#but she can't know that her clan was wiped out??

[missgallavjch]

i still haven't read boruto or even watched the movie but one of the things i knew about the new gen was that sarada wanted to be hokage and it has always bugged me bc i've always assumed she knew about what happened to the uchihas etc., but yesterday a friend of mine told me that she doesn't know anything about her clan's history?? about the massacre?? and i get that it's a heavy topic to discuss with a 12 yo (and that it's likely that sakura doesn't know the truth lmao) but still... she has no clue of what happened?? no one (outside of her family) ever mentioned anything to her (it's a genuine question)?? no one ever alluded to it?? does she know at least that Sasuke had a brother??

and another shocking thing this friend told me is that sarada awakened the sharingan when she was really young because of the pain caused by sasuke's absence. and as i was looking up stuff about her i read that she learnt what the sharingan was only when she reawakened it again years later?? no one ever told her that the uchihas had a kekkei genkai??? like... wtf

[attractthecrows]

man i'd really like for revallen to encounter the ghost of his father but with his skillset it's just not likely

[byunpum]

Tsa·z��skrrmipaw

Pair: Neytiri x Y/N human baby x Sully family

Warning: Mention of dead, soft moments, mama neytiri <3

Request: (Anon) I love how you describe neytiri being our mother. Can I asked if you could react or make a small oneshot about how neytiri would adopt us.

AVATAR MASTERLIST | Part 2

Neytiri learned of your existence when your mother gave birth 1 year after neteyam's birth. It was big news in the clan. Mo'at attended the entire birth, as norm could not do anything else. Your mother had complications with the delivery, and she was losing a lot of blood. And the baby could not come out. After a labor of more than 5 hours, the woman died leaving mo'at with no choice but to deliver the baby on her own, asking eywa to keep the newborn alive. Norm was at her side, helping her, ready to provide oxygen to the newborn as soon as it came out of the woman's womb. To his surprise, just as mo'at pulled you out and the woman wiped the baby's nose with her hand and tapped the baby's back to make it respond. All this happened very fast, norm hear how the baby takes a breath and starts to cry. As if she could breathe air easily. Mo'at looks curiously at the man, placing the baby on her chest trying to pacify the baby.

After about 5 minutes and norm monitoring the baby, he notices how the lack of air began in the newborn. Putting on a special oxygen mask that your mother had prepared for you, he watched you breathe. Norm wanted to check something in his head, he thought it couldn't be true, but he wasn't wrong. After 10 minutes of letting you breathe human oxygen, he removed the mask and saw how the newborn kept looking to the sides, very calm. This child had the respiratory system of the na'vi. He almost fainted, how could this be possible.

Norm took it upon himself to investigate, and what a surprise he got. Your mother was a doctor, she had been one of those responsible for the creation of the DNA of the avatars. She had been injecting herself with a modified DNA for months, just so her baby could breathe the air of Pandora. Of course, this was very irresponsible of her, and Norm understood why she was hiding this experiment. He would never have allowed a baby to be experimented on like that. But well…it was too late. This was a surprise to everyone, the first human who could breathe in Pandora. Max and Norm discovered that this was only possible for fetuses, and not all of them. Only those that could survive the treatment, for your release your DNA withstood all the changes. And lucky for you…Mo'at wanted to take care of you, not as your mother but as your guardian. She felt a kind of responsibility, your mother was a very good person to her, and she had trusted her with everything. So she would take care of her daughter. And that's when neytiri met you.

She had given birth to lo'ak 5 months ago, and finding out that there was another newborn baby was very interesting to her. Her mother never told her that the baby was a human, neytiri thought it was another na'vi woman who had given birth and could not survive. And about the human who gave birth, well…she lamented the event but didn't think much of it. She could hear Jake lamenting, and everyone else but it wasn't her problem. She was on her way to her mother's hut, Mo'at had called her to ask her for a favor and to meet the new baby. Neytiri entered very excited, seeing how her mother was sitting there cradling something on her chest.

"Mother…did you call me?" speaks Neytiri. Mo'at settles herself more so that she is now seated in front of her daughter. "Yes, I want to ask you a favor" neytiti nods her head, now sitting up. As she settled lo'ak more on her chest.

"I think you already know about the human-woman who gave birth and died, right?" moat asks.

"Yes…it's very sad news" says neytiri, she doesn't want to imagine that scene. Now she was a mother and she can't imagine how hard it must be for a baby to be alone without its mother.

" Now that you know…I need you to take care of this baby" mo'at pulls out a human baby from her chest, of course she wouldn't have seen it, it was very small compared to her baby. Holding the newborn baby with only one hand, so that her daughter could see it. Before neytiri could speak, mo'at begins;

"She…her mother did not stand the birth, she is a very special baby neytiri…she can breathe our air, she can have a good life. Since you and your partner have adopted kiri, and jake is part of the humans. I think it would be the right thing to do, to help this baby grow up. Besides, you are the only woman who has just given birth, this baby needs to be fed with mother's milk," speaks Mo'at.

Leaving neytiri speechless, she more than anyone else knew that she did not like humans that much. And now she was asking him to take care of one of them. She adopted kiri, because the baby was a na'vi. And she accepted jake, because he had his na'vi body. But now that she would take care of a human child? His mother was going crazy. "Mom…I can't do that, get someone else to do it?" speaks neytiri in protest. Mo'at shakes her head, her mother looked calm. Placing the baby now, in a kind of nest she had prepared. This one was in front of her, in front of her feet.

"Daughter I wouldn't be asking you this if it wasn't necessary, this baby can't be raised by humans. She needs to breathe oxygen from these masks from time to time" mo'at held for a moment the mask norm had left for the baby. "But it's not just that…this baby's feeding is also from a na'vi. Norm already tried to feed her food that is used for human babies and she threw it up. She won't accept it, I thought you might be able to help. It's just feeding and basic care. You don't have to take care of her or adopt her." Mo'at speaks.

Neytiri was still looking at the baby with curiosity, she could have a lot of anger with humans. But she was not a monster, she was not a savage. What she was seeing there was a helpless creature, which she could tell was a little weak. Neytiri touches one of the baby's feet a little, seeing if it had any movement. "I'm afraid it will die if it doesn't feed well in the next few hours" says mo'at. Neytiri sighs, and thinks for a moment. Feeding a baby is not a bad thing, indeed it is very common in the clan. Helping and feeding the children in the clan was something that the women of the omaticaya clan helped each other with. So she would do it as a way to support her mother.

"It's okay," neytiri says, moving lo'ak a little to the side of her chest. Taking the human baby in her hands, carrying it carefully on her breast. It was very delicate and small. It weighed almost nothing, she was afraid that if it moved too much it would hurt the newborn. Neytiri moves the ornaments covering her breasts a little, bringing the creature close. Carefully positioning and guiding the baby. Noticing how the baby opens its mouth desperately trying to seek a maternal touch. After a few seconds, Neytiri watched as the baby began to suck with ease.

Neytiri settles in more, and places the baby on her forearm. She watched as the baby sucked the milk with great enthusiasm. She felt sorry, and an anguish filled her heart. She was such a small and helpless baby. Neytiri noticed how now lo'ak had gotten up, but did not begin to fuss or anything. He just started to move his little hands, until he found the human baby's foot that was right next to him. He touched it carefully and curiously, closing his hand. "Hey careful…be gentle" says neytiri in a low voice, trying not to wake the baby and not to upset her son.

After feeding the baby, neytiri continued to hold the baby to her breast. The baby had fallen asleep, and she looked more peaceful. She had finally eaten since she was born.

"Daughter…if you don't want to do it I understand…but I trust you and " mo'at is interrupted by neytiri. "Mother…it's okay, I will take care of her. After all she is a baby and she needs our help" says neytiri, stroking the baby's tiny head.

"Ok…Neteyam come here!!!" shouts jake, watching as his one year old son ran as fast as he could around the edge of the family hut. Kiri was next to him, playing with some toys. Jake watched as his partner entered the hut. Neytiri had her eyes on her chest, cooing at something. Jake thought it was lo'ak, but noticed how Neytiri had another net over her chest, and was holding something else. Jake gets up from the ground, and walks over to her.

"And what do you bring there?" asks jake. Watching as neytiri giggles softly, moving the net a bit revealing the face of a human baby. "That's it… it's newborn" jake quickly approaches taking the baby in his hands. It was instinctive, they already had their own children and seeing another baby was very common for them, they acted on their instincts. Cradling the baby in their arms. "This is that woman's baby, huh?" asks jake. Hearing how neytiri answers him with a "hmm". There was a small silence, until neytiri explained everything to jake. The man was a little surprised by his mate's attitude, she didn't usually act like that. Neytiri wouldn't even go near spider, and now she was taking care of a baby girl. A human baby.

"She needs to be fed and cared for…mom told me she needs this to breathe sometimes" says neytiri, holding up an oxygen box which had a small oxygen mask. "Well…there's nothing we can do" says jake, laughing a little. Neytiri moves closer to jake and gets closer to smell a little bit of the baby's hair. "She's very precious and special" says neytiri.

"yes….is very special" says jake. Until jake feels someone touch his feet. It was kiri and neteyam who wanted to be carried, they wanted to see how much their parents were doing. Jake kneels down, showing the baby to his sons. "She's a baby…just like your brother" jake speaks softly. A little neteyam reaches over and gently touches the baby's nose, to start laughing. He thought the baby was funny, and kiri does the same. The children were amazed at the baby their father was holding in his arms.

Neytiri didn't know what she was getting into, but she knew she was going to do her assignment very well. She herself began to doubt, the more Y/N grew up, because it was more than obvious that this baby was going to stay with them, after taking care of you for 6 months Neytiri told her mother that she would adopt you as her daughter. This news filled mo'at with joy. She knew she had chosen well, and that her daughter would do a great job. But now neytiri was doubting herself.

The mothers could be a little rude if they wanted to, it had been five years since Y/N had come into their family. And the Sully's had raised the girl as one of their children. There was no preference, no special care. You were a na'vi in the eyes of her family, but to some members of the clan you were still a strange human who shouldn't be in the village. It was more than evident that you were a human, but what human wore no mask at all?. Except you, and this bothered neytiri a lot. She was always hearing how some mothers commented on your appearance and made ignorant comments. Making fun of her for thinking she was the mother of this strange creature. This did not stop Neytiri, even though it hurt her, she went ahead with your raising. But it was normal for her to doubt her parenting and whether it was right for her to take care of you.

Neytiri had gone for a walk with all her children, sitting in a nice meadow. Watching her children run and play. Neteyam, kiri were running around. While lo'ak was lying with his head lying in her lap, while taking a nap. And Y/N she was beside her playing with a wooden ikran, making it fly. As she stood calmly by her side. Neytiri She hadn't been so calm in a while, taking out her bow that hung from her back. She used to carry it, in case there was something dangerous. She began to fix some details, like the loose string. Taking her knife to sharpen one of her arrows.

Neytiri was so focused, she didn't notice that Y/N had gotten up from the floor. You were small, so you didn't make much noise. You look for some branches, a rock, and some ropes from the trees that were on the ground. Running now to sit next to your mother. Neytiri notices how you sit down again, and is surprised to see how you have all these things between your legs. Trying to put them together, and imitating Neytiri. Copying how she was sharpening her arrows. "Honey…look it's like this" says neytiri, following your game. Giving you a stone that was next to you, for you to play with.

You were next to her, copying what she was doing. What was she worrying about, she felt a little silly. Here was the child she doubted she was raising right, imitating her. She chuckled to herself, stroking her daughter's face a little, pulling up the oxygen mask around her neck over her daughter's nose so she could breathe a little. Watching as the little girl continued her work of creating a bow. She knew that life at your side was going to be difficult, but it was going to be worth it. She knew that.

[khattikeri]

one of my favorite things about mdzs is that for how heavily its plot involves politics of classism and misogyny... even the characters most directly impacted by it can't and don't free themselves from it. literally the closest exception is mianmian.

meng yao being the "son of a whore" wasn't some sort of commie awakening for him that led him to wanting everyone to be socially equal. he played the political game, climbed the ladders, sucked up to and backstabbed and murdered people, including other prostitutes who actually had nothing to do with how he and his mother were treated at the brothel he grew up in.

he put in so much extra excessive effort for even a fraction of the same respect that members of gentry cultivation clans got. and he did deserve to be treated more humanely! but he feeds into the exact same system that created him, leading to his own undoing.

his efforts were for a fragile upward mobility that was never going to hold up. he never surpassed his origins nor did he empower others in similar stations, because the society he lives in is not one that would accept that.

the second he got caught and all those crimes exposed, he was scapegoated to hell and back, replacing wei wuxian as society's terrible one-sidedly evil boogeyman overnight.

speaking of not-quite male gentry, i think it's interesting that wei wuxian explicitly doesn't try to climb the ladders in BOTH lives, knowing full well that anything he does will be punished just for the sheer fact that he is wei wuxian.

wei wuxian is scolded for giving intelligent and correct answers in school. lan wangji does the same and is praised.

wei wuxian occasionally lounges around with fellow disciples and is punished. jiang cheng does the same and mostly escapes.

wei wuxian refuses to carry his sword around in public (after losing his golden core, which nobody knows) and is scorned as an arrogant upstart. nie huaisang has been doing the EXACT SAME THING for YEARS and nobody bats an eye.

unlike jin guangyao, wei wuxian knew subconsciously from the start that his acceptance was superficial and that he could be cast out any time. when he was 10 and recently taken in by the jiangs, he canonically would not eat or use "too much" food and water because he thought they'd find him a nuisance for "wasting their things" and kick him back out.

now away from just the classism, yu ziyuan is a proud and strong noblewoman in a society that belittles and derides women for everything they do. her strong cultivation doesn't matter. she's victim to the vicious rumors of her husband loving another woman who is strong like her but apparently had a more likeable personality.

it doesn't matter even if jiang fengmian didn't cheat or that wei wuxian is wei changze's son with cangse sanren; yu ziyuan can't bear with the humiliation of herself (and by extension her children) not being "good enough". she's ridiculed for "failing" in that one duty as a wife, mother, and woman.

she lashes out and takes out that anger on everyone present for years, giving her children lasting trauma and also being a key element in how the jiang family and yunmeng jiang sect are effectively wiped out at the hands of the wen clan.

madam jin doesn't even have a name outside of the fact that she's married to jin guangshan. i don't even remember reading anything that indicates if she's a strong or weak cultivator, or what, which in itself proves that to most people, it doesn't matter. she's "just" a woman.

of course she's angry at her husband's affairs and all the bastard children they bring in. but she also can't do anything about them, so she lashes out at the few people she can: servants. non-cultivators, probably. those very same bastard children.

shoutout to meng yao getting shoved down a flight of stairs at age fourteen, because if madam jin tried that move against her husband instead, it would make her lose even more face, which as a noblewoman she'd never do.

and that's not getting into how jiang yanli is consistently sidelined for being physically weak.

that's not getting into how mianmian was actually a good cultivator, but was mocked by everyone around her for trying to stand up for wei wuxian when everyone was turning on him. how everyone scoffed at luo qingyang's words as "just some lovesick woman" who "obviously wants to marry or bed him since he saved her".

luo qingyang is the only one of these characters who HASN'T died. she didn't play society's games like jin guangyao. she didn't dig her heels in confidence of her own abilities like wei wuxian.

she didn't bitterly lash out like yu ziyuan and madam jin. she didn't gently accept it like jiang yanli.

she just LEFT.

she married an ordinary merchant and cultivates separately from mainstream cultivation society, and therein found her own peace and happiness.

mxtx doesn't bother with particularly class conscious or feminist vocabulary to hand-hold readers into understanding these disparities, but that choice highlights them & the deeply entrenched politics of their society even more. i really love it.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hello Clan, I was wondering if you could do the glams (including Bonnie and Foxy) and the daycare attendents learning that a worker reader has hearing aids that are usually hidden by their hair or a hat and that the hearing aid has a sticker themed around them, for example: a lightning bolt for Freddy, a checkered flag for Roxy, a cupcake for Chica, a music note or maybe golf clubs for Monty, a bowling pin for Bonnie, a skull for Foxy, a star for Moon, and a cloud for Sun.

