#but seriously I want chpt 4

[multifandom-nerds-blog]

Hoping that with the anime giving Sakamoto Days more audience, that we might get an official Sakamoto Holidays translation. Or maybe someone ready to continue the fan translation. (I can only find translations up to chapter 3 TT)

For anyone who doesn't know wth I'm talking about. Sakamoto Holiday is an AU spinoff (by one of the mangakas assistens I think) that's just less dark and more comedy. Sakamotos backstory is still the same, but Shin is a high schooler working park time at Sakamotos (he can still read minds which is why he found out Sakamotos identity) together with Lu. Heisuke also shows up as a teen. The order are sort of just keeping track of the shopping district. And the overall goal is to make the shopping district more safer and popular

[dead-tired-cm]

404 - Title Not Found (pt/chpt 4)

Part 2 - Tumblr Part 3 - Tumblr

Ao3

Summary: Sneaking out of a gala should be easy enough. Well it is when you can use your powers.

AN: This took way too long to write. I’ll probably edit any mistakes later, just wanted to finally post this.

And always, this is crack treated seriously. This is just for fun and shits and giggles. Excuse any ooc moments and all of that.

Also never been to a gala or fancy party before so I didn’t think any of this is accurate but it fits with the crack treated seriously part of the fic.

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Jason laughed a bit at Danny’s insistence of it being a joke. “Relax, just messing with you.” This guy had peaked his interest before he even knew he was Masters’ godson. Maybe is was a good thing he came to the gala after all.

“So tell me why the godson of Vlad Masters is living down in Crime Alley.” He looked Danny up and down subtly, he really was more put together than the times he saw him out on patrol and doing laundry. He watched as Danny took a second before answering.

He shrugged, “It’s simple.” Jason took note of how his tone changed when it was just them talking, it was the same tone from the day they talked in the laundry room.

“He’s a fruit loop and I don’t like him.”

Jason held back a laugh. “A fruit loop?”

“Yes. A fruit loop. He’s not as bad as he used to be when I was younger but still.” Jason made a mental note of him saying “not as bad as he used to be”. That caught his attention. “But now I gotta know why one of Bruce Wayne’s sons lives in Crime Alley as well.” Danny teased slightly.

He should’ve expected that he would have to answer too. “Just a falling out with him and the rest of my family but we’re trying to reconnect I guess.” It was a small lie. Not the complete truth and not a complete lie.

“I get that. Had a similar thing with my parents. At least yours is trying.” It was obvious that the last part was more joking than actually anything serious.

This guy was interesting. Jason didn’t like Masters at all, both he and Bruce were suspicious of him but Danny didn’t seem to be anything like him. He was actually kinda funny, nice and personally, Jason thought he was a bit dorky.

-

Talking with Jason was better than avoiding Vlad or any of the other gala guests. Danny always forgot how boring these things got after a bit. At least it seemed that Jason was getting bored too. He would rather talk with him than continue to avoid Vlad.

He wasn’t too surprised that Jason also had family issues, it was kinda obvious with how he and Bruce were silently interacting when Vlad had called him over.

Even with him being interesting to talk to, Danny still wanted to leave the gala. He thought it would’ve been fun to mess with guests but Gothimites were used to weirdness, he could maybe at least explore but people kept trying to talk to him and now he was kinda stuck with Jason cause it was still kinda small talk.

“You wanna get out of here?” He asked without thinking. Did he mean to say it? No but if it got him out of the gala, meant as well try. Jason didn’t look like he wanted to be at the gala any longer either.

There was a minute of silence, it looked like he was weighing his options. “Eh, why not. Anything could be better than this.” Danny smiled, glad that he agreed. Now to figure out where to go but mainly how to sneak away.

It would be easy leaving the room but most entrances and exits outside still had press and paparazzi. He could easily just go invisible and intangible but didn’t trust Jason enough to do so.

Danny had snuck out of galas before but that was when it was just him and way more low profile types of galas. “Lead the way out? Like I said, never been to a gala here before.”

He got a small chuckle and an eye roll at that but it seemed like he was going to lead him out.

-

Danny wasn’t too bad of company. It was certainly better than just staying by Bruce and Jason jumped at the chance of knowing him better and hopefully figuring out why he had that strange sense of familiarity from before they had even talked.

He was glad to have been trained by the bat and that Dick told him about all the unseen exits. “Uh huh.” He said a bit sarcastically before grabbing his hand. “C’mon, follow me.”

He led him through the crowds of people, avoiding anyone who would ask questions. Occasionally he’d look and see Danny following closely behind. He looked like a lost dog trying to keep up. Jason thought it was a little funny.

Soon he dragged him out of where the gala was being held and into a dimly lit hall. Fuck, which way did Dick say to turn from here?

“Where to now?” Danny asked, his tone suggesting that he knew well that Jason hadn’t much of a clue at the moment. Sure enough when he looked at him, he had a small teasing grin. It was slightly annoying but he felt his heart skip a beat.

Fuck.

Jason quickly decided to just push that down and aside. No need to dwell on it even though he knew he would over analyze as soon as he got back to his apartment. Right now though, he just needed to remember which turn he was supposed to take in the hall.

Apparently he dwelled on it a little longer when he saw Danny was no longer behind him but now in front and turning right. “C’mon man. Let’s just go this way.” He heard him call out as he disappeared into the hall on the right.

He sighed and reluctantly followed. It wasn’t the most logical choice but it was the more entertaining one.

“Alright, I’m coming.” Jason followed where he went and caught up. “Just don’t get us lost.”

The only response he got from Danny was a shrug and crooked grin.

This should be fun.

[beachbabe000]

My Brothers Girl // Christopher sturniolo

summary: You're in a relationship with Matt, but you're slightly unhappy with some aspects. One night those needs are met, but not by Matt.

Warnings: Smut, cheating, relationship between brothers and y/n, fingering, enemies to lovers, use of y/n

There will be multiple chapters of this story.

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Part 3

Chpt. 4

Y/n

The next day I went with Matt to run some errands. He sat in the driver seat with a hand on my leg. I was completely lost in thought about how to go about us telling him what’s been happening. He looks over at me, “You’ve been awfully quiet. Whatcha thinkin about?” I look over at him. “Oh nothing really, just trying to decide what to eat. “You’ve been silent this whole time because you’re thinking about food?” He chuckle, “Must be a rough decision. Don’t worry, I’ll pick.”

He pulls into Wendy’s and drives up to the window. I tell him what I want, already knowing. Suddenly I hear my phone alert go off. I look down to see that Chris texted me.

Chris: How’s hanging out with Matt? You bored yet?

I shake my head with a sigh.

Y/n: Not funny Chris. We’re getting something to eat, do you want anything?

Chris: I an think of something to eat right now ;)

My thighs clench together, knowing exactly what he’s talking about.

y/n: No seriously Chris lol We’re at the drive through.

Chris: Just grab me a burger and some fries ma

y/n: Gotcha :)

I turn to look at Matt, “Chris said he wants a burger and fries.” I smile over to him. “Well, they don’t have pepsi.” He chuckled “I’ll just get him a lemonade.”

Y/n: They don’t have pepsi so he got you lemonade instead

Chris: Thanks ma. You know what I’d be doing if you were sitting in my passenger seat?

Y/n: Chris you don’t drive

Chris: My hands would be running up your thighs right now. I’d unbutton your pants and slip my hand in, rubbing your clit

My thighs clenched again; I can feel the wetness forming.

Y/n: Chris I can’t take this right now. I’m right next to Matt.

Chris: I’d pull over and take you into the back seat and have my way with you

Y/n: Chris

Chris: I’d lick your pussy and let you cum in my mouth. Then I’d slam into you so hard you’d see stars. On hand on your hip, one on your neck

I start to squirm in my seat now, needing the friction. I whimper quietly.

Matt turns finishes ordering and turns his head to me when they start handing him the order. He turns to me to hand me some things and sees my discomfort. “You alright babe?” I groan a bit “Yeah just a stomachache.” You sit your phone down putting it on the other side of your lap and start grabbing the food. “You sure you want to eat this stuff? Maybe we should get you something lighter at the grocery.”

I shook my head, “I should be okay” I smile at him. He’s always so sweet to me. But in such an innocent way. I need dominance. Someone who’s not always going to be nice. Someone who’s going to take control. “Let’s get going and finish up our errands.” I give him a small smile. He returns it and starts driving again.

My phone goes off again with a text tone. I rest my head on my hand, elbow on the door. I don’t want to pick it up. I know what will be on there. I squeeze my eyes shut. I give in, opening them and looking at my phone.

Chris: You horny yet?

I clench my jaw. Unbelievable. He did that on purpose knowing what was going to happen.

y/n: I hate you

Chris: No you don’t lol Bring me my food when you get here. I’ll be in my room

I shake my head at him. The audacity. He’s not even trying to care anymore. Maybe he wants to get caught. Maybe he’s trying to take the easy way out now. If we get caught, he won’t have to sit and talk to Matt. Removing the responsibility all together. But God did I love him taking charge right now.

After we finish up everything we needed to do, we head home. Grabbing the food and Matt grabbing the other things we go into the house and kick our shoes off.

Greeted by Nick in the kitchen he starts helping us get everything put away. “I’m gunna bring Chris his food.” He says picking up the items Chris wanted. “I got it.” I say taking them away from him. “You sure? I can totally do it.” I nod my head, “I got it don’t worry. You finish up what you’re doing.”

I walk up the stairs and knock on Chris’s door. “Come in!” He said loudly. I walk in, his food in hand. He looks up from his computer seeing it’s me and gives me a mischievous grin.

He walks over to me and takes the food, making sure to have our hands touch in the process. “Thanks, gorgeous.” He pecks my cheek and goes to sit his food down on the desk. He walks back over to me and gently grabs my waist. Much different than the past few times we’ve had together. He leans down and gives me a soft passionate kiss. I oblige, wrapping my arms around his neck deepening it.

I pull away after a few seconds. “I need to go back. He’s going to wonder where I am”

He grins at me, “Let him wonder.” He leans down to grab my lips again but I pull away this time. “You’re starting to get pretty reckless.” I chuckle at him. He just shrugs his shoulders. “Maybe I want to be reckless.” “Why?”

He looks into my eyes intensely. “Because I want you. I don’t care if you’re my brother’s girl. I want you for myself and if that means I must take you away from him I will.”

I look at him taken aback, “So you’re just willing to get caught? That’s going to make it harder for everyone.” He chuckles. “Maybe it’s the best way.” I remove my arms from his shoulders and nudge him away. “I don’t want to do it that way Chris.” In a serious tone. He crosses his arms. “I do.” “Then we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one.” With that I turn around and start to walk out of his room. He grabs my arm and pulls me back. He leans down to capture my lips into his again. God he’s making this so hard.

I kiss back almost to the point of not caring anymore. I want him too but I need to do something first. I need to break up with Matt.

The next chapter will be the last chapter of this story!! Thank you all so much for the support, it means a lot!

[heaven-s-black-box]

Wright Anything Agency + Prosecutors Office= Chaos chpt.4

Return to File

Recovery date: May 28th, 2020

Description: The WAA's air conditioner breaks during an LA summer, so they go to the only place they can think of... the prosecutors office. Chaos ensues led by the youngest members of the Wright and Edgeworth families.

Notes: A entry series involving a descendant of a traveler, following the death of her mother it was determined Sky would be better off staying with Miles Edgeworth. This is an OC insert, the fantastical technobabble is just for looks

Related works: Miles adopts Sky, Trucy meets Sky

Chapters: 1 2 2.5 3 4 5 5.5

Word count: 1 794

Back to directory

“You know. As much as I’m not a fan of Khura'in’s weather, it sure beats L.A summers. Like seriously! At least in Khura'in I can add layers, I don’t know what to do here,” Ema shoved a handful of snackoos in her mouth. L.A’s heat bothered her more the more time she spent in Khura’in and she was not a fan.

“I do not find the weather as painful as you claim.”

She glared at him, “How are you wearing a coat?” Her face turned into a look of disgust as she eyed his coat.

“As I said, the heat doesn’t bother me.” Prosecutor Sahdmadhi turned and began walking towards their hotel. Once he turned his back, she threw a small handful of snackoos at him.

“Weirdo,” she grumbled. “Can we at least grab a cab?”

---

The foyer was empty except for the secretarys sitting at their desks. Simon had finally managed to get his hands on a case, he was thankful he didn’t have to do the extra paperwork anymore. Klavier had some music business to attend to, apparently he was trying to set up a solo tour. At least according to the tabloids, he hadn’t actually said anything to anyone other than Edgeworth. Edgeworth was in a meeting from ten until noon, then one until four. He hadn’t said what they were about, and no one could really bring themselves to care, they were probably boring. Apollo had picked up another case with the hopes it would go better then his last one, and the rest of the WAA was in court. 

Prosecutor Sahdmadhi had gone to pick up his case file, which Edgeworth had left for him up front. Meanwhile, Ema had decided to pay the precinct a visit, there were some people she missed. They were going to meet halfway at a burger joint that prosecutor Sahdmadhi had chosen after much consideration. “What does it matter what the rating is?” Ema had asked when he told her to check the rating. “The only people who actually rate restaurants are people who really hated it, or people who got rewards for giving it five stars… Usually.” He’d still insisted she check the rating though.

When he got there, Ema was sitting at a table staring at the menu. He pulled out his chair and sat across from her, making her look up. He put his coat on the back of his chair not wanting to dirty it. 

“I was not expecting you to arrive first,” he said, opening his menu.

“Gumshoe wasn’t in,” she said, “What do you think sounds better? Fries and a burger or potato skins and a burger?” She looked up at him.

“Potato skins? Why would you eat just the skin of a potato,” he looked confused. It was kind of funny.

“Potato skins it is!” she cheered, closing her menu. “So, who’s the defense of our case?”

“It seems Apollo Justice has taken the defense,” he sounded a little distracted. Probably putting way too much thought into what he’s getting.

Ema took a sip of her water and fanned herself. Maybe she should suggest a day at the beach before they head back to Khura’in. Beaches were one of the things she missed about L.A, the other being able to find snackoos pretty much everywhere. There only seemed to be one or two stores in Khura’in that carried her beloved snacks. She briefly wondered if she could bring a box back to Khura’in.

---

Edgeworth let out a long sigh as he left the meeting room. Although he did love his job as chief prosecutor, he wasn’t the biggest fan of the meetings. Especially ones on days like today where the temperature was around sixty-six degrees fahrenheit (nineteen degrees celsius). Draping his coat over his arm, he made his way to the foyer.

“I’ll be stepping out for lunch. If people begin arriving for the next meeting before I return, direct them to meeting room A,” he said to the receptionist before turning to the door.

“Sir, your lunch is in your office.” He stopped.

“Pardon?” He turned back to the receptionists.

“Your lunch is in your office, you have a guest as well. Prosecutor Sahdmadhi also came by and collected the case report,” the receptionist said, before turning back to his work.

“I don’t have lunch plans with anyone today.”

“They said you didn’t need plans to have lunch together,” the other receptionist smiled.

Confused, Edgeworth took the stairs up to his office. Sometimes, usually days like this, he wished he could stomach the elevator. When he got to his office, he opened it carefully. Obviously if the receptionists didn’t know the person, they wouldn’t be sent up, but you could never be too careful. That was especially true with his and Wright’s track record, it seemed whenever they got involved nothing was as it seemed.

Once he opened the door, his questions about his guest vanished. Spinning in circles in his chair was Sky. She stopped when she saw him and reached for something on the floor. She put a bag on his desk and pulled out two containers. Already on the desk were two iced teas from Starbucks, although he normally just got normal tea, he was thankful she’d brought him something iced.

“I figured I’d make your life easier by bringing you lunch,” she smiled. He sat down in the chair across from her and took one of the containers.

“While the gesture is appreciated, the secrecy was unnecessary,” he smiled, opening the container. It was a sub, quick, easy, not too messy, and didn’t need to be reheated.

They sat together and enjoyed Miles’s lunch hour in peace with the fans in his office on. If today was this hot, he was not looking forward to tomorrow.

---

“Daddy, can I go get a drink from the vending machine?” Trucy whined. 

They were taking a quick recess, so Trucy and Wright were sitting in the defendants lobby. Wright was shuffling through papers and Trucy was sprawled out on the couch. Despite there being AC, the court house was big. That meant it wasn’t as cool because they couldn’t have it up too high. It would be too expensive if they kept it at full power, it was the same with the precinct and prosecutor’s office. Wright wondered what would happen tomorrow if they got the heat wave the weather was calling for.

“Sure. Can you grab me something too?” He looked up at her. She was already by the door, hadn’t she been beside him a second ago?

“Yep!”

---

“Y’know you’d probably be waaayyy more comfortable if you took your coat off,” Kay chirped as she followed Simon around his crime scene.

Sebastian didn’t need her, and Trucy had bailed on magic practice last minute, something about the case getting interesting. So she decided to tail Simon instead of sitting around doing nothing. Of course it may have had something to do with the Taka. The bird in question was currently being fed by Kay while he sat on her shoulder. Simon had agreed she could hold him if she sat still, it was a win win.

“I am perfectly fine Faraday-chan,” he grumbled. He was not in fact “perfectly fine” and was actually sweating pretty bad. However, he had nowhere to put his coat so he just had to live with it. Thankfully, the majority of their investigation was inside and they were just about done outside.

---

“Find anything important yet pal?” Detective Gumshoe called down to him.

He was currently shuffling around in a mucky ditch looking for evidence. This meant he was in a raincoat and rubber boots which weren’t the most comfortable in this heat. He’d wanted to leave this until the very end, but by then the water could have washed away evidence. The smell was no help either, it smelt like something had died in the water. Maybe a skunk, it smelt bad enough.

“Nothing. I’m about ready t-” he had turned around to Gumshoe and stepped forwards. When he stepped, he heard a disgusting squishing sound and maybe a crack. He sunk just enough for the water in the ditch to flood his boot and he cringed. “Words can not express how disgusting I feel right now,” he said through gritted teeth.

“You okay pal?”

“I think I’m done investigating for a bit. I need to change my socks… and pants… and I think I’ll take a shower while I’m at it.” He pulled himself out of the ditch and grumbled as he sloshed towards the road to hail a cab home.

---

“Trucy!” Athena called from the top of the stairs.

Trucy was standing by the bottom of the stairs doing some card tricks for a small crowd. From what she’d heard, they hadn’t received a verdict yet, but things were looking pretty good for the defense. On her end, it wasn’t as clear. She had been able to create some doubt about her clients guilt, but still nowhere near enough to get a not guilty verdict. Trucy had offered to help look around her crime scene, after all two pairs of eyes were better than one.

Just as she was about to reach the bottom, she missed a step and tumbled the rest of the way down. She could see Trucy cringe as she hit the ground.

“All good!” Athena cheered, hopping up.

---

Miles 8:42 P.M Incase you haven’t seen the news,  it seems there won’t be any trials  tomorrow There is supposed to be a heat  wave and even with air conditioning,  there would be too many people  in the building 8:50 P.M I just heard Sooooo wanna have a get together? Miles 8:51 P.M Yes. I think that would be ac No. Ignore the last text. This whole week has been a get together 8:52 P.M Oh come on Everyone did do work this week Plus it’s gonna be really hot Too hot to do any work comfortably I was thinking we could go to the  beach Miles 9:30 P.M Fine 9:31 P.M Jeez was it really that hard to decide Miles 9:32 P.M Yes Good night Phoenix Wright

“Hey Trucy?” Wright poked his daughter. They’d been watching T.V together before bed. She looked up from her phone with sparkles in her eyes.

