#breakout clothing new arrivals | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

aussiepineapple1st · 1 year

Text

Meeting Phoenix (Part 1)

Summery: This is how Leon first met Jessica, code name Phoenix. The story follows both characters, Mainly Leon until Phoenix comes into the picture, then it is shared perspectives. This first part is a slow burn, just setting up the place and surroundings before the real action takes place. Words: 1,586

Another missions in yet another country, Leon didn't mind leaving for other countries in his work, new places to see and experience. Albeit he never really got to go sight seeing or see the tourist attractions as he was usually always busy with his work and what he was doing to be focused on anything else. This time he was heading to the large Country/Continent of Australia, South Australia to be exact. And surprisingly he had been advised to take warmer clothes, as it was currently winter there. He liked to wear his Bomber Jacket so he didn't mind the fact that he would probably need to rug up once landing.

"Your mission, Leon." Says Hunnigan over the comm in his left ear. "Seek out the cause and problem of this breakout happening in a certain small town, it has currently been contained by the Australian Government and Army. Your contact will meet you in the airport going by the Code Name: Roo. He will be holding a sign for Condor on your arrival. Safe travels, Leon." She says before the line is cut off. "Alright.. On to the land of killer everything." He said to himself, the airport's flight operator's voice coming over the speakers letting the airport know that his flight was now about to board.

Making his way on first as he had been placed in business class, Leon placed his carry on over his seat and sat down, getting ready for a long 23 hour flight ahead of him. He didn't know if he would sleep though, sleeping on a plane was not something he really felt comfortable doing, but who knows, maybe this time he would nod off for an hour or two. Once everyone was on board and the hostess did their showcase on the safety and what to do in case of emergencies, he was now in the air, settling in with his ipod playing music in his ears, a playlist of the current popular songs from Evanescence, Switchfoot and Justin Timberlake. To Leon's surprise he found himself feeling rather relaxed, trying to keep his mind off the current job that was inbound, preparing himself for what horrors he is going to see, soon he had drifted off into a deep sleep. Leon was woken for when the food was being served and in the morning when breakfast was being served before landing. At least he got some breakfast, which also didn't taste half bad for airplane food anyway.

Once on the ground Leon only had his carry on luggage with him as he makes his way off the plane and walks out to the baggage pick up area, seeing the man Hunnigan had told him about, holding up a dominos pizza box lid with the word Condor written in all capitals with a sharpie. This made Leon crack a very slight smile as he shook his head making his way over to the slightly shorter male. "Roo?" Leon asked and the man that had locked eyes on him having a feeling Leon was his guy gives a nod. "Yup, nice to meet you Condor, I have much to fill you in on while we make our way to the destination, It will be an hour's trip by car. Hope you don't get car sick?" He asked with a joking tone while leading Leon out of the airport and towards his car. The coolness of the early morning air hit Leon's bare skin, He could have sworn it might snow, but apparently that wasn't a thing here in Adelaide.

Hopping in the old Ford Leon was handed a folder of information and pictures to look through as he was filled in. "Currently the town has been surrounded by our military, most of the residence have been evacuated and tested for any signs of the T-Virus in their blood, the ones still inside however... Not so fortunate I must say. We are sure there are survivors in their but we have strictly prohibited anyone to enter, Until you arrived of course. The President himself sent you so we have been told to listen to your every order, sir." Roo explains briefly as he drove through the city, making his way onto the freeway. Once outside the allocated town of Murray Bridge Leon was met with army camps set up in an old Caravan park just at one of the many entrances to the town, once the car slowly came to a holt Leon thanked Roo and steps out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder before being led into one of the main operation tents. "Finally, hope you rested well on the plane cause things have been getting worse every hour." Said a short haired, middle aged man. "The name's Rodney, Rodney Smith. I assume you are this top notch Federal Agent we had been promised?" Smith asks.

Leon placed his bag down in the corner of the tent and makes his way over to the table where maps had been drawn on and places scribbled out, pictures of specific Virus mutations that had been spotted inside the town, T-Virus and what appeared to be some B.O.W.s were marked on the map where they had recently been sighted. "When did this attack start exactly? Has there been any indication on what may have been carrying the virus to make it spread in the first place?" Leon asked as he scanned over the maps and pictures. "From intel we've sourced the first 'known' location was this medical clinic right here. Ultimately we believe the virus has been disguised as a flu shot, as it's currently the season people would be getting them." Smith replied. "However we don't currently have any proof of this yet, which is one of the tasks you have been assigned with. To retrieve any kind of flu vaccine or other if you have reason to believe it could be the cause."

Leon gives a nod as he looks over the map seeing where he was currently and where the clinic was on the map. "I'll take one person, who that is I don't care, but they need to know how to handle a gun and not be afraid to shoot someone if they are faced with a choice." He explains, walking over to his bag and picking it up the Sargent gives a solute and rounds up a small group of men to see who would be the one volunteered to enter the town with Leon. Being le over to where Leon was equipped with any weapon of his choice as well as a tactical belt holding ammunition and medical supplies, a holster for any hand gun and a bullet proof vest, once again equipped with small pouches and a walkie talkie hanging on the right shoulder to keep in contact with base of operations. Leon fixes his combat knife to his left shoulder and places Matilda in his right leg holster while also taking a HK416 Rifle held to his body with a strap. "Mr. Kennedy, Sir!" Called a male's voice from behind, causing Leon to turn around slightly to take a look at the young mid 20's male. A Caucasian, brown eyes with sandy brown hair stood behind Leon, a hand pressed to his forehead in respect.

"At ease, I'm just here to get a job done, no need to address me formally either. Call me Leon." He says checking he had enough ammunition and all his weapons were loaded, and safety turned on. "Yes Sir.. I mean.. Leon." The Australian responds. "You got a name?" Leon asked as he walked up to the man about his own age, slightly shorter, but not by much. He spots the name on the male's vest. "Well then, Kelly. You ready to help me retrieve some possibly dangerous goods?" He asked. "I am. Though my men and I have been kept out of the loop on what exactly is going on. All info we've been given is that the same outbreak that has happened in the US as well as a few other countries in Europe and the Middle East is happening here. We've been given orders to kill any odd and unnaturally aggressive behaviour, from both Animal and Human." Leon gives a nod, his eyes like steel, yet still holding emotion, one currently giving Kelly an empathetic look, knowing this man is never going to be the same after entering this town with him. "Alright, but wait for my signal on whether you need to shoot anything or not." Leon added before walking past the male to leave the Ammunition and weapons tent. "Oh... and one more thing before we start. If we are faced with these aggressors, shoot for the head, it's the only way to stop them. No brain, no cognitive function." Leon then pats Kelly on the back and walks out of the tent making his way to the gated off road leading into the town. Smoke Billowing from certain places in the town, Leon getting himself prepared as Kelly walks up beside him. "You got a first name, Kelly?" "Richard, or Dick." He replied starting to become more non-formal with the way he spoke and carried himself around the American Special Agent. Leon gives a nod to Richard and turns to where he saw Sargent Smith, giving him a thumbs up he leads Richard around the gates and into town, a map in hand, using it to navigate the streets.

#meeting phoenix #leon s kennedy #leon kennedy #leon x phoenix #oc #leon scott kennedy #resident evil #fanfic #fic

14 notes · View notes

ohblushblushblush · 2 years

Text

🌆"The Rainy Evening" 🌧️

Quick note: this little work is a part of my Human!AU, I posted a couple of different headcanons on it, but never actually wrote anything till about a couple of months ago! If you have any questions on it, feel free to ask, I am always happy to answer :D

This day was rainy and cold, just as about every other autumn day. Soundwave didn’t mind the weather, as long as he is somewhere warm and dry, but today he was not having any intentions on staying neutral on a topic. He was on his way from work by foot, unfortunately, his umbrella was left behind in the morning, he was leaving urgently, his team was working on this case file for their top competitor, and they had a huge breakout! Well, turns out, being in a too much of a good mood can result in as much a mess as in a bad one. He crossed the street to an apartment complex and entered. Lobby was full of nice and expensive aromas, it kind of reminded Soundwave of his childhood: smell of new apartments, expensive hotel rooms; inevitably distant memories started to emerge, he tried to shake them off.

Living in this building was a necessary measure, their house was being renovated, after a couple of years of it being their only residence, a need for a basement and a room expansion appeared, so now being in a house full of workers was not a pleasurable option, but Soundwave would endure any company, just not to occupy some city apartment. Nonetheless, it is far better than many people have, so he decided to turn down any complain his mind wanted to make. Conveniently arrived elevator brought him to his floor, and now completely socked and cold communication chief stood before the door. He turned the key. Door opened with ease, the place welcomed him with the sweet smell of a blueberry pie and, of course, cozy warmth. Finally, he could feel his body heating up a little. Rambling in a kitchen suddenly stopped and loud footsteps started to approach him. A bulky, tall figure emerged from the hallway and greeted Soundwave with

- AGAIN?!

Soundwave wasn’t a particularly inattentive person, just a couple of times he went out without something like umbrella or a hat, or a scarf or… Well, he never saw a huge deal with it, he was not made of glass after all. Figure moved towards him and finally revealed itself, light next to the door was reflecting off the set of silver hair, they were about shoulder length, complimenting sharp face features of it’s owner. It was rare to see a face with so many long scars, they were all looking rough and deep, but Soundwave have always seen them as something captivating, even now, with Megatron’s face being really angry looking, he thought to himself that they make him rather pleasantly intimidating. He raised himself of his toes and lightly kissed his partner on his lips.

- What an interesting way of dealing with a problem, huh!

- Every method counts, as long as it is effective enough.

- Indeed, Soundwave!

Megatron helped him with his coat, it was black colored, warm enough for red leaf season, but useless with rain. He hung it for the time being, there is someone more in need of being dry then it is. White shirt with a plain neon-purple tie were not as wet as the outer clothes, but still somehow managed to get water on them.

- Warm bath would be amazing for you right now, there is still plenty of time before dinner.

- Only with the good company!

- Oh, is there a particular candidate? – Megatron grinned playfully, while pulling him closer. Soundwave knew Megatron’s love for direct sentences, hints were not for him in any way, much the same went to the spymaster himself, so he didn’t hesitate to say:

- I want you to accompany me, Megatron – he smiled softly, kissing him again. His husband’s embrace was warm and comforting, safe. Just standing next to him Soundwave felt calmer, all of his inner worries slowly faded away for later.

- Let me arrange everything then. Megaton pulled away from Soundwave and went straight to their bathroom. Spymaster went to the closet to leave his remaining clothes there. It was not a huge dressing room, this walk-in closet was just a little addition to the apartment, it was unnecessary, more than a half of the shelves and hangers were empty, the biggest perk of it was a big, tall mirror just at the end of it.

Soundwave glared at himself, he looked what many people would consider quiet pretty, pale skin was complimenting his elegant features, his hair was cut shorter then Megatron’s, they used to be longer before, but Soundwave never appreciated them like this. He chuckled, remembering how when they were younger, then Megatronus discovered his old photos and asked Soundwave many times to grow his hair again. It never happened though. He glared at himself again, he never liked people complimenting him for the looks, more appreciating admiration for his work. The first compliment he received from Megatronus was about the fight they had when they met, Soundwave never though that he would hear his opponent saying: “That was a really nice hook you delivered, I have never actually seen someone making such a precise hit, wanna have a drink later?!”. Their paths crossed so suddenly and unexpectedly, even after many years together Soundwave was sometimes doubting the reality of all this. Loud voice distracted him from his thoughts:

- WE ARE ALL SET, COME HERE!

Soundwave spend no time hesitating and rushed to the bathroom. It was foggy, lavender smell floating in the air, Megatron was already seating in a big bath, spreading his arms comfortably. He looked so relaxed in a hot tub of water with his eyes closed, breathing deeply. Soundwave wasn’t sure on how many people have seen him like this. Spymaster carefully climbed in with him, resting himself on Megatron’s chest. They stayed like this for some time, just enjoying each other’s company.

Water was cooling down a little, so Megatron reached for a shampoo bottle placed on a little table beside the bath. It had a really nice flavor, but, unfortunately, Megs was not really a Japanese speaker or a reader, so he had no recollection of what was in it. He opened the bottle up and started gently rubbing liquid in Soundwave’s hair. Such a stoic spymaster was quietly purring and leaning into his touch.

- Heh, I love you being like this, those few weeks were really draining, maybe a little vacation next week for a few days would be nice?

- You already know my answer.

- I am just being polite, vacation will be happening certainly, I don’t really want to see you coming home exhausted and sleeping badly. Perhaps we can go somewhere warm and less rainy. Do you have something in mind?

- Not really, give me a day to think, I have no energy to think about any possible option.

- Ehe, all right then – he continued playing with Soundwave’s hair, admiring how pretty they were, even covered with foam. He knew his partner’s preferences, so he tried to keep appearance compliments as rare as possible, but it was so hard to hold them in sometimes. Soundwave was perfect for him, he never dare to wish for a soulmate, but fate made a gift for him and he treasured it since. When Soundwave’s hair became soapy enough, he gently washed it, it was not the first time the bathed together and certainly not the last, but each time it felt like they were becoming closer with each other.

Some time passed, now dry and clean they had freshly baked pie for dinner and collectively decided to watch something light before finally going to bed. Of course, half into some ordinary movie, Soundwave peacefully fell asleep on a couch, Megatron followed him shortly, sound of heave rain comforting them for the night.

Thank you for reading and I am sorry for my English 🌸

#transformers #soundwave #maccadam #megatron #megasound #humanformers #to be honest I have no idea on how to tag it #let’s just say that they are based off aligned versions of them #ehehe #IT IS NOT A BETA READ THOUGH #I had no time to edit it properly

9 notes · View notes

allstarsstorymode867 · 1 year

Text

All-Stars -Story Mode- [REWRITTEN] Chapter 2 [Part 2]

Co-written by @sampoststuff

Had this schuduled for a release so enjoy this part!

Through and out of an alleyway as they survived the destruction that had been going on hours prior before them arriving. Shards of polygon crystal are scattered around and blood swept into the cracks on the sidewalk along with scattered bullet casings and abandoned police courses along with military vehicles as well. Whatever happened here had put up a good fight with these Hallows or Heart Eaters as the newspapers had dubbed them as.

Haru looked at the local florist store with plants that he had seen but found odd that they are not like the ones he had researched and gotten used to before, not even Earth’s leaves are glowing in this blackout city. “This is all too strange,” he spoke out in thought, “Their flowers are different from the ones we had gotten used to.” as he looked at the normal, crimson red roses as he held on gently as others looked around.

“Well, it’s nothing we can’t get used to. Besides, we won’t be here long, if these flowers scare you that is.” Quark tried to reassure Haru. “Nothing scares me, that’s for sure.” And immediately as he turned the conversation back onto him. A loud crash startled Qwark as he yelled at first before he laughed a little.

“Bentley, is there anything that could explain what happened here?” Carmelita asked, looking around the street, signs of struggle are present for them to see and tell a story of what happened here.

“Well, not exactly. The only thing we can go off of are the polygon crystals that are scattered about. They resemble the crystals that appeared when The Broken first appeared at the festival. But it’s unclear whether she’s here specifically. It may just be those Hallows or Grieves running around.” Bentley explained. “Yeah and Hallows had caused this much destruction?” Sly said as he gestures to the scene before them and the blackout with his hand. “Are there news reports on this that involve Hallows?”

“Well, based on the newspaper scatterings, they’re calling the Hallows ‘Heart Eaters’. They likely have been spreading around for a while. Hmm…” Bentley thought for a moment. “The Broken did merge two universes together. Maybe this is that merged universe?” He suggested. “It could be.” Lois answered with one of his ears folded down, “We all saw her do that.” He gestures down the street that has a statue of a man with an “S” symbol on his chest and cape, and lifts a planet with his bare hands that is in the center of central park amongst the trees and flowers blooming in the springtime.

“I guess that’s right.” Carmelita looked at the statue from afar, then looked over to Bentley with one thought in mind, “How did this blackout happen, Bentley?” she asked him.

Bentley looked around for a moment and then finally came up with an answer in mind that has tied to all of this. “My hypothesis is that the power was turned off when the universes collided. I mean, each universe may be running on vastly different power supplies. Plus there must’ve been a big surge of energy before the power turned off completely.”

“That might have explained why there’s no power right now.” Sly simply said as he looked at the buildings, the moon’s light is the only thing that “But the radios around here still work fine.” Sly had walked over and then picked up a radio that was lying with the shredded clothes of a local police officer while it was speaking.

“GCPD, call back to the station, few more breakouts happened and survivors’ safety is now the top priority, please respond.”

Another voice rang out, “This is Officer Brandon, I was on my way back when I saw what looked like a hive of bees attacking and…” Then the voice sounded panicked, “Oh god… They are heading towards me- AAAAAHHH-” Then the radio cuts off.

Another voice on the line spoke up, it sounded like an old man.

“It is Commissioner Gordon, Officer Bradon, pick up. Are you there? …Shit.” And then the radio cuts off again.

“They may be dealing with the Hallows.” Bentley said, somberly. “Should we try to find these officers?” He surprisingly suggested. Carmelita looked at him for a moment, “They are struggling to maintain control here and they were not prepared for this one. Some of us had to split into groups to do so.” She said as she looked at the group who were now looking at her.

“I can go.” Jak offered. “Anyone is welcome to join. Uh…” He looked over at Dan. “...Maybe you shouldn’t tag along actually, in case they start to attack you.” Dan nodded as he walked over to Jak.

“For my team I’m picking Ratchet, Clank, and Murrary!” Qwark said excitedly.

The Cathedral’s inhabitants’ turn to choose who they will team up with.

Brütal, Lois and Kin decided to team up with Qwark’s team, while Haru decided that he will go to Jak’s team. They all left at that as they split up in groups towards two different streets but they remain cautious due to the fact Hallows are on the streets all over New York.

Jak’s team headed for a street that looked gothic and dark, shadows looming over everyone. The buildings around them were bleak, to say the least. However, they stood out immensely. They noticed that they were nearing a cafe and a bar, with no power unfortunately.

“Hmm…” Haru looked around. “I’m not sure why or how, but the architecture reminds me of some of the buildings in The Cathedral. But, it’s…off.” as they walked across the street towards a bar. “It reminds me back home in Gallowmere,” Daniel answered, “But its theme had fit oddly well, even for a city.” as he looked around the area as Jak turned his head back to them.

“Something definitely seems off here, it’s like this town isn’t fit to live in, unless you’re careful.” Jak commented. Haru looked at the fruit stand as they walked by and kneeled down with a regretful look as his eyebrows furrowed. “Whoever owns this must’ve left in a hurry,” he said as he picked up an apple, “All they want is to sell fruit to the patrons.” as he wipes it a little on its crimson surface with his arm sleeve.

Daxter looked over his friend’s shoulder to say something but a shadow behind them just suddenly passed by fast as well as the strange buzzing sound. He gasped as his ears went downward, getting the others' attention.

“Everyone, watch yourselves. Something’s here.” Jak readied his blaster, in case something or someone was going to attack them. Another sound passed by them but it sounded much closer than it was earlier. “There it is again.” Haru uttered as he bent down and picked up a wrench off the ground as they all formed a circle.

The sound became louder as a minute passed by before it came right for them to turn and see what was causing them to turn and see a group- A group of what?

Bees.

Bees size of an average wolf with knight armor, four arms each of the five of them had sickle swords, shields, short spears and long swords as they float above with their wings beating per second.

“Bees!” Daxter and Haru cried out in shock as they looked at them. One of them lets out a buzzed version of the burgle before they charge at them, ready to attack.

Dan grabbed his sword and shield, blocking an attack from one of the bees that swung at him, slashing it with his sword where a gap in its armor was. The bee cried out, and Jak shot it in the face, helping Dan. Al-Zalam, peeking out from behind Dan as he fought, called out where the bees were coming from. Jak began firing his blaster at the bees that started to swarm them. Daxter began jumping obnoxiously on bee to bee, with hopes of making the bees attack one another with their swords and spears. Surprisingly, he managed to get three bees to swing at the other, to which Haru took the chance to swing at the bees while they were discombobulated with his wrench. Dan pushed the bees further back with his shield with one hand while engaging in a sword fight with another bee. Even with their efforts in fighting back, more bees started to appear from behind buildings and alleyways.

“There’s so many of them…!” Haru looked at them in shock as he held the wrench tightly in his paws.

“We need to retreat!” Jak yelled out, attempting to move back. “Everyone, retreat!” He motioned for his team to follow him. Dan pushed several bees back to allow everyone to move to Jak, and when it was clear enough, he ran to catch up with Jak, who was leading everyone down the road. Jak looked around as he ran, making sure no bees were coming from their left or right sides, but also looked for a place to hide. He spotted a more secluded, darkly covered alleyway that was slightly obstructed from view. “Over here!” Jak called out, as he made a dash, with everyone else following. They ran inside, Dan entering last, holding out his shield as he walked backwards slowly into the alleyway. Jak, who was further along, noticed that this alleway led to a small, square area, resembling a box arena. They listened intently, watching the alleyway entrance. The bees passed by the entrance one by one, until there were no more bees.

“...Looks like we lost them.” Jak said among the group. “Oh thank Fiji…” Haru muttered under his breath with his ears flopped while Dan sheathed his sword after breathing a sigh of relief. “Those bees are big…” Daxter looked back at the alleyway, “Good thing they’re not like the ones back home.” as he scratched his head a little.