I understand if you can't do all of them

No worries! But I couldn't figure out anything for Foxy, sorry-

I did my best research on writing for characters w/ hearing aids, so if there's anything I missed/got wrong I apologize!

......

Glamrock Freddy

He's seen you around the pizzaplex over the past month, although at times he gets confused when you don't respond to his greetings unless he's standing right in front of you.

But he assumes you're just busy and doesn't mind it much.

When you're assigned as his handler to help him keep up with all the events lined up this week (photo-ops, meet and greets, performances, birthdays, etc.), he finally gets to know you on a more personal level.

One evening, you're removing confetti strips and candy wrappers from his stomach hatch (in summary, the pinata's string got caught in the mechanisms during transport and ripped apart when the hatch opened), briefly removing your hat to wipe the sweat from your forehead.

Freddy takes notice of the little devices in/around your ears, and suddenly it all clicks.

"[Y/n], if I may ask...are those your hearing aids?" The curious bear points to his own ears.

"Yep, glad you finally noticed." You chuckled, but he didn't catch your sarcasm.

"My apologies for sounding intrusive. I've just never seen them before."

"Oh you're okay, Freddy. I don't like to make a big deal out of them...unless some guest calls me "deaf" as an insult." You muttered, about to put your hat back on when you notice him still staring at you. "What's up?"

"Are those...blue lightning bolt stickers?" He gasps. "They look just like mine."

"...that's because they are." You smile, turning your head to show him the designs.

His heart is thoroughly touched.

"Aww..you themed them after me? Your favorite bear?" He coos, to which you huff and hide them with your hat.

"Yeah, yeah..I'll admit you're my favorite. Now don't go bragging about it to everyone else."

Roxanne Wolf

Working at the raceway was sometimes sensory hell for you, with your hearing aids constantly absorbing the sounds of noisy karts or screaming kids.

The worst was the construction work.

So you switch them off sometimes when you're busy with a task, as hearing gets tiring--especially in these parts of the pizzaplex.

One day, however, Roxy walked over to ask if you could supervise Cassie's birthday party...only to see you blatantly ignoring her.

She would've been annoyed, had her eyes not seen the aids hidden by your hat/hair.

Oddly enough she never noticed them before...

She just taps your shoulder politely, getting your attention as you turn them back on. "Oh hey, Roxy. What's up?"

She repeats her question, but you still struggle to hear her, so you both go somewhere outside the raceway to talk.

Once you understand what she's asking, you head to the atrium to assist with any final preparations, but along the way she inquires about the aids.

"Oh! There's something I've been meaning to show you." You reveal the checkered flag stickers, surprising the wolf. And you smile at her growing grin. "Yeah, I knew you'd love 'em."

"They're really cool. So I guess you can just..tune out all the ruckus of the raceway whenever you want?"

"It does get overwhelming at times, so yeah..I had them off. Sorry if it seemed like I was ignoring you-"

"Nah, I understand now. But listen, if anyone gives you trouble over them, you let me know. Alright?"

"..I will. Thank you, Roxy."

"Of course. It's the least I can do for my favorite human worker." She chuckles.

Glamrock Chica

The incident where Chica's upgraded voicebox horribly malfunctioned would have surely overloaded your already sensitive hearing.

You were supervising her performance, but at the first sign something was wrong you took your aids out and dodged the chaos that followed, leaving to file an incident report.

As a lead tech, however, you're summoned to run diagnostics on her voicebox in parts and services (as apparently nobody else wanted to do it).

You kept your aids off in case things go awry again, but when Chica wakes up, she's 100% convinced that she broke them and you're angry at her.

She was informed that you use them, though she's never actually seen them.

Plus you were closest to her when it happened. If her voice could damage that many STAFF bots...then surely your aids weren't spared, either.

"Well, Chica..the good news is that we don't have to replace any of your speaking components." You explain, not realizing her sadness at first. "But I recommend you don't sing for a while and stick to the guitar. Just to play it safe."

"Oh, okay....I-I'm sorry....I really am..." She sulks in the chair.

"It's not your fault. I kept telling them not to rush the upgrade, but no one ever listens to-"

"BWAK?!!" Then she jumps, surprised. "You can hear me! I-I didn't break them..?"

"Huh? Oh..no, no, no. They're fine, Chica." You reassure her softly. "They're totally fine. See?"

Taking one aid out, you show her the cupcake sticker you put on it in hopes of cheering her up, watching the relieved smile return to her beak.

Montgomery Gator

If any place in the pizzaplex is loud (besides Roxy's Raceway), it's Gator Golf.

Should the ambience or the bass of Monty's instrument be too noisy for your hearing aids to handle, you can easily take them out or switch them off.

You can always hear his voice given how he talks in general, but if he's speaking directly to you, you'll have to put them back on.

The first time this happens, however, he sees them for a split second before they're hidden by your hat/hair and immediately assumes they're earbuds for music.

In his eyes, you suddenly decided to ignore him and he's not happy.

"So that's how it is, huh?" He snarls, already being in a bad mood as is. "I ain't fun to talk to anymore? You'd rather listen to your stupid human music than mine!?"

"Monty, what on earth are you talking about?" You blink in bewilderment. His hostility usually didn't come out of nowhere like this. "I don't have any music in-"

"Then what didja just stick in your ears?!" He points, glaring at you over his glasses.

"..my hearing aids?"

There's a long, awkward pause.

"...y'know, the things that let me hear you?"

"Ohhh..that's what they are? How long have ya had those for?"

"Most of my life." You smile apologetically, seeing him fumble and backtrack whatever he said before. "It's okay, Monty. I should've told you about them before....you wanna see something cool?"

Showing him your aids, he sees the golf club stickers on them and grins, no longer as grumpy as before. "Awh yeah!! Wait....did ya put those there 'cuz you like golf..or me?"

"I chose this design because of you, big guy." You chuckle.

Glamrock Bonnie

You were Bonnie's main handler, so you two have spent nearly every moment of your shift together.

He's been aware of your hearing aids since day one, complimenting the cute little bowling pin stickers you plastered on them and chastising any person who gave you a hard time about wearing them.

Sadly you never got closure on what exactly happened after he went "missing"...only to discover his shattered body stowed behind Bonnie Bowl months later.

He had claw marks inconsistent with what Monty's hands could have possibly done (not that you believed the gator was ever guilty of attacking him despite the rumors).

You fought tooth and nail to get approval from management to repair him, working tirelessly in parts and services--even doing overtime just to bring him back.

When Bonnie finally reactivated after weeks of trial and error, he nearly looked good as new.

Except...he doesn't remember you, and there's corruption in his memory files from the night he left his green room and went into Gator Golf.

He insists he was following somebody's orders, but can't specify anything beyond that.

"I'm sorry..I'm not much help, am I?"

"No, but...I suppose you should know that Monty's taken your place in the band in your absence." You regrettably inform him, seeing how sad he looks. "But if it's any help...you're still my favorite."

Taking off your hat, you show him the now faded bowling pin stickers that remained on your aids, and he stares for a while.

Then you see his eyes flicker with recognition as a smile grows on his face.

"[Y/n]...thank goodness you're still here! I-Is Freddy okay?"

Sun

He's definitely had deaf kids (both with and without hearing aids) come into the daycare, and he tries his best to give them a fun and accommodating experience during their stay.

So right off the bat, he knows you wear aids and often tries communicating with you in sign language.

Whether you're well-versed in that or still learning, you appreciate his efforts.

But you sometimes have to remind him that you can still talk to him as you normally would.

You show him the stickers on your aids--a cloud covering a sun, to be more precise--and he's totally ecstatic.

And I mean "jumping up and down cheering" ecstatic bc now he knows you picked those stickers because of him!! Because he's your favorite!!

Physically he's there but mentally he's the "yippee" autism creature

Sometimes you gotta lower the volume on your aids with how loud he accidentally can be, and he notices this fast.

"Oh! I'm sorry, sorry, sorry!! So sorry!!" He fumbles. "Can I add something to the stickers maybe??? Googly eyes??? Glitter glue to make them shimmer and shine???"

"Thank you, Sun..but they're fine this way." You insist. "I don't want any glue dripping into my ears."

"Right! O-Of course!! We wouldn't want that now, would we? No glitter glue going into your brain!!"

Moon

The lunar animatronic, on the other hand, takes a bit longer to notice your hearing aids (considering how dark the daycare gets during the night cycle, he doesn't notice much).

When he does, he'll ask you some questions.

Like how long you've had them, how well they tune out background noise, etc.

It's all out of genuine curiosity, and you tell him whatever you knew, taking one of the aids out to show it to him.

And only then he examines the star-shaped stickers on them, staring for a while.

At first he automatically assumes they're themed after one of the Glamrocks...until you mentioned how similar they are to the stars on his hat and pants.

Finally, the gears in his mind click together.

"So you're saying....my outfit inspired you when you picked out these stickers?"

"Yep."

"How sweet of you, [y/n]...they look very nice. Glad I could be your muse." He snickers.

You never see it, but he's gonna be gushing over this every time you're working in the daycare now.

None of your coworkers paid any mind to Moon. They usually called him creepy or avoid conversing with him should they absolutely have to cross paths.

But you go out of your way to see him whenever possible; and the stickers are just a subtle yet sweet way of reminding him that he's always gonna be your favorite.

[cjrae]

Tragedy of the Jade Nightingale. Or: My thoughts on Vol. 11 of the Apothecary Diaries.

Given that this volume just came out in English a few days ago, spoilers under the cut!

I usually think of the Apothecary Diaries volumes as pairs - usually two volumes make up an arc. If so, Volume 11 will be the first half of the arc with 12, but it also functions beautifully as a tragedy in it's own right.

** I will be only discussing information appearing officially through Vol. 11. Yes, I have read the fan translations of the web novels, but given that details can change, until it appears in official English translation, I won't yet be including it here.

The Hero

Gyoku-ou. Talk about someone who thinks he's smarter than he actually is. We knew this guy was a threat all the way back in Vol. 8, with how Gyokuyou reacted to her brother's letter and his veiled insult of sending a younger version of herself to catch either her husband's attention or the Imperial Brother's. Now we get to see him in action and he's scary - right up until he's not.

This man is charismatic as anything - he understands what makes people tick on both an individual level as well as a social level. His ability to wield a mob effectively makes him extremely dangerous, but I'm oddly put in mind of Lakan's initial impression of Fengxian. "This woman is strong, but she only knows how to fight in her own, small world."

The world Gyoku-ou inhabits is a very small, petty one. You can see it in his conspiracy theory about Jinshi's birth.

Jinshi is one of two people Gyoku-ou fails to read. When he brings Lakan and Jinshi to his puppet council to gauge support for attacking Shaoh, he thinks he's got a young malcontent in his hands, someone who wants power and is prone to the flashes of temper and insult that often drive young men. Someone who is easily manipulated. Instead, Jinshi mops the floor with him in that meeting, cutting Lakan's support out from under Gyoku-ou and making it clear that his priority is peace above war.

This doesn't take away from Gyoku-ou's political genius - this meeting teaches him that Jinshi has to be maneuvered around, rather than maneuvered directly. If the Imperial Brother doesn't want to play his part, then too bad. Gyoku-ou will see to it that Jinshi is hedged in all directions except where he wants him to go - which is to war. And even then, he's got a fight on his hands as Jinshi fully takes advantage of Empress Gyokuyou's information to undercut Gyoku-ou's support within his own family.

It's a mark of Jinshi's political skill that Gyoku-ou's move in that family council is to flirt with treason. If he can't maneuver the Imperial family through Jinshi, then he shifts tactics to turn Jinshi (and the rest of the Imperial Family) into the villain of his piece - a prince born and raised into utter depravity.

Let's just sit with what Gyoku-ou suggests to the rest of his siblings (minus the Empress) in that meeting. He implies that the Emperor impregnated his own mother in order to produce an heir. A son that he loves so dearly (and unnaturally) that he would willingly look the other way while Jinshi murders his other children in order to make sure that his brother-son-lover succeeds the throne.

This is a brilliant examination of how the bare facts of the situation can be construed by people with very different motivations to fit whatever worldview is most convenient for them. I'm a fan of the palace politics in this series because they feel very real.

Gyoku-ou doesn't lie once. But boy does he create a narrative that suits his purposes and dares anyone (namely Rikuson) to tell Jinshi. He is escalating the situation and he's doing it fast, while also challenging the legitimacy of the Imperial Family. A fact which, if it does get back to Jinshi (or the Emperor), could get the entire new You Clan wiped out just as fast as the Yi Clan was. This scene functions as a microcosm of Gyoku-ou's two fundamental character flaws; his short term thinking and his utter self-absorption.

Becoming The Wind

Since Rikuson was introduced in Vol. 5, he's been a mirror for Jinshi. He's a "pretty boy," calm under pressure, fundamentally kind and decent to other people while also being extremely competent at his job. Unlike Jinshi, he's also a bit older and more mature. He also clearly admires Maomao and sees the qualities that make her exceptional, despite her various masks.

As it turns out, Rikuson mirrors Jinshi in another important sense too - he also has a secret identity. The Yi Clan were the de facto royalty of the Western Capital and Rikuson is one of the direct survivors of the clan. He was never in the line of succession given the Yi Clan's matrilineal structure. But they were quick enough to save some of the children, namely Rikuson and Empress Gyokuyou's three ladies in waiting, Haku'u, Koku'u and Seki'u.

Rikuson, who was Gyoku-ou's excuse to trick His Former Majesty into giving him the authorization to destroy the Yi Clan. Rather than truly being an bastard Imperial prince, he's a young pawn in Gyoku-ou's hands to whip up an armed mob to hunt Rikuson down - and his mother and sister give their lives to ensure his survival - not for vengeance, but so that the Yi Clan's mission of protecting the west will live on even if the named clan itself dies. So, like Jinshi, he is dedicated to the welfare of the people above all else.

The trouble with relying on an unruly mob is that it's sloppy. Gyoku-ou left multiple survivors and they have absolutely no love for him. He's left weapons at his back.

Rikuson is the other person Gyoku-ou utterly fails to read. He spends well over a year back in his homeland, working for Gyoku-ou as an aide ostensibly from the central region, patiently waiting for an opening - even as Gyoku-ou, who knows that Rikuson has to be assigned to the west with some kind of ulterior motive, is so blind that he thinks he must be a secret member of the La Clan, rather than the Yi boy he tried to kill seventeen years earlier.

Rikuson represents the culmination Gyoku-ou's short term thinking in that he doesn't bother to think about the threat of any surviving Yi clan might pose to him.

He will not insult his mother's memory, or his sister's. But if his mission of protecting the west coincides with vengeance for his family? Sure enough, Gyoku-ou's insistence on going to war (and dragging the Imperial family's legitimacy into his motivations) gives Rikuson his opening; especially because he isn't a vigilante.

He is acting under orders.

The New You

Rikuson's point about Gyoku-ou's life being a tragedy hits home when you consider Gyokuyou's thoughts of how she knows her father loves her - but would also abandon her in a heartbeat if she is no longer valuable to him. Unlike her older brother, she has a very clear-eyed view of how their father operates and focuses on making sure that her value never drops in his eyes.

Gyoku-ou's value to Gyoku'en plummeted the day he destroyed the Yi Clan - Gyoku'en's family. He was given a second chance to show that he could still perform the single function of the men of the Yi Clan - to protect the west. When he endangered it instead, Gyoku'en sent the weapon he'd spent seventeen years preparing (Rikuson) with an execution order.

By first destroying the Yi Clan and then following it up with a proposed invasion of Shaoh, Gyoku-ou proved to Gyoku'en that he was no son of his. Given how desperate he was to be his father's son, this whole book is a tragedy in the classic sense. The Jade Nightingale was so desperate to reinvent himself as a Jade Eagle that he destroyed himself in pursuit of the one thing he never lost - his father's love. But, to be his father's heir, what he needed was Gyoku'en's trust and respect, not his love.

