#cause it’s like! fun sibling bonding time! watch the trauma of your younger brother play out!

[ii-meeple-confessions]

Every once and awhile I imagine 3GS explaining what happened to him and his crew and his trauma all to Mephone and than he asks Mephone, "Okay, I told you everything... What happened to you then? While I was in that closet?" And its... I think Mephone would be really cagey at first, but even once he starts to heal and be able to talk about it... theres just. SO much. Idfk maybe they sit down and watch the entirety of Inanimate Insanity together and Mephone fills in the blanks, but either way its super funny to imagine "Yeah sorry, my trauma basically spans 3 series with about 18 episodes each." Like thats a really long conversation to have 😭😭😭 -2G Anon

.

[fandomscombine]

The Hargreeves Kerfuffle Part 2: Family Reunion

The Hargreeves Kerfuffle Part 2: Family Reunion

The Hargreeves siblings x Hargreeves!Reader (Familial Relationship)

BG: The Reader is Number Eight. It follows how you fit into the structure of Season 1 and the family dynamic of the siblings.

This part follows the collapse of The Umbrella Academy during their youth and having the family back together after years apart for the very first time.

I have mashed up the information and some events from both the comics and the tv series. So a heads up for readers who haven’t read the comics, it was hinted in S2 but in the very beginning of the comics, it’s canon that Reginald is indeed an Alien.

The series will consist of 10 parts. Where the reader would have a focused interaction with each sibling. (Eg. After this part, it would be Luther x Reader, then Diego x Reader and so on! –Yes Ben is included)

WC: 4786 (never had I written so much for one part before!)

Contains: Angst. Death- Reginald and Ben (so not exactly a spoiler, but while writing Ben’s scene had my eyes water a bit.) Crap childhood and the Hargreeves being a mess.

A/N: You guys are literally the best! Reading your replies and comments about how much you enjoyed part 1 and are looking forward to the rest of the series, really warms my heart!

>>GENERAL MASTERLIST<<

>>THE HARGREEVES KERFUFFLE SERIES MASTERLIST<<

READ: [PART 1]  [PART 3]  [PART 4]

>>JOIN MY WRITING CHALLENGE!<<

~

March 21, 2019.  

Never had you thought that you would be back here, looking up the gates of The Umbrella Academy, 13 years later.

There was and still is so much pain associated with this building, this entity, this identity of The Umbrella Academy. That you hadn’t seen it coming- well not exactly completely blind to it. Sir Reginald Hargreeves’ upbringing of children-your siblings, your childhood- had always been shit but you had never come close to imaging it to be as emotionally and mentally damaging as it did.

Children at aged 7 finding out they had powers was great. To a kid, it was a dream come true to be a real-life superhero. It all started out as fun and games but soon, training started to be competitions to outshine your siblings-your competitors whist being told to work together at the same time. It was quite a hard concept to grasp as a young kid, but in order to get any attention and praise from a distant father, a kid would do anything.

By the age of 9, the superhero team of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ was officially announced to the world. The group consisted of the 7 Hargreeves children, publicly known as: Spaceboy, The Kraken, The Rumor, The Séance, The Boy, The Horror, and Foresight.

An 8th child with seemingly no superpower, had been secretly tucked away, hidden from the world and too, distanced away from her own siblings. It was though Vanya Hargreeves didn���t exist.

You did try your best to spend time with Vanya and keep the Sunday sister bonding time with her, but with all your training and missions, combined with all her violin lessons and some other private lessons she often go on with in long periods of time - though she wouldn’t mention what they were- there was absolutely no time to be in each other’s presence, so soon you along with the rest of your siblings slip away from Vanya.

At age 10 was a big year for the Hargreeves siblings, they had kind of successfully protected the city of Paris from the chaos of the Eiffel Tower being a spaceship- yes it did flew away but at least the people were saved- The mission became world wide news and soon every move they made caught the public’s eye. With this led to more intense training and additional etiquette workshops to better the group’s public image.

Reginald being a helicopter parent took a toll on the children, who had coped in their own ways. Luther taking the role of ‘leader’ to heart, Diego with his never ending hero complex, Allison using her power to get whatever she wanted, Klaus fell into the world of drugs and alcohol, Five-the rebel who thinks he’s smarter than everyone even dad, Ben into the world of video games, Vanya became ever more quiet and more to herself, and you-a yes person to dad who calls you his most valuable asset that has ever crossed his path, never wanting to let him down.

Things really started to get out of hand at the ripe old age of 13. Breakfast had been a mess, Five had a massive argument with dad and stormed out of the house. You ran after him, caught his coat just as he passed the gate- the very gate you are standing in front of now.

‘FIVE! WAIT!’

‘WHAT?’ He turned, looking angrier as ever.

‘Please don’t leave.’ You place your hand on his shoulder- damn when did he become taller than you? ‘You both can talk this out. Rationalized things out’ You pleaded.

He shook your hand away. ‘Talk? REALLY Y/N? You think good old dad would dare listen to someone younger than him? TO HIS OWN CHILDREN?’ He snorted. ‘You are daft y/n. I thought you were smarter than this-‘ Five sighed. ‘But a guess you are too much of a daddy’s girl to see things clearly.’

‘I know you didn’t mean that’ You stammered, not letting the tears fall. ‘that’s just your anger talking.’

‘oh but I do mean it. Now if you’d excuse me, I have to get going to prove dad wrong.’

Five makes a step forward but you blocked his way

‘GET OUT OF THE WAY Y/N’ He pushes you. ‘I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE ANYMORE.’

As you fell to the ground, you see him blip away.

That was the last time anyone had seen Number Five and his final words still haunts you to this day.

‘get out of the way y/n! i don’t want to see your face anymore.’

To make matters worst from having a sibling disappear and to never come back was to have another sibling lose his life.

The media was quick to publish the news. It was all the tabloid and news outlets seem to care about. The headline would vary but all in all still carry the same heart-breaking news. Be it from ‘The Horror dies in mission.’ , ‘The Umbrella Academy loses the life of another of its members.’ to ‘RIP to teen superhero Ben Hargreeves aka The Horror.’

Oh Ben, dear Ben. Why must he be taken away? You thought. Why?

The mission was meticulously planned and prepared for. You were sure to have extracted all the information on what was to go down and what the villains’ moves were from your vision.

You had memorized that every aspect of that dream- you had 2 weeks to prepare. Everyone was supposed to be safe, but why wasn’t Ben?

Why didn’t reality play out as to what you foresaw? You had never slipped up before. Why had the one time you did cost you the life of your beloved brother? Why?

While sobbing your eyes out onto Ben’s grave, a memory of what seemed so long ago came rushing back.

~

>>‘I’m sorry y/n.’ He said leaning on your door frame.

‘Ben!’ You exclaimed. ‘I’m so glad you’re back up and running!’

Ben was caught off guard. ‘You—You’re not mad at me?’

‘Why would I be mad at you?’ You questioned, genuinely confused at your brother’s words.

‘Cause, Cause I almost got you killed. I am a monster.’

You sat up straight at those words, your ribs hurt a bit at the sudden movement, but you didn’t care. Your brother was blaming himself for something he couldn’t have controlled.

‘NO BEN!’

Ben jumped from your sudden outburst.

You motioned for him to come closer.

‘Ben…’ looking into his eyes. ‘Ben you are no monster.’

‘But—’

‘uuh uh I’m not done’ You held his hand in yours. ‘You are no monster what happened then was an accident, nobody knew, heck nobody expected powers to just show up. It was beyond anyone’s control. It took us by surprise.’

His shoulders relaxed.

‘It wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you for what happened.’

He gave you a bone crushing hug. ‘Thank you y/n. You don’t know how guilty I was feeling.’ Voice muffled by your shoulder, which is now wet with his tears. ‘I kept thinking about the pain I caused you and I wasn’t allowed to leave my room even when I begged dad to see you and say sorry. y/n’

‘Shhh shhh’ Rubbing his back. ‘It’s alright Ben. What’s important is that we’re all here now. Alive, Safe and sound.’. <<

~

‘I’m sorry Ben…’ You choked out.

‘I’m so sorry Benny…’ Wiping his gravestone of your tears. ‘I—I got you killed. I am a monster. I am THE monster.’ You hiccupped. ‘It is MY job to keep everyone same, to do the reconnaissance, to ensure that everyone in the frontline is safe. It is my power to foresee what could go wrong, to avoid disastrous mistakes. And….and I failed, Ben. I failed. I failed you, dad, The Umbrella Academy.’

‘I miss you Ben so much…’ You lie down with an arm across the lawn. Picturing that is was him you’re hugging, that he is really there.’ more than your annoyingly sweet ass could ever believe. I wish you were here Ben, safe and sound. And if you could hear me Ben, I wish you could forgive me.’

Your eyes slowly fall shut from the emotional guilt you’re feeling but a warm breeze passes through like a warm embrace lightening the heavy burden within.

A soft whisper of reassurance and familiar words brings you to peaceful rest.

‘I forgive you y/n. It wasn’t your fault. I don’t blame you for what happened.’

You stirred from your sleep as you felt yourself lifted from the ground.

‘Careful Diego! You might wake her up.’ You hear Klaus say.

All this trauma, stress and was just too much to handle by minors and as quickly as all your powers came, the same goes for the people who left.

Klaus was the first to leave the academy at age 16, who choose to be self-checked at a rehab centre, stating that that was a way healthier environment then this shithole that was ‘home’.  Who could blame him? Especially when you yourself were planning to leave.

As much as you wanted to get up and leave in the dead of night, you can’t. You don’t have the heart to leave your remaining siblings behind. No, not in this environment. If you were to leave, you wanted them to go with you, to at least know they would have a good life ahead.

