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luvyanfei · 4 years ago

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anon said. ooo a new blog! can you do confession headcanons where xiao, childe, and scaramouche react to reader confessing to them and the aftermath of it? thank you!

a/n. xiao’s is kind of terrible ;; ue ue gomenasai

“i love you, [character’s name].”

SCARAMOUCHE.

huh? is this some kind of a joke? if so, it’s definitely not a good idea to mess with his feelings like this, especially when he also shares the same sentiment. scaramouche is almost impressed by your boldness. not everyone has the nerve to confess their love for a harbinger in front of their own faces, after all. when he’s hit with the realization that you’re serious, he secretly pinches himself to make sure he’s not in a dream.

the sharp pain that comes with his nails making contact with his flesh affirms that this is real. he stifles back a genuine smile, choosing to stay calm despite the bliss he’s currently feeling. “i guess it can’t be helped. hmph, you should be lucky i’m rather fond of you as well, [name].” he says that, but he’s the fortunate one to have successfully stolen your heart before others can claim you for themselves.

unfortunately, his time with you is quite limited due to his affiliation with the fatui, so any fleeting moments are captured in photos from the kamera to look back on. he secretly carries a picture of you while he’s out of town on important missions so that he won’t miss you too badly. he fondly looks at your still, yet smiling face to cheer him up after a tough work while everyone else is asleep. well, almost everyone.

“hmm, who’s that in your hands, scaramouche?” childe asks, gesturing to the photo the harbinger is admiring fondly. scaramouche rolls his eyes to hide his slight embarrassment and hesitates a bit before he answers.

“oh them? their name is [name], my... sibling.” childe almost gapes in disbelief as he looks at the blue-haired man in shock.

“you have a sibling? why didn’t you tell me? they’re so cute!” the 11th harbinger squeals in delight, which honestly irks poor scaramouche. he scoots away to give himself some space as he tucks the picture in his pocket for safe-keeping.

“you didn’t bother to,” he explains matter-of-factly. “now if you’ll excuse me,” he stands up from his crouched position and dusts himself, “i’m going to take a walk, alone.”

he wanders through a dark forest and grassy fields, until he finds himself standing on top of a cliff, the moon glowing brightly above. he peers up at the twinkling stars in the sky and imagines you beside him, watching the breathtaking view together. humming an unfamiliar tune to himself, scaramouche muses over the past and replays your confession over and over again. if he could, he would respond differently than he did before.

‘i love you.’ those three letter words echo in his ears like a melody and he allows himself to smile.

“i love you too, [name].”

XIAO.

he automatically perks up an eyebrow in confusion. what? is it just him or did you seriously admitted you love him? xiao stammers for a brief second, no words spilling out from his partially open mouth. what is he supposed to say? “thank you?” “i love you too?”

when he pulls himself together, xiao shakes his head and frowns. his answer is clear and simple: no. you mortals don’t understand just how dangerous it is to get close with someone like him - a yaksha. drowning in the brink of debt and despair, he doesn’t need you to suffer all the same. the dejected expression on your face pains him to a considerable degree, yet he convinces himself, this is for your own good.

since then, he avoids you like the plague in hopes that your feelings for him will disperse into flames. you deserve someone better, someone who won’t place you in harm’s way, someone unlike him. out of kindness, you still visit him from time to time while you go and do your daily commissions, but your interaction is heavily tense and an air of discomfort seeps through your gaze. why does his chest hurt as if he was impaled with a knife and so much more when you look at him like that? the thought of breaking down and revealing the truth that he’s also in love with you tempts him eagerly, but his pride and anxiety tides over his desires.

you, on the other hand, is aware that xiao harbors feelings for you. you discovered this secret of his when you climbed the stairs to the spot on the balcony where he was to surprise him with a greeting, but your ears captured a faint voice in the night breeze and you couldn’t stop yourself from eavesdropping on the little conversation xiao was having with himself. he muttered about “rex lapis”, the fate of liyue, and etc. you were about to leave him to his own devices, but the next words he said stopped you in your tracks.

“will [name] accept me if i say i love them? probably not, i suppose.” you left before he could spare a glance in your direction and a smile graced your features as you happily walked away. and being the persistent individual that you are, you inquire verr on why he’s acting so cold towards you, desperate to seek the answer you need. “xiao is, as you’re well aware, a yaksha who’s experienced hardships throughout his life, and probably lost loved ones along the way. i’m sure,” she turns to look at the setting sun in melancholy, “he doesn’t want to hurt anyone important to him again.”

you plan ahead of time for the best way to approach him without giving him any chance to escape. unfortunately, this is the only thing you can think of as you place a hand on either side of his head, trapping him between you and the wall. xiao looks at you curiously, devoid of amusement. he crosses his arms and frowns.

“what are you doing?” your hands twitch and you chew on your bottom lip nervously before you explain yourself.

“i heard from verr why you’ve been giving me the cold shoulder, that you don’t want to hurt anyone important to you, but...” you trail off to blink back the tears threatening to burst.

“it hurts, when you ignore me like this.” your voice is quiet enough that he needs to step closer to hear you. “it hurts how selfless you are. can’t you be selfish just once? i meant what i said and i’ll say it again. i love you.”

xiao stammers, at a loss for words, before he starts sniffling and buries himself in your arms, crying out apologies as you stroke the back of his hair and gives a closed-eye smile. “it’s okay, xiao. i’m sorry too, for not realizing how much you’ve been suffering by yourself. you don’t have to carry the burden alone anymore,” you say, looking into his tear-filled eyes, “i will always be here with you, no matter what path you choose to take.”

“even if that path may eventually hurt you?” he whispers in a cracked voice, fingers curling around your sleeves. you nod.

“it’s worth the pain as long as i can hold you in my arms, like this.” he chokes out a bitter chuckle and wipes away the glistening tears.

“i love you too, [name].”

CHILDE.

the harbinger blinks his cerulean eyes once, then twice, and... you find yourself pulled into his arms, as his lips uplift into a jovial smile. “really? you love me? [name], i had no idea you held such deep admiration for me.” you playfully roll your eyes and chuckle as you wrap your own arms around his body, fondly reciprocating his affection.

he’s the fastest to accept your confession than the other two men. you’d bet he would scamper to where he’s staying at to tell every grain of detail to his adoring relatives.

he writes letters to his siblings about your daily dates and the progress you two are making in your relationship. they tease him for the most part, but they’re happy that he’s found the love of his life and requests that he bring you along with him on his next visit. childe smiles in relief, content that they accept you already despite never meeting you and he asks you if you’d like to come with him to his home country where you can introduce yourself to his family. without hesitation, you agree instantly, eager to meet the siblings he gushes about.

snezhnaya is colder than you thought, as you hug yourself to preserve your warmth, even with the layers of clothing wrapped around you. “we’re almost there, [name].” childe notices your trembling and rubs his gloved hands against your back. “sorry, it’s a bit chilly here, but please bear with me.”

you nod and continue on. when a building enters your field of sight, childe stops and grins shyly at you. “this is the place.” breath materializes in front of you as he gestures for you to head on in. almost immediately are you greeted with a little embrace as a young boy wraps his fingers around your waist and grins up at you.

“so you’re the one who big brother said he’s in love with? have you kissed before? when is your wedding?” the child bombards you with questions excitedly and a girl has to pull him away from you, tonia, you guess.

“teucer,” childe scolds gently, a light blush colouring his cheeks, which does not go unnoticed in his siblings’ eyes, unfortunately for him.

a wedding, huh? seeing the sparkle in your eyes, the laughter in your voice, and the warmth of your touch as you idly chat with his siblings makes him hope, that maybe in the distant future, he’ll brave himself to take the next step to further deepen your relationship, for he wants to be with you always.

as he tucks away the last sleeping child, childe wanders in to your shared bedroom, surprised you’re still awake. “you really love them a lot, huh childe?” he nods seriously, as you pull him to lie down comfortably into bed.

“but do you know something else?” his breath tickles your ear as he intertwines his fingers with yours, offering a meek smile. you shake your head and nuzzle closer to him.

“i love you too, [name].”

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #childe x reader #scaramouche x reader #xiao x reader

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edendaphne · 4 years ago

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“Discordant Sonata” Chapter 21

>>Click here to read on Ao3<<

>>Click here to read on Wattpad<<

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CHAPTER 21: IMPROVVISANDO

Music glossary: Improvvisando: with improvisation

Glossary: Wǎnshàng hǎo : Good evening Shīfù : Teacher/Master

(Mood music: Night of Beijing - Jia Peng Fang)

That evening

Marinette fidgeted with her napkin, occasionally sipping her now-lukewarm tea while sitting at the kitchen bar counter. Chat Noir sat on the stool beside her in silence, also nursing a half-emptied cup. She checked the clock for what seemed to be the hundredth time in the last few minutes.

“It’s about that time. I’ll head up to my room to let Ladybug inside. Will you get the door if your visitor arrives before she does?”

“Sure,” he replied, uneasy but compliant, doing his best to avoid staring at the black eye she’d received earlier that day.

Marinette set her cup in the sink and headed upstairs, leaving Chat alone with his thoughts.

He tried to keep his fast-beating heart in check, subconsciously clenching his jaw. It was finally happening. He was going to meet “him”: The Guardian of the Miraculous.

Following the events at school earlier that day, Adrien had walked Marinette to her house, where her family invited him to stay for a cup of tea until his “ride” arrived to pick him up. Of course, he’d eagerly accepted. It was nice to interact with the family as Adrien instead of just as Chat Noir.

After leaving, he hid away and transformed so he could sneak in through Marinette’s balcony as he usually did.

Upon transforming, however, he found a series of voice mails from Ladybug that she’d left during Adrien’s attempted abduction. Her voice was frantic. He could hear the urgency and distress in her tone, and a heavy blanket of guilt settled onto his shoulders as he listened.

The first message asked him to come to their school, that it was an emergency, to please call her back as soon as possible. He chewed on his lip, wanting nothing more than to hide away in a cave in shame.

The second one must have been left right after she’d rescued Adrien and left him at the school nurse; she’d called to let Chat know the incident had passed. Then she asked if he was okay, since she hadn’t heard back from him. He sighed. Typical Ladybug, always worrying and thinking about others first, even when she was having a rough time.

The last voicemail caused a trail of ice to trickle down his spine as he listened. Ladybug informed him that she had scheduled an impromptu meeting with the Guardian at the Dupain-Cheng’s house that evening, with Marinette’s permission, and that it was of utmost importance that he attend.

He shivered as goosebumps appeared on his arms and he swallowed hard. What was the purpose of this meeting? Was he in trouble for not showing up today during ‘Adrien’s’ kidnapping? And why meet here, at the Dupain home, instead of somewhere more private and away from civilians? What was the Guardian like? Would Chat get reprimanded and treated with disdain for having been their enemy for all these years, or would he be understanding and forgiving?

More importantly, would he have to disclose his identity to him, or to both him and Ladybug, to prove his loyalty? He winced at the mere thought of it. The last thing he wanted was for Ladybug to think less of him, or to pity him. Especially after the kidnapping attempt.

Additionally, if they were to learn that Hawkmoth was Gabriel Agreste, would they want to confront him head-on? Adrien didn’t feel ready for that, for several reasons.

First of all, would he be able to protect Ladybug, as he’d promised her? Hawkmoth had shown that he’d developed some sort of new power. Either that, or an entirely different person had become involved and was helping him. In any case, he didn’t know what exactly they were dealing with anymore.

Secondly, if the time came and he had to hurt or even kill his father, he didn’t know if he’d be able to do it. Yes, Gabriel was a monster and Adrien despised what he had become. But what if the damage was reversible and there was still a way to bring him back to normal? He just had to know, before doing something he might permanently regret.

The sudden ringing of the doorbell startled Chat out of his thoughts and he practically fell off his seat.

He ran to answer the front door, looking to make sure no one else was around. At the last second, he remembered to detransform and slip on the hood of his zip-up sweater (the one Marinette had gifted him), pulling a scarf over his nose and mouth so he wouldn’t be recognized if anyone outside were to catch a glimpse of him.

He looked out through the peephole, only to see the very top of someone’s head, balding with grey hair, and a little bit of their eyebrows.

Huh. Somehow Adrien thought the Guardian would be a bit… taller?

He turned the knob and the door opened, its squeaking hinges somehow louder than usual. Peeking out from the side like a scared tortoise, he checked to make sure the individual matched the description he was given, then stepped back to allow the door to swing open all the way. The older man stepped inside, closing it behind him.

“Hello,” Adrien said meekly, bowing his head slightly. “You must be…”

“Yes. I am Wang Fu,” he replied, bowing politely in greeting. “It is very good to see you again, Adrien Agreste.”

While Adrien’s face scarf efficiently concealed the way his jaw dropped when the elder man called him by name, there was no hiding the way his eyes grew to the size of dinner plates.

“W- what?!” he sputtered. “How did you—”

The man called Fu chuckled, stroking his beard. “It was a long time ago, but we’ve met before.”

Adrien lowered his scarf and frowned in concentration, falling silent for a few seconds. Then it dawned on him.

“YOU!!” he gaped. “I do remember you! It was my first day of lycée! You fell down in front of our school and I helped you up. It was you who put the cat miraculous in my bag that day, wasn’t it?”

“That is correct,” Fu confirmed.

“But why me? You could’ve picked anyone, so why did you choose someone like me?”

Fu’s smile faltered when he said this. Adrien had said “anyone”, but he could see that Fu knew what he’d actually meant. Why did you choose someone as broken as me?

The man folded his arms behind him, considering his answer. “Guardians are bestowed with several powers and abilities. One of them is to locate and select good candidates for the miraculous jewels. And so I was led to you.”

Chat grimaced in confusion. “So if you already knew it was me, why bother to ‘test’ me?”

“My powers as a guardian may lead me to a potential candidate, but ultimately the choice is still mine to make. It was a simple test, but it showed me what your first instinct would be if you saw someone in need. The answer I received was satisfactory. You were meant to be Ladybug’s Chat Noir.”

Adrien sighed, running a shaky hand through his hair. “Honestly, a couple of months ago I wouldn’t have known whether to hug you because I got to become Chat Noir, or whether to punch you because I had to become Chat Noir. But it’s because of you that I got to meet Ladybug, so I am grateful to you for that. It’s good to finally meet you. Officially.”

He extended his hand and Fu took it with a smile, giving it a firm shake.

Afterwards, Adrien’s gaze fell, brows scrunching together. “I can’t believe it. All this time, you knew. You could’ve told Ladybug who I was years ago. She could have figured out a way to take away my miraculous while I wasn’t transformed, like at school, and she would’ve had one less enemy to deal with. It would’ve––” he pursed his lips, expression full of shame, and he lifted his eyes to meet Fu’s once again, “–it would’ve made it easier for her. She would’ve suffered less if I’d been out of the picture. So why didn’t you?”

Fu’s countenance became somber, his eyes carrying years of pain and regret. He took a few moments to consider his words. “When I was a boy, barely a teenager, something terrible happened. Hundreds of innocent people died, and it was all because of me.”

Chat almost reeled back as if he’d been smacked across the face, puzzled about the sudden switch in topic. He remembered Ladybug briefly mentioning this a few months ago, on the night they danced together. He waited for Fu to elaborate.

“I was only trying to protect them,” the older man explained. “After I was orphaned as a child, the monks of the Guardian Temple took me in. They became my family. They were stern, but fair and kind. It was a tough childhood, but I was happy.” He sighed. “However, there were those who would try to steal the miraculous and use their power selfishly. It was an endless struggle. Many were lost over the years. I longed for peace. I wanted my family to be safe, I wanted us to be left alone. So I did what I thought would be a better route, an easier one; one with less hardship and bloodshed. You see, one day while I was supposed to be on guard duty, I sneaked away to where the miraculous box was kept. I put on both the ladybug and cat miraculouses and used them to make a wish: I wished that our enemies would disappear.”

The older man exhaled, squeezing his eyes shut, the memories of what came next clearly still haunting him. Adrien couldn’t help but hold his breath while he listened.

“It worked,” Fu resumed, voice quiet and slightly shaky. “But as you might have suspected, there is always a price to pay; a balance that must be maintained. Therefore, because of my wish, all the monks in our Guardian temple and the innocent people of the surrounding village were ripped away from me, along with our enemies. The wish was technically fulfilled, but I never suspected that the cost would be that high. I have had to live with that in my conscience for over a hundred years.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, appearing more vulnerable than Adrien would have ever expected. He continued, “Since that time, I have both seen and caused much death in my lifetime, protecting the miraculous box alone as the last Guardian. So, you see, if there was even one person I could save, I had to try. I wanted to trust in the miraculouses, like I should have decades ago, during my misguided attempt to control the outcome of a complicated situation.”

Adrien absently rubbed his arm, pondering Fu’s words. “Looking back,” he began, “I can see the reasoning behind a lot of Ladybug’s decisions and principles, now that I know your story.”

“Indeed. Ladybug is a remarkable young lady; I knew that even back then. When I would ask her if she was willing to risk her life for the sake of a stranger, she would say yes, every single time. If anyone can persevere for the greater good, it was her. Was it unfair of me? Probably. Have I asked too much from her? Absolutely. Have I made mistakes while trying to guide her? Yes. Many of them.” He put his hand on Adrien’s shoulder. “I wanted to save you that day by giving you the cat miraculous. But I never would have guessed that it would also doom you and force you into a role of servitude. I hope that you will forgive me for this.”

Adrien’s heart pained for Fu as he admitted his guilt. “You couldn’t have known it would’ve turned out that way. It wasn’t your fault,” he insisted.

Fu shrugged. “I try to tell myself that, but I can’t quite convince myself. The situation made sense once Ladybug told me about Hawkmoth.”

“You mean, when she told you that Hawkmoth was my father?” Adrien asked.

“Yes,” Fu replied. “I had my suspicions, because it would explain your motivations, but I had no proof, no way of finding out for sure. It made sense that Hawkmoth would be Gabriel Agreste. The butterfly miraculous requires its wielder to be creative and inventive, since it relies on their ability to convert the subject’s emotions into a source of power. And he had the motivation.”

Adrien hummed in agreement.

“Additionally, such a clever and talented individual getting ahold of the cat miraculous would be incredibly dangerous. I’d be lying if I said I had never considered taking your miraculous away. But even still, it was safer to let it all play out. I didn’t want to repeat past mistakes. And if Hawkmoth was Gabriel Agreste, your fate if you were to lose the cat miraculous would have been disastrous. Maybe it would have even alerted him about the presence of a Guardian in Paris. But now that we know the truth, we can plan accordingly.”