And he killed that seventeen years ago along with the Yi Clan.

Ironically, the foreign born girl that he despised and attempted to undermine at every opportunity, emerges as their father's true heir and mother of the nation, with the rest of the surviving Yi clan as part of her loyal retinue.

In her triumph, the Yi Clan is reborn as the You Clan as Gyoku'en, a Yi man, is given a clan name on the strength of Gyokuyou's role as Empress. So much of their history has been lost, down to the matrilineal succession and family records, but their mission lives on through the Yi men who will continue to protect the west, no matter the personal cost to themselves. There is no room for self-absorption here, therefore Gyoku-ou has no place in their new clan.

Also, a parallel to pay attention to is how the destruction of the Yi Clan and the Shi Clan are mirroring each other with the children being saved. The Yi Clan is reborn with a new name, which leads one to wonder what the consequences of saving those Shi children will be long term.

A Dagger In The Dark

Gyoku-ou sucks up a lot of air in Vol. 11 because he is driving the action - Jinshi, Maomao and their party are all stuck reacting to him, except for one character; Chue.

We see Chue attach herself to Maomao starting with the ship and it's not difficult to guess that just as Lihaku is serving as a discreet bodyguard for Maomao on Jinshi's orders, Chue is also there as protection. Chue doesn't try to conceal that she is clearly trained in espionage either.

Rikuson's proposal to Maomao is not a serious bid for her hand, but nor is it a joke - it's a message to Chue that Jinshi needs to tighten security around Maomao. As he puts it, he knows the "hyper protective" elements around her will close ranks. Because he's foreseen a strategy that may not have yet occurred to Gyoku-ou (who tends not to pay attention to the bit parts of the play), but if it does would almost certainly push the country into war.

Maomao is the lever that could move both Lakan and Jinshi.

All he has to do is kill her and make it look like a foreign attack. Lakan's instinctive ability to read a situation and Jinshi's formidable investigative skills would likely be dulled in the face of their rage and grief. Especially since they are technically Gyoku-ou's guests and don't have freedom of movement to push the issue.

Rikuson seizes his opportunity before Gyoku-ou can continue to escalate, but he realizes quickly that Chue arranged the stage and was there as both spy and backup assassin. (I think it's safe to say that Gyoku-ou's conspiracy theory AND that Yi family ledger will be reported, given that we know there were ladies-in-waiting at the meeting and that's how Chue was disguised - and she didn't actually promise to dispose of it).

Gyoku-ou doesn't bother to think that while the Emperor may be far away and the Imperial Brother is a manageable threat, that the people surrounding Jinshi may not be bound by his strictures. Hence, Chue was on standby. No matter what, Gyoku-ou was never going to make it to that ritual. He was never smart enough to realize that his crossing the line would be never be forgiven.

While Jinshi would order an execution if necessary (and has in the past), he would never order an assassination. Therefore, it's evident that Chue reports to someone else. Who that someone is, we don't know, but there's only one person further up the Imperial tree than Jinshi, so it would be reasonable for Rikuson to assume that the Emperor has placed additional protection around not just Jinshi, but Maomao.

Exclusive: Baby Swap!

Jinshi's birth is not a secret to the audience and while Maomao doesn't have confirmation, she's pretty certain of her suspicion. This volume made it patently obvious that there are others out there who are perfectly capable of putting the pieces together, even if the details are twisted.

Let's return to Gyoku-ou's conspiracy theory.

He's put together all the correct pieces. The Emperor's attitude toward Jinshi makes no sense in a traditional palace setting - a much younger, handsome, charismatic and competent brother? That's a threat to the Emperor and his direct line. But Jinshi is never treated that way - instead he's indulged on many fronts.

He's allowed to duck most of his official duties as Ka Zuigetsu (except for a few he can't, where he appears masked).

He's allowed to pretend to be a eunuch for six years and run the Rear Palace.

When he finally reveals himself to the court to put down the Shi Rebellion, he's described as "hale" and "just as proficient in the military arts as the administrative." (More proof that Jinshi is NOT the best judge of his own abilities). He emerges fully formed into court politics - a perfectly trained Crown Prince - only to have a newborn given the title instead.

Gyoku-ou deliberately put the worst possible spin on these facts. I suspect the rest of the You siblings are going to keep their mouths shut about Gyoku-ou's ugly theory, but if he could think of it, if Maomao could think of it with just seeing Jinshi standing next to Lady Ah-Duo, then so can others.

Maomao can be mad about Jinshi branding himself all she wants, but it's currently looking like an absolutely BRILLIANT move on Jinshi's part. Whatever doubts Gyoku-ou managed to plant about Jinshi and the Emperor's motives with the rest of the You clan siblings, Empress Gyokuyou is not likely to entertain it.

Also, it got the Emperor to essentially "banish" Jinshi to the edges of the Empire shortly after his new Crown Prince was born, which makes it look to other members of the court like the Emperor is taking steps to rein in his younger brother and balances the factions that have to be forming back in the capital.

This is not a secret that can be kept forever. No matter how careful Ah-Duo and Anshi were, the information is starting to leak out around the edges, as we see that the Empress' ladies in waiting that were dismissed clearly had eyes and ears - and in at least one case, a loose tongue.

The next arc is being seeded and Jinshi is inching closer and closer to that throne. He ran the Rear Palace for years (essentially managing the nation in microcosm) and as of the end of Vol. 11, he's now stepping up to govern a province and gain actual ruling experience while also having suppressed a war.

I've said before that Jinshi ascending the throne is the bad ending - if there is a single person who is more trapped by the palace than the prince, it's the emperor. We'll see what happens!

[darknight3904]

The Length of a Life

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ɢᴏᴊᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ 20ꜱ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ

ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴛʜᴇᴏʀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱɪɴᴄᴇ ɢᴏᴊᴏ ᴀᴅᴏᴘᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴇɢᴜᴍɪ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛꜱᴜᴍɪᴋɪ ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ɢɪʀʟʏ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ 2010ꜱ. ɪɴ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ, ɢᴏᴊᴏ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛɪᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡꜱ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴜᴄᴛ ᴛᴀᴘᴇ ᴡᴀʟʟᴇᴛꜱ.

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: ᴄᴜʀꜱɪɴɢ. ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ/ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ. ꜱʟᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴀᴍɪɴɢ. ɴᴀᴏʏᴀ ᴢᴇɴɪɴ (ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ɢʀᴏꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇᴇᴅꜱ ᴀ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ)

ɢᴏᴊᴏ x ᴢᴇɴɪɴ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: ᴏᴠᴇʀ 5ᴋ (ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴘʀᴏʙʟᴇᴍ)

ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴛ / ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ /ᴍʏ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

July 2013 (Gojo: 23 You:22)

"Satoru, did you forget the sunscreen?" You groan

"What? No! I swore I packed it in that little hidden pocket inside the green bag!"

"Well, it's not here," You sigh passing the bag to your boyfriend to check for himself

"I could've sworn I put it in here!" Gojo whines

"You probably left it on the kitchen counter." Megumi says

"I bet he did. He's always leaving the important things there." You say

"So you remembered the CD player but not the sunscreen?" Tsumiki asked with a light giggle.

Gojo rolls his eyes in annoyance. Not only were the two preteens he was stuck watching sassing him but so were you.

"Great, now we can listen to One Direction while our skin burns," Megumi says

"One Direction is amazing! Zayn is so awesome!" Tsumiiki gushes as she pulls one of her CDs from the big bag that was supposed to have the sunscreen in it.

"I'm more of a Harry girl myself." You chime in

"Excuse me, could you not talk about another man in my presence?!" Gojo gasps, kicking a bit of sand towards you.

"I'll talk about whatever man I want to since mine forgot one of the most important things you need for a day at the beach." You say, pointing an accusing finger at Gojo.

"I'm your man?!" Gojo gasps wrapping his arms around you "Finally you acknowledge my presence, Senpai!"

"Stop that." You say trying to wiggle away, embarrassed as other beachgoers are staring at your loud-mouthed boyfriend. "You're embarrassing us and I'm a year younger than you, idiot."

"Never! Tsumiki, play What Makes You Beautiful! I'm going to serenade all of you!" Gojo requests as he turns his head to place a wet kiss to your cheek.

"Tsumiki don't do it!" Megumi begs "Last time he sang One Direction my ears almost fell off!"

"Then I won't sing One Direction...Tsumiki put Taylor Swift on! I'll sing You Belong with me, instead!"

"No!"

November 2013 (Gojo: 23 You:23)

"You're sure about this? She can't even see curses, let alone use a technique." Gojo reminds you as he drives.

"I'm sure. I hear she's strong in other ways. Besides you're Megumi's benefactor, I think I need a kid to look after as well." You say

"I just fund him. You do all the hard work." Gojo says

"Combing hair, wiping noses, and helping with homework isn't that hard, Satoru." You laugh

"Sure it is, the amount of boogers he and Tsumiki produce is disgusting," Gojo says, carefully parking the car

"Give me a call or a text if something goes wrong. I'll be waiting here." He says

"I think I should be saying that to you. You're the Gojo who just drove onto the Zenin estate like you own the place." You say

"True. I'll let you know if I become a damsel in distress." Gojo grins

His words are ridiculous but you do hope he contacts you if something goes wrong. Not because he couldn't defend himself but you didn't want him wiping the entire clan off the map, even if it would be for the best.

Hushed whispers follow you as you make your way toward your destination. Perhaps it's due to your engagement to Naoya. You can't imagine that the news of you and Satoru was out. After all, you had only told people you were both close with.

You're welcomed by the woman you can only presume is the twins' mother.

"And is this Maki?" You ask pointing to the little girl who peers around the corner of the doorframe.

"Yes, it is. But I'm sure you're more interested in Mai. She's the one who has a technique. I'll go get her for you." She says

"That won't be necessary. Let me have some time with Maki. I'll see Mai later." You say

She looks at you like you're insane but motions for her daughter to enter anyway before leaving the room. Her respect must only come because of her fear of Naoya's wrath. It hurt that so many people in the clan believed that you and Naoya were close. That you were only worthy of a bit of respect because Naoya might get upset.

Imagine if they found out what you and Satoru had done last night. You'd surely lose all respect then.

"Maki right?" You smile, hoping you're not coming off as intimidating to her, "Please sit down."

Maki wordlessly obeys you but you can tell she's trying to figure you out. The wheels are turning in her little brain.

"You know who I am right?" You ask

"You're Naoya-san's fiancee. My mothers talked about you before, and said you're an honored woman to be chosen for him." She spouts like the words have been perfectly laid into her mind, "She said you're the perfect example of what a woman in the clan should be. You're well-mannered and respectable."

Is that seriously what's been spread around the clan about you? Nothing else? Nothing about your technique or the fact that you're a special-grade sorcerer?

"Oh...that's wonderful she thinks so highly of me. I'll have to thank her later on." You awkwardly say.

If Maki doesn't know anything about who you really are as a sorcerer, this will probably take more effort than you initially planned.

"I don't really buy all that though. It seems like a bunch of scripted bullshit. Everyone around here buys into it though, even my sister." Maki says suddenly

Oh? What a surprising twelve-year-old girl Maki Zenin is turning out to be.

"I know you're a special-grade sorcerer. I also know you've kicked a bunch of curse's asses. " Maki grins

Good to see your reputation proceeded its self.

"What are you a fan?" You laugh, suddenly at ease with the girl

"Yeah!" Maki exclaims, suddenly standing up.

Her face gets red and she immediately gets back in her seat.

"I mean...no. I just hear some people talking sometimes." She lies, looking at the wall behind you.

"It's alright. I don't mind. It's nice to be praised, everyone likes to hear words of affirmation from time to time. It's what makes us human." You say

Maki slowly nods in agreement.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here talking to you when Mai is the one with the cursed technique." You say, "The truth is, Mai doesn't really interest me. I am, however, interested in you."

"Me? Why? I can't even see curses." She grumbles

"That doesn't matter to me. You have potential to be amazing. Have you ever heard of Toji Zenin?" You ask

Maki shakes her head, figures, no one would pass on that bastard's legacy. Nabito must be content with Toji's vanishing after his death a few years ago. Too bad he couldn't get his hands on Megumi.

"He was just like you. He couldn't see curses and yet he became known as the sorcerer killer. Toji was immensely powerful and I think that with time you could be the same way." You smile, the man might've been a total pain in the ass but there was no denying he had been strong.

"But what about Mai? Wouldn't she be the better choice?" Maki asks

Cute. Thinking of her sister.

"No, she won't be able to get as good as you." You honestly say

Maki doesn't like that and rolls her eyes at you.

"Look, there's ways to become great. I brought one with me today. I'll even give it to you know but only if you agree to becoming a sorcerer." You say

"Fine. I've been wanting to show my family they're wrong about me anyway." She agrees

"Good, now, here's how all this will work...In a few years, you'll enroll at Jujutsu High, I'll be your benefactor so you're going to have to work pretty hard. And while you're there you'll become stronger than everyone else." You explain, hoping your over-the-top words will inspire her.

Maki follows you to the car where you can hear California Girls by Katy Perry blasting even with the windows closed. Satoru is going to end up deaf one day.

"Oh right...the gift." You say pulling a small case from your purse

Maki opens it slowly and is obviously disappointed when it's a pair of glasses.

"Um, I can see just fine." She mumbles

"These are special glasses. They let you see curses. Next time you're out, give em' a try. I'm sure they won't disappoint."

You give the girl a gentle pat on her shoulder before beginning to walk towards the car.

"Hey, wait!" Maki calls

You turn to face the young girl you just placed your hopes on.

"Thank you!" Maki smiles

Maki watches as you get into the car and say something to the person at the wheel. It looks like the two of you are laughing as they reverse. Then, just as the car passes her, she locks eyes with blue eyes covered by dark glasses. A white tuft of hair catches her eye and then you're both gone.

Were you in a car with Satoru Gojo?

October 2014 (Gojo: 24 You:23)

"I mean it. After we both turn 28 I expect us to be married." Naoya says, "After all, I've done you a favor not spreading your relationship with Gojo everywhere. You can thank your little project for the news reaching me."

Maki. You didn't blame the girl for telling someone. You probably would've done the same thing if you were in her shoes. It was only a matter of time until he found out anyway.

"You don't even want to marry me, why the rush?" You ask boldly,

You've been spending too much time with Satoru and now you're mouthing off in front of Naoya.

"My father wanted us to be married already at 25." He explains, ignoring your rudeness "You're right, I don't want your ugly cunt anywhere near me. Why do you think I pushed for 28?"

His words are harsh and hurtful but you internally thank him for pushing the marriage off. It gave you more time to try and figure out what you'll tell Satoru.

"Better get your affairs in order, future wife. I have a feeling a certain Six Eyes user won't be happy about you leaving him one day." Naoya laughs "He'll certainly miss you warming his bed. He'll find another though, you seem to be rather forgettable, with that plain face of yours."

"Shut the fuck up, Naoya."

Shit. You should not have said that.

Instead of anger or fists, you're met with amused laughter from the man who represents everything you've been running from your whole life.

"Such a temper. I'll have fun getting that out of you once we're married. Until then, feel free to live as Satoru Gojo's glorified slut. I'll remind you of your real place in a few years." Naoya says, leaving you speechless.

The Tatami door of his father's expensive home slides shut behind him and you swear the anger inside you has never burned hotter.

"He said what?!" Gojo yells "Where the hell does this bastard live again? I'm going to rip his teeth out of his skull!"

"Satoru, be quiet! The kids have school tomorrow!" You try to calm him down.

You had come home expecting him to be in bed but now here you were spilling details about what Naoya did this time.

"There's nothing you can do about it now, what's been said is said." You say

"That doesn't mean I can't go over to his house and blow his ass up!" Gojo declares

"Just let it go, 'toru. I'm tired and I want to take a hot bath and go to sleep. I just wanna forget about it for now." You sigh

Gojo looks at you and he can see how worn out you are. From dealing with curses, Naoya's disgusting ass, Megumi, and Tsumiki, your energy is completely gone. For your sake, he'll drop it. Just for now though.