“They’ll come at you out of nowhere.”

They all turned around in fear, raising their weapons at the person who spoke behind them, who stood in the middle of the open area. “Who are you?” Haru spoke up first on Jak’s behalf as the man had dress shoes, black jeans and a gray t-shirt with dog tags hanging on his neck, his black hair seemed to be mutton crop and ducktail compilation as he stood there with his blue eyes trained on them.

“And they’ll keep coming at you.” He said, not answering Haru’s question. “Especially if you stay in one place for too long.”

Jak stood in place as his feet were planted firmly on the ground, “You mean those Heart Eaters the papers mentioned?” he questioned firmly yet it wasn’t quiet but loud enough for the man to hear as he trained his eyes on the man shorter than him, five foot tall even as the stranger stood there, unfazed by this.

“Yes. They seem to know where everyone is. Or at least, they can tell where you are.” He stared at the group among him, noticing how distinctly different they all looked from one another. “All of you are clearly looking for something…or someone.” He commented. “Yeah,” Jak said in a sarcastic tone, “It was a special treasure to find.”

“Very funny.” He said unamused. “...You don’t have to tell me, it’s fine.” The man said, surprisingly calmer. “But I suggest you get somewhere safer. Or rather, don’t stay in one place for too long, given your group number.”

Daxter spoke up. “Listen pal, we had a rough night! Two of our teammates are missing and those bees are not helping us in any way.” He said as he pointed at the man before them, “And we don’t even want to be in this dump to begin with!” as he gestures all around them. “If you want to tangle with Orange Lightning, you're going to get it alright!” as Jak shushed him a little.

“I’d rather not waste my energy, if I can help it.” He said, pausing. “But I can guarantee you if we fight I wouldn’t lose.” He looked at them, and got in a defensive stance, and in a flash, he clenched his fists. Where dagger-like objects appeared out of his knuckles. Jak placed himself in front of Daxter, who’s mouth dropped at the sight, and walked closer to the man.

“You’re not going to lay a claw on him.” Jak glared.

“...I can see that.”

The man ran forward, and Jak aimed his blaster, immediately shooting at his body. The man reflected the blasts with ease with his claws. He swiped forward, but Jak dodged his attack, kicking him in his ankles before sliding underneath him. He tried shooting at him once more, but the man’s reflexes were greater, as he reflected the blast back to Jak, who luckily dodged it. He brought his fists down, attempting to pierce Jak, but had only cut through the ground, the claws digging into it. Jak took the chance to quickly lift himself up and kick the man in the face. He flinched, glaring daggers at Jak before quickly lifting his right hand from the ground, swinging at Jak. Jak barely dodged it in time, leaving one singular mark on his left arm. He hissed in pain, aiming his blaster. The man managed to get his left claw out from the ground, as he readied himself into a launching position.

However, a noise caught their attention.

Jak gasped as something sharp narrowly hit his hand, mainly his blaster, and ricocheted off to the man, who blocked it with his claw, looking down to see the metal object, noticing it was the shape of a bat. They both stopped to look at where it came from, seeing a figure from up high on the building.

“Enough!”

The figure called out, suddenly jumping down, his cape gilding him down easily. He landed in between them.

“...They’re telling the truth, they were looking for their two teammates earlier, and had spread out to cover more ground, you have no grounds to fight them.” He looked at the man, then over to Jak. “While you were protecting your friend, there’s no need to wander carelessly into a fight that needn’t occur.”

They both looked at the man, shrouded in darkness by his cape, his white eyes piercing through his mask with pointy ears. Everyone stared in awe, looking at him in both fear, but respect.

“Huh… Like our ruler.” Haru mumbled gently, before he then asked “Who are you?” as the figure looked them over.

“I am vengeance, I am the night.” He turned towards them. “I’m Batman. A vigilante hoping to help and protect Gotham City. The town that you’re in, is Gotham City.” He looked around, mainly towards the outside of the alleyway, where one stray bee stood for a moment, listening, until it ran off further down the street. “But it’s obvious that something happened to the city, maybe even outside the city, where strange creatures are coming suddenly.” He crossed his arms, looking at Jak and the man again. “The last thing we should do is fight amongst ourselves when we’re up against a greater foe.”

The buzzing was heard from afar as they all looked at the sky, “Come on.” Batman shouted as he pressed his hand hard on the cut on his left arm, gesturing towards an entrance to the sewer. Batman lifts the lid up and lets them all enter it one by one until he is the last to join them and closes the lid before they all run towards the first direction they could choose to get as far away from that entrance as possible.

“Again with the sewers again,” Daxter groaned as he held on tight on Jak’s right shoulder, “It feels like home almost.” as Dan was running next to them as Al-Zalam’s head poked out. “But it is a better tactic to run away from the bugs that turned deadly, now?” he spoke up as the man with the iron blade claws turned to look at them.

“Save the chit-chat for later, bub, Bat-freak’s got a point that I was saying the whole time.” he said as Batman interrupted them as he was running ahead of everyone. “Someone or something had merged our worlds together before you arrived, we need to know every detail on what was going on before it's too late.” as they ran deeper into the darkness ahead of them as footsteps echoed out.

On Nicholas’ side

The brown hedgehog’s heart was beating wildly in his chest, not because he was in a world that he could not recognize but he woke up with that wild heart beating when he woke up.

He walked down the empty street as he looked around at the buildings empty of light and some streaks of crimson red on the sidewalks, inside and on cars and city buses, on the walls and the pavement with ripped clothes strewn about near and inside the vehicles as it looked like a riot had broken out.

He rubbed his hands together as he walked down the street with his eyes scanning around his surroundings as his feet flew across the pavement.

“Oh man…I have no idea where I am…where did it send me?” Nicholas thought as he looked up at the buildings. He walked further into the torn streets that no doubt the mass had walked around when it happened but as he walked past by a dark alleyway as he turn his head towards the radio announcement as it was coming from the same public loudspeakers repeatedly; he failed to noticed that something inside the alleyway growled softly as its long tongue slithered out of the shadows before the figure climbs up the wall and onto the roof of a building to look down at his latest prey.

“This is bad, I have to find a way to get back to the Cathedral. But…we know little about that machine, or how it brings people back…” He thought to himself, working out several possibilities and solutions in his head. The being of black scanned at the hedgehog from the rooftops as he followed close to his tail, “Something besides a Heart Eater for once…” It purred gently as its mouth opened up to lick at the air, “They already got their food but they didn’t once try to share with us.” as it reached the last building where no more buildings are there due to the road going towards the left and the up to keep going just as Nicholas stopped to see the two paths.

“Hmm…which way should I go?” He looked down each pathway to see if there was anything to signify what way will be more fruitful to finding a way back home. As he looked around as the creature of black hangs off the building with one hand as his unnaturally, veiny, white eyes trained on him before jumping off the wall and towards a car in front of him to cushion his landing as the brown hedgehog jumped back in shock as the roof of the car caved in due to much force of a boulder.

“Yes…you shall do…” He looked down at the hedgehog, standing up straight. Nicholas froze, looking at this…creature was putting it lightly in his eyes. Easily, he had at least over a hundred pounds on Nicholas, and although he had a vague shape of a human, he was taller than what Nicholas was used to. At least, from what he saw from Dan, Qwark, and Jak, to a loose extent. He was sure that if he looked at his teeth long enough, it would cut him. The figure started to take a step towards Nicholas, and he somehow managed to take a step back despite his fear. Yet he still got closer to him. As Nicholas was walking backwards, he felt some loose debris touch his hand that rested on a car, and in a quick flash he threw it at the creature, and he wasted no time running away shortly afterwards, not daring to look back. The monster ran towards him before leaping towards him with his arms open to grab him as he did once turn and screamed before the unthinkable happened.

The monster grabbed something as a tiny flash of blue light had occurred with a low level mist and then it smiled to look his victim in the eye but much to his shock, he was holding a body of a Hollow that was scattered a while ago.

His eyes grew wide at this bombshell as he looked at it before looking down at the ground to see footprints behind him from where the spot the hedgehog was running and turned to a panting Nicholas with his hands on his knees as if he had ran a mile or two before turning back and in awe, he was far from the creature just a street away from in as the monster stared back at him in equal bewilderment.

“Just what is that?” He whispered to himself in fear, as he attempted to catch his breath and started to run again. The monster in black growled before running towards him at full speed again before Nicholas began to notice his quills are… Glowing blue? And then streaks of electricity popping out of him!?

He was exclaiming in unease before he ran so fast that he got out of the way in time for the creature to watch him run around, stumbling a little bit before he stopped at the end of the street. A bolt out of the blue as his eyes grew wide at this hedgehog who is bit in a whammy himself.

“What…is happening to me?” He asked, mainly out of fear, but a hint of curiosity was laced within his voice. He looked at his body, still seeing the blue light surrounding him as it reflected across the ground. He looked at a building mirror, and saw how he looked. “Woah…I’m…I turned! I changed!” He looked back at the monster, who he could tell was glaring at him, dead set on catching him.

The beast settled his hands on the pavement with his frown now pointing downward with a growl, Nicholas gulped for a moment as the black-clouded creature licked his lips with his own long tongue before swiping his right foot back, kicking up as few pebbles front he sidewalk concrete and pavement as they both locked eyes at each other.

The monster then lets out a battle cry before running across the road towards which Nicholas reacted quickly as his eyes changed from green to blue as they glowed in the dark before he ran away from the spot he stood as the monster only crashed into the car that the hedgehog was in front of.

Woo!

Oh, yeah!

Nicholas is running for dear life now that speed is on his side with his heart beating inside his chest as he turns to see the monster hopping onto buildings and then swinging towards him with what appears to be rope coming off its wrists.

Rolling around at the speed of sound

Got places to go

Gotta follow my rainbow

Nicholas watched his movements for a moment, so he could anticipate what he was going to do. The monster attempted to jump down onto Nicholas when he thought he had the opportunity to catch him, but quickly Nicholas ran to the side up the building instinctively, dodging his attack.

Can't stick around, gotta to keep movin' on

Guess what lies ahead

Only one way to find out

He looked down once and then regretted instantly because not only he was terrified of heights but the monster was jumping from where he missed before using webs to slingshot him upward a bit before using both hands and feet to climb up to catch up to the runaway hedgehog Further.

Must keep on movin' ahead

No time for guessin', follow my plan instead

Trusting in what you can't see

Take my lead, I'll set you free

He jumped back onto the ground, mostly out of fear, back onto the road. It was then that he noticed that there were several cars and a big truck blocking his path, and he managed to somehow jump in the air twice as he ran, avoiding the debris and truck. The monster had hopped over the debris as well, already angry that his snack was resistenting him before turning towards an eighteen wheeler and then shot two webs at it and began to pull with all the strength he had as Nicholas backed up a little from this.

Follow me, set me free

Trust me and we will escape from the city

I'll make it through, follow me

The eighteen wheeled truck began to quickly move from its place before the beast hopped up top onto it as it was aimed directly at Nicholas who was exclaiming in fear as he back up before looking behind him: behind was a very steep hill that goes all the way down before turning back to his attacker as the truck is gaining speed, the intent on making him into roadkill.

Follow me, set me free

Trust me and we will escape from the city

I'll make it through, follow me

Nicholas’ eyes glowed blue as his quills charged up again before turning then ran for his life on the downhill slope as the eighteen wheeler was burrowing down behind him uncontrollably.

Oh, yeah!

Danger is lurking around every turn

Trust your feelings

You've got to live and learn

He didn’t have to look behind him to know that the truck was much closer than he wanted it to be. Nicholas continued to run, feeling himself sprinting faster than he was already used to. Suddenly, he found himself rolling into a ball, still managing to dodge a few specks of debris and cars that laid sporadically across the street.

I know with some luck that I'll make it through

Got no other options

Only one thing to do

The truck was still on him as it plowed through them with no issues, “You will be ours!” The monster roared out loud as it was still holding on from the truck but using web strings, he was able to grab and then threw the debris at the speeding hedgehog in an attempt to slow down just enough to be run over.

I don't care what lies ahead

No time for guessin', follow my plan instead

Find that next stage no matter what that may be

Take my lead, I'll set you free

Nicholas listened to gauge where the objects were coming from, and quickly dodged what the monster was throwing at him. The monster threw several cars in succession as Nicholas dodged them barely by the skin of his teeth. Repeatedly he was telling himself to not turn around, fearing that all of his running abilities would suddenly disappear.

Follow me, set me free

Trust me and we will escape from the city

I'll make it through, follow me

Follow me, set me free

He then managed to get down the hill safely before dodging the truck with the monster on as they crashed right into a bank as he ran away. But the monster had hopped out of the hole he had made and then jumped towards him, back on hot pursuit as Nicholas turned around to see him for just a moment before he ended up in a big crevice in the middle of the road, falling down. Catching Nicholas offguard, the monster jumps in front of him, and starts shooting his webs at Nicholas.

He at first dodged one, but then got a sudden idea, and he caught the second web in his hands, and began to quickly run around him. The monster yelled in frustration as he continued to shoot webs at Nicholas, but he couldn’t tell if he was even hitting him at all. Suddenly, he realized that he was being trapped by his own webs, and before he could even tear them away, his arms had already been tied up. Nicholas ran several more times around him, before dashing in one other direction, successfully launching the monster into the sky.

Nicholas dusted off his hands, and got out of the crevice, just in time to see the monster falling into a river.

I'll make it through, prove it to you

Follow me!

I'll make it through, oh, yeah!

Woo!

“WOO!” Nicholas cheered, jumping in the air and pumping his fists. “Let’s just hope he stays away next time. Not that there will be a next time that is.” He shrugged to himself. He looks around the area before his ear twitches to hear noise from the sky.

He looked up to see an old cropdust plane flew across the nighttime sky and circled back around before descending down gently onto the road road as a runway as it sputters a little and then stopping just mere 3 minutes away from him. Then out from the pilot seat was Tails with a smile on his face as he landed on the ground.

“Nicholas!” He said as he ran towards him as he held his yellow and black backpack as he was excited. “There you are! I thought you were a goner for sure!” Before stopping in his place, the hedgehog was a little taller than the two-tailed fox before him.

“Hey Tails! Glad to see you’re okay as well.” He looked back at the river briefly before looking back at Tails. “Believe me, I thought I was a goner too.”

“And second thing that I can’t believe after arriving here, you were the fastest one alive! You were able to avoid Venom and didn’t end up being his late-night snack for the night, you were amazing!” Tails commented as he held out his hands to the brown hedgehog as he looked at him.

“The heck is a ‘Venom’? Also, how did you get here in the first place?”

Tails looked at Nicholas for a moment and then took off his backpack and then sets it on the ground for a moment, “Well, the same thing as Icefir and the whole group had,” he said as he pulled out the yellow and black mobile screen with a handle attached to it on the side of it,

“Icefir just went nuts, nuts enough to jump into the portal to find you and Captain Qwark, as I knew, won’t let me since I was a kid but I had to wait until after they all jumped in to go after. And where I ended up was an old air base with a crop duster plane. I am amazed that the inhabitants of this dimension didn’t rely on dragons for transport and farming.” he continued as he turned it on as the green lines were over the darker shade of green on the screen.

“Oh…oh man.” Nicholas thought for a moment. “I mean, the whole point of me jumping in front of her was to make sure nothing happened. Gosh, I hope she’s okay.” He looked down after a bit, kicking a loose pebble on the ground.

“And that ‘Venom’ part of your question you’d mentioned;” he said as he pulls up the profile of the person for Nicholas to see and saw that it was the same creature that tried to eat him before much more seeable in light as it had a big white spider on his chest and its legs across his shoulders and sides. “This monster was and still is a human named Eddie Brock, and the suit he was wearing was a living alien called a symbiote. It was in the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division’s database after it became known.”

“Eww.” Nicholas said after a moment. “Well, he better get that Venom under control, I think it wanted to eat me, like I’m a hundred percent sure.”

“Oh, he does, like how he bites off the heads of his victims.” Tails said lightly as he rubbed the back of his head a little with an awkward smile. Nicholas looked a bit sick by this before shaking his head at this.

“A-Anyway…what’s the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division?” Nicholas asked, doing a couple of quick stretches with his legs, realizing they were somewhat worn out. Tails nodded as he pressed a few buttons on his device before showing it to Nicholas once again.

Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division’s first letters were taken off of their respective words as they all together formed one simple word:

S.H.I.E.L.D

“It was short for S.H.I.E.L.D, it was run by a director named ‘Nick Fury,” Tails said as he pulled the screen back to him and then looked at it more with more button pressing. “An elite team of agents investigates strange occurrences worldwide. Its members work together to protect those who cannot protect themselves from extraordinary and inconceivable threats, including Hydra, a formidable group from this world’s 1940’s, it seems like it was still operating, even after Steve Rogers defeated the Red Skull.”

“Ah, I getcha. You think we’ll run into any of those guys from S.H.I.E.L.D?”

“It is likely, as long as we-” Tail was beginning to say before a screech was heard from behind Tails, he turned to see Hallows, a pack of them surrounding them so reaching the plane wasn’t an option before Nicholas turned his head to see more coming at them from the river’s stone walls as Tails picked his backpack up and held it tightly as they are back to back.

Hallows crickets softly as they circled them around.

“Got any ideas how we get out?” Nicholas asked.

“I’m working on i-” Tails began, but strained his ears, and Nicholas did the same when he realized that Tails stopped talking. The Hallows slowly stopped walking towards them, as they heard the sound too. Simultaneously, they looked up at the sky, and noticed a large aircraft lowering down. Tails mouth grew agape, while Nicholas started to cover his mouth in fear of the ever growing wind from the blades launching dirt into his mouth. The Hallows started to screech at the aircraft, some began to try to launch themseves onto it, while those farther away were hesitant, debating whether to choose between Nicholas and Tails or the aircraft.

“...If this day gets any weirder, I may have to scream.” Nicholas said to Tails after a moment. As search lights beamed down onto the duo, nearly blinding them from the sudden flash as the Hallows were screeching. The flash of light fell directly onto them, but when it did, it felt more than just a flash of light, as their surroundings felt dense, but light. Marginally, they were lifted off the ground.

“YEP, that’ll do it.” Nicholas looked at Tails, and suddenly they were lifted quickly into the air, screaming.

Next thing they knew, they were dropped onto the bridge of the aircraft inside, guns cocking back and aimed at them both as they recovered to realize that they are not near the river anymore before a voice called out.

“Weapons down.”

Nicholas and Tails watched as a man of african descent wearing a dark trench coat and then standing in front of them, in the dim light of where they were in, he was wearing an eyepatch as he spoke “We have a lot to talk about.” as he looked them down.

“...Uh, okay?” Nicholas began. “Guess this could be that guy, Tails.” He whispered to an astonished, star-eyed Tails, who was looking eagerly around the room.

2 notes · View notes

tajmahaltourtrips · 3 months

Text

Delhi Same Day Tour Packages By Taj mahal tour Trips Company

A one-day tour of Delhi is a great opportunity to quickly learn about the rich history, culture, and architecture of the city. The Taj Mahal Tour Trips Company offers the following example schedule for a same-day tour package in Delhi:

Itinerary for Delhi Tour in One Day Morning: Delhi Old Town pickup Investigation 8:00 AM: A car with air conditioning will pick you up from your hotel or from a prearranged meeting place in Delhi. 08:30 AM: Go to one of India's biggest mosques, Jama Masjid. 09:30 AM: Take a look around Chandni Chowk, a busy marketplace. This is a great place to ride a rickshaw. Visit Mahatma Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat at 10:30 a.m. Red Fort and India Gate in the late morning 11:00 AM: Take a tour of the Red Fort, a remarkable Mughal architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. At 12:30 PM, pass India Gate, a war memorial honoring Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Lunch and New Delhi in the afternoon Investigation 1:00 PM: Go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. (Usually, lunch is not included in the price of the package.) 2:00 PM: See Humayun's Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a model for the Agra Taj Mahal. 03:00 PM: Take a tour of Qutub Minar, the world's highest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lotus Temple and the Presidential Area in the late afternoon Visit the Lotus Temple, which is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and unusual flower-like shape, around 4:00 PM. 5:00 PM: Take in the majesty of Delhi designed by Lutyens by driving past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, also known as the President's House. Evening: Arrival 6:00 PM: Head back to the agreed-upon drop-off location or your hotel. Included pickup and drop-off from your accommodation or from a prearranged location in Delhi. conveyance via air-conditioned car. A guide who speaks English. All monument admission prices according to the itinerary. during the tour, bottled water. Restrictions lunch as well as any other costs. Gratuities and tipping. everything beyond what is specified in the itinerary in terms of services or activities. vacation protection. Further Details Comfort: Due to the significant amount of walking included in the tour, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Security: To enter monuments, present a valid ID. Weather: Be sure to check the forecast and pack appropriately because Delhi can get very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. This is only a basic itinerary; the details might change. It is advised to verify with Taj Mahal Tour Trips Company the precise schedule, inclusions, and exclusions prior to making a reservation.