Adrien gulped. So Fu had considered taking his miraculous away before. “A-are you going to tell Ladybug who I am?”

Fu shook his head. “It is not up to me to decide when it will be right for there to be no more secrets between you two. I only know that it is not yet time.”

Adrien curiously tilted his head, brows furrowed in confusion. “How do you know that?”

As Fu started to answer, Adrien heard a doorknob twist open behind him and he quickly pulled his scarf back over his features.

The door opened and Ladybug’s voice exclaimed, “There you are! What are you two doing out here in the entryway?”

Adrien cleared his throat, then stammered, “R-right, pardon my manners. Please, come in.”

Fu walked past him, entering the living area. He took Ladybug’s hands between his, shaking them briefly, and said, “Wǎnshàng hǎo, Ladybug.”

With a small bow, Ladybug replied, “Wǎnshàng hǎo, shīfù. Thank you for coming at such short notice. Please, have a seat.”

Chat entered the room, having transformed now, and stepped forward to greet her.

He stopped short, realizing that he wasn’t quite sure how to greet her since last night’s development in their relationship, not to mention being very conscious of the Guardian watching them. He settled for a hug, which she returned, squeezing him tightly, and added a quick, discreet peck on his cheek. He smiled, feeling his face heat up.

Pleasantries aside and everyone seated, it was Ladybug who spoke first.

“Thank you both for being here. There’s a lot we need to talk about.”

----------

A transformed Wang Fu stood at the bedroom window, curtains drawn, chanting in a language that neither Ladybug nor Chat Noir understood, holding the last of several metallic talismans he’d blessed and scattered around the room. The pair kept their eyes on him, marveling at the efficiency and care that he put into each incantation. There was something sacred, even holy about this ritual. They could feel powerful magic emanating from his form, invisible bursts of energy swirling about the room, dancing all around them in a silent symphony.

Ladybug cast a furtive glance at her partner. He’d been quiet for a little while, after learning about his attempted akumatization the night before. Ladybug had told him that it was Marinette who let her know, and that Plagg was the one who had informed her.

She’d called Master Fu before going to school to let him know what happened last night, and he promised he would figure out a solution. He’d spent all day preparing these special talismans, which would ward off akumas and keep them from entering this room. But only this room. He wasn’t strong enough to cast such a potent, long-term spell over a larger area; especially not at his age.

Fu, or rather, Jade Turtle, was silent for a few moments after placing the last charm, a silver one with indecipherable symbols carved into it, then turned around to face the couple.

“The talismans are almost done being enchanted,” he said, pretty out of breath, beads of sweat present on his brow. “There is one more thing that needs to be done. But I think I’ll need your help for this, Ladybug.”

Ladybug stepped forward in response. “Sure, Master. What is it?”

“I would do it myself, but, well… let’s just say I’m not as young as I used to be.”

“Of course Master, anything you need. Just tell me what to do.”

Fu removed his bracelet, the turtle miraculous, and turned back to his civilian self, then handed the jewelry to her. His kwami, Wayzz, floated next to them awaiting instruction.

“If you could transform with my miraculous to finish the protection spell, I’d very much appreciate it. I’ll show you what to do when you’re ready.”

The young woman gaped at him, having never transformed into any hero other than Ladybug before.

“Oh! R-really?? S-sure! No problem...” She took the bracelet hesitantly, studying it like she’d never seen it before, then excused herself to the ensuite for privacy.

In the bathroom, Ladybug detransformed and removed her earrings, handing them to Tikki for safekeeping. She put on the emerald stone bracelet, staring at it as if it might try to crawl away from her if she wasn’t careful enough.

She squeezed her eyes shut in preparation. “Wayzz, shell on.”

Jade green light shone around the bathroom, and Marinette felt the magic of the turtle miraculous engulf her form. When it passed, she gulped and opened her eyes, lifting them to the mirror to catch a glimpse of her newly transformed self.

“Whoa.”

The heroine stared at her reflection across the way. She ran her fingers over the various bits of fabric and armor, taking the time to appreciate the feel and texture. Somehow, she felt quite powerful. Tough. Solid. Almost like a sentient brick wall.

“Wow, Marinette! You look incredible!” Tikki whispered to her.

“Aww, thank you Tikki,” she replied. “It feels so different, but it’s also really cool.”

Sparing one last glance into the mirror, she finally emerged from the bathroom. Fu was seated at the desk chair across the room, taking a short breather. Chat was speaking to him in hushed tones, but turned around when he heard her re-enter the bedroom.

His jaw dropped and he gasped.

“Oh my God, you’re adorable!” Chat blurted out. He caught himself and turned tomato red, then stuttered, “Umm! S-sorry, I––”

Ladybug (Lady...turtle??) giggled, stepping forward to stand beside him once again. “Thanks,” she replied shyly, reaching up to tuck some hair behind her ear as she usually did when she was nervous, but her hand bumped into her suit’s hood instead. Not quite sure what to do with her hands, she folded them in front of her as she awaited further instruction.

Tikki flew in front of Master Fu, bowing her head in greeting. “It’s good to see you again, Master!”

“Likewise. I hope you are doing well,” he greeted back.

Tikki flew over to Chat Noir, to say hello to him as well. “Hello, Chat Noir! It’s nice to formally meet you,” she chirped happily.

Chat beamed and answered, “Tikki, right? It’s great to finally meet you too! I must admit, you look a little different than I thought you would.”

Tikki giggled. “Did you think I’d be more insect-like? Maybe with six legs and an exoskeleton?”

Chat shrugged timidly. “Well, I mean… Maybe…?” ‘Ladybug’ and Tikki looked at each other and snickered at his reply.

Fu smiled at their interactions fondly, recalling times spent with loved ones, allies no longer here. With a small grunt, he stood up to continue the protection ritual.

“This way, Ladybug. Chat Noir and Tikki, please stand over there; we’ll need a bit of space for this. You might feel a bit tired once this is finished, so be sure to get plenty of rest tonight,” he instructed.

Tikki perched on Chat’s shoulder as he moved towards the edge of the room. They spoke in hushed voices as Fu instructed Ladybug and had her repeat phrases from his notes.

While they waited, Chat turned to Tikki and whispered, “By the way, I wanted to thank you... for helping Ladybug and keeping safe all these years. She means a lot to me.”

If kwamis could blush, Chat was sure that’s what Tikki’s face showed at the moment. “It’s been a pleasure to be her kwami. She’s the best! I’m glad you’ve gotten to know her and see what a sweet person she is.”

Chat smiled, cheeks dusted pink. “I am too.”

------

Many minutes passed, and Ladybug and Fu finished casting the protection ward. Chat helped Fu gather his things as Ladybug excused herself to transform back to her regular hero self.

As she re-emerged from the bathroom, Chat handed her a glass of water and invited her to sit on the bed so she could catch her breath and gather back some of her energy. “Welcome back, Lily-bug,” he greeted her with a wink. Ladybug beamed at him, accepting the water and taking a seat next to him.

Fu stood beside them, having finished gathering his belongings in a satchel. As he gave Ladybug time to rest, he asked, “Do either of you have any questions about the protection ritual, or about anything else?”

Ladybug replied, “I actually do have some questions, sir.”

Fu nodded.

“Master... why did Hawkmoth attempt to akumatize Chat Noir last night? If he’s tried it before, why did he not succeed during other nights?” Ladybug’s questions came faster once she got started. “Since he tried to akumatized Chat, does that mean he knows where he lives now? Is Chat even safe here anymore? What about the Dupains? Are they gonna be okay? How much does Hawkmoth know?”

Chat looked at Fu expectantly, realizing that he, too, had those same questions.

Fu replied, “The owner of the butterfly miraculous sends out his butterflies in search of a specific strong emotion, but is not aware of their location until after the host accepts it. He is able to learn some vague details about why they are feeling that certain emotion. My guess is that he was able to locate him while he was having a nightmare. So, no. He does not know that Chat Noir lives here. His powers have limitations, just like you do with yours. He is more powerful since he is older and more experienced, but even he can’t overextend the capabilities of his miraculous.”

He paused, stroking his beard, and contemplated. Then he asked, “Did something happen last night to make your emotions different from what they normally are?”

Ladybug and Chat Noir looked at each other, blushing furiously, stammering as they attempted to answer without divulging too much unnecessary information.

Fu raised an eyebrow, then chuckled knowingly, raising his hands to stop them. “It’s okay, I don’t need to know the details.”

“Umm! I-it’s not what you think!”

“M-master, don’t misunderstand–”

“Y-you see–”

“What happened was…”

“My guess is–” Fu interrupted, “–That Hawkmoth sensed your great joy last night, and became enraged. He couldn’t stand the thought of you being happy because it would mean that he is in the wrong, and his pride won’t allow him to accept that.”

Chat and Ladybug fell silent, looking downcast, as the explanation both made sense yet was immensely disheartening.

“There’s something else, Master,” Ladybug spoke again. “Something happened at school today. Akumas, but they vanished without a trace. I mentioned it to you earlier today over the phone. Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

“Ah, yes. And all that remained was two white feathers?” Fu asked.

“That’s right. Could the akumas still be out there because they haven’t been purified?”

Fu shook his head. “Allow me to explain. Firstly, as Ladybug already knows, two of the miraculouses in my box went missing when the temple of the guardians was destroyed: the butterfly and the peacock. One of them fell into Hawkmoth’s hands sometime within the last few years. But after hearing about what happened at the school today, we can now confirm that Hawkmoth is currently in possession of not just one, but of both of them. Either that, or he has someone else working under him.”

“The Peacock… of course!” Ladybug gasped, voice filled with dread.

Chat looked at her, then back at Fu, waiting for him to elaborate.

“The Guardian’s Grimoire calls them ‘sentimonsters’, mystical beings created out of thin air using the peacock miraculous, which harnesses the power of emotions. They can be created and destroyed whenever the wielder desires. Usually they are simple creatures, designed to be helpers or perform smaller tasks. However, they can also be more sophisticated, even indistinguishable from other humans, although an enormous amount of energy is required to create these complex sentimonsters. One can even ‘borrow’ the appearance of an already existing person. In this case, Hawkmoth chose not to give the sentimonsters the ability to speak, so they couldn’t divulge their secrets, in the event that they were caught.”

Ladybug shuddered. “What the hell?! That is so creepy.”

“Indeed.” Fu looked over at Chat, who had remained pensive throughout this exchange. “Any thoughts, Chat Noir?”

Chat looked up at him, trying to figure out how to phrase what he wanted to say. “I… I think I remember seeing the peacock miraculous in my father’s safe once. I only caught a glimpse of it; I just thought it was some of my mom’s jewelry he kept as a memento. I had no idea it was a miraculous. Otherwise, I would’ve had Plagg help me break into the safe and taken it with me when I ran away from home. There are so many things my father never told me… I’m sorry I don’t know more.”

Ladybug reached out to hold his hand, giving it a small squeeze, which he returned.

“You’ve done more than you know, believe me,” Fu replied as he unconsciously squeezed his satchel, which contained the electronic tablet where his copy of the Grimoire was stored.

He stuck his hand in his pocket and stepped forward, handing Chat Noir a card with his cell phone number.

“Call me if you have any questions, either of you. Even if it’s the middle of the night. Wayzz will make sure I hear my phone if it rings; he’s a much lighter sleeper than I am.”

“Thank you, Master Fu,” replied Chat, smiling. “And thank you too, Wayzz.”

“Thanks, Wayzz. Thank you, Master.” said Ladybug.

“Also, I must remind you once again that your identities must remain a secret until things settle down. There are negative effects that could happen if you are revealed too soon, and I’m not sure what they could be; but it’s best not to find out.”

Ladybug frowned. “But when will that be, Master? It would be so much easier to be able to communicate without having to transform.”

Fu shrugged helplessly. “I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that. We must allow things to continue to develop on their own. I'm sure we’ll know when the time is right.”

Ladybug let out a displeased sigh. Chat nodded, glancing away with a worried look in his eyes. Despite Ladybug’s eagerness (and despite his own curiosity), waiting suited him just fine for now.

After saying their goodbyes, Fu left the pair behind and let himself out with a final wave. The two heroes remained in the bedroom, contemplating what had been discussed.

After sitting in silence for a few moments, unsure of what to say next, a lightbulb seemed to light up inside Ladybug’s brain, and she began typing away into her yo-yo communicator. Chat watched curiously, wondering what she was up to.

Moments later, she hopped out of the bed to jot something down onto a sticky note from Chat’s desk, then walked back.

“Just because we can’t tell each other who we are doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to contact each other when we’re not transformed. Kwamis aren’t pagers, after all.”

“Pagers? What decade is this, anyway?” Chat razzed.

“Hush, you,” she mock scolded him, suppressing a smile. “ Anyway! Here’s my brand new, Chat Noir-exclusive email address,” she said, handing him the note with a wink.

Chat’s eyes lit up. “Wait, really??” He unfolded the paper as if it was a Christmas present, excited to read the contents. His eyes widened and he burst out laughing.

“ ‘[email protected]’ ?!”

“What, you don't think I’m great?” she teased, striking an exaggerated, Chat Noir-style pose.

Chat’s snickering only intensified and he nodded. “Oh, for sure! The greatest!” he agreed.

Ladybug smirked. “I made it just now,” she explained. “So you’re the only one who knows about it. We may not be able to hang out in person yet, but I’d still like to talk to you during the day. Plus, it’ll come in handy for emergencies.”

“Buginette you’re a genius!”

Ladybug giggled, feeling her face warm up despite herself. “M-maybe we can message each other when you have some free time? I mean… now that you don’t have to worry about getting akumatized in your own room anymore. Your bedroom’s pretty much the safest place in Paris now, thanks to Master Fu.”

“And thanks to you, as well, my dear ‘Lily-bug’,” Chat reached up to take her hand, gently pulling her down to sit next to him. “I feel much better already. And knowing I can talk to you anytime makes me feel even safer.”

She scooted closer, setting her head down on his shoulder. “Y-you know… you make me feel safe too, Kitty.”

Chat’s insides twisted into pleasant little knots, suddenly feeling rather warm. “Really?”

He felt her smile as her hand squeezed his arm, her other one sneaking across their laps to wrap her fingers around his own. “Yeah. I know we’ve only been allies for a short time, but I’ve already lost count of all the times you’ve saved me or sacrificed yourself to help others. Our partnership grows stronger every day, and I think Hawkmoth knows it. He knows we’re stronger together. And it’s only a matter of time until we can be together without these masks too, I just know it.”

He turned towards her, putting his fingers under her chin and lifting her head to have her look up at him. Their eyes met, her pupils dilating as they focused on his own, and he could see a bright blush blooming on her cheeks.

“Me too,” he whispered, as he brought their lips together.

She blissfully melted into him, letting out a small noise of contentment. She deepened the kiss, reaching behind his head to caress his hair with her slender fingers. Their kisses and breaths mingled together and they lost track of everything else around them.

A little while later, they faintly heard the grandfather clock striking the hour in the living room, then some noises as the Dupains shuffled upstairs from the bakery to get ready for bed.

Ladybug pulled back and they separated, his lips still tingling from her touch.

“I… I should probably get going soon,” she lamented with a small shrug. “It’s starting to get late.”

“Would you like me to walk you home? Or rather, to somewhere around your neighborhood?”

She shook her head. “That’s not necessary. Besides, I’m closer than you might think,” she added a bit cryptically.

“I wish you could stay,” he said softly, reaching up to tuck some hair behind her ear. He gave her nose a tiny smooch. “Just a teeeeensy bit more?” he begged, giving her the best kitten eyes he could muster.

Ladybug giggled shyly, cheeks still dusted with pink. She gave his own nose a peck, her lips soft and inviting. “Well… I guess I could stay just a little bit longer,” she said with a smirk.

“Purr- fect,” he said, capturing her lips once again.

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

Note:

Many of the events in the “Volpina” and “Collector” episodes happened in this AU, albeit heavily modified to suit the story. Adrien found the grimoire in his father’s safe, took it out to study it, and Lila stole it. Since Adrien didn’t act impressed about Lila knowing Ladybug, she didn’t magnify the lie and claim to be Ladybug’s best friend; therefore, Ladybug never showed up to call her out on her lie, and Lila was never akumatized.

However, Tikki did see the book in the dumpster and retrieved it, and Marinette showed it to Master Fu. After Gabriel discovered the book was missing and pulled Adrien out of school, Fu made a copy so that Marinette could return it to Gabriel, and Adrien was allowed to attend school again. Currently, Adrien has no idea that this is how Fu acquired his grimoire; he merely assumes that Fu has always had his own copy.

Of course, Marinette began to suspect that Gabriel might be Hawkmoth because he owned the grimoire. Gabriel akumatized himself into the Collector in order to avoid suspicion, and with Chat’s help, almost succeeded in obtaining the ladybug miraculous. Ultimately, Ladybug outsmarted him, got him to accidentally “collect” Chat, and succeeded in purifying his akuma. But by then, Gabriel had “proven” he was an innocent civilian and Ladybug dismissed his potential involvement as Hawkmoth.

----

P.S. Another note: Certain things that are similar but not identical to canon have been in my outline since the beginning, so I apologize if they're a little confusing (such as the protection talismans being similar to Ladybug's akuma victims' lucky charms or the destruction/disappearance of the Guardian Temple)

#Miraculous Ladybug #Ladynoir #Enemies AU #enemies to lovers #Marinette Dupain Cheng #Adrien Agreste #Chat Noir #Ladybug #fanfiction #Discordant Sonata #ML AU #aged up #Eden writes

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sirthisisa-wendys · 4 years ago

Text

Blood and Water: Geto Suguru x Fem!Reader

synopsis: a monthly sibling dinner turns into a much more exciting tradition. Y'all know where I'm going with this.

wc: 2.4k

tw: NSFW (former step-siblings, unprotected sex)

masterlist

Your doorbell rings every first Saturday of the month at 7 pm.

Depending on their schedules, your siblings would show up one after the other or together, but either way, they would show up. Satoru, Shoko, and your step-brother, Suguru.

The tradition started right after your stepmother and father had divorced and moved to different places across the country, leaving you and your adult siblings scrambling for some way to reconnect and stay together.

Thus, Sibling Saturday is created, and you all bring a dish (or buy one, in Satoru's case) for the potluck where you sit around the table and talk about the events of the past month in great detail, often staying overnight due to the amount of wine and beer consumed.

