at her. She sighed and softly ordered. “I think you need to take care of yourself with sleep and food that isn't liquid.” 

He grumbled, “No…I gotta keep looking, you said it yourself we can't give up. But for them, not YN and Jill. I want them to suffer, I want them to face justice damn it.” 

She sighed again and combed his short hair back a bit with her fingers. “Yeah, I know. But the biggest evidence to incriminate Jill Roberts and put the murderer away is on her phone, Dewey. It's right there.” 

“And the biggest evidence of all is Billy Loomis and Stu Macher.” He enunciated their names. 

“Look. Two things can be right, ya know.” 

“Not until we get them. I know YN, Gale…They got something on her…She's scared and won't talk cause she's worried.” 

“Yeah, worried about her own ass.” Gale grumbled under her breath as she pulled away.

“What?” 

“Nothing.” She straightened herself. “Dewey, c'mon. You cannot just let the case go cold until we find Billy and Stu; if we find them. What? Are you just giving up because we may never find them?” 

He shrugged tiredly, dark eyes dropping. “Maybe. The media is having a field day with Jill and we would need a LOT of evidence to make her guilty IF she is and you're right somehow.” 

Gale reluctantly agreed in a grunt of resignation. Jill was sweet as pie right now and the media was in her favor. 

“And YN was already made to look guilty from yyoouu-” He pointed at her, “She'll get blamed for something those two did!” 

She sighed and rolled her eyes, “Oh yeah? May I remind you she lied and shielded Billy Loomis from being shot. Twice. 1996 and now 2011” 

“Because she's a good person; you should try it.” He huffed out.

Gale sneered with a tsk, “Alright, you're eating something and sobering up.” She stalked to the kitchen as he sat at the small table and kept talking.

"She may be naive and stubborn but she's too soft hearted...I was wrong. She's gotta be protecting them from blackmail or maybe from being just too sweet of a person." He swallowed and shook his head. “She was dragged out…She didn't wanna go with them…You said it yourself, why was Jill in her room in the middle of the night? Why did Billy and Stu take her back here?...Why isn't she saying anything?...Why does her and Jill's description match when they're lliieesss?” He stretched out the last part. “How'd that happen, Gale? Huh? How did it happen?” He almost pleaded tiredly.

Gale was at a crossroads that she couldn't quite decide yet. She did NOT like the idea of it being a cold case forever looking for Billy and Stu…She hated someone else getting the glory for the inevitable of pointing out Jill's low survival rate and her superficial wounds plus Olivia's death recorded from her bedroom window as her neighbor…

Gale momentarily halted making him something. “...I don't know.” For once, was the answer. The only answer she had. Nothing made sense to her. You and Jill wouldn't talk and Dewey was gonna fight her on incriminating Jill and you. For hiding those two; Gale had no issue sending your ass to prison for tanking her career over lies you were still lying about but Dewey apparently did. 

But she also didn't want to make an enemy of her husband.

Fuck.

She sighed heavily while making him a grilled cheese. “....Fine.” She laid the plate down harsher than necessary in front of him. “We'll twiddle our thumbs waiting around to find Billy and Stu but mark my words, Dewey. If another murder happens? I am bringing that tape in play and that second murder is on you and Woodsboro PD. If YN goes to prison for whatever involvement she had then so be it. You can't protect her forever; especially if she's a damn murderer too.” 

With that, Gale left the room. Leaving a weary Dewey half drunk and tired and so emotionally drained he might as well be catatonic as he numbly nibbled on the grilled cheese his impatient wife burned.

[dem-obscure-imagines]

I Know the End | Vol. 4

Poe Dameron x Reader

Fandom: Star Wars

Summary: You were one of the Rebellion’s greatest weapons in the Galactic Civil War, a Princess from a distant planet, a Jedi with wings. Now, you’ve found yourself in a new world, a new war, your old friends long gone.

When Poe Dameron was sent on a wild goose chase of a reconnaissance mission four systems out, he never expected to find the key to his heart…

Note: At long last, here it is. Thank you for your patience. I love you all. I honestly wrote this as a long-winded attempt to make Poe Dameron’s dumbest line “Somehow, Palpatine returned” into a gut-wrenching and emotional moment and it got way out of hand. I am no Star Wars expert, but I did a lot of research for this and consider myself waaaaaaay more of a SW nerd now than I was a mere two months ago. Could probably write a dissertation on it at this point (I say as I literally churned out a novel). It is my first time writing for the fandom, though, so, here goes nothing. I did make up a fair bit of stuff and a good handful of OCs for this. Let me know what you think!

Warnings: Canon-typical violence, lightsaber and blaster wounds, alcohol consumption, war and the implications of it, gets a little steamy but no smut, reader has nightmares, misuse of the Force, Rewriting the Rise of Skywalker a lil bit…

Word Count: 82.7k total (Split into four approximately 20k chunks)

Reader Is: 24, a Jedi, a Princess, has butterfly wings

Vol 1. | Vol 2. | Vol 3. | Vol 4.

Somehow…

You walked up the hill to your favorite spot, chest heavy with emotion. You set your bag against a rock, Rey and Soren running the course out in the trees. You should have been there with them. Or, at the very least, out there with Poe. But there was nothing you could do about that now.

BB-8 rolled over, beeping up at you inquisitively.

“He leave you here to check on me?” You asked.

He nodded his little head adorably.

“Well that was sweet of him.” You said, kneeling down to pat the top of his head. “Thank you for checking in. I’m gonna meditate up here for a while, if you want to go shadow Soren or Rey.”

He beeped, nodding, telling you he’d go follow Rey for a bit. You watched as he rolled along, his orange and white little head ducking through a patch of brush.

You sat on the rock, legs crossed. You closed your eyes, the Force’s call loud this time. All-consuming. The sounds of Ajan Kloss swept quickly away, and silence swallowing you instead. Darkness.

You breathed, forcing your lungs to take in the air, to let it out. You listened. You waited.

First, you saw Kylo, searching for something. His energy was frazzled. Desperate. He was conflicted, that much was clear. Maybe Rey was right. Maybe he wasn’t completely gone. For Leia’s sake, you hoped that was true.

You let the breath out, taking another, pushing your mind elsewhere. Deeper. You carefully skirted around Maddox, but landed in the First Order, in the mind of one of the Generals, thinking about their new fleet. He was talking to some of the other officers, arranging things, moving this fleet, starting their operation. You got chills and pulled away, slipping out unnoticed before he could catch a whiff of you poking around.

Moving to something lighter, you watched Rey and Soren, running the training course, BB-8 rolling along behind her. Soren deflected hits with ease, jumping from tree to tree. Rey was…having some difficulty, though. She’d been in her head a lot lately, like you, but it was different for her. She and Kylo were still connected. You couldn’t imagine what it would be like, to be linked to someone like him, through the Force no less. No matter where she went, she took him with her, whether she liked it or not.

You exhaled, breath leaving your mouth in what felt like puffs of steam, fogging up like it had on Hoth. You heard a wicked laugh. A familiar one. Utter darkness. Dark enough to swallow you whole. The hairs on your arms stood straight, goosebumps pricking up. It pulled you. It called. Like a lullaby, but…wrong.

No. No, not that.

You shook your head, trying to rid yourself of the feeling, the ice water trickling down your spine. It was empty for a long time, flashes of things fleeting across your mind, but not staying long.

A battle. Lightsabers clashing. Blasters firing. Stormtroopers. A fleet of Star Destroyers against a storming sky. The Millenium Falcon. A desert. A knife. A kiss.

Your heart raced, mind guided forcibly by the hand until you emerged from the trees in your mind. Poe and Finn had landed, Poe walking quickly out of the Falcon, which was engulfed in flames.

“It’s on fire. Whole thing’s on fire! All of it–! Fire!” He waved a hand behind him, focusing on Rey. “Really could have…used your help out there!” 

“How’d it go?”

“Really bad, actually! Really bad!”

“Han’s ship!”

“What did you do to the droid?”

“What’d you do to the Falcon?”

“Falcon’s in a lot better shape than he is!”

“BB-8’s not on fire!”

“What’s left of him isn’t on fire!”

“You know what you are?”

Poe grinned, annoyed. “What?”

“You’re difficult. You’re a difficult man.”

“You…you are��” He grunted.

“They’re back, Aunt (Y/N).” Soren said, stirring you from your vision. It occurred to you then that it wasn’t a vision. You’d caught up to the present. How…how long had you been meditating.

The sun was definitely lower in the sky when you opened your eyes. It had been hours. It had only felt like minutes. Something about that place you’d been, that dark, cold void, had just sucked the time away.

“Oh. Shit. Alright.” You touched down, feet making contact with the ground once more. You walked with Soren through the trees, to where Poe and Rey were arguing, through the dialogue you’d just heard. You glanced down at BB-8. Sure enough, something had happened while you were near-unconscious, floating in the air. One of Bee’s panels had been knocked clean off.

Poe knelt down beside him, face in his hands. He looked unharmed. A wave of relief washed over you, the sight of him melting away your stress. He hadn’t noticed you standing there yet.

Chewie roared, arms in the air. Poe had lightspeed skipped the Falcon.

“You lightspeed skipped?!” Rey asked.

“Yeah, well, it got us back here, didn’t it?”

“Poe, the compressor’s down!”

“Oh, I know! I was there!”

“You can’t lightspeed skip the Falcon!”

“Actually, turns out, you can!” Poe shouted.

“Alright, guys, we just landed, okay?” Finn said, trying to to keep the peace.

They went back and forth for a little longer. Poe and Finn confirmed there had been a spy that they got information from, a First Order operative who was now feeding the Resistance information.

BB-8 told Poe what had happened. “You dropped a tree on him?”

“You blew both sub-alternators?!”

They bickered back and forth some more and Poe finally caught your eyes. “Yeah, but you’re not. You’re here training. For what?! You’re the best fighters we have. We need you. Out there, not here.”

“Poe…” Your heart raced, a lump in your throat. It was your fault. You should have gone with him when he asked.

“Baby…” He shook his head, waving his hands as though he could dispel his anger with a single flourish. He exhaled, looking tired. “Maybe you were right. We could have used a Jedi out there…” Poe bit his lip, thinking before he spoke, before he made that sad look in your eyes worse. “I’m gonna hit the fresher. We’ll talk after.”

“Alright.” You nodded, watching as he went, firing some orders on the way there, making sure the files got properly decoded in the meantime.

BB-8 looked up at you, beeping sadly.

“No, it’s okay. Poe and I are fine.” You reassured him. “Let’s get you fixed up, alright?”

He nodded his head, following you along to the workshop. You hauled him up onto one of the empty stations near the entrance, pulling out the necessary tools, a spare panel to replace the one that had fallen off, and you set to work, fixing him up with a screwdriver, using the Force to make sure everything was tight, fit in place. You had a pair of goggles on your face, to help with the smaller details, giving you the zoom you needed to see them.

You pulled out the paint next, the shade of orange that matched the rest of him, and gingerly began painting the panel until it matched.

“How do you know how to do that?” Poe’s voice was low, rolling at the back of his throat. You turned to find him standing in the workshop’s doorway, leaning against the doorframe.

“I had a droid. Did repairs on her when the mechs were too busy.” You replied, brush strokes gently filling in the color, careful not to deviate from the crisp lines.

His eyebrows furrowed. “Didn’t know that.”

“Mmhmm.” You shrugged, finishing up and tucking the tools back into their places. You used a small fan to dry the top coat faster. You knew BB-8, knew he’d be racing as soon as you set him down, smearing the fresh paint throughout base.

“What happened to her?”

“I’m…I don’t know. It’s been thirty years and I haven’t seen her roaming around. Artoo never mentioned her, and I haven’t brought it up. She…might have gotten scrapped or destroyed…”

BB-8 asked if it was dry yet, sounding impatient.

You laughed, reaching out a tentative finger to check, and sure enough, it was. “Looks like you’re good to go. Here, let’s get you back on the ground.” You picked up the heavy droid, Poe helping to lower him to the ground. “How do you feel? Everything fit right? Everything’s in the right spot?”

He gave a cursory roll around the workshop, whirring excitedly, complimenting your work.

You sat back on the workbench, looking up at Poe, his hair still damp from the fresher. He looked clean, but still tired. You could feel how he was frayed at the edges. You reached up to touch his cheek, dark and dusted with more stubble than usual. It made him look older.

“You’re giving me that look.”

“What look?” You asked, eyes sparkling innocently.

“That look you get when you’re thinking too much.”

“Yeah, well, excuse me for being worried about my boyfriend.” You chuckled as he took a step closer, slotting himself between your legs and pressing his face into the crook of your neck. “He is a pilot, after all, it’s a pretty dangerous gig.”

He wrapped his arms around your figure, exhaling deeply. You inhaled the scent of him. That soap that smelled like fresh rain. You could have drowned in it, you were sure. In him.

“You smell good.” You murmured, smiling when he chuckled against you.

“You like that, huh?”

“Mmhmm.” You pulled him closer, tears welling in your eyes, that lump returning to your throat “I should have been there, Poe. I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “I’m fine. We all are. I just…It’s hard for me to wrap my head around sometimes, this Jedi stuff. But it’s important, too.”

You pressed a long kiss to his cheek. He turned his head, catching your lips instead, arms holding you close. You stayed like that for a long moment until you heard someone clear their throat in the doorway.

“Hey, uh, they just about got those files decrypted. Leia’s calling a meeting in an hour. Wants to talk to both of you first.” Snap said.

“Thanks, buddy. We’ll head that way.” Poe said with a smile. He offered his hand and you took it gladly, fingers threaded together. He gave your hand a squeeze. You walked through base together, drawing a few pairs of eyes, but you didn’t care anymore. BB-8 rolled on ahead, greeting the other droids as everyone gathered.

Your heart raced, stomach sinking when you saw the look on Leia’s face. You couldn’t place it yet, what was wrong. But the feeling alone was enough to tell you it was bad. Nearly unspeakable. Like that deep, dark void you had seen, icewater chilling in your veins. 

You tensed, wings flaring, eyes widening as you realized.

“Hey.” Poe squeezed your hand, sensing the way you froze. “What’s…?”

She didn’t even have to say it. You already knew.

“Palpatine.”

***

“Artoo decrypted the files from the First Order spy and…it confirms the worst.” Poe began, the entire Resistance packed into the hangar, circled up to listen. 

You sat on a crate at the edge of the circle, shoulders hunched, wings drooping, pain etched deep into your eyes. It was like your soul had been crushed to a fine powder, sprinkled across the galaxy. Thirty years earlier, you’d given your life to stop Insidia from reviving Palpatine. And it was all for nothing. The attack on Mariposas, your decades in cryosleep. It was meaningless now. You’d given up your life, your friends, all of it to protect a future that hadn’t come to pass. He’d been there, pulling the strings the whole time, manipulating Kylo, creating the First Order…

Poe let out a broken sigh, eyes lingering on your hunched figure before delivering the news. “Somehow, Palpatine returned.”

The Resistance murmured, trying to figure out exactly how it had happened. Was it dark cloning? Sith magic? You wanted to pipe up, tell them exactly how. Cultists, led by Insidia, then your own brother, feeding him Force users until he’d reached his full strength again. Or, full enough. You doubted he was already at his full strength. If he was…it would be worse.

No wonder the Jedi were no more. They’d all been drained to nothing to revive the man who’d ruined your life and nearly destroyed the galaxy.

Poe continued to explain the situation, the fleet forming on Exegol, the Sith planet. The Final Order.

You wanted to collapse. Wanted to lay down, wanted to scream, wanted to let it all out in a blinding wave of Force energy, but you couldn’t. Couldn’t move. Paralyzed by the encroaching sense of doom. Dark and all-consuming.

“Princess, are you alright?” One of the guys in intel asked once the meeting was disbanded. Beaumont. He was nice, had kind eyes, a gentle smile. He’d been a teacher before he left for the Resistance.

You nodded, forcing yourself to perk up, straightening out your posture. Right. There were people watching. Always were. And if you didn’t have hope, how were they expected to? “Fine. I’m fine. Just…thinking. Trying to…wrap my head around all of this.”

Rey came walking back towards the group with one of Luke’s journals, one you hadn’t touched yet. She flipped through the pages, holding it up to show you. “Luke was trying to find Exegol. After the attack on Mariposas. Nearly found it, too, but his trail went cold on Pasaana tracking down a Sith Wayfinder. We could go. The two of us. Finish this.”

She meant it. You could see it in her eyes. That spark. Just you and her, leaving to finish what you and Luke had started. To put an end to the madness once and for all. Poe and Finn could stay behind, make a plan for the final fight, figure out how to destroy the fleet before they set out on their attack of the galaxy.

And no matter what happened, the fate of the Jedi would be safe in Soren’s hands. In Finn’s.

It seemed dangerous, but…it had to be done. The clock was already ticking, and you were running out of time.

You grabbed a bag, heading towards the Falcon with Rey.

“What, were you even going to say goodbye?” Poe asked, causing you to freeze in place, turning to face him. “Or were you just gonna pull outta here with the compressor still smoking?”

“I had a feeling you might not take it so well.”

“Yeah, well you were right. We’re coming with you.” Poe said, touching your arm on the way into the Falcon with Chewie. Finn was right behind him.

“It’s too dangerous. We’re meant to do this.” Rey said, trying to reason with them, but you could tell they were set on it.

“And we’re meant to go with you.” Finn said. “You’re not going without us. But I’ll let you argue with him about it if you want.” He motioned to Poe.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. That wasn’t an argument you would win.

“Repairs will be done tomorrow morning. We’re going with you.” Poe said, coming back out of the ship. He brushed the hair out of your face, eyes full of love and determination. “End of story.”

“What if they need you here?”

“What if you need me there?” He countered, quirking an eyebrow. “It’s been a while since we’ve been on a mission together. I can’t wait to see what you can do now, with all that training, your Highness.”

“Poe.”

“(Y/N).”

You let out a sigh, closing your eyes. “What if something happens to you?”

“What if something happens to you and I’m not there?” He asked. It had been weighing on him. He tilted his head, sincerity in his voice. “I’d rather die, with you, helping you, knowing I made a difference, then letting you face this alone. We’re finishing this. Together. Whether I make it to the end or not.”

“Poe–”

“You told me you didn’t expect to survive the Rebellion. You were willing to die for the cause. Isn’t this the same?”

You stared at him for a long moment, searching his eyes, his feelings, that warmth in his chest steadfast and strong. It wasn’t the same. Not anymore. Not for you. You were willing to die, sure, but…that little life you’d seen, his graying hair, his wizened face, his reading glasses…

The wedding ring…

In all your visions of it, you’d never seen yourself there. Just him. You didn’t want to risk that. His future, whether or not you were in it.

“Baby, you can fight with me all night about it, alright? I’m going. So’s Finn.” He said, tone still tense. Still…fighting. He was always a fighter, you’d known that from the start. You just never expected him to be fighting you.

***

The crew had a bonfire that night. Word had spread. Your top secret mission wasn’t so secret anymore. People were scrambling to figure out what they’d do with all of you gone. And with three of the four Jedi leaving, Soren made it his mission to stay. To help around the base. To be the resident Jedi in your stead.

Your legacy.

You and Laesynda had one last, final talk. She wished you all the luck in the galaxy, prayed you’d come back this time. That it wouldn’t be another thirty years before she got to see her sister again.

You stared into the flames, arms crossed, thinking about all of it. The gathering was devoid of its usual chatter, joking banter between the Resistance fighters. Things were bleak. If it didn’t go well, if Palpatine couldn’t be stopped…this night could very well be one of your last. All of you. The First Order would snuff out the Resistance like a birthday candle.

Poe sat beside you, quiet. He didn’t want to argue any more, but couldn’t stomach the look in your eye. The worry. He wondered what all you’d seen, the things you weren’t sharing with him. He ran a hand down his face, letting out a long sigh.

Why did dating a Jedi have to be so kriffin’ complicated…

Budding in his chest, he felt something, a somewhat familiar sensation. He’d felt it only once before. And when he looked up, sure enough, Luke Skywalker’s Force Ghost was standing at the edge of the woods, meeting his eyes this time.

Poe blinked, staring at him. He pointed at his chest, as if to ask “who, me?” The Jedi of legend shook his head, motioning to you. Ah, right. That made sense. Obviously he was there to see you.

Poe nudged you, pulling you from your thoughts, hand tight around yours as the light of the fire danced around your face. “Hey, uhhh…”

You looked over at him, anxious to hear what he had to say now that he was finally ready to talk. Instead, he tilted his head towards Luke, who stood there, a sullen look in his eyes.

You chuckled softly. “Oh. Okay. I’ll be back soon.” You squeezed his hand, pressing a long kiss to his cheek, as if to reassure him of something. You knew it had to be weird for him, the ghost of your dead ex-boyfriend coming around for a chat.

Poe nodded, watching as you walked off with him. He took a long sip of his beer.

“I was wondering if you’d show up to see me off.” You murmured, meeting him face to face once more. It felt right, seeing him before the end.

“Leia said I should give this to you myself. I heard you’d been looking for one, Jedi Master.” Luke held up a saber, his second. The green one. You’d wondered what had happened to it, but had never had the time to investigate that yourself. You didn’t even know where to start looking, to be honest.

You nodded. “For Finn. Thank you.”

“Three Padawans. They’re all doing well under your instruction. I…well, I’m really proud of you, you know. You’re really doing it. You’re fostering a new generation of Jedi.”

“Trying to. It would be…well, it would be easier with you here.” You said softly, daring to meet his eyes, to imagine the life where you got to stay. Where you and Luke started the Jedi again, together. Where Kylo never turned to the dark side and the First Order never rose to power.

It would have been nice. Growing old with him. Living that dream. But it was only ever that. A dream. Never had it ever been real to you, even when you begged the Force for it to be so.

“I know. I’m sorry, Princess. But, for what it’s worth, I think it’s gonna work out.”

“You do?”

“I do. You and that pilot of yours are good together. He’s…determined. A fighter. One hell of a pilot. And you can tell him I said that. He’s pretending not to look over here right now, looking out of the corner of his eye. Checking on you.”

“Sounds like Poe.” You chuckled. “Did you know about…him? Us?”

“It might have crossed my mind a few times.” Luke admitted, rubbing at his ghostly beard. “I knew you’d be okay, regardless. That you had someone like him to help you pick up the pieces.”

You nodded, reminiscing softly on your relationship. On both relationships.

Luke met your eyes. He closed them, and his form shifted, back to his younger self. The Luke Skywalker you had loved. The Luke you had fought alongside, who’d been your everything. Your partner, your fellow Jedi, your best friend. You didn’t fight him this time, let him keep the form. You knew you needed to hear these words from your Luke.

“We started this path. You and I. Together. You and Rey are going to finish it. I can’t see how it ends, no one can, but the Force will guide you. And I’ll be right there, by your side.” He reached for you and you stepped forward, hugging him, his form solidifying in your hold, arms tight around you.

You closed your eyes, letting out a long breath.

“I always loved you, you know.” Luke confessed.

“I know. I loved you, too.” You replied, pulling away to look at that youthful face one last time. Your former lover. Your friend. “Thank you. For everything, Luke.”

And then he was gone, fading right before your eyes until you were left there with the open air, a cold lightsaber hilt in your hand.

You turned back to the bonfire, making a beeline for Finn, who was leaned against a tree, trying to convince Rose to go with you guys the following day. She wasn’t having it.

“Finn, I, uh, got you a present.” You said.

“For me?” He asked, curiosity glimmering in his warm gaze. His smile dropped when he saw it, though, gripped in your hand. Luke Skywalker’s missing saber. His heart raced. “That’s not…”

“It is.”

“I can’t.”

“You can. You’re ready for it. If you’re coming with us tomorrow, you’re taking this saber.” You insisted, handing it to him and curling his fingers around it, forcing him to take it. “That’s my one condition.”

“What’s your condition for Poe?”

You grinned, rolling your eyes. “His rugged good looks are getting him on that mission, I’m afraid. I couldn’t say no to that face.”

Finn laughed at that. “So it’s really happening. We’re going.”

“We’re going. I…I’m kind of glad, actually. It’ll be nice to have you two along for the ride. One…last adventure. All of us together.”

Finn opened his arms, hugging you tightly. You rested your face against his strong chest, relishing the warmth, the moment between you. Teacher and student, but more importantly, friends. “Thank you. For this. For believing in me.”

