#does anyone else remember him from stuck in the middle

[cashmoneyyysstuff]

midoriya being reader's and bakugou's biggest cheerleader, rooting for them since day one!?!?!?! 😭💖 he literally watched his 2 friends grow up and fall in love...he's so happy for them 🥹💗 like imagine the waterworks when they tell him they're (finally) in a relationship...if anyone believes in their love, it's midoriya!!!! 💓

the way things go !

synopsis : izuku knows, he always has, but he'll let you both figure it out.

an. this is literally so cute i love this !! tysm for the ask, this is pretty late tho so super sorries about this if youre still sticking around anon :(( but i hope you (and all yall) enjoy!!

cw. fluffy fluff ! childhood friends YAAAAAAH—middle school katsuki lol, childhood to like second year of ua timeskip, lmk if there's anything else !

if he thinks hard enough, izuku midoriya can remember the exact moment he realised his best friend had fallen in love with you.

you'd gone from being a new addition to their little friend group to you guys being so tight knit that people automatically associated you all together, if one was around—the other two were always expected nearby, a little trio.

sure, izuku never wanted anybody to feel left out, but you and kacchan were his best friends forever. you all had sleep overs at katsuki's house and went out for ice cream, visit for birthdays and stay up late to watch tv and tell scary stories under the covers. katsuki always pulled mean little pranks afterwards which would always scare the pants off of izuku, you always reassured him though, saying katsuki was being stupid. he thought that it was really cool how you never seemed to get scared until he noticed how you'd jump sometimes, but he found you even cooler.

you were best friends forever, shown by the cool woven bracelets you'd gotten for your friends when you came back from a beach vacation with your family. kacchan had complained the entire time you were gone, calling everything boring without you, but he never said a word about it when you got back and smacked izuku on the arm hard when he'd tried to tell you how much they'd both missed you.

izuku had managed to rip his gaze off his bracelet, woven with green and shades of blue that matched the sea to look up at his friend to ask how he felt about his gift. katsuki's had hints of orange, reds and vibrant pinks and he didn't complain about it even though he always said it was a girl colour. red eyes like his bracelet fixed onto his arm.

"look and yours kinda looks like it has flames on it, see ? like your explosions !" you explained excitedly, and izuku couldn't help getting excited too. your humour was always contagious. "oh yeah, i see it !" he agreed and you look over at him to nod in approval, obviously proud of your choice. and izuku realised then that the blonde still hadn't said one word.

you didn't seem to mind though, still too excited from your trip and izuku's reaction to his gift. you stuck your arm against katsuki's and grabbed izuku's so he could stick it to his, all your multicoloured bracelets coming together to form a mess of jumbled up colours "see, now we all match !" you exclaimed.

katsuki's cheeks were pink, stained and blotchy even through the worn out little bandaid stuck to his cheek. and all he could manage then was a nod, katsuki who you'd always call a big mouth was speechless and just nodded. izuku thought that was really weird

"i like it." he mumbled out quietly, obviously realising that you were now both awaiting an answer from him "we match," he repeated "but mines cooler." he finished off, crossing his arms and huffing to the sky proudly. and you burst out laughing, little giggles spill out and you break out into a laugh as you lean onto izuku. he can't help himself from laughing either. katsuki tries, really does, but he ends up laughing a bit too, nudging at your leg with his foot when you call him a big mouth.

and for the entire rest of the day, kacchan had found some excuse or other to drag you around and hold your hand, saying something about how you'd get lost since you were gone for so long, izuku thought that was weird too since you were only gone too weeks, but he quickly forgot about it. it was still hot when you got back, so you went for ice cream with money miss mitsuki had given you all to celebrate your return, and had gone to your (not so) secret spot by the river bank to laze around after your bellies were full.

the wind breezed through his clothes as izuku remembered the taste of his two scoops on his tongue, sighing and feeling himself getting sleepy. he hears you and kacchan talking.

he's talking about how your bracelet looks more like his, so you two match more. "that means you gotta stay with me forever so . . don't leave again." he mumbles, izuku hears the tugging and pulling of grass roots "was boring without you here." before he quickly catches himself with an "that's what izuku said." and the green haired boy answered with a sleepy "uhuh . . " that makes you giggle.

"i can ask my mom if you and izuku can come next time !" you chirp excitedly and you've always been contagious, so izuku responds again with a sleepy "yaaay . ." that makes you laugh.

when school started back up, katsuki had been quick to rip off his jacket and show off his bracelet to your friends, shown off by the short sleeved t-shirt he was wearing. always proud to answer the question of where'd gotten his cool new bracelet with a loud "yn got it for me from when she went on her trip, i bet she didn't get you anything !"

always proud and showing off was a kacchan that izuku knew all too well. but it was always about himself, never about others. and yet here he was showing off your gift to anybody who would listen because you were best friends. izuku thinks he truly realised, not then, but during lunch break when kacchan had pushed a boy to the ground because he'd made fun of his bracelet and called it girly.

"not true !" he'd yelled "you're just mad 'cus yn didn't get you nothin' and she likes me more then you. i bet you're just jealous 'cus she hates you, she told me you stink !"

and that's when he knew. because all three of you were always together and izuku had never ever heard you say that. but it seemed that to katsuki, being hated by you was the worst thing imaginable.

and that's when he knew.

and to him it was only natural for katsuki, one of the coolest people he knew, to have a crush on the other coolest person he knew. but when he'd asked kacchan about it after school, he'd punched him in the shoulder and told him "n-no ! shut up, quit talking stupid !" even as his cheeks turned beet red and he trudged off to go grab his backpack.

there was no doubt about it, you had a crush on each other.

izuku knows it, he knows you both know it. so why don't you do anything about it ?! it's sorta been driving him crazy.

he sees it all. sure, him and kacchan don't actually hang out anymore, but you and izuku still hang out and he sees them. the looks, the almost touches and the teasing and the shoulder nudges and—seriously, does nobody else see this ?!

but he'll keep quiet, he won't force you to do anything, he'll let you both take your time. but it seems the blond has been getting more and more impatient with himself.

"hey, nerd." izuku jumps despite himself at the rough voice from above him, looking up and quickly hiding his notebook from his ex-childhood friend.

"k-kacchan, hey ! didn't expect to see you here, heh . ." he trails off, eyes darting to the side. and izuku really hadn't expected to see him, kacchan wasn't the type to stay after class, always ready to walk you home when school was out. he feels his hands shaking and clenches onto his uniform pants. katsuki ignores the boy's attempt at friendly conversation, scoffing.

"what's your deal, huh ?" uh oh, izuku panics—what had he done ? he doesn't remember doing anything to anger him.

"i don't know what you're talking about, ka—"

a hand slams against his desk, startling the green haired boy and he almost jumps out of his skin.

"don't fuck with me ! y'know good and goddamn well what i'm talking about."

"but i—"

and then your name gets brought up "ya keep fuckin' staring at her all the time. what, you like her or something ?"

wait, what.

"huh ?"

"don't huh me," katsuki copies with a nasally voice "s'bad enough she wants to hang with you all the time, now you want more ?!"

oh, wait.

"just so you know, she doesn't like the nerdy type so you can go ahead and—" katsuki cuts himself off when he sees izuku smile, a smile he in his mind can only imagine as a smug one, so he scowls " quit makin' that creepy fuckin' face at me, weirdo ! i'll tell you right now—you haven't won and i damn sure won't lose ! never to a nerd like you, you got that ?!" he declared, before stomping out of the classroom.

izuku despite the obvious declaration of war he has no want to be part in, can't help but smile. "you've got nothing to worry about." he mutters to himself.

it'll be fine, he'll let you take your time—he has a feeling it won't be for much longer anyway.

"good morning, yn."

"hi, izuku."

you insist on not looking him in the eye when you speak, and izuku who's known you for years by now, immediately knew something was up.

you're here early, the common room is empty beside you and him right now "how'd you sleep ?" you ask, sipping on some juice. izuku hums, fixing his tie for class, you beckon him over and lean over to fix it for him which he thanks you for with an added shy chuckle.

and it's quiet.

izuku takes a spot next to you, "you know, you can talk to me about anything right ? i don't wanna assume but you look a bit bothered by something." your best friend smiles warmly at you when you make eye contact "i'm here if you need anything."

you squirm in your seat and then finally you spit your next sentence out at super speed "katsuki and i have liked each other for a while now and he asked me out and i said yes !"

"I KNEW IT!" the green haired's exclamation knocks you back and he flies up from his seat, he smiles down at you victoriously like he'd just defeated a villain.

"i knew you guys had been acting different, it was just too obvious ! always looking at each other for long periods of time—and sneaking off and standing so close to each other, it all makes sense !" and you're struck absolutely silent, he rambled and rambled on like he was taking notes for his hero notebook—seriously, how much did he know ?!

"w-wait but—you knew that we liked each other ?" you ask. izuku sits back down, even clears his throat after his little outburst, and smiles at you.

"oh yeah, i've known that for a while now !"

". . how long is a while ?"

". . a couple years."

"oh." you conclude. "i'm sorry i never told you, zuku . .s'just that i know that you and katsu's relationship was . . more than a bit strained so . ."

izuku immediately frown in shock "what, no it's not—you shouldn't have to apologise ! that was between kacchan and i so—" and he stops in his tracks "is that why it took you guys so long to . ."

now you're cutting him off "no, no that's not it ! i just never really had the courage to say anything !" you shyly rub at your glass "and honestly, i had no idea he even liked me like that . ."

surely you had to be messing with him. izuku sweatdrops at you without a word.

"well anyway, i'm glad you too are happy, truly." he utters sincerely. you smile back at him with a giggle and your humour's always been contagious, so he laughs along with you.

and when he sees you and kacchan walking to class holding hands he can't help but throw up a victorious fist up, leaving his friends a little bit confused.

(afterwards during training with katsuki, he wishes him a playful congratulations on winning, the blonde proceeding to punch his arm hard and izuku couldn't help but laugh. until katsuki chucked his water bottle at him.)

taglist ! :

@napbatata @andysdrafts @queenpiranhadon @jastoo46 @cecelia77

@katszumi @m-inluv @monchurie @the-hangry-otter @starlostlaiba

@moonshuul @erenstitanweave @katsus-mistress @dondeh-zedonutqueen @liluvtojineteyam

@aspiringwriter1111 @sugurusmoon @redvelvetstan1

@niktwazny303 @nemisimp @kit-katsukii @alphasage @milktea-academia

[traveler-at-heart]

Stuck Together - Part 4

Summary: After Westview, Wanda and her children go into hiding. She's not happy with the person in charge of protecting them.

Wanda Maximoff x F! Super Soldier R

“Glad to see you’re getting along” Maria says with a smirk.

“Don’t” you warn her.

The timing couldn’t be worse.

Honestly, the last thing you expected was to end up kissing Wanda in the middle of nowhere. And now that Maria interrupted, you know it’s bound to get awkward.

Sure enough, Wanda is avoiding your eyes.

“Can we talk inside?” Hill says and you turn to look at the Sokovian, allowing her to make the call. She nods, turning to open the door.

“Have you been compromised?” Maria asks in a low voice.

“Huh?” you play dumb.

“You know what I mean. If you can’t be objective…”

“Stop. It was nothing”

“Mhm” she nods, the way Fury would. She truly is his right hand.

Wanda comes back from the bedroom, closing the door. You pull out a chair for her, and lean against the small kitchen counter, waiting for Maria to talk.

“We were worried. You moved houses”

“Position was compromised”

“By?”

“Agatha Harkness” Wanda answers. You don’t know how they know each other, what was she doing after them, but considering she almost killed you, knowing the rest of the story isn’t at the top of your list.

She’s gone, and that’s enough.

“I see” Maria looks between the two of you. “Anything else?”

“Such as?”

“Anything out of the ordinary” 

“Nothing I can think of” you say, but Maria is looking intently at Wanda. “Look, if you wanna know something specific, just say it. I can’t protect them from stuff I don’t know about”

“I take she doesn’t know what happened, then” Maria turns to Wanda, and the way she’s staring at her annoys you. You remember how she mentioned it was classified, which means she was hoping Wanda would tell you everything.

Perhaps even more information than what was found on a file. The fact is, you’re starting to feel used, and nothing annoys you more than being used.

“The short story is…” Wanda’s voice trembles, her accent rolling out like it always does when she gets nervous or pissed off. “I lost control and created a weird… I don’t know, reality. Some people got trapped in it as well”

“A whole town” Maria interjects.

“Well, I didn’t know I could do that. Agatha was also manipulating a lot of the things inside the hex” Wanda defends herself.

You push yourself off the kitchen counter, kneeling next to Wanda.

“Did you kill anyone?”

“No”

“Did you do any of it on purpose?”

“No, I didn’t… I was so upset”

You can guess where this is going. Wanda was gone with the snap, but Vision was killed before that. So she was thrown back into reality, without warning, without a second to mourn.

The way Yelena was. 

“What did you do to upset her?” you turn to Maria.

“Me? Nothing”

“Not you, specifically. The government”

“They didn’t let me see him” Wanda says in a small voice and it is only now that you remember how young she actually is. “He didn’t even get a proper burial. He saved the world once, you know?”

To be honest, you were never a big fan of Vision. Maybe it was the fact you were born in the 1920s and some technology just rubbed you the wrong way. But he was always one to fight alongside you. 

“See? I knew you did something”

“Ok, we’re getting a little off topic now” the agent crosses her arms.

Maria was definitely hoping you’d take her side. It’s interesting, how five years of being gone can throw people off their game so easily. They’re missing so much information, and so much context that there are blind spots everywhere.

“What’s the topic, then?” you ask, standing up and staying by Wanda’s side.

“Hayward is still on the run. We worry he might try to find you. He knows about this safe house and it isn’t that far from Westview, so…”

“We’ll move. I know a place that’s not on his radar”

“The android…”

“Vision?” you say, confused.

“No. There was… another one. Hayward built him. Used my magic to make him sentient” Wanda says, looking at her hands. 

“There’s a possibility that he comes back. And we don’t know if it’s friendly or not. Maybe Barton could help”

“I’m not on speaking terms with Barton” you cut her off. “If he’s willing to help, then he can take care of them while I go find Hayward”

“We’d rather you didn’t”

“Afraid I’m going to kill him?” you say with a smile.

“Well, yes”

“Yeah, he deserves it” you hold Maria’s stare. Yet another thing she doesn’t know about.

“That’s besides the point. FBI wants him locked up. If you kill him…”

“If they find out I killed him”

Like you haven’t done countless hits on behalf of the government, assassinations that were staged to look like perfect accidents. What’s one more? And against someone who actually deserves it.

“I don’t like where this is going” Wanda interrupts, looking up at you. You can see she’s shaken up, and that shuts you up real quick. “We’d rather stay with Y/N”

“Sleep on it” you say. “Barton knows you, he’s got kids that could play with yours. It may be safer to stay with them” 

Once again, Wanda stares at you, but you look away. Why would it be so hard for you to just drop her off at Barton’s and call it a day? Make it someone else’s problem.

But it’s not something you want to drop. If you can help, you’ll do it. 

“Sleep on it” you ask again, smiling. Wanda nods, standing up and Maria gets up. “Come on, Hill”

“You sure you’re not compromised? One pout and you were questioning your choices” she says on the way out.

“I’m sure”

“I told Fury, this could go wrong. You always had a soft spot for a beautiful woman with a sad story” she tries to joke, but you don’t laugh.

She's not exactly wrong.

In spite of everything, you trust Maria and Fury to do the right thing, though their methods can be questionable. You promise to be in contact as soon as you find a safe spot, and watch as she climbs in her motorcycle and drives away.

To your surprise, Wanda’s back in the kitchen, chewing on her thumb.

“You should get some rest”

“I don’t need to sleep on it. It would be better… I want us to stay with you. I’d feel safer”

“Ok” you nod, hiding your hands in the pockets of your jeans. You’re about to bring up the kiss when Wanda walks out of the room, wishing you goodnight.

It’s probably for the best.

—

The forest looks beautiful at break of dawn. The cool, clear night is followed by a misty morning, the first rays of sun trying to break through the heavy fog.

You didn’t sleep at all. The mention of Hayward left you restless. You know him and what he’s capable of doing. If he’s really after Wanda, better to not leave anything to luck. He won’t hurt her or her children. Not on your watch.

The bedroom is quiet, both kids glued to Wanda’s side. You kneel, admiring her sleeping figure for a moment. A strand of auburn hair covers her eyes, and you can’t resist the urge to push it back.

“Wanda” you say, hoping she won’t get scared. You almost want to laugh at the groan she lets out. “We have to move. Come on”

“Five more minutes”

“You can sleep in the car” you promise. Once she opens her eyes, Wanda looks around the room, rubbing the sleep off of them. Then, she focuses back on you, smiling.

“Hey”

“Hi, witchy”

“Don’t call me that”

You laugh at her readiness to fight, even when she just woke up. The kids stir in their sleep, and you stand up, carrying them all the way to the car, giving Wanda a chance to get cleaned up and changed.

She leaves the cabin a few minutes later, looking back.

“Food? Money?”

“I packed everything, don’t worry” you reassure her. You walk around the car to open the passenger door for her, and she can’t hide her smile when she walks past you, lingering a bit to stay close to you. You’re surprised to notice she falls asleep as soon as you start the car.

You drive for an hour, looking around for any cars following you. The road is empty, though. Still, you don’t relax until you choose a little battered road, the car swaying with each bump.

By the time you park close to a cliff, Wanda and the kids are awake.

“Where are we?” Tommy asks, and you smile at him.

“On an adventure” you wink. Opening the trunk of the car, you pull out four backpacks. They’re full of provisions, money, and in your case, weapons.

Each one takes their own bag, their plushie serving as an ID. Wanda laughs softly as she looks at the big purple axolotl, remembering how you insisted on getting it for her.

“Can we eat now?” Billy asks.

“Depends, do you get dizzy when you’re flying?”

“I’ve never flown before”

“I’d rather we save the trouble of throwing up in the small plane” you turn to Wanda. “But you decide”

“Have a small snack, kids”

You nod, pointing at the direction you have to take. It will only be five minutes until they find the aircraft. As they walk away, you turn to the car, pushing it over the cliff. It rolls down easily, and crashes against the bottom a minute later. It’s best to cover your tracks.

The kids stare in awe at the small plane, while you look for the keys under one of the wings. After opening the door, you stand by it, helping them up and waiting for Wanda to hoist her up by her waist. 

