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oliversrarebooks · 1 day

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a good grade in being brainwashed: the perfect pet

tw: pet whump, bbu, dehumanization, brainwashing, memory wipe

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"You need more than good looks to get the lead part, you know," said Toby, casually coming up behind Vinay and leaning against his chair. "That's why they'll undoubtedly go with me. No hard feelings. If you're very lucky, though, you'll get to play a supporting role in helping my star shine that much brighter."

Vinay suppressed the urge to point out that it was Toby who convinced him to sign up for theater in the first place, knowing full well that he was the idiot who let Toby talk him into things. "I'll have you know I've been practicing for this audition all week. You shouldn't assume it will be easy."

Toby sighed and rolled his eyes. "You've been practicing all week and yet you're still so stiff. Stiff as a board!" He shook Vinay lightly as if to make a point. "The lead role isn't stiff. He's adventurous. Dashing! Charismatic! And right now you look like a tired accountant three years from retiring, whose idea of adventure is to buy medium salsa instead of mild."

He scowled, because unfortunately Toby was probably right. He wasn't sure he was cut out for acting at all, and the thought of going up on the stage and delivering his monologue before a judging panel… "What do you suggest, then?"

"Here, I've got it." Toby circled around behind him and put his hands on Vinay's shoulders. "You have to let your muscles relax."

"What are you doing?" said Vinay with considerable alarm.

"I'm helping with your stiffness, obviously." Toby was kneading at his shoulders, and unfortunately for Vinay's resolve, it felt amazing.

"You're just trying to get a rise out of me."

"And even though you know that, it's still working."

Of course it was. Vinay never knew what Toby was thinking, giving him a massage in front of everyone gathered for the audition, not that anyone was really noticing.

Actually, no. Vinay knew exactly what Toby was thinking, because it was what Toby was always thinking. He wanted attention, and as usual, Vinay was a convenient source for it.

"Let all that tension out of those muscles," said Toby in a tone that might have been soothing if it weren't Toby. "Just let your mind go blank. And think about what it would be like if you weren't terminally boring."

"Thanks," said Vinay, dripping with sarcasm. "I'll do my best."

"You're so very welcome. I'm always happy to help a fellow thespian!"

Vinay knew he had to do something to take his mind off of warm hands on his shoulders, lest he start to get uncomfortable feelings for his irritating roommate. "I wanted to ask you, have you studied for organic chem yet?"

"Eh, nah. I don't need to. I see organic chem as more of an art than a science really."

"…It's very literally a science."

"So I can probably intuit all the answers. I'll be fine."

That's right, Vinay needed this reminder of how absolutely infuriating Toby could be. He didn't take anything seriously but acting and inflating his ego -- although Vinay suspected there was more going on there, a lot more.

Ever since the very first day they'd been paired together in the dorms, he had an uncanny knack for getting on Vinay's nerves. He seemed to have a supernatural ability for pushing Vinay's buttons just enough to drive him up the wall, but never quite enough that Vinay could truly dislike him. Whenever Vinay wanted peace and quiet, there he'd be, demanding attention. And whenever Vinay was lonely… well, he'd usually be there too. And perhaps that wasn't so terrible.

"You should really study after this. I'll help you."

"Hmm… I suppose I could help you study, if you really want me to. But only if we order Chinese. I can't study on an empty stomach, you know."

"Fine. Deal."

The auditorium went quiet as the director got up on stage. "All right, we're going to begin auditions. Everyone auditioning for the male lead, please head backstage now. When your name is called, you'll have five minutes to deliver your monologue."

"Oh, here we go!" said Toby, cracking his knuckles and grinning. "Time to shine!"

"Right." Vinay tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as he followed Toby backstage. He probably wasn't going first, so at least he'd have five minutes to take some deep breaths and calm down before --

"Vinay? You're up first."

Shit.

"Knock 'em dead," said Toby, clapping him on the back. "Break a leg. Break both your legs."

"What?"

"Shatter your collarbone. Suffer third degree burns to over sixty percent of your body."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Well, if breaking your leg is lucky, more injuries must be extra luck."

Vinay groaned and brushed Toby off as he walked out onto stage with a stride he hoped was confident. He turned to the front and looked at the director.

And his mind went immediately blank.

---

Vinay's mind went immediately blank when he saw the discount pet in the case in the corner, B211.

Toby. It was Toby. But that wasn't possible.

He looked so different from the last time Vinay had seen him. His hair was neatly done and he was wearing a tailored uniform, nothing at all like the tousled hair and loud colors he'd normally preferred. But the most striking thing about him was the smile. It was no longer that cocky grin he always wore when he'd gotten your attention. It was a customer service smile, a meek and submissive smile, a smile tinged with desperation.

But it was Toby. Even though that didn't seem possible, there was no mistake.

"Oh, I wouldn't recommend that one," said the salesman. "He's a bit more high maintenance than our other Romantics, and you're looking for a pet that's very independent, right?"

Vinay nodded and let the salesman lead him away to a different pet on display, but his mind remained behind.

How the hell did Toby end up as a pet? Vinay had spent so much time with him in college and never suspected that he might be a pet. Sure, he struggled with his grades, and was a bit on the unstable side, but surely that didn't mean he was a pet. Had he signed up voluntarily? Had he gotten himself in trouble, the sort of trouble that got him designated a risk to himself? Did he have a nervous breakdown?

And did he remember Vinay? No, he couldn't possibly. Pets all had their former memories erased through what was said to be a very humane process, to ease their transition into a better life. Toby likely didn't remember anything at all about him.

And that thought made him slightly ill.

"I can tell this one's not to your liking," said the salesman, and Vinay realized he'd been making a disgusted look in the vague direction of the pet the salesman was showing off. "Well, I think you're going to like this pet. He's low maintenance and is trained to cook…"

"That sounds interesting," said Vinay, trying to regain his focus.

He'd come here to find a companion pet on the recommendation of his therapist. His job left him with plenty of money but even more stress, he'd had little luck with making friends or dating, and he'd been getting desperately lonely and touch-starved. His therapist quite reasonably pointed out that that was one of the primary functions of pets, to ease loneliness.

Vinay had never considered it before. He'd never been fond of his family's Domestics. His father had preferred them unseen and unheard, so they tended to flit around the house like ghosts. Vinay certainly didn't want a pet like that. He wanted a pet with some personality, who could brighten his days and give him something to do other than work and sleep.

And he absolutely could not buy Toby, not that he would even consider it. However Toby had ended up as a pet, it was not his business, and Vinay was a stranger to him now anyway. Even if he didn't have his memory cleaned, Toby would no doubt hate being stuck with Vinay again. Most importantly, there was a rule in the Pet Owners' Handbook warning against keeping pets that the owner knew before they were pets. After all, pets had their memories erased so that their training would take well and so they wouldn't experience any unnecessary duress. Digging up those memories could cause psychological harm.

There was another customer in front of Toby now. Vinay had no reason to worry about him - he probably made a great pet, and would be bought up quickly.

That thought didn't make Vinay feel better at all.

The salesman directed him to the largest case at the end of the show floor. "And I've saved the best for last. This is a premium model, one of the finest we've had in this showroom. He does it all, and does it in style."

The premium pet was perfectly coiffed and very handsome. His smile looked much more natural than some of the other pets', warm and inviting, as though he truly wanted to be your companion. The salesman eagerly listed his attributes: independent, intelligent, capable of being a personal assistant, eager to please…

This one was everything he had wanted in a pet, just the sort of thing he'd been looking for. The pet was expensive, but Vinay could easily afford this indulgence. He'd be the perfect addition to Vinay's lonely condo, one he'd be proud to have.

"If this pet is within your budget, I think he'd be best suited to your needs, sir."

"He does seem like an ideal fit…" said Vinay with a lack of enthusiasm that surprised even him. After all, wasn't this exactly what he wanted? An ideal pet, perfectly trained, quiet, obedient, affectionate.

Just the right boring, corporate addition to his boring, corporate life.

"Would you like to spend a little time with him? I'm sure once you do, you won't be leaving this showroom alone."

Who was this premium pet before he was a pet? He wasn't meant to worry about that. They were all supposed to be volunteers or those who otherwise couldn't live a normal life, and the pet process was supposed to be humane and gentle. It was good for them, and good for pet owners.

But when he glanced over at Toby's blank and docile face…

"Maybe, but I'm still interested in that one. The one I saw when I first came in."

