#especially 5 who has become selfish and cold towards his family

[rosiedansen]

Um.

Why is new Umbrella Academy season so bad??

[tokoyamisstuff]

Scandal Ch. 5 - Loki x Reader

Summary: Loki returns to claim what is his - willing to kill everyone in his way.

Warnings: Angst.

Words: ~1800

I Story Masterlist I General Masterlist I

Taglist: @catlover092402152, @hi-there-x, @haloangel391, @misssilencewritewell, @babayaga67, @accioremuslupinn, @mochimommy2002, @just-someone-who-likes-to-write, @damalseer, @bethanystan, @loser-alert, @star017, @nina1800, @queenariesofnarnia, @n1fangirlsblog, @vengefulsokovian, @lunamoonbby, @freyagallileaevans, @emmojoy, @literate-lamb, @aninnai​, @justsomerandompersonintheworld​

A/N: Sweet little Feedback Anon, I took your suggestion. You know which one I mean if you see it. (:

Btw guys I have like 60+ Drafts I need to finish so pls be patient with me.

Word sure spreads fast among the folk of Asgard, about Odin’s shame and your innocence.

Since his lies had weakened the favor among his subjects, the Allfather was desperate to clean his name and reputation, ultimatively inviting you to come back.

But you declined, stating that this wasn’t your homeland anymore ever since they betrayed you to fullfill their selfish ambitions.

However, Asgard’s hypocrisy wasn’t the only reason you chose to stay on Midgard - you just knew that it would break your heart every day you’d spend on a place with so many memories connected to your deceased husband.

Earthlings, the people of S.H.I.E.L.D and especially Thor’s friends Jane and Erik Selvic had basically become like family to you. Even though they could never fill the void Loki had left in your heart, things being like this was more than you could wish for.

“Lady Y/N!” a familiar voice greeted you, yet his worried tone startled you. Thor was already standing in your room, practically kicking in your door as he was visibly upset.

Immediately, you put Liam into his crib and rushed to his side. “What’s the matter?!”

A strange mix of horror and excitement was stretched across his face, making your heart sink to your stomach.

Actually, you didn’t want to involve yourself with the Asgardians any further. All you ever wanted was for your child to be healthy and happy, no matter where this was possible.

But Thor was still your cherished brother-in-law, as well as a wonderful uncle, never ceasing to provide for you and Liam, even when everyone else had forsaken you.

Yet what he was about to tell you let your blood run cold: 

“Loki is back.”

Immediately, all the walls you had built up over those past months were crumbling as you collapsed to the floor, crying out of anger and relief.

“H-How? How is this even possible?! He’s dead! Loki died!”

“Pull yourself together, Lady Y/N!” Thor has always been a rather touchy-feely kind of person, in opposite to his raw and bulky appearance.

But right now, he wouldn’t dare to hug or console you, like he’d usually do. Instead, he was offering you a hand to help you get back up - which you wouldn’t be able to take just yet. “There’s no use in overthinking this! We need to hurry!”

“What do you even want me to do?” you wondered, because if your husband was really alive, you’d doubt him wanting to see you. “He’s changed...killed a lot of people before he disappeared. And still, I don’t wanna fight him. How can I be of any help at all?!?”

“We know he’s probably after you and the child” the God of Thunder stated coldly. “So you need to be transferred to a safe location.”

What can be more safe than a base of S.H.I.E.L.D? If only you knew he had already demolished a whole, giant outpost of them with ease...

“I’ll explain everything to you on the way.” “Let me quickly get the baby.”

“What, did you forget the name of your nephew already?” you chuckled awkwardly, but seeming to have struck a nerve.

Thor was only slowly approaching the crib in which your lovely baby was resting, staring at it with awe while his trembling hand caressed Liam’s cheek.

“Incredible...” he whispered mainly to himself,  as if this wasn’t the thousandth time he would lay eyes upon him. “He’s just like I remember him.”

Something was off.

Of course Thor had a spare key to your flat, but you had never heared him unlock it - he had just kind of appeared in the middle of the room. Could as well be that you had been to invested with something, or buried in thought to notice him, and yet...

“Wait” you stated, making him flinch away from the child and turn around. “My knees are still weak. Help me up first.”

With heavy steps, Thor would force himself away from the crib and towards you again, lending you another hand and easily pulling you up - just for you to point a sharp dagger to his throat.

“Lady Y/N, when did you summo-”

“Shut up!” you hissed, and the god held his hands into the air to assure his goodwill. "Drop the disguse. Now!”

The man let out an amused huff, a taint of green covering his body to revert it back to normal - revealing your husband.

His hair had become longer, and dark rings showed how devastating those past months went by for him. Yet still, he was unmistakingly your husband.

Yet a faint, mad spark in his eyes was what worried you the most.

Now he was holding a knife as well, both circling around the crib with a knife at each other’s throat, as if to dance with each other.

“So it’s really you, Loki?”

“The one and only” he declared, chest swelling with pride at his performance and completely ignoring your hostile undertone. “I missed you painfully, my sweetling.”

He looked to the side where your son was still sleeping soundly, regret clearly visible on his face. “Wha- what name did you give our child?”

“Liam it is.”

The smallest of smiles tugged on his lips, swallowing harshly to surpress the sobs wanting to break free. “Beautiful name. Very well chosen.”

Pain was stretching across your features, desperately trying for the dam of emotions to not break. The dagger in your hand vanished, rather choosing to reluctantly caress his cheek - to make sure this was really him, and not one of his illusions.

And it was really him, leaning into your touch with a content purr. “Yes, my love, just like tha-”

A loud noise drang to his ear, effectively cutting him off. He needed a second to understand that it was in fact you slapping him what caused the interruption.

“Dear, wait, I-” Another hit, this time it was your knee digging into his groin, making him gasp in pain.

With his current power, it would be a piece of cake to block you - yet he knew that after everything that had happened to you, and everything he had done...

...it was what he deserved. So he would allow you to let off some steam.

Yet much to his surprise, you were done already - now grabbing desperately on his cloak and pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

He immediately reciprocated, dropping his weapon as well to embrace you fully, lips mingling with each other over and over again.

Oh, how long had both of you craved for each other?

“Sorry” you panted as your lips finally parted, “Just needed to get that off my chest.”

“Do not apologize, my love” Loki declared, chin resting atop of your head, still no intention to let go off of you. “I deserve far worse than that.”

You looked up to him, the kiss having made something surface in his eyes: So solemn, and incredibly fragile, it made your heart ache.

“Wha- what happened to you? Where have you been all this time?”

Loki’s face contorted at the question, as if the thoughts in his mind were physically painful. But his mind was clouded, unable to make his proper memory resurfacing. “Places far beyond your imagination, dear. And I have learned many things.”

“I-I thought I had lost you...” you ultimatively began to sob, face dug into his chest.

“No” the god whispered softly, his gaze still unwavering. “You always have me. I promise.”

“What now?” you sniveled as he gently pet your head, just as back in good old times. “Where do we go?”

“What do you mean?” Loki’s features creased into a slight frown, “We stay here. There’s no need to leave or flee.”

“Bu-” you hesistantly took a few steps back, to take in his full reaction. “But you’re a wanted criminal, Loki! On Asgard as well as Midgard!”

His manner became more defensive again, glee radiating off of him. “Oh, my sweet, innocent Y/N...still the idealist, I see.”

“And you are still insufferable” you scoffed back, crossing your arms. “What do you mean?”

Actually, you dreaded the answer.

The man seemed to be thinking about many things at once, eyes narrowing before he finally took a hold of your hand, squeezing it ever so slightly when he saw that you were still wearing his ring - even after everything that had happened.

“Y/N, my love, those deaths were a necessary evil.” He tried to peck a quick kiss on your hand, but you pulled away at those words. “The only crime I feel guilty for is having left the love of my life. But don’t you worry, I’ll make up for it.”

He summoned a staff, glowing in the same blue as the tesseract - and much to your terror, his eyes started to adapt to them as well.

“I will create my own kingdom, Y/N! Here on Midgard, with you as my queen! This is what you deserve, my love! You and our child will have everything you desire and more!”

“This is madness, Loki!” It wasn’t the first time he had heared that.

People always treated him wrongly, afterwards wondering why he was trying to create felicity on his own. “Is it?” he croaked, “Is it madness for a person born to rule two kingdoms to create a home he never had?”

His plan did not merit awe or any such feelings he hoped you to have - the only person in the world he thought would understand him.

“Loki, what your parents have done to you is inexcusable, yet-”

“They’re not my parents!” he screamed enraged, eyes then widened in shock that he had raised his voice at you. “My apologies, I...”

“They have kept the truth from you so that you’d never feel different. You know you’re their son, and the Asgardians are your family. You must know that!”

“You speak like mother” he spat, and still Frigga’s words he could not shake off as easily as Odin’s. “There is no going back to that place, and Jotunheim I never had a connection with. You most likely heared that I tried to kill Laufey, yes?”

Nodding in silence, you nervously bit your lip. “Please...” Wrapping your arms around him and placing one ear at his sternum, you could clearly hear how his heart was fighting a war, struggling to decide.

“You can still stop whatever you were gonna do. We can start anew somewhere, lead a peaceful life with Liam. I don’t need wealth or power, and you clearly know any of this wouldn’t give you the satisfaction you’re searching for!”

“As always, you’re right” he grumbled deeply, already regretting what he was about to do. “But it’s not that easy, my naive little dove.”

“No~” With his hand on the back of your neck, he infused a powerful magic inside your body, slowly shutting down your nervous system completely. As careful as possible, he cradled you in his arms and slowly led you to the floor, then proceeding to take his heir.

“The only thing I need for myself is our little family - and I will avenge you by murdering anyone that did you wrong, or tries to separate us again.”

[crowtrinkets]

Wet Cobblestone

The Apprentice works as Julian's apprentice, but they're having a hard time dealing with the reality of the Red Plague. They miss Asra and try to find comfort in... other forms.

Julian and GN!Apprentice

Word Count: 4,095

Warning: Drinking to cope and big sad

(Am I writing to avoid responsibilities? Yes)

---

Wet cobblestone. It's never really a thing you pay attention to, not unless you’re trying to forget something. Something so heart-wrenchingly cruel and painful that you’ll pay attention to the sounds of your boots sauntering across wet cobblestone. Trying to clear your mind after condemning someone to death. Life was easy when I was simply a magician, before the plague, before Asra, before I became a doctor’s apprentice. I didn’t think it would be this difficult, I thought I could cure the plague. But at this point, it’s become a wave, and it’s going to swallow this city whole. I should have left.

The bell jingling on the door of Julian's clinic snaps me out of my thoughts. I didn’t even realize I had already made my way across town from my house call. I was returning from a patient visit. It wasn’t a good one. I remove my mask and take a deep sigh, wiping the sweat off my skin, it may be cold out in Vesuvia but wearing a mask for hours takes its toll. I drop my mask onto Julian's desk as I walk into the back supply room. A wave of emotions overtakes me as I feel my heart racing in my chest. I take a deeply pained gasp trying to compose myself, but it only wills the tears into falling faster. The aching pain in my heart manifests itself in my sobs, I cover my mouth with my leather gloved hand trying to stifle it. Falling to my knees I sob silently. Mourning the victims, mourning myself, mourning my confidence. Did I really think I could cure the plague? Me? A lowly magician? One who couldn’t even manage a relationship, and drove my once chance away.

The wind howls outside, whistling as it makes its way through the drafts of Julian’s clinic. I continue to cry but not as hard. It always goes like this, I hide, I cry, I stop and I go back to work. Slowly standing, I sniffle and wipe my face with my sleeve. I then hear footsteps and start to frantically dry my eyes. I can’t let Julian see me like this, he always tries to take the burden of my pain and I can't let him do that, he’s already too busy. Still wiping my face I quickly walk out of the supply closet but run head-on into the man in front of me.

“Oh my! Oh hello there MC? Oh uh… are you alright?” It's Julian. I avoid looking at him, hoping he doesn’t see the redness of my eyes, stinging from my tears. I slowly nod.

“Yes… I’m alright Julian, thank you,” I slowly back away but he brings an arm around my shoulder.

“Come, I think we both deserve some tea, hm?” He guides me to the clinic kitchen. It's small and has an even smaller chair with a few tables. But it's cozy and a perfect place for tea, and for becoming existential on those especially hard days. I sit at the table and Julian approaches the stove. He fills the kettle with water and searches for matches to light the wood-fire stove.

“Hrm uh, I can’t seem to find the uh… would you mind?” Before he can finish I give Julian a quick nod as I approach the stove. Opening the hatch I use my magic to create a modest fire.

“Ahh, thank you, my dear, I knew having a magician as an apprentice would come in handy,” Julian winks, it causes me to give a small smile, but in an instant, it's gone, and I turn to take my place back at the table. Julian takes to standing by the stove, almost like he thinks watching the pot will cause the water to boil faster. It does not matter to me, I’m still going through the motions of my solo adventure in the supply closet. A few minutes go by and Julian prepares two cups of tea. He offers me sugar which I accept, before placing my cup in front of me and taking the seat across. We sit in silence, sipping our warm beverages, listening to the wind howling outside as rain slowly approaches. The sweetness of the sugar is nice on my tongue, but I still feel the ache in my chest. Julian can’t seem to sit still. His eyes shift from me to his cup, me, cup, the wall, cup, me. I can’t take his fidgeting much longer.

“Are you going to ask me why I was crying?” Julian jumps a little when I break the silence.

“I don’t wish to impose but, not every day you find your apprentice crying in a supply closet,” he attempts to joke. Oh if only he knew.

“I made a house call, to a family of four. They’re all infected and very far along in their symptoms,” I circle my finger around the rim of my cup, attempting to keep my composure. “They’re all being sent to the Lazaret as we speak,” Julian gives me a knowing nod. Humming in response as he glares into his cup. We both know this feeling too well. Having to send innocent people to their demise, where they will be cremated, and buried. Without a marker, without a proper funeral.

“You know what they said to me?” My voice wavers. “They said that they were going to dress in the nicest clothing they had before they left for the Lazaret… so they could go out… looking their best,” hot wet tears start to fall down my face again. I bring my hand to my face, but I stop when the leather makes contact with my hand. These hands, they try to help, but all they can do is condemn people to death, and prolong their suffering by keeping them alive, occasionally aiding the pain. But it's only temporary. I rip off my gloves and send them across the room. As far away from me as possible. Bringing my face into my hands I begin to sob once again.

I hear Julian stand in his chair, and then I feel two arms bring me into the warm hug. The first hug I’ve had in… a while, not since before my fight with Asra. I turn into his chest, letting ugly sobs escape me, while I cling to him like a lost child. All Julian does is hug me, stroking my back with a hand. But it’s the comfort I’ve needed for a while.

“I-I’m sorry, I’m supposed to be working and here I am sobbing into your shoulder,” I finally pull away from Julian, my hands still on his chest. He keeps one hand on my shoulder, while the other rests on my hand placed over his heart.

“Well I didn’t think we were on the clock, I thought we were just having a tea break hm?” Julian's warm voice always seemed to soothe me in times of stress. But I’ve never broken down like this in front of him. Ever since taking up my apprenticeship with him, I’ve always tried to be the stronger one. Julian is definitely one for dramatics so I thought I had to be strong to compensate. For the sake of morals. What a load of good that did me.

I give Julian a nod, and stare at his hand, pressed softly on top of mine. Despite his gloves, I can feel just how cold his hands are. When I brought it up in the past he said something about it “matching his heart” but I know in reality Julian is a softy. I mean he made me tea and let me cry into his clothes. I flush slightly and pull my hands back. How long have I been holding on to him?

“Thank you, Julian,” I gaze into his kind, stormy eyes. He looks like he hasn’t been sleeping well. I probably look no better, however. I can't sleep. I spend every night haunted by my patients, their cries and wet coughs echoing in my head. I can't even sleep in my own bed, it feels empty and without life. Sometimes I sleep at my desk in the clinic. I wait until Julian has left, or has promptly passed out at his own desk, and try to get some sleep, but even then.

My eyes travel Julian’s face as he still crouches beside me, a hand on my shoulder. I reach my hand up and I tuck a strand of his auburn hair behind his ear, he shivers slightly at the contact. Is this ok? To be like this towards him? I’m his apprentice but… maybe I can be selfish. Just this once. I grab his other hand, lacing our fingers together. Julian’s eyes have gone wide, a flush of pink settling on his face. He stands instantly, pulling away, and clears his throat.

“W-well it seems the rain has let up? And oh! It must be half past 5, and you know what they say about 5 o’clock,” gathering our now cold tea and disposing of it. I suddenly feel cold at the loss of his touch. No, maybe I was doing too much. We work together this isn't some fling like we’re teenagers. Professional, yes.

“I-I could go for a drink,” Julian whips around from the sink and looks at me. A grin forming on his lips. I stand and awkwardly grab my gloves from the corner where I threw them.

“I’ll just change into regular clothing, I think seeing a doctor at a bar will damper the mood,” with a nod from Julian, I exit into the bathroom where Julian and I keep our personal items. I remove my protective gear, undoing the claps and putting it away along with my gloves. I grab my travel cloak and swing it around my shoulders. Exiting the bathroom I go to find Julian. A few drinks couldn’t hurt especially after the day I had.

“Ready to go, my dear?” He asks exiting the kitchen, putting his arm out for me to grasp. With a nod I take it and we exit the clinic together.

—- At the Rowdy Raven

How many tankards has it been? 3? 4? 6? I lost track. The world around me swirls, I hear people shouting because of an unfair card game. I rub a hand across my face, my lips are numb, just like my emotions. Good, I don’t want to feel tonight. I can't remember the last time I drank this much. Julian approaches with a glass of water and hands it to me.

“I uh, think you should drink this, and maybe I should walk you home,” I take the glass reluctantly and take a sip. It's cold and soothes the burn in my chest.

“Wow doctor, if I didn’t know you well enough I think you’d be tryna get me to take you home,” my words slur out. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or my loneliness but Julian is looking extra… something. Shit, I'm not sure, my words are failing me. My eyes are blurry and sounds seem to echo but I think I can see Julian blushing.

“Just, drink your water, I don’t think you will be able to work effectively with a hangover,” he sits next to me and moves the glass closer. With a groan, I take the drink and slowly but eventually finish it all. Feeling a little bit more sober, Julian and I leave the Raven together.

Right out the door, I stumble, Julian catches me by the elbows.

“Woah there! Maybe I should’ve had you drink another glass,” he laughs putting an arm around me to support me, his embrace is warm in comparison to the biting cold wind outside. The walk back to my shop is quiet. There's no conversation, just the sound of our shoes tapping along the wet cobblestone, and me occasionally losing my balance. The wind starts to pick up, sending leaves through the air. I stumble a little against it as it whips my face leaving me shivering. That’ll sober you up. I then feel a drop fall onto my head. Julian and I stop mid-walk and look up at the sky.

“It would seem the storm has picked up,” I nod in response, Julian then looks at me, his usual smirk plastered on his lips. “Think you’re sober enough to run?” He asks.

“Run?” I tilt my head. Just then the rain starts to pick up, and a downpour approaches. “Run!” I shout. We both take off in the rain, headed towards my shop. I grab onto Julian's hand hoping to keep up with him and we laugh as we race through the streets. We finally approach my shop and I hastily open it so we can get warm and dry.

I close the door and lean against it, heart-pounding and breath heavy. Julian is leaning on the counter trying to catch his own breath. I watch as he runs a hand through his hair, sending rain droplets onto his shoulders. The moon shines through a window, illuminating his pale skin. My stomach starts to flutter with nerves, or maybe it's the alcohol. I gulp.

“My, I didn’t expect it to come down like that!” Julian laughs. He rights himself and walks in a circle, observing my shop. “I don’t think I’ve ever really seen the inside of your shop,” he glances at me.

“Oh yea, I um haven't been keeping it open lately cause I’ve been too busy so it’s a little messy… sorry,” I nervously fiddle with the seam of my cloak. Why am I so flustered? Professional! this is a PROFESSIONAL setting. Just two co-workers who went out for drinks… and held hands in the rain… and now he's wet... in my shop. Oh, he’s wet! He’s going to catch a cold!

“W-why don’t I make us some tea and I’ll grab you a towel dry off?” I head towards the stairs and stop before I go up, looking at Julian over my shoulder. Please follow please follow please follow. He nods and we both ascend the stairs.

After clumsily filling the kettle and starting the stove, Julian tries to make me sit, but I insist I am fine and that the rain sobered me up. However I am not fine, I can manage on my own but my emotions are all over the place, why is Julian making me feel so strange? Why am I feeling things towards him? Like I want him to touch me and... No! Professional.

I find a few mismatched towels and bring them over. I hand them to Julian as I take one myself and dry myself off. I technically have a spell to fix all this but… I don’t want him to leave. Julian wraps a towel around his shoulders as he sits in a chair at the table. And then silence falls upon us once again.

“Um, thank you again, Julian, you always seem to know how to cheer me up,” I stand awkwardly, shifting my weight and avoiding Julian's eyes.

“Well, what kind of boss would I be if I didn’t take my employees out every once in a while?” He tries to be suave, but I can sense some unease in his voice. Water drips from his hair to his shoulders.

“Oh! Your hair is still wet,” I approach the table and grab a smaller towel, placing it on Julian, covering his face. Without thinking I begin to dry his hair. Rubbing the towel all over.

“Oh um, thank you,” Julian says. I freeze in place. What the hell am I doing. I slowly move my hands from the top of Julian's head to the back, towards his nape, where I slowly pull off the towel so it falls on his shoulders revealing his face. However, never in all my days did I expect Julian to be gazing at me like he was. His eyes were wide, filled with surprise and wonder. His mouth agape as he looked up at me, still slouched in the chair while I stand between his legs. My arms rest on his shoulders as I look down at him. Neither of us speaks a word. Suddenly I feel Julian’s arms, wrap around my back, he’s not grabbing me, just holding me, keeping me in place. I catch his eyes flick up and down multiple times. And I would be lying if I said mine wasn’t doing so too. The moonlight once again beams through the window as it pokes through the clouds. Illuminating Julians face with a cool glow. But at the same moment, my eye catches a glimpse of something on the table. I look over Julian's shoulders at it. No, it can't be, it was too dark in here to see but now that the moon is out... I see it. The succulent Asra bought me a while ago. It’s dead. A wave of emotion overtakes me, I look down at Julian who stares up at me, confused and almost expectantly.

“Julian, I-I’m so sorry,” I pull away from him, turning my back to face him. Trying to hide my embarrassment. “I shouldn’t have done that, or any of the things I did, I’m sorry. I’m just a mess,”

“A mess? Whatever makes you say that” I hear Julian stand, the chair squeaking as he pushes it back into place. I turn around and gesture towards the potted plant in the center of the table.

