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fan-burns · 1 year ago

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Robots 2

Chapter 10: Rodney’s POV (2:34 am, TW for body horror, implied past self harm, and trippy dream)

I found myself floating in a dark void again, my feet swaying in an invisible wind. There wasn’t any ground or walls around me, but it didn’t matter anyways. It never did. Mist surrounded me, and the sound of chains being dragged across an invisible floor had made themselves known. As I looked towards the sound, two glowing blue orbs had pierced through the mist, and began to grow bigger as they approached me.

I’d been here before, and if anything I was more annoyed than scared by the sight of…well, it.

The thing had made its presence known as it creeped out of the mist. It looked just like me, but it had that hideous copper blue coloring on it and was missing its upgrades. It was missing its forearm pieces as well, which exposed the wires and a damaged endoskeleton underneath. As it got closer, the countless other scars and dents in its body had decided to show their ugly selves as well. By far the worst injury on its body was the crippled, lifeless legs that dangled underneath it, rendered useless as both legs and as scrap. They were barely attached to its body, and were slightly transparent at its feet.

There was another horrible scar that dominated the rest of them however…and that was the gapping, heart shaped hole in its chest. It was large enough to expose the ghostly endoskeleton within its chest, which also had its own series of scars and scratches. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was attacked by a bear, or was dragged underneath a Sweeper and lived to tell the tale.

Of course, I do know better…and I know what it really is.

“Welcome back, Rodney,” the thing spoke in a mangled version of my voice. Just hearing it alone would’ve been enough to cause pain to those unfortunate to hear it. Regardless of its mangled voice box, it went on unhindered in a teasing manner. “I take it you're still brainwashed? Or maybe you’ve finally figured out what's going on?”

“Yeah yeah, I figured it out weeks ago,” I snarled at it, “I’m stuck in a dream with you again. Why can’t you just leave me alone?!”

“Because,” it spoke through jagged, ruined teeth, “You’re being controlled by someone else. This isn’t you! I’m trying to help you!”

“Help me?! I don’t need your help! I’m perfectly fine!!”

How dare this…whatever this thing is, tell me that something is wrong! This is obviously some kind of mind trick from Bigweld! Well TOO BAD MR. BIGBAD, I’M NOT FALLING FOR IT!

“You know I can hear what you're thinking, right?” The creature spoke with a dark chuckle, “Is Big Mr. Bigbad really the best you can come up with?”

“GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

“I can’t.” it argued with a laugh, “I’m literally YOU. The real, not brainwashed YOU. And I need you to remember that!”

With a wave of its clawed and scarred hand, the mist had retreated, and in its place two chairs had appeared. The joints of the thing in front of me creaked and groaned as it took a seat, and gestured for me to take a seat next to it. As it gestured to the chair, I saw the hideous series of scars that decorated its wrists. The scars were caked in a foul smelling oil.

Reluctantly, I did as it wanted. I’ve done this before over and over again, and it always ends the same way. Still, it never gets any better…and I’ll never get used to it.

“So what’s this about a “Citizenship Test”?” It asked. “What’s the deal with that?”

“It’s to keep everyone safe from things like you.” I pointed at it. “Take the test and keep your head clear from anything that Bigweld tries to tell you.”

“Oh, so it isn’t a huge red flag then?” It spoke sarcastically.

“Well if you know so much about it,” I argued back. “then enlighten me.”

“Well let’s look at the obvious,” it began. “It’s biased in Ratchet’s favor and the multiple choices don’t properly reflect how someone might feel. That, and multiple choice questions can’t properly reflect a person’s feelings. You need an open answer for that.”

I felt my head tilt in confusion. Normally I’d ignore the creature's words but I couldn’t help but be curious as to where it was going with this. Even if I knew it was wrong.

Seeing this, it went on. “You know how the first question is literally worded in a way that forces you to say yes no matter what? Or the last two questions? That's what I’m talking about.”

“So? Everyone should be happy with their purpose! And they should know that Bigweld’s the bad guy!”

“And if they’re not?” The thing argued.

“Then they’re worthless! If they don’t want to fulfill their purpose then we have no use for them!”

The creature stared at me as I spoke the truth. Its face was pained by what I had said, and its pale, glossy eyes were filled with disgust and sorrow. It brought its crippled hand to its head and cradled it in disappointment. As it rubbed its jagged fingers across its brow I felt a great relief wash over me. To see this creature, this attempt at replicating me, failing to do the one thing it was designed to do was beyond satisfaction. I assumed it was about to give up, but it regained its composure and turned its gaze towards me.

“I know you don’t understand a word you just said so I’m just going to skip to the point,” it said with great sadness and frustration. “You’re not happy with your ‘purpose.’”

“Of course I am!”

“No, you’re not. When you were asked to pick an alternative purpose, you picked Ratchet Industries, remember? You want to be an inventor for him. You want a better job.”

I hated to agree with it, but it was right…but everyone wants to work for Ratchet! I want to help design new upgrades because it aligns best with what my original purpose is!

“So you admit it then?” the creature inquired as it heard what I was thinking. “You want a better job because you're unhappy with the one you have.”

I didn’t say anything. I held my breath as the creature went on.

“Rodney, you know you're better than this. You’re capable of doing so much more than car repairs and tune ups. You can create things, inspire change, make people's lives better! Hell, you were even able to change the entire city!”

I didn’t believe what it was saying. I stopped listening to it.

“You’ve saved and improved so many lives because you trusted your instincts. You’ve helped so many people! You’ve made so many friends, met your idol, You even met the love of your life!”

I didn’t say anything. I kept my head clear of any thoughts.

“Rodney, listen to yourself!” It begged me, practically screaming at me. “What’s more important than any of that?!”

“My service to Ratchet.” I told it bluntly. “That’s more important than any fantasy world you can come up with!”

It stood up rapidly in anger. Its voice became low and dangerous in tone, but its face expressed dread and disgust. “So you’d sacrifice everything you’ve ever stood for, everything that makes you happy and enjoy life, just to keep Ratchet happy? Even after what he did?!”

It stared at me as I stood my ground, its tears running down the side of its face. It didn’t matter what it told me, or what it promised me, or anything else that it was trying to tell me. I knew it was just some trick to get me away from Ratchet! If I fall for that, then I’m a goner!

“I’d do that, and more, in a heartbeat.” I proclaimed. “If I’m going to be a mechanic for the rest of my life, then so be it! I’d rather be some low life mechanic than something to the likes of you!”

“Enough already!” The creature yelled in frustration as it threw its hands up, the pain in its voice nearly making me sick.

The void began to fill with more fog, and it quickly swept around me, making it harder to see what was in front of me. I brought my hands up to try to swipe the fog away from my face, but to no avail. Clawing my way through the fog, I was able to catch one last glance at the creature. It had turned its back on me and disappeared into the fog. Its voice fading as the fog engulfed it, making it near impossible to make out what it said.

Before I could do anything else, the fog had begun to circle around me. It slowly lifted me off of the ground, and I started to kick at the smoke and fog to make it release me, but it wouldn’t budge. As it took me higher and higher, I felt something warm shine on my head.

I looked up and was nearly blinded by the sudden light that had appeared overhead. The fog around me began to disappear as it got closer to the light. Slowly, bit by bit, the column of smoke and fog had disappeared. I felt myself become weightless, but I felt myself begin to fall.

My limbs flailed around as I tried to grab something to stop my fall, to grab onto something that could save me but it was useless. All I could do was close my eyes and pray that it would be quick, that the fall wouldn’t leave me half dead on the ground…

THUD!

My eyes shot wide open as I realized what had happened. I rubbed the back of my head as I slowly got up from the ground and back onto my bed. I felt the warmth of fresh tears on my face as I sat on the bed.

Another nightmare with that thing.

I checked the clock on my dresser to see what time it was. As I expected, it was around two am. It always happens. I fall asleep, I meet that thing, and then I wake up.

Every. Damned. Time.

My whole body had suddenly grown heavy. I let gravity push me back into the bed, but I didn’t close my eyes. I didn’t want to go back to sleep… not after that nightmare. Maybe I can do something else to pass the time. I could scroll online, look at the new upgrades that Ratchet is making. I could look at ideas for improving business. Maybe I can sort through my tools and reorganize everything…again. For the fifteenth time. Maybe I can look through my phone for something to-

Wait! No not that! Anything but that!

I nearly bolted out of the bed when I thought about that phone. That thing’s phone is still in the dresser beside my bed.

Ratchet had advised me to get rid of it, but I couldn’t bring myself to destroy it. I tried to destroy it, I really did, but I couldn’t. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t force myself to get rid of it. I was too attached to it. It must’ve been yet another trick from Bigweld.

Well the joke was on that thing in the end. If I can't destroy it, I’ll just lock it away! I threw it into the dresser, fitted a lock onto it, and once it was installed I locked it and destroyed the key.

I let my body fall back onto the bed with a slight thud. I turned my head towards the dresser in question, a permanent reminder of my failure to get rid of my final tie to Bigweld and Cappy. The chain surrounding the dresser was still intact and secure, the lock pad pulling the chain close to the floor, but never touching it.

I’m safe. I could be a lot safer if I had the strength to destroy the damned thing, but I’m still safe. He can’t get me. She can’t get me. That thing can’t get me. No one can get me.

I turned my head to face the ceiling. I’ve decided that I’m not going back to sleep…I can’t risk running into that thing again. I’ll only close my eyes to let them rest, but I’ll keep myself awake. As I close them I move my foot in small, gentle circles.

I can feel a warm liquid form under my eyes, and a tear falls off of the side of my face. My jaw clenches itself shut as I put my hands over my face, trying to keep myself from crying even further. A small gasp for air escapes my mouth despite my efforts, and more tears race across my cheeks.