What was he doing? He couldn't buy Toby. That pet wasn't even Toby any more. He wasn't the roommate that drove Vinay up the wall at every given opportunity. He no longer knew any of Vinay's secrets, shared with him in late night conversations. He was a pet, now, and this premium pet was much better suited to Vinay's needs, just like the salesman said.

His needs. How often did he really think about his needs? What were they? Was a premium pet really what he needed?

Every rational part of his mind was screaming "bad idea" as he walked back to Toby's case. As he approached, a tiny spark of light appeared in Toby's dull eyes, and Vinay knew, against all of his sensible judgement, that he wasn't going to leave here without his old frenemy.

It had to be delusional, leftover feelings from his college years, all the time spent tutoring Toby and trying to get him to take his work seriously, all those times they'd spent laughing and talking about subjects both deep and ridiculous…

Vinay didn't really know what he needed, but he couldn't help but feel that Toby needed him.

"Are you sure?" said the salesman, clearly confused as to why Vinay had gone back here after being shown the premium model. "This one's a refurb. That's why he's on a discount."

A refurb. Someone had previously owned and sold Toby. He'd had his memories wiped at least twice now.

"Do you know why he was returned?"

"Ah, his original owner simply found a new relationship, and was displeased with the amount of attention this Romantic required. He's been wiped of those memories, and we've done our best to train out his unfortunate need for attention, of course…"

Vinay made a sound that was halfway between a laugh and a choke. Of course Toby was attention-seeking as a pet. If there was one thing Toby couldn't stand, it was being ignored or bored.

And his previous owner hadn't appreciated that. He could imagine Toby's desperation as his bids for affection were rebuked by a busy owner. Lonely. Rejected. They surely didn't know how to handle him. Vinay knew, though. He always had.

"I want to buy this one."

The salesman was as surprised as Vinay was, going on about how they don't accept returns on refurbished pets. That hardly mattered. Vinay wasn't going to be returning him.

He was actually going to go through with this. He was going to own Toby.

No, he was going to own the pet that was once Toby. He wasn't the same, and Vinay couldn't treat him that way, lest he damage his new pet.

It would be fine. He'd stick to the rules in the Pet Owners' Handbook, the thick tome he'd already read half a dozen times, and it would be fine. He wouldn't bring up old memories. He'd give this pet a good life and all of the attention he deserved, at least when he was off work. It'd be fine.

And so he'd ended up in the sales office, signing mountains of paperwork to make him the legal owner of B211.

"We'd be happy to offer you any of our very affordable add-on packages," said the salesman. "We have additional skill training, discipline courses, and a wide variety of modifications we can make to your new pet before he goes home with you. For this particular pet, I would strongly recommend additional obedience and docility courses, to make sure he's well suited to your busy lifestyle."

"No, that won't be necessary," said Vinay, thinking of Toby's -- no, B211's -- eyes. Vinay had never seen him so quiet and docile. More obedience training seemed like the last thing he needed.

"Very well. If you change your mind, you can always give him discipline and obedience refreshers as necessary, although it might be more difficult for the pet once he becomes attached to you."

"I understand," said Vinay, signing another packet of papers. His brain was already swimming with how best he should welcome his new pet into his home. He'd planned for it extensively, read all the books, and of course Toby -- no, no, B211, damn it -- had to throw a wrench in his plans.

He was sure of one thing, though. B112 would be safe and happy with him if it was the last thing he did.

Previous > Masterlist

I'm sure this will go well.

@there-will-always-be-blood @kisa-writes @andithewhumper @handsinmotion @whumperhive

@eventide-triptych @pumpkinsncoffee

#whump #whump writing #pet whump #brainwashing #bbu #conditioning #dehumanization #good grade in being brainwashed #toby #vinay

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gothamhappiness · 1 day

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Being in a relationship with Bruce Wayne: a journey - Hi, Jason (Part V)

It's a big series about an afab!reader who doesn't like Bruce Wayne and who still falls in love with him (he fells quicker and harder)

Reader's origin story // Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4

Warnings: no proof reading, Jason's relationships with Bruce and Dick are discussed, mentions of Joker, violence, death

You met with Dick again in a bookstore. At first, you thought that it was quite a strange coincidence, until you saw him trying to talk with a very big boy who didn’t seem very interested in talking with him. Dick appeared upset ; the other boy was just shrugging and trying to focus on the books in front of him.

You hesitated to go to them; you didn’t want to intrude. You weren’t too sure to recognise the other boy, but his face somehow seemed familiar. What decided you was where they were standing: the classic literature aisle of the store. Which was what you were looking for when you entered the shop.

You thought you could just say hi and then leave them alone if your presence was annoying them. You carefully walked to them.

“Hey Dick” you greeted the boy who turned around and instantly smiled at you.

You weren’t too sure if it was a real smile yet, so you didn’t come closer to him, but his answer showed he was actually glad to see you.

“Hey, Y/N! What are you doing here?” he asked

“Buying books I guess.” you teased “I was looking for Mansfield Park or Emma, now I finished Pride and Prejudice” you said.

The big boy to whom Dick was trying to talk to, quickly turned around and looked you up and down. He watched you with curiosity sparkling in his green eyes. Dick took his chance before his brother could go back to the cover of the book he was holding.

“Y/N, this is Jason, my little brother. You seem to share the same taste in books” Dick introduced the two of them

“Hi, Jason” you smiled as you cautiously observed him, remembering who he was now you knew his name.

You remembered what you read about Bruce and his son “who came back from the dead” and all the headlines about “Bruce arguing with his adoptive son”. It had quite broken your heart at the time.

“You’re Bruce’s new girlfriend?” he asked you quite bluntly

“I hate titles and I hate to feel like a possession. But yes, I'm currently seeing Bruce.” you replied and Jason nodded “I’m surprised you heard about me.” you added.

“Didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that things are rocky with Bruce.” Jason said and you reassuringly smiled at him “And yeah, everyone is talking about you in the “family”. Dick and Tim said you were nice.” Jason explained his first coldness to you

“I understand; Bruce isn’t always easy and you don’t know me” you nodded

“Ah yeah?” Jason arched an eyebrow at you.

He had expected you to take Bruce’s defence, like everyone else.

“Let’s say that I like challenges.” you smiled “And I’m not Bruce’s lawyer” you joked

“You should thank god for that, or you would have a lot of work” Jason grinned and you could tell Dick was quite happy about the current interaction.

“Can I buy the two of you a drink or something? Or a meal” you asked. “There is this sweet little café right outside the bookstore” you offered

You actually wanted to know more of them. Jason was curious about you so he agreed. Dick wanted to come as well, but he quickly received a call from Büdhaven. He reluctantly left the two of you together. Dick would have enjoyed some time with his brother too, but maybe you would help. If you helped with Bruce, he was certain you could do pretty much anything. At the same time, he really hoped Jason wasn’t going to scare you away from the family as a way to avenge himself.

But you knew better; you had met Red Hood before and you liked him.

You settled in the café. You started to talk about literature at first. You were both passionate so it was a good conversation starter. You gave each other some recommendations and debated on characters you liked or disliked. Your point of views on characters were often based on your experiences, so it naturally led to a conversion about each other’s lives. And of course, you arrived at the subject of Bruce Wayne.

“I’ll tell him to apologise to you. He shouldn’t have acted that way even if I do agree with the no killing rule” you said “You’re both right in a way, but… Bruce should have talked to you, he should have let you know what was going on with the Joker and why he couldn’t kill him. Why you couldn't kill him either. He should have been there to appease your anger, not the opposite” you said

“You’ll quickly learn that he doesn’t talk much. Especially not about his feelings. If it gets too personal, he’ll push the subject away. If it can hurt him, he’ll run away. He's a bad dad for that. And he might be a bad partner to you as well” Jason told you

“I’m sorry about what happened to you. It must have been so difficult to wake up without your family. And in a body you didn’t know. You did good, despite the murders and everything. Actually, Red Hood has always been my favourite vigilante” you admitted without commenting on the last part of Jason’s words. You wanted to believe that Bruce would make an effort for you.

Jason chuckled as you mentioned his vigilante persona.

