#both disposed of when they go where they shouldn't

[roach-works]

ok im waffling on about fallout instead of having breakfast but i saw a criticism of how the prisoners were treated that's stuck with me.

spoilers!

so i think the criticism wasn't incorrect, per se: it condemned the way the show portrayed the vault dweller's naive intention to rehabilitate their murderous captives. it found fault with a common, and horrible, message that tv shows like to say, which is that carcerial violence and even the death penalty is the only effective way to deal with criminals, who are a fundamentally Bad category of human. im sick of that message too! but i think that wasn't what was going on here, actually.

so like, the vault dwellers had only ever experienced violent loss the once, and didn't really know how to cope other than denial and repression of the ordeal. but they were all hopeful and enthusiastic that their prisoners, the invaders that came to kill them all and take their stuff, could be eventually welcomed into the community as their comrades. the champions of this cause were nebbishy dorks and painfully out of touch academics. this is pretty normal for how prison reformers are portrayed, if extremely fucking annoying for those of us who ARE in favor of prison reform.

but so of course when the son of the former overseer, Norm, speaks up and suggests killing the prisoners, because why should they share resources with invaders who explicitly wanted to keep hurting them? why should they show mercy to their attackers? everyone is appalled by this suggestion. because they had to reinvent the whole concept of vengeance right then and there, because grudges and cycles of violence are anathema to a bottle society like theirs. they have been raised all their lives to forgive and forget and now, put to the test, they're recommitting to this ethos: get along, let the past go, look towards the future, believe the best of everyone.

but the prisoners die, anyway. the prisoners are killed with rat poison. and the thing is that Norm who suggested it didn't do it himself. and the prison guard who's blamed for it, even though she privately agreed with Norm that the prisoners are dangerous and unforgiveable, she didn't do it either. it's not a moment of triumphant, cathartic vengeance and it doesn't prove that there's no way to negotiate with terrorists and invaders but kill them like vermin because that's not what the message is meant to be.

the message is that norm stands there in the middle of these inconvenient prisoners, these corpses dressed in his own people's uniforms, and he looks at the new overseer. and he knows that she killed them, and she knows that he knows. she wanted him to know. this is her message and he's reading her loud and clear. and he doesn't look like a guy who's just been backed up by authority, who's just been validated in his desire for the ultimate control over those who have wronged him.

he's scared and pale and the music is ominous as fuck. and he's inside the cell, he's directly in the middle of it.

because what just happened is that he realized his entire society is being held prisoner, and the overseer is the one with the rat poison. and that he doesn't know, anymore, what freedom and safety and justice actually mean, just that he doesn't have them and he doesn't know where to find them.

that's what that scene meant. not that rehabilitative justice is a pathetic delusion of people who have no idea how to make hard choices.

but that before you advocate for killing prisoners, you might want to see how big that prison is, first.

and which side of the bars you're standing on.

[cumulo-ghoulll]

Ghoul Pack HCs

For a period of time in the late summer, all ghouls and ghoulettes are locked out of all the buildings on the grounds and are forced into the elemental habitat. This is hunting season. It affects every ghoul, making them almost feral, revert back to walking on all fours, and extremely dangerous to anyone who is not another ghoul. On one occasion, Secondo was attacked after refusing to let his ghouls out. He wasn't severely injured but he now has a large scar on his left bicep where he'd been clawed. Copia is more than happy to let them out and usually sends them out a day early after feeding them well in case they don't make any catches.

Dew is usually the first to Turn. He is extremely territorial and one of the only ghouls who do not hunt in a group. He seems to be a bit of a scavenger, getting into fights with the others if they haven't left any food for him. He's often seen circling the doors of the ministry, trying to lure someone out. Apparently, he forgets the lectures given to the siblings and Papas, reminding them not to go outside. Even though he shouldn't, Copia feels a bit bad for his futile efforts and sometimes throws a raw chicken or two out a window for Dew to take.

Rain usually takes himself off to the pond at least a week before Turning to move his koi carp to a tank inside. After Turning, he hunts both on land and in water. His serrated teeth make it extremely easy for him to catch and keep hold of any prey, especially fish. If he eats everything he can in his pond, he usually goes and hunts with Mountain or Swiss. Rain's the least aggressive of all the ghouls and ghoulettes, preferring only small or medium sized prey and avoiding any form of conflict. On one occasion, a Sibling had gone outside to send over some paperwork to a different building, Rain had gotten a bit too close for the siblings liking and was scared off by a few loud claps and shouts.

Mountain is one of the most aggressive ghouls during hunting season. He attacks almost anything that moves. Although his antlers seem to suggest he'd be a herbivore and a lot more docile, Mountain often hunts quite large prey. Elk or moose are released prior to Mountain being sent out. By the end of the season, almost all of them are eaten. He prefers to hunt with a few others, especially Rain and Swiss. Mountain is the one the clergy is told to keep an eye out for as he is extremely hard to scare off if he gets too close. He rarely comes out of the woods however, so it's very rare for him to attack anyone away from the woods' border. Mountain also requires a lot of care at the end of the season as his morals while Turned contradicts his usual morals. Any carcasses have to be disposed of, any surviving elk or moose are released into a different woodland, and Rain uses his elemental powers to naturally wash away any blood.

Swiss hunts with anyone who'll have him. Unlike the rest of the pack, Swiss is extremely good at mimicking different animal calls which makes him extremely useful in pack hunts. Roll calls are made twice daily back in the ministry as Swiss occasionally imitates human screams, hoping to lure people out. He's also an excellent climber and enjoys hunting birds in particular. He's been seen play fighting Dew when they get near each other and Copia always takes the opportunity to take pictures of them.

Aether and Phantom are some of the hardest ghouls to keep out as well as being the most dangerous. Quint ghouls hunt in the shadows so are extremely hard to spot. During hunting season, all the lights are kept on inside the buildings and candles are handed out to anyone who needs them. Quint ghouls are also the hardest to protect yourself from as they literally drain and devour the soul out of their victims. They also work very closely with the ghoulettes. The Quints feed on anything living so don't require any support like Mountain or Dew. Phantom finds it hard to kill anything and Aether has to often convince him to drain a spider. Phantom is almost always starving at the end of the season as he eats very little during it. Copia makes sure there's food waiting for him in his room when he returns.

The ghoulettes are just about as hard to protect yourself from as quints. They suffocate their prey almost immediately. However, it could be argued that they have the most humane way of killing their prey. There's never been any ghoulette attacks though so people tend not to be as cautious of them. They prefer small animals like hares and rabbits but will also help catch prey on pack hunts. The ghoulettes hunt together anyway and rarely hunt alone. They also work with quints a lot as they both hunt in similar ways.

The hunting season lasts around two weeks but the pack makes their way back inside in their own time. It takes a lot of them a little while to go back to walking upright and talking. They're also given an extra week off all work (which annoys Aether as he tries to convince everyone he's fine to go back to work the day after). The pack usually just relaxes in the den and have very long naps.

[ir-abelas-vhenan]

I wanted Solas to be able to steal your companions (or at least some of them) away from you

On my first playthrough I genuinely thought that the test of your leadership abilities was going to be if you could keep your team together despite the machinations of the Dread Wolf himself. Obviously that was not the case, but I like the idea enough still that I want to share it now!

(Idk if I should tag this as a critique or not because while it IS me saying I wish the game had done this, that sentiment is also like. The extent of the displeasure you will hear from me in this particular post. So instead, I'll just put the divider in and give everyone a heads up now that while I am about to descend into a spiral about something I think would have been cool, me describing the cool thing I would have liked is not peppered with hate and might therefore still be fun for you to read. )

My brain went off the rails the first time I heard Harding tell Rook and Neve that Solas can go into people's dreams and kill them. (Which, was this something we learned in Inquisition/Trespasser and I missed it? I totally probably did if that's the case because I did not do a replay before jumping into Veilguard, but that line freaked me out when I first heard it lol I was like "since when?!").

While Rook assures both that they're a-okay, all good, it's just a little bid of blood magic, I thought we had just been blessed with some hella foreshadowing. Based on:

-My belief that Solas was going to have followers at his disposal

-The knowledge that he likes to mirror people and give them what they're dishing out

-Him telling Rook that once he found out they were pursuing him, he did his research

-My belief that reminiscent of other games, low approval could result in companions turning on you/leaving the party/speaking against you

I thought that Rook was going to learn that at some point in the game, Solas approached the Veilguard companions in their dreams and tried to sway them either to join him or abandon their leader. And I think there was a lot of opportunity for this to work really well.

Lucanis is perhaps the easiest example to work with here, but there's potential with all the companions because all of them can relate to Solas' experiences.

Solas, through communications in the dreams of his followers or through snooping through Lucanis' himself, would have been interested in the parallel the two share of "extreme loyalty to an important woman in their life that they look up to and take orders from" when it comes to Mythal and Caterina. Solas also knows what it's like to be gone from the world as you understand it to be for a long time and struggle with the adjustment to come back. It would have been wild to find out that he inserted himself as an interested party who sympathizes with Lucanis' struggle and had slowly been showing him all the reasons he shouldn't put all his faith in Rook while playing as a supportive mentor to Rook at the exact same time.

I think depending on how Rook handled Spite, it would have been interesting at either high approval to have Lucanis be like "hey I just want you to know that Spite caught Solas snooping around in my head last night and we shut him tf out" or a low approval Lucanis being convinced that there's no place for him at the Lighthouse/he isn't understood/is too feared and that he needs to try and help through other means. That, consequently, would create some additional difficulty when it comes to trying to kill Ghilan'nain or gain loyalty with the Crows.

And obviously him going for every single companion would have been hard to do or made the game repetitive, so maybe if at a certain point in the game it just took your companions with the lowest approval and triggered Solas attempting to sway them, that would be fun and add an element of replayability. And if you manage to raise their approval enough after getting kind of a warning-sign cutscene where they're more frustrated with Rook than usual, they then tell you "hey yeah I heard from him but I shut him out."

For brevity so that this doesn't go on forever:

-He could have very easily nerded out with Emmrich and convinced him that the world he wants is what's best for the spirits (especially since he does genuinely believe this)

-He could have come to Neve and been like "you don't have to like me because I did kill Varric, but you do love your city, don't you? As I loved mine? And wouldn't you do anything for it?" (especially if Rook saves Treviso over Minrathous)

-He could have promised Taash a place amongst his followers where they don't have to hide their fire/potentially shared some compelling truth he learned in his nerd travels about fire-breathers that they, craving more about their identity, would be tempted by

-He could have tried to play on Davrin's sympathies for the griffons and shared that all he wants is to create a world in which those he harmed have a chance to be at their fullest capacity once more, especially after its revealed that the wardens abused the griffons and then hid from their history. (Now, Davrin is a king and I see him being very hard to persuade even at low approval, but I didn't want to exlude him)

-With Bellara, I mean come on. He is the least sinister of the old elves running around, and she has always craved questions. Knowledge about Arlathan is one of the strongest connections she has with Cyrian. I also think he might try and argue that Rook could have spent more time/energy towards rescuing Cyrian, OR offered her information on the Forgotten Ones that would save him in exchange for her assistance

-Finally, I think it would have been cool if Harding is the only companion Solas actually refuses to try and sway regardless of their approval with Rook. Much in the same way Varric didn't nickname her because he feared her, I'd like to think Solas would know that having fucked with the dwarves enough, she's off-limits to manipulate because he regrets his actions so much. It would have been a cool way to actually explore that part of the narrative a little more, especially because I personally think (especially if you don't have Cadash in the game or a dwarven Rook) someone deserved to have a tough discussion with him, and given Harding's quest line, it would make sense to be her. Assuming she survives past Ghilan'nain's death, I think a cutscene while Rook is in the fade of him coming to her when we know she wants to believe that he can be saved or else it's all for nothing (I can't remember the exact quote right now, so apologies if I'm way off) and them having a really meaningful conversation about the Titans and the rage she holds would have been cool, especially since they did know each other and fight for the Inquisition together.

So yeah, just some thoughts I've had brewing, that's all.

[kairithemang0]

Today sucked have a very random analysis of 358/2 days and Curtwen

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days follows Roxas, Xion, and Axel as they make their way through Roxas's 358 days in Organization 13, a cult that sees everyone there as disposable. Expect for Roxas and Xion. They both have the power to wield the Keyblade, a weapon that can release hearts and send them to Kingdom Hearts, a moon that their boss Xemnas tells them will bring the hearts they've lost back.

These characters, Nobodies, husks of full humans once with hearts now missing, are told they have no emotions. That all they're doing is remembering what it felt like to have these emotions, being lied to, believing everything they feel is fake.

Curt and Owen joined their agencies when they were young, who knows what type of future they could've had. They find themselves in a situation where they're meant to keep secrets, feelings locked away, trapped in cages. You don't get close to people as a spy, you may never see them again. They could die right before your very eyes, you just need to take it. Follow your training, don't forget about the mission.

This was the life of Curt and Owen for a long time, get in, get out, get to their hotel. Similar with Roxas and Xion, do the mission, and return to the castle (RTC). However, Roxas and Xion don't do that. Instead, they find themselves up on a clocktower eating ice cream, discussing the feelings they apparently shouldn't be able to feel.