…it’s going to be another long night for me. I don’t need any more tears or nightmares to tell me that much.

#robots 2005 #robots 2

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eunnieboo · 4 years ago

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XP-PEN Artist 12 Pro Review!

hello! XP-PEN was kind enough to send me their Artist 12 Pro: LINE FRIENDS Edition for an honest review. i currently use a Wacom Cintiq 13HD, but i’m always interested in affordable alternatives, so i wanted to check it out!

in this review, i will be comparing the Artist 12 Pro to the tablet that i have - keep in mind it is an older version of the Cintiq 13HD, so i’m not sure what they’ve changed recently. but because Wacom is pretty consistent in terms of tablet quality, i believe this is a fair comparison.

so right out of the box, there’s a lot of fun, cute accessories that come with this particular collab. part of this tablet’s selling point is its portability, and i can definitely see why! it feels very light and slim (note: this is a display tablet, like the Cintiq 13HD, so it must be connected to a computer). i was also pleasantly surprised to see all the different adapters it came with!

the pen comes with eight additional nib replacements - my Cintiq originally came with five. i personally have a very light touch, so i’ve never had to replace my nibs before, but i think having extra is helpful for those who have a heavy hand. the portable stand also has one level compared to the Cintiq’s three, but i found the angle just fine.

this might be a personal preference, but i really appreciate how the cable plugs into the Artist 12 Pro. it’s something i wish i could change about my Cintiq - one wrong nudge will send my tablet screen flickering to black before booting up again.

i also love the 3-in-1 cable that the Artist Pro has, because it cuts down on the multiple cords i have running under my desk.

this tablet comes with eight buttons and a scroll wheel on the side. some people prefer using their keyboard, but i like using express keys because i don’t have to move my hand from the tablet at all. so this was a point in its favor for me! these are my shortcuts, for those who are curious:

the driver set-up and installation also went smoothly. i first tested the tablet on a MacBook Air before switching over to a desktop PC, so i got to experience the set-up on both MacOS and Windows. in my opinion, it's easier on a Windows device. it feels a lot more straightforward. while i was also able to successfully install the tablet driver on MacOS, it required a little more tinkering and some additional steps. i wouldn’t consider this enough to dissuade Mac users, i just personally enjoyed my experience on the PC more!

(full disclosure: i had some screen troubles when the tablet was connected to my MacBook, but this was because i had to hook it up via an adapter of my own. i didn’t want to pay $70 for the official Apple product so i got a cheaper one, which ended up being a clown move LOL :’) once i removed the adapter and connected the tablet to a PC, i no longer had any of these problems. just something to look out for if you’re considering using any usb-c adapters!)

now for the most important part: drawing on the tablet! first off, the laminated screen feels very nice. i personally dislike drawing on slippery glass screens (this is part of the reason why i struggle to draw on iPads without a textured screen protector), so the matte, non-glare finish is really satisfying. the active draw space is slightly smaller than my Cintiq (10.09″ x 5.67″ vs 11.75″ x 6.75″), but i personally like small to medium screens so that didn’t bother me.

i do believe the Cintiq 13HD is more precise when it comes to pen sensitivity and responsiveness - however, i feel like the Artist 12 Pro holds its own very well. i’ve been using my Cintiq for years, so i’m very used to how it feels. despite working on an unfamiliar tablet, i was able to sketch, ink, and color quite comfortably on the Artist Pro. while i noticed slight differences in pen precision, it simply resulted in me redoing some lines now and then, and that ended up being my only complaint. the colors looked just as vivid as they did on my Cintiq, and i was able to adjust the pressure settings in order to compensate for my light pen strokes.

in terms of cost effectiveness, my Cintiq 13HD was $700, while the Artist 12 Pro is $300. although the Cintiq moderately outperforms the Artist Pro in pen sensitivity, whether or not that warrants its price tag is up for debate. ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what’s more important to them: performance or value. you could go for a tablet that’s affordable, but has some room for improvement, or a tablet that performs slightly better, but is considerably more pricey.

though the Cintiq is twice as expensive, i wouldn’t consider it twice as good. but again, it really comes down to what’s most important for your workflow, and what guarantees you get your money’s worth. i’ve found that huge ranges of pen sensitivity or pen tilt are totally unnecessary for my art, but for some, that may be a deal breaker. personally, i was able to use both tablets well, and neither impeded my ability to draw.

my final verdict: if you are a hobbyist, looking to upgrade to a screen tablet, or trying to get into digital art, the Artist 12 Pro is definitely an option to consider! i think it’s a really solid display tablet, especially for its price point. though i can only speak for myself, my experience with the Artist Pro has been a positive one! XP-PEN seems to be a strong competitor for Wacom and its products, and i’m very eager to see how they grow from here.

⭐️ XP-PEN Official Website ⭐️ 🌱 Artist 12 Pro LINE FRIENDS Edition 🌱

#xp-pen #line friends #tablet review

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makeste · 4 years ago

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some rambly Wednesday night thoughts on Kacchan’s hero name

so out of acknowledgement of the fact that the vast majority of fandom has basically accepted Dynamight as canon, I have been doing some analyzing of my own internal fandom biases these past few days, trying to identify just what it is that’s still making me have such a hard time accepting this name reveal. and I think I’ve pinpointed that now. and so now that I have, I would like to partially renege on my previous post, because that was four whole days ago, and we have to grow and change with the times or else they will a-change without us.

anyway, so basically what it boils down to is that for me, it’s not enough for his name to just be an All Might tribute. for me, the reveal of oh, he named himself after All Might is just not enough on its own to justify having a 200-chapter arc devoted to this plot. it’s not a satisfying resolution. because the thing is, we already knew that. and so that’s basically the thought that’s been running through my head these past few days whenever I see posts analyzing the new name. okay, but we already knew that, though.

I’m trying to figure out how best to describe this, but basically it’s like this constant feeling of waiting for someone to finally finish the rest of their sentence. like, yeah, I get that, I already heard that part. but where’s the rest of it? because this doesn’t tell us anything new, is the thing. this is something we’ve known about Bakugou since day one. “I’ll even surpass All Might and become the best hero out there.” yes, he looks up to All Might, that’s fine and that’s great, but we knew that.

here’s what it is for me. I need the name reveal to answer this specific question: what makes the Kacchan from chapter 252 different from the Kacchan all the way back in chapter 45? what is it that’s changed? what is different about him now? different enough that it took a journey of more than 200 chapters for him to finally settle on this choice?

and in my view, the answer to this question is very clearly not All Might, but Deku.

Deku is what has changed for him. his relationship with Deku. his restored trust in Deku. his desire to make amends to Deku. that’s the difference. this is what chapter 252 Kacchan has that chapter 45 Kacchan did not have. this is the only answer that to me makes any kind of narrative sense. when he makes the decision in chapter 252, when he finally settles on a name, his mind is clearly fixated on thoughts of atonement. and so his chosen name, in the end, has to relate back to Deku in some way in order for it to connect. that link has to be there somehow. that’s the only way that his name ties in with all of his character growth. that’s the only possible way this is going to feel right to me.

so yeah, if it turns out that the origins of the name “Dynamight” begin and end with Katsuki being a colossal fanboy nerd, I will be disappointed, ngl. not because I don’t think his admiration for All Might is important, because it is. but I will be disappointed because “I want to be like All Might” is his starting line, not his finish line. I’ll be disappointed because he’s had so much character growth since the story began that for him to choose a name that’s seemingly unrelated to all of that would seriously feel like a letdown.

having said that, there is one popular theory which, if true, would check off that box of “the name has to be connected to Deku” which is apparently such a deal-breaker to me! and that is the “Dynamight is a name that Deku originally suggested for him when they were kids” theory (as seen here for example). which I guess technically falls less under the category of “theory” and more under “speculation”, but still. the thing is, it’s all based on reasoning rather than evidence, but I think said reasoning is pretty sound. it’s basically that same rationale of “this doesn’t make narrative sense if there is no connection to Deku; so therefore, if this is his chosen name, it means that it must relate back to Deku in some way.” which to me is reasonable. and so if it does turn out to be true, I’m thinking I can get on board with that.

the 293 reveal scene is still pretty out of left field to me, ngl! but it’s worth noting that this is absolutely not the final version of his name, because as of right now the full name is technically GREAT EXPLOSION MURDER GOD DYNAMIGHT. the “GREAT EXPLOSION MURDER GOD” part isn’t just a title or preamble (all of those end with “hero��, so if that were the case it would have been “Explosion Murder God Hero: Dynamight”); it’s literally part of the name. I do appreciate that (as others have pointed out) he has apparently upgraded himself from Lord Explosion Murder to God Explosion Murder. but anyway, so it does mean he’ll need to change it at least one more time, though. which means we’ll get another “reveal” scene, and Horikoshi can pour all of the emotional weight and resonance into this second one, and if he does it right I don’t doubt he will sell me on it fully and completely.

and actually, if he really wants to go for the jugular, there is one long-awaited bonus move he can pull that will make it so that I basically never question anything he does ever again lol. and that is... well okay, let me backtrack. so first of all, maybe we get a scene where class 1-A is gathered at the hospital, or back in the dorms after everything has wrapped up, just convalescing and taking comfort in each others’ presence to distract them from thinking about how much therapy they’re all going to need now. and so they’re all there talking, and somehow word of Kacchan’s new hero name gets out, and while everyone else in the class is collapsed on the floor in tears, Kacchan and Deku maybe make some Significant Eye Contact for a bit and then Deku eventually says he likes it, but maybe shorten it down to just “Dynamight” though. and Kacchan is all “stfu nerd if I want your opinion I’ll ask for it” but of course he does go on to change it though, but not because of Deku’s suggestion!! just so we’re clear!! it’s just cuz he felt like it!! shut up!!