“No, thank you. We’re gonna need all the Jedi we can get…”

You returned to Poe after, his eyes watching you for a long moment. You sat down on the log, side pressed to his. He wrapped an arm around you, resting his head against yours.

“Are we still not talking?” He dared to ask.

You chuckled a little. “I’m coming around on the idea.”

“Of what, talking to your boyfriend, or letting him come on your dangerous, galaxy-saving mission tomorrow?”

“Perhaps both.” You let out a breath. “Just had a conversation with my ex. He said he thinks we’re good together. He gave me his saber, to give to Finn.”

“The green one.”

“The green one.” You agreed.

“Mmm.” Poe nodded, turning his head to press a long kiss to your hairline, a hand ghosting over the crest of your wings. “Well, he and I will have to agree on that. I also think we’re pretty good together.”

You laughed. “Well, I’d hope so, at this point. He also said you’re one hell of a pilot. So there’s that.”

His eyes widened. “Luke Skywalker just told you he thinks I’m a good pilot.”

“He did, yeah.” You chuckled, kissing his cheek. “Anyone with eyes knows that, Poe. I happen to think you’re the best, but…I might be a little biased.”

You could feel it then, sitting right at the tip of his tongue. The L word. You knew he wanted to say it. Knew he’d practiced. Knew he was holding onto it for just the right moment. You could feel it there, lingering, hovering unsaid. Like all those times he’d dreamed of kissing you before you finally collided.

You turned your face, pulling him in for a long, sweet kiss, meeting his gaze, peering straight into his soul, he was sure. Sometimes, when you looked at him like that, it was like you were looking straight through him, at every thought floating around his mind.

You nodded, thumb grazing over the spot just beneath that little scar on his cheekbone. “I know.”

Your Dying Decree

In the morning, you woke in Poe’s arms. He was still sleeping, head tucked into the crook of your neck, curls tousled, tickling your skin. His breaths were long and slow, eyes closed, thick eyelashes resting against those pretty cheekbones.

He was so handsome, your pilot.

And yet, looking at him, you couldn’t stop thinking about how easy it would be to slip out now, leave him where it was safe. Well, relatively safer. There was no safe place in the galaxy for members of the Resistance now.

His arms curled tighter around you and he hummed, those warm brown eyes opening.

He chuckled, searching your face. “I kinda thought you’d be gone by now.”

“I thought about it.” You admitted, voice no more than a whisper.

“I know you did.” He smirked, peppering kisses up your neck, trailing to your lips, where he hovered for a moment, eyes soft, like he was memorizing every detail, just like this. “Just can’t get enough of me, huh?”

You giggled, rolling your eyes before pulling him into a kiss. “That and I knew you’d never forgive me if I left without you.”

Poe nuzzled his nose to yours, kissing your lips one last time before sitting up out of the bed, getting dressed. Your fingers hovered over the options at your disposal before settling on a black tunic, black pants. You were pulling a page from Luke’s book.

You carefully slipped your wings through the opening, securing everything in place and then pulling on your belts, equipping your saber. You braided the front of your hair back, out of the way, and then turned to find Poe staring, eyes raking down your form. He smiled to himself, then met your gaze, stepping forward to collect you in his arms.

“Looking very regal today, Princess.”

“Looking very…piratey today, pilot.” You said, smoothing your hands over the fabric of that shirt of his. Your fingers trailed down the buttons, or lack thereof. “So did it come like this or did you take them off yourself?”

He laughed loudly, cheeks reddening. “What, you don’t like it?”

“No, I never said that.” You said, a hand raising to his cheek. “You’re avoiding the question, Dameron.”

“They might have fallen off at some point, yeah.”

“Was a pair of scissors involved?”

He chuckled. “Alright, I can throw on a scarf if you’re so worried about it.”

“You might need one anyway, we are headed to the desert.” You told him, tucking a curl behind his ear.

The two of you gathered your things and walked out of the room, meeting Rey and Finn in the hallway, all dressed as well. You gave the two of them a nervous smile. The four of you met with Chewie, Threepio, and BB-8 in the hangar. Leia was standing there, a wistful look on her face. She could tell it was coming, the end. You were sure it brought back memories, sending the four of you off like this.

You walked over her, hugging her one last time. Her arms wrapped around you tight, a hand cradling your head. Your best friend. Your sister. Your General.

“May the Force be with You, Princess.” She said, eyes twinkling.

“And with us all.” You replied, tears pricking in your eyes. 

You turned, joining the others in the Falcon. You walked into the cockpit. Chewie and Poe were hovering over the controls. Finn sitting behind Chewie. You settled into the seat behind Poe, putting a hand on his shoulder. He reached up to touch it, acknowledging your presence with warmth before getting back to the controls. Rey stood in the doorway, reaching for your hand. You gave it to her.

Chewie looked at you, roaring softly, melancholy on his voice.

“You’re right, Chewie. Just like old times.”

***

You landed on Pasaana hours later, Poe putting the Falcon down at the edge of a settlement. No, you realized. A festival. Threepio confirmed this as the six of you rounded the corner. 

“Isn’t this lucky?” Threepio asked.

“Incredibly lucky.” Poe replied, voice dry. “Keep your heads down. Chewie. First Order is always running random patrols. Let’s split up. See what the locals know.”

The group split, speaking with some of the locals who were gathered for the festival of ancestors, wearing bright, silken garments. Rey stopped to talk to a little girl, aided by Threepio to translate. After, you saw her go stiff, standing straight, eyes glazed over. You knew what that meant. Kylo was in her head.

“You find anything?” Poe asked, touching your arm.

You shook your head, motioning to Rey. “That’s not good.”

“Mmm, alright. Let’s–”

“I found the fugitives! They’re here!” A Stormtrooper announced, words warbled through a helmet.

Poe reached for his blaster. He looked to Chewie and Finn. “We gotta go.”

You grabbed Rey and the group moved quickly through the crowd, tailed by the Stormtrooper until a man in a large helmet shot him straight through the eye, ushering you into a small transport. You eyed him up, his energy familiar, but it didn’t quite click until you were all inside just who he was.

“How did you find us?” Finn asked, looking at him.

He took off his helmet and you grinned. You should have known. He always had a habit of popping up right when you needed him most. It was Lando. “Wookies stand out in a crowd.”

Chewie roared happily and hugged him.

“It’s good to see you too, pal.” He nodded at you. “Your Highness. Back in the field?”

“It’s like I never left. What are you doing here?”

“Thought you might need some help. I traveled here with Luke, trying to find Exegol. Trying to find other things, too…” Lando’s eyes wandered to the gleaming medallion around Poe’s neck.

Oh. Figured.

Lando told you about Ochi, how he and Luke had tailed his ship to Pasaana. On the horizon, you could hear that fateful sound. TIE fighters. A lot of them.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this…” Lando said, peeking through the blinds. “Ochi’s ship is out past Lurch Canyon. Go.”

“Thank you, General.” Poe said, Chewie bidding him goodbye after.

“Thank you, Lando.” You said, touching his arm, meeting his eyes.

“Don’t thank me yet.”

You all stepped out of the ship, running through the sand. Poe led the way to some speeders, looking a little worse for wear. You watched as he popped a panel off, reaching into the wires, twisting them with skill, precision. 

Hot-wiring, you realized. Your boyfriend was hot-wiring a speeder.

“I didn’t know you knew how to do that.” You noted.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Princess.” He glanced up, a few scout troopers rounding the corner. “We gotta go!”

You flitted your wings, hopping up onto one of the speeders, settling in beside Poe and Finn, Rey and Chewie on the other. Poe steered with grace, guiding it across the desert planet as a pair of Trooper speeders trailed.

You used your saber to deflect their shots. Two of the troopers launched into the air, flying on jetpacks.

“They fly now?!” Finn asked.

Poe turned his attention ahead, determination on his brow. “They fly now!” Poe steered into a narrow valley, losing sight of them behind you. “We lose ‘em?!”

“I don’t think so.” You shook your head. Soon enough, one of them pulled ahead of you, cutting you off.

“Time to use that training, baby.”

“Thought you’d never ask.” You reached out, using the force to push hurl the Stormtrooper speeder straight into the rock in front of it, where it exploded in a burst of flame.

Finn and Poe cheered and you pulled out of the valley, meeting back up with Rey and hers. One of the troopers in the sky reemerged, shooting the engine of Rey’s speeder, causing it to explode, sending her and Chewie and BB-8 into the air. The speeder the rest of you were on went next, throwing all of you into the sand. You used the Force to cushion the landing as best as you could and you all shot at the trooper until you took out his jetpack, sending him crashing down into one of the jagged mountains.

It was only after that you seemed to notice you were slipping into a pool of pebbles. Perfectly round. A sinking field.

Poe had landed flat on his back, struggling in them, trying to swim out. “The hell is this?”

“Sinking fields! Grab onto something!”

You were up to your hips in it. You reached for Poe, watching in horror as he slipped lower and lower. “Poe? Poe!”

“(Y/N)! I love–!” His curls slipped beneath the pebbles, words swallowed up as he went under.

“Rey! Rey, I never told you–” Finn shouted, slipping under next.

You let out a cry, struggling for a few moments before surrendering to the pull, and descending down with the rest of them.

It was dark, the pebbles shifting around your body, encasing every bit of you until your legs found open air beneath you. You kicked, struggling as your body moved through, head still enveloped in total darkness. You could hear Poe’s voice beneath you, then felt his hand on your leg, arms wrapping around you as you fell into what seemed to be a cave.

He met your eyes, brushing dirt out of your face. “You alright?”

“Fine. Where are the others?”

Chewie fell beside you. Finn walked out from a cavern, and Rey walked from another, everyone accounted for, even the droids.

You shook out your wings, pebbles cascading onto the stone floors. You touched your saber, making sure it was still there, hadn’t been lost on the way down.

“Where are we?”

“In a cave of some kind.” Threepio explained.

“I thought we were goners.” Finn said, voice filled with relief.

“Me too,” Poe confessed, giving you a very loaded look, eyes searching yours, as if asking if you’d heard what he’d said before going under. 

You had. His last words to you would have been a confession of his love. Your heart broke even thinking about it. You reached for his hand, squeezing it. He squeezed back, letting out a long breath. You were okay. You both were.

“What is this place?” Rey asked. The group started poking around. Rey ignited her saber, you, yours. Poe lit his flashlight, which paled in comparison. Eventually, you found Ochi’s speeder, a bad sign. With it, Ochi’s remains.

He’d never gotten out of the cave. He’d died there, and Luke’s quest for Exegol with him.

On the ground, you spotted a knife. The energy from it was…horrible. Dark. 

You held your saber out to Poe. “Can you hold this?”

“Uhhhh, sure.” He replied, bathed in the pink light of its blade. He gingerly took the hilt of it, not daring to move it a single inch. He’d never touched a lightsaber before. Well, aside from helping you build it, of course. But holding it while it was activated was different. It felt…forbidden, almost.

You bent down and picked up the dagger, studying it. Sith Runes. Figured. It…felt like it was burning your hand. The longer you held it, the worse you felt. You tried to read it, tried to garner where it was from, what it would do, but it hurt. Badly.

You let out a pained yell and dropped it, clutching your hand like you’d been physically burned.

“Are you okay?” Rey asked with concern.

“That thing…” You pointed to the dagger. “Is made of evil. It…wow, holy fuck.”

Poe stared at you, watching as you recovered, still holding your lightsaber like it was a bomb. 

You chuckled a little, reaching for it. “Thank you. Give me that, flyboy.” You powered it down, clipping it to your belt.

He reached out and touched your arm, eyes searching your face for any signs of damage. You gave him a warm look, touching his hand.

“They are Sith Runes. I believe they are directions to the location of the Sith Wayfinder.” Threepio reported.

“Great. Where is it?” Poe asked.

“I am forbidden from translating it, I’m afraid. The Republic outlawed all Sith languages nearly a century ago. To do so would be against my programming.”

“So you know where it is, you just can’t tell us?” Finn repeated, sounding as annoyed as you all felt.

“Precisely. My apologies, Master Finn.”

“Well that’s just great.” Poe sighed, hands on his hips. “What now?”

“We need to take it with us. Find somewhere to have it translated. Maybe the answer is on Ochi’s ship.” Rey reasoned.

You nodded, but didn’t reach for the dagger. Instead, Chewie picked it up, putting it in his messenger bag. He put a hand on your shoulder, a wordless message. He would carry it for you. Your loyal Wookie. Sometimes, you weren’t sure what you would do without him.

The group continued moving, trying to find a way out of the cave. Eventually, you came across a pile of rocks, layered in front of what appeared to be an opening. Focusing, you and Rey moved the pile out of the way, sunlight streaming through the hole you created. Once you were out, you headed up onto the bluff to Ochi’s ship. Poe managed to crack it open and led the rest of you inside.

It was very clearly abandoned. There were cobwebs clinging to nearly every surface, a thick layer of dust on every shelf, panel, and surface. You each picked a corner and started looking around for anything that could be of use. BB-8 made a discovery of his own, a small droid with a large wheel and a cone-shaped face, who, once booted up, started rolling around curiously. Rey reached out for him, but he backed away, seemingly traumatized by whoever had owned him before. Probably Ochi.

“What were you going to say before?” Rey asked Finn finally. You could tell it had been eating at her.

“What?”

“In the sinking fields. You said you’d never told me something.” She pushed, looking through the shelf beside him. “What was it?”

“We can talk later.” Finn said, dropping his voice, eyes serious and vulnerable.

“When we’re not here?” Poe asked with a chuckle.

“What, you wanna finish your dying decree right here, Poe?” Finn fired back.

“Not particularly.” He muttered, deflated.

You walked over and touched his arm, slotting beside him, searching for…well, anything, really. Anything you could use. He looked at you, eyes searching once more, looking for…well, anything. A reaction to what you’d heard.

You wanted to say it. Wanted him to, but you’d known from your conversations with the other pilots, the other ladies on base, that Poe Dameron didn’t say that word. Ever. He’d never said it to someone. Not like that, at least.He’d had his share of conquests, sure, but what the two of you had was decidedly different. It would have been his last dying breath, and you respected that. You didn’t want to force him out of it just because you hadn’t all died in that sinking field. But the fact that it was on the tip of his tongue, always seemed to be, meant that what you had between the two of you was real.

But then again, the only confirmation you needed of that was the band of braided leather around your wrist, the healer’s pendant from your home planet hanging from his neck.

Instead, you wrapped an arm around his waist, thumb rubbing a circle on his hip. You gave him a loving squeeze before refocusing on the task at hand.

Rey peered out the window, her eyes widening as she spotted Kylo’s TIE fighter, speeding across the sand. “He’s here.”

“You want me with you?” You asked, reaching for the hilt of your saber.

Rey nodded and you followed her out of the ship without another hesitation. You readied your blade, watching as Rey launched herself into the air, flipping as she sliced off one wing of his TIE, sending him into a death spiral, straight into the jagged rocks.

He climbed out of the ship’s wreckage and launched himself into a duel. He slashed at Rey with hatred. With rage. With…longing. Confusion, even. He was still conflicted, that much was clear. 

You joined the fight, covering Rey’s back. Red, Blue, and Pink clashed, sabers whumming, singing as they swung through the air, colliding again and again. Kylo started his usual banter, trying to get in Rey’s head. But then he turned to you, venom on his tongue, fire in his eyes.

“And you, the so-called princess of a long-gone planet. You slept through the destruction of your home planet, gave your life for a lost cause. Who are you to come here, acting to be the authority on this war, the state of the galaxy?”

“I’m nobody. I’m just a girl. But I know right from wrong. I can feel it, like she can. You know it, too. You’re fighting it so hard. Why? To prove yourself? You’re just like my brother and it’s pathetic.” You said, saber sparking against the unstable red of his. “You have a family who loves you. A mother who would die for you. She shouldn’t still believe in you, but she does.”

Something faltered in his gaze. He opened his mouth to fire back, “Luke Skywalker–”

“Failed me, too. He left me to sleep in a fucking pod for thirty years. You don’t see me picking up with the First Order to get revenge on the galaxy for it.” You thrust your saber forward, throwing him to the ground. 

Rey used the Force to push him back, through the sand.

“REY! They got Chewie!” Finn called, motioning frantically to a transport, taking off into the air. Rey reached forward, trying to stop the transport. You reached up to help her, but the two of you still weren’t enough.

“Finn, we need you!” You called, encouraging him to help.

Nodding, Finn reached for the transport, too, his power combining with the two of yours and bringing the transport down onto the ground, its engines bursting into flames, the metal crunching with a deafening screech.

You took off at a run, wings carrying you across the desert winds, towards the transport. The ramp lowered and a cluster of Stormtroopers and Scouttroopers came out, blasters blazing. You handled them quickly, learning almost instantly that Chewie was not there. In fact, the transport was empty.

“He’s not here!” You called, flying back up to Ochi’s ship as Rey and Finn ran up into the ramp. “There must have been another transport. He’s not here.” You reported, catching your breath, wings flicking a few times before folding down again.

“Fuck. Well, what now?” Poe asked, a hand trailing down his face.

“He had the knife.” Finn added, hands on his hips, deep in thought.

“He had the knife…” Poe repeated. “And they have the Falcon.”

“Well then we’re just gonna have to go get all three.” You said, the plan unrolling itself in your mind. “Get onto that Star Destroyer and get them all back.”

Poe nodded, mulling it over himself. “Alright. I’ll plot a course. Hang onto something.”

The Legacy of Your Downfall

Poe pulled Ochi’s ship into the hangar of the Star Destroyer, parking it with precision and skill, lowering the ramp. The four of you raced out, blasters pulled, shooting at the handful of Stormtroopers that approached.

“Where do we start?” Poe asked.

“This way.” You and Rey pointed at the same time, tuning into the things you were looking for with what could only be the force.

Rey turned back to look at the droids. “You three stay here.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Threepio said, sounding relieved. You ran ahead with the others, blasting your way through halls, sneaking past droves of patrolling troopers until finally, you felt like you were being pulled in different directions. The knife was one way, Chewie was the other.

“What’s that look for?” Poe asked, searching your expression.

You pointed both ways. “The knife is down this hall. Chewie is back that way.”

“Divide and conquer?” Finn suggested. “We’ll go get Chewie, you two go get the knife and our gear.”

You nodded, giving Poe one last lingering look. His hand ran down the length of your arm, touching you until the very last second as you went your separate ways. You and Rey raced down the hall, turning a corner and finding a stockroom, where they were keeping the knife, as well as all the gear and weapons they’d found on Chewie and any other prisoners they had.

Rey slung Chewie’s bandolier across her shoulder, tucked the knife into her belt. You gave the room one final sweep before leaving, heading back towards where you’d sent the boys. Rey lingered in the hall, her eyes landing on one door in particular. You knew it couldn’t be good.

“What?”

“There’s…something else.” She said, voice soft. She took a step closer to it, then another. The door slid open and inside was a stark white room. Kylo’s you realized, when your eyes fell on something you hadn’t seen in thirty years. Vader’s helmet. Or, what was left of it, rather.

A chill ran down your spine.

“Go meet with the others. I’ll find you.”

“Rey…I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”

“Trust me. I…I know what I’m doing.” She said, desperation at the edge of her words. “I’ll keep him distracted. Buy us time.”

You weighed the odds for a moment before nodding. “Alright. But hurry.”

She handed you Chewie’s bandolier, the knife. You hissed, tucking it away before you felt those feelings again. You ran down the hall, stopped by the scorching shock of an electrified melee weapon. At first everything hurt, and then, all at once, everything went black.

***

You came to, leaned back horizontal, arms held in the thick metal bounds of an Imperial Interrogation Chair. You groaned. It wasn’t your first time in one. But you’d been hoping the last time would be the last time you ever had the pleasure.

“Perfect timing, Your Highness.” Maddox’s voice dripped with venom as another prisoner, this one conscious. “I’ve brought another guest to join us.”

“You fuckin’ monster, I’ll kill ya!” Poe threatened, yelling out in pain when one of the Stormtroopers escorting him zapped him again. They threw him onto a second chair, both of you strung up side by side.

“Should have known it would be you. Couldn’t finish the job on Hoth, huh? Had to have a Stormtrooper fetch me for you?” You chuckled, voice deep and rolling in the back of your throat, eyes half-lidded as you stared up at your husk of an older brother.

The darkness inside Maddox had been eating at him, literally. He looked awful. Eyes yellow and ringed with dark purple bags, deep wrinkles in his sagging skin. The tips of his fingers were inky black, and behind him were the tatters of his wings, the ones you had cut off with your saber.

He slapped you. “Quiet!”

“Don’t you dare–” Poe started, quieted by another jolt of electricity.

“You thought you could hide your precious pilot from me, didn’t you, Princess? Thought you could keep him tucked away in the corners of your mind where I couldn’t see?” Maddox chided, shaking his head. “It figures that the most important person in your life would be someone so weak. So vulnerable. So…human. I will show you precisely what I felt. I will rip your wings from your back with my bare hands. But first…”

Maddox leaned forward, eyes set on Poe, concentration gleaming in those wicked eyes. Poe stirred, eyes widening as he realized what was happening. He’d been through this once before. Force Torture. And he hadn’t been a fan.

You steeled yourself against the chair, taking a deep breath and focusing. You built a shield around Poe’s mind, around yours, imagined them hovering right in front of your foreheads, blocking out the mind probe that Maddox was using, attempting to break you. To…to kill Poe.

Maddox chuckled, amusement brimming behind his frustration. “You can’t possibly shield the two of you forever. Your resolve will weaken.”

You strained, shaking your head, jaw set on edge. “Nope. I can.”

He kept pushing. You kept blocking, an invisible duel between the two of you. Literally a mind game. Why he didn’t shock you then and there and force your hand, you weren’t sure. You could tell he wanted to win. He wanted the pride that came with beating you. He wanted the reassurance that he was stronger than you. That was what it had always been about to him.

“You’re…stronger than I thought, I will give you that.” He admitted, pushing harder.

You rose to meet him. “Trained by the best, unlike you. Even with me strapped to a fucking chair, you’re still second-best.”

A bubble of rage surged and you flinched, head thrown back against the chair. You let out a pained groan, struggling to keep up your wall.

“Baby…baby, it’s okay. I’m…I’m okay. You can let me go.” Poe said, watching as Maddox dug deeper, trying to break you.

You couldn’t talk anymore, the focus it required too much to allow even the tiniest slip. You shook your head, holding up your wall despite the way it grew heavier and heavier, like pushing a snowball up a hill.

“Kill me. Let her go.” Poe begged. “Please, just…”

You shook your head, letting out a broken, “NO!”

Maddox grimaced at the force of your yell, some pain forcing its way from you to him. He recovered quickly, continuing to push until finally, the door burst open. A blaster fired directly into Maddox’s stomach, catching him off guard. He collapsed to the floor and then slid, Finn using the Force to push him back, away from the two of you.

The weight was lifted and you let out a breath, head leaning back against the chair. Poe reached for your hand, fingertips coming just short of yours.

Finn raced over, unlocking them. As soon as you were upright, you just about collapsed into Poe’s arms, tears running down your cheeks. “Don’t you ever offer your life for mine again! Ever.”

“I’m sorry.” He murmured, head tucked into your neck, voice breaking at the ends. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I thought he was gonna kill you, baby. I…I couldn’t…”

“No, he was going to kill you. Make me watch. Then he was going to kill me.” You told him, reaching up to touch his face. You pulled him in for a tearful kiss. “I…Poe…”

“I know.” He nodded, nose resting against yours. “Are you okay? We gotta get out of here.”

“I have to do something first.” You said, rising to your feet. Your wings rose up behind you, emerging from their folded form, spread to their full wingspan, proud. You used the Force to pull your saber from the pedestal on the wall, where it had been placed by the troopers that apprehended you. You ignited it, walking towards Maddox’s collapsed form.

Blood ran from the corner of his mouth and he stared up at you with a wicked gleam in his eye. “Come to finish the job?”

“Something like that.” You said, staring at him with disdain. With mourning. Mourning the brother he could have been. The bond you could have shared. The person he could have grown to be. Instead, it was a monster at your feet. Cruel, wicked, heartless and hollow.

“You killed me thirty years ago, (Y/N), when you killed the love of my life.”

“Insidia?!” You asked, incredulous. “I knew you were power-hungry, I didn’t know you were insane.”