Under Reginald’s watchful eye, it would take time to sort the plan out, but it would be worth it.

And you know just the person to talk to.

‘Heyya Diego.’

‘You’re up to something y/n/n and I don’t want to be in any part of it.’ He says without glancing your way. ‘Not after the pineapple incident.’ Diego’s eyes finally landing on you.

Rolling your eyes, you chuckled. ‘Oh come on Diegs! That was years ago! It was just a childish prank—’

Diego gives you the finger.

‘-Oi! It is not MY fault what Luther did to you; besides you were supposed to take the EAST stairwell, NOT the West.’ You say matter of factly, shaking your head. ‘Ughh no, we are getting out of topic. Diego, I need your help and you have to promise not to tell anyone-’

‘You’re devising a getaway plan, aren’t you?’

Your brows scrunched together. ‘How’d you—’

‘I’m not blind y/n, I recognised the look of someone who too is planning to escape.’

You raise a brow. ‘Too?’

‘Yes, Too.’ Diego edges closer to you. ‘Now, why don’t we save the trouble of potentially ruining each other’s individual schemes and join forces. Team up. More brainpower. And whatnot. Deal?’ Offering his pinky out.

You ignored the outstretched gesture. ‘What happened to being a lone wolf huh?  I thought that was your thing now?’ You countered.

‘Like a said y/n, the more brainpower, the higher the success.’ He explained. ‘Say, we do manage to get out or perhaps just leave, like Klaus. Where would we go? Where would you? Hmm?’

‘I… I…’ You honestly don’t know.

‘Exactly. That’s why we team up and once we’re out of here. We stick together for a while till we get back on our feet and figure out what we want then go our separate ways.’

You nod, digesting his words. It seems like a solid plan with ample flexibility before deciding on what to do with your life after. But….

‘Okay…..’

‘Okay!’

‘…On one condition. It would not only you and me. We’ll try to get to convince the others to come along too.’

‘What?! y/n no, that’s too many people on the plan-‘

‘More brainpower, higher the success. Your words Diego. Not mine.’ You retaliated. ‘Besides, we can’t just leave everyone here. It’s miserable here. They’re family Diego.’

‘Fine we’ll tell Luther and Allison.’

‘Everyone, Diego.’ You stared him down. ‘And that includes Vanya. No buts.’

‘Ugh.Fine.’ He points a finger towards your face. ‘We tell Luther, Allison AND Vanya. But I swear y/n if anyone of them rats us out or backs out of the plan. We leave them behind. No pity if they choose to stay in this shithole of a house. They are old enough to make their own decision and to face the consequences.’ He leans back to the bed’s headboard. ‘That’s my final offer. Deal?’

‘Deal.’ You interlock your fingers, sealing the pinky promise.

It was easy to get Vanya on board, as she was the child that received the crappiest treatment from dad. Allison was hesitant at first but after convincing her the real world had so much more to give compared to that of the imaginary perfect bubble she created for herself here in the academy with the use of her power, she was on board.

Luther that ever loyal ‘leader’ of the academy would never dare cross dad, the idea wouldn’t have even crossed his mind. Diego had failed to make him see reason and so have you. Luther only came around to be a part of the escape because Allison had agreed to it.

It took almost 6 months. The time has come. You all had saved up enough money to rent a loft apartment downtown and pooled enough to last at least 3 months on your own.

At 1:00 am.  All the remaining 5 Hargreeves are to ready with their backpacks to sneak out in groups, boys and girls, and meet at the rendezvous point, Giddy’s Doughnuts. There, a van would be available for them to drive to the apartment.

The boys were to go first, as to let Diego deactivate the security features of the house while Luther stands guard.

It was only supposed to take 15 minutes tops, it was 20 minutes past now. Something was wrong.

Deciding as a team to check up on the boys, you, Allison and Vanya head down to the foyer.

Upon arrival, you see Luther with his hands covering Diego’s face, Diego who seem limp as a log.

‘Luther what’s going on?’ Allison’s voice rang out beside you.

‘I’m sorry….’ He looks down unto the unconscious Diego in his arms. ‘I just… I just couldn’t.’

‘Number Eight! How could you! How could all of you! Three! Seven!’

The room seemed to turn colder by the sound of the voice. You turn and see Sir Reginald Hargreeves.

‘Dad…’

‘YOU ARE ALL A DISGRACE.’ Reginald spitted.

‘But dad!’ Luther pleaded. ‘I was the one who informed you about their plan!’

‘ENOUGH! NO MORE OF THIS FOOLISHNESS, BACK TO BED---’

‘That’s right NO MORE dad!’ Shouted Allison. She glances at dad then at Luther. A frown etched her face as she commanded. ‘I heard a rumor that you couldn’t move your legs.’

The effect was immediate. The lower half of Reginald and Luther stayed still as a rock while they tried their best to break free. But alas, Allison had the upper hand. ‘I heard a rumor you let us go freely.’ At once, both men calmed down.

And to add insult to injury. Allison focused on Reginald and rumoured ‘And you would leave Diego Hargreeves, Klaus Hargreeves, Vanya Hargreeves, Y/n Hargreeves and Allison Hargreeves alone.’

Luther’s betrayal felt like a stab in the back.

Moving on and creating a new life from the ground up for oneself was hard but having your siblings with you had definitely made it easier.

It took a while to get the hang of things, being 4 young adults with nothing. You missed Mom and Pogo, but you knew that they, like Luther would stick with Dad.

Vanya was the first to take up stack, she provided the finance to pay rent and groceries with the salary she would get from her violin performances at the local theatre. Soon Allison would also chip in from the money she received from her acting gigs.

Diego showed interest into joining the police academy while you wanted to get away from the lifestyle as much as possible, opted to move across the country and pursue tertiary education-because that was what normal 18-year-old do right? For once you want to be ordinary and what better way than experience what student life is all about.

Though there is one teensy detail that was hindering your application. You were home-schooled by your robot mom. There weren’t report cards or grades that any university would accept. Even if there were, you wouldn’t want to go back to that dreadful house.

 Both not wanting to lose your newfound passion, you and Diego had an enormous favour to ask.

‘NO not a chance!’ Allison crossed her arms.  ‘It’s unethical!’

‘Yes we know-‘ you replied.

‘But it’s the only way.’ Diego reasoned. ‘It’s not fair for y/n and I to not be able to follow our dreams and to finally FINALLY move on with our lives, Ally. While you and Vanya get to live out yours.’

You nodded along. ‘We ask you just this one thing and we’re out of your hair.’

Allison looked between you two as if to decided whether it would be worth it. ‘Fine, just this once.’  She sighs. ’And this doesn’t get out kapeesh?’ pointing her finger.

‘kapeesh.’

~

‘I’m gonna miss you so much!’ Vanya admitted.

You pulled both your sisters into a hug. ‘I’m miss you gals more!’

Allison wipes her tears away. ‘Don’t forget us okay? Remember we’re only a text away.’

‘Tell Diego that I’m gonna miss kicking his butt when he come back from his officer training, ye?’

~

Over the years you hadn’t lost touch with your family. It’s been a while since you’ve all together physically, but you do video chat every once and a while and you have a general tab on each of your siblings. Vanya is currently the 3rd chair violin at her orchestra, Diego had channelled his inner batman and believe to be a vigilante keeping the streets and public safe.

As for Klaus, Diego had told you that he hasn’t managed to keep off his ~happy place~ and had seen him in and out of nightclubs.

Allison….Well who wouldn’t know about what she’s up to. A-list celebrity with numerous critically acclaimed movies to her name, one half of Hollywood’s hottest couple and amazing role model for mothers. Ahh Claire that sweet angel, who says that you’re her favourite aunt, that smile of hers melts your heart.

The last you’ve seen of Luther is when his journey to the moon has been televised a couple of years ago. There’s been no news since.

 The rattling of the gate brings you back to the present.

‘AH yes, Miss.y/n. He has been expecting you.’

‘Pogo!’ You exclaimed, wrapping him in a hug.

‘So I’m not to late then? Where’s mom?’

‘Grace is with Sir Reginald, my dear.’ Pogo leads you up the stairs.

Looking around, everything is as pristine as usual. ‘I see that nothing’s change’ You noted.

‘Yes, well I was asked to keep it as it always was.’

He opens the door to Reginald’s quarters. There on the bed was dad, looking sickly pale but still alive unlike to what you had seen in your vision.

Beside him wiping away the sweat on his forehead was mom. ‘Oh, my dear y/n I’m glad you could join us.’ She says as if years hadn’t gone by without your presence.

You reach the foot of the bed. ‘Dad…’ you begin.

But Reginald cuts you off. ‘Number Eight. Glad to see that logical and curious side of yours overrides that irrational emotive side.’ His voice weak yet still holds its signature condescending tone. ‘It is your disposition to the voice of reason and mysteries of the unknown that led you here, despite your supposed hatred towards me-‘

‘There’s no grey area, I do hate you.’

He waved his hand to dismiss your interruption.

‘As I was saying, it is of this reason- your control over the impulsiveness that is apparent to all of your siblings who lack control- is why you are my favourite.’

You scoffed.

‘It is true, my dear y/n.’

‘Oh please. You only see me as a “valuable asset”. Remember?’

Reginald nods. ‘I do, but I believe the exact words were “You would do great things Number Eight. To see into the future is a valuable asset to have indeed”. Thus, implying that your ability is the asset not you.’

‘Sure, just rub it in don’t you.’ Rolling your eyes.

‘I hope that you do too remember that also in my own words that you were and still are “the cleverest of the bunch”.’