“We’re going to the beach tomorrow?!” She exclaimed. “Yay!” She jumped on him and threw her arms around his neck.

“Jeez,” he let out a chuckle, “Are you two telepathic or something?”

She sat back beside him and stuck her tongue out and pulled out her phone, “I’m gonna let everyone know!” 

[lokiprompts]

Master List

Requests are closed

All my posts are on AO3 Here

One Shots

In Sickness and in Health (Pregnant reader, morning sickness, fluff).

Food is Love (Pregnant reader loves to eat, fluff, implied smut).

Clean Freak (GN Reader, stress cleaning; fluff).

The Power of Pie (GN Reader, you host for Christmas and Loki finds you enchanting. Fluff).

The Perfect Gift (GN, Loki gets you for secret santa! fluff)

Funny Honey (GN, Loki loves to make you laugh, but will you ever take him seriously? Fluff).

Picture Perfect (GN, You are a professional photographer and you take his picture. Pure fluff).

Friendly Touches (GN, Loki gets confused about Midgardian customs specifically around friendships. Are you even his friend?! Fluff).

Little Realizations (GN, Short reader is intimidated by tall people ie Loki. Fluff)

God of Embarrassment (GN, Loki likes you and he wants to impress you, but everything goes wrong. Fluff)

Worrywart (Fem Reader, Loki worried constantly about his little mortal, but when you get your period....ohhhh. Fluff, some angst).

The Decision (Fem Reader Loki has recurring dreams that you and your child are captured by Thanos - HEAVY angst)

The Little Things ( GN, You are sick and your bf is a jerk. Loki is there to help! Light angst, fluff)

Sleeping Beauty (GN, You aren't a morning person. What happens when your sleepy self cuddles up to an unsuspecting Loki? Fluff)

What the Hel is a Valentine? (GN, Loki doesn't know what a Valentine is. Will that ruin his chances with you? Pure fluff)

The Rules of Midgardian Dating ( GN, You reject Loki's courtship proposal, so Loki must learn about Midgardian dating. Rom Coms know all, right? Fluff)

The Glass Slipper (Fem Reader, You are stuck babysitting Morgan and Loki. Morgan thinks that you are a princess...so what happens when she finds out that Loki is a prince? Fluff)

Second Date Update (GN, you contact a radio station to try and figure out why Loki has ghosted you...)

Nailed it - (You accidentally summon a demon by baking. Loki helps. Crack fic)

Burning Words - (Loki is terrified to tell you that he loves you, but a whispered confession in the dark throws him for a loop. Fluff).

A Proposal To Remember (Loki proposes to you, but his night doesn't go as planned. Fluff. Slight angst.)

Series

Melodies for Wellness (Loki x Fem Reader) Paused

The Asgardians bide their time at the Avengers Tower before they move to New Asgard. In the meantime, Loki meets the Towers "wellness coordinator" and takes some classes from her, embraces music, and of course - love! Fluff, slow burn, angst..

Warnings: swearing, domestic violence, trauma. I like to torture my characters so buckle up.

Chpt 1 (Orientation) - Chp 2 (Love Languages)

Chp 3 (The Last Class) Chp 4 (Spectacular Spectacular!)

Chp 5 (Build a Home) Chp 6 (Helpless) Chp 7 (Never Enough)

Chp 8 (Broken Things)

The Trickster & The Healer (Loki x Fem Reader) Paused

Loki gets saved by a mysterious healer during a battle. She vanishes and he has to find her...Romance, fluff, angst.

Warnings: Violence, swearing.

Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4

Your Savior (Loki x Fem Reader) Complete

You are a prisoner on an enemy compound and Loki finds you. Graphic imagery and violence. Angst, romance. Smut, 18+

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

The Shifter (Loki x Fem Reader) - Complete

You unintentionally shift to the MCU when you sleep. You meet Loki and must choose between a universe with him, or your real world. Angst, smut 18+

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

A Second Chance ( Loki x Fem reader) Complete

You didn't really like Loki, so when he gets a second chance when your memories are wiped out...he pretends to be your boyfriend. What could go wrong? Fluff, smut 18+

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Appropriate (Loki x Fem Reader) In Progress

Loki is banished to Midgard and he has to live an average life as penance...and you, a social worker, is there to help him along the way. Rom Com vibes. Pinning; emotional edging until we can't take it anymore, slowburn.

Chapter 1 - Introductions Chapter 2 - Day Dreams

Chapter 3 - Broken Things Chapter 4 - Fashion Show

Chapter 5 - The Grocery Store Chapter 6 - Overworked

Chapter 7 - Bubbles. Chapter 8 - Allies

Chapter 9 - Secrets of the Heart

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

Unicorns 🦄: @ozymdias , @lovely-maryj, @multifandom-worlds

@buttercupcookies-blog @fictive-sl0th. @meowmeow-motherfucker @tallseaweed @ladymischief11 @8ether

[widows-writings]

Happy Ending

Chapter 3

Chpt 1. Chpt 2.

Summary: Summary: An old friend of Bruce's comes back after being gone for over 20 years. She was kidnapped, created into a weapon. When Talia loses her home and almost her life, she moves in with Alfred and Bruce. Talia decides to take sides with Batman to figure out more about who was trying to kill her, which blurs the lines between the secret life that both Bruce and Talia share. After finding out his secret of who he was and what he knew, Talia finds herself, living the life that she wanted, away from all these secrets. A life with Bruce Wayne. A life where they are happy and Gotham is what it should have been. The thing is, it's not a fantasy and it's not real life, it's somewhere in between. Bruce has to try and get to her as both himself and as Batman before the people that are trying to kill Talia complete their goal.

a/n: Back by not popular demand, me! No, but seriously I'm having way too much fun writing this. I've been given angst and I'm using it to the best of my powers. I plan on staying a couple of chapters ahead, so when I finish the next chapter I'm going to post chapter 4. This chapter is filled with a lot. Also, just so you know, I don't edit my writing other than the occasional misspelled word. I'm the worst, I know. Either way, I hope that you enjoy, likes and reblogs are appreciated, but the best is when you guys tell me what you like about this. I like knowing what people enjoy about my writing, it's what keeps me writing. Also, if you want to be added to the taglist, please, let me know.

Warnings: Cursing, alluding to torture, trauma, kidnapping, sexual abuse, physical abuse

Words: 2,964

She wished that she could say that she only stayed up there for a couple of hours, and then she went down to make up with Christopher, but that's not what happened. She stayed up there for hours upon hours. She wasn't speaking to him, talking to him, she wasn't even giving him a response when he called through the door, she was giving him one of the worst cold shoulders he had ever seen in his life. She didn't care though, she didn't want to talk to someone who knew what was happening to her, and didn't do anything to stop it. She just didn't. And while she was at it, she wasn't even going to talk to Bruce or Alfred because if she knew how families talked, they would have known as well and she didn't know what made her feel worse. Them knowing and not doing anything or Christopher knowing and not doing anything. Either way, she spent most of the night curled in a ball, hugging her knees close to her chest, trying to breathe through the sobs that were trying to force their way out of her mouth.

She fell asleep like that, her cheeks wet with tears, her nose stuffed to all hell. Her forehead hurt like hell too, it must have been from all of the crying and from furrowing her eyebrows too much. She didn't want to move from where she was. After her cathartic cry, she realized that she had not only cried herself to sleep, but she had done so, over the covers. She rolled over and starfished on the bed, looking at the ceiling. Her second day back home and she was already starting to destroy the friendships that she was supposed to have when she came back to the normal world, if she was ever to come back to the normal world. She let out a sigh, trying to make sure her nose was clear without having to blow it. She really didn't want to get up, but she should. She should get up.

Snow was falling outside, it’s all that she could see through the small crack that she considered her window. She wanted to move closer, but she was tied to a wall and she couldn’t move. Talia heard the lock clicking on the door to her cell. The door swung up and she was freed from the chains that were holding her down. They grabbed her under the arms and dragged her out into the main area. This is where they would fight. They dropped her on one side of the ring, while a soldier was on the other side. 

Talia pushed herself up and raised her hands, ready to punch whatever came at her. The soldier came right at her and when she went to punch him, there was a flash of blue light and he went flying across the ring and into a wall. Everyone that was in the room stared at Talia, trying to figure out what happened. So they tried to make it happen again and again. Each time failing. The training session ended with her pummeled on the floor, bleeding with broken bones. When they tried to pick her up to take her to the infirmary, Talia’s hands glowed bright blue and she pushed all of them away, into the walls surrounding them. 

That was when they figured out their testing had worked.

Talia didn't move, she just laid there, watching the lights dance on the ceiling, feeling the aura change. She stayed there all day, hearing the footsteps come to her door, then disappear. Christopher was trying to come up with a way to talk to her about what happened, but how can you talk about the shit she went through so casually. How can you apologize for half of it when you let it happen. Talia didn't even want his apology, she just wanted him to understand that what he did was one of the worst things he could have done to her. He hurt her in a way that will take a long time to heal.

She wanted to tell him the many times that she went back to her cell with broken ribs and bruises. How often she broke her nose, dislocated her shoulder, broke her bones and how often she was just in pain. Then when she got her abilities, it got worse. They made her kill the people she was with, they made her fuck with their minds. They used her as a tool to drive people to their deaths. They would tie her up to her bed, in a straight jacket, treating her like some criminal. She wasn't allowed to eat by herself, go to the bathroom by her self, she wasn't even allowed to hang around by herself. She had to be watched at all times, and that's not even including all the times the guards did what they wanted with her and just said it was her fault, getting her into more trouble than she should have been in.

What she went through was hell and then some, and for people that she trusted, that she cared about turning around and not doing anything to help her hurt more than anything that she went through while she was trapped and treated worse than a piece of clothing. She was betrayed by the people that she called family, and that's the part that hurt the most. At least to get that's what it felt like.

The morning became night and Talia spent the entire day in her room. She heard Christopher coming to her room and she heard something be set down. It was probably dinner. She didn't feel hungry, at least that's what she was telling herself. She wasn't hungry, so she wasn't going to eat, she wasn't going to give him the attention that he probably wanted. The lights leaked through from underneath her door and she could see Christopher's shadow moving around, almost pacing outside her door. She rolled her eyes and rolled over onto her side, curling up yet again.

She tucked one hand under her head and the other was out in front of her. At first she focused on her energy, then she just focused on the way her hand moved. A blue mist appeared around her fingers, illuminating the room in a light blue light. She spun her hand around, watching the mist dance around her hand and fingers. When she was done, she flicked the mist away and tucked her other hand under her head, falling asleep again, this time she eventually crawled under the blankets. 

The testing that they did on her was even more brutal than before she had the powers. They were drawing her blood, trying to give it to the other prisoners, but it ended up killing them instantaneously. Talia was a pincushion when she wasn’t fighting to stay alive. It took weeks for her to master her powers, but when she did, she was beating every man that came at her. Throwing them against walls and actually killing some of them. Her powers forced them to take extra measures when putting her in her cell. They moved her to one that was padded, but they put her in a straight jacket and a muzzle. They would feed her themselves and do what they wanted with her. 

Three days passed where she was just in her room, messing with her magic and just pacing around. The only time that she had contacted Christopher out of that entire time was to slip a note under the door, telling him that she would like some pajama-like clothing. After a couple of minutes, there had been a knock at her door and Talia was able to change into something more comfortable than her mother's old clothing.

That was also the only time that she even got out of bed. She didn't want to get up. Part of her wanted to believe that all of this was a dream, that when she woke up, it would all be a lie, they would have known nothing about what happened to her, but she knew that what she was living was the real world. 

Just as she was about to close her eyes, there was a faint knock on her door. She looked a the shadow and unless Christopher had grown s third leg, it was undeniably Alfred on the other side of that door. 

She didn't want to see him either. She didn't want to talk to him, she didn't even want to be around him, but she knew that if she didn't give him some reason to believe that she was okay, he wasn't going to leave and he was going to keep annoying her, keep pestering her, keep being…Alfred. Talia decided to open the door for him, flicking her wrist and unlocking the door. She heard it twist, but the door didn't open. The knob went back to its original position and she heard a soft voice through the door.

"Talia, my dear, come talk to us. Christopher says he's beyond sorry, and I just want to know what happened to you. I want you to be okay." At first, Talia figured it was him just trying to get her to come out and talk to them, so that way they could see her and apologize and not stop apologizing till she forgave them. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that it was possible that Alfred didn't know what she went through, that he didn't know all the shit that was ignored that concerned her. "I don't know what they did to you, but we want to help, we want to make sure you're okay."

She didn’t know how, but those words hurt her even more. At least they didn’t know what happened to her, and right now she didn’t want to tell anyone. If she had to talk to any of them, she would talk to Bruce. He wouldn’t try to fix her, he wouldn’t try to do anything to make her a better human, he would just listen, but even that listening can come at a cost. Talia knew who was in her sitting room, and she knew that he blamed himself for literally anything, even if he couldn’t control it. If she told him what happened, she knew that he was going to find some way to get the men that did this to her. At least that’s what she thought Bruce would do, it has been a while since she’s been home and since she’s seen him. She brought her hands up to her face and rubbed her skin.

She was past being angry now and she was just debating on if she was willing to share what happened to her, but she knew that if she did, she was going to have problems with people either not believing her or taking her too seriously. Talia knew the risks, and after careful consideration she decided that she would tell Bruce what happened to her, only Bruce and she wasn’t going to let anyone listen outside the door and Bruce was going to be sworn to secrecy.

“You can let Bruce in.” She said, sitting up in her bed, running her fingers through her hair to try and get it to not look so crazy. “But you are not allowed to listen at the door, and Bruce isn’t allowed to share anything outside this room without my permission.”

Not two minutes later, there was a light knock on her door, and then it opened. It was the same disgruntled man that she had seen the day that she had gotten back. He was still in oversized clothing and was wearing sunglasses, but when he realized how dark the room was, he felt comfortable enough to take them off. He stood there awkwardly, his hands in the pockets of the pants he wore. Talia couldn’t tell if they were sweatpants or not. She gestured for him to sit in the chair that was next to her bed, in front of her desk. He gave it a look of ‘oh god, it just might break’ but sat down anyway. The creaking caused a moment of concern, but then the room was silent again. 

“What did they do to you?” He asked, sounding like he was trying to conceal his anger.

“Do you want the full story or the cut down version of it?”

“What do you feel comfortable telling me?”

“That they did unspeakable things, to them I was a tool, I was a weapon, and they turned me into one.” 

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, that they used something, something I’ve never seen or heard of to give me powers that are dangerous. The amount of things that I can do with them could devastate this entire city.”

“Show me.”

Talia took in a deep breath and just like when she showed Christopher, there was a blue mist mostly at the center of her palm. Seconds passed and she was rotating her wrist and bringing the uniform over to the two of them, the only parts of her body moving were her arm and her fingers. Bruce’s eyes widened and watched as she put the uniform in his hands. She got rid of the mist just as fast as she summoned it and the room was quiet for longer than Talia would have liked.

“Does it change what you move?’

“Not unless I want to, but I wasn’t able to do anything without passing out. The only thing they had me doing was using it to upgrade my fighting.”

“How do you fight with…it?”

“Like this.” 

Talia formed an energy ball and threw it at the picture frame that was hanging on the wall. It was Talia and her parents at a soccer game that she had played and helped win. It was one of the happiest photos that Talia had of her family, and now it was gone, it was shattered and torn. There was hardly a photo left. When she looked at Bruce, she could see confusion and the smallest amount of fear in his eyes. He did say anything, he just put her uniform on her bed and left her room. Talia sat there, on her bed, trying to think of something to do, something to say. 

She knew that she shouldn't have told or shown anybody. She didn’t even know what happened to her. She should have waited until she knew all of the details. She fell back onto her bed, looking at the ceiling and clenched her jaw. She knew that she couldn’t stay cooped up here, but she didn’t want to look at Christopher, she didn’t want to be in the home of the people that betrayed her. She didn’t want to be in this place that was going to be the source of so much pain for her. She couldn’t just go into the city and get an apartment though, she just couldn’t. She knew that she couldn’t.

A few more minutes passed and Bruce came back into her room and sat down in the chair, wincing at the creaking again and folded his hands in his lap. He didn’t say anything, he just sat there, waiting for her to sit up so that he could ask her more questions. Talia didn’t sit up, she didn’t do anything, so Bruce asked her questions anyway.

“Did they expose you to anything? Inject you with something?”

“Yeah, probably, they took my blood all the time and then they would give me some of the weirdest shots ever. They would knock me out for hours, sometimes even days.”

“Why were they doing this?”

“To make me into a weapon, my parents said it was so that I could come back and protect Gotham, but I guess I’m too late for that.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s a guy dressed as a bat beating the shit out of Gotham’s criminals. He’s been here protecting Gotham while I was away, becoming the thing to protect this city.”

“He’s only been around a couple of years, so you’re not missing out on the cime if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Talia smiled at that and let out a heavy sigh. “It’s not missing out that I’m worried about, it’s the fact that my parents thought that it was okay to do that to me. To send me off and have tortured on the other side of the world, saying it was for my own good. All it did was make me unsure of my own body.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why? You had quite literally nothing to do with it. You didn’t even know.”

The room was quiet again and Talia raised her hands above her head, tossing an energy ball between her hands, the blue light engulfing the room that the two were in. Bruce squinted his eyes, but didn’t put on his sunglasses, he was too busy looking at what might just be considered magic. He didn’t know, all he knew was that his friend had been suffering and he didn’t know about it, he didn’t do anything to help her. He shouldn’t blame Aflred, but he did. He blamed Christopher for not telling them and for not sharing his concerns. The secret that Talia had been kidnapped had been pushed under the rug. They just said that she had been sent off to boarding school and there had been no other mention of it. It had quite literally been the last thing that Bruce had heard of Talia. The same night that his parents died.

Taglist: @hollandorks

[softcallofdutyimagines]

More Then a Woman | Frank Woods x Fem!Reader | Chapter 4

Summary:

Alex tries to get Woods to open up on why he's been acting so... odd lately, and Woods proves himself to be emotionally intelligent and self aware

Tags: Slow burn, fluff

Chpt 1 | Chpt 2 | Chpt 3 | Chpt 5 |Warnings: strong except language and some age difference, in case you don't like that

BAM BAM BAM

Mason fires off three shots in rapid succession, all of them hit a perfect headshot on the paper dummy. He whoops in disbelief, removing his earmuffs to brag to Woods.

“Damn, did you fucking see that?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, good shit Mason”, Frank agrees, yet he seems distracted.

Alex sneaks a glance at Frank’s shooting dummy to see it’s barely been touched. He looks back over at his friend. The Sargent smiles as though lost in a daydream, thoroughly cleaning and absentmindedly inspecting his gun over and over again. Mason cocks his head and waves a hand in front of Woods’ face.

“Hellooo”, he calls teasingly, “What’s the matter with you, huh?”