“Can you give us a little push?” you ask, referring to her magic. She nods, tendrils of red extending outside and moving the aircraft forward.

“You sure this thing will hold?” she asks and you nod, smiling at her.

“It’s just a short ride”

45 minutes at best, and you enjoy every second of it. It was one of your favorite things during missions and the team always knew you’d fly anywhere when the Quinjet was involved. Not only did you have a natural talent, but the feeling of being above everything, crossing the sky; that was very liberating for you.

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the view, too. The sun isn’t too high, and the mist is still lifting from the ground. You begin to let go of the tension of the past few days, recognising the path that will take you back to a safe space.

“Everything ok?” you turn to look at Billy and Tommy, and they nod, looking excitedly out the window, pointing at the mountains and the water of the river that glisten with the sunrays.

“You might wanna go back with them. It’s not gonna be the best landing” you warn Wanda and she goes to the backseat, casually drapping her hands around their shoulders. She wants to hold them, without raising any alarm bells about her sudden proximity. 

Truth be told, even if you are a little rusty, you touch ground almost perfectly, smiling at them when the dust settles.

“It’s going to be a bit of a walk from here, but we can take a break by the river and eat something” you say, the kids jumping out of the plane and going straight to running around the trees. “Need any help?”

“Yes, please” Wanda says, and you hold your hand out. Once she takes it, you pull her over your shoulder, making her yelp.

“Ass” she mutters when you put her down.

Except there’s no annoyance in her tone, not this time. You smile back, leading her around the path to a small clear. You hand over sandwiches and some chips, while Wanda’s backpack has water and juice boxes for the kids. For your part, you take out a flask, enjoying the taste of scotch.

“Must you really?” Wanda says and you shrug your shoulders. 

When the kids are done, they approach the edge of the lake, throwing rocks and playing with the water. You are leaning back on a log, watching them with a relaxed expression on your face. Between the warmth of the sun, the sound of the water running down the mountains and the fact you didn’t get any sleep, you’re dozzing off in the middle of the mountain. And then Wanda breaks the silence.

“Why aren’t you speaking to Clint?”

“He was one of the idiots that convinced Natasha to go on that god damn mission” after a beat you add. “If Stark wasn’t dead I’d kill him myself. Rogers’ too old now. That would be a bit of a dick move”

“Were you blipped as well?”

“Nope. After you escaped from the Raft I was captured and taken to a secret facility. They thought I was their best bet to get to you so they tried to brainwash me. Didn’t work. By the time they figured it out, they stuffed me in a cryo chamber. Rhodes found me by chance two years ago”

“So you did see Natasha. Before…”

“I was screwed up beyond repair. Angry at everyone. And she was ridden with guilt over failing the world. But yeah, on top of being pissed at everyone, I’m pissed at myself for not stopping her. Then she’d still be alive”

But I’d be gone. And I wouldn’t have Tommy and Billy.

Of course. You’d choose Natasha over Wanda. Was that even a question? And how stupid of her to think she could have a chance.

But when Wanda looks at you, you’re just staring straight ahead, not bothering to apologize or correct yourself.

You said it loud and clear, you’d be happier if Natasha didn’t bring her back. She misses your shocked expression when she stands up, walking to the kids and telling them to get ready for the rest of the road.

“Which way?” she says, ready to lead them. You point at the river. You have to follow it all the way down to where it turns into a lake, and then you’ll be closer to your destination.

Wanda nods and turns away from you, making sure her kids are right behind her.

You try to catch up, make small talk. But you kinda get the hint when she pushes a branch out of her way, only to drop it right into your face a second later.

So, she’s back to hating you.

The steep terrain gives way to more gentle slopes, the valley broadening as you make your way down. In spite of Wanda’s renewed dislike for you, you try to enjoy the view. It’s been a while since you’ve taken this road.

“Are we almost there?” Billy says, getting exhausted. 

“Yeah. Just 30 more minutes or so. Come on, climb on my back” you offer, and he’s happy to take you up on it. Tommy seems to be doing fine, running around with abandonment and testing the limits of his speed.

True to your word, a half an hour later you stop at the floodplain. 

“What now? Are we supposed to keep walking forever? Is that your great plan?” Wanda says, arms on her hips. 

“We’ll cross the river and then we’ll be almost there” you answer, trying to keep your cool.

Even if she’s being unreasonable, you really don’t want to go back to being at each other’s throats.

“How are we even supposed…?”

“Jesus, don’t you have magic, Maximoff?” you finally snap. 

“You’re right. Come, kids”

Sure enough, it takes a small amount of her power to help them cross, and she smiles as you stay on the other side, rolling your eyes. The current is a bit strong, but not enough to drag you. Water is freezing cold, and you try not to show how uncomfortable you feel when it gets to your knees.

Five minutes later, you’re on the other side, avoiding Wanda’s stare.

Maybe this is a really bad idea, but it’s too late to back down now. 

You pull a small boat from a hiding place, gesturing for them to get inside before you push it in the water. 

“We’ve never been on a boat before” Tommy says, excited at the idea of being surrounded by water. You smile at him, enjoying how the current is taking you back home, the wind steady and soft as you steer the boat through the path you know too well.

You prefer to fly, but sailing is a close second and you’ve managed to do both in one day. That’s a win in your book, no matter how bitchy Wanda gets.

A spalsh of water that goes straight to your face lets you know she heard that.

Idiot.

It takes you by surprise. Clear as day, her voice in your head. 

You turn around, considering if you should throw her overboard. With a sigh, you decide it would be too much trouble to take care of the boys alone.

“Home, sweet home” you say as you finally approach the small wooden pier, smiling at the familiar sight of the hill that leads you to a place you love.

“Where are we?” Billy says, following you out of the boat. Tommy watches as you tie the rope to keep it there, the small movement making it hard for Wanda to stand up and jump out.

Even if it would be really funny to see her fall, you decide to be the bigger person, reaching for her and carrying her out of the boat.

“I am doing fine”

“Sure, princess”

“Let go of me”

Once again, she moves the conversation to your mind.

Savage.

What does it take to shut that mouth of yours?, you think.

And then, unexpectedly, your mind goes to the filthiest place it can think of. The image of Wanda, on her knees, her mouth open as you sink your strap deep in her throat.

“Out of my head” you yell when Wanda gasps. 

“I hate you” Wanda mutters, trying to free herself from your grip, hoping you won’t notice how much she’s blushing right now.

The sudden movement makes the boat rock back and forth, and before you can react, you’re both falling into the water.

“See what you did!” 

“I was trying to help, you pushed me!”

“Shut up or I’m drowning you, Y/N” Wanda says, swimming to the shore.

You stay back, sinking underwater and letting out a scream. 

Wanda saw that.

Fucking god damn it.

—

As punishment, you take the coldest shower, banging your head against the bathroom tiles over and over again.

Where the fuck did that come from?

You know what, you don’t even want to know. Doesn’t matter. It’s been a while for you, you live alone… it doesn’t mean anything.

Nothing at all.

Whatever.

As you step out of your bathroom, and change into some comfortable clothes -and God, how good it feels to have your own stuff again, you look around the room. It feels as if it’s been longer, instead of a couple of days. But also, it’s been a while since you were on a mission.

If you could even call it that.

By the time you walk out of your bedroom and down the stairs, you catch sight of Wanda, examining the pictures on the wall.

Most of them are with Natasha, or other Avengers. She sees herself in one of them, and she remembers that mission. How Natasha almost died, and you practically ripped in half the man that tried to shoot her.

“Fun times” you comment, eyes landing on that same picture. Of course you remember. “Had a big argument that night, told Natasha it always felt like she was going out of her way to get herself killed”

“Weren’t we all? Taking too many risks. As if they had to prove something to the world” Wanda sighs.

“The world doesn’t give a shit about us, so I don’t see why…”

“I’m sorry” Wanda says suddenly, turning to look at you. “For your loss. I never got around… I never told you”

“I’m sorry for your loss too” you smile softly, looking at the rest of the pictures, avoiding her eyes. “They should have let you see him. At the very least”

“He doesn’t even have a grave”

“Hers is empty” you say, swallowing.

The only time you spoke to Clint, was to get him to tell you everything. How it happened. You punched him square in the face, called him a fucking coward and left.

That was that.

“Thought I saw some movement” a man says, knocking on the door.

Wanda jumps, but you place your hand in her waist, easing her nerves.

“Hey, Sykes. I was back sooner than I expected. How’d she do?”

“Let me feed her, that’s about it. She’s a stubborn one”

“Yeah, I have my share of those” you comment, sneaking a glance at Wanda. “Wanda, this is Sykes, my neighbor”

“Neighbor? I didn’t see another property in miles” Wanda comments, accepting his hand.

“Yeah, that’s right. Y/N here has a big land. Lets us use it for some crops, though. Least I can do is look after the horse and the pup when she’s gone. Speaking of which” he turns, whistling.

A black and white dog comes sprinting through the door, straight to your arms. 

“Hey, monster!”

“Puppy!” Tommy and Billy come back that very moment, and Riley is all too happy to play around them.

“See ya around, have a good one” Sykes says goodbye and you wave your hand, sighing happily.

“Wanna take a tour of the place? We can see the ducks by the pond”

Billy and Tommy cheer, and you turn to look at Wanda. She shakes her head no, claiming the journey was a little too exhuasting for her.

You nod, telling her to make herself at home, taking the kids around the very big farm.

Wanda’s tired, but also a bit restless. She never imagined you’d be living in a place like this. The house seems very old, but not worned down; the slightly different color of the painting told the story of recent renovations. Judging by the tools and materials in the shed, it was all done by you. 

There’s a large dining room, a living room and in the far corner of the first floor, a study. Wanda walks in, noticing that the walls are covered in books, some paintings and old pictures scattered around.

She opens a picture book, taken aback by the sight of you, at least fifty years ago. She notices how time passes for the people around you, wrinkles and grey hair appearing more frequently. But you’re the same. 

Was this your family home? And if so, what happened to the other people?

She must have spent more time than she thought inside the study, because you come back a while later, calling for her.

“Hey” you say, surprised to see her leaving the study.

“I shouldn’t have, I’m sorry”

“No, that’s fine. I’m just going to the grocery store, there’s nothing here. Need anything?”

“The usual, to cook us something”

“I was thinking I could prepare dinner tonight. If that’s fine by you” you say with a small smile.

“Right, you need to make it to taste it” 

“Just wanted to do something nice” you say.

Wanda nods, averting your gaze. Of course. She doesn’t mean to be rude, but you make it so hard to keep her distance.

One minute you’re offering to make dinner, the next you’re implying that you wish she was still gone.

You take her silence as your cue to leave, telling the kids to stay back with their mother.

“Riley will give you a run for your money, kids. I can never get her tired” you say, offering your dog’s favorite ball.

As you pull out of the driveway, you find that the sight of the two kids playing, while Wanda sits on the porch steps, laughing and calling out for them… it’s not unpleasant.

You told yourself you were done. Alone was better, alone meant no risks.

And now, you wonder.

Did you really mean it? 

[tojikai]

Sundered (Alt. Ending): CRUSH

Pairing: Gojo x reader - Toji x reader (this part)

• Part 1  |  Part 2   | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Alt. Ending

Sundered+ (COMMISSION)

Genre: Angst

tags/cw: angst, babydaddy!gojo, babymomma!reader, motherhood, insecurities, arguments

word count: 5.8k

a/n: here it is! (it's late, sorry. not proofread too😭) im forever grateful to you all who waited and supported the sundered series and for supporting my other stories too. i cant do much but this means so much. ily.

If you never talk to him again, he will miss you forever.

“Do I not deserve it?” You asked him, almost flinching at your words when you promised yourself you’d never ask anyone that. Toji sighed, taking both of your hands and bringing them to his lips. “Not this. You deserve more than this. You deserve to be genuinely happy without sacrificing anything, without feeling spent.”

Your brows furrowed, trying to contain another flood of tears threatening to overflow from your already swollen eyes. Why does it always have to be so hard when it's you? When it was Satoru who tried to move on, he did with Naomi. You wouldn’t say it was a breeze for them but you just know it was never this hard.

Naomi and Satoru stayed together for a year, being the family you couldn’t give your child. And now you, you couldn’t even make it work with Toji. Why do you always have to feel stuck? Why does he refuse to take your hand and pull you out of this void that is slowly sucking you down?

Along with these thoughts, you felt a squeeze in your hand. “Y/N?” Toji called, “Y/N, it’s gonna be alright.”  No, it’s not, you thought. The roof of your mouth tastes bitter against your tongue; so bitter that it burns. “It’s not. But it’s alright. I just don’t want you to feel burdened with this, alright?” You reached up to his face, eyes wandering.

“I’m sorry.” You felt selfish. You felt so selfish for not thinking about how this void of yours could pull him down with you instead of him pulling you up. You felt so selfish for wanting him to keep hurting just so you could feel safe. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this, I didn’t realize it would be this hard on you too.” Your throat feels tight all of a sudden.

You stepped away from him, sniffing as you wiped your tears away. You couldn’t remember what else he said, you couldn't remember how you ended up in that room alone, crying as you clutched your chest, blaming yourself for wearing out such a good man.

You couldn’t remember, or more like you chose not to carve into your memory how that day ended. The only image you can see in your head is how he cuddled you to sleep, woke you up to eat with him and the kids, and went home. You remember him saying that they could always visit. And you hated yourself for doubting him.

Now you smooth out the bed, rearranging the pillows and gaslighting yourself that you’ve been the only one sleeping on it all this time just so it wouldn't feel so unfamiliar. You changed the sheets and prayed you wouldn’t wake up in the middle of the night, reaching for the man you love. 

And the fact that this wouldn’t be the first time that you would do so…

You remembered how you would wake up and break down at midnights during the first few months of your separation from Satoru, weeping as you ran to your daughter’s crib just to remind yourself to be stronger, locking your phone away to not call and embarrass yourself in front of him and his then-new girlfriend again.

You heard the sound of the video your daughter was watching as she sat on the bean bag in the corner of your room. “Mama, look it.” You heard her tiny footsteps tap the floor as she ran to you, holding the phone out. The screen flashed with Toji’s caller ID, “Thank you, baby.” You kissed her cheek as you picked her up to sit her on your lap. 

“Yeah?,” You answered, hearing a sigh from the other end. You pulled your toddler closer to you just as she started to move near the edge of the bed. You that your voice didn’t sound hoarse at all. You didn’t cry as hard as you did with Satoru, but it was painful enough that you had to pause some chores just so you could think of a solution to fix it. 

You doubted there was a fix and if there was, you felt like Toji would only be trying out of pity for you.

You’re tired of that. You don’t want people to feel sorry for you anymore. You feel like you’ve been nothing but pitiful every year of your life. Your dad gave up on you and your mother, your baby daddy gave up on your relationship with him and now you feel like you caused Toji to give up on you too. 

Your brows bumped together at the thoughts and you were quick to shake your head, hoping it would shed off the searing pain in your chest as well. You can't have self-pity when you have a child. You’re determined to be better for her. Your index finger found its place on your lips, listening to your ex’s voice.

“Just wanna know how you’re doing.” You wanted to laugh, not to mock him but because you don’t really know how to explain how you feel to him. You decided to answer it from the surface, “I am okay, surprisingly.” You sniffed, hearing a sigh from the other end of the line and a tiny laugh from Megumi, probably watching something on his iPad. 

You would say it’s too early for him to call you, but this whole breakup isn’t even like the normal ones. You broke up for each other's well-being. Not because you fought, not because one of you cheated, not because you just started to hate each other. You broke up wanting only the best for each other.

“I know this is for the best.” You wanted to help Toji feel better about this decision. You could tell that there was guilt on his part. He probably feels like what he did was just an inch kinder than Satoru’s way of leaving you. That would eat him inside. The last thing Toji wants to do is shatter all your progress.

“I don’t feel the best about it.” There was no hint of amusement in his chuckle, no trace of smile in his words. You don’t even know if he meant to say he feels bad for doing this to you. You don’t want to assume that he’s not doing better away from you because you’re pretty sure he’s more relaxed now that he doesn’t have to worry about his girlfriend thinking of someone even when she’s with him. 

“Please, don’t dwell on it. I, uh, I have thought things through and it’s… it’s just getting kind of lighter for me.” You blinked away each tear that came with the lies that are flowing out of your tongue. It’s not getting any lighter. If anything, the crushing weight is still continuously pressing down on you and you know any time soon, you might break down in this phone call.

“I don’t know if I can trust your words…” Aside from the fact that it has only been a day, Toji thought back on your last conversation before you broke up. He’s well-aware of your tendencies to push all of your feelings aside  because you blame yourself for the fall of your relationship. You would probably shoulder all of this again, like you did with your separation from Satoru.

Toji isn’t all clean here but he doesn’t know how to get that to you. You can be very stubborn when it comes to these things especially when it concerns your past. It’s an unhealed part of you and Toji can’t help but feel like your previous arguments, his words to 

you and how he made you feel contributed to it rather than alleviate it.

“Toji, this isn't good for me. For us,” You’re not talking about your relationship with him but it’s about him contacting you. “I know that we’re still good, we broke up to save each other,” you laughed half-heartedly, “Our kids are friends, of course, we can’t just throw that away, but for now…” You took a deep breath.

“For now, let’s give each other space. I’m not mad at you, I could never hate you but, Toji, this isn’t helping me at all.” The crack in your voice sent a blow to Toji’s heart, “I…I want to be able to talk to you, see you and visit Megumi with Yui without feeling the guilt of letting something so good slip away so, please...” You took a deep, painful breath.

“Let’s just give each other some space. Just until I have picked myself up again.” You covered your mouth, desperate to turn away from your child who’s been starting to glance at you. Toji’s silence felt like it could squeeze you, like a soundless bubble getting smaller and smaller around you. 

“I’m sorry. I…I shouldn’t have called.” Of course, you’re not fine, Is he out of his mind? The voices in Toji’s head knocked sense into him as he realized what he did. How could he be so insensitive? Is it because he knows of his crimes, the source of his guilt and how he didn’t think it would affect him as much as it does now?

Now, even this breakup feels selfish. How could he just decide to leave when you’ve been trying so hard? He’s not different from your baby daddy—running away when they couldn’t handle the pressure, leaving you to clean up after the mess. Toji closed his eyes tight, clearing his head, begging himself to say the right words and make the correct decisions.

“I—I’m still here for you always, alright? Take care, Y/N. Kiss Yui good night for me.” He spoke slowly, fighting the loss in the empty space he’s staring at, absorbing your soft hums and apology as he continued, “I’m sorry.” I’m sorry, baby. It took every fiber in his baby not to say it like that. For your sake. And for him. 