Curt and Owen go back to their hotel room, they find comfort in each other's arms, able to let their feelings out to someone who understands. Curt and Owen understand. Roxas and Xion understand. Curt and Owen, the two gay men in their agencies who can't be out, who are keeping that locked inside with the rest of their feelings, and Roxas and Xion, young wielders of a mysterious weapon and who don't have memories of their old lives, who theoretically shouldn't be able to feel any emotions. Both pairs are outsiders in their own lives but find each other and it brings them something they didn't know they could feel. Love. Joy. Happiness. Sadness. Heartbreak. Loss.

They weren't meant to last though. Curt and Owen drift apart, Owen falls and finds new purpose, while Curt wallows in misery at his actions. Xion gets reprogrammed, remade to be a weapon for the organization, meant to fight against the one person she sees as a friend, who then forgets her because she was never meant to exist. Nobodies aren't meant to exist, not meant to feel or be loved. Neither are spies, you're meant to be quiet, keep your mouth shut and get the job done

And so, they both lose each other. Owen gets shot in the head, and while Xion and Roxas get to come back, Curt's left alone, left to remember a time where he and the one person who understood him were happy, those days where he felt some sense of normality despite his hectic life. Those nights together for them, those nights on the clocktower for Roxas and Xion. They were beautiful, and tragically temporary

[hrizantemy]

As a fellow Az hater, can we take a minute to shit on him? I've already made my own opinions clear on him, and his complacency. However, the thing that makes me absolutely livid, beyond everything else he's done, is the fact that, despite him supposedly having the best friendship dynamic with Nesta according to so many people, he is so quick to throw her to the wolves when it comes to endangering her life.

This also reflects on his weird complex as well, I guess, but it's the scene where he argues that Elain 'shouldn't be exposed' to whatever kind of 'darkness' surrounds the trove, meanwhile he's perfectly happy to suggest Nesta doing it, actively undermining the healing and autonomy of both Nesta and Elain.

One sister is mentally, physically and emotionally not fit to go on adventures and search for ancient artefacts, while the other, from what we see, is, and Az, who's living with Nesta and cassian and should be well aware of this, decides they should convince her to do it just to stop Elain from doing so.

As a fellow Azriel hater, I couldn’t agree more. People like to claim he has this great dynamic with Nesta, but really, it’s just him treating her with the bare minimum of decency—which, given how everyone else around her acts, is something Nesta sadly isn’t used to. But that’s the issue: Azriel knows how much she’s suffering, and yet he’s so complacent when it comes to her mistreatment. He never stands up for her when it matters, whether it’s against Cassian’s constant badgering or the Inner Circle’s condescending attitudes.

The fact that he didn’t even get her a gift at Solstice just shows how low on his priority list she really is, despite the supposed “friendship” people seem to think they have. And let’s not forget the moment when he thought it was funny that she got shoved down the stairs. How is that remotely acceptable? He should be aware of how much she’s struggling, but instead, he just stands by and lets it happen, never stepping in to protect her when it really counts.

And that moment with the trove is exactly what reveals Azriel’s hypocrisy. He’s all about protecting Elain from the “darkness” of the trove but has no problem throwing Nesta into danger when she’s clearly not in the right place mentally or emotionally. It’s so infuriating—he’s perfectly fine with endangering Nesta’s life just to spare Elain, undermining both of their autonomy in the process. He’s supposed to be aware of what Nesta’s going through, living with her and Cassian, but he still pushes her into situations she’s not ready for, all to save his precious Elain. It’s like he sees Elain as this delicate flower who needs constant protection, while Nesta is just disposable in his eyes.

Let’s talk about that hike and how Azriel purposely packed Nesta’s bag heavier, knowing full well she’d be the one to carry it. It’s like he wanted her to struggle. It wasn’t some innocent mistake—Azriel knew exactly what he was doing. She’s being forced to train and rebuild herself, and instead of giving her even the smallest bit of support, he adds to her burden, literally. It just highlights how little he respects her. Even if they weren’t on the best terms, common decency would’ve meant not deliberately making her situation worse.

And don’t even get me started on the scene where Rhysand yells at Nesta and threatens her. Azriel, who’s supposedly this honorable, morally upright figure, just stands by and lets it happen. Not a word, not a glance, nothing. For someone who’s supposed to be observant, calculating, and protective, he sure had no problem watching Rhys humiliate her. If Azriel had any real respect or care for Nesta, he would’ve at least tried to step in, even if Rhys is his High Lord. He’s so quick to defend Elain, but when it comes to Nesta being verbally attacked by Rhysand, he stays completely silent, once again proving how little he values her well-being.

It’s like he’s willing to treat Nesta like garbage just to keep in Rhysand’s and Feyre’s good graces. There’s no friendship or camaraderie there—just complacency and a willingness to pile onto Nesta’s struggles.

[wandabear]

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY [CH 4] - WANDA MAXIMOFF X F!READER

ㅤㅤㅤ   ㅤ

Summary:   Y/N proposes to Wanda and she says… no. That’s when things get complicated, too much.

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x f!reader | Natasha Romanoff x oc

ㅤㅤㅤ    CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO  CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX - finale

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Warning:  Somewhat graphic MCU violence, ANGST and FLUFF. As you know me: Jules is portrayed by Adelaide Kane. This mcu style is my own, Natasha Romanoff will not die here. You're warned. She deserves to be happy.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Songs you've need to listen reading this:

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The Great War Fade into you - Mash up ㅤㅤㅤ   

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤCHAPTER FOUR ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤPART I: THE GREAT WAR

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Natasha Romanoff and Wanda Maximoff are in violation of the Sokovia Accords. They assaulted the king of Wakanda and now they're helping two of the most dangerous fugitives, Y/N Y/L/N and Julia Hale. Make an example out of them.” General Ross ordered his soldiers, who after taking courage entered the building surrounding it.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

It wasn’t an easy mission to find themselves against three enhanced and the fucking Black Widow.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Ross's phone started ringing a few seconds later, unaware that a certain redhead was watching him through the cameras around the place.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Don't do this.” Natasha left the phone on speaker and looked at herself in the mirror.  “Come after me... I mean, you're embarrassing yourself. It looks desperate.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Thought maybe you'd be calling me to cut a deal. 'Cause from my vantage point, it's the federal fugitive who's desperate.” Ross's voice showed how proud he felt, he had captured the elusive Black Widow.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha sighed, changing her blouse for a nice grey hoodie. ��From my vantage point, you look like you could use some bed rest. What is this, your second triple bypass? You look like shit.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I wouldn't worry about me.” Ross scoffed. “We got your sister, she's fiery! We got Barton, we got the Bishop girl, Sam Wilson...”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha clenched her jaw when she heard her sister's name, he knew how to press those weak points. Or at least try.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Everyone will recognize you all, Rogers is on the run too. You got no friends. Where you gonna go?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I've lived a lot of lives before I met you, Ross.” Nat smiled and took her phone. “You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble. I'm done.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

She ended the call and left that bathroom. As she walked to the bow of that boat, Ross right now was breaking into a long ago abandoned apartment.

Nat played him a trick again, he took the bite perfectly.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“All good?” Y/N asked as she watched the redhead approach breaking that disposable phone.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“The asshole swallowed it all.” Natasha threw the phone into the water. There was no one but them and some people sleeping, it was barely five in the morning.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The breeze and the mist from the Norwegian fjords in front of them showed them one of the most beautiful landscapes they had ever seen.

Y/N handed her a cup of coffee and they both shared a moment together while Wanda and Jules rested before they reached Sæbø.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Perfect. Now we just... let's try to keep up.” Y/N sighed and looked around.  Sæbø was a fairly quiet town, and living on the outskirts would give them a great advantage in staying unnoticed.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“We need to draw less attention.” Nat licked her lips and leaned against the ship's rail, watching that beautiful place. “I never came to Norway, you know?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

"It's beautiful." The brunette smiled. “Thank you for doing this, you didn't have to. You could have stayed on Stark's side, you know he would have supported you."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know.” Nat sighed and turned to see her friend. “But I wouldn't leave my friends behind, Yelena wouldn't forgive me either.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Just remembering her sister and the conditions in which they surely kept her broke everything inside the spy.

Nat struggled a lot to find Yelena again and gain her trust, leaving her on the raft for a while longer was painful but necessary.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“We can do this, and soon we will rescue Yelena. We just need time to put together everything we need.” Y/N placed her hand on the redhead's shoulder. Nat's teary green eyes broke her heart.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You promise me?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I swear, Nat. We'll go get her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“We've got a generator outside. It's petrol-powered. And the septic tank will need a flush in a couple of weeks, but, you know, I've got a guy coming for that.” Richard got out of that trailer and turned to see Nat, who was perched against the door smirking. “You okay? I hear things. You know, something about the Avengers getting divorced...”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Ugh. It's fine.” Natasha shrugged.  “I'm actually better on my own.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The man arched an eyebrow, at least she was still looking really hot like always. “Are you sure?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Yeah.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Because you can tell me, you know.” Richard smiled flirtatiously at her. “That's the way the whole friends thing works.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “I know. I have friends.” Nat smiled and nodded toward the girls arriving at the trailer.  “They’re there… and I don't pay you to worry.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Ouch.” The man teasingly touched his chest and then walked to his car. ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

At that time, Y/N parked the small Lada Niva jeep in front of the campsite. They all started to unload all the supplies they had brought from three markets in the town. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N wore her hair in two braids, a huge plaid shirt and a cute beanie. Jules now had a wild ‘bisexual-bob’ cut with a few streaks of blonde, quite different from her typical dark hair. Wanda was the one who had made the makeover and according to the girls: she did an excellent job. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ And Wanda kept her brown hair but with bangs, making her look adorable and different. No one had recognized them until now, and if they did, they just smiled kindly and kept the secret to support them. They saved the world so many times, people saw that and cared for them.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Did you get rejected again?” Y/N joked at Richard and he just shrugged. Wanda smiled - she knew Richard didn't stand a chance with Nat- and Jules just rolled her eyes. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “She is hard to catch.” Richard got in his car and drove off. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ The three arrived at the first trailer, while the other was a little further away, near the river. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Richard stopped by for some smooch or what?” Y/N joked, but Natasha just completely ignored it. Wanda just said a soft 'ew'. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Very funny… but seriously speaking, it's all done.” Nat showed them all the place, both trailers had a cozy bedroom, a bathroom, a nice sofa and TV, as well as a small kitchen. Everything was pretty cozy and good. “The idea would be that we live two in each trailers.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ They all agreed. Wanda walked through the trailer snooping around the kitchen area and the bedroom. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “The story, if the police come close - which I highly doubt - is that we are Aussies backpacking the world.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It sounds pretty good.” Y/N nodded. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Looks good.” Wanda added. “Better than that small room in Budapest.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Good. Here are some important items, passports, weapons, some personal stuff you may need.” Nat took two of the bags and gave one to Y/N. “Wanda you coming with me, Jules and Y/N together.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Y/N raised a brow. “That doesn’t sound safe, if they find us, you’re two Avengers with their faces on the magazines. They would recognize you instantly.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Y/N and me, you and Jules.” Wanda tried, trying to hide her intentions to spend more time with Y/N.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Yeah, nice try.” Nat rolled her eyes. “Y/N and me, Wanda and Jules.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

They all looked at each other and then nodded, it didn't sound so bad.