anyway. and just to be clear this last part is just me being WILDLY indulgent really, but I think it would be a real Power Move on Horikoshi’s part if afterwards, we cut to Deku heading back to his dorm room and thoughtfully lying back on his bed to reminisce, leading us into the flashback (by which I mean THE flashback, where Horikoshi shows that the name was actually his idea). and then, once we emerge back out of the flashback and into the room again, we see the familiar All Might posters on the wall and assume that we’re back in the present with Deku. but then we see the person that’s actually lying on the bed and it’s like WAIT A DARN SECOND, and that’s when Horikoshi reveals that we have actually transitioned to Kacchan’s room instead. BOOM. HOW YA LIKE THAT. TWO MYSTERIES SOLVED FOR THE PRICE OF ONE. TWIN FLASHBACKS, TWIN NERDY BEDROOMS. ALL THE PARALLELS YOU COULD EVER POSSIBLY WANT. MIRROR IMAGES, BABY. IT’S SPIDER-MAN POINTING MEMES ALL THE WAY DOWN.

lol but so anyways. tl;dr I’m coming around on this a bit. there are still certain things about “Dynamight” that will still feel slightly off to me even if the Deku Invented It theory does come to pass, mind. the main one being that it doesn’t really fit in with the theming of Deku and Shouto’s hero names, which I think are so simple -- basically just their own names -- for a reason. that reason being that it symbolically sets them apart from the flashy, superficial hero society of the past, and signals that this new generation will be different from that. and I won’t lie, I’ve always liked that about their names, and so if Kacchan’s doesn’t also fit in with this theme, it’s always going to look just slightly out of place to me. but unlike the Deku thing, that one’s not a personal deal-breaker, and I can learn to live with it.

so I guess we’ll see how it goes! right now it’s still about 50/50 for me; I can only talk myself into it so much until we see more of how this develops. it’s been long enough since the chapter release that I’ve had just enough time to completely second-guess myself on everything I ever thought I knew, but then two seconds later I’ll be like “nah this whole thing is completely crazy lol it was literally just a joke panel” and the whole process begins itself anew lol. all I know for sure is that I seriously cannot wait for the aftermath of this arc. it’s gonna be lit you guys. it is going to be so stupidly, stupidly good.

#bnha 293 #bakugou katsuki #midoriya izuku #bakudeku #bnha meta #bakugou meta #dynamight #bnha #boku no hero academia #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #bnha manga spoilers #makeste reads bnha #can't believe this stupid post took as long as it did to write up #it's already time to go into my weekly spoiler lockdown mode lol #I'm assuming the next chapter won't immediately contradict anything here #but you just can't take that chance you know #always gotta post these things beforehand just in case

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votederpycausemufins · 3 years ago

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more content for the SF series! (since the first one was Summoning Family and now it's Surprisingly Familiar). i can't believe it's chapter 5. and i'm not sure if i mean can't believe it's only ch. 5, or already ch. 5. you know, both is good!

Edit: iforgottotagpeople iforgottotagpeople iforgottotagpeople!!! @petrichormeraki and @helleborusangel forgive meeeee

“Let me take care of one thing before we explore the rest of the server.” Sense spoke up, Grian only half paying attention. “You can explore as you see fit, but I wouldn’t wander too far.”

As the redstoner walked away, Grian went the other direction for a few steps before stopping. “Are you going to keep following me around or what?” There was no immediate answer, but then someone appeared near Grian.

“Well, you look different than before.” Came an echoey voice from the figure who was greyed out and transparent. “What happened?”

“I’m from the past, but not the past here, so I’m not going to be able to fix whatever is wrong with you.” Grian replied, crossing his arms. It had already been explained that Grifter went looking for a new dimension to find alternate versions of his family since apparently the real versions weren’t the best. Grian didn’t fully believe it at this point, but Sense said Grifter would bring back some proof, which was a little worrying.

“There’s nothing you need to fix for me.” The ghost, because that’s all it could be, responded. “There is no business I have unfinished that you could finish for me. And that’s fine with me. It means I can help and explore with little worry, though I do like this castle.”

“Right.” Grian responded, unsure how to feel about the ghost. He already dealt with a few at school, some better than others, so he wasn’t exactly sure how this one would act. “Well, I would like if you stopped following me around.”

“Alright Grifter.” The ghost replied, and then left, going down a hallway before disappearing. Even with them gone, Grian still felt on edge, so he didn’t go far, just going back to where he had been left. When Sense did finally come back, Grifter was with him again, which finally helped Grian feel a bit safer again.

“Alright, so, I’ve talked with a few people to make sure they don’t cause problems as well as pick up some papers with information you might want to know. And you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged because it’s magically protected.”

“Your magic, or other Listeners?” Grian asked, which surprised Grifter. He looked over to Sense who didn’t look as concerned and quickly explained.

“I gave Grian a quick tour of the castle and explained some things along the way. About the magic from being a Listener. How Grian may still have magic but is also still considered in-training so his magic is much weaker. How you came here trying to dimension hop for Taurtis again and how that went. Things like that.”

Grifter smiled and gave Sense a kiss, which he used to quietly whisper a message to him. He then pulled back and made sure Grian definitely heard him the second time he spoke to keep up appearances. “Thank you. And he took it well? I mean… I- he does look a little…”

Grian crossed his arms. “I’m fine. I’ve got the basics which is already pretty helpful. If I can learn how to use magic, I might be able to use that when I go back and save Taurtis since obviously new dimensions are off the table again.”

Grifter raised an eyebrow and Sense elaborated. “So far he’s only hopped once and got rid of their second universe versions.”

“It would be complicated if there were two of us. I mean, it’s already complicated enough with you and me and we look pretty different, what with you being older and all.”

“Yeah, same sentiment when I got here.” Grifter agreed. “Essentially this place is all flipped around. I mean, dad here is Death instead of mom, the Sam here was good, The me- you- us here was like some sort of god and got imprisoned. Stuff like that. People see me and think I’m the one that got imprisoned, so they used his name for me, and I mean, it’s pretty close to Grian.”

“You really don’t mind?” Grian asked, making Grifter shrug.

“Well, either way the nickname is Gri, so I don’t mind too terribly much. And it’s better than… you know.”

Grian shuddered a little before Grifter started leading them all away, putting the small stack of papers he had into a bag and giving the bag to Grian. The teen took the bag and opened it up to look inside, finding the newly added papers as well as a bunch of pink things. Pulling one out, Grian was surprised to find it was a sword, and another a shovel. He put those back in and then pulled out some yellow carrots, which seemed to glitter as he held them in the light. “What is all of this?”

Grifter turned around to face Grian, walking backwards a few steps to see what was being talked about. “Oh, that’s a bunch of starter gear. I mean, normally it would be iron, but I doubt you wanted that, and I’m sort of in charge around here - long story - so I upgraded you to aetherite which is as good as you can get here. You’ve got a sword, pick, axe, shovel, and a full set of armor. I’ve also given you golden carrots and plenty of steak so you won’t be hurting for food. Also there’s a crossbow and plenty of stuff to load it with, like arrows, darts and fireworks.”

Grian nodded slowly, looking through the bag again. “Okay, can I like… get trained how to use these? I mean I sort of know how to use this stuff from, you know. But I mean, can I get a gun or something?”

“Oh of course!” Sense was the one to reply, putting down a shulker box. “What type are you after? Standard or more upgraded?”

“Handgun with plenty of ammo before reloading sounds best.” Grian said, looking into the box. Sense helped him find one that fit what he liked as well as ammo that matched, and then it went in the bag.

“I still think you should train with the other weapons to be safe, but gun still is better than umbrella.” Grifter commented, getting a look from Grian before he confirmed that, yes, someone’s main weapon of choice around there was an umbrella.

“Alright, now that you’re geared up, let’s get on with a proper tour!”

A good sized team entered into Helscraft, consisting of Mumbo, Grum (Jrum wanted to stay behind and watch Kokatori, but Mumbo thought it might also be some fear of getting stranded again), Doc, Tommy, Phil, Xisuma, and Paul. Wilbur and Techno also tagged along when they heard the news, refusing to let their brother disappear again. More of the hermits wanted to go, but with the two triplets refusing to take no for an answer and Xisuma not wanting to take too many people to hels at once, they didn’t really have room.

Xisuma attempted to get all of them to the main spawn island for the world, but that didn’t quite work out with everyone except him arriving there. That was soon followed by Grum taking charge and leading them through the world and to the foot of a black and yellow building, which he knocked on the door of.

A few minutes later, the doors finally opened to someone in dark red armor and a helmet with a much more standard design. “What do you want? I’m in the middle of something.” The person said, looking just at Grum at first. “Oh, it’s you. If NPG isn’t at home, he’s probably-”

“No. We need Xisuma back.” Grum spoke up, and this time the person looked up at the rest of the group and sighed.

“Honestly, I finally got him back here again and you’ve got to take him away immediately? Here I thought it was finally something to improve this… horrid week. What do you need him for anyway? Isn’t he just a chauffeur or whatever?”

Tommy was the first to respond, pushing to the front of the group. “Look bitch, we don’t want to deal with any more shit right now. Just hand over him and Grian so we can leave.”

Though the red tinted visor, Tommy could just barely see the hels admin raise an eyebrow. “Grian? My brother is the only one here from wels not in your group.”