If you never talk to him again, he will miss you forever.

You put the phone down, feeling your daughter’s head on your chest as she stared up at you. Your mother once said that children do not understand these things yet but they feel their parents’ pain when it happens. And just like that, it’s almost as if your baby girl can read you. Her eyes says that she wants to help but doesn’t know how because she doesn’t eve understand it.

“Mama sad?” Her voice was small, it’s amazing that even at her age she knows how to try and soothe you. She knows that this is not the time to be playful without even knowing the situation. All she knows is that her mother is sad and crying. “No, mama’s just tired.” You smiled at her and for the first time she seems hesitant to reciprocate it.

“Mama sleep.” She got suddenly, bouncing her way to the spot next to you as she gets into a curled sleeping position. She’s a smart child. You laid down next to her, cuddling her small frame for as long as she can sit still but it wasn’t long before she was playing again, forgetting about it all. She’s still a baby after all. But this kid right here is the one who will always pull you out of the waters.

You wished that you could forget and get over this as quickly as this baby does, You wished it would all just fly out of your mind, that you could just throw up all of the pain out of your heart. You wished that you could just dust off the broken pieces of your relationship from your clothes, that you could scrub away the pain in the shower and watch it flow down the drain.

—————————-

“Look, I know Yui’s always been our priority but if you need a bit of time for yourself, you know you can leave Yui with me.” Satoru came earlier than expected. You can tell that he’s trying to stay inside the ‘boundaries’ as he struggled to find the right words to say about your breakup with Toji.

“You should take a break from work, if you think that’s what you need, I will-“ You placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. Satoru doesn’t want to seem like he’s taking advantage of the situation, that’s the last thing he wants to do. As painful as it is to admit it, he knows that you love Toji. 

“Thanks. But it’s alright. We’re good, we’re just…not dating anymore.” You forced out a laugh, trying to make it better than how it really is. It’s clear to Satoru that you’re having a hard time. He could see it in your face, your eyes. Satoru remembered those times when he would do anything just to avoid looking at you and seeing how badly he broke you.

He was heartless for letting himself make you feel like that. He was stupid for letting you feel like that. 

“Thanks. But it’s alright. We’re good, we’re just…not dating anymore.” You let out a laugh, retracting your hand away as you reached for the towel to wipe your daughter’s food-stained cheek. “Megumi and Yui still play together, I mean they’re besties now, right?” Yui giggled at the mention of her friend.

As much as Satoru wants to have another chance with you, he just doesn’t think he would deserve it just like that. Also, he doesn’t think he can see you like this everyday. Now he wants to talk to Toji. If it’s because of his interactions with you then Satoru himself would volunteer to give the big guy the assurance he wants. 

It would be painful for Satoru but to see you so dull makes him want to give up his fight. If he even has some. His friends, mostly Shoko, already told him that he already lost all his chances. “You’re not a cat. You don’t get nine lives in this Satoru.” She would say and Suguru would quickly add “You used to have nine lives, actually. But you’re a dead man to her now.” It was playful but depressing talk but valid but…sad.

It was everything but playful to Satoru, no matter how much his friends tried to lighten up the delivery, it still felt like playing darts with his heart. Because he knows how much truth those words hold. He would smile and shake his head. His friends are never the ones to sugarcoat shit. 

After saying goodbye to  Y/N with his baby girl, Satoru can’t help but feel curious about your breakup. He’s almost a hundred percent sure that it’s Toji’s decision because of how you are right now. He doubts that you’d be the one to break it off. You’re a fighter, he knows that. He hates that you have to deal with these cowards of men who only know how to break.

But of course, Toji’s more deserving than him. That’s the bitter truth. Toji left for your good, while Satoru…just gave up on you back then. He will regret it for the rest of his life if he doesn’t get you back. 

Get you back. He felt like a villain, hoping that you were the first to initiate the split. That would give Satoru so much hope. Thinking about why you did it (if you did), taunts him into assuming that maybe you still have something with him. But this isn’t right. No. Satoru should be better than this. Your happiness comes first. Even if it’s not with him.

Satoru swallowed the rushing mix of emotions that fogged his mind as he drives. It felt like swallowing needles, allowing them to go straight to his cracking heart. It’s almost impossible now, huh, to get you back? Even when you’re single again, it still feels impossible. Why is he even imagining it?

Shaking his head, he successfully parked his car, clapping his hands as he looked at Yui through the rearview mirror. “Let’s go now, my heart~” He sing-songed and the toddler eagerly reached up to him. “Tomorrow we go back to Mama, alright? She’s kinda sad, isn’t she? We gotta rescue that!” Yui cheered with him, despite not understanding what her father was saying.

Satoru knows that he can’t meddle with your relationship with Toji, no matter how much it bothers him. The least he can do is try to brighten your mood. Without any ulterior motives, of course. This is a vulnerable time for you. He doesn’t think he can stomach trying to get in through those cracks in your heart because of your failed relationship. 

It’s not the right thing to do and that’s not what a good person who truly cares would do. He can only support you, but he doesn’t plan on taking advantage of this situation. 

—-------------------------------------------------

3 months later

It’s a blessing to be a mother. It’s hard too. Especially, when your daughter won’t allow you to have a break from your ex for more than three months. “Mama!” She screamed at the top of her lungs for the hundredth time that morning. “I just took your bag, let’s go.” You wished you could’ve taken a picture of her, standing as she held the door of her room open.

“You’re so big now, baby.” Her birthday’s in a few months and you feel like crying because it felt like you just gave birth to her yesterday and now she’s turning three. Time is a thief. You wonder if so much has changed with Toji’s life too. You wouldn’t be shocked if he’s got a new girlfriend. After all, Satoru only took a few weeks to find someone new when you broke up.

That fucking stings. You told yourself and if you weren’t holding your daughter’s hand and her bag you would physically clutch your chest. The thought of being so replaceable has been a constant in your mind since Satoru and Naomi. 

And if it happens with Toji again, you’d probably just close the table for love.  You drove to the park, a meeting place you chose for the kids. You don’t want to be in Toji’s house. You don’t think you can handle that yet. 

You wondered if you’d be greeted by some new lady with him, like how Satoru received you with Naomi’s head on his chest. What if they play with the kids instead and leave you out of place during the whole play date? Or what if they leave you to watch the kids while they get some snacks, taking their time to play couple while you wait?

What if— A knock on your window broke off your train of thoughts as you took in your surroundings. That’s right. You’ve been driving and now you’re at the part. And now Toji’s shading his eyes, his hand arched over his brows as he tried to see through your windows. “Gumi!” Yui squealed, kicking in her car seat as Megumi waved from the outside. 

Toji was holding him in one hand as his bag hang loosely on Toji’s shoulder. You rolled the windows down, gulping your anxiety as you thanked the heavens that none of the scenarios in your head came true. 

“You spaced out.” He chuckled a bit awkwardly as he smiled at you. There’s something new about him. Did he really glow up after leaving you? You almost frowned but you gave him a laugh, trying to think of an excuse as to why you’re sitting absentmindedly in your car a few minutes before meeting with your ex and his child.

“I was trying to remember if I locked our door.” You laughed, gathering your things as you stepped out. “Can I hold that for you?” Toji offered as you opened Yui’s door. You thanked him softly, trying your best to seem relaxed. You don’t know if you should be glad or worried that he’s being so cool.

It could be because he doesn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable or because he doesn’t really give two shits about your relationship with him that he doesn’t even feel uneasy meeting for the first time after you broke up. 

Or maybe because he’s already moved on to someone else, he just didn’t bring her with him because he’s a respectful man. You swore you heard a voice say it and it almost convinced you that it’s your brain that wants you dead. “Yui.” Megumi’s neck stretched as he looked over your shoulder for his best friend.

“Chill, man. Your long lost bestie will be free in a minute.” He still doesn’t fail to make you laugh. You put Yui down and watched the two kids adorably and messily hug. Now you’re glad that you taught them the importance of hugs. 

“It’s cute that they’re still comfortable with each other.” You commented, pulling at your clothes as you tried to distract yourself from checking your ex out. You’re thinking hard to figure out what changed with his look. Aside from his forehead showing as the wind played with his dark hair, 

“Let’s sit there, near the seesaw. They love that.” The kids were talking in a language only they understand, pointing at stuff before laughing as if it was the funniest thing they saw while to you, it looked like nothing. You would give everything to be a kid again. Just carefree and happy. But seeing your daughter makes you realize you wouldn’t have this any other way.

“How have you been?” He started as you sat down, hugging yourself as you looked ahead at the children. To be honest, you don’t know how to answer that. Do you tell him first that you miss him? Or do you tell him first that you got a clearer understanding of the holes in your relationship with him?

“I won’t deny that I missed you.” He chuckled leaning back. “But I did some reflecting.” He paused, glancing over to you, eyes traveling across your face. “A lot of reflecting actually.” He nodded, licking his lips. Right. That’s right, you thought, referring to his looks. Aside from his hair being longer, he looked…softer. You blinked away your thoughts, clearing your vision.

“I…I’m okay.” You don’t know how to tell him it could’ve been better if he was still with you. You wondered if your relationship problems would’ve been gone now if you didn’t break up. Would it have been better by now if you kept going? “I missed you, of course. But,” You laughed airily, “I’m getting better.”

You didn’t let your breakup with Toji affect you as a mother to Yui. But if you’re talking about yourself. You’re still trying. You have lived without Toji, of course, you can still keep going now. But your split felt like a crash from cloud nine. You’ve been so soaked with your happiness with him that when he left it felt like you were slowly getting drained and dry.

He walked you into a field of roses and when you returned to your old garden you realized how dull it was. Yui was your sunshine in those days under the dark clouds. She was a sunlight that went out of its way to bring a smile on your face. “It’ll get better.” You sighed, glancing at Toji and seeing the solemn look on his face. Does he feel sorry for you? Does he feel guilty for leaving so abruptly as your baby daddy did? Does he feel—

“It doesn’t feel any better for me at all.” Toji’s not one to hide the reality of his feelings from people he feels comfortable with. It melts your heart when you think about how he loosens up with you. It makes you feel special. Though, not special enough to fight for.

“It will. Soon.” You looked down. You know that it wasn’t his intention to make you feel as if you’re making him feel guilty for choosing his peace. But it still feels like it and you don’t know what to say anymore. I’m sorry? I’m sorry that you feel sorry for me? He nodded, smiling so softly. Charming, you thought. You feel sad for the people who don't get to see this. Yes, his smirk can make one feel things but this smile…

The day went by fast, Toji invited you to dinner since a restaurant was nearby but you politely declined. It’s not that you want to. It’s just that you have to. One thing that you learned from your heartbreak with Satoru is that the more that you see them, the deeper the shards cut. 

“My mom’s coming over for dinner. Maybe next time.” Your genuine smile contradicted the lie flowing out of your lips. It was so tempting when he looked like this, but you have to stand your ground. Next time. The two words reverberated inside Toji’s head and that was enough to push aside the disappointment he felt when you declined. 

“That’s alright. There’s always a next time.” It sounded as if he was reassuring himself, emphasizing that you’re fine with meeting him and Megumi again next time. This is enough for now. After all, he still has to reflect on a couple of things regarding your breakup. But everything always seems to be pointing him back to you. 

—————————

“Just call me when you’re ready to go, and I’ll pick you up.” Satoru’s words before he left you and Yui earlier started to get twisted inside Toji’s head. Now that Toji has let you go, Satoru’s just waiting for your go signal so he can pick you up again. He swallowed dryly, faking a smile when you looked back at him, laughing at whatever the kids did that he didn’t see.

Time flew by fast but that image of you leaning towards Satoru so that he could give his daughter a kiss as he said that to you has been stuck in Toji’s head all day. The kids were drinking juice with small towels around their shoulders. “I can, uh, I can just drive you home, you know? I mean, so that Satoru wouldn’t have to drive all the way here again.” He suggested, wiping off some of the water droplets in his son’s body.

“It’s alright, he’s already on his way anyway and he owes Yui a kitty cake that they didn’t get to buy last time.” You smiled at him, before asking to leave to give Yui a quick warm shower. Toji would’ve wanted to chat a bit more with you. Just spend more time with you. He couldn’t ask for so much of it now. It felt like it would be too much of an imposition for him to do so. 

After a couple of minutes, the doorbell rang and he placed Megumi on one of the rugs, reminding him to stay there so he won’t slip. He sighed, running to his gate, knowing that it would be Satoru and of course, since you’re still getting Yui ready, the polite thing to do is to let him sit and maybe, entertain your baby daddy a bit.

“Oh, come on in. She’s just getting Yui ready.” His voice was almost monotonous, the nod of his head was another way to be a bit more ‘friendly’ to the guy. “You a fan of iced tea?” Toji cleared his throat with Satoru following behind him. Megumi was still on the rug, staring off into space. Toji can’t help but laugh when Satoru waved a hand at his face.

“Yui Dad.” He looked up, waving his small hand despite the blank look on his face. “He really looks like you.” Satoru commented, “Except his hair.” Toji placed a pitcher on the counter, pouring a glass for the man, something he didn’t think he would ever do. “I’m glad you and Y/N are doing better,” Toji spoke after a couple of minutes of silence. 

“Yeah,” Satoru nodded, holding Megumi’s hand as he tried to walk towards Toji. “We’re getting more used to this co-parenting thing. Figured out it was healthier for all of us when we’re not constantly arguing about something.” Toji doesn’t know if it’s right to say it but it already came out of his mouth before he realized it.

“The both of you single made it better, eh?” He didn’t mean it to start something with Satoru again, it’s just that that is the first thing that popped up in his head when he heard him. “Yes and No.” Satoru answered before he could even back it up with something lighthearted. “Me being single, yes. Because Naomi was basically a wedge, one cause of the problems that used to arise between us. And no, because no problem arises directly from you regarding those arguments.” He shrugged, taking a sip before continuing. 

“Actually, I don’t even know why you broke up with her, if I’m going to be frank I trusted you with my family already, why did you even left her?” He’s saying a lot more now than before. Definitely a healthier man. And he seems like he’s back to his real self now. Toji might even assume he’s drunk if only you didn’t mention that he doesn’t handle liquor well.

“I’m not trying to guilt-trip you, alright? I want you to love her because you truly love her, but come on, man, there’s no threat.” Yui definitely takes after her father. Very talkative, Toji thought. Inhaling, he gathered his thoughts and which aspect of what Satoru has said he should focus on, “I don’t know.” Was his short answer. 

“I mean… I was worried. I don’t know if she’s really over you. I don’t want her to keep hurting by my side.” It was quiet. Satoru didn’t speak, allowing Toji to continue. “Plus, I fear that she will forever feel like she just comes second to my wife. To be honest, I feel that with her too. With you being her first.” Toji felt surprised at his honesty. He just hopes that you won’t overhear this.

“You’re the present. I’m her past.” It felt bitter for Satoru to say, “I’m starting to accept that now. I’m just contented that I can be with my daughter and that I take care of them even from the sidelines.” 

But Satoru would forever wish it didn't have to be like that. 

“I’m not playing matchmaker. I just want what’s best for her. Even if it’s not me, Toji.” He stood up, sighing as he heard footsteps coming closer. You came in struggling to carry a barefoot, laughing little girl, a towel and her bag. “Dada!” She screamed with a smile as she tries to get away from you. “You’ll slip!” You warned her and Satoru quickly went closer to take her in his arms. 

Toji sat there for a minute more, processing the man’s words. The best for you. If he’s going to ask Satoru about it, he’d say that if he has to pick someone for Y/N, Toji will be a top candidate. Aside from the fact that he’s a good man who truly cares for her, he also easily understands your situation because he has a child of his own too.

It’s safe to say that right now, you’re the only man that Satoru feels is safe to leave his daughter and baby momma with. His past mistakes and horrible decisions put him in this place and the least that he could do to make it all up to you is support you and whatever makes you happy as long as it’s good for you and his child.

“We’ll be going now, thank you, Toji.” Only then has Toji realize that he’s been staring at the three of you now and his baby boy who’s trying to hug Yui as her father puts on her shoes. “Uh, yeah. Let me walk you guys out.” He licked his lips, blinking fast as he tried to snap himself back to reality. “Come on, Megs. After this, you take a bath, alright?” He picked him up, wrapping a towel around his body.

“Come again. Please.” Satoru laughed as the little boy waved, probably worried that it would take months for his little friend to come over again. “She’ll be back soon, bro. Chill.” That’s wild, Toji thought, He just called my son ‘bro’. Before you could even get on the other side of the car, Toji has made up his mind. “Uhm, Y/N.” You looked up at him, for some reason, eyes shining with what seemed to be…hope.

“Can we come over sometime?” Megumi’s little cheer made your smile wider, nodding at them, “Of course..” You felt like a teen, worried that you answered too quickly, “Anything for that ‘gumi smile.” You played it off cool but kept your eyes on Toji the whole time. 

You didn’t hear anything about what he and Satoru talked about. But it was nice to know that they’re starting to get along. Inside, Satoru was fixing his daughter’s things, somehow glad that he couldn’t hear whatever the of two of you were talking about because no matter how happy he is for you, he’d always break into smaller pieces each time he saw you smile and look at Toji like that.

He knows. Because you used to look at him like that. 

Albeit, crossed with pain and longing, you used to look at him with so much love. Overflowing. And then, along with the tears he caused. It felt like acid in his stomach, threatening to spill out of his mouth whenever he thought of what you went through because of him. But now you’re happy. 

He didn’t know that love would show him that some people are worth being pulverized for.  

The car door opened just as he pretended to find something inside the glove compartment and he swallowed the pang in his chest at the glow on your face. “Gumi, babye! Gumi, babye!” His child screams behind him, waving her hands back at her playmate. “You ready to go?” He asked you and you hummed, glee evident even in the small sound. 

With that, the two of you waved at Toji and Megumi, pulling out of their driveway. You smiled at the shared nods between Toji and Satoru before speeding down the road to the bakery where Satoru usually buy Yui’s cakes. Your mind kept going back to Toji. Maybe you’re being delusional but you can’t help but feel like he had to gather the courage to ask you that very last-minute question. 

He feels like a…high school crush. 