He laughed. “You’re one to talk. You could have anyone in the galaxy. Any number of powerful Force users with which to start a powerful legacy and you settle for the likes of a human pilot. Pathetic.”

“You think power is everything. You always have. You’ve never understood love. Insidia didn’t love you. She didn’t love anyone. She wanted power, just like you. Maybe you two really were a match made in hell.” You laughed bitterly, shaking your head and spinning your saber menacingly. “You killed our parents. You killed our healers. You destroyed our home. You tried to kill me. So many times. It’s over, Maddox, Mothim, whatever name it is you want etched into the legacy of your downfall.”

“It will never be over. Not for you, not for the Resistance, not for–” You plunged your saber into his chest, watching the light leave his eyes.

You deactivated the blade, clipping it to your belt. Your wings fell once more, folded down and out of the way. You felt Poe’s hand on your shoulder, all the eyes in the room on you.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.” You said.

They nodded, all of you headed towards the hangar.

“How’d you guys get out of there?” Poe asked Finn and Chewbacca.

Chewbacca roared, informing him that General Hux had been the First Order spy all along, that he’d let them go.

“What?!” Poe replied with a laugh of disbelief, shooting at a few Stormtroopers as you passed them. “I knew it!”

“No you did not!” Finn replied.

You rounded the corner into the hangar, where the Millenium Falcon was waiting in all her glory. The droids had switched ships and you all ran up the ramp and inside as Stormtroopers began to gather. Soon you knew why. Kylo Ren was standing in the hangar, saber drawn.

“Rey?”

“I need to do this. Him and me. Go with the others.” Rey said, eyes meeting yours. “Go with Poe.”

“I’m not leaving you here.”

“I’m not asking you to.” She assured.

You felt that tug of war again. Between what she said and what you felt was right. You could feel the light in him, however faint it was. Maybe this was finally the time she could pull the light through. Save Ben Solo.

Finally, you surrendered, following Poe and Finn into the ship, buckling into the cockpit as Poe and Chewie piloted the thing, using the exhaust to blow back Stormtroopers while Finn operated the blaster cannon.

Through the window, you used the Force to collapse a few pillars onto the gathering army of troopers, watching carefully as Rey and Kylo dueled. 

A duel of the fates.

Finally, Rey got the upper hand. Poe swung the Falcon around and you ran down the ramp, reaching a hand out to her. She latched on, swinging around the ramp’s support beam and following you onto the ship.

Poe pulled the ship out of the planet’s atmosphere and into space, jumping through hyperdrive to a safe place where you all could regroup.

“What now? We don’t know where to go.” Finn said.

Your eyes wandered to Chewie, who once again was carrying the knife in his bag. You reached for him, for it. “Let me see it.”

“(Y/N), are you sure…” Poe said, hesitant to let you touch it after the way you’d reacted the last time, the pain it had put you in. It had already been a long, traumatic day. He didn’t want to push it.

“I’m fine.” You replied, exhaustion eating at every piece of you. “I almost had it last time, I think I can get there this time. Some of my…problems just got resolved.”

He relented, watching with guarded brown eyes as you took the knife from Chewbacca. You sat on a box, wings shifting out of the way, hand wrapped around the hilt of the misshapen dagger. You closed your eyes, taking a breath, focusing on what it was, where it had come from, where it was leading you…

You were running through the trees on Endor, wings tucked under a green poncho. Leia on one side, Han and the pathfinders ahead. Kes motioned you forward and you followed, running down the route. Ewoks ran alongside. You took out Scouttroopers as you ran.

Finally, you came up on a hill, looking overhead. In the sky, the shadow of a large moon. Not a moon, no, the Death Star, silver in the daylit sky. You stared at it for a long moment.

You took a shuddering breath, finding yourself back in the cargo hold of the Falcon, surrounded by your friends. You handed Chewie the knife back.

“It’s near Endor. Deathstar wreckage.” You said. “Get in contact with the intel guys and see if they can get us a more concrete answer, but…that wayfinder is definitely there.”

“I’ll send a message.” Finn nodded, walking towards your communications console.

“You good?” Poe asked, eyes not leaving you. He sat on the box beside you and you reached for his hand as Chewie and Rey wandered off to tend to their tasks. He took your hand, fingers curling around yours and squeezing.

“Better now.”

Poe let go of your hand, pulling you into his arms instead. He held you tight, but so, so carefully, strong arms curling around your waist, his head resting on your shoulder, pressing kisses to your neck.

“I saw your dad.” You confessed, hands tracing patterns onto his back.

“My dad?”

“My vision. I was on Endor. It was brief, but…” You chuckled at the irony of it all. Of knowing his parents, of loving him. 

Poe was your anchor to this time, the one redeeming thing your thirty-year skip had given you, the only thing that began to outweigh all of the things you had lost. This love, that look in his eye, the warmth that swirled between you every time you looked at each other, every time he held you in his arms…

Poe was worth it. And he never would have been yours if you’d stayed.

“What was he doing?”

“Pathfinding,” you said through a smile.

He pulled away to meet your eyes, a hand brushing down the side of your face, carefully touching the braid there before settling on your cheek. He pulled you in for a kiss, long and tender, lips moving in rhythm with your own.

Poe rested his forehead against yours, letting out a breath before confessing. “I still forget sometimes, that you’re older than me.”

“I’ve been told I look pretty good for fifty-four.” You laughed softly.

“Very good.” He agreed, kissing you again, hands slipping lower, to your hips, pulling you a little closer. “Very, very good.”

Poe readjusted, deepening the kiss before Finn cleared his throat in the doorway, staring at the two of you, still somewhat in shock that you were together, had been for a while, that you were familiar with each other like this. The two of you hastily pulled apart to look at him.

“Beaumont got a hit. (Y/N) was right. Moon in the Endor system, big chunks of Death Star scattered on its surface.” Finn reported, the two of you listening intently, Poe’s arm still hovering around your waist. “Oh, and Chewbacca said the landing gear is kinda fucked up.”

Poe stood from the box, helping you up after him. “How fucked up?”

Hold Your Fire

The landing had been rough, to say the least. You and Rey broke the fall as best you could, but using the Force on a ship was…much more difficult when you were inside said ship, headed down, down, down onto the surface of a moon in the Endor system.

The Falcon came to a skidding crash, sliding through the grass until finally, it stopped.

“Everyone okay?” Poe called, looking around, making sure no one had gotten thrown around too much. BB-8 gave him a thumbs-up with his lighter attachment.

The group started moving around the cabin, checking things. Poe read meters, checked controls. You and Rey managed to get the ramp down and you all started the hike up the hill, cresting over the top of it, towards the raging sea.

There it was, the Death Star. Or what remained of it, at the very least. You stared for a long moment, a feeling of darkness washing over you. Your eyes traced over the shape of the wreck and goosebumps pricked up all down your arms, though you weren’t sure if it was from the sight or the cold winds.

“Wow…” Rey murmured, looking up at it. “Were you ever…?”

“On it, no. Not that one. The first one, yeah. I was boots on the ground on Endor, so Luke and I could communicate with each other through the Force. Him up there, me down here.” You said.

Rey stared at the shape of the wreck, taking the dagger from her belt and sliding it along the silhouette. It lined up perfectly, a sliding gold ruler pointing to the exact spot. That was it. The spot where the wayfinder was hidden.

Horses galloped in the distance behind you. You all turned, weapons drawn. Poe held out his blaster as a group of scavengers rode their steeds towards you, stopping a safe distance away.

“Rough landing.” The woman leading the pack said. She had a head of gorgeous curls, a pair of goggles tucked along the top of her face, dressed all in silken green. Almost…Mariposan. Almost.

“I’ve seen worse.” Poe countered, a hand extended in front of you, protective, weapon still drawn.

“I’ve seen better.” She said. “Are you Resistance?”

“That depends.” Poe answered, untrusting.

Her eyes fell on you, gaze sliding down the length of your wings, and something in her gaze softened. “Princess…”

“You…know me?”

“Know of you. We received a transmission from some Resistance Scouts, that you were looking for this place. That you’re the last hope.”

“We need to get out to that wreck. There’s something inside there we need.” Rey told her.

“I can take you there by water.”

“You seen the water?” Finn asked.

“Not now. Too dangerous. We can go first light tomorrow.” The woman said.

“We need to go now. We don’t have the time.” Rey insisted.

“Or the choice.” Poe said, turning towards her and the rest of her crew. “Let’s get that ship fixed. Do you have any parts?”

“Some. I��m Jannah.”

“I’m Poe.” He introduced, leading the rest of you back towards the Falcon’s resting place.

Rey stared back at the wreckage, lingering.

You put a hand on her arm. “They’re right. We’re gonna need a way off this rock.”

She nodded, following reluctantly.

Once you got back inside the ship, Poe and the others started repairs, pulling open panels and reaching inside. He had a screwdriver held in his mouth while he worked. You noticed then, finally, that there was a wrap around his bicep. He stopped, holding his arm and hissing in pain.

“When did this happen?” You asked, eyes wide, pulling him away from his work.

“Got shot on the Star Destroyer. It’s fine. I’ve had worse.”

“I know you have. Let me see.”

“We don’t have time.”

“Poe.” You said sternly. “It’ll only take me a second.”

He exhaled a breath, letting you pull him from the panel, passing the screwdriver to Chewie. You stepped into a hallway, pushing him onto a box, forcing him to sit. With careful fingers, you untied the scrap of fabric.

He winced, eyes locked on you and your gentle movements. “You should save your strength, Princess. You’ll need it.”

You shook your head, meeting his eyes as you rolled up his sleeve, the blaster hole singed into the fabric. “I need you at your best too, flyboy. I can tell it hurts.”

“You can feel it?”

“Mmhmm.” You nodded, hand hovering over the injury. “We’re connected, you and I. When you hurt, I hurt.”

“Through the Force? But I’m not…”

“You don’t have to be for me to…tune in. I’m always tuned into you, more or less. Have been for…” You chuckled. “A lot longer than we’ve been seeing each other, even.”

He smiled softly at that, eyes glimmering in the dim light. A teasing smirk took up residence on his soft lips, eyebrow quirked up at your admission. “Youuuu~ had a crush on me.”

“I did. I do, actually. Is that alright with you, Commander Dameron?”

“Yeah, I think I’ll let it slide, Your Highness,” he said, watching as you zoned out, taking a deep breath before pushing life energy from yourself to the blaster wound on his arm. The pain ebbed instantly, the wound fading away, replaced with new skin. He sighed, reaching for your hand, playing with your fingers in his. “You are…somethin’ else, you know that?”

“So you’ve said.” You grinned, pressing a kiss to his lips, a quick one. He leaned in after you pulled away, lips chasing yours. You smirked at him. “Who has the crush now?”

“Oh, Princess, I’ve always had a crush on you…” He murmured. Poe touched his arm, squeezing the spot clinically, but there was no pain there, just smooth skin in place of the gaping wound that had been causing him so much pain for the last few hours.

“Back to work?”

“Yeah.” Poe nodded, walking back over to the panel he’d been working on, where Chewie had all but wrapped it up.

BB-8 rolled up the ramp and into the ship, beeping at Poe, telling him he couldn’t find Rey.

“What do you mean you haven’t seen her?”

You knew immediately what that meant. You raced down the ramp, out into the grass, using your wings to flit up the hill, watching as Rey took a skimmer onto the raging waters, struggling to get past each wave.

“REY!” You called out to her, but your words were swallowed up by the winds. “Fuck.”

“We have to go after her.” Finn said once he and Poe caught up, Jannah just behind them on her horse. “Can you fly across?”

“On wind like this, no way, pal.” Poe said, arms crossed, hand grabbing your hip like he was afraid you’d try. “Her wings aren’t made for a gap like this.”

“I’d be a fly on a windshield. Or…sharp rocks, in this case.” You said, looking down at the jagged shore beneath you.

“I need to get over there.” Finn said, determined.

You shook your head. “No, we can’t.” You watched as Kylo’s TIE Fighter landed on the wreckage, your stomach sinking. “Oh, that’s just great.”

“We have to go help her!” Finn said again.

“We can’t! Whatever she’s meant to do out there…” You reached, the Force calling to you. This was it. Her final stand against him. Whatever was going to happen out there, she needed to do it alone. “This is her fight. Her and Kylo.”

Finn let out a frustrated sigh, meeting your eyes. You knew he could feel it, too. You were right. They needed to get through this themselves. There was no way for you to get across the gap anyway.

And so, you waited.

You watched as red and blue clashed, watching, feeling, reaching through the Force, trying to feel exactly what was going on out there.

The TIE fighter took off. Then, the skimmer came back. You reached for your saber when you saw who it was coming out of it. It wasn’t Rey in the skimmer. It was Kylo.

Poe raised his blaster as soon as he saw him, Finn reaching for his saber as well. 

Kylo approached slowly. He…didn’t have his saber, you realized. You stared at him with wide eyes as he pulled himself up the cliff, looking at all of you with vulnerable eyes, a saber hole in his black tunic.

Rey had healed him, you realized, eyebrows furrowing.

You looked him over, eyes sweeping and critical, and put a hand on Poe’s blaster, lowering it.

“Hold your fire.” You said, voice quiet, eyes still locked on Kylo’s dark, looming figure.

“Hold my–Baby, that’s Kylo Ren!”

You looked back at Poe, daring to take your eyes off of the former Sith for a few moments. His expression softened once he saw yours. You weren’t worried at all. Not a hint of fear in those eyes. He trusted you, and if you thought it was okay, then maybe…

“Ben, right?” You asked, turning back to look at him.

He smiled, tentative and unsure, eyes searching each of you for malice, for distrust. There was none. At least, not in your eyes. Finn and Poe looked like they still needed to be convinced. “Ben. Ben…Solo.”

You searched him for the heavy darkness that had burdened his soul for so long, but came up empty. Whatever had happened out there, with Rey, had left him changed. Had healed him in more ways than one.

“Is Rey okay?” Finn asked, gaze hardened.

Ben nodded. “Took my TIE Fighter. Intends to go to Exegol alone. I can help you get in touch with her, breach its communications.”

You nodded. “Alright. You…you can come with us, but…don’t be surprised if some of the folks on base don’t take too kindly to the sight of you. We’ll have to warn them you’re coming so they don’t…shoot you on sight.”

He scoffed, nodding in agreement. “I don’t think I could blame them for that after everything. But…I owe you all. I want to help, before it’s too late.”

March of the Resistance

The trip back to Ajan Kloss was…tense. Ben sat at the sabacc table, staring at the checkered tiles. Poe and Chewbacca were in the cockpit, piloting you all back to safety. Finn stood with you against the wall, watching Ben, waiting for him to say something.

You’d already spoken to Leia, warned her. She’d felt it, though. She knew you were bringing her son back to her.

He searched you, you could felt him poking around your energy with the Force, bristling slightly.

“Sorry. Force of habit.” He retracted immediately, staring at his hands, shaking with worry.

“It’s…alright. You can ask if you have questions.”

“You knew my father.” He blurted, eyes meeting yours. “My mother. You’re…they took me to your grave when I was young. Your…pod.”

“My pod…” You agreed, nodding slowly. “I did know them. I was good friends with them. Your mother was my best friend. Basically a sister to me. In another life, I would have been your aunt.”

He nodded, listening. He swallowed the lump in his throat, eyes glossy. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” You told him, voice gentle and sincere. You let out a sigh. “But I’m not the only one you’re going to need to apologize to.”

Ben nodded, solemn. He didn’t reply after that.

Finn watched the interaction with guarded eyes. You couldn’t imagine how he was feeling now, a former Stormtrooper standing in front of Kylo Ren. Redeemed or not, there had to be a lot going on in his head. You put a hand on Finn’s arm, heading towards the cockpit.

“How is he…?” Poe murmured, looking back to meet your eyes.

“Not hellbent on murderous destruction anymore. Any hits from Rey?”

“Yeah, she’s headed back, too. She’ll beat us there by a handful of minutes.” Poe said. 

He reached for your hand and you gave it to him, letting him squeeze it for comfort. You were both okay, for now. But the final fight was coming. Like a tidal wave headed straight for the beach.

***

You landed in pandemonium, people rushing every which way around the base. Rey had beat you there, and was waiting when the Falcon landed, a little worse for wear, but fine otherwise.

Finn walked out of the ship first, hugging Rey tightly, the two of them talking to each other about something. You and Poe walked out next. The gathered Resistance members waiting in bated breath until, finally, Ben walked out, dressed all in black, saber-less. They all murmured, watching his every move.

As odd as it was, it was kind of nice to have them whisper about someone else for a change.

Leia stepped forward, slow, tentative. She hadn’t seen him in person in…years. From a distance, sure, but not face to face like this. The tension was palpable, the Force hanging between them nearly enough to throw you from your feet.

Poe put a hand on your arm, watching as Kylo Ren himself fell to his knees in front of his mother, tears streaming from his eyes. She knelt beside him, the two of them murmuring to each other, reconciling. It felt wrong to watch, so you stepped away, helping the others round up equipment.

Not long after, a meeting was called in the hangar, the whole Resistance gathered around to listen to the intel from Ben. He had been on Exegol, talked to the Emperor. He knew what was waiting for you there, where you all had to go, what had to be done to stop Palpatine once and for all.

You felt that sinking feeling in your chest, the one you’d gotten before the fight with Insidia. You tried to shake it off, but you knew what it meant. You…might not make it out of this one.

Poe and Finn pitched their plan to the others, discussing the ground attack on the Star Destroyers, the plot to block their communications, prevent them from taking off.

“We have friends out there. They’ll come if they know there’s hope.” Poe insisted, fire in his eyes, a hand resting on his belt. “The First Order wins by making us think we’re alone.” He met your eyes. “But we’re not alone. Good people will fight if we lead them.”

You nodded, listening to the rest of their speech, Finn and Poe, calling the shots. It was nice. Your boys. Following in the footsteps of those before you. Poe caught your gaze, tilting his head as if to say ‘your turn.’

You took a breath, gathering your thoughts. You had many. You squeezed Rey’s hand, which had been in yours for the last several minutes, Soren standing on your other side, Laesynda beside him. Your family. Your growing pack of Jedi.

“I didn’t expect to survive the first war. A lot of us didn’t. Good people gave their lives for this cause. Thirty years ago, mere months ago…We have been fighting this battle for a generation. I only got a taste of that peace. Two years of it. I’ve seen it and…I know the end. I didn’t expect to disappear, to come back in the midst of another war. But…I am honored to stand among you, my brothers and sisters, my nephew…to call you my family and fight by your side. I am with you to the bitter end. We will end this war, bring peace to the galaxy, destroy Palpatine, permanently this time. I want each and every single one of you to live in that peace, to plant the seeds of your new lives, and watch them grow in a world free of the First Order’s tyranny. May the Force be with each of you today.”

“And with us all.” Laesynda finished, her hand on your shoulder, a proud look in her eye. The group dismissed, heading their separate directions, running and working in tandem to prepare for the fight ahead.

You turned to your Jedi. Your team. Rey, Finn, Soren…Ben.

“I’m going with ground support.” Finn said. “They need me.”

“I know they do. And they’re lucky to have you.” You said, nodding. “Soren?”

“Stay here?” He asked, expecting the same answer from his Jedi Master, but instead, you shook your head.

“Nope. You’re coming with us. You’re ready now. I know you are. You’ve got us with you. We need you now more than ever.” You smiled, gently. “My Padawan.”

He nodded, determined, eyes sparkling with that Rebel moxie. He was your blood after all.

“I’ll meet you all at the Falcon. We’re wheels-up in thirty.”

Rey and Ben nodded, looking at each other, at your nephew. You left them for a moment, looking for Laesynda, who was face to face with a man around her age, maybe a hair older. He had Soren’s nose. Ah, your brother-in-law. He’d finally come around, right when you all needed him most.

You’d meet up with her in a few minutes, then.

You watched as the pilots ran around, dusting off their ships, tossing helmets to each other, mechanics rushing to get everything set for takeoff. You watched as Aspen ran past, her black hair in a braid. Snap, Jessika, Karé, running past, towards the hangar where Black Squadron’s X-Wings were.

BB-8 bumped into your leg, bobbling slightly as he looked up at you, telling you Poe was in the hangar, getting ready for take-off.

“How soon?”

He replied that it would be about fifteen minutes. You nodded, thinking.

“Can you record something for me, Bee? Something important?”

He nodded, rolling off somewhere private with you. 

You knelt down to his level and sighed, preparing yet another speech. “Hey, flyboy. It’s uh, it’s me. If you’re seeing this…something bad happened to me on Exegol. And I’m…really sorry. For everything. For all of it. For leaving you. I know you don’t go throwing the L word around, and that’s okay, but…I love you, too, for the record. I heard what you said on Pasaana. I’ve felt it at the edges of your mind. I love you, too. I have for…a long time. You’re leaving soon, so I’m going to go say goodbye to you for real. But…I wanted you to have this, too, just in case. Every…every moment I’ve been by your side has been a moment well spent, and I wouldn’t trade a single one for all the credits in the galaxy. I hope you’re…safe and happy and well. I hope you live to be super, super old, all wrinkly and gray, and reminisce on the good old days, when you used to hang out with a princess. And if I don’t make it, I want you to fall in love again. To find someone else to give your heart to. I could never be mad at you for that.”

You paused, closing your eyes as you gazed into BB-8’s camera. “I love you, Poe Dameron. I hope you have a really great, peaceful life with this little droid by your side.”

BB-8 beeped at you, telling you that he was not, in fact, little, and you laughed a little, standing up and brusing yourself off.

“I know, I know. Now let’s go find him. I gotta say goodbye.”

You walked to the hangar beside BB-8 as he rolled along. Poe was looking around, somewhat frantic until he saw his little droid, you accompanying him, your strides long and graceful, wings drifting behind you magnificently.

“Mmmm, I do love that flight suit, flyboy.” You said, eyes roaming his figure in the orange fabric.

“There you are, Princess, I was getting ready for wheels-up in here and I couldn’t find my girl or my droid.” He put his hands on your arms, looking you over. “You okay? How you feeling?”

You nodded, meeting his eyes, bravery blossoming in your chest. “Good. I’m good. How are you, Commander?”

“Ready to get this shit over with.” He let out a tired breath, hands wandering from your arms to your hips, pulling you into his chest. “We’re gonna be okay, alright? You and I? I’ll see you after. Right here. Don’t be late.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” You said, voice soft, so much hidden in your words. “You be careful out there. Come back to me in one piece.”

He pulled away to look at you, smirking as his lips flicked down to your lips. “Of course, your Highness.”

He surged forward and kissed you, a long, passionate, earth-shattering kiss, tongue rolling over yours, arms tight around your waist. And then he pulled away, meeting your eyes again.

You stood there for a long moment, his arms around you. Your fingers drifted down to the healer’s pendant, glimmering in the dim light. He grabbed your hand, eyes searching yours, eyebrows knitted together, the heat palpable. The tension. The fear.

You pressed one last, quick kiss to his lips and turned to leave, glancing back at him. “See you later, Poe.”

As you took a few steps towards the edge of the hangar, he called out for you. “Hey, wait! I…”

You met his eyes, heart racing. You could feel it again, at the edge of his mind, the tip of his tongue.

He licked his lips. Swallowed. Then said, “I love you.”

Your jaw dropped, hand rising to your face as you let out a gasp. He’d said it. He’d actually kriffin’ said it.

“P-Poe…”

“I love you, (Y/N). I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”

You ran back into his arms with new fervor, kissing his lips like it was the last thing you’d ever do. He laughed into your mouth, tears welling in his eyes as he looked you over, searching your face, your eyes, almost wondering if he’d actually said it out loud this time.

You smiled, reaching up to readjust his curls. “I love you, too.”

He couldn’t keep the grin off of his face as he asked, “You’re not just sayin’ that?”

“No, I mean it. I…I love you, Poe Dameron. Don’t get yourself blown up out there.”

He chuckled, kissing you one last time. “I’ll try, sweetheart.”

Eyes on the Jedi

You stood in the Falcon, watching as Chewie and Lando piloted. Like old times. You shook with every movement, watching out the windshield, dread growing in your stomach. First, you all would go distract Palpatine. Then, the fleet would come, taking on the army of Star Destroyers.

You had an earpiece in your ear, listening as the pilots spoke to each other. Listening to Poe’s voice as much as you could stomach to.

“Black Leader to Falcon, how are we looking, General Calrissian?”

“Smooth and steady, Black Leader. The Jedi are ready.”

