#dark sector confession

[frameconfessions]

What if the devs or just someone who works for Digital Extremes finds this blog and sends in a confession?

[queen-of-deans-booty]

Don't Fight It

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.3k

Warnings: angst, gun violence, murder, fluff

Request by @jessicalynnann: Dean standing by a window and he is a multi millionaire mob boss… any ways. Standing by the window with a glass of whiskey waiting for the reader who he keeps denying his feelings for…. Any ways her best friend calls says that someone is bothering the reader and won’t leave them alone. Well he rushes down and saves the reader after he finds her in the alley almost being attacked and then he confesses everything 😂☺️

Summary: You work for not only a successful businessman but also a man who does less than legal things in his spare time. He hopes to never have to bring you into that side of his life but when your ex makes an appearance, he has no choice but to use his deadly skills to get you out of trouble alive.

Square Filled: “it’s not an addiction. it’s a coping mechanism.” (2023) for @spnaubingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

Never in your professional career have you ever been late except for today. Your car didn’t want to start this morning so you had to jumpstart it using a portable charger you had lying around from the last time your brother was staying with you. He claims he forgot it but you know he left it there intentionally. He’s always looking out for you whether you want him to or not.

You walk into work clutching your purse and water cup to your chest as you make your way to your desk. Due to the darkness coming from underneath your boss’ door, you assume he’s not in right now. Thank God. You don’t have to confront him after being late. You quickly get settled in and immediately pull up your emails to see what kind of day you’re going to have today.

As the personal assistant to the CEO of Winchester Industries, you always have a lot on your plate. There is seldom any time for yourself at work which is a good thing because that means the day goes by faster. You admire Dean for what he does and the impact he has made not only on the town you live in but in towns across America. He is involved with environmental technologies, medical devices, and the telecommunications sector. He cares so much about the environment that he develops equipment that helps farmers, medical devices mostly for animals, and strengthens the telecommunication sector across America.

He had an idea one day and decided to do something about it instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Now, he’s one of the richest men in the country because of it.

Speaking of the devil, when Dean walks out of the elevator, you’re already halfway through your emails.

“Good morning, Y/N,” he drawls.

“Good morning, Dean.”

“Hey, did you happen to get the contracts for--”

“Already on your desk.”

“What about the proposal for--”

“Already done, waiting for your seal of approval. I also have reached out to Phoenix Zoo and set up a Zoom meeting at ten since their medical equipment broke for their gorilla.”

Dean leans against your desk with a sexy smirk on his face. What you wouldn’t give to see that smirk behind closed doors. If you put aside the fact that you’re his personal assistant, there is one reason why you shouldn’t fall for a man like Dean Winchester. He’s a successful CEO but you know he’s involved with shady shit on the side. You’re not sure what his deal is but you know it isn’t legal. You turn a blind eye to the many times he’s come into work with bloodstains on his stark white shirt.

Maybe you should run. Any sane, logical person would but you’ve never been the one to listen to that side of you.

“What would I do without you?”

“Cry, maybe. This business would crumble without me.”

“Don’t I know it,” he chuckles.

“So, I have two interviews coming in today, both for the marketing department, Dalton Martinez wants to schedule a meeting with you, and--”

“How about this,” he cuts you off, “you take care of the interviews today and I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Okay.”

He walks into his office and you can’t help but watch him leave. He’s such a good-looking man that it’s hard not to fall for his charm. You tried asking what he does in his free time when you saw his bloody shirt for the first time but he refused to talk about it. You haven’t asked him about it since even though you want to.

The two interviews come and go and now you’re stuck at your desk replying to emails, drafting up contracts for Dean, and planning his next work trip. Right when the clock strikes twelve, Dean comes out of his office without his jacket on. He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, and you vermouth waters at the sight of his white shirt stretching across his broad chest.

“Hey, are you busy for lunch?”

“No.”

“Want to have lunch with me? I’ll be stuck in this office all day.”

“Sure,” you smile. You log out of your computer and grab your lunch bag from the fridge you have underneath your desk. You pass by one of the other ladies on the floor and she tsks when you approach her desk. “What?”

“Be careful not to get involved with him.”

“I’m not. It’s just lunch.”

You walk into Dean’s office who is standing by this floor-length windows with a glass of whiskey in hand.

“Don’t tell me that glass is your lunch.”

“No.” He walks over to his desk, reaches into the mini-fridge, and pulls out a meatball sandwich he made before coming to work. “So, tell me about your day.”

You eye the glass of whiskey on his desk. “Maybe we should talk about your day. Addiction can ruin someone’s life.”

“It’s not an addiction. It’s a coping mechanism.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“I’d rather talk about you. Any plans this weekend?”

“I might need something stronger than water if I’m going to talk about that,” you chuckle.

“Don’t let me stop you.”

You get up and pour yourself a strong drink before downing it in one go. That will be a mistake later but you don’t care. You pour yourself another glass before sitting back down across from him.

“Let me know if this is unprofessional but I haven’t had a date in two years. In the last relationship I was in, he tried to have me killed. I come from very old money but I like to work hard for what I have instead of using what my family gives me every week.”

“I understand,” Dean nods, leaning back in his chair as he listens intently.

“When my ex-boyfriend found out about my money, he wanted it. He wanted to be rich and powerful, but I realized that all he ever wanted from me was money. I was done giving it to him so I broke things off which is when he tried to kill me. I tried to move on but he’s always there to ruin things for me. I kind of gave up on romance and having friends. So, the answer to your question is no, I don’t have any plans this weekend. He won’t let me.”

“What’s his name?”

“Like I’m going to tell you that,” you scoff. “Don’t think I don’t know you’re into some shady shit. I might not know what you do in your free time but I know it’s not legal.” He raises an eyebrow at you. “Am I wrong?”

“No,” he shakes his head.

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle him, but it’d be really nice if I could just wake up one day and feel free.”

Dean leans forward and rubs his hands together. All he can think about is your life in danger and the mere thought sends him into a rage.

“Listen to me. I want you to call me any time of the day and I will help you if you need it.” You nod. “I need you to promise me.”

“Okay, I promise.”

“Cherry is my safe word.”

You immediately choke on your water and almost spit it out on the ground. You cough as you try to regain your composure while Dean watches with an amused look.

“Excuse me?” you cough.

“When someone I know is in danger, they tell me cherry and I know to drop everything for them. That includes you, too.”

“I don’t think I’ll need it,” you clear your throat, “but I promise to use it if I do.”

The rest of the day goes by smoothly and without issue. Dean has been working hard to get everything done before his work trip to Europe, and you’re working hard to make sure he has everything he needs. He asked you to come but you haven’t given him an answer yet. A whole trip with Dean by yourself? That’s a mistake waiting to happen but it would be nice to go to Europe for a week.

Every day for the remainder of the week, you and Dean have lunch in his office and talk about anything and everything. If you didn’t know him as your boss, you two would have made such great friends… maybe something more. He’s leaving for Europe on Monday so you have at least three days to give him an answer on if you’re going or not. Everything will be paid for so all you have to do is show up at the airport at four in the morning if you want to go.

Maybe…

Friday comes around and you’re staying a bit later than normal to finalize everything he needs for his trip. It’s past eight when you finally get done and you shut your computer down for the weekend. Dean is still in his office when you leave, and you head to the carport where your car is. You’re looking at your phone and not paying attention when someone steps in your way. You stop feeling a set of eyes on you and you look up to see your ex-boyfriend at the entrance of the carport.

“Hey, Y/N, long time no see,” he grins.

You immediately turn and head back to work when you see two of his friends blocking that way. The only way you’re going to get out of this is to use the alleyway next to the building. If you can cut through it, you’ll be on the other side of the carport where your car is. You might be able to make it if you’re quick. Elijah must know what you’re going to do because he starts walking over to you. You jump into action and sprint into the alley with your phone clutched in your hand.

Cherry! Cherry! CHERRY!

You almost run into Elijah because you’re texting Dean, and you nearly fall on your ass while stumbling away from him.

“Why are you running from me? I just want to talk.”

You look behind you and see his two friends right blocking the only other way out of the alley. You turn back to Elijah and notice something black glinting in his hands. He has a gun. Your heart starts to race but you force yourself to keep a clear head.

“What do you want, Elijah? I made myself clear the last time I saw you. I don’t want anything to do with you. Please leave.”

“I will when you give what you owe me.”

“What I owe you?”

“You know the trouble you caused the day you left me? You know me pretty well so you know I don’t tolerate bratty behavior. I think two million dollars will make me forget how you left me. Right, boys?”

One of his friends steps to your back and you freeze in fear when you feel his hot breath on your neck.

“Look at her, Eli, she looks like she’s about to cry,” he grins.

“She’s always been a crybaby.”

“I don’t have what you’re asking. Just leave me alone.” His friend grabs your hand and yanks your head back. “You son of a bitch!”

“Give me what I want and I’ll get out of your hair,” Elijah says and steps closer to you.

“Until you need your next fix, huh? Bite me,” you growl.

His friend lets your hair go and steps back to allow Elijah to deal with you.

“Leave her alone.”

All four of you look at the entrance of the alley to see Dean standing there with a deadly look on his face. He came. He got your message and he’s here. You’re scared that Elijah is going to hurt him even though Dean doesn’t seem the type to be scared of a gun.

“Beat it, old man,” Elijah growls.

“I don’t think you heard me,” Dean chuckles. “Get. Away. From. Her.”

“Yeah? What are you going to do about it?” Elijah waves his gun around and you stiffen in fear. “You don’t know what you’re dealing with so just leave before you get put into a body bag.”

“It’s you who will leave in a body bag. Not me.”

Dean takes out a gun from his suit jacket and points it at Elijah. Your ex panics and jumps behind you to use you as a shield, and he presses the barrel of the gun into the side of your head.

“Yeah? What about now?”

“Dean,” you whimper in fear.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m very good at what I do.”

“Get back! I’ll shoot her!” Elijah yells. “She’ll be dead and it’ll be because of you!”

Dean aims his gun at Elijah and pulls the trigger. The shot causes both of his friends to scatter knowing you’re not worth the trouble. Blood sprays on your neck just as you scream in terror. Elijah’s grip on you loosens and he falls back onto the ground. You’re about to fall yourself but Dean is quick to catch you. You’re shaking like a leaf in his arms, and he uses the sleeves of his white shirt to wipe the blood off your neck.

“You’re safe, sweetheart.” You look around frantically, having not heard him. “You’re in shock right now but you’re safe. I didn’t shoot you.”

“What?” you ask and finally look at him.

“I didn't shoot you. You’re safe. He will never bother you again.” You try to look at your ex on the ground behind you but Dean grabs the sides of your face to stop you from doing so. “I told you, I’m very good at my job.” You put your head on his chest and cry, and he smooths down your hair. “Do you live alone?”

“Yeah.”

“Not tonight, you won’t. You’ll stay with me.”

“Okay,” you whisper.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

“Thank you,” you say as Dean is bringing you back to his office.

“You don’t ever have to thank me. I will always be here if you need me.”

Yeah, falling for him is inevitable. It’s going to happen whether you want it to or not so may as well run with it instead of fight it.

x

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[silverflqmes]

agszc and the flowers they'd give as well as why they would give them?

໒⦂ 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐆𝐄.

notes. hey queen, my knowledge in flowers is baby level but!!! we’re gonna see which flowers the boys would give based on themselves and their love<3

genre. fluff

for @melukonova <3

ft. sephiroth, cloud strife, zack fair, genesis rhapsodos, angeal hewley

gender neutral! reader.

ะ ྂ ❤︎ . ˚˖ you selected.. orchid.

+ reasoning. orchids come in a variety of symbols next to the obvious luxury and beauty, such as strength, mystery — even charm and refinement. more importantly, they bring across how lucky you are to be able to love your special someone.

+ sephiroth had always thought himself to be deplorable for as long as he could remember. growing up, he had countless reminders of how unloveable he was even in spite of shinra’s hero treatment of him. when he met you, however, somehow you had brought this ray of light into his suffocating darkness and had loved him in spite of everything. he was just so lucky to have you in his life — it was imperative he showed you his gratitude. and so, from the many books he read in his days, he’d decided that gifting your orchids was the best way.

+ “it took awhile to find you these, given the state of midgar.. but the search was worth the while. as i recall.. lovers gift one another flowers as an expression of affection, do they not?”

ะ ྂ ❤︎ . ˚˖ you selected.. gardenia.

+ reasoning. gardenia is the type of flower you would use to confess when the words don’t quite reach your lips. basically, an unspoken confession to convey your love. furthermore, it represents purity and expresses beauty towards the receiver.

+ cloud strife.. was never really the best with words, feelings and emotional expression. he preferred to think of himself as an actions kind of guy, and his confession to you boiled down to exactly that. with all the worst behind him, and the whisper of advice from his parted friends, he would have set out one morning to sector five to purchase a few gardenias. flowers and their meanings didn’t come easy to him, but the words he’d received told him these were the ones. the blond’s only hope was that his message would be received and returned.

+ “here, got these for you on the way back from my delivery, they’re um.. gardenias. make sure to change their water every other day or so, if you want them to last, of course..”

ะ ྂ ❤︎ . ˚˖ you selected.. daisy.

+ reasoning. daisies represent an innocent, cheerful and pure form of love. the kind of flowers you would pick fresh from the garden or a patch of grass to bring to the person you cherish most. they can also express true love, beauty and simplicity.

+ zack fair was true to his nickname — a puppy. despite his want for leaving the countryside to join SOLDIER, the days he would spend back home were all filled with memories that he would forever carry with him. a few that stood out most were the times he’d race up to you with a handful of daisies. despite their messy condition, and the apology he would laugh out for tripping on his way to you, his actions are filled with sincerity and love.. even if zack might not know what he’s given to you. with time, however, he will have realized the depth of his gifts.

+ “ahaha, sorry y/n! i didn’t see this rock on my way over, and i might have ruined the flowers a bit.. but they still smell nice! and i tried to salvage the good ones, y’see! peak condition!”

ะ ྂ ❤︎ . ˚˖ you selected.. aster.

+ reasoning. asters, according to myth were associated with a goddess that wept because there weren’t enough stars. the tears that fell became the star shaped flowers we call asters. on the contrary, they symbolize love, charm and sensitivity.

+ genesis rhapsodos — born poet, forced to soldier. flowers and their meanings didn’t fall far from the tree for a man with vast knowledge of the arts, literature and beauty. as someone with a keen interest in loveless, having analyzed and noted it to memory, asters came to be his first choice in conveying his love for you. the gift of the goddess, he would have concluded, and a perfect fit for the one who has captured his heart — you. and so, on his way back from a mission, a singular aster would have occupied his red, gloved hand as he presented it to you.

+ “a gift from the goddess for my beloved.. as flowers have long since disappeared off the face of midgar, amidst the filth and industrialization. are you pleased with my findings?”

ะ ྂ ❤︎ . ˚˖ you selected.. alstroemeria.

+ reasoning. alstroemerias convey loyalty, devotion, support and.. honor. the type of flower you give to remind someone of their strength when they fall on hard times. but, it is also said that receiving an extra sweet one, meant you were beloved.

+ angeal hewley wasn’t exactly one for frivolous love, a stark contrast otherwise, to his friend. the romance department just never really called his attention.. well, at least until he met you. somehow you sparked feelings in him that he wasn’t sure he was even capable of feeling strongly towards another person. it was strange, different.. but a good kind of different. however there was a downside — that being his lack of experience. his familiarity with romance was minimal, but he was determined to provide! and with outside help, he was acquired flowers.

+ “these are alstroemerias.. a mouthful, i know. but they used to grow back where i grew up, in banora. they said the sweeter ones are best to gift to your beloved — so here you are.”

notes. several hours of research and inconsistent writing later, i was able to finish your request.. love how NOBODY had roses but like anyway, this is the end results for agszc with flowers woop

↳ return to main masterlist . request rules . send an ask

[sepublic]

            I want the Metroids in a hypothetical show to ultimately come across as tragic figures; Beings who were made to be exploited, and that’s what happened to them their whole life as a species between their creation and extermination.

            They were created by the Chozo to destroy the X, they were used by the Space Pirates as a bioweapon; In other episodes, we see additional parties like the Kriken Empire, or Kanden, attempt to capture Metroids for their usage. The Space Pirates set a few loose on the Ing while exploring Dark Aether, and it ends with some of those Metroids being possessed. Not to mention the Phazon corruption, where they end up as vectors of Phaaze, and the Federation’s corruption. We still have yet to see whatever dynamic Sylux might have with their Metroid, which is devoted to them on a self-sacrificial level…

            It’s a recurring thread throughout the story named after them that the Metroids are seen as a tool for others to use, and they’re deeply effective at whatever that purpose is; But they never really get a say in things, do they? There is no real say or agency, they’re being fought over a lot of the time, either by Space Pirates or the Federation, or by Samus against some group that wants to weaponize Metroids, so her responsibility is to destroy whatever Metroids have been captured.