“Wrong answer fucker! We know that Gr-” Tommy was cut off as something lowered from the ceiling. Everyone stared as a pink worm on a string descended from somewhere inside the door. It had yellow paper cutouts of a mask, cape and M decorating it, and it kept getting lower until it was eye level with Evil Xisuma, then lightly bonked against his helmet a few times.

The way the hels admin slumped slightly and his eyes stared back just showing how done he was with everything. “Would you excuse me for just one second?” He said, and then the worm started to go back up before EX grabbed it, trapping it in a fist, then yanking down, someone falling from the ceiling a moment later. “Get out of my house Phedaz.”

The helsmit with dark blue hair, matching pale blue skin that faded to black on his arms and pitch black eyes picked up the discarded worm on a string before scuttling off through the door on all fours, racing past the team after Grian. “What the fuck was that?!”

“Phedaz.” EX said in a bored and defeated tone. “He’s been doing that all week. I just wanted to torture my brother a little to blow off some steam, is that too much to ask?”

“When we’re looking for Grian, it really is.” Mumbo spoke up, making the Helsmit sigh.

“Well, Grian’s not here, only NPG. Not even Grifter is here, and he hasn’t been here for a day or two now. That being said, Sense did leave a few hours ago, likely to meet up with that bastard.”

“Okay, so where are they?” Paul spoke up, getting EX’s attention.

The hels admin stared at Paul before pulling out a potion of some sorts and chugging it. “I’m not sane enough for this right now. Go talk with Theseus will you? Come back here when you need to leave or whatever and I’ll let you have him.”

“Alright! And that’s about it for the tour!” Grifter said cheerily as he, Grian, Sense, and now the two hels bots arrived at the castle again. “Now as a reminder, you should do your best to stay away from any areas we did not tour just to be on the safe side. The one exception would be where Euro and Krys are staying, but it’s far enough away I wouldn’t bother, plus Silski always likes to visit and staying away from him in general is a good idea.”

Grifter was going to say more, but then Sense stopped walking. “Oh for fucks sake, he’s back.”

Grian looked over to where Sense was looking and saw someone vaguely familiar leaning against the castle wall. They wore a trench coat and a beanie that struggled to hold down their very puffy brown and grey hair and they also held a guitar, quietly strumming a few cords. “Hey, you’re back. Missed you at the show.”

Before Grian could ask any questions, Grifter stomped over to the person, followed by Sense who was getting out a weapon. “Off the property Wile.”

“Pay me.”

“I’m not paying you. Leave.”

The person, Wile, stared Grifter down for a few seconds before shrugging. “Nah, gotta pay me first. Anyway, here’s Wonderwall.” And he started to play the first few notes of a song. He didn’t get far though, because Sense walked up to him. He didn’t even use his weapon to attack, simply yanking the guitar from his hands and smashing it against the castle wall in one fluid motion.

Wile looked down at the broken pieces of his instrument for a moment before pulling out a second guitar and continuing the song. Sense yelled in frustration while Grifter pulled a few feathers out of his wings. Grian reacted more than his copy, wincing at what was likely painful, but the hels didn’t mind. He instead used the pulled feathers as knives, stabbing them into Wile until he dropped to the ground, dead.

“Oh my god! Is he dead?!” Grian yelled after the person didn’t move for a while.

“Yes and no.” Grifter replied, kicking the body to the side. “He respawns, it’s just his corpse stays with his shit in it. Seesee, would you be a dear?” Sense didn’t get a chance to react as Sefter walked up first and heaved the body over his head, then chucked it as far as he could away from the castle. “Hmm, well that works too I guess.”

Grian stared in the direction of Wile’s corpse before turning back to Grifter. “Who… Who was that?”

“Wile.” Grifter replied. “Essentially the Wilbur here. The only plus to him over Wil is that he mostly just sticks to L’Manberg.”

“Oh? Where’s that?” Grian asked. It wasn’t a place they really covered in the tour, but a few other countries had been mentioned.”

“Yeah, no. I don’t want you heading over there.” Grifter replied. “Sense, back me up here.”

Grian was a little surprised by Grifter calling the redstone by his name and not a nickname. “I know you said you’re… well you’re most likely over eighteen.”

“I am, but what does that have to do with it?” Grian asked, rolling his eyes slightly.

“L’Manberg’s a stripclub.”

That left Grian silent for a few seconds before he simply said, “Oh.”

“Well, now that things are awkward, I suppose you could meet some of the better parts of the family. They weren’t around for so long, they won’t be able to tell that past me isn’t past Grifter.”

“Who exactly is everyone here?” Grian asked, following Grifter as he started to walk off away from the castle again, Sense and the bots heading inside.

“Alright, I already covered Dad being Death.” Grifter started to explain. “Technically there’s another death which is his brother, but we don’t really cover him. Mom is named Krystina, or just Krys.” Grifter then gestured to where Wile’s body was thrown. “We already covered Wilbur and Wile. Instead of Techno, we have Euro, who mostly lives with Krys. Theseus is Tommy, and he’s moved elsewhere.”

“Why do I feel like there’s more?” Grian asked with slight hesitance.

Grifter shrugged. “Because there is. That’s just the bit you’re familiar with. Even though Wile’s a stripper, he is married to Sadie. Sadie has a kid named Fleur who’s a little older than you are right now. Krys also half adopted Silski, so technically that’s another sibling but I won’t count them. If you do want to, then they’re married and have a kid, but that’s not really important.”

“So… Sadie, Fleur, Silski, and two other people?” Grian asked, making sure he was following along. “Can I know their names just to be safe?”

“Yeah, sure, whatever. Silski’s married to this guy named Toob and they adopted a kid named Jane. Well, technically it’s ꄘ꒓ꂑꋫꁍꀭꆂ꒒ꁕ, but pronouncing that is a mess so they named her Jane instead.”

“Right… Do you have anywhere I can write this down?”

After what happened with Tommy before, the entire group was ready to attack if need be. Paul was the one to knock on the throne room door, willing to be the first line of defense. There was no answer at first, but footsteps from behind the door had everyone put their guard up. They all waited with bated breath before finally the large doors opened, and then Grian poked his head out.

Mumbo, Tommy and Grum all quickly recognized that it wasn’t actually the missing hermit, but the others were too worried that they reacted too fast. “Oi Grian, what the fuck was all that mate?”

After a moment, NPG pulled themself out of the hug Phil had trapped them in. “I am sorry for the confusion. I am NPG, not Grian. You came here not too long ago.” The robot then looked over to Wilbur, Doc and Paul. “Though you did not visit and I have not met you in person before.”

Tommy quickly spoke up and introduced people. “That’s Wil, Doc, and this guy’s named Paul. Grian kinda got kidnapped, so we’re back here looking for him instead.”

“Oh no! Did you check your old server again just to be safe?”

“Grifter’s the bitch that kidnapped him.” Tommy said, crossing his arms. “If he’s there, I’ll eat my compass.”

NPG nodded, then went back into the throne room and the group could hear him talking to someone that had Tommy’s voice. They stood there listening until NPG finally shouted approval for the group to enter.

“Well this is a surprise. I didn’t expect to see any of you again that soon.” Theseus spoke from his throne. He still was wearing his mask that looked like Dream’s, which made Tommy shudder a little as well as had Grum hiding behind Mumbo. “So, you’re after my brother. Hah, good luck with that.”

“You better fucking tell us something bitch!”

Theseus didn’t immediately reply to Tommy’s shout, instead handing off a paper to NPG, who happily took it and ran off. “Look, I haven’t seen him since he dragged me back to Dad. Technically he’s been here, but just stayed away. He’s admin of my old world now, so he’s probably stuck there. Sense also left recently, so I would guess he’s there too.”

“So, You’re saying we need to go through another version of the smp to find Grian?” Techno was the one to ask. “Ours was already pretty rough, how bad is this one?”

“Your creeper friend there is supposed to be Prof, right?” Theseus asked, his visible eyebrow raising in question.

“Yeah… he is.” Grum answered, peeking out from behind Mumbo for a moment. “Why?”

“Has he ever built a prison?”

“Well, he built Area 77 if that counts.” Mumbo answered, but Theseus just rolled his eyes. “I’m guessing that doesn’t count.”

“Oh definitely not. If what NPG says is right, it let people waltz right in.”

“Those were guided tours, man.” Doc replied. “And that’s just recent. I’ve done plenty of defenses back when we had the mycelium war.”

“Ooh, ah, defenses.” Theseus deadpanned. “Get real. Those aren’t what I’m asking about.”

“He’s asking about The Perd.” Paul spoke up. “Which yeah, he mostly built that himself.”

Theseus smiled and nodded, while everyone else looked confused, except for Doc himself and also Phil, who just looked stunned. “Wait, he’s the guy who made The Perdit-”

“Hey man, you can’t just go throwing that name around.” Doc spoke up, cutting Phil off. “The less people know, the better.”

Phil gestured to Paul. “And so he knows about it, why?”

“I was one of the testers.” Paul responded. “Really think I can’t get out of that vault of yours now?”

“We’re getting off topic.” Wilbur was the one to speak up. “Since this creeper guy has made that prison thing, is that good or not?”

“Very good.” Theseus replied. “Prof had to trap Grifter when he wasn’t an admin, so imagine what he’s doing as admin. Having your version of Dad is going to be good, but one of him is also better. And I guess also this guy here is good to have too.” Theseus added, glancing at Paul.

“What can you tell us about your old world.” Mumbo asked. “I’m sure even those from our version will be a bit lost since I can hardly wrap my head around this one.”

“Oh I could tell you plenty. I could say every little detail I went through in my years there. I’m sure plenty of it would be repetitive though, and I don’t really know what’s the same and what’s different.” Theseus explained. “But I can tell you what I do know.”