“All that bloodshed, crimson clover. Uh huh, sweet dream was over. My hand was the one you reached for… All throughout the Great War...” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Her friend's voice made Y/N  smile, Jules had a beautiful voice, so deep and so beautiful that she could send chills down your spine when she sang. Though she didn't do it much. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Come on, you can do it.” The currently blonde cheered her up. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The brunette closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and tried to think of some nice memory. Losing herself in that melancholic sensation and not letting be carried away by sadness, Y/N raised her hand and felt how the breeze hit her face. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The leaves of the trees on the ground began to swirl around them, nothing violent, like a slow dance. In perfect sync. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Y/N smiled when she noticed how the leaves danced, some clouds formed over them but the inhuman dissipated them carefully. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “How does it feel?” Jules asked. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s… it’s different. I feel everything, it’s like… when I’m angry the thunder-clouds talk to me, they beg me to let them rain. The power of the storm flows through my veins, my mind, it's part of me.” Y/N shrugged, few seconds later everything calmed down and the leaves fell to the ground. “That was good, right?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Good? It was amazing! You are improving a lot... I’m proud of you!” Jules smiled proudly but couldn't help feeling a little sad, which her friend noticed.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You okay?” Y/N approached her.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m just… I used to be an agent, you know? I was good at it.” Jules swallowed, lowering her gaze somewhat sadly.  “Now I'm afraid of... of not knowing what I am.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Feeling that you are different and starting to know yourself was something incredible, scary but incredible. But what happens when you don't know what you are? Or rather: what you can do.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What happens if I explode? What happens if... something catches fire because of me? What would happen if...? I don't know.” Jules panicked but Y/N rushed to hug her. “What if I hurt you all? Maybe I should go, be alone...”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“That will not happen, everything will be fine. You won't hurt us, okay?” Y/N smiled tenderly and took her hand, squeezing it gently.  “Soon you’ll know, when it is time, we will discover it together…”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Jules didn't say anything, just seemed lost in fear and thoughts.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You with me?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“All the way.” The blonde smiled.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N nodded and took her arm so they could walk together down that path in the woods, coming back to the trailers.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“So… You haven't talked to Wanda?” Jules smiles mischievously, biting her bottom lip.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Jules…”

ㅤㅤㅤ “What? You can tell me, I'm her roomie, remember?” She cocked her head to see Y/N. “I have to say: she has not stopped talking about you all this time. You two need to talk...”ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don’t know how to do it.” Y/N sighed, she felt too lost and confused. It was so much easier when Wanda was acting like a jerk, it made 'ignoring' her so much easier. “She wants to try or something, I don't know. Last time she told me that she was very sorry for everything she did.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The blonde sighed and shrugged.  “Maybe…you should give it to her.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You think so?” Y/N couldn't believe it, she had to stop to see her friend face to face. “You're the one who was mad at her the most. You wanted to kick her as soon as you found out.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Well we all have our moments, don't we? Forgive and forget and all that shit.” Jules rolled her eyes.  “Besides, I heard how every day she came to talk to you while we were locked up… Y/N, she loves you and she’s sorry.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“But-”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And you know what?” Jules stopped, being serious this time. What she wanted most in the world was for her best friend and sister to be happy. “We’re running across the world, as if we were the worst criminals on this planet. Don't you think you deserve a little rest? We can end up locked up in the middle of the ocean, it's time for you to live. Be with her.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m scared.” Y/N shrugged and put her hands in the pockets of the hoodie. “What if she hurts me again? What if she walks away again and broke me again with her absence?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What if it doesn't happen?” Jules arched an eyebrow, winning this battle.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N sighed in defeat. “Maybe…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Besides that a little sex wouldn't hurt.”  Jules teased and they both started walking, reaching the campsite soon.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Shut up.” Y/N giggled and pushed her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Go, talk to her… she was in our trailer doing some stuff when I left. Meanwhile, I'll go to... to town to buy something, or the river. Just try not to blow the roof off my trailer when you reach an orgasm.” Jules teased one more time and moved away from her, patting Y/N’s shoulder.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Now?” Y/N panicked when she saw the trailer door open and heard how Wanda hummed a beautiful lullaby.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Now it sounds on time.” Jules turned to see her but kept walking backwards.  “Remember that we do not have much life expectancy in this job.”

Y/N entered the trailer and watched as the brunette was humming and cooking something. She couldn't help but smile.

ㅤㅤㅤ “Hey, Wands.” ㅤㅤㅤ Wanda turned around quickly when she heard her, smiling as soon as she saw Y/N. That day got so much better. ㅤㅤㅤ “Hi! You came back, I thought you both got lost in the woods.” Wanda joked while drying her hands. Apparently she was baking some bread.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N laughed. “We just went for a walk for a while, to clear our minds.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That sounds good, sometimes it's necessary when this is… too much...” Wanda sighed, looking around her.ㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Today I was able to move the treetops a bit. Very slowly, without causing any trouble. No thunderstorms, no tornadoes, no hail. Just everything under control.” For the first time, she was glad to have some kind of control over her powers. It felt so good, she felt happy.

ㅤㅤㅤ

 “Really?” Wanda smiled widely.  “Wow, Y/N, that’s so good.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you.” Y/N blushed and keep their hands in their pockets. Hoped Wanda wouldn't be able to hear her heart pound with her being so close.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“At least this time I didn't make it rain when I'm feeling a little sad.” Y/N joked but recalled one of their most interesting moments there. “That would draw too much attention to us again, especially when the forecast says it will be just cloudy all week.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda giggled. “Yeah, I'm sure Ross must have a whole team googling ‘weird weather stuff’ around the world.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Maybe I should even be guilty of global warming!I bet you he'll tell that to the President!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

They both laughed and it felt so warm, so good and familiar. They could finally share a personal moment together after so much.

Y/N stayed for a moment watching as Wanda cut some vegetables and dropped them into the pot, stirring it slowly. Making a delicious sauce for spaghetti.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I like how the bangs looks on you. It takes my breath away.” Y/N sighed. Wanda looked up quickly, the hope inside growing exponentially upon hearing that.

ㅤㅤ

“Do you think so?” Those hopeful green eyes sparkled.ㅤ

ㅤㅤ

“I love it, and your brown hair is... lovely.”  Y/N walked over to her and stood by her side, tucking a strand of hair behind the ear.

ㅤㅤ

“Thank you.” The sokovian murmured, biting her lower lip. “I like how you look too.”

ㅤㅤ

“I did nothing.” Y/N looked at herself.

ㅤㅤ

“I know.”

ㅤㅤ

They both looked at each other without saying anything, just the exquisite tension that they missed so much.

Since they had been together, everything was so beautiful and different. So exciting and romantic enough to scare Wanda away completely and to hurt Y/N and keep distance from her.

ㅤㅤ

 “Wanda?” Y/N whispered.

ㅤㅤ

Wanda swallowed, without breaking the connection between their gazes.  “Yes, detka?”

ㅤㅤ

“I missed you.”

ㅤㅤ

Wanda smiled tenderly and happily.  “I missed you too.”

ㅤㅤ

“You hurted me so bad.”

ㅤㅤ

Well, that had been as long as she could take. Wanda felt she couldn't climb too high as she was soon plummeting back down.

ㅤㅤ

“I know.” Wanda looked down.

ㅤㅤ

“No, no like that.” Y/N pursed her lips, it was time to drop everything once and for all to heal. “You said I wasn't THAT person you saw a future with, you didn't even know you'd be with me that long.”

ㅤㅤ

“I've said a lot of things, I know that! I was so scared, Y/N.” The brunette hugged herself. “You have no idea how scared it was to love you that way and... to feel that you loved me as much or more than I loved you. Cause I love you, so much you can't even imagine. But I felt… I felt small and scared of losing everything, that it was more than what I deserve. I was afraid that I wouldn't be enough for you, that I didn’t deserve you.”

ㅤㅤ

“We know that. And I forgive you...” Y/N sighed, she settled next to the redhead. “But if we want to move forward, we have to let go of everything that hurts us.”

ㅤㅤ

“Move forward…?” Wanda looked at her without understanding, and without wanting to get too excited for nothing.

ㅤㅤ

“I'm sorry I asked you to marry me, maybe it was too soon.”

ㅤㅤ

“No! No… It wasn't... I was just afraid, I lost everything, my family, my country, and then I have you and... I was terrified of losing you. Watching you die like everyone around me.”

ㅤㅤ

Y/N took her hand to gently caress Wanda's cheek. “You won't lose me.”

ㅤㅤ

Wanda blinked in disbelief, this was what she expected. “Is… Is this a… are we?”

ㅤㅤ

“I don’t know yet…” The taller woman narrowed her eyes playfully. “Let's go slowly, if that's alright with you.”

ㅤㅤ

Y/N was encouraged to go further and hugged Wanda’s waist who, instantly upon feeling her touch, clung to her. It didn't take long for them to kiss again, to join once more in a caress that they had been waiting for so long.

ㅤㅤ

Wanda was lost in Y/N's soft lips, in that familiar and pleasant warmth. Her belly was so warm, screaming that she was completely in love with Y/N.

There was no case, no matter how long she refused to accept it, she was in love. Wanda Maximoff is in love.

ㅤㅤ

“How about we... have a date.” She sighed once they broke away from the kiss, smiling so excited.

ㅤㅤ

Y/N chuckled, she didn’t allow herself to let go of her waist. “Oh, Wands... I think we've been through more than one date, don't you?”

ㅤㅤ

“I know, but... now we're getting to know each other again, and everything has changed so much.” Wanda took courage, defeating all the nerves she felt. “Would you come on a date with me?”

ㅤㅤ

Waiting for a while, enjoying that, Y/N nodded before pecking those lips.  “Of course.”

ㅤㅤ

And while they tried to make their first date special, it didn't take long for them to end up in the huge bed in Wanda's room. Naked bodies finding each other under the soft sheets.

Y/N's lips ran down the back of her beloved, so slowly, little by little, discovering her once again. Making each other their own, complementing each other perfectly.

ㅤㅤ

The smiles were not lacking, the words of love and eternal promises. Wanda kissed Y/N’s hand when they intertwined their fingers, after making love all night.

Of course this was going to work, this time, nothing was going to stop them.

ㅤㅤ

“We still have to go on a second date, okay?” Y/N laughed when Wanda bit her naked shoulder and kept kissing her arm and chest.

ㅤㅤ

“All the dates you want… as long as they don't find out about us.”

ㅤㅤ

“Do you know something? Maybe I’m selfish but… I like this moment, together. Just us.” Wanda snuggled up against her girlfriend. “Without a huge noisy city and problems to solve like Avengers…. Is that selfish?”

ㅤㅤ

“No, it’s not, my love. And if it was…”  She took a moment to admire her body.  “It's not bad to be selfish sometimes, you know? It makes us human.

ㅤㅤ

“Sorry, I had to go inside because it's late and so fucking cold outside.” Jules got into the trailer trying to warm her hands, rubbing them together.  “In my trailer there are two lovebirds loving each other non-stop.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha -who was eating something on the sofa in front of the tv- looked at her in confusion, not sure if it was because of what she said or because Jules had walked in.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh.” Nat nodded. “I'm glad they fixed it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah.” Jules walked over and sat in one of the chairs, taking off her coat. The place was much warmer than outside. Natasha took one of her beer bottles and held it out to her.   “Oh, you watching Bond? Nice.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yep.” Nat didn't take her eyes off the TV, lost in the dialogues she knew by heart.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Moonraker? Do you like Moonraker?” Jules smiled curiously, but Natasha quickly turned a bit annoyed.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, why? Will you also tell me that it is crap and that others are better?” The redhead raised an eyebrow.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, I like it too. Besides to 'The spy who loved me'.” Jules shrugged and settled back to keep watching the movie, not realizing that the russian's gaze was still on her. “I didn't know you liked James Bond movies, guess it's something between spies...”

ㅤㅤㅤ

 “Kinda.” Natasha's serious face softened, perhaps she was too tough at times to let anyone else into her life. Yelena did it since they were kids, but Clint had given her the chance to be friends, something impossible for her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

When she joined the Avengers, her heart opened up a little more to that complex 'family'. But after that, she hadn't allowed herself to love or accept anyone else.

ㅤㅤㅤ

‘You're not a sportsman, Mr. Bond. Why did you break up the encounter with my pet python?’

‘Because I discovered he had a crush on me.’

‘Moonraker 1 on preset launch program...’

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I like how your hair looks on you.” The redhead said without further ado, almost like a whisper. She remembered the time where Jules and Y/N had been locked up, how guilt devoured painfully her all those weeks.

Natasha had broken many hearts in her life, but she had never been so sorry for one of them before.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, imagine if I were bald!” Jules teased.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, I mean it. The blonde…”  She swallowed, leaving a small door open in that gesture. And Jules took it, putting the film aside for a moment to watch Nat. ㅤㅤㅤ “Thank you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Green and light brown met. Again, this one looks different.

It wasn't at a Stark party where flirting was normal, or somewhere in hiding to make out and then pretend nothing happened.

This was sharing.

ㅤㅤㅤ “What's that? jam?” Jules took that little jar and spoon from Nat’s hand, taking a good taste of that delicious jelly or whatever she thought it was. It was so salty, clearly it wasn't jam, Jules made a disgusted face and dropped the jar in the trash.  “Natasha, what the fuck?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hey!” Nat complained, looking at the trash can.  “That’s a good caviar!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Jeez, couldn't you buy some chips or something?” She tried to wipe the taste from her mouth and wrinkled her nose. “Ugh…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, because I thought I was going to watch my fucking movie alone. Eating my caviar.” Natasha huffed. “And don't pretend, you know it didn't taste so bad.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N always buy chips.” Jules whispered mischievously, noticing how Nat turned to see her somewhat interested in that information. “And I don't think she'll come back, right?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha smirked. “I don't think so.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules chuckled and got up to grab some chips from Y/N's cabinet. She tossed one to Nat who quickly caught it. Both were lost in the movie for a while until one of the two broke the silence.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat whispered. “I know we haven't talked much since you… you know.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Since I called you heartless bitch?”  The blonde muttered as she ate some nachos.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat smiled a little amused.  “In fact you called me ‘The bitch with a selective heart’.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, yeah, I remember.” Jules smiled proudly, taking a sip of the beer.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You and I were never able to talk about everything that happened, Julia.” The spy knew the effect it had when she called her by that name.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“One, don’t call me Julia. Two, kind of hard when you spend time locked in a rock and then run around hiding from some governments.” The brown-eyed woman teased but never took her eyes off the tv.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You loved me.” Nat finally said, swallowing, saying it out loud was very different. “That night you said that you loved me.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It's in the past.” Jules avoided looking at her, opening another bag of chips.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The russian tilted her head.  “Is it?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What do you want me to say, Natasha?” Jules snapped, staring at her now. “That I HAD feelings for you? That I cried like a fucking teenager and that turns my stomach just remembering it? Want me to say that I fall in love with you?  That I loved you?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules let out a sad giggle.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, I did. I never felt so humiliated when you slept with another agent after that.” Jules stared into Natasha's green eyes, losing herself in them but not in the same way as before.  “and every time I remember… Every time I remember what I told you, and how you humiliated me for that, makes me want to hit myself so bad.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m sorry.” Natasha genuinely apologized, feeling so much guilt inside. She didn't understand what was the desire to cry that she felt lately, a loneliness that she appreciated before and now drowned her. “I know I was harsh…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That wasn’t being harsh, that was being an asshole. Punishing me in front of my teammates to make a point.” Jules swallowed, feeling the bitterness.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I wasn't ready. I was taught that love is for children.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The blonde sighed and shook her head, completely defeated.  “Well, there's no point in debating that anymore, is there, honey?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Those words made Nat swallow, what was that feeling of sadness? Rejection perhaps?