This week, you're in the middle of cooking a pasta recipe you'd stumbled across when your doorbell rings. Admittedly, you'd gotten home late (because of a certain boss that asked you to come in on Saturdays to help rework the blueprints), but when you open the door, you're greeted by Shoko and Satoru, who smile widely and bombard you with compliments, as always.

"You look so good!" Satoru gushes as he enters the kitchen.

"I'm just wearing an apron and a dre--"

"But you're so pretty!" Shoko adds, beaming at you and squishing your cheeks. "What're you cooking this week?" Satoru places two different dishes on the table as you walk back over to the basil pesto pasta cooking on the stove. "Smells so good..."

You smile and stir the pot twice, then look back over at your sister and brother, who are placing the plates and silverware around the table. And for a brief moment, you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the small family bonds that have maintained themselves, despite the hardships you've endured.

"Where's Suguru?" you inquire, and Shoko answers you quickly.

"Oh, he's at the studio today but he said he'd come right after he finished." The doorbell rings right at that moment, and you put your spoon down to attend to the guest, who is undoubtedly your former step-brother.

"Thought you might not make it," you tease, and the dark-haired man leans over to hug you as he chuckles, his long locks brushing your shoulder.

"Just finished up filming the special report," Suguru answers, squeezing your arm. "Had to refilm the last part of the report."

"And you're excited about it?" Shoko calls out from the dining room.

"Of course." Suguru walks into the kitchen, then peeks at your pasta before smiling back at you. "It's going to air in a week. My first special report, y'know?" You grin back at him and shift the pot off the stove before turning it off.

"We'll all get together and watch it when it airs," Satoru suggests, taking the lid off of his purchased cupcakes and reaching in for one, ignoring your disapproving look. "And make a celebration of it."

"I love that plan," Suguru murmurs, pushing his shirt sleeves up to his elbows before setting the beer and wine bottles on the table. "Thanks, you guys. Want anything to drink, Shoko?"

"Nah, I have to be at a birthday party in the early afternoon," she answers, waving her hand in the air.

"Satoru?" But Gojo already has a beer in his hand, so no further discussion is required on his part.

"I drove him here," Shoko begins, rolling her brown eyes and fiddling with her hair. "So it looks like I'll be driving back too."

Satoru groans, pulling the bottle away from his lips. "You roll the seat up too far. I couldn't drive even if I wanted to."

"Still on your 'no alcohol' thing?" your sister asks, and you nod. "Geez. Can't imagine it."

_____________________________________________________________

"I'll help you clean up," Suguru offers, a little unsteady on his feet.

"You don't have to," you retort, but he's is already gathering the dishes to put in the sink. Satoru leans back, his blue eyes staring at the ceiling as he groans loudly.

"Gonna feel this in the morning."

"Should get you home," Shoko mumbles and stands, the chair scraping against the floor. "Got a lot to do tomorrow." You say your goodbyes, making sure Shoko and Satoru get to their car safely, before closing the door and shifting back to Suguru.

"Staying the night?" you ask, moving to the sink and turning on the water.

"I think so," he begins, undoing the top button of his shirt. "Drank a lot." You shrug, not really having noticed him drinking at all, but sure that during your tale of your recent breakup, you had missed it.

"Go ahead and get comfortable," you encourage. "I'll finish cleaning up." Suguru flashes his winning smile at you and then departs, leaving you alone in the kitchen. About fifteen minutes later, you put the last dish on the rack, and then dump the dishwater into the sink. Mindlessly, you wipe the counter, then walk to your room as you remove your apron. You hear someone grunting softly, and assume that Suguru is having a hard time, so you backtrack to the guest room, where you see the guest bathroom light on.

"Y/n..." you catch, and you walk to the bathroom door, which is slightly cracked, and you look through it to see if Suguru is okay.

But you were wrong about him having a hard time.

Suguru is facing the mirror, jerking his thick cock repeatedly. "Oh, god..." he moans, his hair falling behind his face as he tilts his head back. "That pussy feels so fucking good."

You want to walk away to give him so privacy, but... you can't move. You're frozen in place as Suguru shoots his cum onto the counter, his mouth dropping open as he squeezes his eyes shut, the white fluid hitting the mirror a little while his cock throbs angrily. You swallow hard, watching him come down from his high in silence before his eyes flick up to the crack in the door.

And to your face.

With this, the spell cast over your feet is broken, and you walk away from the scene, hurrying to your room and shutting the door. You stand in your room, shocked and slightly unnerved by the sight. But it's only when you're showering that you realize there's a considerable amount of slick between your thighs.

_____________________________________________________________

Sleep is laced with dreams of Suguru plowing into you, his eyes holding you captive and fingers tugging on your nipples. You even cum a few times, but when you awake in the morning, you realize it was all a machination of your mind.

Groggily, you stumble out of bed and walk into the kitchen to make coffee and possibly eat something. But when you see Suguru standing in the kitchen in his pajamas, you flush a little. He notices you right away, smiling as he pours himself a cup of coffee.

"Morning," he chirps brightly, and you smile briefly before moving to get a mug from the cupboard. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah," you murmur quickly, avoiding looking at him as you make your own cup of coffee.

"Look, y/n... about last ni--"

"It's fine." You turn to the fridge, pulling out the milk and setting it on the counter as Suguru stands, setting the newspaper down.

"Actually," he begins. "It's not."

"No, really," you mutter, but your ex-stepbrother places a hand between you and your coffee, effectively blocking you from doing anything else.

"Y/n, I have to confess that I have feelings for you," Suguru mumbles, and you look up at him in confusion, searching his black eyes for some clarity. "I've had feelings for you for a long time. And I was thinking... we're not related by blood or by paper anymore. Is it possible for me to pursue you?" Your lips part, but no sound comes out of them. "I'll give you time to think about it, but--"

"You're a public figure, Su..." you offer, but he shrugs his broad shoulders.

"Not really a concern of mine."

"What about me? My job? What if they find out we used to be--"

"Used to be." The emphasis makes you pause. You turn to the sink, eyes downcast as your hands grip the polished edge of the counter. "Please," Suguru whispers, coming up behind you and sliding his fingers up your nightgown. "You're so perfect. So beautiful... Having you as my stepsister was amazing, but now..." He kisses the space below your earlobe, and you close your eyes, moaning loudly.

"Su," you start, but can't find any other words to say. Would you really be able to say no to yourself now, when for years you'd wanted nothing more than this very moment to happen?

"Your cooking is amazing... and you and that asshole finally broke up. Just let me make you feel good. Just one time," he breathes into your ear, and you shudder, the feeling working from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. "And if you don't want it... say 'no' and I'm done. I'll never do it again." The fingers that are below your nightgown creep up to the waistband of your underwear, tugging at them suggestively.

"Okay," you breathe, and Suguru inhales deeply, pulling your panties down and letting them drop the floor. He doesn't speak as his fingers roam over your flesh, gripping certain areas with glee before he kneels, trapping your ass between his hands.

"Stay still for me, princess," he whispers before spreading your ass cheeks. "Such a pretty pussy." When Suguru's tongue hits your slick, you immediately raise up on your tiptoes, but his tongue chases your core, slipping across your clit and back up leisurely. You moan again, squeezing your eyes shut as he drives you insane.

"Suguru," you pant, and he hums, hand gripping your right ass cheek a little more. Your fingers reach behind you and grab onto his hair, pushing him into your cunt even more. Your legs begin to shake violently, knees hitting the cupboard below the sink, and Suguru hums again, tongue speeding its movements up. You finally give in to the building orgasm, letting go of his locks and gripping the sink as you buckle. Suguru continues to lap at you as you come down, slurping up your juices loudly before pulling back and licking his lips.

"So good," he murmurs, standing and pushing down his pants to reveal his twitching cock. You move to your knees immediately, taking his length in your hand and licking the tip gently. Su hisses, leaning against the chair behind him, and tilts his head to the side, watching you take the tip in your mouth and suck. You work half of his cock into your mouth before he reaches his hand down and tangles it through your hair. "No hands, princess."

You obey without question, and he bobs your head up and down for you, the head of his thick length hitting the back of your throat and making a clicking noise. "Good girl," Suguru groans, adding another hand to your hair. Tears begin to gather on your waterline as he fucks your mouth, and you swipe your tongue on the backside of his cock when you can to add to the pleasure, placing your hands on his thighs to stabilize yourself.

But Suguru pulls out of your mouth, a trail of saliva connecting his cock to your lower lip. "Stand up and bend over," he orders, and you do so, waiting patiently for him as he tugs at his length while watching you. With his foot, Suguru kicks your legs a little wider then steps between them, nudging the head of his cock against your pussy. "Yep, you're good and ready."

He pushes into you - or tries to, really - then pulls back, grunting. "Tight little thing you've got there," he mentions, spreading your cheeks with one hand. He rubs his cock up and down against your slit, trying again to slide into you, but finding too much resistance. "Arch your back." Your hips go a little higher, but Suguru finds his grip again, finally able to push himself into you a little. You hiss, feeling a sharp jolt of pain, but he pushes you back down with his broad hand.

"Oh, Suguru..." you whine, looking back. He swipes your hair away from your face, eyes meeting yours.

"Shh, shh... It's alright," he whispers, working himself into you with care, one hand on your hip and another resting on your shoulder. "Just relax." You groan again, tucking your head between your hands on the counter. After a few minutes, you release all of the tension in your lower body, and Suguru sighs, pushing into a little deeper. Immediately, his hips are able to connect with yours, and the sounds of your fucking echo in the kitchen.

"Fuck..." you moan, feeling his entire length shift in and out of you, hitting spots your ex couldn't explore. "Feels so fucking good."

"Yeah?" Su wonders, panting. "Such a good pussy. Never felt this perfect..." He speeds up a little, leaning over your back, and kissing your shoulder blade. "I can feel your cervix when we're like this." You groan loudly, tossing your head back. Suguru catches your neck with his hand, leaning your head back.

Your eyes cross, and he huffs a laugh, but your entire body is too full of him and thoughts of him to care.

"Please," you whisper, but you don't know what you're asking for, really. "Please." Suguru's eyebrows scrunch together, onyx eyes focusing on your expression.

"Oh, that's it," he hums. "Already cock-drunk, huh?" You try to nod, but all you can do is manage a strangled moan. A hand is lifted and smacks your ass as he continues fucking you, which is a welcome jolt of pain to add to the pleasure. Your former stepbrother eases his head back, observing the way his cock drives into your pussy. "You should see this... your pussy grips my cock so nicely, and you're creaming all over me."

"Oh, god..." you whine, keeling forward. "Suguru, make me cum."

"Say it again."

"Su, make me cum!" you cry out, shaking furiously.

"What's the magic word?" he pants.

"Please!" He reaches between your legs, rubbing your clit quickly. "Sugur---" You break off with a deep inhale, clenching around him fiercely. Suguru's breath hitches too as he spills his seed inside of you, hips slamming into your cunt three times before his hands slacken around your body. He hunches over you, cradling your body as his head rests on your back.

"That was better than I ever imagined," Suguru finally admits.

"Better than I dreamt last night, too." He laughs, fingers holding you tighter.

"Let me be your boyfriend, y/n."

"What's the magic word?" you shoot back, smiling.

"Please."

_____________________________________________________________

TAGLIST: @missbonekitty @wack0-genius @thankuary @r-i-m-f-009 @sunfloweroranges @leanne-tamashi @rein-icu @brownskinnedgirll @savantsoulfinder @chilledlucifer @kontentious @flare-on @meena-in-a-nutshell @falling-through-pages @naoyasdarling @vabybizzle

#geto suguru #geto suguru x reader #geto smut #jjk smut #jjk geto #jujutsu kaisen geto #jujutsu kaisen #getou suguru x reader #getou suguru

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aboardthehavocmarauder · 4 years ago

Text

Beautiful Mischief [Pt. 3]

Bad Batch x Reader • Angst/Fluff/NSFW (yknow the whole deal) • Mechanic [hidden Jedi] ! Reader • Female reader

Fall on your knees, sweet girl

Sweet girl...

——

“SHES A FUCKING JEDI”

“And how the fuck would you know that?”

“HER PETITE FUCKING ASS CANT TAKE DOWN A TREE IN A SINGLE PUNCH”

“You think she used the force?”

“She did! Don’t believe me?! Wait till the next incident”

Y/N frowns outside the cockpit hearing Cross talk about what he saw with Hunter and Tech. She straightens up when Echo came into the common area seeing the angered look on her face. He didn’t say a word. They stood in the silence and Y/N felt overwhelmed all of a sudden causing her to leave the room, before he could reach—-

“Don’t touch her Echo. We don’t know what she’s capable of” Tech states witnessing what just happened as Echo gave him a worried look.

——

“You’re taking on a Padawan? You know what Anakin turned out to be. You think you’ll produce a normal one?”

“They are Anakin’s age now. Not a child. I believe I can train them to be the best”

“A little late to find a force sensitive being”

“I didn’t find her, she found me”

“I trust you Obi Wan. But—“

Don’t be surprised by the hardships

——

Wrecker finds himself in the storage compartment looking for extra ration bars in their food supply when he saw Y/N sitting on the ground propped up against her crate staring at the ceiling.

“Hey?” He tilts his head confused seeing the redness in her eyes and swollen cheeks. “Hey Y/N...what’s wrong?” He decided to sit with her waiting for her to respond and if she didn’t, he would’ve stayed as a comfort.

“I’m a monster Wrecker”

“What? I don’t think so”

“Crosshair does, he’s telling everybody what he saw in the forest. Just another monster in this galaxy full of darkness”

“Okay now that’s a lot of talk. I’m going to need context”

“He didn’t tell you? None of your brothers did?”

“Honestly I ignore what most of them say” Wrecker laughs as he handed her a ration bar seeing her take the offer.

“I worked on your ship for a year before you decided to add me on this journey with you all. Then it’s been six months and as much as you’re all close with one another...I don’t think I’ll ever been looked at normally ever again”

“Y/N...from the time with the scar thing. Scars are scars. It was stupid of us to push you to tell us what happened. As for this recent thing. Speaking for myself, I don’t care what you are. You’re Y/N. A badass mechanic that knows a lot more than we expected. And if shit changes. Who gives a fuck? Imma still like you for you. Besides. Half of my face is a scar and I don’t give a fuck” Wrecker smiles hearing her laugh a little, feeling better.

——

“Two lightsabers? Ha! This will work nicely for you young apprentice”

Y/N stares with grey covered eyes standing still like a solider as the dathomirian receives the kyber crystals for the hilts before handing the new and improved sabers to his mindless slave.

“You’ll receive a new look. Keep you hidden away from the so called Jedi you used to call your family. Little do they know your parents died and adoptive sister left. Or you left her. I’ve always wondered why you did so”

“I wanted to become a Jedi, Odious...” Y/N says groggily before freeing when he started to force choke her. “I’m sorry sir...”

��Mmm. Are you truly, sweet girl?” He smirks pushing her against the wall and keeping her there like a wall ornament. “We don’t want you to remember to good old days...we need information and you will kill for it if it deems necessary” Odious laughs squeezing his hold hearing her choke. “You will kill if they won’t expose their secrets. We will take down the Jedi council”

Soon Y/N dropped on her side feeling the cold ground turn into a cold surrounding. Feeling like death was crawling in but she quickly stood to their feet seeing Odious’s accomplices approach her to start the appearance change.

No one said it was pain-free

——

Returning to Coruscant, Y/N thought she was being dropped off but Hunter assured her it was for Echo to receive some simplicity with his brothers in blue.

Even the clones need to go back to their home.

“You coming?”

“No”

“But come on. The mess hall will have more of those ration bars you like” Wrecker adds as Y/N stayed glued to her seat feeling a weight grow in her chest when she sensed him. “Y/N?”

“I can’t Wrecker...I know we’ll be here for three days but I’m safe here”

“Well you know where we’ll be” He smiles being the last stepping off the ramp as it closed behind him.

But it didn’t take until nightfall for Y/N to step out and take a look at something that over came their thoughts.

——

“You’ll be staying”

“No Obi-Wan”

“Y/N you’ve come so far. Why give up training now?”

“Your master was a grey-Jedi because he didn’t believe in the rules the council had held accountable on us all. I can’t live in a cult that doesn’t want me to seek out for more in my life”

“But you can—“

“I’m not becoming a whore of the Jedi council all because I can fuck every man that steps into the facility. I want to fall in love. I want to be free. Free from my personal burdens. Reunite with my sister. Go home. I won’t be corrupted Obi Wan. You can keep your tabs on me if you like. But I cannot be here”

“Y/N. Please”

“Take a look behind you Obi Wan, and what do you see?”

Obi Wan turns around to look at the city of Coruscant erupt in colors and volumes of plenty. He was about to say something but when he turned around.

She was gone

——

And now she’s returned

Y/N stepped into the quarters she stayed in during her time there. The nostalgia started to hit when the familiar feeling returned.

“Leave”

“Y/N—“

“Leave me alone” She frowns clenching her fists. “You shouldn’t have come out of whatever corner you were in”

“Y/N it took courage for you to come back inside this place. Please just let me spe—“

Obi Wan suddenly hit the wall outside of her room as she stepped out quickly leaving.

“General I heard—“ Cody stopped talking seeing Y/N and his General on the floor, triggering him to take out his weapon. “You stay right there”

“Don’t hurt him Y/N”

“I’m not a monster like you Kenobi” Y/N frowns lifting her hands and before Cody could even do anything, she booked it in the other direction.

“What the—“ Cody started chasing after her as Obi Wan quickly gets on his feet following in suit after the two.

Having no obstacle in the way made it easy, until Cody called in reinforcements from Rex and a few more from the 501st.

“This—“

“It’s Y/N. Why would Cody—“

“Cody explain?!”

“Cody stand down for maker’s sake” Obi Wan states. “You can’t just—“

“They—“

“NO” He snaps as the distress in his voice made Cody finally stop thinks but the actions still confused his brothers. “Now leave. All of you. Except Y/N”

As the sun sets on today

We’ll never know about tomorrow

——

“General Kenobi. New information has come up”

“What about this time Cody?”

“About fugitive x. You said to dig up anything on them and we got something”

Obi Wan turns to Cody seeing the information on the datapad and taking it, leaving to process this all.

Fugitive X

Name: Y/F/N Y/L/N

Found in the streets of the black market wielding duel lightsabers. Nothing life threatening. But they were found with a kyber crystal that was floating around in the market.

“This...isn’t giving me anything...” Cody frowns flipping through the pictures and finding the video from one of the street cameras of them taking out a knife and suddenly—-

Fuck

——

“Why didn’t you come back once you escaped?”