“And what’s that?” Phil asked, hoping that looking like the Phil here would help things.

“Well, when I was in that other place, your respawns were a fucking mess. Technically three respawns but it always depended on some shitty admin’s code.” Theseus stood up to make a point. “Instead You always respawn as long as you’ve got a place to respawn to. But if someone finds your anchor and breaks it, well, I wouldn’t die if I were you. Technically, there was more to it so Nightmare could try to get around his own rules, but it obviously didn’t work.”

“Is that it?” Tommy asked. “Lives are just done differently?”

Theseus rolled his eyes before sharply turning his head towards Tommy. “Well excuse me. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not the fucking admin over there anymore, bitch. Neither is Nightmare. I only knew about you having fucked up lives because of that thing there!” And he gestured towards Grum. “I don’t know your lives. I don’t know your world. So I don’t know what to fucking tell you that’s going to fucking help. At this point, you’re likely to know more than me!”

Everything was silent other than Theseus’ heavy breathing from yelling until there was a creak from the door as NPG came back in. “Is everyone okay? Thee? Do you want me to get Rusty?”

Theseus was still quiet, though he straightened his posture and his mask, then spoke. “No. I think I’ll be fine. Can you take these guys to Xannes? I’m done dealing with them.”

“Okay! I can do that!” NPG replied, and then he was leading the group out, being helped by threats Theseus was giving the group under the robot’s nose.”

When they returned to the admin’s base, he was disappointed to see them back so soon, but did allow Xisuma out of his ‘torture chamber’ - if it could really be called that - and let him take the team of people to the NSMP.

Xisuma took them into the other world and was suddenly glad his helmet was a filter. Tommy pulled his bandanna over his nose after gagging at the smell of the place while everyone but two of them reacted similarly. Since they had been there before, Phil and Mumbo knew what to expect. Techno also knew, but his sense of smell was enhanced from being a hybrid, so it didn’t help. And then while Tommy had been in the group before, at that point he had been replaced by Theseus and never actually went into the NSMP.

Not wanting to stick around in one place, the group started travelling, hoping for some sort of landmark that was more than just rubble and possibly someone nice enough to help them out.

But back on Helscraft, Xannes was upset the moment the group was gone, and a moment after that, he sent himself to the palace to meet with Theseus. Lightning crackled around him in his rage, pushing aside anyone who even stepped in his line of sight.

“Theseus!” He shouted as the doors to the throne room were broken. “What the fuck did I just send them into?!”

Theseus looked up at the admin. “The NSMP. Why? Did you somehow not?”

“Something intercepted them. I mean, I tried hacking them through the whitelist, so it should have-”

“That place doesn’t have a white list last I checked.” Theseus said. “Nightmare never gave it one. He made access public. There was just a little… test of sorts to get through first.”

Xannes didn’t like the sound of that. “What kind of test?”

“One that I’m sure they’ll get through. The question is how long it will take them. If they’re lucky? Hmm, maybe a few days.”

Xannes didn’t bother listening to more as he followed along the group he just sent ahead of him. He ended up in the same place the group did, in the spawn of the DSMP. And if it weren’t for the fact that Xannes could feel his hacking powers get limited, he would have thought it was the regular world. “Fine. I guess we’re doing this all the hard way.”

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bansept · 3 years ago

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Protector

Part 4

Well well well

I know how long it's been since I've upgraded this story : a while. A long while. So I can only profusely apologize for the delay.

I suggest for people to have a quick read of part 3 before reading this new part, just so you guys can remember what happened.

Enjoy!

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It was quite common for Ichigo to not sleep at night, even with a tiring work, worrisome lack of clues and his body begging him for some rest. And while it was a regular lifestyle that Orihime had chosen, due to her own job, Ichigo only did it to have more time on his hands, to the detriment of his health. But tonight, he had a hunch. He was certain that something, or someone, was not too far from the house and would try out something. Call it instinct.

So there he was, standing in the living room, his working belt safely strapped around his waist, reading once again the report one of his co-workers had handed over to him. The bakery, the people in line innocently waiting for their snacks, the dead owners… The injured, random people that had nothing to do with illegal activities, and were probably nothing but unlucky people that served as collateral damage. And among them, Orihime Inoue, the astrophysicist, a woman working for the government and whose job was only composed of secrets.

Of course, she had never mentioned in any way what she was working for. Ever. It wasn’t his job to know, and it wasn’t safe for her to open her mouth about it. So, of course, such work would interest people, good and bad. But if interested, was it necessary for anyone to blow up such an important person with random people? No, it didn’t make any sense. If Orihime Inoue was the target of this explosion, then the one responsible was trying to kill her, not surprise or warn her.

Ichigo frowned and looked up, folding the paper back in his back pocket, silently walking back to the withering flower at the center of the dinner table. His protegee tried to convince him she was fine, tried to persuade him that she could handle the stress of this situation. But the flowers and plants around her house had remained without water, without care for too long. She was busy minding her business, but was too worried to even attempt to live like before.

“Oh… You’re awake.”

He turned around, the sight of Orihime with ample and comfortable pants and a sleeveless shirt welcoming him. Her hair was tousled : certainly from the lack of sleep and from rubbing her hands through it.

“Yeah. I was… Thinking.” He answered with a constricted smile. Ichigo didn’t want to place even more anxiety on her shoulders, but at the same time, she needed to know what was in his head - especially when it concerned her.

Her grey eyes fell in his, head tilted to the side in wonder and Ichigo couldn’t help but blow his nose in amusement.

“I was thinking about the bakery. And you. You’re a pretty amazing person, I doubt anyone would want to simply hurt you. So, maybe whoever doesn’t care about your fame, works or profession, and is after you because of a personal grudge.”

Orihime breathed in, listening and worried. Her hands trembled slightly, but she quickly hid them behind the small of her back. Her face was contorted, the pain of the situation slowly making her step closer to him.

“So… You’re awake and up because you’re going to start investing the possibilities?”

Ichigo nodded his head, placing the papers back on the table. It didn’t feel strange to want to hug her fear away : he had made his peace with that. He would always want to be softer with her than with any other woman he’d met.

“I think I should go back to the bakery. See if there are any dark, looming figures over there. But I thought I should tell you first, so you don’t worry.”

“I… I think I’ll be worried until this madman is caught and apprehended. But thank you.” She tried to smile, lips forming a brief upward line, but it crumbled on her face. Orihime pulled a few hair strands from her face, placing them behind her ear, trying to think of something.

Ichigo raised a hand to very gently pat her shoulder, thumb brushing the smooth bare skin.

“It’s my job to keep you safe. And, I shouldn’t be doing this but… If you don’t want to be alone here, you can come with me. That way we’ll both be reassured.”

She chuckled at his silly smile.

“Oh, as if an officer like you was ever scared.”

“Hey, I’m human too. I jump when I hear wooden stairs crack.”

“Hoho, I’d like to see that. And you’d end up beating the stairs anyway, so you’re in a much safer position than me.”

He laughed, honest and frank, before resting his arms on his chest.

“Nah, I’m a peace-loving person. I don’t fight people if I don’t need to. Plus, wooden stairs would have the upper hand.”

“And how?”

Ichigo stepped closer to whisper in her ear, a silly thing he didn’t think would send chills down his spine.

“They have sharp splinters to protect themselves.”

It was Orihime’s turn to laugh, her eyes growing shut as she clutched her belly.

It was so easy to please her, to make her laugh. To make her smile, so that the grey seas of her eyes would shine in mischief, forgetting the times they were agitated with dark thoughts and complex dilemmas to solve. And although Ichigo liked to see her thinking deeply, get this overly cute twist on her lips while he himself should be working on a transcript, the version of her that was in comfortable, not top-notch clothes, hair a mess, laughing in happiness and leaning the tiniest bit towards him… He loved it.

Orihime caught her breath again and looked at him as if she’d scold him.

“Oh boy, it’s been a while since I laughed like that…” She fanned her face. “But as funny as it is, I don’t think I should go with you tonight : I’m no fighter, have no decent vision at night, don’t know how to aim a gun, and… Frankly, I’m tired. I thought I’d go to bed earlier.”

Ichigo patted her again and moved away, rubbing his arm.

“Sure. I’ll… Make sure all is locked. So you can go to sleep peacefully.”

He felt conflicted on his way to the blown bakery. First because his body was acting up, making him feel tense, as if someone was following him, and second… Ah, it was ridiculous to admit it even in thoughts. But he missed not being around her, even for a damned hour.

But it was what he had to do, and now, Ichigo had to concentrate on this gut feeling that brought him here at first.

The facades of the buildings surrounding the gaping hole were still blackened by the blow, a few pieces of debris stuck in a pile for the garbage collectors to come to pick up whenever the truck would be big enough. The bakery itself was still closed, surrounded by the tape the police had put in place, Ichigo carefully slipping under it, lighting his flashlight.

He tried his hardest to not think about Orihime, alone in her house, probably having a hard time falling asleep as he was inspecting the building. Nothing had changed, in the past few weeks of the investigation. Apart from his growing feelings for the young woman.

A rustling sound brought Ichigo back to his senses, flashing the light in the direction he suspected the sound was from, but nothing was there. Taking a short intake of breath, he walked closer, taking his gun from his holster and holding it under the light.

“Police! If anyone is here, come within eyesight! Right now.” He pressed, voice harsh and commanding.

Only silence greeted him.

Ichigo straightened up his back, lowering his weapon to see better, not hearing the person slipping behind him, and only feeling the hit on his head, his conscience slipping away.

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Oh, what's happening, what will happen??

The next chapter will be the last for this fiction.

