#and the deflect it with her light shield

[ganondoodle]

rough concept for the cutscene between phase 3 (beast ganondorf, design not final) and the final fight

(totk rewritten project)

(.. i really need to find an approach to painting these that i like, i dont think its very convincing .. and it wasnt very fun to paint either :( )

[jxwl4k]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ flawless .𖥔 ݁ ˖

☘︎ . . . genre. fluff

☘︎ . . . pairings. bakugou x reader

☘︎ . . . requested? yes by anon

⤿ YN LN is the picture of perfection, brilliant, kind and impossibly talented. But behind her angelic smile lies a sharp tongue that she keeps hidden.

YN LN was perfect—untouchably so.

Her hair always shone like it had been blessed by the heavens, her grades were flawless, and her quirk—a dazzling ability to manipulate light into solid constructs—was nothing short of extraordinary. Every smile she gave was met with sighs, every word she spoke carried a melody of grace.

And it drove Katsuki Bakugou absolutely insane.

“Why’s she acting like she’s some kind of goddess?” he muttered under his breath as YN entered the classroom. Her angelic aura seemed to glow brighter when she greeted everyone. “Tch. Fake.”

YN, having heard him, maintained her kind smile, but her inner monologue flared to life:

“Fake? Oh, I’ll show you fake, you spiky-haired gremlin. Just wait until I—”

“Good morning, Bakugou,” she said sweetly, cutting her own thoughts off.

“Tch.” He didn’t even look at her.

“This brat’s gonna pay for ignoring me in front of everyone! I was blessed by God—this kind of disrespect would NEVER happen to me. I choose not to accept it!”

Despite her carefully curated reputation, YN had a side to her that no one knew—a competitive, hot-headed, and downright foul-mouthed streak that she kept buried beneath layers of charm. The only person who seemed to bring it dangerously close to the surface was Bakugou Katsuki.

It all started during a routine quirk demonstration.

“LN, Bakugou,” Aizawa called, looking as tired as ever. “You’ll be paired up to test each other’s quirks. Bakugou, go easy on her. LN, don’t let his explosions overwhelm you.”

Y/N’s smile didn’t falter, but her eye twitched imperceptibly. “Go easy on me? What am I, a toddler? I’ll obliterate him.”

Bakugou smirked. “Hope you can keep up, ‘Golden Girl.’ Wouldn’t want to ruin that perfect image of yours.”

Her fingers tightened into fists at her sides. “Of course,” she said with a laugh, though inside, she was seething. “You’re WAY off, idiot! I’ll wipe that smirk off your stupid face!”

The match began, and YN summoned a glowing shield of pure light, deflecting Bakugou’s explosions effortlessly. She countered with sharp, whip-like constructs, forcing him to dodge.

“Not bad,” he admitted grudgingly, sending another blast her way.

She sidestepped it with ease, her tone smug. “Oh? Did you expect me to just stand there and let you win?”

For the first time, Bakugou looked genuinely intrigued. “Hah. So you’re not just a pretty face after all.”

“A ‘pretty face’? That’s all he sees me as?! This guy—UGH!”

YN’s next attack was less restrained, her light constructs slamming into the ground with enough force to shake the arena. The spectators gasped, but she quickly composed herself, her sweet smile returning.

“Oops,” she said lightly. “Guess I overdid it!”

Bakugou, however, saw right through her.

After the match, YN sat alone, meticulously cleaning her gloves. Bakugou appeared out of nowhere, plopping down next to her with his usual lack of grace.

“What do you want, Bakugou?” she asked, her voice as light as ever.

He didn’t answer immediately, his sharp gaze studying her. “You’re not like them,” he said finally.

She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You act all nice and perfect, but when we were fighting, you looked like you were actually havin’ fun. Like you’re hiding somethin’.”

Her hand froze mid-polish.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, her tone just a little too defensive.

He snorted. “Whatever. Just don’t bother pretending around me. It’s annoying.”

She watched him walk away, her heart pounding.

“That brat! Who does he think he is?!”

And yet, for some reason, she couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto her face.

[dreamdragonkadia]

Hiii! Could I ask for a Percy x reader with something moon and ocean related? Pls. Like how the moon pulls on the tides. Anyways I love your writing 💗💗💗

Absolutely yes!!! And thank you for the sweet comment, it means the world to me. I’m so glad to hear that, and I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. <33 p.jackson x reader

At first, the joke was how you were the moon to Percy’s sun—complete opposites, but always together. It was something lighthearted, tossed around the campfire after capture the flag or whispered during sparring matches. But that never quite fit, not until Annabeth made the comment.

“You’re not just the moon,” she’d said one day, her voice thoughtful in a way that made you pause. “You’re the moon that pulls the ocean that is Percy.”

The words stuck, reshaping the joke into something closer to the truth. How you were the calm to Percy’s relentless energy. The pull that settled his restless tides when everything else felt like too much.

And after that, everyone saw it. The way Percy trailed after you some days, matching your pace with none of his usual impatience. The way you could touch his arm or murmur his name, and suddenly all that frenetic energy in him would still like the water under a calm sky.

The two of you had been like that for years.

It wasn’t just in the quiet moments, though. You saw it in fights, too—how naturally you moved together, falling into combat as if you were halves of the same whole. Percy would charge in while you covered him without hesitation. Your shield was always there when he didn’t see the incoming blow. Your blade found its mark in the space he created, your movements deliberate where his were wild and free.

“Perfect balance,” Grover called it once, chewing on his tin can. “Like one big cosmic metaphor.”

You’d rolled your eyes, brushing him off. But you couldn’t ignore the way Percy grinned at the comment, like he liked the sound of it. Like he didn’t mind being tethered to you like that.

The moment that finally made you realize how much it meant to both of you came one evening, just after a long day of sparring. You’d ended up by the lake—your usual spot—and Percy, as always, had followed. He dropped down beside you with a groan, flopping dramatically onto the grass.

“You’re gonna kill me one of these days,” he said, his voice muffled against his arm.

“You’re dramatic,” you replied, though you were smiling as you nudged him with your elbow.

Percy lifted his head, his sea-green eyes catching the soft glow of the setting sun. He just looked at you, his expression softening. It was rare, these quieter moments with him, where he wasn’t buzzing with energy or laughter.

“What?” you asked, raising a brow.

“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head. Then, after a beat, he added, “It’s just… you always seem to know what I need before I even know it myself.”

Your heart gave an unexpected flutter at the sincerity in his voice. You opened your mouth to reply—something light to deflect it—but Percy spoke again.

“I mean it. You’re like the moon, pulling me back when I start to drift too far out. And I…” He paused, searching for the words. “I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

Something in the air shifted. The joke—the metaphor—suddenly didn’t feel so funny anymore. It felt real, and suddenly all too there, and a little terrifying.

You swallowed hard, your voice quieter than you intended. “You’d still be you, Percy. You don’t need me for that.”

“Maybe,” he said, his grin small but there nonetheless. “But I like having you around anyway.”

It was such a Percy thing to say—simple, honest—and it made something warm unfurl in your chest. You looked at him then, really looked, and realized just how close he was. His hair was still damp from training, and the faint sunlight turned his features soft.

“Percy—”

You didn’t finish whatever you were about to say, because suddenly he was leaning in, his eyes flicking from yours to your lips as if asking for permission. And you gave it, closing the gap between you.

The kiss was tentative at first, soft and mostly unsure, like neither of you could quite believe it was happening. But then Percy’s hand came up to cup your cheek, his touch gentle, and you leaned into him. It wasn’t some grand, cinematic moment; it was quiet, like the two of you had been building toward it for years.

When you finally pulled back, breathless, Percy rested his forehead against yours, his grin wide.

“Took us long enough,” he murmured, the laughter in his voice making you smile.

“Yeah,” you whispered back, your heart still racing. “But we got there.”

For a while, neither of you moved, content to sit there, the sound of the water lapping gently at the shore. Percy’s arm draped over your shoulder, pulling you closer like he didn’t want to let you go, and you let yourself lean into him.

Everything felt like it was exactly where it was supposed to be. The ocean and the moon, side by side.

[h4nj1sunggg]

who? minsung x fem!reader genre: drabble a/n: I'm so sorry for not posting much but my exam session is killing me, I'll be back in two weeks!! wait for me >:)

minsung poly! where y/n is looking for some cat's food in a small shop, talking on the phone with a friend about the crazy idea of being a cat mom in her 20s, totally not expecting to see minsung kissing gin the hall where cat toys are.. and they notice her after, her mouth open wide in surprised like 'what the actual fuck is that', them being confused but then they notice the freaking miso's photo card on your pic holder attached to the bag that you're holding up.

"calling you later," you whispers a the phone, trying to take a step back and going from where you were coming, when a voice stops you, "wait!"

Your heart races as you clutch the phone in one hand and your bag in the other, fully prepared to disappear back down the aisle. But before you can make your grand escape, the voice stops you.

“Wait!” It’s Jisung. Of course, it’s Jisung. His voice is unmistakable—soft yet commanding in a way that sends chills down your spine.

Every instinct in your body screams at you to keep walking, to pretend you didn’t see the two men you’ve idolized for years kissing in the middle of a cat aisle like it’s the most normal thing in the world. But your feet betray you, and you turn around, clutching your phone and bag like they’re shields against the chaos you just witnessed.

“What?” you croak out, your voice shaky. Your gaze is glued to a suspiciously fluffy cat bed on the shelf behind them, absolutely refusing to make eye contact.

“Hey, no need to act like you just saw a ghost,” Jisung says, his tone light but clearly uneasy. “We’re just… uh, hanging out?”

“Is that what they call it?” you mutter under your breath, still avoiding their eyes as your brain replays the scene on loop like a cursed gif.

Minho, who has been silent so far, steps closer, arms crossed, and raises an eyebrow at your reaction. “You look like we’ve traumatized you for life.”

You blink rapidly, gripping your bag tighter. “I—uh—nope, not traumatized,” you lie, your voice an octave too high. “Just… buying cat food. Totally normal day. Nothing weird happened. Haha!”

It’s a terrible attempt at deflection, and they both know it.

Jisung looks between you and Minho, clearly trying not to laugh. “Are you… scared of us?” he asks, tilting his head like a confused puppy. “We’re not gonna eat you or something.”

“That’s what someone scary would say,” you blurt out before you can stop yourself. You cringe immediately, heat rushing to your face. “I mean, no! I’m fine. This is fine. You guys do… whatever you’re doing. I’ll just…” You gesture vaguely toward the opposite end of the aisle. “…go that way.”

“Not before you explain this,” Minho says, pointing to the photo card of them hanging from your bag.

Your soul leaves your body. “Oh, that? It’s… uh… it came with the bag?” you try, wincing internally. Minho’s unimpressed stare tells you he isn’t buying it.

“She’s a fan,” Jisung says, grinning like he’s cracked some big mystery. “Right? That’s why you’re so weird right now—you know us.”

“Who? Me? A fan?” You laugh awkwardly, taking a shaky step back. “No idea what you’re talking about.”

Minho rolls his eyes, clearly over the theatrics. “You’ve got Minsung’s photo card on your bag, and you’re buying cat food. Do you think we’re dumb?”

You open your mouth to argue, but all that comes out is a strangled squeak. The reality of the situation hits you all over again: you just caught two of your favorite idols making out, and now they’re grilling you in a pet store aisle.

“Nope. Nope, I can’t do this,” you mutter, shaking your head and taking another step back. “I didn’t see anything. This didn’t happen. You guys don’t exist. Bye.”

Minho and Jisung exchange a quick glance as you attempt to bolt, but Jisung steps forward, his hands raised like he’s trying to calm a frightened animal. “Wait, wait, wait! Just… can we talk? Please? We don’t bite. Minho looks scary, but I promise he’s harmless.”

“I am scary,” Minho deadpans, but the flicker of concern in his eyes betrays him.

You freeze mid-step, throwing them a look over your shoulder. “Talk? About what? How you were just kissing in public, where literally anyone could see you? What were you thinking?”

Minho’s jaw tightens. “We didn’t exactly plan on putting on a show,” he says coolly. “It’s not like this place is packed.”

“Packed or not, I saw it!” you hiss, jabbing a finger at yourself. “A fan. Do you know how risky that is? What if I wasn’t—” You stop yourself, realizing you’re dangerously close to spilling your entire identity as a devoted STAY. “What if I wasn’t, you know… normal about this?”

Jisung blinks at you, a little taken aback. “You’re not exactly being normal now, to be fair.”

You glare at him, and his grin falters as Minho nudges him hard in the ribs. “Not helping,” Minho mutters under his breath before turning back to you. “Okay, fine. You caught us. We get it. But you’re not going to, like… shout it from the rooftops or something, right?”

You blink at him. “Shout it from the rooftops? Do I look like someone who’s ready to start a scandal? I’m too busy trying to figure out how to scrub this from my memory.” You shake your head, exhaling sharply. “Seriously, what were you thinking? You’re Lee Minho and Han Jisung, not two random guys in love at a grocery store. You cannot just… make out next to the catnip and hope no one notices.”

Jisung winces, glancing nervously down the aisle. “Okay, yeah, when you put it like that, it sounds bad.”

“It is bad,” you emphasize, lowering your voice but still gesturing wildly. “Do you have any idea how many fans would lose their minds over this? You’re so lucky it was me and not some TikTok-obsessed fangirl ready to post a blurry video.”

Minho’s expression shifts to something like mild panic, his cool demeanor cracking just enough to reveal a hint of worry. “Okay, okay, we get it. You made your point. But you’re not going to tell anyone, right?”

“Why should I?” you counter, crossing your arms. “I’m just saying, maybe next time, don’t risk it. Especially not in a pet store of all places.”

Jisung leans toward Minho, whispering loud enough for you to hear, “She’s scarier than my mom.”

Minho’s lips twitch into a smirk. “She’s got a point, though.”

You huff, adjusting the strap of your bag. “Look, I don’t want to ruin your lives or anything. I just… didn’t expect to see that when I came in here to buy cat food. So if we can all agree to pretend this didn’t happen, I’ll just—”

“You promise?” Minho cuts in, his sharp eyes locking onto yours. It’s not intimidating—it’s pleading.

You raise an eyebrow at him. “What, do you want me to sign an NDA or something?”

As you turn to leave, Minho suddenly calls out, “Wait.”

You freeze mid-step, again. Slowly, you turn back around, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “What now? Are you going to ask me to swear on my future cat’s life or something?”

Minho smirks faintly at your sarcasm but doesn’t take the bait. “No. I just think we should… exchange numbers.”

Your eyes narrow. “Exchange numbers? For what?”

“For… secret privacy,” he says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Secret privacy?” you repeat, deadpan.

Jisung snickers beside him, biting back a laugh. “Wow, hyung, that’s not suspicious at all.”

Minho glares at him before returning his attention to you. “Look, in case something happens. You know, if you accidentally let something slip or decide to post about this.” He shrugs. “I’d like a way to contact you.”

You blink, processing his words. “So, what? You’re giving me your number as a bribe to keep my mouth shut?”

“More like insurance,” Minho corrects, crossing his arms.

“Insurance,” you echo. “Right. Because that doesn’t sound shady at all.”

“Hey, you’re the one who saw us kissing in a pet store,” Minho counters, raising an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly in the position to judge.”

You open your mouth to argue, but Jisung chimes in, grinning. “To be fair, he’s got a point. This is all a little… unconventional, isn’t it?”

You groan, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Fine. Give me your number. But if you start spamming me with cat memes or asking for cat food recommendations, I’m blocking you.”

Minho pulls out his phone, his smirk widening. “Noted.”

“Wait, hold on,” Jisung interrupts, eyes sparkling with mischief. “If she gets your number, I should give her mine, too. For fairness, you know. And, uh, backup insurance.”

“Backup insurance?” you ask, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

“Yeah, in case Minho forgets to text you or something,” Jisung says with a grin. “You never know.”

You roll your eyes but hand over your phone anyway. “You two are ridiculous,” you mutter as Minho types in his number, followed by Jisung.

“Ridiculous, but memorable,” Jisung quips, winking as he hands your phone back.

You stare at the new contacts saved in your phone, feeling like you’ve just signed up for something you’re not entirely sure about. “Okay. I’ve got your numbers. Are we done now? Can I go buy my cat food in peace?”

Minho nods, his expression unreadable. “Yeah. Just… don’t forget your promise.”

“And don’t forget to text us if you ever need cat advice!” Jisung adds cheerfully, earning another glare from Minho.

You shake your head, turning to walk away for what you hope is the final time. “I’m never shopping here again,” you mutter under your breath, clutching your bag tightly.

As you leave the store, you can’t help but glance at your phone again, the reality of the situation finally sinking in. You have the numbers of Lee Minho and Han Jisung in your contacts… and all because they couldn’t resist kissing in a pet store.

[mydearestbeloved]

Chapter 18 [Draft]

Sung Jinwoo/Trial Player!Reader

CW:

Inspired by @circeyoru ‘s “Future Power Couple”

[Masterlist🦋✨️]

"Do as you please." Jinwoo’s words were curt, as usual, his attention already shifting toward their goal.

You sighed, exasperated, as you turned to the demoness who stood hesitantly by Jinwoo’s side. "Esil, are you sure you want to come with us?" Your tone softened, expressing genuine concern. Even if you knew she would be fine, Esil’s decision to accompany the two of you into the heart of danger wasn’t one to take lightly still.

Esil met your gaze, her determination unwavering even as she fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "Yes. I want to witness the outcome of your fight." Her voice held a mix of resolve and bashfulness. "Thank you for your concern, Lady (Name)."