“Why would I?”

“What do you mean...”

“Just because you had spies in my life to keep tabs on me. Doesn’t mean they saw everything. You......” Y/N stops talking as she brings her knees to her chest staring out in the scenery as Obi Wan sheds his robe to be comfortable around her just enough. “You...you lost your master. Imagine that pain, but with your humanity, sanity...”

“Y/N, what happened?”

“A lot...”

A lot that nobody knows

Until now

#the bad batch #bad batch #the bad batch x reader #bad batch x reader #wrecker bad batch #tech bad batch #crosshair bad batch #echo bad batch #hunter bad batch #aboardthehavocmarauder

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romioneficfest · 4 years ago

Text

Until the Very End

Title: Until the Very End

Prompt/Day: Shell Cottage, Day 9

Tumblr name:

Rating: T

Brief summary: Hermione and Ron find solace with each other in the days following Malfoy Manor.

Any possible triggering/warning tags: Depiction of nightmares, post trauma

Word count: 1,401

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

"No, take me instead. Please, take me. Not him."

"Hermione…"

"Not him, please. No!"

"Hermione, wake up!"

Her eyes snap open, and she's covered in a cold sweat. At first, she's frantic from the hauntingly inexorable vision of Bellatrix and the bright green flames shooting from the tip of her wand straight into Ron's chest.

As Hermione's mind orients herself back to her own heart-pounding reality, she finds that she has momentarily forgotten where she is in her waking life.

Ron is there, holding onto her clammy hand, and he's clearly shaken by the disturbing sight of her struggling to return to actuality.

He’s alive. He’s okay.

Hermione's eyes flicker around the room, a wave of relief flooding through her as she realizes they're alone. It looks to be just before dawn, and the room is dark with a tint of light peeking in through the windows.

Her mind returns to the grotesque image of Bellatrix's dark, heavy-lidded eyes. The woman is truly demented — Hermione can still hear her cackling laughter in her head, and a sickening feeling bubbles in her stomach knowing that the monstrous witch has the ability to make her paranoid that the horror is still there, despite being safely tucked away at Shell Cottage.

Ron at the center of her nightmare is even more frightening for Hermione than what actually occurred at Malfoy Manor. It's a recurring dream on a perpetual loop that is just as dreadfully vivid and terrifying as the night before. Until now, she’s considered the pain awful but manageable, and she hasn’t felt the need to confront her demons.

Although Ron's stroking her hair in silence, waiting with admirable patience for her to speak, she doesn't want to admit to him that she's afraid for each day to end, knowing that she has to return back to sleep.

"Ron?"

He doesn't answer, only tightens his grip around her arms.

"You're here, you're here." She repeats her verbal mantra into the cotton of his shirt, more for herself than Ron, as a way to confirm that he is real and he is alive and he is okay.

"Don't be scared," he whispers words of encouragement in her ear. "I'm right here."

Tears well up into her eyes as she buries her face into the crook of his neck. She takes three steady breaths before lifting her head. Hermione can see the worry behind his eyes. "I didn't wake anyone else up, did I?"

Ron clears his throat and nods his head towards the door. "No. I, uh, placed a silencing charm on the door. Just in case…"

Hermione winces to herself. Ron’s been with her every night since they arrived at Shell Cottage, and she only just puts together that he’s probably charmed the door for every single one of those nights.

"Have you been sleeping on the chair?"

"Yeah,” he responds with a sheepish smile on his face. “My neck is all sorts of stiff but I couldn't…" His grin is gone just as fast, revealing the shadows behind his eyes. "I couldn't sleep without knowing where you were, or if you were safe."

Hermione’s heart swells up, and she doesn’t think it’s possible to...she shakes her head, forcing back those words she’s kept hidden in her heart. He’s so protective, and wonderful, and the nagging voice inside her head tries to make her believe that she doesn’t deserve him.

"Hermione...your nightmare.” Ron is looking down at their joined hands, and she watches his finger draw circles around each of her knuckles. “You said ‘take me instead. Not him.’ Can I ask...who was him?"

Although she wants to discuss every sinister and chaotic dream she’s had just about as much as she wants to show him the ghastly scar now branding her arm, she can’t leave him thinking that it was someone else.

"It was you, Ron.” His eyes meet hers with a fierce intensity, and she can see the confusion morphing into comprehension. Hermione draws in another shaky breath. “Bellatrix. She had a knife to your throat and—"

Hermione can’t bring herself to continue, instead finding herself reduced to soft, broken sobs as Ron pulls her close again.

"Shhh, it's okay. It was just a nightmare. I'm here. She doesn't have me. I'm here."

All at once, Hermione is overwhelmed with the realization that while she is now under protection, there was a time just a few days ago that she wasn’t, and there were others who had to cope with that fear.

"But it was real for you, wasn't it? When she had me."

Ron lifts up Hermione’s chin, meeting her gaze with a vulnerability that she has never seen from him before. He takes a moment to study her face, and he trails the pad of his thumb down her cheek before tracing the outline of her lips. The action takes her breath away, and she has zero doubt now that what he feels for her goes beyond the barrier of friendship.

When he speaks, his voice is hoarse, reminding her of how she heard him screaming her name from the cellar. "There are no words to describe — I've never felt so helpless, and scared, and enraged all at the same time. I know we're in the middle of a bloody war, and we're all fighting to stay alive. The probability of one of us having to use the killing curse…" His voice trails off, and Hermione can see the large lump in his throat that he tries to swallow it down.

"I've never imagined myself being someone who could kill.” He spits out the word with all of its vile intention. “But, Hermione. In that moment, seeing Bellatrix with a blade against your neck...” He pauses to place his finger against his throat then slowly clenches his fist together, like he’s reducing the blade to the same consistency as floo powder. Ron grits his teeth, and snarls out, “I wanted to kill her."

The arrhythmic beating in her chest speeds up, and Hermione’s eyes go blurry from the wetness pooling within them. Ron’s fingers travel down her arm, raising the small hairs on her skin along their path. He intertwines their hands together once more before speaking again.

"I just remember thinking, ‘this can't be it.’ This can't be — there's so much I want…” Ron lets out a frustrated breath. “I need to say to you."

A whimper escapes Hermione’s mouth, and she can see the rose-pink light of dawn filtering through the drapes, clearing away any remaining darkness. "You've just said it all."

"What?” Ron’s eyebrows knit together, looking puzzled by the way the smile creeps up her cheeks like the rising sun.

"You've told me everything, Ron. Without even having to say it. You've told me in the way you fought for me at Malfoy Manor. You've told me in the way that you've sat by my bedside every night since then. The way you've taken care of me, and the way you're looking at me now...I know."

The outpouring of love she has for the ginger-haired man next to her takes over, and without hesitation he’s crushing her to his chest, burying his wet face deep into her curls.

"Hermione.” Ron says her name like he never has before, and memories of their first meeting on the train to Hogwarts run through her mind, followed by a series of flashes of moments together over the years. It’s always been him, and now she sees that she’s always been it for him, too.

He’s crying now, and Hermione holds him in her unyielding arms as he rasps, "I will never leave you again."

She knows what he is referring to and she wants him to know that it’s okay — that whatever hardships they’ve faced in the past are now just faint bumps on a winding path to each other. What matters most is this moment right now, and she wouldn’t trade this moment for all the spell books in the world. "We're in this together. Until the very end, whenever that may be.”

Their foreheads meet, and Hermione finds comfort in the patch of freckles on Ron’s nose. They share a moment of stillness and peaceful solitude. The only sound is that of their synchronized breaths.

“Until the very end, and beyond that.”

#hpfic #romione ficfest 2021 #romione #ron weasley #hermione granger #Rated T #cw:#cw: trauma #Ace Safe #Queue up for the Dragon

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let-me-luve-you · 4 years ago

Text

I’m Proud of You

Tom Holland x Sister

Summary: The reader is in the military and encourages Tom to take the role of Cherry. Now that the movie is coming out, everyone expresses how proud they are.

Warnings: Not too descriptive but mentions of ptsd and addiction, angst, supportive friends and family, talks of the movie Cherry, talks of military

A/N: Hey guys, this is so late and I’m sorry. Just been going through it a little bit but I’m okay. Thank you to those that reached out. I hope you enjoy this.

MASTERLIST BUY ME A COFFEE REDBUBBLE

When Tom was pulled aside by the Russo Brothers when he was filming End Game and was given the plot line of the movie Cherry, Tom immediately thought of you. You were his baby sister that served in the military. Tom was hesitant to take the role of an army medic that has PTSD and struggles with addiction. This character would hit home in a way.

You had been home leading to Tom leaving for Atlanta to film the final Avengers movie, but you left shortly after he did to go back on deployment. Tom was never fully calm when he knew you weren’t home. He constantly worried.

When the Russo’s came to him, they knew he would have to consider everything from career to personal. They knew you served your country. What they didn’t know was that you were already suffering from PTSD. Tom knew, which is why it took him all of filming to give them an answer.

One morning when Tom was talking to you, he mentioned the role and how he didn’t know if he should take it. It discussed heavy issues. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to bring it justice. You encouraged him to take the role. You told him you knew he could do the role. That he was an amazing actor. You included that doing this movie could help start a conversation about mental health and addiction within soldiers and veterans.

Tom remembered the conversation like it was yesterday. Now the trailer is being released and he is starting the virtual press tour. You had just come home right before Christmas. Your Christmas present to your family was telling them you were retiring from the military. Tom was ecstatic at the news. He hated worrying about you when you were gone. He was constantly thinking that the next phone call he got was going to be his parents telling him you weren’t coming home.

A month later, you were currently staying with Tom until you found your own place. When Tom was sent the trailer to Cherry for him to post on his own social media the next day, he brought his computer to your room. He knocked on the door and opened it when he heard a quiet “come in.”

“Hey Y/N?” You looked up from your iPad when he spoke.

“Yeah?” You asked, confused.

“I have the trailer for Cherry. They just sent it over. Want to watch?” He asked hopefully. You could see the slight fear in his eyes, but you didn’t understand why.

“Sure.” You smiled at him and set your iPad on your night stand. Tom smiled back at you and sat down on the other side of the bed. He quickly made it full screen and hit play. He had already watched it so Tom watched you through the corner of his eye. He noticed that when it showed the war scenes, you tensed.

When the trailer was over, Tom slowly exited out and shut his computer screen. “What did you think? They are going to send over the movie this weekend. Figured me and you could make a movie night out of it with the whole family.”

“I liked it. You look like you did a good job so far. I can’t wait to watch it.” You smiled at him. Tom immediately knew you were putting on your fake smile.

“Everything okay?” He asked, concerned.

“Yeah. I just…” You sighed and looked away from Tom. “Just still adjusting to everything. You know that I’m going to therapy, right?”

Tom shook his head, “No, I just thought you were going to mum’s and dad’s.”

“No. I’ve been going to therapy. I’m at three days a week right now. The nightmares are just too much to handle. Then I hear sounds during the day and it just flashes me back to there.”

“I’m sorry y/n/n. You know you can talk to me. I want you to know you can talk to me. No matter what time. I talked with veterans, I don’t know what you went through, but I know it wasn’t good. After playing this character, I don’t want to see that happen to you. Did they prescribe medicine?” He asked.

You shook your head.

“Okay. If they feel you need to, please let me know. I really, really don’t want you to go through addiction. I don’t even want to risk it for you to even get close to addiction.” He said seriously. You knew he was. You didn’t want the medicine anyways.

“I can’t wait to see the movie.” You said with a smile. “But can I ask if we can start it early? I already know, I’ll probably need to pause it and take a minute when it gets to those scenes.” You said. You didn’t even need to specify which ones. Tom knew already that watching the military scenes were going to be hard for you.

“Yeah. We can. And if you want it to be just us, that’s perfectly okay. I can watch it with everyone else the next night.” He said giving you options.

You shook your head to turn down the new option, “that’s okay. I can watch it with them. Just let them know I will need to pause it.” Tom smiled at you and nodded before kissing your head and getting off your bed. Tom left to go show everyone else the trailer.

After he posted the trailer to his Instagram a few days later, positive comments started flooding his Instagram and Twitter. You scrolled through the comments from Harry, Haz, the Russo Brothers, and more people Tom knew and worked with and like all of them. You were so happy to see them support Tom. He had the right people in his corner.Next you saw a post from Tuwaine. First you scrolled through the photos. They were of Tom as Cherry throughout the different times in the characters life.

It’s funny, cos when I see bae do a role like this, I’m reminded again and again of how talented he truly is. I don’t think the world can look at you the same way once this is out.

He added that the trailer link was in his bio and you smiled. Not many people would do that, but Tuwaine has been one of Tom’s day 1s. You loved Tuwaine like a brother. You couldn’t ask for a better best friend for your brother.

You knew Tuwaine’s words were 100% correct. People saw Tom as a kid. They saw him like he is this sweet, innocent teenager like Peter Parker. He didn’t hate that, but he also hated being seen as a kid. Don’t get him wrong, he loves Spider-Man and he would love to play that character for the rest of his life, but he’s 24. He wanted to be taken seriously and no one takes a kid seriously.

You remember getting the selfie Tom sent to your phone when he was filming. You didn’t get it until you returned home, but he loved to text your phone when things happened so you could stay up to date with him. The selfie Tom sent you was when he was in Morocco. He was in all of his military gear. The text under it was,

I put this suit on and I feel like I’m an imposter. I feel like I don’t deserve to wear this. I’m just an actor, you are the real hero in this world. But when I feel like this, I remember what you told me. “If anyone can play this role, it’s you Tom. You have a connection to the military. You see what it can do to the family and friends around the soldier. You know what it has done to me. If anyone can bring this character to the screen and help start a conversation about PTSD and addiction, it’s you. I don’t know another actor that would take it seriously and give it 110%.” I hope this movie does start that conversation. I hope people see this character and realize the severity of it. Thank you for pushing me to do this role. I love you. I can’t wait to see you again. Stay safe y/n/n. I love you.

You decided to post the picture he sent you plus a screenshot of the text. You wanted them to see Tom as Tom. You were so incredibly proud of him and you wanted the world to see that.

Tom, I honestly don’t know what words to say right now, you know I’m not good at them, but I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you for going outside your comfort zone. You went into this movie to show people you can be more than the nerdy high school kid and to start a conversation. I read all the text you sent me when filming this. I know the hardships you went through. I cannot wait to watch Cherry with you to see all the hard work pay off. I already know you were absolutely amazing in it. I love you and I’m proud of you!

When Tom got the notification that he was tagged in a post by you, he smiled. He smiled even bigger seeing the photos you used and as he read the caption. He was the luckiest brother in the world to have a sister like you. He quickly comment thank you and love you with a kiss and heart emojis.

“Tom?” You asked as you walked into his room to see him lying on the bed.

“Yeah?” He questioned.

“I really am proud of you. Let’s go out for lunch. My treat.” You smiled. Tom got out of bed and walked to you.

“Thank you for pushing me to do this role. I’m really glad I did it.” He said and gave you a kiss on the head. “Now go get dressed, I’m paying.” He said with an arrogant tone and walked towards his bathroom. You left to get dressed while laughing. Knowing it was going to be a fight to see who actually paid for lunch.

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mizelophsun11 · 4 years ago

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Mizeloph's Tale Chapter 2

Pairing - Right now the pairing is General Kirigan x OC Sun Summoner, but that will eventually change to Kaz Brekker x OC Sun Summoner

Summary - Ketterdam is a city of thieves and these three are no strangers as they find themselves the first to a huge money job. Past are uncovered and people who where thought to be gone to the other might yet still be alive.

Word Count - 1574

Ketterdam

Kaz Brekker had changed, he wasn’t the same as he was before Jordies death, when he got back from the sea of death everything was different. He learned very quickly that being alone was not how someone thrived in Ketterdam, so he joined the Dregs. His past was something that Kaz kept close to his chest, no one knew that there was one person he thought of but always tried not to, a girl with white hair. However, sometimes that one person was overshadowed by his greed to one up Pekka Rollins, the man that had ruined his life. Which made stealing the Heartrender from underneath Pekkas grasp very satisfying. With Inej and Jesper they walked up to the gates that belonged to Dressen, the man who was offering the shining million kruge job.

A man approached the gate to see who the visitors were “Who are you?” he asked

“We’re here to see Dreesen” Kaz answered

He looked at the group confused “you’re not with Pekka’s crew”

“And you’re no longer in Pekka’s pocket if you don’t owe him” Kaz threw a bag of coins in between the bars of the gate, the man caught the bag and looked at it.

The gates then opened and they were allowed in “Hey! One of these has a hole in it!”

“Inside, now” Kaz said ushering the group into the building

They were brought into an office where Dressen was sitting. Kaz knew that they would have the upper hand, being first to have what Dressen wanted was key to securing the job. They needed this, it would be a big deal for the Crows to be able to get this kind of money. Dreesen looked them all over and already had an idea about the people who were standing in front of him.

“Criminals, it only takes one look” he eyes them a bit more before returning to the papers on his desk “I am not meeting with anyone until midnight so you are just wasting your time”

“We have the Heartrender that you requested” Kaz said

Dressen sighed and took a moment to think “Well.. alright, she stays and the rest of you can wait here” he said getting up from his chair and walking around his desk

The heartrender went to walk forward but Kaz stopped her with his cane “No, she stays and we have an exclusive on the job”

“Now Mr. Brekker. No businessman worth his salt hires his first applicants”

Kaz shrugged his shoulders “of course, I understand. It’s a big decision to make, just like the decision to report you to the guild for kidnapping and harboring a prisoner chain of title” he smirked a little, showing off his confidence, Kaz was the one with the upper hand in their little exchange

Dreesen glared at Kaz “you wouldn’t dare”

“No businessman worth his salt bargains for what he can take” Kaz answered

The Heartrender raised her hand “I have to be back in an hour”

“Alright, come on”

Dressen brought them down to where he was keeping the hostage, he walked up to him and turned to face the crew. Kaz went from looking around the room then back to where Dressen was standing.

“This is Alexi Stepanov” he pulled the bag off of his head to reveal his face “two weeks ago Alexei here crossed the Fold on foot, he was alone”

Inej was shocked “how?” she saw that the man was mouthing the word ‘water’ and she got him a glass for him to drink

“They’re keeping it quiet, but allegedly he was one of a few witnesses to an event..”