“The plant it was a gift from… from a friend, and I let it die,” My vision starts to become blurry once again.

“Well I’m sure your friend would understand, you have been busy lately-“

“You don’t understand!” The flood gates open. “I can’t even keep a plant alive let alone my patients! And all day I’ve just been selfish trying to flirt with you when I could have been working!” The ugly sobs return, I cry into my towel, hoping I’ll open my eyes and all of this will be a dream. How embarrassing I must look.

In the midst of my cries I hear the kettle started whistling. Mid sob, I turn toward the kitchenette and prepare tea for Julian and me. No cream or sugar for Julian, a teaspoon of sugar for myself. I turn around to give Julian his tea but he’s already behind me, reaching for the cup. He takes his drink and sits back at the table, and I join him with my respective cup. Snapping my finger, I like the singular candle on my kitchen table. Once again we are sat in silence drinking our tea. I’ve stopped sobbing, but my tears continue to fall.

“I’m sorry again Julian,” I sniffle between words. “I cannot lie I had an ulterior motive to bring you to my shop, but I shouldn’t have done that,” I’m too embarrassed to even meet his gaze.

“It’s alright, I cannot lie and say I didn’t sense you were up to something, so in a sense, I should also be apologizing,” I meet Julian’s eyes once again, he’s staring at me with a smile that doesn’t meet his eyes. Taking a sip of his tea he continues.

“I understand it’s been hard for… all of us, because of the plague, but you can't allow it to overtake you and make you feel weak,” at this point I have calmed down, my cheeks stained in tears and my nose sniffly. I nod in response, gazing at my poor succulent.

“You said a friend gifted it to you?” Julian tries to strike up a conversation.

“Yes… he um loved to travel and would bring me gifts often,” I take a sip of my tea trying to keep myself composed.

“Were you close?” Julian asks. My eyes shift to his wondrous expression.

“Yes along the lines of that,” I pause for a second contemplating if I should tell him. “We got into an argument when the plague first became really bad. He wanted to leave, and I wanted to stay and help… So he left,” the last few words taste bitter in my mouth.

“Do you miss him?” I pause for a minute before I finally nod. Embarrassed to confess to Julian I was essentially trying to use him.

“I hope you don’t think ill of me… I should really stay away from the bottle,” I laugh bitterly. Julian quietly laughs in response.

“I could never think ill of you,”

“Thank you….” I glance out the window, the rain is still coming down hard. I don’t want to kick Julian out after I treated him so terribly.

“Would you like to sleep here, tonight? Just because of the rain and… I would feel awful sending you to walk home in that,” I gesture to the window. Julian gives me a smile and nods.

“Yes that would be lovely, I can sleep on the floor,”

“Oh no! You can sleep in my bed I insist!”

“I feel sleeping in your bed is a step backward from today,” he jokes. I flush with embarrassment.

“I suppose so,” I stand from the table and collect the cups and bring them to the sink. After cleaning the mess and gathering the laundry I hand Julian some pillows and blankets from my bed. Julian then goes into the bathroom to get ready for bed leaving me alone. I quickly change into my sleep clothes and stare at my bed before climbing in. I haven’t slept in my own bed in a while. I’ve been avoiding my shop like… well, you know. The memory of Asra and I fighting haunts me in my sleep. And now all I can think of when I’m here is how he would hold me in bed. I couldn’t bear to sleep in it alone.

“Well I don’t think staring at your bed will help you fall asleep any faster,” I whip around to see Julian, standing in nothing but trousers. I try not to let him see my flush.

“Yes of course,” I crawl into bed and wrap myself in a blanket and try not to stare while Julian approaches and lays on the floor beside my bed. He lets out a sigh once he’s comfortable and then there is silence. Had it not been for the rain beating hard on the windows, Julian would have heard my loud nervous breathing. I can’t remember the last time I slept in my own bed let alone while someone was here with me. I shut my eyes and try to will myself asleep.

Nothings working, my mind wanders worried about my patients, about my poor plants, about Asra, about Julian, about my shop. Anything and everything is causing anxiety in my mind. I toss and turn in bed trying to get comfortable but nothing works. After what feels like 2 hours have passed I finally open my eyes and let out a huff.

“Can’t sleep?” Julian’s groggy tone cuts through the silence. I let out a sigh.

“Yes… I haven’t had much sleep lately, I guess I’m not used to sleeping alone,”

“We’ll you’re technically not alone right now…”

“Yes I guess you’re right… But there's a difference between someone sleeping in your bed and someone sleeping next to your bed,” Julian lets out a short laugh.

“Yes I guess that is so, I’ve never had the best luck sleeping either… would you… would you want me to hold your hand?”

“What?” I quickly sit up and look over the edge of my bed at Julian. It’s very dark but I feel that I can see him blushing.

“Well you know, so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping alone,” his voice wavers slightly. I guess that makes sense.

“Ok,” I say. I then lay on my stomach and scooch to the edge of the bed and allow my arm to hang over the side, my hand finds Julians and we both lay there in silence. Our hands interlocked, listening as the rain comes down in the streets. Julian's hands are still cold as usual, but it’s soothing in a sense, against my hands that are usually hot and aching with tension like the rest of my body. I eventually hear Julian’s breath still into a sleepy rhythm. I keep my eyes on him, watching his chest rise and fall as tendrils of moonlight poke through the curtains. Eventually, I close my eyes, and slowly but surely I fall asleep into a warm comforting slumber.

[bokutosbestie2]

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Hi guys!! Sorry for the slow updates I been busy with school but we’re almost out for the summer!! Anyways Enjoy the story!

W

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆

" Who was that? It better not be what I'm thinking. " Kageyama said in a serious tone. " Hey, He- "  suddenly I was cut off by Kageyama. " Y/n... I'm going to have to tell the others you know the rules," he said as he ran off...

I stood there not knowing what to do... What are they going to do to Oikawa? I need to tell Suga right away before more word gets out. I run off to go find Suga, I went to the palace to look every place I can think of. I haven't checked the library yet, he may be in there? And I was right Suga was in the library reading some book. " Suga you need to help me, please! " I say panicked " What's wrong why do you seem so pale? " " Kageyama knows.. " " Knows what... Oh " " Yea.. " I say worried " I- How did this even happen! DIDN'T I TELL YOU GUYS TO BE CAREFUL! " Suga raised his voice. " We Were! I don't know-how, he must have seen me afar and followed us! " I say on the verge of tears. " Alright let's go now! " Suga said getting up from the chair. " Where are we going? " " We have to get you out of here.. We have to go to another side to tell Oikawa about this. " Suga said as he grabbed my wrist. " What if there Suga waiting by the bridge. " I say " They won't be there yet, but we don't have much time. " If Suga is this concern that means we're actually in big trouble. As we walked through the palace Suga was checking everywhere to make sure no guards are insight. After successfully getting out of the palace, we both hurried to the river of gold. " Suga what do you think they might do? " I say worried. " I don't know and I don't want to know," he said as we rushed. Once we got there no guard was there yet. We both looked around as we cross the old bridge. " Now we have to wait between the border for Oikawa it's too dangerous to go to the other side on our own. " " He isn't coming for another 5 hours! " I say " Well we can't have you in the palace or else they are going to question Oikawa... " Suga said worriedly. " What are we going to do Now? " I say "  Well, let's us hope they don't try crossing to the other side to find Oikawa because that isn't going to be good...But for now, let's just sit here till it becomes dark.. " Suga said worriedly I and Suga sat on the ground as we wait for dusk to come upon us.

Oikawa pov:

When I made it back I went to go tell Iwa- Chan everything. " SO YOU GUYS ARE GETTING MARRIED ALREADY? " Iwa shouted. " SHHHHH DON'T BE TOO LOUD! " I loudly whispered. " Huh who knew? You actually falling for someone.. " He said weirded out. " I know right? Anyways can you please come tonight and the other two! I WANT YOU GUYS TO SEE ME GET MARRIED!!! " I shouted happily.. " Oh gosh.. Fine only because you're my best friend, but we have to be careful. Maybe Only  I should go because if they see Matsu and Maki are missing it's going to be suspicious. " " Oh, your right.. Well just tell them about it! " " SHITTYKAWA you tell them! " " NO, I NEED TO GO GET READY! " "  No you don't.. " Iwa said " Yes, I do! " " No, you don't! " " WHY NOT?! " " IF you get dressed up fancy they're going to question you... SO DON'T! " Iwa said in a harsh tone. " Your right.. SORRY IM JUST EXCITED!! " " Well BEFORE ITS NIGHTFALL GO Finish some of the work you need to do.. " " Ok FINE! BUT MEET me up by the border at sunset got it!! " " Yes SHITTYKAWA! "

Many hours past and the sun was starting to set.

Both Oikawa and Iwaizumi met up where they promise.

" Ok, Oikawa you ready for this?! " Iwa said " I'm so ready especially because you here! " " Oikawa doesn't make me cry," he said sarcastically.

We both started walking past the border until I heard footsteps behind us. I look back just to check but it must be my imagination. We walked through the small path, then I see y/n and Suga sleeping against a tree. They seemed worn out.. Did something happen?

" Iwa don't they seem worried... " I asked " Yea they do! let's wake them up.. " He said " Hey! Y/n wake up!! " I say " Oh how long has it been? " she said in a groggy voice... " How long has it been? Wait how long have you guys been waiting here? " I say worried as I looked at both Suga and Y/n on the ground. " Well, we have been waiting all morning and afternoon long... We have to tell you something... " Y/n said worriedly. I and Iwa stood there looking at them confused. " One of the guards saw me and Oikawa together, after that he went to go tell the guards. So I and Suga had to leave so they don't question us or hurt you... " y/n said with a very serious tone. " I- Well what's going to happen now? You can't just stay in hiding forever? " " Well we will figure it out later, all I want to do is to get married to you! " she said as she smiles. Ughh my heart is going to drop right now. " WELL IWA-CHAN YOU HEARD THE YOUNG LADY!! YOU TOO SUGA!! " I say happily so I can Change the sad atmosphere. " I can't believe SHITTYKAWA is getting married " " I can't believe Y/n is also getting married! " Suga laughed. " OH OH BEFORE WE START LOOK WHAT BROUGHT! " I reached for my pockets to pull out 2 rings. " Oh Oikawa these are beautiful what stone is this? " y/n questioned " An Opal stone!! " I say happily as I hand them to Suga. " OK SUGA!! I think we are ready! " " Well, are we all ready? " Suga asked all 3 of us. " If Loserkawa is ready then I am... " Iwa said proudly. I guess we're all ready, so I go in front of y/n and grab her hands. Suga stood in front of us Iwa was next to Suga. " Ok, Oikawa will you protect and comfort her through all the days of your life? " " I do! "  I say as I tighten her hand. " And you y/n will you protect and comfort him through all the days of your life? " " I do! " she said as she smiled sweetly at me. " You guys are going to kill me but I forgot the rest.. " Suga said trying to keep his laughter in. " I- It's fine just say the last lines. " Y/n said laughing. " Ok well YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE! " I took her waist and lean into her as we tighten the kiss. " AH, DON'T FORGET THE RINGS!! " Y/n said " Oh yes!!! Let me see your hand! " Y/n reaches her hand out, I slipped her ring on as I looked up in her view I see an arrow coming in her direction I move her away to only be hit by the arrow.

No one pov: It all happened so fast Oikawa stood there with his stomach in his hand as he sees something red out of his shirt. Y/n stood there in shock as Suga and Iwaizumi ran towards Oikawa.

Oikawa pov:

As I stood there I begun to collapse, everything became a blur. Suddenly I was there on the ground, as I see y/n tears stream down.

" No no Oikawa please don't go yet. " y/n says as her tears stream down.

" Hey please don't cry.. You will always have me with you. " I say as I pointed the necklace.

" and Iwaizumi if I don't make it please take over the throw-n... Suga takes care of y/n for me... " I suddenly started to become breathless.

" Hey hey OIKAWA COME ON PLEASE DONT SAY THAT? WE STILL HAVE TIME TO STOP THE BLEEDING... " Iwaizumi says as he presses pressure.

Suga stood there speechless while y/n kept crying.

" No Oikawa look at me, HEY don't close your eyes... we still need a family together! " y/n heart was aching.

I love her.. I can't my heart hurts... I couldn't be selfish I had to save her from that. My heart aches I know I'm not going to make it because I only hear their cries silently.. I have one last word.

" Before I go... I love y- "

Y/n pov: " No no OIKAWA OIKAWA?! " I shake him but no response... " PLEASE YOUR JOKING RIGHT.. OIKAWA?! " All of a sudden I see Tendou, Atsumu, and the other guards out from their hiding. " YOU MONSTERS.. WHY WHY LOOK WHAT YOU DID! " I say as tears stream down ..my heart broke.. They messed up for killing Their own king on accident.. The arrow was meant for me. " IF YOU GUYS REALLY WANT TO SHOOT ME?! DO IT NOW WITH THAT ARROW OF YOURS COME ON! " I yell of anger.. no of sadness..

They all looked at me with regret on their face..

As I sat there crying next to Oikawa's cold body.. Iwaizumi pulled me into his arms. That's when I started bawling.. It hurt.. my First love my first everything.. gone only for some selfish desire of others..

Chapter 11

[josefavomjaaga]

December 1812. Napoleon leaves, Murat takes over

This is all taken from Eugène’s correspondence again. Just for the "fun" of it, let's get back in the timeline to the point when Napoleon leaves the army after the Russian Campaign. Or rather during it, as for those who stayed it was far from over, with the worst yet to come.

After the Berezina crossing Eugène at first is simply relieved to (as he and apparently even Napoleon assume) have reached safety:

Eugene to the vice queen. Illja, 1st December 1812, evening.

Tomorrow, my dearest Auguste, I will go to Molodotschino, which is on the road from Minsk to Wilna, and now communication has been reopened. Thank God! It is too cruel to stay so long without giving news or receiving news of objects so dear to the heart. We are all very tired from a long march and from a cold that reddens the tip of our noses in a terrible way. My health has not suffered, fortunately, but I have exactly my whole household on the pallet. The Emperor is well, and is very good to me. He had the extreme consideration of writing to the Empress Marie-Louise to give you news of me, at times when it was impossible for me to do so myself.

There exists also a rather misleading letter, apparently written at the explicit order of Napoleon by Maret in Vilna to Eugène's wife Auguste in Milan, stating that "some cossacks threatened momentarily the communications" and that for this reason Eugène may not haven written to Auguste for several days. But other than that, everything's fine, Eugène is fine, and this campaign, if anything, "has only strengthened His Majesty's attachment" to the viceroy. Considering that, when Maret wrote this, Eugène's army corps had been reduced to a couple of thousand men at best, this might be a rather optimistic view of the situation. But apparently Napoleon tried to reassure Auguste about her husband at several occasions; I do not know if Maret had to write similar letters to other ladies as well.

Then, on December 5, there's Napoleon's departure, after a public reading of the 29th bulletin and a staged discussion about how it was absolutely necessary for Napoleon to go to Paris immediately. Like most of the high ranking officers, Eugène probably was aware of Napoleon's plans, as this letter seems to be written before Napoleon made his intention public:

Eugène to Napoleon, 5 December 1812.

Sire, I have no right to try to infiltrate the wishes of Your Majesty; but if, as is probable, Your Majesty will not delay in yielding to the wishes of France, and if his intention is to leave me in the army with the King of Naples, I take the liberty of asking for a new testimony of his kindness to me... Sire, I have devoted my life to the service of Your Majesty. It would be painful for me to be employed only for the glory of another prince, especially considering the feelings of this person towards me; feelings which Your Majesty is as familiar with as I am. I therefore dare to ask for an order to return to Italy, at the time which Your Majesty considers most suitable. Should Your Majesty leave me in the army, I shall remain there as long as it pleases Your Majesty, and I shall continue to serve Your Majesty with the same zeal and the same devotion.

Interestingly enough, Eugène seems to have no doubt at all that superior command would go to Murat; at least to him this seems to have been the natural choice. Which makes me a bit supicious about all the lengthy discussions on this subject that, according to Caulaincourt, had taken place before Napoleon made his decision. To this letter, Napoleon answers on December 5, in Smorgoni:

My dear son, I have received your letter; do your duty and rely on me. I am the same for you, and know well what you need; never doubt my paternal feelings.

That's clearly pushing all the right buttons when it comes to Eugène: Do your duty, Daddy loves you, be a good boy.

Eugène, devoted husband that he is, also informs the Missus about this latest development.

Eugène to the vice-queen, December 6 1812, from his bivouac close to Ochmiana:

Good evening, my dear Auguste, I am well, in spite of the excessive cold, 18 degrees, I think, etc. You will no doubt know by now that the Emperor has left the army to go to Paris; you can bet that his presence there was necessary. Each of us remains at his post; however, I have hope that, if nothing happens this winter, I will be able to join you. I desire it, for more than one reason; besides, I am not in the mood to serve under the King of Naples, who has just taken command of the army. But as for leaving now, that would have been wrong of me, and we must remain at our post, whether it be good or bad. Farewell, my dearest Auguste, I shall be in Wilna the day after tomorrow, from where I shall send you Allemagne: the poor devil is very tired, I thought today that he was frozen solid.

So, Eugène in both letters hints at a rather selfish motive for his unwillingness to remain under Murat's orders: He does not want to contribute to an eventual success of his rival. He need not have worried, seeing as it all soon turned into disaster. The other motive is Murat's supposed resentment towards Eugène, a feeling that Napoleon is aware of (according to Eugène at least). I must say, from his correspondence I can see plenty of resentment of Eugène towards Murat. But I would really love to know what bad things Murat ever really did to Eugène personally. So far I cannot come up with anything.

As soon as Napoleon was gone, discipline and morale in the army seem to have dissipated. From yet another bivouac, close to Wilna, two days later Eugène already has to tell his wife that he has lost almost all his baggage and horses and had to leave twenty servants on the road who had been unable to continue to follow the army's march. It also becomes clear how broken and depressed he feels when he writes: "All our sorrows, all our labours will be forgotten as soon as we are returned to our families. Every day teaches us further that true happiness lies only there. Kiss for me my four little angels, I do it every day in my mind, as at every moment of my life I think of the happiness that heaven has poured upon me by uniting our destinies. May we soon come together and never leave each other again."

It would still take another six months until he could return to Milan to see his family again. But unlike many, he at least did.

[iplaymatchmaker]

@nishtharya​ Thank you so much for requesting🥰🥰! I’m sorry for taking so long! I feel like I  have to also apologize after all that angst in the prompt. I didn’t really mean to make it this sad but I couldn’t help myself 😅, especially considering I have written a beauty and the beast au fic in the past that was also very angsty. All the feels came rushing back. I hope you still enjoy it!❤❤ 

I match you with:

Arthur!

I had a few other guys in mind but I think Arthur would be the only one who could really give back so much while keeping things interesting.

The man has met women who graciously return his advances, but no one managed to play him like you. The look of surprise on his face when you beat him to his own games is extremely entertaining. It quickly becomes a competition of smoothness between the two of you.

After you grow more comfortable around him, both of you realize you have more in common than you think. Your conversations on the dinner table are quite the sight, since you both won’t stop talking until the subject has been completely drained.

When the two of you get into a relationship, it’s very hard for you to keep your hands off each other. He always finds himself reaching for you, whether that’s when he’s writing or when you’re out in town. Your presence around him becomes so natural he finds it hard to focus without you around for long stretches of time. He definitely tells you that a lot, especially when you’re apart for too long.

When he finds out you write and sing your own music he absolutely loves hearing your work. It provides a lot of inspiration for him and he feels very productive when listening to you, even if you’re simply talking. He often asks about your opinions on his latest Sherlock stories, especially after he reads some of your writing.

When you sleep together for the first time he notice how hard it was for you to fall asleep, so he takes it upon himself to help distract you. He’s found quite a few things that often work , although his favorite is definitely cuddling, and other things, but this a family friendly show.

 Prompt 5: Fairytale AU:

“Arthur, open the door!” no matter how many times you yelled and knocked on the door of the large mansion, no answer came.

“I’m not leaving until you talk to me.” You sat yourself on the steps, trying to appear calmer than you were. It was hard not to picture Arthur, alone and afraid, waiting for the inevitable.

“Where did we go wrong?” memories flashed through your mind as you traced your steps, trying to find any signs that this is where it would all lead.

  You had been with Arthur for years and had known him for even longer. You tried to deny it, pointing at your own tendency to over analyze, but his deteriorating health became more and more apparent by the day. He tried his best to brush it off, usually teasing you about how much you worried about him, until one day he collapsed and remained unconscious for the next two days. No doctor could explain the cause of this. He had been perfectly healthy. No problematic past, no underlying health problems. But now he was dying and there was nothing anyone could do.  

You looked back on happier days.  You vividly remembered all the nights the two of you had spent sitting next to each other, working on your stories, often turning to the other for inspiration or a simple word of encouragement when your insecurities got the better of you. He always had a way with words, a way to make you feel special.

The images provided some comfort and you slowly drifted off, still waiting for your love to open up to you, like he did before.

  When your eyes opened you were in a room you didn’t recognize. You were covered in a mountain of blankets and a hot piece of cloth lay on your forehead. When you sat up, you noticed Arthur, writing a few feet away.

“Arthur?” when he noticed you had woken up, he shot up, before tripping, landing back on the chair.

“Watch it.” You moved to get yourself out of bed but he stopped you, slowly lifting himself up, a pained expression on his face. Your heart ached for him as you watched him struggle trying to walk toward you. When he sat down next to you, some of the discomfort seemed to disappear. When he reached for your hand, a shiver run through you after the sudden contact with his ice cold skin.

“My love, you shouldn’t have come here. And you definitely shouldn’t have fallen asleep outside on the brick of winter.” You could see the concern painted on his face as he looked at you. The moment brought you back to the times before all this.

“At least I got you to open the door.” You smiled, sitting up to reach toward him. He pulled away before you could get too close.

“You should’ve left like I told you… There’s nothing for you here anymore.” You glanced at the rose, sitting on the small table by the windowsill. Very few petals were left.

“There’s you.” This time he didn’t move when you reached for him, cupping his cheek.

“I won’t be here much longer.” You didn’t want to think about what life would be like without him by your side.

“There has to be a way to stop it! We still have some time, maybe we can undo this!” he placed a kiss on your forehead, a kiss that felt too much like a goodbye kiss.

“It’s over, love. My time’s up. It’s time I join Rick again. I wonder if he’ll forgive me for not saving him.” You remembered Rick. He was a small boy, barely ten years old when his brother came to Arthur, asking him to treat Rick, who was suffering from a raging fever. He had been the first patient Arthur hadn’t managed to save, one of the many lives he still carried with him, the guilt eventually becoming too much.