You smiled at her earnestness, though you couldn’t shake your worry. "Alright," you said finally, letting out a resigned sigh. Reaching into your belongings, you retrieved a small, inconspicuous butterfly pin and gently fastened it to Esil’s cloak. The silver shimmer of the pin caught the dim light of the dungeon, its delicate form hiding the potent magic imbued within.

"For extra protection," you explained with a reassuring smile. Esil touched the pin lightly, her cheeks reddening slightly at your thoughtfulness.

---

The chaos of the battlefield was overwhelming. The shadow soldiers clashed relentlessly with the demon king’s forces, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of blood and magic. Baran, mounted on a massive wyvern, commanded his army with a ferocity that shook the dungeon.

"Jinwoo, don’t!" you shouted, panic seizing your chest as you saw Jinwoo take a reckless leap toward Baran. He aimed for the wyvern’s wing, intending to ground the demon king, but his attack was deflected by Baran’s immense mana shield. The force sent Jinwoo hurtling to the ground with a thunderous crash. Without hesitation, you cast a spell, softening the impact and cushioning his fall.

The wyvern’s shriek filled the air as Tusk intercepted Baran’s follow-up attack, forcing the demon king to dismount. Baran landed heavily on the ground, his presence emanating an oppressive aura that seemed to suck the very air from your lungs.

Damn this cursed space! you thought bitterly, your magic straining as you worked to heal the injured shadow soldiers, replenish Jinwoo’s mana, and shield Esil from the chaos. Your enchanted flowers pulsed with light, amplifying your magic, but even they struggled to keep up with the unending onslaught of the demon king’s minions.

The mark beneath your gloves began to sear painfully, and you felt its dark tendrils creeping further up your body. The once-contained corruption now spread relentlessly, slithering from your arms to your neck, staining your skin like ink on a canvas. The mark was no longer content to remain hidden; it demanded to be seen.

Jinwoo’s fight with Baran raged on, each blow exchanged between them shaking the dungeon to its core. Despite his prowess, Baran’s mana seemed limitless, his attacks relentless. You clenched your fists, frustration and desperation boiling within you. In the manhwa, Jinwoo had managed to find an opening, to brute force his way to victory. But now, faced with the reality of the situation, you couldn’t help but feel powerless.

There has to be something I can do, you thought desperately, your hands glowing faintly as you funneled more energy into healing and defense.

Just as despair threatened to take hold, the familiar interface flashed before your eyes.

[Keep up at it, Trial Player!]

[New Ascension Quest!

Help Player Sung Jinwoo defeat the Demon King Baran!

Objective: Absorb Demon King Baran’s mana.

Quest progression at 3%… 5%… 8%...]

The interface’s words sent a chill down your spine. Absorb Baran’s mana? The idea was as terrifying as it was tempting. You could feel the contaminated energy in the air, thick and heavy, like a storm cloud waiting to burst. Taking it in would bolster your strength, yes, but at what cost?

Still, the quest was clear, and there was no time for hesitation. You gritted your teeth and began to channel the corrupted mana toward yourself. The mark on your skin reacted instantly, flaring with searing pain as it spread further, black butterflies blooming across your body.

---

Jinwoo was forced back as Baran unleashed a devastating energy blast. The shockwave rippled outward, tearing through the battlefield. Jinwoo barely managed to hold his ground, his Wind Robe absorbing much of the impact, though it was clear the enchanted garment wouldn’t last much longer.

He scanned the battlefield quickly. His shadow soldiers were locked in combat, their numbers dwindling. Esil was unharmed, shielded by the protective barrier you had cast just in time. Relief flickered in his chest, but it was short-lived. His eyes landed on you, and his heart stopped.

Your gloves had been destroyed by the blast, revealing the blackened skin of your hands and arms. The corruption spread across your body like living ink, its edges forming the shape of fluttering butterflies that seemed to dance with malevolent intent. Your clothes were torn, exposing more of the cursed markings. Sweat dripped down your pale face, but your expression was resolute as you continued to cast spell after spell, supporting him and his shadows without pause.

What… what is that mark?! Jinwoo thought, panic gripping him.

Baran lunged at him, forcing Jinwoo to parry the attack. The demon king’s strength was overwhelming, but Jinwoo held his ground, driving his feet into the earth. The enchanted flowers at his feet glowed faintly, feeding him strength.

Between strikes, Jinwoo noticed something peculiar. The demon minions seemed to be weakening, their movements sluggish, their numbers thinning faster than they should. Then it hit him—You were absorbing Baran’s mana.

His grip on his dagger tightened, rage and desperation flaring within him. You were pushing yourself to the limit, sacrificing your safety to ensure his victory. He needed to end this, now, before it was too late.

Baran loomed before him, his laughter echoing through the battlefield. But Jinwoo wasn’t about to let the demon king win—not when you were risking everything.

“I won’t let you touch her,” Jinwoo growled, his shadows rising like a tidal wave behind him.

---

[Quest progression at 83%... 85%...]

Your breath hitched as you watched Jinwoo lose his daggers, forced to hold Baran’s next attack in place with his bare hands. The two clashed in a deadlock, the force of their struggle causing the ground beneath them to crack and quake. You could feel Jinwoo's mana surging, yet the weight of Baran’s strength was pushing him to his limit.

Just a little more...! you thought, your breath ragged. Your vision wavered as exhaustion bore down on you. The blackened marks now covered most of your body, snaking up your neck and over one of your eyes, down to the tips of your feet. The corruption burned, as if your very soul was being carved apart piece by piece.

Then, Baran opened his maw, preparing to unleash a devastating blast of mana at point-blank range.

"NO!" you screamed, the sound tearing from your throat. But before you could react, a small weapon flew through the air, striking Baran on his jaw.

It was Esil. Trembling with fear but steadfast in her resolve, she had thrown her blade to disrupt the demon king. The weapon barely scratched Baran, but the interruption was enough to catch him off guard.

Jinwoo’s eyes flashed, seizing the opportunity.

[Quest progression at 88%... 90%...]

Jinwoo surged forward, muscles coiling with raw power. With Dominator’s Touch, he ripped Baran’s hand clean off in a violent spray of dark ichor. "LET’S—" Jinwoo bellowed, rage and determination blazing in his voice.

Keep going, you willed silently, your head pounding. Your limbs felt heavier than stone, the corrupted mana leeching your strength as it crawled further across your skin. The ink-like marks coiled toward your chest, encroaching on your heart. Every beat felt weaker than the last.

[Quest progression at 92%... 93%...]

Jinwoo roared as he drove Baran back, the shadow soldiers rallying around him. Baran’s own forces were faltering under your sustained efforts, but the price was unbearable. Your vision blurred as dizziness swept over you, and your knees buckled.

Jinwoo’s next attack slammed into Baran’s jaw, forcing the demon king’s head back. With a final, earth-shattering blow to Baran’s chin, Jinwoo unleashed the full might of his strength.

"END THIS!"

The force of the strike tore Baran’s head from his shoulders, sending it soaring through the air. The demon king’s massive body crumpled to the ground in a deafening crash, his lifeless form radiating residual mana.

[Quest progression at 98%... 99%...]

You barely registered Baran’s defeat. Your legs gave out as the last bit of strength drained from your body. The corrupted marks reached your heart, wrapping around it in a vice-like grip.

"(Y/N)!" Jinwoo’s voice broke through the haze, filled with urgency and panic. You saw him running toward you, his figure blurring as your vision swam. Colors blended together, his face indistinguishable.

The last thing you heard before everything went dark was the faint chime of the system.

---

[Requirements fulfilled!

Commencing—]

Images flooded your mind, flashing too fast to comprehend. They weren’t your memories; they couldn’t be. Detached and disjointed, they sped past like fragments of someone else’s life.

Through it all, a single emotion took hold—boredom.

It was a strange, hollow feeling, as though the memories didn’t matter. You didn’t care to remember them once they passed.

What is this feeling?

As the images faded, you opened your eyes to an unfamiliar space. Gigantic white halls stretched endlessly, their pristine surfaces lined with intricate gold patterns. Everything exuded an air of divine majesty.

You tried to move, only to realize you couldn’t. You weren’t sitting—you were pinned in place. Looking down, you saw your body, or rather, the body you currently inhabited, impaled by spears of white and gold.

It's unpleasant.

Your breath hitched as panic set in. You felt liquid dripping from your mouth, warm and metallic. Blood? But the sensation didn’t match. It wasn’t your blood.

Your shoulders, back, and stomach ached with unbearable intensity. Each breath was a struggle.

Is this... pain?

The realization struck you like a hammer. This wasn’t your body, nor were these your thoughts. Your mind felt crowded, jumbled with emotions and memories that weren’t your own. The sense of disconnection grew stronger, suffocating you.

Make it stop.

You wanted to scream, but no sound came. The foreign emotions roared louder, a cacophony of anger, fear, and betrayal. They weren’t yours, yet they consumed you.

Make it stop! Make it STOP!

You tried to move, to claw at the spears pinning you in place, but your limbs wouldn’t obey. The pain intensified, radiating through every nerve.

HOW DARE THEY. HOW DARE THEY DO THIS TO ME!

The voice wasn’t yours. It reverberated through your mind, a furious bellow filled with rage and indignation.

ASHBORN! WHERE ARE YOU?!

The name struck you like a thunderclap. You knew that name. But before you could dwell on it, the tide of emotions drowned you again.

MAKE IT STOP! MAKE THIS PAIN GO AWAY!

The voices spiraled into chaos, their collective rage and despair threatening to consume you. The white halls around you blurred, twisting and distorting as your mind fractured under the weight of the foreign emotions.

ASHBORN! ASHBORN!

The name echoed louder, almost pleading, but it was drowned out by the overwhelming pain.

And then, just as abruptly as it began, your vision turned white. The voices fell silent, leaving only an empty ringing in your ears.

A single thought lingered, faint and distant.

In the depths of your mind, a laugh escaped, broken and static, as if coming from another entity entirely. You felt your lips move, mouthing words that didn’t belong to you.

"Even gods bleed red."

---

You gasped awake, your chest rising and falling in sharp, shallow breaths. The cold, hard ground beneath you felt foreign yet grounding as you tried to process your surroundings. Two faces swam into view through the haze of your tears—Jinwoo and Esil. Both looked down at you, their expressions taut with concern and palpable relief.

Before either could say a word, a sudden surge of nausea churned in your stomach. Bile climbed up your throat, leaving no time for dignity or restraint. You twisted onto your hands and knees, head bowing low as the contents of your stomach forced their way out.

Your body trembled violently, your hands digging into the dirt as sharp pain coursed through your throat. Each heave felt like shards of glass scraping against your insides, leaving behind raw, burning tissue. Tears streamed down your face as you coughed and retched, your body unwilling to stop even as it emptied itself of everything you had.

A hand came into your vision, brushing your hair back from your face. The touch was firm yet gentle, preventing your hair from becoming sullied by the mess. You couldn’t turn to see who it was, but the steady presence behind you was enough to anchor your spiraling senses.

The retching continued, your stomach contracting painfully, wringing out more than it had any right to. When the onslaught finally subsided, you opened your tear-blurred eyes, your body shaking from the strain. You expected to see the ugly remnants of vomit mixed with blood on the ground, but your vision was immediately drawn to something unexpected.

Gold.

Amidst the sickly mixture, the faint shimmer of gold glinted in the dim light. Your breath hitched. What was that? Your muddled mind barely had time to process before your arms gave out, and you collapsed backward.

Strong arms caught you, breaking your fall. You sagged against a broad chest, your head rolling back to rest against a firm shoulder. Your breath came in shallow gasps, tears still rolling down your cheeks and dripping onto the ground.

A smooth, cool object pressed against your lips, and you instinctively flinched. But the steady hand holding it didn’t falter. Warm liquid slipped past your lips, sliding down your throat. You coughed as the unfamiliar sensation tickled the raw, torn tissue, causing some of the liquid to spill out and trail down your chin.

“Easy,” Jinwoo’s voice murmured softly behind you. His grip remained steady, the bottle tilted just enough to let the liquid flow again. Despite the burning itch, you swallowed, the warmth spreading through your body like a soothing balm.

Once the bottle was empty, it pulled away, leaving you gasping for air. Your trembling hands clung to Jinwoo’s shirt, clutching the fabric like a lifeline. His free hand patted your back in slow, comforting rhythms, grounding you as your strength began to return.

Minutes passed before you finally managed to lift your gaze. Jinwoo was already staring down at you, his dark eyes soft but clouded with barely concealed worry. His handsome features, usually calm and collected, were now tense.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice quiet but firm, laced with a gentleness that made your chest ache.

Your throat was too raw to respond, so you gave a weak nod. Your gaze drifted to the side, trying to avoid the intensity of his stare. That’s when your eyes caught something on the ground.

An intricate, empty bottle lay there, its silver detailing catching the light. Inside, only a faint hint of red liquid remained. Recognition hit you like a thunderclap.

The Holy Water of Life.

Panic surged through you, chasing away the lingering haze. Your body tensed, and your mind raced. Did Jinwoo use it on me? No... He was supposed to save that for his mother!

“Hey,” Jinwoo’s voice broke through your spiraling thoughts. His hand cupped your chin, gently tilting your face back toward him. “Calm down. There’s still five more.”

Relief washed over you, your tense shoulders sagging as his words registered. You vaguely remembered now—six Holy Waters of Life. In the manhwa, Jinwoo used one on his mother, one for Jinho’s father, and another on Go Gunhee after revising the timeline. Only three had remained by the end.

But now, one of those had been used on you.

You opened your mouth to protest, to apologize, but Jinwoo moved before you could. His arms shifted, one sliding under your knees and the other bracing your back as he stood, lifting you effortlessly.

“J-Jinwoo!” you yelped, squirming in his hold. “Put me down! I can walk!”

“Stop,” Jinwoo said, his tone brooking no argument. His grip tightened slightly as he began walking. “You’re in no condition to argue. Let’s go back.”

Your protests faltered, a mix of embarrassment and exhaustion rendering you silent. As Jinwoo carried you, you craned your neck, searching for Esil. The demoness stood a short distance away, her hands half-raised as if debating whether to reach out.

“Esil!” you called, your voice hoarse but carrying as much warmth as you could muster. She flinched at first but quickly recovered, her expression softening into one of cautious hope.

“I hope I can see you again soon!”

Before Esil could respond, the shadows around Jinwoo swirled, enveloping both of you in their cold embrace. The last thing you saw was Esil’s small, hesitant smile as she watched you disappear.

End Note:

Unfinished Draft of [23/11/2024] -

[keepingitformyself]

and my waves meet your shore

A/N: this one has been in the drafts for two years.... synopsis: natasha seems to have found silence in all the noise.

MASTERLIST

pairings: natasha romanoff x reader

genre: angst, fluff.

warnings: sad natasha :(

please do not repost my work anywhere for any reason at all. if you do see this happen to any of my stories, please let me know. thank you x.

natasha romanoff has lived a very lonely ife.

however, as sad as it may seem natasha never once payed any heed to it. relationships and rapport had rarely been acknowledged by her superiors during her time in the red room. but if it ever was it was only to display the inconvenience it would bring to her life.

so as a stead natasha had only ever put her mind to the things she was instructed to, unfortunately companionship had never been in that spectrum for her.

her lack of agency had always made that easier for her. she was always taught to deflect at any first sign of fragility and she never needed anyone else because— well she was simply better off on her own.

still, thoughts of having any sense of togetherness or intimacy would sometimes cross her mind, but as soon as they came she was always quick to brush them off.

it took her some time to discard the habit of having that mentality.

natasha’s upbringing was one made up of unspeakable catastrophe, things one simply could not ever bear to speak about. she had taken too many falls, and she had shed too much blood and tears for a life she never intended.

but when she did manage to set herself free, plagued with nothing but the haunts of the past she left behind, with the very small amount of hope she had left in humanity, she rose slowly from the depths of a narrative she’d never spare a glance back at again.

and she had clint barton to thank for that. he would never understand the amount of gratitude she had towards the archer. he had given her a sense of family, a sense of home. he let her in and introduced her to his own life outside of what it meant to be on the light side of the fight.

he was her first shot at a real human relationship. her shot at a second chance.

it had flicked a switch inside of her whenever she saw clint hug his kids and kiss their cheeks. natasha had only ever known cruelty, she had never seen something so benevolent before.

she liked it whenever she got to see that side of him, the side that wasn’t so stoic and on high alert all the time, the side that wasn’t agent barton.

it changed her perspective when it came to the world. she had only ever seen the ugly in people. her experience with some of the most horrendous things had allowed for her to see the humanity in others.

but unfortunately, never in herself.

even after switching her allegiance to the avengers she still couldn’t bear the thought of the person she used to be, the one that was the exact opposite of who she is now.

she devoted herself to the fight and had made her own separate code to live by. it became a need for her to do only the great or good, so much so that she was willing to put her own life on the line if it ever came to it. her entire life became one of redemption.

natasha romanoff had lived a tragic life. no one would ever understand her and her troubled past, and no one had ever made the time to try.

that is until she met you.

she had met you in a weird time in her life. taking down what was left of shield also meant exposing who she was before her years as an agent at shield.

many people were out of a job after that. some moved on, others promoted into whatever secret agency would come next. you however, had been offered a spot next to the world’s mightiest heroes.

she was wary of you, of course. she had the right to be. it wasn’t everyday someone would show up out of the blue and offer her a piece of themselves.

you were like that a lot. natasha quickly learned you had no problem in sharing parts about you to make others feel better. sure, you weren’t someone who carried a large amount of baggage like the rest of them, but that felt refreshing to most of the team.

natasha never got to pick her battles before, until now. she’d always deny saying that she hated the fight more than she showed.

the truth is, natasha wasn’t ready for a fight much like this one, but nonetheless, it was still one she wouldn’t surrender to.