Frank blinks hard, giving his head a little shake, “Huh? The fuck are you talking about, I’m fine”, he blows off the question and readies his pistol down the firing lane, as though he were just taking a little break all along.

“Alright, that’s enough”, Alex puts his pistol down forcefully, adding his earmuffs to boot. “You wanna know something Frank? The real reason I brought you out here was because I was hoping you would open up, damn it! Look, you’ve been acting… not yourself. Ah! Let me finish! Anyway…”, Mason comes a little closer, taking on a more personal, concerned tone, “I’m worried about you man. I mean, we’ve known each other for how fucking long? Whatever it is, you can tell me, and I know you know that, so… What the fuck is holding you up?”

Frank spares a glance to the friendly hand resting on his shoulder, then back to the concerned eyes of his closest, and perhaps even only, friend. He shrugs Mason’s hand away, “It’s nothing man, come on”

“Oh, but it is something then?”, Alex takes on an accusatory tone that makes Frank bristle.

“I said, it’s fucking nothing”

“Frank!”

“What!”, Woods slams down his own firearm, turning his full attention to the conversation, “Why the hell do you need to know so badly anyway? I said it’s nothing, end of story! If anything, it’s fucking… stupid, so just drop it alright!”

“I care because I care about you, you bastard!”, Mason gestures aggressively to accentuate his point, but gives up soon after with a frustrated sigh.

But... Woods feels for his friend, and he appreciates the effort. Really, he does. It’s not often he has someone check in to see how he’s doing. Or… at all, really. He huffs a sigh and throws a look Alex’s way. Damn it…

“Fine. It’s about a girl, alright? You happy now?”, he looks away quickly, snatching up his firearm as though to get back to the target practice. Unfortunately, Alex has other plans.

He reaches across the divider and lowers Franks pistol from the shooting position, wearing a grin somewhere between bewildered and teasing. “Are you fucking serious? All this, for a girl?”

Woods immediately gets defensive, “Hey, fuck you! I-”

“Jesus Frank, calm down, will ya? I’m just… Well, surprised, I guess!”, he laughs, but in the disarming, good natured way that he’s so inclined towards. “Well don’t keep me in suspense, who is it? She must mean a lot to you to have you this bent out of shape, haha”

Frank thinks a moment, wondering if he should really give himself up like this… But then, he’s already in this deep, right?

“It’s… The secretary from the CIA headquarters…”, his voice is so low, it's more a dampened mumble than anything else.

Mason freezes, trying to decide if he heard him right.

“Frank… You can’t be serious.”, he leans in once more, taking on a now concerned, hushed tone, “I- Come on man, she’s just a kid. D-don’t you want a woman with a little more… experience, at least? I mean-”

Frank recoils at that, “Woah woah woah, what the fuck? Who the fuck said anything about that shit? It’s not like that!”

“Well ok, maybe life experience then! I don’t fucking know!”

“Look, will you stop trying to make me feel like shit?” What, you think I don’t already know all this? That I haven’t told myself about it a million fucking times!” Woods takes another breath, ready to spit out the rest of his speech. Instead, he uses it to steady himself, and calm down.

Come on… It’s just Alex.

“Damn it… Ok, I’m sorry. I just… I don’t think about her like that, ok? I-”, his voice drops to just above a whisper, his mouth working nervously, as though he’s afraid to admit what he has to say next. “I’m just so... lonely, damn it. I wish… I wish, I had someone like that around for just... company's sake, I guess? Someone who’s… sweet, and… gives a shit about me…. You know?”

Mason looks down, his face set in a look of sympathy, thinking back to his own happy life complete with his wife and son back home. He doesn’t think he’s ever heard this much emotion in Frank’s voice. “Yeah… I know…”

“Heh, but who gives a fuck. I mean, there’s no way she’d go for me, right?”, he huffs a humorless laugh. Frank goes silent for a long moment. It doesn't take his closest friend to see that everything he’s admitted to today weighs more heavily on him then one would even realize.

But suddenly, the despondency is broken. As though regretful to have been so vulnerable, he covers it up the Woods way, “Hey. If you fucking tell anyone I said this shit, I’ll fucking kill you”

He and Alex lock eyes, one with an unsure look of fear and the other one of dire seriousness. But, after he’s had his fun, Frank’s stern expression melts into a joking laugh. He gives Alex’s shoulder a playful shove, “Aw come on, I’m just messing with you! Let’s get back to the range, huh?”

Woods readies his shooting equipment again, and just before he puts on the earmuffs…

“Hey, Frank? ...Your secret is safe with me”, Alex smiles, earning a subtle one back from his friend.

“Heh, fucking softie…”

“You know what? Maybe... you could try talking to her, you know? I don’t really get it but… No harm in trying, right?”

Frank considers the advice. He’s serious, isn’t he? Well…

“Yeah, maybe…”

---

Frank looks at the double glass doors of the CIA offices, checking over his reflection one last time. He’s decided to take Mason’s advice… Today’s the day. He’s just going to go find you, try to not come off as a psycho again, and maybe ask you out to uh… coffee? Yeah, that’s what most people do, he thinks.

Last night, he ransacked his closet for this outfit. And wouldn’t you know it? Way, way back under the piles of shit, he found a nice, light grey dress shirt and some mostly polished leather shoes to go along with his good old jeans. Is this... ‘business casual’ or whatever the fuck? Hell if he knows, but he assures himself that it’s the effort that counts. He straightens the collar and smooths down the front, doing his best to ignore the way it hugs his abdomen just a bit too much for his liking.

He licks his thumb and swipes it once over each eyebrow, making sure to admire all the work he put in this morning. If anyone else saw him now, there’s a good chance they wouldn’t recognize him. Gone is the wild, fluffy mess of black hair, and instead he’s managed to slick it down into a respectable, controlled style. He even brushed and shaped up his beard, for Christ’s sake.

Well, no more fucking around, he supposes.

Frank takes a deep breath and pushes through the double doors. He wanders through the public section, then badges himself into the back offices. Now if he remembers correctly, he ran into you right about… down that way. Unfortunately, he only knows you by first name, thanks to that coffee shop place.

It’s a name that’s been playing back in his mind over and over again ever since that morning.

He’d never admit to it, but perhaps… only once or twice, he’s tested the way it sounds aloud. Just to hear it again. He knows he’s getting way too ahead of himself, but you know, if this were to ever work out… maybe another tattoo is in order. He brushes a hand absentmindedly over his left pec where even now his heart hammers away nervously.

It would be a fitting spot for the name of his girl…

A slow brigade of names on silver, engraved plates passes him by, until finally… There.

Your door is closed, but the sound of furiously fast typing tells him you’re in. He raises a hand to knock… Or, wait. Should he knock? Is that weird? Maybe he should just… come in? No no, that’s freaky as fuck… Right?

His thoughts are interrupted by the harsh ringing of your desk phone, which is silenced promptly as you answer. Damn it, now that he thinks about it, what should he even say? Fuck… he should’ve brought flowers or something, shouldn’t he? Fuck fuck fuck! He knew it, this was never going to work. Maybe he should just lea-

Suddenly, your door swings open. You shriek in surprise at finding another human being just on the other side, clapping a hand to your mouth as you correct yourself, only now realizing who it is. “Oh! Sarge- Um, Frank… I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognize you!”, you laugh, trying to break the tension that doesn't even exist.

No, right now, all he’s focused on is you...

The sound of your laughter washes over him, and once again he’s reminded of that warm, dream like summer breeze he felt with you not so long ago, back at the coffee shop. It almost makes him wish you would laugh at him more often… Just so he could hear that sweet, sweet sound. Today you’re wearing a pink pleated skirt and a tastefully ruffled blouse. Everything, from your shoes to the little touch of makeup, matches perfectly.

You look very… cute.

There’s a word he never thought he’d say….

Frank mutters something placating to reassure you that no harm’s been done, but it’s all he can do to stay upright. His face feels inordinarily warm, and he can actually feel his heart beating, no, racing, without even touching it. HE's almost sure he’s dying, and to make matters worse, he can’t recall ever having been made to feel this way before.

So, what the fuck is happening to him?

-------

(Uh oh, cliff hanger! Luckily, the next half is up!)

[neon-junkie]

Duality - Chpt.4

Summary: There’s a handful of things you hate, like the men who continue to pester you at the Saloon after you’ve told them no, or the way strangers look at you when you decide to wear pants. But the one thing you hate that most is Micah Bell. But if you hate him so much, then why are you allowing him to wrap his hand around your neck as he grinds his crotch down against yours? Is he using you? or are you using him?

Pairing: Micah Bell x f!Reader

Word Count: lots idk its multi-chapter

Rating: NSFW

[First chapter] [next chapter not posted yet]

It's funny how Micah somehow guessed the perfect size for your new lingerie. Maybe he's held you one too many times, making a mental note of how each part of your body feels in his hands. You can picture that vividly, Micah explaining to the tailor that your breast size is "this big," as he holds his hands out in a cupping motion. You pray he hasn't actually done that, but this is Micah Bell, after all. You pull on the laces of your new corset, fastening yourself up, and then shrug a pretty yet simple dress on. Today seems pleasant, well, it looked pleasant when you peered through your tent flaps this morning, groggy and half-asleep. There's nothing wrong with being a little vain, and you enjoy putting extra effort into your appearance today, fitting in your new lingerie like a glove, and dolling yourself up to... do chores... At least you're doing your chores in style!

The effort in your appearance hasn't gone unnoticed, as many camp members throw compliments your way, along with curious pairs of eyes that trail over your figure for a few moments too long, not that you mind. The camp women are particularly kind, not that they aren't to begin with, fussing and gushing over how pretty you look. Maybe this is what you needed? a day to doll yourself up and soak up all the compliments you receive? and maybe you'll do it more often, seeing as you're feeling rather wonderful today. But all good things must come to an end... you find yourself at Pearson's wagon, chopping vegetables for tonight's supper, sliding another batch off your chopping board straight into the stew pot. It's a boring job, but it beats scrubbing laundry for hours on end, constantly feeling defeated as everybody's clothes are so stained that it's impossible to get them clean. As always, you're minding your own business, your head dipped down, focusing on the task at hand. Of course, you don't notice your partner approaching, but your ears perk up as he lets out a long whistle. "My, oh my," Micah comments. "I didn't realize it was my birthday, but I appreciate you dressin' up for such a special occasion," Micah flirts as he trails over, leaning his weight against the table. He's eyeing you up and down like a piece of meat, and you notice the way he licks his lips. "Mister Bell," you monotonously greet him, "bold of you to assume I dress for anybody but myself," you jab back. Micah lets out a long and irritating laugh, drawn out for longer than necessary. He peers over his shoulder, checking to see if anybody is nearby, before scooting a little closer to speak directly to you. "Guess you are dressin' for me when you're wearin' the lingerie I brought you," he grins. You double-check your surroundings, and once you're happy with how empty the coast is, you lean across the table, speaking under your breath. "It's a replacement, considering you ruined my last set," you remind him, shaking your head as you speak. Yet again, Micah chuckles. "And I'll ruin this set too," he smirks, and you unfortunately know that's a promise. "And then you'll have to buy another replacement," you tut. "That's fine by me. I ain't short on cash, sweetheart. I'll buy and ruin as many as I like." "I ain't your sweetheart, I told you that last night," you grumble under your breath. You straighten your back, and speak slightly above your normal tone of voice, "now if you'll excuse me, Mister Bell, I'm quite busy here," you brush him off, returning to chopping vegetables. "Oh, I do apologise for taking up your precious time, darlin'," Micah sarcastically replies, raising his hands innocently as he moves his weight off the table. "I'll leave you to it," he says with a soft laugh, then turns heel and wanders back through camp, probably debating which victim to pester next. Your brows furrow as you watch him leave, grumbling to yourself. He knows damn well that neither of you are meant to bring your business into camp, and he especially knows that you're not meant to openly talk about it. Somebody could be lurking nearby, somebody could be on the other side of the wagon, accidentally stumbling upon this juicy piece of information. The camp loves gossip, and something like that would spread like a wildfire. You hate how vividly you can picture it, the faces of everybody scowling your way as they find out that you're sleeping with a pest that you claim to hate. You've had one too many fights with Micah, both inside and outside of camp; imagine how hypocritical people would find you if they suddenly found out that you enjoy his company when nobody else is around. Honestly, what else did you expect? Micah rarely ever keeps his word, and you're surprised that he did when he said he'd buy you replacement lingerie. Oh well, that conversation is done now, and you'll have to keep on your toes around camp, just in case Micah decides to try and pull something stupid on you.

  By the time evening rolls around, your body is exhausted. You've fastened your corset a little too tight this morning, although at the time it felt comfortable. After slipping into something loose and cosy, you start your final chore for today - guard duty. Lenny makes a passing comment about how tonight is quiet and boring, as always, and wishes you luck as he hands you the rifle.

Lenny was right, this is boring. You're currently leaning against a tree on the outskirts of camp, the rifle gripped loosely in your hands; you can feel yourself nodding off, your head dipping and your eyes falling shut. Unlike others, you try to take your jobs seriously, so you push your weight off the tree, doing another lap of the camp in an attempt to wake yourself up.

As you pass by a lantern, you take out your pocket watch, checking how long you have left before you can finally crawl into bed. It's 2am, one hour to go. You make your way down one of the paths leading into camp, eventually dipping off into the trees once you meet the entrance; you never normally trail this far from camp, but why not shake things up a bit?

"Fancy meetin' you out here," Micah comments out of nowhere, making you jump out of your skin, almost dropping your rifle.

"Shit, Micah!" you snap at him, "why you gotta scare me like that?"

"Ain't you on guard duty? you ain't doin' a very good job," he snickers, leaning his weight against a nearby tree, his hands resting on the waistband of his pants. Usually, Micah would rest his hands on his gun belt, but he's stripped of most clothing tonight, wandering around in his simple pants, shirt, and hat.

"I must be more tired than I thought, I'm surprised I didn't notice a buffoon approaching me," you jab back, rolling your eyes at his comment. No doubt, Micah has been stalking you for some time, waiting for the right moment to give you a sudden wakeup call.

"Oh, doll, you poor thing. You want me to go and warm your bed up for you?" Micah taunts, making you grip your rifle tighter. He lets out a chuckle, noticing how angry you look, even through the darkness of the trees.

"What is it with you?" you snap. "Did you really come out here just to pester me?!"

"Mhm," Micah agrees with a nod. He shifts his weight off the tree, taking a few steps over to you, bridging the gap. Before you can swat him away, his hand is pulling at your neckline, peering down your blouse. "Why ain't you wearing the lingerie that I brought you?" he asks, pouting dramatically.

"Off," you command, slapping his hand away. Micah begins to laugh, and without thinking, you slap him across the face, cutting his laughter short.

"Oooh," Micah sighs, giving his cheek a rub. "Not very friendly tonight, are we?"

"I ain't very friendly to anybody who puts their dirty paws on me," you grunt, and turn heel, attempting to walk away. Micah reaches out to take a hold of your wrist, his grip tightening when you try to shake him off. "Doll, I only came out here to let off some steam with you."

"You really think I'm gonna fuck you after that?"

"Yep."

You let out a long, defeated sigh. There are two options presented to you: you can either turn down Micah and let the next hour slowly trail by, bored with nothing to do, or you can enjoy his unwelcomed company, tiring yourself out before bed.

"Alright, but let's make this quick," you agree, pulling your wrist free from Micah's grasp.

There's an awkward pause, both of you staring at each other, as if you've both suddenly forgotten how to initiate sex. Micah then waves his hands about, and orders you to bend over against a nearby tree. "We ain't supposed to do this in camp, that was part of the agreement," you comment.

"This ain't in camp, it's in a forest, sweetheart," Micah corrects you. Well, he's not exactly wrong...

You roll your eyes and let out a huff, but prop your rifle up against a tree. Your skirts are bunched up to your hips, reaching beneath them to pull your undergarments down, letting them settle around your thighs; you then turn to question why Micah is stood there awkwardly.

"I was just enjoying the show," Micah replies with a shrug. He begins unfastening his pants as he approaches, palming at his cock with one hand, whilst the other dips between your legs to slide a finger over your slit.

Micah slides his fingers over you a few times, before slipping a digit in, slowly working his finger in and out. His head dips down to catch your lips, lightly kissing you, enjoying the soft whimpers you make against his lips. He doesn't bother sliding another finger in, and moves his hand away to nudge you against the tree.

Your hands rest on the trunk, and you peer over your shoulder to watch as Micah holds your skirt up around your hips, his other hand slicking his cock against your folds. He's clearly in a rush as he doesn't bother teasing you for long, instead, slipping his cock in and slowly sheathing himself inside you.

Micah mutters something under his breath as he grips onto your hips, and pulls you back onto his cock, pushing himself as deep as he can go. He holds himself there as he lets out a long, deep groan, followed by starting his thrusts, jumping straight into a quick pace. You feel something tap against your foot, peering down to see Micah tapping at you; you know what he wants, so you spread your legs wider, arching your back, gripping onto the tree trunk for support.

This needs to be quick. You dip your hand down between your legs, rubbing at your clit, building your orgasm with Micah's help. He's quieter than usual, the sound of skin against skin filling the air, and hopefully not echoing all the way back to camp.

A hand weaves its way around your waist, and Micah pulls you upright, your back pressed to his chest. He speaks in a deep, husk voice, almost growling into your ear. "I am a little disappointed that you ain't wearing my fancy lingerie, means I'll have to wait to cut it off you," he comments, still attempting to thrust into you, despite the awkward position.

"You ain't even got your knife on you," you say with a laugh. Your laughter is cut short as Micah moves his hand to your neck, gripping oh-so-perfectly, just how you like it.

"I'd use my bare hands, but I can be patient, I'll wait," he says with a soft shrug.

Micah manages to make do, bucking up into you, your hand still rubbing your clit. His thumb removes itself from your neck, only to be replaced with his lips, sucking and kissing your skin so hard that you know it's going to leave marks. You mutter his name, and Micah pleasantly hums as a reply. "Come on, sweetheart," he urges, picking up the pace, and chuckling at his pun.

Your back may be hurting, but you roll your head against Micah's shoulder, moaning away. Only your moans are cut short as you suddenly orgasm, tightening around Micah's length. He quickly removes himself from you, almost shoving you out of the way as he pulls out, spilling himself over the forest floor. "Hell," Micah mutters under his breath, finishing up, and then tucking himself away.

"Pretty," Micah comments as he lightly slaps your ass, just as you're pulling your undergarments back up.

"I know," you smugly reply, and Micah giggles at your comment. He reaches in his back pocket, fishing out a packet of cigarettes, and offers you one. Rather than using one of his matches, you light yours on the end of Micah's, blowing smoke in his face on your first exhale.

"Petty," Micah grumbles, "c'mon, I'm sure your shift has finished by now."

"You can walk ahead, Micah. I ain't risking being seen wandering into camp with you."

"Alright, suit yourself," he shrugs, turning heel and heading back to camp.

You watch him go, wandering off into the darkness, disappearing into the trees, the light from his cigarette eventually fading black. It's too dark out here to check your pocket watch, but after a handful of minutes, you finish off your smoke, and assume it's time to wake the next person up for guard duty.