“It’s true you never wrote anything bad about me. I thought you were scared of me… Until I realised we actually met” he teased, his eyes litting up

“Oh you remember? Yes I used to live in your territory, and now I’m nearby. I stand by what I said that night: I know what you did for people like us, that’s why I thanked you. Bruce can’t understand what it is to be poor and lost and to have to do bad things to survive. But I’ll make sure he does better with you.” you said “Just promise me to speak with Dick. Your brother looks like he is very eager to have you back in his life. He seemed very sorry you weren’t speaking with him earlier” you added

“I will try to talk with him again then. Thank you for… Thank you. I think I really needed to have this conversation with somebody but no one wanted to have it and I couldn’t really go to a therapist. You’re easy to talk with” he whispered, a little bit awkward

“I know” you smiled “I’m glad if I’ve been able to help”

“Is it your good action of the day to go to Heaven?” Jason joked

“Absolutely” you giggled

A moment of comfortable silence engulfed the two of you. You both enjoyed your tea before you resumed talking:

“Hey you know what, this is my phone number. You can call or text me whenever you need it.” you offered

“Why?” Jason plunged his eyes onto yours.

He was definitely not used of adults being there for him, especially without a catch

“Well I’m afraid I’m a family woman and my own family sucks very much. And since Bruce wants me around, I’d prefer it if I can get along with his people. I’d like to take care of you all.” you admitted, feeling a little shy to say all of this out loud.

Jason was also very easy to talk to.

“I don’t think I’m one of his people. Not anymore at least.” Jason sadly smiled at you

“You can be one of mine then. Take it as a repayment for allowing me to go back home every night without having to worry about anyone slicing my throat off” you insisted

“All the pleasure’s mine” he chuckled before saving your number onto his phone “You know, everyone says Bruce is nicer since you’re around. I have to admit this is true. Maybe happiness can truly change a man”

“Even a bat?” you joked because Jason’s words were touching you a little more than you wanted to show it

“Even a bat” Jason nodded

A few days later, you received a message from Jason, clearly tasting the water with you.

J: Hey wanna go have some lunch together today or tomorrow?

You: Today sounds good :)

After this, you regularly had lunch together and Jason clearly started to see you as a motherly figure, and you saw him as a son. He crashed at your place more than once after patrol, so you could eat together. Bruce never commented on your relationship with Jason, but he heard you when you asked him to apologise.

Which he did.

Jason accepted it and tried his best with Dick and his other siblings. He was still feeling awkward around everyone, but he was slowly spending more time at the manor, even when Bruce was there.

When Bruce asked if you wanted to meet all of his children anytime soon, you agreed but you instantly sent a message to Jason to make sure he would be there as well. He eagerly agreed because he couldn’t wait for you to be officially a member of the Batfamily.

PART 6

Taglist for all my work <3

@blublock404

@wind-canoe

@silverklaus

@couldeatthatgirlforlunch

Taglist for Bruce Wayne <3

@alishii

Taglist for this series <3

@Esposadomd

@moraxussy

@resident-cryptid

@legendarypiratecheesecake

@randomnamedmira

#batfam x reader #batfamily #batmom #bruce wayne #batman #jason todd #red hood #dick grayson #nightwing #bruce wayne x s/o #bruce wayne x y/n #bruce wayne x you #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne x fem!reader #batman x f!reader #batman x s/o #batman x y/n #batman x you #batman x reader

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ouiouimochi · 2 days

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hi I noticed that u were pipino hehe... since it's her months already, can I req how the characters react to f!reader basically celebrating Christmas literally MONTHS early

thankyou for requesting anon! I'm guessing you meant ber months? funny thing is I've gotten started on writing something for that prompt already but you requesting it also urged me to finish lmao… it's kind of rushed? but I do hope you enjoy it!

Never too early to celebrate the holidays!

context: so here in the Philippines, we actually start preparing for Christmas(heck even celebrating it) in September or the start of the ber months. now imagine how the defense force reacts to you practicing this

pairing/s: various kn8 x reader

genre/s: scenario type, slice of life, romance if you squint well, comedy, crack

wc: 2k

warnings: some characters may be ooc, not exactly canon compliant, grammatical errors, no beta we die like cattle, character studies just went out the window in this crackfic, careful for whiplash sweeties! huge mood changes

⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*

It was an unusually relaxed day in the Defense Force, free from the hectic stress of kaiju threats and the like. The day was spent training as usual, but everyone can tell that the atmosphere wasn't heavy with the burden of protecting Japan. They just knew, despite their doubts, that it wasn't the calm before a storm— the worry that their respite would soon be ruined by the stupid beasts that had been haunting them since time immemorial.

There was a distinct chill in the air, signaling the start of the crisp season of autumn. The officers of the Defense Force were already used to the drop in temperature, however some were not completely immune.

You were currently surrounded by your fellow recruits, talking about the sudden cold.

“It feels quite colder than last year,” Kikoru mentions, a small shiver running down her body. She rubs her hands together to gain warmth.

“Yeah, it wasn't this bad then.” Haruichi agreed while burying his hands deep into his parka jacket.

The group continued walking through the streets of the city, their batch having been approved for a day off after training.

“Reno, how in the damned hell are you unaffected?” reno my ice ice baby girl- Iharu hounded the mint haired male as he picked at the other male’s choice of outdoor clothes, the latter responding with a raise of an eyebrow and a shrug.

“We should get warm drinks,” you piped up as everyone expressed their agreement at your suggestion.

“I know just the place.” Haruichi pulled out his phone to show the group a cafe located not too far away. Before long, everyone arrived at the establishment with the ring of the bell above the door.

“Hot chocolate would be perfect,” Kafka sighed out, everyone else thinking of what warm drink to get as their eyes scoured through the menu.

“I'll probably have my usual coffee.”

“Maybe matcha tea?”

“Hot milk tea for me.”

“Macchiato.”

“There's no eggnog?” imsosorryidkwhatchristmasdrinktoputlmao a hum followed as the whole group stared at you with varying emotions.

You had a finger to your lip in thought while scanning the menu. You had your eyebrows slightly scrunched in concentration, debating what to get. A few gazes lingered on your face for a bit too long.

Noticing the silence, you looked at your friends and tilted your head. Realization creeps on your face and you cover your mouth with one palm, bowing apologetically.

“My bad, I didn't mean for everyone to wait for my order… I'll get the same as Reno then,” you sheepishly said.

⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ

“Hold on, I think I have to go get my package.”

“Again? That's like the 6th one this month, (Y/n).” Kikoru stopped walking before turning to you to raise an eyebrow while resting her hands on her waist.

You shrugged your shoulders, seeing no problem in buying stuff with your own money coughcoughnarumicanneverjkcough.

“What's wrong with it? It's not like I'm broke from buying stuff from Yamazon, no? Unlike…” you trailed off, letting your blonde friend finish for you.

She sighs in response, dropping her arms to her sides as you two resume walking.

“As much as I want to say a comeback, you're right about my moronic teacher… I swear, he always asks me for money.”

“Oh, Kikoru…” you pat her back, laughing lightheartedly, “but I do gotta wonder how he does that when his paycheck is more loaded than mine…”

Your younger friend shook her head, already done with the conversation. She waved you goodbye when you two had to separate ways.

You hummed on your way to the office where one receives any delivered goods from outside the base. You waved and smiled at the nice lady at the desk you managed to get acquainted with from your recent visits.

She pulled up a few boxes from under her desk, creating quite the stack. The lady sweat dropped when her eyes trailed from the piled parcels to you— realizing that it'd be quite troublesome for you to carry alone.

Meeting her gaze and knowing what she was thinking, you shook your head and pulled a thumbs up.

“Don't worry, I can handle this. I just have to sign here as usual right?”

She only nodded, still a little worried as you started stacking each box carefully in your arms. Her concern only raised when your head was barely peeking out from the topmost package.

“Thank you again!” and you somehow safely maneuvered yourself out the doorway without hitting anything.

You were doing pretty well despite having most of your eyesight blocked, having to rely on your other senses. You gotta be thankful that all that training paid off, but perhaps you may have overestimated your capabilities.

Although, you could've sworn nobody was in the vicinity as you felt no other presence— heard no other footsteps, rustling of clothes, or even breathing—, you still failed to react fast enough when you collided with someone at the next turn.

Your eyes widened in surprise while some of your packages flew upwards. Everything was in slow motion but you felt a faint warmth wrap around your back and waist to catch you from falling.

You focused more on the packages that were about to fall— afraid that some of the items would break— and caught them… except for one that soared a bit too far from your reach.

Thankfully, the person who you collided with managed to grab ahold of the last box. You closed your eyes and sighed in relief.

A deep playful chuckle reverberated in the air. Your eyes opened to be met with the cheeky grin of Vice Captain Hoshina. implayingfavoritesperhaps

You blinked at him before standing up straight and off his arm.

“Vice Captain Hoshina, sir! I apologize for the disrespect, but I am unable to currently salute you, sir…”

The man only laughs and waves it off with a friendly smile, a hint of one of his canines poking out.