‘So why am I here, you’re clearly not dead.’ You looked at him again.  You’ve never seen your dad so fragile ever. ‘….yet. So there must be something to do with that. Perhaps find your killer?’

On the bedside table, you took note of the cup of tea and medication. Your brain is in super speed, running through ideas on what could have cause him to be so sickly.

‘It could be your meds…..’ You look up. ‘Mom who else has access to Dad’s medication?’

‘Just us dear, Pogo and I.’

‘Number Eight there is no killer. I am dying because of old age, it is quite normal for-‘

‘NO No but the mortality rate is 350 years for the species of—’

‘Ah!’ Reginald’s face showed of surprise which slowly turned into cunningest. ‘so, you know then’ He chuckled.

‘Yes.’

‘Since when?’ He asked genuinely curious.

‘When we first showed signs of powers, some of your notes were written in a language I did not recognised.’ You recalled. ‘So, I did some digging, it took a while but when I found about the secret safe under this very bed and what it contained. Everything became clearer.’

‘Very good. Y/n. Nobody knew about the safe expect myself.’ He looked over at Pogo. ‘Did you know of it?’

‘No, Sir.’ Pogo admitted. ‘Not until now.’

‘Very well indeed. You knew all this time, yet you didn’t say anything. Why?’

‘Because it didn’t matter.’ You shrugged. ‘The only thing that matter in this household was our powers.’

‘Did the others-‘

‘No, they didn’t know. I hadn’t told a soul. It is not my secret to share.’

‘And soon it will be yours.’

‘What?’

‘Number Eight, it is without a doubt my time here is limited. Perhaps as little as an hour.’

Never had you seen someone talk about their death like this. You shiver at the thought.

‘By the fact that you are here now and had seen a vision of me dead means that the block I had place on you to prevent you peering into events regarding me is failing. Failing as my health is.’

You want to be angry. How dare he supress your power. But you stand still as a rock by his confession. ‘why?’ A soft whisper was all you could muster. ‘why?’

‘Because I had to keep my real identity a secret. To prevent you from exposing me.’ He coughed. ‘But turns out, you hadn’t need to use your powers to know that, as what you’ve told me.’ He looked at you with watering eyes. ‘You found that all on your own, yet you did not disclose anything.’ He reached out for your hand to which you accept. ‘For which I am delighted that at least I can say that I have one child, a daughter to be proud of.’

A daughter to be proud of.

You would like to think that you are strong and independent. And those are true. But that small child that all that wanted was to experience a parent’s love and affection. That emotional support of that small child which you thought you had successfully tucked away came clawing its way back to the surface.

‘y/n’ You had almost missed it, wiping away your tears, you leaned closer.

‘Listen carefully….’ Your dad’s chest was barely moving. It was a struggle for him to get the following words out. ‘The end is near, get the others ……and save…..the…..tttiiiimmm’

You never head what came next. Sir Reginald Hargreeves is dead.

Under the setting sun, Reginald looked at peace.

~

A half moon shines brightly above the house. It had been 3 days and 7 Hours since it happened.

Exhaustion is starting to catch up with you but there is still so much to do.

News channels had broadcasted the breaking news of your father’s death.

You had personally called your siblings to deliver the news, they are to arrive tomorrow for the funeral at noon.  

Luther who had been expecting to relay dad his daily report status on the space radio, cussed at you in anger-those were the first words you heard in 12 years- calmed down and said that he will be there in 3 days, in time for the funeral.

‘Sweetie, I brought you some tea.’

‘Thanks mom.’ You take a sip. ‘Hey mom did you think you’re gonna be alright now that you know…. That dad is gone?’

She runs her fingers to your hair. ‘I’m gonna be fine dear, I am stronger than you know.’

You smile at her. You just can’t help but to think what’s gonna happen to her now that your dad is gone. Pushing that thought away-like she said, I am stronger than you know.

 ‘Now, why don’t we get you to bed.’ She cuts you off before you can say a word. ‘Uh uh. You have done so much already. You need rest especially with the funeral in 9 hours. Pogo and I can handle the remaining task.’

‘Thanks again mom.’

She tucks you into bed. ‘Good night y/n/n. Sweet Dreams.’ She kisses the top of your head. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too mom.’ As she leaves your room, you realised that you didn’t want to be alone. ‘Mom…’ You called out, almost childlike.

‘Yes dear.’ Grace makes her way back in.

‘Well you stay with me? Sing to me until I fall asleep?’

‘Ofcourse dear.’ She smiles, pulling up a chair beside your bed.

The lull of your mother’s voice sends you to sleep with the memories of the childhood before power. When everything was simple. When there was love in this household.

~

You awoke to sounds of screams and flashes of blue light. You hurry to your window, it shows the courtyard, a ball of blue chaos small black figures.

You pull on your jacket and ran downstairs, the clock in the foyer shows 11:37am. Crap you overslept! But that means…..that the figures you saw were your siblings. There are early….that’s new.

You arrived in the courtyard just as you see Klaus throws a fire extinguisher at the blue light.

‘What are you doing?!’ Shouted Luther.

‘What is that gonna do?’ Allison questioned.

‘I don’t know!!’ Klaus turned around ‘Do you have a better idea?—Oh hey y/n! Nice to see you!’ He ran over and gave you a tight hug. ‘What a family reunion ehh?’

Before you could reply, the ball of blue gave out a crackle of electricity.

‘Everyone get behind me!’ Luther pushes in front of everyone.

‘Yeah! Get behind us.’ Diego chimed in, pushing Vanya closer to you.

Vanya ignores Diego, trying to get a better look herself. ‘It looks like something is coming through!’

The ball of light exploded, the sudden burst of energy was blinding that you had to cover your eyes.

Then nothing, total darkness.

THUD. You heard Vanya scream.

‘Argh!’

The blue chaos had expelled something….someone.

Luther was the first to speak. ‘Who’s there?’

‘Show yourself!’ said Diego.

As a collective group, you walked towards the mystery person.

Your eyes go wide with shock. No it can’t be, it’s impossible. You must be seeing things.

‘Does anyone else see little Number Five, or is that just me?’ wondered Klaus.

Klaus looked around and saw that everyone showed that same face of disbelief. Pleased to know that it wasn’t the drugs, he snickered. ‘Now THIS! THIS IS WHAT I CALL A FAMILY REUNION.’

Little Five who didn’t seem to have aged a day since you last saw him,

It’s been years but seeing him looking like he did back when you last saw him, you recall the last words he had shouted at you.

‘get out of the way y/n! i don’t want to see your face anymore.’

Five looks down at himself drowned in tattered oversize clothes, wining. ‘SHIT!’

Something is wrong, something is very wrong and you know it.

No way was this all a coincidence for your father to warn you about some impending doom and have Five to reappear 17 years later. It must be related somehow…What’s next you thought……For Ben to come back to life too?

END OF PART 2

READ: [PART 1]  [PART 3]  [PART 4]

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Of Blood and Bonds - Chapter 4

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On that note, this book will contain swearing, mentions of rape and torture. I will try not be explicit but that's really relative. Read at your own risk. There will be warning before if I make a explicit scene so that you can skip it.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy and don't hunt me down for this.

___________________________________

"Colin this is Marinette, my sister, Marinette this is Colin." Damian introduced the redhead who seemed a bit bewildered but he recovered quickly. 

"Pleased to meet you ma'am. I didn't know that Damian had another sibling."

"Well neither did he before yesterday." Marinette laughed good-naturedly. "So you're his best friend." 

"Yep!" Damian didn't refute the statement. 

"So Miss Marinette where are you from?" 

"Just Marinette is fine Colin." 

"Bu-"

"Miss makes me feel old, you don't want that now, do you?" The boy looked scandalised. "I'm only about two years older than Damian anyways so if you want to call me by a nickname, that's fine too."

The boy grinned shyly. "Okay Marinette."

Damian looked distinctly surprised. "Well done, he still calls the others Mr, they are going to be annoyed by this development."

"Oh Damian." Marinette turned on her heels and winked at them, eyes full of mischief. "This is nothing. I got Alfred to  call me by just my first name?" 

Now, both boys looked very impressed but still disbelieving. "I'll believe it when I see it." The redhead claimed. Marinette laughed but said nothing more on the matter.

"So where are you bringing me?" 

"The Gotham's Botanical Garden. I think you'll enjoy it. However, I must warn you to stay clear of anything that may anger Poison Ivy. "

She took it in stride. "Of course, I'll ask before I do anything." 

"It'll be so fun. People don't talk about it because of Ivy but the gardens are so beautiful." Colin started ranting and Marinette hid a smile at the fond expression on her little brother's face. If one didn't know what to be looking for, they would miss it but Marinette had become very very attuned to emotions, especially after she gained the Miraculous and became Guardian. 

"-attract so many different kinds of butterflies."

"Huh." Marinette mused. "It'll be nice seeing some actual butterflies and not akumas for once."

"You mentioned akumas before too." Damian interrupted. "What are they?"

She seemed a little surprised. "Do you - do you really have no idea of what's going on in Paris?" 

Both of the boys shook their head. Even Colin looked curious now. 

"It's pretty surreal but, when I was twelve, this guy surfaced. He calls himself Hawkmoth. He sends out these magic butterflies called akumas to anyone who's experiencing any negative emotion to possess them. He makes a deal with the victims to give them powers for them to be able to take revenge upon whatever wrong happened to them and return he asks for the Miraculous of Ladybug and Chat Noir."

"Who?" Colin interrupted and Marinette blinked. She had sounded so...old, so burdened as she spoke - so different from the bubbly macaroon making girl that Damian had learnt to know. 