The walk back to camp is quiet, as always, and for some reason, you're looking out for Micah as you enter camp. He's nowhere to be seen, probably wandered off down the shoreline, and you can't help but scold yourself for being so curious as to his whereabouts.

You shake your head, trailing over to your tent after passing the rifle over to the next camp member on watch, and soon fall asleep, despite the stinging sensation on your neck. 

[yakumtsaki]

Hey, newbie to the Sims 2 here. I’ve been following your works for so long and I’ve always wanted to try the whole screenshot/storytelling thing with my sims but I don’t really know where to start, it’s all pretty over whelming

hi anon! i feel u but dont be overwhelmed, u seriously just need 4 things to start taking pics/shooting for a story:a) a good screenshot program (fraps or greenshot are the top choices)b) photoshop and some ts2 editing actions (good starter are the ones by eversims until u figure ur ~personal style~) or gimp c) poseboxes and omsps (also mentioned in my tutorial which i link later)d) a willingness to accept that ur first couple pics are probably gonna suck and improvement will take timethat’s legit it, get urself items a-c and internalize the fact ur first attempts are gonna be bad and not up to par with what u see and like on simblr. dont let it discourage u, i guarantee u will eventually get there and it will happen faster than u think

since uve been following me for a while heres an example from my own pics. this is the first sim pic i posted on tumblr on august 2016. take a good look at it and note how bad it is in every aspect. all of my pics from that time are like that, they’re bland, lighting is weird, the posing is lol, the zoom is off, the editing is literally why etc etc. the pics in the first couple chpts of nll produce enough cringe in me to power a small country. by october i could do this, which at the time was my favorite pic id ever taken. by january i could do this which was a logistical nightmare, by may this, and by july i could write a tutorial 

im not saying this to pat my own back like ‘oh look how far i came blabla’, my point is i clearly had no natural talent for this stuff so if i can do it anyone can. i came into this exactly like u, knowing literal shit about ts2 pics, and there were times were i was like ‘ffs is this shit ever gonna look the way i want it to?!’ and short answer is yes it will if u keep practicing!

i used to hate hate HATE posing. i cant stress it enough, i prob have a few text posts from bitd where i rant about it, like it literally gave me migraines. now posing is my fav thing in the game bc the better u get at smth the more u enjoy it. get the required programs, start shooting, dont be neurotic about it looking like crap bc it will for a while, dont be content with mediocre pics, and if u end up posting dont get all emo about comparing urself to other ppl and not getting a lot of notes at first bc these things take time. watch urself drastically improve and always keep in mind it’s just a hobby and it’s supposed to be fun. if u find urself not enjoying it and feeling the annoyance of screenshots is not worth the fun u get out of them then tell screenshots to fuck off. hope ive helped a little, hmu if u need anything else! 🐹

[non-binary-nightmare]

Pills: Chapter 3

Warnings: Unsympathetic!Patton, abusive!Patton, manipulative!patton, abuse, pills, anxiety attacks, manipulation

Chpt 1  Chpt 2  Chpt 4 Chpt 5 Chpt 6 Chpt 7 Chpt 8 Chpt 9 Chpt 10

---

Virgil was stuck in bed with Roman and Logan giving him their undivided attention. He was terribly sick. His eyes were bloodshot, he had dried, cracked, and purple lips, and his skin was paler than usual. They had no idea what to do. 

Logan was really trying to figure something out. Like seriously. But he couldn't find the cause. It was driving him to not sleeping, not eating or drinking, to looking through memories of the past few days, and not finding anything. Every now and then, there was this glitch in the memories Logan had of Thomas’. Roman never left Virgil’s side. He only left to go to the bathroom or get some things for Virgil. 

Virgil was so tired he was blurring his words together, forgetting the others’ names, and he was shaking so bad that he could barely stand. 

“Virgil you need to sleep.” Logan said. “So do you but I don’t see you doing that.” Virgil chuckled, sitting up in his bed. “Where’s Patton?” Roman asked. Logan and Virgil both shrugged. “I believe he’s with Thomas.” Logan stated. “Wait. How is Thomas?” Virgil said, slightly blurring his words. “I don’t believe this has taken any affect on him.” Logan said. “What if this is causing stuff to happen with Thomas?” Virgil asked, as more of a statement than a question. “It’s not Virgil. Don’t worry about that.” Roman reassured. “Roman, I'm Anxiety. I worry about everything."

"Fair point. But you still need to do a little less worrying and a little more resting." Roman said, a small grin on his face, trying to bring comfort to Virgil. "Alright then." Virgil started. "If I have to go to sleep you guys have to promise to get a nice meal, drink 8 cups of water, and take a nap. Okay?"

"Virgil I- We-" Logan was cut off. "Nope. Deal or *cough* no deal." Virgil said, laying back down a bit.

"Fine. But only to make sure you get some sleep too."

"Indeed. I will promise to meet your requirements."

"Gre- *COUGH COUGH* Great." Virgil said, taking a sip of water and laying back down. Soon enough, he was fast asleep. "He must've been exhausted." Roman whispered. "Yeah. Now, I need to do more-" Logan started to get up but was stopped by Roman grabbing his arm. "You promised, Lo. We promised. You can take a break. It'll be-"

"GUYS! GUYS! THOMAS IS HAVING ANOTHER ANXIETY ATTACK!" Remus yelled, running into the room. 

Everyone ran out of Virgil's room, but only to discover that they couldn't pop up into the real world. They all got a really bad headache at the same time too.

----

*10 minutes earlier*

"Yeah, he got turned into a 4 year old and now he's super sick." Patton explained. "Is this- Is this because of the pills?" Thomas asked and Patton's eyes widened. "I- no! Of course not!" Patton lied. "It is! Oh god- it's- it's my fault! It's all my fault! He dying because of-" Thomas ranted and Patton tried to calm him down but it wasn't working, he was having another anxiety attack.

Patton went to the bathroom and handed Thomas the pills. "Take one."

"Nh-no." Thomas said. Patton yanked Thomas' hair back and forced a pill into his mouth. "You have to take it. It's helping everyone else. He's your anxiety. It's not even needed!" Patton yelled as Thomas reluctantly swallowed the pill. "Good. Like I said, don't tell anyone. You won't like what I'd do if you did." Patton said, sinking back into Thomas' mind.

*Right now*

Patton was in Thomas' memory cabinet. The new ones turning into files because Logan said that would be easier to sort and look through. Patton went to the files of the newest memories, the ones that hadn't gone to the 'negative,' 'positive,' or 'neutral' sections, so that all sides could have the memory too, yet. Patton pulled out the drawer and picked up the one he needed. He looked through it, making sure it's the one, and closed it back. He took the file and put it in the shredder and, just for good measure, threw the shredded pieces into The Pit of the Forgotten. 

They could be retrieved and remembered again, but only Thomas could dig it out.

Thomas still has the memory and if a side was there when it happened, and not in the mind, then they remember it too. But in order for all of the sides to know something happened without being there, is for it to be sorted in the memory closet.

Patton smiled to himself, knowing the damage he did, but not caring as long as he got what he wanted.

----

Taglist:

@misunderstoodshadowling @no-no-no-no-6 @grayson-22 @sanderssidesstuffs001 @nope-not-more @magimerlyn @fellinfire @chihuahuaface @all-in-blxck @basiic-emo @crei-crei

---

If your name is in red(which is only one person) I had trouble tagging? Maybe you changed your name since you asked to be tagged? Maybe you did something with your privacy settings? Maybe Tumblr is just being a dickwaffle? Who knows?

[etherealwaifgoddess]

More Time - Chpt.4

Summary: The holiday season comes for the guys as they continue to adapt to their lives together. Steve discovers a (not so little) problem. Master list is HERE.

Warnings/ Content: There are some slight body image issues mentioned but I don’t feel it’s disordered or too upsetting. Still, you know yourself best and if any body image discussions upset you, you can easily skip down to after the first set of xxXxx ‘s. 

Word Count: 1.4k

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! So this chapter has two of my absolute favorite head cannons for tiny!Steve and post Winter Solider Bucky. I’ll just let ya’ll wonder what they are... Anyhoo, enjoy more of our boys settling in to their lives together! XOXO - Ash

Chapter Four

“Buck…” Steve called from the bedroom, “I think we have a problem.” 

Bucky dropped the mug he was washing in the sink and raced to the bedroom afraid of what health issue Steve could be having. He had just taken his blood pressure meds after breakfast and he wasn’t due to use his inhaler again until the afternoon. He tried to remember if Steve had taken his arthritis medication yet. “What’s wrong?” He asked frantically from the doorway. 

“Oh, no.” Steve said quickly realizing he’d scared Bucky, “No, I’m fine. Shit, sorry. I was being dramatic. I… um… I just can’t get my pants to button.” Steve blushed hard at the admission. 

“Jesus God.” Bucky breathed a sigh of relief. “You scared me to death. I thought something was really wrong”

“Well, if I can’t get my pants on right we can’t go to Sam’s for dinner so that is technically a problem.” Steve shrugged and motioned at the waist of his khakis where the two tabs of fabric were nowhere close to joining. 

Bucky laughed and ran a hand through his hair, “It’s a damn medical marvel is what it is. I think this is the first time I’ve seen you outgrow a pair of pants since you were eleven.” 

“Ha, ha.” Steve’s voice was dripping with sarcasm, “You’re the one that let me get fat.” 

“What?!” Bucky sputtered in protest, “This is not on me, Rogers. This is just what happens when you finally have access to good medical care and decent food.” 

“Says the one who’s always going on about ‘let’s try the new Indian place that opened’ and ‘oh my god you have to get one of these cheeseburgers, Steve’. You still go running and spar with Sam while I’m just here sitting on my ass. Maybe I need to start running again. But not around Sam, I don’t think I could handle his gloating.” 

Bucky cracked up but quickly stopped at the glowering look Steve gave him. “I’m sorry.” He said, barely containing himself, “But which do you think will flare up first when you start running: your asthma, your arthritis, or your arrhythmia?” And with that Bucky dissolved back into laughter as Steve ran over and tried to tackle him. Bucky scooped up Steve easily and tossed him onto the mountain of blankets on their bed. 

Small or not, Steve still remembered his training and he locked a knee around Bucky’s, destabilizing him enough to bring him down next to Steve where he was able to swing a leg over Bucky’s hips and sit on top of him. Having no qualms with playing dirty, Steve started tickling Bucky mercilessly, knowing every single spot on Bucky’s body to have him screaming and laughing beneath him. 

Bucky let Steve get a few good tickles in before he flipped them easily using his weight to his advantage. He pinned Steve’s wrists above his head using his metal hand and felt an unmistakable hardness growing against his thigh. Ignoring it for the time being, Bucky used his other hand to pull up the hem of Steve’s blue polo, exposing his soft tummy. “Let’s see this fat.” He teased pressing kisses across Steve’s mostly flat stomach. “Jeez, Rogers, I think you might actually be over a hundred pounds now without even needing rocks in your pockets.” 

“Oh shut up, ya jerk.” Steve grumbled, leaning his face to the side, slightly embarrassed as Bucky continued to kiss and nip at his softer middle.

“This is not fat, this is healthy. This is you not looking like you’re on death’s door every time you get a cold. And it’s kinda nice having something soft to hold on to.” 

“You’ll have a whole ball of fluff to hold if I keep up like this.” 

“And I’ll love my little Stevie fluff ball all the same.” Bucky teased as he slid up Steve’s body to silence him with a kiss. “Seriously though,” he said pulling back, “You look healthy for once. But it’s your body and if it bothers you we can talk to Helen at your next appointment. Maybe start cooking more and ordering take out less.” 

Steve looked down at himself thoughtfully. He knew he was being dramatic but it had been a little unsettling when he realized his pants no longer fit. He’d bought them a little under two months ago and they’d been perfect at the time. His stomach which had been concaved was flat and soft with just the smallest pooch at his waistband where the fabric of his boxer briefs pinched slightly. Steve mused it was better than the winter of 1937 when the doctor had told them he was so underweight that his body had started eating itself to keep him alive after months of battling influenza. He was so thin that year that Bucky had spent his whole savings account to turn on the heat and keep Steve’s fingertips from turning blue. “It’s not so bad.” Steve said finally, “But we’re going to start cooking more often. I don’t have a super soldier metabolism to fall back on anymore.” 

“Whatever you want to do. Now, let’s get you into some sweatpants and we can stop on the way to Sam’s and replace your khakis.” 

Thanksgiving dinner at Sam’s house was a sight to behold. Steve had met some of Sam’s siblings and his parents before but seeing the entire Wilson family gathered in Sam’s small townhouse in DC was a little overwhelming. There were a dozen kids running round in ages ranging from teenagers to toddlers and it felt like someone was hugging Steve at all times. Sam’s mother doted on him endlessly making sure he was comfortable and had something to eat. Sam’s aunties took turns pumping him for information on how he and Bucky were doing and regaling him with stories from Sam’s childhood, happy to provide a lifetime supply of blackmail material. It was easy to get lost in the sea of people and Steve loved every minute of it. Growing up holidays had been just him and his ma or he joined Bucky’s family if she was working. Watching Sam’s seemingly enormous family celebrate together made Steve thankful he was a part of it. 

xxXxx

The winter wore on and Steve and Bucky chose to celebrate Christmas quietly together despite invitations from Sam, Pepper, Bruce, and one of Bucky’s friends from the VA hospital. They spent the day in soft, flannel pajamas and exchanged gifts sitting next to the fake tree Bucky had bought last minute when they discovered Steve was allergic to pine trees. The hives had cleared up by Christmas Day but Bucky still felt terribly guilty. Steve loved the art supplies and the annual memberships to the MET and a few other museums around the city Bucky had given him, as well as the other small gifts he’d managed to stuff into Steve’s stocking. Bucky wiggled happily in place when he unwrapped the books on space Steve gave him and hugged the obnoxious fluffy rainbow print robe tightly as soon as he pulled it free from its sparkly silver bag. It was so garish that he couldn't help but love it. 

A few weeks after thawing out from Cryo in Wakanda, Bucky had developed a fondness for wearing soft, fuzzy clothing around the house; the more outrageous the better. Anything that helped to remind him he was allowed to feel safe and warm and wasn’t a weapon anymore, he’d said, and it broke Steve’s heart a little to hear it. Steve ensured from that point on that no holiday was complete without adding something new to Bucky’s collection. 

As the day wore on they watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”; drinking eggnog and eating snickerdoodles, both from recipes Sam’s mom had given them. It was a quiet, perfect Christmas. Exactly what they both needed after too many years of fighting and struggling. 

“I love you, Bucky Barnes.” Steve mumbled against Bucky’s chest as they curled up under their mountain of blankets late that night. He was warm, sleepy, and more than a little buzzed from the eggnog. It was the best Christmas he could remember having since his ma died and he fell asleep feeling truly thankful for the series of events that lead to him having a new lease on life.

Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder​ @remilupin22​ @supraveng​ @hiddles-rose​

If anyone wants added or removed please lmk!

[tiny-opal-essence]

Pocket Paladin Chpt 4

A ‘small’ problem

Lance woke up slowly.  He was still a bit tired, but his body no longer felt like it was in pain.  It was a lot warmer than he would have liked it to be, though.  He could feel something heavy on top of him and when he opened his eyes, he didn’t recognize his surroundings.

Where am I?  The last thing I remember is falling asleep in the med bay.  

He looked down and saw that he was still in the healing pod outfit.  He struggled to lift the heavy thing from on top of him and tried to piece together where he was.

Did someone put me in a collapsed tent or something? 

He stumbled on the uneven ground.  He noticed that the ground was softer than he would have thought and his feet seemed to sink in slightly.  There wasn’t much light shining through the tent, so he couldn’t make out many details.

If I keep walking in one direction, I’ll reach the end.  Then I can figure out where I am.

He started walking and heard some muffled thumps that started to get louder before stopping somewhere in front of him.

Wonder what that was?

He then heard someone yelling “Come on, Chulatt.”  There was a slight tug on the tent above him, “You can help me find–” the light was blinding to Lance as the tent was ripped off of him, “–Lance?!”

Lance blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light.  Before he could fully take in his surroundings, he saw a giant hand reaching for him.  It grabbed him and lifted him up before he could get away.

“What the quiznak?” He heard the voice say as his stomach dropped and the wind rushed by him.

“Put me down, put me down, put me down!” Lance squeezed his eyes shut and tried to twist his way out of the grip.  

He felt his stomach lurch again as whatever had grabbed him quickly put him back on the ground and blurted out “Sorry!”

It took him a moment to regain his footing and get his breathing under control.  When he looked up, he saw Keith, but never as he would have pictured him.  He fell down in shock at the sight before him, bouncing slightly on the ground.

“Keith?!  What happened to you?  Why are you so big?”

“I’m not the one that’s big.  You’re the one that’s small.” Keith looked at Lance in disbelief.

“What are you talking about?  You’re so huge you wouldn’t even fit in the med bay.”

“We’re still in the med bay.”

“What?  No,” Lance stood up and looked around.  Behind him, he saw the tent, which he now realized looked more like thick blankets.  “No.”  The ground that was so soft had huge stitches and ridges in it giving away that it was a mattress.  “No!” he recognized the layout of the room and knew it truly was the med bay, but everything was out of proportion.  The walls were further away than they should have been, but it felt like they were closing in on him.

This has to be some sort of nightmare.  

“I’m dreaming!  I’m dreaming!” Lance slapped his face to try to wake up, but the pain from it let him know this was no dream. 

This can’t be happening.

“Lance?” Keith hesitatingly moved his hand closer to Lance before jerking it back at his outburst.

“What did you do?!”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“Well, then what the quiznak happened?!”

“I-I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?  Didn’t you see what happened?  You were supposed to make sure nothing happened to me!”  Lance lashed out at Keith.

“I was checking on Shiro!” Keith retorted.

“Oh yeah, cause Shiro definitely needs someone to check on him since he’s in the upgraded healing pod.  Meanwhile, I’m suddenly three inches tall and the guy who was supposed to prevent anything else from happening to me is jerking me around like a rag doll!”

“Shut up!” Keith’s eyes flashed yellow, causing Lance to flinch back and fall down.  “You have no idea what he means to me!  He’s the only person who never gave up on me!” Keith didn’t realize that he had started to lean intimidatingly over Lance.  “He could have died!  He could have died, and there would have been nothing I could do about it.”  Keith looked down and saw that Lance was looking up at him in fear.  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Your eyes…they turned yellow for a second.”

“What?”

“When you got mad, they flashed yellow.  Has that happened before?”

“No.”  Keith took a step back.

“Could it be more Galra traits showing up?”

“Probably, but I’d have to ask Coran to be sure.  We should tell him and the others what happened to you anyways.”  Keith started moving towards the castleship-wide comms before Lance cried out

“Wait!” Lance quickly stood up, “Maybe this is something that the healing pods can fix.  I don’t want to make everyone worry for nothing.”

“What if it’s not?  They should know what’s going on.”

“Please, if it’s just a simple fix, I don’t want to bother them.”

“Fine.  But I’m still going to tell Coran.  If this happened to you because of the pain medicine, he should know so it doesn’t happen again.”

“Okay.  That’s fine.”