“It wasn’t your fault. You can’t save everyone, you shouldn’t expect that of yourself.” you had worried about the weight being a doctor would put on him, but you had never expected it would be the thing that ended him.

“If I can’t save my patients… what kind of doctor am I?” no matter how hard you tried your words weren’t getting through to him and his time was running out.

“Love, please! Your guilt is what birthed this curse. It’s killing you! It’s in your hands to break it!” he had been cursed by his own mind for so long, growing weaker and weaker, until it manifested in the form of a rose, counting down his days. Tears slid rapidly down your eyes. He wiped them away, trying to take your pain along with them.

“I’ve always considered myself intuitive, but the mystery of my mind is one I’ll never be able to solve. But If I may, I want to ask a favor of you.”

“Anything.” You squeezed his hands, bringing him closer.

“It’s selfish of me. I’m the one who told you not to come here and yet here I am wishing you would stay by my side, until the end.” You nodded, tears blurring your eyes.

“I will, always.”

The next few hours felt like an eternity and like no time at all at the same time. There was so much you wanted to say but as you at next to him in front of the fire nothing came out. You could only watch as his life slowly faded away.

“Will you sing for me?” his eyes turned to you, a faint glint to them. You could tell he was struggling to focus, fighting to stay conscious, to spend his last moments with you.

Your voice filled the room, singing one of the songs you had written especially for him a few years ago. You tried to keep your voice steady, despite the situation.

As the minutes passed and the last petal begun to make its descend, his strength completely abandoned him.

“Ugh..”  he collapsed, falling limp on the floor.

“Arthur!” you run to his side, holding him in your arms trying to keep him from slipping away.

“Please, sing…” his words were barely more than a whisper, a sign of his end fast approaching. In spite of it all, he was smiling.

You tried your best to keep your voice from melting into weeping. You wanted to see him off the way he wanted to.

When the last petal touched the ground, he stilled. And so you allowed yourself to cry, unable to stop, to move away, to leave him.

Suddenly, a bright light surrounded you, lighting up the room, bringing warmth back to the empty space. When the light faded, Arthur’s eyes opened.

“Arthur!” you pulled him closer, so close, making sure you weren’t dreaming. He was alive, breathing and warm as ever.

“You’re alive! But how?” he laughed pulling you closer.

“Not happy to see me again?” it was such a relief to see him smiling again.

“Shut up.” You pressed you lips on his, feeling him next to you, just like before.

“I thought I was going to die. My life flashed before my eyes, but when I felt myself slip away, I heard your voice…” tears begun to form in your eyes again, the amount of information making it hard to focus.

“I… I followed your voice… I followed you and It felt like home.” Tears streamed down his face, his body still shaking from the adrenaline. “I guess I’m too much of a coward to die. Not even a self inflicted curse could keep me away from you.” You laughed, unable to contain your happiness. He followed suit, your happiness filling the once gloomy room, bringing you closer than ever before.

“It seems that I’m not going anywhere any time soon.

“You better not! I am still waiting to see the end of your latest story!”

“I would never leave my love hanging like that.” Everything in that moment felt right, preparing you for many more happy memories in your future, with him by your side.

[razeluxe]

Razeluxe’s Top Ten Female Characters

Yep. It’s here. A list of my all time favorite ladies in anime/video games. This list was way harder for me than the male version, after compiling my favorites I had like 20 characters so I had to cut it down... I will shout them out somewhere further down towards the end...warning you right now that this is long...I have a lot of thoughts about these characters and I did my utmost to avoid outright posting spoilers - enjoy!

10) Bianchi (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)

Once again someone from Reborn makes the list. What can I say, they have great characters and omg Bianchi is incredible. She’s Gokudera’s sister that I was harping about on the male list...she develops from this hyper focused girl to a true mother figure who helps care for her group as well as being a mother figure to some of the younger girls. Later on in the series she’s very attentive and always knows the right things to say...she gave some advice to some of the girls about men, especially in one particular episode that I will not mention but if you know it you know it - I was floored with on the nose she is about things...she can read people and situations extremely well and she serves as like this backbone to her group...there’s stuff between her and her brother that are extremely interesting too - this girl despite being there for others has this considerable weight on her that she tells her brother about at the end of the series - Bianchi is a complicated character who really deserves more love - she doesn’t fight often in this anime but she has proven time and time again that you don’t always have to be out on the front lines in an shounen anime to be a great character and also...she’s hot.

9) Emma Millstein (Trails of Cold Steel)

Emma in ways is similar to Bianchi here, being a mother figure as well as President of Class VII but what I find interesting about her character is what she’s hiding, as well as her insecurities. She spends a really long time hiding things because reasons I will not mention because you need to play the series - when she comes out with what she needs to say she really grapples with her feelings as well as her inferiority complex when she compares herself to her sister. She grows though..man does she grow...she starts to believe in who she is and stops doubting herself as hard and she really shines later on in the series. When you see what she can do... Like I said in the other list I have yet to play the fourth game in the series which is coming soon and I know she plays a major part. I also think she’s a great fit for Rean.

8) Velvet Crowe (Tales of Berseria)

Velvet is a character that has an extremely strong drive, comparable to someone that is yet to come on this list. Velvet is betrayed by someone who has raised her and her heart turns cold and she is motivated by hatred and vengeance for the sake of those who were massacred by this person. Velvet is a raw character whose type is rarely explored in this way, the way her personality shifted from being more upbeat and chipper initially to, post hell breakout, using people to get forward in her goals without giving an fudge. There comes a time when her resolution to revenge falters once something happens, anger and sorrow come together and she makes some interesting decisions...Velvet is a morally gray person whom showcases real struggles and real feelings that I’m able to relate to on a personal level...Velvet knows grief and in a world of black and white, she makes mistakes as a result of her PTSD, some more fatal than others and eventually, she learns. It’s ugly to see, but she learns. Her development is unpleasant to watch compared to a lot of characters, however as a result in my opinion she’s one of the most raw/realistic characters in the Tales of Series currently. I said it. Also she’s hot.

7) Rise Kujikawa (Persona 4)

Here’s a girl I wasn’t expecting to put here. Rise is a girl who is also known as Risette and decides to take a break from showbiz by moving to a small town, going to school, working at her family’s business, you know, doing what she considered to be normal girl things. She is very upfront when it comes to her flirting which I like to think is because of her position as a famous idol. She’s really bubbly and animated, but what made me interested in Rise was her voice and her eyes when you first meet her. She looked and sounded empty...and you learn it’s because she sick and tired of portraying this ‘Risette’ character and not being herself. What I like about Rise is after running away from this persona for so long she eventually acknowledges Risette is also her and she makes the choice to only bring her true self to the public. She’s sassy and just has this ability to brighten an entire room. Originally I favored Yukiko in P4 and while I still do like her a lot, after going through Rise’s social link, well...the rest is history. 

6) Milla Maxwell & ‘Fractured’ Milla (Tales of Xillia)

Yep. Both of them. I know they’re different characters however I acknowledge both of them equally and they’re both deserving of this spot on this list.

Starting with Milla Maxwell, what I love about her is her drive. She knows who she is and is willing push herself to fufill her duty. She’s not unlike Velvet who turns away from her emotions to do what she sets out to do, considering emotions to be a distraction from her mission. Made her instantly relatable to me. It makes her come off as uncaring towards other people but her mission is strictly to protect the people in the world. I’ve always imagined Milla as this literal pillar of strength, like when she loses mobility in her legs, she pushes herself even further, nearly killing herself in the process. Heck if you thought Velvet was crazy determined, I mean she is but Milla in my opinion is on a whole other level. What I love about Milla is that she isn’t portrayed as a character who has to second guess or experience things before resolving herself to a choice, she is born with this innately and she does not waver no matter what. She’s not a conventional Tales character who bonds super well with everyone. She has her mission and she’s out to do it. Milla isn’t perfect and her opinion on people is for lack of better word, immature, but she grows to understand people throughout her journey.

Fractured Milla...this character is rife with pain and guilt. This Milla is basically an Alternate Universe version of the actual Milla...on the surface level she’s very aggressive but she carries a different weight compared to the original Milla...she bares a guilt about what happened to another character and her world...she also bears a guilt when it comes to her comparing herself to the original Milla and.. inhibiting the original Milla Maxwell from existing... What I love about Fractured Milla is that she’s a completely different take on a character that I already greatly enjoy, she has her development and her vulnerabilities which the OG Milla didn’t need as much because spoilers, Maxwell stuff. I love her relationship with Elle and Ludger and definitely approve of the LudgerxFractured Milla ship.

Holy Crap this list is getting long, if you need to take a break please do! I’ll wait...you good? Okie doke! Continuing on...

5) Estelle Bright (Trails in the Sky)

I love Estelle so dang much. She’s such a glowing character and a breath of fresh air. She’s tomboyish, she collects sneakers, she’s incredibly headstrong and boy does this girl have a mouth on her lol. Like look at all my Estelle stuff on my tags lol. Oh, I should mention she’s Joshua’s ‘brother’ so you can imagine all sorts of interactions with her hotheadedness and his calm and collectedness. Estelle is such a caring character though, like out of everyone I know in the Trails series, I think Estelle ranks the highest in terms of kindess alone. She doesn’t hide crap for the most part, until...well...oh I’m just gonna say it: she develops and hides her feelings for Joshua. She knows it isn’t right but she can’t help herself...anyway Estelle has this naive outlook when it comes to the world, but when certain heavy things happen Estelle kind of...wakes to the realities of the world and she changes her line of thinking. She becomes more considering of her options during situations for starters and she really starts to become the Bracer she wants to be. I was kind of floored how she allowed her pain and her source of affection (Joshua) to empower her to become a stronger person without being simply lovestruck like how people tend to write ladies. She umm...has this scene with Joshua in SC...and I’m not saying anything more but it to me it’s probably one of her highest signs of development. I’m truly happy with what Falcom has done with this character and I think she’s probably the most developed character in the entire Trails series.

4) Rem (Re: Zero)

I never in my thought I would put a character I only just met this high on my list but wow this character blows me away. Rem is a character who has a major inferiority complex to her sister alongside guilt, yet as a maid she performs her duties and speaks very...proper even though that’s typically not how she truly feels. She’s also a very wary person...one reason she’s so high on this list is because of episode 18 how Subaru gives her a reason to live and fought to save her from herself literally. She becomes this incredibly devoted character towards this goofball Subaru with such tenacity that I have seldom seen. She also falls in love with him and not just because he saved her. Eventually she confesses her feelings at one of Subaru’s lowest points but not due to selfishness. She encourages him through her confession because he failed to stop to realize how much he’s worth to her. She displays a lot of strength in her confession and I think this is one of the most well done confession scenes I’ve ever seen period, even with her insert song playing in the background. That said I’ve only seen up to episode 18 because I honestly don’t know how much better Re: Zero can get from this point. I mean I’ll watch it eventually but I’m in love with these first dozen episodes so much I need an emotional break with all the heartache and the darkness .-. (Also please listen to her insert song omg its so precious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV3Fu5csdcA  )

Before I list the top three, like my male list I want to at least some other ladies that also did not get into Smash but are still worth mentioning as characters I really like and enjoy, no order here except for the first character because she is hot. Literally. No pictures or additional text here sadly, I mean look how long this post is I don’t even know if all of this will fit ;__;

Lal Mirch (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)

Athena Cykes (Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies)

Primrose (Octopath Traveler)

Midna (Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Winry Rockbell (Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood)

Makoto (Persona 5)

Sinon (Sword Art Online)

Akane Tsunemori (Psycho Pass)

Rikku (Final Fantasy X)

Ruiko Saten (A Certain Scientific Railgun)

Alisa Reinford (Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel)

Senna (Bleach Memories of Nobody)

                                                 Alright, moving on...

  3) Sara Valestein (Trails of Cold Steel)

Sara leads off the top three. She’s initially Rean’s instructor. She has a sense of humor, loves all things drinking, and is lax on her instructor duties...for the most part. There’s a lot of backstory involving this character that I won’t pile on here but I will say that despite her goofy nature Sara is ridiculously strong and it always amazes me how someone like Sara be so silly and not only be so stupid strong but also have her own moniker known around the world as ‘The Purple Lightning’. She was initially a top ranked Bracer before becoming a teacher. You eventually learn about her past through Rean and how it isn’t always all as happy go lucky as her personality...what I really like about Sara is how her strength is the culmination of all the things she went through. There’s one scene in CS1 where she tells some of her students that if they don’t like her assignments for a school trip, they’re free to team up and beat her to get her to change her mind. Needless to say they got their butts handed to them.

2) Garnet Til Alexandros (Final Fantasy IX)

Zidane’s other half. Considering I write Zidane I’d like to call her Dagger from this point on if you don’t mind .-. (Dagger is her own decided alias based on Zidane’s weapon)  I really love how she can break the norms of your stereotypical princess. When Zidane firsts meets her she’s chasing her down in her castle and she’s trying to leave her castle, something she mentioned had actively trained to do. And she’s leaving because she’s trying to resolve an issue with her mother... Dagger is a very strong character who has no issue taking matters into her own hands when it comes to issues. Holy crap what she does to Zidane at one point...she’s a bold one. She feels really strongly and she goes through a lot of crap, but she comes out stronger for it. She wasn’t one with much experience for the outside world but she takes to it at levels that the well traveled Zidane did not expect...I don’t want say much because of spoilers but she really finds herself as she journeys and goes from strength to strength, really owning her responsibilities. She’s also the main person who helps Zidane in one of his lowest moments... In my opinion these are just some of the many reasons Zidane falls for her more than any other girl...she’s also a Summoner and I love me some Summoners. She and Zidane also go great together and their relationship builds properly in a way that makes sense. Definitely one of my favorite ladies period.

1) Aurica Nestmile (Ar Tonelico: Melodies of Elemia)

Number one is this lovely lady. Aurica is a Reyvateil, Reyvateils are people who have the ability to convert sounds into energy...all Reyvateils are assigned a rank according to how powerful their ability is. Aurica had it rough, being out of her hometown when it was attacked and destroyed, and she took the blame herself, believing she could have made a difference, being a Reyvateil and all...because of all of this she became very withdrawn and her abilties suffered...she was ranked ‘D’ which is one of the lowest classes of Reyvateils. She was picked on and treated like garbage because of her rank...she did make a friend though, a friend that was also a Revytail, one that everyone liked and one Aurica looked up to, which only made her look like more of a shadow than anything else...which did not help her already lacking confidence and low esteem. She has a literal hole in her heart and is emotionally dependent.

I mention all of that because this character for me is extremely relatable to me, she’s had it pretty rough however in terms of development you see her grow like crazy...before she was so deathly scared of people she would instantly shut herself down and repress herself but with some help from her partner Lyner she gets better and starts to believe in herself more...it’s not easy for her though, as she gets stronger and Lyner trusts her with more responsibility she gets attacked through the hole in her heart and her newly built confidence gets shattered and she starts believing she’s defective, that only defective Revytail have these holes in their heart...what I love about Aurica’s story is how real her issues with building up confidence are, she starts from practically ground zero and over time, through a repeat of this vicious cycle I described, goes from being considered one of the weakest Revytail to the strongest 3rd generation Revytail all because someone believed in her. 

I think out of both my male and female lists, Aurica was the only one to make me burst into tears at random points. (not gonna lie Rem came close but she’s not number one here :P) This girl here is one of the firsts ladies I ever connected to in my earlier naive years and back then I didn’t even think it was possible for me to relate to a female this much...

If you got to the end, you deserve a cookie. -offers chocolate chip cookie- This took a lot of thought to write out, there’s so many great characters and I look forward to encountering even more down the road. I may eventually do a list for couples...here’s hoping I won’t have to edit this...

RIP 10/25/2020 I HAD TO EDIT TO ADD SATEN TO HONORABLE MENTIONS ;_;

[golden-deer-dear]

Love of Mine, Ch. 1/5, Claude x Byleth Fic

Summary:  They were so looking forward to the birth of the first child, but when complications arise, Byleth and Claude must face the fact that their moment of happiness could turn into a tragedy.

Notes: Yet another fic inspired by @pokemagines I was originally going to post this as a one shot, but it kind of ran away from me. I've cut it up into five chapters, and I'm hoping it doesn't get any bigger than that. But that means you guys get this first part now because I can't sit on anything for long.  So much for my break. -_-

Warnings: Pregnancy, angst, hurt/comfort

Read on AO3.

Love of Mine

It was cold when he woke. Still half asleep, Claude pulled the blankets tighter around himself, throwing the thick covers over his head and snuggling borderline aggressively into their warmth. He could not wait to return to Almyra. He had come to love Fódlan. His desire to protect the people of the Alliance had only grown to cover all of Fódlan once it was united under the war. They were his, just as the people of Almyra were his to lead and safeguard. The other students of the Golden Deer were like family to him, their place in his heart aided by the woman who had taught him to trust. So of course he loved Fódlan, he had married her ruler after all. 

He did not, however, love their winters. Almyra was warm. It made sense. Sure, the desert nights were chill, but there was no need for layers upon layers of furs. Nor did he ever have to trudge through meters of snow, save for when he was crossing the Fódlan’s Throat. Claude was not fond of being able to see his own breath upon the cold air. It always felt like something was being stolen from him.

A low huff dragged him further toward consciousness. The mattress shifted and the blankets were pulled away from him. Claude whined, reaching out for their warmth, settling when his arms wrapped around an equally warm body. That was much better. “Taking blankets from your pregnant wife. How selfish,” Byleth’s soft voice chastised him.

Still not opening his eyes, Claude nuzzled against Byleth’s neck, a happy hum in his throat as his nose brushed against the smooth skin of her shoulder. “You won’t be able to use that excuse for much longer.” A grin, open and genuine, graced his face when his hand reached Byleth’s swollen stomach. 

She still had two months to go, but the pregnancy was sitting heavy on her. His beautiful, confident, strong wife was wearing down as she was constantly ill. Her swollen joints made it hard for her to move, and her midwives were close to simply placing Byleth on bedrest altogether.

“Don’t tease me,” Byleth murmured. “I’m tired of being sick and swollen all the time. I feel like I can’t do anything myself anymore.”

Claude finally opened his eyes as Byleth placed soft kisses across his face. Her lips were warm little drops of Almyran sunshine he missed so much. He turned his head, seeking her lips with his own. “My poor wife,” Claude whispered as they broke apart. “Are you feeling ill this morning?”

“A bit nauseous, nothing more than usual,” Byleth admitted. “Nothing out of the ordinary. But I woke up with a terrible headache.”

Claude was fully awake now. His hands moved from Byleth’s stomach to the sides of her head, rubbing small circles against her temples. Byleth sighed happily, melting into his touch. “We should tell Alma the headaches are becoming more frequent.”

Byleth nodded against his hands. “I have my checkup with her and Mercedes this morning.”

“Would you like me there?”

He caught her hesitation, the brief flicker of fear that passed within her eyes. Even if her next words were not an agreement, he would have found a way to be with her anyways. Byleth’s hand came up to grasp one of his own, intertwining their fingers together. 

“Yes, but Seteth will not be happy. We have put so much on him already.”

“He will understand,” Claude countered. “He wants to make sure you and our babies are taken care of, I think more so than me at times. 

“On another note,” he continued, “think you’re up for some breakfast today?”

Byleth opened her mouth, only to close it quickly as she rolled away from him. She did not get far, only able to take a few steps from the bed before she doubled over and vomited, bile staining the tiled floor. Claude was at her side immediately, pulling her hair back and rubbing her back until Byleth’s stomach finally stopped betraying her.

A wretched groan left Byleth’s throat, and she leaned back into Claude’s embrace. He knew she felt absolutely miserable, had for the past few weeks now. It seemed it was becoming harder for her to eat, let alone keep it down.

“Claude, you are the light of my life, but did you really have to put two of them in me at once?”

More gentle caresses were laid against her stomach, his lips brushing soft reassurances against her cheek and jaw. “You two need to stop giving your mother so much grief,” he said, addressing Byleth’s stomach.

“I should have known your children would inherit your penchant for trouble.”

/

There was no hiding it. The look on Alma’s face let Byleth know that something was wrong. With the way Claude’s hand tightened around her own, she knew he had seen it as well. “What is it?”

Alma folded her large arms over her equally large chest, her face stern as she studied Byleth. Her back was bent with age, giving her the appearance of a shuffling square. Heavy wrinkles dragged at her skin. They folded over her face so much Byleth was not sure how the old woman saw. 

Claude had insisted she join them when they returned from Almyra. She had served as assistant to the midwife who oversaw Claude’s birth. Byleth saw no reason to fight him on it. For all Alma’s gruffness, her knowledge of child bearing was vast, and she had spent much of her long career applying new theories of white magic to developing methods of safer deliveries. Alma herself had complained she was too old for such trouble, all the while packing her bags.

“Mercie, grab one of those test vials,” Alma commanded. Mercedes had found herself taken under Alma’s wing, absorbing the older woman’s knowledge with such ease even Alma admitted she was impressed. For her part, Mercedes seemed overjoyed to turn her magic toward bringing life into the world.

When the glass was in Mercedes’ hands, Alma turned back to the royal couple. “Some of your symptoms are worrisome, but there is a simple test we can conduct to see if anything is actually wrong. We will need to test your urine.”

“Come on, Professor.” Mercedes offered her arm to Byleth, letting her lean into her as she was guided to the adjoining chamber. She heard Claude take a step to follow them, but Alma in turn demanded his help with some medicines, commenting he could put that knowledge to some good use for once. Byleth smiled at the banter behind her, grateful that Alma was offering Claude a distraction. 

“I’m sure it’ll all be fine, Professor,” Mercedes said, drawing Byleth’s attention away from her husband. “Alma has been teaching Marianne and I so much. We’re working on combining much of what she has taught us with our own magic.”

“Combining Almyran and Fódlan techniques?”

“Yes!” Mercedes nodded happily. “We’ve already seen some promising results.” Mercedes paused, turning away to give Byleth some privacy while she went about the business Alma had commanded of her. When she was done, Mercedes helped her back toward the bedchamber. “I’m glad you’re helping Claude with his dream,” she said in her soft voice that always seemed to set Byleth at ease. “There is a lot of work to do, but I believe the world is headed down a bright new path.”

Byleth smiled at her former student. “It’s become my dream as well. And you’re helping us make it happen as well, Mercie.”

Alma’s stern voice cut off whatever response Mercedes would have offered. “I’ll have a willow bark tea ready for you in a few minutes. I want you to drink all of it while we run our test.”

Byleth made a face but nodded. She hated the taste of the teas Alma made her drink. They were always so bitter, and she was never allowed to put any sweeteners in them. Warm arms wrapped around her, and Byleth leaned into Claude’s embrace, mumbling her displeasure against his shoulder. All Claude did was chuckle and kiss the top of her head, listening to Mercedes and Alma as they ran their test.