"Right, context. After his first akuma, two heroes surfaced in Paris too. They're powered by the Miraculous too. Hawkmoth wants Ladybug's earrings and Chat Noir's ring. No one knows why exactly and well we're not interested to find out. More power in that madman's hands can only cause harm." 

"You mean to say." Damian's voice was flat. "That there has been a sociopathic terrorist in Paris for five years and no one knows of it. Why didn't the mayor call for the Justice League?"

Marinette's face darkened. It almost made both if the boys shudder and take a step back. 

"Oh but we did. More than once, more than ten times in fact. We only stopped whenthe Leaguers asked us to stop wasting their time with pranks."

"What?" Damian exploded. "They just disregarded all the damage that must have been caused, all the phone calls. They didn't even look into it."

Marinette placed a hand in his shoulder, urging her aura to seek his and calm him down. "The thing is one of Ladybug's powers is the Miraculous Cure. It fixes all the damage caused in the midst of battle."

"All the damage?" Even Damian didn't seem to believe it at that point. 

"I know it seems too good to be true." She fished out her phone and tried to look for a video. "And we understood that but everyone in Paris is pissed that they didn't even bother come verify our so called claims. I mean for God's sake, they have aliens, shapeshifters, magicians and even guys who are themselves powered by magical jewelry if I'm not wrong." 

Marinette huffed as she found a video. It was one of the first ones from the Ladyblog, when Alya was still a reliable reporter. She played the video. It was of The Mime and it showed how he cut the Eiffel Tower in two as well as the Miraculous Cure taking effect. 

The boys especially Damian seemed horrified and Marinette felt a little of guilt for subjecting them to that. 

But then Damian looked up at her and his lazarus green eyes of reminded her that he probably had seen worse. 

"That's…" He didn't seemed to know what to say. 

"Terrifying." Colin said. "Are they all really that strong?" Marinette winced, debating whether to tell them the truth of not. 

Damian seemed to sense that. "You can tell us." He prompted and she sighed, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

"That's actually one of the tamer villians." She admitted. "The Mime appeared during the first year of Hawkmoth's reign of terror. One of the worst akumas back then that come to mind is Syren. She flooded the entirety of Paris, about three quarter of the population died and were brought back by the cure." She took another look at them and decided that she wasn't going to be the cause of their further trauma. 

"Hey, this is it, right?" She promptly changed the subject, knowing very well that she hadn't been subtle at all. "Gotham Botanical Gardens." She beamed down at them. 

"Wow, it's beautiful." She took a moment to appreciate the sight. "Hey you're right, there's a lot of butterflies. Can we go there first?" She was basically bouncing as she turned to look at her brother and his best friend. 

Colin looked gleeful while Damian seemed just amused. "You act like a child." Her brother informed her. She stuck out her tongue at him. "And you speak like an old man but you don't see me complaining." 

"Fair enough." He chuckled. "What are you waiting for? Let's go then."

He couldn't help the full-blown smile appearing on his face as both his sister and his best friend literally ran to the butterflies and started gushing together. 

He started to make his way to them when someone appeared in front of him blocking his view. His usual scowl and glare were back on his face when he looked up. The boy seemed to recoil slightly at his look but it didn't deter him more that that. 

"I don't know who you are." His tone clearly gave away that he felt like he was the one in power here. Damian cursed the time when he used to act like that. He had learnt that lesson the hard way - had learnt not to underestimate an enemy. "But you're gonna stay away from my princess. She doesn't need children like you around." 

Damian took a second to analyze him. Blond Hair. Green eyes. He remembered  reading those as Marinette's triggers during his research. He had to clench his fists to stop himself from reaching out to his weapons.

"She can decide that for himself." He said instead and went to walk around him but the boy grabbed his shoulder. 

The next thing he knew he was standing behind his sister. "Adrien." She cut in smoothly. "I didn't expect to see you here, especially not without your bodyguard." Damian could see that she was tense, her back muscles were coiled as if she was ready for a fight. 

"Princess." He was beaming. "I snuck out." He said almost proudly. "We need to talk."

"Gotham isn't Paris." Her words seemed more like a warning rather than the facts they were which the blond idiot obviously didn't catch on. "And I want nothing to do with you, haven't for  three years. I owe you nothing. Give up."

That was a clear dismissal if Damian knew one. "Princess you need to listen to me-" He reached out to grab her hand but was cut off.

The younger boy had seen her lurking but she hadn't seemed a threat so he didn't know whether he was thankful or not that she had jumped in. 

Ivy spoke "The girl asked you to go away." Thankful, he finally decided.

The boy looked a little nervous - so he did have some braincells. "Ma'am, respectfully, this does not concern you." Well not enough it seemed. 

"Oh well, respectfully." Her plants towered behind them. "I don't give a damn. Stay away from them."

The plants grabbed him and threw him just outside the park boundaries. It seemed a little tame for the likes of Ivy but then again she always did go softer for children even if they were brats.

Damian watched as the boy scrambled back to his feet and glared in their direction before he stomped off. 

"Damian." His sister was clearly fretting over him, he would never admit it but it felt good, he felt loved. "Are you alright? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"I'm alright, I'm alright. I told you, I can take care of myself." 

She smiled, soft and relieved. "I don't doubt it but promise me if you see either him or Lila from yesterday, you need go the other way."

"Why?" He frowned. He had a doubt on blondie but what about that Lila girl? 

"And by Lila, do you mean the sausage haired girl?"

His sister cracked a grin at that thought she was still serious. "Yeah her."

"Why?" He repeated and she became grim at once. "Because he's sick in the head and she's a psychopath so please, promise me." She met his eyes and really, faced to that did Damian have any other choice but to accept?

She beamed at him as Colin approached them. "That was so cool. Are you okay Dames?" He turned to talk to his best friend and gave him a once over before nodding. 

"Thank you for stepping in." He heard his sister and turned around. Ivy may be one of the villains-turned-anti-hero but it didn't mean that people didn't need to be wary around her. What was Marinette thinking?

"Boys like him need to be taught a lesson before it's too late." Damian's mind immediately went to Harley's and Joker's relationship. 

"I don't think a lesson would do him any kind of good at this point but thank you." 

It was very apparent that her words made Ivy re-evaluate her. 

The woman gave a nod. "Don't mention it." She said nothing else but didn't move away. 

Marinette smiled. "By the way, I love that flower in your hair. That's a lily right?" 

"Yes." She said slowly but the spark in her eye showed that she was now interested. "You know flowers?" 

"I have a garden of my own." Marinette revealed. "I tried growing some lilies but they're no where as beautiful as this one." Marinette fished for her phone again and started showing her images. The older woman didn't say anything but Damian could see that she was interested and she seemed almost pleased.

Deeming it safe for now, he slowly turned to Colin who was staring at the scene with amazement. 

"Colin." His friend turned to him wide-eyed, "Your sister is amazing." 

He couldn't help but feel smug at the words. "Obviously." He said but then lowered his voice. "Tell me, how did she get to me so fast when she was watching butterflies with you." 

Colin sobered up at that. "She was talking to me when suddenly she just snapped her head up to look at you. I think that's when the boy came. She told me to stay there and started walking towards you. The thing is when the guy touched you, she was about half-way there, I didn't register but the next thing I knew she was standing between you and the blond." He shook his head. "There's something about her…it's not necessarily bad but she's just...different…special."

"I know what you mean." Damian agreed.

~

"-and then she spoke with Poison Ivy for one hour straight about plants and gardening. Ivy even gave us a personal tour of the botanical gardens." 

"Seriously? She usually takes forever to warm up to someone especially if the other sirens aren't with her."

"Marinette seems to be the exception." The youngest Wayne said as he but into another macaroon. Once again, he had been ambushed on his return home - this time however, it was only his brothers and that had demanded he tell them all about her. 

His felt his phone vibrate and knew it was the message he was awaiting. "She's busy during the day." He informed his brothers. "But she invited us for dinner."

His brothers looked at each other and grinned. Tommorow looked promising.

[secret-engima]

ohmigods! That last snippet! Am dead from cuteness! I mean the in universe implications are kinda terrible for those not in the know, but still. Cute af. May I ask for more brotherly interactions? Only if you're up to sharing your thoughts of course :D I am LOVING everything about this.

Sure! Lemme see what I can jot down real quick.

-Nox acts ... a bit odd around Noctis for at LEAST several months (and will occasionally revert to that oddness even years later). Stiff when touched, stammering when talking, sometimes unable to look his little brother in face for all it’s clear to anyone with eyes that he LOVES Noctis to no end. Regis thinks its a side-effect of his upbringing (he already suspects that Nox is touch starved, but add to that a cheerful little half-sibling who likes to spontaneously touch Nox and wrap his magic around Nox in greeting-affection-attention? Regis mourns even as he goes about trying to help acclimate his son to positive touch from people other than Ardyn).

-Noctis is the initiator of contact for the longest time. Hugs, conversation, casual hand grabs, you name it, he’s probably done it to Nox and then patiently chatted his way through Nox’s instinctive freeze. Because Nox always snaps out of it and interacts eventually, and at this point Noctis  A D O R E S  Nox okay? He has a big brother who is totally EPIC and COOL and isn’t always too busy for him like his dad and is totally fine with playing Kings Knight instead of doing homework, and has all sorts of cool hunting stories and-

-There is some serious hero worship going on at first okay? And Nox CANNOT figure out how to deal with being looked up to by his YOUNGER SELF. It’s honestly hilarious and sad at the same time, and Ardyn alternates between instigating more contact between them and rescuing his nephew from death by confusion via being the Cool Uncle.