Keith went to the comms to get Coran, but then he remembered, “Shoot, that’s right.  Coran was going to upgrade the individual comm channels tonight.  We’ll have to go and get him.”

“We?  I’m not going out there.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want anyone to see me like this!” Lance gestured to himself.  

It’s bad enough you’re seeing me like this.

“Seriously, Lance?”

“Look, can’t we just see if the healing pod works?  If it does, you don’t even have to tell Coran.”

“Uggh.  Fine.”  Keith started reaching for Lance, who backed away from his hand.

“Whoa!  Don’t be all grabby-grabby!”

“How else are you going to get to the healing pod?”

“I can walk.”

“That’s going to take you all night.  I don’t want to wait that long.”

“And I don’t want to be suddenly grabbed by a hand the size of me.”

“Oh.” Keith paused.  “I guess I didn’t think about what that looked like from your perspective.”

“Oh yeah, cause the squeezing, shouting, and towering over me made it seem like you really had my best interests in mind.”

“Sorry.” Keith winced as his previous actions were brought up.

“(sigh) It’s fine.  And you’re right.  It would take a while to get over there, so you can carry me over.  Just…be gentle, ok?”  Lance didn’t want Keith to feel too bad about what had happened, so he figured that this would help smooth things over.

“Ok.”  Keith hesitatingly brought his hands closer to Lance and hovered them around him, unsure of how to go about grabbing him.

“Cálmate.  Just go slow.  All the arm flapping is not helping.”

“Sorry, this is weird for me.”

“Well, it’s weird for me too.  Just don’t grab me too quickly.”

Keith slowly moved his hand closer to grab Lance.

It’s ok.  He’s not going to hurt you.  

Lance couldn’t help but tense up when he felt Keith’s fingers wrap around him.  His stomach reeled once more as he was lifted up and Keith started walking towards the healing pods.  

Okay, this is weird.  

He looked down and saw just how far away the ground was.  

Oh God, don’t drop me, don’t drop me!

Keith took his time walking over to the healing pods in an effort to make the trip less shaky for Lance.  It did help some, but it was still a slightly bumpy ride.  The most shaking happened when Keith kneeled down in front of the healing pod.  

Lance felt a bit of puke in his throat from the sensation as Keith once more said “Sorry!” as he placed him in the healing pod.  The door whooshed closed and he felt the familiar tingling as he fell asleep.

Keith hadn’t even started to stand up before the healing pod dinged.  The door whooshed open and Lance fell forward into Keith’s hands, still 3 inches tall.

“Did it work?” Lance asked as he blinked open his eyes.

“No.” Keith cupped his hands and stood up, trying to keep his hands steady as he walked back over to the med bay area.

“Did it say what was wrong?”

“I don’t know.  It’s all in Altean.”

“Of course it is.”  Lance’s face fell.  “Could the pod be damaged?”

“How would I know?  Coran’s the only one that knows how these work.  We’re going to have to get him.”

“I already told you, I’m not leaving the room like this.”

“Well, I don’t want to leave you by yourself like this.”

“Well I’m staying here, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“You know I could just take you with me anyways, right?  You’re sitting in the palm of my hand.”

“(Dramatic gasp) You wouldn’t!  That’s kidnapping, Keith.  Help, help I’m being kidnapped by an emo!”

“I’m not an emo.”

“That’s exactly what an emo would say!”

“If you’re that worried about someone seeing you, I can put you in my jacket pocket.”

Lance was thinking about the offer when a healing pod dinged behind them.  They turned and saw that Shiro’s pod was starting to defrost.  Keith quickly put his hands down on the nearest bed and tilted Lance off of them before running over to the completely defrosted healing pod.

A little warning would’ve been nice.   

Lance stood up on the bed.  He was more worried about Shiro than falling on his face, though.  

Shiro was supposed to be in there until lunch.  Why is he coming out now?

Shiro’s pod whooshed open and Keith caught him, staggering slightly.  It looked like the time in the pod had helped Shiro gain back some weight.  His ribs were no longer sticking out and the color had returned to his face.  He wasn’t quite back to the level of muscle he had prior to his abduction, but he looked much better than when they had found him.

“Shiro!  Are you ok?” Keith asked as he looked over Shiro for any remaining injuries.  It seemed that all of the cuts and bruises had faded away, with the exception of his signature scar across his nose.

“Ugh.  I think so.  I feel a bit tired but good.”  Keith helped Shiro stand up and started walking him towards the med bay when he asked, “Where’s everyone else?”

“They’re sleeping.  You weren’t supposed to come out of the pod for a couple more varga.”

“Wonder why I came out early.”  Shiro paused for a moment as a look of bewilderment came across his face, “Maybe I should go back in.”

“Why?”

“I’m pretty sure I’m hallucinating.  I see Lance over there, but he’s really tiny.”

“You’re…not hallucinating,” Keith responded as he brought Shiro to sit on the side of the bed Lance was on.  The mattress sank slightly from the added weight causing Lance to shake a bit, but he was able to keep his balance.

“What happened?” Shiro asked as he looked down at Lance.

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Keith responded.

“Did you try the healing pod?”

“Yep.  I wasn’t even in there for 5 seconds before it said I was done.”

“Does Coran know what’s wrong?”

“We were just about to go and get him when you came out,” Keith answered.

“You mean you were going to go and get him.  I’m not leaving here until I’m back to normal.”

“Why don’t you just call him on the comms?”

“He’s upgrading the personal comms right now and Lance doesn’t want anyone else to know about…this,” Keith gestured to Lance, “so we can’t call him on the castleship wide comms either, meaning someone has to go and get him.  It feels like he’s always upgrading something when we could really use it.”

“Sounds pretty normal for Voltron,” Shiro smiled slightly, “minus you being…smaller.” He looked down apologetically at Lance.

“Yeah.  Hopefully, Coran knows how to fix this.” Lance said.

“He should.  Do you want to stay here with Shiro while I go get him?”

“Yeah.  Someone has to make sure Shiro doesn’t get into any trouble.” Lance responded.

“I think you’re the one more likely to find trouble, Lance,” Shiro replied.

“I’ll be back soon.” With that, Keith went to track down Coran.

“Are you ok?” Lance asked after a pause.

“I think I should be asking you that.”

“Answer the question.”

“I…don't know.  I feel fine, but I can’t quite remember what happened to me while I was…away.  Just pain, darkness, bright lights, and something with purple water.  They kept saying something about a project, but I can’t remember the name of it.  I think it started with a K or a C.”

“Pidge can probably find something about it in the data she got.”

“Maybe.” Shiro contemplated.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Lance said as he took a few steps towards Shiro before losing his balance where the mattress was sunken in.  He rolled down the incline with a yelp and wound up on his side against Shiro’s thigh.  

That’s one solid wall of muscle.  

He let out a small groan.

“Lance!” Shiro started leaning to the side to better see him when Lance cried out

“Stop!”

Shiro froze and then felt the tiniest of sensations against his thigh.  It took most of his concentration to keep still as Lance squirmed out from between his thigh and the mattress.

Lance tried to climb back up the incline of the mattress, but it was too steep and he kept falling back.  He decided to instead climb Shiro’s thigh.

“Are you ok?” Shiro asked as Lance sat down on top of his thigh.

“Heh.  I always knew I’d get squeezed by someone’s thighs, I just thought it would be between them, not under them.”

“Lance.” Shiro accompanied this with his signature space-dad glare.

“Sorry.  I’m ok.  It’s just, when you started leaning over, your thigh started pushing me into the mattress.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize…”

“Like I said, I’m ok.  Well, besides being the size of the space mice.  I was feeling a lot worse when I first got out of the healing pod, but the pain’s gone now thanks to the medicine Allura found.”

“Could you shrinking be a reaction to that?”

“Maybe.  I hope it is, cause then it should just wear off when the medicine does, right?”

“I don’t know.  This is alien medicine.  We don’t know what all of the side effects for humans are.”

“Coran wouldn’t have let me have it if it would hurt me.  Besides, it could be some error with the healing pods too.  You popped out almost half a day before you were supposed to, and you had the upgraded pod.”

“Coran upgraded the pods?”

“He was only able to upgrade one of them before we rescued you.  That’s the one you were in.  Coran’s been upgrading a lot of the castle ships’ systems, with some help from Slav.”

“Slav’s here?” Lance could feel Shiro’s muscles tense underneath him.

“Oh, no.  He’s still at the Blade of Marmora HQ.  He just sends over blueprints and occasionally video chats, but we’re able to mute it.  He’s a genius, but he can be a bit annoying.” Shiro’s muscles relaxed once more.

“Heh.  Try infuriating.” Shiro chuckled, causing Lance to shake slightly.

“I got space-dad to laugh!”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been called that.  How long was I gone for?”

“About 3 phoebs.”

“…3 phoebs…It felt like less time than that.”

“It took us a while to find you cause Lotor and his crew led us down a few false trails.  Keith wanted to jump right into every battle without any sort of plan.”

“That sounds like him.  How did he do as leader?”

“Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s a pretty good leader.  It took a little time and some trial and error.  We were all pretty affected by your abduction, but I think he took it the worst.  He pushed us all away a bit, but he’s opened up more since.”

“That’s good.”

The door to the room whooshed open and Coran and Keith came racing in.  Coran grabbed some sort of scanner from a drawer before going over to where Lance and Shiro were.

“Keith filled me in on the way here, though I must admit hearing that Lance was shrunk seemed like a stretch to me, but here you are.  Now tell me, are either of you in any pain?”

“No” Shiro and Lance chorused.

“Good.” Coran used the scanner on them.  “Hmmm.  This isn’t saying anything’s wrong.  Let’s try getting printouts from the healing pods.”  He went over and typed in something in Altean on the upgraded pod.  “Oh.  I see what happened with Shiro.  I forgot to upgrade the timer for the pod you were in.  It was still going with the time it would have taken in one of the non-upgraded pods.  That explains why you popped out early.”

“What about mine?” Lance asked.

“Let’s see.”  He punched in the same thing on Lance’s pod.  “It says that nothing’s wrong.”

“Well, obviously something’s wrong.  I’m 3 inches tall!”

“Would the upgraded one be able to tell us more?” Keith asked.

“Possibly.  Let’s try it.”

Keith once more slowly grabbed Lance and walked over to the upgraded healing pod.

Is it weird that I’m starting to get used to this?  

Lance was placed in the pod.  The pod closed and he fell asleep.  Not even a second later, the pod opened.  Lance was still 3 inches tall.

“What does it say, Coran?” Lance asked while Keith picked him up once more in his cupped hands.

“It says the same thing.  Physically speaking, there’s nothing wrong with you.  You’re fit as a fiddler.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense.  I’m 3 inches tall!  That’s something physically wrong with me!”

“The pod is more designed to heal injuries, and you’re not technically injured, so it doesn’t believe there’s anything wrong with you.”

“It doesn’t even say anything about how this happened to me?”

“No.”

“Could it have been a reaction to the pain medicine you gave him?” Shiro asked.

“It couldn’t be.  I’ve given that same medicine to Lance and the others before and nothing like this has happened.  The scanner would have warned me about any adverse reactions.”

“Ok, so it wasn’t the medicine and it wasn’t the pods malfunctioning, so what was it?” Keith wondered aloud.

“Wait.  The spell that Lotor used.  He said something about ‘bringing down to size.’  You don’t think…” Lance recalled with dread.

“That would make sense,” Keith added on.  “He did mention that the universe was going to get bigger.”

“But why didn’t it work instantly?  Why did it only activate now?” Lance panicked.  Why me?

“He probably wanted to give us a false sense of security,” Shiro responded.

“The healing pod could have also held off the spell for a bit,” Coran mentioned.

“Well, how do we fix this?”

“That I do not know,” Coran responded.

“Is there a chance it’s temporary?” Lance asked.

“I’ve seen what the druids can do.  Their magic is anything but temporary.” Shiro answered.

“But Lotor is only half druid, right?  So maybe his magic works differently?” Lance hoped.

“Maybe.  Have any other spells he’s done been temporary?” Shiro wondered.

“We haven’t seen him do any other ones, so we don’t know for sure,” Keith responded.

“There may be some information in the library on half-druids.  I can see what I can find.” Coran mentioned.

“We should let the others know about this,” Shiro said.

“No!”

“Lance, this is a serious situation.  They need to know.”

“But there’s still a chance this could be temporary.  I don’t want to tell them and then have it just wear off an hour later.”

“Lance.”

“Shiro,” Keith interjected, feeling Lance flinch in his hands from Shiro’s stern tone.  “We should wait until morning.  That would give Coran some time to look into this. If anything else happens before or if it hasn’t worn off by then, we can let the others know.  Does that sound good?”

Coran and Shiro voiced their agreement.  Lance was quiet for a moment.

“Lance?” Keith asked as he brought Lance up to face level.

“If I’m still like this tomorrow, I want to be the one to tell the others,” Lance responded quietly.

“Ok, we can do that.”

“I’ll go see what information I can dig up in the library.” Coran started heading towards the door.

“Let us know as soon as you find something,” Shiro called out.

“Will do!”

Shiro let out a roar of a yawn once the door closed.

“Space-dad roars to scare off predators from his young.” Lance laughed slightly.

“Oh come on.  I’m not that much older than you guys.” Shiro said with a smile on his face.

“You’re old enough to rent a car.” Keith pointed out.

“I’m too young to have kids.” Shiro dramatically flopped back on his bed.  “Why isn’t Coran space-dad?”

“Coran’s more like the crazy space-uncle.  Someone has to be the responsible one, and since you’re the oldest, that means it’s you.” Lance answered.

“(yawn) Just my luck.”

“You should get some sleep,” Keith recommended.  “Who knows how long we have till Voltron’s needed again?”

“What are we going to do if I’m still small then?” Lance asked from his spot in Keith’s hands.

“We’ll figure something out,” Keith responded.

“But…”

“Lance, you said it yourself.  This could be temporary.” Shiro cut him off.  “We just have to wait and see what the morning brings.”

“Ok,” Lance said defeatedly.

Keith walked back over to Lance’s bed and tilted his hands so he could climb off.  Lance didn’t realize how cold it was in the room until Keith moved his hands away.  

Guess we turn down the heat at night to save energy.  Smart.  

He wrapped his arms around himself and walked over to the edge of the sheet closest to him.  He grabbed it and started pulling it towards the pillow.  It took most of his strength to move it a few inches.

“Do you need help?” Keith reached towards the sheet.

“No,” Lance grunted out.  “I’ve got it.”  The sheet moved another inch before he had to take a moment to catch his breath.  

Come on, Lance.  What kind…of paladin can’t even…pull up a quiznaking sheet?  

He continued pulling on the sheet, but it hardly moved at all.

“Are you sure?” Keith’s hand still hovered nearby.

Lance dropped the sheet and looked up at Keith.  “If you tuck me in, do I get a bedtime story?”

“No.”

“Then no deal.”  Lance grabbed the blanket and started pulling once more, but it refused to budge.

“Ok, fine.  I’ll tell you a bedtime story.”  Keith relented.

“Good.”  Lance walked over and climbed up onto the pillow.  Have the pillows always been this cushiony?  He tried not to think about how easily Keith was able to move the sheet.  “What’s the story?”  He asked as he got comfortable.

“Once upon a time, there was a boy who wouldn’t go to sleep.  Then he did.  The end.”

“Oh come on, Keith.  That’s not a story.”  Lance said.

“Yes, it is.  I said ‘Once upon a time’ and ‘The End’ so it’s a story.”

“I’m with Lance on this one,”  Shiro answered.  “It takes more than a beginning and an end to make a story.”

“Yeah!  Tell us a real one.”

“Fine.  Once upon a time, there was a…space…outlaw who…fell in love with…the space king’s…daughter.  And…they both agreed…they were meant to be together.  The princess decided to…run away with him, and…they planned to meet at…their favorite…meadow before they escaped.  But it was a trap.  The princess had lied, and the outlaw was…surrounded by…the king’s army of…warlocks.  Filled with anger from her betrayal, the magic that was meant to capture the outlaw instead…transformed him into a monster…and he escaped.  The end.”

“That can’t be the end!  There has to be more!” Lance couldn’t hide his interest in the story if he tried.

“You try coming up with a story on the spot!” Keith huffed as he sat down on one of the stools nearby.

“You two are still at each other’s throats even after all this time.” Shiro chuckled slightly.

“We’ve gotten better.” Lance incredulously said.

“It’s still nice to know some things haven’t changed.”  Shiro let out another yawn as he got under the covers.  He fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.

That’s good.  He deserves a good night sleep at least.

Lance turned on his side so he was facing away from Keith.  He could feel him staring at him.  He pulled the sheet up to his chin and closed his eyes and tried to ignore it.  Two minutes later, he could still feel Keith staring and was no closer to falling asleep.

Ok, this is just getting annoying.

“You know if you take a picture it will last longer.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, just stop staring.  It’s kind of hard to fall asleep with a hundred-foot giant breathing down your neck.”

“Oh.” Keith tried to look away from Lance.

Another minute passed in silence.

“…You’re still staring.”

“It’s just…with you being so small, something bad could happen.”

“Well, you don’t need to worry.  The only thing that is going to happen to me tonight is me getting back to normal height when the spell wears off.” Lance retorted, even though doubt was starting to form in his mind.

“Well, I’m here if you need anything before that.”

“The only thing I need from you is for you to stop staring at me and let me sleep.”

‘You know he’s only offering to help you because he feels sorry for you.’

Shut up.

‘He’s clearly more worried about Shiro then you, otherwise, he would have seen what happened.’

I said shut up!

Lance was glad that Keith couldn’t see his face as he tried to banish the negative thoughts.  He was also glad that he no longer felt Keith staring at him and he was finally able to drift off into sleep.

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(Credit for Keith’s story goes to Natasha Allegri for Bee and Puppycat.  Check out the show if you want.  It’s really good!)

[floosies]

Trouble Chpt. 3

(A/N: Sorry for the delay you guys. I’ve been going through alot lately, but I am back with the third installment of this crazy AU)

Series Masterlist

A deal had been made, that so long as Bucky didn’t try any funny moves on Elizabeth no harm would be done. Now he knew Frank’s only weakness but no using it would be allowed,

Frank went from furious to paranoid that now no matter what his little sister would have eyes on her. Bucky would either decide to protect this girl or on the contrary view her as a threat.

Little Betty though, she still viewed her brother with adoration. Despite knowing his gruesome other side. He had risked everything for her, in order to take care of her. That was a debt far too great to be forgotten.

It had been months since that night when a deal struck. Now the apartment had been upgraded. Frank refused it all at first but Elizabeth wasn’t having it. She knew if they lived a bit more structured, they’d be better off for the long run.

So despite it all, they moved into a wannabe pent house a couple blocks into the better part of town. It was closer to her school and made it easier for Frank to go to work - no not the heavy stuff- the legal kind of work he was doing, where he was making suitable money, but never enough.

There was a break during Elizabeth’s schedule at the university, which to her was heaven on earth. She’d found herself in a terrible situation of having taken too many classes trying to gain as many credits as possible. Therefore leaving her stranded with nothing else but to suck it up and move on.

Bucky found out quickly about this “heaven on earth” break too. It was an hour slot between 4 and 5 in the afternoon. Then she would head home by 8 and take two subways to get to street near the complex where she lived. Or at least that’s what his spy Scott told him.