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We are no longer the same.” Jules drank some beer before keep going, licking her lips. “We're two... ex-agents on the run. Besides that now I am a freak with powers that I still don't know, and I don't know how to control.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat watched her with tenderness and perhaps some concern. “You’re not a freak.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Anyway...” Jules sighed. “At least I can say that I fell in love once. And with the amazing ‘Black Widow’, at least I won't be the only one.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The girl smiled and brought her beer closer to clink it against Nat's.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't feel very amazing right now.” Natasha bit her bottom lip.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules saw a certain sadness in those green eyes, knew instantly what she meant.  “It's not your fault. We'll go get Yelena and everybody, soon.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She took the spy's hand and squeezed it. ㅤㅤㅤ

“We just have to wait to get everything, the Quinjet and... we can go, I know.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

They both smiled tenderly, it was time to support each other.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Why did you stop loving me?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules dropped her head back on the sofa, here we go again. “There's no point in talking about it, Romanoff.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Maybe I do want to talk about it now.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh, now is a good time to talk about it?” Jules perhaps said something sarcastic and harsh, but hearing herself that way made her feel bad, she sighed and tried to calm down.  “It's pointless now, Nat.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Why not?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Because there's no point in loving someone who can't love you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Because I'm a heartless bitch, right?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, because I'm not enough for you!” Jules exploded and then got up from the couch. “I am not enough and I never will be, you told me that. And I don't understand why you make me relive it now! Again!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha looked at her worriedly, noticing the girl's eyes fill with tears.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm fine, trying to move on. Maybe one day I'll meet a pretty girl, I don't know, who loves me as I am and for what I am. And I will stop being in love with an impossible crush like you.” She inhaled deeply trying not to cry this time. “We can be friends.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha frowned and stood up to face her.  “I don't want that.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, teammates at least.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nat was a little nervous for not knowing how to express herself.  “No, I don’t mean that. I mean, I want to be something else.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules frowned, trying to see the catch.  “Why now?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Why not?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Is it because I'm your only option since we're running away?” ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha chuckled wryly.  “Do you think that would stop me? I lived as a spy, I had many lives before I was Natasha Romanoff."

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh cool, the woman of many lives.” Jules rolled her eyes.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You've been spellbound with me for months, looking for an opportunity. You have it now, why don't you want it?” Nat couldn't understand what had changed in Jules’s heart this time.  “Why don’t you want me?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Because I'm better than this.” Jules said those words as if trying to believe it for the first time in her life.  “I'm better than ‘something to settle for and that's it’.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“But I like you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She sighed. “I know, Nat, we fucked many times.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, you moron.” Nat smiled and shook her head. “I think I'm falling in love with you, for a long time.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

"And I don't know how to do it, I was never in love. I've always been in control of myself and my feelings, and now… I don't know how to do it when you're here."

ㅤㅤㅤ

Those words made Natasha sigh deeply, finally releasing one of the most powerful sentences of her life. And it felt good, pretty good. Finally.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ Unlike Jules, who looked like a huge bucket of cold water had been dropped on her. Completely shocked.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh no.” The blonde mumbled. “Really?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Aren't you happy with that? I thought you would be.” Natasha frowned in amusement, stretching out her hand to take the girl's and they both sat down on the sofa again, sharing the blanket.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I know, it's just… I-I never thought that would happen.” Jules swallowed, feeling her heart start beating faster than ever. “What are we going to do?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can go slow too.” Natasha offered, trying to look sure and confident, but inside her an endless number of flying things stirring anxiously. It felt so strange and charming for the first time.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can watch the movie.” Jules said barely, with a small smile on her lips and a special sparkle in her eyes.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can do that.” Nat smiled one more time.

ㅤㅤㅤ

They both stayed together, watching the movie. Without realizing it, Jules laid her head on the redhead's shoulder and everything felt good, for both of them.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Both hearts beat fast, this time not because of sex but because of the closeness. And without realizing it, around that place some beautiful daisies grew quickly, under the moonlight. Something magic.

ㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ

But unlike the other two, going slow was not the idea at all. Since that night, Wanda and Y/N hadn’t separated again.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Of course, although Y/N spent a lot of time in Wanda's trailer, sometimes Jules kicked her out so she could rest one night on her own bed.

After sharing a delicious stew and a last dinner in that place they considered their home for a while, they were ready to move on with their plans.

ㅤㅤㅤ

In the distance, over the mountains, one of the most beautiful northern lights could be seen. An incredibly unique event.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What do we have?” Nat asked as she drank some of her beer, the four of them were around a nice bonfire under the moonlight.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Underwater prison, prisoners have no contact with the outside world, and they never return to it.” Y/N stroked the bridge of her nose.  “I spoke with a former S.H.I.E.L.D. The place is guarded by US Marshasls. It's not impossible but not easy either.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That place is for maniacs, it's a place for…” Natasha seemed quite worried.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Criminals.” Wanda finished the sentence, looking at the fire. The reflection from the campfire making her eyes look even more beautiful.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Our source said that Clint and Ant-dude made a deal, as long as they both retire.” Jules took a sip of the beer.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha nodded, at least Clint was safe. He had a family, he couldn't lose everything.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Steve will join us in Dublin.” Nat watched the three of them, handing them new long range earpieces. “You'll take out the Marshall's while we entertain Ross with a show of 'Rogers gives himself up'.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“And then?” Wanda asked what everyone was thinking at that moment. “After that, what are we going to do?

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Flee, possibly continue to live as nomads.” Y/N grimaced, pushing some wood towards the fire.  “They will come back to look for us, maybe more than before.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“So…” Jules sighed and raised her beer, toasting. “Let's get them out of there.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“To them.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

"To family."

ㅤㅤㅤ

They all toasted their friends and enjoyed that drink of beer. It was their last night there, and they had to be strong because the next day, everything was going to change. Forever.

ㅤㅤㅤ

And things changed, quite a lot. Together with Steve, they all managed to get all their friends out of the Raft alive.

ㅤㅤㅤ

They began to live as nomads, from one place to another without finding a home. By carrying out the missions and taking care of things that the governments didn't do, they took justice into their own hands.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Because even though S.H.I.E.L.D fell and the Avengers were done, it didn't mean the cause was lost.

Things with Wanda improved a lot, although sometimes being together was difficult when you were hiding. Romantic getaways are rare, but at least they were together.

ㅤㅤㅤ

For example, the time they visited Rome momentarily, they took the opportunity to escape together.

Wanda took advantage of every moment to make Y/N fall in love again, even though Y/N was afraid. And Y/N took advantage to make each moment unique. Also that sex was so much more interesting when you are one of the most wanted women in the world.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N was controlling her powers so much better, understanding them more instead of repressing them. Wanda taught her a lot about it, reminding that fear was only going to make everything worse.

ㅤㅤㅤ When the day was sunny, she felt an enormous peace and a warmth that filled her with vigor.

When the day was rainy, she would rejoiced into the comfort and happiness. Feeling how the rain wrapped her in a fresh embrace, renewing her.

When there was a storm, she felt her blood pumping hard and her heart pounding fast. Feeling this unique adrenaline rush, Y/N felt complete and powerful. Lightning streaking across the sky, thunder making the earth tremble.

ㅤㅤㅤ

A wide smile formed on her lips. She felt complete.

ㅤㅤㅤ

And Wanda felt enormous happiness to see Y/N accept and understand herself.

Since she left Y/N that time, Wanda hadn't been the same, but now that they given themselves a chance together, Wanda felt like she was living again. A new opportunity that she wasn’t going to waste, ever again.

And they all saw it, they all saw again how in love they were. Not just Y/N this time, both.

Until one night, everything drastically changed. New York had been attacked again, and Earth just lost her best defenders.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda and Y/N were on a little romantic getaway on Scotland when they found out about this, while Natasha, Steve, Jules, and Sam watched the whole thing on tv.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Without hesitation, they all jumped into the quinjet as fast as they could to head to the Compound, where they were greeted by James Rhodes and Bruce Banner.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“The world's on fire.” Those were the exact words of Y/N when she saw the videos on the screens, over and over again. The attack on New York, the day Tony and Spider-man were gone.

Thanos's ships were outside the stratosphere awaiting orders.

ㅤㅤㅤ

She reached for Wanda's hand to intertwine their fingers, sharing the same look of concern. This could be the end of everything, but they would be together until the end. ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can do this.” Wanda whispered and leaned her head on Y/N's shoulder, as they waited for the Quinjet to land in wakanda. If a battle did take place, it would be ideal to do it where they  the local advantage.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can do this.” Y/N nodded, taking a deep breath.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I love you, detka... This is forever.” ㅤㅤㅤ

“I love you, Wands.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

"When we get back… do you think…" Wanda bit her lower lip, a little nervous. “Do you think we could do…?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N frowned blankly. “What?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Marry me.”

ㅤㅤㅤ That left Y/N speechless, she tried to search Wanda's gaze for some sign that it was a joke or that it was just part of the despair of the moment, but she could only see love on her girlfriend's look. Just that, just love. Right time, the right place.

ㅤㅤㅤ “Wands…”

ㅤㅤㅤ "Please, detka." Wanda sighed, wishing with all her heart that Y/N would say yes. "Marry me."

ㅤㅤㅤ

The sokovian took her girlfriend's hand. “This time is different… Y/N, I can't see a life without you. Let's get married."

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N just stays silent for a moment, looking at her. And a smile begins to slowly appear on her lips.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda smiled feeling the tears forming in her eyes. "Is it a yes?"

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s a hell yeah! Let's get married, girl.”

ㅤㅤㅤ They both giggled and hugged each other tightly, before sealing that pact with a deep, passionate and needy kiss of love. Now all they need to do was survive the great war. ㅤㅤㅤ

Meanwhile, in the control cabin of the quinjet were those two women about to land in Wakanda, they only needed the coordinates that Steve was giving them and they would go through the shield that protected that sacred place. ㅤㅤㅤ

“Always remember we’re burned for better. I vowed I would always be yours… If we survived the Great War.” Jules sang to herself, remembering that beautiful song.

ㅤㅤㅤ Nat cocked her head to look at her with tenderness.  “Jules?”

ㅤㅤㅤ “Yeah?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Of endless words that she wanted to say, after being together for some time, the spy just tried her best:  “You’re a good co-pilot.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules chuckled, pressing a few buttons on the panel.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thanks, I worked my ass off on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy just to hear that.” The blonde joked, while making sure everything was alright. She turned to see Nat for a moment. “You okay?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“t's funny...” Nat cleared her throat. “My whole life, I didn't think I had any family. Turns out I got two, so... one of them's a bit of a mess right now.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It'll all work out, Nat.”  Jules sighed and reached out to squeeze her hand gently. “We will do it together.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling and nodding solemnly, Natasha trusted her girl's words.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Of course they hadn't given her any official name to this ‘thing’ yet, not even a relationship, they hadn't even told each other how much they loved each other.  But everyone knew it, even Yelena who saw them from afar and couldn't help but say "ew", making everyone laugh. But of course, inside was so happy for her big sister.

ㅤㅤㅤ

And although they tried to be brave, they gave everything of themselves in that battle. They fought against huge hordes of aliens, a genetically engineered race of extraterrestrial creatures, so awful and agressive.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“This is it, right?” Jules said feeling like she was out of breath when she saw how those creatures charged against them.  “The great war.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Whatever happens, please, stay with me.” Y/N whispered, looking at Natasha, Yelena and Jules. They gave themselves the strength to start with this. Wanda was taking care that Vision was safe, that the universe was safe depended on. Although all she could think about was y/n, hoping she was safe.

ㅤㅤㅤ

There wasn't much to say other than that it was one of the toughest battles of their lives. All the defenders of that Earth, fighting to make it survive another day.

Y/N took advantage of her powers to kill all the aliens she could, of course not too much because could get out of control and hurt everybody. She rose up, flying and smashed as many as she could with lightning and hurricanes. Fury and storm.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules did the same although she still tried her best being a simple agent with weapons and shield making a wonderful team with Natasha.

She hadn't discovered her abilities yet, but one day, she would.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Fall back! Fall back, now!” Y/N exclaimed trying to make the Wakandans in front of her move away, watching as those huge bladed wheel-like were heading towards her and the Wakandans. “Guys, we got a situation here. I can’t stop-”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“On my way.” Wanda spoke through the earpiece and got ready to go to help her, when something hit her with enormous strength. ㅤㅤㅤ

“She'll die alone.” Proxima threatened her, hitting Wanda with the grip of the sword hard enough to leave the sokovian crawling on the ground. "As will you."