-Eventually though, as Nox begins to relax around his little brother counterpart and hang out more easily ... Noctis beings to notice that something is ... not wrong exactly, but ... off about Nox. That it isn’t normal for Nox to always walk around with his armiger just beneath his skin, ready to draw a weapon at a moment’s notice, that the Quiet Days Nox and Ardyn have aren’t quiet so much as Painful, because Noctis is even more magic sensitive than Regis and he can feel the thick grief-love-mourning-exhaustion that clings to Nox’s bones on those days. The way Nox (and Ardyn too) feel like today is a day to lie down and just- never get up. Nothing Noctis does can break Nox or Ardyn out of their Quiet Day, even though they never raise a hand against him even in their worst moments, so eventually Noctis learns to come find them and curl up against one or the other’s side, radiating at much love and good thoughts through his magic as he can so that they know they aren’t alone.

-Nox and Ardyn appreciate the gesture more than Noctis will ever know.

-But it isn’t always angst and caution. Noctis is not like Nox, he’s brighter and happier and so earnest that it’s infectious. Noctis essentially has Nox wrapped around his little finger, and when Noctis isn’t busy with the tutors Ignis won’t let him escape from, he can usually be found trailing after Nox like a puppy, asking questions and begging to join in whatever Nox is doing (if Nox uses this as a chance to train Noctis in magic and fighting, then nobody comments. If those practice sessions usually end in Nox tickling Noctis into submission while the latter squeals with laughter and joy, Ardyn is the only one who dares interrupt, and Regis has about half a dozen pictures framed on his study desk).

-These two grow up to be super tactile with each other. Nox because he’s touch-starved and Noctis because he figures out that Nox needs touch and they both enjoy mingling their magic together (Cor comments once that their magic is so in sync and similar they might as well have been twins born seven years apart, Ardyn laughs himself sick for reasons no one dares ask about). Tackle hugs, arms over shoulders, smooshing into the Smallest Space Possible on the couch when watching movies because Noctis likes using Nox as a pillow are all very common (not during game though, because Nox is a cheater who isn’t afraid to use tickling as a weapon).

-Only time Noctis is ever really trying to get AWAY from Nox is during training once Noctis is a teen and his training starts getting Serious. Because Cor’s favorite tactic is to yeet the Chocobros into an obstacle course or arena with Nox as their sole opponent and tell Nox to “Go wild”. Nox has way too much fun doing just that (channeling his Uncle’s trolling tendencies to a scary degree in the process) and the Chocobros inevitably end up wheezing helplessly on the floor to a man, each aching in places they know intimately know they have from prior reenactments of this very same event. Noctis never, ever wants to go up against Nox for real, especially since his madman of an older sibling is always FINE at the end of the spars. Barely breathless and still so full of magic he can casually spam healing spells to get them back on their feet.

-Noctis went though a jealousy phase when he was 14-15, because Nox was so much BETTER at stuff than him either in combat or talking nobles in circles. It lasted approximately until the first time Noctis actually tried to do the Brat Teenager Thing and said something INCREDIBLY spiteful only for Nox to go very, very Quiet and just- leave. For two weeks. Wasn’t even in the Citadel. Ardyn actually got angry at Noctis for that and told Noctis that he had no idea what Nox had been through to get as good as he was. Noctis told his uncle to prove it, Ardyn left and came back twenty minutes later with Nox’s Citadel medical file. It had info on all his checkups and doctors notes since first coming to the city. Pictures of his scars, how underweight he was, his suspected trauma issues and what probably caused them.

-When Nox finally slunk back to the Citadel, magic curled in and subdued like a flinching dog, the first thing Noctis did was run to his brother and hug him tight, crying/apologizing the entire time. Noctis never told Nox that he’d seen Nox’s file and Nox was too glad that the jealousy phase was over to question it.

-Nox once borrowed (kidnapped) Noctis when his little brother was eighteen to go on a brother-bonding road trip around the country to show his sibling how to survive in the proper wilds and what the kingdom of Lucis was really like. He genuinely forgot to tell Regis or anyone else about this, so by the time Axis and the Chocobros track him down (with Ardyn’s bemused help) the Citadel had gone beyond Meltdown and straight into Murderland. Nox wasn’t sorry, and Noctis was having the time of his life as long as he wasn’t being chased by cactaur while Nox sat on a high ledge and laughed at him (Nox is at this point perhaps a little TOO big of a believer in learning on the job).

[stayforya]

CHEMISTRY

member: kim woojin

genre: best friend’s brother au!; fluff

words: 3.6k

summary: chemistry can explain the covalent bond, so maybe it can also explain the way he attracted you.

author: hyun

your best friend yeojin always lived next door

you can’t remember the time you weren’t friends

since families lived next to each other for years, you both became closer

mainly after she started studying at your school

in her house, there was her, a younger brother and an older brother

the younger one was so cute, smiley

but the older one didn’t give you much attention when you came to their house

so you never knew stuff about him or anything

as you grew up, the age gap started to seem okay

and that’s when you started to notice him

after school, you were both in front of your house spying on him

not that you meant to spy, but he appeared so you started to

he was with a girl, maybe his girlfriend

“woojin? I bet he’ll never date anyone”, your friend rolled her eyes

not a second after she closed her mouth, woojin and the girl were kissing

“oh my God”, you were surprised

your friend closed her eyes and claimed “my eyes are burning! how can I unsee this? I’ll carry this trauma for the rest of my life!”

you laughed

“come on, don’t be dramatic”

“if you had an older brother you’d understand how traumatizing it is to see him kissing someone. I always thought woojin only studied and played sports”

“looks like he also enjoys kissing”, you teased her

“ew, y/n. I bet mom and dad don’t know they are dating”, she shrugged

not a second after, woojin’s father showed up in front of the house and greeted the girl

next day at school

yeojin told you the news

“you won’t believe! woojin’s girlfriend had dinner with us”

you felt happy but not fully happy

“yesterday?”

“yeah, and she’s quite nice”

“and how it went?”

“normal. woojin must like her”

and that’s it?

not that you cared about the details

“she seems nice”, you said while walking to the classroom

“yeah but it’s weird, I dunno. I mean, my older brother dating someone, how can a girl fall in love with that dumb boy?”

you laughed

“it’s your point of view as his younger sister who grew up fighting with him”

“meh. I don’t care, let’s go to class”

days went by

you and yeojin met almost every day to study

one day in your house, the other one in hers

you were both in hers when woojin came downstairs

you were in kitchen and he came in to get some food

“hey, y/n”, he said

your heart skipped a beat but you managed to stay cool

“hey”

“wow great mood”, his sister made fun of him

“I always say hi to her, in my defence”, he smiled, “what’s that?”

he got closer to see your books

“we’re having some trouble with chemistry”, yeojin explained

“do you want help?”

he sat in front of you, drinking some juice he found in the refrigerator

you focused in the start, but come onnnnn

he looks so good

his strong hands pointing to the images on the book

his calm voice explaining so well

he could be a chemistry teacher but who would pay attention to molecules when kim woojin is right there being the sweetest person on earth?

“ok, hold on, y/n. calm down. when did you start thinking of him like this?”, you said to yourself

“you guys get it?”, he asked

you shook your head to put away your thoughts

but he thought you were trying to say “no” in a cute way

“do you have any question, y/n?”

“hm, me? no, no, I’m fine”, you fake smiled trying to not mess up more

“you can ask, friend”, yeojin said and you looked at her with laser coming out of your eyes

“I have no question at. all.”, you said between your teeth, smiling at her

she probably didn’t understand what you were trying to communicate with your eyes for her to stop insisting

“look, I’m free on monday afternoons so you both can come to me if you need help”, woojin drank the rest of his juice

“hm, you did a good job, thanks”, yeojin said

and he messed up her hair

you knew they didn’t have a lovely siblings relationship but when they weren’t tired of each other, they did have fun together

woojin offered but you thought that asking him to help you with chemistry would be too much

you both played together once or twice when you were younger but nothing else

so, as days passed by, you just said hi when accidentally meeting him

and walked away, trying to avoid questions

until you got a C- on chemistry and that’s when you realised

studying by yourself wasn’t enough anymore

books and notebooks ready, there you went to woojin’s house

your friend wasn’t at home that monday

she sent you a message saying she wouldn’t be there but woojin would

you just knocked at the door

freaking out inside

heart almost coming out of your chest

and he opened it

as if it was the gates of heaven

“hey!”

he was still wearing the uniform, but without the jacket

“come in”

“is it too early?”

“no, it’s perfect”, woojin lead you to the table as if it was your first time there

“thanks”

“yeojin told me...”

“yeah, I got a C-”

“ah, that happens to everyone”, you usually hate this kind of speech, it doesn’t happen to everyone

but since it was him saying that, in his cool way of speaking

“how much time do we have?”

“I’m free for you, don’t worry”

he said that in such a peaceful way

your heart was starting to race and your throath was dry

free for you

“so where do we start?”, you asked, trying to focus

“maybe we should try to solve again the exam questions you got wrong”

concentrated, you could tell he was willing to help you

you never truly noticed before, but woojin always had a kind heart

he used to help his younger siblings with their homeworks when they were younger

and he also always washed his dad’s car, you could see that while watering the plants on sundays

always went with his mom to supermarket

you really needed that help

and since woojin was available, you took the chance

that’s why you really paid attention to everything he said

you both solved again the same questions

and new ones on the book

you were there for probably two hours already

“do you wanna eat something?”