“How’s the Princess?”

Lando glanced back at you, chuckling softly. “Princess is good.”

“Good, good, glad to hear it. Let us know once you drop them off.” Poe said, voice walking that line between professional and concerned.

“Will do, Commander.”

You looked to the others, putting a hand on Soren’s arm, wings tensing. He looked nervous, sure, but…he also looked determined. Brave. Ready for the fight that lied ahead, no matter how terrifying.

Finally, Lando pulled the Falcon up to the mouth of the cave. A strange swirl of nostalgia fluttered around your heart as you looked at it, a sinking, bitter feeling in your core. Insidia’s laugh echoed across your mind one last time. Luke’s voice pushed it out.

I’m with you, Princess. Then and now. You’re not alone.

You nodded, eyes closing. You weren’t alone. You had Rey. Soren. Ben. Finn was out there, too. Poe. Lando and Chewie. Leia. You had friends and allies, new and old, standing with you as you stepped off of the Falcon and into immediate danger, saber igniting, lighting the dark with magenta.

Soren lit his saber as well, standing by your side, an extension of yourself in more ways than one. Your Padawan, your nephew, wielding your original saber, the one you had been wielding on your last day of your old life. The one he and mother had journeyed so far to find.

Rey and Ben led the way, Ben more familiar with this place since he had been there. You could feel the energy already, dark and all-consuming. A cacophonous choir of voices echoing off the walls, chanting. Cultists, you realized. Perhaps some of the same souls Insidia had rallied with the first time.

Among them, the Knights of Ren.

You shivered, finally getting a good look at them. You’d never seen them all face to face, or…face to mask, but they were here, looming like shadows, weapons giving off an eerie, unsettling red light.

You looked to Rey and Ben, telling them silently to move forward, that you and Soren would handle these guys. They nodded, running off while you and Soren launched into battle, swinging your sabers against the onslaught of weapons. There were six of them, two of you, but you’d trained him well, and had been training yourself. Your movements were graceful and precise, quick and fluid, using your wings in tandem with your body, using them to get leverage.

You rotated around Soren, working together, defending each other, attacking the knights as a unit. Nephew and Aunt. Pawadan and Jedi, like all those who had come before you.

You leaped over Soren, tucking your legs in for more momentum as you crashed down onto the last knight, slashing through his armor with one final blow.

Breathing heavy, you looked to Soren, searching him for any sign of injury. There was none. He was fine. He gave you a soft, reassuring smile and you nodded, leading him back to the chamber where Palpatine was, a cult of hooded figures around the edge of the large room.

He had Ben and Rey in a chokehold of Force energy, sapping them with his withered hands, draining the very life from them.

“NO!” You roared, hands thrown forward. A wave of invisible energy crashed into him, shocking him long enough to drop them onto the cold stone ground.

“Ah…I was wondering when you’d show up, Princess. How kind of you to join us…your original, let’s say…sacrifice, was enough to revive me in the first place. Insidia gave her life. You gave yours. Two lives to restore the one, true Emperor.”

“She tried, but she couldn’t kill me.” You said, helping Rey to her feet, Ben.

“Which is why it is a half-life I live. But not for long…”

He reached forward, trying to drain the life from you next, but you stood strong, blocking him. You heard the sounds of ships overhead, out above the cave’s opening. Explosions. The sound of X-Wings crashing, ships being destroyed. Star Destroyers blasting.

“Your love makes you weak.” Palpatine scolded, energy scathing the edges of yours, finally reaching. Taking. You dropped to your knees as the power flowed from you, a horrible numbness eating at the ends of your limbs, tingling in your fingers and toes.

“(Y/N)!” Rey called out as you sprawled to the floor.

Palpatine stopped, his withered flesh repairing itself from your energy. He let out a triumphant laugh, reaching up towards the sky, lightning flying from his fingertips, up at the Resistance ships.

At Poe.

Everything ached, chest burning. You had to get up. You knew you had to. But you just didn’t have the strength. Ben and Soren swung at Palpatine, but he threw them back as though they were weightless.

“(Y/N), please. I can’t…” Rey said, broken. “I can’t do this alone.”

“You’re not alone.” Luke’s voice said as his Force Ghost appeared beside the both of you.

“Help you, we will.” Yoda added, appearing beside Luke. Then Obi-Wan, who met your eyes with a wink. Anakin…All the great Jedi of old, gathered around you. The light rising to meet the dark.

“Get up, Princess. That’s not a request.” Luke goaded, lending you his strength. His face shifted to his younger form, the way he’d looked the last time you’d fought side by side.

“You sound like Han.” You grumbled, scraping yourself off of the cold, hard ground, warmth returning to your fingers. You ignited your saber, Soren and Ben returning to the fight alongside the army of spirits summoned by the Force. The light of the Jedi, the dark of the Sith, colliding one last time as Palpatine’s cultists flooded the arena.

It was all out war. Sabers slinging every which way, light bouncing off of the walls, Palpatine’s lightning coming to a stop as he was rushed by an onslaught of Jedi, his cultists dropping off one by one, dispatched quickly. It seemed he had sapped their strength, too, using their loyalty to make himself stronger. He hadn’t changed in the slightest.

Palpatine shot lightning at you, but Soren locked sabers with you, both of you pushing the lightning back onto him, weakening him just enough.

Rey and Ben united, using their combined power to drain the Emperor, dispersing the energy back into the Force, to restore balance.

“It’s…impossible…” He groaned, thrashing about as they took it back from him, every last ounce of stolen power.

“No. It’s not.” You said, standing with the two of them, helping them finish the job, draining and draining and draining until there was nothing left. Not even a body. Dissolved entirely into the Force.

There was a great rush of power after, an explosion of it, rushing out of the cave. You looked up to find Star Destroyers nose-diving out of the sky. The four of you shared a moment of relief, the rush of victory, as the Force Ghosts dissipated around you once more.

You met Luke’s eyes, a promise. You didn’t need him anymore. But someday, if you ever did, you knew he’d be there for you. Then, he vanished, too.

Rey called for Lando, hoping the Falcon was okay, but all you could think about was Poe. At some point, your earpiece had fallen out. You had no way to check on him, other than looking up, reaching with the Force. You were nearly too frazzled to find his energy up there, but…it was. You breathed in relief. He was okay.

The Falcon swept down to get you as the cave started to rumble, unstable from the blast of energy. You all climbed on board, the rest of the ground crew was there. Rey rushed to Finn, hugging him tightly. You met up with Jannah, nodding at her and acknowledging the rest of them before sliding into the cockpit, putting on a headset just in time to catch:

“Do we have any eyes on the Jedi? That cave is gonna blow.” Poe said, voice a little pitchy over the comms.

“Just Finn, Commander.” One of the other pilots said before you could interject. “He’s on board the Falcon.”

Poe swallowed, voice getting thicker. “This is Black Leader. I repeat, do we have any eyes on the Princess and the rest of the Jedi?”

You lowered the microphone, tapping into the comms. “Reading you loud and clear, Black Leader. The Princess and the rest of the Jedi are on board the Falcon, headed home.”

You heard the way his voice hitched, the relieved little sob that left his mouth. He cleared his throat, trying to sound professional as he replied, “G-Glad to hear it. We’ll see you at home, Princess.”

Lando smiled at you, steering the Falcon away from the cave and into hyperspace, into safety. “You two remind me a whole lot of people we know.”

“I know.” You chuckled. “A pilot and a princess, who would have thought?”

“You’re good together. When I saw you at the gala together that night, I thought you were definitely already together. That look in his eye…watching you use that Princess super-power of yours up close.” Lando confessed, eyes glimmering. “He’s good for you. Enjoy it.”

“Oh, I will. This time…I’m not going anywhere.”

The Pilot, the Prince

The Falcon came down smoothly at the edge of camp. Vehicles touched down left and right, Resistance members rushing out of them and into each other’s arms, celebrating a victory hard-won. You counted heads, looked for faces.

Aspen. Beaumont. Some of the rookies. No Black Squadron yet.

You kept searching faces, counting heads. Soren ran to Laesynda and the man you assumed was her husband. Beside him, your droid. Radia. She’d…been with him all along.

You looked for Poe’s X-Wing, but didn’t see it yet, so while the others on the Falcon dispersed, you ran to your sister, holding her in your arms, burying your face in her shoulder. She laughed, smiling brightly, pulling away to look at you and Soren. Both had returned to her. Both were fine. You could feel her settle as the weight of the galaxy eased off of her shoulders.

“(Y/N)...this is my husband. Marc. Marc, this is my sister.”

He offered his hand. He had dark brown hair, a dark beard, kind eyes. He was wearing a leather jacket and gloves, a blaster holstered to his belt. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Princess. Thank you for taking care of our son.”

“Of course. It’s nice to meet you, too. I…you…” You glanced down at Radia, who was beeping and whirring excitedly.

“I borrowed her. Hope you don’t mind. She’s a great companion.”

You knelt down, wrapping your arms around your old friend, resting your head against the cool metal of her panels. She had been painted a little, it seemed, but kept up well.

“Thank you. For taking care of her.” You told Laesynda, meeting her eyes, then Marc’s. “I thought I’d never see her again.”

“I’d never let anything happen to her.” Laesynda promised. “She carries all our memories with her. All of my memories of you. I could never part with those.”

“Well, now,” you smiled, “we get to make new ones.”

The X-Wings finally arrived, the people on the ground erupting into cheers. You locked eyes on Poe’s X-Wing, on BB-8 in his compartment in the back, wobbling as he looked around, took it all in. The top of the cockpit popped open and Poe began to climb out.

“I gotta go.”

“Go get him, Princess.” Laesynda encouraged, warmth in her eyes.

You took off, fluttering your wings before flying right over, past the celebrating Rebels, straight into Poe’s waiting arms, the force of it nearly enough to tackle him to the grass.

He laughed, spinning you around and around, peppering kisses all over your face before finally setting you in front of him, eyes softening as he took you in. His Jedi. His Princess. Alive and unharmed.

Your hand rose to his cheek, thumb smoothing over his skin, the other adjusting his curls, mussed up from his helmet.

“Hey.” He murmured.

“Hey yourself.” You replied, leaning up to press a tender kiss to his lips. He reciprocated immediately, hands securing themselves around your waist, tugging you closer to him as he deepened the kiss, tongue rolling into your mouth. You melted against him, breath hitching at his touch.

“Thought I lost you there for a second…” He confessed, nose brushing yours as he tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. “That lightning…I thought…I felt…”

“I know.” You nodded, kissing him again, featherlight. “But I’m okay. We all are.”

“I love you.” He said again, breaths ragged, holding you close, a hand cradling your head. “I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you, too.” You whispered, kissing his cheek, just in front of his ear. “My daring pilot.”

“Your trigger-happy flyboy.”

“Wouldn’t have him any other way.” You said, finally pulling away enough to let Rey and Finn into your circle. The four of you held each other, heads leaning together, arms around each other as you let the peace settle. The weight of the galaxy finally easing up off of your shoulders.

***

It only made sense that after a victory like that would come a party.

Poe mingled with just about every person on the base, congratulating people, shaking hands, flashing that prettyboy smile. He glanced back at you every handful of minutes, monitoring. You were sitting with Leia and Lando and Chewie, the last remaining members of your original group, enjoying the sounds of celebration.

“You were hungover for four days after the last war.” Leia recalled, laughing as she sipped from her glass.

“Oh I remember. Or…don’t remember. I guess that’s the whole point.” You chuckled. “Those little teddy bears knew how to party.”

Lando laughed at that. “So did you, Princess.”

“Alright, alright.” You chuckled. “I had a reputation for a reason.”

A few people came up to you, offering congratulations and well-wishes. You spoke with them, wishing them the best of luck, wherever they were headed.

Eventually, Poe wandered back to you, sitting on the log beside you. He took your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. Gently, he pulled your hand to his lips, kissing the back of it, the fire twinkling in his warm eyes.

“Can I talk to you about something? Alone?”

You smiled, following him away from the heat and noise of the party and out into the cool night air. Your clearing. Your meditating spot. It was…lit with strings of lights, glowing and warm. Someone had come out there and decorated it.

“What’s all this…?”

“Called in some favors.” Poe admitted, letting out a nervous chuckle. “I hope you don’t mind. I guess I should have asked first…”

“No, it’s…beautiful, Poe.” You reassured him, giving his hand a squeeze.

“I, uh…guess we’ve never really talked about what happens now. Between…us. What are your plans, now that it’s all over?”

“Plans?” You thought, eyes drifting over the lights. “Laesynda and I have discussed going back to Mariposas. Rebuilding. There are a lot of folks displaced from this war, I’d like to give them a place where they can be safe. Besides, I think Rey and I should probably start up a Jedi Temple. There are a few spots there that would be perfect for one. That’s…those are my plans. What are yours?”

“So, actually, about that…I was wondering if, uh…” He took a breath, those dark eyelashes fluttering shut, brows furrowing.

You waited, head tilting as he found his words. “If…?”

“It’s okay if you say no.” He prefaced, a hand out in warning, the other in his pocket.

“Can’t say no if you never ask, flyboy.”

Poe stared at you. He took a step closer, a hand settling on your hip, met your eyes… “I…was wondering if…you’d marry me, (Y/N).”

Your jaw dropped, heart pounding, searching his eyes for the edges of the joke, but…it wasn’t. It wasn’t a joke to him. He was serious.

His hand emerged from his pocket, his mother’s ring taken off the chain he’d worn it on for so long, pinched carefully between his fingers as he waited. After a long moment, he hesitated, eyes falling to the ground, doubt swirling. “It’s too soon, isn’t it? It’s okay, I just–”

“Poe.” You said, drawing his attention back to you, eyes watering. “You’d…you’d be a prince, you know. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. Rebuilding a planet.”

“Yeah, well…my schedule just cleared up, so…” He said, still tense, but that humor of his starting to peek through again.

“You’re serious.”

“Never been more serious about anything in my life.”

You let out a shudder of a sigh, reaching forward and taking his face in your hands. Kissing him passionately, a hand buried in his curls, the other fondly caressing the scar on his cheekbone.

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes, Poe Dameron. I…Yes.”

He took your hand in his, gingerly sliding the ring onto your finger, pretending to be surprised that it fit perfectly, like he hadn’t been putting it on you while you were sleeping. “Perfect fit.”

“Yeah, it is.” You nodded, pulling him by the collar of his shirt into another kiss, the ring gleaming on your finger under the warm lights. This time, he kissed back, hungrily, mouth devouring your own, hands firm on your tips, pulling you against him. You melted against his touch, letting a quiet moan into his mouth as his fingertips skimmed the smooth tissue of your wing.

He pulled away, resting his forehead against yours, breaths ragged, eyes searching your face. “I, uh…Bee showed me your video. When it was bad out there. The lightning…”

“Oh. Poe. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. He thought I was gonna die, so…I just…you meant it, huh? You thought you wouldn’t…”

“Yeah.” You admitted. “Being a Jedi isn’t exactly a stable gig. Neither is being a pilot. Just wanted to…cover my bases.”

He nodded, hands on your waist, thumbs rubbing circles into your hipbones. “I do disagree with you on one thing.”

“Oh, do you?”

“Yeah. I…I’m never gonna fall in love again after you. You’re it for me. I’m gonna love you until the day I die. Ideally, with you by my side, but…”

You closed your eyes, smiling gently, a bittersweet kind of love settling over your soul. “I just want you to be happy.”

“And I will be. With you.” He tugged you closer, pressing a long kiss to your cheek. “I had him put a little something together for you, too. If you wanna watch it now, or…later?”

“Now works.”

BB-8 rolled out of the bushes, whirring in congratulations.

You laughed. “Thank you!”

He rolled back a little, leaning up to project a video above him. What unfolded was a series of memories.

Poe and the others arriving on Mariposas to get you, Poe turning the medallion over in his hand.

“What if it doesn’t work?” Finn wondered.

“It’ll work. She’s…waited long enough.” Poe knelt down, pressing the medallion into the compartment of the healing pod. “I didn’t expect her to be so…”

“Beautiful…” Rey murmured, nodding.

“And young…” Poe said, watching as the amulet began to glow, the glass of the pod retracting shakily. They all waited in bated breath for you to wake up.

Eventually, the projection of you opened her eyes and you watched how you’d met them all, tired and confused, mistaking them for your old friends. Little had you known then just how much they would all mean to you.

After, BB-8 played a medley of each of the moments he’d captured, borrowed from other droids. The two of you building your lightsaber, him touching your wings for the first time, the way you reunited after battles and missions, the way you flirted around eachother, dancing circles around each other until finally colliding that fateful night at the gala. The way you flew over the base to get to him when he was injured. All the loving touches and gazes that came after, playfully hiding your relationship from your colleagues. Your victory kiss.

A montage of your love, all laid out for you nicely.

Fireworks boomed in the distance, the rebels out by the base finally getting into supplies you wouldn’t need now that the war was over.

You curled against his chest, swaying in the night, beneath the glittering lights.

“I can’t wait to make a million more, baby.” He murmured, pressing his lips to your forehead. “I love you so goddamn much. Feels like it’s killing me sometimes.”

“I think that’s how it’s supposed to feel.” You kissed his cheek, then his lips. “I would know. I’ve loved you for a good, long time, Poe Dameron and…I’m gonna love you for the rest of my life.”

“Don’t you forget it.”

Epilogue

Months had passed. You had been boots on the ground on Mariposas, helping rebuild the tatters of your broken home. You started with the palace, a nice centralized building so everyone could be housed close together, but as more refugees arrived, you were sure you’d have the help you’d need to build the nearest village back up.

Rey and Finn had taken a journey to round up more Force Sensitives, the return of the Jedi, as it were. When they found them, everything would be ready. The Force would finally find balance again.

“Hey, baby, Laesynda found this in your father’s room. Said to bring it to you.” Poe said, stepping over some rubble on his way over to you, a small wooden box in his calloused hands. You weren’t married yet, still engaged and taking it one day at a time. There was a lot of work to be done before you’d feel settled enough for a wedding.

“Let me see…” You held it, brushing thirty years of dust from the lid before opening it slowly. Inside was one of your father’s rings. A gold band, a strip of purple gemstones through the center. On the inside was engraved a butterfly, the symbol of your people. “Oh…”

“It’s beautiful.” Poe said softly.

“It was Dad’s.” You confirmed, plucking it from its velvet casing. “Told her I was looking for it.”

“For what, your Highness?” He asked, voice featherlight as you took his hand, spreading his fingers.

“This.” You slid it onto his ring finger, searching his eyes. “I know we still have a lot to do before the wedding but…when all of the people get here, I…want them to know you’re mine.”

“Possessive little Princess, aren’t you? Don’t want your new subjects to get too carried away?”

“Not with my pilot.” You murmured, pressing a kiss to his lips. “Besides, it’s a Mariposan thing. I was supposed to propose to you, not the other way around.”

“See, I did know that, I just…couldn’t help myself.” He grinned, hand resting on your waist as he kissed you, the ring gleaming against his finger. “I’m a little impulsive.”

“I know.”

You heard a ship landing outside and rushed out with him to find the Millennium Falcon landing. Chewie emerged with Finn, Rey, and…Jannah? One of the defected Stormtroopers who had helped you all on the moon in the Endor system.

“Jannah! Hey!” You waved excitedly, rushing over to meet them, Poe following close behind.

“Your Highness…” She said, looking at you with a sparkle of insecurity in her eyes. “I’d be honored to train with you, if you’d have me.”

“Welcome aboard.” You replied, putting a hand on her arm, warmth in your eyes. “It’s not much yet, we’re still rebuilding, but, we’re getting there.”

“Day by day.” Finn said, smiling proudly. He was still wielding Luke’s green saber, and wielding it well.

In the months that had passed, however, Rey and Soren had crafted their own sabers. Rey’s was a dual blade. It made sense for her, with her experience with a staff, a brilliant yellow color. One you had never seen in a saber. Soren’s had taken on a lighter color, cyan, somewhere between green and blue. It suited him. Fresh, just like your nephew.

This left your legacy saber wielderless. You kept it with you, in case danger arose. Two sabers readily at your disposal, but…you had a feeling Jannah wouldn’t look so bad holding it. Maybe this was how it was meant to be. Time would tell.

The pieces hadn’t magically fallen into place the minute the war had ended. Nor had you expected them to. Healing took time, lots of it. But you had a growing family there. People you could count on. People looking for a home, for a leader. A leader you hoped they would find in Laesynda, in yourself. Your brother had shattered the kingdom at his feet, but together, you hoped, you would find a way to recover. A way to more forward. To heal the past as you marched towards the future.

“We’ll get there.” Poe said, confident. Sure of it. You loved that about him.

“We will. All of us. Together.”

In the distance, Soren and Ben trained, flitting from branch to branch of the healing Monarch Tree, the crowned jewel of your home planet.

And for the first time in thirty years, it was finally beginning to bloom.

THE END.

Tags: @cap-lu20

[mx-jinxous]

Steve adjusted the clasp on the cloak as he stared over the market stalls. He’d been lucky that the guard they had sent was the same size and wasn’t the brightest. He had feigned falling asleep, which gave him enough time to plan an escape. When the unsuspecting guard had come in with the tray in full armor, it was like the gods were on his side for once. He’d fallen for Steve’s fib, that the chain was biting too tightly into his wrist that it was hurting to eat. Without a second thought, he had unlocked the cuff.

The tray the food came on was the perfect weapon, Steve picked it up and struck while the guard was distracted. He hit the bed, out cold. The young man held his breath for a moment, waiting for the other guards to come running in for their comrade with the commotion the tray had caused. By the second Steve relaxed, the door stayed closed through him stripping the guard down to his undergarments.

It took a little longer to dress in the unfamiliar clothing, but once he got everything situated, he hid his face below the uniform helmet and grabbed the tray. Taking a deep breath, he braced himself before sneaking out, closing the door quickly behind him. He nodded to the two guards as he walked calmly down the hall, sprinting once he rounded the corner.

He went down several stairs and a few corridors before he broke the outside. From there he slipped out through a garden, spotting two children playing amongst the flowers. Before crossing the garden he placed the tray on a pillar, slipping out of the castle walls with surprising ease. To be honest, it nearly was too easy that he thought that the king himself would jump up and attack. Instead, it was a clear path with little to no people on the trail to the village market.

He grabbed a cloak that was hanging unmonitored at a stall as he passed through, blending in the best he could. Currently, he was exploring a jewelry section of the market, trying to find something or someone to remove the bracelet. He’d caught glances and offers, but no magical key. It was a wild goose chase and if he couldn’t find someone to remove it then what were his chances of finding someone to help him home? At least when he was home he had his car to sleep in, here he didn’t even know a place or the currency to get a room.

Maybe his father was right, he’s an idiot that can’t seem to keep himself out of trouble. Somehow he managed to find and get a crush on a stone statue that happened to be alive. Luck was never on his side. It had to be at least after two in the evening and he was going to find shelter for the night. Steve wasn’t worried about food, he’s starved before, but still, life is a real pain in the ass.

“Pst, hey. Kid, you look like you need to lie down.” Steve spun around to find the owner of the voice. Besides him, peeking out from a curtained doorway, was a man with salt and pepper hair. He was around his father's age, yet more weathered than the bastard ever dared to look.

“Ah yeah. I’ve had a long day and honestly, it’s been shitty. To make things worse, I’ve got this stupid bracelet stuck on my skin and no one can get it off.” He unloaded on the guy, trying to remove the bracelet to emphasize the point. He was exhausted, on the run, his body still weak from his sudden illness. Steve just wanted to go home and sleep in his backseat.

“You do seem stressed. Perhaps I can assist you, I do have training involved with enchanted jewelry. Come, my home is open and if you give me the chance to look over it, I may be able to break the enchantment. While you wait I have a free bed.”

Steve stared at the man suspiciously out of the corner of his eye. No one was this kind out of the goodness of their heart, always something on the line. If it was the bracelet, he’d happily turn it over to him and let him deal with the crazy people and stone statue. Still, he was cautious. Steve entered expecting anything but what he saw. It was a living room, minus a tv or anything of value, just a woven sofa and coffee table. The door, a literal board on hinges, slammed behind him causing Steve to jump and turn.

“Apologies.” The man said, walking over to the sofa. “Come, allow me to examine the magic.” He invited Steve to sit, the younger man joining him on the sofa. “My manners seemed to have left me, I am Martin. I study enchantments and other types of magic.” He explained as he manhandled the younger man’s wrist, examining the bracelet. The older man rotated his wrist, fiddling with the clasp and gem while making noise to himself.