            The only real exception to this is Dark Samus; In a way, she kinda reclaimed autonomy after being imprisoned and used by the Space Pirates. In a way, she brings about a certain liberation for her fellow Metroids, the only creatures she’s known to be sympathetic towards; Under her command, the Metroids are far less restricted, and the Space Pirates live in fear of occasionally being targeted as a meal.

            But Dark Samus is still a vector of Phaaze, as I’ve said; So maybe she doesn’t have so much free will after all, maybe this isn’t the Metroids’ revolution. She took control of Phaaze, and planned to sacrifice it; But that was to create more Leviathan seeds, so what difference would it make for a selfless, hivemind organism like Phazon?

            I’m rolling with the idea that Metroid Prime was THE original Metroid that the Marina’s crew found on SR388 and brought back to the known galaxy; The one the Space Pirates used to breed an entire generation of Metroids that Samus and the Federation systematically hunted down, until they were eradicated from that sector of space. Maybe Dark Samus' last lines in a show are not screams of agony, but... Just a simple confession; That she was happy roaming the wilderness of her home, only to have that taken from her as she was made into a weapon, and then a true monster, by the mis/handling of others who didn't care for her.

            Dark Samus had to die, as did Phaaze because like Mother Brain it was a load-bearing component for an invasive life form. Similarly, a lot of the moral justification for killing Metroids was that they were an invasive species; It was not yet discovered that they were artificial bioweapons. Not only was it imperative to protect ecosystems from an invasive threat, but there was obviously a native population thriving where they originally evolved from, and in their true home, Metroids could always live on.

            But then the Federation rediscovered SR388’s location, after the Marina’s Deleter had destroyed that knowledge to keep the Space Pirates from using it. And now the cat was out of the bag, it was only a matter of time before the Space Pirates learned where the Metroid homeworld was, and took advantage of that. The galaxy had survived two Metroid crises, a third was unimaginable. But the Metroids surely deserved to live within their own natural environment, weren’t they entitled to this as living creatures?

            Ultimately, the Federation came to a hard moral conclusion; The wellbeing of the larger galaxy mattered more than one species on one planet, which could still bounce back from their eradication, so the Federation thought. As Adam Malkovich put it, for others to live, some must die; And the Metroids were sacrificed, despite never knowing the situation nor agreeing to it, and how could they as animals who instinctually want to survive? That choice was made for them by others.

            Samus started off pretty unsympathetic, understandably so; She’d experienced firsthand the devastation of the Metroid, barely surviving before coming back to avenge all they’d killed. But as her story continues, and she sees how the Metroids are fought over by others, including herself… Samus begins to develop a bit more pity for them, recognizing they didn’t ask for this and just want to live, which of course means eating as much as they can, whenever they can. But again, she’s someone who loves and appreciates nature, but is also aware of the more brutal, pragmatic reality to it.

            Again, we hearken back to Adam’s quote, because that is the rule of nature. Sometimes you need to kill an animal to feed yourself, and because others must do the same you must kill in self-defense, even if it’s a mother who is poised to recognize any outsider as a threat to her children. Samus doesn’t judge the creature any less for it, nor does she think it should be wiped out, but it’s just the frank material reality of the situation.

            So when she’s commissioned to exterminate the Metroids, a once-unsympathetic Samus has a moral dilemma, considering seriously what the Federation has said. I dunno where the U-Ton arc from Samus and Joey takes place within the larger timeline, but I can see the connections being made at some point; U-ton is not a malicious being and even loving, but when it begins to undergo nuclear meltdown due to its programming, Samus is left with no choice to euthanize U-ton in order to save many innocents from an impending explosion. U-ton itself even agrees!

            And later, Samus finds out on SR388 that the Metroids aren’t natural, but artificial bioweapons; They weren’t just used as bioweapons by the Space Pirates, they were always meant to be bioweapons. And there’s a relief in that, because good! Great! There’s no moral dilemma anymore, the Metroids are unnatural, and inherently invasive to whatever world they come across, including SR388. Samus is obligated to go through with it.

            But in the end, it’s not so simple; U-ton was also an artificial bioweapon, but he was a tragic figure who also wanted to live and grew beyond his programming. Samus would never condemn an artificial sapient being as needing to inherently die. And the Metroids also grew beyond their programming, due to all of the DNA from the various creatures used to create them. The Metroids’ creators DID intend to co-exist with them, they acknowledged that the Metroids did not ask to be created of course; The Thoha did not foresee the Metroids’ metamorphosis, which made them go out of control and start attacking a planet not evolved to withstand them.

            But by the end of the day, the Metroids did exactly what they were made for; But upon shedding their domesticated role by expressing the traits of the natural creatures used in their creation –in essence, the Metroids became more animalistic, more like natural creatures- the nature-loving Chozo chose to abandon them, even attempted to destroy them.

            Perhaps the Metroids are not much different than a pet that was adopted, only to be considered too much of a hassle, an inconvenience to deal with any longer, and abandoned on a street. Put down, even. For creatures so desired, the Metroids are always just not good enough for whoever’s handling them, there’s always some problem to contend with because people don’t unconditionally love Metroids, just what Metroids can do for them.

            Samus recognizes that the Metroids have become more ‘natural’ for lack of a better term, is their mutation not an argument for evolution, for going beyond artificial programming? They become more like the natural animals they came from, shedding programmed control from their creators. Is they any real, inherent difference between natural and unnatural, by the end of the day? The Metroids developed a doting queen, and hatchlings who fiercely love and devote themselves to their parent; That’s an argument for them becoming ‘natural’.

            Isn’t Samus herself technically unnatural? A hybrid, not created through natural means, and she wasn’t even a hybrid to begin with, having Chozo DNA implanted a few years after she was born human. Samus and the Metroids were both created by the Chozo to be destroyers, or the ‘Ultimate Warrior’. That’s what they’re good for, maybe that’s all they’re good for. Does Samus deserve to die for being unnatural? Or does that whole dichotomy have no bearing on that decision, instead it’s just a matter of whether they pose harm that cannot be reduced without killing them?

            Did she remember the Ing in deciding yes, and then when Samus hesitated? The Luminoth had to be chosen over the Ing because there simply isn’t enough energy, both will die if one doesn’t. And Dark Aether and the Ing are violent and considered unnatural, so it’s okay right? The Luminoth were there first and are far less of a threat to society. But the Ing still had a culture, had begun to make a civilization; People prioritize civilization as proof of sapience and sapient lives always matter more, but isn’t civilization also unnatural? So which is it, then? The more animalistic Ing or the industrial Luminoth? The Ing are so alike to the Metroids in tragedy, doomed to either starve or take, doomed to be demonized for wanting to live.

            On a meta level, there’s also something to consider: Many criticized Samus Returns for losing the environmental storytelling of the original when it came to the Metroids’ lair. In the original game, it became more barren the closer Samus got to the queen, implying and justifying the Metroids as an invasive species, even before the reveal in Fusion of their artificial nature. By contrast, Samus Returns kept the wildlife thriving within Metroid territory.

            But maybe this does work out, with an adaptation; The Metroids found a way to survive and co-exist with other species, technically, by fitting into the larger ecosystem. There’s a bit of a Jurassic Park “Life finds a way” element to the Metroids’ origins, how they manifest suppressed traits from the DNA used to create them. Fittingly, the Jurassic Park franchise also discussed the right for its dinosaurs to live, acknowledging them as unnaturally brought back, and themselves technically hybrids anyhow, an invasive species displaced from their natural time AND habitat.

            This led to the government agreeing to let them be wiped out in an imminent eruption, which the protagonists fight against, only to find themselves roped in with those who want the dinosaurs to survive so they can be exploited. The Federation gave the order for Samus to kill ALL Metroids, and the ones they bred for their own use came from the infant that Samus was supposed to destroy, per the Federation’s orders; The Federation is not a monolith, hence Sakamoto intending for the perpetrators of Sector Zero to be a rogue faction.

            But I digress; The point is that the Metroids could’ve found a way to survive, in fact the desolation from the original game could’ve merely suggested it as their territory, and not that Metroids threatened all of SR388 itself. The Federation could’ve found a way to keep the Metroids alive, is that not what Ceres ended up doing? And what it would’ve kept doing, had the Federation not succumbed to its own greed.

            Samus destroys all but one Metroid, and sees herself in it, but with Samus in Ridley’s place now. Of course she spares the Metroid… But in the end, the Space Pirates DO capture it, and do use it to begin breeding other Metroids hostile to Samus, that she ends up having to destroy. And Mother Brain kills the infant.

            But it doesn’t end there, because then Samus becomes part-Metroid through the infant’s own DNA herself, and it’s what allows her to destroy the X. Everyone clamored for the Metroids to die, but it was only when they were murdered, that suddenly people clamored for them to be brought back; Only when the Metroids are wanted and needed, it’s only when they’re convenient that they’re allowed to live. But Sector Zero is destroyed and Samus is the last Metroid.

            Is this her penance for her crime, or is this her reward for not committing to it? Unlike the Metroid, Samus is a sapient being who can understand and adhere to morality and the law, so she can temper her own appetite for the sake of others; She isn’t even cursed by it, unlike the pure Metroid. Maybe the Metroids could’ve been able to co-exist with at least the Federation, who could’ve found a way to control them like Mother Brain did; Metroids technically co-existed with the Space Pirates under her control. People have made preserves for artificial creatures and even bioweapons abandoned by their creators.

            But in the end, as seen with Mother Brain and the Space Pirates; If they can be tamed or at least controlled in some degree, then they can be weaponized. No power like the one the Metroids wield should exist; And alas, the only way to remove that power is to remove the Metroid entirely. There will always be bad actors, hence the phrase, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”

            And the Metroids didn’t even want to misuse this power, nor ask for it; It was just given to them by the Chozo, and then that power was taken from them and given to someone who could control it. Meaning the Metroids were abandoned again, after being asked for again, once the Federation and even Raven Beak realized Samus could perform the same purpose against the X.

            In the end, the Metroids’ existence was simply deemed too much of an inconvenience to tolerate; They did not choose to survive and evolve this power to do so. Everything about them has been in the hands of others. Even their one ‘savior’ in Dark Samus was an entity so far-removed from them. The actual Samus herself would become essentially Metroid Plus; All of the DNA that went into the Metroids, plus hers and Gray Voice and Raven Beak’s. Suddenly, the Metroid itself was eclipsed by someone else, and discarded for a newer, shinier toy.

            Maybe that’s what happened to Samus, too; The Chozo of Zebes raised her, then fled when Mother Brain betrayed them, and never came back for her. But then Raven Beak comes back, as someone who initially helped create Samus, and then left her behind; But suddenly he decides he wants to rule the galaxy, and that’s when he conveniently comes back into her life to use Samus against her will. She is often mistaken for Metroid on a meta sense, and then became a literal Metroid from an in-universe stance.

            But that might be more fitting, in the end; There’s not much of a distinction between Samus and the Metroid and it’s blurred first by a doppelganger called Dark Samus, and then by Samus herself. The name Metroid means Ultimate Warrior in Chozo, and that’s exactly what she was raised to be as a child; And can children really decide for themselves? Samus did not choose to lose her original family, nor did she choose to be found by the Chozo.

            Did she choose to stay on Zebes with them, instead of being taken to a human foster family? Could Samus really be said to have chosen being their champion, their sole warrior, or was she actually groomed into a weapon? Is what Raven Beak had planned for her much different than what the Chozo of Zebes intended; The only difference being the scope of what Samus was supposed to fight against? Gray Voice gave Samus DNA too, not just the Mawkin warlord.

            And when Samus proved an inconvenience to Raven Beak because she would not obey his commands, like an animal she was meant to be put down; Samus by the Mawkin, the Metroids by the Thoha. She would have clones replace her, domesticated ones, just as the Marina’s Metroid from SR388 was to be isolated, having already imprinted on the queen, while the Metroids created from it would be used to serve Mother Brain; History would repeat itself with the Infant, too.

            What choice was there for the Metroids; To be either destroyed, or live in servitude to others who would throw them against any obstacle, ready to be replaced should they somehow die. What chance did they have, discarded for doing too well what they had been expected to do? Maybe with the Chozo they could’ve lived had they failed their purpose, but the ones after them who would be made to rectify that? The X’s bane was destined to die with them.

            Maybe Dark Samus’ crusade was the Metroids’ revenge against the galaxy, for both what had been done to them and would later be committed; She would be their spite against all who defined them only by their usefulness within a society. A way for the Metroids to take down their enemies with them… So what about the X, who end up briefly ignored by a Metroid created by the Federation, from the DNA of the infant that Samus kidnapped; Instead, it will go after that very Samus.

            As Ishiro Honda put it: “Monsters are tragic beings, they are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy.” The Metroids just wanted to live, but the way they were designed made them incompatible with life, including against a parasite that could resemble any life, and thus needed to be destroyed in any of those forms. Fittingly, Honda’s quote was about Godzilla; A natural creature irradiated, mutated, aggravated by humanity’s need to create stronger weapons so they could control others.

            The natural creatures the Metroids came from were put to together to create the Ultimate Warrior, and many were left endangered with SR388’s destruction, necessitated only by the X who spread unchecked because the Metroids were wiped out. The Metroids were irradiated and transformed by Phazon, made addicted to it because it was the nearest food source, and of course they’d go for that.

            They were defined as weapons meant to be useful for others and that’s all they’d be recognized as, despite showing a capacity to be so much more than their creators intended, so much more loving and deserving of their own existence. And only one just like them would recognize this, yet be cursed with the inability to convince everyone else the same, as she bore a similar reputation before and especially after carrying on the Metroids’ life through her. Samus IS Metroid, and the real twist isn’t that she isn’t, or becomes that; It’s that she’s always been. It’s hard to trust that others want to know the real Samus beneath the armor weapon, and especially after the mutation.

            But there are those who do, and those who love and care for Samus as a person could be doing the Metroids the justice they’ve always been cheated out of but deserved. And maybe Samus can rest easier, knowing that whether or not she should bring back the Metroids if she had the chance, if there was a way to protect themselves and the galaxy from that power, that at least something lives on and even thrives; That’s how she felt when she left SR388 with the Infant.

[cephalonserotonin]

Devstream 178 Notes

Megan has cool pants! Rebb has a cool earring!

Dante Unbound

next week!

"We wanted to bring lore! Important for us for people who want some texture… with their food…?" lol

Hence, even though there's no quest with this update, lots of lore! Drusus and other leverian stuff

Dante prex:

They mentioned no sticky corners and someone in the audience cheered.

Styanax deluxe

Nipple talk

Gauss Prime's little goofy run is gonna be an emote! for plat! "This is only a microtransaction panel" - Rebb

Banshee, Loki, and Nekros voidshells!! And some Loki QOL: some buffs, customizable invisibility, and an augment!

Easter bunny ears have FUR (using tech for the companion rework) and are now PERMANENT! "Nobody could stop me," - Rebb (Geoff boos)

Protea prime! Including her gear!

And Velox prime, Okina prime, Rhoptron prime syandana (this is GORGEOUS), a bonus alt helmet that moves, and an ephemera (no asset for this yet)

Yareli deluxe!, the Kompressa deluxe

"If you haven't played Yareli, maybe depending on where you get your warframe news…" LMAO the subtlest shade. I've liked Yareli from the beginning and definitely thought the initial backlash to her kit was overblown, so

blah blah soulframe

New update between Dante and Tennocon featuring the Stalker: Jade Shadows

Jade, our 57th warframe

Cinematic quest update from the Stalker's point of view!

J is the second to last letter we need to cover the alphabet, we're just missing U Audience member: what about Umbra? Rebb: No, that's Excalibur Umbra. If your arsenal said Umbra Excalibur you might stand a chance in court.

Warframe 1999

Very much a Warframe update, but a different style of update. New lore, lots of content, a new Warframe chapter. The gorgeous Arthur is our poster boy.

It's not a single player Warframe spinoff, a "Warframe 2" (I confess I was among those theorizing this). Those nipples stay on.

and now, waking up from his nap… it's Ben Starr! "Arthur is a very mysterious character who I am bound by NDA to say… VERY little about!" He's SO cool. and REALLY sexy. He's relatable. He's gonna be a badass, he's got a samurai sword.

Excalibur is a frame. Arthur is a PROTO-FRAME.

Just as an aside, Ben is adorable and hilarious, very fun to watch.