When Alma turned back to them, Byleth knew the woman had confirmed her suspicions. “There is something wrong.” Claude clutched her a little tighter, but for once remained silent.

“There is a high amount of protein in your urine,” Alma told them matter of factly. She may be gruff, but Byleth appreciated her no nonsense way of delivering news. “You have developed a condition known as toxemia. This is not an uncommon condition, and it is good we caught it early.”

“What can we do?” Claude asked. His cheek brushed against Byleth’s own as he pressed himself closer to her.

Alma sighed heavily. “There is not much that can be done. The condition usually resolves itself after delivery, but with how much time you have left, I cannot advise we induce labor. Especially since twins tend to come early anyways. They need as much time to grow as we can give them. Bedrest and the willow bark tea are the best treatments for now.”

Byleth groaned. She already did not feel like moving around all that often, but actually being confined to her bed was another thing altogether. 

“Your checkups will need to be daily instead of twice a week,” Alma continued as if she had not heard. “If your condition begins to worsen, we will need to discuss inducing labor even if it is still too early.”

At her back, Byleth could feel Claude’s heartbeat quicken. She took his hands in hers, holding onto him in a vain attempt to quell her own fears. “And what happens if we don’t?” Claude squeezed her hands in his own silent protest.

For the first time, Alma actually hesitated. That more than anything scared Byleth. Alma took a deep breath before she answered. “Hopefully, the condition will stay as it is now, and resolve itself when you give birth. However, should it worsen and we not induce labor, there is a high chance for you to experience seizures. If you were to reach that stage, then you and the children will be in great danger.”

‘We could die.’ Byleth would not say it out loud, not with Claude there next to her. He knew it, he was too smart not to know what Alma’s words meant. 

And she knew, if it came down to it, who Claude would choose. For once, his choice would contradict her own.

[tsushimanoonryo]

Character Solidifying part 1

Broke this up into two parts because it was so long.

1. How does your character think of their father? What do they hate and love about him? What influence - literal or imagined - did the father have?

He loved his father. Jin’s mother died when he was very young, so his father was all he had. However, Jin wasn’t much older when he died as well, being killed right in front of him. Because of this, Jin has immense feelings of guilt whenever he thinks of his father. He feels like he could have prevented his death (although he was still a child when this happened). He worries his father’s spirit is ashamed of the way he behaved, so he tries his best to be a better man and a brave fighter. He knows he won’t get the chance to save his father’s life again, but he can save other people.

2. Their mother? How do they think of her? What do they hate? Love? What influence - literal or imagined - did the mother have?

He was very young when she died, so he doesn’t really remember his mother at all. He knows his father must have loved her very much, as he never remarried after her death. And he remained close with his wife’s brother, Jin’s uncle Shimura. Jin has feelings of fondness toward the idea of his mother, but nothing particularly overwhelming.

3. Brothers, sisters? Who do they like? Why? What do they despise about their siblings?

Jin is an only child.

4. What type of discipline was your character subjected to at home? Strict? Lenient?

Very loving, but very strict discipline. It was drilled into Jin that, as a samurai, he was to be held to a higher standard than most everyone else. He had to do extra training, extra reading, extra everything. However, everyone was a little more forgiving of his mistakes, considering both of his parents died while he was young. He wasn’t babied, but he wasn’t punished severely like he otherwise might have been.

5. Were they overprotected as a child? Sheltered?

No. Jin saw the way the world truly was at a very young age. He was forced to become the head of his clan as a teen and had to mature fast. His uncle provided him safety and guidance, but did not protect him from the harsh realities around him. Rather, he helped Jin put them into context so that he might be better prepared to face the world around him.

6. Did they feel rejection or affection as a child?

Affection. He was the nephew of the jito who was widowed and had no other children. He was his son in everything but name, and everyone treated him accordingly. He was well-liked among the servants because of his genial nature, and other nobles liked him as well for showing maturity and skill on the battlefield at such a young age.

7. What was the economic status of their family?

Rich as hell. He was the son of a samurai clan leader and nephew (and unofficially adopted son) of the lord of all of Tsushima. Jin didn’t want for many physical things growing up.

8. How does your character feel about religion?

He follows the beliefs of Shintoism. He believes in the gods and goddesses of Japan, but especially reveres Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and foxes. He also ascribes to Buddhism, but he isn’t super devout. He’s more culturally Buddhist than anything. He really feels a true spiritual connection with Shintoism, though.

9. What about political beliefs?

He used to have complete faith in the Shogun and his samurai, but he’s recently soured on them. He isn’t so far gone that he thinks the entire system should be overthrown, but he definitely thinks the Shogun and his men need to reprioritize. You can’t rule if all your subjects are dead.

10. Is your character street-smart, book-smart, intelligent, intellectual, slow-witted?

Jin had more schooling than most boys his age growing up. He’s very book smart and intelligent. However, he wouldn’t consider himself an intellectual. He knows enough to be clever and enough to be a brilliant strategist, but he couldn’t hold his own among scholars. 

11. How do they see themselves: as smart, as intelligent, uneducated?

He is intelligent and he knows it. However, Jin is not so arrogant as to think he can’t learn something from someone else. He also realizes there are numerous different kinds of intelligences. For instance, he knows Yuna is uneducated, but she is sharp, clever, and knows much more about survival than Jin does. Just because a person doesn’t have a formal education does not mean Jin will write them off or act like he’s better than them.

12. How does their education and intelligence – or lack thereof - reflect in their speech pattern, vocabulary, and pronunciations?

Jin is meticulous about his speech. He is polite and extremely aware of the rules of decorum. He will always try to treat everyone with respect, even people who are from stations far below him. He thinks it is extremely rude not to give this level of respect to everyone by default. However, if a person treats him or anyone else with disrespect or betrayal, he will be less cordial and downright cold to them. He will not be deferential if he feels a person has proven that they are unworthy of it.

13. Did they like school? Teachers? Schoolmates?

He liked some aspects of his schooling. Anything involving physical training he liked. He didn’t love the more abstract learning (strategy), but he understands how it has helped him as he matured. He didn’t really have any school mates. He did martial training with Ryuzo a bit and Ryuzo was his dearest friend and closest companion. 

14. Were they involved at school? Sports? Clubs? Debate? Were they unconnected?

In his Yakuza verse, he participated in sports clubs: Kendo, Kyudo, and Baseball. That was it.

15. Did they graduate? High-School? College? Do they have a PHD? A GED?

In his Yakuza verse, he graduated high school, but had no further schooling. He shadowed his uncle as he dealt with the business of running a mob family and learned from that.

16. What does your character do for a living? How do they see their profession? What do they like about it? Dislike?

In his main verse, he was a samurai. When that was taken away from him, he became a folk hero and a legend. He’s sort of a Robin Hood, except instead of stealing, he kills Mongol invaders. He wishes he didn’t have to do this, as he much preferred the comforts of his old life. However, he enjoys the freedom that being The Ghost entails. He likes not having to follow any rule except his own. In his yakuza verse, he’s a yakuza lieutenant for the Shimura crime family. He’s on his way to be heir to his uncle’s syndicate. He doesn’t love it. He knows he’s extremely good at what he does, but he doesn’t have the heart for it. But he does it because he loves his uncle and wants to show him how much he appreciates being raised as his son.

17. Did they travel? Where? Why? When?

Jin has traveled all over the island of Tsushima in his efforts to liberate the island. Before he was The Ghost, he basically just traveled around to his uncle’s summer and winter estates, his uncle’s hunting camp, his own estate and home village, and Kamakura (once) to pay homage to the Shogun.

18. What did they find abroad, and what did they remember?

When he visited the mainland, he realized just how insular Tsushima was. And he found that he liked it, although he never told his uncle that. He liked that they weren’t under the thumb of the Shogun like the other jito and samurai were, simply because there was a body of water between them.

19. What were your character’s deepest disillusions? In life? What are they now?

Jin learned from a young age that life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. A lot of young men think they can do anything, that they are invincible, but Jin never felt that. He had a lot of survivor’s guilt after the death of his father which colored his outlook on life. He felt like he wasn’t quite worthy of being a samurai because he showed fear, and he struggled with that growing up. However, now he feels the opposite. Since meeting Yuna, he has realigned his priorities. He still feels guilt about a lot of things in his past, but he understands that survival is paramount. Now he is disillusioned with the samurai as a whole and their rigidity when it comes to following their code.

20. What were the most deeply impressive political or social, national or international, events that they experienced?

The First Mongol Invasion of Japan in 1274. We haven’t seen it yet, but he also lived through the Second Mongol Invasion of Japan in 1281. 

21. What are your character’s manners like? What is their type of hero? Whom do they hate?

Jin is extremely polite and very aware of how he comes off to people. Previously, his heroes were brave warriors who overcame impossible odds in battle. Now, however, his heroes are the everyday man, the unsung heroes who use their wits and compassion to survive no matter what. He tries his best to fulfill those ideals and so he can be the hero his island wants him to be. He hates people who are selfish and are blind to tradition. There’s a difference between being polite and respectful and being obtuse.

22. Who are their friends? Lovers? ‘Type’ or ‘ideal’ partner?

Jin is not a samurai and not The Ghost, but a person who is struggling every day to do the right thing. His friends are the same. They each have their own struggle, but they are striving every day to use their own skills and talents to do the right thing. It might not be the traditional path, nor might it be a respectable path, but it’s the right one. His ideal partner is the same. They are strong in who they are and will go against the grain, even if everyone else is against them. They are also quick witted, capable, and brave.

23. What do they want from a partner? What do they think and feel of sex?

He wants a partner he can trust with his life and understands the obligations he feels to give himself to the people of his island. His partner is going to have to be okay with sharing him. Also, he likes sex and wishes he had more of it. But it’s not a priority.

24. What social groups and activities does your character attend? What role do they like to play? What role do they actually play, usually?

He’ll go from survivor camp to survivor camp, temple town to temple town, village to village making sure the people of Tsushima are doing okay, looking for any news of the Mongols and any way he can help the common people. He feels responsible for their wellbeing since Lord Shimura and the samurai failed them. As a result, he’s really only close to about 6 people. To the rest, he’s a silent shadow caring for them from afar.

25. What are their hobbies and interests?

Poetry and music. He used to enjoy going to the theater, in the before times. He’s also a very good horseman. 

[marchioness-caprina]

*:..｡o○Ruishiro Takizaku○o｡..:*

Basic : Ruishiro Takizaku a 18 Year Old Hero Apprentice who Works under the Under Hound Agency. He has a height of 6'2 with a lean and muscular build, He Prefers to Be Called Rui instead of His First Name. His Hero Name is ' Morphicus '

Appearance : He Is a Rather intimidating Young Man; if his Height and Build isn't enough to scare people then The Sharp and seemingly permanent glare he'd usually show would do the trick. He has a pair of Transparent eyes which reflects the Purest Color of an Amethyst, Short Ashy Blue Hair that's usually Styled in a Messy and Lazy Manner. He has Ear Piercings on both ears and his Fingers are filled with stainless steel Rings. His usual attire consist of a Black Button Up shirt, Black Jeans and a High Collared Jacket and finally Heavy Combat Boots. His Expressions are Rather complex but the most prominent Expression he wears is the usual Death Glare that never seems to disappear or the infamous ' Stone cold Bitch Face '

Personality : Though He may Seem Cold and Distant at First especially with his Intimidating Expression; You Better hope it stays That way because he is actually an Asshole at Heart. He's Sarcastic, Brutal and Cruel with his Words and He wouldn't even care what that person's Status is may it be a president, the no. Hero, a Family Member or His Lover, It wouldn't matter. This Trait of His Gets Him into a Lot of Unnatural Trouble since it's his Nature to be argumentative and Hostile and he seems to have a hidden world of Remarks to match his Wits. But during One of the Very Rare moments where his Asshole meter has reduced half way he is actually very Sweet but has an odd way of showing it. He lives for the chase and it's one of it. Generally he is like any human being, Complex. But if the situation calls for it he is polite and respectful to those People he hasn't formed a solid opinion for yet. If you want annoying then go To Rui; He Tests People's wits and Irritates them unconsciously just to see where their True Feelings Lies; He has a big brain so his analytical skills is beyond average, he is observant and knows How to Manipulate a situation that's being laid in front of him. So being an actor, lying and charming his way in is not a big deal.

Quirk : Umbra Morphology; The Ability To Morph into Something Inhumane By the use of Darkness or Any objects that Holds the Color 'Black'. When the Ability is used; Black Sticky Viscous Substance will crawl onto the User's Chosen Body Part for Transformation and slowly Consume that Body Part while Forming the desired form of the User. But the color stays on and unchangeable.

How it was acquired/ Small backstory: in the First Place He was deemed Useless by Society and was lesser than Trash Meaning; He was Quirkless. His Family was surprisingly accepting of his current state but He Himself did not Like how low he had stood with the constant Mockery of those people who had quirks. He wanted to acquire his own Quirk. He wanted to acquire Power for Himself and Show everyone that he was worth something and because of this selfish desire of His He began to search desperately; He searched up the Black web and Looked for any possible ways to acquire power without Having a Quirk. Sure there were sites that offered to use his body as a Lab Rat but that may possibly get him killed. So he kept searching and searching until he stumbled onto a site that offered a Mystery Box. It was Cheap; Too cheap that it was suspicious but he was curious. He wanted to know what was inside, could it be a gadget that could grant him Power? Could it be body parts instead? Whatever it is ; something urged him to buy it. And that's where he slowly began to ruin his own Life.

Fast Forward to a Few Days; The package arrived and to his utter Disappointment it was a price of Paper in a Box. He paid for something like this. A paper.... No a contract, a Black eerie paper that had letters written with white ink. He later decided that the Site he bought it from was a scam because when he searched it up again; There was nothing. He didn't bother reading the paper at all. And one night when he was answering his Assignments, his eyes drifted towards the black paper on his desk and when he took a closer look the words were not in the language that he spoke of. It was an ancient language; that's all he could confirm but judging by the output it really was a contract . So thinking that it would be fun he signed the contract and that's where things began to get scary ( I'll skip the other stuff)

He Later found out that The contract he signed was a Contract to be a Vessel of The Demon Of Darkness Umbrachus, A demon that had forced Rui To Accept it in his Body now his Body isn't his own. Sure Rui was happy to know that he had a 'quirk' now but later when he found out what price he needed to pay was the cause of his mass destruction. He had plunged himself on his own demise. The Demon craved the Flesh of and Blood of Humans and it forced Rui to eat Raw Flesh. Umbrachus was a demon associated with Wrath, Pride and Greed so if any of those emotions are triggered by Rui then there's a high chance of Umbrachus Gaining Control of his body. The Demon was Toying with Rui; Umbrachus Started Manipulating Rui's surroundings and giving him Hallucinations. Rui feard sleeping because Umbrachus could gain Control over his body whole he was passed out. And Finally Rui had enough when Umbrachus had nearly Killed His Younger sister due to Hunger; With the incident taking Place Rui Fled. He Fled and Lived in the streets, He fought the demon with all his might and when he was at his wits that's where Hellhound appeared to his rescue. Hell Hound runs a Hero Agency called Under Hound. And this Agency isn't just associate with heroes. They are also Masters of the Occult so Hell Hound who was in a similar situation as Rui took Pity on the Boy and Took him to His Agency where Rui was Given Proper Training to Control the Demon. And soon Rui was given a chance to become a Hero; not a Hero for the public or media but a Hero of The Night. A Hero Who Kills Villains not arrest them.

Trivia Facts

* He Has a Very Bad Sweet tooth And is a Fan of Spicy Food.

* He Was Given a Choice to change his name but he Kept it That way because he Thinks Being called Rui is Cool

* Has a Soft Spot For Dogs

* After Umbrachus Forcefully shared his Body he lost the ability to use Chopsticks and whenever he tries to use them he gets frustrated since it always slips.

* He may Not Look it But he is actually a Big Fan of Sappy Love stories but after Umbrachus entered his Body he started liking Hard Core Gore.

* He used to be Slender and Lanky but Having a Demon inside him had it's Perks.

* He prefers Convenience Store Food Over 5 star Meals.

* He is Bisexual

* He May Have Sadistic Tendencies . He blames it on Umbrachus but Umbrachus spoke otherwise.

* He's an Asshole But He respects Independent women; He was raised by only his Mother being present so he was Disciplined strictly .

* It is mentioned that he is a Fan of Sappy Love stories so surprisingly he is actually very romantic and loving if he ever finds a Lover.

* He is a Master of Lying but He prefers the Truth over lies since he is used to Saying unfiltered insults Opinions.

* A Seafood addict

* He may or May Not be Into Witchcraft

* Can speak Fluent Bullshit

* He can Form Umbra Claws, or even sink himself into the darkness to come deal his presence so he is mostly sent on stealth missions because of this advantage.

* Babies Creep Him out. Don't Ask. It just Does.

* He can't smile for shit and when he tries it comes out as a mocking smirk or a sadistic grin.

* Has Perfect control. Over his Facial expressions but tends to keep it Monotoned and Bitch-Like.

* An actual Dork and Goes to Animal Cafe

* a Fan of Musicals Especially Phant of the Opera.

* Surprisingly has Good Singing Voice

* If he's not pissing anyone off then he's flirting with someone without noticing it.

* Can Cook a whole feast but eats Cup noodles instead.

* Owns 2 large bookshelves filled with Books he never reads. Or even has the patience to read one.

* Has a Dog Named Cat.

* He claims to be allergic to the cold so his clothes are mostly sweaters, jackets, hoodies, anything thats warm. Even if it's in the middle of the summer with everyone sweating bullets you'll see him walking around casually with heavy clothes on.

* He has a mild Disdain for overconfident brats with flashy Quirks.

* Shameless with his Opinions

* Likes Blueberries

* Fast Food is his Only Food.

Note: I don't Exactly Have a Drawn Picture of Him since I'm still Contemplating a Few Details but I did make a Rough Appearance Idea of Him in Picrew. This Picture is Not Mine To own I'm just showing you guys what he'd Mostly Look Like. The art belongs to a Talented Artists with a Bright Future ahead. If you know them. Then give them my regards and Thanks ^^ . I Repeat This is Just an Example ^^ the Picture is NOT mine.

Extra Note : If You Have a Few Questiona for him then Don't Hesitate to Mention Him in your Ask ^^ . You are Free to Interact with him.

[bunnyikol]

My opinions about some characters in DW

   I only started watching Doctor Who(only new Who) recently, and so far I've covered S2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11 and some of the specials, and I find that my feelings towards some characters are not... the same as the popular opinions? But of course these are only my personal opinions.

   1. I don't like Rose, well at least the Rose after S1 because I haven't seen that. I just think she's kind of selfish and clingy? She gets jealous of other women that the Doctor contacts with so easily, yet she still hasn't broken up with Mickey? It's so easy for her to leave her family in another universe and go with the Doctor. I get it that the Doctor is brilliant, but it's never seeing your family again! That decision comes so fast for her as if she didn't care about her family and friend. And how can she be laughing after witnessing a man sacrificing himself to the werewolf for their safety? I know the Doctor is also insensitive in that scene, but I think a companion is supposed to bring out the more compassionate and human side of the Doctor? And she ignores the Doctor's warning about the parallel universe to see her father, though the following trouble is definitely not her fault. But I think since in the first season she's already caused some trouble to see her father, and I guess I am sounding so cold blooded now, doesn't she ever learn?

   For me the goodbye between the Doctor and Rose is heartbreaking, but I guess I'm not so sorry that she leaves the show. But of course she's repeatedly mentioned in the following seasons and also comes back. She obviously has been told that meddling with the walls between parallel universes is dangerous, still she uses the dimensional canon to go back to the Doctor and consequently weakens the barrier between worlds? I mean, how come there's nobody talking about this? I feel quite annoyed by that. Then the bad wolf appears again in the Day of the Doctor, and I'm a bit miffed, but maybe that's only due to my dislike.

   So overall, I don't like this character. I don't think she deserves that much credit.

   2. I don't like Clara. It's funny that I seem to dislike the two most popular companions, but still. I must admit that I have only watched a little bit of Clara, in the 50th year special, Deep Breath and several short clips.

   I was so uncomfortable watching Clara talking to the Doctors in that cottage in the 50th special. She must know that it is a very difficult decision for the Doctor to make, and he's been grieving over it for centuries. If I've got a say, I think this is a very brave decision and also seems to be the only way to save the universe.  Actually if at the end of the day Gallifrey wasn't saved and the film ended in the three Doctors shared the weight of that decision, It still would be fine for me. But Clara, in my view, outrightly reproachs the Doctor  at his most vulnerable point saying this is the wrong decision, and something like "any fool can become a hero". I was like "wtf"? How can she say that, how can she be so condescending? If the Doctor couldn't think of a better way, then Clara would be just condemning him. And if the Doctor's been thinking about saving Gallifrey for ages, what's the use of Clara's speech? Showing that she's so a very good person?

   And then, I want to talk about the "impossibility" of Clara. Honestly, this canon is so fan fiction. I hate the fact she's written to be the reason why the Doctor chose this Tardis. I just feel that it is unacceptable for a show that's been going on for decades that a companion has been influencing the entire life of the Doctor.

   And if she's been in the time line of the Doctor, why does she ask how to fix him after 11 regenerates into 12? That episode makes me so angry that until now I still don't want to watch Season 8.

   In a word, I also think Clara gets too much credit.

   3. I absolutely adore Martha, Donna and Bill.

   Why, why, why isn't there more love for Martha Jones? She is so brave and capable and compassionate. I feel that she's very much underrated. The girl who walked the Earth is such a legend, and she's wise to leave the man who doesn't love her back and to have her own small world. She became a better and braver person after the adventures with the Doctor, and personally, she was willing to use the Osterhagen key (though struggling), is formidable and so "Doctor". Dr. Jones is a clever,  independent, caring and courageous woman that I admire. By the way,  I think Season3 has really good music.

   I guess Donna's many people's favourite? Well she's my favourite. She's funny, sassy, surprising in some skills (kicking open the door lol), and very noble indeed. I especially love her in the episode about the Ood, in which she is shocked by the darkness of the universe, angry at the humanity and determined to help the Ood, just so human for me. I was so sad seeing Donna had to live on never knowing the amazing things she'd done. I just think she deserves so much more.

   I also adore Rory. He's kind of awkward, a little bit ignored, but he's capable and reliable and faithful. I think he's a very good man.

   I love 12th Doctor! But since I dislike Clara I've only watched a part of his bit, and Bill Potts is an amazing companion. She's a little bit inquisitive, tends to overreact? But she's always kind and warm. I love the student-teacher relationship between she and the Doctor.