Finally, after minutes of the hands-on approach, Martin released his arm. “Strong, ancient magic has bound this to you. May I ask where you acquired it?”

“You wouldn’t believe me. Hell, I don’t believe it and it happened to me.” Steve had to chuckle at his denial. With all that he has witnessed in the last 24 hours, he felt crazy for denying it.

“I have heard many tales in my days, you can hardly surprise this old man.” Said man stood, walking around the home, collecting items. “Humor me?”

“A statue gave it to me.” Martin paused, going silent.

“You mean you stole it from the statue?”

“No. The statue came to life, stuck it on my wrist, then took me captive. I’ve been stuck with it since.”

“I see. It sounds like a golem, an enchanter tasked with missions. The magic keeps stationed and once they have accomplished said task then they just crumble. Perhaps you were supposed to bring the bracelet to a new owner. Once I get it off I will study the magic properties.” Martin returned to the sofa, a basket filled with various items. There were bowls, bags of powders, gems, and a sharp blade.

“Alright, lay your arm down. I will try to remove the stone first, if that is the source of the magic then the bracelet should come off without a problem.” Martin explained, picking up the blade.

“Woah! Woah! Can we maybe not use a knife to test this? I do want to keep my limbs.” Steve yelled, pulling his arm back, but that seemed to sour Martin’s temperament. What followed pushed the younger man into an adrenaline haze. The older man charged with the knife, slashing through his arm. He didn’t have time to react to the blade's burn as it returned, meeting the gemstone instead of flesh.

When the steel met the stone a blast forced both men back, Martin flying back into the sofa that gave away from the impact. Steve stumbled back into the drapery, barely able to recover before the man came charging again. The younger threw the curtains at the man, giving him a moment to grab the rod to defend himself.

When his parents had been pressuring him into being a child prodigy they put him through an extensive baseball training camp, until they realized his only gift in the sport was his swing. Sure the three got on like a house and fire, yet he was silently thanking them as the brass rod met its target. There was a sickening crack and specks of blood as it impacted Martin’s face and Steve knew a nose wasn’t supposed to look like that, but it gave him the chance to escape.

With the rod gripped in his hands he sprinted to the door, throwing it open and running out into the market. He looked around for an escape path, but it seemed his path was blocked by people and an overwhelming appearance of guards. Steve Turned to run back to the other side of the market, but came face to face with Martin exiting his home, drenched in blood with his knife. He looked crazed, aiming his anger at Steve. As he took a step towards the young man, vines shot past him, wrapping around the threatening man. His head spun as the guard that had tried to interrogate him at the castle stepped up.

“Well, this is an absolute surprise,” Gareth said, eyes on Martin, hand grasping to the end of the vines. “We come in search of an escaped thief and come in contact with an old friend..” His tone reflected anything but friendliness, in fact, his smile was more of a scowl. “Hello Brenner. The guards and the king have been just dying to see you. Should have known your greed would send you our way.”

Steve took a step back, brain wanting to flee before the man snapped his attention to him. “Do not try to flee, I would rather lead you in shackles than a vine cage like this damned bastard.” He held up his free hand, shackles dangling.

They stared at one another, Steve weighed his options. One led to p; possible freedom, but if he moved one inch he’d be dressed up like a Christmas present. With a sigh, the man dropped his head and bared his wrists. “See, not so hard Mr. Rabbit-Hat.” Gareth made the snide comment while another guard took the shackles and fastened them awkwardly above the bracelet. “Now if Brenner had your self-preservation. Load them into the tumbleweed. We have a long journey ahead and I would like to sleep in my own bed tonight.”

With a harsh shove, Steve was loaded into the caged wagon, Martin being thrown in behind him. He was still bound, one gagging him leaving him to stare daggers at the younger man. He just huffed and rested back against the bars, letting his body relax as much as possible with the rocking of the wagon. It lulled him, letting his eyes shut before drifting, only to be jerked back by the cart stopping. Opening his eyes he was greeted with the sight of the castle and the last place he wanted to be, the home of the last person he wanted to see. The sunset was bouncing off of Martin’s bound body as they were removed from the cage.

The guards took the old man out first before dragging Steve out. He was groggy, nearly tripping over his own feet as he was paraded through the garden filled with children and servants. Martin was taken somewhere else while Steve was led into the castle, directly to the throne room. Standing before the stairs of the throne, the person that started this whole mess, a smirk plastered on his face.

King Kas stood proudly before him, giving him the chance to study the fleshier person. His hair was pinned up aside for two strands that framed his face, long, dark, and wavy, unlike the marble statue. His skin was fair and his brown eyes were just as lively and warm, inviting as they had been before. He was adorned in jewelry, much of what had been stolen by the thieves, aside from the bracelet.

He expected threats or a fight that would end up with his hand severed, or even his death. Instead, the king waved over a guard, having the bloodied shackles removed. Kas pushed his sleeve up, tsking at the sight of the angry cut. “I must admit, you are a surprising case. You climb from the family vault, wearing my family's bracelet, knocking out one of my guards, and escaping, then, after getting out to the market, you led Martin Brenner into capture. It has been quite the adventure and I would like to pay you back for bringing that dangerous man in. Hand over the bracelet, and allow you a night in the castle before sending you on the way. Joyce will see to your wound before you leave.” He was snarky. That’s what Steve noticed first, which didn’t help his attitude as he glared at the king.

“I can’t.” He grumbled, staring the man down.

“Cannot or will not?”

“I can’t! It’s stuck on my arm.”

“Magically adhered, your majesty. I did look it over while he was recovering.” Joyce spoke up, standing off to the side with the rest of the court. “This will not be a simple removal. I recommend having different magi look over the magical signature, and to do that you will have to stay.”

Frustration was building in Steve. He was going to be forced to stay in the place with his abductor, he was going to lose his job, and if he ever was able to leave he probably wouldn’t have a car. All of this happened because he had to make goo-goo eyes at an abnormally hot statue. A momentary dick over-brain slip caused him this living hell. His mind was bouncing around, between every regrettable decision that finally came to head when Kas had to have the last word. “Well, that is the universe punishing a thief.”

Like the break of a string, Steve snapped. His fist met the king’s cheek, sending the slightly older man stumbling back. Gasps resounded from around them, the guards reacting and binding Steve’s arm behind his back, but that didn’t stop the bite that came with the anger. Kas recovered quickly, glaring at the young man, ignoring the blood dripping from his lip.

“It’s your fault! You’re the one who put it on my wrist and locked me in that coffin! Don’t you dare try and blame me for this mess!”

“Lies! I do not even know your name! Guards, lock him in the guest room until he has calmed down for treatment!” Kas barked and trudged out of the room. Gareth followed him to his bed chambers, locking themselves in the room. The guard took a wet cloth from the basin, dabbing it over the king's lip.

“That man has a death wish. He is lucky Chris did not flay him. I do not understand his motives, but regardless of it, best to keep wary of him.” Kas hummed in agreement, fiddling with his pendent, spacing off as he looked at the doors. A scoff left Gareth before he smacked the king upside the back of the head, earning a yelp. “Are you seriously daydreaming about a thief that attacked you!?”

“Fucksake Gare! It is not my fault he happens to be a handsome man.” Kas huffed, crossing his arms.

“You can not be serious Eddie. You have the most absurd attractions.” He groaned.

“oh like you have the room to complain Gare. I recall hearing you in the middle of trysts with Andrew. The things you were begging for should have been transcribed by poets.” A pillow met Kas’ face, a snorted laugh escaping him as the two tussled.

“Why do I even try to care, you have always been the one to poke a bear.” The young guard scoffed, only for the pillow to greet his face. A loud, triumphant laugh echoed through the room. It was cut off once more when Gareth tackled the king, the two scuffling like children, the tension leaking out of the air as they ignored the elephant in the room.

——————————————

I believe I have figured a way to track this story with the increasingly growing tag list. I am going to make a custom tag below SetinStoneSteddie. You can follow the tag to keep up with the story :)

@steddieas-shegoes @steddie-steddie @paintsplatteredandimperfect @roastingdragon @oblivion-void @just-a-tiny-void @lilangeldevil006 @swimmingbirdrunningrock @izzy2210 @weirdandabsurd42 @throwbackthrowaway @steve-the-hairrington @loser-of-hearts333 @croatoan-like-its-hot @gingersass @alto-delete @anaibis @limbs-are-optional @thephantomhood @itsall-taken @jamieweasley13 @imfinereallyy @yeahhh-suga @awkotaco24 @aliea82 @lifeisnotsobadonceyoustopcaring @stxrcrossed186 @emly03 @elviraenthusiast @siriusleeart @fxrgetmenott @amerikanskaya-krassavitsa @noctxrn-e @spicysix @renaissan-vvitch @lovelyscot @goodolefashionedloverboi @teelagurl558 @seilahtitania32 @sparky-bunny @dontslayfay @amrice @pluckedstrings @plyerice27 @vae1bixy @grtwdsmwhr @vacantwatchers @8em-em-em8 @stevesbipanic @commonxsenss @sani-86 @suikatto @callmesirkay @spideysteveloml @neeerdrage @quevadilla @p0lybl4nkk @thetrueghostqueen @ok-just-why @eyesofshinigami @oxidantdreamboat @platinum-sunset @milottadoodles @chillichats @kyysposts @bookworm0690 @shrimply-a-menace @chocolateracconlights

[fishsticksloser]

Can i request rottmnt platonic child!fem! Reader & April one-shot?

April sign up to babysit reader for hours from 3 pm to 8 pm, however reader manage to escape from the apartment thanks to mayhem teleporting her accidentally, so now April go on a wild goose chase to find reader before her mom (reader's mom) come home.

Babysitting Disaster

April + gn!reader

Warnings: kids, losing said child, swearing, kinda short

A/N: This was gonna be posted yesterday, but I was just not feeling good. Also if you haven't yet, check out my Discord server where you can hang out with like minded people, share fanart/fanfics, and get updates before they're posted here.

Everything was going well. In April's opinion at least. She headed over to babysit you right after her last class and you were a pretty easy kid. You were quiet, respectful, and sweet. April immediately thought that she'd babysit you again if there was ever a need.

You and Mayhem got along really well, playing with each other. For the first time in a while, Mayhem was being friendly with someone else (he doesn't hate the turtles but doesn't really like them either).

Right after dinner though, she was cleaning up when April saw a flash of light. She wondered for a moment if Leo just showed up and went to check it out. But she didn't see anything when she went into your room. In fact, she didn't hear anything either. At first she thought nothing of it, you were a quiet kid.

Soon though, she realized you weren't in the apartment at all. Neither was Mayhem. "Shit..." April grabbed her jacket and rushed out. She had no clue where Mayhem could've teleported them, but she did know someone who might be able to help.

"You're conversing with Donatello." April hears as she finally makes it out of the apartment building.

"So... Remember how I was babysitting that toddler?" April asks, hearing his brothers in the background so they'll probably hear her predicament. Donnie hums in acknowledgement. "Mayhem may or may not have accidentally teleported them somewhere..."

"You're telling me you lost a kid?" Donnie snorts. April hears his brothers stop talking for a moment.

"April lost a kid?" Raph asks, his voice full of worry and concern.

"Technically..." April closes her eyes, waiting for Raph or even Mikey and Leo to yell at her. But all she hears is a heavy sigh.

"Sigh... I guess I can look at any crazy activity and hopefully find the kid." Donnie huffs, making his way to his lab. "You're lucky I figured out how to track that mystic stuff."

"If we're able to catch them in like... An hour, that'd be fantastic." She pleads, starting to walk down the street.

"Yeah, yeah..." Donnie waves off her concern, getting the system running. "The others are coming to hopefully help, but knowing them..."

Donnie stayed at the lair while his brothers joined April in her search. Someone had been close a few times, but ultimately Mayhem teleported himself and you away. April was growing desperate and scared that she wouldn't get you home before your mom got home.

Thankfully, Leo's portals saved the day. He managed to separate you and Mayhem. Leo teleported April, himself, and you back to the apartment.

"Thanks, guys." April let out a relieved breath when Leo placed you back in her arms. She took you to bed while Leo and the boys went home. She tucked you in tight. "You scared me, you could've gotten hurt. Next time, stay where you are and I'll find you, okay?" April tells you sternly, but her voice is still soft.

You fall asleep not long after and April finishes cleaning up before your mom comes home. Next time, Mayhem was staying home.

[waytooinvested]

Forgotten, Not Forgiven - Chapter 5

Still reeling from finding out the truth herself, Lena suddenly finds herself in the midst of an odd role reversal in which she knows that Kara is Supergirl, but Kara no longer has any idea she has ever been more than an ordinary human. And what’s more, Lena has no choice but to keep the truth from her for her own protection…

Rift era reconciliation/fix-it fic, starts out kind of on the angsty side but there will be more fluff down the line.

This and previous chapters are also on AO3

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

Al’s.

It wasn’t where Lena had imagined this conversation taking place, and she honestly would have preferred to meet at the DEO headquarters, or her own office. Somewhere that set a clear boundary that this was a work collaboration, not a personal one. But Alex hadn’t exactly left room for negotiation before she’d ended the call, and, well, the glass of wine it gave her an excuse to drink was not unwelcome, though she did plan on taking it slow. Easing the tension was one thing, but becoming sloppy right now would be unacceptable.

She was a couple of sips in when Alex dropped down in the seat across from her, a pint in one hand and a basket of onion rings in the other.

Lena raised an eyebrow, and Alex grimaced back.

‘I didn’t have time for lunch today, okay?’

‘I didn’t say anything’.

‘Your face did’.

‘I’m not interested in your eating habits Alex, I want to know about Kara. Did anything show up in the tests?’

Alex nodded through a mouthful of onion and batter.

‘Yeah, I have them here’.

She pulled an unmarked cardboard file from her bag and slid it across the table, then hesitated, her hand still pressed down firmly to keep Lena from taking it.

‘If I share this with you, you can’t pull the same shit you did when we were trying to find her. You tell me everything you find the moment you find it. I want theories, vague hunches, wild goose chases, hell, if you so much have a dream about this, I want to know every single detail’.

‘Fine, but that goes both ways. I tell you everything I have, and you do the same’ -Lena paused, leaning forward over the table and tapping a finger on the closed folder for emphasis – ‘everything, Alex. No more hypocritical demands for openness while you keep your own cards close to your chest’.

‘That wasn’t my-’

Lena pursed her lips, challenging her to finish that sentence. This was a battle line drawn in the power balance of their working relationship, and Alex clearly knew it. She hesitated, glancing down at their outstretched hands where they both rested on the cover of the file, then back up at Lena, a faint frown on her face.

‘Look, it’s not that I don’t want to. But the DEO works with a lot of highly classified intel, and I just can’t promise you that’.

Not good enough.

The tip of Lena’s finger went white where it was pressing against the folder, her nail leaving a small indentation in the cardboard, but she kept her voice level and calm, as if she was arguing contract wording in a business arrangement. Polite but firm. Not aggressive, but not giving an inch either.

‘I’m not asking to see the Alien Registry or schematics for your latest weapons designs. Keep whatever else you want to yourself, but if we’re working together on this, then we share all pertinent information both ways. If you want my help, those are my terms’.

Their eyes locked in a brief struggle, but Lena neither blinked nor looked away, the jut of her chin conveying (or so she hoped) that she was perfectly willing to walk away right now if this condition was not met. She might have agreed to help, but she would never again allow herself to be forced into being a convenient little lacky that the DEO could call on whenever they felt like it and drop the minute they didn’t need her anymore. She was done with being lied to and kept in the dark.

At last the set of Alex’s shoulders dropped from defensive to acceptance, and her free hand reached up absently to run through her hair, pushing imaginary strands out her face like she needed to brush the feeling of Lena’s glare off her skin.

‘Alright, it’s a deal. But I’m gonna have to get you to sign an NDA, we’re under enough scrutiny right now as it is’.

‘Fine. You too. Some of my research is still at the highly confidential experimental stage, and the fact that I might use it to help with this does not mean I want it to be public knowledge’.

Lets keep things fair this time, shall we?

‘Seriously? I’m not going to leak your research Lena’.

‘And I’m not going to leak yours, but here we are’.

There was a moment when Lena thought they might be about to tip into another fight, but in the end Alex just rolled her eyes and nodded.

‘Yeah, fair enough. Write something up and I’ll sign it’.

‘Good’. Now that the first battle was won, Lena allowed herself to relax by a few degrees, sitting back in her chair and taking another small sip of her drink. ‘Speaking of which-’

She pulled the gadget she’d brought out of her purse and placed it in the centre of the table, activating it with a quick twist. It lit up with a faint blue glow which expanded rapidly outwards to encompass the table and the two of them, then faded to nothing, leaving the device apparently inert once more.

‘Okaaay... what the hell is that?’

‘It’s a prototype for an auditory scrambler I’ve been working on. It has no effect on what we can hear coming in, but will keep anyone outside of our immediate vicinity from being able to make out what we’re saying, without anything as obvious as a bubble of artificial silence. Given where we were meeting I thought I’d better bring it along’.

Alex stared at the unassuming black box, assessing and, perhaps, a little bit impressed.

‘Well that’s why I got us this table way off in the back corner. But yeah this is better. If that thing works it would be really useful to have a few at the DEO’.

‘That is another conversation, and not what we’re here for right now’.

Dream on, Alex.

‘Right, yeah, sorry’.

At last Alex seemed to realise that she was still holding onto the file between them, and withdrew her hand to allow Lena to pick it up.

Finally.

She flipped through the thick wodge of notes and test results it contained, skimming briefly through a page of negative read outs for various types of foreign chemicals in Kara’s saliva and urine samples, then turning to the brain scans.

The MRI was first and looked normal enough, though with a few minor variations compared to human images Lena had seen.

‘I assume the differences I’m seeing here are due to Kara’s Kryptonian anatomy rather than anything Lex did?’

‘Yep, totally as expected. We’ve scanned Kara before so we can be sure of that’.

Lena nodded and turned to the CT scan, then the EEG. Again, a slightly different set up to a human brain but nothing alarming.

And then-

‘Did something go wrong with this one? A hair on the lens or something?’

Alex had clearly been waiting for her to get to this page, and didn’t even need to glance at the image to know what Lena was looking at.

‘No, I checked and redid the scan twice. I even scanned my own brain just to be sure there wasn’t something weird in the machinery that I wasn’t picking up. It’s legit’.

‘Well… wow’.

‘I know, it’s crazy, right?’

‘I’ve never seen anything like it. The whole area is completely dark, and the margins-’

‘Like someone went in there and drew it on with a marker’.

Lena traced the winding path of the shape that cut through Kara’s brain, curving back and forth so that it passed through almost every key area to form a wide, dark S.

‘We might really have something here, something we can use. What sort of a scan is this? I don’t think I’ve seen a readout quite like this before’.

‘It’s something new we’ve been working on with Q-waves’.

‘How does it work?’

‘The details are classified Lena, I can’t tell you more than that’.

The paper creased at the edges as Lena’s grip tightened on the printout. Who did Alex think was doing who a favour here exactly?

‘What were we just saying about sharing everything?’

‘And I will. But this is about DEO tech, it’s not directly related to Kara’s case’.

‘It could be. Nothing at all showed up on the other scans, but there’s something different about this one. If I know how it works, maybe I can use it as a starting point to design a device that could not only detect the barrier, but start breaking it down without triggering the fail safe’.

They stared each other down for a long moment, and then Alex broke eye contact to take a sip of her beer, and shrugged.

‘Fine, I’ll send you the schematic. After you’ve signed your NDA. I might be Director but I can’t just do whatever I like you know’.

Lena tutted, but did her best to smooth the rumpled edges of the Q-wave scan before slipping it back into the folder and turning to the next page.

‘Whatever, go ahead and jump through your hoops, just get it to me quickly. What else have you found?’

‘Not much honestly. Blood work all normal. Her powers seem to be blocked off along with her memories of Supergirl, so no accidental heat vision or super hearing, and she can get hurt, so we’ll need to watch out for that. Cognitive tests were all normal too, apart from the obvious. She feels fine as Kara, but it’s like Supergirl is just a work acquaintance she vaguely knows but hasn’t seen in a while’.

‘I suppose that makes sense. Her mind would need to come up with some explanation for all those exclusive interviews she turned in at Catco – they’re out there now, so it’s not like she can just forget they ever happened’.

‘That’s what I thought. The one other thing we were really hopeful for was when Brainy went back into her Mind Space before she woke up to see if he could help her-’

‘Wait, back up a minute. Her Mind Space?’

‘Oh, right, you weren’t in the loop yet then. It happened when she was in a coma after Reign attacked her, Brainy was able to go in after her to try and wake her up. Mind Space is- I guess kind of like a dream, or a metaphor or something? It’s 31st century alien technology, don’t ask me how it works. Anyway, last time he said it was like Kara’s apartment, only the front door was locked and she couldn’t get out. That was the coma. It was different this time – the front door was open, but there was a new door at the back – like the door to a serious maximum security prison – a foot of steal with cross bars and a million padlocks, totally locked up tight’.

Lena leaned forwards, interested enough to forget that she was annoyed with Alex.

‘Okay, not great, but it’s a start. If there’s a door there must be a way to get through it’.

‘Yeah that’s what he hoped too, but it was like Kara couldn’t even see it. Every time he tried to get her to look where it was the door would move so it was behind her again, and the place it had been would just be a blank wall. He couldn’t even get her to go to that part of the room, and she didn’t seem to notice at all’.

‘Just like Lex said, her mind is fighting to keep the two parts separate. Still, it could be something to explore further. What about-’

‘Hey Alex! I was in the diner across the street and saw you come in here, so I thought I’d drop in to see if you wanted to meet up later’.

Lena turned instinctively towards the voice, and locked eyes with none other than Kara Danvers herself.

Her glass of wine very nearly spilled as she jerked in her seat, unsure if she was trying to turn away from Kara or get up and flee the room altogether, so that in the end she did neither, and the two of them remained frozen in a moment balanced on a knife edge.

A single slip in any direction, and one of them would bleed.

She swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat, trying to remember how to breath. Somehow it had been almost easier when Kara was unconscious – at least then she had known how to feel about it. But there was no time to figure that out, because now Kara’s eyes were flitting back and forth between Lena and Alex, and her expression had become one big question mark as she tried to work out exactly what she had just walked in on.

Lena pushed aside her own inner turmoil as best she could and took the opportunity of Kara’s distraction to flip the file of test results closed and slide it casually off the table into her lap, before reaching over to disable the auditory scrambler.

Whatever else happened, Kara could not be allowed to realise that they were here because of her.

‘I didn’t know you two were… ahh… hanging out?’

‘We’re not’.

They said it simultaneously, and too fast. If anything Kara looked even more puzzled than before.

‘Oh?’

‘Lena’s helping the DEO out with a project that could use her science expertise, that’s all. We were in a planning meeting and had some things to finish hashing out, and it was getting late. You know I can’t concentrate when I’m hangry, so we came here to get something to eat’.

Alex gestured to the half empty basket of onion rings, as if that proved the story rather than raising more questions.

‘Oh, that’s… that’s great. What’s the project? Can I help?’

This time Alex looked stumped, and Lena jumped in before the pause got too obvious.

‘You know how I work Kara. It’s still all top secret at the moment, but I promise, as soon as there’s anything ready to take public I’ll give you the exclusive’.

It was the kind of thing she had said all the time before, and yet for some reason Kara was staring at her, apparently stunned by the offer.

‘Wait, really?’

‘Of course, why wouldn’t I?’

‘Well, I just thought… after our fight, and then you sold Catco… I didn’t think you’d want to work with me again’.

Kara knew about their fight?

Lena had assumed, given what they had fought about, that Kara wouldn’t remember it at all, but clearly her mind had filled in the blank of the subject matter while retaining their falling out. She should really have anticipated that, but with everything else going on she hadn’t given the matter enough thought, and now she didn’t know what to say.

What did Kara think they had fought about, if not Supergirl?

She cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

‘Yes, well… you going missing forced me to look at things in a new light. I may have… overreacted before. If you’d be willing, I’d like to try and start putting it behind us’.

Kara’s entire face lit up, and the sight of it made Lena feel raw and numb at the same time, the radiant warmth of her smile searing the very skin from her bones to leave only the bleeding essence of her, vulnerable and exposed despite all the armour she had tried to forge for herself these past few months.