—

natasha has nightmares. bad ones too.

it’s the same thing every time they happen. she wakes up in the night and paces her room, it feels like a fire inside. the smoke that isn’t there manages to make her feel like it consumes her into its flames.

she feels helpless in its flames, she convinced herself that the lifetimes worth of nightmares is what she deserves. she cries and hopes that it ends soon, all she can do is hold her own until it passes.

suddenly, you barge in. you find natasha on the floor, looking frail and disrupted. you don’t waste a moment in rushing towards her.

you don’t even think about how you’ve never been in such close proximity to her. then you hug her. you tell her that she’s okay, that it’s okay.

she never pushes you off and it surprises you, natasha quickly figures that she likes to be held and you feel warm against her, so she lets you.

you kiss her dampened forehead and keep coaxing her, telling her anything and everything that you think might help her. you never push her into opening up, you understand the intimacy of it, natasha is thankful for that.

when you feel her breath steady and her cries have grown quieter you walk her back to her bed. you both look at each other for a moment and she breathes out before saying.

“thank you.” her voice comes out in a rasp.

you only nod, a small smile on your face. you make your way to leave until you feel her hand graze your own. you meet her eyes again with a furrow in your brows.

the look she gives you tells you that she doesn’t want this to be brought up again and that she trusts that it will remain between you both. your hand touches her own,

“you can trust me.” is all you say before leaving back towards where you came from.

when natasha wakes up that morning she finds that she hates her reflection in the mirror. she notices pieces of her old self when staring into her eyes.

she clenches the counter under her hands and squeezes her eyes until she musters up enough courage to walk out of her bedroom door.

when she makes her way into the busy kitchen she’s greeted instantly by everyone. she smiles and greets back, acting as if nothing had happened the night prior. that is until she feels a warm cup being pushed into her hands.

“morning, i made your coffee. i’ll serve you a plate in just a moment.” you greet the redhead with a smile. she raises her eyebrows in surprise and takes the coffee in her hands.

she sits besides clint and hums in contentment once she figures out that you made her cup just the way she liked it. black and one sugar.

you make breakfast easy for her to feel comfortable in. you act as if nothing had happened and continue to pass around jokes with the boys. natasha even passes you the ketchup bottle with a small smile when you ask for it. your mind cheers at the small progress you think you’ve made.

now, natasha knows that she can somewhat trust you and in the enlightenment of that she starts to loosen herself when it comes to you.

since then you’ve seen more of natasha around the building and you notice how she’s open to your company even more.

you now find the redhead sitting next to you during meals if she finds a space empty and she acknowledges you with a smile if you see her passing in hallways throughout the day.

one particular moment that really catches you by surprise is when you finally let yourself make the time to sharpen your knife collection. you hadn’t had the chance to since work piled up and it wasn’t until today that you were now allowed a free day.

and when you make it to your armory you find that all your blades and knives had been sharpened and cleaned. a note left by the redhead in your locker.

‘i know you haven’t had the time. -N’ you’re left shocked but don’t even question how she knew this despite never mentioning it to her.

two weeks later, she walks up to you in the middle of your workout. she taps your shoulder and you remove your earbud to turn towards her.

“hi!” you say too enthusiasticly, surprised she had walked up to you to start a conversation.

you’ve learned by now to never push for her attention, you let her come to you when she wants to. everything had to happen at her own pace if you want to be her friend.

she invites you for movies in her room later that night. a shy smile invades her face as she releases the sentence, you could tell she seemed a bit nervous at the idea of being in a room alone with you.

you agree as cooly as you can, careful to not overexcite your response in case she suddenly sees it as weird.

later that night you find yourself in bed with natasha, she shares her bag of skittles with you whilst she chooses a movie. you smile when you notice the stash of snacks she had hidden, a variety of skittles and reece’s. you make a mental note to gift her some more of her favorite snacks.

she makes you watch her favorite bond films, you never point it out but you know for most of the movies she had watched you instead.

the gears turn in natasha’s head. she watches you laugh and sees the fascination swirl in your eyes as you become invested in the action sequences.

she searches and searches for any sign of bad intention in you. part of her has not fully comprehended how someone like you had wanted to be involved with someone like her. she knows how patient you’ve been…but why?

she absolutely cannot help it that she feels this way, not when it’s been programmed into her to never be this vulnerable.

but every bone within her knows you’re anything but ill-intended. her mind just simply can’t wrap around the idea that someone seems to want to stay.

once the movie had finished you stayed back for a while to talk. you had no problem in taking charge of most of the conversation, you knew natasha was still adjusting to you.

she asks you questions, you answer.

you tell her about your family. you grew up in brooklyn, a cute brownstone in the park slope neighborhood. you had two older siblings, each four years older. a brother, a stockbroker and your sister who was an interior designer.

you notice the small quirk in natasha’s face when you mention your siblings, you decide not to question it.

until two weeks later. you’re in her room again and she brings it up during a harry potter marathon.

“i have a sister.” is all she has to say before you pause the movie.

“pardon?” you look at her, but she’s still staring at the screen.

“i have a sister, or had, i don’t really know where she is now.”

you tread carefully with your next question.

“do you think about her a lot?” the question finally makes her look at you.

“all the time.” she whispers.

you think of how devastating it may be for her to know someone out there was once a part of her.

“thank you for telling me.”

—————

after a solo mission to johannesburg you come back in very bad shape. you’d barely made it out by the time an airlift came to retrieve you.

and once you’re lifted into the jet by a combat med you don’t notice the worried redhead that’s in the jet waiting for you as well.

she grabs your face in her two hands, worried expression on her face.

you’re breathing heavy, and you’re clutching your stomach with the same arm that’s throbbing.

all you can really do is give her a bloodied smile.

you take a sharp breath in, “hey…” then your eyelids go heavy and you don’t really remember much of anything after that.

by the time you’ve landed it’s all a mess. everyone hears about your state, and the whole team is there to meet you at the landing dock when you’re being carried in a stretcher into the compound.

natasha only talks to three people until you wake up. steve to report everything to, and bruce and doctor cho for any inquiry on your state of health.

despite everyone’s efforts to convince natasha you’re fine, she’s stays put and keeps her eye on you through surgery. clint tries to get her to eat but his attempts fail, only met with complete silence. and wanda tries to tell her to at least freshen up for you, but she’s met with silence yet again.

it’s all honestly a bit off putting how eerily quiet she got. the team decides then, that when it comes to you it’s best to just let her be.

but she’s there again when you wake up in the med bay. she instantly hears your shift in breathing and wakes up only seconds after you do.

“you’re awake.” is the first thing she says.

and you in your disoriented state say,

“good. i’m really loopy still, so i can’t really tell if i’m dreaming or not.”

natasha lets out what sounds like a relieved sigh or a laugh, but it makes you smile, and you both stare at eachother for a few seconds.

you look at her, a grateful smile on your face.

the gears in natasha’s head turn. something about the way she found you almost twenty four hours ago had shifted something in her.

she was with steve when you reported you may need extraction as soon as possible. your breathing was ragged and you let out at strangled whimper before the line cut off.

“i’m going.” was all natasha said before she headed off to pack a bag. she was there before the extraction team fifteen minutes later.

it was hard to think of anything else besides you, on her way to you. and it was hard to think of anything else besides being with you when she finally got to you.

it was something she couldn’t quite place, or maybe she could, maybe she wasn’t ready to face it yet.

you squint your eyes at the redhead next to you, noticing her deep in thought state. you almost think you see a twinge of something else besides relief in her eyes. but before you could question it almost robotically a mask is put back up.

“i’ll go get, cho.” is all she says before she clears her throat and leaves.

after that, you catch natasha around you alot. more than usual.

suddenly every partner mission you’re assigned to, natasha is there with you ready to go.

and you never find out, but she made steve promise to assign you both together. she never really tells him why, even when he asks she’s quite good at deflecting those questions.

and quite honestly, he didn’t have it in himself to question her, knowing she always had everyone’s best interests in mind.

it’s a little past midnight when you find natasha sitting on the compound’s balcony. the distant hum of the city mixes with the soft chirping of crickets, creating a quiet melody that feels oddly serene. she doesn’t startle when you join her, doesn’t even glance up, but you notice the slight tension in her shoulders ease as you settle into the chair beside her.

the silence between you stretches, comfortable yet charged with unspoken words. she’s never been much for small talk—her world operates on subtleties and actions rather than open confessions. you’ve learned to understand her language, the way she communicates through fleeting gestures and careful glances.

“i didn’t expect you to be awake,” she finally says, voice low and steady. her gaze is fixed on the horizon, as if the view holds answers she’s not ready to share.

“couldn’t sleep,” you reply, mirroring her tone. “too quiet.”

she huffs a quiet laugh. “you don’t strike me as someone who likes noise.”

“i don’t. but sometimes, silence is its own kind of noise, don’t you think?”

her eyes flicker toward you, studying your profile like she’s trying to decipher a code. you don’t push; you’ve never needed to. natasha unfolds on her terms, like a flower reluctant to bloom under artificial light.

“i used to hate silence,” she admits after a moment. “it felt… heavy. like it was waiting to crush me.”

you nod, not saying anything but giving her the space to continue.

“then, i realized it wasn’t the silence i hated. it was being alone in it.”

the admission hangs in the air, raw and unguarded in a way natasha rarely allows herself to be. you shift in your seat, careful to keep your movements unassuming.

“you’re not alone anymore,” you say gently, your voice barely above a whisper.

her head tilts, and for a brief moment, you see the war behind her eyes—the battle between wanting to believe you and the deep-seated scars of her past telling her otherwise.

“it doesn’t feel like it when you’re around,” she finally says, her voice soft but carrying the weight of her sincerity.

it’s a small victory, but one that fills your chest with warmth. you glance at her, and this time, she meets your eyes. there’s a vulnerability in her gaze, a quiet plea for something she doesn’t know how to ask for.

“you don’t have to carry it all by yourself,” you say. “not anymore.”

her lips twitch into the barest hint of a smile, and she looks back out at the skyline.

“i know.”

it’s not an overt declaration or a grand epiphany, but it’s enough. natasha romanoff doesn’t find solace in words. she finds it in actions, in the quiet moments shared with someone who sees her for who she is and stays anyway.

natasha hesitates, her fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of her chair. she’s rarely still for long—always poised, always prepared to move, to act. but tonight, she’s caught between the present and the thousand questions swirling in her mind.

her voice comes unexpectedly, low and careful. “when you were hurt on that mission…” she pauses, her jaw tightening as she fights the urge to retreat into herself. “…i realized something.”

you turn toward her fully, watching as she wrestles with whatever it is she’s trying to say. her hands rest on her lap now, and her gaze is focused on them as though the answers are carved into her palms.

“nat…” you prompt softly, giving her space to continue.

she exhales, a sound heavy with reluctance and resolve. “i’ve lost people before. more than i can count. and i always told myself it was… just part of the job. you can’t stop to feel when you’re in the middle of everything. you can’t afford to.”

you stay quiet, knowing this isn’t the moment for interruptions.

“but when i saw you…” her voice falters, her fingers curling into fists before relaxing again. “it wasn’t the same. i didn’t—” she stops, looks up at you with a rare vulnerability that makes your chest ache. “i didn’t know what I’d do if you didn’t come back.”

the admission is small, almost swallowed by the quiet around you, but it lands with the force of something much larger. you feel the words settle in your chest, warm and grounding.

you lean forward slightly, letting the closeness fill the space between you. “you don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for,” you offer, keeping your tone as gentle as you can. “but just so you know… i’m not going anywhere.”

natasha’s lips press into a thin line, her gaze searching yours as though she’s testing the truth of your words. slowly, her hand moves, and she brushes her fingers against yours. it’s tentative, a question wrapped in the smallest of gestures.

you respond by turning your hand over, letting her fingers slip into yours. it’s not much—a barely-there connection—but to natasha, it feels monumental.

“i don’t know what this is,” she admits, her voice trembling just slightly, “or if i even deserve it. but... you make me feel something i didn’t think i could anymore.”

your breath catches at her confession, the subtle weight of it more than you expected but exactly what you’ve been hoping for.

“i think you deserve a lot more than you give yourself credit for,” you reply, your thumb brushing softly over her knuckles. “and whatever this is, i’m okay with figuring it out… with you.”

she doesn’t respond immediately, but the way her grip tightens around your hand is all the answer you need. the silence that follows is comfortable, filled not with the weight of unspoken fears but with the quiet promise of something new.

natasha glances at you once more, her green eyes soft in the moonlight. “thank you,” she murmurs. it’s the second time she’s said it to you, but tonight it carries more meaning, more intention.

for the first time in a long time, natasha feels the silence settle.

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Be Kind

But if you're gonna fight then do it for me (4)

Scarlet Witch x Witch!Reader x Wanda Maximoff

Summary: Your Goddess defends you, transforming her into something different.

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings: 18+, MDNI, R calls SW Goddess, SW refers to R as pet, W calls R baby, R calls Wanda Mommy

A/N: The final chapter for these three. I loved them so very much and I hope you guys did too!

As a stray bolt of Doctor Strange's magic came hurtling towards you, you instinctively flinched, curling up into a defensive ball. But the Scarlet Witch was quicker. With a wave of her hand, she deflected the attack, her magic flaring brighter and more intense.

"Stay behind me, pet," she commanded, her voice distorted but unmistakably protective. You peeked up at her from your curled position, awestruck and terrified by her new form. The intricate, dark design of her mask and the raw power emanating from her made her look like a dark guardian, ready to do anything to keep you safe.

Doctor Strange hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback by the Scarlet Witch's transformation. "Wanda, this isn't the way," he pleaded, trying to reason with her.

But the Scarlet Witch was beyond reason. "She is mine," she hissed, her voice echoing with power. "I will protect her at all costs."

With that, the battle resumed, even more intense than before. The Scarlet Witch's magic swirled around you, creating a shield that absorbed the impact of Doctor Strange's attacks. You could feel the heat and energy of the battle, but you knew that as long as your Goddess was there, you would be protected.

The battle raged on with neither side letting up. Spells clashed in the air, creating bursts of light and energy that lit up the field. The Scarlet Witch was relentless, her fury unmatched as she defended you. Eventually, realizing the battle was at a stalemate, she threw up a barrier and then summoned a portal.

With a swift motion, she picked you up effortlessly, her new form radiating both power and protectiveness. She hopped through the portal, taking you back home in an instant. You clung to her, feeling the warmth and strength of her body despite her fearsome appearance.

As you arrived back home, she held you tightly against her, her heartbeat quick and steady against your ear. Despite the distorted nature of her voice, you could hear the sincerity and determination in her words. "I won't let anyone take you from me, Y/N," she mumbled softly, almost to herself.

You nestled closer, feeling a mixture of fear and comfort. The Scarlet Witch, your Goddess, had fought fiercely to protect you, and in that moment, you knew that she would go to any lengths to keep you safe. The bond between you felt unbreakable, forged stronger through the fire of battle and the depth of her unwavering devotion.

You looked up at her, taking in her new appearance. Your hands moved up to cup her cheeks, feeling the black veins running down her skin, now pale. Her once beautiful crown was now a part of her face, and her eyes glowed red behind the barred mask. "I must be terrifying right now..." she admitted, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

"No...you're my Goddess. You're always beautiful..." you whispered, your heart swelling with affection and loyalty. Without thinking, you leaned up and placed your lips on hers for the first time. The kiss was soft, a mix of love and reverence. When you pulled back, her appearance had shifted back to normal, her red eyes softening to the familiar green.

Your mind flickered to the thought of true love's kiss from all those fairy tales you were read growing up. Could it be that simple? The transformation, the intensity of her protective nature, all seemed to melt away with that one genuine act of love.

She looked down at you, her eyes searching yours. "You truly are devoted to me," she said softly, a smile playing on her lips. "I don't deserve you, but I will protect you with everything I have."

You nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. "And I will always be here for you, my Goddess," you replied, snuggling closer to her, feeling the warmth of her body and the steady rhythm of her heart. In that moment, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, the bond you shared was unbreakable.

==========

Following the battle with Strange, the Scarlet Witch decided it would be best to find a new spot to live. With her magic, it didn't take much for the two of you to move house. She packed up everything effortlessly, red energy swirling around the objects and neatly placing them into boxes. You watched in awe as the familiar surroundings of your old home were transformed into organized stacks, ready for the journey.

The new cottage was nestled deep in the middle of the woods, miles and miles from anyone else. It was quaint and charming, surrounded by towering trees and the serene sounds of nature. A perfect sanctuary, hidden away from prying eyes and potential threats.

As you arrived, the Scarlet Witch began unpacking with the same ease, her magic making light work of the task. You stood at the edge of the clearing, taking in the beauty of your new home. The air was fresh and clean, the scent of pine and earth filling your senses. Birds chirped in the distance, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a soothing background melody.

"Do you like it, pet?" she asked, her voice soft as she came to stand beside you. Her eyes were their familiar green, filled with a mix of determination and tenderness.

You nodded, a smile spreading across your face. "It's perfect, my Goddess. Thank you."

She placed a hand on your shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Good. We'll be safe here. No one will find us." Her tone was resolute, a promise of protection.

Over the next few days, you settled into your new routine. The cottage was cozy, with a stone fireplace, wooden beams, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The Scarlet Witch had even created a small garden outside, filled with vibrant flowers and herbs.