Stuff about Conflict between humanity and the non-human.. "you don't perceive humanity without how it reacts to others."

a first look at Aoi, our proto-Mag, and I am GAY SCREECHING

Bike: the atomicycle

Q&A

Audience member in a (Uniqlo?) metal gear rising revengeance shirt that Rebb recognized and appreciated: when is my man Caliban getting buffed? A: If Pablo were here, he'd say ask me at TennoCon.

Q: any other warframes getting reworks? A: Inaros rework coming with Dante unbound. Loki rework not planned.

Q: What inspired proto-Mag's design? A: Liger did Arthur and Aoi. We had a very specific vision for those two protoframes: Arthur being the "man scout," and Aoi we wanted a nice contrast to Arthur.

Q: Two questions very well worded I didn't get them down in time because I was nodding along. About stat sticks / pseudo-exalteds and trading. A: Stat sticks: we've talked about it but no changes planned. Trading: we've talked about maybe adding riven filters but not much more than that.

Q from guy in Dante DMC trenchcoat: Drifters? Maybe new outfits? A: In Unbound we are bringing one more operator outfit to drifter.

Q: I've been playing Warframe for 10 years, and I'm legendary 4. Any additional benefits for high rank players? A: The social benefits of being a high-rank player are unexplored. In terms of more mechanical aspects… we're thinking more social benefits. congrats on being legendary 4!

Q: When's infested liches? A: Steve is that you

Q In the second metal gear shirt: warframe 1999... dark sector? A: A lot of what Warframe was built on was the scifi part of dark sector that was never meant to be. So it's poetically coming full circle, that 1999 is dark sector inspired. Q: is there a plan for the dark sector remaster? A: 1999 is the dark sector remaster.

Q: Is there going to be fashion protoframes? A: Actually, yes… And that's all I'll say on that.

Q from Leon Kennedy: is squad link coming back? A: RIP scarlet spear. Not coming back in the way you might think, but we're experimenting early days with something you might like. It's in an urn. Geoff: that's pretty dead. Rebb: Someone hasn't played Baldur's gate 3! It's not totally dead, but mostly dead.

Q: Has anyone at DE considered a TTRPG or even a war game? you could blow games workshop completely out of the water. I'd rather give money to you than them any day. A: We're all fans of that kind of content, we'd endorse fan content, but we don't have the time to pursue it. Q: Has anyone considered modular ("kit") frames? A: We have considered it, but it didn't seem shippable. Seemed scope-scary.

Q: Are you, Rebb, personally happy with the way movement works at this very moment? A: Are you asking pre- or post- sticky corners? Q: Post. Also is Soulframe taking from the movement in Warframe? Geoff: Soulfame is very much in the opposite direction of Warframe, movement-wise. Rebb: I always thought it'd be fun to explore wall running in Warframe. But other than that, I love it. I think it's the best movement system in the third person games space. Every other game I play I try and bullet jump and aim glide. Questioner agrees.

Soulframe question I used to catch up on my above notes

Q: If you could go on a date with a warframe, which one?… me, it's Grendel. Ben: what would you do on that date? Questioner: just eat :) Geoff: Excalibur? (Rebb: that's very Raphael-coded of you. Little Baldur's Gate reference for you) Mag: Probably Valkyr. Rebb: why choose? All of them >:) Ben: pick one for me. Rebb: Mirage. Ben: What would I do? Rebb: Circus act. You are the circus.

Q: What was your favourite part of developing 1999, and Ben, what was your favourite part of voicing Arthur? A: Some stuff we haven't announced yet. As with most characters I play, there's something lovable about him despite his rough exterior… rough but he's nice about it. He's gonna do something to you, but he's gonna kiss you afterward. Rebb: I think it's quite sacred to introduce protoframes like this. We're being quite sacred about it (it's not Mag and Excal, it's Aoi and Arthur). Ben: The ways in which you're exploring that dynamic is very cool, and very 90s.

Q: Rebb, what are the things that plague you? A: My plagues are supported by the development team. I'm not alone; whenever I have an ailment, I have someone that to help support me with it. Geoff: I've genuinely never seen someone care so much. He gets teary. \*audience cheers as REBB DESERVES\* Same asker: when is my girl Titania getting buffed? A: Controversial question, she's pretty strong. I could see Tribute receiving some QOL to be easier to use (some Tribute). But those dex pixia, they do kill.

Q in a Warframe sweater with a Warframe backpack!: Which NPC would you be most likely to be besties with? Ben: Fibonacci Rebb: We love you Neil! Ben: If you don't have a cranky fish as a friend, what are you doing. Megan: I love Ordis :) especially little trash can ordis Rebb: you better say Lotus, Geoff >:) Geoff: Lotus. Rebb: Hard not to love Little Duck. We'd be besties for sure, drinking in the back room.

Q: if Teshin can have his head crushed and come back, what about Veso? A: He died a hero, I'm sorry.

Q: When can we get points to Dante his brother? A: ??? audience member yells out "VIRGIL!" Rebb: \*laughs\* maybe the bike is Virgil (This is a devil may cry reference)

Q: clan to clan interaction? Haven't had that since solar rails? A: Ok so in the urn we have squad link.. \*laugh\* We are trying to do more clan events. They work for by the book tasks. There's opportunity there we haven't explored. No leaderboards. I'll try to do more.

Q: I'm curious how you develop characters as a Warframe team. I've noticed a lot of references to mythology. A: it's a library of devs that have passions. The team is just really diverse and loves really cool shit. The amount of inspiration we get to name things thematically, we have touched lore I didn't know existed. When it comes to Warframes, we're still looking at old Keith Thompson drawings… he's built different.

Q: I'm sorry to take you back in the morgue. Void keys. Will there be a return to the old void and endless missions? A: We're not in the morgue here, we're in ICU. Visiting hours are open. I loved the old voidkey system. We did a soft tease with Dagath keys, it had wins and losses… There were user experience problems. But it's not totally dead. The omnia fissures are kind of that vibe. You can bring any relic to an omnia fissure and just haul ass.

Q: Can we get a toggle for Protea's visor? A: The rigging artist working on it talked about it. Maybe. You're right, it would be nice.

Q: Fashion frame question. Have you considered a DE color palette, like, Megan's greatest hits? A: That sounds like a great idea :) We're doing it.

Q: Are we ever going to see new necramechs? A: I hate saying probably not. No new ones in 1999 at least. We're touching up the ones we have before we go to the morgue, and grab a skull, to make a a new one. Sorry

Q holding a Clem plushie: when more Clem??? A: We'll see. Clem holds a special place in our heart. He's not in the morgue, I promise.

Q: I've been coerced into asking a question on behalf of someone who's not here. He's made it clear if I don't get a satisfactory answer I won't see my family again. Are there any plans to look at spawn rates for loot and reactants? A: I'm gonna keep talking until you can get your family out safely, I'm filibustering. There's performance issues, we want to get safe on all platforms. The worst offenders we can probably fix. We can increase reactant drop rates. Loot rates is harder to solve.

Q: if you have Drifter selected, can you use drifter melee? A: We thought it was important to keep drifter melee in duviri, but… why not? We could try. Drifters can't mod though. It's not impossible, but it'd take some time.

Q: Warframe being predominantly PVE, has there been talk of collaboration among clans? A: I implied it with the other question, but a social benefit would be great. I'd love to see you make friends with other clans

Thanks to the DE team for your hard work <3 supporting us for 11 years!

visual assets are either my own stream screenshots or from DE's devstream overview

[ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes]

The Phoenix and the Crow

part thirty-three

pairing: kaz brekker x fem!reader

genre: neutral

el's thoughts: i love this part so muchhh enjoyy

masterlist

“What if I say no, Brekker?” It was mere posturing, Matthias knew that. The time for protest had long passed. They were already jogging down the gentle slope of the embassy roof toward the druskelle sector, Wylan panting from exertion, Jesper loping along with ease, and Brekker keeping pace despite his crooked gait and lack of cane. Y/N had never wished more in her life than right now to have been born a Healer.

“What if I don’t give you this last bit of myself and my honor?” Matthias continued.

“You will, Helvar. Nina is on her way to the White Island right now. Are you really going to leave her stranded?” questioned Kaz.

“You presume a great deal.”

“Seems like the perfect amount to me,” Y/N snipped.

“These are the law courts, right?” Jesper said as they raced over the roof, catching glimpses of the elegant courtyards below, each built around a burbling fountain and dotted with rustling ice willows. “I guess if you’re going to be sentenced to death, this isn’t a bad place for it.”

“Water everywhere,” said Wylan. “Do the fountains symbolize Djel?”

“The wellspring,” mused Y/N, “where all sins are washed clean.”

“Or where they drown you and make you confess,” Wylan said.

Jesper snorted. “Wylan, your thoughts have taken a very dark turn. I fear the Dregs have been a bad influence.”

They used a doubled segment of rope and the grappling hook to cross to the roof of the druskelle sector. Wylan had to be looped into a sling, but Jesper, Kaz, and Y/N moved easily across the rope, hand over hand, with unnerving speed. Matthias approached with more caution, and though he didn’t show it, he did not like the way the rope creaked and bowed with his weight.

The others pulled him onto the stone of the druskelle roof, and as Matthias stood, he was struck by a wave of vertigo. More than any place in the Ice Court, more than any place in the world, this place felt like home to him. But it was home turned on its head, his life viewed at the wrong angle.

Y/N on the other side of Kaz, stood with her fists clenched. This was the home for all the druskelle and wolves who sought to kill her kind. The home of the men she was raised to view as monsters. In the distance, she could hear the wolves barking and yapping in their kennel by the gatehouse.

Kaz secured another coil of rope to the roof’s edge and prepared to rappel down to the shore.

“You know what to do,” he said to Jesper and Wylan. “Eleven bells and not before.”

“When have I ever been early?” asked Jesper.

Kaz braced himself for the descent and vanished over the side. Matthias waited for Y/N to scale down first before he lowered himself.

The shore surrounding the ice moat was little more than a slender, slippery rind of white stone. Kaz perched there, pressed against the wall and frowning at the moat.

“How do we cross? I don’t see anything.”

“Because you are not worthy.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, “We’re also not nearsighted. There’s nothing there.”

Matthias began edging along the wall, running a hand over the stone at hip level. “On Hringkalla the druskelle finish our initiation,” he said. “we go from aspirant to novice druskelle in the ceremony at the sacred ash.”

“Where the tree talks to you.” Y/N scoffed.

Matthias nearly rolled his eyes, “It’s where we hope to hear the voice of Djel. But that’s the final step. First, we have to cross the ice moat undetected. If we are judged worthy, Djel shows us the path.”

It took Matthias two passes along the wall before his fingers found the carved lines of a wolf. He rested his hand there briefly, feeling the traditions that connected him to the order of druskelle, as old as the Ice Court itself.

“Here,” he said.

Kaz shuffled over and squinted across the moat. He leaned out and Matthias yanked him back.

He pointed over to the guard tower on top of the wall surrounding the White Island. “They’ll see you,” he said. “Use this.”

He scraped his hand along the wall and his palm came away white. The night of his intuition, Matthias had rubbed his clothes and hair with the same chalky powder. Camouflaged from the view of the guards in their tower, he’d crossed the slender path to the island to meet his brothers.

Now he, Kaz, and Y/n did the same, though the other two noticed Kaz slip his gloves away first.

Matthias stepped onto the secret bridge, then heard Kaz and Y/N hiss and curse under their breath when the icy water brushed at their ankles.

“Chilly, Brekker?”

“If only we had time for a swim. Get moving.”

Despite his taunts to Kaz, by the time they were halfway to the island. Matthias’ feet had gone almost completely numb, and he was keenly aware of the guard towers high above the moat. Druskelle would have come this way earlier tonight. He’d never heard of any aspirant being spotted or shot at on the bridge, but anything was possible.

“All this way to be a witchhunter?” Kaz said from behind him. “The Dregs need a better initiation.”

“This is only one part of Hringkalla.”

“Yes, I know, then a tree tells you the secret handshake.”

“I feel sorry for you, Brekker. There is nothing you hold scared in your life.”

There was a long pause, and Y/N thought Kaz wasn’t going to answer at all before he finally spoke up. “You’re wrong.”

The outer wall of the White Island loomed up before them, covered in a rippling pattern of scales. It took a moment to locate the ridge of scales that hid the gate. Only a short while ago, druskelle would have been gathered in this niche of the wall to welcome their new brothers ashore, but now it was empty, the iron grating chained. Kaz made quick work of the lock, and soon they were in a slender passage that would lead them to the gardens that backed the barracks of the royal guard.

“Were you always good at locks?”

“No.”

“How did you learn?”

“The way you learn anything. Take it apart.”

“And the magic tricks?”

Kaz snorted. “So you don’t think I’m a demon anymore?”

“I know you’re a demon, but your tricks are human.”

“Some people see a magic trick and say, ‘Impossible!’ They clap their hands, turn over their money, and forget about it in ten minutes. Other people ask how it worked. They go home, get into bed, toss, and turn, wondering how it was done. It takes them a good night’s sleep to forget all about it. And then there are the ones who stay awake all night, running through the trick again and again, looking for that skip in perception, the crack in the illusion that will explain how their eyes got duped; they’re the kind who won’t rest until they’ve mastered that little bit of mystery for themselves. I’m that kind.”

“You love trickery.”

“I love puzzles. Trickery just happens to be my native tongue.”

Y/N rolled her eyes at both boys, fighting the urge to smack them over the head.

“The gardens, right?” She looked at Matthias for confirmation. “We follow them to the ballroom. Let’s go, we haven’t the time to waste.”

Puzzles and magic tricks weren’t something Y/N has had the leisure to waste time and ponder how those things are done. Not at least since she was a child. Her heart clenched at the sharp reminder of the life that was stolen from her and the life she was made for.

Just as they were about to emerge from the passage, two guards rounded the corner—both in black and silver druskelle uniforms, both carrying rifles.

“Perjenger!” one of them shouted in surprise. Prisoners. “Sten!”

Without thinking, Matthias said, “Desjenet, Djel comenden!” Stand down, Djel wills it so. They were the words of a druskelle commanding officer, and he delivered them with all the authority he’d ever learned to muster.

Kaz quickly noticed the heat radiating from Y/N’s hands and motioned for her to stand down as Matthias grabbed the first soldier’s rifle and head-butted him hard. The druskelle collapsed. Kaz slammed into the other soldier, knocking him over. The druskelle kept hold of his rifle, but Kaz slipped behind him and brought his forearm across the soldier’s throat, applying pressure until the soldier’s eyes flickered shut, and his head fell forward as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Kaz rolled the body off of him and stood.

The heavy reality of the situation settled over Matthias and Y/N followed quickly. Kaz hadn’t picked up a rifle. Matthias had a gun in his hands, and Kaz Brekker was unarmed. Tension filled the air and the former druskelle fell into contemplation. The Inferni shot Kaz a questioning look and only received a shake of his head.

“Helvar.”

Y/N’s stern tone snapped him out of his thoughts and he lowered his weapon.

A faint smile touched Kaz’s lips. “I wasn’t sure what you’d do if it came down to this.”

“Neither was I,” Matthias admitted. Kaz lifted a brow, and the truth struck Matthias with the force of a blow. “It was a test. You chose not to pick up the rifle.”

“I needed to be sure you were really with us. All of us. And I have an Inferni on my side, who do you think would win this match?”

“How did you know I wouldn’t shoot?”

“Because, Matthias, you stink of decency.”

“You’re mad.”

“Do you know the secret to gambling, Helvar?” Kaz brought his good foot down on the butt of the fallen soldier’s rifle. The gun flipped up causing Y/N to smirk. He’d had it in his hands and pointed at Matthias in the space of a breath. He’d never been in any danger at all. “Cheat. Now let’s clean up and get into these uniforms. We have a party to go to.”

“One day you’ll run out of tricks, demjin.”

Y/N walked past him swiftly. “You better hope it’s not today.”

~*~

taglist: @katherinereid @littlecat21 @jahayla-parker @maliciousbrekker @brekkershadowsinger @brekkers-desigirl @clunaes @wonderland2425 @bookloverfilmoholic @karensirkobabes @bookworm-center @el-de-phi @so-get-this-sammy @skittleabyss @crispy-croke @cometsghost @auttumnsayshi

[totallynoteggos]

Numbuh 274 headcanons :)

(Supreme Leader redesign is at the bottom!)