“At ease,” he scanned you from head to toe, “quite a hazard to walk around with ‘ya vision blocked, no?” still in his hand was the package he caught for you.

“I was holding up quite well due to your training…” you stared up at him before narrowing your eyes jokingly, “But your movements had no sound at all, not even a rustle of your clothes.”

He hummed before taking half the pile of boxes in your arms.

“Where to?”

You tilted your head curiously at his gesture. Alhough it was not unusual for the vice captain to be kind, he usually didn’t show it in such a straightforward way. Nonetheless, you appreciated how he still left some for you to carry on your own.

You smiled and answered him, both of you falling in step towards your destination.

“So what're these for? Noticed you've had deliveries the past month as well.” The purple haired man queried.

You had a slight skip in your step, quite excited to open up the packages that you received. In response to his inquiry, you smiled up at him with a glint in your eyes, “Just some early gift buying for the holidays, sir.” before turning your head away to hum a tune in your head.

‘Christmas shopping in September?’

Hoshina’s eyes remain trained on your form, processing what you just said, before he shook his head and just let you be. Everyone else had learned to not to question you much no matter how… eccentric you were at times. Your eccentricity was one of your charms anyways.

“Careful with what you buy, don't want ‘ya ending up like a certain captain of the First Division…” He advised, finding the opportunity to poke fun at said person despite their current absence.

You rolled your eyes, finding it funny that this is the nth time today Captain Narumi was slandered. “I'm more responsible with my money than you all think, sir.”

Far away in the Ariake Maritime Base of the JAKDF, a certain two-toned haired male let out a sneeze while he was busy playing on his gaming console.

Hasegawa shook his head, “that's what gaming all night gets you,” the older man chided his captain as the said person only covered his ears, unwilling to listen to another lecture.

⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ

Another yoju drops dead on the concrete ground, everyone’s comms crackling to life.

“Immeasurable amount of yoju bounding to Zone Beta, honju’s whereabouts are unknown,” the familiar voice of Operations Manager Okonogi made itself through the earpiece.

“There's just no end to this!” an officer grumbled as everyone else started bounding to the designated zone.

“Kaiju horde spotted, permission to engage?” You announced into your device while readying your gun, being the first in position. The horde had an average of only 3.6 fortitude level— however, their numbers were what made them problematic. The operations room gave you the signal, indicating that it was something you could handle with your capabilities despite only being a recruit.

You wasted not another moment, immediately pulling the trigger of your pre-aimed gun. A yoju drops as its fellow species trampled over its fallen corpse.

The ground was rumbling with the beasts’ stampede through the open road. Yet again, another shot, another corpse. They were still far from your position, so you continued to efficiently gun down kaiju after kaiju.

You get into a steady beat, unconsciously following a certain rhythm from the back of your mind. You remain locked in, completely washing out most of your surroundings— well of course you are still aware of what's going on around you, just more hyperaware than ever.

“First Division backup has arrived at Zone Beta”

You continued firing away, by now the horde was noticeably dwindling away already. A pair of red glaring lenses watched on, having the pleasure of watching your work first hand as the owner was fastest to arrive.

Captain Narumi only wanted to quickly clear the largest wave of kaiju emergence of the year by far— cursing already how his division had to do a joint operation with the Third. Color him impressed as he just observed how you could clear the horde pretty much on your own. He was mesmerized by the timing and pattern of which you fired your gun—

He narrows his eyes when he realizes something, noticing that it was like you were casually playing a rhythm game with the monsters. Well, that wasn't exactly what made him pause…

‘She isn't shooting them down in the beat of a Christmas song, is she?'

⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ

“Do any of you think that maybe—just maybee—(Y/n) is actually insane?” Iharu randomly blurted out as the usual group of recruits gathered around. You weren't present at the moment since you were called to the captain's office for something.

“You’re the madman here for being brave enough to even question it.” Kikoru stated matter-of-factly.

“We're literally surrounded by unique people, why are you only pointing fingers at her?” Reno raised an eyebrow, ready to defend you anytime.

“I mean… it's only September… and she's already making holiday preparations!” The pink-haired male tried to explain.

“...He does make quite the point.” Kafka nodded along.

“Eh, how are you all sure she's been doing so?” Reno challenged.

The eldest of the group mentioned what he noticed, “Hasn’t (Y/n) been craving and looking for Christmas season food—”

“You've no right to judge a woman's sudden urge to eat something.” Hakua interjected, the tall female always so passionate when it comes to cuisine.

“Come to think of it… Her part of the room’s been unusually cramped with some packages...” Akari’s mellow voice echoed out.

“It's not really our business to pry into how she uses her paychecks though…”

and so the group bickered back and forth— one half providing ‘evidence’ of your weird behavior, the second half making up possible reasons behind them.

“She’s been humming ‘All I want for Christmas is You‘ by Mariah Carey the past 2 weeks for fuck's sake!”

⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*⁠･⁠｡⁠ᴥ⁠༚˳•⁠⁠°. ☆ﾟ⁠˖⁠*

notes: CRYING SCREAMING HOW DO I WRITE HOSHINA TALKING I FORGOT HOW TO WRITE HIM HHHHHHH (too lazy to edit his parts, this has been in the drafts since the start of september… kinda wanna get it over and done with-)

this was hella rushed, isn't it obvious I made different parts at different days? its a mess just like me :P

#kaiju no 8 x reader #kaiju no.8 x reader #kaiju no. 8 x reader #kn8 x reader #kn8 #soshiro hoshina #hoshina soshiro #soshiro hoshina x reader #hoshina soshiro x reader #reno ichikawa #reno ichikawa x reader #kn8 reader insert #kaiju no 8 reader insert #is this enough tags? i think its enough tags

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hedgiwithapen · 1 day

Note

Leverage timetravel, pre pilot/child ot3 meet their redemption era selves

(I took some liberties re: /meeting/) In hindsight, visiting the US Patent office was probably not their smartest move. Never return to the scene of the crime, and all, at least not if the job was finished.

But they'd put a pin in going back for the time machine, and not even a really bad idea could deter Hardison from an actual time machine. Well. Portal, like Eliot had said.

It hadn't come with an instruction manual, but the three of them, Hardison, Parker, Eliot were professionals at figuring things out on the fly . Even lost in the past. Even scattered.

Hardison knew he just had to wait, though. They'd find each other. They'd lived through the past once, they could deal with it again, especially knowing everything they did. And it wasn't like they had to live through the whole span of years, either. They just had to find each other, put the pieces back together, scattered with them, and go home. Easier said than done--he was starting to think they might have ended up in different times--but still, the Estimated range was fifteen to twenty years, so that was only five max before they met up, right?

Hardison had gotten right to work. Ads in every major newspaper in the heartland cost plenty, but he had years of criminal practice on top of knowing what tech to invest in, so he really wasn't that worried. He guessed Eliot would be betting on sports games, like in Back to the Future. Parker... well, it was hard to guess where she was. Once he and Eliot met up, they'd have to wait for her to get to them. He did have a few things to do, first.

He knocked on Nana's door, feeling like maybe he ought to be wearing a bow tie.

"What is it? You from the county?" she asked, when she opened the door. He could see behind her a few curious faces, including his own. Damn, he'd been so tiny.

"Yes, Ma'am," he said brightly. He could remember this day, vaguely. The box he held was more familiar than his adult face. "I'm here to install your new computer."

"I didn't order any computer," Nana said. "Run your scam someplace else."

"It's not a scam!" he heard his own voice say. "I entered a contest at school."

He had. And he'd lost. Stupid Jake Puckett had won, a kid who could have easily afforded a computer. Alec hadn't known that though, until Hardison'd checked idly. And he wasn't about to just let all of history change. Well, all his own history.

"You got some proof of that?" Nana asked, and Alec went scampering off to his room to find his copy of the essay.

Satisfied with the expertly forged documents (wow! it was much easier to forge past documents when you were in the time they were from!) Nana let him in and pointed to a corner desk near an outlet.

"You ever use your own one of these?" Hardison asked Alec, who shook his head. " just the one at school. I really won?"

"Sure did. Now, let me show you what this thing can do."

Eliot stood at the edge of the field, a newspaper crumpled in his hand. Hardison was in Boston, if the ad was right, and of course the ad was. No one else put that much effort into a coded message.

He watched the football fly. In two weeks, the kid throwing it would be on a bus to boot camp. He closed his eyes. There were options. Kid wouldn't believe him, of course. There were no secrets yet, to spill as proof. And he was too stubborn to buy the warning. A good solid tackle, though. Break his arm bad enough...