‘Yes! Definitely yes, I would love that. Maybe… we could meet for lunch some time?’

She wasn’t sure she could do this.

But she had to. She had to. She had to. The stakes were too high not to at least try.

‘Sure Kara, I’ll give you a call’.

‘Amazing. Fantastic. I’ll see you soon then. Oh- and Alex, text me later if you want to hang out? I was thinking pizza and a movie?’

‘Yeah, sure. I might be a while though, we still have some stuff to finish here’.

‘That’s fine, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping til late tonight anyway’.

‘Alright, I’ll text you when we’re done’.

‘Bye Kara’.

They waited, watching in silence until the door had closed behind Kara and she had been gone long enough to be fairly confident that she wasn’t going to pop back in, then Lena rounded on Alex.

‘You let her follow you?’

‘I didn’t let her. She was supposed to be at home! I can’t tie her to the radiator to keep her inside Lena-’

‘That’s weak and you know it. How the hell have you made it this long as a secret agent if you can’t even keep your little sister from following you? Kara’s a reporter Alex, we can’t let her catch even a hint of this or she’ll start digging and she won’t stop, and that could literally kill her’.

‘Hey, you think I don’t know that? It was a mistake, it won’t happen again. And it’s fine, she doesn’t suspect anything’.

‘Yet. She doesn’t suspect anything yet. We are clearly going to have to put some ground rules in place to stop this kind of thing happening again. Code names, file encryptions, plausible reasons for meeting up, not to mention plausible places for meeting up – and it will have to be on a strictly need to know basis. Anyone who knows who Supergirl is will have to be in on part of it of course, but full details should only be shared with people who are actively working on her case. The fewer people know, the safer this will be’.

Alex stared back at her, eyebrows raised and seeming entirely unchastened by the scolding. If anything, there was a hint of smugness in the curl of her lip, and Lena scowled back at her as she replayed the last part of what she’d said in her mind. She huffed.

‘Oh shut up, this is different’.

‘I didn’t even say anything!’

‘You were thinking it very loudly’.

‘So I’m not even allowed to think n-’

Lena held up a hand to stop the budding argument before it could go any further. They were here for a single purpose, and it was not to bicker like children, no matter how tempting it was to keep venting all the confused feelings seeing Kara had stirred up in her. This was business, and emotions had no place in business.

‘First things first. Change my name in your phone’.

‘What? Why? Kara knows we’re working together now’.

‘Yes, but that excuse is only going to take us so far. This will be safer- actually, no don’t. Kara knows my number, if she saw that under someone else’s name it would look even worse. Use this one instead, and give it a different name’.

Lena scribbled down the number, careful to make her handwriting look as unlike her own as she could to avoid it leading back to her if Kara came across the paper in Alex’s things.

‘I will use that number to contact you for anything relating to our work, and continue to use my regular cell for anything to do with the cover story. You do the same’.

‘Okay, but I don’t have a second phone number’.

‘That doesn’t matter. I am a well known public figure and I like my privacy – my phone is pretty much unhackable, and besides I have software set up that will allow me to assign you an alias name and number. It’s not a problem’.

Alex nodded, tapping the number Lena had given her into her phone.

‘What do you want your alias to be?’

‘I really don’t care. Whatever you like as long as it’s not obviously traceable to me’.

‘Okay then, you’re… Lulu’.

‘Lulu? Seriously?’

‘Hey, you said anything! Luthor. Lu. Lulu. It was all I could think of! Besides, it’s kind of perfect because there is no way in hell Kara would ever believe you’d let me call you Lulu’.

‘With good reason. But fine, okay, Lulu it is’.

Alex chuckled as she saved the name and popped the last of her onion rings into her mouth. She chewed in silence for a while, tracing patterns in a puddle of spilled beer before broaching the question she had clearly been weighing up in her mind.

‘So… Kara knows you had a fight. What does she think it’s about, if not Supergirl?’

‘I have no idea. I could hardly ask, could I? I just had to go with it and hope for the best’.

‘And… did you mean what you told her? About wanting to put it behind you and move forwards?’

Lena opened her mouth to tell Alex to mind her own damn business, but then hesitated. If they were going to work together and keep Kara from getting suspicious, she supposed they needed to be on the same page about this. Still, she took a large swallow of wine before replying, trying to work out what she wanted to say, and how much she was willing to admit.

‘If I’m going to be able to help Kara I need to be close enough to her that she’ll let me do it, and the more comfortable she feels opening up to me the easier that will be. I did mean it when I said that all this has made me see things from a different perspective. But- look, the fact that Kara doesn’t remember what she did doesn’t mean she didn’t do it. Amnesia is not a free pass’.

‘I know that, but surely now you’re on the other side of it you can see why it might be important to keep this kind of secret?’

‘As I said, I’ve gained some new perspective, but it’s still a false equivalence to compare the two situations. Besides, me being upset with Kara isn’t just about her keeping her identity a secret. It’s the fact that she would fight with me as Supergirl, then come over as Kara and spend time with me as if nothing happened. Alex, she went behind my back and got my boyfriend to break into my lab instead of trusting what I told her, or even asking me to show her myself. As Supergirl she acted as though I had betrayed her for keeping the smallest thing about my work to myself regardless of the intention behind it, and yet all that time she knew she was keeping this huge secret from me despite how often I had practically begged her not to lie to me. She did a lot of objectively pretty awful things, and I don’t know if I will ever be able to forgive her for them, or feel like we can be real friends again. But I’m not a monster. I still care what happens to her, and I am committed to helping her get the rest of her memories back. That’s the best I can do’.

Alex nodded slowly, frowning down into the dregs of her beer.

‘Yeah, I guess I see that. For what it’s worth though, I think you should try to forgive her. Kara made some mistakes, but she cares about you a lot, and she really misses having you as a friend’.

‘Respectfully Alex, I don’t want to hear that from you. It’s none of your business. I told you what I did so that you’ll know where we stand and that I’m in earnest about working with you on this, but beyond that, you don’t get to have an opinion on my friendship or lack thereof with your sister. I will work with you on this project because it’s the right thing to do, but that is the extent of our relationship’.

‘Fine. From here on out we will only talk about Operation Get Our Girl Back’.

‘We are NOT calling it that’.

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic Cyber Revolution, Entry 42: Mission: Omega

''E-123, you didn't know – now I'm gonna show you the power that is me. You try to take me down- stop the show, seems you've never tasted fear- or loss of control. The power lives in me- The power that is me!''

– This Machine by Sonic Heroes (Team Dark Theme Song)

xXxXxXx

''Seriously?! He wants you to do that!'' Minami exclaimed in surprise.

''We were just as surprised,'' Touka said.

''I wonder what Egghead is going to say about this,'' Sonic said with a devious smirk on his expression.

Touka, Shadow and Rouge had earlier in the day a briefing with the Commander in regards to their mission, and once they were done with it, they quickly went to Touka and Shadow's room to call Team Neos about it. They were told that ARMS had found one of Eggman's bases and wanted to send the three for a recon mission, clearly seeing the Doctor as a huge threat. Team Neos' reaction to this was… strangely positive, with Sonic even looking excited. The three ARMS Agents figured that this was because they would be dealing with a familiar foe rather than some random Irregular. Not to mention, Dr. Eggman was currently their ally until they resolved this situation with ARMS, so they could discuss their next move.

''I hope you better have some good news if you're calling me!'' Dr. Eggman finally appeared on the screen, looking as irritated as ever.

''It depends on what you define as good news, Doctor,'' Rouge said, pressing a button on the holographic screen, opening a map with coordinates. ''ARMS is targeting one of your bases, specifically the one located here.''

''What?!'' Dr. Eggman said, less in disbelief and more because he couldn't believe the audacity of the organization to go after one of his bases. He looked at the location, a bit lost in thought as he tried to recall which one of his bases this one was. ''Huh, never expected they'd find this one.''

''Is it important?'' Lucas asked, with the whole of Team Neos staring at him in curiosity and anticipation. Dr. Eggman just waved him off.

''It is actually a storage facility for my E-100 Series of robots. I haven't used it in ages. As a matter of fact, I had discontinued it a while ago,'' he explained.

''Why would you discontinue them?'' Tails asked.

''I moved on to different projects, but I might revisit this one,'' Dr. Eggman said, suddenly grinning deviously as he turned to the ARMS Agents. ''You said that ARMS is targeting this Egg Base?''

''That's correct,'' Shadow answered, not liking the look the Doctor was giving them. ''This is supposed to be a recon mission.''

''Ho ho ho, that's excellent! Let me guess, they're hoping to steal some information from me,'' Dr. Eggman said, with the ARMS Agents nodding, slowly starting to regret their alliance with the mad Doctor. ''Then, I have the perfect answer for this situation.''

''Which is…?'' Makoto trailed off.

''I recall that your idea was to blackmail ARMS, wasn't it, Kinomoto?'' Dr. Eggman turned to Lucas, who just nodded in response, furrowing a brow as he wondered where this was going. ''Well, let's just say that I had been inspired and had been working on a special virus that cannot be detected, and once it enters the ARMS network system, it would start to download all of their sensitive data to the EggNet, and eventually delete itself once it is done.''

''That's… Is that even possible to be done?'' Silver asked.

''Of course it is! Don't question my genius!'' Dr. Eggman shouted back in indignation, getting several eye-rolls in response. He groaned, but decided to continue, ''Regardless, I will leave the virus at the computer within the Egg Base Omega, along with some dummy data that will send ARMS on a wild goose chase. All you have to do is to download it and make sure it is uploaded into the ARMS systems. The virus will take care of the rest. Understood?''

''Loud and clear, Doctor,'' Touka responded in a snarky tone. Dr. Eggman shot her a glare, with Touka sighing. ''I suppose this shouldn't be too difficult then. We'll be in and out in no time.''

''That's what you think.'' Dr. Eggman's comment caused everyone to stare at him suspiciously. ''I don't plan to make this easy for you just because we're in an alliance. As a matter of fact, since you'll be breaking into my property, I'll make sure that all of the defenses are activated.''

''I guess we should've expected that,'' Lily suddenly said. ''Not to mention, if ARMS keeps tabs on the Egg Base, they would get suspicious if there isn't some kind of retaliation.''

''Lily's right,'' Amy said. ''If things are too easy, they might want to know why.''

''Tch, do I look like care about that?'' Dr. Eggman interrupted her, grinning. ''While having your teammates succeed would benefit me in the long run, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't relish in them being beaten by my robots.''

''No one is surprised by that,'' Lucas commented. Dr. Eggman just narrowed his eyes, but then disconnected, figuring this was enough information he had provided them with.

''I don't trust him,'' Knuckles said once the Doctor was disconnected.

''None of us does, Knux, but we all have the same goal now,'' Sonic said.

''Honestly, while I agree with Dr. Eggman's plan, I don't like the idea that he would be the one who have full access to such sensitive information,'' Lucas said.

''Well, if we knew where exactly this information is being uploaded to, I suppose we could create an encrypted file that Eggman wouldn't be able to access,'' Warren said. ''Actually, I'm sure that a file protected by a password or several of them would be enough to ensure that Eggman wouldn't be able to get through it, considering the poor security of his own network.''

This caused several of his teammates to chuckle in amusement, with Tails adding, ''Unfortunately, we won't be able to do this from here, as we would need a more direct access to the EggNet and the virus itself, but you guys could do that.''

''What do we have to do?'' Rouge asked.

''Once you have access to the computer at the Egg Base, you'll use the program we sent you and follow the instructions we've written down. If everything goes well, the program will trace down the location of the file, and you'll be able to encrypt it,'' Tails explained.

''No problem,'' Rouge said, glancing at Touka and Shadow, who just nodded in acknowledgement.

xXx

Shadow's ears flicked as he heard soft buzzing and opened his eyes, reaching underneath his pillow and taking out the AR Visor he kept hidden there. He turned to the bed on the other side of the room, taking note of Touka being fast asleep, her back turned to him and then sat up, throwing the blanket over his head before answering the call.

''Sonic, why are you calling me at 2AM?'' Shadow stared at the small screen that was showing Sonic, who was lying in his bed. Sonic, in turn, gave him a sheepish smile.

''I couldn't really sleep, so I wanted to check on you,'' Sonic replied innocently, having realized the moment he saw Shadow's annoyed expression that he really shouldn't have called his rival this late. However, he spent most of the night tossing and turning in his bed, until he decided to call Shadow for his own peace of mind.

''Well, I can sleep and you just saw me a few hours ago during the team meeting,'' Shadow replied in a matter-of-fact tone, his eyes narrowed as he wondered whether there was something more to this conversation. ''Is there anything you want to talk about? I sincerely doubt that's the only reason you had called me.''

Sonic fell silent for a moment, then sighed, a small smile forming on his lips, as he should've known that Shadow would be blunt about this. ''It is really dull without you.''

''I suppose you just got used to us having our daily sparring matches, so it is not surprising that you would feel like that,'' Shadow replied, keeping his voice in a whisper to make sure that Touka doesn't wake up.

''Yeah, you're right…'' Sonic trailed off, wondering if he really should continue the conversation. He knew that Shadow had a mission tomorrow and he probably shouldn't interrupt him like this, but on the other hand, he was genuinely happy to see him and hear him.

''Sonic?''

''Huh, yeah?''

''You're staring at me.''

''Oh, sorry.'' Sonic was flustered to be caught like this. Was it really that obvious?

Shadow sighed, wondering what this situation even was. His mind was still occupied with the mission, so having Sonic call him out of nowhere to talk to him was a bit jarring, albeit not unwelcome. Perhaps having someone to take his mind off the things that troubled him would put him at ease, if only a little bit. ''How was your day?''

''My day? Well…'' Sonic had to admit that he was genuinely surprised that Shadow would initiate small talk. ''Lucas, Warren, Tails and I had talked to Loki, the wolf Commander of the Hunters, and he knows about ARMS, but doesn't trust them because of an accident where an Irregular like us was taken by them and never appeared again. I don't think that the Hunters are too familiar with ARMS.''

''I wouldn't be surprised,'' Shadow said, narrowing his eyes. ''After all, ARMS treats Irregulars like dangerous weapons. They even wanted me to absorb as much of Touka's BioEnergy as possible, so I was forced to use Chaos Surge to stop it.''

''Are you okay?'' Sonic asked worriedly. ''I know that you're not to keen on using BioEnergy, even if it's for a Chaos Surge.''

''I'm fine, since Touka has also recovered from the ordeal. I'm concerned what ARMS might do if they attempt to investigate my Chaos Surge ability. They might go after the rest of Team Neos,'' Shadow told him, rubbing his temple as he felt an oncoming headache.

''Don't worry about us, worry about yourself,'' Sonic told him, giving him a confident smile. ''I wish I could just bust into ARMS HQ to get you out.''

''If it weren't for the current circumstances, I would've done it by myself,'' Shadow told him. Sonic gave him a sympathetic look.

''You know, I am a bit jealous that you get break into Eggman's base,'' he said, smiling cheekily. ''I bet it's going to be exciting.''

''You could join us,'' Shadow suggested. Sonic sighed.

''I wish I could, but you know, that would blow up our cover. I also don't want to get my friends into trouble by doing something stupid,'' Sonic told him. Shadow rose an eyebrow, giving Sonic a scrutinizing look, leaving the latter confused. ''Uh, Shadow? Is something wrong?''

''I believe that's the first time I heard you say something sensible. Maybe you aren't the real Sonic and were replaced by a look-a-like,'' Shadow told him. He couldn't help but smile when he heard Sonic groan in annoyance and saw him roll his eyes.

''I know I can be reckless, but this situation is different,'' he said in an exasperated tone, then muttered, ''I also talked to Lucas about there being a possibility to break in, and he told me that we can't do that.''

''There is a reason Lucas is the leader and you aren't,'' Shadow said in a teasing tone, only to add in a more resolute tone. ''Not many would have enough sense to admit that.''

''Not many have the humility to admit that,'' Sonic said proudly.

''Humility? Your ego is the size of a skyscraper,'' Shadow said, with Sonic snorting in amusement.

''Right back at you, Shads. You aren't better than me, Mr. Ultimate Lifeform,'' Sonic told him. Shadow rolled his eyes, but Sonic could see the faint smile on his lips, making it clear that the dark hedgehog was amused by their banter. It made him feel quite happy to see his rival being this relaxed. ''In any case, you have to tell me what happened once you return from the mission. I want to hear all of the details.''

''I will, because knowing you, you'll probably spam my inbox with questions about what had happened,'' Shadow told him in a dry tone. Sonic gave him a sheepish smile.

''Sorry about that,'' he said, knowing well that Shadow was referring to the event right after their meeting with Mephiles and Toshiro, where Sonic just wouldn't leave him alone. ''I guess I should let you sleep now.''

''I didn't mind having a conversation with you, even if it was this late,'' Shadow said, surprising Sonic, who smiled back warmly as he looked at the screen. ''Good night, Sonic.''

''Good night, Shads. I miss you,'' Sonic said, the holographic screen before him turning black. Sonic then lied back down on his back, taking a deep breath, only for his brain to finally process what he just said to Shadow. He turned on his side, a faint tint of red spreading across his fawn muzzle, his emerald green eyes wide as he placed his gloved hand on his chest, feeling his heart race as if he just returned from his nightly run. Wait! Why did I tell him that? I mean, I do miss him, but that wasn't necessary! I just hope Shadow hasn't noticed anything, because that was just weird.

Meanwhile, Shadow placed the AR Visor back under his pillow and lied down, pulling the blanket over his shoulder, turning on his side and staring at the wall, his mind in a disarray. Unfortunately for him, the image of Sonic giving him a soft and kind smile just wouldn't get out of his head, and he groaned, furrowing a brow as he tried to fall asleep.

''Of course that idiot misses me,'' he grumbled under his breath, trying to ignore the wave of warmth that spread through his body and the tint of red appearing on his tan muzzle. ''Who else is going to be his rival?''

xXx

''We are at our location, but I can't find a place to land.''

''Then, we'll get out here!''

''W-What?!''

The pilot of the ARMS helicopter turned his head around, stunned to see Touka, Shadow and Rouge get up and stand in front of the open cabin door. Before he could even say anything, Rouge leapt out of the helicopter, spreading her wings and flying down. Shadow was the next one out, using his air shoes and nearby trees to cushion his fall. Touka was the last one to leave, taking off the hoverboard that was attached to the strap on her back and jumping out, placing the hoverboard under her feet and descending down to the ground safely. The pilot just shook his head, flying the helicopter away from the dense woods he couldn't land in. Touka, Shadow and Rouge observed the helicopter as it left, with the three exchanging glances.

''I guess we're on our own now. Let's go!'' Rouge said, flying up and through the woods. Touka and Shadow followed her on the hoverboard and skating via air shoes respectively until they had reached what appeared to be a building built into a hillside. It had a steel gate with an Eggman Empire insignia on the front, with Egg Pawns patrolling the area. Touka took out a pair of binoculars from her waist bag, carefully observing the area.

''From what I can see, there are at least five Badniks on patrol,'' she said, giving the binoculars to Rouge, who hummed in interest.

''Eggman did say he won't make it easy, but this still feels a little disappointing,'' she said, offering the binoculars to Shadow, who shook his head, declining the offer.

''We should still be careful. We don't know what the Doctor has in store for us,'' Shadow told the two. Touka and Rouge nodded, with Shadow suddenly dashing forward, drawing the attention of the Egg Pawns. Touka and Rouge then followed closely and split up, with Rouge joining Shadow in fighting the Egg Pawns, while Touka went to the keypad panel at the front gate to type in the passcode Dr. Eggman had sent them to enter the Egg Base Omega. When she turned back around, she only saw scrapped robots lying on the ground, some being smashed to pieces and others having visible scorch marks.

''That was easy,'' Rouge said in a confident tone, grinning at Shadow.

''We're not done yet,'' Shadow reminded her, joining Touka at the entrance. Rouge shrugged, following the two into the Egg Base.

''Considering what Dr. Eggman had told us, this place is probably filled with Badniks,'' Touka commented as they walked down a narrow corridor.

''You know, I wouldn't mind exploring this place a bit more once we're done with our mission. Eggman said that this is a storage, so he might be hiding something more than just robots here,'' Rouge said, smiling at the thought of there being a secret treasure inside the Egg Base.''

''Don't lose your focus,'' Shadow told both of them, walking a bit ahead of the two and keeping an eye out for any enemy Badnik. However, as they walked deeper and deeper into the Egg Base, they came to a chilling realization that they hadn't seen any Badnik aside from some scrapped parts.

''What happened here?'' Rouge asked as they stopped at a pile of robot parts, with Shadow examining it, lifting a piece of the broken torso.

''It looks like something or someone had blasted them apart,'' he said.

''So, someone had been here before us? But, that shouldn't be possible,'' Touka said. ''We know that ARMS was just observing this area before they sent us here.''

''You're right,'' Rouge said, narrowing her eyes. ''It is possible that whoever had done this is not affiliated with ARMS, and it is also possible that they're still here. Although, if they destroyed the Badniks inside the base, why not destroy the ones who were patrolling outside?''

''I don't know,'' Touka said. ''However, I believe we'll find out soon.''

The three continued walking through the base, finding more and more destroyed robots, like some kind of macabre marking that led them towards their destination – the control room with the main computer. However, just as the door to the room had opened, they heard gunfire coming from it and hid behind the entrance so they wouldn't get hit by a stray bullet.

''Worthless consumer models!''

As Touka, Shadow and Rouge peered inside the room, they saw a sturdy black and red robot with red eyes, a yellow head casing and wristbands studded with large spikes, and a large red ''Ω'' on the front of the left and back of the right shoulderpad, a jetpack on his back, destroying the Egg Pawns that were inside the room with the rotary cannons his arms had turned into.

''I guess that's one of those E-100 Series robots Eggman was talking about. At least this solves the mystery of the destroyed Badniks,'' Rouge said, exchanging glances with Shadow and Touka.

''You two try to get to the computer. I'll deal with this one,'' Shadow said.

''Okay, but be quick. I have a bad feeling that this berserk robot is going to tear the whole place apart,'' Rouge told him. Shadow nodded, getting quickly inside the room and taking advantage of the robot being distracted to attack him, while Touka and Rouge sneaked inside, trying to get to the computer. Unfortunately for them, even though Shadow kept the robot distracted, he kept blasting his weapons around wildly, trying to hit the elusive dark hedgehog and forcing Touka and Rouge to crawl behind some machinery to not get hit.

''Must eradicate all Eggman's robots!''

''Huh, this one is committed…'' Rouge commented, only for Touka to quickly grab her by the shoulder and pull her away when a loose missile hit the machinery before them, causing it to explode.

''Are you okay?'' Touka asked her.

''Yeah, I am, but that one was close!'' Rouge replied, glancing back at Shadow, who tried to distract the robot, spin-dashing into him to knock him back. Rouge narrowed her eyes. ''Something's not right…'' She turned to Touka. ''Make sure that the computer didn't get damaged. I'll try to stop these two from blowing us up.''

''Got it!'' Touka nodded, and once there was an opening, she dashed towards the computer, while Rouge flew towards Shadow and the robot.

''Hey, hold up!'' Just as they were about to clash again, Rouge suddenly appeared between them and intercepted the attack, pushing both apart to break up the fight and breathing heavily as her gaze shifted from one to the other. ''I think we have a misunderstanding here!''

''My name is E-123 Omega. I am the ultimate robot. All who get in my path will be crushed!''

E-123 Omega pointed his cannon arms at Rouge, with Shadow stepping in front of her in a protective manner.

''Stay back!'' he said, but Rouge pushed past him.

''My name is Rouge and this is Shadow, and the girl over there is Touka. From what I've seen, you want to destroy all of Eggman's robots, right?'' she asked, with Shadow giving her a questioning look.

''Affirmative!'' Omega responded.

''Fortunately, none of us are Eggman robots, so how about we all calm down now and discuss the situation,'' Rouge suggested. Shadow shifted his gaze from Rouge to Omega, at whom he glared apprehensively, while Omega just stared back at them intently.

''Registering the presence of a human and two biodigital lifeforms. My sensors are overdue for a maintenance,'' Omega said, turning his arm cannons into arms with four-fingered silver claws.

''Is that supposed to be an apology?'' Rouge asked, a little confused. Shadow remained silent, still wary of Omega, considering how the robot had no issues fighting him just a moment earlier.