ALSO READ-

American actress and businesswoman Jessica Alba is well-known for her contributions to Hollywood and the business community. A summary of her education, profession, and accomplishments is provided below:

Background In Pomona, California, Jessica Marie Alba was born on April 28, 1981. Her identity and subsequent job choices were shaped by her multicultural childhood and Mexican-American ancestry. Alba had a keen interest in acting from a young age and started taking her studies seriously when she was a teenager.

Acting Profession With appearances in TV shows like "Dark Angel," where she played the genetically enhanced super-soldier Max Guevara, Jessica Alba's acting career took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for her breakout performance in the series.

In movies, Alba acted in a range of genres. She played the legendary Nancy Callahan in romantic comedies like "Good Luck Chuck" and action movies like "Sin City" and its follow-up "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For." Her performances demonstrated her flexibility and contributed to her rise to prominence in Hollywood as an actress.

Business ownership Jessica Alba has achieved success in business outside of performing. She was a founding member of The Honest Company, a consumer goods company that specializes on making eco-friendly, safe products for families, in 2011. The business first earned recognition for its range of natural infant goods, but it has since grown to provide housekeeping, cosmetic, and personal care products.

As a co-founder, Alba has guided The Honest Company to become a multimillion dollar enterprise, focusing on sustainability and openness in its offerings. Her entrepreneurial path demonstrates her dedication to encouraging environmentally responsible and health-conscious living.

Charities Jessica Alba participates in philanthropy actively as well. Her interests include the education, health, and preservation of the environment for children. She promotes safer, healthier lifestyles and supports programs that help underprivileged areas through her work with The Honest Company and other humanitarian ventures.

Private Life Cash Warren, the husband of Jessica Alba, is a production assistant on the set of "Fantastic Four," where the two met. Together, they are parents to two daughters, Honor and Haven, and one son, Hayes. Alba continues to be a role model for women in entertainment and business while juggling her successful profession with her motherhood responsibilities.

In conclusion Jessica Alba is a wonderful example of a person who is determined, creative, and committed to changing the world through her journey from a gifted actress to a prosperous businesswoman. Her entrepreneurial passion and commitment to developing safer, healthier products for families globally have inspired millions through her acting career and foundation of The Honest Company.

Beyond Hollywood, Jessica Alba's impact is felt, influencing the market for eco-friendly products and proving that a strong sense of purpose and passion can lead to significant change. Her continued involvement in philanthropy, business, and entertainment highlights her importance as a complex and powerful person in modern culture.

0 notes

undercaffinatednightmare · 3 years

Text

Pollyanna

Emma Swan was twelve when she found herself moving to Storybrooke, Maine to live with her only living relative, Regina Mills. Her parents had died weeks ago from a terrible fever breakout in the remote part of Africa where they served as missionaries. She still felt alone and terribly sad, but she was glad to know her mother’s sister was willing to have her come live in her house.

A pretty brown haired woman glanced at her wristwatch and adjusted her hat as she paced by the platform. “Aunt Regina?” Emma asked hopefully.

The woman’s face took in Emma’s plain dress and straw hat in dismay. “Miss Emma Swan?”

“Are you my Aunt Regina? I’m so pleased to meet you!” Emma started to hug her, but the woman drew back in alarm.

“I’m your Aunt’s secretary, Belle French. You can call me Belle.” She gave a prim nod. “Where are your trunks?”

Emma held up her one case. “They said the rest of my things may make everyone ill or have bugs.”

Belle’s face dropped a moment before she smiled again. “Well, it’ll be alright. I’m sure you’ve grown quite a bit as well. We’ll get you things that fit later.”

There was so much to see and so many new things to experience, Emma felt excitement push her grief away during the drive. Her parents always told her to look for the good in every situation. It had gotten more difficult since losing her parents, but she tried her best.

Aunt Regina’s home was far larger than she expected. Did only one person live here? It felt more like a place of worship than someone’s home. Belle led her into a room full of plants. A lovely woman in a dark blue dress with her black hair coiled on top of her head sat talking to a rather nervous man with ginger hair and glasses.

“Miss Mills? I’ve brought Miss Emma.” Belle said with a gentle nudge.

Both people turned to look at her. Emma felt more than a little out of place, but waited patiently for her aunt to acknowledge her. “Well? Come over here. Let me see you.” Aunt Regina waved her hand regally.

With a nervous glance to Belle, Emma approached. “Emma, this is Reverend Archibald Hopper. He’s the minister at our church here. You’ll see him each Sunday.”

“How do you do?” Emma asked politely.

“Rev Hopper, this is my niece Emma. She come to live with me.” Regina told him.

“The one whose parents died on the mission field?” Rev Hopper lowered his voice.

“Yes. My brother-in-law and my sister died of fever.” Her aunt said.

“Well, it’s good to finally meet you Emma. I’m sure your aunt will take good care of you.” Rev Hopper held her hand gently between his own.

“Where did you get that dress?” Aunt Regina asked making Emma jump in surprise. “It doesn’t fit.”

“It was in the missionary barrels.” Emma frowned and fingered the lace edge of the dress.

“The missionary barrels?” Rev Hopper echoed.

Regina sighed heavily. “Their supplies were always packed into barrels and sent. They didn’t always know what would arrive.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll handle it later. There’s a few things in your room. I’m sure you understand that I’m unaccustomed to children’s noises here. So I expect you to behave like a lady.”

Emma nodded and started to run after Belle to catch up. “Emma?” Aunt Regina called. “Go up the stairs like a young lady.” She thought she could hear the quiet laughter of Reverend Hopper.

A small brown and white dog was snuggled in a basket at the top of the stairs. She gasped and ran forward to pet the sweet dog. “What’s his name?”

“His name is Henry.” Belle explained as Henry licked her hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At breakfast, Emma was shocked to learn how many things she could choose to eat. She took a careful sip of her milk when she sat at the table near Aunt Regina’s place. “We’re heading into town today. We need to get you some new clothes.” Regina said as she cut a dainty bite of food.

“New clothes?” Emma asked in shock. “Store-bought?”

Aunt Regina smiled at her. “Well, you’re a Mills now. You have to look like one.”

Emma squeaked in response and covered her mouth. “I’ve never owned anything new before.”

At the store, a pretty woman named Ashley shooed her behind the screen to change and snuck a cookie to her as they fussed over her dress. It felt like something out of a story book getting new clothes and shoes and hats like the fine ladies she saw on the train.

On Sunday, they sat on Aunt Regina’s pew during service. Emma watched the boys and girls from the orphanage tease and taunt each other. One boy turned to look at her with large eyes of the brightest blue she’d ever seen. Given where he was sitting, he had to be about her age.

“Emma, don’t stare at the orphans.” Aunt Regina said in a voice so low she was the only one who could hear her.

She turned to face forward, but if she looked through her lashes the right way, she could still see the way he was staring at her.

Aunt Regina was required to meet at the orphanage after service. Emma looked around wondering if she would have ended up in a place like this if it hadn’t been for her aunt. There were lots of people in town who reminded her how kind and generous her aunt was to her. She always said “yes ma’am” or “yes sir” as they spoke. She knew it was enormously kind, but why did everyone think she needed to be reminded?

“Who are you?” The boy from church asked.

“Emma Swan. I’m Ms Mills’ niece.” She bobbed a curtesy like she did with some of the adults. “Who are you?”

“Killian. Are you an orphan too?” He frowned and watched her.

“Yes. My parents got sick. So I live with my aunt.” Emma shrugged.

He tilted his head with a mischievous grin. “Come on, Swan.”

Together they ran around Storybrooke as Killian introduced her to the games he liked to play. As small as the town was, Emma wasn’t worried about getting lost or Aunt Regina missing her yet. She ended up at the harbor with her new friend.

“This is Nemo’s house.” Killian whispered. “He’s the meanest man in Storybrooke.”

“I thought you said Mr. Gold was the meanest man in town.” Emma whispered back.

As Killian told her the story of Nemo’s pet kraken, a twig broke behind them. Emma screamed, more because Killian pushed her as hard as he could. “Go, Swan! Run!”

She run to face the person endangering her friend. Nemo was bald and serious looking, but there was also something sad in his expression. “No! You can’t hurt him!” Emma shouted.

Nemo stared at her for a moment. “And who are you to tell me what to do, little girl?”

“I’m his friend.” She stood at her full height. “And you…you’re just a lonely man who needs to stop trying to scare children.”

He paused and his face went slack. “I suppose if I don’t, you’ll tell your aunt?”

Emma frowned. “No, but you should still let him go.”

It only took Nemo a moment to release Killian. He waved them both inside for tea. When Emma’s attention was pulled to the rainbow dancing on the wall, Nemo let out a rusty chuckle. “It’s a prism. Light refracting off the angles in the crystals.”

“It’s like having your own person rainbow every day.” She grinned at both of them.

Nemo rubbed the back of his neck. “I’d never thought about it that way.”

The next few days, Emma noticed Belle and Will speaking in low voices. She’d started hoping that they might announce an engagement soon. Belle would be such a lovely bride. Instead, she heard Will mention the orphanage and Belle hushed him with a sharp look.

“She’s not going to tell. Are you, lovey?” Will grinned at her.

Emma felt her spine stiffen. “What am I? A snitch baby?”

Will chuckled. “Belle and I are helping organize a fundraiser - a bazaar- to raise money for the orphanage.”

“So they can have better blankets and clothes that fit?” She asked.

Belle looked surprised, but softened her response. “Among other things, yes. How did you know?”

“Killian told me. That’s where I would be if not for Aunt Regina, right?” Emma asked looking at her hands.

Will squeezed her hand and put an arm around her. “Come on, lovelies. Let’s conspire over ice cream.”

“You’re funny.” Emma grinned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You must be, Emma.” A tall man said as he walked towards the house. Henry ran up and let the man scratch his ears. “I’m Dr. Loxley. I was friends with your parents before they moved. I’m sorry for your loss, Emma.”

“I’m sorry for yours too.” Emma replied. “Are you here to see Aunt Regina?”

He chuckled and looked down. “Aye, but she’s not going to see me. I’m here to argue with her.”

“Oh. About the orphanage or something else?” She tilted her head and watched him.

Dr. Loxley knelt down to meet her eyes. “You know about that?” She rolled her eyes and he laughed. “Alright. Your aunt means well, but she hides behind her family name. She doesn’t want anyone to see behind the mask she gives the world.”

“She doesn’t want anyone to know she’s lonely.” She nodded. Her aunt could be cold and temperamental, but Emma knew she was a good person.

His eyes flickered at the ground for a moment. “Aye.”

“What was she like when you knew her?” She asked as they both sat down on the grass

“She was very spirited and kind.” He admitted.

“She’s pretty too.” Emma nodded. “I hope I’m as pretty as she is when I grow up.”

He smiled brighter. “I see so much of your mother in you. Except your smile. That’s all David.” She smiled at that. It seemed to be too painful for Aunt Regina to talk about. “But yes, she was beautiful back then too. She used to wear her hair down on her shoulders.”

Belle came to fetch her for their afternoon errands. “Dr. Loxley! You’re back?”

“Not quite. I wanted to talk Regina into easing up on the town again.” He admitted. “But I was distracted by our newest resident.”

“I’m sure you’ll be good friends before you leave for Boston. Emma has that effect on people.” She smiled. “Good day, Dr. Loxley.”

“Where are we going today?” Emma asked brightly.

“I need to drop some pieces with Ruby and then we have errands for your aunt. You’ll like Ruby.” She grinned. “But her grandmother can be difficult. So you’ll need to be careful, alright?”

Emma found herself walking through the house. It was more of a home than Aunt Regina’s. She heard a woman arguing with someone and followed the sounds. A smarmy man in a lurid green suit stood there with sample of fabrics while the older woman lay on the bed.

“See here, Mrs. Lucas? This satin is finer than the-“ He stopped and stared at Emma. “Young lady, don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt adults?”

“You’re Regina’s niece, aren’t you?” Mrs. Lucas asked.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m Emma Swan.” She smiled at the woman. “I’m glad to finally make your acquaintance.”

“Young lady, can’t you see this dear lady is ill?” The man continued.

“Now, Mr. Ozman, Miss Swan is doing nothing wrong even if she is impertinent.” Mrs. Lucas waved his concerns away. She narrowed her gaze at Emma. “You have a stubby little nose.”

“I know I do. I wish I had a prettier one, like yours.” She replied to the woman who made a sound like she was trying not to laugh

Mr. Ozman was still talking about fabric and handles. “You’re not dying, are you?” Emma felt tears threatening. She grabbed Mrs. Lucas’ hand as if that could sway her.

“Now, Miss, you need to go.” Mr, Ozman insisted.

“No! If you’re not dying you should be glad you don’t need that ugly coffin! You should be glad to spend time with your granddaughter. You should be glad you can still walk.”

Belle came rushing in and Emma buried her face against her friend as she cried. Eventually Mr. Ozman left and Emma had tea with Ruby and Belle. She hated the idea that a healthy vibrant woman was letting her life pass by. It was the saddest thing she’d ever heard.

The following day, Emma searched for Rev Hopper out in a field. She had a note from Aunt Regina for him. She waited patiently on a rock as he finished praying. “Emma! It’s good to see you again.” He smiled.

“My father used to practice his sermons with me. I could help if you like.” She offered.

“It’s alright. You know I’m curious what your necklace says.” He asked.

“Father’s favorite quote. If you look…” She sighed and blinked. “I always go cross eyed.”

“May I?” Rev Hopper smiled. “If you look for the bad, you’ll surely find it.” He smiled sadly.

“My father taught me a game when things didn’t go right. He taught me to find the good and be glad for it.” She explained. “One year I wanted a doll for Christmas, but we didn’t have the money. So we waited for the missionary barrels to come. But instead of a doll, there were crutches.” She began. “So Father said we should play the glad game.”

Rev Hopper smiled little and chuckled. “I can’t imagine a child being glad they got crutches instead of a doll.”

“Father said we should be glad we have them, but that we don’t need them.” She shrugged.

He chuckled and shook his head a little. “You came looking for me.”

“Yes, Aunt Regina asked me to bring this message for you.” She handed him the slightly crumpled piece of paper.

“Thank you, Emma.” He murmured. “I’ll walk back with you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Loxley stood outside with Will and Belle. Aunt Regina forbade everyone from attending the bazaar. Emma hated that she might miss her solo, but she also wanted to help Killian and the others. It was dreadful thinking of how cold it would be in winter.

“There has to be someone we can talk to.” Will shook his head.

“What about Rev Hopper?” Emma asked. “Can’t he say something? After all, no one can own the church.”

That night, something tapped on her window. She looked up and saw Killian sitting in the tree by her attic window. “What are you doing?” She hissed. “You’ll fall and kill yourself.”

Killian rolled his eyes at her. “I climb trees all the time. Come on, Swan.”

“But Aunt Regina said I wasn’t to go.” She bit her lip.

“But half the people are only coming because of you.” Killian’s big blue eyes pleaded with her. “Come on, Swan. I won’t let you fall.”

She nodded and carefully followed each of his instructions until they were climbing down the tree. Emma hugged him and tried to keep her voice low. “Killian! You’re the best!”

He beamed and walked her to the bazaar. Everyone she knew had come, Granny Lucas, Marco from the carpenter’s shop, Ruby, Will, Belle, even Sheriff Humbert. The one who surprised her was Nemo. Killian began rattling off all the adventures they’d discussed over the last few weeks.

Killian helped her pull up her prize from the wishing well. She held the doll tightly and hugged him again. “My own doll? I’ve never owned one before.”

When she arrived back home, she worried about walking past Aunt Regina. Instead, she decided to climb the tree back up. Killian made it look easy. She almost lost her grip twice. When she finally sat on the gable of the house, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her new doll slipped from her grip and she reached for it.

She realized her mistake too late. She managed one small scream before everything went black.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What are you saying, Robin?” Regina asked in the hallway.

Robin Loxley was angry. “Emma could physically recover, but I worry about her mentally. She’s not got the strength for what’s coming.”

Regina paced. “What’s to be done?”

Robin gave an exasperated shake of his head. “Regina, have you locked yourself away for so long that you’ve forgotten how to love your own niece?” He paced back to the window. “She needs, more than anything, to have her hope back.”

“Miss Mills?” Belle called up. “They keep coming.”

Regina closed her eyes. “I’ll come down and talk to them.”

At her door stood all the people she’d spent a lifetime pushing away. Rev Hopper, Mrs. Lucas, Marco, Nemo…Regina looked at the boy who’d been chasing around after Emma all this time. He’d stayed until she’d asked Will to take him home, only for the boy to come back.

“We’ve only come to see her and wish her well, Regina.” Mrs. Lucas said.

Finally, Regina opened the door. “Why don’t you all come in?”

Robin grinned and brushed a kiss to her cheek before he bounded up the stairs. Secretly, she was glad he’d be the one to break this news to Emma. There was no doubt the family stubborn streak ran as strongly through her as it did the other women in their family.

As Robin carried her past everyone she cared for, Regina could see the dark mood slowly lift. The Ladies Aid gave her a new doll, Marco made a small wooden ship, Mrs. Lucas even quilted her a blanket to keep her warm. Everyone brought something from flowers to cheerful words for the girl who’d turned their town upside down.

Belle announced her engagement to William Scarlett and Emma cut a look her way. “Really?” She whispered. Belle nodded excitedly. “And you have to walk with me.”

Emma finally nodded. Rob stopped in front of Rev Hopper. “We looked for the good, Emma.”

But it was Killian who got the biggest smile from her. “I got adopted!” He announced looking at Nemo behind him.

“You did?” Emma squeaked happily.

“Aye, but we’ll need you home soon to help keep these two rascals in order.” Nemo grinned at her.

Regina gave up trying to hold back her tears. If Robin could find the right medical team, she was fairly certain they’d get Emma walking again.

They got Emma settled in the train for the trip to Boston. Leroy was hanging a sign below the welcome sign at the station: Storybrooke: The Glad Town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emma still felt uncertain returning to her Aunt Regina’s house. They’d lived in Boston the last five years after she fell out of the tree beside her room. Now that she was able to walk again, they were moving back for Aunt Regina's wedding to Dr. Loxley - Uncle Robin. Still, she had seen little of her friends since Belle’s wedding.

Belle adjusted her dress once more declaring her ready for the party downstairs. She took the stairs carefully, hoping everyone's attention would be directed anywhere else. Nothing could have prepared her for the brilliant blue eyes waiting at the base of the stairs.

His jaw dropped slightly as she made her way towards him. She faltered for a moment and he bounded up the stairs to offer his arm. "Swan, you look.." He breathed.

"I know." Emma teased even as her cheeks burned. The last time she'd seen him, he was standing behind Mr. Nemo as Robin carried her down the stairs. Back then, he was gangly and fully of anger, not the handsome gentleman beside her. "Thank you, Killian." She murmured.

"Always my pleasure, Emma." He promised, squeezing her hand. "May I have the first dance?"

"I don't know how to dance." She whispered as fear slowed her steps.

"There's only one rule, find a partner who knows what he's doing." He murmured the words as he guided her into his arms.

She jumped when his prosthetic hand touched her back. "I didn't think- are you alright? I don't want you to hurt yourself." She'd forgotten that he'd lost his hand during the war.

His smile warmed as he held her closer. "I've never been better, love."

Hearing the honesty in his voice eased her concerns. She relaxed and enjoyed herself. How had she let herself forget him? When their dance ended, Killian scratched behind his ear and asked her to join him outside.

Aunt Regina placed a gazebo where the tree had stood. Killian walked with her to the spot. "I was hoping you'd permit me to play the glad game with you once more?" He smiled sheepishly.

Emma rolled her eyes. She hadn’t played that since falling from the tree. Killian knelt in front of her. "Instead of being sad about the things that have kept us apart, I promise to always be by your side. Will you marry me?"

She nodded as tears filled her eyes. “Yes.”

Maybe they’d start playing the Glad Game again tomorrow.

Tag!

@kmomof4 @teamhook @ilovemesomekillianjones @earanemith

Also to blame: @hollyethecurious & @jrob64

I couldn’t sleep until I finished this silly thing so hopefully it all makes sense 😂

#captain swan au #too much Disney #I might remember to post on AO3 later

45 notes · View notes

violettelueur · 4 years

Text

— ITADORI YUJI + FUSHIGURO MEGUMI + KUGISAKI NOBARA || COMFORTING THEIR S/O DURING THEIR PERIOD

↳ featuring : itadori yuji + fushiguro megumi + kugisaki nobara from jujutsu kaisen

↳ warnings : grammar issues

↳ form : headcanons

↳ published : 27 january

↳ pronouns : she/her

↳ request : hello!! I love ur blog sm it’s so cozy and safe!! i just wanted to order a black coffee of being comforted and taken care of by the main three (yuuji, megumi, and nobara) when the reader is on their period ;-; tysm!! ❤️❤️

↳ barista’s notes : hi there! let me admit this about my time of the month, i only get cramps/backache on like the first day and people tell me they don’t realise i’m not my time since i don’t have mood swings - which is surprising because i thought i did ʕ ㅇ ᴥ ㅇʔ other than that, i hope you enjoy your cup of classic black coffee (jujutsu kaisen request!) and come to the cafe again soon ʕ￫ᴥ￩　ʔ

The day your period arrives, Itadori will have no idea and will probably be confused about why one second you are angry and the next you are crying - he is just a confused little baby.

Of course, Kugisaki will call him an idiot and will inform him that you are on your period if he hasn’t figured it out yet.