A/N: dis is supreme leader headcanons & their all over the place tbh 💀

Supreme Leader

Idk why but I feel like he has shit loads of freckles he just gives the vibes

A bit lanky & tall for his age but could still pack a punch if he wanted too

Resting bitch face that makes him look super serious & focused

He's a silly lil goober under that tho dw

He used a bottle of his mom's purple shampoo on accident & now uses It every time he showers (take notes Wally)

VERY protective of his hair which is why he's always wearing the helmet (unless he's trying to impress someone 😋)

I think he would have really thick fluffy hair that's a nice blond shade (#FFF2A3) with the roots being more dark (#D9B85F)

Sleepy-looking blue eyes (#89DFFA ) that look comforting even though he could glare into your soul

Ngl I don't think he has a sweet tooth, he gives off the vibe of someone who likes dark chocolate or milk chocolate & HATES white chocolate

Secretly took coffee at home so he could deal with being Supreme Leader

Has one of those ugly white rat dogs as a pet or a prize-winning border collie

French/Canadian

Was voted the cutest boy in the KND when he started becoming big

Had INSANE amounts of fan-girls/boys (More than Numbuh 10 🫢)

Bro got love letters & confessions on the daily 💀

👆LITERALLY Chad’s fan-girls on the daily 💀

He has diffidently sweet-talked his way out of trouble before

Was actually NOT trying to wipe their memories & Nigel just said that shit & he went with it

He was 100% sabotaged by Numbuh ♾️ when he changed his age so that Sectors V & Q would get decommissioned

GKND used him as a tool to make Nigel stronger & never intended for him to be earth’s ambassador

He was arrested so he couldn't leak any more info

. free my man he was just following orders :(

If he ever had a girlfriend while in the KND it would be secret so no one could target her

He's so fucking whipped for her omfg

He's so sweet to her 🫶

And as promised here the Supreme Leader redesign :)

Look how handsome he is 😋🫶

[beautyxpain]

( hande ercel, 31, cis female, she/her ) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that TALIA ÖZDEMIR is a SECURITY ESCORT that works in SECTOR 6. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of VAMPIRE PHYSIOLOGY & PAIN INDUCEMENT. That must be why they’re CONFIDENT and BLUNT. If you ask me, they remind me of dark shadow that follows you into the night. High heels clicking against the pavement. The scent of lavender, enough to make your feel calm before silencing you to sleep. They are affiliated with MONTELL SYNDICATE.

basic information:

character name: Talia Özdemir

nickname (s): Tally

face claim: Hande Ercel

mutation status: Gen II

birthday: October 23rd

sexuality: Bisexual

moral alignment: Chaotic Neutral

occupation: Security Escort

work sector: Sector 6

affiliation: Montell Syndicate

3 positive traits: Confident, adaptive, calculative

3 negative traits: Blunt, impulsive, temperamental

biography (optional): Tw adoption, blood, death, and violence.

Talia was born into an interesting family, she didn't know much about her father (though he was a demon). Her mother on the other hand possessed vampirism. In some shape and form, however that was something that Talia learned later in life.

She enjoyed reading books, exploring the world outside, and wanting to learn. once she set her mind on something, it would not change. however, if there was one thing she disliked, was being lied to, if there was no honesty or trust, then there was nothing at all. she may have been taken for a fool because she looked innocent.

she was quite smart, paid attention to detail and if something was shown to her once, she was able to do it. (photogenic memory). she did not know she was adopted, nor that her real mother was the one who gave her away to another family.

What a mistake it was, considering she had possessed her mother's mutation rather than her father's. A tragedy was to find out at a young age that she was or appeared to look human with a monster in her.

she came across a box that held what seemed like a treasure of items. inside she found a lock with initials on it. it was then she learned that she did not belong to that family. Now being the person she is, she confronted her parents about what she found, they had confessed she was not their child. the minute those words left their lips, it was like something in her died. She demanded to know who her real mother was, followed by any information on her whereabouts. when they could not provide it, her anger took over.

The heightened emotions followed by the urge to kill made her snap. in reaction, she killed them without blinking. no this did not mean she turned off her emotions but rather unlocked a darker side to her. her initial thought was that she was unwanted and ended up as she did.

eventually she came across her half-sister, brought together by their father or it was a coincidence they met when they did (we can totes discuss this further!).

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement? Talia has always lived in the city, though she had traveled, but eventually came back to sol. She's not sure if she considers it a home, she often felt alone in the world until she learned of her sister.

do they trust the council’s leadership? why or why not? Of course not, talia is one to follow herself, she doesn't trust in others, or council. Frankly she likes her abilities and mutation, she doesn't see or feel the need for that to change.

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn’t, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not? she likes the thrill of chaos, of controlling a situation. What is better than pretending to fit in a place, and end up on a different side? she rather likes playing two sides of the same coin. She enjoys hand to hand combat and fighting in general. So working in an area where she can be in the action is up her ally.

what’s one object that they always keep on their person? She keeps her mother's necklace around her, along with a coin. She uses the coin whenever she is in situations that make her feel uneasy. But she doesn't show that kind of emotion.

(mutant only section)

what is your character’s ability (or abilities)? Super strength, speed, feeds on blood, eye color ranges from red (when hungry) to golden (hunger sated). Compulsion and super hearing. (keeping this close to the vampire diaries vampires.) Pain Inducement - the ability to cause pain by focusing on the person using levels of pain either emotional, physical or mental.

are they gen i or gen ii? Gen II

what can your character do? what are their strengths? they have super strength, and speed. She can hear well, and fight well. She can cause pain with one look.

what can’t they do? what are their weaknesses? She would have to focus on the person for her pain inducement to work, which can exhaust her if used for prolonged periods. Any religious objects - cross, holy water can harm her. A stake to the heart can kill her.

is there anything else you’d like to specify about them? She is pale, the sun cannot harm her, though you'll find her wearing black or sunglasses due to her vampire nature. She has the glitter, rizz, sparkling effect that vamps have that draw people to them.

[magnusrosen-blog]

Imagine if we were born into some kind of illusion. Here we may confess the light or the lure of darkness. Here we are constantly faced with a choice between these 2 sides in different shades.

Love or dark egoism! Seeking understanding or condemnation and hatred.

All this shows our true face and who we really are with our choices! But without the tools of reason, of course things can go wrong, and this is where the light can help each other.

But nothing is obvious as the free choices require responsibility towards oneself and others. Balancing between the light of love or the destructive soul eclipse of darkness requires instincts and predictions.

All the while, we then have the opportunity to mature and find the right course during the journey.

Being afraid is not so brilliantly beautiful but sad and sad, but managing to be upright and responsible, true and loving is dazzling and sparkling.

The  story and the adventure about life gave us some clues before this step. The fairy tales we were told when we were children, about elves and goblins, devils and angels, etc. The story of man's development and fall. This is available to anyone who can read and listen.

Here are the clues to the conclusion to be able to shine and dazzle, to give inspiration and strength that is contagious through understanding and caring.

To find the real values ​​that make it possible to one day move on from this labyrinth between darkness and light.

Who knows, life may not be in "one" way but in many ways at the same time. The different dimensions in our minds see and value different values. We are so different but exist on the same planet. 🌍

Perhaps through our free will and choice we choose our destinies! The dark souls end up where they belong and the light finds its home in eternity.

No one knows, but we do know one thing and that is that all our differences must have a place in our society as we all humans have the right to live on mother earth. Some value mammon the most and others value freedom without extra ownership. This takes place under the same roof within human rights.

And having news that is only objective gives room to interpret according to the person you are. It is part of a free society.

A mammon-obsessed person can live side by side with an outdoor person, although they may not share values. We don't have to oppose and judge each other's differences.

Society must make room for all of us in a civilized civilization where man always comes before mammon, where consideration and respect is also great for animals and nature.

An intelligent, healthy and loving society where diversity has a place, where these frameworks are clear.

A crackling and judgmental society is a society in decline.

As Martin Luther King said. It is not the evil people who are the great danger but the silent mass.

If you work in the elected sector, all distortion of the truth should be prohibited.

In the different directions of politics, all politics should make room for all people, never create exclusion that cracks. Without strengthening and preserving diversity. It creates a healthy society.

Magnus

* Peace starts with friendship * Make the world a better place * Love, p.e.a.c.e & Understanding * I see evil as undeveloped

I am an Ambassador for RNS - the National Union of Stations: A Narcotic-Free Society https://www.rns.se Magnus Rosén - Ambassador for Green Cross P.e.a.c.e on Mother Earth Green-Cross www.green-cross.se I am an Ambassador for RSK national association stop men's violence against women https://www.rskriksforeningen.se/default.asp?HeadPage=464&Language=sv I am an Ambassador for an attempt at spiritual maturity

www.magnusrosen.com www.baibang.se www.magnusrosenband.com www.culturemeetsindustry.com www.covershow.se

@followers @all @everyone #bahiarock @följare #baibang #stadsmissionen #diddi #baibang #mamasrestaurang #marstrand #mamas #helsingborg #chalmerstekniskahögskola#e #föreläsning #lectures #allfollowers #avelibooks #alibris #basenimitthjärta #ebs #proudandjoy #lillynails #magnusrosen #arko #rns #magnusrosen #ebs #factorbasses #hardrock #rock #rockmusic #glamrock

[frameconfessions]

Introduction Post & Syndicate Rules

Hi, I'll be answering these from a computer somewhere in space-time, nice to meet you or have already met you or even a different instance of you! 🌌 Eternalism is quite a thing huh?💫

Send literally anything you want & it'll be posted even if we don't agree with it necessarily. SPOILERS ARE FINE, AND WILL TRY TO TAG PROPERLY, BUT TO BE SAFE MAYBE JUST BLOCK THE TAGS AROUND NEW CONTENT AND UPDATES. NSFW IS FINE TOO. Be silly, be cursed, be vulnerable, be concerned. Just know your ancestors, other envoys, and tenno will all look upon what you send.

Try to stay on topic though if you can in regard to this blog's topic. Dark Sector is also allowed in case you missed that part.

No zoophile (consult the Harkness test if you aren't sure), pedo (age gaps are fine but just make sure everyone involved is an adult), incest, or rape (CNC is different obviously). No racism and other distasteful things. Ghost/spirit stuff is fine though to clarify!

If we're uncomfortable publishing it, we simply won't publish it. Send as many confessions as you want, there's no limit! 💜

🛑 Don't harass anyone who sends in stuff off anon. Don't rope us into your online drama. 🛑

💌 Links sent will be pasted in the response field for mobile users to click after we confirm it's safe, so it might take a little bit longer to post. 📩

Not currently looking for new mods but do tell your friends about this blog! 🫡💖 Share those random Warframe & Soulframe thoughts you have with us that you're afraid to speak in the clan, region, or guild chat. 💜

⚠️ More mature themed asks will be answered when I am on a device with a newer version of tumblr (such as a computer or laptop) as my phone is old and I don’t have content labels on this thing. ⚠️

‼️ Anything in this intro may be subject to change over time. ‼️

If you have any additional questions or want clarification on something, please ask! Intro post was inspired by and copy pasted a bit from @/crappy-homestuck-confessions

[maguro13-2]

The Dark Picture ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Operation Drawcia Pt.17 ~

"At the Doctor's Castle..."

"Stage 3 : Cryptic Castle..."

[Cryptic Castle by Jun Senoue Plays]

Seto : Oi, Master Grim!

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Seto! Glad that I finally made it!

Seto : You're just in time to be at the arrival at Cryptic Castle! This is the place!

Solva : Sorry, I'm late! But I'm not too late! I had to escape from whatever is inside of Cyberspace! I had to to protect the core program that connects the key to the cyberspace.

Disc-Chan : That's the core of the Internet, dingus.

Solva : Well, excuse me, prince-

Seto : Don't say a friggin' word.

Solva : Okay.

Eve : Listen up, everyone! No fooling around! We are here to raise the defenses of the castle! Let us open the door nice and easy!

*SMASH!*

Seto : You even had to say "Nice and Easy". Ah...Whatever, let's just set up the denfeses. There's gonna be a huge game watch on game night, what'll be soccer, football, or American football the NFL.

Solva : Well, I'm not into sports, but I'm always into sports enthusiast!

Amy : Oh thank goodness! Shadow, you...Eh? What's the reaper doing here. Haven't we met you here before?

Grim (Metal Sonic) : I am? I am Grim...Grim the Reaper, but I was originally Grim the Hedgehog.

Amy : Hey, you're that robot Metal Sonic that I saw back in the Mystic Ruins.

(an image shows Amy seeing Metal Sonic in Doctor Eggman's base at the Mystic Ruins)

Amy : You were there inside the capsule when you had the chance to escape with other robot you rescued before Sonic could destroy it!

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Yes, you are correct. What on earth are you doing at this castle away! Well after, Gemerl was stopped and we had to put the world together! It's been three months since the other Metal Sonic went rogue for a rebellious reason. Now that my hometown in Central City by those aliens, I had no choice but to find a new home.

Seto : Like the Amy's Room stage from Sonic Battle?

Solva : And don't forget about the Library stage in Central City too as well. By the way, what happened to Night Babylon and Central City?

Seto : They got destroyed...when the Black Arms arrived in Westopolis, that's also the first level of Shadow's game, so now both Amy's Stage, Club Rouge, and the Libray Stage from Sonic Battle have all been demolished by Black Doom's reign of terror, or should I say his 2000 year old reign of Terror, that's what literally happened during the Gizoid Incident. Since the Dreamcast Era was about to come to an end, Gemerl made Eggman to confess his stupidity to others for making robots do all the crime after Metal Sonic turned against on him. That's what got into these humans to start major conflicts against both hedgehogs and aliens.

Solva : So the inhabitants of Sonic's world were able to make Sonic Villains pay for their crimes against others, that's what those Chaos Emeralds meant as a warning from the Ancients in the past. The Emeralds weren't used for destruction they were used for good, that's why Tikal was trying to stop Chaos because the Ancients warned them about putting into Omnicide, that's why!

Cryptic Castle Guard A : Enemy attack!

Cryptic Castle Guard B : Get to your positions immediately!

Alpha Team Leader : (via radio) This is Alpha Team! We are currently under heavy fire! Hostages have been secured! I'm requesting backup for any assistance immediately! We need your help to activate all five lanterns to set up the defense line on all five sectors!

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Stay put! Tell Bravo Team that enemy hostiles are near the defense line and stay in your positions. Secure the perimeter and make sure to tell them not to let anyone get killed in the battlefield! These aliens must be eliminated and I will put an end to Black Doom's evil plan!

Alpha Team Leader : (via radio) Copy that! I will get ahead! All units! Prepare to open fire!

Grim : You all heard the men. Get those lanterns set up

(scene flips)

Seto : Huh? So this is a lantern! But how are we supposed to light up the defenses. This is going to be a real treat, but I am giving the Black Arms a trick to smell our feet!

Solva : Does anyone have a fire! To think off?

Eve : Sure! As Eve Neuschwanstein got this one in system, I have a little fire power to prove it. (holds a lighter)

Seto : Yeah, that will never work. This is how you light up a fighter. (uses fire technique to lit up the center) That's one! This should be a real trick-or-treating mission! If we like to trick-or-treat kids, then I will give them a trick out of them.

Solva : And I'll give them a treat to smell the feets.

Eve : And then we'll have someting sweet in our lives!

Cryptic Castle Guard : Hey, Pinky! We found one of the hostages was securing?

Amy : What kind of Hostages did you save? (cuts to cream with a towel wrapped around her) Cream? What was she doing here in the castle?

Cryptic Castle Guard: It appears one of your teammates that you disbanded has run off into the castle all by herself. I believe that Eggman had some minor details that her little friend have run off into the castle. But we don't know how these two wandered off and Gemerl was worried sick about her.

Amy : Gemerl, who did we forget?

Seto : You know the brother of that Gizoid, Emerl.

Amy : Wait a sec, Emerl that Gizoid that we carelessly killed have a brother? Eggman created another Gizoid from Emerl's previous data. Why didn't you tell me that before Sonic forcibly killed him?

Cryptic Castle Guard : Because of crimes we carelessly commited, we don't know how a Gizoid was able to find herself worried that Sonic killed his brother before by Eggman's fault and that causes Gemerl to be enraged and decided to turn on him.

Amy : And Cheese, you know Cheese the Chao, Cream's sidekick/friend. Do you know where did he wandered off to?

*BOOM!*

Cryptic Castle Guard : We haven't got much time! More enemy intrusion is coming up at sector C! We need Lantern #2 to lit up!

Seto : No biggies! Just leave it to me, the world's greatest Shinigami that puts evil to their knees!

Cryptic Castle Guard : Then hop to it!

(Scene slides)

Seto : (Lits up lantern with a fire technique) Okay! That's #3 I set up more of the defenses! Now to Lantern #4. You do know where Lantern #4?