Basically, that's just me rambling, because I need to get some feelings off my chest. I hope I haven't offended anyone (Well I probably have? But I'm entitled to have personal opinions.) And I am not a native English speaker, you might have already realized it.

[miraculousturtle]

to you, i thee wed (chapter 12)

They didn’t know they were marrying each other until the bride got to the altar. And then panic ensued. A Miraculous Ladybug Married at First Sight AU.

(AO3//FF.net)

Pairings: Adrien/Marinette

Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

WC: 7.8 K 

A big thank you to @gigiree and @panda013 for editing! :D 

There is magic in the world, Chat Noir knows. He feels in it in his very bones, in the utterance of an incantation, integral to the deepest pit of his soul. Paris becomes home again as Chat Noir clings to Ladybug's welcoming, magical embrace.

He holds her close, never wanting to let go again. How he survive all these years without her by his own volition is something that he can’t understand. How did he go this long without the solace of her friendship?

Ladybug sobs into his chest as his tears soak her hair. This is the truest form of homecoming, love so powerful that no words are needed to say “I missed you”. No words are worth speaking. The ghost of Chat Noir’s past finally meets him in the present and nothing has felt more right than this moment. It only took a while to get here.

Below them, Paris is unaware the relief they feel at their reunion. All transgressions forgiven with hiccups and hellos buried in tight hugs. The stars above are the only witnesses to a wish spent years in the making.

Another part of him wishes that they wouldn’t have to discuss the years long of pain he’s caused them. His biting betrayal that’s haunted them both. But he’s no longer a child who can pretend the hurt away, especially if he’s the one who caused it. Magic isn't strong enough for that.

Somewhere in Paris, a final church bell rings and Chat Noir’s  heart aches with penance. “I missed you so, so much.”

Ladybug stiffens in his arms, her breath in time with the hollow bells across the city. Silence blankets over them, their crying fading as reality catches up to them. There is no more running.

Ladybug hugs him tighter, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “I hate you.”

“I know.”

“So much,” she says, her voice cracking.

Her admission knocks the wind out of him, punches him straight in the gut. Guilt spirals through his veins, making it hard to breathe. “I know.”

The air crackles between them as Ladybug pulls back.  Determination blazes fierce in her expression as the moon hangs behind her. It encases her in a silvery halo of retribution and she has never looked more beautiful.

She pinches his side, causing him to yelp and oh, how he has missed the steely gaze in her bluebell eyes. “No, you don't know,” Ladybug grits. “You have no way of knowing because—believe me, I've practiced this conversation a thousand times."  She points an accusing finger at him, frustration rich with her every action. “You are going to listen.”

Chat Noir nods, knowing when to be quiet. Choosing to be quiet because she deserves to have this. Her anger, her righteous fury. She deserves to let it free and aim it at her target.

Ladybug takes a deep breath, her body poised as if to yell, but then she deflates. She wraps her arms around herself, makes herself so small. “I don’t even—I don’t even know what I want to say anymore…”

“That’s a lie.” He laughs, mirthless and hallow. “How about the way I hurt you? Or about how I was selfish? Or how I was inconsiderate? Or—”

In a blink, she’s in front of him, her hand on his bicep, her smile kind. “Or how about you stop that? There’s no point in being angry anymore. What’s done is done, Chat.”

Chat Noir feels his heart crawl into his throat. “I don’t know about that, LB. I hurt you. I hurt us.”

Her fingers give a loving squeeze, become his lifeline as she becomes all the world that he sees. “You did, but you came back. You’re here with me right now.”

Loathing sears across the bridge of his nose, disgust heaving in his chest. “I shouldn’t have left in the first place. God, I was so stupid,” he says, scrubbing his eyes.

Once again, her fingers bring clarity and hope, this time as she takes them from his eyes. She holds them with love and lets out a weary, exasperated breath.  

“Then why did you leave? Why didn’t you say goodbye?”

He stills, his heart rampant in his chest. “Do you want the whole truth or only half?”

Ladybug interlaces their fingers together, her wrist and pulse point aligned with his. “It’s been a long time, Chat. I think we deserve the whole truth. Don’t you think so, too?” She bites her lip before continuing. “Is it because...is it because I didn’t fall in love with you?”

“Me-ouch, Bugaboo. Way to assume to worst of me,” he scolds playfully, but the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.  “But no. It had nothing to do with you. It had everything to do with me and my family.”

“Like what?”

“Again, do you want the whole truth or only half of it?”

“The whole, please.”

A few seconds tick by and then he lets go of her hands, her warmth missed . With a sigh, Chat Noir sits down and pats the space besides him. “I don’t think I can tell you while looking at you. And you should...well, sitting would be good?”

Ladybug studies him, trying to understand what he means. She sits as he directed, their arms only inches apart and it reminds him of the years that spanned between them. So close, but so far. The steel from the Eiffel Tower is a cold reminder of the regret that lays deep in his heart.

“Why did you leave, Chat? I promise I won’t be mad. I’m tired of being mad.”

He snorts. “I’m not worried about you being mad. I just—I couldn’t bear if you hated me. That’s why I never told you…” he trails off. With another sigh, he focuses on the twinkling lights of Paris, a sight he’s memorized in all the years of his longing. “You were my most precious friend growing up. I loved no one more than you. And I don’t think I’ll love anyone like you. You were my best friend, Ladybug. You meant the world to me.”

She catches him by surprise by knocking into his shoulder. Giving her a sidelong glance, he gives her soft and sweet smile. “You still mean the world to me, Chat. I’ve been half a hero since you’ve been gone.”

Knowing when he’s been defeated, he wraps an arm around her and holds her close. “You’re always a hero, Bug. No matter what you do or where you are, you are a hero. In the mask or not. That I have no doubt.”

Ladybug places her head on his shoulder,  as if she’s allowing her heart to rule over her brain. “When I’m Ladybug, you’ve always been half my heart. And when you left, you took half of it with you.”

Her truth sings crisp and clear through the moment, unable to be taken back with her honesty. Chat Noir’s heart quivers and quakes, his soul shaking at the simpleness of her statement. Years apart has helped him forget how awe inspiring she can be when she cares about something. The way Ladybug still cares about him, her affection tangible as she rubs his back as if they were never apart.

He laughs despite himself, words lost in the familiarity. He leans over and rests his head upon hers and shuts his eyes. For a moment, he pretends a shooting star falls and he wishes with all his might that everything will be okay. Somehow, someway, he prays he doesn’t wreck his second chance before it even begins.

“One day,” he starts, but his voice heavy in the back of his throat. He swallows and tries again. “One day when were about eighteen, don’t you wonder why Hawk Moth disappeared?”

Ladybug ponders to herself, her fingers taking purchase in his leather suit. When ready, she hums with thought, the sound tickling his shoulder. “I thought he was planning something big. We both thought that. The last time—the last time I saw you, we agreed that. And you told me that we should lay low too…”

“That’s right. I did. Because I wanted us to fade from public view.”

Ladybug takes a deep breath before she whispers, “I didn’t think that would be the last time I saw you.” Her voice wavers, the watery wobble drowns him.

He flexes his fist, his claws digging into his palm. “It wasn’t the goodbye I intended, but I didn’t feel very brave in the moment to state otherwise.”

Her only response is another hitch of breath.

“...I had it all planned out,” he says, letting out a puff of air.  “I was going to tell you the truth, reveal myself to you, and then disappear. But I only did one of those things. The cowardly thing.”   

Ladybug lifts her head up from his shoulder and angles herself towards him. Her blue eyes beseeching answers. “Chat, tell me. Please. I promise it won’t change anything.”

He closes his eyes, unable to look at her and shakes his head. “No, Ladybug. It will change everything. I assure you.”

“Chat, please...”

Time ticks endlessly forward, in this moment and in beyond. There is no going back, he knows, but a part of him wants nothing more than that. With his heart hammering in his chest, he opens his eyes and finds her gaze again, always kind and inviting. It gives him the last bit of resolve he needed.

“My father was Hawk Moth.”

The world does not stop at his darkest secret hangs between them. No magic is strong enough to do that, but it does still Ladybug in her tracks. She blinks, her mouth parted in disbelief. “Oh.” Ladybug doesn’t say anything for a long moment. “Was?”

“Yes.”

“So...so, he’s no longer Hawk Moth?” She ask, hesitation in her voice, her world not the same.

Chat Noir knows the feeling. He gives her a wane smile, only stating fact and quenching memories that hurt more so than usual. “He’s no longer alive.”

“Oh.” A beat. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

It’s not the first time someone has said these things to him, but it strikes him funny that Ladybug would pay his father the same courtesy. Despite that there were plenty of afternoons where she wanted nothing more than to throttle Paris’s own Gabriel Agreste.

Oddity and peculiarity find him well in this moment. “It’s...it’s okay. He wasn’t perfect. He was fucking Hawk Moth, but he loved me. And...we were happy. When we left Paris. We were a family for that little while,” he admits.

He feels young again, not for the first time since he’s come back home and certainly not the last. The childhood nostalgic that calls him now has nothing to do with falling in love or almost noticing a pretty girl. It lies in the one love Adrien wanted all along. Even now, transformed and invulnerable,  he’s still chasing after his father’s shadow.

“I’m still sorry. I—I understand why you didn’t tell me when we were kids. I can’t even imagine…” she whispers. “It’s brave that you told me. Really brave. Thank you.”

Chat Noir follows her gaze as she stares at the city. There was always something in the distance that caught her eye too when they were younger. It is only hitting him now that Ladybug looks towards home in dark moments. To making sure family is safe before any fight.

A star flickers above and catches his attention. “I wanted to. Believe me I wanted to. So much.”

“If my dad was Hawk Moth…you’re a kinder person than me, Chat. I’m not sure if I could ever forgive him.” She lets outs a dry laugh. “Yeah, pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to forgive him.”

He shrugs. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever forgive him. He was...a controlled disaster, but I loved him even with all his faults. He called me foolish one night when we got drunk together. Told me that I was stupid to stick by him despite all the wrong he’s done. All the evil’s he’s done. But...but, I told him if I’m foolish than he better count his lucky stars because a fool of a son is all he’s ever gonna get.”

“That’s a nice story, Chat, but you’re no fool. Just someone who loves a lot.”

“You would know.”

“That’s right,” she says. “I would know.”

Maybe it’s because magic finds him fast, but Ladybug’s smile is still much like starlight. It is sweet and soft when the world is quiet. He can’t even begin to count how many times he’s swooned because of that smile. Even now, there is an unknown beauty at her edges. Her effervescent self still otherworldly all these years later. His first love, without a doubt, has matured into an even more remarkable woman.

“When did you find out? About your dad being Hawk Moth?”

Chat Noir welcomes her question with slight hesitation, a bit of fear picking up his pulse. There is no lying or hiding now, not when the hardest part of the truth spoken.

“Ah….sometime in our last year during school,” he admits. “Before I left for sure. He found out first when we were younger, but then I found out that he found out that I was Chat Noir. And he was Hawk Moth and—god, the amount of times he freaking possessed me one way or another. So pissed. I’m still pissed actually.”

Her eyes go wide and her voice cuts through the night. “And you stayed with him? You willingly stayed with him?” She repeats the question again in disbelief. Rage simmers in her small frame, the fire in her eyes reflected by the moonlight.

But a defensive heart grows inside Chat Noir’s chest, taking root in his past. He puffs up, not knowing how to explain the complicated relationship with his father. Or how to convey to another person the intricate maze of twisted familial love yet he tries anyway.

“Well, yeah,” he says. “He was my dad and I loved him. Even though he was stupid. So, so stupid. But anyway, after a particularly tough fight where we won. Again. I went home and punched him in the face.”

“You punched him?”

“Socked him square in the face.  Not my finest moment, but so worth it. Then we got to talking and well, I found out why which didn’t make it better, but it made it understandable. So I gave him an ultimatum. Give up being Hawk Moth or—”

“Or?”

“He’d lose me too. That was the deal. And he took it.”

“Wow. That's all it took? He stopped because you asked?” she scoffs. “Not that I’m doubting you, but I just...I find that so hard to believe.” Her anger is red hot and bright, matching her suit. “He tortured the entirety of Paris, tortured you and all we—actually, you! All you had to do is ask for him to stop?”

Adrien smiles again, but there is no positive emotion tied to it. He understands where she’s coming from. The same hurt, the same pain of your enemy giving up and yet…

He takes her hand and squeezes it, hoping for a moment that his touch can transfer his years long patience. “...I think he wanted an end too. That the dream he desired would never come true.”

Ladybug’s mouth wobbles at the edges. “What did he want to do in the end? With our Miraculouses?”

He swallows a deep breath and ignores his own rising anger. “He wanted to bring my mom back.” He doesn’t say that it didn’t matter because Emilie Agreste found her way back all on her own, but far too late.

That’s a story for another day.

“I guess—I guess I can understand why you didn’t tell me. This is a lot to process,” Ladybug babbles. “It’s almost like out of a t.v. show.”

Chat Noir barks a laugh and rubs the back of his head. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad I know now. I’m still hurt, don’t get me wrong...but, this can be our new beginning.”

Now that he's told her the truth, Adrien feels lighter than he has in a long time. “My Lady, you’re far too sweet. I knew there was a reason I thought you were the best thing when I met you. Like sliced bread.”

She chuckles, a twinkle in her eye about some private joke. “I do happen to like sliced bread.” She sighs with relief before nudging him. “Can I ask another question?”

“You can ask all the questions you’d like. I owe you a bunch of answers.”

Ladybug stares out into the distance again, as if looking at him would bring an answer she doesn’t want to hear. “Are you...going away again? After this.”

“Nah, I don’t think so. I moved back to France recently. I got married too.”

Ladybug chokes on her surprise. “You? Married?! But you’re such a flirt!” She pokes his side, teasing in her jabs.

He swats her away. “Only when I like someone! And I happened to like you when we were young so that’s why you think I’m flirt. I’m terrible with women actually. Which I know is quite surprising.”

She clicks her tongue. “I doubt that. You’re Chat Noir! The coolest guy I know.  I’m sure you’ve had lots of girlfriends! And look at you, married now. Your wife has to be something special,” she coos, her smile affectionate.

The unexpected praise for Marinette warms his heart as she is something special. Thinking about her makes him realize that she’s indescribable, powerful, and remarkable. Even Paris’s most beloved superhero also realizes that Marinette is phenomenal.

“She is,” he softly says. He remembers this morning, in the way it felt to kiss her with sunshine as her halo. He thinks of the way she laughs at little things and is quick to blush when her parents dote on her.  He smiles, “I’m learning new things about her every day. Being married...well, she’s the best thing that’s happened to me as an adult. That’s for sure. And not to mention, she’s beyond beautiful.”

“Oh Chat, she sounds so lovely,” Ladybug sighs, much like a hopeless romantic.

He blushes, feeling bashful as he remembers the ring under his glove. He never thought marriage was for him, but now being a husband is now part of his identity. Much like how it happen when he became Chat Noir.

“One day I’ll be able to introduce you two. I think you’d both have a lot in common.”

“Well, we both love you so that’s plenty in common,” Ladybug says. “Does she know you’re Chat Noir?”

Her innocent question forces him to a full stop. It would be normal for a husband to tell his wife if he was a superhero. Because that’s what people do when they trust each other. And dear lord...it hits him like a ton of bricks—what Marinette was saying this morning.  About trust and not wanting him to have to pay for everything.

“God, I am such an idiot,” he mutters to himself.

“What?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing, nothing. Wow, just know that when you’re married, Ladybug, you’re most likely always going to be right.”   

She quirks her head to the side, her mouth in a confused but amused line. “I am married? So I guess I am always right?” She holds up her left hand and taps her ring finger.

He rolls his eyes, not knowing why he's surprised she's married. “And how does Mr. Ladybug feel about Mrs. Ladybug always being right?”

Ladybug bites her lower lip and looks at him awkwardly. “Um. Mr. Ladybug might not know that he’s...Mr. Ladybug yet…” she trails.

“Wow,” he says, his chuckle more like a scoff. “Pot meet kettle.”

“Hey!” she says, her voice punching the air. “I wasn’t even judging you! I was asking a legitimate question! And Mr. Ladybug will find out soon enough. Maybe when Mrs. Noir finds out, huh? How about them apples?”

Chat weighs his options and nods. “Okay, fair. I mean, I get where you’re coming from. So yeah, but to be honest, I’m happy for you. You deserve a good husband. What’s he like?”

She blinks for a moment before burying her face in her hands, her voice muffled.

“I’m sorry, what?”

She mumbles again, though this time a little louder.

“Uh….what was that?”

And this time, she shouts. “I married my crush, okay?! I married my crush who I was in love with since I was fourteen!”

Her words ring with such girlish adoration that Chat Noir can’t stop himself from giggling. It’s precious, watching Ladybug be flustered by her own outburst despite that no one in the world can hear them.

His giddiness is palatable. “Oh my god, what? Are you telling me that that dope you liked for all those years is your husband? He finally noticed you!? Senpai finally noticed you?!”

“I’m not sure if I should take that as an insult or a compliment,” she sniffs.

“It's an insult on his part, but dang. To think LB would get the man of her dreams,” he says, putting his hands behind his head, smirking.

Ladybug curls her knees to her chest, resting her chin atop them, pouting and scowling. “...I take back missing you if all you’re gonna do is tease me. You can go home now.”

He pats her back, with a touch too much affection at the tune of the resounding smack and glare she gives him. He winces with a silent apology and pats her softer this time, picking his words with tender care. “But Ladybug, I’m already home.”

She smiles and pushes him. “Go home to your wife, Chat. I’m sure she’s wondering where you are.”

“I’m sure your husband is thinking the same about you.”

Ladybug grins again, her smile goofy at the edges. He laughs to himself at her childlike expression.

She stands up and stretches before looking down at him. “Do you—hey, do you want to, I don’t know. Meet up for superhero coffee sometime soon?”

He stands up as well, excitement in his bones. “Like patrol? Kvinda like we used to?”

She nods. “Yeah. I mean, I don’t go out very often, but I know the city likes it when I pop my head in and say hi every now and then.”

“Yeah—you know, that would be fun. We can meet in a few days? I’ll send you an email for a time.”

“Sounds good, Chat. I’ll see you then.”  She nods again and holds out her first, the words “pound it” very much on her lips.

The sight makes his heart crawl into this throat and he wants to cry again, but this time in a good way. He knocks his fist against hers and everything about his past and present slide into place.

“Bye, Ladybug. See you soon, 'kay?”

“Bye, Kitty,” she says, her hand playing with her yo-yo before she pitches it.

He waves once more before setting up to extend his baton and leap over Paris. Ladybug calls to him as his thumb hovers the button. He turns around, confused by the desperate sound in her voice.

“Yes, My L—omph!”  

He doesn't get a chance to finish his question because Ladybug launches at him into a tight hug. She squeezes the breath out of him and she cuddles close.

She peers at him through her bangs, her quiet joy etched into her cheeks. “I’m happy you’re home.”

He swallows thick and doesn’t mind when laugh he hears when his voice cracks. “Me too, Ladybug. Me too.”

--

There is magic in the world, Marinette knows, in the same vein that wayward black cats find their way home. If dreams are wishes the heart make, then never in her wildest ones would she ever think her dearest friend would end up at her feet. Yet only an hour before, under the same sky she’s seen a thousand times, she spent it the same boy she never thought she would see again. Magic still clings to her skin as she remembers his visceral hug, the warmth of his blood under her hands as proof enough.

Marinette lumbers up the stairs to her apartment, the echo a much needed tug of her current reality. Candy bars crackle in the swing of her wrinkly shopping bag. The beat of her steps is enough to dull the intense velocity of her mind, so much to process in so little time.  Relief sings in her bones at the sight of her floor, today ending on such a unique and almost impossible note.

Chat Noir is finally home and still wants to be her friend.

And of course, the biggest bombshell of all—his father was Hawk Moth.

The tragedy is not lost on her, in the way misfortune strikes and pins families apart. She wonders what role she had to play in all this family drama, minus being her partner’s teenage love interest. Unfortunately, she wishes that this would have stayed in Shakespearean plays.

But, he’s home now. Her dearest and most precious friend. Chat Noir has grown up into a man, but there’s still the same boy in his features, in his grin. Her heart splits between elation and outrage, but forgiveness has already claimed her. Marinette sighs to herself in defeat, knowing that she’s beyond happy that he’s home.

Tikki nestles in the hood of her jacket and tickles her ear. “No point in trying to be angry, Marinette. You already hugged him.”

Marinette scowls as she pauses at the top stair, catching her own gaze in the mirror. She feels much like the girl she used to be, young and fourteen and disgruntled about boys. She scuffs her shoe. “Can’t I at least pretend? A little bit?”

Tikki laughs and tugs on her earlobe. “You’d lost that chance when you didn’t even yell at him. I told you so,” the little god sings. “I told you when you saw him again you’d forgive him on the spot.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. You don’t have to rub it in, Tikki Tik,” she mumbles, trying her best to frown despite the cheer surging through her.

Tikki snickers before going back to resting in Marinette’s hood. “I love being right,” the little god says, mischief in each word.

Marinette halts, scheming playfulness stopped when she sees someone from the corner of her eye.  She whirls around with a fist pulled back ready to strike.

Adrien puts his hands up in defense. “Whoa! Princess, it’s me! Your husband!” Fear is audible in his last note, uncertainty in his voice.

The fight flees Marinette the moment she recognizes him and she puts a hand over her racing heart. “What are you doing outside my apartment this late?” she asks. As an afterthought, she adds. “And also, princess?”

Adrien rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry, uh,  it slipped out? It suits you too, I think. Princess.” He says the nickname again with an air of authority, confirming that he likes it. “It’s cute.”

Her nose twitches, deja vu tingling her brain.  “Ah, Chat Noir used to call me that so I find it funny.”

Adrien’s eyes widen. “Aha-ha, yeah. That seems like a Chat Noir thing, I guess. That flirt, that guy…”

“Uh, yeah—is everything okay? I thought you were coming over tomorrow?”

“Oh. Um. Things are fine, I don’t know. Just missed you? And I wanted to say good night and uh, give you these!”

He digs in his pocket and pulls out a thumb drive. “The videos. I made. While waiting for you. I wanted to give them to you. Like a diary...Anyway...” Shaking his bag, he holds it up too. “Anyway! These were my father’s sketchbooks! And I realized I didn’t get you a wedding present despite you got me the cuff links. Which were awesome, by the way. Very awesome. And…” His shoulders slump as be stumbles through his words. “So, you’re a designer. Yeah. I’m, I’m gonna go home now.”

Eyes downcast and he pouts, Adrien reminds Marinette of Chole every time she felt she didn't impress Ladybug enough. The memory plus the moment makes her smile.