“no, I’m fine”, you answered

“are you sure?”, he asked, mouth full and a naughty smile

in his right hand, the cookie he was eating; in the left one, a tray full of cookies

you couldn’t turn down the offer

you both kept studying while eating, and you were really doing better after the way he explained

much better than how teacher explained

“thank you so much for taking your time...”, you said, packing your stuff

“no problem, you can come back anytime”

heart started to race again, dang it!

you got your backpack and went to the door

“bye”

“see ya”, woojin said and waved while you walked away

a couple steps and you’d be home, but you felt him watching you

or maybe he was waiting for someone else 

but no, he wasn’t

cause he waved again when you arrived and only then closed the door

you couldn’t help but smile to yourself

“where were you?”, your mom appeared when you walked in

“I was studying at the kim’s”

“their parents told us woojin is really good with chemistry, physics...”

“yeah, he helped me and yeojin with our questions”, you threw the backpack on the sofa

and were about to go upstairs take a shower

“oh he remembered!”, your mom said and you didn’t understand what she was talking about

“hm... remembered what?”

“I told him about your C-, he said you could come over”

“you... told him?”, there was probably a huge question mark above your head

“yes, why?”

“so that’s why he was so kind to me?”

“well, woojin is actually kind to everyone, sweetie, it wasn’t because of that”, she said

“mom, you didn’t have to... seriouslyyyy”

“he’s willing to help”

“just because you asked!”

ugh, you felt so stupid 

“but why is this important?”

“just... whatever”, you ran upstairs angry with yourself

you know when you feel stupid

because someone is being so nice

and somehow you deep down think it’s because they find you enjoyable

but it’s because of something else?

that’s it

he must have taken time for you because he respects your parents and your mom asked for his help

not because he wanted to do it firstly

thinking about it made your brain burn and you got into the cold shower to cool it out

next week you had a new chemistry exam

you studied so hard

not with woojin anymore

you just weren’t in the mood to go after him again 

and he already helped, so now it was up to you 

you were so nervous

but yes, you gave your all

woojin’s voice was echoing inside your head

all his tips, the questions you solved together

well, maybe you’d get a good grade this time

after the test, you and yeojin went to an ice cream shop

“so how was the test?”, yeojin asked, mouth full of mint ice cream

“better than I thought, even though I was pretty nervous, to be honest”

“woojin will be happy to know that”

“I don’t even know my grade yet”

“hm!”, she reminded something, “he and his girlfriend broke up”

“what?”, you were honestly shocked cause you even forgot he was dating

so much going on in your head those days

“yeah, mom asked about her yesterday and he said they broke up weeks ago”

“weren’t they dating for, like, one month?”

“I think so, but turns out they were together just for prom”

“that’s unlike him”

“I overheard him talking to mom and he said they weren’t into each other, but I think she was the one that broke up, tho”, yeojin said

you shrugged

you never wanted him to broke up or anything

because you knew, despite liking him, woojin would never see you the way you saw him

what would yeojin think about the fact that you liked her older brother?

the whole “best friend’s brother” thing was great on tv shows, but not in real life

it could bring some mess

mainly when both families were so close to each other

“look, look! that boy over there!”, your friend pointed

outside the ice cream shop, he couldn’t see her pointing at him

“who’s that?”

“the boy I like”

“whaaaaat? when did you start...?”

“this week. I met him at the library... he is just SO CUTE”

“lol you fall in love easily”

“stop, that’s not true. we studied together”

“oh so that’s why you didn’t come to study with me!”, you hit her playfully 

“I thought you’d be fine studying with woojin”, she laughed

“I didn’t study with him this week, you idiot”

you treated each other like this, but it was your own way of showing affection lol

“since last week he didn’t shut up about how you’re nice”

what did she say? omg

you almost choked

“I thought we already knew each other, tho”, you tried to act cool, “plus, my mom was the one who asked him to help me. can you believe that?”

“oh yeah, I saw her talking to mom and him”

“omg seriously... my mom...”

“but you know he was willing to help you since that day, right? so when your mom asked him, he said he was already helping us with chemistry and he could do that again”

you felt stupid again

why did you care so much if your mom asked or not? what matters is that he made himself available for that

because that’s woojin

the kind hearted guy

thinking of him was unavoidable

even with days going by, even with so much in your head

in the end of the day, when you layed your head on the pillow, he was the first thought

one day you saw him while you were studying at yeojin’s

he threw a smile and raised his hand, saying hi

asking how things were going

you just answered like you always did

yes, you liked him. a lot.

for a long time, but you only had the courage to understand the feeling now

he was still your best friend’s brother, tho

and you couldn’t even imagine confessing, never in a million years

everytime this idea came in, your mind knew it was a bad one

cause he probably saw you as a little girl

the age gap wasn’t even that big...

“guess what? I have a date today”, yeojin said

“w h a t?”, you were surprised and happy at the same time, “is it the library guy?”

“yes, it is, girl”

“omg I’m so glad for you! when you get home, just call me”

“of course I will! oh, and woojin asked what was your chemistry grade”

“really? I thought he forgot it already”, you laughed

“I wish he did, but not the case. just go there today, he’ll be home the whole afternoon”

“what do you mean? it’s weird. I’ll go there just to say ‘oh hi woojin I got an A, thank you so much for your help’?”

“hmm, yeah? I don’t know, just tell him so he will stop asking me. and wait for me there so I can tell you everything of today’s date in person!”, she had an exciting smile on her face

it was nice to see your friend so excited with something

the library boy was nice, as long as he didn’t break her heart, you’d be okay with him

you came back home thinking about woojin

why did he keep asking about the chemistry test? why didn’t he ask you directly?

oh, but to be honest, you were the one avoiding him all the time 

after doing everything you had to do, and when you thought yeojin would be coming back home so you and him wouldn’t be in awkward silence for a long time

you went to the kim’s

you didn’t have to knock because the door was open

chicken delivery

woojin was paying the delivery guy when you arrived

“oh. hi”, you said

awkwardddd

“hi, y/n!”

“is yeojin home?”

“no, only my brother and I, but you can come in!”

the younger brother of kim family was really cute and he was sitting on the sofa playing games on tv

woojin was probably playing with him, but when you arrived, he led you to the kitchen and left the young one playing by himself for a moment and eating fried chicken

he put the other fried chicken boxes on the kitchen’s table and opened one of them

“do you want some?”, he asked 

“I won’t reject, it’s smelling good”

he laughed

“so, what about chemistry?”

ok, but let’s be real here

why did he look good all the time?

he was leaning on the marble desk and looking at you

it was a funny scene

you both eating fried chicken so comfortable with each other

“I got an A”

“oh!”, he was so hyped, you felt your cheeks burning, “congrats! you deserve it, you really worked hard”

“thank you for helping me”, you said

you felt his eyes on your face

“you can count on me, y/n”, he was serious now

but his eyes carried so much

his kind personality showed through the smallest acts

he came closer, but not to touch you, just to give you the ketchup

“ah, thanks”

“I didn’t know you liked fried chicken that much”, he said

“I love it, seriously”

“you’re invited to come again”

“when?”

“anytime. I’m free for you”

you looked at him

he looked back at you

and you were both staring at each other without any words being said

until yeojin appeared by the kitchen’s door

“Y/N! it was the best date ever!”, there were little hearts coming out of her eyes

you were pulled to reality again

and ran to her, to listen every little detail she was about to tell

woojin’s sweet face couldn’t get out of your head

but you needed to live this happy moment with your friend, so you just focused on her

“hey, what are you doing here by yourself?”, you heard his voice

you were sitting in front of your house, after watering all the plants, thoughts out of the world

while watching the day turning into night

“just thinking”, you answered

“can I...?”, he wanted to sit on the step with you

“of course”

he didn’t wait to start his point

“y/n, is it my impression or you’re trying to avoid me?”

if you were eating something, you would definitely choke

“me? no”

“cause, you know, we weren’t very close like you are with yeojin, but-”

“yeah, I’ve been avoiding you”, you let it come out, regretting at the exact moment

“why?”

“because I think we shouldn’t become closer, since our families are close”

he frowned

“is that because you like me?”

you froze

for how long did he know?

“what do you mean?”, pretending you don’t understand is a good option 

“if this is the reason”, you were looking at him and he was looking to the sky

then his eyes stared at you

“you don’t have to be afraid of telling me. cause I’m here for you”

his voice was low and every single syllable coming out of his lips gave you chills

you never thought you both would have this kind of conversation, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable at all

his words embraced you

“w-why are you talking like this?”

“I have feelings for you, y/n. and I know there’s so much going on and more to come, but in the midst of everything I couldn’t stop thinking of you.”

you were only listening

and it felt like a dream, like a hallucination, anything 

but not like real life

you always thought you’d be the one confessing, he would say sorry for not feeling the same and you’d move on

and then there you were, woojin expressing how he felt towards you

“maybe you’re confused, woojin. please don’t say anything you’re not completely certain of”

at this point you were scared of him playing with your feelings

it felt weird

you were overwhelmed by the fact that he liked you, but also afraid of being fooled

that kind hearted guy... the one who spent hours straight reviewing the topics for chemistry

the one who made you laugh and ate fried chicken with you

the one who treated you right

your best friend’s brother

that’s why you were feeling guilty, as if you couldn’t accept his feelings

he was not just someone you had feelings for, he was your best friend’s brother, your neighbour, friends with your family

“I’m not confused at all, y/n. I wouldn’t tell you if I wasn’t sure”

“woojin...”

he opened his right arm and you didn’t think twice before hugging him

that was crazy

how did it end up happening?

you couldn’t forget about the reality, because someone could open the door and see you two there, but you couldn’t help

inside his hug it was so warm, you’d live there if you could

you looked at him

your faces were so close 

his eyes on you, you closed yours

he was looking at your face, you could feel it

then you heard the door opening slowly

falling out from the love atmosphere, woojin held your hand and took you to the side of your house

you just sat on the grass, trying hard not to laugh

you peeked and saw the door closing again

“it’s dangerous to hug in front of my house”, you whispered

“and what about on the side of your house?”, he asked, giving you his sweet smile

“anyone can see us, omg”

“if it’s yeojin, then it’s okay”, woojin said

“what? I didn’t tell her I have feelings for you”

he seemed happy to hear you admiting it

“I bet she already knows I like you”, woojin shrugged

“really?”