Every morning, you woke up to the sound of birdsong and the warmth of the sun streaming through the windows. You spent your days learning more about your magic, under the watchful eye of your Goddess. She was a strict but patient teacher, guiding you through each spell with care. Your nights were filled with quiet moments by the fire, cuddled up with her as she read or simply held you close.

One evening, as you sat by the fire, you looked up at her, a question forming in your mind. "Scarlet, why did you choose this place?"

She glanced at you, a small smile playing on her lips. "Because it's far away from everything and everyone. It's peaceful. And it's a place where we can be ourselves, without any interruptions."

You nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind her words. This place was more than just a home; it was a refuge, a place where you could both heal and grow together. As you leaned against her, feeling the steady beat of her heart, you knew that no matter where you were, as long as you were with her, you were home.

You hadn't seen Mommy in weeks while your Goddess had taken back over. Though your Goddess had become softer since the kiss, Mommy's absence was deeply felt. The contrast between them was stark; for two beings sharing a body, they couldn't be more different.

Your Goddess still held an air of authority, a presence that demanded respect and obedience. She was strict, yet not as harsh as before. She had rules and expectations, and while she allowed for moments of tenderness, there was always a reminder of her dominance. You were still her pet, a role you embraced with devotion and reverence.

But Mommy—Mommy was warmth and comfort, a sanctuary of unconditional love. With her, you felt like you could let your guard down completely. Her touch was gentle, her words soothing. She was nurturing, always ready to hold you close and whisper sweet reassurances. In her presence, you were more than just a pet; you were her cherished baby.

The days felt longer without her. You followed your Goddess's commands, practiced your magic, and did everything to please her, but the longing for Mommy's tender affection was always there. You missed the way she would stroke your hair, the softness in her voice, and the safe, warm embrace that made you feel like the most important person in the world.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session of magic training, you found yourself sitting on the floor by the fireplace, staring into the flickering flames. The cottage was quiet, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the distant rustle of leaves outside. Your Goddess was at her desk, reading an ancient tome, her expression focused and intense.

You dared to speak, your voice barely above a whisper. "Goddess, may I ask a question?"

She glanced up, her eyes meeting yours. "What is it, pet?"

You hesitated, feeling a lump form in your throat. "Will... will Mommy come back soon?"

For a moment, there was silence. Then, to your surprise, the intensity in her eyes softened. She closed the tome and stood, walking over to you. Kneeling down, she lifted your chin, her gaze penetrating yet kind.

"She misses you too, you know," she said softly. "But there are things I must take care of. Responsibilities and tasks that require my attention."

You nodded, understanding yet still yearning. "I miss her," you whispered, tears welling up in your eyes.

She brushed a tear from your cheek with a gentle touch. "I know, pet. I promise she will return. And when she does, she will hold you and love you as much as she always has."

You leaned into her touch, feeling a flicker of hope. "Thank you, Goddess."

She smiled, a rare and beautiful sight. "Now, come. Let's get you to bed. You need your rest."

As she led you to your makeshift bed by her feet, you couldn't help but feel a glimmer of anticipation. The promise of Mommy's return filled your heart with a renewed sense of hope and comfort, knowing that soon, you would be wrapped in her loving embrace once more.

=============

You sat by the fireplace with Nugget, using him as a makeshift pillow while the fire kept you warm. Your Goddess was on the couch, reading over a book. The soft crackling of the fire and the rhythmic turning of pages were soothing, and you closed your eyes, feeling a sense of peace and contentment.

What felt like only a moment later, you were gently awoken by the familiar sensation of her magic lifting you up. You opened your eyes to find yourself being placed onto her lap. Your once harsh Goddess had softened ever since you had kissed her. The change was palpable; her touch was tender, and her eyes, though still powerful, held a warmth that made your heart flutter. The two of you were settling into each other, finding a new rhythm that blended the lines of pet and cherished companion.

"Hi baby, did you miss Mommy?" she whispered in your ear, her breath sending shivers down your spine. A smile broke across your face, and a giggle bubbled up from within you, unable to be contained.

"Yes, Mommy," you replied, snuggling closer to her. The soft fabric of her sweater felt comforting against your skin, and her arms around you made you feel safe and loved. "I missed you so much."

Her fingers traced gentle patterns on your back, soothing and affectionate. "I missed you too, sweet girl," she murmured. "Every moment we spend together is precious to me."

You looked up at her, your eyes meeting hers. "You make me so happy, Mommy."

Her smile widened, and she kissed the top of your head. "And you make me happy too, little one. So very happy."

The fire crackled beside you, casting a warm glow over the room. Outside, the sounds of the forest provided a serene backdrop to this intimate moment. You felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over you, knowing that you were right where you belonged.

"Mommy," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

"Yes, baby?" she responded, her voice soft and reassuring.

"I love you."

Her arms tightened around you, and she kissed your forehead. "I love you too, my sweet girl. More than you can ever know."

===========

Six months had passed, and life had taken on a new, comforting rhythm. You now had a room of your own, a small shed outback that Wanda had transformed into a cozy art studio. It was a place of solace, a haven where you could lose yourself in the colors and strokes of your brushes. The shed was filled with canvases, some finished, others still in progress, and the smell of oil and acrylic paints lingered in the air.

Wanda had given you this space, recognizing your need for a personal sanctuary. You had always loved painting, creating beautiful landscapes and scenes that seemed to flow effortlessly from your mind onto the canvas. What started as a hobby had become something more profound. Wanda often referred to your paintings as prophetic, noting how events depicted in your artwork would later unfold in reality. It was as if you were capturing glimpses of the future without even realizing it.

Today, you were working on a new piece, a serene forest scene bathed in the golden light of dawn. The trees stood tall and majestic, their leaves a vibrant mix of greens and yellows, while a gentle stream wound its way through the underbrush. You lost yourself in the details, the brush moving with a life of its own.

As you painted, you thought about the changes that had come into your life. The once strict and imposing presence of your Goddess had softened considerably. Wanda and the Scarlet Witch had found a balance, coexisting in a way that allowed both to express their unique forms of love and care for you. You still followed the rules, still respected the boundaries set by your Goddess, but there was a tenderness now that hadn't existed before.

The door to your studio creaked open, and you turned to see Wanda standing there, a soft smile on her lips. She looked at the painting, her eyes filled with admiration and a hint of curiosity.

"Another masterpiece, I see," she said, stepping inside. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you, Mommy," you replied, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at her praise. "I love how this one is turning out."

Wanda moved closer, her eyes scanning the canvas. "It's peaceful. I hope it stays that way."

You nodded, understanding the unspoken weight behind her words. Many of your paintings had foreseen conflicts and challenges, but this one felt different. It was calm, serene—a welcome change.

"I wanted to create something peaceful," you said softly. "Something that reminds us of the beauty in the world."

Wanda placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. "You've done more than that, sweetheart. You've given us hope."

You looked up at her, seeing the genuine affection in her eyes. "I just paint what I see."

"And what you see is a gift," she replied, her voice tender. "Never forget that."

You turned back to the painting, adding a few final touches to the sunlight filtering through the trees. Wanda stayed by your side, watching in silence. The bond between you had grown stronger, and you felt more at peace than you had in a long time.

As the day turned to evening, you and Wanda walked back to the cottage together, the warmth of her presence wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. Life with your Goddess and Mommy was a delicate balance, but it was one filled with love, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose.

Inside the cottage, the fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room. You settled by Wanda's feet, leaning into her as she stroked your hair, the familiar feeling of safety and belonging washing over you. No matter what the future held, you knew you would face it together, drawing strength from the love that bound you all.

[eiralunaire]

The murmur of the city barely filtered into the room. The dim light of a lamp illuminated the place, casting soft shadows on the walls. Sitting on the floor, legs crossed and back straight, Damian Wayne tried to keep his expression serious, although a slight tug on his hair made him frown from time to time.

“I didn’t know you could be so close to an explosion without ending up burned,” Reader commented, as her agile fingers moved through her dark hair, dividing it into small sections to make a braid.

Damian snorted, but didn’t answer immediately. He had learned that when Reader started to tell him something, it was better to let her finish before interrupting her. Besides, if he said something reckless, he ran the risk of her leaving her hairstyle half done, and although she wouldn’t admit it out loud, she liked braids more than she should.

“Sure, my powers help, but it was… intense.” “It was like time froze for a second,” she continued, as she adjusted one of the braids and moved on to the next. Her voice had that relaxed tone she used when talking about something that could have killed her, as if it were a walk in the park.

Damian tilted his head slightly, letting her work while his green eyes rested on their reflection in the mirror in front of them. Reader was sitting on the mattress behind him, focused, her face lit by the same calm she used to face life-or-death situations.

“And then what did you do?” he finally asked, with a tone that tried not to seem too interested. Despite everything, he always wanted to know every detail of her missions, even if it meant hearing how she had almost gotten into more trouble than he could handle.

“Oh, nothing out of the ordinary,” she said with an amused smile. “I just deflected the shockwave with a shield and ran like there was no tomorrow. Although, I admit, I ended up falling off a roof.” That was... kind of awkward.

Damian closed his eyes for a moment, suppressing a sigh. He had learned not to lecture her about the importance of being more careful. Reader was like the wind: unpredictable, free, and always moving forward. The best he could do was stay close to protect her when necessary.

“Should I be worried about how calm you sound about it?” he murmured, unable to help a slight smile. He knew she would notice his mocking tone.

“Maybe. But I survived, didn’t I?” she replied, laughing softly as she finished the last braid and lightly patted his head. “There. You look like a Viking warrior.”

Damian opened his eyes and looked at his reflection in the mirror. The small braids blended into his hair, giving him a curious look that, to his surprise, he didn’t hate. He turned his head to Reader, who was looking at him with a wide smile, her dimples peeking out charmingly.

“A Viking warrior?” she repeated in disbelief, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes, a very handsome warrior "she replied, laughing as she slid over and settled beside him, letting her head fall on his shoulder. "But a little grumpy, as usual."

Damian couldn't help but smile slightly, letting his head rest against hers. It wasn't the kind of moment he imagined for himself, but he couldn't deny that it was... perfect.

Part Two

[srslyblvck]

the devil you know, avengers

pairing: avengers x fem!reader

synopsis: the avengers seem really desperate as they come to you—the person who went under their skin like no one else to help them win against hydra. while they are walking on eggshells around you, you are having fun causing chaos.

warnings: mentions of y/n (maybe), blood, violence, gore

word count: 3.6k

chapter: 9/?

series masterlist

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ THE AVENGERS WERE GATHERED in the briefing room, the mood tense as Tony finished going over the information they’d just uncovered about Hydra’s “Project Eclipse.”

“So, let me get this straight,” Sam said, rubbing his temples. “They’re planning to shut down the country’s infrastructure, unleash a virus, and mind-control half the population?”

“That’s about the gist of it,” Natasha replied, her tone dry. “And let’s not forget the sleeper agents waiting to dismantle everything from the inside.”

“It’s like a supervillain starter pack,” you muttered, crossing your arms. “All they’re missing is a volcano lair and a maniacal laugh.”

Tony snorted, though his expression remained grim as he glanced at Bruce and Steve. “And it’s not just theoretical anymore. They’re ready to go operational. We’re running out of time.”

Just then, FRIDAY’s voice came through, unusually tense. “Sir, I’m detecting an unauthorized breach in the tower’s security system.”

Before anyone could respond, the hum of machinery filled the room, and then, without warning, a swarm of Hydra drones smashed through the windows, glass shattering everywhere. The air filled with the high-pitched whine of energy weapons as the drones opened fire, and everyone dove for cover.

“Everyone down!” Steve shouted, raising his shield just in time to deflect a burst of energy aimed at Natasha.

“Drones? Seriously?” you shouted over the noise. “How unoriginal.”

“Let’s save the commentary for later,” Tony snapped, already halfway into his suit as his helmet clicked into place. “FRIDAY, release their cuffs.”

Your cuffs fell away with a soft click, and the familiar rush of power surged through you, shadows pooling at your feet, ready and waiting. “Now we’re talking.”

The fighting was relentless, and the drones kept coming. They moved in coordinated waves, almost as if they were responding to every attack the team threw at them.

FRIDAY’s voice broke through the chaos. “Sir, the drones are downloading sensitive files at an alarming rate. They’ve gained access to every file in the Stark Industries database—including your personal archives.”

“Which means,” Clint shouted from across the room as he fired a well-placed arrow into a drone, “they’re not just getting info on our missions—they’re getting everything. Everything about us.”

“Fantastic,” you quipped, shadows darting around as you shot down another drone. “So, what, we’re just an open book for Hydra now? This day just keeps getting better.”

The team fought on, each member taking down drones as they could, but no matter how many they destroyed, more seemed to pour in through every broken window and crevice.

Steve managed to shield a group of you from a blast, his face tense. “We can’t keep this up. These things aren’t stopping.”

One of the drones locked onto you, its targeting laser tracing a line across your chest. Just as you prepared to move, a metal arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you to the ground. A blast sizzled over your head, close enough that you felt the heat.

“Careful,” he muttered, his gaze lingering on you for a split second before he turned back to fire at the drone.

You blinked, taken aback but grateful, only managing a quick nod before you launched back into the fray. The drones swarmed relentlessly, their energy blasts filling the air with heat and light.

Finally, Tony shouted, “We’re outmatched here! We need to fall back. Now!”

Steve nodded, his shield deflecting another blast as he signaled to the team. “Everyone, head for the stairs. Move!”

One by one, you and the others sprinted for the stairwell, ducking and dodging as drones continued to fire from every direction. You could feel your heart pounding as you rushed down the narrow steps, Bucky close behind you. Natasha led the way, kicking open a side door, and soon you were sprinting down the crowded streets of the city, trying to blend into the crowd and lose the drones.

The team ducked into a small café, breathless and exhausted, doing your best not to attract attention as you found an empty table in the back. The place was quiet, customers chatting and sipping their drinks, completely unaware of the chaos just blocks away.

You sank into a chair, wiping the sweat from your brow as you tried to catch your breath. Clint slid into the seat across from you, his eyes wide and disbelieving. “Did that really just happen?”

Tony leaned forward, his face grim. “They have everything on us now—our pasts, our weaknesses. Hydra’s not just playing games anymore.”

For a moment, no one spoke. Everyone looked around the table, faces grim, each of you realizing just how deeply Hydra had infiltrated.

“Well,” you said quietly, “we’re screwed.”

A waitress placed mugs of coffee on the table, eyeing each of you suspiciously as you all sat, dishevelled and bruised, but everyone was too tired to care. Tony took a long sip, his fingers tapping on the table as he worked out a plan.

“Alright,” he said finally, glancing around the table. “Hydra knows exactly where we are, and they’ve got eyes on us through every camera, satellite, and hacked device in the area. If we go anywhere as one big group, we’ll be an easy target.”

“We need to split up,” Natasha said finally, her voice low and decisive. “Sticking together makes us easier to track.”

Steve nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned back. “Hydra’s already got their eyes on us, and staying in one place just makes it easier for them to send more drones, more operatives. Four groups, each heading in different directions.”

“Small teams would make us harder to find,” Sam agreed, glancing around the table. “If we’re scattered, they’d have to spread their resources thin trying to catch us all.”

Tony took out his tablet, grimacing as he remembered Hydra had accessed everything. He tossed it onto the table, frustrated. “We need to ditch the tech. Phones, and tracking devices—all compromised. Anything tied to Stark Industries is under Hydra’s surveillance now.”

“Phones too?” Peter asked, reluctantly sliding his cell onto the table.

Tony sighed, looking at Peter. “Sorry, kid, but yes. Hydra’s got access to everything. The second we power those things back on, they’ll know our every move.”

Peter reluctantly placed his phone down, and the rest of you followed suit, piling phones, earpieces, and other tracking tech on the table.

“So who’s going with who?” Sam asked, glancing around. “Might as well know who I’m babysitting for the next couple of hours.”

“Sam and I will stick together,” Steve said without hesitation. “We’ve got some experience lying low.”

“Natasha and I can pair up,” Clint added, giving her a nod. “We’ll take the west route. We know enough safe spots to lay low for a while.”

“That leaves me with Bruce and the kid,” Tony said, looking resigned but resolved. “I’ve got some equipment stashed in an old Stark facility nearby. We’ll pick up supplies there and head to the mountains.”

You could already feel it coming, the inevitable. You raised an eyebrow at Bucky, who was giving you the same look. “Guess that means we’re stuck together,” you said, trying to sound casual.

Bucky let out a low groan, running a hand down his face. “This is not my day.”

Tony smirked, clearly enjoying the pairing. “Well, look on the bright side, Barnes. At least you’ve got a chance to watch her back, since someone is currently without cuffs.”

You shot him a glare but didn’t argue. Bucky eyed you with suspicion, his gaze flicking to your shadow-powered hands before he muttered, “Yeah, great. Just what I needed.”

Everyone exchanged brief, quiet goodbyes, understanding the risk that came with splitting up. Clint and Natasha clasped hands before separating, while Tony ruffled Peter’s hair, giving him a gruff, “Stay close, kid.” Finally, you were all on the move, slipping out of the cafe one by one, trying to blend into the crowd.

You and Bucky broke off in a different direction, heading down a deserted side street, eyes peeled for a vehicle.

“What’s the plan for a ride?” Bucky asked, glancing around at the empty alley, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

You stopped as soon as you caught sight of a beat-up, dust-covered old car parked beside a loading dock, half-hidden by a pile of crates. It was an old, rusted Cadillac with chipped paint and a suspicious dent on the side. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in years, but it was all you had for now.

Bucky raised an eyebrow, eyeing the car like it might fall apart at the touch. “You really think that thing’s gonna open? Let alone start?”