Marinette giggles as he starts to walk away. “Hey, hey, hey! Can’t give me presents and then try to leave with them.”

Adrien stops mid step. “Oh, right. You might want these.” He comes back towards her, then something changes in his expression. He cups her face and rubs a thumb over her cheek. “Have you been crying?”

Marinette blinks for a moment and swallows thick.  “I, uh, I was watching a sad movie. Which is why I went and got...some snacks…”

He drags his hand down her neck, smoothing her shoulder then her arm. Marinette shivers with pleasure. It's distracting.

“I was wondering where you went. It’s a little late,” he murmurs.

Adrien leans in a little closer and Marinette can count the different specks in his green eyes. Usually, there is so much gold, but in her hallway, his eyes are darker, more mischievous than sweet. She wonders where she's seen that look before, but her thoughts disperse with his sneeze.

At least he has the manners to turn away and sneeze into the crook of his elbow, she thinks with amusement.

Her “bless you” is automatic. She snorts as he rubs his nose. “Says the guy who shows up at my apartment to give me wedding gifts and biological warfare.”

“I—I—”

She's not sure why, but she's enjoying being this playful with him. It's a refreshing change from constant stuttering. Besides, seeing him bright red and tongue tied is an adorable sight.

She catches his hand with hers  “Do you want to come in? It’s a little early technically, but I can give you the tour. Place’s clean now.”

Adrien pauses, his mouth parted in surprise before giving her a brilliant grin. “Yeah, that’d be great,” he says, eagerness woven in his voice.

With ease and her own smile, Marinette unlocks the door and invites him inside. She ignores the quickening pace of her heart and hastily flicks on the light. The ceiling lamp illuminates a soft yellow light over her modest kitchen and living room, a slight buzz above them. She turns on a lamp by the table too, hating how the singular light makes everything too dim.

“It’s not fanciest apartment,” she confesses as she drops her keys in a bowl. “But it’s a two bedroom which works for me.”

Adrien glances at her and fondness softens his lips. “Reminds me of the place I used to live when I was little. Before my dad made it big. It’s nice.”

The little memory throws her for a loop as she looks over her apartment. It’s not much, but it’s enough, she thinks. She wonders if Gabriel had the same thoughts as her when he was her age. And at the way Adrien soaks up the interior of her home, she thinks maybe he did.

The silence between runs for a beat or two before she rushes and starts her tour. “As you can see, this is the living room and that’s the kitchen! Somewhat open concept, but not really because of the half-walled counter,” she directs. She points at one side of her apartment, “That door right there is the bathroom and the one next to it is my room. And the door on the other side is my studio. It’s a very straightforward design to be honest.”

“Not bad. And not to bring up my rich boy sensibilities, but it's a little cramped?

Marinette laughs. “I see why hallways are a thing now. Having a courtyard living room is...stifling.”

Adrien looks at her bookcase, humming to himself in thought. Something catches his eye as he snatches something off the shelf. “Hey! It’s a picture of we graduated! Oh wow. I remember this day.”

Marinette peers over his shoulder to find a late night group photo with her and all her friends. “Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Disneyland is always a blast!”

“You had the cutest little mouse ears too. Man, I can’t remember the last time I went to a theme park.”

“Let’s go together, sometime soon?”

Looking over at her, Adrien blinks and nods again. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Before she can ask him anything else, he points to the other side of her apartment. “That’s your studio, right? In there?”

Marinette finds his line of sight and nods. “Yep! I work on my custom things here. My more day to day designs I do at the shop.”

Adrien stops and stares. “Wait, so you’re telling me you also sew all your pieces yourself at your shop?”

Marinette beams, pride warm in her heart. “Mmhmm! I have a seamstress too, but between the two of us, we sew most of the designs. For more complicated ones, like with a lot beading, I’ll hire a few extra hands for a few weekends and we’ll all knock them out. It’s fun that way.”

“Please tell me you’re marketing that you’re making everything by hand in house,” he begs.

“Haha, yes, I do,” she says.

Adrien puts a hand over his heart. “Thank you, Jesus,” he whispers.

Marinette shrugs bashfully and continues. “I also have an online store and get a lot of business from overseas. The boutique is doing well. That and commissions I do and the contests I win from time to time.” She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t lying when I said I was doing well.”

Her husband regards her for a moment, the glint in his eye indescribable. Then suddenly, he sweeps across the room and places his hands on her shoulders. “I married such an incredible woman,” Adrien says and then kisses her forehead.

Her heart stops in her chest, the warmth from his lips causing her to blush from the head to toe. She peers up at him, face hot and red as he strokes her cheek again. “Thank you,” she mumbles. Embarrassed, she pulls away from him and opens up her studio, proud that she put everything in place earlier.

Adrien walks in after her. “Oh, it’s empty…” he laments.

Marinette fingers a drawer of beads. “Sorry. My last big project was my wedding dress and I haven’t started a new one yet. But, I’d like your opinion when I start it.”

A pair of arms circle her and Adrien rests his chin on her shoulder. “You know, that’s what I miss the most about my dad—when he was designing, it was one of the few times you got to see him out of sorts. I wasn’t ever allowed in his workroom, but sometimes if I was up late studying and he was working, I’d bring him coffee. And sometimes he’d ask my opinion on his designs. Those were the best times.”

The little hum of his voice tickles, reminding her again that she is lucky to know him—lucky enough to learn about him all these years later after being a pining girl. She places a hand atop his and squeezes it.  

“That sounds lovely, Adrien. My dad helps me too. He has an eye for colors when I’m stuck. And hopefully, we can make new memories. You and I, that is—and make a design together too.”  

Adrien nuzzles into her cheek. “You’re the best, you know that? Simply the best. I’d love to design something with you.”

Marinette tries to respond, but she yawns instead.

Adrien looks down at his watch and sighs. “I should get going. You’re sleepy and it’s late.”

“But I’m not sleepy,” she says through another yawn. “I’m a big girl, I swear.”

“Well, even big girls need to get to bed, I’m afraid.”

“You...you could spend the night,” she says, a smile digging into her cheek.

He untangles himself from her. “Ha, tempting, but alas, I have to clean my apartment actually. I got distracted and, well, that’s how I ended up here.

“I’m not complaining. I got sketchbooks and cute videos out of the deal.”

“We’ll still meet at our original time?”

She shakes her head. “No, stay here, Adrien. Please? It’s late,” she pouts. “I’d be worried about my husband. We can meet up again tomorrow afternoon after lunchtime and have dinner at yours when we’re done with apartment hunting.” For one final measure, she takes his hand and leaves a quick kiss.

Adrien shuffles his feet for a moment and hangs his head. “I guess this is a time I should just say you’re right, right?”

Marinette smiles and hugs him. “Yes. And, I want you to know because I’ve been thinking about this since this morning, but,” she starts, “I’ll be fine with whatever apartment you pick. As long as I get to buy the groceries.”

“Wh-what? Marinette, what changed your mind?”

She shrugs and lays her cheek on his chest, playing with his hoodie string. “I don’t know, I guess this wasn’t something worth getting bent out of shape about in the end. I mean, you’re my friend, Adrien and I don’t think my friend would want to hurt me. So, yeah, I’m going to—let go of my pride and let you pay for most things. Minus the groceries and whatever odds and ends we need that are within my budget.”

Adrien squeezes her. “Oh my god, Marinette. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re an amazing wife, you know that?”

“That’s what my husband tells me, at least,” she laughs into his shoulder.

“Your husband is a very smart man, then.”

“Mmhmm. Also, incredibly kind and generous. I’m the lucky one, I think.”

“I don’t know about that…”

She pinches his side. “Well, I do. Now, let’s get to bed. It’s late.” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses his cheek. “And if you’re nice to me, I might even tell you sweet dreams.”

Adrien smirks. “Oh, do I get a good night kiss too?”

Marinette looks over her shoulder, mischief sounding in her being and heads to her bedroom. “Maybe.”

To that, Adrien laughs and chases after her. “Marinette, you’re gonna be the death of me.”

--

It’s the sound of quiet talking that wakes Adrien in the morning. Marinette sleeps beside him, her face under a pillow and squished much like a fish. He tries not to laugh when he gets out of bed. He tiptoes to the door and hears indistinct arguing from the kitchen. His eyes go wide when he recognizes one of the voices.

“C’mon, Tikki!” Plagg says, “Find me the cheese!”

Ever carefully, he enters Marinette’s living and kitchen and shuts the door behind him. He remembers to count to five before he strangles the little god, but even that seems impossible.

Plagg floats carelessly and in plain sight in Marinette’s apartment, as if he owns the place, while barking orders at someone. “Cheese, cheese, cheese,” he chants.

The voice from fridge snaps at him. “You lazy bum,” she seethes. “I’m not the one who wants this!”

“Yeah, but you’re the one who knows—” As if sensing Adrien’s rage, Plagg whirls around. “Adrien! Uh, hi! Good morning.”

“What in the world are you doing?”

Plagg purses his lips together and grimaces. “I was hungry and—”

“Found it!” the voice says and out flies another kwami, bright red and cute. In her hands, she carries a thing of camembert, but pauses when she sees Adrien. “Oh, hello. You must be Adrien. I’ve heard a lot about you.”   

Adrien tilts his head to the side. “Uh, yes. And you are?”

“Oh, I’m Tikki! I’m Ladybug’s kwami!” Her grin wide and bright.

“L-Ladybug’s?”

“Mmhmm. But she’s, uh, sleeping right now and I—mmm—wanted to see Plagg since it’s been a long, long time.”

To that, Plagg jumps in. “Yeah! Tikki here was just visiting me since she missed me and all that! Since you know. That’s the only reason why Ladybug’s kwami would be, uh, here with us. In this particular apartment.”

“You invited Ladybug’s kwami to Marinette’s apartment? The apartment that I don’t own?”

Plagg rolls his eyes. “Look here, newlywed. I didn’t say I was smart about it. I'm famished and Tikki off—has a knack for finding cheese! So here we are.”

“Yes, so here we are,” Tikki adds, if not a bit too quickly.

Adrien rubs a hand down his face. “It is way too early for this. I need coffee.”

“I could make you coffee!”

Adrien stops, a bit confused but musters a smile anyway. “While I appreciate the gesture, Tikki, you don’t live here.”   

Beside her, Plagg snickers. “Yeah, Tikki. You don’t live here. Not at all. You live with Ladybug and not his wife.”

She blinks and nods. “Yes, yes. You’re right. I don’t live here. Nope, nope. Not with your wife who is definitely not Ladybug.”

“Right,” he says, unsure where to continue with that. Then it hits him. “Tikki, was Ladybug okay last night? You know with me?” he asks timidly.

Tikki’s eyes widen in surprise before she flies up to his face, placing a little nub on his cheek. “Ladybug loves you, Adrien. And she’s already forgiven you or you wouldn’t be standing right now. Trust me.”

He nervously laughs, placing a hand at the base of his neck. “Y-yeah….if Ladybug was pissed, I would be dead now.”

Tikki hums. “Exactly, I mean, she had plenty of time to think about it, but look! Here you are! Not dead and going to live another day.”

“Yay…” he says weakly.

In the bedroom, an alarm goes off. Tikki sighs and then places a kiss on Adrien’s cheek. “I best be going now. Welcome home, Chat Noir. You have no idea how happy we are to have you back.”

He puts a hand to his cheek. “Yeah. Thanks.”

Tikki giggles before glaring at Plagg. “See you soon. And make sure you clean up after yourself! Since you definitely don’t live here.”

Plagg sticks out his tongue. “Yeah, yeah. Get out here and scurry back to your Ladybug.”

Tikki takes a deep breath. “Bye-bye, Adrien. It was lovely meeting you. Hope to see you again!” And with that, she’s gone.

Plagg munches on his cheese, pleased with his food.

Adrien decides to break the silence between them. “So what did you do to Tikki to get her so upset.”

Plagg waves his little nub. “Eh, she’s sour because I’m gonna win a bet again. And no, I can’t tell you and I won’t tell you. Now, get in there and wake up your wife, pal. We got places to be today!”

--

Ladybug softly lands in the park, hearing hollering hellos from citizens as she scans her surroundings. Not too far, she notices Chat Noir playing with some children and grins to herself. He must feel her stare because he looks up and beams and makes his way towards her.

“People are a lot happier to see me than I expected,” he says when he ends up at her side.

Ladybug shrugs. “Well, they love you. I’m glad we tweeted we’d be at the park before anyone had a chance to come up with something crazy.”

Chat Noir hums in agreement. “So, is this what you do these days? Just chat with the people and hang out.”

“Yeah, pretty much. We decided as long as there is no supernatural stuff then I don’t need to help fight day to day crime. Though, I do come out if there’s something huge—like an invasion or something.”

“Oh my god, has Paris been invaded?”

Ladybug snorts. “No, Chat. We have never been invaded that’s silly. Besides, if we had, the Ladyblog would have been all over that.”

“Is that still a thing? The Ladyblog?”

Ladybug is about to reply when a very familiar voice interrupts.

“Why, yes, Chat Noir,” Alya says, smug and proud. “The Ladyblog is very much still a thing. Good to see you, you mangy cat.”

At her side, Nino throws a casual thumbs-up. “Hey, dude. It’s been a minute. Welcome back to Paris.”

Chat Noir blushes and scuffs his boot in the dirt. “Hey, guys. Good to see you too. I’ve…I’ve moved back to the area.”  

Alya taps something in on her cellphone, refusing to tear her eyes away from the screen. “So we’ve noticed.” She then holds up her phone with the front facing camera on. “Smile!”

The shutter sound clicks and Alya seems pleased it the photo as she posts it to the web. “#welcomeback. #Reunitedanditfeelsogood. #ParishasTWOsuperheroes. #checkoutthishandsometomcat. #...”

“Alya, babe, I think that’s enough hashtags,” Nino says.

His girlfriend scoffs and uploads the photo. “No such thing as too many hashtags, babe,” she says. Then her attention snaps back to Chat Noir and Ladybug swears she hears him gulp. “Now, care comment what you’ve been up all these years? What’s the real reason you’re back. The Ladyblog wants the scoop!”

Marinette’s heart swoons with affection, never tiring how passionate her best friend takes journalism. All these years later and she’s still Ladybug’s number one fan too. But no love can allow Chat to be eaten alive by the best reporter in all of Paris.

“Alya, give us some time to figure out what we want to tell the public. When we’re ready to announce, you’ll get our first exclusive.”

Marinette can see it takes all of Alya’s willpower not to pout, but somehow she manages. “Fine. I guess,” she says, her lips pursed together. She sighs and then smiles, looking fondly at Chat Noir. “I really am glad you’re back though. The city’s missed you!”

There’s a long pause, as Chat Noir doesn’t say anything, his eyes to the sky. His face is pale, as if he’s seen a ghost. Ladybug tilts her head to the sky, not understanding his refusal to respond.

“Chat? Are you okay? What are you looking at?”  

Chat Noir points upwards. “That.”

Ladybug follows his hand and her mouth drops. “Are those...are those what I think they are?”

“Yeah,” he swallows audibly. “Butterflies.”

In the background, people start to cry in terror as Alya begins recording a live stream. “Breaking news, Paris! As you can see above me, we have a swarm of black butterflies that look exactly like Akuma? Does that mean that Hawk Moth is back?”

Ladybug drowns out her friend’s voice, unable to shake the feeling of dread that sticks to her ribs. Her partner’s body vibrates with tension, with energy that needs an outlet. A part of her wonders if he knows who it is, but no—his fury is mixed with confusion. He’s just as surprised as the rest of Paris.  

With the flapping of black butterfly wings, Ladybug says the only thing that seems appropriate.

“Fuck.”  

--

Thank you so much for reading! I know it’s been a long time since I updated, but know that I haven’t forgotten this story at all. I know I have been very busy this last year, but that’s okay. I’m building, I’ve written two drafts of a poetry collection, and my mom is cancer free since July 2018!! Either way, I write because it makes me happy and my writing makes you guys even happier. So, again, thank you! 

P.S.  Buy Me A Coffee?

[calliecat93]

Top 5 Things I Liked About RWBY Volume 6

(Top 5 Dislikes)

Holy Hell, I actually made it. Twelve… err,  eleven posts in one week. I somehow did it! It’d been super fun to go back over Volume 1-6. Some of them I haven’t rewatched all the way through in years. It was a super fun ride, but it’s time to wrap things up. Volume 6 is my favorite volume, and now I get to talk about hey. So let’s conclude this series of Like/Dislikes posts with my Top 5 Things I Liked About RWBY Volume 6!

#5. Maria Calavera

Back in V5, they had to cut out a plotline where, during his search for Huntsmen to recruit, Qrow met an elderly woman. This character, however, had to be cut out due to timing. But they didn’t throw her out. They just her back into this volume. That character was Maria Calavera, and she is awesome.

Maria brought so much levity into the volume honestly. She’s funny and really charming, but also sharp and intelligent. Her ass towards Yang and Qrow always got a giggle out of me. It also helped when the flashback ended, since she wasn’t feeling crushing hopelessness and was able to get everyone to at least start looking for shelter. We didn’t know anything about her, but with how she chose to stay on the train after it de-railed and her going through Barlaby’s journals, it speaks a lot to her mindset and definitely hint at her experience.

Most everyone figured this out by the time of the reveal, but Maria was a former Silver Eyed Warrior. Which while I wish that they did some more foreshadowing about her legacy before, the flashback with Maria was freakin’ awesome and showed how much of a badass that she was in her prime. She agrees to mentor Ruby, and honestly? Maria is exactly what Ruby needs. She’s experienced and an overall nice person who gan give Ruby proper guidance, but also stern enough to give her a good bonk on the head when necessary.  Which proved valuable for when we got to the end.

Maria came in at exactly the right time, and she was a big part of what made V6 so enjoyable. She was hilarious, like the “Maybe she’s dead!” line still cracks me up. SHe’s wise and can get everyone to focus on what matters. She’s been through the same hopelessness and sense of loss that they are… well okay not the exact same way, but she gets it. She wants to do something to make up for when she gave up and finds it in guiding Ruby. Someone who has the same gift and the same drive as she did in her youth. If Chapter 12 was any indication, Ruby may very well be on her way to being the next Grimm Reaper, and that’s all because of Maria. I love that old woman~

#4. Ozma and Salem Backstory

I have been watching RWBY since V1. I started just as the volume wrapped up, so I have more or less been around since the beginning. I have been following every plotline since 2013. I’ve had so many questions for so many years. One of the big ones was the connection between Oz and Salem, and why they have a conflict to begin with. I had waited since the end of V3 to get an answer. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when we finally got it, I’d say that it had been very well worth the wait.

The Lost Fable was everything that I had been hoping for. We found out about Salem. We found out about Ozma and why he keeps reincarnating the way that he doe. We found out about the Gods. We found out the history of Remnant and what exactly happened to cause the world to be what it is now. We finally found out about why the moon is broken! There were so many answers to so many questions and even stuff that I wasn’t expecting. I had guessed that Oz and Salem were former lovers, but them having actually formed a family? Making themselves God and that being the beginning of their downfall? Damn man…

The backstory was very well done. I feel so bad for these people. Al that Salme wanted was her lover back after he gave her the happiness and love that she never received before. But she was also selfish, trying to turn the Gods against each other and then driving the world to war But the GOds also made her immortal and wiped out humanity, treating them more like objects than anything else. But the biggest victim here is Ozma. He did nothing wrong except die of an illness. He accepted a deal to be with his wife again, but still had to do what was right for the world. He didn’t do that, and by the time that he realized how twisted Salem had become, it was too late. He lost his love. He lost his children. He lost his life and had to start all over again, doomed to never die until he’s united the world. Otherwise, when the Relics unite and the Gods return, everything and everyone will die.

It all makes sense. Why Ozpin acts like he does and why he keeps reincarnated. Why Salem is so Hellbent on destroying all of humanity and making Oz suffer. Sure there are some unanswered questions, like how humanity came back after their demise, but that’ not that big a deal. This was several years in the making, and I can still remember the utter shock that I felt after the first viewing. I was so happy to have this at last, and again, the wait was very much worth it.

#3. The Brunswick Arc

As much as I wished that we had more varied reactions to the Ozpin stuff, we did get a very good arc due to the hopelessness that everyone felt. These two episodes were really great. It had this horror tone, and the snow setting certianly gave it a cold feeling. There were some good bits. Yang’s PTSD still affecting her and Blake trying to comfort her but saying the wrong words. Weiss being afraid to go back to Atlas after just escaping and her terror after finding the corpses. We have RUby’s concern of Qrow drinking if he finds the storeroom of alcohol and her trying to get him to talk to her, but he’s just closed himself off completely. RUby’s trying to be optimistic, but you can just see how much everyone is weighed down.

Then we get to Chapter 6. Things aren’t going well and everyone’s on the verge of just giving up. Yang’s tired. Blake is tired. Weiss is tired. They’re all doubtful of why they’re doing any of this and why they’re going to Atlas. Ruby tries to remind them that they have to… and that’s when we get Yang asking why. We see her blank anime eyes, and we just know that something is very, very wrong. They all try to get Ruby to drop the lamp in the well, and even she begins to say how tired she is. She goes to the well, her hands trembling as she holds the lamp over the well. Her eyes are blank, but she sighs, pulls back… and a pair of red eyes make her drop ti. She refuses to leave without it, so RWBY all go down and while they find the lamp, they also find something much, much worse: The Apathy.

These embodiments of nightmare fuel are Miles’ favorite Grimm. They’re essentially zombies, using their power to weigh you down until all that you feel is apathy. You feel nothing. You don’t care about anything. You just lay there, and you either die from that or the Apathy get to you first. They are horrifying. You can’t just shoot them dead either. The girls barely get away, only being saved by Ruby’s Silver Eyes. It ends with Weiss burning everything tot he ground as they escape. We find out that Bartleby brought the Apathy tot he farm in hopes of using it to ward off enemies since they can’t keep affording a Huntsmen. Instead, the whole horde found their way there, and no one cared. They felt nothing, except for tired. 

This arc is short, but dark. There’s this bleakness all the way through. It feels like you’re the one standing out there in a blizzard with no warmth to push away the bitter cold. They did such a great job of nailing the tone. The Apathy are horrifying, but such a great concept and I can see why these are Miles’ favorite. You feel for all fo the characters and know that they are not acting right and there’s just so much relief when they snap out of it and drive away. On the upside, this gets them to apologize for their words and regain their resolve in getting the lamp to Atlas. It did a lot of good for Ruby, but we’ll get to that later. For now, this was a highlight of the volume, and I enjoyed it immensely.

#2. Bumblebee Storyline

Ho boy, this one has been controversial. And by controversial, I mean this has been hated on for stupid reasons. Like… really stupid. Bt I’m getting ahead of myself.