He'd thought about it. And then about the what ifs. The blood would still be spilled, he knew that. Someone else would end up on Moreau's chain. Someone else would end up with a half dug grave for Flores, and maybe keep digging it. Everything he'd done for money, the money'd go to someone else. Job might not get done, or it might.

He'd be there for his mother's funeral. He'd miss Katherine Clive's. Rebecca Ibanez. the way the drinking might have gone... he'd miss Nate Ford's. He'd go to school, like his dad wanted, never play college ball. Study something-- art history, maybe -- but no, that was him now. Not him then. Him then would be angry and broken. Him then wouldn't have... his people.

He crumped the paper further. "Dammit, Hardison," he said quietly, and walked away.

Parker had a code. Some things, you just didn't do. Some were big and flashy and obvious. Some were smaller, quieter.

Hardison would say she shouldn't do this, she knew, and she usually listened to Hardison. He knew what he was talking about, most of the time. You can't change the past. That'd been part of the lecture before they'd gone to steal the time machine. You can do things, sure, but you always did them.

Well, Parker hadn't done this. No one had, back the first time she'd lived through this day. But she was doing it anyways, breaking his rule and her own. You don't steal from kids who don't have anything.

Carefully, she picked the lock on the child's bicycle chain.

#Dammit Hedgi Day #Dammit Hedgi Day 2024 #Leverage #Eliot Spencer #Alec Hardison #Parker #the three ways of interacting with the past tbh. you find you were always there. you watch and accept it. or you say #“time had better come up with something good.#because it's up against Me”#to paraphrase Sir PTerry

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natsgrave · 17 hours

Text

FAVORITE CRIME | elizabeth olsen

i hope i was your favorite crime, 'cause baby, you were mine. i do not give permission for my work to be copied or translated on other sites. plagiarism is a crime!! masterlist

→ warning: self harm

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

know that I loved you so bad, I let you treat me like that. I was your willing accomplice, honey.

It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the park was alive with the vibrant hues of fall. The air was cool, filled with the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and the sounds of children playing and dogs barking created a lively backdrop. Y/N was sitting on a bench, enjoying the tranquility of the moment, when she saw Wanda hurrying towards her, a look of urgency in her eyes.

"Y/N!" Wanda called out as she approached, her breath slightly ragged from running. She plopped down beside Y/N, her cheeks flushed from both the cool air and her haste.

"Wanda, hey! What's up?" Y/N asked, surprised by her friend's sudden appearance and obvious distress.

Wanda took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I need your help. It's a bit crazy, but I really need you to do me a favor."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What kind of favor?"

Wanda glanced around nervously before speaking. "Remember the girl I met at the bar last night? Her name's Alex. Well, she just texted me, and she wants to meet up again. She's really interested, but… I don't know how to say this… I kind of panicked and told her I already have a girlfriend."

Y/N blinked, taken aback. "Wait, what? Why would you say that?"

Wanda sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Y/N. I guess I just freaked out. I liked her, but I didn't want things to move too fast. And now she's asking to meet my 'girlfriend.' That's where you come in."

Y/N stared at Wanda, trying to process the request. "You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?"

"Please, Y/N," Wanda pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation. "Just for today. Alex is supposed to meet us here in half an hour. I promise I'll explain everything to her afterward. I just need to buy some time."

Y/N sighed, seeing the genuine worry in Wanda's eyes. She couldn't say no to her friend, even if the situation was bizarre. "Alright, fine. I'll do it. But you owe me one, Wanda."

Wanda's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Y/N. You're the best. I swear I'll make it up to you."

and I watched as you fled the scene, doe-eyed as you buried me. one heart broke, four hands bloody.

They spent the next hour walking through the park, chatting about various topics. Y/N was surprised at how naturally the conversation flowed. She found herself genuinely enjoying Alex's company, and it was clear why Wanda had been interested in her. Despite the initial awkwardness, the three of them laughed and talked as if they had known each other for years.

At one point, they stopped by a small café in the park to grab some coffee. As they sat down at a table, Alex excused herself to take a phone call. Y/N turned to Wanda, her voice low.

"She's really nice, Wanda. You should have just told her the truth from the start."

Wanda sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I know, Y/N. I just… I didn't want to mess things up. But I can see now that this was a mistake."

Before Y/N could respond, Alex returned, her phone call finished. She sat down, a thoughtful look on her face. "So, how did you two meet?"

Wanda took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "Alex, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Y/N and me."

Alex's brow furrowed in concern. "Is everything okay? You two seemed so happy together."

Wanda shook her head, her eyes meeting Alex's. "That's just it. Y/N and I… we're not actually together. We're just friends. I asked her to pretend to be my girlfriend because I panicked when you asked me out."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise, her expression a mix of confusion and hurt. "Wait, what? You two aren't…?"

Wanda nodded, guilt washing over her. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I know it was wrong, and I should have been honest from the start. I just… I didn't want to lose the chance to get to know you better, and I got scared."

Alex was silent for a moment, her gaze focused on the table between the three of them. Finally, she looked up at Wanda, a small, rueful smile on her lips. "You know, I appreciate you coming clean. It takes guts to admit you were wrong."

Wanda reached out, her hand covering Alex's. "I'm really sorry, Alex. I promise I'll be honest with you from now on, no matter what."

Alex squeezed her hand gently, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Okay, Wanda. Let's start fresh. No more lies, just honesty."

you used me as an alibi, I crossed my heart as you crossed the line, and I defended you to all my friends.

Y/N was lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Alex. She hesitated for a moment before opening it.

"Hey, can we talk? Need to ask you something about Wanda."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She knew this conversation was coming sooner or later. She took a deep breath and typed a quick response. "Sure, what's up?"

A few minutes later, her phone rang. Y/N picked it up, trying to keep her voice steady. "Hey, Alex."

"Hey, Y/N," Alex said, her voice tense. "I just wanted to check something with you. Was Wanda with you the whole weekend?"

Y/N's mind raced. She knew Wanda had canceled her date with Alex, and now she had to cover for her. "Yeah, she was," Y/N lied, her voice steady. "She needed some time to unwind, so we just hung out at my place."

Alex sighed on the other end. "I see. She told me you needed her and that's why she canceled our date. It just seemed a bit sudden."

"Yeah, I wasn't feeling too great," Y/N continued, sticking to the story. "Wanda came over to keep me company. She's a really good friend."

There was a pause. "I guess… I just felt like she was avoiding me," Alex admitted. "It's been happening a lot lately."

Y/N felt a pang of guilt. She didn't want to lie, but she also didn't want to betray Wanda's trust. "I'm sure she's just been busy," she said, trying to sound reassuring. "You know how life can get sometimes."

"Yeah, maybe," Alex said, her tone still doubtful. "Thanks for clearing that up, Y/N. I appreciate it."

"No problem," Y/N replied. "Take care, Alex."

"You too." She said before hanging up.

Y/N let out a sigh of relief, but the weight of the lie still hung heavily on her. She decided to call her friends, Natasha and Maria, to talk things through. She dialed Natasha's number first.

"Hey, Nat, can you come over? I need to talk."

"Sure, see you in a minute." Natasha replied without hesitation.

Next, Y/N called Maria. "Hey, Maria. Can you come over? I need to discuss something important."

"Of course, I'll be there soon." Maria responded.

Half an hour later, Natasha and Maria arrived at Y/N's apartment. They could tell something was bothering her.

"What's going on, Y/N?" Natasha asked, sitting down on the couch.

Y/N took a deep breath and explained the situation. "Alex called me earlier, asking if Wanda was with me the whole weekend. She told her she canceled their date because I needed her, but that's not true. I lied and told her she was with me."

Maria frowned. "Why would Wanda do that? That's not fair to you or Alex."

"I know," Y/N said, running a hand through her hair. "But I didn't want to betray her trust. I didn't want to betray her. Wanda's been going through something, and I think she just needed some space."

Natasha crossed her arms. "Still, it's not right for her to put you in that position. She's being selfish."

"Yeah," Maria agreed. "She shouldn't be dragging you into her mess."

Y/N shook her head. "Wanda's not bad. She's really sweet and kind. She's just been… distant lately. I don't think she knows how to deal with whatever she's going through."

Natasha sighed. "I get that, but it's not fair to you. You deserve better than to be caught in the middle of this."

"I know," Y/N said softly. "But I care about her. She's my friend, and I want to help her."

Maria placed a hand on Y/N's shoulder. "We understand that, Y/N. Just don't let her take advantage of your kindness. You need to look out for yourself too."