#bleach #ichihime fanfiction #ichihime #ichigo kurosaki #orihime inoue #ichigo x orihime #ichihime protector

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whenihaveyouromione · 4 years ago

Text

When I Have You - Chapter 29

Read on Fanfiction.net or ao3 if you’d prefer!

You can follow this story’s Instagram account at whenihaveyou.romione

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Chapter 29

Hermione emerged from the bathroom with four brochures and two maps in her hands. Her hair was still wet from having just washed it, and they hadn’t had breakfast, but already she was rattling off everything they were supposed to do on their first day in Croatia.

Ron hadn’t known this until they’d checked in — well, Hermione had checked in, because he still wasn’t completely comfortable in dealing with Muggles in unfamiliar settings — but Hermione hadn’t just organised a hotel for their week away together. She had also organised things to do, booked tours, and scheduled in plenty of alone time, including dinners, visits to the beach, and times where nothing in particular was planned.

She’d presented it to him before he’d even had a chance to set his bag down in the room (which, in Ron’s opinion, was very nice), beaming and excited about it all. In fact, she was so excited that Ron didn’t have the heart to tell her that he would have been happy with a whole week staying in the hotel room — so long as it was with her.

“We have breakfast scheduled for seven o’clock every morning,” Hermione said, sitting on the bed with her nose still buried in the brochures. “Today, we’re going for a wander around the shops, then a walk down to the beach. And then — Ron!”

“What?” Ron said, tossing the brochures he’d just taken from her, off the bed and shrugging. “You talk too much.”

Hermione glared at him, but it seemed she could only maintain her anger for a few moments, for a smile played at the corners of her mouth. Ron beckoned her towards him so that he could kiss her. She happily obliged.

“Why don’t we just wing it?” Ron suggested, pulling away from her. “We don’t need to plan everything.”

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but closed it again and nodded. “But I’ve already organised some stuff. Paid for it and everything…”

“That’s fine,” Ron said, “but everything else we don’t need to plan. We’ll just do… what we feel like. It’s a holiday, we aren’t trying to schedule study time in between classes. Long past those days.”

Hermione grimaced, and Ron chuckled. “That’s going to be hard for you, isn’t it?” He leaned forward and kissed her again. “That’s why you have me.”

“Well, when Mum and Dad took me on holiday, they always planned everything. Down to the finest details. Winging it, as you say… well, I’ve never done that before.”

Ron laughed again. “Of course you haven’t. Have you ever — for anything?”

Hermione flushed.

“Really, I love everything about you,” Ron said. “Including that part of you, but let’s just try to relax while we’re here, okay? I mean, maybe after exploring the city, we just won’t feel like... the beach today.” He picked up the stuff he’d thrown on the floor a moment ago and looked at her day one itinerary. “It’s cold out there.”

Hermione smiled at him. “Are you hungry?”

“When am I not hungry?” Ron said, and he climbed off the bed, making his way towards the bathroom.

Hermione had chosen well with the hotel. It was a modern hotel that had been upgraded recently to fit all of the latest things in it — like a new bathroom, a larger television (which he’d had fun playing around with last night), and new carpet on the floor.

It even had a large balcony that gave them an unobstructed view of the water and also of the many streets below. It truly was a beautiful place, and Ron was glad they had the chance to get away together where there’d be no interruptions and no discussions about their real lives.

He couldn’t believe that this was their first actual holiday together. They were coming up to two years together. It seemed ridiculous that they’d not even escaped for a weekend before, let alone a whole week.

Once he’d showered and dressed, they headed down to the ground floor where breakfast was being served. Ron was immediately impressed by the amount of food that was on offer, and according to Hermione, they could eat as much as they wanted.

“For the whole week?” Ron asked as they were led to a table by the window.

“Yep!” Hermione said brightly. “Every morning we’re here.”

“I thought this was only offered at Hogwarts,” Ron muttered.

“Humans can cook, too,” Hermione replied. She nodded towards the buffets where people were queued up waiting to get their food. “Come on.”

Ron had more fun than he should have, piling on bacon and eggs and toast and anything else he could fit onto his plate. Hermione showed him how to use the commercial toaster after receiving a few funny looks when he’d failed the first time, and soon he was back in his seat, enjoying the view, his food, and Hermione’s company.

“You know,” he said, “I really wouldn’t be disappointed if we just stayed here all day.”

“They don’t serve food all day, Ron,” Hermione said, sounding amused.

“I don’t mean here, I meant the hotel. While you were showering, I was reading some information. They have a swimming pool, some kind of ‘games’ room — is that like the Muggle version of chess or something? — and all this other stuff. Who needs to explore when I have all I want or need back up in the room? I mean, so long as you’re there, of course, because you’re all I want or need.”

Hermione gave him that look where she was trying to be annoyed with him, but seemed to find his words flattering instead. “Wouldn’t that be boring?”

“With you there?” Ron asked. “Never.”

Hermione smiled. “Well, don’t take this the wrong way, but I’d kind of like to get out and explore a little. See a place we haven’t been before. You know, before we have to go back to real life.”

“Yeah, I know,” Ron said, looking out the window. “I am, too. But a hotel room with you would also be nice.”

They took their time with breakfast, both going back for more, and then returned to the hotel room to finish getting ready. By nine-thirty, they were in the streets of the old city, awaiting the walking tour that Hermione had booked them.

The city of Senj was small in comparison to other places Ron had been, but it was populated just enough to not be overwhelming. The main part of the city jutted out on a small bit of land (according to the maps Hermione had collected, anyway), their hotel sitting right by one of the beaches. It was a short walk into the heart of the city, where they now stood in a small crowd of other tourists.

As they waited for the stragglers, the Croatian tour guide saying she needed three more people, Ron took note of who was already there, absently wondering if anyone else were wizards in disguise. He doubted it, for many of them were accompanied by Muggle contraptions such as cameras and video cameras and other things only a Muggle or Muggleborn would know how to use. In fact, Ron felt rather out of place by not having a camera.

“Maybe we should have brought a camera or something,” he whispered to Hermione as the final three people — a middle-aged couple with a teenage son — showed up, apologising for their lateness.

“I did,” Hermione said, and from within the backpack she carried, she pulled out a camera that looked very much like the one Colin Creevey had owned.

“Good thinking!” Ron said, grinning.

“We are being tourists this week,” Hermione said. “In all forms.”

There was no more time for talking, for the tour guide began by introducing herself as Petra and then going on to rattle off all the places or things they’d be seeing on their three hour walking tour.

“Three hours?” Ron said to Hermione as they set off.

“You’ve walked longer,” Hermione said. “Besides, this one will be more enjoyable.”

Ron doubted that, but an hour into it, he had to admit that it was fairly interesting. They stopped at many ancient buildings, where they were told the history or the purpose of it, and even though the tour guide didn’t realise it, Ron could spot the ones used by wizards in a heartbeat. He found those the most interesting — not because they were familiar, but because he enjoyed learning about them from a Muggle’s perspective. He now kind of understood why Hermione had been interested in doing Muggle studies at school.

There were little charms and enchantments to some of them — as old as magic itself, almost — that only he and Hermione noticed. On one occasion, there was even a building that all the Muggles’ eyes brushed over, nor did the tour guide stop to talk about it.

“Huh,” Ron said, nodding toward it, “disguised like St Mungo’s.”

The rest of the walking tour was enjoyable, but there was nothing else obviously magical about it (which was perfectly fine for Ron). They finished it where they’d started, the guide suggesting some nearby cafes that were good for a lunch stop.

“Come on,” Hermione said, offering her hand out for Ron. “Let’s see what else is around. I noticed some little alleys we didn’t go down. Maybe there are some interesting things down there.”

Ron took her hand, and as everyone else began to separate, heading in various directions, Ron and Hermione found themselves down a little street where three cafes were located next to one another. As it was reaching the end of winter, people were sitting outside, taking advantage of the slightly warmer weather.

“All that walking made me hungry,” Ron confessed. “And it’s almost one.”

“I’m a bit hungry, too,” Hermione said, so they entered one of the cafes, where they were greeted by an enthusiastic waiter, happily leading them to a table at the back of the shop.

Before they were even seated, he began rattling off the specials in broken English so quickly that Hermione had to ask him to slow down.

After he’d explained the menu again, Hermione cast a glance to Ron which made him rather nervous. He knew that look, and it was one he rarely saw, because it rarely occurred, but he could tell that for whatever reason, she had a spark of mischief about her.

“Bring us your finest wine!” she told the waiter. “It doesn’t matter how much.”

“Hermione!” Ron admonished, staring at her.

“What?” Hermione asked as the waiter scuttled away. “It’s a holiday, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but not one where we can afford to be… where we can… splurge.”

Hermione shrugged. “I think just this once, we can treat ourselves. And if we buy the whole bottle, we can take it back to the hotel.”

Ron just stared at her, knowing that he couldn’t change her mind. He supposed growing up with her parents, she’d learnt to be a little less cautious with how she spent her money. But she’d paid for this whole holiday, and now she was…

He sighed. “At least let me buy lunch. Just show me how.”

Hermione beamed. “Okayl!”

It ended up being a rather pleasant lunch. The wine wasn’t great, but he tolerated it for Hermione’s sake. Though, next time he would definitely prefer the goblin-made wine that he was used to. Well, really, he’d prefer a Butterbeer if he had a choice.

The food wasn’t anything fancy, but pleasant, and after they’d finished and paid, they left with Hermione placing the remainder of the wine bottle in her bag.

Ron cast a sideways glance at her, smirking. “Did you just want to get drunk?” he asked.

“What? No!” Hermione said through very flushed cheeks. Half the bottle had been emptied, and Ron had only had a very small glass.

Ron grinned.