We all knew that when Blake came back, she and Yang would have things to work out. Which I think that they handled very well. Weiss’ talk with Yang helped her realize why Blake did what she did and let her back in. She still needed time, but she was just happy to have her back. Blake clearly still felt horrible for running away, trying to help Yang with her bag. I don’t think that Yang needed to be more angry towards Blake. Like I said, she had time to cool down and Weiss helped her with that. Blake was genuine in trying to make things right, especially when she saw that Yang was having a PTSD flashback. She talks about Adam’s tactics of making others feel powerless and tries to comfort Yang. But she ways the wrong words and Yang pushes the whole thing back as a result. Still, Yang pulled Blake out of the house after they got away from The Apathy after Blake, in particular, came close to death, so clearly Yang still cared.

But now, we get to the end of the volume, and as such the controversial bit. So int he final arc, Blake goes to take down the city’s radar, but as it turns out Adam stalked her. At this point, he’s lost everything. The White Fang. His power. His standing. At that point, all that mattered to him was making the one that he saw responsible suffer, and that was Blake. She fought back as Adam kept calling her a coward and a traitor. Unfortunately for him, Blake wasn’t alone. Yang entered the fray, and she held her own against him. Adam tried to intimidate her over what happened last time, and it’s enough to make Yang’s arm tremble. But Blake grabbed it, telling Adam that she isn’t protecting Yang. Nor is Yang protecting her. They’re protecting each other.

Adam was an abuser. While seeing his scar certainly leaves an impact, it doesn’t justify all that he had done. He only cared about control and power, and anyone who got in the way of that would earn his spite. He became a monster who emotionally abused Blake and frequently gaslighted her into making her stand at his side. That is until Blake decided that enough was enough, and she left him and the WF behind. Since then, he wanted her to suffer, as well as anyone else that she cared about. It’s why he dismembered Yang. Imo, Blake had no romantic feelings for Yang at that time, but she was still her partner. And because of it, Yang had to suffer at Adam’s hand. Which caused Blake to run, and for Yang to be traumatized and broken. In that moment, Adam made his choice, and there was no redeeming him nor did he want it.

Fortunately, the two girls recovered and got back together. But there was still one obstacle in their way before they could truly move forward, and it was Adam. They gave him the chance to eave. He refused. They fought him. It was either fight back or die. It ended with Yang managing to stop Adam’s Semblance by using her own, getting rid of his sword in the process. Adam lunged at Blake’s broken weapon ut as Blake did, and had he gotten it first then he’d keep trying to kill them. As such when Blake grabbed it and when Yang grabbed the other half, they did the only thing that they could to save themselves: shove the blades forward through Adam. It ended with him falling over the cliff, and to his watery grave.

Adam’s death caused a lot of controversies, but considering that this is a Likes post, you can probably guess where I stand. Adam wasn’t ruined by the CRWBY whatsoever and he led himself to his end and this was the right time to do it. But really? That’s not important. What’s important is what happens after, when Blake breaks down. Yang hugs her and Blake tearfully swears that she’s not going to run again. Yang answers that she knows. These two girls went through so much Hell, and it was together that they were able to set themselves free. This is what finally got me to subscribe to the bumblebee ship. Before. I was indifferent and at times angered by how many people used it to attack the writers. But this was when I saw the value of it. That sense of mutual support that they both needed. How they freed each other. How they can now move forward, and do so together as equals. This showed how great that bond is. How great that their characters are. How far that they have come, and how they can now move on. I loved this arc. It was well written, well-acted by Barbara and Arryn, and was just a super satisfying ride from beginning to end. I loved it.

But alas, there was one thing that I loved even more. Which is a big deal because this was the one thing that I was hoping for above else in this volume. What was that thing? Well...

#1. Ruby Character Arc

In my Volume 5 Dislikes post, I said that Ruby’s lack of development was the thing I hated most. It was the only real thing in the volume that I hated. When V6 was about to start, my one hope was that they would give RUby something. I didn’t care what, as long as it was something that would develop her character and have a payoff, I could live with it. And… well… they did it. They absolutely did it.

This was everything that I had been hoping for. In this volume, Ruby has to take the reigns of leadership. She’s the one who reminds them about the innocents on Argus when the truth about the Relic came out. When Oz tried to make her give the lamp back, she refused and questioned if he lied about protecting humanity. She made her own choices and was the only one aside form Maria to keep her sense and keep moving. At Brunswick, she had every reason to be frustrated and hopeless. But she kept it together and tried to do things like find food or get Qrow to talk to her. This girl was trying her best.

Then we get to Alone in the Woods. I went over this a bit int he Brunswick section, but Ruby here was fantastic. We do see that she can get frustrated and that she can’t always kepe up her optimistic facade. She almost gives in to being tired, but he fights it back, This was what she signed up for. She had a duty, and she was going to carry it out to protect everyone. She managed to fight back against the Apathy’s influence to save Blake, and then with Maria’s help was able to tap into the Silver Eyes enough to blast a huge number of them into dust. And because of it, we finally, finally have Ruby question about the Silver Eyes and ask Maria to teach her to use them.

So much good for Ruby was in here. She has to harden herself a little. It never gets to the point of brooding or angsting, but she and the others are left with no true guidance. The closest thing that she has is Maria, but she’s a new arrival in the conflict. Ruby’s used to Ozpin or Qrow having the answers, but they both have given up. But Ruby hasn’t. And when Qrow refuses ot hear Jaune’d plan out and tells everyone to just give up now, what does Ruby do? She turns to her uncle, her mentor, and tells him that she’s going to hear Jaune out. THat she doesn’t care what Qrow thinks. He may have given up, but it doesn’t mean that she has to. This was where she truly became the leader of not just her team, but the entire group. It took a second talk, but she restored Qrow’s hope. She refused to give up because they can’t. This was what she chose to do, and she was going to do it. With or without anyone to guide her.

It all ends when, after the plan went array, RUby faced Cordo. All that she has is her scythe, but this teenaged girl tells Cordo to either let them through or else. Cordo refuses, so Ruby carries out her threat by gumming up the canon arm to the point of disrepair. But that’s not the end. The Grimm attack, and they all decide to stay. RUby calls the Argus base, telling them that she is a Huntress. This isn’t the same wide-eyed girl who fangirled at Glynda and asked her for an autograph because she was a Huntress. No, this time Ruby is that Huntress. Her resolve is stronger than ever. She’s going to save Argus, and she has the one thing that can do the job: the Silver Eyes.

This was RUby’s trial by fire, and she passed it. It isn’t easy as her happy memories get tainted by the bad ones. But she’s able to use her wits and summon Jinn to buy herself time. Yes, she used the Relic despite not having a question, and she got away with it. It’s enough to let her recollect her happy memories, and ended with the first shot of her mother, Summer Rose. That image is the last thing that RUby needed to, for the first time by her own choice, use the Silver Eyes. while she’s only able to briefly freeze the Leviathan, it’s enough time to let Cordo recover and kill it for good. She lets them through due to this, and RUby not only guaranteed Argus’ safety, but them successfully making it to Atlas.

Ruby is often derided as a flat and under-developed character. I disagree. It’s not easy to move forward. It’s not easy to stay strong when so much is falling apart. Giving up is easy. Hating is easy. But RUby refused to take the easy way. She made a choice, and she has stood by that choice over and over again. She began as a naive girl with a childish dream and major anxiety. She surpassed it. She went from being afraid to make friends to befriending everyone that she meets. She went form charging at a Nevermore to prove herself, to channeling that recklessness into insane but brilliant plans. She went form questioning Oz if he was right to choose her to be leader, to effortlessly leading her team and encouraging others. Her dreams went from a childish fantasy to true dedication and understanding of what she’s fighting for. Bad things happen, and she wants to make people’s lives better as much as possible. She has a stronger understanding of the world and used it to better herself. Now here? She’s taking matters into her own hands and pushing everyone forward along with her. She’s holding on to her hope, and that is what makes her strong. 

Ruby is an amazing character. She is my favorite character. And this volume shows why that is. This corrected all of the mistakes that I felt that V5 made. She actively develops and it’s never dropped. She questions things and starts to learn from them. She learns to use her Silver Eyes. But most of all? All of this got a payoff wth her facing the Leviathan. Yes, she’s still suppressing so much and that’ll come back to haunt her. But for right now, this is what she needed. She needed to take this step, and they executed it wonderfully. As such, ti si is without a shadow of a doubt my favorite thing about RWBY Volume 6.

And with that, we are done! It’s been one Hell of a trip going back down memory lane, but I enjoyed it! Thank you, everyone, who read this as well as the previous posts. I’m not likely going to do any other LikesDislikes for RWBY until V8 starts. But I’m not done reviewing. V7 starts tomorrow, and I plan to do my episode reviews for it. I hope that you all will check those out. V7 is on the horizon my friends, and I am ready for it! I hope that you are to. But for now, thank you again, and I’ll catch you later~!

[mymuseisacademia]

About

~Basics~

Name: Shoto Todoroki

Alias: Undetermined 

Age: 15 - 16 years

Gender: Male

Birthday: January 11th

Zodiac: Capricorn

Height: 176 cm (5′9″)

Hair Color: White (Right Side), Red (Left Side)

Eye Color: Grey (Right Side), Blue (Left Side)

Blood Type: O

Quirk: Half - Cold Half - Hot

~Personality~

Shoto originally had a cold, aloof personality which stemmed from his abusive upbringing. Focused and unemotional, Shoto preferred to keep to himself instead of hanging out with other people. After the events of the U.A. Sports Festival, however, Shoto has become noticeably more sociable, even gaining a sense of humor and occasionally smiling, although still retaining the remnants of a distant attitude. After the events in the Remedial Course Arc, he has begun to open up more to his classmates and has lightened up from his usually serious demeanor.

Despite his usual reserved demeanor, Shoto did initially possess a moderate level of arrogance, which, combined with his solitary tendencies, sometimes made him take the initiative without considering the opinions of others, as he was confident that he could take on any obstacles with his own strength. He used to be much more unfriendly as well, to the point of causing someone to resent him.

Shoto is quite seasoned in battle, being able to stay calm and composed even while fighting real villains. Though brutal in combat, Shoto is well-grounded on the ethics of heroism, only wishing to subdue his frozen opponents as opposed to killing them by prolonging their frozen states. Shoto appears to draw his heroic values from All Might, which is a trait he shares in common with Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo.

Shoto had a deep loathing for his fire abilities, which he inherited from Endeavor, as it symbolized his father's wickedness towards him and his mother as well as what he was born to be: a tool to surpass All Might, a fate that he detests. As such, Shoto decided to rely solely on his ice power and never use the other half of his Quirk in battles, going so far as to cover his left torso and arm with ice in his first Hero Costume to symbolize his rebellion against his father. His flames would be used only to undo his freezing moves.

During his match with Izuku in the U.A. Sports Festival, Izuku's speech made the memory of his mother's supportive words resurface, and for the first time since his childhood, Shoto used his fire power in combat. After the battle, Shoto had mixed feelings about using his left side, but after reconciling with his mother, Shoto eventually came to terms with the half he once hated. Despite being scarred by her when he was a young child, Shoto showcases no hard feelings towards his mother, visiting her often ever since the end of the Sports Festival.

However, Shoto still harbors a grudge towards Endeavor, even if he respects his father's ability as a Hero, admitting to himself that such resentment can't vanish so easily and that he was wrong in trying to bury it. Having been denied a normal childhood so that his father could train him to realize his own selfish ambitions, Shoto still holds various psychological scars, which tend to reemerge when others compare him to Endeavor. Because of this and Izuku's influence, Shoto now strives to become a Hero, but without walking the same path his father did.

Shoto still remains cold towards Endeavor and has made it clear that forgiveness for his past treatment of him and his mother is difficult, but has demonstrated worry pertaining to his father's safety. With Endeavor now attempting to improve his relationship with his family, Shoto has taken a cautious, yet hopeful approach to this development.

~Abilities~

Overall Abilities: Having been trained by his father at a young age, Shoto entered U.A. High School through recommendations, and has been established as one of the strongest students in Class 1-A. He earned 2nd place in both the Quirk Apprehension Test and U.A. Sports Festival (although the latter was because he deactivated his Quirk at the last moment due to inner turmoil). Shoto also has a great handle over his versatile and powerful Quirk, Half-Cold Half-Hot, which grants him incredible dual capabilities.

Using the right side of his body, Shoto can drastically lower temperatures and freeze anything he touches. Shoto is able to swiftly freeze entire buildings, as well as create large waves of ice instantaneously. Despite its incredible raw power, Shoto possesses great control and direction over his right side. He can restrict the ice to avoid fatally freezing someone, or use precision attacks to freeze only certain portions of a target's body. If fighting alongside others, he is capable of covering enemy territory with ice while simultaneously preventing it from getting in his allies' way. Shoto is capable of molding the ice into certain shapes to support himself, such as protective barriers, stairs to elevate himself or a moving wave of ice for him to surf through. Shoto has many mobility options too, like stacking ice shards behind his back to propel himself forward or freezing the ground to skate on it.

From the left side of his body, Shoto can drastically increase temperatures and release scorching hot flames. When Shoto ignites his flames, the resulting blaze covers his arm and the left side of his head. He is able to shoot out consuming streams of fire or protective short waves of it. After upgrading his costume to help him control his temperatures, the flames only ignite on Shoto's hand, displaying more command over his left side.

At the U.S.J., Shoto was able to easily overpower small-time villains at the Landslide Zone by himself, and later on showcased elite judgment, combat awareness, and athletic ability during the U.A. Sports Festival, particularly when Shoto effortlessly froze a Giant Villain Bot. During his battle against Izuku Midoriya, a fan claimed that Shoto was already stronger than the average Pro Hero. Due to Shoto overusing his cryokinetic abilities, the excess cold exposure caused him to reach his bodily limit, and slow down his attacks and his movements, allowing Izuku to overpower the dual-wielding student even more than he already was. Eventually, Izuku affirmed that the Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk is Shoto's own power to use, despite the latter's kinship to Endeavor; with his passionate words, Izuku was able to force the hybrid Quirk student into using his flames. When Shoto and Izuku were about to have a final clash with their powers at the fullest, the collision would’ve either destroyed much, if not the entirety, of the U.A. Stadium and it's occupants, or at the least, killed them both, if not one of them. This was prevented thanks to the intervention of Cementoss and Midnight, but despite their interference, the whole stadium was still greatly affected by the shockwave generated by the clashing powers, signifying how powerful Shoto and Izuku are when fighting toe-to-toe. Izuku lost his battle against Shoto, but this was primarily due to Izuku propelling himself through the air at the time of the collision and being blown back by the resulting shock wave. Overall, if the climax of the battle went uninterrupted, it would’ve resulted in a draw between Izuku and Shoto.

Even though Shoto was defeated by Katsuki Bakugo in the Sports Festival, Katsuki acknowledges that Shoto could have won their battle if he had used his full power. After coming to terms with using his fire powers, Shoto was strong enough to hold his ground against the Hero Killer: Stain, a powerful villain who had single handedly bested various Pro Heroes. Stain himself acknowledges Shoto's prowess, as he found it more difficult to handle him compared to Izuku, Tenya Iida, and Native, especially thanks to the interchangeability of his fire and ice powers. This drawn-out confrontation caused the effects of Bloodcurdle to wear off for Izuku, giving the One For All inheritor a chance to join the fight, resulting in Izuku and Shoto tag-teaming to oppose the Hero Killer. Once Tenya regained his mobility and jumped into the fray (having discarded desire for vengeance), the trio of heroes-in-training were able to outnumber the Hero Killer, 3-to-1. Overall, it took the combined efforts of Izuku, Shoto, and Tenya, 3 of U.A. High School's strongest students, to finally defeat Stain. After defeating Stain, Shoto is recognized as one of the stronger students of Class 1-A, as noted by Pixie-Bob. Izuku stated that the entire Bakugo Escort Squad (consisting of himself, Shoto, Katsuki Bakugo, Fumikage Tokoyami, and Mezo Shoji) working together, have the potential to take on someone of All Might's caliber.

In the final stage of the Provisional Hero License Exam Shoto and Inasa Yoarashi faced Gang Orca, the No. 11 (formerly No. 10) Pro Hero. But due to the pair's personal conflict with each other, Inasa's Whirlwind clashed with the flames of Shoto's Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk because heat compromises the airflow. This infighting resulted in Inasa and Shoto repeatedly being unable to land an attack on Gang Orca and were left at the mercy of him and his sidekicks. Soon after, however, Shoto and Inasa realized their mistake with being uncooperative with one another, put their differences aside, and the two of them finally worked together, despite being incapacitated. With their newfound camaraderie, Inasa and Shoto combined the elemental powers of their Quirks to create a tornado of fire that engulfed Gang Orca, nearly defeating the No. 11 Hero. Gang Orca acknowledges that if the battle had been drawn out any longer, Inasa and Shoto's teamwork would’ve successfully defeated him.

Enhanced Durability: Shoto has proven himself to be quite resilient, being able to withstand multiple attacks from Izuku, including a direct, One For All enhanced punch at 5% strength to the stomach, without sustaining major injuries.

Enhanced Stamina: Shoto has shown to be able to endure combat even while injured, such as in his battle with Stain, where he is able to continue fighting and supporting his allies despite suffering from multiple bleeding injuries on his arm and face, and still to drag the villain's unconscious body once the battle is over.

Enhanced Agility: Shoto is fast, agile and has quick reflexes. He was able to keep first place during the majority of the Obstacle Race during the sports festival thanks to his own athletic ability. He was also able to create ice walls within a split second in order to prevent himself from getting thrown out of the ring during his battles with Izuku and Katsuki. He is also able to partially dodge a knife thrown at his face and several other attacks by Stain, a notably agile opponent.

Keen Intellect: Shoto has proven to be very intelligent. During the U.S.J. Incident, Shoto surmised that the villains had a Quirk user among their ranks that could jam communications. He realized the villains attacking had some kind of agenda and interrogated some of them to get answers. Shoto's theory was correct as the villain's goal was to kill All Might. Shoto deduced Izuku had a connection to All Might after experiencing Izuku's power and matching it from his witnessing All Might fighting Nomu. While he was correct in deducing Izuku had a connection to the hero, he incorrectly believed the latter might be All Might's secret love child. He was able to work out the location of Izuku, Tenya, and Stain from an emergency call in and make it in time though he did complain it took a while. In spite of his training, Shoto is also very skilled in academics, having scored 5th place in the midterms.

During the match between Momo's team and Itsuka's team, Shoto realized that there was a flaw in Itsuka's precautionary strategy in separating Momo from her teammates. He pointed out that if she really wanted to be cautious of Momo, Itsuka would’ve had her entire team overwhelmed from the start of the match. After witnessing Izuku’s recent awakening of a second Quirk, Shoto deduces that the latter may be like him, but Shoto didn’t recognize the true depth of Izuku's new power.

~Quirk~

Half-Cold Half-Hot: Shoto's Quirk gives him dual pyrokinesis and cryokinesis, divided between his left and right sides, respectively. The appendages on his right side can drastically lower temperatures of anything they touch, enough so to create large waves of ice. The limbs on his left side generate heat and allow Shoto to create and shoot streams of fire. Until taken to his bodily limit, neither has any visible effect on his body.

The drawback to his Quirk arises from his need to maintain his own body temperature, as excessive use of his ice power causes Shoto to suffer from frostbite. The frost that covers his body slows him down physically and weakens the strength and speed of his ice attacks. However, this weakness can be counteracted if Shoto uses his left side to offset the low temperature. The side effect to the prolonged use of his fireside causes his body to overheat and burn up. However, this weakness can be counteracted if Shoto uses his right side to offset the high temperature.

As noted by Stain, one of Shoto's greatest weaknesses is his heavy reliance on the devastating power of his Quirk. Another shortcoming is that Shoto is unable to fully control the fire he generates. While he has predominately used only his ice power for the last ten years out of spite against Endeavor, allowing large and small-scale control over its abilities (i.e. creating ice glaciers and also only freezing Tenya's Engine calves without him realizing it), it is only after the Sports Festival that he begins using his fire as well. While he is capable of using these two abilities simultaneously, he has said that he isn't used to doing this and still needs practice in dual-wielding his Quirk. While training for his ultimate move, he claimed that using both abilities at the same time slows him down.

As part of his training, Shoto submerged himself in a barrel of water, and alternated between his ice and fire abilities to regulate the temperature of the water. His body becomes accustomed to the cold, and he learns to control the power of his flames.

He's also realized that using his ice as the opening move has become so natural he equates it to muscle memory, making him predictable. Because of that, he often fails to realize when using his fire would be a more effective tactic, such as during his fight against Class 1-B. During the said battle, Shoto unleashed the full power of his flames, which, according to All Might, are said to be as strong as Endeavor's own flames. Endeavor even stated that even though Shoto's flames have the potential to surpass his own, Shoto using his flames at full power is still dangerous, especially if he can’t control them.

~Super Moves~

Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall: Shoto creates an enormous ice glacier, that can either encapsulate his opponent or block the immediate field of battle in ice. This move is first used in his battle against Hanta Sero in the Sports Festival, but is unnamed until the Final Exams. He noted to Sero that it was more powerful than necessary, but he was irritated (from talking with Endeavor) and overdid it. A variation of this move, slightly smaller in size, but more controllable, is shown in his battle against Katsuki. He also used this attack on a repeatedly massive scale while attacking Mr. Compress.

Wall of Flames: Shoto uses his left side to generate a burst of flames that covers a large area. This is both a defensive and offensive attack like his Giant Ice Wall technique. It can be used to attack multiple opponents and create space between Shoto and his target. Shoto first used this attack against Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu during the Joint Training Battle with Class 1-B. 

Flashfreeze Heatwave: To use this technique, first Shoto cools the air around him with his ice powers. Then, by switching to his fire, Shoto rapidly heats and expands the air around him. This allows him to release a super heated blast.

~Gear~

Temperature Resistant Jacket: Shoto's blue jacket is made from a special fire-resistant fiber. There is a special device near the neck that senses Shoto's body temperature and supports the vest to help regulate it.

Combat Vest: The device on Shoto's back is capable of sensing Shoto's body temperature and automatically heats up or cools down accordingly. Shoto requested his original costume had a device that heated up.

Utility Belt: There are metal capsules on Shoto's belt that contain water, pain medication, and disinfectants, making up a first aid kit.

Snow Boots: Shoto is outfitted with a pair of white snow boots with spikes under the soles that prevent Shoto from slipping on his own ice. They are later upgraded with straps going across the front of the boots.

Wrist Guards: As an upgrade to his costume, Shoto received new wrist guards made from the same material as his vest. They appear to help Shoto control the temperature of his ice and flames by keeping the extreme temperatures from traveling up his arms to his upper body.