"Alright. But only if I get to sit on the floor and talk to you while you soak." Gojo says

"Fine...but it better not be about anything stupid like Digimon." You warn

"I was just gonna talk about how Tsumiki taught me how to make a Duct Tape wallet today." He says picking you up off the couch bridal style and carrying you to the bathroom, "For the record, Digimon is awesome."

"What wallet?" You ask as you begin shedding your dirty clothes

"Look," Gojo says pulling a bright pink Duct Tape wallet out, "Pretty cool right? She showed me all the steps and helped me when I messed up."

"Satoru it doesn't look very secure." You laugh "But yes, it's very nice. It's the perfect color for you."

"Right? Also, it's perfectly secure," Gojo says

He's eating his words a moment later though when his credit card slips out of the little pocket it was nestled in and right into the bathtub that was slowly filling with water.

"Alright, maybe it's not the most secure."

February 2015 (Gojo: 25 You:24)

"Trust me, he's totally gonna love it," Shoko assures you

"I dunno...he's been so stressed lately. The higher-ups have been breathing down his neck and he's been going through some training so he can teach at the school next year." You say.

"All the more reason to buy the dress. Every guy likes a little eye candy every once in a while. Nanami and I will even watch Megumi and Tsumiki for the night. That way you can really get into it!" Shoko grins

Your face heats up as you hand your card to the cashier. Why were you friends with her again?

"Could you please not say stuff like that in front of others, you're embarrassing me." You groan, avoiding the cashier's eyes as he smirks at you.

"Oh please, that's why we're friends," Shoko smiles, "So what time should I pick the kids up? Nanami and I will make sure they eat all their vegetables and go to bed early."

You try to think of the last time you and Satoru had a moment alone. Most nights were whirlwinds of chaos between cooking dinner, helping with homework, and then throwing in exorcising a curse or two...

"Four thirty...Satoru usually gets home at six. I want some time to do my hair nicely." You relent

"Perfect!"

Gojo can't wait to get home. He swears all his problems will be solved the moment he sees you. Today, he's exercised three special grades, sat in a boring meeting, and then had to listen to Yaga blab for hours about how important the next generation is. He already knew that...why else would he be personally training Megumi?

A hot shower and a big meal are on his mind as he fumbles with his keys to open the door. He can smell whatever you're cooking up behind the door and he hopes it's something with noodles.

"Satoru!"

Your sweet voice is music to his ears as you call to him from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I'm home." He sighs, removing the white bandages he's been using for his eyes. Perhaps he should go back to glasses.

All thoughts of passing out in bed leave his mind once he sees you. A little black dress hugs your figure as you stir at whatever's in the frying pan on the stove.

"Well, well... what's this?" He smiles

"How was your day?" You ask coyly like you're not all dressed up for him.

"Terrible, until I came home to all this." He honestly says, crossing the room to wrap his arms around you from behind.

"I'm making Sukiyaki." You say, accepting his barrage of kisses that he trails all over your neck.

"And it smells amazing... I'm more interested in this though..." He says slightly pulling the bottom up the dress up your thighs.

"Ah, Shoko said you'd like a bit of eye candy in your life." You smile

"Well, she was right." Gojo laughs, pressing a wet kiss to your ear.

"Forget the Sukiyaki, let's go upstairs. I think our bedroom is calling our names." He whispers.

"I'm in the middle of cooking, 'toru." You say, knowing he's going to win this one.

"We can order a pizza." He says, "I'll even get one with pepperoni on it for you."

Before you can get another word of protest out, he's switching off the stove and carrying you up the steps.

"Eye candy indeed." He laughs as he gently tosses you on the bed, "I'm so glad my meal is this delicious looking."

"Satoru!"

It's going to be a long night, it's a good thing Megumi and Tsumiki are gone.

September 2016 (Gojo: 26 You:25)

"Shut up Megumi!"

Tsumiki's room door slamming is loud enough to rattle the entire house.

"Not again..." Gojo groans from his spot on the couch.

Today was his first day off in months, he wished you were here and snuggled into the couch with him but instead, you were off on some mission with Nanami and that kid he was training, Ino was it?

Gojo wished you were here so you could deal with whatever the Fushiguro siblings were fighting about now. You had always been better at diffusing the situation that he was. After all, he'd often end up instigating more problems since Megumi was so funny-looking when he got mad.

"What's going on now?" Gojo asked the dark-haired boy

"Nothing. I just told her that her hair was weird looking today. Where is-"

"She's out on a mission with Nanamin. I'll be handling dinner tonight so go start your homework and apologize. " Gojo said

"You sure you can handle that without burning the place down?" Megumi asked

"Of course I can! I'm the strongest sorcerer alive...I can handle a little dinner."

"Goodnight, Zenin-san!" Ino called out the window as the car drove away

He really was a lovely boy, strong too. Nanami had trained him well. The walk up the sidewalk to your shared home with Gojo and the kids was your last sliver of peace though as you could already hear yelling.

What horrors awaited you on the other side of this door?

"Megumi would it kill you to help out?"

"Yeah probably. That pot is gonna overflow."

Your feet quickly carry you to the kitchen where Satoru is standing amongst...well you're not really sure what he's trying to cook.

"What's going on?" You ask

"You're home!" Gojo called excitedly, "How's Nanamin?"

"He's great. What's all this?" You ask gesturing to a pan that's been burned so bad its normally white bottom is black with charred food.

"He's trying to make dinner. He's been trying for almost two hours." Megumi says

"Satoru you're 26, can't you cook anything?" You ask as you pull your hair up, ready to take the spoon away from him

"I can cook. " He defends

"Frozen chicken nuggets don't count." You laugh

"Hey!"

Gojo watches as you toss what he was working on, to be frank, he's not sure what he was trying to make at this point. It had started as pork katsu and then evolved into a disaster.

"What's wrong now?" You ask as you rummage through the fridge.

"I wanted to have a nice meal ready for when we got back from your mission. Like you do for me." Gojo says

You can hear the pout in your boyfriend's words.

"It's alright, Satoru. It's the thought that counts." You assure him

"Next time you go away, I'm going to make the best dinner ever." He declares, resting his chin on your shoulder as you fill a pot up with water.

"Well, Nanami and I have orders for Friday...so I'd get learning, Satoru." You smile.

"Perfect. Friday night, my dinner will be even better than yours. I'm going to go pick out a recipe on my laptop." He declares marching off to who knows where.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Megumi." You say, the boy rarely asked questions, so you were always excited to answer them when he did.

"Can you get someone else to cover your mission on Friday? I think if you leave him alone with the kitchen again he might blow us all up."

2017 (Gojo: 27 You:26)

June

"So he's cursed?" You ask as you skin the papers Gojo just handed you.

"Yup. The curse comes from his childhood friend, Rika." He explains "She's super powerful, I hope she doesn't try to squash me tomorrow when I meet with him."

You let out an ugly snort of laughter.

"Hey don't be mean, I'm being serious." Gojo smiles

"I'm sure you are, Satoru. and I know you're going to have no trouble handling Yuta Okkotsu tomorrow." You say

Gojo lets out a soft hum of acknowledgment.

"I can't help but think something is coming." He says

"Like what?" You ask

"I'm not sure." He says

"Then why'd you bring it up?"

"Do you ever stop to think that your words might come off as rude to others?"

"No, not really."

September

"Maki is doing really well for someone with no cursed energy. I'd hate to go against her in just hand-to-hand combat." You say

"Are you saying you're weaker than a 15-year-old girl?" Gojo teases

"I'll kill you." You threaten

Gojo just laughs and sits directly next to you on the couch you were occupying.

"Very well, I'll see if I can change your attitude tonight then. After all, it usually ends with 'More 'toru! Ah! Right there!'" Gojo laughs

You're going to cut him in half, seriously why does he say these things?

"Does it ever occur to you that behavior like that in public is inappropriate and embarrassing for not just her, but you as well?" Nanami chimed in

"Well, I think it's funny, Nanamin."

October

"Happy Halloween, Zenin-san!" Yuta smiles

"Happy Halloween, Okkotsu. Do you and the other first years have anything fun planned?" You ask as you walk beside the boy

"Panda said that Inumaki likes to use his cursed technique on drunk people to get them to do crazy things," Yuta says

Now that, you weren't expecting. Inumaki definitely wasn't supposed to do that but it certainly sounded funny.

"Oh wait! I wasn't supposed to say anything about that!" Yuta scrambles

"It's alright, your secrets safe with me. I went to school here with Gojo so I've seen my fair share of craziness." You laugh

"Thanks, Zenin-san," Yuta says

"What's Maki up to tonight?" You ask

"Oh uh, I think she said she was just gonna stay in her dorm room tonight. Something about being too grown up for Halloween." Yuta says

"Makiiii, I know you're in there, Yuta can't keep a secret to save his life!" You sing as you knock on the girl's door.

"That idiot."

You smile as you hear her rummaging around in her room before the door swings open.

"What is it?" She asks

"Let's go spar. I wanna see how well you're doing." You smile

"You're dropping your elbows too much, that's why you're losing to me." You advise as Maki falls to the floor again

"Or maybe I'm losing to you because you're a special-grade sorcerer who's 10 years my senior." She grumbles picking herself back up

"Pessimism won't get you anywhere." You say, easily dodging her next attack with her staff.

"I think you're spending too much time around that bandaged idiot. You're beginning to sound like him. " Maki says

You're starting to sound like Gojo? It can't possibly be...your worst nightmares are coming true!

Maki's wooden sparing staff makes a sharp cracking sound as it hits your face.

"Oh shit! I didn't think I'd actually hit you!" She exclaims, rushing to help you up.

"It's alright, I'm fine." You laugh

"You're laughing...I must've hit you too hard. I'll go find Ieiri-san to help you." Maki says, clearly concerned.

"No really, I'm fine. I'm just impressed that the clan's weakest link is now one of our strongest."

"If you're going to insult me like the rest of them-"

"I'm serious, Maki. You've grown stronger than anyone could have ever anticipated. As your fellow sorcerer and relative, I'm proud." You say rubbing your face, damn she hit hard.

"Whatever...thank you," Maki says avoiding your gaze

You smile knowingly. Getting praise was something that had always been hard for her even though she so badly deserved it.

"Can I ask you something?" Maki says

"Sure," You reply, patting the floor next to you so she sits.

"The stuff that most of our clan spreads about you...how much of it is true?"

"You're Naoya-san's fiancee. My mothers talked about you before and said you're an honored woman to be chosen for him. She said you're the perfect example of what a woman in the clan should be. You're well-mannered and respectable."

"Not much of it. I mean maybe at one point it was true. But now only the engagement is the true part of that stuff. Although I'm hoping to get rid of that one too." You say honestly

"I knew you didn't really like him," Maki said

"Oh really? Are you a relationship expert now?" You laugh

"No....but I figured since you're dating Gojo there's no way you could be into a freak like Naoya." She said

"You're right about that one." You smile, when did Maki get so perspective?

How grown up she's become since you first met her.

November

Tsumiki looks peaceful today. Her hair is freshly washed thanks to a nurse and you've spent nearly twenty minutes combing it to perfection.

"If you keep brushing she'll be bald when she wakes up," Megumi says

You sigh and place the comb back on the little nightstand.

"It's almost as if she's just napping." You observe

"Yeah...weird isn't it?" Megumi agrees

"I hope she wakes up soon. She's already missed so much. If you keep growing she won't even recognize you." You tease

Megumi lets out a grumble but doesn't pull away when you rest your head on his shoulder.

"I hope she's dreaming about something good." You sigh

"...Me too."

December

"Satoru! Long time no see!"

If you could go back in time and tell your 17-year-old self she'd one day be staring at Suguru Geto who was now a curse user, she would've laughed in your face.

And yet, it was happening right now. Geto, your former upperclassman and friend was declaring war and pledging to rid the world of all non-sorcerers.

"The Zenin clan's biggest failure...how interesting that she's being trained by one of their strongest. What's the point in taking in a monkey-like her anyway? She'll never be anything." Geto says

"Watch your mouth, Geto." You growl, "Or have you forgotten I'm a special grade as well?"

"I'd never." Geto grins finally turning to face you.

Geto's eyes lock on yours and Satoru steps in front of you.

"You can leave her and the students out of this, Suguru," Gojo says

His face is a stoic mask as you watch your boyfriend approach his best friend for the first time in 11 years.

"See you at the war!" Geto calls as he disappears into the clouds.

"Are you nervous?" Nanami asked

"What? No. Do I look nervous?" You ask

"You're fidgeting a lot." He points out "You only do that when you're nervous. Just like when we had a big test coming up back when we were in school."

Curse Kento Nanami and his observation skills.

"Hey guys!" Ino points at the sky to a barrage of curses flying overhead.

You have a feeling you should've stretched a bit more.

"Zenin-San!"

Ino is calling your name but where is he? There are two curses to your right, another to your left, and then there's that green one that's flying above you.

"Zenin-san behind you!"

You quickly turn around to see Ino chasing what looks to be an Okapi of some form. It must've escaped him.

"Got it!" You call

Your sword feels good in your hands. It's been a while since you've gotten to use Phantom to its fullest potential.

There are five curses in total. Two are closer together, and the other two are farther apart. The final is in motion and a student is hot on its heels.

The cursed technique, Phantom allows the user to create many versions (Phantoms) of themselves at once. The true body can be as far or as close to these duplicates as they please. The more duplicates that are created, the less control the original user has over them.

One, two, Your first Phantom cuts through the curses like butter

Three- this one's for your main body- that particular slash felt good, you're getting in the groove, now

Four, your Second Phantom is on it,

Five, nice and weak, perfect to kill

Done, they're dead now.

"Wow, Zenin-san. Have you gotten faster?" Ino asks once you're done killing the final one.

"I don't think so. But my duplicates are exceptionally good today. I think it's probably the healthy diet I've been consuming recently." You explain, calling your duplicates back into your self.

"Hey, stop chatting. There's more coming." Nanami scolds

"Yes, sir!" Ino salutes

Satoru's face is blank as he approaches you, Yuta by his side who seems to be thrilled to just be alive.

"Are you okay?" Gojo asks, his eyes scanning for any injuries

He looks distracted like something is weighing on him.

"Geto?" You ask, ignoring his prodding.

You wonder if he had slipped through Gojo's fingers again.

"He's gone. Yuta here gave him a nice ass kicking." Gojo smiles, patting the boy on his back.

He's gone? He couldn't possibly mean...

You look up at your boyfriend who hasn't bothered covering his eyes back up. There's a sadness behind them that you think only you'll notice as Yuta calls out to Maki.

"Gone?" You ask once the boy's out of earshot

"Mmhm...It's alright though. I'll get over it. " Gojo sighs, his gaze fixed on the sunset.

"It'll take time." You say, trying to get just a hint of emotion from the strongest sorcerer's unreadable face.

"I just hope he didn't hate me in his final moments," Gojo admits finally looking at you and you can finally see how devasted he is. Pretty blue eyes that are welling with tears pull on your heartstrings.

"Suguru could never hate you, Satoru. You're an irreplaceable force to everyone, even him. You'll miss him forever and so will he." You assure

"Maybe you're right... I just think that I should've spent more time living with him. We spent more time apart than together, I think I might regret that until I die." Gojo says, voice dripping in regret.

"I like to think that it's not the length of life that matters but the depth of it. It matters how we spend our time together, not how much time we spend together."

I threw the Maki and reader interactions in at the last minute...I hope they turned out okay.

Next Part

Series Masterlist / My Masterlist

Taglist:

@winonnaa @tartarsaucechi1de @dann-acalle @polarbvnny @bakedpotato12 @lysaray @starryparkrr

[i-cant-sing]

Speaking of Noaya's misogyny, what would his reaction be if someone else told fushiguro to do their laundry and basically degrade them in front of him. (Like I'm pretty sure I know the general answer but would like your thoughts on it)

Okay okay, imagine a new girl that Naoya had been sleeping with frequently, leading her to becoming an unofficial mistress of the clan. She's respected by the servants and a few of the female members, but she wants to be a part of the clan, which could only happen if Naoya married her. And to do that, she needs to win his heart or something.