And maybe he’s being a high school crush because a week later, he shows up at your doorstep dressed like a heartthrob with a kid in oversized sunglasses and a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

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[revelboo]

Scavengers with a human pet feels so natural somehow, like it could have *actually* been a thing in the comics! The humor is perfect and the dysfunctional but well meaning dynamic is too charming for words 😭🖤

They’re trying, they’re just very bad at it

Lifeless Ordinary Pt 8

Scavengers x Reader

• “Misfire said Spinister could fix your head?” Growling at the soft words and the question there, Crankcase glances at where you’re walking around on the console next to him, arms outstretched like you’re walking on a wire. It’s still strange being able to understand you, but right then he wishes he couldn’t, venting roughly. Because you’re frowning up at him. Worrying over his injury like he’s a sparkling.

• “Would you let that lunatic poke around in your head?” He growls, using a servo to push you away from a button. Like he thinks you’re going to jump on them not knowing what any of them do. “It doesn’t bother me.” Uh huh. Neither does the occasional paralysis? You’ve seen him get stuck before, had thought he was just glaring at you not realizing he was literally unable to move until Krok had told you. And as gruff as he is, you suspect it does bother him. “Don’t look at me like that,” he adds, using a servo to turn your face away. It absolutely bothers him.

• Freezing when you reach up to catch his servo and just hang onto it, arms hugging him to keep him from pulling away. “Spinister…tries,” you say, resting your warm cheek against him and he doesn’t know what to do with your easy affection. How to respond. It’s not like he’s exactly accustomed to it, even the camaraderie of the other Scavengers is still so strange to him. Big eyes stare up at him pleadingly and scooping you up, he thrusts you at Fulcrum and heads to the back of the ship. Unable to deal with you.

• “Rude,” you mutter after Crankcase with a sigh as Fulcrum holds you out at arms length in his hands, looking around for someone else to pass you to before reluctantly setting you on his own console. “You could have backed me up.” Not that you’d expected him to. While he seems to like you, he’s also fidgety about touching you or holding you. Hands moving to not quite touch you when you sit on the edge of the console as though afraid you’ll fall.

• Venting softly, he eases his hands down and looks around for anyone else to take you. The feel of your insubstantial warmth in his servos always makes him feel like he’ll break you without meaning to. “He doesn’t like me already,” he mutters, wishing you’d get away from the edge. Trying to gently push you further up the console just makes you drape yourself against his servos with a choked sound that’s almost a laugh. Half tempted to shift his servos against your middle so you make the noise again, he flinches guiltily when Spinister enters the bridge and heads right for him and you.

• “Tiny,” he says, servos reaching and some of the snarling tension in his processor eases when you stand and let him pick you up to cradle against him. Running his servos affectionately over your hair and cheek. Before noticing Fulcrum and looking around. Trying to remember why he was looking for you. He was, right? You’re in his hands so he must have been.

• “Krok wants everyone in the galley,” Misfire calls out from the doorway, venting tiredly as Spinister just stares at him, the human cupped to his masked face. “Remember? He asked you to go get Fulcrum?” He prompts. Expression still confused, Spinister drifts in the right direction, cooing at you like a sparkling. Fulcrum rising to join them. “We got a job.”

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[cremeful]

AITA FOR SLEEPING WITH MY STEP SISTER AND LYING TO MY "GIRLFRIEND" ABOUT IT ? 

• r/AmItheAsshole / 16.4M Members

My girlfriend (f25) and i (m26) did causal hookups which turned into what she calls dating and what i call keeping her around for fun. She thinks everything we do is real. the dates every other month, the love you's and whatever else comes with a real relationship.

she constantly brings up wanting to meet my family and i avoid the question more times than many because meeting my family is basically a silent confirmation that our "relationship" is serious.

i know most of you reading this is probably saying to yourselves " why not breakup with her?" and i really don't have an answer to your question.

eventually i do get sick of her asking and give in and say yes, not because i came to my senses but because I'm tired of hearing the same question every other month.

The following week comes around and we are at my place saying introductions to my parents when i notice that my little (f20) sister is nowhere to be seen and before i could ask my father her whereabouts, she is running down the stairs yelling the nickname that stuck throughout our childhood, "RAFEYYYYYY!"

let me clarify a few things before i admit to fucking my sister on the internet, she is my step sister.

the dinner goes well enough for my girlfriend to stop asking about any other family gatherings but eventually she becomes skeptical of the type of relationship me and my sister have.

she constantly brings up how my sister is to attached to me, her touches are intimate for us to just be close and my sister needs to find her own friends and stop hanging around me 24/7.

i guess you could say this is a big strain in our "relationship" due to my sister always being around. We eventually end up having an argument about it, which she questions if i ever slept with my sister.

of course i did but i won't admit it to her, what fucking idiot would admit something like that? so i lied and told her "no, she is just my sister. she acts the way she does because she never had an older brother and she trusts me more than anyone." she believed it.

rafe doesn't even know why he is confiding in random strangers on the internet about him hating his girlfriend and fucking his sister. yet that doesn't stop him from posting his half confession and from reading the comments.

Read Comments.

tophat: dude. there's no way you fucking posted this.. • original poster: you see the fucking post don't you? maybankkk: where's the rest??? • original poster: ur a loser if you think i would ever post about how i fucked my sister. i don't need sick fucks like you to get any ideas about that shit.

rafe remembers every detail about that day. he had you laid out on his bed whining and panting as he left dark red and purplish marks on your collarbones, you weakly push at his shoulders trying to get him to let up on your sensitive body but he just laughs and pins your arms down.

your hips pushed up against his thigh that is slotted in between your legs, he moves away from your collarbone, bringing his fingers up to his mouth to collect his spit and smearing it against your hardening nipples, you let out a gasp, the stimulation between your cunt pressed up against his thigh and him playing with your nipples becomes to much; you've always been so sensitive.

he pushes your hips down, " always so needy." he says it tauntingly, like you're an ungrateful child. he moves from in between your legs as you were about to protest he tells you to relax and that he isn't going anywhere.

Rafe has never been this gentle or intimate with anyone let alone his girlfriend, he should feel bad about that he is cheating on his girlfriend but how can he when he has you so desperate and clinging on for more.

he is at your side now with your legs spread open, he uses his middle and ring finger to rub circles against your clit, you moan. "yeah, you feel good sweetheart?" he says it so softly, you nod as he slots his fingers in between your folds collecting the wetness and pulling away and seeing the line of slick, " oh my god.." his voice is breathless, he brings his fingers up to his mouth and sucks on your arousal without hesitation like its the most normal thing he has done.

it was embarrassing, you were embarrassed by his actions because it was perverted, yet you don't stop him from leaning in and kissing you despite him just tasting you from your most intimate parts, he groans deepening the kiss, pressing his pelvis up against your unclothed cunt. your hands find their way into his hair, fingers become entangled as he begins to rock his hips up and down; dry humping you.

you beg him to take his boxer off so you can "feel him better" and that you "just want to be close to him" and who is he not to give you what you want? as he removes his boxers, he hears you asking if you can be on top of him.

so here you are, on top of your step brother with his cock slotted in between your dripping cunt like it belongs there. you look down to see where you two are connected and smile, "so cute, you like the way we look together huh?" rafe says it so softly as he puts his hand on your hips and guides you back and fourth, you watch as his cock disappears into your cunt and his tip bumps into your clit.

rafe is sure this is how he dies, from dry humping his step sister. the grip he has on your hips tighten as he moves your hips faster. you gasp, the burn in your stomach comes to quick, he just sat you on his cock and you're already about to cum from a few love taps by the tip of his cock. you cry out, the grip on his shoulder becomes tighter, you shake your head trying to convince yourself not to cum but rafe knows you to well " awe, come on baby. its okay, make your big brother proud."

indeed you did make him proud. so no rafe doesn't feel bad for lying to his girlfriend nor does he feel bad for giving you the intimacy and love that he is supposed to be giving his "girlfriend".

[stillness-in-green]

Some thoughts on The Discourse about the last BNHA cover

(Note: This Discourse was on Twitter. I don’t know how much of this may have been said here on Tumblr, so consider this either my contribution or just me reporting back on drama from other fronts.)

So, I saw a lot of back and forth over there between people who didn’t like the cover and people who did, and I spent a little while mulling it over. It seemed to me that the people who didn’t like it had a good point, but one they were not articulating particularly well, possibly thanks to the character limit and possibly also because the people talking about it tended to phrase their objections in sarcastic, consciously exaggerated terms because that’s the language months and months of dealing with the truly insufferable Horikoshi Defense Squad on Twitter primed them to use.

So what is the point?  Basically this: In going for the lazy/easy callback in both the cover design and Dai (plate-hair kid)'s role in the final chapter more generally, Horikoshi landed on an "everything comes full circle" ending when what the story desperately needed was an indicator of change.

We didn't need to know that a kid with low self-confidence and nothing to speak of in the quirk department can still become a Pro Hero if he[1] wants to.  We already knew that because it's what the whole story of BNHA was about!  Deku passing the torch/paying it forward is nice if all you care about is Deku's personal arc, but it's sheer reductiveness if you care about literally anything else.  If there was going to be a kid getting Deku's encouragement and help at the end, if that's the ending Hori was absolutely set on, it shouldn't have been the Deku Redux kid; it shouldn't have been the weak kid who has already been metaphorically proven capable of becoming a Hero.

1: And of course it would be a boy.

It should have been the troubled kid, the one from the bad family situation, the one who isn't sure whether he even believes in this Hero thing.  It should have been the kid who, if nothing about Hero Society had changed, would’ve been rejected by the whole corrupt system—in so many words, the Tenko Redux kid.  That's the one who we saw could not become a Hero under the previous system.  That's who we needed to demonstrate the system's improvement.

Instead, all we get is Deku helping himself.  And it fits, I guess, because “himself” is the only sort of person Deku ever wanted to save anyway—remember that in the very first chapter, Deku tells All Might that he wants to be a Hero because he was never “saved” as a kid and so he thinks saving is the coolest thing ever.  Implicitly, then, Deku wanted to be the kind of Hero who could have saved the kid he was, and that tendency to reserve his compassion for people he can recognize himself in—the crying children and the Hero wannabes—is consistent throughout the series.  Dai, then, simply becomes the very last of these examples, the chance for Deku to tell his middle school self that he, too, can be a great Hero.

And that’s quite a choice, isn’t it?  Take a second to consider the implications there. The metaphorical parallel Deku helps is his middle school self, not his childhood self—there’s no evidence that Dai was bullied on the same level young Izuku was, and we sure didn’t see anyone telling him to jump off a roof.  So, who does save those children, then, in this grand, improved version of Hero Society?  Does anyone?

Well, not really. Not that we’re shown. Indeed, the child who was the closest analogue to young Izuku—a weak and seemingly quirkless boy who stuck his neck out for other rejected children, who still stubbornly wanted to be a Hero despite a parent's disapproval—was Tenko, and Deku pointedly did not save him.

To be clear, I don’t mean that just in the sense that Deku failed to save the adult Tenko became, but even in the emotional sense that the series clearly wants me to believe Deku succeeded at, the saving of the boy's heart? I don’t think Deku even managed that.  Sure, he might have protected the echo of that child from a few memories, might have held his hands for a few exchanges of dialogue, but then the boy transformed back into the form of the Villain he'd become and was swallowed down the spiritual maw of the man from whom society failed to save Tenko to begin with! And what was Deku doing as this happened? Absolutely nothing but yelling impotently as he got blown backward and out of the mindscape.

Imagine that Deku had found some way to cheer up Izumi Kouta only for Muscular to kill the kid thirty seconds later.  No one would be saying, “I think Deku still saved him—his heart, anyway,” if Deku got Kouta to smile and admit that Heroes were actually pretty cool only to do nothing but scream helplessly as he watched Muscular pulverize Kouta’s ribcage with one gentle squeeze.[2]

2: Mind you, this comparison is flawed!  Unlike AFO’s vestige, Muscular doesn’t turn up to kill a child as a direct result of Deku’s own actions. Also unlike the events of the final battle, Deku doesn't jump up and personally administer the killing blow to the still-screaming victim, either.

It just leaves me thinking about some of the stuff @codenamesazanka has said about how the narrative treats Shigaraki and Deku helping him: not as something Deku has a duty to do, not something Hero Society on the whole owes Shigaraki (and all the other metaphorical expy/future Shigarakis), but rather a bonus, a nice extra, a demonstration to shine up Deku's Hero cred because he's making efforts no one else would bother with and that no one would reasonably expect him to make. It's not Deku’s job to save the Tenkos or the young Izukus of the world; apparently that just falls to society at large.

So then, what was the point of making Tenko/Tomura such an extreme case of someone who started in a similar place to Deku?  Why make him, also, a weak kid who was told he couldn't be a Hero, if you're not going to have Deku save him in the way no one saved Deku himself?

From where I'm sitting, the answer is, "It seemed like a good idea to Horikoshi at the time, but proved to be poorly thought out."  But if Deku failing to save his own closest childhood analogue was where the story was going the whole time, then Shigaraki should never have been used to parallel Deku to begin with.  It's just a damned waste of Shigaraki as a character, an insult to everything he represented, to use him for ~the parallels~ throughout the entirety of the story except the very beginning and the very end.

Anyway, Pro Heroes are bullshit and the ending should have been them being radically reconceived from the ground up with input from all the people they failed to save.  But again, if you have to still have Heroes-qua-Heroes at the end, and you have to have some stupid thematic echo because you as an author think callbacks are the single most compelling storytelling tool of all time, then everything we got on Dai should have been for Scissors-kun instead, and here I am very much including Dai's scene before the first war. An unsettling scene of a strange child with his mouth sewn shut, stuck in a straitjacket in a dark room should have been the last thing we saw before launching into the day of the raids, an apparent element for the future in the same way that so many future Villains were first shown in the wake of Stain's arrest.

See, Shigaraki’s own destructiveness is what ultimately frees Scissors-kun from the basement, “saving” this rejected, abused child in a way no Hero ever managed or even knew to try, just as Shigaraki brought light and a strange sort of hope to the lives of so many others whom Heroes failed.  However, Shigaraki couldn't carry his ambitions through to the end. He was never able to meet the kid he indirectly saved, never able to offer that appallingly abused victim an avenue for his signature brand of rough justice. Heroes stopped him from doing so. So then, who will help Scissors-kun?

If we’re to believe that the story's protagonist has made a real difference, that Deku and his classmates have changed the world for the better, then we don't need to see them helping a kid who we already know is going to turn out fine because “he” aleady did. We need to see them help the people that previously only Villains would have helped, picking up the torch they struck from Shigaraki’s hands.

So sure, keep the scene with Granny Evil and Scissors-kun if you must, to show that it’s not only Heroes but also the broader Hero Society that’s changed. After that, though, show Deku stepping in.  Show him taking an interest in this kid as a way to keep his promises—to Shigaraki, that the rejection and obliviousness that he sought to destroy have indeed been destroyed and will remain so, and to Spinner, that Deku will remember Shigaraki for the rest of his life. 

When Deku is older and in a position to give advice to a kid who’s floundering and uncertain of what to do with his life because of what people around him say about him, make that character echo the characters the old system failed to save, not the character who the entire story proved would do just fine.

For god's sake, ditch Deku Redux.

Now, I know the obvious rejoinder here: We can’t use Deku’s story to say that BNHA already showed us that Dai would be fine because Dai has a quirk where Deku did not, therefore Deku’s path would not be open to Dai.  To this, I would reply that neither Deku nor Dai specify that Dai wants/is able to be a top Hero, merely that he be the kind of Hero people can admire—which the story has also already proven true!

Ojiro got into UA with nothing but one (1) extra limb.

Manual has a perfectly middling quirk that turned out to be absolutely crucial in two different wars because it was the right quirk at the right time.

Wash’s quirk makes strong bubbles. 

Like, this list is not short.  Manifest Plates might or might not make Dai Hero Billboard material, but one of the major points of the endgame was the sublime and noble value of helping when you can, in the way that you can.  So to reiterate, we didn’t need that to be proven again in the epilogue.

If anything, going the route of retreading the same story makes the epilogue much worse! Not only do we not get to see how this society is helping the people the old society most profoundly failed—victims who fall through the cracks and become Villains—but in seeing yet another a weak kid being mocked for his heroic aspirations, we find that we’ve barely moved a step beyond the exact same place we started.

That’s the message Horikoshi chose to go with, for both the closing chapters of the story and the story’s final volume cover.  Truly, as art that summarizes the story goes, it’s a masterful choice!  And that's the whole problem. The cover of Volume 42 is a perfect illustration of the self-absorbed, cynical, cyclical nature of BNHA's endgame. Little wonder, then, that it's hated by the same people who hated said endgame.

[stevie-petey]

dibs

“Jinx!” Again, they say this at the same time. They both groan, and without any other words, they jump into an intense game of rock, paper, scissors.  “One, two, three!” Steve holds out a rock, Robin does as well, and the two teens almost strangle one another.  They try again, this time they both land on paper, and Robin throws her head back in frustration. “I’m not good at math, but this cannot be statistically possible.”

Summary: do the laws of dibs still apply if steve and robin see you at the same time ???

Rating: general, some swearing

Warnings: swearing, fem!reader, use of y/n

Words: 1.4k

Before you swing in: this is for my beloved val (@southelroy), and i was so excited to try my hand at writing robin and steve together <3 this is a very silly fic, not at all meant to be realistic or serious, and it isnt proofread so pls enjoy n beware !

-

According to the ancient rules of “dibs”, the first person who sees the desired one has the rightful claim of dibs. Anyone else present during this time must obey this sacred rule, respecting the fact that the other has laid claim first. It’s an old, ancient tradition, held up for centuries through faithful friendships. 

It’s a solid system, really.

Except Steve and Robin see you walk into Family Video on the same day, at the same time, together. 

You walk in, hair slightly wet from the rain and your eyes bright, and smile at the two of them shyly. Setting down your umbrella, you unbutton your raincoat and look around the store. “Sorry, is it okay if I hide out in here for a bit? My umbrella broke and I really don’t feel like catching a cold.”

Steve and Robin stare at you, wide eyed and in shock. They’ve never seen you before, they surely would’ve remembered your face if they had, and their brains short circuit simultaneously. 

When they don’t say anything, you cautiously walk up to the counter and laugh nervously. “Uh, hello? I can leave, if that’s what you’re trying to say.”

“No!” Steve shouts, panicked that the word “leave” has left your very pretty and pink mouth. When you flinch at his raised voice, he quickly clears his throat and lowers his voice. “I–uh, I mean… No, no. You can stay–please! I mean, if you don’t mind, ‘cause, ya know, it’s raining–”

“What my coworker here is trying to say is that you can definitely stay.” Robin interrupts, admiring the way the raindrops in your hair seem to form a halo. “In fact, why don’t you have a look around? We have plenty of movies.”