“by the way she looks at me when you’re around and how she made us meet a couple times”

omg it made sense

did yeojin know all the time?

well, you didn’t know

but kim woojin was right beside you

and everything you wanted was to be with him

with your left hand, you touched his face and brought it closer

and kissed his cheek 

but you were too close

way too close to miss this opportunity

your noses touched and you smiled at each other

you looked at him, and his eyes were closed

you did the same

sat on the grass, about to be caught in any moment

his lips on yours

gently, calm

no rush because it felt like there was enough time

his face touched yours and his soft skin made you want to touch his cheeks, his eyelids, his nose

woojin’s details

but you felt more cherished than ever

he cupped your face

his touch in your cheeks was caring

just like him

when your lips parted, you heard the door opening again

“I’ll bring it to the kim’s”, it was your mother’s voice coming out of your house

you told woojin to stay there while you showed up out of nowhere in front of your mom

“hey, mum”

“hey, girl, what are you doing?”, she was carrying a pie in a glass bowl

“I was watering the plants here”, your hands on your pockets and your nervous smile never fooled her

but this time, she just handed you the glass bowl

“great, so help me giving this pie to the kim’s”

“uh, it smells awesome”

“I know”, she bragged

when she closed the door, you finally breathed

and woojin was still here, hiding just how you told him to

you laughed at his face

“let’s go, this pie is for your family”

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

T&L part 9: Desire

Warnings: drinking, blood

Word count: 2653

Part 8

Everyone else isnt you. It turns out thats a huge problem for me.

- Clementine von Radics, Things I Do When I Cannot Hold You

Two weeks have passed since that day on the parking lot.

Paul spent every night sleeping under Arya's window and every day trying to either get his mind off her or to get her to talk to him.

Apparently telling Sam about her working with a vampire started a brother/sister fight that Arya blamed Paul for and got even angrier at him, refusing to even acknowledge his existence.

Their dispute was bringing pain, both mental and physical to not only them, but the pack as well. In hopes of mending their bond and ridding themselves of their constant whining, the pack decided to throw a beach party.

While Paul had been growing distant from Rachel, Arya grew even closer to Embry. She didn't view him in a romantic sense, more like a best friend she never had, however Paul wasn't happy with her fondness of the younger wolf.

Paul's temper was worse then ever. Every little thing ticked him off which caused a lot of impromptu shifts, one even inside his house. 

On the other hand, Arya was eerily calm after her initial fight with Sam two weeks ago. Sam broke out his big brother card and forbade her to return to work which caused a rift between the siblings. It would be safe to say Sam wasn't in her good graces either. Emily played a mediator a few times, but each time it would end up in a screaming match.

'I am a grown woman Sam, you will not tell me what to do!' she yelled only for Sam to respond 'I promised you I'd protect you and this is ME protecting YOU! He's a vampire Arya, what do you think would happen if he lost control even for a second? Huh?! You'd be dead and it wouldn't be just your demise!'

Even after the pack explained to her everything about vampires: their cold, pale, flawless, hard as concrete skin, their immortality, the red eyes which she immediately connected to those that often plagued her dreams, but also the amber eyes of the entire Cullen clan that was apparently tied to their diet, she still insisted Carlisle was not a danger to her.

'Not all monsters do monstrous things Sam. All of you are monsters in a way, the bad guys in any fairy tale I've ever read, and yet you're not running around ripping people apart. They aren't either. I doubt they chose that lifestyle anymore than you did. The Cullen's are using their actions to prove that just because nature made you a predator you don't have to be a killer. That matters. Their choice of food matters. Why can't you guys understand that?!'

But each and every time that would end up with a room full of shaking boys running outside shifting soon after. It hurt her that not only were they so close-minded but that they also didn't trust her judgement. Seth seemed to be the only one who actually trusted her as he often sided with her, while she stopped talking about it with Embry completely, all in order to preserve their friendship.

As she got ready for the beach party, putting on shorts because it was strangely warm outside for this time of year, grabbing a 'Slytherin pride' jumper she walked outside to meet Embry.

„Hey Ems!“ she greeted him with a hug he eagerly returned. Some would maybe mistaken this action for a romantic gesture but neither truly felt more than a strong, almost brotherly connection. When he laid his eyes on her face he saw deep, dark circles under her eyes informing him of her long, sleepless nights. She was pale and her mood sullen, but she did a really good job covering it with a small fake smile she put on for the world to see hoping to avoid any questions. But she couldn't fool him for he already knew her better than that.

Embry could tell her fight with both Sam, her brother, and Paul, her soulmate was taking it's toll on her. Unfortunately he was forbidden to tell her about Paul imprinting on her or divulge anything directly about the recent Seattle situation that was going to soon involve them as well, but he needed to do something to help his friends finally find common ground.

Walking to the beach with their pinkies hooked together he noticed Sam and Emily were already by the grill making sure no one would starve today. Seth and Leah were playing volleyball, Quil was with Jacob and Bella on a log while Paul was sitting with Rachel a bit away from the crowd. Embry could see he was staring blankly at the crashing waves before him while Rachel went on and on about something Paul probably didn't give a damn about. He felt his friend tense next to him as she saw the couple as well, her lip quivered slightly as she turned to him.

„Please tell me there is alcohol here?“

Embry raised an eyebrow as a smirk grew on his face „have you ever had any alcohol before?“

„No, but it seems like a good day to start drinking“, she quickly replied with a strained smile.

He grabbed a few beers and watched her take a sip. Just as she took her first sip she choked up and started coughing which drew the attention of the pack as well.

„Wow. Didn't expect it to taste like that.“

„What did you expect it would taste like then?“ he looked at her with amusement. Truth be told he only ever had one beer a year ago and he grabbed it at a party he crashed with Quil and Jacob.

„I don't know, but not like...that!“ she points at the beer with a genuine smile spreading across her face. Regardless of her previous complaint she continued to down the beverage, finding she rather enjoyed the cool burn spreading down her throat to the stomach.

Embry guided her to Bella as he challenged the guys to play soccer with an agenda of his own.

The pack was running around, laughing and clearly having some well deserved fun while Arya and Bella conversed about the Cullens. They quickly bonded over their mutual understanding and beliefs regarding the family. Bella told her of Esme's nurturing side, about Emmet being a gentle giant, Rosalie's hard exterior, Alice and her visions and mad fashion skills, Jasper with the mood control abilities and finally her own soulmate Edward, the mind reading virtuoso. They were so engrossed in the conversation they barely noticed when Embry collided into Paul causing the latter to fall straight onto a big rock ending with a big, nasty cut. Rachel screamed and it drew the girls attention to the beach. Noticing a hurt Paul on the floor Arya broke into a sprint showing up seconds later. Dropping to her knees she inspected the injury while asking the boys what happened. The injury was deep and needed stitches, but her bag was back in the house.

„We need to get him to the house, I have my suture-kit in a bag with sterile gauze and bandages.“ She urged.

„Don't worry, I'll heal, it's not a big deal“, he responded as she looked at him, already getting red in the face, but this time it was from anger not embarrassment. One look from her was enough to know she wasn't joking around and it shut him up instantly. For weeks he longed for a moment alone with her to plead his case and now he would finally get it. She put a beach towel on his cut to absorb some of the blood and to put a bit of pressure on the wound.

She helped him up and offered herself as a crutch of sorts for him to lean on.

„I'm coming with you“, Rachel stated before they even made a step.

Paul mentally groaned but thankfully Embry stepped in, „Rach, he's in good hands, she's a trauma specialist. Besides you faint at anything more than drawing blood.“

Rachel walked away, but everyone could see how pissed she was. Jacob tried talking to her but it only angered her more. She could feel Paul slipping through her fingers. He'd been distant from the day that girl walked into their lives. She often asked him if there was something going on between them or if he imprinted, but he denied everything. She knew better tho'. Paul never looked at her the way he looks at Arya and it hurt her deeply. There was always hope that one day he'd feel just as strongly for her as she did for him, but from the looks of it, those dreams were dead and gone.

Meanwhile, Arya was walking with Paul, since the house was not that far away from the beach. Paul leaned on her just enough to make her believe she was really helping him walk, but he knew if he truly leaned on her they'd both fall straight to the ground.

Finally getting to the house Arya sat him on the couch and quickly disappeared upstairs only to come down not a minute later.

„First I'll have to clean the cut and it might sting a little.“ She said with her eyes concentrating on his leg, her gentle hands already in white gloves holding a dark brown bottle in one and a gauze in the other hand. She started cleaning the cut making him wince in pain.

She looked up to him with a smile playing on her lips „sorry tough guy, told you it might sting.“

God, he knew he'd take any amount of pain just to be near her as long as possible. Her lilac perfume filled his nostrils and helped him relax. Oh, how much he'd give to be able to nuzzle into her neck, to kiss her lips, play with strands of her wavy hair.

„I'm gonna give you an anesthetic to numb the area before I do the stitches. Werewolf or not, that will hurt.“

„I'm sorry“, he said suddenly.

„If you're apologizing because I'm about to go near your leg with a needle and a thread then you'll need a better apology then that“, she said with a cool and almost amused tone as she injected the anesthetic into the wound.