Solva : Yeah, I don't think that Lantern #4 is outside the castle, it's inside the castle, but I reconsider that much of a threat of what's inside the castle.

Seto : What's inside the Castle?

(scene slides)

Seto : Are you serious? I have to lit Lantern #4 over there!?

Solva : Well this is where the last remaining defenses are.

Eve : Yeah, you should reconsider going there, but I'm gonna head out to the Underground Area to find out what the exit will be.

Solva : Uhh, Earth to Eve Neuschwanstein! That passageway to the exit is infested with a--

*Creature Shrieking*

Eve : (drops entrance) Oh my God.... (shivers in fear as her colors drains) What the hell was in there?!

Seto : A Giant Walker creature.

Eve : Why would there be a monster sleeping in the passageway! Do you know how dangerous that was! The Goal Ring was underneath castle while there's a giant monster that resides in the underground area of a passageway!

Seto : You sure that you don't exit the castle.

Eve : I'll...pass, thank you very much. I hope I will recolor self. Note to self, never go down that passageway.

Seto : (uses a small flame and throws to the lantern) Okay! Now for the last one. How hard can it be?

(Scene cuts)

Seto : Eh? This is quite a drop! But this is totally easy! *instant transmission* Okay! Last one to drop! (uses fire technique to lit up the last lantern) Lantern #5!

Cryptic Castle Guard : Oh thank you, Seto! You have lit up all five lanterns at the castle! Now Cryptic Castle can be finally protected from Black Dooms invasions! Look! (the Black Dooms retreating and being frightened are shown) The Black Arms are retreating! What a look on their faces! No candies for the aliens, now that's a good trick out of them and I'll certianly give you a treat.

Seto : Now they'll make us smell our feat and give us something sweet! All in a day's work, my friend.

Alpha Team Leader : (via radio) This is Alpha Team! Enemy Intrusion has finally stopped! The Black Arms have retreated and all defenses have been activated! Mission accomplished!

"later..."

[Mission Accomplished - Kenichi Tokoi]

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Seto.

Seto : Master!

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Congratulations on setting up the castle's defense line. I must've admit, you have some fire power to prove yourself that you are the true Shinigami that Japan needed the most.

Seto : Heh. Pretty cool! I did all the hard work to lay off Black Doom to handle someone else's messes, they've ran away to invade the city that you formerly lived In, Amy Rose.

Amy Rose : Well, I didn't feel like living in Central City, it was a nice place to live in since I don't know where to live.

Seto : Actually, you left Central City during the Sonic Advance 3 story incident. No wait, you left Central City during the Gizoid incident.

Amy Rose : You're right, I'm sorry I had to forget things like that.

Bravo Team leader : Lord Grim.

Grim (Metal Sonic) : Bravo Team. What did you have something in common?

Bravo Team Leader : I believe these two hostages have been hiding in the castle for hours!

Cream : They gave us a bucket full of candy and a lolipop at the gift shop.

Seto : Wait a sec, does Cryptic Castle even has a gift shop? So we've been protecting a castle that is a tourist attraction!? or is it just historical castle for tourists?

Solva : It could be both. It's just a castle, the doctor with an IQ of 3000 had to own some place who couldn't afford. Now then let's return to Hang Castle Immediately!

Seto : Yeah, I hope you like a feast for my needless girlfriends that are deathless in the real world.

Solva : Same here.

*Radio Buzzing*

Solva : Hello? What's going on?

Sonic : (via radio) Amy! Earth to Amy! Do you read!

Amy : Sonic is that you?

Sonic : (via radio) I got big trouble at the Naval Station after encountering with Eggman Nega! Blaze is after the Eggman I knew! And the real important story here is that, Blaze is at it again, I believe she had befriended with someone, there's gotta be a better explanation to hear this!

Amy Rose : Say what? (looks at Cream in disappointment)

Seto : You asked that cats and rabbits are what friends, I mean, Cats like someone is always at our limits! I'll be there! when I get the chance of heading to Altitude Limit Zone! Things are about to Get Edgy!

Solva : It's just "Get Edgy" Seto. We'll be there shortly! I'll be heading at Altitude Limit Zone. What is the Altitude Limit Zone! Let's head to Anubis first.

Seto : Got it!

Cryptic Castle Guard : Why don't you use that door over there, it'll lead you to Mirage Road, the Egyptian Gods are having an Ethno Circus over there! We look humble details that Hang Castle Security are trying to investigate Eggman Nega's recklessness.

Seto : Alright, thanks brother. Meeting Anubis is sound like a piece of cake.

Solva : Yeah, lead the way!

Seto : Next stop, Anubis's place.

Solva : I wonder how the Egyptian Death God holding up with the mummies?

Seto : You'll find out sooner than that.

Grim : Old friend Anubis. I haven't seen face in years, I've knew since the beginning of time, it'll be helping out others.

~ Mission 16 : Lighting up the Great Pumpkin ~

[koolcece22]

Enter Vemongirl

Ch.20 

Miguel’s POV

I have to handle Shade, she can act. I ran as fast as could so I changed into civilian clothes so I could blend into the crowd again. I look at my watch to see a Message from Shade telling me to meet her back at her place. She didn’t have to tell me twice. I needed a place to take my medicine as time was near. 

“Lyla, follow Shade’s location.” 

“Aye! Aye! Captain!”  Lyla shows me the way to Shade’s place. I need to remember how to get back to her place. As we made it there I made sure no one was around since it seemed like the city in high alert. I wouldn’t blame them since the Empress was kidnapped twice in one week. 

I entered the place and as usual, it was dark,not that I’m complaining. I head up to the room Shade used to see if she was ok. I enter to see her lying on the couch,  bleeding pink liquid coming from her side. I’m hoping that not her blood onto the floor. I rushed to her side to see if she was ok. 

“I’m fine.” She groaned as she was about to get up but I made sure she stayed lying down. I was about to check her stomach but she grabbed my hand

“La Merda, I’m fine. I heal fast like you guys remember?” 

“He stabs you in your stomach. Even for us that deadly.”

“ Well, I’m not a spider. Nanihatomoare, ano kuso yarō wa nigeta.”

I’m guessing she said something around the line that he got away. Her language is so different. 

“por el amor de. Just don’t bleed out.”  I sighed as I got up 

Before Shade could say anything else my watch went off to remind me to take my medicine. I got up to go to the far corner of the room so I could take the medicine quickly, hopefully, she didn’t see. I still don’t like it when people see me take my medicine. I know Peter, Jess, and the kids kept it secret from the reason for the spider wish I am thankful for but still. It just makes me feel more different from the others. 

I felt the needles going into my skin and felt the cooling effects begin to calm me down. Especially, after that fight. 

“What is that?” 

I turn to see Shade peeking over the couch she must be watching me. I curse to myself wishing she hadn’t seen that. I send the injection back into my watch. 

“Nothing for you to worry about.” 

Shade rolled her eyes “Scusa, ho chiesto. Kono yarō”

“Hey! I know enough Italian to know what you saying!”

“Huh? What Italian?” 

“It's what you were speaking just now. Ok, the first half. The second half was like Japanese, I think?” the second half does sound Japanese. Shade gave me a confessed look

“It is my sector language. The one I’m talking to you about is the world language that all sector knows. What you spoke sector 18 languages.” 

I raise an eyebrow “Sector what?”

Both of us dropped that subject, and we heard a noise coming down the hall. I quickly change back into my Spider-Man costume. 

“Calm down it just Timothy.” Shade said as she got up next to me. Sure enough, Timothy came in. he worried and his eyes widened when saw Shade’s injuries. He rushed in to hug her cause to groan from pain. She still not fully heal

“Timothy easy. Please.” 

“I’m sorry! I thought you…I’m glad you not your and…” the kid was in tears as he hugged Shade more. He does care for Shade. She was hesitant to hug him back like she was afraid of hurting him. She used her tendrils to push off of him. 

“I’m ok Tim.”

“Your not-”

“I’m fine Tim,” she said more sternly as changed her clothes to more of a body suit to reveal her blackened limbs. I thought that was there when she used her powers, I guess it permitted. She sat back down, and both me and Timothy sat near her giving her space as look like she needed it. 

“Wish we could have got that vucker.” Shade said she then looked at me “Thanks for following my lead, I praying that got what I was doing.”

I nodded “I didn’t want to stay knowing that Arachnidqueen was coming.” I then remember the way Tempest looked at Shade. With fear and hatred in her eyes. Is this what Shade had to deal with. Spider-People were not liked by police and villains but saw the whole world straight up hate her, how was she able to deal with this for so long?

“I’m used to it.” 

I look up and see Shade having her arm covering her face. “From the look on your face, bet how I dealt with the world wanting me dead. I’m used to Miguel.”

“It seems like that, I wouldn’t think it is this bad for you.” 

“This my life. This is my void. Anyway, anything with the collider. We still have to deal with that.” 

Lyla popped up next to me and showed me the data, weirdly the collider hasn’t been acting up as of late. Either they still working on it or something else going on.  This might be a good thing because it can buy us some time to stop these guys. I’m debating leaving Shade here.

“I’ll go back with you.” Shade said as she got up. “When the city is on high alert there is usually no crime going on the six have this place down when something like this happens. I have seen it before with attacks. They going to have Empress locked up till it was safe. Besides, I need help and you guys are the only ones that help me with that.” 

“Ok, I think might have an idea where Carnage is from, or at least I can narrow down the earth. Let's go back later you should at least rest for a bit.” 

Shade was about to reject till her stomach said otherwise. Shade blushed while Timothy couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I brought some food but I think Mr. Alien ate some. He eats like you.” Timothy said, wish he had mentioned my eating habits. Shade sighed knowing she had to deal with that, as she headed to her ‘kitchen’ area Timothy pulled me to the side or at least out of sight from Shade. He pulls out the UBS drive.

“It finishes downloading all the data…Mr.Miguel…I’m …when looking at this…please tell Shade…I think she has the right to know what going on and what they did to her.” Timothy said as he gave it to me. Something tells me whatever information this UBS drive contains.

~

Third person POV  

Carnage was walking down the back alleyway, he growled knowing his fun with two heroes was cut short by this earth police force. He knows they made failed compound R subjects making them stronger and annoying to deal with. Also, the fact that their blood tastes like crap to him. He had to find a couple of people nearby to help heal and feed his blood lust. Venom was more easy to control but Carnage was a hell of a lot stronger. 

“Did have your little fun?”

Carnage turned around, a bit surprised that he didn’t notice the person. He turns around to see the women in military dress. Her pink eyes glowed in the darkness and pierced through him. Carnage just smirked at her, Penny this woman was called, he don’t usually fear women but this one made him weary of her.

“Well, I did play with your little monster. Man, she's no fun. Especially since she holds back.”

Penny walked to him ignoring the dead body that was drained of blood. 

“You should be grateful. You would most likely have lost.”

He growled at the comment. How dare she think he can’t take Venomgirl. He is just another Venom variant a weak one as that. Carnage quickly wraps around Penny like a snake wrapping his prey. Penny was amused by this, still having an expressionless look on her face.

“You think I can’t take her?!”

“Yes, you fool, and with that Spider-man that with her you would have lost. Speaking of which you lost my test subject. I hope you make it up for this.” 

Carnage just scoffed as his tendrils were ready to slash her. But Penny was still unfazed by this. He was starting to think if she was just brain dumb he could end her in a flash by draining her blood. He decides to make her afraid of him. His tendrils all target her to drain her blood. But before it reaches Penny, all the tendrils are cut off too much Carnage is shocked. Before he could react something grabbed him by the throat and pinned him to the wall that was other side of him. 

Carnage tried grabbing his throat as he was being choked by unknown force. Guessing this was Penny's doing as he regenerated his tendrils again to lash at her again, but before he could they were slashed again. Not only that his arms and leg were pinned to the wall now too. Carnage tries to break free from this unknown force. He looks up to see Penny float above him looking down at him with her glowing eyes. 

“The next time you pull something like that again, you will be the next guinea pig. Your ‘boss’ doesn’t seem so keen to keep you alive. So it won’t be much of a loss. Do I make myself clear, fool?” Penny said coldly as she began to crush Carnage more into the wall. Carnage cried in pain.

“Yes! Yes! get shock off me!!” he cried out. Penny let him go and let him drop to the floor. 

“Good, now bring back more symbiote or Spider-man, or the deal is off. And if try attacking Empress without my permission…” just then eight hand prints appear around Carnage’s body on the wall “I will crush you.”

~

Miguel’s POV

Me and Shade decided to back HQ  once she was a bit better to teleport, I want us to get checked for injuries and possible symbiotic infection. Shade did say she was all healed up, but be around stubborn Spider-People who know you have to drag them to see the doctor. Timothy was playing on Shade’s console while Shade was napping on a pile of blankets. I would think she slept on the couch, guess she gave it to me and the kid. 

Lyla soon popped up to give me a report on what going on. 

“Hey boss, wow you look like crap. You ok?” Lyla said noted my bruised ribs and cuts. I wave her away from my face.

“I’m lived for now. Can double-check Shade to make sure she is ok? She fought Carnage again.”

“Got it!” Lyla scanned Shade to show her vital signs. They weren’t as bad as the first time she fought. 

“She ok, just exhausted she needs rest just like you.” 

I rolled my eyes but she was right haven’t gotten any sleep in the last few days and I can tell it started to catch up on me. I sign and tell Jess and Peter that I will be back in a few hours. Lyla smirks the pop out. Timothy got up and grabbed his things.

“I’m going to head out Mr. Spider-Man. I have online school in a few hours. The information I gave you-”

“I’ll make sure it's between us two for now. I’ll tell Shade once I figure out what going on with this earth ok?” 

Timothy nodded as he headed out. Just leave me and Shade. Just looking at her on the floor just didn’t look comfortable and believing wouldn’t help her heal. I walked up to her and picked her up and was about to lay her on the couch but I realized she was hugging me tightly. I tried to get her off of me but her grip was strong. I was about to wake her up

“Please…don’t leave me…”

I saw she was crying in her sleep and she was shaking, she must be having a nightmare. I sat on the floor next to the couch with her. I don’t know if she is having a bad dream or something but I couldn't help but comfort her. She has been alone for a long time. I don’t think she gets any of this. I pat her back to comfort and try to think of something that calms her down. I thought of one.

“Hijo del corazón

deja ya de llorar,

junto a ti yo voy a estar

y nunca más te han de hacer mal.

Tus ojitos de luz

el llanto no ha de nublar.

Ven aquí, mi dulce amor,

nadie nos ha de separar.

Hijo mío, mi amor,

no me importa el sufrir,

como un sol tú me das luz

y das calor a mi vivir.

Ven mi amor,

ven mi amor.”

I don’t know why singing to would have helped but it was the only thing I could think of. But it seemed to work, maybe Peter was right I do have a smooth singing voice, but he’ll never know if I admit it. I look back at Shade, her tendrils were no longer wrapped around me tightly and she stopped crying. She still didn’t let go so I decided to just sit with her letting her hug me till I passed out from exhaustion.

[sofasoap]

*rolling up my sleeves * OK i have read this once but heheh time for review ( sorry took so long!!)

"something to confess?" price utters, brows furrowing as he stares you down with a confused look. you wring your hands together, feeling the perspiration on your palms even through your gloves. "yes, it's about makarov—"

no Price, it cannot wait.... listen to your daug... I mean Petra.

"captain, i—" you start, before getting interrupted again. "we'll discuss this after the mission, lieutenant." price mutters, giving you a tight-lipped smile. "i promise."

SHE GOT THE INFO PRICE

most teams clear out their sectors without much issue, securing canisters of chemical gas and weapon caches, but the supposed nerve center isn't anywhere to be found.

... they been duped? false info given?? mmmm

you wave the question off and clear your throat. "yeah, i just, uh..." you trail off, before taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, resigning yourself to your fate. "i've been getting intel from makarov."

and the truth comes out. my heart clenches for Petra when she spill everything out she knows... admitting what's been happening . afraid of his response to her.. what other ppl will perceive as betrayal.

you said it yourself: at the end of the day, somebody needs to make the enemy scared of the dark."

She's got a point, Price. someone gotta do the dirty work. ( .... and get into Mak's pants )

"he's already offered me protection," you say. "i'll figure out a way to gain his trust." you add, grimacing.

i almost have this image of price: ok you need to do this first... petra: uh... we already did it... price give you that dad look

sorry. just something pops into my brain. carry on.

"i'm surprised you've called so quickly." you can hear the amusement in his voice after he answers the phone. "have you come to a decision?" makarov asks.