You smirked, ignoring his doubts as you approached the car. “Watch and learn, Barnes.”

First, you pressed your fingers under the handle, feeling around for the gap, and slid out a thin metal lock-pick from your belt. You carefully wedged it into the crack, maneuvering the pick with the precision you’d honed over the years. Bucky watched, clearly not impressed yet, his arms crossed as he leaned against a nearby crate.

“You know, this might actually go faster if you helped,” you muttered, glancing at him.

He just shrugged. “I’m enjoying the show.”

You rolled your eyes and focused on the lock, feeling the tension adjust slightly under your pick until… click. The car door swung open, the stale smell of old upholstery hitting you in the face.

Bucky raised an eyebrow, still unimpressed. “Alright, you got it open. Now let’s see if you can actually get it running.”

You slipped into the driver’s seat, leaning down to mess with the wires under the steering column. You pulled a couple of wires free, twisted them together, and tapped them against the ignition. After a moment of silence, the car roared to life, vibrating as the engine struggled but caught on. You leaned back, a triumphant grin on your face.

“Guess I still got it,” you said, giving Bucky a smug look.

He let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, don’t get too cocky. Move over,” he said, nodding toward the passenger seat.

“What?” you asked, frowning.

“I’m driving,” he said, one hand already reaching for the steering wheel as he gestured for you to switch seats. “I’d rather not die today, and I don’t trust you behind the wheel.”

You scoffed, feigning offense. “Excuse me, I’m a fantastic driver.”

He just raised an eyebrow, waiting. “Sure. And I’m a yoga instructor. Now move.”

Grumbling, you climbed over the center console into the passenger seat, shooting him an exaggerated glare as he slid in and took the wheel. “Alright, fine. But if we end up lost, that’s on you.”

“Noted,” he said, giving the wheel an experimental turn. The car groaned in protest but held together. “Buckle up. This is probably going to be bumpy.”

The mission was only beginning, but the stakes had never felt higher.

The old Cadillac rumbled along the winding road, the distant hum of the city long behind as the countryside stretched out around you in golden fields and thick patches of forest. It had been hours since you and Bucky had left the café, the road empty save for the occasional truck or weather-beaten farmhouse passing by.

To Bucky’s surprise, you had been silent the entire ride. No sarcastic remarks, no teasing. You just sat there, looking out the window, watching the scenery blur past. Every now and then, he’d glance at you out of the corner of his eye, expecting a comment, maybe even a smirk, but you just kept staring out the window, lost in thought.

The silence was almost peaceful, but there was something strange about it—something uncharacteristically still that made him feel like he was sitting next to a different person. He shifted in his seat, opening his mouth once or twice to say something, but the words just didn’t come. Maybe you needed the quiet.

But then, suddenly, Tony’s voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, and both of you flinched at the sound.

“Alright, check-in time,” Tony’s voice echoed. “Everyone still on the road?”

One by one, the replies came through.

“Yeah, we’re here,” Sam’s voice said, a slight edge of tension in his usually calm tone.

“We’re all good,” Natasha replied next, Clint’s voice in the background, mumbling something inaudible.

You leaned forward and grabbed the walkie from Bucky’s side, pressing the button. “Still here.”

Bucky glanced at you, eyebrows raised. It was the first thing you’d said since you got in the car, but you didn’t meet his eyes. You just stared at the walkie as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

A pause followed, then Steve’s voice came through, steady but cautious. “Alright. Listen, we can’t keep running aimlessly. We need somewhere to regroup and make a plan. Somewhere Hydra won’t track us.”

Silence fell on the line. Even though Steve had spoken the truth, no one seemed to have a solution. Finding a truly safe location, where Hydra wouldn’t sniff them out in hours, was nearly impossible. If anyone did have a safe house, Hydra had probably tracked it already, especially with the amount of data they’d managed to pull from Stark’s systems.

In the quiet, you bit your lip, hesitating. You had a place—somewhere buried so far in your past that even Hydra wouldn’t think to look for you there. But bringing everyone there… letting them see that part of you… it wasn’t something you’d planned on doing, maybe ever.

Still, this was life or death.

You took a deep breath, then pressed down on the walkie. “I know a place.”

Silence followed, and you could practically feel everyone on the other end of the line turning their heads in shock.

“You?” Clint’s voice came through, incredulous. “You have a safe house?”

“Yeah, I do,” you replied, keeping your voice steady. “It’s in Michigan. Middle of nowhere. It’s safe.”

Bucky’s eyes widened slightly as he looked at you, his brow furrowing. “Michigan? You’re telling me we have to drive twelve hours to get there?”

The line crackled again as Tony’s voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, sure, let’s just take a twelve-hour road trip through the entire Northeast while Hydra’s out for blood. What could go wrong?”

You rolled your eyes, slumping back in your seat. “You have a better idea, Stark? Besides, we could stop along the way, grab something to eat, maybe even sleep. Or,” you added with a smirk, “we could all bond. Good ol’ Avengers bonding time.”

Bucky scoffed beside you, muttering under his breath. “Right. Bonding. That’s what we need.”

You couldn’t resist the urge to nudge him with your elbow, a hint of mischief in your eyes. “Come on, Barnes. It’ll be fun. Think of all the memories we’ll make.”

Bucky just gave you a deadpan look. “Memories of you trying to get us killed, maybe.”

Tony’s voice cut back in, sounding exasperated but resigned. “Fine. Let’s head for Michigan. If this is our best shot, we’ll take it. Everyone, get some food, gas up, and keep a low profile. We’ll meet up as soon as we’re out of range.”

“Copy that,” Steve’s voice came through. “See you all there.”

With a final crackle, the walkie went silent. You tossed it back onto the dashboard and leaned back, watching the sun dip lower over the countryside. The nerves that had been coiled in your stomach began to settle as you mentally prepared yourself for where you were headed.

Bucky stayed quiet for a moment, clearly mulling over the unexpected revelation that you had a place to take everyone, a place you’d never mentioned.

“So,” he said finally, glancing at you, “what’s in Michigan?”

You just shrugged, not looking at him. “Old ties, I guess. Somewhere no one would think to look.”

Bucky studied your profile for a second, something unreadable in his expression, but he didn’t press you for details. He just turned his eyes back to the road, gripping the wheel as he accelerated. The car hummed along the empty highway, and for the first time, you felt a strange sense of calm creeping in, knowing you’d be heading somewhere familiar.

After a few hours of driving through nothing but countryside and dusty roads, Bucky finally pulled the Cadillac into a small gas station on the outskirts of a rundown town. The pump was ancient, the kind you almost expected to crank by hand, and the station itself looked like it hadn’t seen a remodel since the ‘80s. Perfect, really, for laying low.

As he put the car in park, you stretched, groaning, and finally stepped out of the car, feeling your stiff muscles relax. “Alright, I’ll get food. You do...whatever grumpy, ex-Winter Soldiers do while getting gas.”

He rolled his eyes “Just try not to buy out the entire snack aisle, alright?”

“Oh, you mean like you and your gas station jerky addiction?” You said with a grin.

Without waiting for his comeback, you headed inside the convenience store. It was small and smelled faintly of burnt coffee, but it was stocked with the essentials: stale pastries, greasy bags of chips, and suspiciously flavored sodas. You went straight for the snacks, grabbing a few bags of chips, a pack of donuts that looked questionably old, and—just because you could—a bright green bottle of soda.

When you returned to the car, Bucky was finishing up at the pump, giving the Cadillac a cautious once-over as if it might fall apart any second. He looked up when you handed him the bottle.

“Green Lightning Blast?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you trying to poison me?”

“Oh, please,” you said with a smirk. “This is quality gas station soda. You’re lucky I didn’t grab Mystery Melon instead.” You leaned into the trunk, arranging the bags of chips like they were valuable cargo.

Bucky uncapped the soda, sniffed it cautiously, then took a small sip before grimacing. “Tastes like nuclear waste.”

“Good for the soul,” you quipped, popping open a bag of chips and tossing one into your mouth as you hopped into the passenger seat.

Just as he was about to follow you, Bucky suddenly stopped and glanced across the street at a dingy hardware store, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

“Hold on,” he said, sounding half to himself.

You frowned, watching him as he headed across the street. “Where the hell are you going?”

“Hardware store,” he called back, not looking over his shoulder.

“Why?” you asked, hurrying to catch up, half-amused and half-irritated. “In case you forgot, I literally control shadows. I could just snap my fingers and—” You waved your hand theatrically in front of him, “boom. Done. Easy.”

“Yeah, well, in case you forgot,” Bucky replied, deadpan, “I don’t trust things I can’t see. And I’m sure as hell not trusting my life to some tricked-out parlor magic.”

You rolled your eyes, following him inside. “Wow, sounds like someone needs a lesson in appreciating useful skills.”

He ignored your comment, grabbing a basket and heading straight for the aisle with the camping and hunting gear. You watched as he loaded up on some surprisingly heavy-duty stuff—flashlights, a utility knife, zip ties, rope, even a small hatchet.

“Are we escaping Hydra or reenacting a camping trip from hell?” you asked, leaning over the basket to eye the growing pile. “Are you planning to hunt with that, or are you just compensating for something?”

Bucky shot you a glare. “You wanna keep it down? I’m making sure we have options.”

You held up a flashlight, wiggling it in his face. “Options? This is the kind of thing that screams, ‘I live alone in a cabin and only eat canned beans.’”

Bucky just plucked the flashlight out of your hands. “I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

You scoffed, but couldn’t help the grin spreading on your face. “Sure, whatever you say, Boy Scout.”

With his basket full, Bucky finally headed toward the register, where a bored-looking cashier barely glanced up as he scanned the items. When the total came up, Bucky fished around in his pocket, mumbling something about how “Tony better reimburse us for all this.”

When you finally got back to the car, Bucky loaded up the trunk, placing his hardware store haul next to the snacks you’d bought, each bag and tool meticulously arranged.

You slumped back into the passenger seat, watching as he placed the hatchet at an angle—perfectly within reach if he ever needed to grab it. He caught your eye and raised an eyebrow as if daring you to comment.

“You know,” you said, smirking as he closed the trunk, “most people just carry a pocketknife. But hey, what do I know?”

Bucky shook his head, walking around to the driver’s side. “I’m just being prepared. You want to make fun of it, go ahead, but when this axe comes in handy, I’ll remember that.”

“Oh, trust me,” you said as he got in, buckling up. “If you pull out that hatchet mid-mission, I’ll take a front-row seat to watch the show.”

As Bucky started the car, you threw a couple of chips into your mouth and glanced over, eyes bright with mischief. “So, how does it feel, Barnes? Out here on a top-secret, off-the-grid, government fugitive road trip. Just you, me, and a trunk full of discount hardware.”

He shook his head, eyes focused on the road but unable to hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “Feels like I’m babysitting an overconfident shadow with a snack addiction.”

You laughed, tossing another chip into your mouth. “Hey, you’re the one who insisted on the hatchet. I’m just here for the chips and the company.”

“Lucky me,” he muttered, accelerating as the gas station faded into the distance.

dividers by @dollywons

[simplygojo]

The Devil He Made Me - Ch. 8

Authors Note: I really hope you guys like this chapterrrrr, we are finally getting to the good part of this series and I am SO EXCITED ABOUT IT!! I hope you guys are liking the direction of this series, and i think this chapter adds some long-awaited spice...

You guys have given me so much support since re-joining Tumblr as a writer, so I wanted to give back to y'all by hosting a giveaway event! Here are the details for those interested: SimplyGojo1K

Pairing: Satoru Gojo x f/reader

Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary : After Mahito shows up, y/n and the first years are forced to fight him, but somehow, he recognizes y/n, and toys with her. Meanwhile, after frustrating Gojo beyond his threshold, you two have a heated argument about what it is you're doing...

Word Count: 5.7k

Warnings: mention of d*eath, light smut (👀 )

Taglist: @mawhoreagaa; @peqch-pie; @blue-serendipity; @simplyyyuji; @starrnai; @sorcerersseestars; @n1vi; @angryglitterperfection; @krak-jj; @coweringbear; @holylonelyponyeatingmacaroni; @cococola-cocaine; @sdv98o; @theendx888; @dvmb4ssbiatch; @sugxryratz; @kinny-away; If you’d like to be added to the series tag list, leave a comment below:)

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*link to the ch.8 teaser if you'd like to read that before hand*

You hadn’t seen a curse that looked so human-like before. Despite that, though, his figure still oozed an errieness that you felt at your core.

“I get to fight my natural enemy, Yuji Itadori, the famous Satoru Gojo…and you… the new experiment…I don’t think I can touch your soul…but oh god, I wonder how your soul feels, y/n y/l/n,” he purred, his voice dripping with twisted curiosity. 

“Oh, this will be so fun!” His grin widened, and for a second, you thought you saw a flicker of something darker, something far more dangerous than his playful demeanour. 

His gaze flitted between the group, but it kept landing back on you.

“Let’s see how well you break.” 

The curse’s grin stretched wider, and the next moment, he lunged with terrifying speed, targeting Yuji with a flurry of vicious attacks. 

The group immediately scattered, their instincts kicking in as they took defensive stances.

“Yuji, Megumi—split off and handle the cursed spirits!” Gojo’s voice was sharp, his usual playful edge completely absent as his eyes followed the curse’s movements. 

“Nobara, keep your distance and strike from range.”

You barely registered Gojo’s commands, your heart pounding as the curse turned toward you again, its eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. 

It came for you next, a blur of motion that sent you skidding back, blocking a strike aimed at your chest with your shield technique.

His voice slithered in your mind, almost a whisper. 

“Let’s see how far you can push that little black flame inside you.”

Your breath hitched, and your eyes widened with the meaning of his words—the mention of your cursed energy triggered a sharp spike of fear and anger. You felt the power of the black energy—stirred, unbidden, a dark pulse echoing inside you.

“I’m not afraid of you,” you hissed, channelling your blue cursed energy into a defensive barrier, pushing back against the curse’s oppressive aura.

Gojo, Yuji, and Megumi engaged in a barrage of attacks, Yuji charging forward with his fists, while Megumi summoned his Shikigami to overwhelm the cursed spirits. 

The battlefield turned chaotic in an instant, the clash of cursed techniques lighting up the space with terrifying intensity.

But the curse was unrelenting. He deflected every blow with disturbing ease, his eyes flicking back to you as if waiting, watching for the right moment.

“Y/n, get back!” Gojo’s voice cut through the chaos, but you were already too deep into the fight, your cursed energy swirling out of control. 

The blue shield you’d summoned started flickering, and before you could stabilize it, a dark, familiar surge erupted from within you.

The black energy shot from your fingertips—wild, unrestrained. You gasped, the force of it ripping through the air and slamming into the patch-faced curse with an impact that shook the ground. 

But instead of retreating, the curse laughed, absorbing the blow like it was nothing.

“Wow, impressive!” The patch-faced curse voiced with satisfaction, and a terrifying grin grew on his lips. “You’ve got more control of that curse than I thought you would.”

Gojo’s eyes darted to you, frustration flickering in his usually calm expression. “Alright.” He said matter-of-factly.

“We’re done here. I’m taking you back to the school.”

You turned toward him, disbelief and anger flaring in your chest. 

“What? We can’t just leave! We could get more information from him!”

“This isn’t a game, y/n,” Gojo snapped, his eyes narrowing, the weight of his presence crashing down on you like a tidal wave. 

“We’re not getting anything useful from him right now, he’s just muttering bullshit, and you’re out of control.”

Your hands clenched into fists, the sting of his harsh words pushing you further. 

“I’m not out of control—I can handle this! We’re finally getting closer to the truth, and you want to just leave?!”

The curse let out a low chuckle, as if enjoying the conflict. “Oh, I’m happy to stay and watch this unfold…”

Gojo’s patience visibly thinned, his jaw tightening as his frustration mounted. 

“This isn’t up for debate. I’m not risking your life over—”

“I’m not leaving!” Your voice broke through the tension, your stubbornness ignited by a mix of fear and anger. 

“If we run now, we might not get another chance! I want to know more!”

His expression darkened, and for a moment, you saw a rare flicker of something intense behind his normally teasing eyes. 

“What…do you want to die?” His voice was low, sharp, cutting through your defiance like a blade.

You froze, the question hanging in the air between you. His words echoed in your mind, and for the first time, you saw something raw in his gaze—an emotion you couldn’t quite place, something far deeper than just frustration. 

Your eyes searched his, darting back and forth as you fought your emotions. 

The curse, however, was far from done. “Ooh, this is getting interesting,” it purred, lunging at Yuji again, forcing everyone back into action. Gojo let out a grunt in frustration. 

Yuji and Megumi were locked in combat with the cursed spirits. Nobara’s nails flew through the air, striking from a distance, but even her attacks weren’t enough to slow the curse down.

And yet, the curse kept coming back to you.

The curse’s laughter rang in your ears as it lunged at you again, its movements swift and relentless. You dodged another strike, barely managing to evade its claws, but you could feel your blue energy faltering, weakening with each second.

Then, you felt it—the black energy surging up again, darker, more sinister than ever before. It clawed at your mind, tugging at your very core as if it wanted to consume you. 

But this time, instead of retreating from it, you let it in.

With a sudden, sharp clarity, you pointed your fingers into the shape of a gun, your black cursed energy coiling at your fingertips like a loaded weapon. A strange calm settled over you as you aimed directly at the patch-faced curse.

Without thinking, you pulled the imaginary trigger.

A sharp, piercing bolt of black cursed energy shot from your fingers, cutting through the air with terrifying speed. The curse didn’t even have time to react. 