You smile at Robin, which she practically melts seeing. “Thanks, you guys are lifesavers. I’m here visiting my cousin, and he said I should stop by anyways.”

“What, do we know him?” Steve asks, finally finding his voice again. 

“His name is Dustin Henderson, if that helps. He’s a freshman at Hawkins, said he stops here sometimes–”

“Dustin Henderson is your cousin?” Steve and Robin say at the same time, completely taken aback. 

You laugh. “Ya know, I’ve gotten that a lot since being in Hawkins. I take it he’s well known?”

“Oh, he’s definitely well known.” Robin snorts, thinking about how many people would scream at the idea of more Hendersons running around the world. 

But if they’re anything like you, then Robin thinks she’d love to be invited to a Henderson family reunion. Immediately. 

“Well,” you smile again at the two teens, amused by their weird dynamic. You can see why Dustin likes them so much. “Since I’m stuck here for a while and I promised Dustin I’d get a movie, I’m gonna take a look around as suggested.”

You pause, now realizing you haven’t asked for their names, and you gasp. “I’m so sorry! What are your names? I feel horrible for not even asking.”

“You could never do any wrong,” Steve sighs dreamily, leaning against the counter in what he hopes is a cool looking pose. “I’m Steve, Steve Harrington.”

He sticks his hand out for you to shake, which you accept with a slight giggle. He’s odd, but incredibly endearing even if he’s currently standing against the counter like a middle-aged man. “I’m Y/N Henderson.” 

Robin, sensing what Steve is trying to do, hip checks the boy so that he falls onto the ground. “And I’m Robin Buckley, the better half of this duo.”

Like hell she’s going to allow him to flirt with you. 

Her declaration makes you laugh, even as poor Steve groans on the floor in pain. You wink at her, amused by her charm, and start to walk towards the movie aisles. “Oh, I believe that.”

Steve scrambles back up, and the second you’re out of earshot, he and Robin immediately shout at the same time, “Dibs!”

“Jinx!” Again, they say this at the same time. They both groan, and without any other words, they jump into an intense game of rock, paper, scissors. 

“One, two, three!” Steve holds out a rock, Robin does as well, and the two teens almost strangle one another. 

They try again, this time they both land on paper, and Robin throws her head back in frustration. “I’m not good at math, but this cannot be statistically possible.”

“Okay, let’s think about this.” Steve holds a finger up to indicate that he’s speaking, which Robin scoffs at. “I saw her first, so–”

“Uh, news flash, dingus: I saw her first.”

“Were you dropped as a child? I clearly saw her first–”

“Actually,” your voice causes both Robin and Steve to turn in horror, realizing too late that you’ve been standing behind them, listening in. “You both saw me at the same time, so I’m not sure how the rule of dibs applies here.”

“We…” Steve gapes at you, speechless. 

Robin is no better, her face burns horribly. “We think… You’re pretty?”

“Well, I gathered that much.” You laugh again, and the sound is enough for both Steve and Robin to forget all their worries and admire how delicate it is. Then, holding up two dvd’s, you place them on the counter. “I’ll take these, please.”

Robin looks down at your movie selection, seeing The Breakfast Club and The Outsiders, and her heart drops. “Just… Just these?”

“Mhm,” you nod, unsure why her demeanor has suddenly changed. “Is there something wrong with my movie selection?”

Steve looks at Robin and he knows immediately what’s wrong. She absolutely hates your taste in movies, which he’s ecstatic over. He lets out a whoop and first bumps the air. “Yes! She’s mine!”

“Shut up, you moron!” Robin screeches, embarrassed and infuriated. She cannot believe that this is happening to her right now, in front of a very pretty girl, no less. Closing her eyes, Robin takes a deep breath and turns to you. “Please excuse my friend, he’s allergic to pretty girls.”

“Hey, that’s not true–”

You cross your arms at Robin, an amused smile on your face. “What’s so wrong with my taste in movies?”

“Nothing!” When you raise your eyebrow at her, Robin accepts her fate and gives in. She knows she’s done for now. “It’s just… It’s incredibly bland.”

“I happen to think your taste is impeccable, Y/N.” Steve butts in, batting his eyelashes at you for added effect.

Robin watches, with pure disgust, as it works. Steve’s charm gets you to laugh once more, and you even lean closer to his side of the counter. You place a hand on his arm. “I’m honored to have you on my side, then.”

Stupid Harrington and his stupid male species. 

While you and Steve exchange gross lovey-dovey glances, Robin rings up your movie rentals with disdain. 

“That will be $5.25, please.” She mumbles, crestfallen. 

You tear your eyes away from Steve’s and notice the jealousy and hurt on Robin’s face. You frown, feeling bad for being the cause of this. She seems like a sweet girl, and Dustin spoke highly of her, so you know she’s someone special. Taking some cash out of your purse, you hand it to Robin and catch her eye. 

“Hey, listen to me real quick.” Robin looks up, despite not wanting to, but your eyes are too pretty not to look into. When you have her attention, you turn to Steve. “Can you give us a second?”

He looks bewildered. “What? Why?”

“If you leave now, I’ll give you my number.”

“Yes ma’am!” Steve hops over the counter and goes to sort some movies, leaving you alone with Robin. 

Once he’s gone, you lean in close to her. “I understand what you’re going through.”

Her eyes widen, terrified she’s been caught. “W–what? No, I think you’ve gotten this all wrong–”

“It’s okay,” you grab her hand, gently take it between yours. “We’re more alike than you may think, and while I’m flattered, you’re too young.”

Robin knows she should be devastated by this, but all she hears is, “So… Let’s say ten years from now, if you happen to visit Dustin again…”

You laugh, she’s got such a spark to her. “You’ll have to figure out the whole ‘dibs’ thing by then with Steve.”

“I saw you first!” Steve shouts from somewhere in the aisles, before a giant crash follows. A few seconds pass, and then, much quieter this time, he shouts, “I’m fine!”

-

⌑ writing masterlist

[harukyuu2]

♥🐍ASKING YOU ON A DATE - Y. Endo !!

Hii! thanks for all the likes in the wb posts, i didnt expect it at all so tysm ♥ if anyone wants to send request i'll be grateful

!! - Yamato Endo x reader, neutral reader, mentions of reader being like a sibling to Umemiya, Endo being a jealous and a little obsessive boy as always, maybe a little ooc !!

Endo Yamato still hated Umemiya even if a couple of weeks had happened after his fight with Takiishi. He didnt even hide it, when they were invited to a stupid hangout on Furin, his side eye was BIG and the one from Tsubakino more.

But he couldnt care less about it. He always had to find a way to distract himself from those "hangouts"—after all, he wasnt really part of that little world Umemiya and Takiishi had created. He always found fun in following Sakura around and teasing him, but it seemed the gods had blessed him today because you—the beautiful sibling who isnt stupid and doesnt look like Umemiya—were finally alone with Sakura, not Umemiya.

Your beauty was stunning for him, Its almost like you were made to be a muse, his muse. How long has he been staring at you by now? How many times has he wished youd shrug off Umemiya’s arm from around your shoulder even if he was just showing you off, so you could run to him instead? To his arms, where he could hold you forever and keep you away from everyone else. You’d be safe, only being his since you wouldnt need to speak with others, he could handle that part—a total win in his mind.

He just wished you would turn your head and see him, to notice how much he was trying to get your attention. But since you didnt because you were too focused on Sakura, he shrugged and decided to force himself on that conversation too! It wasnt that hard to make you talk with him, after all its not the first time his eyes lean on you, its not the first time he talks to you. But yet, in the inside he always feels desperated to rush this things with you, to just kiss you already, why does he have to wait? he can see from miles away that youre his. He doesnt like the time its taking to be closer with you, what if a jackass comes and thinks he has an opportunity? he wont like that. But oh well! a small part of him enjoys the thrill of chasing you even if he just said he hated it. Knowing that maybe just maaybe he can make a part of Umemiya mad its enough to make him enjoy this chasing. It wasnt hard to talk to you. Like your brother, you were easygoing and calm—maybe a bit more reserved than him, but still, it wasnt difficult to spark a conversation if something caught your attention. Lucky for him, he found your profile and remembered the things you liked! Not that he was stalking or anything, of course—he was just trying to get to know you better. He’d leave little flirty remarks or subtle moves that, when you finally caught on and laughed starting to reciprocate them, drove him absolutely crazy. After a few minutes of this playful back-and-forth with Sakura stuck awkwardly in the middle, Suo and Nirei came to grab him—it was time to patrol. But this time, Endo didnt follow them, even if he usually enjoyed annoying that trio with his presence. Instead, he gently took your hand, leading you to the back of that stupid school he didnt miss at all, smiling to himself as he realized he’d finally have you alone for a moment.

Pure silence was found in the back of the school, Endo still holding your hand even if you two stopped walking, his thumb caressing your knuckles like if they were precious gems, his intense gaze making you nervous enough to look at the side while that action itself made a small laugh come out with his mocking smile. - "Hey doll, i think eye contact is an important part for a conversation to go fine, dont you agree?" - He stated with a total confidence that got to you easily, with your gazes connecting, he felt a shiver around all his body—he needed you.

"Endo, why are we at the back of the school? Im pretty sure Umemiya and the others are still on the rooftop—oh, including your friend, Takiishi, right?" you ask with a polite smile. To you, Endo seemed like a weird but gentle boy; his appearance told one story, but his actions with you told another.

"Yeah, they’re up there, but I wanted a little more private time with you—just like them, you know? Takiishi wouldnt appreciate his talk being interrupted by us," he says calmly, tilting his head slightly as he looks you up and down, studying your reactions. Then, taking steps closer and closer, he speaks again, a sly edge in his tone. "I’m having fun right now, Doll. Even if it looks like the cat got your tongue."

He lets out a sigh—not one of frustration, but to calm his racing heart. Its ridiculous, really, how just standing there saying nothing, exchanging looks with you, makes him feel like this. - "Look, angel, Im being serious here," he says, his voice softer now. "I like these private conversations we have—just the two of us. Even if... they dont usually last long because of your brother." – that last part was muttered with a small disgust in his tone but you didnt get to say something because he interrupts you immediately

Shrugging, he leans in as he slowly pins you against the wall. Your breath hitches at the closeness, and his intense gaze never wavers. You can feel the warmth of his breath brushing your cheeks. - "You knoooow," he drawls, a teasing edge to his tone, "I wouldnt mind us talking more. Its kinda fun hearing you when you actually say something. So what do you think? Tomorrow, wherever you want, and I’ll pay for whatever you want to eat."

He lets out a laugh at your stunned expression, but he can’t stop the warmth spreading through his chest when you nod excitedly. Ah, the feeling of falling is something he loves. You two talked for a moment, alone and really close—the tension between you almost visible. But now, Endo, enjoying the thrill of the chase more than ever, decides to back off for now. He leans in, pressing a kiss to your cheek, deliberately close to the corner of your lips, before pulling back with a smug grin. Turning away, he starts walking toward the rooftop, clearly expecting you to follow.

"Come on, angel! Move those legs. Takiishi and Umemiya are probably bored out of their minds by now, and I dont want to make your brother mad... for now," he teases with a devilish laugh. His mind, however, is racing. He cant help but picture the look on Umemiya’s face when the two of you return after disappearing for a few minutes. And honestly? He’s already plotting how he’ll push his buttons even more in the future—just to have a few extra stolen moments with you he is capable of anything.

[cretaceos]

how to paint pitch blue in dark red — vampire oscar. (landoscar)

Lando doesn’t look behind when he hears the noise of an opening door. He mostly doesn’t care; it’s a public pool, could be anyone. But then he remembers it’s rather late, and he’s specifically in the indoor area, where it's more lonely and moody. Some nice place to be mourning.

His head tilts back, noticing a woman walking away, as a male enters. The big windows that should be facing some sort of garden are closed, and even though it’s dark outside, Lando wished they were open. The view might be debatable, but it helps the feeling of claustrophobia, being stuck somewhere he can’t escape.

Takes him more than minutes to realise it’s Oscar. The walking gives it away. How he comes close to the border before jumping, childish-like of him, in Lando’s opinion—although if he got himself in the water, he‘d probably do the same. He emerges again in the middle of the large blue extension of tiles. Somehow, the sickly white tone of his skin seems to match with the surroundings. Lando looks away. There’s still the winning glow on Oscar.

He chose to not get wet, sat there and swung his feet only, feeling the hot water enveloping his sore ankles. Oscar stares at him. Lando knows, even though he doesn’t have the powers of genetics on his side. Not like Oscar does. However, Lando became quite a professional at feeling when Oscar is ogling him, never giving it too much thought and just assuming it's something vampires do. Stare. 

Oscar swims closer, making waves as his body cuts through the pool, closer to Lando, who sighs in defeat.

“Why are you here?” He sounds more annoyed than he should. But then Lando’s still depressed over the weekend, couldn’t manage a better tone when Oscar was disturbing his peace.

“Didn’t know you bought the place, mate.”

Lando holds back the urge to fight back. No, but I could.

“Forgot my sunblock, in simpler terms,” Oscar completes before Lando can say anything further. “Sucks to be around here without suppositories.” 

Lando knows that too. Mainly because he heard Jon commenting on how it could go bad for Oscar and all his lab rats modified genes. Not as bad as Lando would like because it’s still a night race, but it should’ve been uncomfortable for him anyway.

They don’t usually burn in the sun, like the obscure stories he heard as a kid; nevertheless, light and vampires don’t usually go well together. Seems rather unfair looking from outside; people like Oscar get to be the summit of human civilisation and still have to give things away. No long walks on the beach, unless you’re filled with proper medicine for that. No common diet, blood at least two times a day to stay healthy. And still.

There he is—race winner. The type of champion that attaches to your neck and—takes.

“Why are you here, though?” Oscar’s voice travels across the area, echoing through the walls, shattering his skull. “Reckon you could go somewhere nicer, the beach maybe.”

Lando side-eyes him, “No, thanks. Maybe when it’s not pitch black outside.” 

“Suit yourself.” 

Oscar dips his head, trying to get the water to fix the messy situation on his head. His hair smells like champagne, a reminder of a podium, also a note of Lando’s horrendous, dismaying performance. It weighs. The win, the gap, the pole, the champagne, and his fangs out and grinning for a crowd. The win.

“Thought you guys didn’t get along well with water.” Lando bursts out before he can get his mind around it.

Oscar frowns, “That’s holy water, it’s different.”

Lando hums in agreement, trying to wrap his head around why people made in laboratories, with the finest equipment ever, get hurt when some blessed liquid is thrown at them.

Silence stays for a moment. It’s unfair. Oscar won; it’s done, nothing else matters, time’s not going back, and there’s nothing Lando can do about that besides sitting around and collecting his mistakes. He’s being selfish, a bit of a cunt too. Sharp tongue wanting to hurt Oscar, share the pain of being two steps under.

“I can hear your heart.”

Oscar turns to him, pupils wide, shaking. Rabbit caught hopping too high.

“Did you eat?” Lando asks, unsure, holding back the grin; it’s nice to see him suffer for a while.

“No, had a problem with my pills too.”

Oscar tries to play casually about it. Lando knows he has to cover up the earlier loss, either by drinking blood or getting himself some pills to enable the hunger until he gets a chance to kill it. He can’t have either of those.

“C’mere.”

Lando wonders if at least part of what his mother told him as a kid is true. That vampires are, indeed, creatures with the purpose of hunting only. Their ruby-coloured eyes, white skin—never seen the sun—and the endless boredom—no long walks on the beach—are part of their gifted traits. 

Oscar hesitates, as if he’s not sure whether it’s safe to approach. Lando wants to scream.

“C’mon, mate,” he whines, “I don’t have all night.”

Oscar swims carefully, like any disturbance in the water would break down the moment. Lando is not used to this. He’d only ever seen the version of Oscar that does not feel the unhinged hunger. His eyes were never dark, and his canines never begged for skin like they seem to do.

Lando’s insides bubble in fear. Suddenly he’s aware of how uncontrolled Oscar looks, almost losing it as he gets closer. Lando would like to break him down and eat the crumbles.

Oscar places himself in the middle of Lando’s legs. Suggestive and bold. Kind of careless too, trusting too much that Lando won’t try to drown him.

“Open your mouth.” 

Lando can’t tell why he asks so or explain the painful beating against his chest. Adrenaline crawls in his veins, and mania begins showing itself inside his brain. Caged behind his skull, he’s becoming deranged, obsessing over the slow pace that Oscar obeys. His pointy fangs lay protuberant on his tongue.

He rubs his thumb against them. Counting, marking, feeling the hard pressure on the tip of his finger. Lando goes further. Circles his molars, premolars, brushing his tongue on the way. Oscar stares, passive and silent, breathing heavily, salivating around Lando’s knuckles.

“Do it.” 

Lando moves, shoving his wrist against Oscar’s lips. He hesitates again. Could be a trap.

Oscar’s falling for it.

“It’ll hurt.”

“I know.”

“Are you sure about—”

“No, Oscar, to be very honest.”

Lando has that trembling voice in him, like he’s begging for it. Imploring for a bit of pain as a punishment, perhaps wanting to be hurt, gushing organs and sorrows.

Oscar bites him.

Lando can’t tell, but at some point the world spiralled into chaos blue. Oscar licks on his wrist, tongue darting out, blood flowing down his throat. Red cells, leukocytes, all dripping down his chin. He looks good like that. Some scarlet feverish dream, starving for every single part of flesh.

He sucks the teeth mark, and then Lando notices he’s hard because it makes his dick ache.

“Oscar.” 

The name rolls out without his wanting. Lando’s body feels limp, controlled not by him but by someone else. By Oscar.

He turns to Lando. Messy cheeks, all red and shiny, almost like he’s been deprived of eating for days. He looks good. Wild, feral, ready to rip off Lando’s viscera. He licks his lips before getting them back to work, ignoring the tent on Lando’s trousers.

“Oscar”, Lando pushes himself to the stained pool, blue meeting ruby; some barriers are being broken.

Oscar holds his waist, pinning Lando against the border, too focused on getting dirty with his blood. Lando’s head lolls, embraced by the hot water and drunkenly reaching for Oscar. His hips moving forward, reaching and reaching.