“I just thought we could —”

“I’m just teasing,” Ron assured her, and he stopped on a bridge that overlooked a small channel of water. “Besides, you’re quite amusing when you drink too much. Not that you do it too often, but I think it’s cute.”

Hermione also stopped, turning to look up at him. Rather than looking upset or offended, she smiled. “I’m glad you picked me,” she said.

“What?” The abrupt change of topic surprised Ron, but perhaps it was the wine in her that was talking.

“Me,” Hermione said. “I mean… us. I’m glad it’s… us. You and me, together, happy, in love… at least I hope —”

“I’m so in love with you,” Ron said. “But you know that. I’ve told you a million times. You probably just can’t remember because you’re incapacitated right now…”

“I’m not!” Hermione protested, though her cheeks were very red now. “I’m just… I’m glad it’s me you’re in love with. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t there to… to pull me in sometimes. You know, remind me that there are other important things out there that don’t involve trying to be the best at something…” She smiled again. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Ron said. “Drunk, or not drunk —”

“Stop!” Hermione said, shoving him playfully in the chest and laughing.

“This has been a good day,” Ron said, and they started walking again.

“And it will be an amazing week,” Hermione added. She turned her head and smiled at him. “You really bring out the best in me, Ron.”

“No, I do —”

“Yes, you do!” Hermione argued. “I mean, work, having a job, it really brought out a bad side of me that I didn’t even know existed. A neglectful side, someone who couldn’t even prioritise a single day with her boyfriend over things that didn’t need to be done immediately. And it took you almost breaking up with me for me to even realise something was wrong.”

“I didn’t almost break up with you,” Ron said, brushing the topic aside. He’d thought they were done talking about this. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

“Yes, you did,” Hermione said. “Well, you at least made it sound like you would, and I think that was a good thing, because it made me see a lot of things more clearly.”

“Like?” Ron prompted. He gripped her hand, squeezing it tightly.

“Like how happy you make me, how you make me smile, and laugh, and make me feel loved… everything between us doesn’t feel forced at all. It never has. It’s always just been… things have happened exactly when they were supposed to for us. And you’ve helped me find a balance between all the good things — making sure that I don’t become obsessed with one thing or another. Thank you.”

They walked through the streets in silence, Ron unsure how to respond. What was he supposed to say to her other than ‘you’re welcome’? She’d made the effort herself and he loved her for it. He’d done nothing.

“It’s alright,” he said after a moment. “Let’s not spend this week dwelling on things that don’t matter anymore. That’s in the past. Let’s think about more important things.”

“Like what?” Hermione asked, her tone brightening.

“Like what we’re going to do now,” Ron said, grinning at her.

“Oh, yes, of course —”

Ron stopped walking again, turning to face her for a second time. They had found themselves down a little cobbled street with building that appeared more residential than business. He He took her hands in his. “And I suppose the next one hundred or so years I plan on spending with you.”

She laughed — probably something she wouldn’t have laughed at had she not had wine in her.

“And what do you see the next one hundred years entailing?” she questioned, and he sensed genuine curiosity in her voice. Her brown eyes peered up at him eagerly, waiting for an answer.

Ron didn’t know what possessed him to blurt it out. But she was looking at him with such tenderness, like she already knew… “Everything, I guess. But I do know — I’ve known from the moment you kissed me for that very first time, really — with one hundred and ten percent certainty that we will last. And one day soon, I’m going to ask you to marry me, and I just hope that you say yes when I do.”

His words surprised Hermione, because her eyes widened momentarily, but she disguised it well with a smile. Still holding hands, it was her turn to squeeze back. “That will be my only answer,” she assured him.

Ron grinned. “Good. I’m glad.”

Her smile grew and for a moment, they just stood in the street, holding hands and looking at one another.

He didn’t know what was going through Hermione’s head, but for Ron, all he could now think about was just how far away ‘one day soon’ was going to be.

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dakt37 · 4 years ago

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Anyone in the mood for Steve/Tony secret identity shenanigans with a dash of mutual pining?

Behind the scenes I've been wildly obsessed with this ship since about April, and the other day I wrote something that I'm fond of enough to share. It's not a fic really, more of just a treatment with some dialogue scattered about. 2.4k-ish words, present tense because that's the way my brain works. Inspired by a slew of fics I've been devouring this week, but hopefully not close enough to be ripping anyone off.

Okay so, it's one of those versions of the Avengers where nobody* knows that Tony Stark is Iron Man. They know he built the suit and is the Avengers' sugar daddy and resident inventor, but they think Iron Man himself is a separate guy, hired by Mr. Stark to be a bodyguard and pilot for the armor. His identity is Top Secret. Heck, at first everyone thought he was a robot. That cat got out of the bag, but it was true enough to tell everyone that he was just pretending to be a robot to protect his secret and not let enemies know of a potential weakness; i.e., that he's squishy under the armor. Plus, if people knew Iron Man was really a man, they'd try to figure out who he is. And Mr. Stark is very serious about wanting to protect his employees. (*Pepper and Rhodey know, and probably Happy? But no one else.)

Well Steve ends up falling for Iron Man anyway. Even not knowing his real name, his face, or even his true voice because it's always modulated (in an obvious way; it's tinny and robotic, part of the Iron Man branding). He gets him in private one day and confesses, in a very adorable and awkward way. Tony panics because honestly he's fallen for Steve too, but he can't let him know that, at least not now as Iron Man. He doesn't quite reject him the way he should-- that is, he doesn't directly say he's not interested. He knows Steve would be able to see straight through the lie, so instead he just keeps insisting that he "can't" return his feelings.

They go back and forth a bit about possible roadblocks.

"Is it because I'm a man?"

"What? No, that doesn't make a difference to me."

"Is it a trust issue?"

"Of course not, I trust you with my life."

"Is it because of your boss?"

Iron Man hesitates because… well yeah! Technically it IS because of Tony Stark.

Steve sees the opening and presses on, "Would he… let you go if you revealed your identity to me?"

Iron Man chuckles, to Steve's consternation, "No, he couldn't do that. It's just… he… it's complicated."

Steve opens his mouth to continue his inquiries, but Iron Man cuts him off. "I'm sorry, Cap. I really, really am." And he flies away, feeling like a jackass and a coward.

Steve meanwhile just feels determined and suspicious. Iron Man isn't afraid of being fired, but there's clearly something to do with Mr. Stark that's holding him back. Steve decides to pay a visit to the Avengers' benefactor to get some clues.

Later, Tony is down in an Avengers lab, brooding about the latest fine mess he's found himself in. This secret identity thing is getting to be a real pain in the ass. And if Cap has been paying attention to Iron Man enough to think he's fallen for the Tin Man, then surely he's been paying attention enough to notice how rarely Iron Man and Tony Stark are in the same room together. The armor has an autopilot mode, but it's not so convincing now that people know that Iron Man is a real guy in a suit and not just a robot.

So Tony has set himself at the task of improving the autopilot. The AI part isn't actually so hard; he's made some pretty personable AIs before. But JARVIS is just a voice; Iron Man also needs to move. Getting the subtleties of natural movement into the armor is tricky business. He runs analyses on video footage of himself to nail down things like how he shifts his weight while standing around, how he gesticulates while speaking, and how he interacts physically with his teammates on the battlefield (a friendly shoulder pat, a hand up, flying with a passenger, etc.)

The movements of the autopilot are getting smoother, but there's still a little lag to non-battle actions, causing the beginnings of a gesture or sentence to seem a bit stilted. Tony uploads his latest iteration of the code into the suit and starts putting it through its paces.

It's certainly not the first time Steve has walked in on Mr. Stark working on the Iron Man suit. Between fixing battle damage and adding upgrades, there's usually some pieces and parts scattered around the lab. But today it's the whole suit, assembled and standing apparently of its own accord in the middle of the room. A few wires are connecting it to the ceiling and nearby computers, but they're slack. Data cables and fall-arrest lines maybe, but nothing actively keeping the suit upright. Steve freezes, half hidden behind one of the partitions used to divvy up the lab space. He hasn't announced himself yet, and Mr. Stark is clearly wrapped up in his work.

Steve stares at the suit, wondering. It's standing unnervingly still, but that doesn't negate the possibility that the pilot is inside, being careful and patient as Mr. Stark circles him and taps various joints. Tony moves to stand in front of the suit, hands on his hips, looking up into the glowing white eyes. Steve's gaze rolls over the pair, noting in an absentminded way that Iron Man's height advantage is at least partly due to the large rocket boosters in his boots. Steve has always known Iron Man to be the same height as himself, if not slightly taller, and he suddenly wonders where the pilot stands without those boots.

Tony lifts a hand and knocks lightly against the chestplate. "Relax, buddy."

The suit shifts, and Steve inhales sharply despite himself. It's like watching his fellow servicemen go from parade rest to at ease; not a huge move, but an assortment of loosening muscles that breathes life into a simple standing pose. Iron Man shifts his weight slightly onto one foot, cocking a hip. His shoulders relax, and his helmeted face tilts down to better meet Mr. Stark's gaze.

Tony grins. "Hey there." He sounds pretty pleased. "Let's do a voice check. Give me a catch phrase."

"If we can't protect the world, you can be damn well sure we'll Avenge it." Iron Man's voice seems extra robotic, syllables not quite falling where they should. It hitches as well, the last word dissolving into static. Steve frowns along with Tony.

"Oh, gross. That was awful. Downgrade from the last test for sure." Tony cups Iron Man's jaw with one hand, encouraging him to tip his head back. "Bad coil too, sounds like." He taps Iron Man on the neck with one finger, where his Adams apple would be under the armor. Steve swallows reflexively as he watches. "I'll have to get that from the inside," Tony mutters, more to himself than to Iron Man, Steve feels, but then Tony has a habit of doing that to just about everybody.