Once he comes into your room and finds you huddling under a mountain of blankets, he will slowly and carefully crouch down to your height and ask if you need anything - since asking if you were okay was not the ideal question (also advised by Kugisaki).

To be honest with you, all the knowledge and advice he has gotten about periods is from Kugisaki - I feel like she made him pay as well for lessons.

Of course, if you tell him you buy you chocolates, he will come back from the convenience store with more than that like snacks, water, chocolate, sweets, ice-cream and pads/tampons.

Just know there are multiple types of pads/tampons in the plastic bag because he doesn’t know what to pick for you and, of course, you thank him because you know he tried his best.

He will also provide you with a hot water bottle that probably has a cute animal cover on it for you since he doesn’t want the heat as well as plastic to burn your skin.

Itadori will cuddle you if you ask for it while placing his hand on your lower stomach to help soothe the cramps with your permission of course.

He will also set up yours or his laptop to watch movies and anime together, he will probably eat some of the snacks he has bought you - which made him learn to buy his whole for the next month.

Sometimes both you and Itadori will have a game night together, where you both would have your Nintendo Switches - which I don’t have personally - and probably play Animal Crossing - New Horizons to help make you forget your pain.

Sukuna will mock him for being a tiny bit scared at your aggressive behaviour when your mood suddenly switches.

In conclusion, Itadori is someone that will be wary around you since he doesn’t want a Kugisaki 2.0 to be his girlfriend but will try his best to make you feel the least amount of pain as much as he can.

Unlike Itadori, Fushiguro will know when you have started since he does have an older sister as well as two female cousins within his family.

When you had your first period during yours and Fushiguro’s relationship, he probably marked it on his calendar and has it on a series for it every month.

Fushiguro knows that you will come to his room when you are on and just flat drop flat on his bed because his scent helps you to forget the pain - this happens with me like sometimes the smell of lavender helps with my cramps...maybe it’s just me.

You probably know this but Fushiguro has all the essentials you need in his dorm kitchen and bathroom because of your monthly visits - he is prepared and very organised.

He will make sure you have eaten first before giving you painkillers since he wants you to feel somewhat better than you are now.

Fushiguro will summon one of his rabbits for you to cuddle with since he knows that some sort of warmth helps you - the thing is once the rabbit is in your arms, it is not escaping.

If you are having back pains, Fushiguro will help you by massaging your back to help comfort you - his divine dog will probably use its paws to help as well or maybe the rabbits will bounce on your back, I don’t know.

If you ask for something, Fushiguro is already on it and has it prepared as I have mentioned - he just doesn’t want to deal with your sudden lack of patience since he knows that you can get irritated very quickly.

If you suddenly start crying, it is over for Fushiguro because he wouldn’t know how to comfort you - his shikigami will do a better job than him and if Kugisaki was with him, she would yell at him 100%.

He would start by holding you in his arms but he will be stiff, of course, that doesn’t matter because you will tightly hold him back - which surprises him since for some reason this hug is stronger than your other ones.

If you want cuddles from him, he will be hesitant at first because of your mood swings, but once you give him the puppy dog eyes, he can’t resist you and will join you under his covers.

In conclusion, your monthly visit to Fushiguro’s dorms is one of his favourites because that means he gets to come back from missions and find you in his room, he is always prepared and ready to handle the situation - even though, he is quite wary of the short-temper that you have for the next 5-7 days.

The expert of periods is here! Kugisaki Nobara is the one to be with when you have your period because this girl probably knows everything compared to Itadori and Fushiguro.

When I think about it, she probably has spare pads/tampons in her bags/pockets and will offer one to you when you need it.

However, unlike Fushiguro, she probably doesn’t have any painkillers with her and will probably have to make a trip for you to get some or ask Fushiguro if he has any to save time.

You don’t have to worry about snacks because I know she has a stash of sweets and cakes in her dorm room and will give you some of it - mostly likey chocolate cake or chocolate-covered strawberries.

She already has a water bottle prepared for you as well as a back massager because she is boujee with that Jujutsu Tech money that she has been provided with.

Like Itadori, you and Kugisaki will play games together - I feel like people forget she’s a gamer since she did mention Smash Bro’s in the anime and little scenarios in the manga as well - especially battle games as a way to release your anger from the pain you are suffering from.

If you ever cry about being ugly - because we are emotional - she will hype you up with an angry tone: “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT BABE? YOU ARE GORGEOUS, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, STRONG AND AMAZING, DONT SAY ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT!”

Kugisaki will also do your makeup since she wants you to feel your most beautiful since she and you know that breakouts during periods are just not it.

She will also help you with your skincare and probably introduced to some new products along the way since why not?

You and Kugisaki will cuddle a lot during the beginning week and you both will probably have matching pyjamas on because you both just give off cute couple outfits vibes even when you both don’t go out.

Sometimes during your cuddling sessions, you and Kugisaki will be looking at her phone swiping through a few clothing sites and suggesting what you both should buy for your next date together and maybe research a few new cafes to try out.

Definitely will send cute selfies together to help you feel beautiful to the boys on the group chat because they need to know that you are in pain and they should send their condolences.

Netflix and ice-cream will be an everyday thing for the whole week you are on and to be honest, it is better than any date because you both are together with no distractions.

In conclusion, Kugisaki will make the time during your period a self-care girl’s week for the both of you and this will happen when she is on as well - and please, when you are both on, it is a nightmare for Itadori and Fushiguro (they will be nervous and avoid you both)

440 notes · View notes

confinesofmy · 3 years

Text

[id: An excerpt from Billy Porter's interview with the Times from October 18th, 2021. Transcript: Of course, a lot has changed in the industry since then. I mention that it’s hard to imagine, even five years ago, that a black, queer and unapologetically sexual artist like Lil Nas X — the chart-topping, trailblazing rapper who shot to fame with his No 1 single Old Town Road, then cemented his success with the smash Montero (Call Me By Your Name), complete with a provocative video that saw him enjoying same-sex kisses and twerking for the devil — would have the success he has today. Porter is a big fan of Lil Nas X, having just made a surprise cameo in his That’s What I Want video, but points out the debt the 22-year-old breakout star owes to his queer forefathers. “Listen, my generation kicked the door down. Somebody else has to take the torch now. I am too old to take my clothes off and be the teeny-bopper pop star. We laid out the road for him and I love that.”

He also takes credit for the present wave of men embracing skirts and dresses. “I changed the whole game,” he says, repeating it for emphasis. “I. Personally. Changed. The. Whole. Game. And that is not ego, that is just fact. I was the first one doing it and now everybody is doing it.” Indeed, from the moment Porter turned up at the 2019 Oscars wearing a custom-made Christian Siriano tuxedo dress, he has broken the internet every time he steps on to a red carpet. Whether it’s arriving at the Met Gala that same year in a winged Cleopatra-inspired get-up — carried in on a litter by six topless hunks — or attending the Tony awards in a red and pink suit designed to look like female reproductive organs, his fashion is both show-stopping and political.

Asked whether he feels that he has been fully accepted by the fashion community now, and he is in two minds. “I feel like the fashion industry has accepted me because they have to. I’m not necessarily convinced and here is why. I created the conversation [about non-binary fashion] and yet Vogue still put Harry Styles, a straight white man, in a dress on their cover for the first time.” He pulls a face. “I’m not dragging Harry Styles, but he is the one you’re going to try and use to represent this new conversation? He doesn’t care, he’s just doing it because it’s the thing to do. This is politics for me. This is my life. I had to fight my entire life to get to the place where I could wear a dress to the Oscars and not be gunned now. All he has to do is be white and straight.” end id]

#my kneejerk response was agreement #but the more i read this the less sure i am #what he said is evocative of a point that i agree with but i don't think i can agree with the point he actually made here #and it's a flat fact that he did not create this conversation #he was not the first one doing it #if they're both cis why should either of them represent this new conversation #unless the conversation is literally just 'men can wear dresses' in which case they should probably both speak up #billy porter say more #harry styles #billy porter

22 notes · View notes

dontshootmespence · 3 years

Text

Home Again

Summary: Spencer and Luke are happily married when the world goes to shit. In the chaos, they’re separated. After years, each one presumes the other dead. Until one day.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Luke Alvez

Word Count: 3,564

Warning: Zombie apocalypse shit. Character deaths.

A/N: This fulfills my apocalypse au square for @cmbingo.

Inside their mid-size apartment, Luke dances to his favorite music as he moves about the kitchen, getting dinner ready for when Spencer comes home. A medical researcher’s work was never really done, but in the years since they’d gotten married, Spencer made a commitment to be home by every night at 6PM unless they discussed otherwise.

Turning on the nightly news, Luke saw what looked like a pretty severe car accident on the road that Spencer normally took on the way home. He pulled out his phone and dialed, hoping to give his husband a head’s up about the driving conditions, but it went straight to voicemail. “Hey, Spence, it’s me. I mean, of course it’s me,” he laughed. “But anyway, I’m working on dinner now and I just saw the news. There’s a big accident on I-275 so you might want to take another way home if you can. I’ll see you in a little bit. Love you.”

As Luke slipped the chicken into the pot, he heard what sounded like another car wreck and ran to the window, sticking his head out to see a car on its side and one man running clumsily after another. A knock at the door distracted him from the damage on the street below.

“Luke, it’s Steven. Open up.”

Steven was their neighbor and a college student. They rarely ever spoke. “Steven, what’s wrong?”

“There’s something wrong, man. People are going crazy out there. They’re attacking each other and...and eating each other. It’s like there are...”

Luke couldn’t help but laugh. “Do not say zombies. There’s no such thing, kid.”

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Steven insisted. “Something is happening. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pack up some essentials and get moving. Apparently, it started at the Recovered Exploration Lab downtown and people, zombies, whatever they are, they’re headed this way. I just wanted to give you a heads up.”

Steven sped down the stairs in a panic, leaving Luke’s focus to drift back to the television. “We’re here just above Recovered Exploration Lab where the breakout of what looks like zombies seems to have started,” the news anchor started. “On the ground, people are ripping and tearing and eating each other in what seems to be a real-life apocalypse, folks. At this time we don’t know what caused it, but we can assume that the staff at Recovered Exploration have been keeping secrets. This is WLVW Channel 2 News. Back to you in the studio.”

Luke couldn’t believe what he was hearing and ran back to the window to see even more people than before ambling down the street. Cursing under his breath, he pulled out his phone again and dialed Spencer again. “Spence, have you heard what’s on the news? Are they talking about it on the radio? They’re saying it’s a real life zombie apocalypse out there and I’m, I’m, I’m, uh, looking out the window and people are attacking each other. There’s a swarm of people heading toward the apartment so I’m grabbing some essentials for us. Meet me at our diner okay? Then we can figure out what to do. Be safe, Spence. I love you.”

Running into their bedroom, Luke grabbed the biggest backpack he could find and anything he thought they might need. Spare clothes, toiletries, canned food, a can opener, toilet paper, some sharp knives and his guns from work. “What else?” He spoke into the empty room. On the wall hung their favorite picture from their wedding. He and Spencer wore matching tuxes and walked hand in hand along a lit-up, tree-lined path. Lost in thought, the commotion brought him back. He stuffed the picture into the backpack and ran downstairs, hoping that this was all a dream.

----

Having heard both of Luke’s messages, Spencer took an alternative route home, but unfortunately, he ran into another accident, slamming on the brakes as two cars crashed into stopped cars in front of them. With traffic at a standstill, he pulled his phone out and tried to call Luke. Obviously, there had to be another explanation for what was happening.

As he was about to try calling for a second time, he saw someone in the wreckage ahead, who he’d previously assumed to be dead, jerk back to life. Slowly, she go up from the ground and shuffled toward an office that had his back turned. When an ear-shattering scream resounded through the air, Spencer dropped his phone. She wasn’t the only one.

A man from a nearby car knocked on Spencer’s window. “Buddy, we need to get out of here. You have anything that might help?”

“Like what?” Spencer asked, voice quivering as he picked up his phone from the car floor and shoved it back in his pocket. Quickly, he searched the car for anything that might be helpful. His keys.

“Anything in the trunk?” The man asked, grabbing Spencer’s arm and yanking him away from the incoming crowd. “We need to move now.”

His mind had blanked. After grabbing the emergency preparedness bag from the trunk of the car that Luke insisted he have, he and the unnamed man ran over the highway barrier and away from the traffic. “I need to get to the diner on Jones and Washington,” Spencer said. “Do you know it? My husband said to meet him there.”

Staring back into the growing see of screaming and ambling bodies, the man replied. “I don’t think you’re going that way, kid.”

----

Stumbling down into the street they lived on, Luke looked around in horror. He ran. He ran as hard and as fast as his body would allow, staying clear of any of the infected like his life depended on it. Right now, it did.

Luke wavered between walking and running in the general direction of the diner he knew so well. For five years, every Friday, he and Spencer would head there for a greasy burger and fries and some of the best milkshakes either of them had ever tasted.

The farther he traveled from the apartment, the less insanity he seemed to encounter, but still, his heart beat with reckless abandon as he peered around every corner. If whatever this was didn’t get resolved soon, every street, every city, every state would be something to fear. No longer would he and Spencer be able to go to the local park and bask in the sun. No more walks on the beach. No more calm and colorful sunsets. “You’re getting ahead of yourself,” he muttered to himself. “Just get to the diner.”

Using landmarks to guide his way (so that he could keep his phone on and pray for a call from Spencer), he crossed what he believed was the halfway point between the apartment and the restaurant. They now lived in a world where people ate each other and rose from the dead, but it was the groups of human beings taking this whole situation as a free for all that he had to avoid most of all.

As he hurriedly turned the corner, Luke bumped into a group of nervous but determined young adults. The youngest couldn’t have been 16 and the oldest topped 25 at the most. By the looks of the straggling adults, most of them had already lost someone or taken this new world as an excuse to ditch their families and fend for themselves. The most self-assured of the bunch stepped in toward Luke and looked at his bag. “Seems like you’re well stocked.”

“For a couple days,” he replied, carefully taking a small step backward. “For my spouse and I until this whole thing blows over.” He spoke the words, but something told him ‘this whole thing’ wasn’t going to be over anytime soon.

With each step Luke took back, the young man stepped forward and tried to yank the bag from his grasp. “Sorry, kiddo. That ain’t happening.” Before the other man could swing his gun from his back and into his hand, Luke had his pulled and aimed. “Don’t. I don’t wanna hurt people. You walk away. I’ll walk away and we’ll pretend this never happened.”

The next moments passed by in a blur - kids running, bullets flying. Luke didn’t glance back, running away from the screams and toward the diner with tears in his eyes. He just shot a kid. A kid who was just trying to survive in whatever the hell this new world was.

----

Days passed before Spencer and his party of misfits arrived at the diner. Jim was the man that shook him to reality. On the way they’d also run into a single mother named Avery and her 3-year-old son, Chase, who were being harassed by a couple of guys who just didn’t want to take no for an answer. Although they tried to resolve things peacefully, Jim killed the one that pulled a gun on him and the other ran away. From there, they all went to Jim’s former precinct and grabbed whatever guns they could find. Unlike Luke, Spencer wasn’t used to holding guns, but he was going to have to get accustomed quickly.

Normally, the diner looked reminiscent of the 50s. Crisp black and white checkered floors, red leather seats, clean white tables and chrome chairs at similarly colored bar-tops. Now there were skid marks on the floors, dinged counters and bits of food all over the floor. The kitchen had already been ransacked so very little decent food was left, but they stocked up on what they could and waited.

Nearly a week went by before Jim insisted they leave. “I know your husband was going to meet you here, Spencer, but if we stay any longer we’re putting ourselves in danger. We don’t wanna use all our gunpower to defend this place when we can’t stay here.”

Spencer knew he was right, but the thought of leaving hurt his heart. “I’m never going to see my husband again, am I, Jim?”

The older man just looked at him sadly, resting his hand on Spencer’s shoulder. “Call him. You’ve still got a little power left. Leave a message. And hope for the best. I’ll give you a minute before we head out.”

Spencer thanked him softly and went into the back room before pulling out the phone. Shakily, he dialed Luke one more time. “Hey, babe. I’ve been at the diner for almost a week. I don’t know what happened to you...or,” his voice broke, “or if you’re even still alive, but if you are, I’m headed toward my mother’s nursing home. I need to see if she’s okay. I have no idea if we’re ever going to see each other again. I hope we are. But if we aren’t, I need you know that the years we’ve been together, the years we’ve been married, they’ve been the best and happiest of my life. Studying what I study, it can suck the life out of you, but seeing you in the mornings, the sun shining on your face, it gave me that little push I needed to go do what I do. You changed my life, Luke. I love you so much. If you’re out there, and you can’t get to me, just know that, I love you with everything I have.”

Quickly, he ended the call and shoved the phone back in his pocket before breaking down sobbing. He allowed himself a few minutes and then met Jim, Avery and Chase outside. They’d all agreed to head in the direction of his mother’s nursing home. Spencer prayed that Luke and his mother were still alive. And safe.

----

After shooting the kid, Luke ran into a building a melted down. Sure, he’d had to shoot people before. He’d killed people before. But this was different. This was practically a kid whose only crime was trying to look out for the group he was with. Between dodging zombies and dodging other people, it took Luke almost two full weeks to get to the diner, but by the time he arrived, if Spencer had been there, he was gone.

Despite the possibility of nearby zombies or walkers or whatever he’d heard people calling them, Luke screamed at the top of his lungs and lost it. Without finding him here, there was no guarantee that they were ever going to see each other again. In his search for any salvageable supplies, he came across random papers, broken glass, ripped bandages - but nothing of use.

When he glanced down at the floor, he saw Spencer’s signature and hurriedly picked it up, but the other pieces of whatever note he left were too ripped up and dirty and stepped on for him to make out what it said. As his fingers slid over his husband’s name, a tear fell from his eye. If Spencer was still alive, he was likely headed in the direction his mother lived.

“Hello?” A small voice broke Luke from his train of thought. He spun around, his hand on the gun in his holster. “Please don’t hurt me,” the girl said. Dirt and dried blood covered her face and her eyes conveyed a lifetime of hurt. “Please.”

Luke lowered his gun. “How old are you?”

“Fourteen.”

Luisa had been right in the eye of the storm at the start of this whole thing weeks earlier. “My papa died trying to save my mama. And then she was bitten trying to save my sister and I. She saved me, but it was too late for Josephine. My mother lost too much blood. She fell asleep and never woke up and I had to- I had to put her out of her misery. I’m all alone.”

“Not anymore, kiddo. “You’ll stay with me.”

“Thank you - “

“Luke.”

“Thank you, Luke.”

----

The weeks that followed put Spencer’s band of misfits went through the ringer. After detouring around a group of people that would’ve outnumbered them three to one had they decided they wanted trouble, they had to fight their way through a hoard of walkers. Though they had few weapons, they managed, but not without Jim being bitten.

“Kid, you know without a medic around this tourniquet is just stopping the inevitable. The bastard nicked my brachial artery,” Jim said, heavily drawing in each breath as it came to him. “You’ve got to take the weapons and keep those two safe for as long as you can. Maybe find your husband again.”

Spencer swallowed the lump in his throat. “I could go find-”

“No way. There’s a hoard at our backs and only Lord knows what up ahead. I won’t have you risking that for me.”

Over and over again, Spencer tried to reason with him, but in a way Jim was right. He had no idea what was up ahead and even if he found a medic there was no guarantee that he’d get back in time to save Jim. “I’m sorry,” Spencer said, placing a handgun in his palm. “I really am.”

“I know, kid. I have you find your husband again. Now get going.”

Once Spencer grabbed the weapons Jim had, he gathered up Avery and Chase and headed out into the unknown. A gunshot rang out and the crows fled into the sky. Hope was waning fast.

----

On their way to Diana’s nursing home, Spencer, Avery and Chase faced no further challenges. As soon as they detected voices, they headed away from them, preferring to stay in their small group of three than risk bringing other people into their ranks. They crossed the occasional zombie, but they were quickly dispatched.

Finally, they reached Diana’s home, but they were too late. Spencer found her alive, but too bloodied and bruised to move. “Mom, I’ll find someone. I won’t let you die,” Spencer said softly as he cried. “I can find someone to help and we can get you out of here.”

Diana was nothing if not a realist. “I’m going to die, Spencer. Soon probably. I just hope I can keep my wits about me until the sleep sets in. How’s Luke? Where is he? Is he-?”

“I don’t know,” Spencer sobbed. “You really want to talk about my life right now?’

“Yes. When I first saw this on the news, I thought I was having a nightmare, but it’s real and it’s unreal and I just want a sense of normalcy.”

Spencer radioed Avery to tell her where he was before curling in next to his mother. “I was on my way home from work when this all started. Luke was home. I-I haven’t seen him since and I don’t think I’m ever going to see him again. Mom, I’m so scared of being alone.”

“You’ll find him again,” Diana said weakly.

“How do you know?”

“A mother knows. Remember?”

Spencer grabbed her hand and started reading the nearest book he could find. “Spencer...” she said, whisper soft. “It’s time for me to go to sleep.”

“No, mom, just a little bit longer.”

“Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

Diana fought for each breath. “Don’t let me turn into one of those things.”

Spencer choked out a sob. “I won’t.”

“And stay hopeful.”