"I will," Y/N promised. "But I'm not giving up on her. I know the Wanda I care about is still there, even if she's going through a rough patch."

Natasha nodded. "Just be careful, okay? We're here for you."

"Thanks, guys," Y/N said, feeling a bit better after talking to her friends. "I appreciate it."

As Natasha and Maria left, Y/N sat back down on the couch, her mind still racing with thoughts about Wanda. She hoped that whatever Wanda was dealing with, she would find a way to come back to the friend Y/N knew and loved. Until then, she would stand by her, even if it meant telling a few white lies along the way.

and now, every time a siren sounds, I wonder if you're around 'cause you know that I'd do it all again.

The tension in the apartment had been building for weeks. Y/N could feel it in every interaction, every forced smile, and every vague excuse. Wanda had been distant, using Y/N as an alibi for her mysterious disappearances. Y/N had tried to be patient, but tonight, she couldn't take it anymore.

Y/N paced the living room, waiting for Wanda to return. When the door finally opened, Wanda walked in, looking tired and somewhat annoyed. "Hey," she said curtly, tossing her keys on the table.

"We need to talk." Y/N said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.

Wanda sighed, not meeting Y/N's eyes. "Can it wait? I'm really tired."

"No, it can't," Y/N replied firmly. "You've been distant for a month now, Wanda. You've been using me as an alibi to Alex, and I'm getting tired of it. What's going on?"

Wanda's face hardened. "I don't need to explain myself to you," she snapped. "I have my own life, Y/N."

"But we're supposed to be in this together," Y/N said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I love you, and I feel like I'm losing you. Why are you shutting me out?"

Wanda crossed her arms defensively. "Maybe because you're smothering me," she retorted. "I need space, and you're always there, always needing something from me."

Y/N was taken aback. "I'm not smothering you. I'm just trying to be there for you, to support you. But you keep pushing me away."

"Because I can't breathe with you around!" Wanda shouted, her eyes flashing with anger. "You act like everything is about you. Did it ever occur to you that maybe I need time to figure things out on my own?"

Y/N's voice broke. "Wanda, I just want to help. I want to understand. Why are you being so cruel?"

"Because maybe you don't belong here, Y/N," Wanda said coldly. "Maybe you never did. You should have been gone and never been born."

The words hit Y/N like a physical blow. She stood there, stunned, as Wanda grabbed her coat and stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her. Y/N's knees gave way, and she collapsed onto the floor, her mind reeling with Wanda's words.

The silence in the apartment was deafening. Y/N sat there for what felt like hours, the weight of Wanda's words crushing her spirit. "You should have been gone and never been born." The phrase echoed in her mind, relentless and cruel. She felt numb, the emotional pain so intense that it was almost physical.

In a daze, Y/N found herself in the bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She hardly recognized the person looking back at her. Tears streamed down her face as she opened the medicine cabinet and took out a razor blade. Her hands shook, but her mind was made up. She couldn't live with the pain, with the feeling of being unwanted, unworthy.

The next few moments were a blur. She felt a strange calm as she dragged the blade across her wrists, watching the blood flow. It wasn't until the room started spinning and her vision blurred that she realized she was losing consciousness.

Y/N woke up to the beeping of machines and the sterile smell of the hospital. She looked around, disoriented, and saw Natasha and Maria sitting beside her bed, their faces etched with worry and grief.

"Why did you do it, Y/N?" Natasha asked, her voice breaking. "Why?"

Maria wiped her tears, looking at Y/N with a mixture of sadness and desperation. "Please, don't ever do that again. We love you so much. We can't lose you."

Y/N felt a lump in her throat as she whispered, "Is she here?"

Natasha and Maria exchanged a glance, their silence speaking volumes. Y/N's heart sank. She already knew the answer.

"No," Y/N murmured, tears streaming down her face. "She's not."

Natasha took Y/N's hand, squeezing it gently. "We're here for you, Y/N. We're not going anywhere."

Maria nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll get through this together. You're not alone."

Y/N nodded weakly, her heart aching with a mixture of relief and sorrow. As she lay there, surrounded by her friends, she realized that she needed to find her own strength, to heal and move forward, even if it meant doing so without Wanda.

But she hate the fact that if Wanda asked her, she knows that she'd do it again. For her. For Wanda.

It's bittersweet to think about the damage that we do, 'cause I was going down, but I was doing it with you.

Y/N had always prided herself on her resilience. She had faced challenges head-on, never shying away from adversity. But lately, life had become an unending series of disappointments and heartaches. She felt like she was drowning in her own thoughts, the weight of the world pressing down on her.

One particularly dreary evening, Y/N sat in her dimly lit apartment, staring blankly at the television. The sound was on, but she wasn't really listening. Her phone buzzed beside her, but she ignored it, too numb to care. She had been in this dark place for weeks, and each day seemed to blur into the next.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Y/N didn't move. She assumed it was just another delivery she hadn't ordered, or perhaps a neighbor. But the knocking persisted, louder and more insistent this time.

"Y/N, it's Wanda. Open the door."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. Wanda had been her rock, her constant in the chaos. But she had been pushing everyone away, including Wanda. She sighed and slowly got up, dragging her feet to the door. She opened it to find Wanda standing there, concern etched on her face.

"Hey," Wanda said softly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. She took one look at Y/N and immediately wrapped her in a hug. "I've been so worried about you."

Y/N felt a tear slip down her cheek. "I'm sorry, Wanda. I just… I didn't know what to do."

Wanda pulled back slightly, looking into Y/N's eyes. "You don't have to do this alone. You're not alone. I'm here for you. Always."

They moved to the couch, and Wanda made Y/N a cup of tea, insisting she drink it. The warmth of the tea and Wanda's presence seemed to thaw some of the ice that had formed around Y/N's heart.

"You don't understand, Wanda," Y/N said, her voice trembling. "Everything feels so hopeless. I can't see a way out."

Wanda took Y/N's hand, squeezing it gently. "I know it feels like that now, but you're stronger than you think. We'll get through this together. I promise."

Y/N nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so tired, Wanda. Tired of fighting, tired of feeling like this."

Wanda wrapped her arms around Y/N again, holding her tightly. "Then let me fight for you. Let me be your strength when you can't find your own. We'll take it one day at a time."

As the days turned into weeks, Wanda remained by Y/N's side, helping her find small joys in everyday life. They took long walks in the park, watched movies together, and shared quiet moments that slowly brought Y/N back to life. Wanda's unwavering support and love were the lifeline Y/N desperately needed.

Months later, the roles reversed. Wanda had been struggling with her own demons, overwhelmed by the pressures of life and the haunting memories of her past. One evening, Y/N found Wanda sitting on the floor of her apartment, tears streaming down her face.

"Wanda?" Y/N said softly, kneeling beside her. "What's wrong?"

Wanda looked up, her eyes red and puffy. "I'm so tired, Y/N. Tired of pretending everything is okay. Tired of fighting these battles alone."

Y/N took Wanda's hands in hers, squeezing them reassuringly. "You're not alone, Wanda. I'm here for you, just like you were there for me."

Wanda nodded, her tears falling onto their intertwined hands. "I don't know what to do anymore."

"We'll figure it out together," Y/N said firmly. "You were my rock when I needed you. Now let me be yours."

They spent the night talking, Y/N listening as Wanda poured out her heart. Y/N held Wanda as she cried, offering comfort and understanding. They talked about everything— Wanda's fears, her regrets, and her hopes. Y/N reminded Wanda of her strength, of all the battles she had already won.

"You've been through so much, Wanda," Y/N said gently. "But you're still here. You're still fighting. And that's what makes you incredible."

Wanda looked at Y/N, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Y/N. For being here, for believing in me."

Y/N smiled, brushing a tear from Wanda's cheek. "We're a team, remember? We face everything together."

As time went on, their bond only grew stronger. They supported each other through the highs and lows, always ready to catch the other when they fell. They celebrated victories, no matter how small, and faced challenges head-on, knowing they were never alone.

One evening, they sat on Y/N's balcony, watching the sunset. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, a beautiful end to a long day. Wanda leaned her head on Y/N's shoulder, sighing contentedly.

"Thank you for everything, Y/N," Wanda said softly. "I don't know where I'd be without you."

Y/N kissed the top of Wanda's head, smiling. "You don't have to thank me. We're always there for each other. That's what love and friendship is about."

Wanda looked up at Y/N, her eyes shining with love and admiration. "Forever and always?"

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Forever and always."

Yeah, everything we broke, and all the trouble that we made. But I say that I hate you with a smile on my face.