The attack slammed into his chest with a resounding crack, piercing clean through his body.

The curse’s grin faltered, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled back, blood oozing from the gaping hole in his chest. The air around you went still, the intensity of the blow leaving everyone momentarily stunned.

Even Gojo’s eyes flickered with a flash of surprise.

Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara froze, their battle with the cursed spirits halting as they stared at the scene in shock. 

The power, the precision—none of them had seen you unleash anything like that before.

The curse coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he glared at you. 

"Well...this just got interesting," he muttered, his voice rasping with pain, but he quickly healed himself.

The black energy still crackled at your fingertips, wild and uncontrollable. You could feel it pulling at you again, urging you to strike once more, but before you could lift your hands again, Gojo was suddenly in front of you.

His voice was hard, all traces of playfulness gone. “You’re staying behind me from now on, got it?”

You opened your mouth to protest, but the intensity of his gaze stopped you cold. He wasn’t playing around anymore, so you just nodded in response.

The battle raged on around you, but Gojo’s words rooted you to the spot, the weight of them sinking in deeper than you’d expected. 

Before you could respond, the curse launched another attack, this one aimed directly at both of you.

Gojo stepped forward, his cursed energy flaring like a bright blue star, his power surging in response. 

“Enough games.” He raised a single hand and spoke loudly, as a blue orb appeared in his palm, aimed at the curse in front of you. 

The patch-faced creature stopped in its tracks and smiled sheepishly.

“I do not have a death wish, plus this was just for fun!” The curse muttered. 

“I’ll be seeing you soon y/n y/l/n,” he said enthusiastically before slithering into the shadows, disappearing into the distance.

The battlefield went quiet, minus the heavy breathing of your teammates. 

You released a breath you didn’t know you were holding, your heart still racing, your body trembling from the surge of energy coursing through you.

Gojo turned to you, his expression cold. “We’re leaving.”

You nodded reluctantly, knowing there was no more room for argument. He hadn’t really been upset with you before, but you couldn't stop yourself from worrying. 

Was he mad at you? And why did you care so much?

—

Gojo had teleported all five of you back to the school, although it wasn’t overly safe for you there either at this point. 

“There is way too much happening right now,” Megumi said, his tone stressed as he ran his hand through his black hair. 

“First y/n’s execution and now that thing popping back up?” 

The weight of his words hit you harder than you expected. Your execution—an event that had loomed over your head for what felt like forever—suddenly felt very real again. You could see the tension rippling through the group as the reality of the situation set in.

Yuji shifted uncomfortably beside you, his usual lighthearted demeanour subdued, his eyes downcast as if he was trying to process everything that had happened. 

“We can’t even catch a break long enough to figure out what’s going on.”

Nobara crossed her arms tightly, her jaw clenched. 

“You think they’re connected?” she asked, her voice sharp. “Y/n’s execution order, that curse... it’s all happening too fast to be a coincidence.”

Gojo, who had been silent up until this point, leaned against the wall, his eyes hidden behind his usual blindfold. 

Despite his casual stance, you could feel the tension radiating off him, the weight of everything pressing down on even him. 

He tilted his head slightly, “You’re not wrong, Nobara. Nothing’s ever a coincidence in this world.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

“Then what are we dealing with?” Megumi asked, his voice cutting through the silence again. “We barely got out of that fight with him, and now we’re back here with no answers. I really don’t think this is just about y/n anymore.”

His words struck you like a blow to the gut. 

He was right. It wasn’t just about you—it was about everything, all of it spiralling out of control. 

The cursed energy within you, the execution order, the curse you’d just fought. They were pieces of a larger puzzle, but the picture they formed was still out of reach.

You clenched your fists at your sides, trying to suppress the surge of frustration welling up inside you.

“We need answers,” you said, your voice a little sharper than you intended. 

“We need to figure out why they want me dead and why that curse is after us. If they’re connected, we—”

“What we need,” Gojo interrupted, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable edge, “is to keep you alive first. You’re not gonna find answers if you’re dead, y/n.”

His words were harsh, but there was a thread of concern woven through them, barely masked by his usual casual tone. 

He was right, of course. But the helplessness of the situation clawed at you, gnawing at the edges of your resolve.

“And what if staying alive isn’t enough anymore?” You shot back, your frustration boiling over. 

“What if there’s more going on here? More than just me being executed or this curse showing up? I can’t just sit back and wait for things to get worse!”

Gojo’s expression didn’t change, but you could feel his eyes on you, his posture stiffening slightly. 

“You think I don’t know that?” His voice was low, almost a growl. “You think I haven’t been trying to figure this out too?”

Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara stood frozen for a moment, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden shift in Gojo’s demeanour. 

Yuji, always the one to break awkward silences, glanced between the two of you, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

“Uh…maybe,” he muttered, “maybe we should… give you guys a minute?”

Megumi shot Yuji a pointed look, one that clearly said, ‘You think?’ but he didn’t say anything, instead taking a step toward the door. 

His hand was already on the handle, though he hesitated for a moment, glancing over his shoulder.

Nobara, however, wasn’t one to leave quietly. 

She raised an eyebrow at the tense exchange between you and Gojo, eyes darting from one to the other. 

“Yeah, okay, we’ll just… be outside. Probably for a while,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she followed Megumi to the door.

Yuji shot you a sympathetic look, then glanced at Gojo as if he wanted to say something more, but ultimately thought better of it.

—

The silence that followed was almost deafening, and now that the others were gone, the room felt larger and more suffocating all at once. 

You were left standing there, face to face with Gojo, his presence overwhelming as he continued to watch you, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

You could feel the tension, thick and unrelenting, making it hard to breathe. His normally light-hearted energy was nowhere to be found, replaced with a hardness that made your heart race, though not in the way it usually did around him.

“You don’t get it,” you finally snapped, breaking the silence. Your voice wavered the frustration that had been building all day now spilling out. 

“I’m not just some liability, I can help—We need information, and I can get it!”

Gojo’s jaw clenched, the lines of frustration between his eyebrows tightening as his hands balled into fists at his sides. 

His eyes narrowed, his blindfold hanging around his neck as his eyes searched yours, but you didn’t need to see them to know he was glaring at you.

“This isn’t about you helping,” he shot back, his tone sharp and biting. 

“This is about you doing something reckless—again. You think I don’t know that you’re strong? You think I don’t know how far you’ve come? But that dark energy—you don’t know what it is…and you’re just charging ahead like it’s nothing, like you don’t care if it kills you!”

You flinched at his words, but your anger only flared hotter. 

“You’re right, I don’t care about that! I care about figuring out what's wrong with me! That way, I won’t be just another weak burden in this world, and then maybe I will be able to help people! We don’t have time to be cautious!”

Gojo took a big step towards you, his posture growing even more rigid. 

“That’s bullshit, and you know it!” His voice rose, a rare outburst of emotion that caught you off guard. You were a mere inches apart now, both of your faces washed over with anger.

“This isn’t about the greater good, y/n…and for the record, you have never, not once, been a burden to anyone here. This is about you! You think I don’t see what’s happening? You’re spiralling, and you’re using this ‘burden’ thing as an excuse!”

You stared at him, stunned by the sudden intensity of his words. “I’m not—”

“Yes, you are!” He cut you off, leaning his body towards yours, making the already small space between you smaller. You felt the heat of his anger grow hotter as he spoke. 

“And it’s going to get you killed! You think I can just stand there and watch that happen? You think I’ll let you throw yourself into danger just to prove a point?”

“I’m not proving a point!” You shouted back, your frustration boiling over. 

“I’m doing what needs to be done because we need to act now!”

Gojo’s eyes flashed with something dangerous, something raw. His lips pulled into a tight line, and for a moment, you could see the storm brewing beneath the surface.

“You want to die? Is that it?” He growled, his voice dropping lower, full of barely contained fury. 

“Because that’s what’s going to happen if you keep acting like this. And then what? You die ‘n I’ll have to bury you too?”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind from your lungs. You hadn’t expected this—not from him. Your eyes were wide with shock, like a dear in headlights.

You opened your mouth to argue, but nothing came out, the weight of his words sinking in, leaving you breathless. 

For a moment, he searched your eyes, and you searched his. 

The room seemed to close in around you, the weight of his words pressing down on your chest. Gojo’s usual aloofness was gone, replaced by something raw and exposed. 

You had seen him frustrated, playful, even protective—but this was different. 

This was personal.

You swallowed hard, trying to form words, but your mind was spinning. “Satoru…I-” you started, but your voice faltered. 

You had never seen him like this, never thought he could be this vulnerable with you.

The tension in the room thickened as his voice, once sharp and biting, softened.

"You don’t get it," he continued, his tone no longer laced with irritation but with a vulnerability you rarely saw from him. Emotion clung to every word, weighed down with a gravity that made your chest tighten.

“I’ve lost people before. Too many.” He paused, his jaw clenched as if wrestling with the words he couldn’t bring himself to say. His eyes squeezed shut briefly, the weight of the unspoken hanging in the air between you. 

“But losing you—” His voice faltered. He shook his head, unable to finish the sentence, as if the mere thought was unbearable.

A lump rose in your throat, and you swallowed hard, your heartbeat echoing in your ears. The look in his eyes wasn’t just frustration or anger. No, it was something deeper—something raw and unguarded. 

Fear. 

You saw fear flickering in his gaze like a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Not just any fear—fear of loss, fear of exposing himself, of being vulnerable in front of you.

The realization hit you like a wave crashing over your head. How much he had been holding back, how carefully he had concealed the depths of his care for you.

“I didn’t realize…” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper, shaky from the emotions swirling inside you. 

Your pulse was racing, pounding so loudly that you wondered if he could hear it too. 

"I didn’t know I was that important to you."

Gojo exhaled a rough breath, its warmth brushing against your skin as he leaned in closer. His face was so near now that you could see every detail, every fine line and imperfection that made him so infuriatingly perfect. 

His striking blue eyes, unobscured by his blindfold, bore into yours, the silver strands of his hair falling messily across his forehead. It was as if time had stopped, and all you could focus on was him.

“Yeah, well, now you do,” he muttered, his voice rough around the edges, but not without that familiar sarcasm. 

His hand hovered just above your arm, fingers twitching like he wanted to reach out and touch you, to ground himself in your presence, but something held him back. 

His restraint, however, only made the moment feel more intimate, more charged.

“So stop acting like your life doesn’t matter," he continued, the frustration still there but overshadowed by something raw, something real. 

His voice wavered, just slightly, as if the emotion threatening to spill over was too much even for him to hold back. "Because it does. It matters to me."

The weight of his words crashed into you, heavier than any curse you’d ever faced. 

There was no bravado left in his voice, no shield of humour to deflect from his feelings. Just honesty. Sincerity.

The air between you felt electric, as if every unsaid word, every unexpressed emotion was swirling around you, charging the space with a thick tension. 

Neither of you moved, and yet everything felt different now—more fragile, more real.

You could feel the heat radiating from his body, the electricity in the scant space separating you. His closeness was overwhelming—every sense attuned to him and him alone.

You felt the weight of what he wasn’t saying, all the fear and pain buried beneath his flippant exterior. For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of you, the sounds of the school fading into the background. 

The tension hung thick in the air, undeniable and almost suffocating.

You blinked, trying to steady your breath. 

‘Say something,’ you urged yourself, but the words caught in your throat. 

His familiar scent—clean with a hint of something warm and intoxicating—enveloped you, making it hard to think clearly. 

The way his eyes searched yours, earnest and unguarded, sent a shiver down your spine.

His gaze dropped briefly to your lips before returning to your eyes, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features. 

The air seemed to grow warmer, the silence stretching on as neither of you moved. The unspoken tension was nearly tangible, a magnetic pull drawing you closer together.

“Satoru,” you finally managed, your voice soft, barely above a whisper, “I didn’t mean to…”

“Damn it y/n, there ya’ go again, sayin’ my name like that…” His voice was a low murmur, thick with something you couldn’t quite place, but it made your pulse race.

Before you could make sense of the moment, Gojo closed the distance between you with a swift step, so sudden and forceful that it stole the breath from your lungs. 

Your eyes widened in shock, your body freezing for a brief second as the reality of what was happening hit you—but only for a moment. 

The warmth of his lips, the undeniable pull between you, melted away your hesitation. You responded instinctively, your body moving on its own as you leaned into him, your lips moulding perfectly to his, moving in sync like you had been waiting for this all along.

His movements were charged, deliberate, as if the restraint he’d been so desperately clinging to for so long had finally snapped.

His hand found the back of your head, pulling you into him. His lips crashed into yours with an intensity that made your head spin, heat coursing through you from the sudden contact. 

The kiss was anything but gentle—it was raw, heated, desperate. 

It felt like he had been holding this back for far too long, and now, all the pent-up emotion, the frustration, the desire—it poured into that kiss, overwhelming every one of your senses.

His other hand moved to your waist, pulling you against him as though he couldn’t get close enough. 

His touch was firm, possessive—fingers pressing into your skin through the thin fabric of your clothes, and you could feel the heat of his body seeping into yours. 

Your own hands found their way to his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt for balance as your knees grew weak under the weight of the moment. 

The world around you blurred, fading into nothing but the sensation of that beautiful blue-eyed man—his lips pressing insistently against yours.

The way his fingers tangled in your hair, the intoxicating taste of his mouth—It was overwhelming. 

A small gasp escaped you, and Gojo took advantage, deepening the kiss. 

His tongue brushed against yours, and the sensation sent a shockwave of pleasure to your core, making you press closer to him. 

The heat between you was almost unbearable, the electric tension crackling in the air as his hand slid from your waist down to the small of your back, pulling you even tighter against him.

You let yourself give in to it. You kissed him back with equal fervour, hands moving up to his neck, fingers grazing the soft skin just under his jaw.

You felt him groan into your mouth, the sound low and vibrating against your lips, sending a shiver down your spine. 

His grip on your hair tightened, tugging you impossibly closer, and his arms wrapped around your body, every rational thought dissolving under the sheer force of what was happening.

The air between you was hot, charged with a need that neither of you could ignore anymore. 

His hands roamed, one sliding down your back, fingers pressing into the curve of your spine, the other still in your hair, holding you firmly in place as though he was afraid you might slip away. 

Each touch ignited something deeper within you, something that had been simmering just beneath the surface for far too long.

Gojo pulled back just enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against yours, eyes half-lidded as they searched your face. 

His breath came out in ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling rapidly, and you could feel his warm breath on your lips. 

For a moment, neither of you said anything, the weight of what had just happened hanging heavy in the air between you.

“I didn’t want it to come to this,” he muttered, his voice rough, almost pained. “But damn it, y/n… I can’t keep pretending like you don’t mean something to me.”

You swallowed hard, struggling to regain your composure as your mind raced, still reeling from the kiss. 

The warmth of his body was intoxicating, and you could feel the tautness of his muscles beneath your fingertips as your hands rested on his chest, a reminder of the intensity of the moment. 

“Satoru, I—” you began, your voice barely above a whisper, but the words caught in your throat, tangled in the whirlwind of emotions swirling between you.

Just then, the door swung open, and a familiar voice broke through the heavy silence like a sudden downpour, startling you both. 

“Gojo-sensei!” He shouted, and your heart dropped as you instinctively took a dramatic step away from Gojo, a rosy wave of shame flooding your cheeks. 

Your eyes fell to the floor, unable to meet either of theirs, the embarrassment washing over you like a tidal wave.

Yuji’s expression was a mix of confusion and shock, the realization of what he had stumbled upon clear in his wide eyes. 

Yet, being the kind-hearted person he was, he chose not to address the tension hanging in the air. Instead, he fumbled with his words, glancing nervously between you and Gojo. 

“Uh, um, I’m not sure if this is helpful, but Megumi said the clan elders and higher-ups are gathering in the big meeting hall,” he said, his tone almost sheepish. 

“He, uh, said it might be important.”

The awkwardness of the moment lingered, but the urgency of Yuji’s news snapped you both back to reality. 

You could sense the tension still coiling between you and Gojo, an unspoken promise hanging in the air, but the pressing matters at hand demanded your attention.

Gojo’s jaw tightened as he took a step back, shaking off the weight of the moment you had just shared. The fire in his eyes reignited, and his voice was low and menacing. 

“I’m putting an end to their shit, now.”

Before you could process what he meant, he teleported, the air crackling with energy in his wake, leaving you and Yuji standing in the aftermath of the charged atmosphere.

—

The silence that followed felt heavy, thick with the unspoken tension from the moment you had just shared with Gojo. 

You turned to Yuji, who looked equally startled, his eyes wide and glancing towards the door where Gojo had just vanished.

“Wow, uh…” he began, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “Looks like things got… a bit heated with Gojo-sensei, huh?”

Your cheeks flushed a deep crimson, heart racing as the memory of the kiss replayed in your mind. 

“Huh? Uhm, Yuji…” you stammered, desperately trying to collect your thoughts. You felt exposed—like every little detail of that moment was on display for him to see.

Before you could find your footing, Nobara burst into the room, her eyes bright with curiosity. 

“What’s going on in here? Where’s Gojo-sensei?” She asked, scanning the room.

Yuji shot you a knowing look, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned closer to Nobara. 

“Y/n and Gojo-sensei had a heated moment…” Your eyes widened in horror, panic rushing through you. “Yuji, don’t—”

“Oh my god! You kissed Gojo-sensei? Ew!” Nobara exclaimed, dramatically pressing her hands to her cheeks. 

“That’s so gross!”

You felt your face heat up even more, the embarrassment flooding through you. 

“It’s not like that!” You blurted out, crossing your arms defensively. “It was… it was nothing!”

Yuji laughed, folding over with amusement. 