He promised he would, though he wasn’t sure it was a promise he could keep. “Mom?”

Nothing.

Before she could come back, he took a small gun out of his pocket, aimed, and fired. “I’ll try, Mom.”

----

Days passed into weeks passed into months passed into years. In a world changed, it changed those within in. Luke, once a confident and self-assured government agent, turned inward, going from one “safe haven” to another and sheltering himself and Luisa until their hideaway was discovered and they needed to move on, never once fighting for a place to call a makeshift home.

Through the years he lost himself, finding that instead of helping others, he did only what he had to do for he and Luisa to survive, never once taking a life, only dispatching zombies when need be.

On the other hand, Spencer found himself hardening against the world. More than a year after everything began, Avery was overtaken by a hoard they passed, shoving Chase out of the crowd and toward Spencer. With her last breaths, she begged Spencer to take care of her son. Five years later, he and the almost nine-year-old boy headed a group of nearly 50 people, though numbers dwindled and rose from month to month.

Spencer became a leader, but he confided in no one, killed if it was necessary to defend his “home”, and rarely spoke, shutting down in the face of any emotional connection. To connect was to lose, and he had lost enough.

“Daniel and Alexa, you’ll accompany me into town for some supplies.” In addition to defending the makeshift community they’d developed, Spencer always sent out scouts to ensure that no one touched the supplies in surrounding towns. Less-looted stores were low in number and eventually he would need to conduct another reconnaissance mission to find supplies, but for now they would survive. “We leave within the hour.”

Smiles were few and far between, for Spencer more than most. However, the little boy he’d ended up raising as his son brought him a sliver of joy, along with his memories of Luke. They coaxed him to sleep at night and in the morning, he used them to make it through the day. “Chase, you know I love you, right?”

“I do, Spencer. Be careful okay? I can’t lose you.”

“I’ll be back.” He never promised, knowing more than most that sometimes the world was cruel. “Be good for Sandra.”

Though he was born before the world went to shit, Chase had essentially grown up in this new world. He was disciplined and trustworthy and more an adult than any almost nine-year-old boy should ever have to be.

On the way to gather supplies, Spencer zoned out, only gathering little bits of the conversation going on behind him. Both Daniel and Alexa had lost spouses at the start of the apocalypse and something told Spencer they were seeking comfort in one another now that they were “safe.” Funny how the meaning of a word could change in such a short amount of time.

While out for supplies, Spencer had insisted that no one go anywhere alone, so the three entered the hardware store in search of anything they could use as a weapon. As he gathered ropes and zip ties and wrenches into his supply bag, he heard Alexa and Daniel call for him. “Boss!”

Spencer approached the two, their guns raised and ready to fire. In the line of sight was a young woman, sheltered by a man. He closed his eyes and begged the universe for this not to be a joke, his mind playing tricks on him. When Spencer opened his eyes, he remained. “Luke?”

He smiled and immediately broke into tears. “Spence? You’re, you’re-”

Pushing past Daniel and Alexa, Spencer ran into Luke’s arms on the verge of tears, pressing his lips to his husband’s for the first time in nearly seven years. “I’m alive. And you’re here. How are you here?”

“Because I’m a different person. You?”

“Me too,” Spencer said sadly. “Everything’s changed. Except what I feel for you. I’m finally home again.”

#cmbingo #cmbingo21 #criminal minds bingo #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds #spencer reid #luke alvez #reidvez #ralvez #spencer reid x luke alvez #luke alvez x spencer reid #dontshootmespence #home again

40 notes · View notes

selfless1978 · 3 years

Video

youtube

UNSTOPPABLE

Vicky walked into the lair, her eyes bright and a bounce in her step. He hidden secret had been exposed, and Leo was still firmly by her side. She hadn’t known how much keeping this secret from him had actually weighed her down.

“Hello, Master Splinter!” She greeted him cheerfully as she headed towards the kitchen. Placing the bag of groceries down on the counter. She frowned as she went unanswered. Usually he was quick to respond to her greetings, but not this time. She took off the backpack she had been carrying. It’s contents something she had really wanted to show her lover now that he knew.

“Master Splinter?” She went looking for the rat dad, and found him by the radio. Listening to the frantic calls between the brothers. “What’s going on?”

“They are out on patrol, my dear.” He still didn’t look from the radio, his tail twitching in agitation. “There appears to be trouble with the Purple Dragons tonight.”

‘Raph!’ Vicky’s attention immediately focused in on the radio. That was Leo’s voice and even she could hear the tense stress in it. ‘Mikey is down! Cover him!’

‘I’m trying! Can’t break through these clowns!’

‘Donnie?’

‘A little busy!’

There was more, but it was tuned out as her eyes narrowed. “This doesn’t sound like a normal skirmish.”

“It isn’t.” Splinter confirmed. “They stumbled over a major operation. It’s proving- Where are you going?”

Vicky had already snatched a spare radio and a small tracking device and turned from him, determination in her eyes as she strode with a purpose towards her bag. “To help.”

“Vicky, I can not and will not condone this! It is far to dangerous!”

The tall brunette snatched up her bag, opening it even as she turned to face Splinter. “All due respect, Master Splinter, but I’m not one of your sons. I’m going.” She yanked out what she had in the bag and began changing even as she stomped towards the garage.

Leaving a dumbfounded and frustrated rat behind.

All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this town I'll do it 'til the sun goes down and all through the night time Oh yeah Oh yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hear Leave my sunglasses on while I shed a tear It's never the right time

She threw the bag to the side as she walked determinedly on. The clothes now sliding over her skin were old companions. And the unconventional belt clasp around her waist was an old friend. She was just as comfortable in this get up as she was in normal street clothes. The final touch was braiding her long hair to keep it out of her face.

Yeah, yeahI put my armor on, show you how strong how I am I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am

Mere moments later the motorcycle flared to life and she put the red helmet on. She hoped Raph wouldn’t mind...too much. Her now booted, not her usual sneakers, foot stayed planted firmly on the ground as the bike spun around. Smoke coming up from the hard surface wafted up around the black cargo pants she wore before the bike leaped forward.

She leaned over the bike as she raced towards the exit. The black skin tight swear she wore offering no resistance against the wind as he long braid flew behind her. At her hips, something that had been very meticulously crafted for her, and something she would need.

I'm unstoppable I'm a Porsche with no brakes I'm invincible Yeah, I win every single game

The borrowed Ducati shot out of the tunnel, popping a wheelie before it roared out into the night. She pushed the bike on to faster speeds and easily weaved through the traffic.

I'm so powerful I don't need batteries to play I'm so confident

With her secret revealed, there wasn’t the slightest bit of hesitation in her. She knew this life, she welcomed this life. She was comfortable with this life.

Leo had been there through so much with her, all of her hurt and pain had been eased at his hands. Now it was her turn to show her love and dedication.

Yeah, I'm unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today

“Leo! We’re surrounded!” Donnie snapped out, even as he finally was able to get to his brother. Mikey was groaning and holding the back of his head, dazed, but he seemed otherwise to be alright.

Their predicament was anything but.

“What’s the matter, freaks?” Hun grinned maliciously as he walked up, knuckles cracking in his large beefcake hands. “Thought I wouldn’t expect you this time?”

“Your tactics are becoming pathetically predictable.” Stockman grinned from the side. “My genius was easily able to predict your arrival.”

“Oh, shut up.” Raph rolled his eyes. “Even idiots get a lucky break.”

“Idiot!?” Stockman flared. “I’ll have you know my IQ is-”

“Nobody cares!” All the turtles chimed together.

Stockman huffed as Leo frantically tried to find a way out of the situation. These two had obviously been well prepared. Blue eyes searched for some kind of opening in the mass of bodies around them.

Then he blinked in surprise. On the far side, rapidly approaching from behind the crowd, a figure was crouched low over a bike. Bright red helmet clear to see.

“Is that....my bike?” Raph also looked a bit dumbfounded. “That’s my bike! Who stole my bike!?”

Leo began to develop a sinking feeling in his stomach. “Oh no....”

Break down, only alone I will cry on out You'll never see what's hiding out Hiding out deep down

The bike didn’t make any move to slow down. The rider waited until literally the last moment before launching herself high into the air. The bike smashed hard into the crowd, taking out a fair amount of bodies.

Yeah, yeah I know, I've heard that to let your feelings go Is the only way to make friendships grow But I'm too afraid now Yeah, yeah

The helmet came off of the figure in midair. Vicky’s glare washed over the group of baddies before she easily landed, the helmet in her hand her first weapon as she swung it around her, knocking the closest circle out before she almost viscously chucked it at Hun’s head. She watched impassively as it bounced off of his thick skull, cracking in half.

I put my armor on, show you how strong how I am I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am

Now she stood tall and fearless in the middle of the crowd, her hands going to the curious objects at her hips, pulling them out. Then she pressed a button on each one and they snapped to their full length. The asps spun in her fingers, obviously she was comfortable using the oddly colored weapons. One blue wrapped in a red vine and leaf pattern, the other purple with orange.

“Let’s dance, fuckheads.”

I'm unstoppable I'm a Porsche with no breaks I'm invincible Yeah, I win every single game

“Get her!” Hun bellowed, and a sizable number tried to do just that.

Keyword here is, tried.

Vicky exploded into motion. Her asps came up in a blocking maneuver to block a punch even as her leg kicked out to nail him in the stomach. She flipped horizontally over his bent body before landing on his other side, now kicking him in the side and into the group. Her elbow slammed into the neck of the one coming up behind her, sending him sprawling before her foot came up and around. Connecting with his face and helping his stumbling along.

Then she went low, the same legsweep she had used on Leo was now used against the Dragons getting to close to her.

Leo stared at her, his mouth gaping open.

“Move, Fearless!” Raph slapped the back of Leo’s shell to get his attention. “Ya can wrestle her in bed later, but we gotta get Mikey outta here!”

Leo shook himself out of his stupor and he himself burst forward. Vicky had broken a weak spot into the press around them and he had to help her hold it open. His concern rising when Hun himself was moving in on her.

He blocked the punch from the massive human that was aimed for her head. His eyes now locked onto the leader of the Dragons as they exchanged a rapid flurry of blows.

I'm so powerful I don't need batteries to play I'm so confident Yeah, I'm unstoppable today

Vicky caught him off guard when she ducked under one of his kicks, then leapt high, her braid trailing around her as she spun. First one, then the second asp connected with Hun’s face before she landed and ducked under Leo’s own punch as it came in.

And so it continued, the two of them weaving around each other as together they kept the large man at bay. Even managing to drive him back step by step. It was very clear that she was used to this intimate way of fighting. Her movements flowed easily to compliment Leo’s and he began to feel a sense of wonder. How long had she been doing this? That she could move so easily with him, it was as if she knew his every move intimately. They both kicked out together and hun went flying, crashing through his own men and created the breakout opening they badly needed.

Unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today

They both held the hole open as Raph and Donnie rushed through. The larger carrying Mikey while Donnie kept the Dragons off of their tail.

Once they were out of the main press of bodies Vicky leapt up and flipped over a few of the Dragons. Her intent to now retrieve the bike now that the brothers were clear. Raph would kill her if she left it behind.

Problem was, it was in the middle of Dragons. She just sneered and ran towards them, her weapons held ready in her hands. Once more she whirled, her arms moving faster than they could comprehend as he weapons hit home again and again. she finished off by kicking the final one in the face before righting up the bike.

Unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today

Vicky fired it back up and let it spin out around her, knocking more bodies out of her way. She revved it a few times and it shot forward. It circled around the crowd, and she still held an asp in one hand. Her new game was smacking them senseless a she passed them by.

I put my arm around, show you how strong I am I put my arm around, I'll show you that I am

She knew they were bogged down in they escape attempt because Mikey still wasn’t fully functional. Vicky had to find a way to relieve them of that. Her brown eyes moved rapidly as she tried to figure out a way out of this dilemma.

Vicky grinned widely when she found her way out.

I'm unstoppable I'm a Porsche with no breaks I'm invincible

Quickly she collapsed her asp again and holstered it. Her finger dipped into another portion of her belt and came up with a kunai. She held it by it’s point a moment before she flung it, right at Hun’s head.

He squealed and ducked and it flew past over his head.

“You missed.” He grinned.

“Depends on what I was aiming at.” She smiled coldly.

“Huh?”

The strap holding the cates high in the air snapped, and they fell. Covering Hun in a mass of broken crate parts when they hit the ground. One lid sliding to form a ramp she had been hoping for.

She pulled the bike up next to Raph. “Drape him over. I got him.”

“But-”

“Just do it!” Vicky flared. “If this bike can hold your fat ass, it can hold the two of us!”

Raph just stared a moment before he nodded and handed Mikey over. Vicky made sure the youngest was secured then spun the bike around on squealing tires.

Even as she lined the bike up, she saw the crates move. Hun was already trying to dig his way out. She didn’t waste any more time.

Yeah, I win every single game

The engine revved.

I'm so powerful

The bike sped forward, rapidly picking up speed.

I don't need batteries to play

She crouched lower, eyes narrowed as she held Mikey firmly in place

I'm so confident

Vicky hit the ramp, ignoring the pained grunts coming from under the wood as hun was once more squished to the ground under the weight of the bike.

Yeah, I'm unstoppable today

They flew high over the heads of Hun’s men and landed on the far side. The Ducati wobbled a bit before Vicky was able to steady it.

Unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today

“See ya fuckers!” Vicky popped a triumphant wheelie as she sped off with her prize, knowing the brothers would be easily to extract themselves from what was left without the worry of her and Mikey slowing them down. Her delighted laughter trailing behind her.

Unstoppable today Unstoppable today Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today Leo could only stare as she drove away, his eyes awestruck and completely smitten.

“You owe me a new helmet.” Raph pushed Leo’s shoulder to get him moving. “Yer crazy cookie broke mine.”

Leo just nodded his agreement as he turned to follow his brothers out of the badly backfired trap. Soon, the only thing left was the groans of the downed Dragons, a broken red helmet and a completely confused and angry Hun.

@the-second-circle-of-shell @bushido-in-blue

15 notes · View notes

awkwardpenguinproductions · 3 years

Text

Rebellion

Part 8 of Dragon of the Yuyan

Read on AO3 | Series Masterpost

The prisoner is tiny.

That’s the first thing Zuko notices, when Banli Squad returns triumphant from their mission with a figure wrapped in heavy iron netting like a landed fish. Tiny, and young. Zuko would be damned if the kid was a day older than eleven. The top of their bald, tattooed head barely comes up to the middle of Zuko’s chest.

White hot rage shoots through him as Zheng shoves the Avatar down the corridor ahead of him, radiating smugness like a fucking peacock. He wants to rip that netting off and carry the kid away from here, away from Zhao who acts like the entire Stronghold and everyone in it is his to do whatever the fuck he wants with.

The plan, dum dum, remember the plan, he chants to himself, and holds onto his control with both hands and every ounce of stubbornness in his body.

Do you think it’s true? The Avatar’s returned? Zuko had demanded, barely waiting for the Commander’s office door to close behind him. The announcement had been made twenty minutes ago, and Zuko had immediately followed the older man to his office when he’d left the mess hall.

Commander Toshiaki hadn’t replied immediately, but had reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of rotgut. He’d poured two cups, knocked one back, and pushed the other toward Zuko, who sipped at it warily, grimacing at the taste.

The Commander had dropped into his desk chair and tilted his head back for a moment before beginning to sign. I can’t imagine the Fire Lord making an announcement like that unless there was some truth to it. Either way, it changes things.

No kidding! Zuko had snapped. The Commander shot him a Look, and Zuko had winced and signed a quick Sorry, sir.

The Commander had sighed silently. If anything, all it does is move the timeline up rather a lot. It shouldn’t take the Avatar very long to gather followers and allies, and as the main aggressor in the war, the Fire Lord will be their main focus.

Instead of waiting for Azula to come of age and then to get impatient, we just cut her out of the line completely, Zuko had realized. Instead of the war dragging on for another four years or more, the Avatar can help us end it sooner. Within the year, even!

The Commander had nodded. We need to stay alert for opportunities slip away and rendezvous with the Avatar and their followers. I have a list of Troop members who are willing to defect. When the opportunity presents itself, you will give the signal, and the Yuyan Archers will disappear.

Zuko meets the Commander’s eyes, and blinks. The Commander blinks back.

Zuko slips down a service corridor, and races back to the Yuyan dorm. He grabs the bag he’d kept prepared for this exact scenario and his dao, and shimmies up into the ventilation shaft. With his most recent growth spurt, it’s a bit of a snug fit, and Zuko suddenly has to wrestle back the panicked thought of oh Agni what if I get stuck. He pauses, breathes a few deep breaths, and continues on to the bathroom, where he gets his Blue Spirit uniform on as fast as he can. His hair gets tied back into a braid, the length of which is tucked under his tunic and hood. His dao go on his back, every single throwing knife he owns is strapped somewhere on his body, and he carefully burns the clothes he was wearing in the brazier that heats the water for the ofuro. The bag his Blue Spirit materials were in gets folded up as small as Zuko can possibly make it and tucked into the back of his belt. Could be useful later.

He fastens his mask as securely as he possibly can, and Cadet Zuko of the Yuyan Archers disappears. In his place stands the Blue Spirit, ready for war.

By now the Avatar will have been secured in one of the cells at the top of the Central Tower, where the most powerful benders are kept for holding. Zuko ensures that he has left no trace of his presence in the bathroom, and makes his way upstairs as fast as he can, employing every shadow-walking technique he knows to avoid detection.

It’s caution well spent, because the upper detention level is crawling with Stronghold guards. At least a dozen of them. Zhao may be a pompous ass and a creep to rival Koh themself, but he’s not completely stupid. These guys must be new, though, or they came with the Admiral, because they are not nearly as wary of dark corners and high shadowed ceilings as they should be.

It’s quick work knocking the idiots out and looping lengths of chain around their ankles to hang them from the rafters like freshly hunted game. If this were a training exercise, he would’ve just left them where they had fallen, but Zuko can’t afford the possibility that they’d wake up and be able to come after him and the Avatar. Getting out of the Stronghold is going to be hard enough, no need to alert anyone to the breakout any earlier than necessary.

Only one of the cells has a guard at the door, who is reaching for the signaling horn as Zuko peeks around the corner. Zuko grabs a bucket of water kept for the guards to drink on duty in one hand, and throws one of his knives with the other. The horn is knocked out of the guard's hand, and as Zuko rushes him the man shoots a rather paltry plume of flame at him. Zuko doesn't miss a beat as he throws the water into the strike, then whips the bucket into the man's leading foot to break his root.

Thank Agni for Mika's "learn-to-fight-with-any-kind-of-random-shit" lessons, he thinks a bit hysterically as the man goes crashing to the floor. He binds the man with his own handcuffs, borrowing a second set that had fallen from another guard's belt to bind his ankles, and ties a length of cloth he finds in the last guard's pocket into a gag.

He takes a minute to retrieve his throwing knife and to breathe, and he can very distantly hear Zhao's ridiculous speech echoing up from the main courtyard.

Zhao had arrived about two weeks after the Winter Solstice, just in time for the Fire Nation Armed Forces' rumor mill to have built up a full head of steam. He had swept into the Stronghold like he'd owned the place, towering over Colonel Shinu in a ridiculous attempt to intimidate the much shorter man, but he had still been a Commander at the time and the Colonel had quickly put him in his place. The complete 180° turn the man's personality had taken at that point had completely creeped Zuko out, had reminded him uncomfortably of Azula, and he'd done his absolute best not to be caught alone with him.

A few days after Zhao's arrival, Commander Toshiaki had indicated that he'd wanted a meeting, and Zuko had met him in his office.

Zhao has been trying to convince Colonel Shinu to allow him to use the Archers in his hunt for the Avatar, the Commander had signed as soon as the door was closed behind Zuko. The tension in the older man's body had been obvious, his signs rigidly composed.

There's no way the Colonel will go for that, Zuko had replied, trying to decipher the Commander's body language. Disapproval, maybe? Or anger? Either were rarely seen from the stern but kind officer, and therefore hard to recognize.

He may no longer have a choice. The Commander's jaw clenched. Anger, then, and Zuko had felt proud of himself that he'd felt no unease at all around the Commander as he'd struggled to hold his temper. A messenger hawk arrived last night. Zhao has been promoted to Admiral by the Fire Lord.

Fuck, Zuko had stated into the whirling chaos of his mind. With that wonderful piece of news, it was only a matter of time before the Avatar was captured.

My Prince, I also have reason to believe that your safety could be compromised should Zhao discover your identity, the Commander continued. He has been overheard making… comments… about your performance in the Agni Kai against the Fire Lord, as well as voicing theories as to your current location and opinions of how you should be treated when returned to royal custody. A small, distant part of Zuko had mused that if the Commander had been a bender, he would’ve seared the top of his desk black in his rage.

I believe, Prince Zuko, that it would be prudent of you to consider vacating the Stronghold sooner rather than later. The Commander had looked like every sign he’d made had been physically painful, which had eased the pain in Zuko’s own heart of being ousted from his home again. This time was not for someone else’s gain or convenience, but for Zuko’s own safety. And it wasn’t going to be forever, like his abandonment. No matter what ended up happening, Zuko knew he would see his Troop, his family, again. Kai would hunt him down, to say nothing of the rest of Chihese Squad and the Commander himself.