„No, I mean I really am sorry. I'm sorry about your car“, he continued while she looked at him with wide eyes, „about that fight, about getting Sam on your case too and about anything I might have done to hurt you. Hurting you was never my intention.“

He saw the shock register on her face before she could hide it. A small smile played on his lips, but it wasn't what he said though, his words were like pudding, sweet in an ordinary sort of way, it was the richness of his tones; luxurious and warm that drew her to him in way no one else could.

Before she could say anything he continued, „Don't get me wrong, I am still very much against you going near those leeches and there is no way in hell I'm letting you get hurt by them, but I am sorry about the way I went behind your back to tell Sam and the rest of the pack.“

She nodded and started sewing the cut shut. Her fingers worked fast and delicately. It was easy to see why she was a prodigy in her field, her talent clearly showing. After she was done with the stitches, she used another dark bottle with a darker, brownish liquid to drench a gauze she put over the stitches and a long white bandage to secure it. Just as she finished Rachel walked in with Embry following close behind. She ran up to Paul and hugged him in an excessive way that Arya couldn't help but roll her eyes at.

„Oh baby, you're okay“ she repeated during the hug which only irritated Arya more causing her to grab her things and leave the room.

She walked back to the beach with Embry next to her, grabbed the first beer she could find and downed it in seconds. Finishing the beer she grimaced, grabbed Embry's hand and plopped them both down on the sand.

It was already sunset and the romantic setting made her heart yearn for a certain wolf she swore to never think of again.

As the sun disappeared on the horizon she saw the fire was already lit, music was playing in the background and more importantly Paul was back with Rachel. She snorted grabbing her third beer of the day, already feeling slightly tipsy and Embry looked in the same direction.

„You okay?“ he asked.

„I’m drinking a cocktail of depression, anxiety, and insecurities“, she replied, not aware of a certain hothead listening in.

„You know, he doesn't love her“, he stated making her look at him with furrowed eyebrows.

„Before the shift, he was the biggest flirt in school, a player. Every week he'd date a different girl. He was short-tempered and got into fights and was a big ass to everyone. It all changed when he shifted. He had to control his anger better because one mistake could mean someone's life was done. That's why Sam gave us all orders not to talk to people outside the pack unless they were family or an imprint... So a player finds himself unable to talk to all the girls throwing themselves at him and a girl that knows of us rolls into town, what does he do?“ She looked at him confused and he shook his head in fake disappointment.

„He's with her because she is the only girl in on the secret that isn't a) related to him or b) someone else's imprint and c) because he's a stubborn ass.“

„Doesn't change the fact she's there rubbing herself on him.“ she spat out.

„Perhaps, but I know he's an idiot, because you're a catch.“

„Thanks Ems.“ She replies resting her head on his shoulder.

„Why must you call me Ems, it's damaging to my manhood“ he states with a light tone in his voice.

„Because your other nickname would be Bry, I'd be happy to change it if you want to“, she replied with fake innocence.

„Oh, you cruel woman“ he said dramatically.

„If you think that's bad, just remember I call Seth Puppy“, she claimed making him laugh.

„I'm good with Em and Ems......pun intended“ they both burst into fits of laughter.

A little further away Paul stood watching his imprint drinking and laughing with a different man. Rachel was practically rubbing herself on him, trying to kiss him a few times but what she didn't understand was how her touch was making him physically sick. He wanted Arya to touch him, not in a sexual way, , never anywhere other than his face, his hands, his hair. His warmth would seep into her being and he would comfort her without ever opening his mouth. She'd melt into him like ice-cream on a warm porcelain bowl, because she belonged next to him just as he belonged next to her. And each time before they parted the aching to be in his arms would begin anew.

He knew this wasn't working anymore. He long lost the fight, not with the bond, but with her. Her kindness, intelligence, laughter, innocence and many many other things called to him. He longed for her in every sense of the word. He knew what he had to do. Sparing one last look to the one that captured his heart and soul, he took Rachel's hand and guided her away from the crowd.

„Rachel, we need to talk.“

[beesandbooks1]

D&D Series #3: A Character Example

Introduction

It’s Thursday book bees, and you know what that means? Another installment of my Dungeons and Dragons series! Following my previous posts about creating characters and the importance of their backstories, I thought it might be smart to give an example of a character created and played for those that learn by example. Okay, so this is also an exercise in self indulgence that lets me talk about one of my favorite D&D characters. Nevertheless, I do think examples are helpful when diving into the world of Dungeons and Dragons roleplay.

So let me introduce you to my character of choice: Annamaria Riverend. I built Annamaria for my husband’s first campaign as a DM, so her background is based in a homebrew world. This means that locations and social norms, among other factors, conform to the rules of his world rather than the worlds of official D&D canon that inform the character build guidelines. This largely only effects the racial part of her backstory, meaning that as a half-elf she does not feel the divide between elven and human worlds the way the description of the half-elf in the Player’s Handbook recommends.

Backstory

Annamaria was born to a human father and an elven mother. Her father, a bit of a playboy, had wandered the Empire of his birth for a while, interacting with many different people. This left a few half-siblings roaming about in the world before Annamaria’s family took form. Annamaria didn’t live with her full family for long, though. Her younger brother tragically died of illness and the family broke apart, her father going off to wander some more and her mother jumping straight into a second, more stable marriage. Stability could only last so long, though, and another sibling tragically died. Her mother disappeared and was unable to be contacted, leaving her stepfather to watch over Annamaria and her older sister, as well as his own child and her half sister. The area they lived in deemed that her stepfather had insufficient funds to care for three children and chose Annamaria to be rehomed. She was adopted by a couple, both elves, who worked as a jeweler and a liason to a local farming community where she was raised with three other adopted siblings.

Annamaria was emotionally stunted by the turmoil in her early life and rather rebellious. She was also left with an unusual gift: she could see spirits. Her adoptive mothers sent her to a local druid commune in hopes that they would be able to guide her to the right path as well as help her with her strange gift, but things didn’t turn out how they expected. Annamaria, irritated with the hippy nature of the commune, stole some underutilized treasure and used it to fund a new identity. She forged paperwork, bought a wig and a new wardrobe, and posed as a long lost member of a diminished noble family, making friends with some wealthy folk and spending half her year with them as a down on her luck noble girl. The other half of the year she spent working at various jobs to fund her extravagant second life.

At the time that the campaign began, Annamaria had unwillingly acquired a druidic mentor. Appearing only as a mysterious shadow with a distorted voice, her mentor was trapped in a bronze orb she’d stolen from the druids and been unable to sell off. The shadowy mentor showed her druidic magic and attempted to guide her to a more straight and narrow path in life, largely unsuccessful until the campaign took off and Annamaria had to set aside her second life in order to adventure.

Development of Character

In the course of the campaign a lot of fun stuff happened to help me grow my character. Of course, we had a lot going on outside of the campaign that affected things, namely a lot of players rotating in and out so that by the end our party composition was small and much changed from how we began. I was the only person who started and ended the campaign only missing one session while I was away for my master’s research. As a result, I think Annamaria received the most character growth and resolution by the end of things. Granted, we didn’t really get to establish how our characters ended the campaign due to time constraints but we jokingly said that she retired to one of her properties in the North and married someone that was a consistent love interest for her.

At the beginning of the campaign, Annamaria was a Chaotic Neutral alignment. This means that she was largely looking out for herself, and did so in whatever manner made most sense at the time despite what chaos or harm that might cause. She made decisions such as refusing to partake in battles that didn’t seem to concern her, and making slightly less strategic choices in battle. By the end of the campaign she was Chaotic Good due to her loyalty, her altruism, and her choices to put others first and save people even when she was told she wouldn’t be able to.

Throughout the campaign, I got to explore a morally grey character with a tiny desire to see good and change the world. Annamaria went from being unwilling to put herself into a fight to protecting her friends, and from wanting wealth and riches to giving things away to those in need. She found her new family and healed from the trauma of losing her first one piece by piece. By forming bonds with the other members of her party, Annamaria grew as a person and found her moral center.

The Practical Stuff

Beyond the backstory and character development, Annamaria was a Circle of the Shepherd Druid. Her background was Charlatan, and she primarily utilized her Wild Shape and conjuration magic during combat. The Druid class is a magic casting class that focuses on natural and animism spells, and comes with the ability to shapeshift a limited amount of times into animal forms that yourself and your DM work out. At various times, my DM presented me with new animal shapes with custom stats that were outside the traditional stats within the DMG and PHB. As a Druid, players select a Druidic Circle that determines a bit more of a specialty. The Circle of the Shepherd is featured in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything as an expanded option for Druids. This Circle focuses on spells regarding the spirits of animals which played on her ability to see spirits.

As a result, Annamaria’s magic talents largely lied in conjuring large amounts of fey creatures that could provide assistance in combat. Generally in a long enough session of combat, I played Annamaria as utilizing her magic more than her Wild Shape since I often used Wild Shape forms to do other important things such as sneaking into prisons, eavesdropping, and other tasks that required stealth. Generally using her Circle of the Shepherd features, Annamaria could provide strength and healing to the party in an area of the combat, while also using long distance spells and close up attacks to beat back combatants. If the party was smaller (missing players or just out numbered) she could summon up an amount of animals to act as a buffer zone and attack the enemies.

Conclusion

So yes, there you have an example of a character played from beginning to end with character development and changes to motivation. Ultimately, you don’t want to find yourself playing the exact same character at the end of a D&D campaign. You want your character to grow, mature, and change just like a real person. It takes a talented DM, commitment from yourself as a player, and a pleasant and comfortable group of fellow players to achieve character growth though. Sometimes, your group just doesn’t have the time or energy to follow through with a complex campaign and so the changes to your character may be small, only really resolving facts from their backstories rather than pushing forward new character growth. But still, as long as you feel that your character’s development was rewarding, that’s the important thing!

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