She knows that you're important to Naoya, so when Naoya goes away for a mission for two months, she decides to use you to help her cause. She decides to turn you into a "proper lady of Zenin clan".

This time, we're gonna talk about teen reader here. So, teen reader is running around in the garden, bare feet and her clothes all muddy when the mistress calls you over. She gives you a disgusted look as she eyes you up and down before telling you to wash yourself because she needs to talk to you.

Since you'd overheard from the servants about how important she was to your uncle Naoya, you listened to her.

After cleaning up, she sat you down and tie you her plan of your "glamorous makeover" where she'd basically turn you into a lady fit for the misogynistic standard's of the clan. You laughed at her idea first, but when you realised she wasn't joking, you outright refused.

You were walking out of the door when she stopped you with one statement.

"Its what Naoya wants."

What? Your uncle wants this? He ordered her to help you become more "lady like"?

She placed a firm hand on your shoulder. "Your uncle has done so much for you, raised you, clothed you, fed you, sheltered you. And you can't even one thing for him?"

Her words were enough to manipulate you because after all, there was some truth to what she'd said. No matter how annoying you find Naoya, he had indeed raised you. He had given you the best of everything. And most importantly-

He hadn't abandoned you like Toji had.

So, you gave in. To please Naoya.

The mistress took control of everything.

No more runs, after all "it's not very feminine to run like a wild beast "

No more training or fighting, because "it's unattractive for girls to have muscles."

No more this, no more that, no more anything that made you happy.

She made you go to the kitchen and cook super intricate dishes, throwing away the food if it's a a little too salty. The kitchen staff had to hold themselves from wiping away your tears as they watched that vile woman berate your cooking.

She made you sit on your knees for hours until your legs went numb and didn't care for the tears.

And everytime you did something wrong, she made sure you were punished, brutally.

Be it by making you kneel on uncooked rice, or stand in the sun, or take your meals away, or even flogging your hands and calves.

None of the servants were able to help you because they were too afraid of the mistress complaining about them to Naoya. So, they helped her do whatever she wanted to do to you.

Right now, you were learning how to pour tea properly. You don't like tea, don't really drink it unless you're sick and Naoya forces it down your throat, but the mistress says it's an important skill to learn because "it'll make your husband happy".

Anyways, you had to sit a certain way, be completely uncomfortable, hold the heavy ass tea pot a certain way that left your wrists your hurting. You had been doing this for hours and you were now tired.

Well, disaster happened, as the pot slipped out of your hand and spilled hot tea all over your hands and lap.

You screeched at the scalding pain ans the servants rushed to help you, but the mistress? She walked over and slapped you across the face for destroying her carpet. She went on a whole derogatory rant about how stupid and useless you are, how you are an embarrassment for the Zenin clan, how you're a pain in the ass for Naoya, how he should've abandoned you because that's what you deserve-

"What. The. Fuck?" Her rant was cut short by the man standing in the door.

Naoya had returned from his trip.

He rushed towards you, pushing away the servants and his mistress. Naoya took ahold of your hands that had now turned red, and he could only imagine the damage the hot tea had done to your lap. He looked at your teary face, you were trying hard to suppress your whimpers.

"Shh, its okay. I'm here, now. Come along." He pulled you up, before giving a pointed look to the servants. "Get her a fucking doctor right now!" The servants scrambled and gently took you from him, guiding you out of the room.

The mistress stepped forward. "Naoya, I-" But he didn't give her a chance to talk as he slapped her so hard, she fell to the floor.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" He bellowed, and from her position at the floor, she really imagined that this is what a predator must look like before it devours its prey. "How dare you touch her?!"

"Naoya- I- I was doing all of this for you!"

"For me?"

She nodded frantically. "Y-yes! I just- I know she is important to you, so I just tried to make her more lady like! So- so that you aren't embarrassed by her! I- I mean, you're always the one saying how rowdy and unruly she is! How wild she is! I was just taming her- for you!"

"For me? Taming her?" Naoya's eyes widened in disbelief as he grabbed her by the collar and shook her hard. "WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, YOU STUPID LITTLE BITCH!" He punched her in the face. "SHES NOT A FUCKING ANIMAL FOR YOU TO TAME! AND WHAT GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TOUCH A SINGLE HAIR ON HER HEAD!? YOURE BENEATH HER, BENEATH ME, BENEATH EVERYONE THAT BELONGS TO THE ZENIN CLAN, EVEN BENEATH OUT FUCKIN DOGS, YOU WHORE!"

Naoya threw her across the room before stalking towards her. "What the fuck were you even teaching her?! To pour tea, put makeup on, please a man like you pathetically attempt to do?! Huh?!" Naoya grabbed her face and yanked her forward. "Well, since you liked giving lessons so much, I'm gonna teach you something you'll never forget." He began pulling the woman by her hair, dragging her towards the table where the tea kettle was set. He grabbed the hot kettle and poured the scalding beverage all over her face, her screams only making him angrier as his treatment turned worse until she passed out from the pain.

-

Naoya walked inside your room where the doctor had finished bandaging you up. He had already finished interrogating the servants about what that vile woman had done to you (and he'd already dished out punishments to the servants for not helping you or even reporting to him earlier).

"I'm sorry." You said to him as soon as he'd entered.

Naoya narrowed his eyes at you. "Why are you sorry?"

"For troubling you. And I don't mean just today, I mean for all the time." You looked down, ashamed. "I just- I didn't want you to think that I take you for granted. I know and I appreciate everything you've done for me, especially since I wasn't exactly an easy child to raise-"

"Shut up." Naoya scoffed, sitting down on your bed. "I didn't do anything for you. It was all for me. Nobody forced me to take you in, nobody forced me to raise you. I did it all for myself. So don't try to make this into some sappy little thing where you start being grateful and expect me to hug you and console you because I won't. I don't care if you start crying, I'm not risking getting your snot on my clothes-"

You chuckled and Naoya 's lips quirked up briefly as well. He sighed. "Yes, you weren't n easy child. Yes, you're a pain in the ass, but you're my pain in the ass. And I take care of things that are mine. Do you understand?"

"Yes, uncle Naoya."

"Good. Now, I know you're not stupid and you knew you didn't have to go along to her stupid ass orders, so why did you do it?"

You shrugged. "I don't know, I guess I thought that you'd like it if I was more feminine, more demure like the other women in the family."

"Idiot." He clicked his tongue. "The same rules don't apply to you that apply to them."

"Why not?"

"Because you're best when you're yourself. In fact, we are all best when you're happy. So, just focus on that. And stay safe. Also, I'd appreciate it if you'd sing my praises to the ladies of the family when you see them, I'm scared that they might poison me one day. You know what, just tell me what they say about me."

You shrugged. "I don't know, they mostly just say you're a bad influence, Maki says that you're a wannabe Toji, Mai says you had a thing for my dad- wait, did you? Is that why you adopted me? To lure my dad in? You want to be my mom? Should I call you that? Mama? MAMA-!"

"I'm gonna suffocate you with your own pillow tonight."

[starbright349]

heellooo!! I would like to request u too do an Adam zhongli!reader (from genshin impact).

thanks! If ur uncomfortable with the request u can decline

Of course, this took me a while to make since I do my research on Zhongli. But I tried my best, and I hope you enjoy.

In the lands of Teyvat, where all the famous warriors, knights, and some in training lived, and one of the famous knights was a woman named '(Y/N)'. She had saved countless lives and villages, completed multiple quests in one day, and found so many treasures that she honestly didn't know what to do with half the time.

But currently, she was doing none of that. This was the one day where she could have it all to herself, a day a relax and relief some stress, a day where she could do nothing until tomorrow.

As (Y/N) was enjoying her favorite tea next to a clam and quiet pond with a cherry blossom tree over it. It was her favorite place to relax since almost no-one knew about it.

As she was watching the cherry blossoms from the tree fall into the pond by the soft breeze, ever so gently. (Y/N) sighed happily was about to take her first sip of tea, enjoying the silence.

"HEY (Y/N)!"

(Y/N) instantly spit of her tea due to someone scaring her, the silence was interrupted, and the mood was ruined. Remember that thing about 'Almost no-one knowing about it'. Well only 2 people know about it, and that (Y/N) and Adam.

Adam. The first man, had been bugging (Y/N) since she saved her 5th clan of villagers from a monster... or was it for 6th? She couldn't remember, all she remembered was him, begging her to teach him how to use her powers.

And after a few years (Y/N) couldn't take his begs, pleads, and anything else in-between, and finally agreed to teach him if that meant he would leave her alone.

Adam flew down behind (Y/N) as she was wiping her mouth off with a napkin from the tea she spat out. "What do you want Adam? Can't you see I'm the middle of something?" (Y/N) asked while not turning her head to look at him, who probably had the stupid look on his face,

"Yeah, I can see your middle of something boring. Come-on! You said that would teach me those sweet, sweet, moves of yours. today" (Y/N) gave Adam a side eye, before her eyes returned to her cup filled with tea. She wipped the rim of the cup the napkin she had eailer

"Adam you should know this by now. Everyone knows that I don't work on my days off. I work 364 days a year and I would like to have one day to myself. We can train tomorrow afternoon." (Y/N) said then took a proper sip of the tea.

Adam ground in frustration, "But you're always doing something when you are working! I'll never get anytime with you less it's today. Please (Y/N). I want to learn."

It took a lot of begging and pleading for her to teach him, but (Y/N) again succumbed to Adam's begging and agreed to teach him today. On her day off of all things.

Slamming her teacup on the small wooden table, she stood up, but her back continued to face him.

"Alright, alright, alright! If it will make you shut up, I'll teach you today, right now even! If you just leave me alone after that." (Y/N) said, her eyes red with annoyance, but Adam couldn't see it. "Yes!"

Adam jumped into the air, as (Y/N) spun on her heal to finally face him. As she walked towards him, then past him, not saying a word.

Adam didn't know what to do but follow her. The 2 soon found themselves in an empty space, filled with green grass, some flowers here and there, and a few trees and rocks in the distance. As the wind genteelly glided through her soft hair, making it wave, facing Adam she spoke.

"If you want to learn all my moves and defend everything and everyone you care about. You will need to follow my every move."

(Y/N) closed her eyes for a moment, before moving her hands together, moving them upward, and doing a motion with her fingers that led to a bow and arrow appearing in her hands. Quickly, she put the arrow on the string, pulled it back and shot it at a nearby tree.

The arrow was perfectly shot in the middle of the tree, (Y/N) smiled at this, and turned to see Adam trying to do the same thing she had done earlier to summon his very own bow and arrow.

(Y/N) chuckled at Adam. And instantly knew that this was going to take up the rest of her days off from now on.

[marymary-diva17]

A mother sacrifice (2)

Jake x tsu'tey x reader x neytiri

It has been a month since the family had been apart from each other, a long enough month to affect everyone in the family. As they were missing one family member that held them all together, and would listen to all the children when there was time of conflict at home. The mother that was left behind had home missed her children and her spouse, these time apart was testing her as a mother and wife. She was willing to sacrifice anything to make her family safe, even due they might mean being part from them even longer.

y/n " ........" you are looking at some old photos of your kids as you are missing them and your mates so much right now, this was supposed to make you feel better but they were making you feel sad right now.

spider " hey auntie y/n my dad wants to know ... are you okay" you soon heard spider coming into the room, and you soon wipe away your tears.

y/n " yes spider what the matter"

spider " I came to see if you need help my dad busy right now, and I'm not needed in the lab as it not safe"

y/n " well you can help me around here"

spider " you are missing are you"

y/n " yes honey I'm missing them and I hope they are okay it been a while since we last talked, and I worry about them all"

spider " I miss them as well auntie all my friends are gone and half of my make shift family"

y/n " well you still have me and your dad along with your many uncles and aunts"

spider " thank you auntie y/n"

y/n " now come on lets see if we can find a way on how we can be helpful from here, and maybe we might get some good news when we are done with our work"

spider " yes auntie"

y/n " also there is something I and your dad along with the scientist will love to show you, that might amaze you my boy"

spider " cool I can't wait and see" you soon walked off with spider to get to work with a small team of scientists, you will do anything for your children and mates along with the rest of your clan to make sure they were safe and sound.

awa'alu village

Jake " I think once we are good terms with tonowari and the other olo'eytahn we can ask them if y/n and the rest of the clan can come"

tsu'tey " good because after all these months without her are starting to stuck"

neytiri " yes I miss her as well and I think her absence is starting to get, to the children as well they miss her so much"

Jake " yes and they also seem to be missing spider as well, he is their friend"

neytiri "we can call her right ma Jake and see here to hear her"

Jake " don't know if safe neytiri if the rda gets hold of single they will come after her"

neytiri " I hate it I hate on how we left her like that and left many innocents as well, along without fighting for our home" neytiri had gotten mad soon standing up and looking out, toward the ocean she was looking in the direction of the forest.

neytiri " I miss her and I wish she didn't make this sacrifice alone, I wish she allowed me to stay with her"

tsu'tey " well all know she wouldn't allow that to happen that not our y/n"

Jake " she has always been like this remember when she was pregnant with lo'ak and got mad at you two of following her, like she was fragile child" soon neytiri and tsu'tey had laugh as they was so true, they felt some happiness but that soon ended when kiri came into the home mad.

neytiri " kiri"

kiri " I hate these stupid reef boys they are stupid and rude, eywa has cursed with then stupidity" soon the two other kids had came into the home neteyam and lo'ak seem like they were in a fight, and tuk seem confused.

Jake " what happened"

neteyam " there was fight aonung and his friends were bullying kiri and insult our family"

lo'ak " they need to learn they can't bully our sister or insult or family" all three adult had sighed they knew they need you here, kiri had her back turn to everyone as she was upset . The boys were looking at tie father.

mo'at " tuk tuk come with me and help me"

tuk " okay grandma" tuk had bene taken by mo'at which made matter easier at the moment, but things were going to g soft very quickly and lead to more family conflict for the rest of the day.

later that night

Jake " look I know kids this has been a difficult day for us all" the kids were not speaking after the whole fight, it soon lead to awful and dangers prank played on lo'ak which end up in dangerous situation. there seem to be tension between lo'ak and his parents as they were not on his side right now.

lo'ak " I wish mama was here"

tsu'tey " lo'ak we don't need anymore fights right now it been a long day"

lo'ak " well at least when mom here she will defend me and hear us all out, verse picking sides"

neytiri " enough no more fighting"

Kiri “ when mama was her everything was better and same with spider he my best friend,I hate that they couldn’t come with us” the three adults soon sighed at the whole situation.

Jake “ looks kids we are going to do our best to get your mama home with us, and everyone else but we need to wait”

Tsu’tey “ you are the only one who miss her we miss her as well”

loak “ I’m sorry for yelling”

Jake “ it okay son your were just voicing your feelings at all”

neytiri “ now let’s eat and maybe if we are lucky we can do flight or swim” the children soon nodded their heads and agreed on the matter, the family ate their meal and spent the night as a family. They did miss you so much and knew you had made this sacrifice for them to be safe, and they will do same if they were in your position. As that night the family came up with an idea to get you to be back with them, so they all can be a family again.

[teletubbyinlipstick]

With Eyes That Weep Red

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

Ya'll loved my other writing it was so sweet! Thank you, truly. Here's another Naruto thingy I wrote a couple of years ago, I'm really not sure if I'll ever do anything with em so please feel free to message me about em if you liked to write more for it!

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

Hotaru took deep, calming, breaths as she glanced around at all the clan heads, even the fucking Hokage was here. She wiped her sweaty hands on her pants, a tic quickly caught by the other occupants in the room.

  "Tanaka Hotaru, do you know why you've been called to this meeting?" A middle aged man speaks up, a Nara by the looks of it, his face is relaxed and neutral but his eyes are assessing constantly taking in every fleeting emotion that crosses her face. She nods slowly, gulping as she rubs her hands together, god she felt like she was gonna pass out. 