I understand, Commander, Zuko had replied, smiling at his commanding officer. Depending on how quickly the Avatar is apprehended, the Blue Spirit should be able to escort them away without too much effort.

Famous last words, Zuko growls silently to himself as he picks the lock on the cell. It’s a new model, something Zhao had installed in the last couple of weeks as he prepared to imprison the Avatar, and Zuko hasn’t had enough opportunity to practice picking it between avoiding Zhao and smuggling supplies and his belongings out of the Stronghold with his squad under the guise of “wilderness training”.

It takes forty-seven seconds more than Zuko really cares to admit, but he does finally get the cell door open, and he slips inside and shuts the door behind him.

The Avatar is chained hand and foot in the center of the cavernous cell, arms held out and fastened to the two huge torches that provide the only light in the room. Their odd yellow, orange, and brown clothes are tattered and splashed with mud, and their skin is ghostly pale. Their stormy gray eyes are huge in their face as they stare at Zuko.

Zuko draws his dao, and rushes forward in a form meant to build momentum. The Avatar screams and cringes back, squeezing their eyes shut. Zuko’s blades slice cleanly through the chains holding their arms, and it takes the Avatar a moment to realize that they aren’t hurt and to stop screaming and open their eyes. They stare in bafflement at the manacles on their wrists, which Zuko also slices off. He finishes with the cuffs on their feet, and strides back to the cell door.

“Who are you? What’s going on?” The Avatar’s voice calls out, high with prepubescence and stress. “Are you here to rescue me?”

Duh, Zuko thinks, opening the door and making sure the coast is clear before turning back and making a vague come on gesture.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” the Avatar mumbles, warily following him. Their footsteps are barely audible against the steel-clad floors, and Zuko has to listen extra hard to make sure they’re still with him.

“My frogs!” The Avatar gasps, and Zuko has just enough time to think what? before those nearly silent footsteps go pattering off in another direction. He clenches his teeth behind the mask and follows, catching up as the Avatar is kneeling on the floor trying to catch a bunch of half-frozen wood frogs. He grabs the kid by the collar of their weird tunic and hauls them away, and cringes when the little idiot hollers for the entire Stronghold to hear, “But my friends need to suck on those frogs!”

Zuko switches his grip on this absolute moron of an Avatar from their collar to the front of their tunic, (gently) pushes them against the closest wall, and flicks them between the eyes hard with his free hand. Then he puts his finger against the grinning mouth of his mask for quiet.

The Avatar has the grace to be chagrined, at least. “I’m sorry,” they whisper. “It’s just— I got captured ‘cause I was gathering those frogs ‘cause my friends are sick and the crazy old lady on the top of the mountain said that they needed to suck on the frozen frogs to get better and I’m really worried about them— my friends, not the frogs— but I know I gotta be quiet so we can get out of here, right?”

Great Agni and all the stars, how is this kid the spirits-damned Avatar? Zuko bites back a sigh, nods sharply, and makes a note that the Avatar has ill companions that need treatment. The Avatar nods back, eyes huge in their pale face.

Zuko leads the way to the main sewer line, which the pair of them follow out of the Central Tower and to the back courtyard. A quick peek through the bars above their heads reveals that the coast is clear, and Zuko points upward to indicate to the Avatar that they need to pull themselves up through the bars. The Avatar follows without a word, and they break for the rope that hangs from the top of the Stronghold’s innermost wall, left there by one of the Archers on Commander Toshiaki’s orders.

They’re halfway up the rope when the alarm sounds. Zuko can hear Zhao shouting that “the Avatar has escaped!”, and some bootlicker responds with “There! On the wall!”. Zuko has five seconds to curse his fucking luck before the rope in his hands goes slack and they start to fall.

The Avatar does something, and with a roar of wind Zuko feels himself slowing down in midair, and they both land gently on their feet. Zuko draws his dao and points with one to the gates starting to close. As one he and the Avatar start running for the gates as Zhao shouts "Close all the gates immediately!" like the gatemen don't know how to do their freaking jobs.

"Stay close to me!" The Avatar tells him, and all Zuko can do is nod and try to keep up as the Avatar zooms towards the gate, faster than a normal human can run. Zuko's no slouch, racing against Jiyoti will ensure that, but after airbending a line of guards out of the way, the Avatar seems to forget that Zuko can't run as fast, because they book it for the gate and leave Zuko in the dust.

He gets cornered, surrounded by guards with spears, and it takes everything he has to keep from bending, because if even the slightest spark slips from his blades he’s done for. Abruptly the guards disappear, blown away by the Avatar’s airbending, and Zuko has a moment to wonder why they don’t bend any of the other elements before the Avatar swings a broken spear like a trebuchet and Zuko goes flying.

He lands on top of the innermost wall and immediately tucks into a roll to bleed off the momentum. He hears the clomping steps of the guards approaching and snaps to his feet, swords out and held at the ready, and then something slams into his upper back and a steel band wraps around his chest under his arms, and with a jerk he’s flying again.

They land with a crash on the intermediate wall, and Zuko’s blades clatter away. He doesn’t have time to grab them, though, because the Avatar’s been cornered by a guard at least twice their size. Their makeshift staff has been knocked away, and Zuko doesn’t think before he grabs the guard around the middle and throws him off the wall.

They reach the other side of the wall just as more guards come up the bamboo emergency ladders. The Avatar blows the first two ladders clear with their airbending, and Zuko just finishes clearing the third and barely has time to sheath his blades before the Avatar is handing him one of the ladders with a hurried "hold this!". They have the second ladder in their arms, and they jump onto the parapet of the wall and step onto the third ladder, pushing it away from the wall.

"Jump on my back!" The absolutely wolf-bat fucking crazy Avatar calls at him, and Zuko can do nothing but obey. His momentum and weight are what tip the ladder over fully away from the wall, and the Avatar maneuvers the ladder in his arms so that the pair of them stilt-walk across the no-man's land between the intermediate and outer walls. However, some really intelligent person decides to set fire to the last ladder. Zuko and the Avatar are forced to jump for the outer wall, but Zuko can't keep his grip, and they tumble to the ground just in front of the outer gate.

Dazedly shaking his head, Zuko struggles to his feet and draws his blades as the guards converge upon them. Four firebending guards (I trained with you! a tiny part of Zuko sobs upon seeing them, I sparred with you and you laughed when I beat you!) blast at them in unison, and Zuko is ready to deflect the flames with his blades when the Avatar spins them around and defends them with airbending.

"HOLD YOUR FIRE!"

The flames die away as Admiral Zhao himself strides forward, hands clasped behind his back as calm as can be. "The Avatar must be captured alive," he orders, scowling, but there's a triumphant light in his cold bronze eyes that Zuko immediately hates. Then his words hit, and Zuko immediately knows what to do.

Sorry, kid, just trying to get us out of here alive, he apologizes silently to the Avatar, as he crosses his blades under their chin, razor-sharp edges each a hairsbreadth from the delicate pale skin of their neck. The Avatar makes a strangled "ulp!" sound, and Zuko presses himself against their back and stares Zhao in the eye.

A vein throbs in the man's temple as he grits his teeth in frustration. "Open the gate," he grits out, after a moment of attempting to glare Zuko into submission. Compared to Mika without her morning black tea, the guy's a rank amateur.

"Admiral, what are you doing?" Colonel Shinu hisses from his position at Zhao's shoulder.

"Let them out," Zhao snaps. "NOW."

The gate creaks open behind them, and Zuko carefully walks backward, keeping his blades rock steady at the Avatar's neck. He doesn't take a single eye off of Zhao.

They're in the middle of the last crossroads before the forest when something zings through the air and everything abruptly goes dark.

Zuko had reported to the medbay at Dr. Atsuko's order, and the Chief Medical Officer of the Stronghold had ushered him into her office at the back of the ward.

"Zhao's just sent out Banli Squad to retrieve the Avatar," she'd said brusquely. "Are you ready? Do you have all of the supplies you need, all of the things you're going to take?"

I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Zuko had replied. The Commander gave the signal for everyone who's leaving to be ready to disappear after Banli gets back. I'll be meeting up with Kai at noon the day after the Avatar and I escape to get my bow and quiver from him, since I can't exactly carry them with me as the Blue Spirit. Are you leaving too?

Dr. Atsuko had nodded. "It's time," she'd said, and for once the steel had melted from her expression and she'd actually looked sad. "I've done all I can here, but it's time to go where I can do some real good."

Where will you go? Zuko had asked.

"Here and there," Dr. Atsuko had shrugged. "I've got options. A doctor, especially one with my skills, is always in demand. Before you take off, though, I've got something to teach you," and she'd handed him a Pai Sho tile, the Lotus.

Five hours later, Zuko had been leaving the mess hall after dinner when Banli Squad had paraded the Avatar through the Stronghold.

Zuko wakes up to early morning light filtering through tall trees, a full range of vision due to his mask being gone, and the Avatar sitting curled up in a little ball on top of a huge tree root. He also wakes up to a splitting headache, and bites back a groan that's half pain and half frustration. He doesn't have time for this, the Avatar's a fucking kid, and probably doesn't know any bending besides their native element, and Zuko somehow has to get them ready to… what, overthrow the Fire Lord? Get Zuko's throne back for him?

His temple throbs, and Zuko can't quite bite back the hiss that he makes as he sits up, rubbing his forehead.

"Oh, you're awake!" The Avatar exclaims, voice piercing in the stillness of the surrounding forest. Zuko winces, and thankfully the Avatar seems to notice, because their voice drops several levels of volume until they're almost but not quite whispering. "I never got to thank you last night for getting me out of there. That Zhao guy was kinda creepy. What's your name? I'm Aang."

My name's Zuko, Zuko signs, slow and sluggish with pain and the stiffness that comes with not cooling down properly after excessive exercise. What're your preferred pronouns? I don't want to assume anything.

The Avatar is watching him with huge gray eyes, and Zuko knows without them even opening their mouth that they have no idea what he just said.

Oh damn me to Koh's lair, he thinks, heart sinking. Not only does the spirits-damned Avatar not know any of the other elements, they don't know hand-language. Honestly, Zuko doesn't know why he'd assumed that they would, the Yuyan guard their language with the same ferocity that they hunt their quarries.

"Is that… talking? With your hands?" The Avatar asks, eyebrows sliding up the blue arrow tattoo to the sky. Their voice is hushed and full of wonder. "Can you teach me that?"

Ah, a yes or no question. Zuko nods, then gingerly gets up, glancing around for his mask and picking it up where it lies next to the bed of green leaves that he'd been resting on. His blades are there too, and Zuko huffs slightly in relief as he slings them across his back. He looks at the mask, noting the large scratch in the lacquer on the left side of the forehead. That must've been some shot, he reflects, and kind of wishes he'd been able to see it.

"Uh, so I gotta get some frozen wood frogs for my friends, 'cause they're really sick," the Avatar, Aang, says awkwardly. "You want to come along? Do you have anywhere else to go? Katara could probably give you something for your head, if it's hurting you."

Zuko tugs his braid out of his shirt, cracks his neck, and gestures for Aang to lead the way.

Previous | Next

#atla #atla fanfic #awkpenproductions presents #dragon of the yuyan #part 8 rebellion #full text post

17 notes · View notes

hunflowers · 5 years

Text

Femme Fatale

Word Count: 7.3k

Requested? Nope, but you always can here :)

Mood Board

A/N: I hope you enjoy my rendition of mafia!Harry bc I lowkey do not. Enjoy the smut and maybe leave some feedback when you’re done! *nose boops*

part 2 :)

The rivalry went back decades.

Growing up, they had no choice but to hate each other. It was practically in their blood because that’s how their ancestors were towards one another.

Besides, they tried the whole friendship thing when they were children, and it didn’t even work out then. Simply at first because their families forbade it. But they soon realized how annoying the other was as the years went on. And how badly they wish they could just strangle one another because that would be easier than ever becoming friendly.

It all started with their great-grandfathers, as most old rivalry stories do. They once worked in unison, in harmony as coworkers, cofounders, and friends. Once poor, they rose to the top as a team. But, when money started to become more prevalent, so did the truth of their relationship. They both wanted seniority, to run the business as a King rather than as a team. So, when heads were clashing and neither of them could bring themselves to kill the other, they did the only thing left, and split the business.

And from that point on, peace no longer existed.

Not only did the two men hate each other, but all of their workers started to hate the opposing side. No one thought there could be two leading imports in the city, because the city just wasn’t big enough for both egos. But even though chaos ensued ever since the split, people could say peace was also created. Because everyone was afraid to start a war they couldn’t finish. So, even though there were the casual breakouts and fights, nothing too major ever happened to the point where the city would practically cave in.

Except for now that is. Because Harry and Y/N hated each other that much. Everyone was afraid the other would snap soon and that could only lead to destruction.

Of course, the pair like to think they have it under control, but in reality, one wrong word spoken and the other is as good as dead.

People wondered who the Hell left them in charge because they were some of the most hot headed people to have ever walked this planet. But, in reality they really weren’t left a choice but to run the companies.

Harry’s father was never too into the whole business. Yeah, he got the job done but it wasn’t his first choice career wise. And seeing as he was an only child, he was left no choice but to stay in charge until Harry was ready. And the second he saw that Harry was mature enough for this responsibility, he immediately passed the throne down to him, thankful to have that weight off his shoulders.

As for Y/N, her father wanted her to have nothing to do with the business because it wasn’t a woman’s responsibility. He was thinking of handing the leadership down to his nephew, because he had always looked up to Y/N’s dad and had dreamed of being in charge one day. Of course, she found the whole ordeal ridiculous because the job was meant for her, and no one else.

Y/N was the eldest of her siblings, neither of them being boys. So, when the time would come the company had no choice but to fall in her hands. And even though the time came a lot quicker than she anticipated, she was beyond ready to take on the responsibility. Just a few days past her twenty-first birthday, Y/N’s father had died of a heart attack that was completely unwarranted. He took excellent care of his health, so to say it was a surprise was an understatement. But, even though the company sprung up on her, she prepared most of her life to be in charge and she wasn’t going to let her father down.

Despite Harry’s many attempts to prove her wrong and that she’d be a failure at running things, she would actually prove him wrong time and time again because products exported smoothly and income imported even smoother. And what she makes in a week is generally what he makes every month.

So, she’s doing pretty good she thinks.

But they did try to be friends once. When they were eleven, they shared a few of the same friends so their paths always crossed. So they decided they wouldn't be hostile towards one another because that was the rest of their family, not them. Fast forward to the age of twelve, and Harry and Y/N nearly get in a fist fight due to Harry hurting Y/N’s best friend, and Y/N doing the same to his.

Clearly, history would repeat itself and thus the two joined their families in hating the other.

That led them to where they are now, thirteen years later, and still a lot of hatred in the air.

Albeit, there was the rare occurrence of sexual tension in the air too but they choose not to dwell on that.

It was a one night thing. They were both completely plastered, and they hardly even remember it happening. Of course they tell different stories of that night, and it actually drew them farther apart, but again, they choose to not think about it at all.

It was only a one time thing.

But today. . . today really solidified their ongoing rivalry. Y/N was awoken this morning by the loud shrill of her ringtone blasting in her dark bedroom. She was tempted to not answer it because everyone knew not to call her so early in the morning, but then again, everyone knew not to call her so early in the morning so it must only be an emergency.

And it was the news on the other line that broke her heart and had Y/N flying out of her bed faster than light travelled. Earlier that morning, her youngest sister, Serena, was found in the bathroom of the local club, knocked unconscious whilst her clothes were nearly ripped to shreds. She had been drugged, raped, and stripped of her dignity and Y/N felt responsible. This ache in her chest was prominent because she felt it was her fault for some reason.

After their father’s passing, Serena had gone off the rails for a little while. She took it especially hard because even though all three of his daughters were his babies, Serena being the youngest was his special baby, and she found it very difficult to cope with the loss. So, when Serena did a little too much of experimenting with drugs or drinking, Y/N knew taking care of her baby sister was her main priority.

Hearing the news that her sister had been violated, Y/N couldn’t help but take it to heart. She hardly cared about the outfit she was wearing or what state her hair was in when she arrived at the hospital, all she wanted was to get to her sister.

When she entered her room, she was greeted by her mother and her other sister, Francesca, or Franny for short, already by her bed.

“How is she?” Y/N spoke quickly, taking in the look of her sister sleeping on the hospital bed.

Franny stood up so frantic Y/N could sit down and catch her breath after she practically ran through the hospital halls to find the room.

“She hasn’t woken up yet, but the doctor says she’s in stable condition,” her mother spoke, a shaky breath leaving her lips as she squeezes her daughter's hand.

Y/N bit her bottom lip to stop the urge to burst into tears, keeping her stone cold face in tact. “I swear, I am going to kill whoever did this. I’ll kill them myself, with my own two bare hands.”

“Y/N, please, not now,” Mom hissed. She hated that her daughter had gotten so involved in the business, and she most certainly hated that Y/N got her father’s temper. Her daughter hurting people is the last thing she wants to think about, especially while her other daughter is currently on a hospital bed.

“What, you don’t want whoever did this to pay?”

“Of course I do! By going to prison, not by my daughter’s two hands,” she glared at her eldest.

Y/N huffed, sifting back in her chair and trying to tie back her knotty hair in some sort of bun to get it out of her face before she screams. “Well, my way is a whole lot easier, and I can then guarantee whoever did gets justice served. Who knows what the legal system will do. Give ‘em three months maybe.”

“How about both of you shut your mouths, she’s waking up,” Franny spoke up, gaining the two’s attention immediately. Y/N sat forward, grabbing Serena’s right hand in her own.

The blinding light from the lamp above her head made Serena squint her eyes shut at the vivid brightness, her face distorting into in an uncomfortable grimace before she was able to open her eyes without the light hurting. She looked around at her family, confusion striking her features as she realized where she was.

“Wha– what happened?” She spoke hoarsely, her voice scratchy from probably being excessively dry.

When it was explained what had happened to her, she immediately broke down into tears, which then caused Y/N to let out her own tears. Again, that ping of guilt hitting her right in the heart.

“I know the police are going to ask you questions once they see you’re awake, but do you have any idea who did this to you? Anyone being suspicious towards you last night?” Y/N asked, keeping her voice in a hushed tone to try not to startle her sister in this fragile state.

Maybe it wasn’t the best timing for this but police would be here soon and this was Y/N’s job to find the person who did this, who hurt her family, her blood.

Serena swallowed, closing her eyes to try and remember anything from the night before. She started to shake her head because most of the night was a blur in her head but then she did remember one specific detail that was probably the most important.

Her eyes snapped open as she looked at Y/N, the realization of how important the detail is dawning on her. “He had a uh– tattoo on his arm. It was the. . . Styles emblem.”

Y/N practically shot out of her seat, fuming at just the name of Styles. She hardly left with a goodbye before she was storming out of the building and into her car. Of course it was someone from his side that had the audacity to do something like this. To step onto her side of the city, to do this to her sister.

If you know Y/N, you know her family, so whoever it was knew exactly what they were getting themselves into, and that just made Y/N even angrier. Her hands were practically itching to grab ahold of this guys neck and twist it like a rope.

She zipped her way in and out of traffic, trying to make it to her destination without any fatalities but still getting there as fast as possible. And when she did get there she hardly remembered to put the car in park and to shut it off before she was running inside and to the elevator.

She got a lot of nasty looks from everyone that saw her figure running across the lobby, and she knew why but she didn’t give the time of day to care. Because the boss herself was stepping onto the wrong territory.

When she made it to the right floor, and to the right door, she pounded her fist rapidly on the wood, urging anyone inside to open the fucking door.

And when the door finally did swing open, she was face to face with the one face she was hoping to not see anytime soon but yet at this time she couldn’t avoid him any longer.

“You better have a good reason to be knocking on my door this fucking early in the morning,” Harry spat down at the girl in front of him.

Y/N looked over his shoulder to see two people, a random guy and a girl on the couch in his office, both nearly naked. Then she looked at Harry and saw that his own clothes were disheveled as he probably haphazardly tossed them on his body to open the door.

“Really, in your office?” Y/N droned, pushing past him and into the large space and giving the two a nasty look to state get out.

“I don’t really need your fucking comments so how about you just leave?”

“No, they have to though,” she gestured to the two who were looking around the room quite uncomfortably, not exactly sure what to do with themselves in this moment.

“You don’t boss me around.”

Y/N sighed at his frustrating attitude, trying to keep her cool in front of bystanders, but it was pretty difficult when she was dealing with the most difficult man on the planet. “Harry. . .” she began, looking at him with these pleading eyes that meant something was wrong. Y/N hated looking weak, especially in front of him, but if it got him to cooperate for once, then so be it.

“It’s important business, that they have no part in.”

He looked at Y/N with a hard look, really not wanting to let his fun night come to a close all because she said so. But, he could tell from the way her eyes were the slightest shade of red and how she was still dressed in her pajamas in front of him that whatever this was must have some sort of emergent reasoning.

He looked to Dave and Michelle, the pair who were still so confused about what was happening, a sorrowful look on his face. A look Y/N never thought she would see. They got the idea, quickly scrambling for their clothes before leaving his office. Harry closed the door behind them, licking at his bottom lip before biting it and turning back around to Y/N with that stone cold face she’s grown used to.

“Well, you better get to explaining what the fuck this is all about before I lose my mind.”