Mak : YES she rang me!!!! *heart shape drawings*( sorry peep. inside joke ) is this all under Mak's plan and calculation? he expects that she will agree to his offer?

you're also left curious about the lack of soldiers. a sign of trust, perhaps? you doubt it, but he's not a man whose decisions are easy to understand. maybe his goal is making you question every little thing that he does, forcing you to stay alert until you exhaust yourself and he has the chance to strike.

or maybe, the man he sent to pick Petra up IS good enough to do something IF petra starts to play up. ( one of his elite ) or it can mean the other way.. he only sent the elite/who he trust the most to pick her up because she is the special one...

makarov regards you with a small smile, something akin to pride and a more sincere emotion – relief? – glimmering in the dark recesses of his gaze.

his behavior is… unexpected, to say the least. you were expecting cold apathy like you experienced in captivity, but instead, makarov seems eager to have you here. you're sure it's all part of a plan that you're unaware of, bigger and more important than yourself.

Mak : she's here!!!

the contrast between how he is probably TRYING to be sincere.. and she is still VERY doubtful. petra: what is he trying to pull here mak: i must show her i really mean it.

konni is not like the other crude, second-rate paramilitaries you've encountered, petra... we have a goal, organization, leadership—"

showing off a bit here Mak? a peacock fanning his tail trying to seduce the peahen with his best.

"do you doubt me?" he asks, brows furrowing. "need i remind you who is shouldering the burden of protecting you?" he adds,

yes she is, lover boy.

"you need me, petra. that is what matters." he leans closer still, shifting to rest his forearm against the wall instead, his lips twitching up in a crooked smile. you try to avert your eyes, to stare at the wall past him, but his other hand comes up to stop you with a firm grip on the sides of your jaw, keeping your head still. "i strongly suggest you find it in yourself to cooperate instead of fighting me. this is a very unique opportunity for us to help each other."

she needs you, yes, but you do need her help as well mak ( and that is not a good way to please a woman. )

so eccentric, you think.

that is because this man still can't figure out his own emotion about you Petra.

"i can come back," you whisper, hand already reaching for the knob behind you. "stay." he replies, making you freeze.

So domestic, like a spouse interrupting the other's phone call... ah...

gas? as in, the chemical gas you saw in al-mazrah?

👁️👁️ info

not sure. care to educate me on the gas you were talking about, though?" you smile, folding your hands in front of yourself.

bold move Petra, BOLD MOVE

"but, you do raise a fair point, lieutenant. these plans can be delayed a little while longer." he says, holding it out to you in offering.

and.... totally unexpected answer from him. either...

he's doing it for her.

or... part of his trick. and deception.

"there are still steps between now and then. having you as an ally is far more important in the present."

keeping her in for personal reason? or keeping her in for ally point of view. i wonder.

it just sounds like a long-winded way of saying, "direct your anger at anyone but me."

mak. trying to dodge her anger? pfft.

you got yourself into a VERY complicated mess Petra....

thank you so much for the update!! :D

bloodsport – V

prologue | one | two | three | four | interlude

characters: vladimir makarov

summary: after a talk with price, you decide to make a risky move. keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

genre: angst, slowburn, enemies to ?, fem!reader (callsign: petra)

warnings: semi-proofread, cursing, mentions of canon-typical violence, makarov's usual bs

word count: 4.3k

note: a very sincere thank you to everyone who sent support and waited so long (a month) for this update :') not super proud of this ngl, i'll try to make the next chapter better and sooner lol

"something to confess?" price utters, brows furrowing as he stares you down with a confused look.

you wring your hands together, feeling the perspiration on your palms even through your gloves. "yes, it's about makarov—"

what's left of the building around you rumbles, pieces of the wreckage crumbling into smaller pieces and falling apart. price tears his gaze from you and glances around before patting your shoulder.

"whatever it is can wait. we need to get out before the rest of this collapses on top of us." he says while turning away and motioning for you to follow, graves and the shadows already starting to move ahead. you huff to yourself and jog after him, sticking close to his side until you reach the sizeable breach that he was leading you to.

you try in vain to talk again once the team is safely outside, but graves speaks up the second you go to open your mouth.

"we need to find where they moved that control center," he says, one of the shadows nearby already grabbing his radio – communications expert, you realize after a moment. "i'm wiling to bet it's still in the city, probably a smaller base."

price nods to graves from where he's standing next to you. "might be in an entirely new spot. tell the squads to keep their eyes peeled." he looks at the communications expert at the end of his warning, directing it at him, and gets a thumbs-up in reply.

"captain, i—" you start, before getting interrupted again.

"we'll discuss this after the mission, lieutenant." price mutters, giving you a tight-lipped smile. "i promise."

you bite your tongue and try to swallow down the lump in your throat, giving him a confirmatory nod of your own. the team moves on from the derelict building, with graves and his shadows splitting off after one of the strike teams radios about a suspicious spot. price and you end up assisting the bravo team with the second-largest base; for once, you're happy to see enemies in a location.

most teams clear out their sectors without much issue, securing canisters of chemical gas and weapon caches, but the supposed nerve center isn't anywhere to be found.

after hours of searching under the scorching sun, price and graves come to a mutual agreement: cut your losses and extract with what you did manage to get your hands on.

the flight back to base is quiet for the most part. everyone's too exhausted to fuss over anything, allowing you to sit in relative peace as you debate on what to say to price. the intel from makarov – the mole within your group – replays in your head over and over again, adding to your ever-growing level of stress. if anyone notices your leg bouncing practically the whole ride, they don't comment on it.

you're chasing the captain to his office the moment you touch down, pushing the heavy door shut behind you as his eyes fall on you.

"never seen you this frazzled, lieutenant." price remarks with a soft chuckle, moving to rest against the front of his desk with his arms loosely crossed over his chest. "what's bothering you?"

you blink at him, the words that you've been wanting to say suddenly dying on your tongue. you want to tell him, you really do, but what will he think of you? what if he takes you off the team for this? brands you as a traitor for working with the enemy?

"petra? y'okay?" price asks, leaning towards you.

you wave the question off and clear your throat. "yeah, i just, uh..." you trail off, before taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, resigning yourself to your fate. "i've been getting intel from makarov."

shock briefly crosses price's face before it returns to a somewhat neutral expression – alarmingly neutral. you know the look, you've seen it a hundred times.

he's calculating his response.

"it started when i was captured," you stutter out, trying to explain. "it was just the information on shepherd at first, but then he showed up at my apartment after you sent me home— there's a mole in our team, whoever it is put a tracker on my phone, and now shepherd knows that we're onto him—"

"lieutenant." price interrupts, his voice as cold as the ice in his stare, shutting you up with little more than a startled whimper in reply.

he pauses, his jaw tight. you stare at him, wide-eyed and waiting for a furious response, but when he speaks again, his voice is soft.

"tell me everything you know. everything."

you draw in another breath and nod your head slowly. "one of the new recruits – someone who arrived recently – is working for shepherd, keeping tabs on us. his men are targeting the one-four-one; after the building collapse, one of them tried to sneak up on me. makarov found him before i did and took him out, but—"

"wait, he was there?" price all but growls, his arms falling back to his sides as his hands clench into fists against the tabletop.

you nod, again, shrinking under the barely-kept tension rolling off him in waves. "i didn't know he'd be there, it wasn't planned," you say, gaze falling to the floor. "but, he's not important right now. what is important is stopping shepherd before he uses the conflict in al-mazrah and urzikstan as an excuse to start a global war."

price doesn't reply at first, but you can see the gears turning in his head. evaluating, scheming, doing what he does best. a painful beat of silence passes between you, prompting you to speak again, uttering words that will earn you a medal, a grave, or life behind bars.

"makarov's given me intel before, captain. he has eyes in places that we don't, more resources than us, more freedom to act—"

"petra—" price cuts in, but you keep talking.

"—if you let me go undercover," you pause, staring into his eyes, searching for approval in his gaze. "i can get the information we need and act on it. shepherd, makarov... we can eliminate them in one fell swoop. i'll use makarov's resources, then take him down from within his own group. we can't do this clean. the gloves need to come off."

you step closer to him, lowering your voice to a quiet murmur that hardly reaches him. "you said it yourself: at the end of the day, somebody needs to make the enemy scared of the dark."

price clicks his tongue before shaking his head, an amused chuckle tumbling from his lips. "this is risky, you'd be inserting yourself right into his inner circle," he comments, tilting his head at you. "do you really think you'd be able to fool him?"

"he's already offered me protection," you say. "i'll figure out a way to gain his trust." you add, grimacing.

"normally i wouldn't approve something like this, but... for whatever reason, he seems to want you on his side. we might as well use that to our advantage." he concedes, earning an affirmative hum from you.

"i'll give him a response, then. you won't regret this, captain."

⋆⋆⋆

"i'm surprised you've called so quickly." you can hear the amusement in his voice after he answers the phone. "have you come to a decision?" makarov asks.

you let your eyes flutter closed and inhale deeply through your nose, hand clenching and unclenching at your side.

"i have." you reply after a long moment. "are you really wiling to offer me protection from shepherd?"

the grin on his face is evident despite you not seeing it. "i am. all you have to do is help me kill him."

you stifle a surprised laugh. "you're asking for a miracle like it's a small favor." you mutter, to which he sighs, heavy through the speaker.

"i'm confident in your abilities, lieutenant. i will arrange a meeting point and send you the coordinates and time. don't be late."

"punctual. i look forward to it." you respond, sealing your fate as you end the call.

once again, just as you return, you're departing again. you haven't stayed anywhere for longer than a day since escaping the prison, and yet, here you are, preparing to deliver yourself to the maw of the beast. it's almost poetic, just how quickly you've leapt back into danger after weeks of wanting nothing more than to get away from it.

true to his word, you receive a set of coordinates and a time from makarov shortly after the conversation. the only goodbyes you give are rushed words shared with the captain before you take off in an unmarked helicopter, leaving behind promises to explain the situation to those who matter and to get you home as soon as possible.

the location isn't anything of significance, that you're sure of as soon as the helicopter touches down. it's a road just outside of a quiet city, unassuming aside from the sleek black car that sits pulled over to the side. as soon as the gravel crunches under your boots, a man emerges from the vehicle to greet you in a gruff murmur of your callsign. you nod once, unmoving from your position, studying the man as he remains still several feet in front of you.

dressed in painfully normal clothing, a black shirt and a pair of dark weathered jeans, you almost think he's a civilian until your eyes find the patch hastily stuck onto his sleeve, the annoyingly familiar snake skull curving around his bicep as if to taunt anyone who sees it.

he's a mercenary, no doubt. probably someone makarov hired to handle the work his soldiers are above – like this.

as you follow the man to the car, settling in the backseat as he sits in the passenger and vaguely motions to the driver, you briefly wonder just how large makarov's forces are; how far does his influence reach?

you're also left curious about the lack of soldiers. a sign of trust, perhaps? you doubt it, but he's not a man whose decisions are easy to understand. maybe his goal is making you question every little thing that he does, forcing you to stay alert until you exhaust yourself and he has the chance to strike.

the car pulls back onto the road, leaving you to stare out the window as it travels away from the city. the forest surrounding you isn't terribly dense, but enough so that you have to squint to see anything through the passing trees. the winding road heading steadily up a mountain makes it no easier; you searched the coordinates during the flight and saw nothing of significance in the area...

where are they taking you?

the man mumbles something to the driver, catching your attention despite not hearing what he said. the response he receives is in russian and, again, words that you miss due to how quietly they're uttered. once the trees start to thin, however, you assume the sight ahead is what they were discussing.

a villa. a grand one, at that. it's not far from the city, you glance at your watch and time the drive as a half-hour, but the location is secluded, sitting on the cliffside overlooking the population below. it's gated, with armed guards staring the vehicle down as it approaches the entrance; like a stronghold, a private residence barred from any unwanted visitors or influence. it reminds you of las almas, of el sin nombre's villa.

the sun starts to set behind the villa as the car passes the gate and comes to a stop in front of it. the door next to you is suddenly pulled open, yanking your focus from the building as you meet the eye of the soldier, clad in a dark uniform and balaclava, staring you down while holding the door open.

wordlessly, you climb out and narrow your eyes at him, watching as he slams the door shut behind you. there's something familiar about him, but you can't quite put your finger on it.

as his eyes meet yours, it clicks.

"are you the guard from the prison?" you ask, his tired gaze bringing you back to your imprisonment. it's barely been a day since your escape, and yet that place – the injuries that left you in near-constant misery, the prying eyes watching you, the all-too-kind doctor, the other doctor, your enemy being the only person you could even begin to trust – it all feels so distant, despite being so recent.

the soldier huffs, scratching the side of his jaw through his mask. "i have been a guard in many prisons, you will have to be more specific."

you cross your arms tightly, his voice becoming more recognizable as he speaks. thick accent, perpetual disinterest worn like a badge, treating you with indifference despite not walking away.

"i hope the trip wasn't too difficult, lieutenant." a voice pulls you away, making you turn your head to the side as a "friendly" figure emerges from the set of doors nearby. makarov regards you with a small smile, something akin to pride and a more sincere emotion – relief? – glimmering in the dark recesses of his gaze.

you shrug, standing stiff when he stops in front of you. "i think the trip was the easy part." you mutter.

"you underestimate my sense of hospitality," he chuckles, taking in your fatigued state. "you've had a long day, i'll keep the tour brief tonight. i'm sure you have a lot of questions, hm?" his head tilts to the side for a second, emphasizing the question at the end of his remark.

his behavior is… unexpected, to say the least. you were expecting cold apathy like you experienced in captivity, but instead, makarov seems eager to have you here. you're sure it's all part of a plan that you're unaware of, bigger and more important than yourself.

"that's putting it lightly." you reply, walking two paces behind him when he motions for you to follow him inside. the masked solider follows you after a nod towards makarov, accepting a silent order from his commander.

the interior of the villa is equally as extravagant as the exterior— your breath catches in your throat as your footsteps echo against the tile floor, eyes flitting to the art dotting the walls and the furniture that you're certain costs more than your apartment.

"it's all a bit excessive, don't you think?" you murmur, sending a glance to the man in front of you.

makarov hums, hardly sparing his surroundings any attention. "i think it's fitting," he says, leading you to an elevator. "konni is not like the other crude, second-rate paramilitaries you've encountered, petra... we have a goal, organization, leadership—"

"—that leader being you?" you chuckle, stepping into the elevator and facing him. makarov waves the soldier off and presses one of the buttons on the wall, leaving you alone together when the doors slide shut.

"do you doubt me?" he asks, brows furrowing. "need i remind you who is shouldering the burden of protecting you?" he adds, leaning closer as his voice lowers just slightly. you recognize the look, the intent behind the way he moves closer, forcing you to take a step back to create some distance.

"let's get one thing straight," you mutter, trying to keep your tone steady despite your back meeting the wall. "i don't need protection because you're any better than me. you just give me the freedom i need to move against shepherd without putting my squad at risk."

you pause, wetting your lips, before opening your mouth to continue. any words you planned to say leave you in a short breath as you're literally cornered in the small space, though, blinking at the man in front of you. makarov holds your gaze, amusement clearly written on his expression as his arm lifts, caging you in with a tight fist on the wall next to your head.

"you need me, petra. that is what matters." he leans closer still, shifting to rest his forearm against the wall instead, his lips twitching up in a crooked smile. you try to avert your eyes, to stare at the wall past him, but his other hand comes up to stop you with a firm grip on the sides of your jaw, keeping your head still. "i strongly suggest you find it in yourself to cooperate instead of fighting me. this is a very unique opportunity for us to help each other."

"you..." a frustrated sound escapes from you, only serving to encourage him to tighten his hold, leather-clad fingertips digging into your skin. you need to gain his trust if the plan you discussed with price has any chance of succeeding. we get dirty, world stays clean. killing shepherd is the mission; makarov comes later. play your cards right and you can take out them both.

"fine... i guess i owe you civility, at the very least." you concede, one of your hands shooting up to grab his wrist. "just get your hands off me." you grumble with a pointed glare.

makarov's hand retracts before the complaint even fully leaves your lips. "clever girl. you've made the right choice." he murmurs.

he moves away as the elevator reaches the floor and the door slides open again, immediately revealing a corridor dotted with soldiers – some conversing, some standing guard, others approaching the elevator as makarov steps out with you in tow.

"we'll have time for a proper tour later. in the meantime, if you need help navigating the grounds, any of my men will be happy to assist." he says, marching ahead.

"don't have any more room in your busy schedule for me?" you utter, trailing behind him.

he rounds a corner and keeps walking. "not at the moment, unfortunately." you arrive at a door, where he turns to you once more. "i have matters that require my attention, otherwise i would stay longer. i've arranged a place for you to sleep. i suggest you rest tonight. once we have the general's location, you will be needed."

you nod, admittedly taken aback. "i'll... do that, then. thank you." you stutter out.