 "Am...am I in trouble?" She mumbled quietly, mind racing on if this was gonna end badly for her. Was there some secret clan law that civilians couldn't possess kekkei genkai? Are they gonna make her become a shinobi? She can't fight to save her life, let alone anyone else's! Wait- Would they remove her eyes and give her new ones instead? Oh god. She liked her eyes. Thank you very much!

 "No, you're not in trouble. But there are some things to sort out, which is also why we had you do blood tests before this. You possess a highly powerful kekkei genkai, 'The Sharingan.'" The Nara from before answered, pausing for a moment as he watched her reaction before moving on. "It shows you have Uchiha blood on your mother's side. And from some miracle you have awakened your sharingan. You understand how rare this is, don't you?" Nara asked seriously, looking her right in the eyes. Hotaru nodded, because she really did. It was rare for a civilian ever to awaken a kekkei genkai because of the lack of training. So when she glared at them with anger, bright green eyes seeping into a blood red, the shocked looks she got in response was expected. 

  "So...what does this mean for me?" Hotaru spoke louder this time, gaining some reign of her spiked anxiety. This time, it was an Uchiha woman who spoke up. 

 "You will be offered a spot in the clan and if you wish, will be taught to wield the sharingan. 

  Ah. She stared for a moment longer before shaking her head.

 "No. Thank You."

[thatbloodymuggle]

READY TO RUN (iv)

FOUR - DIMINUENDO

SUMMARY: in a world where everyone has a predetermined match, JJ Maybank and Y/N Montgomery want nothing to do with theirs. it has to be a cruel joke; the universe forcing two people to love each other when they don’t know how.

PAIRING: jj maybank x reader / soulmate au

WORD COUNT: 4k

SERIES MASTERLIST

SONG: CHOPIN’S 24 PRELUDES, OP.28: NO.4 IN E MINOR

✰✰✰

You never liked tennis, despite being forced into lessons since the ripe age of 6. You greatly preferred more physical sports, like lacrosse or soccer, as opposed to prim and proper tennis.

Yet, here you were, at the annual mid-summer Outer Banks amateur tennis tournament. Any other year, you would have been in bed with an unfortunate "cold". But due to recent events, you didn't dare protest when the entire Montgomery family hiked their tennis bags onto their shoulders and drove to the country club. 

Georgia was the most excited of the Montgomery clan, as she never failed to remind everyone that she was the reigning North Carolina 13U tennis champion. Of course, daddy's favorite would be playing with Clyde.

Dixie would be playing with your mother, as her boyfriend Brad was still away on business. Margaret knew Dixie was only participating for the open bar, but of course, so was she. 

Much to your relief, you partnered up with Anna. You thanked God that Anna's dad was out of town; otherwise you would be stuck with your own father's creepy college roommate, Carl. 

"I hate this sport," you grumbled while readjusting your ponytail, "Why can't we play, like, soccer or something? I feel like kicking something. Or someone."

"Come on, it won't be that bad," Anna chimed while double-knotting her shoes, "Topper and Kate will beat us first round and then we're off the hook for the day."

You scoffed, "Even if we lose there's no way in hell I'm getting out of here. My mom's got me on a short leash. She’s not letting me out of her sight."

"Well you had quite the night without her around on Saturday," Anna grumbled, jumping up from the bench. She didn't bother waiting for you as she sauntered over to the court to stretch and get the game started.

Your cheeks flushed red as your mind was infiltrated with flashbacks from the night at the Kegger, which in turn, reminded you of the other day in JJ's beat-up pickup truck. You could almost smell the rain pouring down, feel the warmth of his flannel, taste his-

"Let's get a move on, Y/N!"

Topper's booming voice startled you, shaking you from the unwanted thoughts. You jumped from the bench and ran to the court, willing the blush covering your face to go away. You'd gone all morning without thinking about your other half, and you weren't about to let him ruin your already horrible day. 

"Let's get this show on the road," you feigned a grin.

Kate shot you a weird look from across the net--everyone knew how much you didn't want to be there. But regardless, you tossed a ball across the net for Topper and Kate to serve. 

To no one's surprise, the loving couple immediately took the lead. You found yourself actually putting effort into the game in an attempt to distract yourself from all the chaos plaguing your mind. But still, you sucked.

Kate and Topper cheered as they shot yet another ball across the net that neither Anna nor you could track down. You huffed, and trudged back to your position on the court. Sweat beaded on your forehead, and you tried to wipe it away with your arm in vain. A squeal sounded from the court opposite you, and you glanced over to see Georgia cheering and your father spinning her around in a celebratory manner. You fought the urge to roll your eyes. 

You instantly regretted letting your eyes wander away from the court as a tennis ball came flying at your face and a sharp pain exploded in your nose. 

"Shit!" you screeched, cupping your nose. 

You glared across the net at Topper who was in a fit of laughter.

"What the hell?" you yelped.

"That's 30-15, losers!" he laughed back, high-fiving Kate.

"You're an ass," you grumbled back, just loud enough for Topper to hear. You turned expectantly to Anna, waiting for your best friend since 3rd grade to back you up. Your frown deepened as you found Anna staring in the opposite direction, oblivious to Topper's antics. 

You followed Anna's gaze to find her staring at the Pogue you were desperately trying to avoid; JJ Maybank.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," you fought the urge to snap your racket in half. 

JJ's nose scrunched up in discomfort, and his fingers pressed against the bridge of it. Your eyes widened as you realized you were holding your throbbing nose in the same manner. You ripped your hand away from your face and cleared your throat, "Anna!"

Your counterpart ripped her gaze away from the Pogue and shot Topper a tight-lipped smile. 

"Nice one, Top," Anna called to the pair across the net.

"Anna--" you hissed at your friend, trying to pull her attention away from the game.

"30 serving 15, right?" Anna ignored you, getting in her ready stance for the next point.

Your lips parted, but you shut your mouth as you realized there was nothing to say. What would you say? You had no idea what was going through Anna's mind, and you were in the middle of Kook central. 

You could feel JJ's gaze burning into you, but you didn't dare turn to face him. Instead, you mimicked Anna's ready stance, and pretended to give a shit about the game, internally praying it would be over soon.

The first set ended without a hitch, and then the second. By the end of the game, you were sweating profusely despite losing miserably. 

With one last serve, you tossed the ball in the air and swung the racket with the little energy you had left. You sighed in relief as your serve flew about two feet out of bounds. Topper and Kate cheered across the court.

"At least it's over," you sighed, your arms falling limp by your sides.

You didn't even bother walking up to the net to shake hands with your opponents. It was Topper and Kate; they wouldn't be offended. Instead, you trudged over to the bench. You didn't hesitate to lay down on the bench with a sigh of relief. You threw an arm over your face to shield yourself from the sun and blindly reached for your water bottle. 

"You suck at tennis," a grating voice disturbed your moment of recovery.

You lifted your arm and squinted one eye open. You groaned when you caught sight of the striking blue eyes that seemed to follow you everywhere you went.

"Go away," you spit, closing your eyes again.

"No can do, sweetheart," JJ quipped.

"You're interrupting my peace and quiet."

"And you're interrupting my job," he shot back, "Go get your peace and quiet somewhere else."

You grunted, hauling yourself up from the bench. your legs felt weak, but you forced yourself to stand. You turned to face JJ with your arms crossed.

His signature mud-caked boots were replaced with a slightly cleaner pair of sneakers. His uniform khaki shorts were a far cry from his usual attire; not to mention the white polo shirt with a shiny name tag clipped to it. Despite the Kook-ish uniform, his messy blond hair was a dead giveaway that he did not belong in the Outer Banks Country Club. Not to mention he was very hard at work folding dainty white towels. 

"Nice polo," you snorted.  

JJ diverted his attention back to his towel folding. You rolled your eyes, ready to walk away when a sweaty, used towel was flung in your direction. You screeched as it landed on your face, and flung it back at the culprit. 

JJ laughed at your overreaction and dodged your retaliatory attack. 

"You're a pig," you scowled.

"You're one to talk, Miss Bourgeoisie."

Your lips curled into a sneer, "I despise-"

"Y/N Montgomery!" a cold voice shut you up immediately.

Your cheeks flushed and you subconsciously cowered as you turned to face your mother.

"Come watch your father and sister play," Margaret Montgomery ordered. "And stop associating with scum," she lowered her voice, but kept it just loud enough so the Pogue could hear. 

You were swept with embarrassment and guilt. As much as you didn't want JJ around, he didn't deserve to be equated to scum by your mother for merely doing his job. Nevertheless, you hung your head and followed your mother obediently. Your body screamed at you to turn around and apologize, but you didn't dare spare JJ another glance. 

The Pogue scoffed, and flung the towel he was holding onto the bench in frustration. He fought the urge to curse the evil witch out, and instead searched for Pope, who was on catering duty. He caught a glimpse of his friend a couple of courts away. JJ abandoned his towels and strode towards the other Pogue. What was the worst that could happen, he'd get fired? He was ready to get out of there anyways. 

Just as he was a few strides from stealing Pope away from his work, a freshly manicured hand dug into his arm, yanking him into the doorway of the club entrance. 

"What the hell-"

"Stay away from her."

JJ let out a dry laugh as he stood face to face with a very pissed off Anna Kim. Her arms were crossed and her eyes narrowed with malice. 

"Well shit, I'm popular today. I'm like a Kook chick magnet," he smirked, "This has been a great ego boost, but I'm not interested, Kim."

JJ tried to brush past her, but you caught his arm yet again, turning him back to face her.

"I mean it," Anna hissed, "Leave her the hell alone, Pogue. She doesn't need you fucking up her life; she deserves better than that."

JJ's jaw ticked, and he yanked his arm out of her piercing grip, "I know you Kooks like to think that you run this island and all of us lowly peasants are just dying to infiltrate your perfect little lives, but you'll be shocked to hear that silver spoons and high teas are my own personal hell. I have absolutely no interest in your friend."

Anna's glare only deepened at the thinly veiled insult, "Glad we're on the same page." 

She pulled a dollar bill from the back of her phone and passed it alongside her dirty towel from the tennis match to the Pogue. "For your troubles, towel boy," she sneered, venom dripping from her lips. She swiftly turned on her heels, and sauntered back over to her friends.

JJ shook with rage as he crumpled up the dollar bill in his fist and carelessly threw the used towel aside. He had never wanted to clock a girl so badly. "Entitled bitch," he grumbled while ripping off the shiny name tag pinned to his chest, and tossed it alongside the dirty towel. JJ marched swiftly towards Pope, who was manning the grill. 

"Hey man, you wanna dip early?" JJ's words caused Pope to jump, nearly sending a patty flying through the air. 

"Shit dude, don't sneak up on me like that!" Pope cried, turning to face his friend. He frowned as he took in the sour expression painted across JJ's face, "What happened to you?"

"If I have to serve one more of these pigs I'm gonna lose it," the blond snapped, "you coming?"

Pope cocked a brow at his friend's nonresponse, but decided against pushing him any further as he really did seem ready to burst. "I can't dude, you know my dad will kill me. Why don't you just stick it out for another hour?"

JJ huffed, "No way, I'm out of here." He turned on his heels and weaved his way through the mass of polo shirts and tennis skirts, leaving a very confused Pope behind. 

For as long as he could remember, JJ had been certain that the soulmate thing wasn't for him. Still, he used to feel bad for whoever his other half was. He felt guilty for the pain he constantly put them through. He routinely laid awake at night, mulling over the impending disappointment his soulmate would feel when they inevitably found out who he was, and the life he led. 

But now, any trace of guilt he previously felt was gone; crushed by the pristine, designer shoe of Y/N Montgomery. 

As he stomped aimlessly along the side the road and spat at the gaudy white houses (both figuratively and literally), JJ tried with all of his might to take his mind off of his soulmate. But, much to his frustration, every train of thought led back to you. 

You were an enigma; the object of his unwavering hatred, and of his deepest desire.

✰✰✰

After a long day under the beating sun, Georgia and Clyde Montgomery were crowned the Kildare County Annual Tennis Tournament doubles champions, to absolutely no one's surprise. 

You, on the other hand, were left with a blistering sunburn and an equally scorching feeling of resentment in the pit of your, or should you say JJ's, stomach. 

With your family caught up celebrating the youngest Montgomery child's win, you were able to slip away from the post-tournament award dinner to accompany your friends to the neighboring docks. The sun had set, and you welcomed the soothing touch of the ocean breeze against your skin as you sat with your feet dangling over the water. You let your eyes flutter shut, and just for a minute, tuned out the voices around your and your own thoughts. 

"Are you alright, Y/N? You're quiet today," Kate's voice jerked you away from the temporary relief. Your eyes fluttered open, and you turned to your three friends staring at you; Topper and Kate's brows furrowed in concern, whereas Anna remained stoic.

"'M fine, just exhausted from the tournament, I guess," you sighed with a soft smile which didn't quite reach your eyes, "Are you implying that I'm a bore?"

Kate rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I actually can't stand you," she nudged you jokingly.

"I second that," Topper interjected, earning a glare from you.

"You're one to talk, you grouch," you flicked your foot to kick up a splash of water towards him.

Topper shrieked at your assault, and reached over the dock to send a splash of water right back, "Don't test me, Montgomery. I will throw you in.  You know I'm--"

Topper was cut off by another splash of water, this time from a giggling Kate. His jaw dropped at his girlfriend's betrayal, and you seized the moment to send and your spray of water towards him. His eyes narrowed, and you bolted up before he could lunge towards you. You ran away giggling as Topper scrambled up to chase after you, all the while continuously getting splashed by water from both Kate and Anna now, who had joined in on the action. 

"You are so dead!" Topper shouted after you, as you tried your best to outrun him. It wasn't long until he caught up to you and grabbed you, throwing you over his shoulder.

"Owww, Topper put me down!" you squealed. You kicked your legs blindly and tried to squirm out of his grip, but to no avail. 

"You made your bed, Montgomery, now lie in it," Topper quipped. Although you were unable to see his face, you could hear the smug grin in his tone. Kate and Anna were cackling. 

Your eyes widened as Topper neared the edge of the dock, "Topper don't you dare throw me in, I will not hesitate to kick you in the balls!"

You pleaded with your friend, but he had already made his mind up. You screeched as he dumped your rather ungracefully over the edge of the dock. You squinted your eyes shut and braced yourself for the impact milliseconds before you was submerged under the cool water. You swam back up and gasped as your head broke the surface. Kate and Anna were now laughing so hard, tears were streaming down their cheeks. You wiped the water from your eyes, and glared up at a smirking Topper. 

However, a devilish grin took over your face as you noticed Kate's legs were dangling over the edge of the dock in your fit of laughter. Before Topper could stop you, you lurched forward and tugged your friend down into the water with you. Kate screamed as she fell over the edge and into the water. She coughed violently as she came up from underneath the water, "What the hell was that for?"

You sent a splash of water towards Kate, "For enabling your boyfriend!"

Before Kate could splash you back, a wave of water engulfed both of you as Topper cannon-balled between you. You both cried out, and assaulted him with splashes as soon as his head peeked out from underneath the surface. 

You giggled as you fought with your friends in the moonlit water. This was the first time in days that your mind wasn't plagued with thoughts of piano, or college applications, or your soulmate. Even if for just a few minutes, you felt an unwavering bliss like no other.

But just as quickly as it engulfed you, bliss slipped away.

The feeling of sharp nails dragging down your back wiped the wide grin off of your face instantly. In an instant, you became acutely aware of your whole body. You felt teeth nipping harshly at your neck, and a familiar feeling bubbling in the pit of your stomach. You felt your gut twist and wrench; but this feeling was your own. 

You had felt your soulmate getting it on many times in the past. Sure, it annoyed your; but only because it would interrupt your own activities. You had never thought of it as anything more than a nuisance.

But things were different now. You had felt the electrifying touch of his skin on yours; of his lips on yours. You had stared into his ocean eyes. He was no longer some faceless, nameless agitation. He was JJ Maybank.

"You're feeling him, aren't you?" Anna's icy tone sent a shiver up your spine.