Y/N took a shallow breath, running her hand through her very messy hair and speaking up, “Someone on your side hurt my sister, and I need you to find out who.”

“Hurt your sister?” He looked at her with a bored face, going to his big chair behind his desk and plopping down on it, propping his feet onto his desk and leaning back with his arms resting behind his head.

“She was drugged and raped and she says she saw your emblem on him, so, chop chop boss man and find out who the fuck was out last night.”

Shock laced his features at the r word but he soon went back to his bored look, and scoffing at the idea that one of his men would do something so vile. Serena was known to exaggerate and to lie about things ever since she first got her hands on drugs and Harry had no choice but to disbelieve the claims.

“I highly doubt it was one of my guys. Your sister has a tendency to. . . lie. Plus, if she was drugged there’s a low chance she’ll remember something as specific as my emblem but, I assume, nothing else,” he pointed out, raising his eyebrows at Y/N as if to say I win*.

Steam could practically be seen escaping Y/N’s ears as her face set into an angry frown and becoming increasingly red by the moment. Why did she think he would be considerate once? It was her mistake to think he had any ounce of a heart in his body, but even though she knew he would be difficult to work with, she was still beyond pissed at his response.

She stomped forward to the front of the desk, standing opposite him as she leaned forward and grabbed his white button-down shirt in her fist and yanking him forward so his body was in an awkward position and so his face was inches from her own. His smirk settled deeper on his face as his eyes trailed up and down her own face and her figure that was leaning over the desk. Because she never gave herself the time to change out of her pajamas, her silk camisole top revealed a lot of what was underneath to Harry; especially the lack of a bra.

Y/N could practically see the hormones flowing around in his head as he looked like he couldn’t give two shits about the way she was practically ripping his shirt off his body. She brought her other hand up and hooked it under his jaw, tilting his head up so he had no choice but to only look at her eyes.

“I figured I would ask nicely before I kill the prick myself. But there is no playing nice with you, is there Styles?” Y/N seethed, gritting out her words, pushing his body back harshly into his chair.

He laughed, genuinely laughed at the prospect of her being. . . nice. He ran his fingers through his hair, getting up from his position in his chair and walking around to meet her at the front of her desk. His slim fingers took the strap of her camisole, gently rolling it in his fingers before bringing it up and snapping it back down on her skin. “Not when you’re dressed like this, love.” Y/N pushed his hand off her body, standing up straighter in her spot and giving him the nastiest glare she could muster.

“Fine, but don’t be alarmed when you get the news someone died,” she stated, walking back over to the direction of his office door.

“You won’t be killing anyone, Y/N. And if you do, you leave me no choice but to kill one of yours,” he called out as she began to walk down the hall.

She stopped in her tracks, turning around to face him, to see that he was leaning against the doorway of the room, arms crossed in front of his chest. Y/N laughed at his proposition, looking down at her feet, stepping back in his direction with the tiniest foot forward.

“I think whoever raping my sister and then me killing them justifies this whole, eye for an eye thing, don’t ya think?” She hummed, giving him her final deadpan glare before, again, walking away from him and beginning her business for the day.

❊ ❊

A few days went by.

Y/N was closer to finding the guy, but it seems finding someone with a specific emblem tattooed on them proves to be quite difficult when a lot of guys have that same emblem tattooed on them in the exact same spot.

Cameras in the club did little to nothing to help her in the case, seeing as the place is dark, and that it’s sort of illegal to have surveillance in the bathroom. But her team was working hard and the more she didn’t have the guy in her hands, the more angry she became, and the more determined she was to freaking find him.

“All I’m saying is if you drop to your knees, he’ll be more willing to help you,” Y/N’s best friend Flo shrugged, taking a sip from her water as she leaned back in the chair.

“And I don’t need his help, he’s proven to be useless countless times.”

“Then why ask in the first place? Remind me again, because I’m a little lost.”

Y/N turned her head away from her laptop screen, looking at Flo with a bored look, sighing as she closed her laptop to give her friend her undivided attention. “Is there something you wanna talk about?”

“Yeah, like how I think this whole ‘Oh, I hate Harry,’ thing is bullshit. Why go to him if you know he won’t help?” Flo questioned, leaning forward with her arms resting on the mahogany desk.

“Maybe he grew some human decency since the last time I saw him?”

Flo squinted her eyes at her best friend, not exactly accepting that as an answer. It was for one pretty vague, and Flo knew her friend a bit better than that. There was something she wasn’t telling her, and she’d be damned if she left this room not knowing.

“Hm,” Flo hummed, sitting back against the leather chair, then taking another dramatic sip of her water. Y/N gave her a look of distaste as if to ask, is there a problem?

“And, when was the last time you saw him?”

Two weeks ago.

For that. . . thing they don’t talk about.

From what Flo knows, last time Y/N saw Harry was to discuss business settlements six months prior. So, if there’s no business that needs to be handled, there would be no reason for Y/N to see Harry, right? That’s a secret Y/N so desperately wants to keep. She’s ashamed of the night. Beyond words she’s ashamed and it’s only because she gave into temptation.

For a long time, she had Flo telling her that she should let go of this family feud because how could Y/N miss out on an opportunity to be with someone as handsome as Harry? As powerful as Harry? If they were together, there would be absolutely nothing stopping them, because not only were they good at what they do, but so many people respected them that the city would have no choice but to accept that they’re a couple.

But, that went against decades upon decades of family rivalry. The two would be damned if they were the reason this, basically family tradition, came to an end.

So, Y/N had no choice but to lie to her best friend, to avoid life as she knows it spiralling out of control.

She pondered in fake wonder for a moment before answering, “I think a little over six months ago.”

Flo nodded her head in understandment, taking in Y/N’s words but not exactly believing them. There’s a reason Y/N and Flo are best friends, and it’s because the two are very much alike. They’re sarcastic, they’re funny, they’re smart, they take their job seriously, and so many more reasons beyond that. But one defining reason is that they both understand the other so well. They can see right through each other. So for Y/N to think Flo doesn’t know she’s lying, is quite offensive to Flo.

Y/N tried to not break eye contact when she was talking, but she did, and that was the main giveaway that she was lying, even if she only looked away for a brief second. Flo had her down pat, much to Y/N’s demise.

And Flo wasn’t going to sit here and not call her out on it.

“Okay, and now I want the truth.”

Y/N’s eyebrows shot up, and she pursed her lips whilst shaking her head, “I don’t know what-”

“The. Truth. Y/N.”

“That was-”

“Now.”

Y/N huffed, looking down to her hands that she now placed in her lap. Under her friend’s hard gaze, Y/N’s face began to heat up with the embarrassment running through her veins. There really shouldn’t be any reason to be embarrassed about this, but she is. She hates that it happened, but more importantly she hates how she caved to him.

Glancing back up for a moment, Y/N bit her lip softly, feeling exceptionally small as her friend continued to wait for an answer. Taking a deep breath, Y/N sat up straighter in her chair, finally speaking the truth, “Two weeks ago.”

And now it was Flo’s turn to raise her eyebrows, jaw dropping practically down to the floor.

Then Y/N got to explaining.

❊ ❊

It was a Thursday night. Not even the weekend. Y/N had found herself in Central City, which is basically what everyone within the two groups calls the place on the border that separates the sides. She was just outside of Central City, dealing with a few of her loyal dealers all day, and in Central City is one of her favorite bars, so after a long day of working, she wanted to treat herself to a few casual drinks. Plus, she has a small crush on one of the bartenders there, so she figured that night she just may get lucky.

Little did she know, Harry had been just outside of Central City all day too, dealing with a group of rogues who thought they could steal from him and get away with it. They didn’t. So, after an exhausting day of interrogation and torture, Harry needed a drink. And what better place than his favorite bar in Central City?

She was there first, chatting up with Ben the bartender. She was laughing, drinking, listening to the horrible singer up at karaoke; just having an amazing time. Everyone knew who she was but they were all too drunk to worry about anything so they went on about their nights as if the Queen of half their city wasn’t in their presence.

But then everyone went silent, and the only thing that could be heard was Y/N’s laugh as Ben says something ridiculously funny. When she noticed everyone had gone quiet, she looked around the room to look for why no one was talking. It was quite eerie that one second everyone was having the time of their life to now everyone looking like they’d rather be anywhere else.

Then her eyes met his, and she nearly dropped the glass in her hand.

But she wasn’t going to leave just because he showed up. It was her favorite bar. And he felt exactly the same way because it was his favorite bar.

About fifteen seconds of awkward silence and intense staring went down before the two got fed up with all of the eyes focused on them.

“What’re you all looking at?” They snapped in unison. Quickly everyone went back to what they were doing, trying not to worry about a fight breaking out or a screaming match going down. And their worry soon started to dissolve as all the women began to fantasize about Harry and all the men wish they were worthy of being with Y/N.

Unfortunately for the two, the only seat left available in the place was the one on the right of Y/N at the bar. And when Harry sauntered over, going to sit down on the stool, Y/N was quick to stop him claiming she was saving the seat. He looked at her blankly, knowing fully well no one was going to sit there. He swatted her hand away, sitting down on the wood with a plush seat, quickly ordering himself a drink.

They tried not to converse throughout the night no matter how badly they wanted to snap at one another. But the more they thought about yelling, the more they drank, and the more they drank, the more willing they were to talk to each other.

That’s how their night progressed. By the end of it, they somehow came across the topic of sex. And how neither of them had gotten any in what felt like forever. In reality it actually hadn’t been long at all for either of them, but they tended to be dramatic, plus they were teetering on the tipsy-drunk mindset.

“Worst part is, he left his socks on! Fucking socks! It’s one thing to last thirty seconds, but to leave your socks on? Nearly killed the guy,” Y/N grimaced, recalling the event from last week.

Harry was having a hard time keeping in his laughs and judgements, but Y/N was okay with it because that was the whole point of telling the story in the first place. “Okay, you win this time, that is worse.”

“This time? I always win, Styles.” Y/N was practically gloating as she finished off the rest of her martini. He rolled his eyes at her words, shaking his head in response.

And no one could really predict the future events unfolding. It was quite out of the ordinary, and Y/N hardly knew what she was doing until after she had done it.

This thought dawned her hazy mind, and then she was placing her hand on his shoulder and looking at him with this lust and admiration she never thought she had inside of her. The moment he felt her hand on his shoulder, he looked at her quickly and nearly crumbled at the way she was looking at him.

If no one were in this bar with them, he wouldn’t hesitate to take her right then and there, but alas people were all around them. So, he had to keep it in his pants for just a little longer.

He leaned closer to her, taking in the scent of her heavenly perfume as she breathed in his ravishing cologne. They were so close, their lips barely grazed over each other’s, the tips of their noses brushing together softly as if it never really happened.

“What’s on your mind?” He wondered, his right hand coming down on her thigh, awfully close to her now aching center.

They were positive people were most likely watching them like hawks and that news of this just might spread around very fast by tomorrow morning. But, they just didn’t care. Y/N placed her hand on top of his, slowly dragging it even further up her thigh, so his fingertips just reached her dampening underwear.

His lips parted at the feeling, his eyes widening in awe as he stretched his fingers to again barely touch her where she really wanted him. She almost moaned at the feeling but kept the noises inside, not wanting to bring anymore attention towards them.

He laced her hand that was on his shoulder in his hair, softly tugging at the curls at the nape of his neck. She brought her wet lips up to his ear, whispering, “To see what it’s like for you. . . to win.”

He looked at her with an open-mouthed smirk, tongue poking the inside of his cheek before he hastily stood up and placed a few bills down on the bar to pay for their drinks. Y/N grabbed her purse, making her way to the door, Harry following behind her.

When they finally arrived to his place, stepping in the threshold of the foyer, all barriers fell down and all morals left their minds. Their lips were locked in a feverish kiss as he had her pinned up against the cool wooden surface of his door. Her legs were hiked up to wrap around his hips, high heels abandoned on the floor as she pressed the heels of her foot onto his ass, pushing his front harder on her core, creating some sort of friction between them.

He broke apart their lips, tangling his fingers in her hair as he tugged her head to one side to open up the view of her neck that he wanted so desperately to mark up. The second he bit down on her skin and licked the area, and peppered kisses up and down her throat, Y/N let out a moan she couldn’t suppress anymore. And then Harry smirked against her skin.

“It’s so ironic,” he started, grinding his hips harder into her as he brought his head up to look her in the eyes. “Out there, you’ve got people at your feet, looking up to you like an actual queen, not afraid to kill me at any given moment. But in here. . . I’ve got you writhing beneath my touch, just itching to be touched down here.”

And then he cupped her cunt, fingers petting her damp thong, having her mewl at the small but impactful contact. She wished he would just shut up and just fuck her already, but she could tell he was having fun with this; her being so complacent and not fighting him and instead agreeing that she was in fact desperate for him to touch her.

He pushed her skirt up her hips, getting better access to her pretty pussy, pushing aside her thong, gathering up her slickness onto his fingers. He brought his fingers up to his face, admiring the shine before wrapping his lips around them. If Y/N was standing, her knees surely would’ve gave out from under her at the sight. And she couldn’t help but get ever wetter as he sucked the digits, pulling them out with a pop.

“Sweet. . . like honey,” he grinned before reattaching their lips quickly. He brought his hands down onto her ass, gripping tightly before removing them from the door. Although they didn’t get very far and ended up on the comfy living room couch. There was no way they could handle stairs in their state, so the couch was good enough.

Really classy.

As soon as her back touched the soft surface, Harry was ripping her skirt and panty down her legs, and harshly tugged open her shirt that a few bottoms came right out of the seams. And if Y/N wasn’t drunk on alcohol and lust, she’d be beyond pissed.

But she really wasn’t one to talk, because she also ripped open his shirt, albeit not as rough but she’s pretty sure she ripped off one of his buttons too. Within a matter of seconds, the two were completely naked and beyond excited for what was to come. Literally.

Harry littered kisses up and down her body, mouth lingering longer on her aroused nipples, whilst he sank one then two fingers into her dripping hole. Y/N let out a breathy moan, lifting her lips up off the couch to push his fingers deeper inside of her.

“You’re so tight, Darling, and it’s just my fingers.”

He locked their lips in another passionate kiss as he pumped his fingers faster into her heat, gaining a few more moans out of that precious little mouth of hers. He hovered his lips over hers, speaking his next works huskily and softly that sent shivers down her spine, and made her pussy throb.

“Imagine me burying my cock into you. You squeezing me as I thrust into you, over and over again. Your warm walls holding onto me as I pound into you, absolutely wrecking you. Can you imagine it?”

Before she could say a single word, his thumb began working fast circles on her clit just as he continuously started to hit that special spot inside of her that had her seeing stars. The string of moans she let out could really put a pornstar to shame, and he didn’t even have his dick in her yet.

Was it embarrassing for her to be this much of a mess just from a simple fingering? Yes. But, just like the rest of the night, she lost the will to care.

“H-. . . Harry, please,” she whined as he switched the pace of his fingers to a slower rate, trying to prolong her orgasm for as long as he could.

He simply shook his head, denying her any satisfaction. Because as much as she was in charge out there, he was in charge here and he wouldn’t let her get what she wants so quickly.

Instead, he wanted to rile her up even more. With his free hand he brought it up to her breast, groping it roughly and then pinching her nipple between his thumb and first finger. And then he got an idea as he looked at the hickey that was starting to form on the side of her neck. He slowly trailed his fingers further up her chest, her collarbones, and eventually landing on the soft skin of her throat. He gently wrapped his hand around her throat to see what kind of reaction he could get out of her, and much to his surprise, her small hand wrapped around his wrist to, instead of pushing his hand away, push harder on her throat.

And if he wasn’t turned on then, he for fucking sure is now.

She loved the way his big hand was wrapped around her throat easily as if it had the smallest circumference. She loved the way it made it just the tiniest bit more difficult to breathe while he continued to ram her pussy with his fingers. And he loved just how much she loved it. “You naughty fucking girl. You like my hand around your neck don’t you? Does it turn you on?”

Y/N didn’t want to say anything, because as much as she was this confident woman, this moment was far too embarrassing, even for her. But, frustrated with no response, Harry pressed down more, using a deeper voice to elicit a response out of her.

“Answer me, Princess. I won’t continue if you don’t use your words,” he tsked, again slowing down his rhythm. Y/N groaned as his fingers practically came to a halt, bucking her hips up to continue the euphoric feeling inside of her.

“Plea–”

“Not until I get an answer.”

Y/N huffed, opening her eyes to look into his boring down on her. She bit her lip softly before nodding her head gently to respond to his previous questions.

“Uh-uh, I want words, Y/N. You love to talk, so c’mon, tell me.”

Groaning again, Y/N turned her head to the side to break eye contact. All she wanted was an orgasm, and she knew that within the next minute she was bound to burst and she hated that he was stopping her from reaching it. She took a breath and mustered up the courage to finally agree with his words, that yes it turned her on immensely.

“Y-yes. . . it turns me on,” she whispered. With that he smirked and removed his hand from her heat, making Y/N whimper at the loss of contact. But he couldn’t take it anymore, his erection becoming too unbearable that he had to ease his pain sooner rather than later.

Reaching down to his wallet to pull the condom out that he had stuffed in there a few nights ago, because he couldn’t be bothered to go upstairs to get his stash, he hastily ripped open the foil, careful not to rip the condom itself, and quickly rolled it onto his throbbing length.

He first pushed the tip in, giving her a few moments to adjust to his girth. Y/N completely lost it as he pushed further and further inside of her, back arching off the plush cushion as she cursed at the feeling of him stretching her. She widened the space of her legs, absolutely losing her mind as Harry’s face buried into her neck, the vibrations of his moans and groans shaking her body.

When he finally stopped, Y/N was quick to look down to see his cock was gone and deep inside of her body. She never felt so full in her life and she didn’t know how she was going to take him moving. The stretch came with a subtle burn that brought tears to her eyes. All good, of course.

“Harry, please move,” she begged, scraping her nails down toned back.

“Are you sure?”

“Fucking move.”

Then he slowly inched his length out before snapping his hips back against hers.

It was crazy that they were doing this.

Never in a million years did they think they would be having sex, each other’s names flowing out of their mouths so easily as their moans filled the air. The thought was always taboo for them but just this once they accepted their fates, and God, did it feel good.

It felt so good.

❊ ❊

When Y/N was finished explaining what had happened that one night two weeks ago – of course without the intense details – Flo sat with a smirk adorning her features.

Her eyes glowed, knowing she was right. She just knew this sort of thing was bound to happen. Next step, they were going to admit their undying love for each other and Flo couldn’t wait to get that news.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Y/N scolded.

“I’m not looking at you like anything,” she shrugged. “. . So when’s the wedding?”

“Florence James!”

“Hey, I’m just dealing with the cards I’ve been dealt,” she raised her hands in defense.

“Can we just forget about him and get back to more important matters, like who assaulted my sister?”

Before Flo could respond, a knock sounded on the door to Y/N’s office. Yelling a quick come in, Y/N was quick to flip off her friend before whoever walked into the room.

Looking over her shoulder, Flo let out a laugh before getting up from her chair and then returning the hand gesture to Y/N. “Speak of the Devil,” she called as she left the room, closing the door behind her.

Harry stepped into Y/N’s office, that annoying smirk ever so permanent on his features.

“Speaking about me, Princess?”

“You have two seconds to explain why you’re here before I stab you in the throat.”

“Relax,” he dragged out, taking off his coat and draping it over the back of the chair Flo was just sitting on before sitting himself down on it. “I come with good news.”

Y/N raised her eyebrows, interested in what he could be talking about. She didn’t bother asking what good news, instead just waited for him to continue with whatever it was he had to say.

“You don’t have to worry about Jack anymore – Uh, the guy who. . . y’know, with Serena.”

To say Y/N was taken aback would be an understatement. She was so shocked that she had him repeat himself and explain what the fuck that was supposed to even mean.

“Look, I know I was harsh the other day. But when you left I got to thinking and. . . I know I would do anything I could if somebody hurt someone in my family. So, I got to asking around, turns out it was this guy Jack I had just fired and now you don’t have to worry about him,” he elaborated, clasping his hands together on his lap.

Y/N’s mind was in a whirlwind at this information, trying to process everything he just told her. It wasn’t a lot to take in but, it’s because he willingly helped her that had her in such a confused state. He had never done anything like this before and she was sure he wouldn’t do anything like it ever again.

But then she smiled. Genuinely smiled. Because he helped her. There’s no way she was going to let this one go. However, before she could gloat, she asked one very important question, “Is he alive?”

Harry gave her a knowing look, as if to say she should know him better than that.

Then she smiled again, even bigger than before. Because he killed someone for her and that – in their world – was the biggest sign of affection someone could give, because it meant that that someone meant something special.

“Fuck off with that smile,” he grumbled.

Y/N then stood up from her chair and walked over to him, standing in front of his seated figure, bringing her hand up to caress his jaw. “However could I repay you, Mr. Styles?”

It was then his turn to smile at her as he placed his hands on the back of her thighs and brought her to sit down on his lap.

“I can think of a few ways.”

And they were kissing like they never had before. This time they were so sober, it felt too real.

But they didn’t mind too much, because this moment felt like the start of something new.