"don't mention it." he says, already backing away from you and heading back down the hallway. you try not to stare as he disappears from your sight, intentionally fixing your attention on the door he led you to.

so eccentric, you think.

⋆⋆⋆

you let out a contented sigh as you pull your shirt down over your head, standing in the middle of the sizeable bedroom after your shower. a glance out the window tells you what time it is before you even check— the sun set over the horizon about an hour ago.

when you pick your phone up off the nightstand, there's a message from price waiting for you.

status report? 19:05 pm

you look to the door, debating on a response.

all settled in. nothing significant to report yet. 19:15 pm

good. keep your guard up. 19:15 pm

laswell got into contact with alex earlier. potential base in verdansk. 19:16 pm

need me to handle it? 19:16 pm

no. focus on makarov for now. we'll take care of it. 19:17 pm

copy. good luck. 19:17 pm

save some luck for yourself. stay sharp. 19:18 pm

you shove your phone into your pocket and send the door another look, sucking your bottom lip between your teeth. makarov said he would be busy, but... there's something telling you to seek him out, some horrible feeling bubbling in the pit of your stomach. you have a lot of questions and very few answers, things weighing on your mind that, to your chagrin, only he can ease.

"fucking fantastic," you say to the empty room, shaking off the feeling and heading out into the corridor. after getting directions from a handful of soldiers and a short elevator ride, you find yourself up on the penthouse floor, standing in front of the set of doors leading to his personal office.

you knock before you have the chance to psyche yourself out, three short taps in quick succession, your shoulders rigid until you hear an "enter" from the other side.

when you step in, letting the door softly click shut behind you, makarov lifts his head from the papers on the desk in front of him. you don't move immediately, standing with your back pressed against the smooth wood, your eyes flitting around the neatly-kept space before meeting his.

before you can say anything, he lifts a hand to stop you, bringing your attention to the phone next to his ear.

"i don't care about the weather, alexi," he mutters into the speaker, his focus never shifting from you. "you are leading a group of soldiers, not children, they can handle a storm. communicate the old-fashioned way if you're so worried about signal issues." he continues.

you awkwardly linger in your spot, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. his jaw tenses as his gaze narrows, and for a moment, a small part of you worries that the ire might be directed at you for intruding at an inconvenient time.

"i can come back," you whisper, hand already reaching for the knob behind you.

"stay." he replies, making you freeze. "no, not you, сволочь— just deliver the gas according to the schedule. i won't accept anything later than that." he grumbles into the speaker before hanging up the call and dropping his phone onto the papers, sighing heavily and moving to rub the fatigue from his eyes.

gas? as in, the chemical gas you saw in al-mazrah?

"pleasant conversation?" you tease, earning a pointed glare.

he stands from his chair with a soft groan. "what are you here for?"

you step further into the room, watching as he circles around the desk to meet you in the middle. "not sure. care to educate me on the gas you were talking about, though?" you smile, folding your hands in front of yourself.

makarov eyes you down, scrutinizing you, but gives in after a brief staring contest that you arguably win.

"after we succeed in urzikstan and the kremlin realizes what must be done, we will move on to their allies." he begins, speaking slowly. "my soldiers are making the preparations as we speak, planting it within each target nation."

as he continues, that prior feeling returns tenfold, and you mutter, "the gas used in al-mazrah and vondel?"

he nods, unchanging, even as your expression freely gives away the unease and anger steadily building under your skin. "exactly that. this is just the first step."

there's an emotion on his face, something haunting that makes your chest tighten. total apathy, as if the consequences of his actions mean nothing to him. they don't, your reasonable side is well aware of that, but the sheer wrongness of the situation nags at you, pushing you to try to prevent it in whatever ways you can.

"okay, i know you don’t care about innocent lives being lost," you start, crossing your arms over your chest. "but, i do. i'm not going to stand by and watch you destroy the world over some... bullshit hunt for glory! if you use that gas, i'm backing out." you assert. he steps back from you, creating a comfortable distance.

"i thought you were here for a reason, petra. unless, you've changed your mind?" makarov asks with a curious lilt, turning to face away from you.

your arms drop to your sides as your hands clench into fists. "we both know how deadly that gas is – it can kill millions. i'd rather take my chances with the government than assist you with that."

makarov hums in acknowledgement, standing in front of his desk now, and you watch as he reaches for the bottle of whiskey and empty tumbler sitting near the edge.

"are you seriously pouring yourself a drink right now?" you pause your rant, positively fuming while he pours the liquid into the glass. is this all some kind of fucking joke to him?

"i find it easier to listen when i have a drink," makarov replies. he produces a second glass and fills it up, before turning back to you. "but, you do raise a fair point, lieutenant. these plans can be delayed a little while longer." he says, holding it out to you in offering.

you take the glass slowly, confused. "just... like that? so easy?" you hesitate, distrustful— for good reason, too.

the amber liquid swirls in makarov's glass when he moves his hand, dismissing your concerns. "there are still steps between now and then. having you as an ally is far more important in the present."

"wh... just like that?" you parrot, gawking at him when he hands you his glass and walks past you, heading to the door. you spin on your heel and stare at the back of his head as he twists the knob and swings the door open.

he barely acknowledges you when he waves over his shoulder, again, dismissing it. "don't spend too much time on it. focus on the situation in the present."

as he disappears into the corridor, leaving the door to the very private room wide open behind him, you're completely dumbfounded. you came to him for answers; instead of getting that, all you have are more questions.

focus on the situation in the present.

it just sounds like a long-winded way of saying, "direct your anger at anyone but me."

from a tactical standpoint, it's hard to disagree. you're allies with this man, even if it is temporary. no matter how harsh his methods and unreasonable his beliefs, you'll have to learn to tolerate it. your eyes fall to the untouched glasses in your hands, then to the desk behind you, and finally back to the door.

"what the hell have i gotten myself into?"

translations:

сволочь (svoloch) - bastard

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⋆ feel free to ask to be added to/removed from the taglist! (18+ only please <3)

[hopeaterart]

"I also have ideas for Usagi’s entourage, but that’s it’s own post" curiosity piqued 👀 Do tell.

Hold on a minute...

Gen: A young man working off a family debt through community service, and planning on ditching them the moment he's done with it. Despite that, he's greatly enjoying the work, and is thinking of becoming a professional bodyguard once he's free to go. He and Usagi have a burgeoning but tentative friendship, in part due to their differing worldviews.

Tomoe: A strong-willed girl with a troubled family history. She joined the Old Guard to prevent more stories like hera from happening. Her and Usagi have a lot in common, have bonded over that common, and he actually had a crush on her when he was younger.

Chizu: A former spy for a criminal group before the Old Guard busted them. Having ninja training, her way of dealing with things contrasts greatly with the rest, which cause endless amounts of friction with Usagi. Never the less, Usagi is usually the first one at her defense when accusations are flinged in her direction.

Ishida: The supervisor of Usagi, Gen, Tomoe and Chizu when they go out. When he's not making sure they're doing their job, he's investigating complex crimes and the corruption plaguing the higher parts of the Hidden City's society. (And thanking the Crying Titan that Draxum is such an asocial asshole)

Katsuichi: A gruff instructor of the Old Guard, and Usagi's sensei. He was formerly an active member, but decided to retire due to the massacre he witnessed that day. He's keeping his remaining eye on the spear he used to execute the hunter, not liking the dark aura it gained that day...

Kiyoko: A mischievous friend of Usagi who's not part of the Old Guard. She's undergoing training to become a spy, and is currently staying with the Old Guard to assist her master, Kitsune, in relaying information to them and Draxum in her mission to spy on the Foot.

Mifune: The head of the Old Guard. He's a merciful and reasonable man, who doesn't tolerate slip-ups and agression in his men. He also cares greatly for the younger recruits of the Old Guard, as seen when he gave Usagi the help he needed when the young rabbit confessed his demons.

Jotaro: Usagi's little brother, and the only other survivor of the attack on their family. Unlike Usagi, he was just a baby when it happened, and as thus doesn't remember it. He currently lives with a couple from Usagi's home sector, and his brother visits often. He and Leonardo are in agreement that he's the coolest person ever.

Leo: Usagi's boyfriend, but you all already know him.

[a-reader-and-a-writer-for-all]

More Than Friends

Fandom: Star Wars, Poe Dameron, gn!Reader

Word Count: 1428

TW: Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Love Confession, Kissing, Pining, Drinking

As Poe ordered yet another round of shots, you grinned unsteadily at him. “You think you can handle it?”

Poe chuckled softly as he leaned in closer to you. “I think I should be asking you that question.”

“I could drink you under this bar any day, Dameron and you know it.”

“Wanna bet? You’re already starting to look a little unsteady there, sweetheart.”

You narrowed your eyes though you knew he was right. Both of you had already drank more than your fair share of alcohol tonight and it was really starting to hit you. But you were never one to back down from a challenge. So, when the bartender placed the two shot glasses in front of you, you quickly snatched them both and downed them before Poe had a chance to react.

Smirking at him, you said, “Try to keep up.”

Poe’s eyes narrowed playfully, and he shook his head, “Oh, it’s on now.” And as he turned his back to order more drinks, you felt that tug in your chest that was gradually becoming more and more insistent every time you saw him.

Poe Dameron had been your best friend since the two of you were kids. Both the children of members of the Rebel Alliance, you had been almost inseparable. Yet, once you had both decided to join up with the Resistance as adults, things had changed. Poe quickly became known as the best pilot in the fleet and was given his own command which left him with little time for socializing outside his squadron. And you had joined the intelligence sector, sneaking into enemy territories to gather intel for the Resistance which often took you to some of the farthest reaches of the galaxy. All in all, it left little time for the two of you to see each other anymore but you still tried to squeeze in small visits every chance you got.

But the last few times you had met up, something had changed. You didn’t see Poe as the little boy you used to chase around your house with a toy blaster. Or who would sit on you and make you eat dirt when you got into a fight. No, now every time you looked at him, your heart began to race and your skin began to tingle. Whenever he would brush against you, your breath caught in your chest. The distance between you had allowed you to realize that he was not just your best friend, that the ache you felt in his absence was not one of camaraderie. It was something more. And it was starting to become too powerful to ignore.

As the bartender set another two shots on the bar, Poe grabbed them. And when he threw back his head to down the shot, you couldn’t help but stare at the way his dark curls shook in the dim lighting or how his throat bobbed as he swallowed the drink. And when he lowered his head and his tongue trailed across his lips to capture the last lingering drops that remained there, all you could think of was what it would taste like to run your tongue over those lips. To gently part them with your tongue as you-

Abruptly, you pushed your stool away from the bar. “I’m done. You win. I’m done.” You hastily tried standing up, but as your head swam you toppled sideways straight into Poe’s arms.

Concerned, he helped you stand up and he examined your face closely. “Hey, are you okay? Do you need some water?”

“No, I’m fine. I just want to go back to my room. I think you’re right and I overdid it,” you muttered, not meeting his eye.

But if he noticed your strange behavior towards him all of a sudden, he didn’t mention it. Instead, he just nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

But as Poe took your arm and began leading you out of the bar, you realized that the lightheadedness and dizziness had nothing to do with the drinks. Well… not everything had to do with the drinks. Being this close, this friendly with him again, was just as intoxicating as the alcohol. And as you leaned further into his protective embrace, it just got worse.

It was at that moment you realized your friendship was over. There was no way you could go back to the playful teasing, the snarky banter, or the casual physical contact. Not when all of these caused you to ache so. You wished you could will these feelings away, to go back to the way things were before, but you knew that was impossible. And that meant pushing your friend away before you did something you would not be able to take back.

When you entered your room, you hesitated in the middle of the space but Poe sauntered over and immediately plopped down on the bed. “So, what do you want to do now?”

The sight of him in your room, on your bed, was the final straw and you knew what you had to do. So, reluctantly you said, “Poe…. I think you should leave.”

His face instantly fell. “What? Why? I thought we were going to hang out the whole night together while we had the chance?” He hesitated. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, of course not. It’s not you. I just… I can’t. I’m sorry. Things are…. things have changed and I don’t think-”

As he stood up and took a step closer to you, all your attention lingered on his lips. Never had you wanted to kiss someone as badly as you wanted to kiss him at that moment, but you somehow managed to tear your eyes away and fixed them on the floor.

But he must have noticed where your attention had been because he took another step closer, your chests almost touching, and he lifted your chin until your eyes met his. Softly, he whispered, “It’s okay. I feel it too.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah, from the moment I saw you tonight, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. I was just afraid of ruining what we had so I tried to ignore my feelings. But if you think there might be something there too….”

“I do…” You leaned your head in at the same time he leaned into you. But you stopped just a hair’s breadth away from his lips, your nose brushing gently against his as you whispered, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

His lips curled up into a smile. “I think I’m okay with that.” And he closed the distance between you.

The kiss started more gently than you expected coming from Poe. He was tender, almost hesitant in his movements, carefully grasping your face in his hand. At other times, it would have been more than your wildest dreams to have Poe Dameron kiss you like this. But not tonight. Tonight, you wanted something else.

You surged into him, taking Poe by surprise and causing him to stumble back a few steps until the back of his knees collided with the bed. You broke off the kiss and gave him a wicked grin before shoving him roughly in the chest.

With a surprised, “Wha-?” Poe fell backward onto the mattress. As he struggled to sit up, you threw one leg over his hips so you were straddling him and then bent down to recapture his lips, rolling your hips into him. But with a groan, he pulled away.

Breathlessly, he looked up at you as you ran your hands down his chest. “Are you sure about this? I mean, I’m all for it but I don’t want there to be any regrets in the morning.”

You brushed a dark curl off his face. “We both have new assignments in the morning. Who knows where we’ll be or if we’ll even be alive in the next few days. If tonight is all I might have with you, I want every part I can get.”

Poe stared at you for a moment, trying to gauge if you really meant what you said. And then a crooked smile spread across his handsome face. With one sudden movement, he flipped you over so he was now hovering over you as your back rested on the bed. You stared up into his dark, lust-filled eyes before he bent down to devour you once more.

And as he trailed his lips across your jaw, he growled, “Be careful what you wish for, sweetheart.” 

[punemy-spotted]

The Price You Pay Chapter 3: Counteroffer

Pairing: Mob!Steve Rogers x Reader, Senator!Andy Barber x Reader

Warnings: Rape/Non-Con elements, Dub-Con, Dark!Fic, Abuse of Legal System, Murder, Character Death (minor, possibly major), Love Triangle, Political AU, Mafia AU, Workplace Sexual Harassment, Abuse Mentions, Possessive/Obsessive Characters, Other Chapter-Specific Warnings May Apply, Possible Dead Dove: Would Not Eat

Chapter Warnings: Rape/Non-Con Elements Continue; Dub-Con; Angst; Politics; Possessive/Manipulative Behavior; Spanking; Choking; Crying; The Dove is Probably Dead: Do Not Eat

Chapter Summary: The return of an old friend brings back the ghosts of old memories.

Chapter 1; Chapter 2

Notes: Shorter chapters my ass, these outlines are getting unreal. Andy Barber has arrived, Steve Rogers does not approve, the Reader bears the consequences. Things are going to be angstier from here on out and I can feel it in my bones. Please don’t yell at me — or do, your feedback is well-loved and appreciated even if it’s yelly.

Not beta-read, these sins belong to me and me alone.

You met Andy Barber fresh from the ashes of his divorce, escaping the gossip and scandal and pain of his past life only to dive into the gossip and scandal and pain of politics. Senatorial campaign, in need of an aide and a law student desperate to do more for the people than hours in clinics and mock trials. Hungry for something grassroots, angling for the impossible.

A match. Whether made in Heaven or Hell feels irrelevant now, long ago as it was.

It was then. This… is now.

Hey Sunshine, didn’t think you’d be able to make it.

He looks the same. Keeps the same beard. Same hair. It’s uncanny and familiar and safe all at once and you slide into the booth with your purse by your side and feel genuinely smiley for the first time in a long time.

It’s been a while since I heard that name.

Yeah? It’s been a while since I got to use it.

The silence is heavy, unwelcome, unwieldy, a reminder of the space between what was and what is.

How’re you doing? Last I heard you were making a name for yourself taking down the…

He trails off, eyes fixed on the slide of your gaze, the sudden interest in a drink menu you wouldn’t normally touch, the tremor of your lips. A man doesn’t serve as Assistant District Attorney for the many years he has without picking up tells.

Sunshine.

Andy…

It’s a warning, a plea, a… confession, all at once, and all the dogged determination in the world can’t hold against the break in your voice, in your control. You’ve cried more in the past few weeks than you can recall and now here he is, soulful eyes and a worried expression and he’s never hugged you really, but suddenly you might want it just that much more.