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She's not alone.” Natasha's sassy voice made Proxima turn to look at her. Natasha was on one side and Yelena on the other, raising her Widow's batons, ready to start the battle.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Everything seemed to go on their side, the battle was favorable for the Avengers until a portal opened, letting that fearsome villain through.

And as they could, each one of them faced the mad titan in the way they could to prevent him from reaching Wanda and Vision. And each one of them was defeated, since he wore the gauntlet.

Steve. Bucky. Sam. T'Challa. The Hulk. Each and every one of them fell.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N stepped in the way and caused one of the most powerful thunders to strike on him, but the titan used the reality stone to prevent her from doing it again. Y/N was punched badly, her nose was broken and blood dripped from it and her lips.

ㅤㅤㅤ

She tried again but Thanos threw her against some rocks.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules tried to get in the way too, gritting teeth and trying her best, drawing a strength that she didn't know where it came from, she managed to make the earth shake, huge roots come out of the ground and catch him. But the Titan was stronger than that. He broke free and got rid of her too, as well as Yelena and Natasha.

They all fell and when he got the gem, that terrifying snap made everything change.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Where'd he go?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Steve?” Bucky muttered before falling apart and turning to ashes. Desperate, everyone looked around them to see if their friends were okay.

ㅤㅤ

“Wanda?” Y/N murmured and ran towards her beloved, who was on the ground crying.  “My love, come on.”

ㅤㅤ

She knelt down beside the sokovian to help her up, but seconds after taking Wanda’s hand, it began to disappear. “Wanda, no,no, no, no.”

ㅤㅤ

Wanda looked up to see the love of her life one more time, those huge green eyes full of pain, sadness and love saw looked at her for the last time. “I love you, detka.”

ㅤㅤ And she disappeared, just like that, in her arms. Y/N she burst into tears, shocked, terrified to see how the love of her life left her forever.

Y/N searched around as if trying to find her but everything was ashes, just ashes, and anguish everywhere. Crying impossible to contain, uncertainty and pain.

ㅤㅤ “Nat?” Jules whimpered reaching out her hand to hold Natasha's, who looked at her with a tender look. Natasha Romanoff turned to ashes along with everyone else.  “NATASHA!”  she yelled.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Sestra?! SESTRA, WHERE ARE YOU?” Yelena also screamed through the forest, looking for the redhead, trying that whistle but never received an answer.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

They got up to help those who were left, completely devastated by the loss.

Today the universe lost its greatest protectors, and half of its population.

Sighing heavily, Y/N stared at the screen once the meeting ended. She had been in contact with the remaining Avengers, who were at least trying to keep this world upright.

Steve was on an important mission, so it was their turn to take care of the Compound.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Where are you?” Y/N asked Rhodey, who had stayed on the line after everyone hung up.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Mexico.” Rhodes sighed tiredly.  “The Federales found a room full of bodies… Looks like a bunch of cartel guys, never even had a chance to get their guns off.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The inhuman leaned back in her chair, exhausted. “It's probably a rival gang.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Except it isn't.” Rhodes shook his head, knowing that Y/N would have a hard time accepting the truth but she had to.  “It's definitely Julia.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N swallowed, feeling her eyes fill with tears but she couldn't show weakness.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What she's done here... Y/N, what she's been doing for the last few years…” Rhodey felt enormous sadness for them, but Y/N had to understand what Jules had become. “She calls herself an 'eco-terrorist'. I mean, the scene that she left…” ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Call me when you have more information and please…” Y/N was blunt. “Do not engage, just call me. I'm the only one who can stop her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Rhodey nodded and his hologram disappeared. Y/N breathed shakily, tried to stay calm. A cool breeze made the treetops move slightly.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Easy, today's forecast does not say that there will be storms.” Her friend's hoarse voice brought her back to reality, Yelena approached her with two bowls of mac & cheese.

Sadness was reflected in those gloomy eyes, but the widow kept standing.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Eat, please.” The blonde told her with that thick accent, putting the bowl in front of her and sitting next to Y/N, putting some hot sauce on hers.  “That is my favorite.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you.” Y/N sniffled.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Are you okay, Y/N/N?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm just worried about her.” Y/N swallowed and wiped the tears from her eyes. “She's taking a rocky path to come back from.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Yelena sighed and took her hand, trying to support her in this. They had spent years side by side, trying to get over the loss and the pain. “You know it could have been me, If it weren't for you, I would be with her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“But you didn’t.” ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

"I decided to go back, she decided to stay."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N felt hurt by Jules, but above all, she felt her absence. Y/N understood her more than anyone, but it hurts. “I feel like I have failed her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“She lost everything, Y/N/N.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“But not us.” Y/N cleared her throat, eating some mac and cheese.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Touché. That was true.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“And we'll let her know she won't lose us when she decides to come back.” The widow sighed, changing the subject to a less sad and more interesting one. For example: what was it like to receive e-mails from a raccoon?

ㅤㅤPart II is going to be the finale...

So you sure want to kill me. But I'll tell you: don't do it, you need to know how it ends, right? This is not the same as the movies, so... pretty much wild. Thank you for reading me and for waiting for me with this story, it means a lot that you have come this far. 🌼🐻

here goes some amazing and lovely people tags   ✨  : @wandsmxmff​,  lonewalker17,  tsmeanobody,  dark-hunter16,  lattayhottay16,  natashaswifeu,  silverockmusic,  kacka84,  emeraldevan! @sunsol-22 @dparker0 Thank you for reading me and leaving your beautiful and quite empowering comments!

[mesetacadre]

what types of benefits does legal struggle (as opposed to illegal struggle) have for the Party?

The first type of benefits, and the most obvious ones, are the ones related to the bureaucratic and most purely administrative elements of its activity. Since the Party can exist as a legally registered entity within bourgeois law, it is, theoretically and often practically, recipient of the same benefits afforded to bourgeois parties. The extent of this is obviously never the same, since the Party is missing the financial support structures which are behind basically every other party, but the ability to contest in elections just like any other party, for example, both acts as a very natural megaphone for its program and, in the case of a smaller Party, it can serve as the first step to achieving legitimacy in the eyes of the broader working class. Another, more mundane example is the ability to, as a legalized and legitimate organization to the eyes of the state's bureaucracy, make use of the common spaces often put at disposal by local authorities, participate in local festivals or events, dealing with publishers/printing houses, that sort of thing.

Another type relates to the limits imposed on the activity of the Party and its general development. A situation of legality means that, save for the occasional attempt at non-aggressive infiltration (that is, with the purpose of collecting information rather than destroying it) which are easily avoided with a decent dem-cent structure, the Party is spared the state's explicit repressive bodies and functions until, of course, it violates the bounds of legality to such a degree that it can't go undetected and ignored. So generally speaking, the Party's activity is, in the context of legality, more constrained by its own resources than by any oppressive mechanism, and can therefore grow without constraint. And, apart from the full range of activity observed within legality, it is not only possible but necessary to overstep those boundaries:

Any Communist Party that claims or aims to be a revolutionary vanguard should be comfortable with, at all times that is necessary, going beyond what the law allows to maximize the political efficacy of certain campaigns. Being able to navigate legal voids and dangerous situations deftly, with set security protocols and countermeasures, also acts as a "hardening" experience for the individual militants. If we take illegality/persecution to be the adulthood of the Party, then these kinds of actions where the law is broken consciously and with purpose can be understood within the life cycle of a party to be akin to the animals that practice hunting/surviving via play, in mostly controlled situations. "Practicing" illegality when your activity is not generally defined by illegality both keeps the Party from straying into reformism or legallism, and it prepares the individual militants and the Party structures for the situation of illegality that, sooner or later, will come.

And the context of legality also makes the purposeful overstepping of its own boundaries easier, since the Party is not under heavy oversight or already repressed, these actions, when performed rationally and carefully, can very easily slip by undetected or not suppose enough of a problem that the cost-benefit ratio of cracking down on this activity is not worth it for the state. No half-competent bureaucrat of a regional police department is going to create a taskforce to go after the commies putting banners where they shouldn't, you know? Legality also has its drawbacks of course, but that's another subject :+)

Summed up: In a context of legality, it is easier to do basically anything, including breaking the law, and including the preparation for when the context of legality inevitably ends.

[paikothecateater]

Why do a lot of Nordic fic writers just despise Iceland? I've noticed his character is never relevant to the story. Why is he always a side character? He almost never gets any character development. Not only does it suck, it also makes the fic more awkward. Like, some major event happens to the Nordics and it's almost like he was gone when it happened.

Everyone is going through some form of complex emotions to try to process the events of the fic and Iceland's just... On the side like it's a normal Tuesday. It's really off putting.

He is also almost always one dimensional. People, if your character's personality can be summed up in two words, you did a bad job developing them.

Repeat after me, Iceland. Is. Not. Just. 'edgy teen'.

It's a little infuriating because they come up with these intricate details about the others, so I know they don't just suck at making characters.

I'm not necessarily saying 'we need more Iceland fics' even though I would love to see more of those. Most Iceland fics I've read have been very disappointing. Guys, just because he's a teenager doesn't mean you have to make a high school fic.

Even if you don't want to make him a main character, he makes for a fantastic exposition character.

An exposition character is a character who technically doesn't play a huge role in the story, but they have little mini arcs throughout the story that help support the A story, either directly or indirectly. They're usually the first character we see which is why I call them an exposition character. Their actions usually lead us to meeting the protagonists. Sometimes they run into the protagonists, sometimes not.

If you really want to isolate Iceland from the rest, you can at least give him his own individual arc. I personally think separating Iceland from the rest is a bit of a jerk move, but if you're going to do it anyway, you shouldn't abandon his character entirely.

Another huge issue I have with a lot of these fics is Sealand.

Listen, I absolutely adore Sealand. He's a really sweet character and I think the idea of him being more or less adopted by the Nordics is nothing short of adorable.

But, when we start shoving Iceland to the side in favour of Sealand, that's when I start having some problems.

'but we need a child character so they can learn from the older ones' guys, I don't know why you refuse to believe this, but Iceland is an actual child. He is a child.

'he's a teen, he's not that young' what are you on about?! Literal child. He's a kid.

Now, even though it's miles better than the Danish slaughterhouse, Gutters is still objectively terrible story wise.

I love Denmark and Sealand's dynamic and all, but come on!

Before anyone comes at me, listen, Sealand is a great character and all, but making him a main character in a Nordic fic because you want a child character meanwhile you have a perfectly good Nordic character who is a child at your disposal, you just don't want to use him because he's 'too old'. Listen, I'm not an expert on children by any means, but I've interacted with children of both of those ages and let me tell you, both of those ages would act the exact same way in an apocalyptic situation. Iceland and Denmark also have actual history, that could have made for a number of interesting plot lines.

But this isn't even my biggest issue with the fic. My hugest issue comes by the end.

Everyone is shown processing Denmark's death in their own ways. Each of the Nordics have their moment where they're shown grieving... EXCEPT FOR ICELAND!

You know what he's doing? Fuck all! That's what! How do you even butcher a character so much? Might I remind you that Iceland worries about Denmark the most out of the others canonically!? You're telling me he's just standing off to the side silently shedding a couple tears? Bro...

I just hate it when Iceland's character is pushed aside like this.

Most people finished Gutters crying, I finished it fucking pissed.

Thank you for coming to my Ted talk.

[allsadnshit]

I think what a lot of people do not realize is that community and being able to live with others is for most of us completely necessary. I know there's lot of people who claim to be better off alone and I won't speak for them but even just in terms of survival and not even emotional existences, we do NEED a society and other humans to live. It's like a team sport where it really really sucks to work with people you don't like and you even sometimes have to cooperate with people you actually hate but it's not optional most of the time and we have to be willing to compromise and so many people really reject that idea. Being able to tolerate someone else I don't agree with isn't something we all do because we want to or out of the kindness of our hearts...it's about how we want the world to function and tolerance is often completely necessary.

Someone not having the same morals, ideals, or politics is not something we can completely ban or get rid of every time and even when there is separation for necessity and safety, people still need rights purely as humans. I remember growing up thinking that jail was a pretty black and white simple concept of only bad people go to jail and obviously they shouldn't be able to make decisions with the rest of the world because they are bad! And I don't think I really truly understood what it meant to strip someone of their basic human rights till I was already an adult and starting to understand the different complexities of incarceration and removing the ability to participate in society in any form and how slippery of a slope it actually is.

I think covid has brought so much of that out of people and you can really see how much people feel like other people are disposable, and I am not speaking for one side of politics either. I truly mean that on both sides, the consideration that someone else's life experiences and opinions on themselves and those they love should be treated with dignity is really lost on so many people who've felt under attack to the point that they treat everything as them vs us when most of the time that's not actually the case.

It makes me really really sad when i continuously see people treat their world views as holier, more compassionate, logically backed, and overall more "good human" than someone else, even though I know that anger is often out of defense and fear.