“Nothing? You mean a legendary make-out session with the strongest sorcerer in the world?” His laughter echoed off the walls, and you couldn’t help but sink further into your embarrassment. 

Your hands flew up to cover your face, barely peaking through your fingers.

Nobara chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. 

“Well, I hope you’re ready for all the rumours that are about to fly around Jujutsu High. You might as well be his girlfriend now!”

“Stop it! You guys are making it sound so much worse than it is!” You protested, covering your face with your hands as if that could shield you from their teasing. “It was n-o-t-h-i-n-g!”

Yuji leaned against the wall, arms crossed and a cheeky grin plastered across his face. “I bet Gojo-sensei is already telling everyone how he has a crush on you!”

Nobara burst into laughter, and you could feel your heart thumping in your chest, a mix of mortification and amusement washing over you. 

“Can you imagine? The strongest sorcerer in the world is crushing on Y/n! That’s something out of a romance novel!”

“Guys, please!” You groaned, feeling the heat rise to your ears. 

“You’re not making this any easier for me! I have to go!” You quickly made your way to the doorway, squeezing between your two friends as they made smooching sounds in your face.

—

Meanwhile, in the meeting hall, Gojo materialized in an instant, his presence instantly commanding attention. The atmosphere shifted as he entered, a palpable tension hanging in the air.

The room fell silent, the elders seated at a long table exchanging wary glances. Their expressions shifted from surprise to concern, knowing all too well the gravity of his arrival.

“Gojo, this isn’t the time for—” Gakuganji began, his voice shaky, but Gojo cut him off, stepping forward with a fierce intensity that radiated through the room.

“Let’s not dance around the fact that I will kill you if you don’t get your heads out of your asses and deal with this situation properly.” His tone was deadly serious, stripped of the usual playful arrogance that defined him. 

“There is no valid reason for you to execute y/n y/l/n, other than the fact that you’re all weak...”

The elders shifted uncomfortably, unease settling into their expressions as Gojo continued, his voice rising with each word. 

“Y/n is not a pawn in your games. She’s more important than you realize, and I won’t let you sacrifice her or anyone else to further your twisted agendas.”

As he stood there, his aura crackling with barely contained rage, the room felt suffocating. Gojo’s fury was palpable; the energy radiating from him made it clear that he meant every word. 

The higher-ups fidgeted, their confidence faltering under the weight of his glare.

“I don’t care about your political bullshit or whatever plans you’ve concocted. If you do not call off her execution, then you’ll have to answer to me.” His eyes narrowed dangerously, the challenge unmistakable in his gaze.

Naobito Zenin finally spoke, his voice strong but laced with obvious caution. “Satoru, you know we have to consider all—”

“Consider this,” Gojo interrupted, his voice like ice, cutting through the tension. 

“You have one chance to make things right, or I will ensure your names are nothing but footnotes in history. You think you’re safe behind your titles? Think again.”

The atmosphere grew thicker as his words sank in, the elders exchanging nervous glances, their authority slipping. Gojo stood tall and unwavering, like a soldier ready to fight for what he believed in.

“You think I won’t do it?” He challenged, his voice low and menacing. 

“You underestimate me. I have no qualms about tearing down this entire institution if it means keeping y/n safe. Make your choice—now!”

The room fell into stunned silence, every eye locked on him. Gojo’s resolve was a force of nature, and there was no turning back now. He was ready to go to war for you, no matter the cost.

“Please, Satoru,” one of the older higher-ups pleaded, voice trembling. 

“We must consider the bigger picture. This isn’t just about y/n; it’s about maintaining order—”

“Order?” Gojo spat, his tone incredulous. 

“You think maintaining your precious order is worth sacrificing her life? You’re all blinded by your own self-interest.”

The atmosphere shifted as unease morphed into fear. 

The elders looked at each other, the gravity of the situation finally sinking in. They had underestimated Gojo, and now he stood before them like a storm, ready to unleash chaos if they didn’t relent.

After what felt like an eternity, principle Gakuganji took a deep, shuddering breath. 

“Alright, Satoru. You’ve made your point,” he said, his voice steadying slightly. “We’ll… we’ll call off the execution. For now.”

Gojo’s expression did not falter, still wary. “For now? If I hear you’re plotting anything against her again—”

“I understand,” Gakuganji quickly interrupted, raising his hands in a placating gesture. 

“We will reevaluate the situation. I promise you, we won’t proceed with the execution. We will take the necessary time to assess everything properly.”

Gojo held his gaze, his expression fierce and unyielding. “You’d better keep your word. If I find out otherwise, you will regret it.”

With a final, lingering look, Gojo turned on his heel, the tension in the room finally beginning to dissipate as he walked out. 

The elders sat in silence, shaken and unsure, realizing that they had narrowly avoided a catastrophic fallout.

Outside, Gojo exhaled, his relief tainted by a simmering anger that refused to fade. He wouldn’t allow you to become a casualty of their twisted politics. 

You weren’t just another sorcerer to protect—you were someone who mattered deeply to him, far more than he’d ever thought.

Whatever darkness loomed ahead, at least he had managed to put an end to the execution order—for now.

But in his gut, he knew this fight was far from over.

[rosesareredrosa]

Shields of the Heart

Theo Nott x fem reader

Summary: based on this ask thank you anon <33

w/c: 1.2k

The chaos of the Battle of Hogwarts raged around you, the once-familiar corridors now echoing with the sounds of battle—shouts, screams, and the crackle of spellfire. Your heart raced as you sprinted through the castle, searching desperately for your friends, praying that they were safe.

You rounded a corner, skidding to a stop as your breath caught in your throat. There, standing amidst the dust and debris, was Theo Nott. His sharp features were drawn with worry, but his eyes softened the moment they landed on you.

"Y/N!" he breathed out, his voice a mixture of relief and fear.

Before you could respond, he closed the distance between you, grabbing your arm and pulling you into the shadows of a nearby alcove. His grip was firm, protective, as he scanned the corridor for any signs of danger. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice low and urgent. "You should be with the others, somewhere safe."

"I couldn’t just leave," you whispered, trying to steady your breathing. "I had to make sure you were okay."

Theo's expression softened, but there was still a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Y/N, this isn’t your fight. You shouldn’t be risking your life like this."

"But it is my fight, Theo," you insisted, your voice trembling with emotion. "Everything I care about is at stake here. I won’t stand by and do nothing."

He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to gather his thoughts. When he opened them again, they were filled with a fierce determination. "Then stay with me. I’ll protect you."

You looked up at him, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. In that moment, with the castle crumbling around you and danger lurking at every corner, you realized just how much Theo meant to you. He wasn’t just a friend or an ally; he was someone you couldn’t bear to lose.

"Together then," you said softly, reaching out to take his hand.

Theo nodded, his grip on your hand tightening as he pulled you closer. "Together," he echoed, a promise in his voice.

The two of you moved as one, navigating the chaos of the battle with your wands at the ready. Theo was constantly at your side, his protective nature evident in every move he made. He deflected curses that came too close, his focus unwavering as he ensured your safety.

Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed through the corridor. "There they are!"

Before you could react, a jet of green light shot toward you, but Theo was faster. He yanked you out of the way, both of you tumbling to the ground as the curse missed you by inches. You gasped, your heart pounding in your chest as you scrambled to your feet, Theo pulling you behind him.

A Death Eater stepped out of the shadows, a cruel smile twisting his lips. His wand was raised, his eyes gleaming with malice as he advanced toward you. "You think you can protect her, Nott?" he sneered. "You should have picked a better side."

Theo’s jaw clenched, his body tense as he positioned himself between you and the Death Eater. "You won’t touch her," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The Death Eater let out a harsh laugh. "Brave words for a traitor," he spat. Without warning, he flicked his wand, sending a barrage of curses your way.

Theo reacted instantly, raising his own wand to cast a powerful Shield Charm that absorbed the brunt of the attack. But the force of it still sent you both staggering backward. Theo’s hand found yours, squeezing it tightly as he shot a glance over his shoulder.

"Y/N, stay behind me," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

You nodded, fear and adrenaline coursing through your veins as you tried to steady your breathing. But the Death Eater was relentless, his attacks growing more vicious with each passing second. You watched as Theo fought with everything he had, his focus entirely on keeping you safe.

Then, in a moment of desperation, the Death Eater fired a particularly deadly curse, one that even Theo’s Shield Charm couldn’t fully deflect. The force of it sent you both crashing to the ground, your back slamming against the cold stone floor.

Pain shot through your body, but before you could even register it, Theo was there, pulling you into his arms and shielding you with his body. "Theo!" you gasped, panic rising in your chest as you saw the determination in his eyes.

"I won’t let anything happen to you," he whispered fiercely, his voice trembling with emotion. He pushed himself to his feet, pulling you up with him as he faced the Death Eater once more.

With a snarl, the Death Eater raised his wand to strike again, but this time, Theo was ready. His movements were swift, almost a blur as he cast a stunning spell that caught the Death Eater off guard, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.

For a moment, there was silence, the Death Eater lying unconscious on the floor. Theo’s breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as he turned to you, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softer now, filled with worry.

You nodded, still shaken but grateful beyond words. "Thanks to you," you whispered, your voice trembling as you reached out to touch his arm.

Theo exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing slightly as he pulled you into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around you protectively, his head resting against yours as he closed his eyes. "I’m not letting you out of my sight," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Not for a second."

You held onto him, your heart swelling with a mixture of relief and something deeper, something that had been growing between you for a long time. In the midst of the battle, with danger all around, Theo had been your shield, your protector. And you knew that no matter what happened next, you would face it together.

After a moment, Theo pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on your shoulders as he looked into your eyes. "We need to keep moving," he said, his voice steadier now, though his gaze was still intense. "There could be more of them."

You nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I’m ready."

As the two of you turned to leave, you caught sight of a figure moving in the shadows behind Theo. Your heart leapt into your throat as you realized another Death Eater was aiming directly at him.

“No!” you shouted, pushing Theo out of the way just as a curse shot toward him. You quickly raised your wand, blocking the curse with a hastily cast Shield Charm. The Death Eater snarled, clearly angered by your intervention, and launched another spell at you.

This time, you were ready. With a flick of your wand, you deflected the curse back at him, sending him stumbling back. In that moment, Theo was on his feet again, his eyes blazing with a mixture of fear and admiration as he joined you in the fight. Together, you disarmed the Death Eater, forcing him to retreat.

Breathing heavily, you turned to Theo, who was staring at you with an intense, almost unreadable expression. “You saved me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“I couldn’t let anything happen to you either,” you replied softly, stepping closer to him.

Theo’s hand found yours, and he pulled you into a tight embrace, his grip strong and reassuring. “We’re in this together,” he murmured against your hair, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. “No matter what.”

You nodded against his chest, feeling the strength of his resolve and knowing it matched your own.

[ganondoodle]

rough beast ganondorf design + sketches + notes design combines the typical boar form (dark beast + cloud form from botw), the oni one (demon king gan) hint at the draconic one to come but keep part of his humanity with his clothing being mostly intact

as the battle with Demon King Ganondorf comes to an end, the sages previously knocked out start to wake up again, he is cornered and hurt and as fear of being imprisoned, tortured and exploited overwhelms him he transforms into the Beast form, breaking the arena you were fighting him in and him going for Zelda as she is the biggest threat (he remembers her destroying dark beast gan and she reminds him of sonia, who is the one you sealed his human body back in the day)

you and zelda flee through the cracks of the earth as more earthquakes happen with a beast at your heels thats now truly only out to kill as fast as possible as he burrows after you (first sketch)

the path takes you both just below the surface and as you are trapped in a dead end zelda shields herself and link with her light shield ability, which protects you both from immediate damage but cant soften the impact from gan charging at you, the impact of which breaks you all three to the surface and the battle takes place in the same spot as botws dark beast fight-

fight is very challenging as gan is smaller than the dark best version, jumping and charging at you while still able to cast spells, now truly throwing everything he can at you in the hopes of ending you both

fight ends with you shooting an arrow at zelda, her deflecting it at the right angle and it shooting off the enigma stone on gans forehead; he falls seemingly defeated and as zelda runs to take the stone away gan through sheer panic lunges for the stone triggering his dragon transformation and making way for the final fight

(summary of the end: in the final fight gan snatches up both link and zelda once he transformed into the black dragon and takes flight toward the sky, zelda falls from between his teeth and knowing that she cant get to link and help him in any way from the ground she, while falling, takes out the enigma stone she has kept in a save container in her backpack all this time and swallows it for her own transformation, in her white dragon form she takes active action and charges at gans head so link is freed, then supports him in the fight itself; at the end link plunges into dragon-gans mouth to reach the stone on the inside where he makes use of the 'medicine' previously made using the moonbloom taked from kogas secret lab, link and the stone are spit out and as gan reverses into a human and falls link is caught by zelda and he uses the second charge of it on her to bring her back as well; as all three fall from the skies as the sages have made their way through the tunnel that beast gan made earlier, they help link and zelda getting to the ground safely while the yiga do the same for gan - final end end isnt determined yet but this is waht i got so far and even if i have written this once before i felt it was fitting to do it again and no you cant tell me this is too much of a wishfulfillment thing bc it literally is just that as i cant actualyl change whats in the game, so even if im trying to make it all fit well together i can still do what i want nhakjdbgshdbhsjka)

(totk rewritten project)

[pickingupmymercedes]

Idk if ur asks are open but if they are do u know the meme of the owner tht came home drunk and gave her cat lipstick marks (if not; https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/came-home-drunk-and-got-way-too-excited-to-see-my-cat). could u maybe write something where reader comes home drunk and Lewis reacts to seeing roscoe with those marks next morning? Thank u 🫶🏻!

Hello!!

Bestie, I loved this request, thinking about Roscoe and how silly Lewis acts around him always gets me to smile.

Sorry it took this long, but I hope you like it ❤️

____________________________________________________________

The sudden aroma of food caused your stomach to churn as your sleep-induced haze began to fade. A warm hand rubbed the small of your back as you turned on the sofa, almost losing your balance in the process.

"Evening, sleeping beauty," Lewis's soft chuckle filled the room, his voice seeming louder in your head than it was meant to as your eyes struggled to adjust to the light.

"What time is it?" you grumbled, trying to shield yourself from the daylight with the throw pillows scattered around you.

"It's almost 2 p.m., love," Lewis replied, his voice low as he handed you a cup of coffee and gently caressed your arms.

"Come on, I brought soup for lunch. You need to eat something."

He extended his hand to help you up, anticipating the dizzy spell that caused him to pull you close to his chest.

"I don’t think I'm going to keep anything down today," you admitted.

"I take it the night was good?" Lewis asked, amused by the way your nose wrinkled at the scent of the soup.

"You know how y/f/n's parties tend to get a bit over the top," you replied with a smile, recalling the antics from your friend's girls-only birthday celebration.

"Is that why you slept on the sofa? And why Roscoe looked like this?" Lewis's amusement was evident as he showed you a photo on his phone.

It took you a moment to realize the photo was actually an Instagram post. The caption read, "I'ms mom's favorites," with Roscoe nestled between your legs, snoring peacefully, his face and head covered in your lipstick.

"You did not post that on Instagram," you exclaimed, turning to see Lewis's innocent smile.

"Roscoe did," he shrugged, attempting to deflect the blame.

"I missed him, okay?" Your smirk and narrowed eyes making your intentions clear, if Lewis got to have fun with the situation, so did you.

"Oh, only him, I suppose?" Lewis teased back, rising from his seat and wrapping his hands around your waist, lifting you onto the kitchen island and showering your neck with kisses.

A snoring Roscoe brought your attention back to the room. "I think we're interrupting his beauty sleep," you giggled as Lewis scooped you up again, this time carrying you both to the bedroom.

[snapghoul]

Hangman is comin’ down from the gallows, and I don’t have very long.

In which Tyler is smitten with a certain girl and Jake does what he does best: annoy people.

Warnings: foul language

Note: Tyler refers to Bradley only as Rooster while Jake calls him by his name or Roo, this was a detail i didn’t notice until I was half way through writing this. The things I do to myself.

Tags: @devil-angel-winchester

Song: renegade by Styx

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Jake licked his teeth and clicked his tongue as he oh-so-casually slid up next to his brother, boxing Tyler into the booth at the old country diner they’d crowded into somewhere in central Oklahoma.

“So… Kate, huh?” Jake’s grin stretched from ear to ear, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Tyler shot him a sidelong glance, trying to ignore the growing heat in his cheeks. “What about Kate?”

Jake leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Come on, Ty. I see the way you look at her. It’s not just friendly banter about tornado chasing.”

Tyler shifted uncomfortably, trying to deflect. “It’s not like that. We just work together—we’re partners, you know, with the polymer project. And she’s been through a lot with storm chasing. I’m just trying to keep things light-hearted and professional.”

Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Light-hearted and professional? That’s why you practically trip over your words whenever she’s around? And don’t think I didn’t catch how you went all sweet southern boy when Bradshaw and I first got here.”

Tyler stiffened and gave his twin a glare, irritated by how well Jake read him. It was a talent Jake had always had, and it never failed to get under Tyler’s skin.

“You were buttering yourself up to make yourself look good in front of her,” Jake continued, his smirk growing. “It was almost sickening how thick you laid it on. Bradley had to take a walk when you two went to look at the radar. I thought he was going to throw up!”

Tyler’s face reddened. “That’s exaggerating, Jake. I was just trying to be supportive. It’s not like I planned to impress anyone.”

Jake’s grin widened, clearly relishing his brother’s discomfort. “Oh, come on. We both know you were laying it on super thick. I’ve seen you try to play it cool before, but this? This was next-level. And I’m not saying it was a bad thing—but holy shit, Ty.”