#idk how to feel about the ending butttttt oh well :)#harry styles writing #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles blurb #harry styles smut #harry styles au #harry styles fanfic #harry styles x reader #harry styles x y/n #harry styles #one direction fanfiction

1K notes · View notes

krispydefendorpolice · 5 years

Text

The Demon’s Bride (8)

New chapter of the main story. This was what caught my interest to update this week so I hope the chapter’s enjoyable.

What to expect? Salt warning ahead. We get to find out what the car was about. And some fun as the kids spend the day at the mall. (Not too much of that as the chapter was getting really long). If you want more details about their morning at the mall send me an ask and I can add it as a drabble story.

Beginning Previous Next Masterpost

——————————

Mme. Bustier was the first one off the bus. As soon as she was on the ground she stormed over to where Marinette waited with Damian and his brother.

“How could you be so irresponsible Marinette,” Celine began when she was close enough to the girl. Marinette wasn’t expecting her to grab her arm and pull her away from the men. “You are supposed to set an example for your classmates and this is how you behave

Marinette moved her feet so that she would stumble a bit and keep up her image of ‘clumsy class president’. When she got her feet under her, unfortunately the position she was left in was in the very middle of her teacher and the classmates who disliked her. She could see Nino and Kim over the heads of the others but it looked like Ivan and Nathaniel were blocking them. Either intentional or not she didn’t care.

“Jeez Marinette we already knew you were an attention whore but who knew you were a slut as well,” Alya said snidely.

“That will be enough from you Mlle Césaire,” a new voice cut over the voices of her classmates.

The students turned to see who approached. The small Chinese woman wore a furious expression as she came up to them. A tall blonde followed man followed with a bored expression on his face while the brunette next to him looked entertained by the kids behaviors.

“Back on the bus Mlle Césaire, you’ve lost the privilege of spending the free day at the mall. As for you Caline, what do you think you’re doing bringing the children out without adequate supervision?”

Mme. Bustier tensed at the chastisement but lifted her chin defensively as she answered, “I though my presence alone would be an appropriate amount of supervision as they are nearly adults now and know not to leave the mall property.”

“Apparently not adequate enough as you left a student behind without supervision. And what’s worse Caline is you did not notify either myself or any of the other chaperones, about changes to the plans or when a student goes missing.”

“She was never missing,” Bustier argued, “she was at the hotel. She was perfectly safe until she decided to put herself in danger by going off with these hoodlums.” She gestured to the men again.

While the adults were arguing the kids had broken apart to watch and Marinette had moved back to stand with Damian. Her friends joined them as they watched Bustier get her ass handed to her verbally.

“I didn’t name any student,” the woman hissed, “interesting how you thought of Marinette.”

“And last night!” The woman screamed. “You took the students out for an unplanned dinner without the support of the additional chaperones. Marinette was left behind because you,” she stressed the word with a finger jab at the other teacher, “didn’t bother to do a proper head count and dismissed the concerns of the students when they tried to bring it to your attention.”

“They’ve been known to lie before,” Caline tried to argue.

“I don’t care if they were akumatized to lie. It would have taken you five extra minutes to do a headcount yourself and check that all the students were present. Something you failed to do. And you had plenty of time to notify us this morning. It is a thirty minute drive from the hotel to here and not once did you call any of our phones to let us know about the change in plans or that Marinette was left behind.”

“She missed the bus. If she can’t be responsible enough to get...” Bustier started.

“No,” she was interrupted, “Marinette is not responsible for you leaving her behind. You were derelict in your duty and negligent with the safety of the children in your care. When we return to France I will be taking this to the school board and asking for your termination.”

“Furthermore,” she added stepping close to Mme Bustier and lowering her voice, “if you are ever alone with any of these students or ‘forget’ or ‘misplace’ another student I won’t wait until we get back to France to turn you in for child neglect and endangerment. I’ll go straight to the Gotham police. Have I made myself clear?”

Caline Bustier nodded in fear. Her career as a teacher was over. She knew it. The only thing she could do was make sure she didn’t end up in jail over this.

The woman turned back to the class. She frowned when she looked at Alya, “Mlle Césaire, I believe I told you to get back on the bus. You will wait with Monsieur Marchand,” the class looked back at the bus to see their amused gym teacher waiting by the bus, “as for the rest of you. Mlles Rossi, Haprèle, Couffaine, Lavillant, Raincomprix and MM Bruel, and Kurtzberg you will go with Monsieur Bernard’s group”

“Ms Dupain-Cheng...”

“Pardon Mme Cheng,” Marinette spoke up, “perhaps we could use the same plan we had for our free day by the hotel. The students break into pairs or small groups and check with you every hour by phone. We can stay within the mall and meet for lunch at the foodcourt?”

The Chinese teacher nodded. “Very well, as you all will remember in the agreements you signed prior to the trip you are permitted to take honor based supervision of yourselves. Report in on time and you will be extended the privilege of small group breakouts on our last day here. Report to me the groups you decide on before leaving and meet at the food courts at 13:30. M. Bernard and I will walk around the mall to keep on eye on you. Name tags are to be worn at all times and any bad behaviors on your parts will revoke your privileges.”

Marinette whispered with her friends before bumping Nino with her shoulder and walking to the teacher. Once Mme Cheng had their names down as partners and Max, Kim, and Alix as another group, they walked over to the Gothamites.

Marinette grabbed Damian’s hand and pulled him after her as she headed into the mall.

********************

Damian followed Mari as she led him and her group of friends to the different stores. He smirked at Jason when the older man just stared at Damian’s willingness to be led by the smaller girl.

As they browsed through the third clothing store Damian considered the other kids in Mari’s class. He hadn’t been surprised to see two faces from their past. He’d made a mental note of both Lila and Juleka’s faces as he passed them when searching for Mari in the school list the evening before but hadn’t mentioned them to his family. He wasn’t surprised by Lila ignoring him but when Juleka had barely glanced at him he noticed. Mari seeing where his gaze was directed had given his hand a squeeze and smiled when he turned his attention to her.

He squeezed back letting her know he got her unspoken message.

There was more going on than she could explain. Trust me.

He smiled in return. I’ll wait to hear it. I’ll always trust you.

He accepted the shirt Mari handed him and followed her towards the fitting rooms at the back of the store. When he came out in the band tee he was surprised to see Mari’s outfit. She had been wearing an outfit similar to his old one. Jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt and a riding jacket.

Now she was wearing a plaid skirt that reached mid thigh, two suspenders crossed over a high necked sleeveless blouse. She lost an inch in height without her shoes but the fact her socks reached knee-high completed the look.

The Parisian’s cheered as they came out in their own Mari designed outfits. The star of their impromptu fashion show bowed before everyone changed back into their regular clothes. When Damian left the dressing room it was to see Mari purchasing the outfit she was wearing. The sneakers looked a little odd with it but he suspected she’d be looking for replacement shoes at the next store.

As lunch approached they headed towards the food court. The students checked in with french-chinese teacher that had stopped the first teachers tirade. He had a great deal of respect for the way she handled the teacher after hearing the stories from Mari and her friends about how their classmates have been behaving for the last few years.

They had avoided the specific topic of Lila and why the class had behaved as they did when they first arrived. The shops were not secure enough places to discuss it and as they walked from one to the next they had occasionally seen other groups.

Oddly enough the other groups would either ignore theirs or they would glare at Mari’s group as if they had done a personal wrong to the kids. Mari and her friends ignored them except to take paths around the other groups as to avoid having to interact with them. However that was done without much conscious thought on their parts, seemingly a long established behavior.

In the food court the groups separated so that each person could get their own preferred lunch. Mari had grabbed Damians hand and dragged him towards one of the mini shops with a Chinese theme.

“What do you think of the broccoli and beef?” She asked him as they waited in line to order.

“I don’t eat meat anymore,” Damian said looking at the vegetarian options.

“Oh. What’s the story behind that?” She asked after they placed their food order.

Damian smiled at the memory it recalled, “It involves a cow, a large bat stencil, a can of non-toxic hair color spray, and a stubborn 12 year old.”

Mari snorted, “stubborn went without saying Dami. So you have a pet cow now?”

Damian nodded, “Batcow is quite happy living on the property.”

Mari grinned brightly, “you call him Batcow? Do you even have a secret identity or is that idea just a myth?”

“When you live in Gotham people expect you to be a bit eccentric. Having a cow called Batcow is one of the least odd ways to honor the city’s heroes.” Damian said as they waited.

When their number was called Damian picked up the tray and walked to the table where his brother and Mari’s friends were meeting with their own lunches. Mari fell into step two paces behind him and followed him as he weaved his way through the mass of tables.

He placed the tray of food down in the center of the table while he and Mari took the end seats on opposite sides of the table. Mari picked up the tub of white rice and scooped out a serving onto one of the plates they had grabbed. Damian picked up the second plate and began filling it with half the stir fry from another container. He and Mari switched plates and he placed the remaining stir fry onto his plate. Mari passed him the soy sauce packet after she used some on her rice and the packet with the wooden chopsticks.

As he was eating he noticed that Todd was staring at him. He raised a brow at his brother and waited for him to speak.

Mari noticing his attention turned to him as well.

“You just, he just, she...” the man stumbled over the words to explain.

“I think you might need a few more words monsieur to make a bit of sense,” Mari said sweetly.

Jason eyed the girl with wariness. Not trusting that tone when she was that comfortable with Demon Spawn.

Damian just smirked at him when he backed down.

“Are we still settled on dinner with my family this evening?” He asked Mari.

“Yep. I can get permission to go. Oh,” she exclaimed, “I might need your permission to bring one of my friends though. We have orders to stay in pairs at the very least.”

“Orders?” Damian asked shifting in his seat to glance at the others. They had stopped their own conversations when he had asked about dinner.

“Orders,” Mari confirmed with a smile.

Damian tilted his head to the side and switched to Arabic so that Jason could follow their conversation. “How much do they know?”

Jason stiffened at the implication and assessed the other Parisian teens.

Mari did a quick glance over Damian’s shoulder, checking on where Lila and the rest of her class was, before answering in the same language. “The boys only know I ran into an old friend. She was with me when I had to report running into an old friend and the leap of logic that one of the Bats that rescued me was the friend was made.”

Damian narrowed his eyes and considered, “Will they know?”

“They also follow orders. We,” Mari said gesturing to herself and the other teens, “all have orders similar to the bat and know how to keep secrets.”

“Do they work for the league?” Damian asked.

It was Mari’s turn to snort, “No. Paris is a bit of a dumping ground for troublesome knives. Not to mention it’s bad for most people’s health.”

“Similar to the bat,” Damian repeated and considered what she meant. “They do hero work?”

Jason’s brow raised in surprise but he still didn’t speak.

Mari smiled mischievously, “often enough to have their own names.”

Before Damian could ask another question the Parisian phones started to ding with alerts.

Marinette immediately turned her attention to the phone and opened it. Standing she said, “Sorry Dami, I need to rain check on dinner. Would you pass my apologies to your family?”

Damian nodded and watched as Mari and the shorter, bespectacled Parisian and the girl followed Mari as they left the table. They were met by the female teacher at the edge of the food court and the trio walked towards the mall exit. The other two teens had waved them off and opened their phones to a news app.

Damian watched a newscaster was reporting about some sort of disturbance in Paris, France.

——————————

M. - monsieur abbreviated

MM. - monsieurs

Mme - madame

Mlle/s - mademoisell/mademoiselles

So I introduced some new characters in this chapter. Please let me know if you have any questions on them. I want to make sure I answer them and creator brain doesn’t always let me anticipate what information I left unspoken.

So I know it’s been mentioned often enough I’ve seen posts about it cross my dash (is that what it’s called?) several times. Likes are awesome but if this is enjoyable please share the shiny rock with others and repost the chapter. Thank you.

Permanent tags: @mindfulmagics @ozmav @bluerosette23 @multifandomscribette @mochinek0 @northernbluetongue @scribblinggraveyard

@fertileleaf @evil-elf16 @mellownieice @mystery-5-5 @indecisive-mess-named-me @sonif50 @tog84 @g-arya @legendaryneckjudgestudent @tbehartoo @ravennightingaleandavatempus @zebrabaker @autisticlinx @moonyloonyx @hinata3487 @mooshoon @shamefullove @pepelachanel @vivilakitty @2sunchild2 @littleredrobinhoodlum @black-streak @mycupisbroken @crytallized @kelelamentia @megawhitleycalderonpaganus @multplelifes @unabashedbookworm @mlbchaosqueen @mysupporthyperfixations @peachedpocky @evil-cricket @novicevoice @lostinday @pheonixashtree @thestressmademedoit @queenmj10 @bluefyoto94 @valeks-princess @luciferge @interobanginyourmom @crazylittlemunchkin @alwaysnumberonetruth

#The Demon’s Bride #Betrothed AU #daminette #maribat #marinette x damian #DLDR #dead dove don’t eat

395 notes · View notes

yourkimjaejin · 4 years

Text

Beyond Live - NCT: Resonace [Global Wave]

This post has been a long time coming but so much happened during this concert!

Sometimes I can’t believe I began to stan NCT just this year when it feels like five years already. I just wanna take the chance to thank the boys for their hard work during the holiday. For me, NCT really brightened up my holiday season so thank you

Now that the sappy stuff is over, Enjoy the post AGzen’s ~ Love, Author Izzy

First off let me say, Moxy and Juno were almost about to box SM’s management for their setlist. SM’s original list for AG had SLAP, WTTJ and Breakout. Moxy and Juno were not having it!!

“I thought we promised fans never before seen stages!! We want to perform more of the B-Sides fans never got to see. Unless you’re suddenly gonna announce that AG will be holding a Beyond Live, We’re gonna need this setlist to change, NOW!” ~ Juno

So the compromise the company came up with was this, Two b-sides chosen by fans and one title track that they girls decide on.

NCT AG’s twitter put up a post asking AGzen’s for their favorite AG b-sides. From that, AG’s twitter put up another tweet. This time it was a poll. The top four AG b-sides were listed. The two songs with the highest votes would be the songs the girls would perform.

The fans chose and the songs were Circle Game and Give It Up

The general consensus on why the fans chose those songs was they wanted to see the girls flex their vocal talents. AGzens knew that the had dance and rap in the bag. AG’s b-sides truly revealed how much vocal talent lies in AG

AG, themselves, decided to perform Breakout as their title track song. The girls adore the song and figured it had been awhile since they last performed it

I’ll reveal more about the new performances when we get to their placement in the show itself but for now, let’s move ahead to showday!! ~ Author Izzy

When Taeyong and SM finally announced that he would take a break to heal, SM let Taeyong pick who would fill in for his parts at the Beyond Live

Moxy arrived with the rest of AG and Jisung. On the way there, Moxy got a text from Shotaro while they were on the way to the venue

Noona, when you get here, You need to check in with Channie....I think he’s freaking out a little...

As soon as they parked, Moxy ran inside to find Doyoung pointing her to an empty dressing room. Sungchan was walking in circles, frown lines looking permanently etched on his face

SC - I don’t think I can do this noona. I can’t take Taeyong’s place. What if the fans hate me for this!

M - *Pulls Sungchan down to sit next to her* Channie....You are not taking Taeyong’s place. You’re covering for him so he can finally get some rest and the fans know that. They are gonna be so proud you because I already am *Kisses his cheek*. And so is Taeyong. You are gonna do great, Channie!!!

Moxy hugs him tight causes a smile to bloom on his face

M - Now lets get in one more practice in before the pre-record. I wanna make sure that second verse is flawless ok?

SC - Ok, Noona.

Moxy watched Sungchan run over Boss choreo with Mark and Juno one last time. Sungchan visibly relaxing and finally starting to have fun. Juno kept an eye on her dongsaeng during the recording

AG had a run through of one of their performances after The Boss unit+ Sungchan finished their pre-record

All of the girls had sparkles in their hair and graphic eyeliner around their eyes for makeup.

For the 90′s love performance, Hannah was once again rocking her ICONIC black outfit. This time her hair was in a ponytail, certain strands with crimped for volume. AGzens posted a ton of pictures of Hannah’s abs

“How did we not notice Hannah’s abs before!!!”

Aurora was looking every bit of the queen she is during the Work It performance. Her costume was a new short two piece dress with lace on the skirt. Aurora’s hair was down and curled on the ends.

Aurora rocked her lines as usual. She got real sassy when her rap line came up.

“Sass master Aurora reporting for duty!!”

During the first mnet, Haechan pointed out that technically this is AG’s first concert and asked Hannah and Aurora how they felt

H: I think we put a a lot of pressure on ourselves to put our best foot forward since this is the first time czennies will see us in a concert setting.

A: Yeah, I while this is cool we really hope things will open up soon so we can have our own concert

The rest of the members began ‘ooo’ing at Aurora’s comment

Next Stage: Nectar

Hannah was the definition of do it like a dude in this performance. All of her fans were drooling over her.

The next stage was Give It Up by AG. The song has been rearranged to include Hannah. Hannah did a quick change into her costume while Juno, Moxy and Aurora started the stage

They actually performed from the backstage area to the main stage. By the time that got close to the stage doors, Hannah was finished changing. Hannah entered just as her part started. The girls were all wearing skinny jeans, cropped basketball jerseys with black t-shirts underneath and platform vans.

LORD HAVE MERCY!!! DID THESE GIRLS SING THEIR BUTTS OFF!!

MTM (Musical Theater Moxy) came out to play with her best friend Queen Juno. These two vocals were on another level.

And don’t sleep on Aurora and Hannah, they held their parts down!

The members of AG were strutting like they were filming their own version of Strut by the Cheetah Girls.

And at the end they nailed their final note, harmonies on point and no loss of breath

“Ok I knew AG had pipes....but DAMN THEY HAVE PIPES!!!!”

“Why is literally everyone a main vocal in AG. It’s truly unfair...”

Once the girls finished, Aurora took off her basketball jersey and handed off to Juno. The three older AG members walked off the stage, leaving Aurora. The Dream members joined her. Jaemin handed off her leather jacket to put on for the Ridin’ performance

Next we have the Make A Wish performance........................WITH MOXY COVERING TAEYONG’S PART!!!!

Taeyong had picked her to cover his parts. SM wanted one of the guys members to do it but Taeyong stopped them

Taeyong: Moxy’s got this! Trust me. (And got this she did)

Moxy’s swag level on stage is normally around a 8 or 9. For this MAW performance she somehow turned it up to 15. Moxy went into this performance wanting to make Taeyong proud but also show him that he had nothing to worry about. That the 22 members of NCT could manage with out him

Moxy literally runs off stage to get ready for the All About You performance. Jaehyun tells the fans that Moxy isn’t doing this Mnet because she is getting ready for the next performance

During the All About You performance, If you were watching Mark or Moxy’s face cam, you would have seen the two of them upstairs on the bed messing with each other (That sentence sounds bad doesn’t it??? I promise it was clean fun ok?).

At one point, Moxy was kneeling behind a seated mark, dancing and hold her camera out in front of them

After All About You, Moxy runs backstage again to change into her dress for Circle Game

After the Without You performance, Juno walked on the stage behind them towards the door Jaehyun used. When Juno appeared on the other side of the door, AG’s performance of Circle Game started.

The home stage was lit with somber lighting, The girl were all wearing white dresses and were standing on the bottom level of the set, each in front of a microphone.

The loud, boisterous voice from their last performance were replaced with soft and somber tones. The melodies and harmonies were beautiful. After the first chorus, the girls move the microphone stands out of the way

Once they get to the bridge the girls do some small choreography that they made up themselves an hour before the show started.

When the girls finished Circle Game, Juno left through the door again to join Taeil, Renjun and Xiaojun for My Everything.

After Dream performed Go and Deja Vu. You could see how happy Aurora was to perform with all the members of Dream. She even missed Mark messing with her hair and calling her mean mug.

From there, AG performed Breakout. The stylists for this concert had to carefully plan the girls costumes. The stylist left the prison costumes a went with a more simple costume. Choosing clothes that still Incorporated the bright orange jumpsuits

Moxy’s costume was particularly soft because after Breakout was a performance of Touch for 127. Fans rejoice at the chance to see soft Moxy on stage again. Next is Hannah in her all denim outfit for Bad Alive.

Lastly, 127 did a performance of Kick It where Moxy covered Taeyong verse two rap

During the fourth mnet, Aurora almost cried like Sungchan when she got her chance to talk to the fans.

Aurora: AG has been a group for two years and we haven’t been able to tour or do a concert yet. So to be here, performing for the fan’s in front of us and across the world, words can’t describe to feeling. My mom.......S-she took time off of work.....*she sniffles, Hannah and Mark put an arm around her* to see me and my sisters perform live. Eomma, I hope I made you proud tonight. I love you and I’ll see you soon.

Juno joining in on the clownery of Mark’s beginning line from Resonance

Moxy, once again covered Taeyong’s part during the Maw section of Resonance.

During the surprise live with the maknae line, Haechan was making fun of Moxy literally running around backstage to change costumes. Moxy made to attack him but Haechan ran off

AG revealing that their favorite stage tonight was Nectar!!(I mean whose favorite stage wasn’t Nectar.)

Juno, Moxy and Hannah all saying hello to Aurora’s mom during the surprise live.

#nct #NCT AG #NCT AG.Schedule #nct female member #nct female unit #nct female addition #kpop addition #kpop!au #kpop!fakegroup #kpop!addition #kpop!oc

10 notes · View notes