I can't bring myself to not care about other people or not see them as people in general and I think a lot of what I see in the media and on social media really tries to make it seem normal to disqualify life and opinions outside of our own and I do not think it's humane or a livable approach to the reality of being animals that need one another for survival.

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Beautiful Blood -- Sadistic Vampire Whumper Keeping Human Pets part 5

TW: violence, blood drinking, intimate Vampire whump, death, forced servitude

He awoke the next morning with a panicked jolt at the solid knock on the door, snapping out of the nightmare he'd been trapped in. His heart hammered with adrenaline, and he was disoriented for a minute before the memories came flooding back. He blinked sleepily and looked around the room.

So... not a dream. He was really here, in a vampire's mansion. There was another knock, and Asher slid out of bed, trudging over and opening the door.

"Yikes... you look terrible. Didn't sleep well, I take it?" Callum noted, seeing the bags under Asher's eyes and his messy hair that was tangled from subconsciously tossing and turning for hours.

Asher just shook his head grimly as Callum stepped into his room.

The servant wrung his hands together. "We should get you looking at least somewhat presentable before I give you the tour, in case we run into Nyx. She doesn't like her pets to look anything less than dignified most days," he said, and briskly strode to the bathroom, opening an elegantly decorated drawer and fishing out a hairbrush that he offered to Asher.

"This is a good start," he teased lightly, hoping to ease Asher's nerves.

Asher reluctantly accepted the brush and used it to fix his chaotic hairstyle, before Callum finally led him out of the bedroom and into the heart of the mansion.

There was a lot more activity now, Asher noticed, as several human servants bustled around, looking to be in a hurry. All of them wore identical shock collars.

"What's going on?" Asher asked curiously.

"Nyx is hosting a large party soon," Callum answered. "It's our job to prepare for it. She's inviting some vampire friends over to this mansion." His expression suddenly darkened.

"It's a dangerous time for us 'fragile humans', though. Nyx likes to indulge herself in all the social activities -- which can distract her from keeping her friends away from us. They are known to attack and feed on servants they catch alone when Nyx isn't looking, and Nyx doesn't care enough to keep track of them. After all, we're her pets. We're disposable. To other vampires, we make for some interesting entertainment. And sometimes Nyx will even intentionally bring out some of her least favorite servants solely so that her friends can play with them as party favors."

Asher's stomach churned at the thought of his throat being ripped out by another vampire, or worse crimes taking place...

"--But usually it's easy to blend in and hide," Callum answered, seeing the fright on his face. "And we are both Nyx's favorites, so we're protected. She won't let anyone kill us. It's mostly the other servants that have to be careful around her friends."

Asher didn't find that to be particularly reassuring.

"This is the kitchen," Callum announced as they reached a giant cooking area. After that he gave Asher a thorough tour of the rest of the mansion, and had just finished it when Asher asked something.

"Are you -- we -- ever allowed time outside?" He blurted.

Callum looked at him sympathetically. "Rarely, only if Nyx really trusts you, and even then she prefers to personally supervise us if she lets us outside. I know what you're thinking... and you shouldn't even bother trying to escape. Believe me... I've tried. It always ends badly." His face twisted, and he averted his gaze, changing the subject. "Uh... so... now that the tour's over, Nyx wanted me to... escort you to her dwelling. Presumably to... you know."

Asher shivered, vividly remembering the feeling of sharp teeth piercing his flesh, the excruciating agony he had been in. But what choice did he have? That was the bargain he'd made -- his blood for her hospitality.

Callum lightly put a hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze as he steered him to where Nyx's personal quarters were. The whole way Asher's gut twisted violently with dread, nauseating. Each step was a battle as every instinct told him to run, even if he knew it was pointless. Eventually, they reached the room, and Callum knocked on the door before opening it, ushering Asher inside.

Nyx was already waiting for them with a positively vulpine smile on her face as she sat on the couch in the back, the same one she'd been in yesterday, only this time there were no humans tending to her. Her eyes locked onto Asher with that unsettling intensity like before, and she cocked her head to one side.

"I hope you enjoyed the tour," she drawled in a honeyed voice. "I live in such a wonderful place, don't you agree?"

Asher was rooted to the spot with fear, feeling his heartbeat quicken with adrenaline. Then he felt Callum urgently nudge his arm with his own, and he got the hint.

"Y-Yes!" Asher blurted, his voice coming out a little shaky. "Your mansion is... nice." He swallowed hard, his throat dry and rough as sandpaper as he shifted anxiously on his feet.

Nyx's smile broadened at his blatant fear, she always enjoyed these games, bringing out a person's weaknesses. Knowing how much someone feared her.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually," she chuckled darkly. "Now, be good and come here." Nyx patted the couch next to her, beckoning for Asher to sit so she could feed, her cold silver eyes watching him closely, watching for any slight misstep, any hint of resistance she could fault him for.

Asher hesitated, then forced his trembling legs to move forward. Every step closer was its own kind of agony, knowing what awaited him. He came and sat obediently on the couch next to the deadly vampire, his eyes wide with fear as he kept his distance.

"Leave us," Nyx ordered as she waved a dismissive hand at Callum, who quickly disappeared. Somehow it was even more terrifying now that Asher was alone with Nyx, completely at her mercy and victim to her will. He clenched his fists at his side, desperately trying to hide his shakiness.

"Aww, don't be shy, come closer," Nyx teased, and Asher shuddered as he forced himself to move closer to her. He was highly aware of the shock collar on his neck, the feeling of his own skittering pulse beating against the metal band.

Nyx's eyes glittered with delighted amusement, and she reached out to him, tracing a cold finger along the skin of his neck, right above the thin metal collar. It made Asher flinch as she leaned in toward him, angling her head toward his vulnerable throat. It took every ounce of Asher's willpower not to scream and run as he forced himself to stay still, his breath hitching.

"Mmm... perfect," Nyx murmured. Then she roughly grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him close, her breath hot on his skin as she tilted his head to the side. Then, without another word, her fangs sank in -- carefully, more delicate than before as she started pulling blood out. It was so fast Asher barely had time to register the movement before the blasting pain hit him, stealing his breath.

A sharp cry escaped him, that turned into a surprised yelp as Nyx suddenly shoved him onto his back on the couch, her teeth still locked in his neck as she let out a low, possessive growl. She grabbed his wrists and pressed them cruelly into the couch with a crushing grip, pinning them in place and limiting his futile struggles, moreso for the fun of it. He was helpless anyway. The excessive show of force was unnecessary, but oh so delightful.

Nyx was right on top of him, her body pressing into his as he laid beneath her, unable to do anything but breathe hard through gritted teeth, desperately waiting for the pain to end as she drank slowly, sensually, savoring every second.

Asher knew that fighting was useless, she was too strong, even as his body instinctively writhed under her. He groaned as her fangs sank deeper, feeling his body rapidly weaken as she drank, draining his energy. His breathing grew ragged and panting. The world was spinning... nauseating, as the blood was pulled from him until his face was pale.

The edges of his vision started to dim, a tingling sensation spreading through his body. He let out a choked gasp when Nyx finally took her fangs out, licking blood from her lips as she grinned wolfishly down at him, still pinned helplessly beneath her.

Nyx watched the skin heal over again, the color returning to Asher's face as his regenerative gift worked to replenish the blood that was lost. She could watch that all day. It was just so unbelievably fascinating! She would have liked to slice into Asher's skin more often with a blade, simply to watch the process repeat itself over and over again. But alas, she had a party to plan later that would occupy her time.

Going to the auction and buying Asher had turned out to be the best decision she'd ever made. Having a walking bloodbag that never grew too weak, that always healed itself, was the greatest prize of all. She had a nasty habit sometimes of getting too carried away during a feeding, and accidentally killing a few of her servants every so often. But this regenerative was far more resilient.

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

[moth-writing-pit]

"Truce"

"Where is it? It was right here, it couldn't have grown legs walked away!" The older, bandaged man huffed as he searched his bedroom one again. It shouldn't be so hard to lose a gold amulet. He cast a wary glance to the moon from his dusty window. Ignacio was probably going crazy but was that the silhouette of man perched on the tree outside? He opened the window and and scowled as he realized he recognized the figure.

"Looking for something?" The figure pulled sonething from behind their back, letting it dangle in the chilly night breeze. The amulet. The strange necklace that allowed its wearer to live even after they normally would die. The figure wore a lazy grin as they watched Ignacio's expression change to a blend of wariness and anger. "I'd apologize for the late hour but that would be a lie and I'm no liar," Remedy's tone was one of mock innocence.

The former cultist considered his options. He could play along and learn what the divine wants by humoring it, or he could be direct and risk getting half-truths and otherwise unhelpful answers.

"You didn't come here for fun did you?" Ignacio asked, not bothering to hide the slight defensive-ness of his tone. The smile on Remedy's fave dropped though not completely.

"That's right. I came to propose a truce between you and I. To be clear, I'm still distrustful of you, I'm doing this to avoid having my pact holder learn anything she shouldn't"

"I don't trust you either but I'll agree to this truce. Do you mind coming here and giving the amulet back?"

"What for? You're no longer a servent of the Great Destroyer. You've no need to forfeit mortality. I'm going to dispose of this horrid accessory," Its eyes narrowed at him. If he really was no longer a member of the cult, why would he want the amulet back? Shouldn't he want nothing to do with it?

"That isn't your business, Dream Keeper." He spat, crossing his arms. "I have my reasons, now, give it back"

Remedy sigh and released a cloud of swirling smoke of several colors. When the smoke cleared they were in their normal serpentine form. It floated over, extending a paw slowly. Ignacio snatched the gold amulet and met the six pale blue eyes of Remedy. "I don't trust you and you don't trust me but we can both agree Eyes must be stopped," he murmured softly before closing the window, burying the amulet in a drawer of his nightstand and settling into bed. He heard the faint whoosh of Remedy going back to wherever its pact holder was. Ignacio briefly wondered who exactly Remedy was in a pact with but he didn't linger on the thought, instead pulling the coarse blanket up to his chest and closing his eyes hoping a dreamless sleep would overcome him.

[tallbluelady]

The relief of fatalistic recklessness for sensory prompts

Something snapped in Rowan after his speech, along with her hair tie. "How dare you, you... bratty little cur!?"

Zenos stood still, hand still outstretched. "Then do you mean to kill me? You may still walk away if you wish."

"I did not come to the edge of the known universe to save my Star from your... bloody enneui only for you to tell me what I want." Rowan's voice managed to echo, reverberating from who knows where. "What I want is to go home to a Star safe from you and your inability to see that there is joy past what your blind heart can see. Unfortunately, I don't trust you to not follow."

"Come then! A fight for the ages!"

"No." Two voices rang from Rowan as she pointed towards the Viator prince.

Roots and vines began to grow from the ground, snaring Zenos where he stood. He smiled as he stuggled against them. "I knew you would provide a challenge!"

"You'll not provide one for me." It was not Rowan's voice that spoke. If Zenos had bothered to listen to his foe's voice more often, he would have realized that, and mayhap have held a bit more fear than he did currently.

He held his scythe aloft, appearing to call upon dark forces.

"We're not doing that, little prince." Rowan's finger wagged in reprimand, and vines lashed around his arms to keep them pressed to his body. "You will not get the fight you have so longed for. Neither I nor Rowan will give you any sort of satisfaction for the rest of your short life."

"You! So it was you that I sought -" He was cut off as a tendril covered his mouth.

"The problem is that I don't care much for fighting either, you brat. I end up taking things far too personally. And you unleashing the very thing that Hades forsook his soul to prevent from destroying the Star we both loved? I could never forgive that. I couldn't forgive him from doing what he did, either, really. And he at least had noble intentions at first! But you..."

Rowan's eyes blazed white hot as she stared Zenos down. "You could never see past yourself, even when you came to 'help' me. I did not ask for your help, you cretin. The fact that you took the remains of my-my friend, my mother figure to drive yourself here? I still can't believe anyone could be so deluded to proudly admit that fact. But I never believed that there was anyone without a trace of song in his heart. May your aether find connection with others in death as it could not in life."

Her with her hand clenched, the vines squeezed harder and harder. Rowan had to force herself to watch as the vines drained the life from his body. She had to know. She had to know if he would truly die...

*   *   *

She opened her eyes and she was on the ground. Zenos also lay on the ground, and some of his features had taken a demonic turn. What...?

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't let that thing live to bother you anymore."

Did you fight him?

"No. But I did use up a lot of aether."

Is he dead?

"Sure hope so. Uh. Sorry to come out like this. And possibly killing us in the process."

How'd you do it?

"I tore apart his heart inside of him. He had one made of flesh, at least. He had help staying alive, so it took longer than anticipated."

He survived his throat being slit. Well, we didn't dispose of his body and...

"I know. But this is a very hard place to come by, so there shouldn't be anyone who he can take over."

I still wish I could check.

There were footsteps, and Rowan saw a familiar pair of boots. Boots she hadn't seen since before the Battle of Charteneau.

"You've gotten yourself pretty lost, little tree."

"Papa?" Rowan asked.

"As far as I know." Papa knelt down beside her and smoothed some of Rowan's hair. "I'll check if the monster is dead for you."