The man was still obsessed but knew better than to go up to her and make a scene. It didn’t however stop his blood from boiling at the thought that despite his “fame” or “legend”, he couldn’t have her. For the first time in a long time, he felt both normal and at an unease with the matter of fact that this was happening to him.

Going back to her hour break, something unusual occurred more recently during those breaks. Frank found himself telling her one night as she got ready for bed that he would be meeting up with her for lunch. In all honesty, it wasn’t really for lunch, it was two things.

1. Frank’s paranoia was always heightened when it came to his sister’s saftey and he knew that for Bucky this whole deal was a ploy.

2. The siblings rarely saw each other anymore. After the whole deal was made, subconsciously Elizabeth chose more school as a form to keep herself away from any unwanted attention from the people who hired her brother and Frank needed to get away from what he’d agreed to.

They still needed each other though and for that reason he’d made it his mission to bring them back into a united duo. So, Elizabeth agreed to the promise he made and agreed to meet at the nearest coffee place in front of the main entrance of the school.

It was a brisk afternoon of her winter quarter, she was concerned as to why Frank wasn’t at the coffee shop. Meanwhile Frank was having a brief “discussion” with Scott.

Scott wasn’t all that surprised that Frank caught on, he was more surprised at how violent he was, “Look the boss just sent me to see how her daily schedule is. I’m not here to hurt her,” he said as Frank grabbed him by the collar of his jacket.

“Really? And why the hell is that for?” His patience non-existent as this point, but then again it was always hard to believe that Frank could ever be reasonable.

Scott trying not to further piss off the temperamental giant tried to reason, “I really don’t know why.  Frank c’mon you work for him too, you know he just tells us what to do and doesn’t like questions. Listen, I’ll stop okay but if he asks I’m gonna have to tell him why.” 

Frank saw Scott’s phone light up from the lowered car window a notification popped up and so did the time. He was late to lunch with his sister, “Fine. And if he does ask, just say my name. That’ll be enough for him.” With that he took off to the coffee shop,

Elizabeth began to worry a bit. Frank liked to be on time, it was the military man in him who’d never left. She knew he was always a bit on edge if someone was ever late. So when he finally showed up almost ten minutes late, she wondered why he was late.

When he showed up apologizing twenty minutes later saying traffic was messy, she figured he was probably right.

After that lunch, things got good again between the two. As for Bucky, well he was beyond aggravated with Frank. However, he knew better than to mess with him after they’d come to their agreement. At the end of the day he was still a man of his word and his actions. 

There was a loophole though with the agreed terms. Sure, James technically couldn’t bother or be near Elizabeth physically but that didn’t mean he couldn’t send gifts or make sure certain bills were already handled. So he did just that for a couple of months.

Eventually it came to a halt when the Castle sister came home one night to a Tiffany’s blue necklace box with a pearl necklace inside. There was also a note which read, “Pearls are just rare as that attitude of yours with me. J. x”

Yes of course she had no clue where James hid at, but she made it a mission after that night to figure out what the hell was his aim with all this. So after weeks of snooping around Frank’s back she had his office address in her possession.

Steve wasn’t as surprised to see a fuming Elizabeth enter the old warehouse on the edge of Brooklyn as much as Bucky was, “where the hell is James Barnes? So help me God, I will seriously maim that man! Steve I’m serious!”

However, the brotherly duo couldn’t have a spectacle in front of everyone so they took her into a separate room.

James looked shell shocked to see her, even with all her rage, he still found her appealing, “you wanna explain why you’re causing a scene?” 

She rolled her eyes sighing, “are you out of your mind? Sending expensive jewelry and paying off every house bill? And don’t say it wasn’t you, because no one else could pay all those bills at one time. What the hell is your aim here?” 

Steve looked at his friend confused. Sure he was Bucky’s right hand man but this time it seemed that there was even some things he wasn’t willing to tell Steve mainly because he’d react like an over cautious father figure which was fine for business purposes but there were different matters. 

Rolling his eyes, Bucky points the door out to Steve. Before he exits the room, he gives a look of concern to Elizabeth who looks back at him with confusion. A door slams shut and now the prey is with her killer to be.

“So now that we’re alone, I’ll be honest with you. You fascinate me. Truly doll, you got nerves, the way you speak to me. I mean the only woman who talked to me liked that was my mother and it’s been a very long time since she’s spoken to me.” He ranted on to the brunette who was now sat on one of the many plush couches in his office.

She looked at him still lost as to what he was getting at, “can you just cut to the chase?”

Sighing and not sure what she’d say he looks her dead in the eyes and speaks, “I want you for myself doll.”

-Part 4 (if you want) will come to you eventually

[wykart]

Does it Matter (It’s Klaus)

Part 2 of Fifty-one years (and one day) later (read on ao3)

Summary: The truth comes out, and Klaus must come to grips with the fact that his entire life of happiness with Dave was taken away by his own brother.

Chapter 9: Like you loved me (chpt. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8)

5 hours,

Now this was high. Everything he’d experienced before, the pills and the drink and the smokes, all knitted into a veil that he pulled over his eyes to obscure the world – this world. His world.

He was floating feet off the ground, arms outstretched, feeling the power of the spirits that walked beside him flow through every tendon. The screams of the living and the dead alike rang in the sky like music. Ben was beside him, finally letting his power take him over – without risk of death this time – and he was free. The monster had a mind of its own, coiling around debris, people, anything it could find. It fed off chaos, just like Klaus did, otherworldly screams muffled from the other side of the portal, beasts struggling through. Every casualty joined his ranks, rising in their fear, confusion, and anguish. Everyone of them only added to the noise, and every one of them took a little piece of him away.

…

4 hours,

It was far easier to find Klaus this time. They’d eaten some breakfast back at the academy, blissfully unaware of just how far the situation would escalate. Mom had been delighted at the chance to make them blueberry pancakes, and bacon and eggs, all arranged into an inappropriate number of smiley faces for the sombre occasion. The next few hours were relatively uneventful as well. They went back to Vanya’s apartment, just in case he’d returned there in the morning, but no luck. They checked his on-again off-off-again rehab centre, and the local police station (during which the wanted Diego stayed in the car), but still no luck. Luther suggested checking the veteran bar again, even though they’d checked there the previous night – much to the distaste of the owner. The suggestion coincided with a report crackling over Diego’s police attuned radio – some sort of freak accident/potential homicide in that very bar.

As they drove towards the establishment, however, it became clear that the attack had spread beyond the bar.

“Is that –“ Allison muttered.

“Klaus.” Luther finished. He was there, hovering in mid air, arms outstretched and leading a parade of shambling corpses. He radiated blue light, coursing from him in pulses that pushed through the air. There it was again, that feeling from back at the apartment, only so much stronger this time. Sound pressed against their eardrums, forcing the blood to their head and their hands to shake. The three of them staggered out of the car, Luther with his arm around Allison, helping her stand. The buildings alongside the macabre procession were ruined; windows smashed in, brick blown apart, cars crushed and abandoned at the roadside. The living ran and dodged between the rows of dead, or clawed across the rubble-strewn ground, moments away from joining them. Klaus seemed oblivious – in fact, Diego noticed he was wearing headphones and doing a sort of awkward mid–air dance.

“Five was right,” Diego shouted over the noise, “this is fucking apocalyptic!”

“What do we do?” Asked Allison, staggering up beside him.

“We have to try and talk to him, he’ll listen to us, we’re family.” Luther didn’t seem so sure of himself, so much for inspiring leadership.

“Is that…” Allison pointed, seeming to have lost the ability to speak. Sure enough, all three of them turned to see a giant glowing tentacle smash into the side of a building, tearing down half the second floor and pulling it to the ground.

“Ben,” Diego and Luther muttered, watching as their brother, a ghostly spectre, came into view from the other side of the street. His mouth was contorted in pain as the monstrous entities extended from his torso, flailing in the air.

Clearly, someone had tried to stop the procession, as Diego spotted many uniformed officers crushed and splayed on the ground, or else marching along with the others. Diego wondered how many of them he knew.

“Come on!” He yelled, “we have to do something.” The other two nodded, and together, they faced the oncoming hoard with heads held high, approaching their brother as if they’d caught him raiding the liquor cabinet at home rather than raising an army of the dead.

“Hey, Klaus!” Diego yelled, trying to keep his voice level. Klaus whirled around, taking one of the buds out of his ears. He waved excitedly. Diego waved back, nervous, looking sideways at Allison and Luther for support.

Klaus lowered himself so he was floating just a few inches off the ground. The dead continued to wreak havoc, but stopped their advancement up the street. “Oh, hiya Diego,” Klaus grinned, “did you know I can float now?” He did a little twirl in mid-air for emphasis.

“Uhhh, yeah that’s great buddy, why don’t you come on down and we can talk.” He was putting on his police officer voice, diplomatic, stoic, and just a little intimidating.

“Do you want a peanut?” Klaus asked, waving a packet in the air, “they’re salted.”

“I’m alright, thanks,” he tried not to look at the spectres either side of his brother, and the way they were staring at him like they were ready to tear him limb from limb. He took a few cautious steps closer, with the other two following close behind.

“It’s not just floating that’s new I see,” he said, indicating the destruction surrounding them.

“Oh, you noticed,” he sniggered.

“What are you planning on doing with your… friends.”

“Well, funny you should ask, I was just on my way back to the academy to see you guys!” He giggled, waving at Allison, who gave a nervous half-smile back.

“Well, why don’t you stop all this and just come back with us, I think we’ve all got a lot to talk about, and to… apologise for.”

“That’s okay Diego, I didn’t want to talk to you anyway,” his expression darkened suddenly, and he’s eyes gleamed blue, “I just wanna talk to Five.”

“Talk… okay, well, Five thinks you might be out to kill him.”

“Oh, well, I’m out to kill everyone, so tell him he’s nothing special,” he smirked.

“Klaus, you can’t just go around killing people!” Luther yelled. Diego glared at him as if to say I got this, asshole.

“Why not, they like it better,” he whined, “and you will too, I mean look at Ben, he’s having a blast!” He turned and gave Ben a double thumbs up, though he didn’t seem to notice, eyes still glazed over, tentacles tearing through the rubble.

Luther, Diego, and Allison shared a worried look, the two of them nodded at Allison, who raised her voice at Klaus. “I heard a r–“

“Ugh, Allison,” he groaned, as her eyes rolled up into whites and her knees buckled underneath her, “please, for once, just shut up.” Allison cowered on the ground, hands clasping at her ears and shuddering.

Luther bent down by her side. “Allison,” he whispered, urgently, “Allison are you alright.” She didn’t seem to be able to hear him, she looked as if she was about to faint.

Diego took another step towards Klaus, covertly unsheathing one of his knives. He didn’t know what exactly he was hoping to do with it – maybe a good cut would snap Klaus out of this madness. It whistled towards his abdomen, but stopped in mid-air just before it reached his exposed midriff.

“Diego,” Klaus tutted, “bad idea.” The knife spun around in the air and came hurtling back towards him, but he ducked out of the way. Luther stood up, holding the unconscious Allison in his arms, face twisted in anger.

“Get her back to the car!” Diego yelled, at which Luther didn’t have time to argue. He hoisted her up and ran for it. Diego turned back to Klaus, taking a few more cautious steps towards him. “Klaus! Just stop this, I don’t want to fight you, just come back the academy with us, please.”

“She’s angry with you, you know,” he teased, folding his arms.

“What?” He snapped.

“She’s all like arrghh!” He laughed, putting on an animated angry expression. “Why didn’t you pick up the phone, Diego!” A wave of grief came over him, he felt his muscles go slack, his feet rooted to the ground. How did he know? He hadn’t – no, it was impossible. “Seriously bro, the one time she actually wanted to talk to you and you weren’t there.”

“You’d b–better stop talking right now,” he muttered, cold.

“Did you know it’s really Five’s fault she’s dead?” He said, still not listening to him. “Those freaks were only in town because they wanted Five, I mean, they used to be work buddies, and they killed her!”

“Shut up!”

“Just a little something we have in common,” he grinned.

Diego felt tears stinging his eyes, he blinked them away, even as he heard her voice in his head. Why weren’t you there? He saw her face in the dark behind his eyes, rotting flesh, pale eyes, anger. Eudora.

He staggered backwards, and he could hear Klaus laughing. Around him, the dead got to work again, marching onwards, converging on him. Diego scrambled to his feet and ran, the voices still taunting him as if they were his very thoughts. Luther was running up to meet him from the car.

“Go!” He yelled, “go back now, we need to get back to the academy!”

“We can’t just leave him like this,” Luther argued, “he’s tearing the city apart!”

“Yes, we can. Five was right,” he said, regretting every word. He grabbed Luther by the shoulder and attempting to steer him away. “We need to stop him, however we can.”

As they turned to run, Klaus caught sight of the look in their eyes. There was no pity anymore, not a trace of it. Now their eyes were full of fear. It felt so much better.

…

2 hours,

“I can walk, Luther, okay,” Allison’s voice sounded from outside. Vanya stopped playing and rested her violin down on the seat, rushing out to see if they were okay. Coming out to the entrance hall, she saw Luther with an arm draped around Allison, who was trying to shrug him off, though she did seem a little shaky. Diego was uncharacteristically silent, standing rooted to the spot with a dark expression.

“Guys,” she said, feeling useless, “you’re back.” She looked around hopefully but, of course, Klaus wasn’t with them. “No luck with Klaus then,” she added.

Diego sprang into action, putting on his usual scowl. “Where’s Five,” he muttered, barging past her.

“I – I think he’s still upstairs with Pogo,” she said, knowing he wasn’t really listening. Luther and Allison followed Diego up the stairs, passing Vanya as if she were invisible. It was okay, she was used to it. She followed them up as well, wondering if they’d try and stop her from joining them. She felt like a kid again, left out, practically under house arrest. All these years… and nothing had changed.  

…

“Shit,” Diego gasped as he pushed open the office door. It creaked as it swung aside to reveal a dismal scene. They didn’t know what they’d expected, leaving Five alone in their dad’s office all day. Maybe something a little better than this. Papers were strewn all over the floor and pinned up haphazardly on the walls, along with a tapestry of equations and notes scrawled in chalk. Five himself was laying face down on their father’s desk, arm dangling over the edge towards his weird half-mannequin propped up against the wood. A litter of empty bottles lay on the floor, as did their father’s journal. If only Reginald could see his precious office now.

“Is he drunk?” Allison asked, stepping gingerly over the piles of papers on the ground.

“I’d say that’s a pretty safe bet,” Diego muttered, striding over to the desk. He prodded Five hard in the back, and he reacted strikingly fast. He gripped Diego’s arm with surprising strength, even as his eyelids fluttered open and he forced out a yawn.

“Five, what do you think you’re doing?” Luther grunted, doing his best to imitate their father’s sharp, cold tone.

“I’m working,” Five murmured, voice groggy as he struggled to a sitting position.

“Oh really? Because you,” Diego snatched his arm out of Five’s back and nudged him, making Five winced, “you look like shit.”

“I can’t believe this,” Allison sighed, sifting through a pile of notes. They were scrawled over in black ink in such detail that the original contents of the papers were illegible. “please tell me you have something.” She was getting desperate, they all were.

“So, I see you’re all alive,” Five drawled, now sitting, legs swinging over the side of the desk. His hair stuck up at odd angles and there were dark circles under his eyes. Somehow, he looked even worse than when they’d left him on the hospital bed this morning. “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect that.”

“Okay,” Diego sighed, barging past them and slumping back in the over-sized office chair. “I admit it, you were right.”

“Just be thankful you aren’t dead,” Five muttered, snatching the notes that Allison was holding and pressing the paper up to his eyes intently. “Actually,” he said, not taking his eyes off the page, “right about which part?”

“Well, Klaus can’t be reasoned with, and he seemed pretty intent on killing everyone too,” Luther grumbled. He looked like he was going to be sick, and it was true – none of them could really believe it.

“And how much have things progressed,” Five asked, though he didn’t really seem to be listening.

“Well let’s see,” Allison said, mockingly, “he’s floating down the street with an army of the dead and he’s tearing the city apart, I’d say they’ve progressed pretty far.” It was rare for Allison to lose her tempter. Her legs still quivered underneath her, and she was shaken by the whole ordeal.

“Shit,” Vanya muttered, “he really is going to cause the apocalypse.” A horrible part of her felt relieved that it wasn’t her, that they’d been wrong about her.

“No, it still doesn’t make sense,” Five muttered, flicking through the nonsensical pages in front of him.

“Okay,” Diego snapped as he snatched the pages from his hands and forced Five to look him in the eyes. Five scowled. “You’re the one who’s not making sense, can you help him or not?”

“As I’m sure you’ve discovered for yourself, this isn’t about helping him,” he sighed, defeated, “not anymore.”

“So what are you saying,” asked Luther, “it’s too late?”

Five looked lost, sitting there dishevelled on the desk, looking between each of them. He shook his head, training his eyes on his shoes as they swung absent-mindedly beneath him. “I don’t know,” he said in a small voice, lip quivering just minutely enough that the others didn’t notice. “I think so.”

“But there has to be some other–“

“I’ve looked, okay,” he snapped, “I’ve tried, but there’s nothing. I don’t think dad ever realised how powerful Klaus was, I don’t think he ever really cared. Klaus was a lost cause to him, there’s preliminary research up until Klaus was about twelve, but then it just stops, no more progress.” He pressed his palms to his eyes, wiping away the sweat pooling on his forehead. “If I just had more time, maybe I could crack it. I mean, alternate dimensions, this is my bread and fucking butter, but this is, I mean, we’re talking about the dead!” He slumped over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. “We’re all fucked,” he finished, barely over a whisper.

Luther, Diego, and Allison exchanged a worried glance. “So what you’re saying is you have nothing,” Allison sighed.

“So we have to stop him, right? Whatever means necessary,” Luther asked, dejected.

“Which would be all well and good if we had the means. Pogo was saying something about Klaus ‘going over the edge’ he’s like a medium between life and death, and if we could just bring him back over, just for a moment, then he might be… well, we could kill him.”

“But we won’t, right?” Allison asked. To no response she cried, more urgently, “right?”

“This is the fate of the world, Allison,” Luther grumbled.

“Don’t give me that crap!”

“Well it doesn’t matter either way,” Five snarked, “because I have no idea how to do that.” The room was left in pensive silence, of which Vanya took advantage.

“Guys, I, err, I really have to get going,” she broached.

“What for?” Five asked, still staring up at the ceiling, still not listening.

“My concert's in a couple of hours, I’m already late, actually, but I wanted to stay as long as I could and make sure everyone got back safe.”

“Klaus is tearing the city apart you can’t just go play in a concert,” said Diego, rolling his eyes. He didn’t think she was capable of understanding the danger, typical Vanya, she never understood anything.

“He’s right, Vanya, you’re staying here,” Five agreed. She supposed he was right, but couldn’t help but feel as if her siblings were stealing this moment away from her. She’d thought that maybe this would finally be her chance to be in the limelight, then Klaus had decided to end the world. No, that wasn’t fair… she knew how it felt, for that power to take you over, even if she’d only experienced it for a brief moment.