Tyler’s face was practically streaming with embarrassment. He silently thanked whatever higher power had distracted Kate and the others. The only one left in their booth was Rooster, who was looking equally uncomfortable.

“Right, Roo?” Jake decided to rope the other man into the conversation, clearly enjoying Tyler’s discomfort. “You saw it, right?”

Rooster shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two brothers. He clearly tried to avoid getting involved but failed as Jake’s sharp eyes fixed on him.

“No comment,” Rooster said, and Tyler silently thanked him for trying to steer the conversation away.

“Whatever,” Jake clicked his tongue and narrowed his eyes, then turned his full attention back to Tyler. “I’ve never seen you so smitten! Never! She really must be something.”

Tyler bit his tongue, struggling to keep from spilling all the reasons he thought Kate was amazing. He knew that would only dig him deeper into Jake’s teasing.

“But I like her! I think Ma and Dad will, too,” Jake said and finally relented, for now. He slid back from his brother and returned to his seat next to Rooster.

The timing was impeccable because, just then, Kate walked into the booth area with a radiant smile and a lively energy that made Tyler’s heart skip.

Jake’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he noticed the effect Kate had on Tyler. His Cheshire smile broadened, clearly enjoying this.

Tyler knew Jake wouldn’t let him live this down.

Bonus Rooster and Kate:

“Is he always like this?” Kate said from atop the red rig, her sunglasses shielding her eyes from the harsh Oklahoma sun. Bradley was handing her the new sensors, both of them squinting against the glaring light.

Bradley didn’t need to look to know what she meant. He let out a sigh. “Annoying? Always.”

It was a dry joke, and Kate snorted, giving the side of the sensor a quick, unceremonious smack to adjust it.

“Jake’s got this knack for finding everyone’s soft spots and poking at them. It’s his way of keeping things interesting,” Bradley continued. He was used to it by now, but he could understand how aggressive it might seem to others.

Kate raised an eyebrow, clearly processing this. “So, it’s not just me he’s targeting?”

Bradley shook his head. “Nope. He picks on everyone, but Tyler’s the one he’s focused on—sibling things, I guess? I don’t know, I was an only child.”

Bradley got sidetracked, waving his hand dismissively as he handed her another sensor.

“Anyways, you just got caught in the crossfire. Trust me, it’s not malicious. Jake just found something he could tease Tyler about and went with it.”

Kate took the sensor with a nod, her expression easing. “Got it. I’ll just stay still and hope he won’t see me.”

She and Bradley shared a laugh at the lame pop culture joke.

Bradley grinned. “No problem. And if Jake gets to be too much, just let me know.”

Kate smiled and nodded as they returned to their work. With Bradley’s reassurance, she felt more prepared to handle Jake’s playful jabs.

But that didn’t stop her own teasing side from rearing its head. “So, is like ‘wingman’ the Navy term for boyfriend?”

Bradley choked on his spit.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Average Rooster reaction while being dragged across Oklahoma, poor Roo (he did this to himself)

[angies-writing-blog]

For anyone without Ao3, because the request came in. Hehe… it’s been a tough week(s), so here’s a little self-insert to cheer up. My husband put our little one to bed and watched Forbidden Kingdom with me, and I fell in love with him... and Wukong again.

Withdrawing, his feet barely grazed the ground as she pursued him, her gaze locked onto him, returning with every twist and turn, never losing the rhythm.

Through the relentless rain, he could hear the drumming of her heart, feel its echo in his own. And there it was again: that familiar twitch in his chest, the one that always surfaced in her presence. An unusual tension, one he was unaccustomed to.

He was Sūn Wùkōng, the Great Sage, who had shattered the heavens and conquered death. What force could possibly disturb his balance?

Simple Movements. The delicate footsteps of that human child captivated his senses. Guided by him, her responses seemed to flow in a rhythm of fleeting seconds, yet they quickened to a pace so swift that even he struggled to keep up. As she drew nearer, her eyes sparkled like the stars the night sky refused to unveil. Challenging. Bold. With a teasing glimmer that made his throat run dry, she edged closer.

He inhaled deeply, twirling his staff around them in a playful dance. This time, there was no aggression, no predatory certainty; the Monkey King sought to enchant her.

Reserved, she had been during their first encounter. Marked by the weight of the world, she had shielded herself, unwilling to break free from her defenses to avoid the risk of vulnerability. He had taught her the necessity of shedding that armor. Now, she was attentive, vigilant, able to anticipate his every move, deflect his strikes, and see through his deceptions. In battle, she stood resolutely by his side; without her, he found himself adrift, unsure of what drove him onward.

Looking down, he met her gaze. Something profound lay within the depths of her celestial realm—more than mere respect, a connection he was eager to reciprocate in this very moment.

Wùkōng's grin widened, yet pure joy felt distinctly different. Deep within him, a faint pull stirred, one he could not name. Heavily, the staff rested in his hands, his movements slowing under its weight.

Silently, he sought her permission, raising his arm once more. Answering, a fleeting nod.

Gently, he caressed her cheek as the shape of his staff transformed in his grip. He wove it, now no larger than a hairpin, into her tousled dark strands.

Not even the moon could now rival her beauty.

Cautiously, her fingers curled around his, sending a surge of warmth through him. She was alive. Mortal. The clarity of this realization nearly stole his breath away. A mere human child, destined to leave him behind while he remained.

He resisted the truth, unable to accept it. He longed for her, to hold her close, to shield her from the world. This yearning struck him with greater force than any battle he had ever faced.

A heavy sigh escaped Wùkōng as he bent down, pressing his lips to her forehead. She would not stay forever, but in this fleeting moment, she belonged to him, just as he belonged to her.

Pulling her closer, her arms encircled his back, and a sigh escaped her lips, too.

Still he had become when she began to hum a soft, familiar melody. Floating between them, it broke the spell of his stillness, and he embraced her sound. Gently, his hands found her waist, their feet moving in the same rhythm—slow, flowing—until no boundary remained between them.

A distant call shattered the tranquility. They both paused, and in that shared breath, an exhale escaped them. For an instant, silence enveloped them, then laughter bubbled forth, light and free, dispelling the heaviness once more. Whenever the world threatened to stand still, Zhu Bajie had a way of pulling it back into motion.

Wùkōng lowered his head again, whispering his love against her skin. Still smiling, they gently released each other from their embrace, following in harmony the direction from which the voice had come, their fingers lingering, tenderly entwined.

[strayrockette]

His Eyes on Me: Part Two

Summary: In which Benny's stare chases her away

Masterlist/ Part One-Part Three

Standing in front of him, my thoughts were a tangled mess, each one jostling for attention as I tried to find the right words. Benny’s presence was overwhelming in the quietest way—his piercing blue eyes fixed on me with an intensity that seemed to pierce right through any shield I’d put up. The unwavering focus of his gaze sent a rush of heat to my cheeks, startling me. He didn’t look away, not even for a second, like he had all the time in the world to just watch me, soaking up every little detail.

I felt small and exposed, and the vulnerability of it all made my heart flutter nervously in my chest. My cheeks burned under the weight of his stare, and I quickly bowed my head, trying to hide the embarrassment creeping across my face. It was unnerving, how calmly he held me in his sights, not a flicker of doubt or hesitation. No guy had ever looked at me like that—like I was worth noticing, worth standing still for.

I rubbed my cheek, feeling the warmth spreading beneath my fingertips, and fidgeted with my fingers, picking at the skin around my nails as if it would distract me from the nervous energy buzzing through me. I stole quick glances at him, my eyes darting away whenever they threatened to linger too long. I wanted to ask him why he was here, why he kept staring, but the words felt heavy and clumsy in my mouth, stuck somewhere between curiosity and fear of hearing the answer. Finally, I managed to look up at him, my gaze wavering under the intensity of his, and I bit my lip nervously, feeling the awkwardness of the moment sink in.

“So, um...” I started, my voice barely above a whisper, shy and unsure. “My friends think you’ve been staring at me, and...” I trailed off, feeling stupid for even bringing it up, but the thought wouldn’t leave my mind. “I don’t know, I’m pretty sure they’re wrong, but...” I took a shaky breath, forcing myself to meet his eyes even though every instinct told me to look away. “Are you?”

There was a brief pause, a flicker of something in Benny’s eyes that I couldn’t quite read. His expression didn’t change much; his lips quirked just slightly, not quite a smile but enough to let me know he was amused. He didn’t seem caught off guard by the question or embarrassed by being called out. If anything, he seemed perfectly at ease, like he’d been waiting for me to ask.

“Yes,” he said simply, his voice steady and sure, leaving no room for doubt. Benny didn’t elaborate, didn’t feel the need to explain himself or justify his actions. It was just a straightforward answer, delivered with a calm confidence that made my breath hitch.

His honesty was jarring, cutting through the fog of my nerves like a bright light in a dark room. I wasn’t used to it—this kind of raw, unfiltered truth that Benny seemed to deliver so effortlessly. For a moment, my brain stuttered, struggling to catch up with the weight of his words. He wasn’t dodging or deflecting; he wasn’t trying to charm his way out of the awkwardness. He was just... honest. Plain and simple.

When the reality of his answer finally sank in, a surge of warmth spread across my cheeks, and I realized with a start that I was smiling—a soft, unguarded smile that I couldn’t hold back, no matter how hard I tried. It felt foreign, like I was allowing myself to be seen in a way I hadn’t before, stripped of all the usual defenses I hid behind. I bit my lip, feeling the full force of his gaze settle on me, and the nervous energy bubbling up inside me finally spilled over in the form of a giggle. It was light and breathless, the kind that escaped without warning, catching me off guard as much as him.

I ducked my head, the blush on my cheeks deepening as I tried to hide the giddy smile that wouldn’t leave my lips. The giggle felt silly and out of place, but I couldn’t help it; there was something so disarmingly simple about the way Benny just admitted it, like it was the easiest thing in the world to tell a girl you’d been staring at her. I glanced up through my lashes, stealing a peek at his reaction, half expecting him to laugh at my flustered response. But Benny just watched me, his eyes softening at the sight of my smile, like it was the very reaction he’d been hoping for.

My giggles were relentless, each one bubbling up as Benny's steady, weighted stare and calm honesty chipped away at the shell where I usually hid the nervous, shy part of myself. My hands flew to my cheeks, trying desperately to contain the growing blush and the uncontrollable laughter escaping my lips. I was unraveling, coming undone in the most unexpected way, and all Benny did was stand there, unwavering, his eyes never once trailing away from me. It was like he saw through every barrier I tried to put up, and I couldn’t do a thing about it.

“Okay,” I nodded to myself, as if I was trying to convince my own fluttering heart to settle down. “Have fun.” The words were rushed, almost like I was dismissing him, but really, I was dismissing myself before I completely lost it. I turned on my heel, my head bent low, and without another word, I bolted back to the diner, the sound of my boots tapping against the pavement barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

I practically dove back into the booth, my cheeks burning as Natalie and Lacey burst into a fit of giggles. Lacey nudged me with a knowing smirk, “You lasted a lot longer than we thought.”

Natalie leaned in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I thought you’d bolt the moment you walked up to him,” she snickered, stirring her straw in her empty milkshake.

“And I thought you’d bolt the moment you stepped out of the diner,” Lacey added, shaking her head in mock disbelief. I buried my face in my arms on the table, feeling the heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

I mumbled into my sleeves, wishing the world would swallow me whole. I couldn’t believe I had just laughed like an idiot and practically ran away from him.

Benny’s unflinching gaze had shaken something loose in me, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.

“Oh, he’s gettin’ on his bike,” Lacey teased, shoving my shoulder to get me to look. “Think he’s waitin’ for yah to look at him.”

Against my better judgment, I peeked up over the booth and glanced out the window. Benny was perched on his bike, his jacket snug around his broad shoulders, looking every bit as cool and composed as ever. The rumble of the bike vibrated through the glass, and when his eyes found mine, he didn’t break the connection. He just sat there, staring, with a look that was both challenging and inviting. My heart skipped a beat as he finally smiled, a slow, confident curve of his lips, and nodded at me like he was saying he’d see me around.

I flushed, my embarrassment hitting a new peak, and instead of sinking back into my seat like my instincts screamed at me to do, I raised my hand in a small, shy wave—an action that I regretted the instant I did it. Benny’s smirk grew, and he revved his bike, the engine’s growl sending a jolt through me. I watched as he pulled away, his figure disappearing into the night, leaving me breathless and hoping, irrationally, that I’d never see him again.

The next day

“You just… said okay and have fun??” Lacey’s voice was scandalized, her eyes wide with disbelief as we sat curled up on the couch in my living room. “THAT’S IT??? AND YOU RAN AWAY!”

Natalie was sprawled out at the other end of the couch, shaking her head with a laugh threatening to spill from her lips. “We taught you better than that, sweet pea,” she teased, her voice laced with playful disappointment as she tucked her legs underneath her, settling into the cushions.

I groaned, sinking deeper into the couch cushions as if I could somehow disappear from the mortifying memory of what just happened. I grabbed the fluffy throw blanket draped over the back of the couch and threw it over my head, desperately trying to hide from their relentless teasing. “I PANICKED, OKAY? I COULDN’T HELP IT!” I grumbled, my voice muffled under the soft fabric but still dripping with exasperation.

Natalie couldn’t hold back her snicker, nudging Lacey as they exchanged knowing looks over my blanketed form. “You really ran away from the hot biker staring at you like you were the last thing he’d ever see?” Lacey added, her tone half dramatic, half amused.

I peeked out from under the blanket, my cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. “It was intense, alright? I’ve never had anyone just… look at me like that,” I mumbled, hugging the blanket tighter as if it could somehow shield me from the mess I’d made. “I mean, what was I supposed to say? ‘Thanks for staring, wanna grab a milkshake?’”

Lacey burst into laughter, flopping beside me and playfully tugging the blanket down. “Honestly? Yeah, that would’ve been better than ‘okay, have fun.’ You basically told him to buzz off.”

Natalie giggled, shaking her head. “Sweet pea, you’ve got this gorgeous guy wrapped around your finger, and you’re over here running like he’s the plague.”

I pouted, the embarrassment still gnawing at me. “He’s just… different, okay? I wasn’t ready for it. I’ve never had someone just be so honest like that,” I confessed, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket as I tried to process the whirlwind of emotions Benny had stirred up.

Lacey smirked, nudging me with her elbow. “And you like it. Don’t even try to deny it.”

I grumbled and just as I was about to sink further into the couch and wallow in my embarrassment, I heard a soft clink of dishes and the faint sound of footsteps. My head snapped up, and there was my mother, peeking around the kitchen door frame with a sly grin plastered on her face. She had clearly been eavesdropping, and the mischievous glint in her eyes told me she had heard every word.

“Mija, are you telling me you ran away from a boy?” she teased, her voice sing-songy and full of amusement as she leaned against the door frame, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “And not just any boy, but a handsome one? I thought I raised you better!”

I groaned, slumping back into the couch as Lacey and Natalie erupted into a fresh round of giggles. “Oh no,” I muttered, hiding my face in my hands. “Not you too, Ma.”

“Oh yes, me too!” she said, stepping fully into the living room with her towel draped over her shoulder. “I didn’t raise you to run away from something good, especially when it’s staring you right in the face.” She waggled her eyebrows at me, clearly enjoying this far too much. “You should’ve seen the way you were smiling when you came home last night.”

Natalie leaned forward, eyes wide with delight. “See, even your mom knows what’s up! You should’ve gone for it, sweet pea.”

“Exactly,” my mother chimed in, pointing at Natalie as if they were in cahoots. “You need to be bold, mija. Life doesn’t wait, and neither will that boy if you keep running off like that.” She paused, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. “Is he really that cute, though?”

I peeked up at her, my cheeks burning brighter as I recalled Benny’s piercing blue eyes and that confident smile. “Yes, Ma,” I admitted reluctantly, knowing there was no hiding from her. “He’s…" My face scrunched as I grinned and blushed, "really really cute, so cute.”

My mother clapped her hands together, the sound sharp and full of excitement. “Ay, Dios mío! I want to meet him! You should bring him to dinner—no, better yet, bring him by when your father’s not here. I need to see for myself this boy who’s got you all flustered.”

“Ma!” I squeaked, utterly mortified as I pulled the blanket back over my head.

“Come on, bring him around,” she coaxed, ignoring my protests. “I’ve got some advice for him on how to handle a Rodriguez woman.”

Natalie and Lacey were practically rolling off the couch at this point, their laughter filling the room. “Sweet pea, you’re never living this down,” Natalie wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. “Your mom’s already planning the wedding.”

“Of course I am,” my mother said, grinning wide. “And you, mija, better be ready to bring that boy over soon. I need to see if he’s worthy of my little girl.”

I peeked out from under the blanket, caught between embarrassment and laughter. My mom had a way of turning even the most nerve-wracking moments into something light and funny, and as much as I hated being the center of attention, I couldn’t help but feel a little warmth spread through me.

I mumbled half-heartedly, “I really don’t want to see him again.”

Lacey snorted, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, right. You’ve been blushing non-stop since you ran away like your life depended on it.”

Natalie giggled, “I’m starting to think her face might actually be stuck that way.”

My mother, never one to miss a chance to join in, chimed in with a playful smirk, “Oh, just wait until she finally grows the guts to have a real conversation with him. If she’s not red now, she will be.”

Their laughter filled the room, light, and teasing, like a gentle balm for my lingering embarrassment. As much as I wanted to hide, the warmth of their voices made everything feel a little less daunting.

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