"But what if he hurts you?" Rowan felt tears start to stream from her eyes. "I don't think I can fight anymore. I can't dispose of the body either."

"I have my spear. I'll pin him down, too. Just so it's that much harder for him to get up."

She had to keep her eyes open so Rowan could see. Papa took the spear in hand, crouched, and leapt up, higher than he ever did when training his children. He landed with a fleshy thump on the body. Even after all of that, he took the small hand mirror his wife had given him to see if the once Crown Prince still drew breath. 

"He's stopped breathing, little tree." Papa came back and cradled Rowan's head in his hand. "I'm pretty sure he was dead long before you summoned me."

Rowan started crying in relief. She might die but Etheirys was safe. I wish I could be there to see it.

Papa tilted his head at the small object that whistled into existence by them. He placed it on Rowan's chest. "I don't rightly know what this is, but it looks like one of those contraptions they made in Sharlyan. Should be a good thing, if Ellant has anything to say of it."

Rowan heard the transporter beep three times as she fell back into unconsciousness.

*   *   *

Minthe tried her best to settle back into the deepest reaches of Rowan. She was embarrassed, really, to come out like she did. Rowan's exposure to the Underworld with the Stone of Azem must have caused memories circle about her, much like how Minthe's trip with Hades had surrounded her with so many different emotions. Minthe would repress those for her incarnation's sake, and hopefully she would simply rest undisturbed after. What else would she have to wake for?

Rowan didn't need those memories in her life. She had friends surrounding and suffusing her with aether. She had a lover so utterly devoted to her that it made her think of Daedalus. Minthe sighed and tried to soothe herself into rest again. Life continued unabated despite despair, though it wasn't her life to live. This life belonged to Rowan, and Rowan belonged to those surrounding her.

"I can't believe you let him hurt you!" the girl in red said, holding back tears. Alisaie.

"I'm sorry." Was all Rowan could muster. She wasn't sure she would even tell Urianger the details of what just happened.

There was chatter as everyone continued to fuss over her. It was embarrassing, really, but she had no energy to fight it. And why would she, when it meant she was loved? Eventually, she was set in Urianger's lap and they were left alone as the Ragnarok took them all home.

Rowan tilted her head and squinted in the low light. "Were you crying, darling?"

He nodded and took her hand to his heart. "The thought of losing thee had rent my heart asunder, my beloved."

Rowan thought back to how Minthe had dealt with Zenos. "That must have been very painful."

"To return and see thee whole and hale, only to be banished from thy sight naught but a few battles later was trial enough. But the delay when thou didst not return with Meteion..."

"I'm sorry."

"Thy heartbeat against mine doth be penance enough, Eo Lyhe."

Rowan rested her head against his chest and drifted in and out of consciousness, comforted by a familiar heartbeat.

*   *   *

When Rowan woke up, she was in her childhood home. She didn't quite remember leaving Sharlyan, and she'd have to ask Urianger how they made it back. Gentle sunlight streamed from the windows and she thought that she could hear songbirds sing outside.

She rolled over to see her mother's eyes rise from her book. Rowan smiled. "See Mama, I didn't die."

"Oh, my sweet, darling girl..." Mama scooped her up into a hug. "I was just about ready to strangle every Scion for letting this happen to you."

"Urianger would have removed his gorget for you, I'm sure."

Mama stroked Rowan's hair, smoothing it down from sleep. "He's outside right now if you'd like to see him."

"I would but... can you get my pack?"

After giving a kiss on her crown, Mama rose and brought Rowan's pack from the bed. "Is this the same one I bought you?"

Rowan nodded and started rummaging through the bag. "Aye. The leather's held up quite well... ah, here it is."

Before they had landed, Rowan had wrapped up the mirror in a clean kerchief to keep it safe in her pack. She handed it to her mother.

"A souvenir from the edge of the universe?"

"Tis far more personal than that, Mama."

With a raised brow, Mama unwrapped the kerchief. She almost dropped it in surprise, seeing the etched inscription on the back first. To my love, my light, and my life. "Rowan... how?"

"Papa always said that I had a knack for the impossible."

"He did... he also said that you'd always take upon tasks you didn't have to if you thought no one else could."

Rowan hummed.

"Urianger told me that you stayed to fight Zenos even after there was a way home."

"He allowed the Final Days to start to fight me."

"And you granted him that wish?" Mama said.

"Not exactly... I..." Rowan faltered. She didn't want to explain Minthe and her actions to anyone, even if she could. "I killed him with magic before he had a real chance to fight me."

"That's not exactly honorable, but that wretch didn't deserve an honorable death." She sighed. "But it left you in such a state! Did you really have to do that?"

"Aye." There was no hesitation in Rowan. "If he ever learned about love, about what Urianger and our future together meant to me... I couldn't risk the idea that he would come for that to get to me."

"He already broke the Star... So I doubt he would stop before breaking your heart so personally..." Mama muttered darkly. "Exactly."

The front door opened and closed, and Rowan heard Urianger's steps ascend the stairs.

"I'm glad you survived to see your future, darling," Mama said with one more kiss on Rowan's crown.

"So am I."

[undeath1245]

Former predictions for episode six

Here is my list of poorly aged predictions for episode six, including one unfinished prediction. Feel free to read them.

One of my previous predictions include a battle between the Murder Drone Trio and Team Tessa's Super Cool Murder Squad (new member: Doll apparently), either they exchange words first or the battle starts immediately. It's most likely the latter, but then again, I'd like to see N happily reunite with Tessa, maybe both of them running towards each other and hugging afterwards; bonus points if Tessa does the "grabs onto N's robo-cheeks and twirling him like a little brother she never had" thing. Doll would then tell Uzi to get out of here, prompting Uzi to call out Doll for going as low as to team up with not only a disassembly drone (the very kind she sought to hunt down), but a human JCJenson worker as well. Soon, things would get super hectic, accusations and hypocrisy would start flying here and there, and as N would try to ease tensions between the two parties, the battle commences immediately.

The battle would probably go like this: Uzi goes after Tessa, the human worker she assumes to be responsible for sending the disassemblers here, though J would also go after Uzi; V catches Doll's attention, prompting the latter to go after her; N would probably be blown away from the battleground to the colony by Uzi, V, and J combined. Missiles go flying, blades go striking, and a lot of anime-style fighting comes around, goes around; I am not good with coming up with battle sequences. Later on, the combatants switch opponents: Uzi goes after an angry Doll and tries to reason her out of her unforgiving rage, and N and V team up against Tessa and J, the former of which tries to tell N that Uzi and Doll needs to be disposed of. But, N would refute by saying that Uzi is more in-control of her solver powers than Tessa believes, even saying that she helped removed CYN out of his and V's minds, which somehow worries Tessa more. But soon enough, N's argument would falter when he and the other opponents see Uzi battling Doll in her solver form.

I think that while this is happening, Doll will break down, crying out that Uzi shouldn't have to involve herself in this madness, that she should go home, enjoy her normal life, and be with her father who is alive and kicking. While Doll is crying, Uzi would go to her and place a hand on her shoulder, saying in Russian, "I understand what you're trying to say, but I'm afraid I've went too far to get to where I am." I have a headcanon that all drones have a unique translation feature, with subtitles appearing in their visor, which could explain how Uzi could understand Doll. I also think that they can switch to any language of their choosing, like Jenny Wakeman from My Life as a Teenage Robot when she was speaking to Japanese citizens in "Speak No Evil". Uzi would then state that she has to find out what's wrong with her once and for all, and either Doll helps her or stays out of her way. With that, Doll surrenders and the battle ends with a stalemate.

I imagine that there would be a nice campfire scene afterwards, with the drones and Tessa having to rest after a hectic fight, each of them realizing that they now share one goal: find a way to get rid of CYN once and for all. Tessa proposes that they form a temporary truce to head towards Camp 98.7 and find some clues on CYN's weakness. N agrees wholeheartedly, hoping to use this opportunity to have Uzi and Tessa bond with each other. The other drones reluctantly agree, and all six set out towards the campsite. As soon as the drones leave, Uzi would then threaten Tessa that if she ever betray them, or even hurt N, she'll kill her. Tessa threatens her back with her sword, saying that she will never hurt N, and if Uzi ever goes haywire again, she will destroy her. N would then come back and check on the two, and Tessa would say that Uzi had something stuck in her teeth, so she tried to get it out with her sword. Uzi would go along with this.

Remember the Protagonist's Journey chart seen on Uzi's presentation in the first episode? And on the very bottom, there's a skull that represents revelation yet can also refer to death? I think this episode will be when Uzi gets temporarily killed off.

So, how many do you think aged super poorly?

[kelp-my-beloved]

"Milo?" A voice calls him from behind. Without turning back, he watches the otters, who had until then been very busy cleaning a few pieces of fish in front of him, run into the water. The splash had barely gotten him when they had swam out of sight.

For a moment, the footsteps are the only thing that can be heard through the forest, until the person sits next to him.

"Scott is worried," Cleo let's him know.

They reach a hand towards him, as if to grasp his shoulder, but seems to think better of it, and let's it fall on the grass between them. The green of the weeds mixes with the one of her hand. For some reason, it's the only thing Milo can focus on.

It had taken him days to find a place free of Scott's corrupted magic hadn't touched yet. Even though he was nowhere near close to be able to call himself an expert on the matter, Milo knew that by tomorrow, the area would have taken the familiar browns and blacks that surrounded his new home.

"When isn't he?" He finally answers.

It was the only nook that didn't seem to have changed since he died. But Milo had found it, and by doing so, destroyed it.

"Does he have a reason to worry?"

The question wasn't going to be answered, they both knew that. With a sigh, Milo gets up.

"We should head back," he says, and they pretend the evasion didn't mean anything.

Scott was always there when he looked for him. The witch gave him space, and respected his times, but somehow he seemed to know when Milo needed him, because he only needs to call his name to have him in front of him. At his disposal.

Not even in his dreams is he absent.

(Milo tries his hardest not to think about all the times Scott must have called for him, knowing he had no way of answering)

"Scott?" Milo screams as hard as he can from the kitchen.

Which isn't a lot, so to say. Since he came back, his voice barely raises above a whisper. Scott assures him it's something temporal, a side effect of having died, that any moment now he would be back speaking normally, and Milo doesn't tell him about the relief that it's having some sort of proof that it wasn't all part of his imagination. That he had really come back from the dead, and that it had left a mark on him.

There are things that are best kept secret.

"Here," the witch says with a smile nothing alike to what his husband had once been.

Milo asks him where he keeps the sugar, and adds a couple of spoons to the dough when he gets him the can.

Scott asks him what he's cooking, and smiles with the answer. Milo pretends not to notice the enthusiasm in his voice.

It was the first time he had taken the time to cook something by his own initiative since he had come back. What it was, wasn't really important. The witch didn't eat anymore, and Milo did only when he couldn't keep refusing his husband's insistence that he ate something. Even now, with the dough between his hands, he could feel his throat closing up in protest, as if it hadn't yet accepted that they were alive once more, leaving their state of corpse behind, and needed to feed again.

With a sigh, Milo leaves the dough aside, and crouches down to heat the oven.

Eloise is the only one who seems to act normally around the fact that Milo had literally come back from the dead, which translates into side eye glances and a constant worry for the mental health of everyone involved. That's why, Milo guesses, Scott does everything in his power to keep her away from him. As if stopping pretending everything was fine would be the thing that finally broke him, and not the fact that he shouldn't be breathing.

As if his husband hadn't given up his body, soul, and who knows what else in order to wake him up. To have him again at his side.

Eloise, Scott, and Cleo were the only people he had seen since he had come back. Those first days were... hazy at best, but Milo doesn't press, or ask about the time missed. He knows, by the way the Ilusionist Witch's face changes when she thinks about it that it wasn't a pretty process.

That's how useful her presence is to him. El, as she insists to be called, is a drop of normality in the desert Scott had carefully built around him, making sure to pad any corner that might hurt him. The witch makes sure not to bring up any topic that might make him uncomfortable, doesn't mind any detail that might remind him of the time that's blank on his mind, to the point that Milo thinks he's going to go mad.

It's not that he's unhappy, or that he wishes that Scott had never brought him back. Milo is too selfish to admit that the price he payed was too high, or that he crossed lines that should have never been touched.

Maybe there was nobody else out there. Maybe the last piece of green in the forest had died when Cleo found him, and maybe his husband had really sacrificed the world to have him back, but the more days passed, the less he found himself caring.

As long as he didn't ask, he couldn't be sure. He could pretend that everything was fine in their little cabin in the middle of the woods, and he could imagine that they were happy

[2dboisloyal-devotee]

Alice in the Country of Hearts Yandere Roleholders Headcanons Part II

Feat. Nightmare, Blood, Elliot, Dee & Dum, Julius

Part 1

Warning: minor spoilers, possible OOC (some may seem to not change much but few others traits do get amplified), cunning mfs (yes, all of them), unhealthy controlling behaviour, possessiveness, memory alterations of reader, a bit suggestive, implied violence/shooting and dismemberment mention (not towards reader), a kind of long read/2,1k word count

For the twins... it's a thin line tbh, but I'm not going to make it explicitly... illegal-romantic like the game intended to.

Please proceed with caution.