Y/N and Wanda had been inseparable since the day they met in the third grade. They were the definition of troublemakers, always coming up with new and inventive ways to wreak havoc in their small town. Now, as teenagers, their bond had only grown stronger, and their antics more daring.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, Y/N and Wanda sat on the curb outside the local convenience store, sipping on their stolen sodas. Mr. Rogers, the store owner, had long given up trying to keep the two from sneaking drinks without paying.

"Okay, what's the plan for today?" Wanda asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Y/N grinned, wiping soda from her mouth. "I was thinking we could 'borrow' old man Fury's tractor and take it for a spin around the park."

Wanda's eyes widened. "You're insane, Y/N! He'll kill us if he catches us."

"Which is why we won't get caught," Y/N said confidently. "Come on, live a little!"

Wanda laughed and stood up, pulling Y/N with her. "Alright, let's do it. But if we get caught, I'm blaming you."

They made their way to old man Fury's farm, sneaking past the barn where he kept his beloved tractor. Y/N hot-wired the vehicle— an impressive skill she had picked up from watching too many heist movies— and they were off, the engine roaring to life.

They drove through the town, laughing and waving at bewildered pedestrians. By the time they reached the park, a small crowd had gathered, cheering them on. Y/N and Wanda took turns driving, each one trying to outdo the other with their daring maneuvers.

"This is amazing!" Wanda shouted over the noise, her face flushed with excitement.

"I told you it would be!" Y/N yelled back, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

After an hour of joyriding, they decided to return the tractor before anyone could trace it back to them. They parked it back in the barn, carefully covering their tracks.

As they walked away, Wanda nudged Y/N. "We're getting really good at this."

Y/N smirked. "We're the best."

Another day, they decided to sneak into the local movie theater after hours. It was an old building, the kind that still had a reel-to-reel projector. Y/N had found a way in through a loose window in the back.

Inside, they explored the empty theater, making their way to the projector room. Wanda found an old film reel and, with a little help from Y/N, managed to set it up.

The screen flickered to life, showing an old black-and-white movie. They sat in the plush seats, munching on popcorn they had brought with them, feeling like they owned the place.

"This is perfect." Wanda said, leaning her head on Y/N's shoulder.

"It really is." Y/N agreed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the buttery popcorn.

Their adventures weren't always so harmless. One night, they decided to sneak into the school pool. It was a warm summer evening, and the thought of swimming under the stars was too tempting to resist.

They climbed over the fence, stripping down to their underwear before diving into the cool water. They swam and splashed around, their laughter echoing in the still night.

"Can you believe we're actually doing this?" Wanda asked, floating on her back and staring up at the stars.

"We can do anything." Y/N replied, her voice filled with conviction.

Just then, the sound of a flashlight beam cutting through the darkness made them freeze.

"Hey! Who's there?" the night guard shouted.

"Time to go!" Y/N whispered urgently.

They scrambled out of the pool, grabbing their clothes and running for the fence. They barely made it over before the guard reached them, sprinting down the street in fits of giggles.

"That was too close!" Wanda gasped, leaning against a lamppost to catch her breath.

"But it was worth it." Y/N said, her eyes shining with exhilaration.

Despite their frequent brushes with trouble, they never got caught. Their reputation as the town's resident troublemakers only grew, and so did their bond. They were two halves of a whole, perfectly in sync.

One afternoon, they sat in Y/N's backyard, sprawled out on the grass and staring up at the clouds.

"Hey, Y/N?" Wanda said, turning her head to look at her friend.

"Yeah?" Y/N replied, still gazing at the sky.

"Do you think we'll always be like this? Best friends, causing trouble, having fun?"

Y/N smiled. "I don't see why not. We're unstoppable, remember?"

Wanda laughed. "Yeah, we are."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that only comes from years of friendship.

"You know," Wanda said after a while, "I don't think I could have survived this town without you."

Y/N turned to face her, a serious look on her face. "Me neither, Wanda. You're my best friend. My partner in crime."

Wanda grinned. "Forever and always?"

"Forever and always." Y/N agreed.

They both sat up, and Y/N suddenly nudged Wanda playfully. "Hey, remember when we stole Mr. Roger's garden gnome and put it in Principal Stark's office?"

Wanda burst out laughing. "Oh my god, yes! He was so confused. That was brilliant."

Y/N chuckled. "Good times."

Wanda leaned closer, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, what's our next adventure?"

Y/N pretended to think. "Hmm, how about we—"

Before she could finish, Wanda tackled her, and they both tumbled to the ground, laughing and playfully wrestling.

"I hate you!" Y/N said jokingly, a wide smile on her face.

Wanda laughed, her eyes twinkling with joy. "I love you too."

They lay there in the grass, catching their breath and laughing together, knowing that whatever trouble they found next, they'd face it together, as they always had.

oh, look what we became.

A few days later, Y/N was discharged from the hospital. The ride home was quiet, the weight of recent events hanging heavily in the air. Natasha and Maria were by her side, their presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone, even as she felt the void left by Wanda's absence.

Back at her apartment, Y/N sank into her couch, exhaustion washing over her. Natasha and Maria bustled around, making sure everything was in order. Maria brought her a cup of tea, while Natasha checked her medications and left a list of do's and don'ts on the fridge.

"You need anything else, Y/N?" Maria asked softly, sitting beside her.

Y/N shook her head, staring into her cup. "No, I'm good. Thanks for everything, both of you."

Natasha knelt in front of her, placing a hand on her knee. "We're here for you, no matter what. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

"I know," Y/N said, offering a small, grateful smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

As the days passed, Natasha and Maria remained a constant presence. They took turns checking in, making sure Y/N was eating, getting out of bed, and taking care of herself. They were there when she needed a shoulder to cry on and when she needed to be distracted from her thoughts.

However, Y/N's relationship with Wanda had become a ghost haunting her every waking moment. She couldn't bring herself to face Wanda, couldn't bear to see the woman who had once been her world. The close friendship they had shared now felt like a fragile thread, frayed and on the brink of snapping.

One afternoon, Natasha found Y/N staring out the window, lost in thought. She approached quietly, sitting down beside her.

"You've been avoiding her." Natasha said gently, not needing to specify who 'her' was.

Y/N sighed, her eyes never leaving the view outside. "I can't face her, Nat. Every time I think about her, I just… I feel everything all over again."

Natasha nodded, understanding. "It's going to take time. And it's okay to need space. Just remember, you're not alone in this."

Y/N turned to Natasha, tears brimming in her eyes. "I just don't know how to move on from this. How do I let go of someone who meant so much to me?"

Natasha reached out, taking Y/N's hand in hers. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. One step at a time, okay? And we'll be with you every step of the way."

"I loved her, more than I should have."

Meanwhile, Wanda was struggling with her own turmoil. She regretted every harsh word, every moment of distance she had put between them. She wanted to reach out, to apologize, to try and mend what had been broken, but fear and guilt held her back.

One evening, Wanda stood outside Y/N's apartment building, hesitating. She had been there for almost an hour, working up the courage to go inside. Just as she decided to leave, Maria stepped out of the building and spotted her.

"Wanda?" Maria called out, walking towards her.

Wanda turned, her heart sinking at the sight of Maria's stern expression. "Maria, I… I was just leaving."

Maria crossed her arms, looking at her intently. "She's been through hell because of you, Wanda. What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to see her, to apologize," Wanda said, her voice breaking. "I never meant to hurt her like this. I… I love her."

Maria's expression softened slightly, but her stance remained firm. "You've done enough damage. Give her the space she needs. If she wants to talk to you, she'll reach out. Until then, respect her boundaries."

Wanda nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I understand. I'm so sorry, Maria. For everything."

Maria sighed, her anger melting into empathy. "Just give her time, Wanda. And maybe someday, she'll be ready to hear you out."

Wanda watched Maria walk away, the weight of her mistakes pressing down on her. She turned and left, hoping that someday, she would have the chance to make things right.

Days turned into weeks, and Y/N slowly began to rebuild her life. Natasha and Maria continued to support her, helping her find new routines and rediscover old passions. Y/N started painting again, the act of creating something beautiful offering a solace she hadn't felt in a long time.

One evening, as Y/N worked on a canvas, Natasha and Maria sat nearby, watching her with quiet pride.

"You're really getting back into it." Maria said, admiring the vibrant colors taking shape.

Y/N smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "It feels good. It's like… I'm finding pieces of myself again."

Natasha nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and hope. "We're so proud of you, Y/N. You're stronger than you know."