“What are we going to do?” Allison asked, more to herself than any of the others. “There has to be some sort of limit to what he can do, right? Do you really think he could keep this up across the whole world?”

“He keeps bringing forth spirits, which strengthens his connection to them, which brings forth more spirits” Five mused “– bit of a destructive spiral really, something I’m sure Klaus knows a thing or two about.”

“Does he even know what he’s doing?” Luther asked sombre.

“He sure seemed to,” Diego shrugged, “he was still himself, it was freaky.”

“What did he say to you?” Asked Five, “any sort of plan?”

“Well yeah,” Diego said, “he said he wanted to kill everyone, and he’s coming here to the academy, that’s the gist of it anyway.”

“Okay, so it’s decided, you all go someplace safe. He’s coming here, but I’m the one he wants. Once he has me maybe he’ll –“

“Woah, woah,” Allison exclaimed, “that’s so not happening.”

“I mean I don’t see why not,” Diego shrugged, “Five is the one that started this mess.”

“He’s our brother, we’re not just going to let Klaus kill him!” Luther snapped.

Suddenly the room was alive with the sound of their voices, bickering and pointing fingers with animated expressions. Vanya was still standing in the doorway. They kept on arguing. They all kept talking and didn’t even notice her, they never really did.

“Can you please just let me talk to him,” she said, hoping that one of them would care, or at least hear her. She was used to being shoved to the side, and now, when she was supposedly the most powerful of them all, it was still happening. She wasn’t their pitifully ordinary, meek little sister anymore, it was worse, because they were scared, treating her like a fragile little thing – especially Five.

She sighed, drawing back into herself, stepping away from the crowd and towards the door. She wondered if any of them would actually notice if she left. There was faint knock that sounded from downstairs – the front door. The others didn’t noticed. She listened closer, and there is was again, a knock that stood out against the timbre of their arguing voices. “I’ll just get that,” she mumbled, too quiet for them to hear. She stepped out of the office.

Walking down the stairwell, a muffled voice sounded from the other side of the doors to the academy. “Hey, guys?” It was Klaus. He sounded like himself, voice small and lost, calling out to them. According to the others, he was tearing buildings apart, so clearly a door couldn’t stop him.

“Klaus?” She called, cautious, as she walked down the stairs. This was the perfect opportunity to talk to him, actually talk. She knew she could get through to him, so much of what they’d suffered through was the same. Upstairs, the others were plotting ways to kill him, but what if it had been her? If she was the one causing all this instead, like Five had said, would they have found it so easy to kill her too?

…

1 hour

“Knock knock,” Klaus cooed, from the other side of the door. He still sounded so… normal. Nevertheless, she was wary as she approached the him.

“Hey there, Klaus,” she said, opening the door for him. It was an unnecessary courtesy, if Five was to be believed, but she did it all the same. It seemed ludicrous, her casual tone – trying to act so calm as her heart beat double in her chest. It felt so strange, was she actually scared of him? She pulled the door open to find him standing there – rooted to the spot, not hovering like a maniac as the others had recounted. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, seeming sheepish and restless. He earphones spilled out of his shirt collar, a tattered military vest pulled over the top. So it was true, he really had traveled back in time. She gave him a welcoming smile.

“Hey sis,” he smirked. This time when he spoke, his voice was layered, ringing true with a thousand others. They made her ears sting. He dashed past her, letting the door shut behind him. Wandering out into the centre of the entrance hall, he stuck his hands in the pockets of his vest, rocking backwards on his heels. She noticed a faint blue glow emanating from them.

…

“I have to try, okay! I can’t just stand by and let this – wait,” Five’s eyes darted around the room, “where’s Vanya?” As soon as the words left his mouth, the door of the office swung shut, and the locks clicked. “Shit,” he hissed, “Luther, do you think you could… Luther?” Large hands clamped down on Five’s shoulders and, before he could jump away, he felt that wave of nausea overcome him again, voices muttering like static in the back of his mind, chest tight, that feeling like he was falling.

“Luther, what the fuck!” Diego spat, shoving into Luther as he tried to hold the struggling Five in place. He might as well have shoved against a tree, and when Luther threw a punch back, Diego slammed against the wall with a deafening crack.

Five threw himself against the door, much to the protest of his recovering body. Luther grabbed him again and held him in place. Five knew if he turned he’d see blue eyes staring back. “Get him off me!” He cried, but as he craned his neck around he saw Allison standing there, bodies stiff and muscles shaking, eyes filled with that blue light. Klaus was holding them all at once, stopping them from intervening – but with what?

Five kicked against Luther’s grip, trying to bite at his arms through the thick material of his trench coat. “Vanya!” He screamed, over and over, but she couldn’t hear. “Vanya, come back, please come back!”

…

“What’re you up to?” She asked, still going for the casual approach. She felt pathetic, in a way the almost made her laugh at the absurdity of it all.

“Oh, nothing much,” he grinned, “I just came to pay the old family a visit.” Vanya forced a smile back, giggling nervously. Klaus’ expression darkened, and she felt his eyes on her, staring right through. “Where’s Five?” He asked, feigning innocence. His playful tone sent a cold shiver through her. It was they same tone he used when he’d use when they were kids, cracking jokes to take the edge off their cold, secluded childhood. “I need to talk to him.”

Vanya backed away. “H-he’s not here right now.”

“Aww, come on Van, I know you’re lying,” he teased, pouting comically, “if you’d just tell me you could save yourself a whole lotta trouble,” he smirked, almost sweetly.

“Listen, I–I know what you did to him, you hurt him Klaus-“

He cut her off. She could barely stand she was shaking so much. Was it really all nerves – or was it him? “Well, do you know what he did?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the eerie texture, the stolen voices, the whispers that followed every world. It was his own voice, Klaus, breaking through the din, cracked with emotion. Of course she knew, and she didn’t know what to say. He noticed her pointed silence, and broke a smile. “Oh Vanya, I know this is hard for you. You and Five were always so close, you’ve spent over sixteen years missing him and now he’s finally back – but you’re blind,” he drawled, mouth drawn tight into a hard line. “You can’t see what he’s become, none of you can. He might look like the same little innocent, insufferable kid, but he’s not. Our brother died when he ran away that day, he’s a cold-blooded killer, and he doesn’t care about us – care about you – at all.”

“Is that what you tell yourself, that he’s not our brother.” She spoke up, mustering all her courage. “Is that how you’re bringing yourself to hurt him?” He was silent for a moment, and the way he was looking down at his bare feet on the marble floors, he almost looked remorseful. “Look, I understand how you’re feeling right now,” she ventured, “I know it’s gonna sound crazy, but I have power too, so much, in fact, that Dad gave me those pills to get rid of them. It’s scary when you…” she cast her mind back to that night in the parking lot, the way it had surged out of her, the fear in the men’s eyes as they’d been thrown back to their deaths. “when you feel that power inside you, when you can’t hold it back.” He looked at her, looked like he might actually be listening. “I’m just trying to say that… you don’t have to do this. We can help each other.”

He gave her a sad half-smile. “You can’t help me.”

“No, Klaus,” she said, moving towards him, eyes full of sympathy. Klaus say differently. He saw pity. He didn’t want their fucking pity. “I understand.” But she didn’t.

There was a dangerous glint in his eyes, a hint of the blue fire that her brother had warned her about. He took a step towards her, focusing on her. Voices were whispering, coming from inside her head. She blinked, reaching her hands up to her ears in confusion. Klaus smiled. “But you can still feel it, can’t you? Someone waiting inside, waiting to come out. All she needs is a little music.”

“Klaus,” she spluttered, as the whispers turned to screams. He clasped her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “Please don’t, please don’t” she murmured, but he just kept on smiling.

“You’re just like me Vanya,” he put a hand on her shoulder, and the noise was magnified tenfold. “You use those pills to keep it all pushed down, because it scares you, what you can do, but you don’t have to be scared anymore.” She felt something stirring, as her ears throbbed and thrummed. There were faces behind her eyes, but she could barely make out the words they were screaming, there were too many. “Dad tried to keep us shut away, tried to use us, but we’re capable of so much more.”

“Please stop…”

“And Ben,”

“Please, please…”

“He was too, and it killed him, it tore him apart. We were meant for more than this, Vanya,” he pressed his forehead to her own, and the sound felt like a knife cutting through her head. It was drowning her, but she didn’t feel that spark, that rising power. Her medication was keeping it down, despite the overwhelming noise, it wasn’t enough. Klaus shuddered, tears spilling over. “It’s not working,” he mumbled, bringing his hand off her shoulder, fingers quivering. “All that power, it’s trapped.” It was as if he grieved for it. Vanya collapsed to the floor, head in her hands, his hold over her finally relinquished. “You don’t understand,” he hissed, “I need it, I need it!” He cried, reaching up his trembling fingers to the sides of his skull, clawing at his hair, pressing his eyes shut. He looked like he used to on those nights when the ghosts were at their worst – curled up against the wall, muttering to himself, lost to reality. “Come on Vanya,” he sobbed, “help me, help me…”

“No, Klaus,” she wiped away blood from her nose, scrambling to her feet. “You need help! You’re right, Ben had power, just like us, and it killed him. It’s killing you now, it’s destroying everything, can’t you see that!”

“I thought you would understand, Vanya, this power… I can’t stop it, I can’t.” He panted, stumbling forwards. “No, no I need to do it, they need me to do it.”

“What if he could see you now – Ben,” she cried. They’d always been so close, Ben by his side, comforting him. “What do you think he’d say, seeing you like this?”

It was back, that faint bluish glow, his eyes glazed with death. “Funny you should ask about him, little sister,” he grinned. She stepped back as he rose from the ground. He hovered a few inches above it, curls twisting in still air.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, such a trivial thing, but it came out almost automatically. “We’re the same age.”

“Oh Vanya,” he pouted, shaking his head “you’re all little to me.” His eyes flared bright blue, and Vanya watched as a figure solidified beside him – from a blueish glow to flesh and dark fabric. He was there, as if he’d never left, as if he’d grown up with them all this time. Ben.

He ran towards her, grabbing her by the shoulders, urgency sown into his face, the face she’d been missing for thirteen years, her closest friend. “Vanya!” He cried, “Run, you have to run, okay?”

She barely registered what he was saying, just stared with wide eyes. “B–Ben.” She stuttered, voice quivering.

He shook her, “Please! Just go, he’s going to make me –“ He stopped short, spine wrenched straight, neck pulled up. He let go of Vanya and she stumbled backwards to the foot of the stairs. Light pulsed in his eyes, taking over.

All the while, he struggled, screaming. “Klaus! Klaus you can’t, please don’t make me, don’t make me…” his voice trailed off and his face went slack. The blue fire that was left behind couldn’t see, it didn’t care.

“I’m sorry,” Klaus shuddered, he was puzzling something over, battling with himself behind those dead eyes. “I need you to help me, but it’s gonna be okay,” he nodded, trying to convince himself, “it’s all gonna be okay.” He clasped his eyes shut and tensed his arms, the faint blue glow that swam around his hands strengthened to spotlights, and Ben arched back, opening his jacket, opening the portal.

Vanya realised too late what he was doing, mostly because it was so difficult to believe. The tentacles surged out, a roar sounding from somewhere beyond this world, deafening. He turned clumsily and clambered up the stairs, but in moments one of them swept her legs out from under her, and she fell hard against the floor. Her head throbbed and her vision blurred and one of them wrapped around her stomach, hoisting her up. Another slung itself around her neck, squeezing. She was only suspended there for a moment, just long enough to see him standing there, Klaus. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“K–Klaus,” she choked, as the tentacle tightened around her windpipe, winding back, tensing. It twisted suddenly, pulling her head around in a swift motion. Her neck snapped. She only felt it for a second, the bone popping out against the skin of her neck, and the stain of mottled blue on her retinas as she looked down into those terrible eyes.

…

Ben watched from behind dead eyes, and when Klaus relinquished his control, he ran to her side. “Vanya, oh god, oh god,” he sobbed, kneeling down beside her. “Vanya I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” he scooped her up in his arms. She was so small, already growing so cold.

“Don’t be sad, Ben,” Klaus said from behind him, putting on a cheerful tone. “She’s just like you now, she can help us.” Klaus reached out to touch his brother’s shoulder, but Ben shrugged away, body wracked with sobs. He couldn’t get the words out, he could only hold her. He was scared, of Klaus, of himself, of what he would make him do to the others. Klaus stepped back, hurt. “Let’s go,” he muttered, and, with a jerk of his hand, Ben stood up, fading back into that blue light, falling in line.

Another figure stepped out of the air, eyes resting on her crumpled form at the foot of the stairs only for a moment. Ben stood at Klaus’ side and Vanya at the other, made of that same light. Her eyes were white, radiating power, her face contorted in anger.

[chocobostrinket]

Chirp chpt 4: Departing

Link to AO3

Rating: General

Word count: 3115

Chapter Summary:  Prompto gets to go home and pack his things. It quickly goes downhill when they end up with a van full of people, and a surprisingly emotional farewell to a neighbor.

Notes: Holy crap I've been wanting to get the next chapter of this out FOREVER. If you're still reading this I applaud your patience and love you because HOLY CRAP. Seriously this hasn't been updated forever. I'm sorry for taking so long! And Thank you for reading. 

Also, who thought it'd be a good idea for a bunch of teenager's and barely adults to go on a trip together? LOL

~

The king gave them permission to use one of the cars from the royal fleet to fetch what Prompto would need. He figured it would be just a simple short trip to Prompto’s home and back. Easy right?

It ended up being anything BUT easy.

First, Prompto and Crowe were going to be the only ones going, along with Libertus and Nyx as their guards. But then Noctis actually woke up early to go with them, and refused to take no for answer. Naturally, with the Prince going, Gladio likewise got up, because where he goes his shield follows and all that. And there was no way in hell that Ignis was going to leave the three on their own. Who knows what sort of trouble they could talk the three glaives into?

So, they had to change their plans from taking a car to taking a van. And even then, it was a little cramped with seven passengers. They were actually a little worried that they might not have enough room to do what they were supposed to. But with Ignis’s help they arranged everyone in such a way that they would have enough room in the back, even with the tight space. It was only going to be a short trip after all.

However, Prompto had issues figuring out how to sit with his wings, now that they weren’t pressed against his back as tightly. Noctis kept getting wacked in the face by them when he’d move, completely on accident of course. He’d apologize every time, and eventually Noctis started mocking him in his own voice for it, which lead to him being wacked on purpose instead. And of course, Noctis retaliated by poking his side, which only lead to Prompto pinching him.

“I take it back! I’m not sorry!” Prompto said when Noctis poked his sides again.

It would be eerie to hear his voice coming from Noctis’s mouth if he hadn’t been used to it, “I’m not sorry! I just have feathers for brains and can’t figure out how to control my wings!”

“I do too know how!” Prompto said, mildly offended. His face was pulled into an almost exaggerated frown, which was the least threatening thing anyone in the van had seen. He then managed to push Noctis’s hands off him and pinched his arm.

“And yet, you don’t deny the feathers for- Owch!”

It only escalated from there.

The others were pointedly ignoring the small fight going on way in the back, as they had their own issues. Gladio complained the whole time about how little room there was, which was a fair point. With him, Libertus, and Nyx all crammed into the middle section, along with their wings, there was no room to be had at all. They were shoulder to shoulder. Nyx couldn’t sit still, simply because he wasn’t used to people being in his space. Libertus in turn decided to shift over and squish Nyx against the wall to try and get more room, and to stop his fidgeting, which lead to him shoving back. However, that only ended up with Gladio nearly falling from the edge of their seat. Which led to arguing amongst the three guards.

“Will you quit it! It’s already cramped over here, scoot back over!” Nxy had nearly turned sideways and was pushing against Libertus’s arm.

That only made Libertus laugh, though it was very sarcastic, “You think you have it bad? Try sitting in the middle!”

At this point in time, Gladiolus was once again barely on the seat, “If you guys don’t stop I’m going to squish you both!”

“Try it and we’ll shove you all the way off the seat.” Nyx answered, leaning forward to glower at the young man.

Crowe and Ignis were up front, with Ignis driving. They were the only two who had any form of comfort. Aside from the blooming headaches they had creeping up on them from the antics in the back. Ignis was resting his head against the steering wheel. They hadn’t even started moving yet was the worst part.

“I should have just stay behind, but no. I had to go, didn’t I?” Ignis muttered. No one but Crowe heard, and she offered a pat on his back as consolation for dealing with her friends.

Eventually, they did leave, and more than once did Ignis ‘accidently’ push on the breaks too sharply at stops when they got too rambunctious in the back. Crowe seemed to know when he was about to do it and always braced, laughing when at one point, Nyx’s face was mashed against the back of Ignis’s headrest. He made a note to figure out a way to get back at the young adviser in the future, perhaps when he was training with the glaive. Ignis was fully aware of what he was inviting on himself though and had already weighed the pros and cons of his petty revenge for this ride from hell.

Finally, though in reality it had only been about a thirty-minute drive, they arrived. Ignis was the first out, and had to walk off a little ways so he didn’t snap at the people who were supposed to be as sensible as he was. Crowe got out and chuckled to herself when she realized, upon seeing the boys struggling to open the door, that Ignis might have left the child locks on. Thankfully, Noctis and Prompto had calmed down, and just watched the three older guys struggle. Crowe eventually took pity on them and opened the door from the outside.

“Well, here we are.” She said, looking at the small house whose driveway they were in.

It was smaller than what most people were used to, but hey, she wasn’t one to judge. Her and her friends had certainly made do with worse. Prompto ended up being the last one out, having waited for everyone else. And looking at his house, he felt like he didn’t want to leave. He briefly entertained the idea of going into his house before everyone else and then immediately locking the door, but then Noctis had stepped back over to him. He’d wanted to make sure Ignis was simmering down, but then caught sight of the look on Prompto’s face.

“Are you okay?” He asked quietly, following Prompto to the front door.

He only nodded in response before pulling his key out of his pocket. Before he could unlock it though, Noctis grabbed his wrist to stop him and grinned. Instantly Prompto knew that look and braced for whatever was about to happen.

In Prompto’s voice again, Noctis, while still facing away from everyone, said, “Oh no! I forgot my key in my bag back at the citadel!”

Prompto’s eyes widened, and he turned around, looking like a deer in the headlights. Everyone had fallen silent, and to varying degrees were staring at him in horror. The sight sent him into laughing fits, and Noctis joined in as well. He’d wanted to cheer him up, and he guessed it worked. Seeing the look of dismay on Ignis and Gladio’s face was a bonus. The two kept laughing until they were wheezing, and the others relaxed because Prompto, even though he was still struggling to catch his breath, managed to hold up his house key.

“Noctis Lucis Caelum, what have we said about using your ability like that?” Ignis said, and, if he were younger, probably would have stomped his foot. He was still tempted just to get his point across.

“You shouldn’t abuse your abilities, Noctis. Please be responsible.” Noctis said, this time in Ignis’s voice, and started laughing again, this time escaping into the house with Prompto, who had unlocked the door.

A huff of annoyance left Ignis, recognizing his own words, and he shook his head, “Magpies. The prince just had to be a magpie.”

But even he couldn’t stop the slow smile from trying to creep its way onto his face.