Nightmare Gottschalk

You're such an open book yet full of pleasant surprises to Nightmare—like a book he won't ever get bored of and will always keep close to him no matter how much you might despise yourself. The moment you're seeking him out to clear up your doubts and regrets, he already invites you in the door of answers without you realizing. You shouldn't have held on to such a feared and suspicious person like him—a puff of smoke aren't palpable to the touch after all... but once you're wrapped in it, you can only find solace within the smoke itself with no hope of getting out

Ignorance is bliss as they may say. But if that's one way to keep your happiness lasting, then so be it. Nightmare's reassuring act shows that all you need to do is focus on the present in this world where you can have anything you want, even in the dream world where everything can be shaped at your will. It's all as peaceful as you want it to be... gaps in memory and the days blending in may occur sometimes it's w̴̡͎̙̉ẽ̸̠͐i̸̫̬͔͂r̶̦̖̈̃̏d̸͚̐͝ What? Isn't it only natural you can be very tired on some days? All the more reason to let him be by your side.

Don't get your head too deep in thinking about your distant past... Everything up to this point is already forming your past ahead in the later time and since the very start, you've always been here spending the time with him mostly and visiting others on occasion. Nothing changes much and you don't miss out on anything so why would you feel as if you're missing something now? Even Nightmare is still the same as ever, he's always between coddling you comfortingly like a mature adult or as if a clingy child needing attention for you to spend the time having fun with him in the dream world. Please don't leave him alone too much, you wouldn't forget to take care of a sickly person like himself, right? That's why Nightmare can't help but to check up on you anytime he can.

There are still many kinds of things you haven't tried out with the still time not affecting your perception so you're always welcome to stay and be safe forever.

Rival: the ?????

Bʅσσԃ 𝐃𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞

It's mostly out of spite when Blood takes a liking to you because you're the one who causes him to become like this. The people around feel more irritating than usual and the world seems more boring to the point his favourite tea taste bland at some point whenever your presence isn't anywhere near him. Whatever entertainment he could use around here, he supposes you would suffice. Besides, you're certainly an interesting one if you keep choosing to meet him of all people. Blood sees there's much more to you than meets the eye... So he thinks, why not push your buttons when he has the time on his hands? But you have to know your place in case you ever forget; you're only a temporary plaything he can dispose of anytime.

It's a pleasure for Blood to have you as an assistant/servant who serves his tea and occasionally help tidying documents in his room, you're no longer merely a guest to him which is shown obvious in a heated intimate way or... marks to anyone else (except Elliot who mostly misunderstands to an entirely another thing that makes the atmosphere weird). Putting that aside, Blood does enjoy his work break, even more so when it's just the both of you without having some nuisance ruining the serene atmosphere and sophisticated conversation to pick up any cues or important information he could make use of. You should realize by now that you're not a mere plaything, anymore, to him you've become a meddlesome thing. He feels like he has retained a similar bond; one he used to have in his past with a certain family member. It would be unwise for you to just turn up and leave... wouldn't it?

Blood is all for exploiting your heart at his will so you could not think about going anywhere else to the others at all. Controlling how you should act in front of people and restricting your time outside more due to jealousy—even with him being Vivaldi's young brother—doesn't do him much good if he were to be honest because things can get ugly fast, but this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you. He may hate sunny days and acts as if everything is a hassle, but he won't think twice to shoot some people down if they seem too friendly with you for his liking since having a discussion is just too much a trouble. That'll show not to mess with the lover of the Mafia boss.

By the time you realize you're trapped in the thorns of alluring roses that you won't be able to fight back anymore until you can only wither... it will be already too late.

Rival: Vivaldi

ᴇʟʟɪᴏᴛ ᴍᴀʀᴄʜ

Getting to know him on a deeper level requires being Blood's acquaintance close enough that he'll introduce you to the seeming rabbit subordinate, or sharing all carrot-related things to bribe him with. Elliot would literally melt when you show a small gesture of kindness to his unimportant self, especially if he only knows you as someone important related to Blood and after you pass the qualification of not being a threat.

Maybe all those times Elliot stubbornly refutes him being such a rabbit hold some truth to them. Whenever you refuse his simple wish to take a walking break with you, he unconsciously shows the sign of looking like someone just kicked his puppy—except he is the puppy, with drooping ears and eyes lit up when he meets you. This big puppy loves being spoiled with all the attention you can shower him. He doesn't understand why he feels as if you're a really big part of his world and revolving around it with him being in the middle, dizzy yet intoxicating... But it feels only right because it's you. At the same time, he's unaware that most of these muddled black feelings can harm you in the process. Elliot is gullible, he doesn't have any love experiences and that may be the only flaw you could think of. For that same reason, he will also take matters into his own hands on deciding things he misunderstands/hasn't yet understand for you. The example would be when you look the slightest bit uncomfortable with someone. Well, that person will go down behind the scenes now.

Elliot thinks if you cause him to feel that many feelings, you must really need him as the only one you can be happy with, the only one you can depend on—the only... everything for you, then you're just the same as him! No sweat! He knows just the way to make it better, thus he tries his best to reciprocate your feelings childishly or boldly so that you don't need to care about anything and anyone else. He can be categorized into the obsessive and delusional group in a nearly same lever as Peter yet akin to Blood's method. Being selfish in more ways than one included with his clueless nature is troubling. All the more when Elliot doesn't have a need to understand and wanting to do all kinds of things with you as it's just normal.

You would never look wrong to someone who sees you as the apple of their eye. But if you do end up choosing to leave (a mistake if he knows one), Elliot can always turn things into the right direction back.

Rival: Julius

ᵀʷᵉᵉᵈˡᵉ ᴰᵉᵉ & ᴰᵘᵐ

The twins are a force to be reckoned with, especially when it's involving the person they like. Dee & Dum both decide to label you as their favourite person the moment you keep playing along with their shenanigans while still having a moral compass. It's more of a plus if you're so mature-like! Wondering how long that compass will still be intact makes them really want to mess you around (figuratively) that you won't care about which one is good or bad anymore as long as you count on their twisted trustworthy perception.

Demanding and not even tame for what may look like children, simultaneously maintaining an innocent tone with a bamboozling purpose are the known popular characteristics of them. The twins want to spend the time with you doing anything following their whims to what they're in the mood for (you won't have a say in this unless you're strong enough to oppose them). But don't worry! You're guaranteed to have fun doing it. If not? Well, they just have to switch to another activity! It's also quite okay if you can't choose between them! They're pros at juggling the time shared with you and having a fixed schedule just won't cut it! Oh, you want to date them in their adult forms? Of course, they would allow it! Even if it's doubtful that they're going to be loyal to your expectations. All they know their whole life–expectations are there to be crushed down, like breaking rules. Isn't life just fun that way? They live for your vulnerable and joyful expressions.

Despite both of them having you for their amusement, they're still attached to you—to how you see them as. It doesn't help when they are good friends with Boris and work under the Mafia family, making a possessive-sadistic-obsessive triple combo out of the Bloody Twins. They would cut down and fight any person interrupting even a millisecond of your time with them, with no questions nor warning that it's becoming a daily routine. But, your eyes are always going to be protected from the sight by one of them. You won't have to see the process, you can appreciate the pile of cut-up bodies' handiwork they'll show later~ any of your positive reactions or criticism are valued!

Don't die out on them any soon for they'll always protect you just fine!

Rival: Elliot

𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘳e𝘺

Doesn't give a damn about your efforts in getting close to him. A warning a few times, and two important rules to not bother him too much and mess with the things he have is all you need to keep in mind. At that, you're pretty much free to do anything; talk about your day, complain about your day, watch him work, help him, or just keep him company—as long as you don't mind Julius not being that responsive or talkative.

(Does pay attention and would give you his undivided interest if you sound like you really need it). You've made quite a remarkable impression in his life. It dawns on him suddenly when all the indications of your presence he hears, feels, and sees, isn't there that one time you're out. It feels weird and even more so when you live in the Clocktower, as it's just normal for you to be there. Why would you even need to go out and leave him wondering about the distress he feels anyway...? You're the one who causes it in the first place. Once he knows the severity of his feelings, Julius might have to prevent you from going anywhere near him or his room for the time being with the help of Ace. Which he'll be very glad to do so since dear Julius won't come to terms with his feelings, Ace will have you alone to himself anyway! Isn't that a great idea? You and Ace together while Julius is left alone undisturbed... it's a win-win for all!

In the end, Julius keeps you back with him right after Ace taunts him and threatens to slice your head off (being the villain he is). There's no choice, now Julius knows there's another thing he can't count on the untrustworthy knight anymore. Behind your back, a silent agreement is rolling out since from there on, you somehow always got tangled in between things where Julius has to act the brave knight in shining armour only to let Ace off the hook yet again with a few scolding. The clockmaker—while you're sure is harmless and won't actually hurt you beyond that cold exterior, you don't know how he's obsessively manipulating you to take the initiative and confess first so he can confirms on how far are you willing to go for him ...you'll truly regret doing that won't you, now?

He knows he's not the best choice for you, that's why Julius is lenient and respect your boundaries. (Silently thinking it would be very irresponsible if you just outright leave and let Julius clean up after his your own mess when you're already staying this long). Either way, whether you choose to go or stay, it would be his responsibility to bear so you can proceed for your choice without regrets. Just don't look back for him if you leave, please. He won't be able to bear the sight.

Rival: ...none.

[mariamariquinha]

"You weren't supposed to… You weren't supposed to become so important to me." has a big Carrillo vibe ! Can you do this ? Please ?

OF COURSE! My my, I've been missing him 😭😭😭 Let's go! This has a lot to do with what I've been coming up with for Versos de Placer, by the way!

It was just supposed to be an exchange of information that you knew was risky but necessary. In a way, there was a fragility to your intentions that certainly wasn't there in his, for Carrillo was so decisive and literal about the matter.

He was hunting Escobar. That's why you were there in the first and last place, hiding between alleys and dark places with reticence and fear.

You looked for him first. As a rule, you would report to one of the American agents, which might make more sense, but information was information and Carrillo seemed much more solid than gringo spirits in search of justice as a political interest from where they came from.

That gained his trust, but that's as far as you got. He showed up, you said what you discovered, then you made reports with less information than what you had verbally said. It wasn't a crime - God knows how the guys who hired you, who were in the upper part of the continent, had the inherent and sick vice of hiding the bulk of benefits.

He was hunting Escobar, indeed. But this incessant search shouldn't stop between your sheets. There was no information there, not even any clues, just you and whatever he happened to look for for convenience of circumstances.

At first, the excuse was that your tiny apartment was safer and more private. When you started offering a drink, Carrillo got closer, and when you had sex the first time, he said in so many words that he shouldn't trust you.

Peña also handled things that way because, like you, he was easy to mix with, convincing enough and caring. People, whoever they were, liked it all with a dash of attention. Carrillo was harsh, difficult to handle, and that was the difference - he had you as a support for new clues. The sex came along as a good distraction during it all.

But then he started staying longer. Not until the morning, just enough to make you see him as someone, not something. You didn't drink much, but your cupboard now had a bottle of cheap whiskey.

Your attention began to be conquered by the interest of having him in your social circle, as someone you could count on, and that was as dangerous as being in front of a loaded gun.

So when you had an 'accident', which included your car being thrown over a curb and some superficial cuts to your body, when you knew that was the end of your work - of what you two had built.

"When did you think to tell me?" He asked with concern, eyes fixed on your movements while packing your things.

"It happens. The governmen-"

"I'm not talking about your boss," His voice was harsh. "It was an attempt on your life."

"That I know."

Carrillo was a man of arms, the guy who pulled the trigger and made things happen, and he should have understood that your role there was disposable. You were expendable. That being said, it didn't make sense to see him so angry about something you both were very aware of.

"What is it?" You asked, turning to him with a frown. "I wasn't being a valuable source anymore, they would dismiss me soon."

"Still."

"Still what, Carrillo?"

He considered your question as if you had punched him in the face. When, after long seconds, nothing came out of his mouth, you sighed, ready to go back to your chore.

"You weren't supposed to… You weren't supposed to become so important to me."

You stopped in your tracks, both hands holding a shirt and eyes away from him, staring at the bed in front of you. He... He didn't say that. He-

"... I know this is not ideal."

"It is not."

"And if there's still a little humanity left in me, I shouldn't be so selfish as to want you to stay as a part of it."

But I am, that's what he meant. I wish I could surrender to your sins, that's what you wanted to say, instead of just look at him with confusion and clenched fists. No, not ideal, but real.

Fucking real.

You crossed the room, went to the table next to the bed and took a pen and paper from the drawer. It was his turn to be confused as you held them out to him in silence.

"I'm going to Cucuta. One hour by plane," Still not looking at him properly, you closed your eyes and sighed, as if you were going to regret that but you couldn't help it. "Address, post office box… Put it there."

"Why are you acting like you don't already know this?"

That made you smile. Truthfully. And then you looked at him for good, seeing the little smirk playing on his face.

"Because I want to believe this shit isn't going to be a fucking mistake."

"Will not," He took hold of your hand, bringing you closer. "At best, this will only be an hour delay to really be a mistake."

------------------------------

A/C: I truly miss him 😭 Hope you like it, baby!