Anna frowned down at you from your seat on the dock. You were suddenly aware of your surroundings and whipped around to find that Topper and Kate had drifted off on their own. You diverted your attention towards Anna again, feeling small under her punitive gaze. You felt the invisible nails clawing at your back again, and clambered out of the water as if you could escape the feeling.

"I don't know what you want me to do about it, Ann," you barely spoke above a whisper, "It's not like I can break the bond." you hugged yourself as the combination of your dripping wet clothes and the soft sea breeze made you shiver. 

"No, but you're entertaining the idea of it," Anna coolly replied, "I saw how you looked at him today."

You frowned and clenched your fists as the feeling of pleasure in your gut returned. You sunk your nails into your arms with the hope that JJ would receive your message. 

You composed yourself before you bit back, "I don't know what you're talking about, Anna. I barely looked at him. But even if I did, then so what?"

"I'm just looking out for you here, Y/N. He's bad news, and you're above that. You don't need that kind of chaos in your life," Anna replied in a condescending tone, eliciting a scoff from you.

"Do you think I'm fucking dense? I am fully aware of who he is and where he comes from, and frankly, I don't have a rat's ass what side of the island he lives on," you seethed, "I won't be associating with him because I don't want a soulmate, not because he's beneath me. And my decision to do so will not be to satisfy you, or my family. That decision will be made for myself, and myself only."

As you ranted, your voice raised and captured the attention of Kate and Topper. 

"Well someone has to look out for you if you won't look out for yourself," Anna sniped back, matching your volume. 

You groaned, and stomped your foot in frustration, "Get your head out of your ass, Anna. You and I both know that you're only looking out for yourself and your reputation."

Anna opened her mouth to reply, but you cut her off, "I'm out of here."

You spun on your heels, and marched away from your angry friend. You ignored Kate and Topper's confused shouts asking you what happened, and where you were going. 

As you walked further from the scene, your composure cracked with each step. It wasn't until you were completely out of earshot that you allowed it to shatter completely. Just as the first tear trailed down your face, the first sob wracked your trembling body. Your bottom lip wobbled as you willed yourself to calm down, but to no avail. Your legs felt like jelly as you stumbled along the side of the road, tears streaming down your face. Your vision blurred, and you couldn't contain the wails escaping you. It was as if your body was dispelling all of the events from the past week. The fight with your parents, the stress from Madame, and the unavoidable, mind splitting confusion you felt over JJ Maybank.

JJ. 

You were doing just fine until he came into the picture. You had a handle over things. But the small semblance of control you had felt over your own life had cruelly slipped between your fingers, as you sobbed over a boy you barely knew. You cried over the image of him with another girl. And you cried over the prospect of accepting him as a part of your life. Above all, you cried because you felt helplessly alone. No matter how suffocating your secret became, you couldn't talk about it with anyone, as Anna had proven to you that evening. 

You stumbled over your feet, but before you could collapse a pair of wet arms caught you, wrapping around you from behind. 

Your cries only escalated as Topper held your frail body against his chest, "Shhh, Y/N. It'll be okay. You're okay. You're safe."

Despite his soothing tone, you shook your head violently, unable to respond through your wheezing sobs. He delicately turned your body to face him and wrapped his arms around you once again. Topper held you firmly against his chest and rubbed circles in your back, all the while whispering affirmations in your ear. Breathe, Y/N. You can do this. You're strong. You buried your face in the fabric of his soaking shirt, muffling your cries. 

You weren't sure how long you stood there crying into Topper's arms, but his hold on you did not waver until your sobs subsided into hiccups, and your breathing slowed to a normal rate. Eventually, you were able to unravel yourself from his limbs. Your red, puffy eyes trained on his, and you opened your mouth to speak. But your voice was hoarse, and you didn't know what to say. 

"You don't have to say anything," Topper read your mind, "But at least let me walk you home."

Your shoulders sagged in relief, and you nodded gratefully. You began the mile long trek to the Montgomery estate in a silence filled only with the sound of your hiccups and chirping cicadas. Your eyes remained trained on the ground below, but true to his word, Topper did not ask you any questions. You felt his concerned gaze trained on you, but didn't dare to meet his eyes. As you walked side by side, you felt a fogginess overcome your mind. A haze brought on by crying until you had no tears left. For just a moment, you allowed yourself to dissociate from the chaos. You felt a temporary relief; one you knew wouldn't last long, but that you welcomed all the same. Because you knew that tomorrow it would pass, and you would have to confront the mess you had the misfortune of calling your life.

And boy, what a mess you were in.

-

...so it's been a minute, but I felt inspired to pick this back up again. taglist is super old, so please message me if you would like to be added or taken off! (repost)

[byunpum]

Back to you | Part 1

Pair: Jake(human and avatar) x Neytiri x Human reader (trio couple)

Warning: None, i think kinda sad. More in future, maybe soft-smut in the future.

Note: I'm still alive after disappearing for 1 month. Ahh omg, it's been so long, I'm so sorry. A lot of things have happened, more good than bad. But we're back…and as I had posted. Here I bring you this story, based on my mini-series 'mama's boy'. Here I share with you how our characters are paired up. I hope you like it, and let me know what you think and if I should continue with the mini-series. Love ya <3

+Read 'Mama's boy' HERE+

AVATAR MASTERLIST| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (final)

You were feeling uncomfortable in the metal chair, which was placed next to the bonding machine, which allowed humans to use their avatars. Since the routine expedition, Jake had not returned. Everyone knew he was alive, but where was he? No one knew. Grace had asked you as a favor to monitor him until he returned. You weren't complaining, but you had avoided having any contact with Jake. He reminded you of things…Not even 20 minutes had passed, when the machine made a noise indicating that it would open. You get up from the chair as quickly as you can, to assist Jake. You help him open the lid, finding a confused, sweaty Jake with a stupid grin that made your heart pound. “You won't believe where I am?” says Jake, as you let out a big sigh and shift your gaze to Grace.

“Oh my god…you're back!!!” shouts grace from her desk. Coming towards you, she was already releasing a machine to take jake's blood pressure. “Grace…I'm in” says Jake, the man was lying on his shoulders. He was still a little weak, you force him to drink water from a bottle. Taking his chin to make him open his mouth. While grace looks at him with confusion. “What?” grace continues to work on adjusting the machine on his arm. Jake had been so many hours without using his body, he could pass out at any moment. “Yes…they accepted me. I'm inside their home” jake, looks at you. “You're in the tree home?” you ask. You watch as he nods his face quickly. Grace takes jake's face in her hands, and gives him a warm smile. “I can't believe it…are you serious?!!!” grace was shocked. They had tried to get in, but it was impossible. “I'm with a girl…ahhh netyy ahhh” jake tries to remember and pronounce the name correctly of the girl who is supposed to help him adjust. “Neytiri?” you speak softly, but loud enough for jake to hear you. “Yes her” jake speaks up.

Grace looks at you quickly and she can see the sadness in your gaze. You change your face and mood, moving away from Jake, helping him to put his weight down. Turning away from them, you bump into norm who had approached you moments before. “Are you okay?” norm asks, touching your shoulder, but you push him away. Walking as fast as you could away from them, you wanted to get out of there. You felt short of breath and were wiping away tears hiding your emotion. She was fine. It had been so long since you had heard from her. On the other side a group of friends are confused, “What's wrong with her, did I say something wrong?” asks Jake, looking at Grace. The woman was still looking towards the exit, sighing deeply. “It's a long story…come on out of there you need to rest and tell me everything” says grace, helping Jake into his wheelchair.

Lunchtime came quickly, and the entire team was gathered in the dining room eating dinner. The group of scientists were very excited and focused on every word that came out of Jake's mouth. It had been so long since they had been able to have a connection with the Omaticaya clan. Even grace was giving him their undivided attention. Meanwhile you and norm were standing a little away from the group, eating the disgusting food. You couldn't help but laugh at the look on norm's face, you could tell he was very upset. You kicked his foot a little, “hey get that face away” you scolded him, but you saw how he snapped with his teeth. “I can't stand this… it's a very unfair” norm says. “Unfair?” you ask, as you put a mouthful of food in your mouth. “Yes, Tom has been studying for 3 years and I've been studying for over 6 years…and where am I? sitting here, doing nothing. In fact, if anyone in the whole RDA deserved to be with the omaticaya clan, it's you. You've been in pandora all your life…you're part of the clan” speaks norm annoyed, seeing how you interrupt him with your index finger. “Ah ah was…past!!!” you speak, lowering your gaze for a moment. Some memories come to your head, yes, it was very true what norm said, you were once part of the omaticaya clan…but it's been so long. Maybe… they have forgotten about you. “Norm…I understand your discomfort, but there's nothing we can do, the pretty boy was lucky to be accepted” you joke, seeing Norm's disgusted face. “Jake pretty boy?!!!! You have to be crazy” you laugh loudly, looking at the group of scientists who were still harassing jake. “Well…you were tom's girlfriend, that says a lot about you” Norm says, now he was the one laughing at you. “We weren't boyfriend and girlfriend…we just spent a few nights together” you speak up, laughing with your friend.

While you and Norm were still laughing, for a moment you see Jake look at you and give you a smile. You return it, seeing how jake makes a help signal with his hands. You laugh even harder, but you feel Norm pinch you “don't be fooled by the enemy” says Norm “Norm let me go!!!” you roll your eyes back. Norm could sometimes be very very annoying. But you were used to it, he had always been like that.

You remember when norm and tom came to pandora. Just for their studies, and you were the first to meet them. From then on… you had grown very fond of them. When the news that tom had been killed reached your ears, you were heartbroken, again…but you got over it little by little. But with the new member of the group, it wasn't very easy. Since Jake had arrived, he hadn't taken his interest in you, and to make things worse for you. Grace had delegated all responsibility for Jake's avatar to you, so if anything happened to him it was your fault. And the last thing you wanted was for a $20 million dollar avatar to happen to him, or else the RDA was going to kill you.

After the meal, and when everyone was about to go to their respective rooms. Norm had gone ahead walking as fast as he could through the cold corridors of the RDA. You were walking more calmly, plus you wanted to meet Jake. You felt you owed him an apology for leaving him alone. By pure chance you find him, you see that he was talking something with Quaritch. You look at him with concern, if you knew one thing, it was that quaritch never had good intentions, if he wasn't given anything in return. When you see both men stop talking, you decide to approach jake. “Hello” you speak softly, catching the man's attention. Jake turns around, with a small smile. Lifting his gaze. “I'm all ears” jake says. You had barely spoken to jake since he arrived, so you were a little nervous. “One question…ahh where did you leave my avatar?” you ask. “Your avatar? It's in a safe place” jake says. “Yeah, but what safe place?” you wanted him to be more literal, because his concept of safety might be very different from yours. “I'm sleeping in some kind of giant leaf…ahh I don't remember” jake speaks up, shuffling his hair.there was a short silence between the two of you, but you decide to speak. “You're in the big tree?” you speak. Jake can see your eyes light up for a moment. “Yes…that. There I am” jake can see you kneel down in front of him, and move much closer. Placing your hands on his knees. As if whatever you were going to ask him, you didn't want anyone else to hear. “And how did you see everything? Is everyone okay?” you ask. “Yeah…normal, there's only one who seems to be a bother and he's warrior…I don't remember his name” jake says and can see how you smile softly. “That's tsu'tey” you speak. “That same one, do you know him?” jake gets closer to your face, and you quickly push him away. “Ahh thank you for answering me…see you tomorrow” you get up quickly, and leave quickly. Before you continue walking to your room, you stop “By the way…sorry for leaving you alone when you wake up, next time I'll take better care of you” you apologize, and turn to continue on your way.

Jake stood there confused, he thought you looked kind of strange. But cute…very cute. He could understand his brother now. Laughing to himself, he started on his way to his room. Although he must admit that he found it even stranger, that you knew the name of that navi. It was assumed that only people who have an avatar have had contact with the Omaticayas, and he understands that not all of them have. How did you know that?

The next day came quickly, and Jake had almost no time to wake up…because he had to get up early. Wiping his eyes, he was already sitting on the edge of the connection machine. “Good morning” you hummed, approaching him. You had a cup of coffee in your hands, offering it to him with some vitamins. “Good morning gorgeous” jake chuckles, as he can as norm makes a dirty face. “Here…you'll need this” you hand him the stuff. “And this?” jake asks. “It's some vitamins that will help your body not collapse from not eating all day and a coffee” you speak, as you practically force jake to take it all. Grace approaches you, accompanied by Norm. “Well, here's the information,” says Grace, showing Jake a screen. On it was all of neytiri's information. You come to Jake's side, looking at the screen with a warm smile. “Please don't disrespect her….y do not be a jerk” norm speaks, giving jake a dirty look. “You're just upset because I'm the one going on a date with the leader's daughter” jake says in a mocking voice. Grace rolls her eyes and tells you to take care of hooking Jake up. As jake lies down, you approach him. “ Advice…don't try to flirt with neytiri” you speak up. Watching as jake raises an eyebrow, and laughs a little. “There you go…and how do you know that?” he speaks. You now give him a big smile, but one of sarcasm. “I know why I say that” you speak, as you turn away from jake. “You should listen to her,” Grace shouts from the distance. “Good luck…soldier” you speak, being the last face jake saw to wake up in his avatar body.

And yes, jake should take your advice, you knew neytiri more than anyone. And yes you were hating the fact that he could be with her. It had been so many years since you last saw her, you didn't even get to say goodbye…nothing. The last time you saw Neytiri was when that tragedy happened at school. You sigh a little, as you begin to prepare the week's paperwork. But your thoughts are interrupted when you feel grace sit down next to you. “I have good news… a new project is coming out tomorrow,” says Grace. You look at her curiously. “Project?” you ask. Grace's face ascends. “Yes…we need to be closer to the clan, a place we are safe, but we can still get on with the project 'jakesully” says grace, watching you laugh. “I was able to convince the RDA idiots to have a bunker, where we can have a team, a small lab. i'm counting on you, right?” grace looks at you with a raised eyebrow, waiting for your answer. “Can I refuse?” you speak, feeling Grace hug you and press a kiss to your hair. “It'll be for the best… we'll have a great time, no personal space” grace jokes, as you groan loudly.

And as if by magic, within a week you were in the bunker in the middle of the jungle. Norm, grace, judy, jake and you. Although judy came and went from time to time to get everything you needed. Even though she used to get away so often, she was part of the team. You adjusted too quickly, it seemed to be comfortable. And the comfort you felt around Jake was increasing too, and very quickly. This seemed to be nice for grace, she liked to see you happy and excited about something or someone…it had been a long time since she had seen you like this. Watching from afar, as you wiped jake's face with a wet rag. “I'm not a baby” says Jake, as you wipe his eyes. While you hold your face with both hands. “Yeah but you're barely taking care of yourself…I know your avatar body is amazing, but you're here” you touch his chest and feel his heart. “Can you feel it moving? It's that fast for you “ jake jokes, watching you laugh and turn away from him. “That was the worst thing you've said so far” norm complains from behind you, as he sips his coffee.

You liked it when jake would go back to his body in the afternoon, and do his video documentaries. And you could listen to everything he had learned, plus he would also tell you everything he had done with neytiri. “It's just that it's hard to use the bow…it's” Jake would explain with his hands, you could see the frustration in his eyes and gestures. Neytiri could be very rude at times, but that was the way it was and he had to learn. “The trick is to put pressure on the back arm” you move, and show him the pose. “And boom…done” you joke. Jake shakes his head to the side, watching as you continue to explain how he should do things. Just like neytiri was doing, they were explaining almost identically. Jake leans forward and brushes a strand of hair away from your face. Tucking it behind your ear. “Thank you” you speak timidly, now pulling away. “Thank you for helping me” jake says.