Oscar shoves his thigh between his legs. Lando doesn’t catch the exact moment he starts humping, but it happens. His senses are numb, cock throbbing in his pants, hurting. He wants to get off so bad. Just a bit more. Oscar should take more. Bite again and suck him dry. His hips move faster.

Lando drops his forehead on Oscar’s shoulders, whining shyly. He’s offering. Showing neck and whimpering whenever Oscar rubs his tongue against the swelling wound on his wrist. Oscar grabs his hair, forcing his scalp with savage fingers. He’s still dirty with blood, and Lando wants it so much.

On his lips. Maybe above. Maybe under. Bite. Take more, drink him up and absorb all he ever had to give, swallow up the sadness and anger, raging over stupidity. Drink him.

Lando comes with a cry, drooping over Oscar. His muscles are gone; so is his right mind. Nothing echoes inside. There’s silence and murky water. Still weights, the sun, the podium. The bite.

[vagabond-umlaut]

beckoning you, slowly, subtly

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Absence makes the heart yearn stronger.

Or: Gojo grapples with himself in the wake of you preparing to leave Tokyo Jujutsu High– in the wake of you preparing to leave him.

▸ Gojo x Fem!Reader; Former Teacher x Former Student; Reader has graduated from high school and is moving overseas for college; Gojo is 24-ish while Reader is 18; He's such a sad pathetic boi here; You think Reader is better? She's worse; Angst and Fluff; Use of humor as a coping mechanism [until it fails]; Very soft character study

▸ I wrote this as a prequel set minimum 10 years before the fic 'ensnared' -> You need not read that to read this, though. This is a standalone fic, through and through! 😊

Gojo feels nothing towards you.

No, he doesn't. He really, truly bears no feelings, whatsoever their nature might be, for you.

But... if it indeed is so... then why the hell are his knuckles so hesitant to strike the wood of your door, eh?

Gojo stays in this position for a beat or two more, before dropping his fist back to his side. Exhaling a mute yet deep sigh as his gaze travels over the tiny flowers and trees painted on the door. Next moves to the shoe rack beside, filled with neat rows of sneakers and flats. And finally reaches the cheery yellow paper taped to the door, your name written on it in smooth letters–

Before he can even realise it, the sorcerer finds his fingers over it, so wary yet wanting as they traverse the lines and the loops of the letters, eliciting a very soft murmur of the same from within, the latter darting past a dry throat and a heavy tongue...

"Sensei!"

The door suddenly springs open. Of course, with no one but you behind it.

Were here anyone else except him, Gojo is certain, they would have jumped feet in the air in response. Good thing, he isn't just some 'anyone else'. The sorcerer quickly withdraws his outstretched hand to stuff it into his pocket. And grins, the way he always does when caught in contemplation.

Big. Bright. Happy. So much so that it will either puzzle, or better yet, piss the other person off, eventually making them leave him to his devices...

"Heyyy," he drawls, decidedly making a show of his infamous breezy image— jarringly contrasting the manner his Six Eyes study your once decorated–now empty room, "Packing and everything's done, wow. Thought I might visit you one last time before you leave for..." Australia, but he chooses not to say it. Breezy image, remember?

Borrowing a beat to think– to make you think he's thinking, that is– the man resumes with a noisy chuckle, "Before you leave for wherever you're headed. When's your flight, by the way? Tonight or tomorrow morning?"

Whatever reply he might have been expecting from you, two shiny eyes and one o-shaped mouth certainly weren't on the list... You're pretty swift to erase them, however. Wiping your sweater paws over your face, you mimic his posture and grin back.

Cheeky, obviously, but much too strained than the ones you've given him so far... Your amused voice intrudes on his quiet scrutiny of you. "Why, Sensei? Missing me from this moment itself, eh?"

"Nah," he shoots back with a dismissive wave of his hand. Noting then ignoring the stinging twinge in the middle of his chest— no matter the fractional fall in your features; no matter anything, everything. "I'm literally waiting for when you'll walk out the school's torii gates— even more for when your plane will take off the tarmac and leave Japan! I was stuck teaching you for the better part of the past four years. What makes you think I'll miss you, heh. I'll be incredibly relieved, if anything."

"Ah," you say, following a moment's pause, "I see."

Quite an unenthusiastic reaction, if he's being honest; Gojo doesn't mind it, though. Not in the slightest.

Not even when he watches you regard him, oddly intense and pensive for a while, before you return to clearing your desk. So neat and tidy and dead with no books nor pens nor stray sketches strewn over its surface. The same way the rest of the room now seems: dreadfully dreary and dull, now that you– you with your bubbly self, shining in this damned dark school, jujutsu world– is moving away–

Oh.

Oh no.

You're moving away.

Which is... okay. Yeah, it's okay. But, but, but– "When will you come back?" The question escapes the confines of his mind into the stillness of your room, soon joined by another– one he bites his tongue and draws blood for, the second it leaves his mouth.

The tiny quaver in the words betraying the steady front he has put on very well– Until now. Until you— Too bad [or maybe, good] you've always read him rather well– so much so that you whirl round the instant the sentence flies into the foot in between, your crumpled features meeting his crumbling mask.

"You will come back, right?"

"I–" you start, eyes brimming with the same tears you wiped away so insistently then; he never hears you finish your answer, however.

Two tiny hands fling themselves round his neck, and before he can realise it, the sorcerer finds himself bent at the waist, nose nudging your temple while your face nuzzles into the crook of his neck, the collar of his jacket growing progressively wet with every passing second.

The man stops himself from returning your embrace— You were his student. He was your mentor. Your door is open. His Six Eyes sense Shoko and Utahime coming this way. He isn't meant for such empty shows of sentiment. He isn't sure if your gesture is as unfeeling as he hopes it is—

Screwing his eyes shut, he sighs. Yet offers no resistance when he feels your fingers unclasp from his shoulders then move to his hands, lifting them to keep them lightly on the small of your back.

Oh, well, whatever.

Gojo is still certain he feels nothing towards you.

Except, maybe, this steely resolve of his, engraving itself a cliff-like niche in his mind: To protect. To cherish this sweet feeling of you both in each other's grasp.

▸ Divider by @hitobaby. Header from Pinterest. I don't own the characters used here.

▸ masterlist

[mikaela-the-slut-expert]

The First Glance

Hua Cheng x M!Reader x Xie Lian

Honestly I'm just having a go at this and I'm technically writing about my OC. If people notice it that's good. if they don't well😔. So don't hate on me 🖤✨

Mentions of the reader having a veil and white hair, facial scars.

No one has requested any stories from me I wrote this for my own pleasure. So if you want something that isn't for an OC and is for a reader then come tell me and I'll write you something 😋

I keep editing the story cuz I keep forgetting details 😭✊ bear with me plz.

Míngqín means song bird it's Y/n's nickname

Previous part: Tea Shop

__________________________________________________

You've been by Xie Lian's side for a long time. You've been his guard for as long as you can remember, and a god under him for even longer. A very long time actually, so you'd like to think you know him well enough to predict his movements. Apparently not.

You're at Puqi shrine, cleaning the place up and fixing dinner for you and Xie Lian. You chose to stay while Xie Lian went and to go investigate a ghost groom who was kidnapping brides. It's since then turned dark and when Xie Lian turns up, there's another man with him. You weren't expecting Xie Lian to bring someone home with him, nor were you expecting the strange man to stay the night.

The strange man's name is actually San Lang, but you still think he's strange anyways. After scolding Xie Lian for bringing someone home without any warning you serve dinner at the makeshift table you came up with. You give San Lang yours, you don't really need to eat. You're a heaven official and being with Xie Lian has you used to it anyhow.

"Thank you for making dinner Míngqín, I wouldn't have minded making it myself", Xie Lian says. You cringe at the thought though. You wave a hand, "not necessary I've got it". You sit down and observe as they both eat. Xie Lian and San Lang chat about something but you aren't paying attention. You're staring at San Lang, it's strange how fast the man has clung himself to Xie Lian. You've never seen him before and yet he so easily acts as if he's known Xie Lian forever.

You look away, thoughts straying to the bed laying on the floor. If it can even be called that it's more like a mat. Are all three of you going to sleep on it? Your thoughts are quickly interrupted when you notice San Lang staring at you. He can't possibly see your face not with the veil you've hidden it behind, but the way he's staring at you makes it feel like he's trying to. It doesn't feel like anything bad or alarming, just unnerving. People don't look at you. They usually stray their eyes away, but San Lang does not.

You leave the table, and lie on the mat. Xie Lian and San Lang will eventually lay down too. You take the middle spot. It makes the most sense, you don't want Xie Lian to be in danger. He's always been kind and you don't want that to back fire on him. You figure it's most safe if you stay between San Lang and Xie Lian.

You are already 'asleep', you aren't of course but you're breathing and heartbeat all sound as if you are. You technically don't need sleep but it's still nice to rest sometimes. You can hear San Lang talk about the missing painting on the wall. There's not yet a painting of the God of Scraps, but Xie Lian ushers San Lang to go to sleep instead.

Xie Lian lies to your right, you can tell. After all you've been sleeping next to each other for years. San Lang lies to your left, leaving you stuck in the middle. It's uncomfortable. You aren't worried about your veil slipping off, it's yours to manipulate and you've long since mastered being able to make the veil comfortable on your face. It's the closeness that bothers you.

You haven't really been in anyone's company other than Xie Lian's. No one else tends to like you, not the officials and not ghosts. That's fine you don't like them either but this sudden presence is new and you've never liked touch in the first place. Touch is scary. It always has been since the fall of XianLe. It makes you want to puke. Xie Lian is the only exception to this, seeing as you've been around him your whole life.

It's not that repulsive actually. For whatever reason San Lang's closeness doesn't seem to make you want to hurl. His breath down the back of your neck however makes you nervous. If you weren't a ghost your heart would be beating fast. You can feel him staring holes into you but you play sleep anyways.

"You're not truly asleep are you?" You internally huff as San Lang asks. You didn't think you were bad at it. You ignore him and continue hoping he'll believe your lie. It's not until a shuffle on your right, and a harsh grip on your robes make you realize San Lang isn't talking to you.

"It's not like I was fake sleeping San Lang" you can feel Xie Lian sit up a bit. "You aren't asleep either" Xie Lian exclaims. You can't see of course your eyes are closed even behind the veil you're worried they'd see your eyes open.

"I was too busy staring at your assistant" his voice takes on a teasing tone. 'Assistant' is what Xie Lian had told San Lang you are. Xie Lian is supposed to be a priest for himself and your alias is to be Xie Lian's assistant. Of course it's not who you truly are. You're truly the God of Song and Xie Lian is truly the God of Scraps. San Lang wouldn't know that though.

Your stomach drops when you feel San Lang's hand start to tinker with your veil. You're about to give it all up to move away but a big clap happens right over your face. You suppose it's time to give it up for the night. You open your eyes, and look up at the clasped hands above you. Xie Lian's holding San Lang's, most likely trying to move his hand away.

"Ah I'm sorry we woke you Míngqín, San Lang just needed a blanket he was cold..." Xie Lian smiles down at you. You nod, "It's okay. Let's go back to sleep then." San Lang only laughs to himself and lies back down. You and Xie Lian lay back down too. The night eventually calms again.

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

When morning comes, you realize you fell asleep and when you get out of bed you see that Xie Lian and San Lang have already gotten out of bed. You get up as well and you change your veil. The veil is often changed, you don't like keeping the same design everyday. Some veils cover your whole face, and some veils leave your eyes unhidden. Today you choose a veil that only covers your nose and mouth.

You're ready to go outside until something in the corner of your eye stops you. A painting of Xie Lian back when he was Prince in XianLe..? Did San Lang really paint that? Now it's obvious San Lang isn't a mortal. No one would be able to paint it so accurately from 800 years ago.

You admire it for a minute and then go outside. San Lang and Xie Lian are standing by a cut wood pile. They both turn their heads toward you.

"Good morning Míngqín", "morning y/n". You nod back, noticing San Lang's hair is loose.

"Your hair will surely get caught if you don't put your hair up, San Lang" you haven't really spoken to San Lang the whole time since he's been here but you don't hate him. He did somehow make that painting after all. "Let me fix your hair San Lang" Xie Lian offers. He leads San Lang back inside to a bucket of water.

You know Xie Lian is checking if San Lang is a ghost, but San Lang looks like he is enjoying himself, "Are you just going to play with my hair gege?" Xie Lian is quick to get flustered and he puts San Lang's hair into a very messy braid. It looks messier than before.

You don't pay attention to the fact San Lang has started calling Xie Lian 'gege'. You snicker quietly at Xie Lian's flustered face, as he waves his hands telling San Lang he's all done with his hair. Xie Lian is not very good at doing hair, but San Lang looks happy with it. You don't bother offering to fix it.

"A-Lian it's your turn, come sit". You pat the stool. Xie Lian cooperates and you start combing through his hair. You've always brushed out Xie Lian's hair. He doesn't know how to get the knots out. Xie Lian used to just leave the knots there until you forced him to sit down one day so you could brush it out.

When you're finished brushing his hair you tie it up in his usual half bun-half down hairstyle. You step away from him and notice San Lang staring at you. It seems he's very good at staring.

"You should let gege do your hair as well y/n" you grunt and shake your head. No way you were letting Xie Lian put knots in your hair. You love him very much but you also love your hair.

"No it's alright" you wave a hand but San Lang insists. "I can fix your hair then. Gege did my hair, and you did Gege's. I'll do yours" he smiles. It sounds like generosity, but you've found whatever San Lang says sounds like teasing. You almost shake your head no, but San Lang looks like he really wants to indulge.

"I... Suppose" you hesitate. To fix your hair you would have to take off your veil and only Xie Lian has seen your face and even he hasn't seen it in so long. San Lang is very gentle when he removes your veil, as if he's touching something that will shatter. You cover your mouth with your sleeve. To hide the scars, you don't want them to be seen.

Your thoughts are interrupted by San Lang's fingers running through your hair. He combs it out gently. "Your hair is very beautiful y/n, has gege ever told you?" This flusters you, if you actually had the ability to blush then blood would have colored your cheeks. You have strange hair, it's long but it's white. It's always been like that but after ascending the officials were not your biggest fans. Especially since you stayed with Xie Lian. So they often make remarks about your appearance not that it bothers you.

"Thank you" you notice Xie Lian looking at you. You're eyes are the only thing that can be seen but he's still soaking up what you've hidden for the past hundreds of years before you hide it behind a veil again.

"How come this one hides his face?" San Lang asks as he does something with your hair. You don't know how to answer that so you redirect, "Does San Lang want to see it that bad?" He only laughs at this, and he moves into your field of vision. "I'm all finished. Gege take a look at y/n's hair is it nice?" You want to see what it looks like. You look into the bucket of water.

San Lang put your hair into a braid. He's tied your hair with a red ribbon, it must be San Lang's but you'll keep it. He gave it to you so it's only fair. You run your hands over the braid. Your hair hasn't been styled in a long time, there was never a reason to put it up after all. Your hair is usually left loose.

"it's very pretty San Lang. Míngqín why don't you keep the veil off?" Xie Lian cocks his head to the side. "Yes, there's no reason to hide your face." You furrow your brows, you could keep it off. You're just scared to have your scars out in the open. "... I'll think about it."

You hesitate, but you remove your hand from covering your mouth. To you, your face has been ruined. Your mouth has been slashed from a sword from a very long time ago. Scars line over your lips. You wished that they were pretty scars, with neat lines. They are not though. It's not so bad to show your face to San Lang and Xie Lian.

They stare at you, Xie Lian's look you can understand. You don't understand San Lang's look, he looks as if he's trying to soak up the details of your face too. As if your face is something he hasn't seen in such a long time. You've never met San Lang though...

Now that everyone's hair is fixed, San Lang is an exception to that - y/n giggles every time he sees it - , now they can start their morning. It's a good start to the day and Y/n thinks that San Lang has fit himself quite well into their routine.

Even though San Lang is a new addition to your group he makes it very easy to like him. Especially with how much he clings to Xie Lian's side, but San Lang also seems to be clinging to you too.

__________________________________________________

Criticism or comments plzzzz, I want to know if anyone enjoyed it or if there are ways I can make it better. I also want to know if people want to continue seeing the story! Also don't forget you can request me for stuff! 🖤✨

Maple Robes and Lace Veils

[its-time-to-write]

chapter 4

table of contents

we know the steps anyway

Jamie might have stretched the truth. He has an appointment, yes, but not a medical one, like. There’s enough doctors and shit on staff at Richmond. But no one there has fucking critical thinking or whatever, so he’s able to go early. He goes to the shops and doesn’t pray he remembers what you like, instead he prays that it hasn’t changed.

He gets recognized but he hopes the flowers in his hand don’t signal anything to the fans. If anyone asks he can just say they’re for his mum or something, it’s not totally fucking unrealistic, but his lying’s gotten progressively worse recently. Probably because he’s out of practice, but he doesn’t actually want to get back in practice, if you know what he means.

He also prays that your address is the same. You loved that house and he’d be surprised if you moved but it’s almost a year since he last saw you and much longer than that since you were actually together.

Maybe he should have become Catholic so he could say a proper Hail Mary. But he isn’t one, so instead he just hopes harder than he has in a while and knocks on the door. The doorbell’s taped off with a note that says, baby sleeping so he thinks he probably has the right house after all 

He hears footsteps, has the quickest panic attack known to man, then the door opens to reveal you.

Jamie has never wanted to make a baby more than this moment, if he’s being honest. He can tell you’re in the middle of work but the way it takes a split second too long to figure out what’s happening and the pen behind your ear. You look the same, but assured and he knows it’s because you don’t need him. He wants to unbutton your shirt and also tell you that he loves you more than he’s ever loved anyone in his whole entire life and he knows he’s a fucking idiot but his thoughts have never been good at finding their way to his mouth so instead he just says, “Hey,” and pulls the flowers from behind his back.

Jamie doesn’t miss the way your eyes widen in what he can only construe as fear at the sight of him. It subsides into wariness when he hands you the flowers, but he doesn’t like that the fear was there in the first place. He understands you want to be cautious, but fear?

That’s not good at all.

So he telegraphs all his movements as best he can. Shoulders down, hands at his sides and unclenched. He takes half a step back but asks, “Can we talk?” and watches you play a million outcomes in your head at once.

You don’t want to let him in, but Clare’s asleep in the living room. And the flowers are an indicator that he’s here for some positive reason so you step aside and say, “You can come to the kitchen.”