Don’t be an idiot.

It’s dangerous, your stress, and you know it.

Dangerous enough to send you into the arms of the next safe thing — this is why you don’t do this, isn’t it, this reaching out bit, but no advocacy group on the planet is going to save you from yourself today.

I saw… I saw you win that case. Pretty brutal, standing up to the Syndicate, and getting what you did. He steamrolls past the way you wince, his thumb on that metaphorical bruise and pressing, the Prosecutor’s dogged determination demanding answers, I have a friend in the office, he was convinced you’d be climbing the ranks.

Every word is a twist of the knife, couched in quiet concern, gentle admonition, a warm hug in a smoky tenor and you want to tell him everything, you want to break down in his arms and tell him every word, every buried piece of you he never learned, everything that’s led you to this.

You don’t.

You know better than to trust him too. No one’s going to take care of you but you so instead you shake your head and wave it off and Decided going into the private sector was the better option — one big win doesn’t really make up for the stress, you know.

Private sector. That’s what you’re calling the SHIELD Syndicate now? C’mon, Sunshine…

Look. It’s the Syndicate’s New York, when he made the offer it was… safer than saying no. It’s a cushy position anyway, and I didn’t want anyth—

He doesn’t believe you. He doesn’t believe you and you’re digging a hole trying to explain your way out of it so you just… shut up, shaking your head, It’s not important. I’m fine. I’m more curious about you — what year is it now, your fourth? What are you doing in New York?

The deflection works, but the look on his face is obvious — you’re not getting out of this so easily. He gives in for now, just for now, for you.

Almost fifth, gearing up for re-election. Had a meeting up here… about the organized crime situation for both states, and I remembered you were in the area.

Oh. You… it’s been a while since we talked, you remembered?

You expect me to forget you, Sunshine?

That stops you in your tracks, or whatever road your mind had been racing on, thoroughly not enjoying the defensive you’ve been on since you met with Steve, constantly under watch and waiting for yet one more shoe to fall on you.

That’s fear, sweetness.

Andy…?

You were the best campaign aide I had — I told you then too, I would have made you Chief of Staff if you’d let me.

It’s a good save. A clever save, and you want to believe it more than anything, want to believe it was all business and no pleasure because the alternative makes your nails bite into the table and want to turn tail before he can say another word and he… sees that panic flicker over your face so keenly it’s almost embarrassing.

You’re not used to this.

You’re not used to the warmth of his eyes when he searches your face for the answers you can’t give voice to. You’re not used to the way he reaches for your hand and rests it over your fingers, curling around your palm like he might actually keep you close and keep you safe and keep you free of the demons you made a part of yourself too.

Sunshine, why does his voice have to be so soft, why does it have to sound like molten honey on your senses, why does he have to say your name like it’s the very definition of the word hope, If you’re not safe…

No. No you’re not, tell him tell him the truth, tell him you’re atoning for the girl you could not protect tell him you aren’t worth it tell him this is your penance tell him you signed a death warrant tell him tell him tell him.

Andy, really. I’m fine. It’s a good job.

It’s a shit lie.

He drops it. Drops it just long enough for a waiter to finally come by, for his hand to leave yours while he talks through the wine menu. Drops it long enough for you to check your phone, realizing with horror that you must have silenced it absentmindedly sometime on your way here.

Ten missed calls.

All from Steve.

And one text, stamped from just five minutes ago.

[SMS] Either you pick up your phone or I pick you up, Counsel.

The next one comes right before your eyes, a picture of a map and a GPS pin. Your location.

You glance up at Andy, still talking to the waiter about the small plates options, feign a smile and Go ahead and choose, you have better taste than me, and return to staring at the picture and the three dots at the bottom of your screen, waiting to see his next message.

[SMS] Make your choice.

The haptic feedback of your keyboard feels like an electric shock with every letter, hurried fingers until you manage to tap out something that won’t immediately put the man in front of you in the crosshairs of the most dangerous organization in New York.

You can’t do that to him. You can’t.

[SMS] I’m at a dinner with a friend.

[SMS] And since I know there’s no emergencies pressing, I’d like my time, thank you.

You have the good sense to set it next to you this time, watching your screen light up with whatever furious response he sends next, glancing over only occasionally every time another one comes through. Don’t let him control you. Don’t let him think you’re at his beck and call.

You’re not.

You’re free, you’re free and you’re going to prove it.

Sunshine? What’s going on?

His voice cuts through the haze of panic like a knife and you swear you don’t mean to jump but you do and there’s no denying what he notices, eyes narrow and lips turned down in a sharp scowl, Sunshine…?

You are not that girl. You cannot be that girl, never again.

Steel. Steel yourself, flash him a smile, take a sip of the ice water left in front of you while you’d been checking your phone, reset yourself. Steady. Steady on.

Don’t let them know.

Nothing, nothing, just the boss — let him know I was busy.

Why is he texting you after hours? The Syndicate can’t be that busy.

He’s too watchful for your own good. Probably just making sure I’m staying out of trouble.

Are you?

Are you calling yourself trouble, Senator?

You like this. You can handle this, the trading of jokes, the crooked way he smiles. His eyes are a little more distant than you remember but you can still see them sparkle softly when he suppresses a laugh, lighting up properly when the joy reflects in them.

Briefly, you wonder when the last time he really laughed was.

By the time dinner is over, his hand, warm and steady, is back on yours as you talk — and for a moment you almost enjoy the way he runs his thumb over your knuckles absently, like he’s making careful appraisal of each one. Could use your skills for the re-election campaign, you know.

Really? You’ve got a gorgeous approval rating, what are you afraid of?

Not having my good luck charm on the staff.

Andy…

I’m dead serious, Sunshine, you ran that ship. You were what, a 2L? Rising 3? You had canvassing down to a science. We need that energy down on the Hill.

The curve of his fingers is a little tighter now, squeezing yours, like proof of his earnestness and oh, you want to keep believing him. You need to keep believing him.

There’s so much in New York I have to get done first. And besides, you know me. I want a life on the bench.

Justice Sunshine, and it sounds absurd when he uses your nickname and it sounds so real when he uses your nickname and in the warm smoke of his voice those contradictions can live together all at once.

That’s the one. Closest you’ll see me to Washington is when I’m appointed to the Supreme Court. It’s a dumb, arrogant, silly joke but it’s the same one you used to make with him over drinks, teasing him about his political goals and making him promise to “go easy on you” at your eventual Senate confirmation hearing.

It’s the one that makes him crack that too-beautiful crooked smile while he takes a sip of his drink — hiding the curve of his lips behind the rim of a heavy glass.

Well. If you ever decide to ditch—

Ever decide to ditch what?

The world moves in slow motion: hearing the low growl from behind you; Andy Barber looking up and rising to his feet, his hand slipping from yours with just the ghost of his comfortable touch to assure you; Steve Rogers coming into view as you turn, flanked by the not-entirely-unfamiliar faces of two of his enforcers — it looked like Wilson and Banner had been selected this evening — and the sudden pressure of knowing you’ve done something terribly, terribly wrong.

You stood me up, Counsel. Steve’s voice is a threat, a half-drawl as you stand up and face him, Andy right behind you, Something wrong with taking my phone calls?

She was busy, the sound of Andy’s voice is a balm to your soul and fuel to Steve’s fire, the muscle in his jaw jumping as he grits his teeth and resists the temptation to throw the first punch — you can see the fingers of his right hand curling into a fist, can’t you? The slow curve, the watching, wondering if you’ll make the right choice now that someone has chosen to try to lead you astray.

And who the fuck are you? If he can’t get you to respond, he’ll get something from the man talking for you, eyes trained on him like he’s debating whether his own frustration will make this interloper turn to nothingness and return you to his arms where you rightfullybelong.

Do you? Rightfully belong?

Senator Andy Barber. The title practically knocks the wind out of Steve’s sails and you can see it — he may be the Captain here, King of New York, ruler of his domain but he’s not stupid enough to openly attack a man with connections beyond the Syndicate’s web of influence. It’s a comfort and it’s not, all at once.

The room is still, vibrating with tension, the two men staring daggers at one another and you caught in the middle. I worked on Senator Barber’s campaign when he first ran for election, you manage out in some vain hope it might explain and mollify, only to be thoroughly disappointed — and judging by the way Banner winces, only to dig your grave further.

We’re talking about this later, Counsel. You’re coming home.

And what gives you the right to give her orders? You really are going to have to look back at Andy and beg him to not make this worse. You really are going to have to let him see your face, see that you’re afraid, sweetness. He’s not going to let you go easy and this should not terrify you as much as it does.

Senator Barber. It’s fine. Something must have come up,turning to face his burning eyes, until his face softens like he’s seeing you for the first time. And is he? Is he seeing how you just need him to let it go, let you go, drop the protectiveness and step back?

He has to, because he does, nodding before he grabs his coat and glances to the host station. If you say so, Sunshine. Take care of yourself. He doesn’t press, not knowing when he’s beat but knowing when you don’t want him to. When you’re not safe.

And Steve Rogers offers you his hand to walk you out.

And just what the hell did you think you were doing!?

Oh, and you control my time off the clock now too?

He dragged you back home.

No. Not to your apartment, that sanctuary away from all this you’d been allowed to keep as part of the “deal.” His home, the bedroom where you signed yourself away, the space he unraveled you and left you tangled in your new life.

He dragged you back home, in the grim silence of the backseat of his car and you waited. Waited for the inevitable explosion, the one prefaced by Wilson’s nervous looks and Banner’s cautious stare.

This explosion, where he rounds in on you, where livid is still too tame a term.

Meeting with a Senator? Ignoring my calls? I told you, you were mine tonight.

And I told you I had plans.

After I told you that you were mine, Counsel.

Okay. That’s true, even if you’re loathe to admit it.

Plans adjust. Andy wanted to—

Oh, Andy now? I thought it was Senator Barber? You’re really familiar with him, aren’t you, Counsel?

Just what the fuck are you implying?

Maybe you need a reminder of who you belong to.

He loves to do this. Wrap his big hand around your throat, remind you just how easily he can impose his power onto you, watch your protests die behind your eyes when you realize how useless words are in the face of his violence.

The furious look in your eyes is something to behold, the way you embed your nails into his wrist to try and drag him off you, all soft snarls and indignant huffs, You fucking asshole…

You’re mine, Counsel, and don’t you forget it. You gave yourself to me, remember?

Like I… like I had much of a choice, breathy, furious, and clawing at him.

Doesn’t matter. You’re mine, and clearly I need to make sure you know it…

Steve—!

Captain, sweetness, Captain, and don’t you forget it.

There’s a moment, when anger becomes transcendental, when it turns into something cold and calculating and prepared, when a plan forms behind his eyes and you watch as he looks down at you, so full of fury and fear all at once and you watch as he leans in so close and you feel his hand slide until he has you by the back of the neck, until his thumb is the thing pressing under your chin to keep your eyes on him, until the heel of his hand is the thing keeping you from shouting at him further. Such a stubborn little bitch…

You can almost see the words forming in his mind, the ones his mouth won’t say, I could be so good to you, but he doesn’t say them, sliding his lips over yours instead and it is… soft. A capturing of your mouth with his, not caring that you protest, only insistent on leaving you breathless and hazy-eyed from each tug of his lips on yours and there stokes the warmth of more than your rage, a different fire rising in your core, unbidden and unwelcome but yours to own and his to play with.

He can sense it, practically feel it, that mad serum racing through his veins and making his nostrils flare as he pulls back and watches you, lets the scent of your perfume fill his senses like a drug he can’t get enough of and, I should hate you too, for this, whispered low and hushed and you barely catch it, don’t you? Barely, but enough, enough to remember it was said just before he pulls you down with him into the depths of his own lust.

And into his lap, it seems, as he drags you down, sitting on the bed with you draped over his lap, an effortless shift in his skillful hands. You can protest, and you do, even daring to try to pull away with a kick of your legs and an indignant, What the hell do you think you’re doing?But you know it’s all futile, useless as he places one heavy hand on your back and lets the other slide over the smooth chiffon of your blouse, tracing a line along your spine with careful, practiced ease.

Would have preferred this with a little more… circumstance, sweetness, but you need to learn a lesson now and drastic times call for drastic measures.

You can turn your head slightly, to look at him, that wild-eyed fury so sweet on your face and you are still a wild creature he needs to tame but he is patient and he can do this for as long as it takes.

But you’re a sight like this, draped over his lap in a pencil skirt and blouse, so put together and proper and now so prone to him, helpless under the appraisal of his hands and the way he takes no time in hiking your skirt up around your waist. Captain! Your protest is met with a low chuckle, especially as he lets his palm curve around the round swell of your ass, before leaving a light swat on the soft flesh, to draw a yelp from your furious mouth.

If that’s all it takes to get you shouting, sweetness, you’re going to hate what comes next, smug and cruel, as you try to hold yourself up enough to look at him, met with his smirk and the simmering fury still bubbling in his eyes. To say you’re in danger still is an understatement, no doubt, and you know it.

I won’t make you count this time, but piss me off again, sweetness, and we’ll just see how much you can take, you hear me?

Oh you loathe him, really and truly loathe him, hissing with anger and embarrassment, so close to twisting in his arms and clawing at him but remembering his size and just how much worse it could get — but then there lies the undercurrent.

The one you loathe too, more than you hated him, that warmth. Seeping into your core, a low heat kindled by the sly softness of his lips on yours and the sure tenor of his voice, low and soothing even as he promised damnation. The one that — just like now — leaves you flushed and writhing while he purrs threats to you, massaging the soft skin and sliding the lace of your panties down to remove all barriers to the sex he owns so surely.

You open your mouth to argue with him but as you do, you feel his hand lift from your flesh and then the resounding SMACK of palm on skin, turning words into nothing but a sharp cry of pain, surprise, and lust. The heat rises just as your body tenses, reacting to the sudden attack on your delicate form, cheeks flushed. Even as your eyes well with tears your sex strives to betray you and — Oh do you like that, sweetness? — damn him for noticing.

Let me go, Captain, the threat is shaky, your voice wavering with something like want and panic all at once, and all it does is draw another laugh as he soothes the stinging mark left on your cheek, gentle as a lover and four times as cruel.

Do you know what I think, sweetness? And another raise of his palm, to strike you once more, listening to the way that cry of pain and surprise turns into a soft, involuntary moan the moment he begins to soothe the ache, I think you need this. Always so uptight, trying to be the head bitch in charge, aren’t you? Just looking for someone to take over, take control, remind you where your place is.

His fingers slip further, more interested in exploring the soft slickness of your sex, listening to your protests die in your throat with every press of his fingers into your plush folds. That’s why I’m here, to keep you in my lap, all fucked and soft, sweetness. Don’t you worry, I’m going to take care of you. Even if I have to teach you just like this.

You should hate the way he talks, hates how he finds your center with effortless ease, like he’s known your body for years. Holding you down in his lap still as he draws mewling moans from you with every curl of his fingers, finding the proof of his accusations in the slick need coating your thighs, soaking his fingers, You’re making such a mess of me, sweetness. Are you going to be good?

Hiss at him. Snarl at him, buck your hips and twist in his arms, push him away. Do something more than what you are now, with red-rimmed eyes and tears staining your face, do more than listen to him talk, feel his cock pressing against you as you lay in his lap, I’m going to ask it one more time, sweetness. Are. You. Going. To. Be. Good?

He punctuates each word of his question with a harsh smackagainst your ass, leaving little time for you to do more than cry out, until the last spank draws something like a moan from your perfect lips and therein lies your surrender for tonight, that soft mewl of pleasure born of pain and he soothes you again with soft shushes and gentle touches, back to inspecting the renewed slickness of your cunt, back to enjoying that plump tightness wrapped around his fingers and back to trying to control the shift of his own hips and you can feel him, hard against you, needing you as much as he is compelling your body to need him.

Captain… a low, desperate sort of mewl, the squirm of your body less to escape and more to enticeand he notices. Notices the way your fingers try to cling to him, notices how you look so very sweet when you’re so very desperate and in some way this is your own game of control, a push and pull and the curl of his fingers is suddenly so much angrier, driving you to the precipice of the fall and you are tumbling, tumbling down into a darkness of want you may never recover from.

Say it again. Tell me you need me, sweetness, tell me you need me and I’ll give you everything, and there’s an edge to the way he says everything, like he might meanit, like he might give you the world if you just gave in and you hate him, sweetness, you hate him but you need the things you hate once in a while and you can’t keep bearing his fury on your body and so you sob out your surrender and whine—

I need you, Captain, please…

And that is enough.

Let him believe you.