Since you had gotten closer to him, he had improved so much with the lessons with neytiri. If she told him something, he would ask you as soon as he returned to his human body. And you answered him without hesitation, sometimes he didn't understand how you knew so much about the clan. Only grace and a few avatars were supposed to have had contact with the clan, norm could know some things. But you were an expert. And your advice is really paying off. Now jake was in his avatar body, he was holding the bow again, and he remembered what you had said to him. “Neytiri was asking you to put strength in your arms, so you will be more accurate in your shooting” jake remembered your words, he adjusted his stance. Neytiri was approaching him, but stopped short. When she noticed Jake's stance, she stood watching him. Seeing how the shot was perfect. “Well done” says neytiri, watching as jake smiles at her. She was wondering how he had improved overnight. But if she could tell, it was the technique jake was using…it was very similar to yours. Neytiri tries to distract herself and keeps walking towards the prey.

For a moment during the day, the two of them had sat down in a nice quiet meadow to eat something to eat…neytiri was minding her own business eating her food. But she could feel jake's gaze, he might change his gaze once or twice. But he would look back at her. “ What are you looking at so much?” speaks neytiri without taking her eyes off her fruit. Jake remains thoughtful for a moment. “That necklace around your neck” jake points to the woven necklace neytiri had around her neck, she touches it while looking at it warmly. “What is it?” jake asks, but he thinks he knows the answer. The reason he's asking is because the night before, when he came over to fix your hair. He could see you had that same necklace, he wanted to believe it was something grace gave you. But today he noticed the same one on Neytiri and was surprised. They were identical. “This…” neytiri holds her necklace tightly. “This is a memory of her” neytiri says, she stops eating for a moment. She could look thoughtful, like she was remembering someone. “Her?” asks jake. Neytiri looks at him slowly, you could see her little teary eyes. But she gets up suddenly, “Come on…we have a lot of things to do” says neytiri. Jake stands up behind her, and catches her hand to stop her for a second. “Neytiri…are you okay?” the boy asks. Neytiri squeezes jake's hand for a moment, looking down and taking a deep breath. “Yes,” she says. Starting to walk to a new route, but Jake could tell how she didn't let go of his grip and continued to hold his hand tightly. Jake didn't refuse at any point, neytiri is not very affectionate to say the least, and the fact that she was still holding his hand. It meant that she needs him right now.

That same afternoon, when jake and neytiri came home from training, they had lunch with the whole clan. And lay down to rest in their respective places, neytiri waited a few minutes to carefully lift her head and see if jake had finally fallen asleep. She had her home with her parents, being still single, neytiri could live with her parents. But right now, she had the task of training and taking care of Jake. So she had to be wherever he was. Neytiri notices how Jake is asleep. Getting up from her hammock, to walk carefully in the branches. Leaving the resting area, running carefully to her ikran. “sense…come on” says neytiri, climbing into her ikran quickly. flying away from the familiar tree, she hopes no one was following her, because she was heading to a place she only knew about.

Not far away, there was a very tall tree. Too tall to be anything but scary for anyone to come and interrupt. Neytiri leads Seze to a giant branch, which had a beautiful view of the jungle of Pandora. Neytiri climbs down from the ikran, stroking the creature's head, stretching a little. To approach the tree trunk, picking up a small bag. Now to sit on the edge of the branch. She sighs a little, looking at the scenery. Opening the bag, and taking out of it a piece of paper. Very carefully she unfolds it and laughs to see what was drawn on it.

A cute doodle drawing…on it were two girls. Neytiri laughs to herself, as she touches the paper wistfully. “I hope you never forget me…my Y/N” Neytiri speaks softly. Hugging the paper carefully, this was the only thing I had of you.

What do you think? should I continue? btw, If you want to be tagged, let me know.<3

[lynxtheserval]

So hey y'all. I died, but I got better hehehe HAAA!! (Clash of Clans / personal joke reference go brrrrr)

So anyway, I got sudden inspiration for a very specific scenario with a Yandere Subspace x Reader who tried to run away with a faulty Biograft

Idk man it just popped into my head LMAO

Anyway I might make a part two, depends on how this turns out!

Yandere Subspace X Reader who tried to run away with a faulty Biograft!

(TW: Needles, Drugging, Being held Forcefully, Murder, Yandere Shit, Maybe OOC Subspace, been a while since I've written)

“NO!” You shouted, unable to move. You struggled in the functioning Biografts grip.

You watched as Subspace, the man who claimed to love you, ripped away the life of the only thing you could call a friend.

His hands viciously ripped the circuits out of the defective Biograft, your friend. The person who was going to get you out of this terrible situation. The situation that was probably going to get a lot worse from here.

After letting out his rage on the poor Biograft, Subspace stayed still for a few, long moments. He then started to slowly get up from his seated position on top of the deceased Biograft. Once standing, he slowly looked over to where you were being held. His gas mask was slightly off of his face, to where you could see his deranged, half rotted smile. Unfortunately, he wasn't smiling with joy or excitement. He was smiling with pure rage. He was pissed, the most mad he's ever been with you. He started walking towards you with a face pace, speeding up with each step, until face to face with you. He stared at you, with those unhinged, pink eyes. Subspace then spoke.

“Oh.. my! It looks like you might be regretting your decision!!” he cupped your chin and tilted it to face him, forced to directly look him in the eyes.

You tried to struggle but the Biograft had too strong of a hold on you, Subspace was just watching with an amused expression.

“Sweetie… you know this Biograft is stronger than that pathetic one!” He looked over and angrily pointed at the diseased Biograft, the faulty one. The one who thought they could take you away from HIM. What an idiot! He really needs to work on the code, to make sure this never happens again.

Subspace looks back at you, frowning. He puts his gas mask back on, straightens it, and sighed.

“My love..” He started, but you interrupted him with a yell.

“WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!? WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUIN MY LIFE?! I NEVER DID ANYTHING TO YOU!” You shouted, in complete rage, in complete agony. Tears started forming in your eyes, and soon fell down your face in a constant stream.

He looked at you, his eyes seemed enraged for a moment, then seemed calm. He put his hand over your mouth, stopping you from yelling any more.

“Y/N… you know I'm just doing this for your safety, correct?” He keeps saying that, always trying to convince you he's trying to help you, keep you safe. He then wiped some of the tears away from your cheeks, and ran his hand through your hair.

You couldn't do anything, struggling wouldn't help, so you just gave up. Subspace noticed this, how your body went limp in Biografts grip.

“Biograft, let her go. She's calm enough now!” he snapped at the bot. The Biograft released its hold on you, and you fell down into Subspace’s arms. He looked down at you, it seemed as if he was smiling. He sat down with you in his arms, taking you into a full hug.

He hummed a small tune, trying to calm you down further. Running his hands through your hair, he then spoke.

“Let's go back home, okay?” He paused, trying to figure out what to say next. “I know today has been rough for you, but you can't leave me. All I do.. it's for your own safety!! I know that faulty Biograft was important to you, but it would hurt you. It WAS hurting you!”

“But it-” You tried to speak, but he interrupted you with a “shh”.

“Darling, just relax now, okay? This might hurt a teeny tiny bit, but you'll wake up feeling all better!”

Before you could protest, he stabbed a needle into your arm, and within a few seconds, your vision went black.

As he stared at you in his arms, his glare came back. He looked back at the defective Biograft, wishing it could just come back to life, so he could kill it all over again. And again. And again.

He looked back at you, still glaring. How stupid of you, to think you could leave him, with a faulty Biograft helping you! No, never. He'll never let this happen again.

NEVER.

[bloodybreakupscene]

-> 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓.

neteyam x metkayina! reader

-> neteyam wants to talk to you so bad but he can't (ft. wingman kiri)

-> omg hey it's been a few months but i'm back and i saw the avatar movie like a few weeks ago and now i write for avatar 😋😋

only a day ago did neteyam and his family come seeking hospitality in your clan. you, at first, had no interest in them, you didn't have a problem with it like your brother ao' nung did, but you weren't thrilled with them here, unlike your sister tsireya. you were very neutral on their arrival. however after being assigned to teach them the metkayina ways did you actually have to interact with them.

you were about a half an hour late due to your training and they have already begun breathing practice. based on your own observation, you could tell it wasn't going very well. the smallest one, which you later learned was named 'tuk', was struggling the hardest, so you swam over to her first.

"are you okay?" you asked, as she coughed.

"no! breathing underwater is too hard." she complained, rubbing her eyes.

"well, you're not trying to breathe underwater, you just need to hold your breath." you demonstrated by holding your breath through your stomach and then diving down, the young girl replicated, now being able to hold her breath without coughing up a storm.

"woah, did i do it?" she asked, wiping some of the water from her face.

you nodded and you both swam back to where tsireya was, the little girl swam to her sibling, kiri; you think. you remember her when your mom pointed out her small tail.

while the groups conversed you noticed the tallest one glancing at you, as he did earlier when he arrived. you ignored it and moved on with your day.

you had just finished assisting the others in your village when you turned the corner to see ao' nung, lo' ak, one of ao' nung's friends, and neteyam all on the ground fighting, with kiri on the side laughing at how dumb they were being. which was a very warranted reaction to such stupidity.

looking down, at ao' nung's face he used all his strength to shove lo'ak off his body and stood up and walked towards you.

"these stupid freaks tried attacking me." he swore at them, you rolled your eyes and dragged him by his ear to where he was now standing next your, his friend following him.

"sorry for my brother's behavior" you began gently. "he isn't normally like this."

"it's okay, i'm sure if lo' ak controlled himself it wouldn't have escalated this far."

you nodded your head, "see you later then."

"yeah, i'll, um, see you later." he stuttered a bit.

"y-y-y-yeah i'll see you l-l-l-later!" lo' ak teased him, poking his side before being dragged away, with kiri following.

—

"why don't you just talk to them?"

"because. it's complicated, they're just so. . .i don't know." neteyam said, responding to kiri's question.

she laughed at her brother's pathetic attempt for an excuse. she didn't really see the big deal or why he was so nervous, maybe it was something she would learn later in life. you were very cool; in her opinion, so she really doesn't understand why he was so nervous and found it a bit rude that he was taking extra measures to not talk to you but also be near you at every given moment?

she walked around the village until she found tsireya; feeling lucky she didn't run into your other sibling. she was with tuk searching for pearls to put in their hair.

"hello kiri! do you need something?" she asked, moving some hair away from her face.

"nope, where's (y/n)?"

"they're near that rock over there!" tuk answered, pointing in directions of that rock.

"mm, thanks."

she walks over to you as you're fishing some lone creatures out of the water as a hunting exercise. she watches as you stab the fish and pull them out of the water and put them in a basket.

you acknowledged her and you both started to talk.

"ugh i don't even know how you can live with three other people. i can barely survive with tsireya and ao' nung." you complained, sitting down.

"dude, i don't even know how i do it." she laughed, and you were a bit confused about her sky people words but you laughed as well.

"kiri?" neteyam called to your friend.

"neteyam! we were just talking about you."

"you were?"

"we were?

"duh," she rolled her eyes before getting up, "(y/n) was asking about life back in the forest and your training."

"oh, uh, i can explain, if you, uh, want." neteyam didn't know what was wrong with him, he couldn't speak to you without stuttering like an idiot. kiri had already walked away leaving the two of you alone. this wasn't like the other moments he's had with you, he actually had to talk to you instead of standing idly next you, hoping, praying, you'd make the first move.

"yeah sure, you can sit down if you'd like." you shifted positions, creating some space on the rock for him.

neteyam quickly sat next to you and spoke of the wonders of the forest, the enormous trees that decorated the dirt floor. beautiful cool colored flowers and forest green grass that he and his siblings fell asleep on. he talked about the ikrans he flew and how being in the sky felt so free and relaxing.

"y'know talking about the forest really makes me miss home." he laughed a little.

"i would too if i lived there." you played with the water, making small waves from where you sat. "flying an ikran sounds kinda scary though, maybe it's because i'm so used to being underwater."

"it is at first, but when you finally bond it's the most special experience ever."

"your ikrans seem so loyal, how do you know if one chooses you?"

"they try to kill you."

you laughed, he just looked at you. "wait are you serious?"

it was his turn to laugh, "your turn, what's this place like."

"hm, i don't have to tell you, i can just show you. we must meet tomorrow there's a lot i want you to see." you said, as his tail wagged.

"then we will, after tomorrow's lesson."

you smiled at each other in the dim light, signaling to you both that nightfall was coming. "well i have to get going, i promised my mom i'd be back after i got kiri."

"right, well i'll see you tomorrow." you giggled, your tail slowly swaying.

you awkwardly turned around to leave, and he watched as your figure walked to wherever you needed to be. his tail began to pick up pace as well as his heart and while he tried to calm himself down, you were more happy and giddy than usual, which was an odd thing considering your neutral, unbiased personality. there was slight pep in your step as you walked towards your marui, and if someone was really paying attention to you they would've noticed but thankfully no one was at that moment.

you both went home happy that day, you because you finally made friends with the one sully kid who didn't seem to want anything to do with you and neteyam, who'd finally gotten the chance he needed to become friends (and even more) with you.

[retroillustrates]

I'm here to annoy yall with tragic (and slightly exaggerated) art I reused an old illustration to draw a scene from my microfic

(I don't promise I won't do this again lol)

Fic under cut if yall don't feel like going to my AO3

Hashirama's eyes followed the man who is staggering in front of him. His moves sluggish and raw from the battle, both of their armors half destroyed.

"I guess I underestimated you, Hashirama." Madara half laughed, half choked on his own blood which he promptly spat on the muddy ground. Rain had begun pouring down at some point.

"Madara, cease this. It's not too late to return." Hashirama started, but Madara laughed at him

"You're still at it, Hashirama? Haven't we decided upon that in battle? It is too late. It had been for quite some time." Madara wiped the blood off his lip, his sharingan deactivating from exhaustion.

Hashirama clenched his fists "You're willing to just throw away our dream like that? What changed, Madara?" he didn't want to acknowledge what protecting the dream meant: stopping anyone who opposed it, even if it meant death.

"Wake up to reality, Hashirama. I never changed. I'm simply taking action. It's time to properly establish peace upon the world, and I'll be the one to accomplish it."

"Is that not what we both wanted, Madara?" Hashirama took a step towards him. Had all of what they went through been for naught? Just empty words? "Your idea of peace is unstable, and doomed to fail. How can you see prosper in such a foolish ideal? People are not like you, they are selfish and self serving. No one will ever ne truly able to understand each other." Madara took a step forward as well.

Another step, and another step, and they were face to face again.

Hashirama looked at Madara's form. He was battered and bruised all over, but his eyes showed determination. Misguided determination. Hashirama almost pitied him. He wanted to help him but at the same time he could not abandon his legacy just as it was starting to grow it's roots.

"Madara, stop this. We both want the same thing, and we cannot achieve it alone. Come back to the village. If it's about the Uchiha discrimination issue, I'll resolve it with Tobirama, and-"

Madara laughed again. Hashirama found it unsettling "You just can't get a grip, can you? It's not about the damn clan, Hashirama, not even about my dead kin!" he growled, revealing a kunai he sneaked from his sleeve. Hashirama met it instantly with his katana and disarmed Madara in a matter of seconds. Madara fell to his knee.

"You've exhausted yourself. You can't fight me like this." he looked down at the man, who was taking in painful breaths. "I don't wish to kill you, Madara."

Madara huffed "And yet you fought me with all your might." he looked up at the man, who had his sword still pointed at him "And you also want me at your side for your silly ideale that are doomed to fail and bring more traumas to the following generations. You may preserve the" peace," but will you be able to preserve those for whom that peace will be for?" he grinned, his face twisted and sinister. Hashirama took a step back. He'd never seen Madara like that.

"And if you really want me and need me that bad, then take me!" Madara laughed again, and charged at him, allowing Hashirama's blade to run through his heart. Hashirama screamed in horror as Madara's body fell to the ground, the rain spreading the crimson across the wet ground.

"Anything for your dream, is that so? Curse you for a slayer." the Uchiha's eye glowed in the dark, dripping with red, and Hashirama felt sick, felt like he wanted to scream over and over.

*

"Hashirama!" a voice called out to him.

His body shook and he jolted up with a yell. He felt Mito's hands on him, a comforting presence in the hell of his mind.

"Nightmares?" she knew him well. He nodded.

"I know well how bad they are." she whispered. He leaned into her arms and she found no more words of comfort.