''Guys, I'm in!'' Touka called out, drawing their attention. Fortunately, the computer had survived the onslaught, with Touka placing an USB stick inside that the Commander had given her and started downloading the dummy data and the virus Dr. Eggman had sent. Shadow, Rouge and Omega had joined her, looking at the monitor. ''Okay, I think we should use now the program Tails had sent us.'' Shadow took out the AR Visor, with Touka connecting it to the computer and activating the program, following the instructions that were in it. Soon, a file had opened and she opened another window that enabled her to password-lock the file. She turned towards the three. ''So, what kind of password should we use?''

''I believe that we agreed that there would be multiple passwords,'' Shadow said.

''What do you plan to do with the data?'' Omega asked.

''It's a long story, but we currently have a temporary alliance with Eggman so we can deal with a different organization named ARMS. Once we're done with that, we'll go right back to being enemies with the Doctor,'' Rouge explained, her arms folded across her chest.

''You are enemies of Eggman?'' Omega asked, clearly wanting a proper confirmation.

''Correct,'' Rouge replied, tilting her head. ''Why are you so mad at Eggman?''

''Dr. Eggman has sealed me inside this base and abandoned me. I desire revenge!'' Omega said firmly, with Rouge, Shadow and Touka exchanging glances, all of them having the same thought on their mind.

''You know, you could come with us. Once we're done with ARMS, you'd be free to go after Eggman instead of wasting away at this base,'' Touka suddenly voiced their thoughts. There was a moment of silence as they all processed what she just said, only for Rouge to break it.

''Then it's settled! Now you two make up so we can finish our mission,'' Rouge said, pulling the wary Shadow and Omega closer, and placing Shadow's hand over Omega's and then motioning for Touka to do the same, as she placed her hand over their. ''Aw yeah, baby, this makes us a team! Now, all we need is a team name.''

Shadow and Touka exchanged glances, both of them feeling somewhat familiar with this scenario, as if they were experiencing some kind of déjà-vu. Shadow then sighed, feeling as if he was about to say something he was going to regret. ''How about Team Dark?''

''Team Dark, eh? I like the sound of that,'' Rouge said, elbowing Omega. ''What do you say, Omega?''

''Team name is acceptable,'' Omega replied. Touka just smiled at the trio.

''The only thing that remains is to explain the Commander why we have returned with a rebellious Eggman robot. However, I think this might get interesting,'' she said.

xXx

''Boss, we've got activity at Egg Base Omega,'' Orbot said, reporting to Dr. Eggman.

''Good, that must mean that Kageura, Shadow and Rouge have gotten inside,'' Eggman replied, smirking. ''What about the defenses? I hope they had a lot of trouble passing through.''

''Actually, someone else had destroyed your robots before they had even arrived,'' Cubot said, only to get startled when Eggman suddenly turned towards him.

''What?! And you're telling me this now?!'' he yelled at the cube-shaped robot assistant.

''Well, you never asked,'' Cubot replied, shrugging. Eggman groaned.

''Orbot, pull up the footage from Egg Base Omega,'' he said, with the orb-shaped robot assistant doing as he was told.

''This is footage from a few hours ago,'' Orbot said, with the three observing the huge computer screen before them. Eggman narrowed his eyes as he saw one of his robots, recognizing the individual as E-123 Omega, booting up and starting to tear through the facility. The Egg Pawns that were stationed around attacked back, but they were easily destroyed.

''Eh, I think this E-100 Series robot is really angry at you, Boss,'' Cubot added as they listening to Omega's declaration about destroying Eggman.

''I know that!'' Eggman growled, turning his attention back to the screen, with the footage now showing him Touka, Shadow and Rouge getting inside and meeting Omega. ''Why did I even create- Ah, right… It was all part of the game.'' He leaned back in his seat, leaning his chin against his hand in thought. ''I suppose this is what happens when you are an evil genius with the memories of your other self. While it is insightful, it is also incredibly troublesome...''

While Dr. Eggman was musing over the situation, Dr. Starline was standing at the entrance, peering silently into the room. While he would usually fawn over his idol, he did feel a slight sense of concern in regard to this situation. He certainly wasn't happy about the alliance with Team Neos, let alone allowing them inside one of the Egg Bases, as he felt that this was giving them too much freedom. Why should they even sacrifice their own forces to aid his enemies? It just didn't make sense.

Starline turned on his heel, walking away. ''Still, I have great faith in the Doctor. I assume that his mindset is that there need to be sacrifices to achieve a greater goal, but an alliance with the enemy is still too much. There had to have been a different way to get this done.''

''You're being really loud, you know.''

Starline was startled by a familiar voice and quickly turned around, only to see Ferra being leaned against a wall, her arms folded across her chest. Metal Sonic was standing next to her.

''Don't you have something better to do than scaring people?!'' Starline shouted at her. Ferra just smirked back.

''It wasn't my intention to scare you like that,'' she told him, with Starline wondering if she was being genuinely apologetic. ''Not gonna lie, it was fun to see you make that expression.''

''Tch, you have absolutely no manners,'' Starline responded, continuing to antagonize her. He didn't even see Metal Sonic's red eyes flaring up and him glancing at Ferra, who just shook her head in response. Unfortunately, Starline was their ally, meaning that he couldn't beat up the platypus for insulting Ferra… yet.

''You shouldn't be talking so loud like this, especially when voicing your concerns. People might think you're conspiring against the Doctor,'' Ferra told him. Starline gasped dramatically.

''Conspiring against Dr. Eggman? How dare you to suggest even something like that?! I live to serve him!'' Starline responded angrily. Ferra shrugged.

''If that's the case, then you'd follow him every step of the way, right? No matter how nonsensical the plan is,'' she said.

''Well, of course-'' Starline cut himself off, a sense of doubt creeping into his mind. He certainly admired Dr. Eggman, but he had to admit that he felt that he believed that there was always a different approach to a certain situation, one that required… a different way of thinking, to put it simply. Or, to make it precise – his way of thinking. He then huffed, walking away. ''I will not discuss this any further. You are simply trying to get a raise out of me.''

Starline then walked away, lifting his head proudly, while Ferra kept an eye on him until he was out of her sight. ''Dr. Starline is going to get kicked out of the Eggman Empire if he doesn't keep that beak shut.''

'Indeed. I hope I get the honors of kicking him out,' Metal Sonic replied, causing Ferra to snort in amusement.

xXx

''Ugh, this place is awful,'' Shiro muttered under her breath, entering an old warehouse. ''A proper lady like me deserves to be at a place much more luxurious than this.''

''You're absolutely correct, Shiro.'' The kitsune Irregular suddenly turned around, spotting a teenager sitting on one of the crates stored inside the warehouse, one of his elbows propped on his knee as he gave her a mischievous grin. ''After all, most parasites in society tend to be high up on the hierarchy ladder.''

Shiro gritted her teeth and lifted her fan to attack the teenager, only to get immobilized by a bunch of purple and light pink crystals that shoot out from the ground. She felt her heart racing as she realized that the sharp tips missed her only barely, else she would've been impaled on them. She looked up at the teenager, whose eyes were now glowing in a dark periwinkle purple colour, realizing that he was the one who had summoned the crystals.

''Let me guess, you had no luck in finding more victims so you decided to turn on me,'' Toshiro said, sounding quite amused. Shiro didn't respond, instead just glaring at him. ''I'll take that as a positive answer.''

''It is your fault that there are so many Hunters patrolling the city!'' Shiro yelled at him. ''You had forced me to lure them out and now my own life is at stake!''

''Yet, you still failed at your mission.'' Shiro suddenly turned to the other person in the building, a shadow-like figure whose eyes were glowing in the same dark periwinkle purple colour as Toshiro's, and his body was crackling with energy. ''The Irregular Hunters were never our target.''

''Then all of this was for nothing?!'' Shiro screamed, only to quickly shut up when one of the crystals' sharp tips touched her neck. She knew that if she moved, she was dead.

''Fortunately for you, it wasn't a complete failure,'' Mephiles said. ''The Hunters can reach their breaking point if a powerful Irregular causes enough chaos within Neos City.''

''If that's all you wanted, then you can let me go now…'' Shiro hissed, holding her head up to avoid being impaled by the crystal through her lower jaw. Toshiro leapt down from the crate, glancing at his partner.

''I don't know, Mephiles… Should we really spare her life?'' he asked, a smile of pure malice appearing on his expression. ''After all, she had hurt many people.''

''At your request!'' Shiro yelled in protest.

''You could've simply refused and we would've been merciful enough to make your demise as swift as possible,'' Mephiles pointed out. ''Besides, you would be lying if you claimed you didn't enjoy at least part of your task.''

Shiro suddenly felt a chill flowing down her spine. She had no idea how she had managed to get herself involved with these two, but she remembered how she believed that she could manipulate them similarly to Ao. Unfortunately for her, Mephiles proved himself to be way more dangerous than she had anticipated.

''On the other hand, it would be an act of cruel mercy to let you live,'' Toshiro said. ''You have enemies everywhere, and the Hunters know what you have done. Your life, which had been so comfortable at this point because you had others working for you, had become a game of survival. I suppose we could let your someone else decide your fate… someone who has a more personal connection to you.''

Toshiro then waved his hand, the crystals disappearing and Shiro fell down her knees, shaking and her eyes were wide in horror. Toshiro and Mephiles just walked past her, leaving her in the warehouse.

''This was quite disappointing,'' Mephiles commented.

''She won't last long, that's for certain. Besides, we currently have more pressing matters to focus on,'' Toshiro told him. ''We need to force ARMS to finally reveal themselves to the public, and to do that, they need to have a target that can challenge them properly.''

Links:

#Previous Chapter

#Current Chapter

#Next Chapter

#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

[numinousmysteries]

All the Seeds

@eightnightsofmulder

@today-in-fic

Eight Nights of Mulder Day Six: Dreidel [on Ao3]

December 1998

He almost kissed me in his hallway. He lets her call him Fox. He loves me. He loves me not.  He came all the way to Antarctica to save my life. He ditched me with Gibson Praise to drive off with her in Phoenix.  He loves me. He loves me not.  He said he loved me when he was high on painkillers. He probably told her that countless times while sober. He loves me. He loves me not. 

Being off the X-Files is bad for us. Running background checks on fertilizer purchases uses up  too small a fraction of my brain power and frees up too much of my energy to think about other things…like what the fuck is going on in my partner’s head. He’s moody and more impatient than normal. His behavior borders on flirtatious at times but if I play along, he recoils.

When we worked on the X-Files together, Mulder and I were in sync. We rarely shared an opinion, but we had our routine well-established: Theory, countertheory, hunches, wild goose chases, and typically ending up just as clueless as when we started. It was a well-choreographed dance. We could do all the steps with our eyes closed.

Now, we’re stomping all over each other’s toes. Our rhythm is off. Sometimes it seems like we’re having two different conversations at the same time.

I don’t want to say it’s all Diana Fowley’s fault, but she sure as fuck isn’t helping. She tends to always have an excuse to call him down to the basement with a question about a case. She inevitably makes her way up to the bullpen around lunchtime to see if he wants to get something to eat. Mulder usually asks if I’d like to join, but I know it’s an empty invitation. 

I’m not proud of it, but I do have a jealous streak. It isn’t even always romantic, either. I remember competing with my siblings for my father’s attention, and burning with anger if he seemed more impressed with one of them at any given moment. It was the same in school, from the time I was a child all the way through Quantico. I had such a desire to please my teachers and needed to be the favorite in every class. 

Needless to say, being the subject of Mulder’s undivided attention—with the exception of the weekly cryptid or the occasional busty entomologist—for nearly six years felt good. Having to share him with Diana Fowley does not. 

I know they have history. And I know she’s attractive. But it’s not even that. It’s the effect she has on him. The way he’ll believe anything she says without a scrap of evidence. The way she makes me feel like a nagging shrew. The way she gets to call him Fox. 

He’s coming back from lunch now, striding across the bullpen towards me, and, is he…whistling? I sincerely hope all he had to eat was a sandwich. 

“Hey, Scully,” he says, smiling. “It’s unseasonably warm out. What do you say we get out of here for a bit?”

“You’ve been gone for nearly an hour. Weren’t you at lunch with Agent Fowley?” I ask.

“Nah,” he says. “She got an urgent phone call before we made it out of the building, so I just went back to my apartment to pick up this book on cryptozoology that’s been on my mind.”

I notice he’s empty-handed. “But you didn’t find it?”

Mulder shakes his head. “I think it might still be in our old office. But I found something else.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small wooden top.

“A dreidel?”

“Yeah,” he says, smiling. “This was mine when I was a kid. Ended up in the back of my bookcase somehow. Come on, I’ll teach you how to play. ‘Tis the season, after all, and I promise it’ll be more fun than running another background check. Although that isn’t saying much.” 

I could use a break. This work is mind-numbingly dull and playing hooky for an afternoon with Mulder sounds much more intriguing. I return his smile and shrug on my coat. 

As I’m following him through the bullpen, he calls out to me, a little too loudly, “I hope we’re not stuck on this stakeout the rest of the day, but knowing our perp I wouldn’t bet on making it back before sunset.” 

“That’s too bad, Agent Mulder,” I reply, matching his volume and trying not to grin. “I was hoping to get ahead on all this paperwork.” 

The elevator down to the lobby is crowded but he gives me a conspiratorial wink and I feel myself blushing. I’m pressed up close to him and can smell his musk and aftershave. We both can’t help but laugh once the lobby’s revolving door propels us onto the sidewalk. He’s right. It’s warm out for December and in the sun I barely need my coat. 

We wander until we’re a safe distance from getting spotted and find ourselves a bench near the reflecting pool. Thanks to the temperate weather, the Mall is busy and we can easily blend in with the crowd of tourists and office workers.

“Ever played dreidel before, Scully?” he asks.

“I can’t say I have.” 

“It’s easy.” He holds the top out to me in his palm.

“This is nun,” he explains, pointing to the side of the dreidel embossed with a character that looks like a backward letter C. “If your spin lands on nun, you do nothing, which is easy to remember. But nun looks deceptively similar to gimel”—he turns the top to a side with a nearly identical symbol, but this one has a little leg sticking out of the bottom, “and if you land on gimel, you get the whole pot.”

“What’s in our pot, Mulder?” I ask. 

“Sam and I used to play with gelt but since we don’t have any, we can use these instead,” he says, pulling a bag of sunflower seeds out of his jacket pocket. 

“If you land on shin,” he says, showing me a character that looks like a W, “you have to add a coin, or a seed in our case, to the pot. That leaves hey”—now he shows me the final side of the dreidel— “and that means you take half the pot.”

“I think I got it,” I say.

He starts divvying up a pile of seeds between the two of us. He brings one to his mouth, cracks open the shell with his teeth, and eats it. I’ve seen him do the same motion hundreds of times and it always makes me wonder what else his nimble mouth is capable of. I’m sure Diana has intimate knowledge of that. 

“For good luck,” he says. 

“Sure, Fox,” I say teasingly. 

He cringes.

“Sorry,” I say, my eyes drifting to my pile of sunflower seeds. “That’s what Diana calls you.” 

“Yes, and I hate it,” he says. “I’ve asked her not to, but it’s not a battle worth fighting. I think she does it just to irritate me.” 

“I know you two were,” I pause. “Together.”

Why am I prying? He knows that I know. I know he’ll never say anything outwardly negative about her as much as I wish that he would. And I don’t want him to think that I’m fishing. But I can’t resist. 

“A long time ago,” he says quietly.  

“It must be nice to have her back, though” I say. “An old friend.”

He shrugs and plucks one seed from each of our piles to start the pot. 

“You go first,” he says, handing me the dreidel. 

I give it a flick with my fingers but my spin is too enthusiastic and the dreidel ends up falling off the bench.

“Easy there, tiger,” Mulder says with a laugh, leaning over to pick it up off the ground. 

I try again more gently, and land on hey. “Nice, Scully,” he says, as I take one seed back from the pot. 

We go back and forth like this for a while, our respective sunflower seed piles growing and shrinking. 

“I never did this with Diana,” he says absentmindedly as he adds to the pot after landing on shin. 

“You don’t need to tell me that, Mulder,” I say softly, once again avoiding his eyes. 

“It’s true,” he says, bringing his fingertips to my chin, encouraging me to look up and face him. “I’m not going to lie to you. We were very close for a while and, at the time, I would’ve said she was the love of my life—”

I flinch and hope he doesn’t notice. 

“—but that was before I met you.” 

“Oh, please, Mulder,” I say, leaning back and away from him. “You were in a relationship with her. You lived together. You were…intimate. I’m just your partner.”

“I hope you don’t believe that, Scully,” he says sternly, and I realize he’s serious. “I thought I loved Diana because she was the first person to accept me for who I am, but it didn’t take long to realize that she didn’t really see me. She saw a version of me that she felt she could mold into someone she’d want to be with. When I didn’t want to go along with that, she picked up and left. But you see me, Scully. You really see me for who I am and you haven’t run away yet.”

He reaches across our sunflower seed piles to hold my hand. His touch is gentle yet firm, as if to reassure me. My lips are trembling and I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I’m scared to speak, not knowing what sounds will come out. 

“And I see you,” he continues. “You’re so fucking loyal and honest and you fight for what you believe in. You’re principled and kind and even though you challenge me every day, there’s no one else I’d rather argue with. You give my life meaning.”

He squeezes my hand tighter. I try to hold back my tears but it’s no use. I blink and they’re streaming warm down my face. My heart and my mind are racing. Passersby are milling all around us but we’re frozen like statues. 

“Mulder,” I gasp. “I don’t know what to say.” 

“You don’t have to say anything,” he says, smiling as he passes me the dreidel. “Just spin.”

Catching my breath, I give the dreidel one last spin on the bench. 

“Gimel!” he shouts excitedly. “You get all the seeds, Scully. And all of me. Don’t forget that.” 

“Too bad I don’t like sunflower seeds,” I say, smiling at him shyly. 

“Well, I can take those off your hands,” he says, sweeping all three piles of seeds back towards him. “But you are stuck with me, unfortunately.”

We lock eyes. “I can live with that,” I say. 

He returns the seeds to the plastic bag and tucks it back into his jacket pocket. As we walk back to the Hoover building, he drapes his arm around me. For the first time in months, we’re back in sync. 

I think he just might love me.

[the-lost-lights]

Here's my idea for Uzi's human family for your human Uzi AU

I have 3 ideas

1. Khan finds Uzi inside the factory from episode 6.

He was in a factory because he wanted to take some stuff that could be useful and maybe to impress Nori. While looking for some stuff he finds her human parents dead. Her human parents were living in the factory after core collapsed and they survided. But after a while they were killed by sentinels. Khan was about leave after he sees her dead human parents until he heard Uzi cooing and laughing. When he hears her, he finds her hidden under the desk in the box. He also finds out that Uzi's original name was Susie by her name bracelet but was scratched a bit. As he was about to leave with her, the sentinels attack which leads to wild goose chase but they manage to get out alive.

This was inspired by one scene in Tarzan movie how Kala found baby Tarzan

2. Her human parents accidentally left her behind.

Her human parents and other human survives had escaped through escape pods before core collapsed. They were about to leave but they couldn't get their daughter on time. As they flew and watched the core collapse they were devastated thinking that tgeir daughter was dead. But she wasn't and was eventually found by Khan, Nori or both

I think about how you can make the squad go to the planet where the rest of the humans are alive or make humans come to copper 9 to help the squad. And maybe maybe her humans parents see their daughter after so long or her relatives find her

You can make her parents good and her relatives bad guys or reversed

3. Her human parents are dead but have relatives

The same thing as the second one. You can make Uzi ask tons of questions about how were her parents like or something. I also think that humans would tell her about human stuff and how they work since she barely knows anything about her kind. You can make her relatives good guys or bad guys.

I'm quite curious how would her human family react to her being raised by drones

Anyway that's all. I really hope to see a fanfic about this au or a fanart. I really love this au. I had the same idea.

Also please tell me what do you think please

For those that don't know: I made a Murder Drones AU alongside @roseofhybrids where Uzi is the last human on Copper 9. You can read about the genesis of this AU in THIS ask I made to @ayloverlove and you can read more about this AU in THESE posts made by @roseofhybrids.

Originally I planned for Uzi to be found inside the last working cryogenic chamber of the bunker where the drones live, but you know what? It works better that way. Thanks for your suggestion @blue-fanlady!

To better understand WHY Uzi was there, however, let's just imagine that the industrial facility had a kindergarten where workers could leave their kids while they did their job, and that when Nori went on her murder spree the biological parents of Uzi tried to save their daughter by putting her into a cryogenic chamber before she murdered them. With the passage of years, the facility began to break down and all the chambers either began to malfunction and kill their hosts, were found by the Absolute Solver, who used the humans inside as biological components and materials for its creations or both... All except for one.

Years later Nori, after some visions of the future that showed her some worker drones she knew torn into pieces by a disassembly drone, decided to go back to the facility in search of something that could help the drones living inside the bunker to fight against disassembly drones after her attempts to convince the workers to add more defences the the bunker failed. Khan saw her leave in the middle of the night and decided to follow her and, after almost being killed by a dozen of sentinels and a baby worker drone with parts of various deceased disassembly drones crudely stitched to it, is found by Nori. After being chewed out about having followed in secret in such a dangerous place and then complaining that he only did that because she left in the middle of the night without telling anyone and he was worried for her safety, they get attacked by more sentinels and are forced to run, but as they try to find an exit they get briefly separated and Nori gets hurt by one sentinel and forced to hide in a room.

A room containing multiple broken down cryogenic chambers with corpses inside... except for one.

Nori is shocked by this, she didn't expect to see a still alive human on Copper 9 after she... the Absolute Solver blew up the core of the planet. She stares at her in silence, not knowing what to do. Then one of her eyes shifts in the symbol of the Absolute Solver and she slowly puts an hand on the glass of the cryogenic chamber, preparing herself to kill the child: while she is an innocent baby, she's still a member of the race that turned her into a monster, and as such she has to pay for their crime...

Then Khan barges in the room and forces her to stop before she can kill the baby. When he sees the chamber he is shocked to see the baby floating inside it and doesn't know what to do, but isn't ok with the idea of killing her:

Khan: Nori, you can't kill a baby!

Nori: Of course I can. (Grabs a steel pipe from a broken down cryogenic chamber)

Khan: B-but how??? How you can kill something so... so...

Nori: Jeez Khan, it's not that hard to kill a baby. (Prepares herself to swing)

Khan tries to convince her to stop from killing the child, stating that she's the last human on Copper 9, she's completely harmless and she has already lost everything, while Nori claims that the baby will probably grow up to become like one of the humans that enslaved the worker drones and since she has nothing left on the planet killing her would be a better solution than remaining inside a cryogenic chamber until it breaks down. Khan then says something that changes everything:

Khan: What if we raise her?

Nori: What?

Khan: What if we raise her as our daughter? We'll raise her like a drone, so that she won't become like the other humans!

Nori: Khan, that the most stupid idea I've ever heard. How do you think you'll be able to hide to the other drones that she's not a drone? How would you manage to keep her alive since this planet doesn't have an atmosphere anymore? How you will justify things like her hair growing or her having the need to eat and drink? HOW???

Khan: Well, I've heard of special drone types that are completely indistinguishable from humans, and the bunker where we live was built to house humans in case of danger, so...

Nori: ...

Khan: Please Nori...

Nori: ...

Khan: ...

Nori: ... Fine, you won. You can keep the human.

Khan: I knew I could...

Nori: But I still think that's a terrible idea and because of this I won't help you raise her.

Khan: Oh.

(Nori starts to walk away)

Khan: Were are you going?

Nori: I'll go check if there are more of those lizard things around here.

Khan: Can you help me at least find a way to transport the baby out of here without deactivanting or damaging the (Khan realizes that Nori has left the room) oh, alright... No problem... I'm sure I'll find a way...

After slaughtering hordes of sentinels in rage, Nori manages to create a safe way out from the building but before she gets out she decides to go back and check if Khan is still inside that room. When she finds him she discovers that Khan managed to find an old but still functional generator and has combined it with the cryogenic chamber, allowing it to be transported, but has failed to move it of a single inch due to their combined weight. With the help of her AS powers, Nori, reluctantly begins to help Khan transport the cryogenic chamber to the bunker, all while Khan rants off his desire to teach the baby all about doors and tries to find a good name for her...