“What kind of event?” Kaz asked

“I know an expedition was swarmed by Volcra, it should have been a total loss, but something happened.. Right now the running theory over here is that it was a new device, one only for the worst case scenarios, but something is different about what was seen. It lit up the Fold like a forest fire. However, whatever destroyed the swarming Volcra was not a device with fire, because it would have killed everyone on that skiff. It had to have been some sort of new invention no one has seen before. This man is the answer, he hasn’t been able to speak, some sort of trauma lapse” Dreesen explained

The Heartrender approached Alexei and knelt down then started to slow down his heart beat to calm him down “you are safe now, speak and I will just listen” she smiled gently at him “tell me what happened in the Fold, what saved you?”

Alexei took in a deep breath, feeling his heart coming down to a steady pace “If I tell you, will you set me free?”

Dreesen nodded “you are in Ketterdam now, you can go anywhere in the world from here, just imagine”

“Her name is.. Anna Mizeloph, she is the Sun Summoner” Alexei said, not realizing the gates he had just opened

Kaz’s world froze, the same name of the girl with white hair he thought of every day was at the center of a myth, the Sun Summoner. So many questions were running through his mind about her and what had led her to that skiff where she had somehow demonstrated that she was the mythical Sun Summoner. He couldn’t piece together what could have happened to get her away from Ketterdam to the other side of the Fold. Kaz did understand that they had been separated as children and hoped that one day they would find each other. After he had fought tooth and nail to survive from the killer ocean in order to get back to her, she had just up and disappeared. He was always confused about how a girl with white hair would be difficult to find, but it was like she had never existed. As he was dealing with his trauma Kaz was working day and night to find Anna, but he could never find a lead that could get him something. For a while Kaz held onto those memories with Anna, they were the only way he could get through his trauma. However, those memories could not always protect Kaz forever, he had to eventually become a new person, someone who could thrive in Ketterdam, not just survive. Kaz Brekker, the Bastard of the Barrel had been shaped by his hardships in Ketterdam and he clawed his way to where he was now. Today, one thing that had always held him back was Anna Mizeloph even if he didn’t know it, if they ever found each other he questioned what she would think of him and how he had changed. In the end Anna Mizeloph was the last piece of Kaz Rietveld and he tried to let go, but Kaz never could.

Jesper and Inej knew they would want to talk with Kaz later about how he had reacted to Anna Mizelophs name. They had never seen him react so quickly just to hide it, there was something more to this and they were going to find out.

Dreesen smiled and checked the manifest “perfect” Alexei smiled “you will set me free now?” he was ready to see the world and erase the horrors of the Fold from his mind

“Thank you, of course” Dreesen then pulled out a gun and shot Alexei in the head, his body dropping to the floor, the heartrender screamed, shocked by what had just happened.

“We are now the only people west of the Fold who know this information, my ship sails for West Ravka at dawn. If you can prove that you have a way through the Fold and back, I will put you on that ship with an advance. If you don’t, I might consider giving the job to Pekaa Rollins”

“Give me a day” Kaz bargained

“You have until sunrise, then your ship will have sailed, Mr Brekker. The prize is one million kruge. Now, bring me Anna Mizeloph” Dreesens men showed them out

When they were finally back to the three of them Inej decided she would step up and ask first about Kaz's reaction “when that man said Anna Mizeloph, the look on your face.. I have never seen you react like that, you knew her didn’t you?”

Kaz looked at Inej wondering if he should indulge her question “I knew one girl named Anna Mizeloph, but she has been gone for a very long time...”

Jesper gave Kaz a look “I mean, how rare is the last name Mizeloph?”

“She is the only one I have ever known to have that last name, so it might be her.. If it is, then we have an advantage over the competition, especially if we are going to be competing with Pekka Rollins” Kaz knew that this would be the chance for his past to finally be useful

“You would really use your past with Anna Mizeloph to put her into a false sense of security?” Inej asked slightly shocked, she knew that Kaz could be a bit harsh especially when it came to the possibility of a lot of money and beating Pekka Rollins, but she did not think he would go this far to emotionally manipulate Anna if he needed to

“For a million kruge, yes” Kaz said and walked off thinking about how we would find them a way through the Fold, there and back.

Author Note - I am extremely happy that others are enjoying this story and the comments left on chapter 1 warmed my heart! Thank you so much for everyone who left a comment, I had no idea that would happen even when I asked. Again, it is completely up to you if you would like to leave a comment, but know that I enjoy reading them. Also I really hope that this is a decent introduction to Kazans Brekker and him finding out. Also! If you would like to be added to the tag list please comment and let me know so I can add you, I will try my best to remember everyone!

Thank you so much for all of your guys support!

Tag List - @rika90 @itsemy01 @hotleaf-juice @teatimeforusreaders

#shadow and bone #shadow and bone fanfiction #ben barnes #freddy carter #general kirigan #general kirigan x reader #kaz brekker #kaz brekker x reader #grishaverse #grisha fic #the grisha series

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musicallisto · 4 years ago

Text

Ψ — 𝐜𝐨́𝐦𝐨 𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫; (leo valdez x reader)

@fives-cup-of-coffee requested: Hi can I please get Leo Valdez (Hoo) + number 142? Tysm,bb ! Love your blog💗💗 song: morat - cómo te atreves | 𝄞

summary: In which Leo Valdez was having a good day. That is, of course, until you showed up.

word count: 1.9k author notes: at first I wanted to make it light-hearted & comical as the song would suggest and then it progressively got more serious and angstier and then I just have no idea where it went lol I hate it here. I hope you like this! + stan Morat they’re amazing warnings: there’s like one bad word in Spanish and I hope it’s not too Spaniard bc I looked everywhere for a Mexican equivalent of “cagüendios” asdjdj Mexicans please correct me

𝐋𝐄𝐎 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐙 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 have had the boldness of saying he was having a good day. No bloodthirsty monster nor megalomaniac Titan had decided to take over the world or rip him to pieces; he hadn’t had to dodge a meteor or plunge into the heart of a volcano; and to top it all off, he had not heard Percy sing once.

No, really, despite the cold, biting wind that froze the February morning, Leo Valdez was having a good day.

That is, of course, until you showed up.

Maybe it was his wind-swept curls blocking his eyes, maybe it was the whirring of Festus’ mechanical breathing under his fingertips, maybe it was the total peace of mind that inhabited him as he whistled to himself, but he had been impervious to his surroundings, surrendered to the memory of his aerial stroll with Calypso earlier in the morning, completely devoted to patching the dragon’s attrition up, so much so that he hadn’t heard you approaching at all. In his defense, he wasn’t expecting your visit after this many years, especially not on a cold morning in the woods of Long Island.

“Leo?”

“Woah, buddy, your clicks are starting to sound more and more like a real human voice. I might have to celebrate your first word soon.”

“Leo Valdez, behind you.”

He whirled around, and stupidly enough, the first thought that went through his mind was disappointment—so Festus wasn’t learning human communication after all, despite his best efforts. But when Leo pushed the hair out of his face and devised for the first time in four years your slightly embarrassed figure, hands buried in your pockets and abashed smile on your face, he couldn’t stop his jaw and heart from dropping.

So the suspect, gravelly grunt he had heard just before was not Festus protesting—duly noted. It was you, impatiently—and rather awkwardly—scratching your throat to catch his attention... You! After four years!

“Y/N?” he called out, and the way your name rolled off his tongue, with incredulity yet ease, was enough to remind you of how familiar his voice had once been.

“In the flesh. Ta-da,” you tentatively exclaimed, unsure about whether you should step toward him.

Leo seemed just as lost and confused as you were, eyeing you without truly processing it. No one, nothing had ever prepared him to face the return of someone he’d loved so dearly after losing them for so long. No prophecy had foretold any of this, no mischievous god had ever sent a cryptic message in a dream or smoke patterns. One day he had more or less started to accept the unshakeable hole you had dug in his heart when you left, and that he had tried to fill up as well as he could with new memories and songs and adventures — and the next you were waltzing back into his life as though he hadn’t spent the better part of four years struggling to forget you?

He took a small step forward without realizing it, but his body language read all but cordiality. A bubble of irritation started to form in the pit of his stomach and throat; he had started to fidget with his adjustable spanner.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

Behind him, Festus grated, a low and rumbling sound like still water stirring upon the approach of a storm. Leo swore he heard his heartbeats echoed in the loyal beast’s enormous ribcage.

“What do you want from me, Y/N? Haven’t you done enough?”

Oh, you had done more than enough. When you were friends and he had first fallen for you — you had mended his broken heart, stayed by his side as everyone went on to celebrate life and renewal and he was stuck in the downpour that Calypso’s first departure had wreaked. That was more than enough. When you were just a little more than friends and he had started to learn anew, step by step, what it meant to love, and first and foremost let himself be loved — you had been patient and kind, you had walked hand in hand with him on the road to healing, never pushing him to go further than he could. That was more than enough. When you were definitely more than friends, and he had found himself falling deeper in love with you with each passing day — you had loved him all the same, or so you promised, and made his every day an adventure and a safe embrace like no other. That was more than he ever deserved.

When you had left without warning for some foreign place on the other side of the world, leaving him only a note and a handful of colored glass shards, never to give a sign of life in four years...

That was more than enough.

You had dared to take one step forward, palms outstretched as if you were calming a wild animal. A frenzy of conflicting flames bubbled in Leo’s stomach — you were a stranger now to him, and he was once again happy with Calypso. Then why did he get the overwhelming urge to jump into your arms and rediscover the sweetness of your embrace?

“I’m so sorry, Leo, I never wanted to leave, I truly didn’t, but you have to understand —”

“Understand what? That whatever business you had to attend to was more important than me? That I meant so little to you that you just left me a post-it note with a sad smiley face on it and never came back? You didn’t send a word in four years! I bet you didn’t even think about me on February 29th!”

“Actually I left in April, but —”

“Can you imagine how hard it was for me to get over you? To forget you? No, scratch that—I haven’t forgotten you, no matter how hard I try to convince myself. But I was doing just fine, and you have a whole lotta nerve coming back now that I’m finally happy without you! ¡Pues huevos! ¡Al carajo todo esto!”

And he went on and on in a string of all the curses he’d remembered from when his mother argued on the phone, his cheeks reddening progressively, his breath faltering.

You stayed immobile, just an arms’ length apart from him until he had spewed out everything he’d carried for years. His chest trembled, shuddering at all the dust and waste it had swept under the rug, now displayed in full light before him; and you ached for him, underneath your cool composure, you truly did, just as you had ached yourself when you had left. How could you not? Leo had been light and warmth and fire and a comforting smell of smoke and gasoline and coffee-stained fingertips on your cheek and your neck... and most of all, the heart you would least have wanted to break.

“Leo...”

You murmured his name a few more times, until he looked up at you. Oh, that face, red and weepy and distorted by rage and overwhelm! How you hated it in those moments, like a cheap mask over a Roman statue!

“Leo, I’m so sorry. I know it doesn’t excuse anything, but trust me, I would never have done that if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”

“What was, Y/N? What was more important than me?”

“I... I can’t tell you, Leo. I would if I could, but — “

“Of course! Even after four years, you’re still so full of secrets!”

“Jupiter told me not to say anything. To anyone.”

Leo’s parted lips, already fuming with more witty remarks, closed shut, and his chocolate eyes widened. The god of gods’ name was always enough to temper even the most boisterous of heroes’ fumes of anger, but not Leo’s erratic heart.

“Jupiter?”

“I got a mission from the gods. That’s why I left. To Rome. But they made me swear I didn’t say anything... not even an excuse.”

Leo swallowed, with difficulty, as if the information was a toxic flame permeating his throat. Before he could even register it, you continued, breathing deeply to steady your breathing:

“I owe you more than an apology... an explanation, at least. If you want to hear it... meet me in the woods at the gate of Camp Half-Blood at sundown. I’d understand if you didn’t come, but... just know that I’ll be waiting for you.”

For a split second, you were traversed by the thought, almost automatic, of leaning over to kiss Leo’s cheek, just like you had done it thousands of times to wish him goodbye; but you cut your impulses fast enough, only staring at his eyes for a few long minutes of dumbfounded silence before you turned on your heels and left.

In a single blink, the wind had caught your silhouette and carried it into the shadows of the trees.

And Leo stood there, colder than he would have admitted, motionless and partly oblivious to Festus’ impatient whirring over his shoulder. His chest rose and fell rapidly, quicker than the leaves rustling in the breeze; it had dried in his eyes too much for any tears to well up, despite the painful pang spreading in his chest. Had it not been for the weight in his ribcage, he could’ve believed you were but a ghost in the forest...

When you had left him without a word nor even a glimpse of a smile, Jason had admonished him to be brave and stronger than whatever misery you had inflicted; to not let any of your little games gnaw at his head and drive him wild. It was how Jason had always dealt with heartbreak and hardship because he was built of cold marble and electric stone; but despite Leo’s best efforts to follow his advice, he was Hephaestus’s son. Neither of them was exactly known for their fine handling of matters of the heart...

He had believed his inalterable strength would come back to him with Calypso. It was an endless ebb and flow between the two of you, each consoling him after the other left and tore a little piece of his heart. She had promised she’d be better — better than you, or than herself the first time around, he didn’t know, but he had believed her all the same.

But maybe what Leo had mistakenly taken for strength when he laughed himself to death with Calypso and captured her entirely with his lips, might have been solely absence. He had always had a knack for following in your steps... just like you had slipped from his embrace without a word, he had disappeared from himself imperceptibly.

Maybe he loved Calypso, truly and sincerely... but not in the way that allowed him to find himself.

Well, to hell with courage, with Jason’s heroic virtue and rectitude. Leo was realizing just then that the reason he clung so desperately to your memory was that he wasn’t ready to let it go just yet, and if it made him a coward, he accepted the fate with open arms.

“Come on, buddy,” Leo exhaled, a little shaky still. “Let’s get you patched up before sundown.”

Maybe it was a good day after all.

Or just a less-than-awful one at the very least.

tagging; @fives-cup-of-coffee @softeninglooks (all my writing) / @lxncelot (Riordanverse)

#mywriting #riordanverse #pjo #hoo #percy jackson #heroes of olympus #leo valdez #pjo imagine #hoo imagine #leo valdez imagine #leo valdez one-shot #leo valdez x reader #fives-cup-of-coffee

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marshmallowprotection · 4 years ago

Text

Wren

Pairing: V | Kim Jihyun/Reader, Hinted Han Jumin/V | Kim Jihyun

Description: Jihyun knew what it felt like to be lost in the desert without water to quench the dryness in his bones. He knew what it felt like to work until he'd feel like he was going to fall over and weep, only to get back up again because he was the only one that could do something. Even now, as his life is in a better place, he can't help but push him to be everything for everyone.

Word Count: 8506

Cowboy Jihyun x Reader

[Cowboy Saeran] [Cowboy Seven]

[Read On AO3]

Jihyun Kim had been plagued by disaster his entire life. It seemed like the same story told in different ways over and over again.

No moment of his life had he known peace, except for a few short years, where he almost tasted what it felt like to be free from burden and hardship. There was no denying that he knew what it felt like to be hurt. He carried that weight with him time and time again because he had no say in what direction his life was heading in.

It was like someone else controlled the puppet strings to his fate. For so long, his life was determined by factors that Saejoong Choi decided. The man decided everything with the wave of his hand all because he had that power to destroy others for his gain.

He destroyed lives, places, people, and more in the chance that it may get in his way. It was never because he cared about what he destroyed, he only cared that it could destroy him.

It started with his mother who lost her life because his father made a deal with the wrong people at the wrong time, leaving her ultimately trapped in a burning household that she traded her life for to ensure that Jihyun lived. That changed the course of his life in a single day. Saejoong had forced a change upon him, and that was a change to keep things seemingly neutral.

Even if it meant that he had to bite his tongue and act like the rest of the world was fine. Even if it meant that he had to look a devil in the eyes and pretend to be his best friend. Even if it meant that he had to do things that he wasn’t proud of. He smiled through it all and became a man who stayed very strong on the image of keeping everyone happy.

He settled into his title of owning his father’s bar rather well as a young man. Jihyun knew how to go about the song and dance without any trouble. He knew how to please people and play the role of a ringmaster who directed people to look all around until they lost track of the truth. It was for the truth and safety of anyone that was hiding for a reason.

In doing that, he was able to help others and focus on doing good. It gave him a sense of purpose and even his childhood best friend commented on how it seemed to lift some of the weight on top of his shoulders at that time. Jumin thought that it was good that Jihyun had decided to do something that felt right to him after they’d spent their youth searching for a dream.

For Jumin, that had been chasing the stars and better conditions for the workers that tended to the company that his father helmed. He had dreams that people didn’t think much of because it almost sounded nonsensical given all of the changes and advancements that he wanted to make to keep any person safe and earning what they were due for their time.

That was a dream that he had been able to grasp between his fingertips without a fight. But for Jihyun, he still felt lost even after he saw his friend find what he wanted to do. That started to change as he settled into the bar and started helping others under the guise of being a neutral land where nobody could misbehave and whine.

He began to realize just how much he could help from his position. He started to use it to extend a hand to anyone that was down on their luck. If they needed a tip, trade, or a chance to get away for a good reason, he would find a way to get them out of town and onto the train for their wellbeing.

It happened over and over again for so many unfortunate people who were lost in roles that they’d been forced into. It was mostly small situations with people that were trying to escape captors, and if not in that case, then it would be people that did a small-time crime that couldn’t afford to pay off debts. So, he would cover their tracks and get them out.

That’s actually how he encountered Rika Kim in the first place. She’d known him from afar her entire life and decided to approach him because she was desperate to get away from her adoptive family with as much ease as she possibly could. Jihyun knew that painful look in her eyes and he couldn’t help but be drawn to her illuminating light.

For some reason, he couldn’t imagine escorting her out of town and letting her slip between the tips of his fingers. He was drawn to her for reasons that he didn’t quite understand but he instead gave her this simple offer of an engagement to convince her family to let her go free and off of their hands. She took the offer and at first, he only did so to make her happy to live her life freely, but as time passed—

Jihyun truly began to care for her in a romantic light. There was something about her that united them both, even though they butted heads about certain things in private now and again. Everyone seemed to think that they were the perfect match made in heaven. When Rika came into his life, the air around him started to change in ways that it never had before.

With her newfound freedom, she decided to help him change the bar for the better. She used that voice and talent that she honed in the church choir to the best of her abilities. She stood on stage and extended a hand to anyone that was within her sights and they flocked to her like vultures to prey. She was all that the people wanted to see.