After the trip there, everyone was sort of flitting about in his home, not knowing what to do. Honestly, Prompto had warned them that not only did he not have a lot that he needed, but there wouldn’t be much room for everyone. When he heard the sound of glass on the floor, he flinched but didn’t turn around. He didn’t want to know what they’d broke. Ignis rolled his eyes, and followed Prompto up to his room to help him pack.

“Nice going, you over grown chickatrice,” grumbled Libertus to Nyx, who’s wings had knocked over a decorative bowl.

Nyx shrugged helplessly, “It’s not my fault! Crowe’s hogging the-“

“Finish that sentence Nyx and I’ll wallop you,” Crowe cut in, smiling sweetly as she put a hand on his shoulder.

Nyx knew better to reply, and stayed out of the way after that. Noctis meanwhile was looking at the pictures that were on a corkboard by the entrance. Some were of him and their friends. Others were of scenery. There was the odd cat, dog, and bird too. All of them had little notes attached to the bottom of them, and none of them were Prompto’s writing. It made him smile as he read the notes, realizing that they were from Prompto’s parents.

Unfortunately, he knew Prompto’s situation, and was very familiar with it. Having a parent that cared for you, but you hardly got to spend time with, was tough. But finding little ways to stay in each other’s lives made it hurt a little less. He sort of wished he had something like this with his father.

Suddenly a loud thud from above them made everyone look up, as if they could see Prompto and Ignis through the ceiling. There was silence, which was concerning, but Ignis called down, “Gladio? A little assistance please?”

They all shot each other questioning looks, but didn’t ask. As it turned out, Prompto’s dresser had fallen over onto him. How it happened both him and Ignis didn’t know. Thankfully, he hadn’t been hurt. It hadn’t fallen all the way over, it’s edge catching on part of the bed, and Prompto had been small enough to fit in the small area without being squished. Though he was a little bit more rumpled. But after that, packing was simple. Prompto really didn’t have much, as he’d tried to be as unobtrusive to his parents as possible, even when they were away.

The very little he had didn’t sit right wit some of them, but they remained silent. And soon enough the boxes he packed of things that he’d wanted to bring to the citadel were placed in the back of the car. King Regis had assured him, that if he needed anything else from his home, he could go back. Provided he took an escort. Which, upon his things being packed into the car, he double checked to make sure he had everything he wanted. He knew that if he had to come back, the likelihood of everyone piling into a van again was very high. Something that he wasn’t looking forward too, even though it had been kind of fun.

“I call dibs on the front seat!” Yelled Nyx as they began to leave the house.

“In your dreams, chicky!” Crowe called, actually flapping her wings, using them to glide forward at a fast rate. However, Nyx looked like he’d been expecting it, as before she got too far, he grabbed her around the waist, which caused her to let out an upset chirping noise as she tried to wiggle away. It was entertaining, and seeing how Libertus was edging toward the front seat while they were distracted was hilarious. Prompto smiled as he watched them for a few moments more, seeing how Ignis and Gladio had joined the fray, trying to organize seating arrangements again, but then turned back around to shut the door.

Before he did though, he paused. The house was empty as always, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of his parents being there. Watching him leave their home, a place they had tried to make as warm and safe as possible for him while they were gone. The thought made him sad. He’d left a note on the corkboard, explaining what had happened, and where he was. But it startled him to think that when his parents came home this time, they’d be coming home to an empty house. That hadn’t happened since…

Before him.

He didn’t notice it, but behind him, his wings were slightly folding around him, as if he was trying to give himself a hug. Noctis noticed his mood once more, but didn’t try to intervene this time. He felt like Prompto had a right to be sad right then. It wasn’t every day someone left their home after all.

A voice to the left of him suddenly startled him.

“Prompto? Is that you dear?”

He looked over and saw one of his neighbors, standing by the fence. Out of the corner of his eye he saw everyone freeze, and had to keep himself from laughing. But he did smile at her. She was older than him, and like him had been on her own for a while. She had just turned 18 if he remembered correctly.

“Hey Rhea!” He practically chirped, and after looking back into the house once more, pulled the door shut. He decided that there were new memories to be made, and that the old ones would always be there inside. He then walked over to talk to her, almost cooing when he saw her cat in her arms.

“It’s been a while Prom, how’ve you… Your wings.” She started out happily, and then slowly slid into an almost starstruck look.

“Oh… y-yeah! Surprise?” He said, his face turning red.

She looked them over, a soft smile settling on her face, “They’re gorgeous Prom. Are they better then?”

It was then that Prompto recalled that she had been one of the kids nearby when he’d sprained one of his wings, back before the pattern issues came in. So he gave her a small laugh, and smiled, extending one them out so she could see.

“Yeah! In a way. I can’t fly, yet, but no more wing binder.” He felt horrible letting the lie slip from his tongue, but at least it was better than saying that he’d been lying to her for years.

She nodded her head, glancing down the length of his wing before returning her gaze to his face. “Good for you.”

There was a moment of silence then, as if she wanted to let those words sink in before she spoke again, “So, what’s with all the ruckus? Blue here was meowing up a storm to come out and see.”

She tilted her arms a little, so her cat was looking over at him. Prompto liked cats well enough, and Blue was very sweet… To Rhea. Sometimes he felt like the cat was sizing him up to eat. But he reached over and scratched under his chin anyways, because he was super cute looking. The little rebel nipped at his finger tips before allowing him to continue scratching unhindered.

“O-oh. Well…” He stopped petting her cat and turned around then. Behind him, he could hear Rhea gasp upon seeing his pattern, “My friends were helping me pack… Because I guess I’m moving?”

“Wow, Prom.” She said quietly, “That’s amazing! Some people go their whole live without seeing your pattern!”

He then turned back to face her and tried to fight down the blush on is face, “I- uh… Thank you?”

“Well. If I’d known… I don’t know.” She looked down at her cat, petting his head as if to distract herself. “I would have made you some cookies or something!”

Before he could say it wasn’t necessary, Crowe called out from behind him, “Prompto? Are you ready to go?”

She peeked out from behind the van, clearly having won her fight for the front again. Everyone else was loaded in already. He waved back and then turned to Rhea, “Well, I suppose…”

“I’ll see you around, yeah? Not goodbye.” Rhea said with another soft smile. She was very particular about that, believing that saying goodbye was bad luck. As it implied forever.

“Not goodbye.” He answered back with a smile. “Until next time.”

If they had been closer in age, he was sure that she would have been his friend. As it was, they were painfully alike. They were alone. Rhea because her parents were… Well, to put it lightly, they hadn’t really cared for her, despite adopting her young. The house was promised to her by her grandmother sure, because she had been the only one to care for her, but her parents used her as it’s housekeeper rather than a daughter. They were constantly travelling. But she bore her loneliness well, he thought. A lot better than he had at first.

But of course, his parents had always been kind to him.

Through the years when he’d needed help she’d been there. Teaching him how to get along alone. How to cook. How to fix the broken things. Guiding him through grocery shopping and keeping an eye out for him during the winter. He had always helped her when her illness got the better of her, by taking out the trash and helping her clean when needed. Or cat sitting the devil cat. Occasionally, her hands wouldn’t work, and he’d be her hands when those very rare times happened. Of course, now that he thought about it, he could have almost called her his older sister. If their own hang-ups hadn’t help them back. Two lonely kids on the same block.

In a rather surprising decision, he kind of held out his arms for a hug, slightly expecting her to shoot him down. However, she only smiled and leaned in, holding him tightly for a few seconds before letting him go.

“You be good Prom, okay?”

He laughed instead of replying, using the laugh to hide the knot that formed in his throat. He was feeling oddly sentimental, even if he could visit at any time. He gave her a wave and she watched as he got into the van, and used her cat’s paw to wave to him as they started the van and drove away.

“Who was that?” Noctis asked, his face nearly smooshed against the window. Somehow he’d ended up against the wall this time, with Gladio in the middle, and Nyx at the end. Libertus was in the back with him.

“Just a neighbor.” He answered with a sigh. “She’s not much older than us.”

The ride back this time was silent, allowing him to settle his feelings…

Except for when Nyx said, “She was cute.”

Libertus rolled his eyes and smacked him from the back seat.

[mydearestreaderfanfics]

Viral (Pidge x Reader) 2/4 YouTube AU

Warnings: None, I think

Word Count: 2,251

Prompt/Request: None

Summary: Continuation of Livestream Mishaps. After a messy meeting, Pidge and the reader become friends. After a visit from Lance, the reader realizes that their feelings may be more than platonic. Misunderstandings and hilarity ensue.

Author: Mod Alex

Chpt. 1

As promised you led Pidge to a quaint little coffee shop you frequented. The cafe wasn’t particularly well-known and had bookshelves lining several walls on both of the floors. Since the last time you’d been there, they seem to have added a few more plush antique armchairs and couches, all adorned with eclectic throw pillows. You turned to an awestruck Pidge with a smug grin. “You like?” “How have I never been here?” You laughed softly. “Not many people know about this place since it doesn’t look like much from the street. That’s part of the reason I like it so much.” While you loved your fans, sometimes you just wanted to go somewhere where there wasn’t many people and the people who did go there had no idea who you were. “I get what you mean.” “Besides that, they’ve got great coffee. What were you wanting?” She glanced up at the board displaying the menu. “Vienna roast?” Surprise spread across your features, you hadn’t taken her for a dark roast drinker. That surprise was quickly replaced with a smile, somehow it was endearing. “Great!” “Thanks, I’ll go get us a table.” “Sounds good!” When you got to the register, you order both your drinks along with a slice of tiramisu to share with Pidge. You hoped she liked it. “Your total is $8.82. By the way, you and your girlfriend look absolutely adorable together.” You handed the barista your credit card, blushing brightly. “She isn’t- I mean we aren't-” “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I just figured.” “Don’t worry about it.” You smiled sheepishly, glancing back to see where Pidge had sat. Did you two really make a cute couple? Your fans and now the barista seemed to think so. No. You shouldn’t even be thinking that you had just met her after all. “Name?” For a second you were wondering why the barista wanted to know Pidge’s name, then you realized, with a fair deal of embarrassment, that she was asking for your name for the order. “(Y/N).” “Thanks! We’ll call your name so you can pick up your order.”

You walked back to the table, strategically balancing both coffees and the tiramisu on your arms. Taking her coffee, Pidge offered her thanks. “I wasn’t sure if you'd eaten or not. Either way, they have really good tiramisu; I thought you might want to split it?” She nods. “Sure that sounds good.” You make idle chat over coffee, swapping editing tips and talking about how you started making videos and what you did besides videos. Eventually, the conversation shifted to your personal lives. “Yeah, Lance and I are actually friends, we met back in high school. A lot of people think we’ve dated, but he just came from a really affectionate household, besides he’s like my brother.” You laugh, remembering the weekends spent with Lance’s large family. “That’s the same way it is with Hunk and me. It’s crazy to think our friends have been friends and never bothered to introduce us.” “I know right? Although I won’t lie, it does feel like I’ve known you forever.” “I was thinking the same thing actually.” A baby grandfather clock rang from within the cafe interrupting your conversation. “Is it already that late?! I am so sorry, I have to go.” “Oh, yeah. I’m sorry too, I must’ve lost track of time. Let me walk you to your car?” “Scooter actually, but sure.”

When you got home that night, you crawled into bed, the events of the day going through your mind like a slideshow. Had the most dramatic series of events really taken place within the past 48 hours? It felt hard to believe. You felt restless and giddy. Despite how terrible this morning had been, you were happy to have met Pidge. Curiosity and restlessness spurred you to grab your phone and see what exactly the content of PidgeonPlays was. The large 6:00 flashed in fluorescent blue as your alarm went off. You barely heard it over your uncontained laugh. Oh no. You really hadn’t meant to binge watch. You tried to rationalize it. Her videos were lengthy and you obviously had to finish the series once you started it. You couldn’t just watch as she began playing Papo & Yo and not watch to see the conclusion. She was witty, clever, and had a knack for incorporating dry humor into her videos. You couldn’t wait to see her newest upload. The very one that she had left your coffee date- er coffee hangout for. You sighed, you couldn’t go back to sleep now, you had promised you’d help Lance with a video today. Might as well get ready. You put on a pot of coffee before hopping in the shower with hopes of it waking you up a little. The no sleep was really starting to creep in. By the time you were out of the shower, dressed, and on your second cup of coffee, the doorbell rang. And rang. And rang. Only one ridiculous friend of yours was known to do this. Lance. “It’s open!” Lance strode into your kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “I figured you were sleeping still.” “Hey! That happened one time and it was only because you had me go to a con with you and then an after-party afterward. It’s your fault if you think about it.” You stuck your tongue out childishly making Lance laugh. “Fine, I guess not all of us are blessed with the grace to be an early riser like me.” You nearly spit out your coffee from laughing. “Grace? You? Sure Lancy-pants. Whatever you gotta tell yourself.” He threw a piece of his toast (stolen from your pantry might you add) at you before pulling your laptop up. He clicked open the internet, your laptop directing him to YouTube: your homepage. “Oh-ho-ho. What do we have here?” “What are you going on about?” “Maybe the fans knew more than you wanted to let on.” “Lance, seriously, stop being cryptic, what are you talking about?” He turned the computer so the screen was facing you. Much to your embarrassment, PidgeonPlays filled up more than half of your recommended videos. “It’s not like that, it’s just um. Well, you see, she um, I mean we- She’s just a really good youtuber and since we met I just wanted to see what her channel was about. Hah, yeah.” Lance gave you an ‘I-don't-believe-you’ look. “You wouldn’t have this recommends if you were just checking her channel out.” He did finger quotations for emphasis. You went red with chagrin. “She’s funny, okay? We just met anyway.” He laughed again, though, he thankfully decided to drop the topic in favor of starting to record.

“Okay, so you have to play the catty instructor. She was super mean, so do your best Lotor impression.” “You got it, boss.” You flipped your hair and did your best sneer making Lance burst into a fit of giggles. “Perfect! Just like that.” Two hours later, you had finally filmed all the material needed for Lance’s ‘How I Became an Aerial Silk Performer’ skit video. There was plenty of editing to be done still, and you figured he would likely post the bloopers in a separate video in a few days. “Alright, so now you can get out of my house right?” You both knew you were joking. “I thought you enjoyed having me over, I’m hurt, (Y/N).” “Oh shush, I guess you can stay.” Your phone pinged. It was a text from an unknown number. Hesitantly you opened up the message.

Unknown Number Hey, this is Pidge. I got your number from Lance. I hear you watched my videos. [emoji of Pidge laughing smugly]

You What? Nope, never seen your videos before. Never. Not one

Pidge If you say so. [emoji of Pidge winking]

That’s it, Lance was a deadman. “Lance! You told Pidge I binged her videos?!” The guilty party lifted his hands in surrender. “She thought it was sweet. Here look.” He passed his phone to you. The messages in question were all there, as he had said.

Lance hey! #5

Pidge What do you want Lance?

Lance you know (y/n), right? she likes your videos she says it’s for research but i don’t buy it

Pidge Really?

Lance have i ever lied to you before?

Pidge Yes. I just messaged her. You were telling the truth?

Lance i told you [exaggerated frown emoji]

Pidge That’s kind of sweet. Did they like the videos?

Lance [smug emoji x3]

Pidge Nevermind!

You handed the phone back to Lance, a slight blush dusting over your features. “You suck.” “Aww, you’re blushing.” “Shush or I’ll tell Allura that you’re basically in love with her.” “You wouldn’t dare.” You gave him a pointed look and he frowned. “Fine. Blackmailing is not a good look on you just so you know.” You shrugged. “Just giving you a taste of your own medicine.” “If you two do get together, I will be expecting a thank you.” “I said shush!” Your blush had worsened considerably.

A week had gone by since then and while you still didn’t appreciate Lance interfering like that, you were thankful to have Pidge’s number. You two had been talking every day since then. Mostly about nothing too particularly important.

Pidge Hey!

You Oh hey

Pidge I have some bad news

You Oh no! What happened? Are you okay?

Pidge Just take a look for yourself [link to tumblr page]

Worried, you clicked on the link. At first, you felt relieved, it wasn’t a picture of Pidge’s leg in a cast or any other horrible scenario your brain had conjured up. Instead, it was a picture of you and Pidge at the coffee shop from the other day. You weren’t sure why the image had distressed Pidge until you saw the caption. ‘Looks like PidgeonPlays and OneUpGames are closer than they want us to think ;)’ Oh no, indeed. Why couldn’t you just live in peace? Clicking back to your messages, you typed a hasty response.

You Oh no

Pidge I know! They just don’t quit, do they?

You I’m sorry This is all my fault

Pidge No. You didn't’ set this up. I just don’t know what to do.

You I don’t know

Pidge’s text bubble popped up and went away a handful of times, effectively putting you on the brink of an anxiety attack. Finally, her message popped up.

Pidge What if we did a collab?

You You think that would help? Wouldn’t it just make them assume worse than they are now???

Pidge Well yes. But not if we do this right. It should be a four player game. And the commentary would explain everything better.

You Can’t get worse than it already is, I guess

You and Pidge got Lance and Hunk to join you. While their channel’s had nothing to do with gaming, they did enjoy playing games and were more than willing to help you both out. You sent out a tweet letting people know that you were doing a collab and would be going live on YouNow in a couple of minutes. The four of you were getting hooked up to the streaming platform while waiting for the time you posted to roll around. You really hoped this would work.

“What’s up multiplayers?! (Y/N) here with some special guests.” “Hey! Hey! LanceALot here!” “Hi, guys. I’m here too!” “It’s me again, rovers.” “Now that the guests have introduced themselves, let’s play.” Between scrambling through a digital kitchen, the four of you banted. “Pidge, you’re burning the burger!” “It’s not my fault, we were supposed to trade stations like two minutes ago, Lance.” “Uh, hey guys. The kitchen is on fire…” “Hold on, I have the fire extinguisher. Move, move, move!” You ended the round with two stars. “Before we keep going, let’s check out the audience’s messages.

FirstMultiplayer: asdfghjfddusb this is the collab of my dreams!!! roundtableknight: can you guys turn the music down we can’t hear you talking SinnamonRoll: I didn’t know you played games, Hunk :O Katie Kate: did you guys see the picture on tumblr? shhhh753: Yes. :( My poor OneUpLanceALot shipper heart is broken. PidgeonGamesfangirl: I SAW IT!! i’M THRIVING!!

You turned down the volume of the music as requested and read the messages out loud. “Wow, guys. We aren’t dating, (y/n) just bought me coffee to apologize for the misunderstanding.” “Haha yeah. Because some of you can’t seem to drop it. Pidge is a great person, but we are just friends. I promise. And to answer some of you, no Lance and I am not dating either. I am a single pringle for the time being, okay.” Hunk laughed at your expression. “We have time for one more round before we have to go. Let’s do a super difficult one,” Lance interjected before you could read any more comments. “SOunds good! Let’s do this!” You failed miserably and had a few good laughs before finally ending the stream.

That night after the stream, you looked through the comments. Several fans were disappointed while others held onto the hopes of you secretly dating Pidge. You sighed. Their persistence was not making your growing feelings for Pidge any easier to bury away. She wanted to be friends. That's it. You should want the same, right? But no, your stupid heart had to go and fall for the damn mystery girl.