Also yes, Uzi does have some still alive human relatives off planet, but since all files about human workers have either been damaged buring Nori's murder spree or cancelled by JCJenson IN SPAAAAACE! in order to hide their secret experiments with the Absolute Solver none of them know that she's alive. I'm currently toying around the idea of making Uzi a distant relative of Tessa, but I'm not very sure to add that and even if I add that it won't be important to the plot.

[cowgurrrl]

Name of the Game

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Summary: When work separates you and Joel to opposite coasts, it's nice to know that things haven't changed [1.2k]

Author's note: IT'S HAPPENING PEOPLE

Warnings: famous Joel au, no outbreak :D, baseball talk, Joel being a shithead, yearning, the lightest touch of sexting

"I hate this, by the way." You say the second the ringing on the other line stops. Joel laughs, and his studio chair squeaks. You keep telling him he needs to replace it, but he's obviously not listening.

"Hello to you, too." He says. You swear you can hear the smirk in his voice. It's been three weeks since you last saw him and the girls. He started recording a new album in Los Angeles, and you got sent off to New York City to shoot for your latest movie. You really didn't think being on opposite sides of the country would affect you two that much, but with the time change, busy schedules, and general exhaustion, you barely have time to talk. Plus, the girls are finishing up this school year, which is always a crazy time for him. You think it would be even if he weren't famous.

"Hi. I miss you." You say as you rummage through your bag for your water bottle. 

"This is just temporary. I promise," he says, and you sigh. It's temporary until the next project or album or tour, you think. Your and Joel's work ethic is very similar, and it would be admirable if you didn't both pile so much onto your plate. "I miss you, too." 

"How are the girls?"

"They're good. Sarah is stressed with finals and barely comin' out of her room, and Ellie sent me on a wild goose chase last night cause she needed a poster board for a project she's known about for a month. I swear, these girls are gonna put me in an early grave."

"You love them."

"I'd love 'em a lot more if they let me sleep." 

"Mhm," you hum as you move to another bag, still looking for your stupid fucking water bottle. At this point, you're ninety percent sure you left it in the makeup trailer. Joel likes to joke that you can't go anywhere without that huge pink monstrosity of a water bottle, but you might be proving him right by frantically looking for it. Joel chuckles at your half-hearted response.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I boring you?" He asks, and you smile. You give up on finding it and flop onto your hotel bed as if it were your own.

"Not more than usual."

"Very funny," he says. "How's New York?"

"It's good. I think we've got another week or two of filming. Everybody's doing great work, and the directors are fantastic, but I'm ready to come home." 

"It'll go quick. Besides, you're not missin' much here."

"I beg to differ. It sounds like I missed world-famous rockstar Joel Miller battling it out with a fourteen-year-old in a Hobby Lobby at 9pm."

"It was actually a Michaels," he corrects. You can imagine him standing there with his hands on his hips as Ellie scans the different poster board types and asks his opinion. "The girls and I will still be here by the time you get back. They want us all to go out to dinner the second you get home." 

"That sounds nice," you say. "Much nicer than long-distance phone calls at one in the morning."

"Yeah, why are you callin' so late? Not that I'm complaining." He asks, even though he's only three hours behind you. You yawn and stretch out on the bed.

"Shooting went late today, and I didn't want to go to bed without talking to you."

"You're getting ready for bed?" He asks, and you hum. His chair squeaks again, and he gets quiet. "What are you wearing?" You laugh at the question and look down at your ensemble.

"Oh, something super sexy."

"Like?"

"A ratty old Cubs jersey and a pair of sweatpants."

"A Cubs jersey?! You're breakin' my heart, baby," he says. "Send me the hotel's address so I can send you an Astros jersey to wear instead."

"I'll wear an Astros jersey when they can win a World Series without cheating."

"At least the Astros can win a World Series. What was the Cubs drought? A hundred and ten years or somethin'?"

"A hundred and eight, thank you very much."

"What if I got it signed by the whole team? Would you wear an Astros jersey, then?"

"No, but I'd give it to your daughters and take the credit for it."

"Now, that," he says. "Is evil."

"One day, I'll take you to Wrigley Field, and you can watch some real baseball. "

"Be careful. I'll take you up on that offer."

"I'm counting on it, cowboy." The line grows quiet on both sides, and you know this is the closest you'll get to him for the next few weeks. You listen to his breathing and imagine his elbows on the desk in front of him, lyric pages scattered around him, and his guitar within reach. You wish you were there so he could pick your brain about a melody or even just walk by and kiss his head when he's deep in thought. In the same way, you wish he was here so he could read scenes with you and bring your favorites in from catering. 

"I can't wait for you to come home." He says so softly you almost miss it. You let your eyes close and take a deep breath. 

"Me neither."

"It's late. You should probably sleep."

"Yeah," you yawn. "Tell the girls I say hi."

"I will. I love you."

"Love you." You say and hang up. You put your phone on the charger and try to fall asleep, but your brain is overrun with thoughts of what you need to do the next day on set, things to ask the intimacy coordinator for, and new ideas for scenes. Your phone buzzes next to you an hour later with a text from Joel— a video of him strumming a tune you haven't heard before. He hums lowly as he plays, and the gentle unfinished song continues in your dreams.

The next day is full of shoots, reshoots, touch-ups, and one exhausting scene of running through the streets of Manhattan that the director wanted to shoot at least seven different times. By the time you get to go home, you're sweaty, tired, and have at least thirty unread text messages from Ellie, almost all of them TikTok's that "Oh my god, you have to watch." 

When you get to your hotel room, you go to throw your bag on the bed but stop when you see a big box wrapped with a red bow on it. You furrow your brows as you pick up the note attached and read it. For Wrigley Field - JM, it reads. You open the box, and a beautiful new Cubs jersey sits at the bottom with a signed baseball next to it. When you pick it up to look at it closer, it has your last name on the back, and you find an Astros hat at the very bottom of the box. For the World Series, the note reads. You laugh out loud and clutch the royal blue cloth to your chest. 

You respond to any and all unread texts, emails, and notifications. After a shower, you slowly start to feel human again. Human enough to shoot a text to Joel.

Ask me what I'm wearing

Uh oh, he responds.

C'mon, you know you want to

What are you wearing?

You smirk at your phone as you shoot him a photo of you wearing the Cubs jersey, the fabric riding up your thighs just enough to show that you're only wearing a pair of lacy black panties underneath. Your phone lights up with his contact photo almost immediately, and you laugh as you answer his call.

"Goddamn," his voice is deep and gravely as he groans. "After that, I think I just might be the world's biggest Cubs fan."

[onigirio]

I might as well beg you to make a series of headcanons of Percy and Sunny please. I’m invested now 😭what about them going on a quest??

a/n: this is not my best work! you wanted headcanons but this is some kind of hc-one shot hybrid😭 i still hope you enjoy <3

with a lot of struggle

you FINALLY finished your school year

the bell had barely rung and you were already dashing out of the school

your mom was waiting in the parking lot with your camp bags

“am i still picking up percy?” “no that loser went early”

you were still a bit salty about it

you made a playlist for the car ride

party of one </3

now your mom was gonna berate you for your report card

after a bit of driving (and a lot of back and forth between you and your mom)

you finally got to camp!!!

you had barely managed to drag yourself across the threshold of camp before you heard a familiar voice

“SUNNY’S HERE” will yelled

as much as he annoyed you, will was like your little brother

you care about him a lot, and he’s always gonna be your number one

percy is still a little salty about that

SPEAKING OF PERCY

you can barely greet him before he’s tackling you with a hug and peppering your face with kisses

this is not a surprise for campers since percy has been counting the hours until you would be at camp

“only 76 more hours” “until what?” “until i can hug sunny again”

poor boy missed you so much

he went to your spring show, and that was the last time he saw you before he was called to camp

that was about 3 weeks ago

as much as you called on IM, you missed him a lot

but now you’re back at camp together!

he helps you with your bags and he’s extra careful with your guitar

“PRECIOUS CARGO COMING THROUGH!”

you can’t tell if he’s talking about you or the guitar

when the stoll twins almost set your hair alight with a flaming arrow

you realize he’s talking about you

“sorry sun-“ “WATCH IT”

percy has made you into a minor camp celebrity

except for during capture the flag

when you guys are on opposite teams? GOOD LUCK

you’re always on defense because you have a little bit of foresight

you can’t see that far into the future, but you have a sort of spidey sense

your sunny sense

so you’re always left around the flag for good measure

no matter what, percy has never been able to capture the flag when you’re on guard

“percy coming in at 3 o’clock” “what?” “bro just trust me”

they shot and pinned percy to a tree

sunny is never wrong

you have a tally going for how many times you’ve shot at percy

it’s a lot

games aside, you’re just happy to be back at camp

just peace and quiet

until chiron called you to his office

“i fear your father is in a bit of distress”

‘when is he not’ you thought to yourself

“his bow has mysteriously gone missing”

ah, that explains it

long story short, you’re going on a wild goose chase

a wild bow chase if you will

it was last seen in brooklyn, and your father wants you to find it

bye bye peaceful summer

either way, you’re leaving the next day

you’ve only been at camp for like a week

quests were never your forte

people usually ask you to go because of your foresight

you mostly say no, because of personal reasons

things like medication, sensory issues, etc

but it seems like your dad had other plans

percy was waiting for you outside the big house

“what’s up?”

he was worried

you hate it when he worries

“i’m going on a quest for my dad” “when do you leave?” “tomorrow.”

then it was silent, and the two of you stood on the porch to the big house

“who are you taking” that was the question you dreaded

“i’m going alone”

percy then followed you as you walked back towards your cabin

the two of you sat on the floor of your cabin getting a basic pack together

first aid, ambrosia and nectar, snacks etc

your bow turned into a little charm on your bracelet for easy transport

sometimes your dad was useful

only sometimes though

carrying arrows around would be a problem though

hopefully you don’t get arrested

the afternoon continued as normal

dinner was great as always, and the campfire was bittersweet

percy always had his hand in yours

poor boy is worried

then the morning came

you were making your rounds, saying goodbyes and giving hugs and that’s when you realized

percy hadn’t come to say goodbye

your heart ached a little, because you needed a little boost from your boyfriend

so you got in the van

putting your bag and quiver on the ground

“ow”

car floors do not talk

and if they did, they definitely did not sound like percy jackson

you looked down, and sure enough your boyfriend was there in the signature orange chb tee and a goofy smile on his face

“so i know you said-“

he was immediately shut up by your lips on his

“you’re an idiot”

“i’m your idiot”

you pretended to be mad

but you were actually really happy he was with you

because you were extremely anxious

percy doesn’t force you to talk

you both just hold each other until you’re comfy

sooner or later you were in brooklyn

the last place the bow was seen

that was helpful!

except you didn’t even know where to start

because brooklyn is very big

make it worse? you don’t know what the bow looked like

you could really use a little hint from the guy right now

how do you even find a lost bow

is there like a lost and found for greek artifacts

if yes, was it in brooklyn

if no, it was a brilliant business idea

you were so nervous you didn’t even notice your speed walking

by the time percy turned to talk to you, you had already walked a good distance away from him

(you made sure to apologize after he caught up)

your boyfriend understands the stress that comes with quests

especially ones surrounding retrieving an item

so he holds your hand and helps you stay calm on your little search and rescue mission

with little to no progress, your first day ended quite peacefully

now you were just broke teens wandering the streets looking for shelter

“we could just sneak into someone’s house” “we are not breaking and entering percy”

hotels in brooklyn were expensive

at least more than the pocket money your mom gave you

lowkey you just wanted to go home to your comfy sheets and cuddle with percy

damn the gods and their carelessness

“psst!! you there!!”

you turned to see some guy wearing sunglasses at a cafe table

he looked oddly familiar

mostly because you see the same face every time you walk into your cabin back at camp

“oh, dad” “sunny wait- that’s HIM?”

percy seemed to be the only one out of the loop

you found it kinda funny

like you see apollo in your dreams a lot

your own lil gossip sesh in your head

sunny fave kid (not that you’d ever tell your siblings)

obvi you sit next to him and start chatting

percy was there like “🧍🏼‍♂️”

“so then i assume this is the boyfriend”

you nodded and apollo did a once over

“ig love really is blind…”

cue confused noises from percy

papa apollo just wants the best for you

and he did not think the son of poseidon was the one

“i thought we had a quest to do”

another side eye from apollo

“who is WE?”

let’s cut to the chase

“i last remember having it somewhere in a park, now i find it”

clearly the forgetfulness was genetic

“okay but how do we find it” “you should be able to feel it”

so now you were going off of vibes

like find my iphone for your dad

why couldn’t he do it? gods know

he has a chariot to drive for gods sake

knowing that you were a human bow tracker, you and percy left to continue your search

your dad gave you some money (dollars and drachmas) as an apology for making you find his bow

he gave percy a side eye over the rim of his sunglasses before disappearing

with a newfound determination (and milkshakes), you took the quest head on

you two found yourselves in an overgrown park secluded from the rest of the city

the foliage was so overgrown percy had to chop his way through it

the lamps didn’t work so you two were feeling around for a while

it was a struggle to get there, but it was worth it

because apollo was right

you felt the energy of his bow

“sunny you’re glowing” “percy now is not the time for flirting” “no- you’re glowing!”

you looked down and he was right

you were glowing just the faintest bit

it’s like a game of hot and cold

you were just walking around and comparing the strength of the energy you felt to the brightness of your glow

you almost jumped when you weeded through a bush and saw the bow almost immediately

you went to grab it, but something felt wrong

this quest was a bit too peaceful

“is everything okay? let’s just grab it and find your dad-“

percy was cut off by you tackling him to the ground

he was confused, but then he saw it

the minotaur standing a few feet from the bow

percy barely noticed

but sunny sense is never wrong

this was not percy’s first rodeo

but it was basically yours

you were never on quests, so random monster encounters were new to you

he didn’t miss the way your shoulders quivered slightly

percy just wanted you to make it out okay

he would make sure of it

so you got off of him and pulled out your bow

he uncapped riptide and you two were ready to go

“i’ll distract it, you go in for the bow” you suggested

“no let me distract it, you’re faster than me” he retorted

it went back and forth like that even when the minotaur noticed you

you heard a menacing growl and immediately ceased your argument

like clockwork you guys bolted in opposite directions, and to your relief, mr minotaur chose to follow percy

meaning you were on bow rescue duty

so you had to be sneaky

but it’s hard to be sneaky when you’re glowing like a dollar store disco ball

you would move an inch before the minotaur would turn a little bit

percy would then stab at it as a distraction

this high stakes red light green light went on for a bit

until you FINALLY got your hands on apollo’s bow

and just on time it seems, because your foresight was tingling

you turned around and placed an arrow onto the bowstring, pulling back

“hey! oversized cow!”

the minotaur was seconds away from disarming percy

it turned to face you, and all the confidence you once felt drained from your body

your face paled and the bow almost fell from your hands

without warning, the minotaur dashed at you

you braced for impact, the last thing you heard being percy’s worried exclamations

but the impact never came

you opened your eyes and saw a geometric dome of light surrounding you

this was not on your bucket list

the minotaur wobbled around, clearly dazed

percy once again, stood confused

you shrugged, mirroring his expression

pulling back, you shot the arrow straight into its forehead

you picked up the horn that remained after the corpse withered to dust

“now we match”

however percy did not match your excitement

“how did you do that”

your hands still had a residual glow from the energy

honestly you were too tired to care

you wanted to say something, but your vision turned black before you could even mutter a sentence

the last thing you heard was a panicked percy yelling your name

then it was black

no visions, no visits from your dad, just pure darkness and silence

it felt somewhat peaceful

you liked it

until a bright light started splitting the inky abyss

and your head started pounding like crazy

sitting up and looking around, you realized you were back in the infirmary

and when attempting to move your hand, you were only met with a vice grip

in your lap, slept a messy mop of dark brown hair

said mop began to wake up when you yanked his arm

at first he was annoyed

then he realized

and squeezed the living daylights out of you

and you both sat there for what felt like hours, but was really only minutes

until will solace came in and kicked percy out so he could make sure you were okay

you got away with a few scratches, but when you passed out apparently you hurt your shoulder too

meaning you were off the shooting range for a little while

you almost cried

bandaged and sore to the bone, you walked out of the infirmary

“sunny!”

you turned your head before being tackled into another bear hugging

“ow ow ow percy my shoulder my shoULDER”

he apologized and opted to hold your hand instead

you asked him what happened when you passed out

percy told will, and apparently being around so much solar energy from the bow awakened some kind of heliokinesis

“it’s kinda useless if you pass out every time you use it”

he got a punch on the shoulder for that one

“and the bow?” “oh your dad came and took it a little while after you passed out, he gave you a ride home”

you paused

wait a second

“only me?”

“i got a taxi”

you almost died of laughter

of course you apologized for your dad and gave percy the biggest kiss

he begrudgingly accepted as long as you two go questing together more

after that? you think you can handle a few more quests

“next we go to tartarus” “okay that’s enough out of you”

<3

[vampireninjabunnies-blog]

WIP Whenever

Tagged by @detectivelokis

Tagging @inafieldofdaisies @socially-awkward-skeleton @madparadoxum @aceghosts @strangefable @strafethesesinners @baldurrs @direwombat @redreart @nightwingshero @nihildep and anyone else I missed

Driving Wedges

Joseph successfully uses Esther and John's car wreck to drive wedges between friends. And isolate his Heralds.

Dust filled the air as Nick climbed down from the cockpit of his beloved plane, settling on his hair and clothes. Kim made her way over, seeing the frustration on his face, her own hopeful smile faded.

"Oh hun, nothing?"

"No! Not a God damned thing!" He slammed his fist harshly against Carmina's metal door. " I've flown up and down that fucking river and I can't find shit!"

She sighed "It's been two months Nick. Even the sheriff's department isn't looking anymore. What do you expect to find?"

"Something, anything! A body! She should've washed up somewhere by now!" He rounded on her his eyes bright and stinging with unshed tears.

"Nick...how long are you gonna look? At some point you gotta give it up."

He sat heavily and weary in the dirt. Leaning back against Carmina. "What am I supposed to do Kim? Just give up? I gotta try."

She sat down beside him interlacing her fingers with his. "No. But I don't think a wild goose chase is the best way to help."

"How the hell else am I supposed to help? John hasn't come out of that house since Hudson and Trevor went up there. And every time I go up there it's Joseph that answers the door not John. He hasn't fucking talked to me or anyone since he woke up. Except that damned brother of his." He looked at her, pleading for answers. "Do you really think being holed up in that house alone with Joseph for the last two months is doing him any good?"

"I don't know what to tell you. But we ju-"

He jumped up kicking the dirt.

"Dammit Kim! You know as well as I do that it ain't. Whatever the fuck Joseph's filling his head isn't gonna help him or anyone else. He's gonna turn this horrible accident around until John's up there blaming himself for it!"

Not knowing what else to do she stood pulling him into her arms, holding him as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. "It'll be okay. It will. Just gotta give it some time."

"He's my friend Kim. And I just don't know what to do?"

John sat silently unfazed by the crowd forming, staring blankly at nothing. Jacob watched him as Joseph began to address the group. For the most part ignoring the eulogy except to grumble at the shift from it being about Esther to being a sermon. He would have to discuss that with him later. Right now his only concern was John and the all too familiar far away look in his eyes.

John didn't move when Joseph finally finished, nor respond to the parade of sympathy and condolences poured out by the congregation as they passed by him. No one outside of the project had come but Jacob knew they wouldn't. Joseph had made sure they knew they weren't welcome. He wasn't sure he agreed with that decision. Not much he could do about it though.

He quietly moved to John and sat beside him. He tried to find anything he could say to provide some comfort but the words were lost to him. He wasn't good at this. The silence hung in the air as he watched John's gaze shift toward the grave of the only woman he'd ever loved.

Up until this moment it hadn't seemed real, but he could see all the warmth in his baby brother's eyes had gone. He recognized it, his own eyes had looked the same in the mirror for years before they'd found him.

"John"

Nick's voice rang out as he and Kim tried to push their way past several members of the project. He took note they were dressed nicely and had clearly come to pay their respects. He should've known that they would be here. They didn't give two shits about anything Joseph had to say. He couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

A smile that disappeared as soon as he turned back to John. The far away look was gone, replaced by indignant rage. John stood suddenly taking long strides toward them. His face contorted, eyes narrowing and his teeth bared.

"HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!?"

Jacob got up and closed the distance to stand between John and Nick.

"What? Of course we came, why wouldn't we?"

"Why!? Why would you do this!?" John screamed as Jacob pushed him back. "Why would you take them from me?!"

Nick stepped toward him, ignoring the promise of violence in John's eyes, confusion and hurt written plainly on his face.

"I would never-"

"You ran us off the road! Why?" John collapsed to his knees bringing Jacob with him as he held his baby brother. "You were supposed to...I thought you were my friend."

Kim's eyes widened, understanding washing over her as she turned to Joseph. She grabbed Nick's arm. "We need to go."

Nick tried to pull away from her. Stopped in his tracks when Eli stepped forward from the small group of Peggies watching. Whispering in his ear. "Listen to your wife Nick. You need to leave."

Eli turned to Joseph when Nick finally relented allowing Kim to pull him away. Glaring at the thinly veiled look of satisfaction on his face as he gently pulled John away from Jacob and guiding him back toward the ranch. The rest of the crowd soon dispersed leaving Eli and Jacob alone.

His thoughts raced as he watched him slowly stand.

"How did John go from not remembering a damn thing about that day to accusing his best friend of murder Jacob?"

Eli knew the answer. Joseph had convinced him of it. But he wanted Jacob to say it. To admit it.

Jacob glared back at him. "Is there something you want to say Eli?"

"You and I both know Nick didn't do this. Had no reason to do this. But someone else did. Someone a lot closer to home."

"Joseph would never hurt John. He's our baby brother. He wouldn't, couldn't."

Eli shook his head, knowing that Jacob wouldn't listen. He tore the Eden's Gate cross from his neck and tossed it at Jacob's feet.

"No Jacob. You would never hurt John. But I think Joseph would and did. And whether you admit it or not, I think you know that."

Not waiting for a response he turned and walked away. From Jacob and Eden's Gate. Mourning, knowing full well that two friendships had died today. That Joseph had in some small way won.

[uncovering-sumac]

I've been spending a lot of time at the library. Can you blame me? My apartment's full of ghosts and work is full of weirdos. Bob's passion for apple varieties was charming at first, but it got old when his draft of the Harvest Festival flyers came back half-covered in informational block text. Lisa's art didn't pass review either- not enough pumpkins and too many screaming faces. After a 2 hour stalemate over the flyer design, we were all exhausted, and Janet threatened to send it out the way it was if we couldn't figure something else out. Bob frantically asked if I could use "the AI" to fix it. I just wanted to go home, so I smiled, nodded, and slapped the festival date onto a stock photo of some hay bales, earning me the title of resident tech genius. Sometimes being the youngest employee isn't so bad.

Anyway, the library is now the only place I can find any peace. I spend most of my free time now in the archives, reading the obituaries over and over. I found a few of the women whose names were on that paper. Their old-timey causes of death alternate between confusing and tragic: typhoid, dropsy, childbirth, "debility." But I can't find any connections between them. I keep searching, reading over the same lines, hoping they'll show me something new.

That's what I was doing today when Aiden found me. He noticed I haven't been at the coffee shop lately and went to look for me. He's a good friend. Better than I deserve.

At first I tried to avoid his questions. I covered up my notes as I scrambled to make up stories of where I've been for the past month. But as I looked at him I remembered Frank and Becca desperately looking for their friend, Evelyn tearing up as she wondered what happened to him. If I get what I want, I'll find whatever led to Pat's disappearance, and we all know how that ended for him. I couldn't do that to Aiden. So I sighed and invited him to sit with me.

The truth came out slowly. At first he just sat and watched me shuffle through my notes. Eventually he started asking questions and that got me to talk. It felt good to tell someone. Not as scary as I expected. He took my story pretty well (or, at least as well as someone can when their friend is going crazy). I don't think he believes me, but he helped me look through the archives anyway, probably just to humor me. We didn't find anything though.

After a while the library closed and we had to go home empty-handed. Still today doesn't feel like a total waste. I may not have answered the questions that brought me here yet. But if I made a friend who's willing to join me on this wild goose- er, ghost- chase, maybe I did something right.