With Rika’s help, he was able to help more people because they felt comfortable venturing into his bar to come and find him. That was how the little family they had grown day by day. It wasn’t just the two of them anymore. It was a team that believed in each other and counted on each other to keep their hearts alive.

It wasn’t just them aiming for the stars while his best friend Jumin stood nearby, cheering for him and keeping him steady in the face of anything that came his way. Jumin wasn’t always able to stay in town when he had business but when he was there, he was sitting at the bar, sharing drinks with his friend and urging him to follow his goals.

Jumin was the steady rock that allowed Jihyun to keep his faith alive in this world that had burned him countless times.

The first person to be encountered was Jaehee Kang, a woman who had been struggling to find work with her shooting skill and was on the brink of working with criminals just to be able to make ends meet. Rika found her in the streets one day, hungry and anxious, and brought her back to the bar to be taken care of.

Jaehee repaid the debt by deciding to help them with anyone she could behind the counter with a kind hand.

The second person to be brought in was Yoosung Kim, Rika’s young cousin who had been struggling to find his place in the world after a game had destroyed one of his eyes beyond repair. He needed to be able to get out of his family’s house so he could stop wallowing and hurting alone, so he took the spot by Jihyun as a bartender and learned the skills of the trade.

Yoosung was grateful for the chance and he put his cheery smile into every guest that he spoke to and took care of.

The third person who joined them was Zen. A young man that had come from the east was trying to chase his dreams of stardom. However, he was getting by working with gangs to get a place to sleep and food to eat. Rika saw potential in him the second she saw him trying to get together a theatre troupe, and she made the offer for him to perform at the bar with her to help fund his dream.

Zen provided a passion to the aura that Rika had created with a tender hand, and everyone came from miles to see him shine.

That wasn’t the end of their family that had started growing at that time. Because just as this began to settle down after succession, he and Rika encountered two young boys wandering dazed and confused in the heat of the desert, covered in blood and clinging to each other as they tried to hide away from the monsters they feared.

They took one look at those boys and knew that they had to do something. As it turned out, their father was none other than the man that had killed his mother and almost killed him. The man that everyone believed to be a man that was a man of the people, Saejoong Choi. He saw himself in those twins and he vowed to protect them no matter what.

They hid the boys in their shared household just on the outskirts of town and tried to cover the tracks as best they could. Rika would spend as much home as she could with the boys when they weren’t at the bar working to keep up their covers. That was because Saejoong was hunting for the boys. He had killed their mother in cold blood and was ready to get rid of them no matter what.

If he found them, they would be destroyed.

This brought such a hardened tension upon his shoulders and Rika’s. They had fights now and again but it got harder to agree when any choice that they made was going to put the lives of everyone at risk with one single mistake. They couldn’t afford to make mistakes. This man didn’t hesitate. He killed if he had to, and that meant every choice was life or death.

To their credit, Jihyun knew that he and Rika tried their best for six months to take care of things, but it wasn’t long before Saejoong had managed to catch onto them. Just one little mistake and one person seeing more than they needed to. That was all that it took to change things once again. Jihyun managed to get a warning from one of the bandits that he made deals with.

They warned him that if he didn’t remove his precious treasure, it wouldn’t end well. That’s why he'd called upon a former deal that he made with another outlaw, Vanderwood. He told Vanderwood to take the boys away and hide them as much as they could, but the night that they came, Jihyun was held back at the bar by a patron that had been paid to stall him.

Vanderwood managed to get to the household and sneak the boys out to their carriage with Rika’s help but the villains arrived at the scene just as Vanderwood was about to take off. Rika made a split-second decision to stall the men as long as she could and show them around the household to prove that it was empty, all the while Vanderwood took off and tried to get a headstart into the desert.

Vanderwood did manage to get away.

However, the men realized what Rika did.

Instead of locking her up or making her pay for what she did, they loaded their guns and took care of her as if she was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter. Jihyun’s skin still crawled as he thought of her final moments in this life and what she must have suffered. Damn whatever problems they had at that time, he didn’t want to suffer in such a horrid way.

He found her that night, left abandoned by the floor of their home, and he broke down and sobbed for the first time in years. Saejoong had robbed him once again of what little happiness he had. He lost the sons that he cared for greatly, he lost his partner that he loved, and he lost his mother all over again just by thinking of what this all meant.

Saejoong had taken his livelihood from him and made him suffer.

He couldn’t tell a soul about who truly murdered Rika because if it came out, the mayor would call him a liar and a cheat. Nobody would ever listen to him and nobody would ever believe him if he got the chance to bring out the documented proof. You couldn’t find someone who everyone believed to be kind and genuine.

You needed substantial proof.

He had to lie through his teeth and say that she’d passed suddenly from the sickness that had been spreading around the area. She had been sick, but not to such a degree where that would happen. He hated to lie to everyone about it but he thought that it was the only way to protect the boys. Rika had given her life to protect them, and he wanted to honor that.

The next couple of years were spent trying to find everything he could manage so he and the boys could take Saejoong down once and for all. Saeyoung and Saeran were forced to become outlaws to survive and get by, and Jihyun spent days working himself into the ground to try and ensure that it wasn’t a life that they would have to live forever.

He toiled away for those few years until everyone came to a standstill.

These days, he knows that he’s in a much better place than he was in the past.

A part of it is because he knows he has Cereus to thank. They came to town when everything felt like it was going to end in a way that would destroy all of them in the process. They took Rika’s position in the bar as a performer that could stand by Zen and keep the bar invigorated with guests.

Jihyun had to admit that he didn’t know how well they were taking to the job because Zen had said time and time again that they were talented and fully capable of holding their own, and when Zen promised something, he kept his word. He just never expected them to encounter Saeran when they weren’t able to work and help guide him to believe in humanity again.

Cereus reached through to Saeran’s heart when nobody else could, not Jihyun, not Vanderwood, and not even Saeyoung could manage to touch his bleeding heart.

It had only been Cereus who could snap him out of the lull of anger that he was trapped in for so long. They managed to steal everyone’s heart in the town, not just the members of the bar, in a matter of a few weeks.

Jihyun felt ashamed of himself for not being able to do that himself, but he was grateful that someone had been able to do it at all.

And by doing so, they united everyone to come together to rescue them from Saejoong Choi. When someone so beloved was at risk of being harmed, there was no choice but to follow the trail of blood. They took the chance and the risk to do what had to be done to protect everyone. It was at that point, or never.

It revealed everything all at once to the entire town in a matter of seconds. That the mayor had been stealing their money from underneath them and killing anyone that got in his way of maintaining his control. He was caught in the act and red-handed by the good people who suffered long enough.

The sheriff had been caught covering it up, and they were immediately removed from power.

That’s where Jihyun’s life changed for the third time.

And, this time? It was for the better and he knew that to be true. The town needed to be brought together once again and he and Jumin decided that they would take the risk together to start that process of mending things. Although, he hadn’t been sure about the choice that the people made about him.

The town’s people needed a new mayor to helm the area into the future. They all voted that it would be him if he would take the job and the risks that came alongside it. He hesitated at first but Saeran’d taken one look at him and simply said, “Dad, your goal in life has always been to help others, even if it got you burned in the end. If you want to help everyone, go through with it.”

Saeyoung had agreed with that.

The boys both supported him regardless of what he wanted to do with his life, and Jihyun decided to take the chance on himself. He always floated around because he had been packed into a bubble and never once did he think that he would be where he found himself now. He was now the mayor of the town that he cared for greatly.

All the while his adopted sons were trying to make sense of their own lives. He was proud of them for doing so. Even if it had gotten them involved in more trouble along the way. He never thought that the boys would wind up facing more trouble after they left town, but Saejoong was a man that never quit if he wanted something.

It invoked the wrath of pirates that wanted to scorn and burn the twins for the money. They wound up being able to come out unscathed but it had affected them in ways that they weren’t ready to talk about. It was hard to go from one trial to the other, but now, Jihyun was sure that that would never happen again.

That’s why Vanderwood went east to ensure that Saejoong faced the final judgment day. The twins had gotten involved in quite the mess while they were traveling and by the time that they came back, they’d quite the story to tell, alongside a new person in their lives that meant the world to them. Jihyun didn’t know what to say—

However, he knew that the boys were in good hands.

Cereus was going to stand by Saeran no matter what challenge came their way, while Andromeda was going to help Saeyoung chase the stars that he longed to touch with his bare hands. He approved of the path that the boys were taking. He was just happy to see them smiling and free from the trouble that’d haunted them since they were children.

Saeran was going to visit the bar every day to watch Cereus perform as the sunlight sparkled in their eyes. He would make sure that they were warm and protected. He would find friends closely with Zen and Yoosung, likely taking the helm of security for the bar whenever he was around for free. When he was able to see his Cereus glow, he was always smiling.

If he wasn’t doing that, he would come around to the mayor’s office to see what he could do to help Jihyun out. He was rather good at doling out tasks to others and checking paperwork. It probably had a lot to do with how much he had learned at being able to see through liars and fine prints. He truly was growing from the isolated boy he’d once been.

Saeyoung had grown as well. He wasn’t hiding behind a mask of fools any longer to keep himself alive for everyone else. He was laughing because he was truly happy. He would be right there by Cereus as he played his guitar and hummed along to a melody, while his Andromeda watched him from their spot at the bar by Saeran.

If he wasn’t enjoying his time with his family, he would hold Andromeda by the hand and take them around town to see what good they could do. Last Jihyun heard, they’d been making sure that all of the kids at the orphanage were able to have fun and things to do. He’d settled in rather nicely with a band of misfits. It worked for him.

Cereus was a shining beckon that reminded him of the moon, the glow that bloomed the flowers everyone forgot. Andromeda was like their namesake, the star that finally shined freely away from those chains that held them down. They were lovely people and they loved those brothers with everything they had in their hearts.

Jihyun was proud of his boys. Of course, even though it had only been a few days ago, he couldn’t stop chuckling about how the boys both proposed to their partners. Of course, Saeyoung let Saeran have his moment of glory to sweep Cereus off their feet and kiss them deeply, but he couldn’t let his brother be alone on the joyous occasion.

“I reckon I can’t have the spotlight for five minutes, can I?”

“Don’t let him fool ya’, Andie n’ Cereus. He agreed to let me share the special day.”

“We probably should have seen that coming, Andromeda. He doesn’t just write one song when he gets in his head. Are you sure that you want to deal with that forever?”

“I think that’s what’s charming about him. Are you sure that you want Saeran to gawk at you from afar like that for the rest of your life?”

Everyone was finally finding a sense of peace that was long overdue. Nevertheless, he was proud of the people around him. It felt like everything was finally coming together for their little group. He was proud of all of his friends. He was happy to call them his family, by all intents and purposes. This was a life that they deserved.

Jumin and Jaehee had managed to pool together the infrastructure of the town and ensure that truly everyone was getting paid their dues for everything, as well as ensuring that new businesses and families were joining them. He had them alone to thank for helping him piece together the mess left behind by Saejoong.

Yoosung had also taken to his new position very well.

He was enjoying being able to control the direction that the bar was heading. He had learned a lot in the time that he and Zen were in charge and it showed. He was on his way to making it a place where anyone was welcome and could find a place where they belonged. There were plenty of changes that had boosted the client list tenfold already. He’d never looked happier.

Zen was the same way. He was bringing in more talent to keep the place electrified when he or Cereus weren’t at the helm of things. He was doing what had been done for him. He was giving a chance to a group of people who dreamed of the spotlight but they needed someone to give them a chance to get there in this tough world.

Things were finally at peace in their quiet little western town. Sure, there were going to be tough times ahead but nothing compared to what they’d already gone through time and time again. Jihyun felt like he was prepared for it. But, there was still this yearning in his heart that struck him when he was alone for longer than a few minutes.

This lonely feeling inside of his heart had always haunted him. Even though Saejoong wasn’t going to be able to hurt him or his loved ones anymore, there was always this fear that something was going to go wrong when he least expected it. It was why he was always on guard and trying to look ahead to any possible outcome that may occur now or later.

It might have sounded silly but he was guarded for a reason.

Jihyun had a lot to take care of now and he wanted to ensure that the people under his care were well taken care of. It didn’t matter what it took to keep his promises, but he knew that being open and as transparent as possible was for the best. That’s why they had council meetings and allowed people on the floor to state their needs and fears no matter what they were.

The town wasn’t just its leader, after all.

Everyone had to work together to make a sustainable community. That was the best way to keep the hearts of everyone united. If someone hid things from the community, it would only make matters much worse in the long run. People deserved and needed to know that there were risks and benefits to every choice that they made.

For the most part, however, it was working out to the benefit of everyone. It was a lot to put on his plate, though. He was handling most of the planning and filing by himself, as it wasn’t easy to come by anyone that wanted to take the job beside him. Everyone may have trusted him to take charge but not a single soul wanted the infamy of Saejoong to weigh over their heads.

It meant that he was pushing his luck with his health, but that wasn’t new to him. It had always been hard to rest well knowing that the boys needed him to be strong.

Now that they didn’t need him, it was a matter of trying to understand how he could do that for the rest of the town, and find the time in the middle of that for himself, too.

Now, that’s why it was no surprise when Jumin found him slumped over at his desk when he came to visit. His best friend wasn’t angry at the sight, but he knew full well how hard that Jihyun worked to get himself to that point of exhaustion. The two of them were notorious for trying to tend to everyone except for themselves and really, it was something they all should’ve seen coming.

Jihyun had been working on trying to help builders coordinate where the best spots would be to build new homes and businesses closer to the center of town. It needed some working and tinkering since all of the land had to be leveled and cultivated properly. There were plenty of new people coming but not enough to sustain them for long in the hotels.

But, doing this was a labor that was taking far longer than he thought it would.

As in, taking a few months, as opposed to a few weeks of preparations and then a month or so of work to get things all squared away. Even with Jumin’s company to help in and supplement, there was still no way to do all that needed to be done as fast as he wished he could. Human hands could only work so fast and hard, unfortunately.

He had reassured everyone that he was handling things well but it didn’t excuse the fact that he had barely left his office as of late. Even an offer from Jumin or Saeran didn’t tug him away from his work and duty.

When he awoke, he wasn’t in his office anymore. He was no longer at the mayor’s headquarters at all. They had likely moved him back to his home to get rest in an adequate bed instead of in his chair as he often did. Jihyun knew that they weren’t going to let him hear the end of this.

Jihyun ran a hand into his hair, noting that the curls were growing longer, it was messy from his rest but he liked it this way. His former lover had chided him about it time and time again but it was one of those things that he didn’t mind.

It didn’t seem like anyone was in the room with him. He glanced around and noted that there were a few things strewn about to indicate that someone had dropped by. He removed the rag from his head and sat up in bed. His body felt a little woozy but that might have been because he hadn’t gotten that much to eat before he crashed.

“Oh, no, you don’t, mister mayor,” a voice spoke from the doorway. The sounds of footsteps against the ground were telling as he realized that he was in trouble. He smiled sheepishly as they nudged him back against the sheets. “You’re exhausted. Jumin said that he found you slumped over at your desk for what must be the hundredth time. I thought we had this conversation already, you can’t do that!”

You were the doctor for the town. You had taken up the helm from your father’s practice and were in the process of trying to establish yourself after having been away to study for a few years properly in the city. You learned everything from your father but you wanted to be able to apply new skills that could benefit everyone in such a small town.

It was admirable but the last time that he’d seen you was when the two of you were teenagers. It’d been such a long time that it was always a surprise to see you around like this nowadays. He knew that you’d be in and out of town to handle cases.

After the last minor epidemic, you wanted to ensure that it just wouldn’t happen again.

He could remember you saying that with earnest once when he was at your father’s practice. That you wanted to help ensure that the livelihood of everyone around was taken care of no matter what you had to do to protect people. You wanted to know everything you could to protect someone’s health and safety.

This was what made you a saint to the people in town. It wasn’t always a sound business deal that you followed because you hardly charged anyone for what you did. So much of it relied on the donations of a group or of the people that you tended to. It was a hard job but you did it with care.

Even if you had to strong-arm someone to get some sleep.

Jihyun knew your father very well. That was the man that treated his burns when he was a child and continued to supply the care he needed to make sure that it didn’t grow infected. He wasn’t able to do much about the scars but a skin blemish was a much better fate than losing his life after his mother had given hers to save him from the embers.

You had been helping his father, even back then, because he could remember you scolding him daily that he needed to dress his wounds properly. Whenever he saw your face, he remembered the voice of someone reminding him that he needed to take care of himself.

It wasn’t such a bad memory because your kindness back then had helped him when he felt so isolated.

“Oh, Wren, it’s you,” he said, feeling the embarrassment rising from his neck. He should’ve known that Jumin would send you to check in on him. Jumin knew that he could leave his friend to be a doctor in town with the Wren birds painted on the side of the building. That was your family moniker, and what most people called you by. They’d done the same for your father.

“Oh, don’t, ‘Oh, it’s you, Wren,’ me, Jihyun,” you clicked your tongue. That was a tell-tale sign that he was on thin ice with you. You placed a glass in his hands and kept that friendly smile on your face. “I’m not going to tell you twice, sir. You’re not going back into the office for two days, doctor’s orders. You should know that Jumin’s been worried sick about you.”

No pleasantries.

Jihyun was grateful that you dropped by. He made sure to drink as much as possible because you were going to babysit his bedside. There was no doubt that Jumin was in the other room. Given the fact that the sun appeared to be long gone, it was late into the evening or even later into the night. You two were going to ensure that he didn’t leave, huh?

If he didn’t know any better, he’d probably assume that Saeran and Saeyoung were lingering outside of the house to cover all of their bases. It came from a good place so he wasn’t too worried about that, but he did have to get his work done. The world wasn’t going to stop moving just because he needed to take it easy.

The gracious smile on his face could only deflect your concerns for so long. “And, I reckon I shouldn’t say that you’re worried sick, too?”

That look on your face softened. But it was washed away when you took the empty glass from his hands and set it back on the bedside.

You ran through your checklist of things to look for his vitals and after a couple of minutes off tests to see that he was alright, you nodded. He had no clue of all of the things that you had on your mind but he knew very well that you had a reason for them.

You said, “I reckon I can say that I’ve been worried about the strain of your workload, Jihyun. You have been trying to make up for mistakes that were never yours to start with. Nobody expects you to give us gold every day you've already done that tenfold. So, there is no need to wind up in this bed like this. No reason whatsoever."

He closed his eyes.