Jamie knows he’s on thin ice so he barely looks any other direction than straight to where you direct him. He doesn’t sit. He stands in the middle of the kitchen and awkwardly holds the flowers before you take them from him and set them on the counter. He opens his mouth to say something (he’s not quite sure what yet) and is saved by the baby crying in the other room. 

The baby. 

You sigh and go to get her and he scans the room as best he can for any indicator as to her name. He doesn’t see anything but photos stuck to the fridge. You come back into the room before he can move to look closer. 

“Her name’s Clare,” you say offhandedly. “You’re not on the birth certificate. You’ve always said you didn’t want to have kids, and I’m pretty fucking sure you wouldn’t want them with me. And-” you pause. Clare’s awake and staring right at your face. She really does look like Jamie.

“And,” you continue, “I didn’t really want you to come back just to fuck off again. Clare doesn’t deserve that. And you’ve been acting like a right fucking idiot all over national television, so.”

Jamie nods. “Makes sense.” 

You wait for him to say something else but he doesn’t, just looks so uncharacteristically lost that you sigh.

“You’re not here about custody, are you,” you. Jamie’s eyes widen.

“Fuckin’ hell, that’s what you thought this was about? I’m not- I wouldn’t- I’ve been to going therapy.”

You raise an eyebrow. That’s new. Maybe that’s what fucking Keeley Jones meant about decent. But he’s not getting off so fucking easy, if at all. 

“So what, you go to therapy a couple times and now you’re fixed? And you want a family? Or to apologize? You haven’t made it entirely clear why you’re here.”

Jamie says, “I’m here because I miss you,” and you scoff. 

“No- shit, I mean- I’ve missed you for a long fucking time but my texts weren’t going through, so I figured you blocked me. And Madeline is fucking terrifying, babe. But I was looking for you the other night because I wanted to apologize. And see if you wanted to get back together,” he says, and you’re not entirely sure how to react.

“Right,” you say, “well, that’s not fucking happening. You dumped me after a year, called me a two in the morning five months later, so yes, I blocked you. And you should be fucking scared of Madeline because I had to forcibly restrain her from ruining your goddamn life despite the fact that I actually wanted her to go completely apeshit. I have more important things than some twenty-six year old footballer who’s only just now getting his life together when I’ve had it together since I was eight. I have a job and a baby, and I’m handling both in the house that I’ve owned since I was twenty-two because like I said before, Jamie Tartt, I’ve had my life together since I was fucking eight years old. I had the same damn childhood as you and yet I’m not the one who has only recently learned what the fuck empathy is.”

Your rant upsets Clare, who begins crying. “Shit,” you sigh. “I’m sorry, Bean. You hungry?” You glance at Jamie. “I’m going to sit on the couch.”

“Right. Yeah,” says Jamie as he follows you to the next room. He sits gingerly on the couch across from you and you sigh again. He’s relatively harmless, and you’re well-versed in what he looks like when he’s up to no good. You pat the spot next to you and he sits, still carefully, while you adjust Clare. It isn’t until you sit down that you realize how fucking tired you are.

“She’s so fucking small,” Jamie whispers. “How the fuck do you ever get anything done? I’d just be looking at her.”

You laugh, but it’s short and brittle. “Things need to get done Jamie. She’s hungry, she needs to be changed, I have work to do and I’ve got to eat, but I’m sick of ordering in so I try to meal prep as much as I can but I don’t ever sleep and I’m afraid of burning the house down, so most of the time I eat frozen dinners at four a.m. because she’s awake.” Jamie doesn’t say anything, just listens. He’s inched closer or maybe you have or maybe both, because your thighs are touching and it sends the same shivers up your leg that it did two years ago. “I’m tired all the time,” you whisper. “It’s like my bones are tired. I think Madeline’s the only one who has any idea what it’s like and she can only help so much. Besides, she’s it’s her last night in fucking Milan and I’m not about to be that mum friend who’s constantly making everything about her baby. It’s just so much work, Jamie. You have no idea.”

You shouldn’t, you know you shouldn’t but Madeline isn’t here and what she doesn’t know won’t kill her, so you rest your head on Jamie’s shoulder.

He freezes for a moment before tilting his face to touch the top of your head.

And you’re furious. It should have been like this before and as soon as it’s over your going to wish that it were like this more often. It’s a fantasy.

But you’ll indulge a little while longer before seriously considering moving somewhere else. Probably Chelsea if you’re being honest; it’s not too far away but it’ll give you the space you need to remind yourself that Jamie isn’t for you. He’s for someone else, someone like Keeley.

And anyway as soon as you want to let Madeline find you a man, you know you’ll have no shortage of options.

It’s not about that, though. It’s about the fact that you’ve been on your backup plan ever since Jamie left and you’d give anything to feel like you’re in control again.

Jamie murmurs, “I want to help,” and you shake your head slightly. 

“Don’t need money, my darling. I need someone to change her diaper at one in the morning.”

“That’s what I mean,” Jamie says and you chuckle.

“And when do you have time for that?” you ask. “Don’t you footballers have a strict sleep schedule? And you’d have to be here in the guest room because there’s no way I’m taking Clare to yours.”

Jamie shrugs and you sit up. “Don’t take this the wrong way love, but plenty of footballers ignore their sleep plan to fuck around. It’s got to be healthier and shit to take care of a kid, yeah?”

“No,” you say. “You can’t just show up and slip back into my life like that. I haven’t talked to you in almost a year and now you’re here on my couch, which is fine, but you can’t just come all the way back.”

Jamie frowns. “So what do I have to do?”

You shake your head. “That’s something for you to figure out without me.”

—

Jamie replays the whole thing from the time he gets back into his car to go home to the time he falls asleep. And then starts again when he wakes up and heads to the Dogtrack. The only person who looks at him twice is Higgins, although that may be more to Jamie’s choice of lime green sweatpants than his mental state.

He can’t get Clare’s face out of his head. He can’t get the feeling of your body on the couch next to him out of his system.

He wasn’t sure what he wanted when he returned to Richmond, he just knew he wanted something different. Maybe this is it.  

He’s so wrapped up in his thoughts that he knocks completely into Roy on his way to get his lunch.

“Fucking watch where you’re fucking going,” Roy grunts but Jamie barely acknowledges him.  

And that’s how Roy knows something is wrong because the little shit is never one to back down from an argument. But he’s Roy fucking Kent and the last thing he’s going to do is ask Tartt about his fucking feelings so he just walks away and forgets about it.

In hindsight, he thinks it probably would have provided some fucking context to what he’s seeing in front of him. 

A very apologetic Keeley Jones hangs on his arm while he watches some short brunette march into the locker room as if she owns it, grab Jamie by the ear, and start swearing at him.

No one seems to know what to do, probably in too much shock to stop Madeline from dragging Jamie (still by his ear) out of the room and presumably to the car park. 

Roy catches Beard’s eye, entirely by accident, who shrugs. Ted claps his hands and says something to the effect of, “Everyone’s made poor decisions when it comes to women, Sam go check on Jamie,” before following Roy and Beard to the coaches’ office. As soon as the door is firmly shut, Ted says, “What in the Sam Hill was that? I know Jamie’s ruffled a few feathers in his time, but I’ve never seen anything like that before, no sir.”

Everyone looks expectantly at Keeley. After all, she was the one chasing Madeline’s heels as she shouted, “God DAMN it Tartt, I’m going to fucking kill you!!” down the hall.

“Well you see,” Keeley begins, voice mousy, “I was in Milan where I met Madeline. We were chatting and we both found out we knew Jamie. And she’s friends with this girl who lives here in Richmond, and it turns out she and Jamie dated right before he was with me. I don’t know what he did but he did something awful while we were away because she got a text, said, “Fucking Tartt,” and then stepped out to take a phone call. She came straight here from the airport; I think her taxi’s still outside, actually.” She lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “I’m just surprised Jamie’s fucked something up again. He’s been doing so well recently.”

“Jamie has a kid,” Beard says like he can’t hold it in any more. He’s met with shocked silence until Ted says, “Well I’ll be. Jamie Tartt’s got a little tartlet,” and then everyone’s talking at once. Mainly, how does Beard know and what does that have to do with his arse getting hauled to the car park?

Ted’s just thankful this debacle happened at the end of the day, because the team can’t afford to miss any training with the Aston Villa game coming up. There’s a knock on the door, and Ted opens it to reveal Sam. 

“Jamie is going home with that angry young woman,” he says. 

Ted asks, “Should we be concerned?” and Sam shrugs. 

“He did not seem as though he needed rescuing,” he replies, and that makes sense. From what anyone could tell, it almost seemed as though Jamie felt like he deserved whatever Madeline was saying to him. As if he expected it. But no one has any more answers so they all just sort of disperse to their various homes. 

Keeley though, Keeley is so fucking curious she thinks she might explode. So as soon as she’s at Roy’s and seated on his sofa she opens her laptop and scrolls through Madeline’s entire fucking instagram to look for clues. It’s hard, what with all the brand deals and photo dumps, but Keeley’s a professional. She has a list of girls who occur in multiple photos throughout the years, checks off their socials, but comes up empty. 

Well, almost empty.

Half of Madeline’s friends are private, so those are Keeley’s top suspects, but there’s one friend whose photos switch from being full length to shoulders-up only about nine months ago. And there’s a selfie of Madeline in a hospital bed with this same friend buried in a photo dump from two and a half months ago with the caption, “she lived, bitch.” It’s focused on their faces and nothing else, but Keeley’s one hundred percent positive this is the girl.

Keeley spends the rest of the night on her computer scouring the internet for as much as she can possibly learn while Roy makes her tea and reads next to her.

next chapter

[applestorms]

was watching this video breaking down vol. 22 of the PH manga and got stuck on this very interesting question he poses (~30 mins in):

why didn't oswald try to save lacie's life?

or, more specifically: why did oswald decide that in order to Fix Everything, he needed to kill lacie earlier rather than stop himself from killing her at all, particularly after he learned the true reason behind why children of ill omen were sacrificed in the first place (essentially to appease the jurors, who couldn't see/control them)?

to answer this, i think we have to get somewhat in-depth into oswald's motivations & relationships & POV. here's that breakdown.

first things first: oswald is a weird character. out of all of the major characters in PH's cast, and particularly those from the Past/original setting of 100 years ago, he is easily the most difficult to place or understand in terms of personality, views, etc. this is for two reasons:

jack's 100 years of intense censorship, which paint oswald as the Evil Glen Baskerville that ordered the massacre of tons of people during the tragedy of sablier.

oswald's own natural shyness and general aversion to people, which cause him to really only be close to lacie and jack (the first of whom is, of course, dead, and the second of whom does all the censorship noted in point 1).

for the entire first half of the series, we are presented an image of oswald that is a flatly evil villain, someone shrouded in darkness and mysterious red robes, in contrast w/ the image of jack as this hero of light and sparkling water and sunlight breaking through the trees. even when jack reveals that they had been friends oswald is still relegated to a position hidden in jack's shadow, true face lost to time.

our understanding of oswald therefore must almost always be taken with a grain of salt, since he is so often heavily filtered through the faulty lens jack casts on him. even so, i think we can come up with a few possible answers to respond to the Lacie Question posed above:

oswald is Panicked and Desperate to try and solve the whole "world getting chucked into the abyss problem," a SECOND time; note that he literally died in the middle of this project the first time.

in order to come up w/ the idea to save lacie, oswald would have to believe that it is possible in the first place, that there is still some Essence of Lacie that could live on. jack might believe this, but oswald definitely does not.

remember that for all the time that jack spends losing his mind coming up w/ schemes behind oswald's back to break the world's chains, oswald is mourning. frankly, he's forced to grieve lacie long before he even actually kills her. he knows, better than anyone, that she's truly dead and gone. compare these two reactions, first from jack, then from oswald:

oswald doesn't just think it's impossible for lacie to come back-- he views it as an insult, as something incredibly dangerous, to even consider the possibility of trying at all.

what i think is notable about this is that there is also yet another question hidden within the one about Lacie, which instead relates to oswald's views on his other beloved friend. specifically:

why is oswald so incredibly hurt by jack's betrayal?

again, i think we can pinpoint a few reasons behind this:

he fucking killed him.

he worked behind his back for Months to come up w/ this incredibly suicidal and violent plan, even manipulating oswald's preteen (? age uncertain) niece to go along w/ his plans.

he loved jack. lacie and jack were the only two people oswald was genuinely close to. he cared about him, was invested in or even obsessed with him, and needed his support. after lacie died, he literally had nobody else-- even levi dies shortly after oswald ascends to power. jack was the only person who could possibly understand just how significant it was to lose lacie, who could relate to his grief and mourn with him-- but he went behind his back instead, spending 100 years painting him as a murderer, a villain, pinning his own crimes onto oswald's back and perverting the natural order of the world, causing his remaining family left in the baskervilles to be cast out as evil, turning chains into weapons, and generally being the biggest menace in the entire fucking series. he betrayed him in quite possibly every avenue he had the ability to. it's frankly impressive just how much he managed to stab him in the back, literally and figuratively.

HE LITERALLY FUCKING KILLED HIM

alternatively: he's not. or rather-- oswald isn't just motivated by anger or a desire for revenge against jack when he tries to go back in time and kill an even younger lacie. he is also motivated by his own guilt.

to expand a bit more on that last point, since this shit is juicy:

oswald and lacie's relationship is slightly different than gilbert and vincent's for a number of reasons, but one of the more notable ones is that oswald & lacie seem to know a helluva lot more way earlier on than gil & vince do. levi does Not fuck around when it comes to telling lacie straight up that she is going to be killed for being a child of ill omen. both oswald and lacie are thus well aware of what lacie's fate will be long before it happens, giving them plenty of time to grieve and angst over it long before oswald actually comes to power as the next glen.

due to the manipulations/information provided by jury, oswald and lacie are also taught the typical story about the origin of children of ill omen: specifically, that they are deviations that are created due to the birth of a new glen.

together, these two points lead oswald towards one bitter conclusion: that He is the reason behind lacie's existence, and therefore it is his responsibility to deal w/ her properly.

the fact that oswald & lacie are Brother & Sister and that whole gendered dynamic really adds to this point, honestly. lacie is treated like a problem child, a capricious, fickle, devil-may-care little girl that needs to be locked away in a tower for safety but breaks out to play around outside anyways. she is objectified and infantilized by most if not all of the people closest to her, treated like something dirty and evil by jury, like a literal experiment by levi, and like a inhuman goddess and representation of salvation and perfection by jack.

oswald is not freed from this-- for all that he does genuinely love his sister, he also views lacie like a Problem that He needs to fix, and takes responsibility for her actions as a reflection of his own failures. when lacie acts out, oswald internalizes that as his fault for not controlling her better. he is quite literally groomed into believing this by jury, to the point that he goes through with the sacrifice and kills her, even when he expresses clear regret and grief over it before, after, and during the ritual itself.

and on top of that, as a part of this ritual, oswald is also crowned king of the baskervilles, given an incredibly important position within the family and role in taking care of the abyss. he is more responsibility than man by the time he becomes glen, having to take care of Everyone and Everything mostly on his own, his mentor and dearest sister dying all so that he can take the fucking job.

thus: when jack starts acting out, when he loses his mind over the loss of lacie and tries to throw the world away to compensate for it, oswald interprets this as A Lacie Problem and therefore his job to fix. as incredibly unintentionally cruel as it may be, i think oswald genuinely views jack's betrayal as Lacie's Fault, and therefore his own responsibility since he is the one who supposedly Created lacie in the first place. Your Sin Is Your Very Existence-- lacie should not have existed as a child of ill omen, it was a problem that she was alive, and it's all oswald's fault for creating her so it's his responsibility to kill her properly. so he has no other choice but to forcibly take over leo's body, go back in time, and Save Everything. lacie cannot be saved because her existence itself is the heart of the issue. without lacie, jack would not be saved. without lacie, oswald would never have to meet him, or love him, or be betrayed by him. without lacie, oswald could grow up and never have to kill his beloved sister. the world's chains would not be broken, the natural order would not be tainted by a desperate man's suicidal insanity, if only the problem were not created in the first place.

but then... he sees her.

and how could he possibly go through with this a second time?

[wayfayrr]

Copy and pasted This was a request from @yourlocaltreesimp and @sketchyspook as a continuation of self aware sky!! This man has my heart and soul <3 we've got two skies trying to come to terms with each other while reader is stuck in the middle <33 Btw if ever there's a one shot you'd ever like a continuation of I'll always be happy to write it if you drop a request <3 seeing as that's how this came to be in full, I had no intention to carry on with sky otherwise The first - second

[masterlist]

... “And why do you look just like me?”

This is so different to what happened the first time, he’s less emotive with his face still rigged to the model the way he’s moving seems far more stiff like he’s fighting against the game. The biggest difference though?

He’s petrified.And not of any one thing in particular every single thing is setting him off, from how my link is looking at him to even the feeling of his skin from what I can see. Link - the one on my side I mean - is hard to read, tensing up, gritting his teeth and looking at his other self like a threat. 

“Why are you both just looking at me like that - what - I - I - please I can’t handle anyone else keeping me in the dark - no one seems to remember my name - my real name- I don’t… this is all so… so”

Even his crying sounds similar to link’s - my link’s - oh I’ll need to come up with nicknames for them both now otherwise there won’t be an end to the confusion. Anyway it sounds similar, but far more broken, almost as if he’s having an existential crisis during his breakdown which, to be fair, is probably what is happening. One of us needs to explain everything to him and with links reaction? I think it’s going to be up to me.  With a quick glance at link telling him to stay out of this, moving to sit closer to the screen to talk to him face to face like a real person, all I have to do is hope that it goes well; that he doesn’t do anything rash.

“Link - I’ll explain whatever you want explained to you that I can with what I know, you just need to calm down enough to ask alright?”

That stopped the crying, his head jerkily moving so that his eyes can meet mine with each movement he makes becoming more fluid and natural. Each second that passes only seeming to bring him more alive all the while link behind me only seems to be getting more upset over it all. 

“I - I - Yeah… I can calm down, th-ank you..?”

“[name], you can call me that if you want or whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Ri-ight then feather, what’s happening - why are you watching me? And why - why does he look like me?”

Anomaly, I think that’ll suit him, didn’t take kindly to me being called a nickname so quickly but he’s the one who wanted to play the game so badly so he’s got to suck it up. Besides it’s not like he’s got to shatter someone's worldview, hopes and life, that falls on me. I can comfort anomaly later on, when this is cleared up. 

“Link you, aren’t real. You’re the character the player controls to play through this game you’re in, we weren’t just watching you, he was controlling you.”