[sympathyfortheblinderdevil]

Pride: Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Tommy hates to be in the dark and hates to be wrong. Lila goes along with Polly’s plan and Tommy is a right bastard about it.

Polly’s plan worked a charm. Grace was gone. Aunt Pol had a perfect view of Grace’s face when John and Arthur strolled up to the betting windows. She was decked out in red, as Tommy had directed, and was frankly making a fool of herself on his arm. Her cloyingly sweet expression twisted into one of disbelief and panic as the other two Shelby brothers approached Tommy to be briefed on the plan for the day. She excused herself and disappeared, leaving Pol to clue Tommy in as to what was happening right under his nose. He didn’t take it well. Tommy went into a tailspin. He called off the meeting with Kimber. He railed at Polly, John, and Arthur, and accused them of disloyalty. “Brother,” Arthur growled, “I don’t know what kind of a spell she’s got you under, but let me disabuse you of any fantasies you may have of Grace Burgess being on your side because she ain’t.”

Tommy paced frantically, back and forth, back and forth, just outside the stables. He lit a cigarette, took a few drags and flung it away into a fresh pile of straw. John raced to stamp it out. “For Christ’s sake, Tommy! Don’t burn the bleedin’ stables down.”

Tommy squared up to John, “You knew too, then? What about Lila?”

John looked down at his feet.

“Oi!” Tommy wheeled around to Polly and Arthur. “Did she fucking know?”

Polly snapped on him, “Yes, Thomas! She knew. And she knew well enough to keep her mouth shut. Now get in the fucking car. You’ve drawn enough attention to yourself.” They raced back to Small Heath with Tommy’s knuckles white on the steering wheel. He had the engine wound flat out, recklessly taking every curve at high speeds. Polly admonished him, like a naughty child, “She was never on our side. You wouldn’t listen, so we had to bring you proof. It’s your own damn fault, so don’t you dare accuse us of disloyalty, Thomas. If anything it’s you who has been disloyal.” The proof was all over the docks. As predicted, Campbell showed up at the BSA warehouses with a full complement of officers, guns drawn, ready to bring the Peaky Blinders to heel. The rage and embarrassment he felt upon discovering that he had been tricked was only heightened by his suspicions that Grace had intentionally fed him false intelligence. Who knows what kind of scene transpired between them later that night at the train station, but Grace was gone and Campbell took a bullet. Problem solved. Now, they had to deal with the aftermath, and what was left behind was an angry man who felt betrayed by the people closest to him: his family and his girl. Lila heard the car roar up at number 6 and ran to the doorway of the flat that she and Tommy shared. She could hear them fighting before she opened the door. She stood in the shadows and watched Polly, John, and Arthur spill out amongst swearing and threats. As soon as they were clear the car sped away, and the headlights caught Lila’s pallid face and tear-filled eyes. If Tommy spotted her, he never slowed down. She could feel the breeze off of Tommy’s coupe as he tore down the lane.

John kicked the wall and swore a blue streak aimed at his vain, controlling brother. Polly grabbed Arthur’s wrist as he stormed toward the door to number 6. “Arthur, go see about Lila while I deal with John. I can’t have him going home like this. He’ll wake the whole house and there’ll be hell to pay with Esme.” Arthur slicked his hair back and pulled his flat cap from his pocket, placing it on his head. He grunted in the affirmative. “…and see if you can talk her into staying here. God knows she doesn’t need to face Tommy alone with the mood he’s in. If he comes home tonight at all.”

Arthur did his best to convince Lila to come next door. “You can’t do anything with ‘im when he gets in a temper.” He tried to talk sense to her, but love is blind and deaf. She refused to wait the night out with him and Polly and insisted that things would go better if she was waiting for him when he returned.

“I should be here when he gets home. He might not want to admit it, but he needs me— especially if he feels betrayed.” She sent Arthur on his way with a promise that if things got too rough she would go to Polly’s.

Alone, with nothing but the steady tick of the mantle clock to keep her company, her thoughts began to race. She wondered where he could have gone. The Garrison was closed at this hour. He had sped off in the direction of Chinatown, and there were two things on offer down there at this time of night: opium and whores. She shook the thought from her head and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. Drank straight from the bottle with no ice or water, the liquor burned her throat and took her breath away. She needed enough of it to take her thoughts away. Soon enough, she began to feel warm all over and a bit sleepy. With a shrug, she shed her sweater and draped it over the arm of Tommy’s favorite chair. For a moment she leaned on the chair back and laid her cheek against the antimacassar. The faint smell of Tommy’s pomade made her sigh. He must have been angry with her too, otherwise, he would have stopped. He would have come back by now. She pushed those thoughts from her mind and took another swig of whiskey. Taking the bottle and a pillow with her, she set up camp on the couch. When Tommy came home, he would see that she had waited for him.

She dozed off in minutes but soon awoke to see the red tip of a cigarette glowing in the corner of the room. It was Tommy. The fog of sleep was still lifting from her, and she realized that Tommy had been speaking to her. His voice was thick and slow as if his words were swimming through molasses to reach her ears. “Answer me, Lila. What else have you kept from me?”

She drowsily started, “Baby…I waited, I wasn’t sure you’d be home tonight…”

He repeated himself, his voice slurred and his anger apparent, “What else have you kept from me?” “I can’t believe you’d ask me that. You know that I’ve no reason to keep secrets,” she answered, her voice pitched higher than usual. Then more quietly, “Something you could never say.” She stared into the darkness at his silhouette, her eyes drawn to the burning end of his cigarette. She could hear the ice rattling in his glass as he brought it to his lips. “Why couldn’t you tell me then, eh?” he growled. She couldn’t stand this intimidation game he was playing and turned to cut on the lamp that stood beside the couch. Squinting as her eyes got used to the light, she looked up at him through half raised lids. His eyes were glassy and his jaw was set. He was speaking to her through gritted teeth. She gave a resigned answer, “Would it have mattered? I mean, any other time that I, or Polly, or Esme, or your brothers said anything about our suspicions you ignored us.”

Every word she said was true and if anything he should appreciate that the truth had been revealed. But he wasn’t. His ego was bruised and he felt like a fool. He pointed a finger at her, the rest of his hand gripping a half gone glass of whiskey. “You had no business getting mixed up in this matter.” Lila took in the contempt in Tommy’s expression. He was turning on her. She had seen this look before, the cold progression of turning everything off from his brain to his heart. He was mentally preparing to leave her. “If you want to hate me for staying quiet, then go ahead. But your family did this for you. You may be able to go against the rest of the Shelbys, but I can’t. Nor did I want to. She was a copper, let’s not forget that minor detail. A copper who was willing to lie to you and steal you from me.” Lila was becoming angrier and braver with every word. If this was the end for her and Tommy, she would go out swinging. “A spy that you were more than happy to cozy up to when the mood suited you.” She stood and began walking toward him. “You don’t even seem to be concerned with what she did to you. She sold you and your brothers out lock, stock, and barrel to Campbell.” Lila crossed the room to where he was sitting. She was so close that her knees were touching his, and she leaned down so that her face was closer to his. “And instead of being grateful to those who love you, you play the part of the selfish bastard.”

His mouth was slightly open, and his tongue ran across his bottom lip. She studied his lips, the angular planes of his face, and finally his pale blue eyes. He was wasted. His pride was hurt and he was drunk or worse. She considered whether or not this was the right time to have it out with him, but her pride got the better of her. “Did you hear me, Tommy? Don’t you even care that she was a spy, sent to sell you out?” Tommy swallowed thickly and dropped his eyelids before slowly turning his head from side to side. “No. I don’t care so much that she lied.” His lashes fluttered against his pale cheeks, then he fixed his gaze on Lila. “I didn’t love her.”

Lila brought her hand under Tommy’s chin to lift his face to hers, and, quick as a shot, he grabbed her wrist. She winced in pain and hissed, “Don’t you dare try to make me feel guilty for this. Mine was a sin of omission, at best.”

His fingers dug into the tender underside of her arm and he brought his face closer to hers as he spoke, “But a sin, nonetheless.”

An odd smile crept over his face. His whiskey slid from his grip and crashed to the floor, and he brought his hand up to cup Lila’s chin. The condensation from the chilled glass lingered on his fingertips, and the cool, wet sensation sent shivers through her. His eyes darted between hers and his breathing quickened. She had seen contempt from him, she had seen anger and indifference in his face before a breakup, but this was something different. He was furious with her, but along with his fury, there was passion.    

Lila squirmed and his hold on her tightened. “I held my peace because I love you, Tommy.”

He drew his lips into a smirk, “You were jealous. You wanted to be rid of her.”

“I wanted to keep you from being hanged.”

Lila was growing limp in his grasp. He raked her hair back from her face and pulled her down into a kiss. He was rough with her, like a drowning man gasping for air. His hands were on either side of her face, and his fingers were tangled in her hair. She maneuvered herself onto his lap, knees on either side of his hips, and he pulled her down farther still using her hair for leverage. Her hands slid across his shoulders and down his chest, undoing buttons as they went.

He shifted her down onto his lap and pulled her head backward while biting her bottom lip. “You are mine, Lila, and from now on you will do what I say.”

She moaned in protest, but ground herself into his hardness. He pulled her skirt up around her waist and ran his fingers under the edge of her panties over the curve of her ass.

“Who do you belong to?”

Lila trailed kisses along his razor-sharp jawline and lightly nibbled his earlobe. He grabbed a handful of her hair and bent her head back until her eyes were level with his. They were frighteningly intense, and he asked again, “Who do you belong to, Lila?” He wound her hair more tightly in his fist and bent her head back to expose her throat.

“You…Oh, God…You, Tommy…” He sucked and mouthed at the pale skin of her throat, marking his territory, while she wrapped her legs more tightly around his back.

He breathed words onto her wet skin, “So from now on, you will do what I say.”

Once again, Lila willingly swallowed her pride.

I have to say, I can totally see why Lila keeps coming back for more. Tommy is such a bad boy, but  I’d still belly crawl through broken glass for him. Comments are welcome.

[rk800downloading]

“Save me” Chapter 12 - Connor x reader

Disclaimer: Hi everyone!! Sorry for the slow updates! I just wanna make sure that it’s good stuff for you guys to read because I love you all so much! Thank you so much for your positive reviews on the last chapter ;) LONG CHAPTER AHEAD - I hope you enjoy!! <3 

Previous Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

“So, when did the feeling first start?”

“That-” Connor mischievously grinned “that is a rather plain question. I could tell you the probability of alien life, the chemical compounds of anything you can imagine, or even a really good joke - but that is your question?”

“I only get one?” You teased, slapping a fraudulently offended hand against your chest.

Connor’s eyes narrowed “You could submit a request for additional questions if you’d like.”

“And who would I file my request to?”

“Cyberlife - would you like their contact information?”

You chuckled, swinging your legs as they dangled from the park bench. Although seconds, minutes, and hours continued to leave the past behind, you and Connor remained rooted in time. You sat close to him, basking in his warmth - you refused to bring up the idea of leaving this moment.

“I’m not changing my question,” you smiled “but tell me the joke first.”

Connor suddenly stood, hovering over you “I do know CPR, in case you start to die from laughter-”

“Oh, my god-”

“How come ants never get colds?” He crossed his arms, eagerly awaiting your response.

Your voice was facetious “Because the cold weather kills them before they can catch one.”

“Oh- I hadn’t considered that response a possibility…” Connor furrowed his brows “The answer was supposed to be ‘because they have little anty-bodies.’”

You could feel your lips grow thin and your eyes begin to crinkle as you attempted not to laugh “That’s terrible.”

“That joke is not to your preference? What did the buffalo say as he dropped his kid off at school?”

“No-”

“Bison.”

You sucked in a deep breath to keep the giggles from spilling out “Please stop- just answer my original question.”

Connor smirked. He fully knew his effects on you.

“Well, to answer your question, when I took the trace sample from you neck, I also detected abnormally high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine - indications that you thought I was attractive.”

You groaned in embarrassment, your ears beginning to feel hot.

“I noticed I had an unusual thought process in that moment; what about me did you find attractive? Cyberlife made my looks to help assist in seamless human integration - but Hank never misses the chance to tell me I look goofy.”

Connor gently pulled away the arms hiding your red-tinged face. He tilted his head at you, a playful expression across his features.

“You’re shy now?”

You groaned again.

“I began to watch you closer, certainly more than necessary for the case. I began to feel that your company was quite pleasurable, and then I realized I was holding your hand more for my sake than for yours. But when you kissed my cheek, I-” he sat back down, abruptly ending his thoughts “I’m talking a lot about myself. I wish to learn more about you.”

You huffed at his hasty change of subject “Connor, surely your social module told you that it’s mean to leave someone hanging like that?”

“Oh, well-” his words turned into a laugh, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile “It did, but I’ve grown somewhat good at ignoring it.”

When did Connor’s laugh become so effortless? Each small shake of his shoulders seemed to bubble up from his chest, heartfelt - happy.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows against his knees “Since you seem to enjoy looking at me so much, perhaps you’d like to tell me exactly what you find so attractive?”

You crossed your arms “Were you always so sassy?”

“I think that being around Hank has had a positive influence on my sassiness.”

A scoff left your mouth “If you must know,” your hand reached towards his umber mane “I really like this hair.”

You traced down to his cheekbones.

“I like your eyes,”

Your finger worked its way to his lips.

“I like your smile,”

Connor frowned “You’re just listing everything.”

“I know.” You beamed, your hand finding its final destination on his chest “What I love the most is who you are - how you’re so caring and focused, how you’re sometimes horribly awkward,” you rolled your eyes “and I even love your terrible jokes.”

He grasped at your wrist, eyes wavering.

“I don't know much, or really anything about loving someone. When I look up ‘love’ I see images of families and marriages - people growing old together, raising kids together. I can't do that for you, but I want-” he paused, gaze searching “I want to be ‘selfish’ - can I be selfish about this?”

His hand wove into yours, the pale color of his skin dissipating into a mechanical white.

“Is it selfish to ask you to love an android?”

You placed his hand in your lap, running your fingers across the pearlescent plates of his knuckles. Connor was so-

“Beautiful.”

You thought aloud, Connor’s head snapping up in incredulity.

“Whether or not you are an android doesn’t change the fact that I love you - I have only ever thought of you as Connor, the person sitting next to me.”

“Am I really a person when I can easily be replaced?” His jaw was set, confliction evident in his red LED “There are more ‘Connors’ than just me - there is another RK800 model ready to download my memories and replace me at anytime.”

“Even if they can copy your memories, or look the same, they are not you.” You pointed to the serial number illuminated on his jacket “I don’t know much about androids, but I do know that this is your number - the only one in the world. I may not be numbered but you are just as much a person as me, you always have been. No one can replace you.”

“Is it okay for me to-” his voice cracked “can I believe that?”

Your voice was soft.

“That’s up to you to decide.”

You left behind your words of encouragement and walked toward the bridge. You felt yourself become hypnotized by the red glow of passing tail lights, entranced by the music and nightlife of the harbor. It wasn’t until the wind begun to bite at your cheeks that you became aware of the dress shoes echoing behind you.

“What will you do if I decide to be selfish?”

You spun around to see all of Connor’s uncertainty had been replaced with the same confidence he had when he kissed you. He stood tall, arms crossed over his broad chest. His eyes were full of fire, burning his gaze into you.

“You're saying that like it's a bad thing.” You gulped at his new-found resolve.

“When you kissed my cheek I felt your heat,” he walked towards you, tracing a finger under your jaw “I never understood what a craving was until then, I couldn’t understand the idea of my body acting on it’s own - it was like an unlisted process threatening to overtake my hands and have their way with you.”

Connor pressed against your mouth, taking your bottom lip in between his. You breathed into him, whimpering as he pulled away.

“I’m going start making my own decisions now.” He smiled at the dumbfounded look on your face. 

You were completely, and utterly under his spell.

“The time is currently 3:52 am, my love.” Connor fixed the wind-blown strands of your hair “I think it would be wise for us to return to Hank’s house.”

“My love?” You blinked hard, knees still weak.

“It is the term of endearment I’ve decided to use for you.”

“You’re taking this ‘deciding for yourself’ thing very seriously aren’t you?”

“I like it.”

He grabbed your hand, leading you out of the park.

“I feel free.”

---

Connor was animated on the walk home, a boyish enthusiasm clear in his excitement. He concocted a detailed list of three things he had decided to try. First, he decided to cook Hank a proper dinner - especially eager at the prospect of seeing how many vegetables he could hide throughout the meal. Second, he was going to put laxatives in the coffee of a man named ‘Gavin’ - he assured you that this ‘Gavin’ was fully deserving of this punishment as he was, as Connor put, a ‘shitty person’.

Lastly, he decided he would take you on a date. He insisted that he follow ‘human traditions’ and take you out for dinner.

“There is a five-star restaurant close to here, do you like Italian?”

“Is there by any chance, a restaurant that serves blue blood?” you laughed already knowing the result “I don’t want to eat alone.”

Connor’s LED spun rapidly, halting to a yellow “No, I don’t think there is.”

“We could go on a picnic? Some human food for me, some android food for you?”

“A picnic it is, my love.” his frown disappeared into a smile.

Connor let go of your hand, producing a key from his pocket. He placed a finger over his mouth, signalling silence as he slid the silver into the lock.

The door swung open - a grumpy old man stood in sweats and slippers, ‘tired’ written across his face.

“What in the hell are you kids doing?”

Connor quickly lowered his finger, standing upright. He cleared his throat “Thank you for opening the door, we just arrived back from a stroll.”

Hank’s eyebrow was raised “A four hour stroll, eh?”

The Lieutenant gestured you and Connor inside the house, sitting you down at the kitchen table.

“I have a certain place I like to go to when I can’t sleep,” Hank started, sipping a cup of coffee “Imagine my surprise when I get there, and I see two familiar looking kids holding each other and kissing like the goddamn sky is falling.”

Hank produced a large box from the counter behind him, sliding it across the table to Connor as he took another swig.

“I got this for you. What a crazy world we’re living in - malls are open 24/7, just crazy.”

Connor took the box into his hands, sliding his fingers across the elegant gold branding on its front. He looked up - lips parted, eyes wide “May I open it?”

Hank grumbled, lazily giving a thumbs up. He downed the rest of his caffeine, watching the android’s reaction from his peripherals.

Connor lifted the box’s lid, revealing a crisp leather jacket. He carefully released the material from its fold, letting the leather’s smoky smell fill the room. He attentively placed each arm in its respective hole, delicately adjusting the way the jacket fell from his shoulders.

It was a sleek black fitted racer jacket. It was simple, classy - appearing as if it had been made in Connor’s image. It fit perfectly.

“Fear, panic, happiness, love,” Hank’s grin was lopsided “those are all human emotions.”

The old man stood, grabbing Connor’s Cyberlife jacket.

“Don’t wear this anymore. You’re not some goddamn product, so don’t dress like one.”

Connor’s stare refused to the leave the gift that adorned him “When did you have time to buy this? Was it after you saw us at the park?”

“First of all, I didn’t mean to spy on you.” Hank sighed “ Second, just enjoy the damn present, ok?”

Connor smiled wide, dimples deepening at the corners of his lips “Thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hank began walking back to his room, stopping to place a hand on your shoulder.

You looked up, catching a glimpse of blush behind the gruff of his beard.

He gave an affection squeeze.

“I’m glad it’s you.”

You had never thought a combination of those four words could make you feel the way that you did. You watched Hank’s back as he called Sumo for bed, retreating down the hall, disappearing with a slam. You were giddy, elated - unable to stop yourself from feeling a familial love towards the man.

“I think Hank thinks of you like a son.”

Connor finally looked up from the jacket, eyebrows raised in response to your statement “What makes you think that?”

“Just the way he treats you,” you walked closer admiring the look of leather against his lean frame “I can’t remember my own dad though, so it’s purely a hunch - I hope he was like Hank.”

Connor halted, his LED fading to red “There is something I’ve been meaning to apologize for,”

You watched as he clumsily shifted his weight, curling his hands into fists at his sides.

“I was curious about your past when you talked about your orphanage,” he started, avoiding your gaze “I am unsure if you didn’t wish to tell me, or if you were waiting until you felt comfortable, but I wanted to give my condolences. I didn’t intend to pry.”

You jerked your head, confusion knitting through your eyebrows “What are you talking about?”

Connor mirrored your reaction “I’m referring about what happened to Rosewater Orphanage.”

You suddenly felt numb.

“What?”

“You don’t know?” Connor’s voice was as perturbed as you felt “Police records confirm that a family liaison officer delivered the news to you.”

“What news was delivered to me?” Your question was a demand “Tell me what happened.”

“You really don’t know...?” his tone became concerned “The orphanage suffered a mass murder four years ago.”

You froze, muscles tensed under Connor’s unblinking stare - you felt like you had heard this before. 

“The bodies of three adults, presumably the staff, and multiple children, the orphans, were found disfigured beyond recognition.”

“Only three staff...? That doesn’t make sense.” Your mouth felt dry, brain unresponsive “Did they catch who did it?”

“A suspect was never found-”

“How many children did they find?��

“I don’t think-”

“How many children!” You shrieked, not meaning to take whatever was happening to you out on Connor. You couldn’t control yourself or the violent feeling stirring within you - a crimson-eyed monster threatened to crawl into your brain, to grope at your skull, to scratch at your nerves.

“I know we just had a real touching moment back there, but do you think you could keep it the fuck-” Hank’s voice echoed from behind you, breaking as your vision became blurry “What’s going on?” you felt him rush to your side, holding your shaking arms steady.

Connor spoke through clenched teeth. He began deciphering your questions - understanding your fear.

“19 children were found…”

The significance of his answer burrowed into your chest, broke the monster’s chains, unlocked his cage.

“Was his body found?”

The room grew still, silence taking the form of a pressure - it was heavy, crushing. You thought you might die if Connor didn’t respond.

“No, the body of an android- Tim was never mentioned in the official police report.”

The last piece of the puzzle clicked.

Connor knew,

You knew.

Your tears became chokes of repulsive realization. The bliss of your childhood had been shattered - it’s limbs ripped apart, it’s blood drained.

Your legs collapsed under you, falling into Hank.

The floor was cold and hard, but Hank didn’t move. You sat cradled in his arms, angrily sobbing into his shoulder. You could feel the deep rumble of his voice as he spoke.

“20 names on the lists, 20 possible victims.” 

“19 unidentified victims, 19 children found.” Connor continued.

“One missing android, one deviant killer on the loose.”

You straightened your back, indignantly wiping away your tears.

Your smile was bitter.

“Guess we just found out who GOR is.”

Next Chapter: CHAPTER 13

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Shout outs to @autumn-become-human and @lionesshathor for giving me some great ideas to work with!! <3 Thank you!