To some degree, he knew very well that you were right. It wasn't going to help him if he did any of this but at the same time, it wasn't going to help everyone else if things didn't go the way that he planned. It was like he was trapped between a rock and a hard place. It seemed like there was no ideal option. All of these things he wanted to do and so little time.

They’d call him a masochist for doing this to himself but he had a bleeding heart.

Jumin had said that once. After the truth was revealed to everyone and he heard the burden that his best friend was carrying on his back. Those worried grey eyes watching his every move and saying with that knowing look in his eyes: “Jihyun, it would be a fool’s errand to go in without help. Let us shoulder a shred of the weight that you’ve borne alone all this time.”

Jumin’s hand had felt so warm against his skin. That reassurance made him want to have faith in his words. He took the risk because Saeyoung and Saeran didn’t let their fear guilt them, because Zen, Jaehee, and Yoosung ran in without thinking twice, and because Jumin held his hand and told him to believe again.

Yet, old habits die hard, don’t they?

It was the realistic choice but it was hard to unlearn a system that you’ve instilled into yourself from such a young age. His life wasn’t what it used to be but that didn’t mean that he was out of the woods that he placed himself within. A little progress was a good thing but he knew that now that the cat was out of the bag, he’d been expecting less on his plate.

Perhaps, Jumin wasn’t wrong when he mentioned that it would be nice to put out the offers to find an assistant from out of town that would be comfortable taking the position. Saeran wasn’t likely to want the job full-time, he assumed, but he knew that they’d likely ask him to jump in until they could find a poor soul that wanted to traverse the desert.

There was so much to do and his brain was whirling with everything that would come because he was not able to keep up his pace like he used to. Perhaps, this was merely a sign that he was getting older, or the strain was finally catching up with him after what was nearly a decade of pushing himself to the extreme.

This was another dust storm of emotions, wasn’t it?

He found himself lost in those often.

You weren’t pushing him to talk or say anything but he knew that your eyes were watching him closely. That was your job, after all. Even when you were younger and just learning how to dress wounds the way that you did,

You had a lot more patients to tend to, right? Jihyun didn’t want to get in the way of that. He could handle this on his own, and he knew that the others would step in to nag him the same way that you would. He didn’t want to worry you if he could help it. You were always kind and sweet to him but your time was better spent on people who could listen.

—

“Jihyun, you need to be careful, okay?”

“Of course, [Y/N],” that thin little smile that Jihyun always shared with others flashed across his face as you slowly began to redress his burns. Your father let you tend to the young Kim after he had managed to remove most of the dirt and cloth that had seared into his skin. His black was splotchy with grooves and lines that would soon bubble and burst.

Despite the amount of pain he was in, he was hiding it with a friendly smile. His father had already left him entrusted to the car of the Wren family practice for the time being. He was far too busy trying to deal with the remains of their home. Being aware of his stern father wasn’t too bad, but he didn’t know how to feel about being here.

He knew that he was comfortable with Jumin and his family, but this was the first time that he had been stuck with any other such family. He felt like such a burden because he couldn’t do anything but lay on his stomach and stifle the sounds of whimpers as the pain grew. The scars covered most of his upper back and most of his neck.

It had scorched some of his hair but he was fortunate that it hadn’t done more damage.

You were careful to graze his wounds. You didn’t want to make them too tight but right now, they were too harsh to see too much light. You were remembering everything that your father told you but you paused at every chance you could. It was like you could sense when it was too much for Jihyun.

You just knew when it was uncomfortable.

The sight of injuries and wounds wasn’t shocking to you but to see the mint-haired boy from your church in so much pain hurt. It was the first time that you’d have some kind of connection with someone that you’d tended to and it made you think twice about how you applied medication and care. Your father would’ve told you to get it over with sooner, rather than later.

But, wasn’t it wrong to ignore the distress of a patient, too?

You tied off the final knot on your wraps and rubbed your hands together. You looked back at the doorway but hesitated since you knew that Jihyun was going to be alone. He was having such a hard time but his dad hadn’t even come to visit him since everything happened. “Jihyun?”

Ever the polite one, Jihyun tried to tilt his head to the side so that he could meet your gaze but he hissed as the pain shot through his body. You frowned and shook your head. “Don’t try to move, ‘kay? The welts are going to make it hard to move for a little longer. You don’t have to try n’ look at me like ya’ do with my dad, okay?”

Jihyun didn’t respond to that right away. However, he did adjust himself and rest his chin against his forearms. There wasn’t much that he could do. It made you feel bad. You wished that you could do just something to make his pain a little less exhausting. That forlorn sigh against his lips made you wonder what you could do.

That was when an idea burst into your head!

“Wait here, okay? Well, I mean, it’s not like you can get up right now, but I’ll be back, ‘kay?”

"...Okay.”

Jihyun would be surprised when you returned sometime later with Jumin at your side, a giggly laugh on your lips when he seemed so surprised. You knew that he was lonely in that room. As much as you’d love to keep him company, though, you knew that you wouldn’t be able to stay with him for too long.

Your father kept you busy as can be and you knew that you had to help everyone in town as soon as possible! It was the duty of the business.

Still, the three of you sat together in that tiny room for quite a while, easing Jihyun’s mind from the pain that he felt so strongly. It wasn’t much, but it was the most that you could think to do. It had been a time that changed how you viewed caring for the people around you. It was what made you want to think of kindness first, as opposed to getting things done without ensuring someone was comfortable.

You never forgot that boy.

Jihyun Kim left his mark on in ways that you would never be able to forget.

—

Those memories still hang in Jihyun’s mind, as well.

“Sorry to have worried ya’,” he said. His eyes met yours and you smiled despite how much you wanted to scold him for it, “I just want to do everythin’ right. Everyone’s puts their faith in me n’ I want to ensure that I give everyone what they deserve. After all that this town has suffered over the years, I’m just determined to make it right.”

You leaned forward and pressed your hand against his shoulder, shaking your head. “Jihyun. You’re always smilin’ and tellin’ everyone that you’re okay so that you don’t feel like an inconvenience, but it’s your turn to allow others to carry you, okay? I know it’s not my place to say it since I ain’t been back in town for very long and we’re strangers these days, but please, understand that we want to help you as you’ve helped us.”

That glimmering smile that breached your face was enough to make his chest flutter for some reason. It made him blink, and look at you twice. You merely laughed away that look of disbelief on his face. “I’m sorry. I reckon that was too forward of me. Jumin’s the one that you should worry about. He’s the one that wants to give you a stern talkin’ to.”

He hung his head.

You were right.

Jumin was right.

So the conversation that lay ahead of him was just one of many that were coming to be given to him. He knew that he should prepare himself for it but the cover of night protected him from opening up that topic just yet. The morning would be a hardship but it would be nothing compared to those pains that he bore in his past, right?

“I surely… have it comin’,” he murmured.

“Don’t worry. I’ll vouch for you if you’re not ready to talk to everyone,” you pulled your hand back and pressed a finger to your lips as if to shush him before he could interrupt you. “You can say that it's eye for an eye because you did cover for me that one time when we were kids. Remember?”

Jihyun blinked, then he chuckled. Oh, you meant that. “Oh… I suppose ya’ meant that time that you brought Jumin over to cheer me up, right? Well, that was… that meant a lot to me. You said that it was important that he thought that you were always getting your work done. But, you already spent all of your time dressing my wounds, you needed a break.”

“Always wise beyond yer’ years, huh?” You shook your head at that. There was a comment that you’d bitten back about how he tried to play the grown-up to please everyone and keep himself from falling and crumbling. “Well, I know how everyone feels about life debts around here. Consider that as what makes us even.”

“I have a grave feelin’ you’ll be seein’ me again, Wren.”

“Mayor Kim,” your voice was curt with him as you stood up once more. You had the makings of someone who knew how to command the rest of the world with the wave of a single hand. That made him shiver but he didn’t turn away as you were thrilled with confidence, “I do not want to see you under the guise of an emergency house call anytime soon.”

Jihyun knew that you weren’t kidding.

“...”

When he didn’t respond or say anything, you found yourself laughing as you headed towards the door once more. You spared him a single look over your shoulder with a playful glint to your sparkling eyes. It left him wondering if that lightheaded feeling that was churning in the back of his head was because of his exhaustion, or something more.

“However, if you want to see me when I’m off-duty, send a message my way. I’d always be happy to get a chance to spend time with you. After all, it’s been too long since we’ve spent time together. I want to see how your burns are fairin’ these days if you’ll let me. But for now, get some rest, okay? You’ve got a long day.”

—

When Jihyun awoke once more, he wasn’t surprised that Jumin had taken your place at his bedside. There was that familiar look in his eyes that simply said that he was in trouble again. He could’ve let Jumin scold him or he could’ve pretended to be asleep for just a few moments longer.

Neither was going to do him much good, though.

So, he merely sighed and let himself make eye-contact with his friend. Oftentimes, they didn’t even need to express their thoughts in words. They just had that friendship where they knew what to say because the other’s thoughts were already bursting at the seams in their mind.

Still, it was going to need to come to surface whether they knew it or not. The one thing that he could be grateful for was that the others hadn’t trotted in at the same time. They’d surely be around to come and see him before the end of the day but… his dear Jumin was always the first one to put himself on the line to see to his health.

The shame that he felt for not being able to do more in return for Jumin still weighed on him, but he knew not to deny that the takedown of Saejoong had happened just in time to save Jumin’s company from failure. Still, Jihyun longed to be able to make the burdens everyone felt wash away so they could have the taste of weightless freedom.

Much like a bird flying high in the sky.

“Jihyun.”

“...I’m aware. “

“If yer’ aware, then you know exactly why we shouldn’t be in this position right now. Honestly, we’ve been working on this together and you neglected to inform me that you needed more help with these contracts?”

“Ah, the work yer’ doin’ is already well enough, Jumin. I didn’t want to task you or Jaehee with much else when yer’ covering your end of our goals. I am sorry that I worried you. I don’t want… I don’t wish to put you in that position again.”

“It’s my fault, as well. I know you… I should’ve suspected that you would fall on old habits. But, ya’ve got to ask for help when you need it, Jihyun. Wren made it clear that ya’ve pushed yourself too hard to exhaustion this time. They didn’t put it lightly. Ya’ can’t keep doin’ this to your body. It’s going to hurt you sooner, rather than later.”

Adjustments could be made, Jumin was implying. However, adjustments were nothing if Jihyun died or became gravely ill in the process.

Jihyun smiled, as he always did when he was in this position, but he offered his hand to his friend this time instead of keeping it all to himself. Jumin took it without hesitation and looked at where they’d been united since they were young.

Even if they suffered and struggled, nothing would change those bonds they forged.

In this town, their world was about new beginnings and renewal of belief in others and oneself. Even if the world around them was changing, their bonds would never change. Jihyun was going to try and be the man that everyone knew him to be, and who he wanted to believe himself to be. He just needed to start small to get there.

It always felt overwhelming when he was alone with his thoughts but you reminded him of something that he often missed. Even if he felt alone in the darkness, there were always people thinking of him in those times of need. Whether it was Jumin reaching out to him when he knew that his friend was in a vulnerable place, or when you kept him company as his body toiled away.

“I… I promise I will try harder to trust in myself. I can’t promise that I won’t be a stubborn fool, my dear friend, but I don’t want to waste the chance we’ve all been given to change our fates once bound by the unforgivin’ desert,” he said, quietly. “Thank you, for always trying to remind me that I need to have faith.”

“I know yer’ capable, Jihyun,” Jumin said. Though, there was an unspoken ‘but’ at the end of his words that Jihyun knew was coming. He sighed the second that he felt his friend getting ready to break some kind of news to him. “But, you will be restin’ this weekend. Wren is going to see to it that you stay in bed for most of the day. You n’ I both know why they are so successful.”

Jihyun chuckled. “Yeah, because they’re relentless when it comes to the care and quality of life that somebody has. I’ll try not to take this personally.”

“Good. Because I assumed you would prefer their company over Saeran and Saeyoung. Your sons have been itching to have a word with you since dawn.”

Well, at least, there was never a dull day.

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another-kiraidesunosekai · 4 years ago

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To dearest Wu Xie,

I'm so grateful to able to know you, and able to read your many adventures with Xiaoge and Fatty.

You're indeed a smart and kind guy.

You may not that brave, but it doesn't stop you from moving forward. A Ning once said, "Even if Wu Xie knew there's a danger ahead, he will still jump straight towards it."

Yes, nothing will stop you from solving the mysteries. Although, when one mystery was solved, many still waiting in line. But, you keep moving forward; you still feel excited.

A lot of things will make you confused. Makes you angry, disappointed, sad, but don't you worry ... I do believe that you can always get through it. You will. And, you will also have Xiaoge and Fatty to always be there for you.

You're also naive. You always treat people kindly, even people with bad intentions. Maybe because of that traits of yours, you could attract many people to protect you, to help you, to trust you, to respect you. You really got that magic in you.

As time goes by, you finally "grow up", through the hardships, the pain, the grief, the betrayal; but you also stay as you are, deep down inside, still as the kind and great Xiao san-ye, who would always stood for your beliefs and mostly for your friends.

My only wish, is that you can live a long and carefree life with Xiaoge and Fatty. Do some adventures again together. But, do please stay safe. Some might said you are spoiled by those two. That perhaps was true. But, I know, both Xiaoge and Fatty are grateful to have you around. The journey that started with one, ends with three. The three of you aren't separable; Iron Triangle always stick together!

Happy birthday, Wu Xie. Xiao san-ye. Mr. Naive.

We love you. ❤️

#The Lost Tomb #Daomu biji #Wu Xie #Xiao san-ye #Li Yifeng #Neo Hou #Zeng Shunxi #Qin Hao #Zhu Yilong #Iron Triangle #Bai Shu

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aurora-the-kunoichi · 4 years ago

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For the Love of Shell - Chapter Forty Six - Halloween Festivities

Another chapter for you to snack on!

Here it is in its entirety.

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITES

It had taken Donnie close to two weeks of hacking and snooping the government database to find out who and what that strange man was about. He was the head of a secret agency funded by the US Government called The Earth Protection Force or E.P.F for short and went by the name John Bishop.

Unfortunately there wasn’t much on Bishop’s past but from the looks of his training and connections he wasn’t someone to cross.

Leo leaned against Donatello’s desk, his arms crossed over his chest deep in thought. He had been watching his genius brother search through pages upon pages of tedious government documents trying to learn more about this new threat. They were aware of their existence even before they saw them. Bishop said something about a little birdie chirping in his ear about them, who could that be? Was it possible one of the police officers that had assisted them with taking down Krang informed the government about them? Rebecca had assured them their secret was safe.

His name being called broke him from his thoughts and Leo looked down at Donnie still parked in his chair. “What is it Don?”

“Do you think if they got a hold of us they would really dissect us?” his younger brother’s voice wavered with the horrid thought of being strapped down to a metal table cut and apart like a lab rat.

Leo’s large hand rested gently on his younger brother’s shoulder giving it a quick reassuring squeeze, “I would never let anyone dissect any of you. I would die before I would let that happen.” The vile images that raced through Leo’s mind of his dead brothers in pieces made his stomach churn making him feel sick to his stomach. It was true though, he would lay down his life in a second to save his brothers and die defending them to his very last breath.

Looking up from Donnie’s brown eyes Leo saw Mikey and Raph saunter in towards the Leader and the genius. The sly smile on Michelangelo’s face put Leo on edge, the youngest had something up his sleeve and was ready to test is sway with his eldest brother.

Reaching Leo, Mikey swung his arm up and over his shoulder pulling the blue leader to his side.

“What do you want Mikey?” Leo sighed allowing the brotherly embrace.

“Do you know what today is oh brother of mine?” Mikey cooed playfully slapping his palm against the hard plates of Leonardo’s plastron.

“It’s October 31st Mike.”

“Yeah Brah, its Halloween and we wanna go out and enjoy the parade. We never get to go out and do anything fun.”

Leo let out a heavy sigh shaking his head, “Mikey, I told you before, we’re ninja and we stay in the shadows. Going topside isn’t a smart idea.”

Raphael moved next to his younger brother and tilted his head eyeing Leo, “We know what we are fearless and we know we don’t belong on the streets. But today is the only day in the year we get to experience walking around with the humans unnoticed and safe. I think after all we’ve dealt with lately I think we deserve to go have a little fun topside.”

Before Leo could reply the voice of their Sensei interjected stopping the conversation. “My sons, you are right, you have been so dedicated to the safety of this city that you have not been able to enjoy the spoils of your hard work. Halloween is the only day you can go up into the streets with no fear of hatred for your appearance or fear of scrutiny of your mutation. Please take this day to enjoy yourselves and unwind. Interact with the outside world but please be careful.”

Leo and his brothers stared wide eyed at their aging father. He had just given them permission to go topside and enjoy Halloween. For the first time ever!

“Besides.” The old rat continued. “You are old enough to make your own decisions and able to care for your own safety. Who am I to keep you from your destiny?”

The atmosphere in the lair exploded as Raph and Mikey jumped into the air in excitement high threeing each other. Mikey turned to his genius brother beaming from his large skateboard chair and slide to his side smacking him on the back of his shell.

“Tell them about that party you heard about Donnie. Maybe we could go there for a bit. Didn’t it say there would be food?” Mikey turned Donnie’s chair to face his other brothers who were now looking at him awaiting a response.

“What’s he talkin about Donnie?” Raph quipped picking up a small trinket from Donnie’s desk flipping it over and over in his oversized palm.

“I follow a local neighborhood watch blog and I guess someone bought that old church on the edge of town that’s been abandoned for years for a dollar. You know the one, the one built in the early 1800’s with all the missing windows? It’s been in shambles from all the vandalism over the years. They have been remodeling it for the past year and finally finished a few weeks ago. They’re holding a neighborhood Halloween party for all the people in the neighborhood. There had been so many people stopping by during the construction to see what was going on, the owner thought it would be nice to let everyone see the work done to restore the old church. Supposedly there will be food too, which is what caught Mikey’s attention a week ago.”

Mikey took out a lone nunchaku and spun it in his wrist circling Leonardo; he could tell by the confused look on his brother’s face he couldn’t remember the place. “You know that old church we used to play in when Master Splinter went to bed, we’d sneak out and play around swinging in the open rafters and hurtling the old pews.”

Suddenly Mikey stopped in his tracks the blood in his veins running cold, he realized what he had just confessed in front of their father. Something he did not know about their past.

“Mikey.” Raph growled in frustration resting his large head in his hands.

With a grimace across his face Mikey slowly turned his head to face his father, dreading the death glare from the feisty old rat. The amused look on the rat took him by surprise, he wasn’t angry?