“...”

“As for why he looks like you? He is you, a version of you anyway.”

“One who managed to learn about it and get out on his own, guess that makes me your better self huh?”

Because that was the right thing to tell a version of yourself having a breakdown, he had the decency to at least look a little ashamed when I turned to look at him. Not that his remorse helps how replay seems to have gotten worse again, this time the sound of crying pairing with tears streaming down his digital face. Even if he isn’t the same link I’ve been living with, his tears still hurt far more than any wound. 

“So  none of it - nothing - I went through is real, I’m not real? This is all for nothing, Zelda's not, she isn’t real either, so she, I’ve been through so- You helped me through it all…”

“Link..?”

“He - I? - said he got out, I - so that means I can too right? You - You’re not going to put me through everything, through learning all of that and keep me trapped in here right? Please [name], feather, please don’t make me stay here.”

“So you can try to take the love I earned? [Name] you were right I should never have played it.”

Oh, he knows exactly the right way to word it to hurt replay as much as he possibly can, it’s like he feels some sickening joy at this version of himself sobbing his heart out and knowing he’s the cause of the pain. Replay’s face has nothing more than horror on it now, he’s more scared than earlier. Hopefully anomaly comes to his senses soon so he doesn’t traumatise him any more than he already has. 

“Link, can you go getmy first aid kit and some extra bandages? I think they’re in the bathroom.”

“Wait dove you’re not planning to - right?”

“I didn’t leave you stuck and come on, love. I know you don’t actually hate him.”

“I - sure, for you though, no other reason.”

He didn’t fight me back at all, proving my own point that he most likely just feels threatened when he has no reason to be. Maybe replay staying with us will even be good for him, I know he’s been struggling adapting to being real and not having anyone who he can really relate to; replay being a version of himself in a very similar spot should really help. 

“[name]... you told him not to play? W-were you scared of this - of me learning? Of me being an issue… is that why you told him not to?”

“It wasn’t about you coming to life persay, I said it as a joke about how he got out of the game. He broke something that was very expensive to replace and I was teasing him over it. I know he was just saying that to hurt you though, so don’t worry about it. I’m sure he’ll calm down if you give him some time.”

Arguably it feels more like I’m facetiming someone now, his movements are so life-like he’s just like a real person, just in time for him to show a shy smile. Was this what anomaly would’ve looked like if he wasn’t in such a rush to get out that he was on the verge of corrupting the data while he was still in it. It’s unnerving, but less so than when he shoved his hand through the screen without warning. 

“Besides I think I have a way to prevent you from breaking anything hopefully, my boyfriend’s just getting it set up. It shouldn’t take long but seeing as we have a bit of time… is there anything else you wanted to ask or do you wanna talk for a bit?”

He seems flustered now, blushing red and everything, it’s kinda sweet more but does this me that he’s also. Be real with yourself [name] what are the odds that the same guy fell for you twice. Those would probably be higher wouldn’t they now I think on it. That look in his eye doesn’t make sense if he’s not as much as I hate to think it. It’s the same way anomaly looks at me, tamer yes but still has the same obsessive energy behind it, like he wants me to give him permission or he doesn’t understand why he feels like the way he does. Hopefully it won’t cause issues. He seemed to back away a little when I felt arms wrap around my shoulders, clearly someone wasn’t as pleased with how he was looking at me, while the other doesn’t like not having my attention. A nip at my ear was all I needed to turn back to him. 

“I hope you understand why I don’t like this, I love you far too much to consider losing you to another version of myself… but I did go and get the first aid kit like you asked. I don’t see why he needs it, can’t he just bring a potion with him or down a guardian potion beforehand?”

“Thanks love, I really appreciate it. You do have a point though, but still it’s better to prepare for the worst.”

“This isn't going to change anything between us, because I can’t lose you my player, just - just promise me that alright?”

“Of course link.”

Then the promise was sealed with a kiss to his cheek, tension leaving him instantly now that he knows his position as my partner isn’t at threat. Honestly it’s so cute how territorial he gets, nothing bad has ever happened and he’s the best partner you could ever want outside of that so really it’s not much of an issue. Other than that how many people can say their ‘fictional’ crush both reciprocates and gets possessive of them, it’s a very small number as far as I’m aware. Now all that’s left to do is for replay to break his way out. Replay’s already tearing up again.

“So then me what do I have to do to get out, and - and to throw away my past.”

“Break the screen, put your hand up against it and break the glass. I’ll be honest though, it will hurt a lot.”

“So I should take a potion right, to make it hurt less?”

“I didn’t take one, but if you feel you’ll need it. Go ahead, it’ll only prove you’re less than me.”

That final insult seemed to make replay steel himself, gripping a potion in his hand staring at it like it was what threatened him instead. He didn’t drink it though. Instead he opted to take his shield and use the pointed base to break through, faster and arguably much smarter than my beloved anomaly did, reaching out afterwards to pull himself out leaving my tv in a broken pile yet again but replay himself was left relatively unharmed in comparison. Was link really that desparate to be with me before? I can’t say that I’m not flattered by that, I only wish he took his own health into consideration. Now I’m simply stuck between the two of them staring at each other, I wonder how long it will take them to grow up and stop silently arguing.

[starryeyedjanai]

counting the days till i'm coming home

steddie | explicit | read on ao3 chapter 1 | chapter 2

Eddie gets up properly after laying there for a little while, thoughts still firmly placed on Steve.

He doesn't know what it is about him—he’s only met him once, and briefly. But he can't get him off his mind.

He thinks about going back to the lake, but feels like that’d be weird and a little desperate—jerking off thinking about him is one thing, but showing up day after day hoping to get a glimpse of him feels pathetic.

He did say he’d be at the lake a lot this summer, but Eddie still doesn't end up going back to the lake for another two weeks.

He and his band practice in the meantime, with little else to do in Hawkins over the summer. There’s supposed to be a new mall being built, but it’s not opening until next year, so they’re all stuck doing the same shit they always do during the summer—going to band practice, going to Skull Rock to smoke if they don't want to cram into Eddie’s living room, hanging out at Gareth’s house to watch movies.

It’s all the same shit and Eddie can feel himself sinking and drowning in the mundanity of it. Nothing ever changes around here.

Maybe that’s why he goes back to the lake.

Maybe it’s because he’s dreamed of Steve every night since meeting him, that same cryptic I’ll find you repeating over and over and over until Eddie can't take it anymore.

So he finds himself at the edge of the lake again, in his swim trunks and a loose shirt, hoping to see Steve again.

It’s right after dusk, the sun just having set, so he doesn't know what he expects, if he expects Steve to still be here if he came here at all today.

But being out in the open during the day felt scarier than this, he thinks, as he lifts his shirt over his head and places it on the ground beside him.

There’s no one here—he can't hear the sound of anyone in the water, and he can barely see anything at all, the moon hidden by the clouds right now.

But Steve said he’d find him.

And somehow Eddie believes it.

Something deep inside him believes that if he dives into the water, Steve will hear it and come looking for him.

So he does.

The water is cold as he dives headfirst into the water. When he comes up, the sound of the water sloshing is loud in his ears, almost as loud as the blood rushing past his ears as he remembers the whispers about a lake monster.

Some part of him always believed it, even though he’s never seen it, even though it’s impossible. So his heart beating this fast betrays his nerves about it somehow being true.

But Steve was here, and Eddie’s assuming he didn't get gobbled up by a monster.

Now that he’s in the lake though, he doesn't know what to do.

He treads water for a minute before swimming further out. He’s never been the most confident swimmer, though he did start taking swimming lessons at his old middle school because they were mandatory, but he moved out here to live with his uncle in the middle of the school year, so his lessons were incomplete.

And here in Hawkins, there aren't really many places to swim with a supposedly monster filled lake being one of the only bodies of water around.

But he can tread water and keep himself above the surface so that’s all that matters, he supposes.

He stops in the center of the lake and wonders what the hell he’s doing.

Did he really think Steve would hear a splash in the water from whichever one of these houses is his parent’s lake house and come join him? Did he really think he’d lose his virginity tonight, out here in the water with no protection like an idiot?

He really didn't think this through.

And with the temperature dropping and no sun shining on him to keep him warm, goosebumps prickle across his skin as he treads water in the center of the lake.

This was such a stupid idea.

He starts back for the docks and gets about halfway before something wraps around his ankle and calf and yanks him under the surface of the water.

His scream is muffled by the water, but whatever’s grabbing him lets go and he surfaces, breathing heavy and whipping around to find the culprit.

Steve's head pops up in front of him and Eddie blows out a harsh breath before wading closer and smacking him on the shoulder.

“You asshole!” he says, his voice more shaky than he’d like to admit. He must have had both hands around his leg because it felt like something was snaking up his leg. His thoughts of the lake monster must have really spooked him.

“Sorry,” Steve says, but his smile says otherwise. “You were leaving and I didn't want you to go.”

“So you thought you’d pull me under the water like a maniac? Where did you even come from?” he asks, trying to get his heart hate under control.

Steve shrugs and says, “I told you I’m always here.”

Something niggles in the back of his mind, the same way it did when Steve said he’d find Eddie if he ever came into the water. The goosebumps return to his skin as the words wash over him.

“When you say you’re always here,” Eddie says in a slow voice, but he can't get any more words out because he realizes how stupid he sounds.

There’s no way.

Steve is so close now, and Eddie can see the way the moonlight reflects off his skin. There’s something eerie about it, the way it glitters almost.

Eddie wades backward, putting more space between them, trying to aim for casual as he kicks his feet, knowing Steve could out-swim him no contest.

“You told me about a monster in the lake,” Steve says and Eddie nods, captivated by the lull of Steve's voice.

“And you said nothing had ever happened when you were in the water,” Eddie says, his heart in his throat.

There’s no fucking way.

The smile on Steve's face feels wicked almost. Eddie's hands clench into fists under the water.

“I told you nothing happened to me,” Steve clarifies, wading closer again, until only a foot of distance is between them.

Eddie's eyes close as he lets out a shaky breath.

When he opens them, Steve hasn't moved any closer.

Eddie realizes he’s shaking.

“I’m not gonna hurt you,” Steve says, and the sound Eddie lets out is close to a sob.

“I don't know if I believe you,” Eddie says, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that somehow, inexplicably, the boy before him is a monster. Does he shapeshift into something else? Is he some kind of a humanoid that drags people under the lake and eats them? Every thought running through his head leads to him dying cold and alone save for the monster before him.

But the expression on Steve's face turns sad, his mouth turning down as he looks at Eddie.

Steve wades further back again, faster than humanly possible, putting distance between them. “I didn't mean to scare you,” he says and Eddie can barely hear it over the ripples of the water. “You can go if you want. I like you and I don't want you to be scared of me.”

Eddie doesn't know if this is part of his game—if he wants to chase Eddie before he kills him.

But he keeps his eyes on Steve as he wades backwards, closer to Rick’s dock where he jumped into the lake.

He doesn't come any closer, watching him with sad eyes as he pulls himself up awkwardly onto the dock, backwards so he doesn't have to look away.

He’s shivering as he pulls on his shirt, as he watches Steve watch him.

He only takes his eyes off him when he’s stumbling back onto the grass behind Rick’s house. He beelines it for his van and speeds the entire way home, putting more and more distance between him and Steve.

He feels every mile stretching between them.

His heart rate only goes down when he’s in his bed, after he’s showered and washed off all remnants of the lake off him.

His hair is wet against his pillow as he lays there and thinks about what just happened.

He doesn't know if Steve was just fucking with him, is the thing.

He could just be some guy who’s here for the summer and decided to have some fun at Eddie's expense.

Or—

He could be the lake monster everyone talks about.

He never told Steve that the monster supposedly pulls people under the water—they barely spoke at all when they first met.

But that’s exactly what Steve did—wrapped his hands around Eddie's leg and pulled him under the water.

He could have asked someone, he supposes.

But nothing about that felt fake.

And was it his hands? It didn’t feel like it in the moment.

The way the moonlight hit his skin felt wrong, the way he moved through the water felt wrong, whatever wrapped around his leg felt wrong.

The skin of his ankle and calf feels tender and hot now, as he lays there still shivering a little from the encounter.

When he falls asleep, much too late into the night, he dreams about Steve again.

[artisanscribbles]

The Oathbound Time Travel Not-A-Fix-It fic premise

ok @iloveicecoffee since you asked so nicely I am sharing some thoughts highlights on a fic I absolutely have not written.

Oathbound Spoilers obviously so this continues under the cut

So, I’ve been reading way too many Korean webtoons with Time Travel Fix Its that I kind of wanted to do that with legendborn but as more of a remix- and not just with Bree. So.

Brianna wakes up in her room at home. She’s confused, she hasn’t been here in months, and she was… where was she just now?

Danger, there was a fight, Nick and Sel and so much blood…

She falls out her bed and hits the ground crying, her dad runs in to check if she’s ok, he’s been expecting her to break given she didn’t cry at the funeral yesterday.

What funeral?

Mom’s funeral, yesterday, remember

Mom’s funeral was months ago, what’s going on

Alice comes rushing in crying, Bree you’re alive

Bree is crying, Alice is crying, and Edwin is very confused, no one is having a good time

Eventually everyone calms down enough to hash out what’s happening.

The last thing Bree remembers clearly is Sel waking up from putting on the Shadow King’s Crown

The last thing Alice remembers is a fight in the middle of a medieval keep.

The last thing Edwin remembers is going to bed the night before

but he has a very clear feeling the girls are telling the truth and he believes what they are saying. He does not doubt them at all.

It becomes clear not everyone has the same memories.

What are they going to do- Bree and Alice have clear memories but only to a point, Edwin only has strong feelings to go on.

Time Travel?

Does the Order remember? Does the Shadow King? Nick, Sel anyone?

What do we do?!

Alice thinks going to anyone connected to the Order is a bad idea. If anyone in the Order remembers they’ll be after Bree, if they don’t, they’ll consider it a security breach. Similarly, they can’t go to anyone at Chapel Hill for those reasons.

Bree figures if she remembers, the Shadow King probably does. Would he use the Order to hunt her down?

Alice doesn’t think so. The King still considers Bree and investment. Outright Order interference has never actually been useful to him in that regard

Who to go to then.

Valechaz! Of Course!

Edwin is still confused, but agrees to a road trip down to the Crossroads over the weekend. They sell it to Alice’s parents as a chance to get Bree away for a bit after the funeral.

They arrive at a not terribly busy Crossroads.

Bree goes over to the bar to see if Valec’s available. The bouncer is agreeable to seeing if that’s so. Bree takes this as a good sign.

Powerhouse! Good to see you, what’s going on?

Valec also woke up a week ago very confused. The last thing he remembers is passing through a Gate into Annwyn.

But guess who else is here!

Zoelle and Elijah!

Who are also very confused. The last thing they remember is agreeing to help Bree get to the demon realm.

Also, Mariah! The last thing she remembers is the confrontation at Penumbra!

Everyone is so confused!

Lark wakes up. Why is he in Scotland. Where is Will. Where is Briana? What the fuck is going on.

Lark is slightly mystified to be a Mageguard in good standing. The Order is not a hive of activity. Nicholas is still referred to as the Scion of Arthur. Nobody has a price their heads, He very carefully does not panic.

Erebus watches Lark very carefully not panic with knowing eyes. Lark is not pleased, but also not stupid.

Lark spends the next couple of months sneaking around, robbing archives, staring threateningly at Erebus, sabotaging a couple of missions and spending an unfortunate amount of time silently commiserating with Erebus when he gets stuck guarding Regent meetings.

He very much does not want to be commiserating silently or otherwise with Erebus

God, he hates all of these people. He can’t wait to have an excuse to meet back up with Bree.

William wakes up with the sense something is very wrong. What could be wrong? Everything is fine. There is no reason for anything to be wrong.

He continues as usual.

This does nothing to alleviate his anxiety.

Nick wakes up knowing something is missing and needing to check in with Sel. Why does he need to check in with Sel? No idea, but Nick isn’t one to ignore bad feelings.

Selwyn wakes up normally. Until Nick shows up. What are you doing here? Why would I be hurt, no seriously why do you care. Have you been mesmered?

Nick has not been mesmered

Sel has no idea why the 2 people he cares about are acting so weird and have such bad anxiety.

(oh yes you do, stop ignoring me when I try to tell you things boy)

He doesn't like it

Nick is not pleased to see his father and Isaac

Nick is never pleased to see his father and Isaac but in the last 24 hours it’s moved into you should be dead and I’m happy to remedy that territory. Why, he has no idea. But he’s done with them. It’s time to stop being nice and go Apeshit.

Nick continues to plot the murders of Isaac and his father.

Breakfast is no more awkward than usual in this house.

Back to the Crossroads!

The gang have figured out there has been time travel- how? No idea? Why? Also, no idea!

Bree still has access to all of her powers so it’s assumed everybody else is awake to.

Valec supposes the Order must not remember otherwise they’d have a tail on Bree by now

But Erebus

Bree thinks he won’t bother setting the Order on her unless she gives him a good reason too. He will be content to let things play out.

She is right.

Erebus is actually having the time of his life. This is most interesting thing to happen in centuries and he wants to see how Briana intends to play it.

Larkin wonders why this is his life now? At least if Sel was here he could chuck these problems at him and fuck off to cuddle with Will or something

But what to do should we do Bree?

Well, her deal with the Shadow King is still active, Excalibur is probably back in the cave but the Crown is still in the hands of the Morgaine’s.

Do we try to get the Crown?

Bree thinks we have to try, because otherwise they can’t progress.

Valec agrees

Alice asks if that means they are still going to EC at Chapel Hill

Bree says yes, the others will have to gather intelligence outside of the college

And they should try to touch base with the boys to see if they remember anything

What if they don’t?

Not sure, but we have to keep the Order from knowing about Bree for as long as possible

No one has high hopes about that possibility

Cut to Nick noticing he has been Called and not by Arthur, hmmm

This is a problem but doesn’t feel like one. I’ll keep it on the down low. Feels like no one needs to know about this unless necessary

Our missing King needs to stay missing right now

Nick misses his King deeply and doesn’t know why

Selwyn continues on as normal, but agitated (where is she, why hasn’t she come to me?)

Nothing is wrong (EVERYTHING IS WRONG BOY, ALL OF OUR PACK SHOULD BE HERE, WHERE ARE THEY)

CAN’T LET THE OLD MAN GET ANY IDEAS ABOUT CLAIMING WHAT’S OURS

This is like a part 1, I haven’t thought much further than this.