Y/N set down her brush, looking at her friends with gratitude. "I couldn't have done this without you two. You've been my rock through all of this."

Maria reached over, squeezing Y/N's hand. "And we always will be. No matter what."

As they sat together, the sun setting outside, Y/N felt a flicker of hope. The road to healing was long, and the scars of her past might never fully fade, but she knew she wasn't walking it alone. And with Natasha and Maria by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

Months passed, and Y/N continued to avoid Wanda. The once close friendship seemed irreparably damaged, and every time Y/N saw Wanda from a distance, her heart ached with a mix of longing and pain.

One day, while shopping for groceries, Y/N ran into an old mutual friend of theirs. They exchanged pleasantries, but Y/N could sense the underlying tension.

"Have you talked to Wanda?" Agatha asked cautiously.

Y/N shook her head. "No. I'm not ready. I don't think I ever will be."

Agatha nodded sympathetically. "She misses you, you know. She talks about you all the time."

Y/N's heart clenched. "It doesn't change what happened. Some things can't be fixed."

As Y/N walked home, her thoughts were a turbulent mix of past and present. She knew she had to keep moving forward, even if it meant leaving some parts of her past behind.

Back at her apartment, she found Natasha and Maria waiting for her, their expressions a mix of concern and support.

"How was your day?" Natasha asked, her tone gentle.

Y/N smiled faintly. "It was okay. Just ran into someone from the past."

Maria raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Y/N shook her head. "No, it's just… a reminder of everything. But I'm okay. I have you guys, and that's enough."

Natasha and Maria exchanged a glance, then pulled Y/N into a hug.

"We're here for you, no matter what," Maria whispered. "You're never alone."

all the things I did, just so I could call you mine.

After so long, Y/N finally found the courage to face Wanda. The thought of seeing her again had gnawed at her for weeks, and now, standing in front of the café where they had agreed to meet, her heart pounded in her chest. As she pushed open the door, the familiar chime of the bell overhead sent a wave of nostalgia washing over her.

Wanda was already there, seated at a corner table, her fingers nervously tracing patterns on the surface. She looked up as Y/N approached, a hesitant smile forming on her lips.

"Hey," Wanda greeted softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Hey," Y/N replied, taking a seat opposite her. The air between them was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence heavy and awkward. Y/N glanced around the café, memories of happier times flooding her mind. This place had once been their sanctuary, a haven for shared laughter and secret confessions. Now, it felt like a foreign land, tainted by the weight of their fractured friendship.

Wanda broke the silence first. "I… I'm so sorry, Y/N. For everything. I never meant to hurt you. I was selfish and careless, and I didn't realize how much I was pushing you away until it was too late."

Y/N listened, her eyes focused on the table. She could feel Wanda's gaze on her, pleading for understanding, but she couldn't bring herself to meet it just yet.

"I know I messed up," Wanda continued, her voice cracking. "I was dealing with a lot, but that's no excuse for how I treated you. You were always there for me, and I took that for granted. I'm so, so sorry."

When Wanda finished, Y/N took a deep breath, finally looking up to meet her eyes. "I appreciate the apology, Wanda. I really do. But it doesn't change what happened. The damage has been done."

Wanda nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know. And I don't expect you to forgive me right away. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am."

Y/N sighed, the weight of the past months pressing down on her. "Do you know what it's been like for me? You disappeared when I needed you the most. I had to deal with everything alone, and it felt like a part of me was missing."

Wanda bit her lip, her guilt evident. "I'm sorry, Y/N. I wish I could take it all back."

"I covered for you, Wanda," Y/N said, her voice growing more intense. "I told everyone you were with me when you weren't. I defended you to our friends, even when they told me to let you go. I did all of that because I wanted to believe that you still cared. Because I loved you."

Wanda's eyes widened in surprise. "Loved me? Y/N, I…"

"Not just as a friend, Wanda," Y/N interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion. "I loved you. I still do. But not in the way you think. I was in love with you. And every time I lied, every time I covered for you, it was because I wanted to feel like you were still mine in some way."

Tears streamed down Wanda's face. "I had no idea, Y/N. If I had known…"

"It wouldn't have changed anything," Y/N said, shaking her head. "You've changed, Wanda. Our friendship isn't the same anymore, and I don't think it ever will be. I've spent so long pretending, holding on to a hope that you'd come back, but the truth is, you're not the same person I fell in love with."

Y/N continued to confess her love, the words tumbling out like a dam had finally burst. She needed to let it all out, to say everything that had been weighing on her heart, as if this was the last chance she would ever get.

"You don't understand, Wanda," Y/N began, her voice trembling. "From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. I felt this connection, this bond that I couldn't explain. I loved the way you laughed, the way you saw the world, the way you made me feel like I was important. Every little thing about you drew me in."

Wanda sat silently, tears streaming down her face, as Y/N continued.

"I remember the late-night talks, the secrets we shared, the way you made me feel like I was the only person who mattered. I fell in love with you, not just as a friend, but deeply, completely, and utterly in love. You became my world, Wanda. You were my everything. And I was so scared to tell you because I didn't want to lose what we had."

Y/N's voice broke, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. "But then you started pulling away, and it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. I didn't understand why you were distancing yourself, why you were using me as an alibi. I tried to hold on, to keep our friendship alive, because I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. I covered for you, I lied for you, all because I hoped you'd come back. Because I loved you so much, it hurts."

Wanda's shoulders shook with silent sobs, "You were my light, Wanda. And when you left, it felt like the world went dark. I kept telling myself that you'd come back, that things would go back to the way they were. But I can't keep pretending anymore. You've changed, and maybe I have too."

Y/N's eyes locked onto Wanda's, a mixture of sadness and resolve in her gaze. "I've been holding on to this hope that you'd see me, really see me, and realize how much I love you. But I can't keep doing this to myself. I need to move on, to find a way to heal. I need to let go of the idea of us, because it's tearing me apart."

Wanda's voice was barely a whisper as she spoke, her eyes filled with regret. "I never wanted to hurt you, Y/N. I wish I could take it all back."

"I know," Y/N replied softly. "But we can't change the past. We can only move forward. And as much as it hurts, I need to do that for myself. I need to let go of you, of us, so I can find a way to be happy again."

all the things you did. well, I hope I was your favorite crime.

Wanda's tears continued to fall, her expression one of deep regret. "Y/N, I… I never meant for things to get this bad. I never wanted to hurt you."

Y/N shook her head, a mix of anger and sorrow in her eyes. "But you did, Wanda. You hurt me again and again. You pushed me away, used me as an alibi, lied to me, and broke me over and over. Every time I tried to reach out, you shut me down. You made me feel like I wasn't enough, like I was nothing."

Wanda's voice trembled. "I know I made mistakes. I know I was selfish and careless. I'm so sorry."

"But sorry isn't enough," Y/N interrupted, her voice rising with the pain she had kept bottled up for so long. "I can't keep pretending that everything's okay when it's not. I can't keep letting you back into my life only for you to tear me apart again. It's suffocating, Wanda. Every time I see you, it hurts so much that I can barely breathe."

Wanda's face crumpled as she tried to hold back her sobs. "I never wanted to be the reason for your pain. I wish I could make it right."

"You can't," Y/N said, her tone resolute. "I've tried to forgive you, to move past it, but every time I think I'm okay, you come back and everything falls apart again. I need to let go of you, Wanda. I need to find a way to heal, and I can't do that if you're still in my life."

Wanda's voice was barely audible. "Are you saying we can't even be friends?"

Y/N nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes. We can't be friends. Seeing you, talking to you, it's just too painful. I hate you for what you did to me, for how you broke me and made me feel worthless. But even after all that, I know I'd do it all over again for you. That's the worst part. I'd let you hurt me again if it meant I could be close to you. And that's why I have to walk away."

Wanda reached out, but Y/N stepped back, shaking her head. "Please, Y/N, don't go. We can fix this. I can change."

"It's too late for that," Y/N replied, her voice cracking. "I need to do this for me. I need to find a way to be happy without you." She paused, "Because the more I love you, the more it hurts. I don't think that's how it should work."

With that, Y/N turned and walked away, each step feeling like a weight was being lifted from her shoulders, even as her heart ached with the loss. She knew this was the right thing to do, even if it hurt like hell.

Wanda watched her go, her heart shattering with every step Y/N took. She knew she had lost something precious, something she might never get back. And as much as it hurt, she knew she had to let Y/N go, to allow her to find the peace she deserved.

your favorite crime 'cause baby, you were mine.

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