Splinter watched his sons faces as they glared at their youngest brother then trained their gaze to their father to see how upset he was. When all their attention was on him he began to laugh, a good belly laugh he hadn’t managed to have in quite some time. “My sons you were only 6 years old when you started to venture out on your own. Your ninja skills were barely even tapped yet, so I heard you four leave each time. Instead of punishing your natural inquisitiveness for the outside world I just followed close behind to make sure you were safe. You boys will have hardships around every corner as you continue to age, who was I to stop you exploring your city. The more you got comfortable with your surroundings the more you could protect yourself; learn faster ways to get home. It was a very tiring time though, making sure I heard you each time, so I could supervise. Not a lot sleep when you were curious toddlers. But it did help your confidence and your bond with each other. You knew you had to rely on each other to get back home safely.”

Their tense bodies relaxed as their father confessed he knew they had gone topside when they were younger. It was a secret they had promised not to tell anyone just in case it would get back to their father. As it turned out he knew the entire time and had followed them on each adventure.

Leo let out a shaky breath realizing the wrath of his father would not come. A large bullet had been dodged and a small weight of the lie was lifted. “Yes, I know which church you’re talking about now. Yeah, I wouldn’t see why not, could be fun seeing the old place redone.” Leo scratched his chin contemplating their route; if they were going up to the streets they needed some sort of plan before they headed out just in case they got lost in the crowd. They still needed to be careful even though this was a leisurely outing. There was always a chance of running into some Purple Dragons at Halloween.

To their surprise and delight it wasn’t difficult to get into the parade. With their great “costumes” they were pulled into the sea of people by several hands congratulating them on the detail of their work. At one point people on a parade float had tried to coax them up and onto the decorated trailer. Politely declining they moved back away from the reaching hands. That would expose them more than they already were. Thankfully their ninja skills had helped them mange to avoid any cameras as well.

It was nice getting to know people, conversating and mingling with their fellow New Yorkers. There were no screams or flying insults, just random high fives and praises.

“So life like!” One woman squealed running her hands over Raphael’s forearm excitedly and pressing down on his skin to feel the dense muscles beneath. “It feels like real scales; how did you do that?!”

The red brute smirked when her wandering hands tried to encircle the impossible mass of his biceps. He allowed her hands to travel farther up to his neck, her touches giving his green skin a rush of goose bumps. “These hands are pure talent sweetheart in more ways than one.” He cooed seductively stepping into her personal space getting lost in the attention.

Leo watched the exchange and figured it was a good time to pry the beast away from his prey before he sunk his teeth in too far. “Come on lover boy, let’s get moving before you bite off more than you can chew.” His hand hooked around the back of the brutes harness and started to pull him away from the unsuspecting female.

The woman grew disappointed when Raphael was pulled from her groping fingers, “Come back! He’s fine, I like it rough!” She called after the retreating terrapins.

“Damn Raph, you attracted the girls real quick.” Mikey laughed giving a quick glance over his shoulder at the sad woman they had just left behind.

Raphael turned abruptly ripping his harness from his older brother’s tight grasp and hissed in frustration. “Damn fearless, why you gotta cock block a brother.”

“What were you gonna do Raph when she found that ‘costume’ doesn’t come off? When you got back to her apartment for a few fun evening activities?” Leo laughed as he moved around a poorly designed SpongeBob costume.

“You never know Leo; she could have been cool with fucking a mutant turtle? Aurora can’t be the only woman who’s willing to spread her legs for mutant dick?”

The comment made the leader stop in his tracks and the dense muscles in his neck bunch painfully. Slowly he turned to face his brother and the expression Raph was expecting was nowhere close to the look on the leader’s face. Pain swirled in the blue orbs of his eldest brother making Raph instantly regret the remark.

“I-I’m sorry Leo, that was disrespectful to Aurora.”

Leos’ eyes lowered to the city streets contemplating something and gave his muscled brother one final glare before returning his attention back to the mass of people in the parade.

Donnie came up to the ashamed brother and nudged his shoulder gaining his interest, “You know you’re not wrong Raph. Statistically speaking there are plenty of woman out there who would be willing to bed us. There is a huge following of people online calling themselves ‘Furries’ and ‘Scalies’ that would prefer our unusual body types and larger…….physiques to normal human beings.”

With a deep rolling laughter Raphael patted his genius brothers shell, “Thanks Don, I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m on the net.”

As the parade came to a close they parted from the bustling crowd and headed towards the remodeled church that was holding the public house warming party. The walk was short but the anticipation for their first real party was staggering.

Just as they remembered, the old church was surrounded by a large brick wall that towered even over them, perhaps 15 feet tall. It would require scaling it they needed to get over its walls. The old cast iron door they was barely holding onto its hinges was replaced by a massive wood and iron door. Its structure looked sound and secure not like the rickety old gates. This was built to withstand some heavy pounding and privacy.

As they passed through the new protective doors they gazed up at the newly restored stained glass windows, marveling at the colors. When they were kids they remembered several kids throwing rocks at the beautiful glass shattering the window to smithereens. It was good to see them intact and cleaned for once; they seemed to sparkle in the moonlight.

The once broken and uneven stairway up to the main door had been removed and replaced by fresh concrete and a new wood and iron hand rail. Gone were the tags from gang members and inconsiderate kids who defiled the old brick work on the outside of the ancient building. Someone had spent hours power washing the outside to rid the grey stone of the canned paint.

Reaching the top of the stairs the old wooden doors that had been long torn from their hinges had been replaced by new metal doors. About half way up the thick doors were matching stained glass windows just above their eye line to complete the look of the exterior.

Donnie pointed to the almost invisible camera just to the left of the large front door, noting the advanced security system that protected the property. “So far I’m impressed, the tech is high end, like nearly impossible to hack and the outside is wonderfully redone. Even the shrubbery is trimmed and lush.”

Raph’s large thick fingers wrapped around the elaborate handle and opened the door revealing the newly converted sanctuary. After all the years of abuse most of the pews had been burned or stolen so it wasn’t too much of a shock seeing the rows of benches gone. All of the religious relics were long gone as well; even the large wooden statue of Jesus that had hung above the pulpit had been taken years ago.

The large spacious vaulted ceilings were repaired and refinished leaving no trace of the old roof’s leaks to see. At the back of the sanctuary was a huge circle stained glass window that sat high above the pulpit. It had been shattered long before they found the old building when they were tots so they never saw the vibrant colors inside the window. Now inside the round window sat a beautifully crafted piece of art, each little different colored piece of glass formed a dahlia flower. The large center piece was outlined with more flowers and stars with a background that transitioned from light blue to dark.

Below the circle stained glass window was a large flat screen TV hanging from the wall with an oversized u-shaped couch just before it. Already people were sitting on it mingling and having conversations while snacking on plates of food.

The atmosphere was friendly and inviting and almost immediately people began to introduce themselves commenting on their ‘costumes’. That was when the aroma of delicious smelling food invaded their senses. Mikey was the first to grumble and turned towards the large kitchen sitting to the left, open to the expansive room of the old sanctuary. Atop the counters along with another large island covered in white quarts sat a plethora of foods and desserts.

Mikey wasted no time and made a beeline for the kitchen and the foods followed by Raph and Donnie. Leo kept his attention on the transformation of the old church. They had never seen the space so lit up besides the beams from their flashlights. It was nice to see the old church fixed up and ready for its new life.

Leo left his brothers to pillage the refreshments and continued down a wide hallway to look at more of the house. A bright sign with bold lettering was sitting on a stand just at the opening.

“Please feel free to roam about the house. If the door is open you are welcome inside, but if the door is closed please respect the privacy of the home owner and remain outside.”

Continuing down the wide hallway he peaked through each room that was open. The first room on the right was the old Library, it looked like it had been restored to its former glory. All of the busted shelves were whole and matching the rest of the wood perfectly. You wouldn’t have been able to tell of the previous vandalism which was nice, there had been too many swastikas lining the floor.

Shelves took up every inch of space on the walls, from floor to ceiling it towered. Almost every inch of space was lined with books ranging from what looked like ancient to new. Colors splashed the shelves from their spines like an abstract painting making his fingers inch to pull a book from its home to read. They had their own library but nothing this expansive. His eyes and finger tips roamed over some of the spines and grew a bit envious at the rare books he only dreamed of reading. Some of them were ancient books from Japan dating back almost 200 years, he wondered if they should be in a museum not sitting freely on someone’s bookcase.

Resisting the rising urge to pull a book from the shelve and take a spot on one of the lush chairs Leonardo took his leave and headed back out into the hallway. With a quick look the blue banded terrapin found his brothers hovering over the food thoroughly stuffing their faces. With a crooked grin he turned back and continued his tour of the renovated church.

As Donnie and Raphael moved away from the refreshments Mikey stayed behind sampling a tray of fancy cheeses. This was a great opportunity to try different cheeses together to better his pizza making skills. Where else would be get chance to sample so many cheeses at once…for free?

Putting a slice of munster and gouda on top of each other Mikey slid the concoction between his lips and found very unpleasantly the two did not mix. While his face was scrunched up from the awful taste the person behind the counter who had been diligently working to prepare a new snack turned around and nearly dropped the tray in their hands.

Mikey’s hand moved over his mouth as he hurriedly tried to finish off the taste on his tongue, “I’m sorry.” He mumbled quietly before popping a strawberry in his mouth to mask the flavor. “Munster and gouda do not mix. Mistakes were made. Blerg….”

The woman in what was a phantom of the opera costume set the plate of what looked like pizza pinwheels down next to the veggie tray and stepped back. She smelled of freshly baked breads and sweets, it was comforting and made his stomach grumble for more. Mikey ignored her unsure gaze and swiped up a pinwheel to pop it in his mouth.

“Wait!” she cried out reaching for him as the pastry disappeared behind his teeth. “It’s still hot!”

She was undoubtedly right; he could have sworn he heard the flesh on his tongue sizzle at the treat settled on the wiggling appendage. But instead of spitting it out Mikey huffed around the burning deliciousness trying his best to cool the food down and not drool all over himself. In and out he sucked in air desperately trying to bring the temp down. After a few minutes of rolling the burning dough around on his tongue it was finally cool enough to swallow. Mikey took a swig of his punch to sooth his throbbing tongue and eyed the now giggling woman.

“Are you alright?”

Sticking the tip of his tongue out he nodded, “I no longer have skin on my tongue but you know I’ll live drinking the rest of my meals through a straw.”

She mumbled something under her breath but Mikey couldn’t make it out.

“What was that?”

“Ohh oh nothing, just talking to myself really.” The woman stepped back and leaned up against the counter, “So that’s a pretty elaborate costume you got there.” Her finger waged up and down alluding to his massive shell and green skin. “If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were a living breathing turtle man.”

“Nope.” Mikey coughed popping a piece of cool broccoli in his mouth. “All foam and plastic. Can you imagine a giant turtle living in New York. Where would something like that live?”

“The sewer?” she calmly remarked. “I can imagine there are a never ending slew of tunnels under us with abandoned train stations perfect for subterranean housing?”

Mikey reached for a chicken salad sandwich and paused. “Don’t you think it would smell down there?”

“Nah, it’s not that bad down there.”

“How would you know?” His baby blues rose in surprise but found the woman gone and another plate of pizza pin wheels in front of him. “Hmmmm.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Leonardo made his way down the hallway and found a bathroom, two extraordinarily large empty rooms but only encountered two closed doors. At the end of the hallway there were two large French doors open wide to a giant roaring fire. Taking his time to reach the large room he noticed an open set of stairs leading to the second floor to the old structure. Making a detour he began scaling the old wooden stair case noting the restored finish and carpentry work.

His hefty green hand ran over the handy work with each unhurried step taking in the detailed craftsmanship. At the first landing there was another partial stained glass window that had been restored like the others along with a built in bench. Stopping to peer out Leonardo found a beautiful fresh garden with a massive water feature just below. The water poured out freely from a fountain that contained four large turtles perched on top of each other playfully. What a usual choice of animal for a fountain he thought in the back of his mind making his way up the last flight of stairs to the second floor.

At the landing Leo found the master bedroom just to the right. Like the large room below it had two ornate doors leading into a massive room and a large fireplace in the same spot as the first floor. Looking up he saw the only original stained glass window left sitting high on the wall. A massive circle with the virgin Mary holding a baby Jesus, the array of colors was stunning and as the moonlight filtered through the colored glass it left beautiful streaks of color on the white linen of the king size bed just below.

A flair of jealously sparked through the leaders mind, to be human to be able to live above ground with such luxuries like windows and clean linen that didn’t smell like the dank sewer systems. To finally be able to sun themselves in the sunlight, would be a treat in itself. His fingers ran over the soft fabric and pressed down on the mattress enjoying the textures against his skin.

He wandered around the room for a bit and ventured into the bathroom, his blue eyes wandered to the very large tiled shower and massive soaking tub. The tub alone looked like it could fit him and his shell plus another person comfortably inside. Taking his phone out Leo took a quick picture to show Donnie. What an improvement to the lair it would be to be able to actually have a tub large enough for them to immerse completely in, shell in all.

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

Raphael made his way through the open doors of the first floor, until he found the giant study in the back with a massive warm crackling fire in the gigantic hollow of the room’s main focal point. It radiated a welcoming heat helping the chill from the night’s air melt from his scaled skin. Looking around Raphael remembered most of the walls in this church had been crumbling stone. There had been small holes in the structure as time ate away at the history of the building. Now all the walls had been repaired and covered with sheet rock and no doubt insulated property for New York’s winters.

He walked around the room running his finger tips over the antique wooden desk when a voice came from behind him.

“And there was two.”

Spinning around her found a woman leaning up against the thick trim of the open doorway dressed as a female phantom of the opera. She was dressed in a nice fitting tux with a large flowing red cap, a black brimmed hat covered her hair and a white mask that covered more than half of her face. He vaguely remembered seeing the woman working in the kitchen putting out fresh food for the guests. Maybe she was the host?

Resting his backside on the edge of the desk Raphael kept his sights on the woman as she moved forward into the room, “Yeah I’m here with my brothers. If you see two more less attractive pretend turtles they be them.”

“Brothers?” She cooed. “Are you all as handsome? And who is the talent behind these amazing costumes?”

He watched her shift close fingers trailing along the crevasses of Raph’s muscled bicep. As she passed by he could smell bread and sugar, the woman had been baking all day for the scent to cling her to her like that. A hint of pizza accompanied the delicious smell as well making him suddenly hungry.

Raph was ecstatic Fearless wasn’t there, he may not get to take anyone home but by the way the woman was circling him like a vulture he was more than happy to offer up a small meal to the woman. He deserved a little action. Besides it had been a while since he had kissed a woman and Raph very much missed the taste of her even if it was brief. “Yeah we’re blessed, but you’re lookin at the cream of this crop lady. It don’t get any better than this.” His arms opened flexing his muscles putting on a show for the enthralled female.

The woman stopped a few feet in front of him and smiled, “Impressive. What brings you guys to the open house and not out winning some costume contest? You could win top dollar looking like that. Not that I’m complaining about the position I’m in.” closer she moved resting her hands on his thighs.

The lowered lights and flickering flames from the fire crackling in the background made it difficult to see her eyes but one thing was for sure, she was definitely eye fucking him. The signal couldn’t have been clearer. Raphael leaned back spreading his legs which shifted her fingers higher on his thick thighs, “You’re just lucky I guess.”

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

As he finished his solo tour on the second floor Leonardo found three more empty bedrooms along with their own en suites with equally large shower stalls and soaking tubs. Each room even had their own fireplaces, most likely for heating the rooms back in the day when electricity wasn’t widely available. Exiting from the last room he saw Mikey and Donnie leaving the master bedroom still munching on hors d’oeuvres.

“I can’t believe you did that Mike!” Don growled giving his younger brother a smack on the back of his carapace.

Mikey gave an indignant huff and shrugged his broad shoulders, “What? I wanted to see if I could get in the tub. Don we need one of those in the lair, I think Leo would love to take baths in the winter.”

“Please tell me you didn’t let him get in the tub.”

Both stopped in their tracks and found Leonardo standing just down the hall from them, his thick arms folded over his chest in frustration.

Mikey popped the last of his mini slider into his mouth and smiled sticky sweet to his older brother. “Omf corsh nomf ((swallows)) why would I crawl into a complete strangers tub to see if our shells would fit inside? I mean who would be that crazy and rude? You have such little faith in me brah.”

“Of course he did,” Donnie cut in dryly. “Had to swat his hands away from the faucet to keep him from filling it up for a ‘test run’.”

“Mikey.” Leo’s voice was low and threatening in its authority wiping the smirk right from the younger turtle’s face instantly.

With one stern gesture from their fearless leader all three mutants headed back down to the main floor. Without a word Leonardo felt himself pulled subconsciously into the large room with the fireplace just to the right of the staircase, as if it called to him.

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

With delight Raphael allowed the enthusiastic woman to crawl into his lap straddling his powerful legs. Now with her so close the bread smell gave way to a familiar smell, the smell of a woman and her arousal. It was thick and clouded his senses as she leaned in, mask still covering her face. His large hands found her waist but didn’t stop her from advancing further.

“God you smell amazing, it’s been too long Red.” And with that she leaned forward slanting her mouth over the brute’s beak claiming a kiss.

The familiar taste flooded his senses and Raphael reacted gripping her tighter. His tongue pressed into her mouth plundering the warmth groaning as she whimpered softly grabbing his cheeks with her hands.

“Fuck.” He moaned breathlessly between each engage of their lips.

As their mouths connected Leo, Donnie and Mikey walked in on the pair stopping in their tracks. They watched Raphael’s enthusiasm skyrocket as the kissed deepened. Both large arms wrapped around the woman pulling her impossibly close returning the kiss with everything he was.

Raphael’s large mitt ran up the back of her neck and ripped the black hat from her head and locks of blonde were wound up in his green fingers. Mouth open and dumbfounded the three brothers could hear his rumblings over the fire. Raphael was clinging to the mysterious woman like she was a life line.

“Hey it’s the snack lady!” Mikey pointed out breaking the spell around the two entangled on the desk.

The woman slowed their kiss and disengaged from the brute and the massive turtle slumped down on the desk panting with a punch drunk look on his face; lips still glistening from their activities. One hand reached to her cheek under the mask cupping the right side of her face lovingly.

Slowly she reached for the mask covering her face and slipped it free. There perched above the content brute was Aurora. Her violet eyes met with all three brothers and grinned. “Welcome to my home boys.”

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