Tony reaches up to hold Iron Man's jaw in both hands now. His fingers slide along the metal almost like a caress as he tilts the helmet down to face him again. Something twists in Steve's stomach. It's an awfully familiar way to touch another person's face, even though a helmet. Tony's index fingers sweep up and catch in the seam where the golden faceplate meets the red jaw. There's a soft click, one Steve is sure he couldn't have heard if he didn't have enhanced hearing. His breath stops.

Tony is going to lift the faceplate. He's going to reveal the man underneath. Of course he can, of course he knows who the mysterious pilot is. But they don't know that Steve is there. He's not supposed to know. He promised he'd never pry. Should he announce himself? Run? Just close his eyes?

The faceplate has only come away from the helmet the barest inch when Tony stops. For one wild second, Steve thinks he's been made. Surely one of Mr. Stark's computers picked up his presence.

"This isn't priority," Tony declares, pressing his thumbs to the corners of Iron Man's mouth slit and closing the helmet with another audible click. "A broken voice box is excusable. Need to make sure you can move right first."

Steve leans on the room divider he's still mostly obscured by, feeling almost dizzy. His stomach twists again, and he's not sure if it's from relief or acute disappointment. He'd never want to break Iron Man's trust, or Mr. Stark's for that matter. But… he'd been so close… he could have finally known… He shakes his head, refocusing on the pair across the room.

Tony has retreated to a nearby workbench, picking up a rubix cube. He tosses it at Iron Man. "Reflex check." The armored man catches it easily. "Let's see your dexterity," Tony prompts next. Iron Man starts twisting the cube, but quickly gets jammed as the blocks don't quite get flush with each other before he tries to twist in a cross direction. Tony chuckles. "It's not a race, buddy. JARVIS, increase finger sensitivity by ten percent." Iron Man pauses, then reassesses the cube, feeling around the sides and smoothing the blocks into place before choosing his next twist. Steve finds it slightly odd that he's not looking down at the cube as he manipulates it, but he supposes that the point is the hand motion and not to actually solve the puzzle. It's important to have spatial awareness even without your eyes, after all.

Tony grins wide again. "Much better." He takes the cube back and tosses it uncaringly over his shoulder. "Let's work on your people skills. Oh!" He throws his hands up in mock despair, pitching his voice in silly melodrama, "There's danger afoot! Save me, Iron Man!"

Iron Man tilts his head to face his employer, and Steve would swear he could read fond exasperation in the slight pause before he responds. Or maybe Steve's just projecting his own feelings about Tony's antics.

"Fear not, citizen," Iron Man deadpans. "Iron Man is here to rescue you."

Tony bursts out laughing, but is interrupted as Iron Man wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him in. Steve can't help but smirk at the honest to god squeak that Tony emits as Iron Man tucks him tightly into his side. Tony squirms, smacking Iron Man's chest with an open palm as he gasps, "Too tight!! Ease up fifteen percent!" The metal arm around his waist loosens slightly, and Tony slackens with it. He huffs, laying his cheek on Iron Man's shoulder, forehead against his neck. "Careful with your psi there, Romeo. I don't need any civil suits on my hands over cracked ribs."

Iron Man pauses again before replying, "Okay." He shifts his head, looking down at Tony. "Are you injured." His voice still has a bit of a flat quality. Steve hopes Mr. Stark fixes that "coil" in his voicebox before their next team-up. It's hard enough to pick up some of his more subtle inflections through the modulators on a good day; Steve doesn't want to lose any more of his true voice.

"Nah," replies Tony, shifting against the metal arm that's still wrapped firmly around his waist. "Fit as a fiddle. Fit to fly, in fact. Passenger test. Low hover."

Iron Man adjusts his stance, free hand flattening palm-down to activate the flight stabilizer. He lifts Tony with his other arm, helping the smaller man step up onto his metal boots. Tony slides his arms up, wrapping them securely around Iron Man's neck. Steve's stomach does yet another odd twist as his brain supplies him with the word, "embrace."

"Hold on tight, citizen," orders Iron Man, activating his rocket boots and sending them straight up, about two feet off the floor.

Tony is laughing again. It's a light, mirthful sound; not the derisive scoff Steve is used to hearing from him. "That's too cheesy, oh my god. You sound like Cap in an old news reel." Steve startles at the mention of himself.

"I'll ease up on the cheese by fifteen percent," replies Iron Man, echoing Tony's previous comment.

Tony's eyes sparkle. "Much better. Love to hear that good humor."

"Easy to have good humor with such good company."

"Oh ho! Careful with the flirting out in the field. Can get a guy in trouble."

Flirting.

The word bounces off Steve's brain, rebounds against the inside of his skull, and then sinks in like a throwing ax lodging into a tree with a 'thunk.'

Flirting.

Iron Man was flirting with Tony Stark. Tony, the only one on the team who knew his true face. Tony, who so carefully tended to the armor that kept the man inside safe. Tony, who caressed Iron Man's helmeted face, laid his head on his shoulder, twined his arms around his neck. Tony Stark, the most eligible bachelor in the world, who was never known to have the same date twice, let alone to ever be in a real relationship.

The revelation crashed into Steve as if Iron Man himself had tackled him. Iron Man couldn't not date Steve because of his secret identity. He couldn't date him because of his secret relationship. Iron Man and Tony Stark were involved, and hiding it from the world. Iron Man by hiding his face, and Tony by acting the flighty playboy.

Steve was so shocked, so utterly distracted by the parade of emotions stampeding through him, that he didn't register that the hovering pair was slowly revolving on the spot. At least, not until he heard Tony's alarmed yelp of, "Steve?!" and looked up to find him staring directly at him, wide-eyed, over Iron Man's shoulder.

Tony Stark was not a man who embarrassed easily. In fact he was self-described as shameless. On the surface there was nothing suspect about the sort of tests he was running with Iron Man. Steve would bet bottom dollar that in any other circumstance, Tony would cheekily play up the potentially questionable nature of their current pose, reveling in the salacious humor. But instead he was panicked, caught out. And that clinched it for Steve. He'd stumbled onto a secret affair.

Steve realized his mouth was hanging open, waiting to say words that his brain wouldn't provide. For a second, Tony seemed equally dumbstruck. Then color rushed to his face, and he barked, "Get out!!"

Steve didn't need telling twice.

#Stony secret ID plotbunny #dakity yaks #i don't even know which reality this is an AU of tbh #i had old comics vibes in my brain but #it's however you'd like to read it really #long post #in case the cut doesn't work #stevetony #stony #super husbands

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dyde21 · 4 years ago

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Overnight Trip to Stark Industries 3

Link to the first part HERE (I mean it’s a field trip fic so the set up is the same, but the first two parts are only on AO3 right now xD)

I know I’m new to the fandom, and mostly post over on AO3 but I think I’ll start sharing some more One-shots over here because I freaking adore Spideychelle. Also, anyone who does REALLY needs to check out @premiere-pro They have one of the best writing styles I’ve seen in ages, and they have a series called “super cuts” that retells Iron Man 2, Avengers, and Iron Man 3 currently with Spidey in them and it’s amazing. I’m gonna reread them soon.

Anyway:

XxXxXxXxX

The air was practically vibrating in the elevator as everyone wondered what the first stop of the tour would be. Someone had even turned to their tour guide Ashe in the elevator their half was in. “What is the itinerary for today?”

Ashe looked at them, owlish for a moment. “Did… did your teachers not explain it? I believe it was on the paperwork as well.” Peter heard her voice drop to a whisper. “Did I not explain it?”

The student looked a little sheepish. “There was a lot of paperwork…”

Nodding, Ashe recovered smoothly. “I totally get that. Working here often comes with loads of paperwork. So many NDA’s, it’s easy to lose track of things. I’ll explain once we get to the first stop, just so I don’t have to repeat myself.” She offered with a crowd winning smile.

Peter saw her turn back to him and mouth “oops” and Peter snickered. Ashe was a very good PA, she could handle people better than pretty much anyone else Peter knew, aside from maybe Tony himself. But he also had heard she could be a bit distracted easily, which was why she always had a tablet to double check to keep her tasks organized and on track. Though it wasn’t like Peter could blame her, he forgot stuff constantly and Tony was even worse. It was honestly a miracle that Pepper had come into Stark Industries to help keep everything running smoothly.

Ned turned to Peter. “Do you know what’s happening first?”

Shaking his head, Peter sighed. “Like I said, Ned. I really know nothing about what’s going on this tour. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to go on it, and I kinda spend a lot of time here so I never took it myself. I just know that it’s supposed to be super memorable.”

Ned was still nodding, as if the plain explanation Peter was offering was super secret spoilers. MJ was just leaning against the wall, arms crossed as she watched them all with an amused expression. He was glad at least someone was amused.

The elevator ended and they stepped out into… a plain hallway.

Everyone seemed a bit confused. It was clear the expectations had been a bit more… grandeur. Ashe smiled as she made a broad motion, urging the group to gather around.

“So I bet you all are wondering what we are doing on this trip. In case some of you did not properly read the itinerary, I thought it would be prudent to review our schedule!”

There was some excited murmur from the group of students. Peter just rolled his eyes. He met her eyes and mouthed “smooth” to her. Ashe turned to the group, but Peter saw her subtly raise a peace sign in his direction.

“So! As you know, our trip is split into two days. The first day will explore the technology and R&D portion of Stark Industries, and the second day will cover the Avengers and affiliated programs.” Ashe quieted for a moment as a wave of cheers and very loud murmuring broke out. Ned was freaking out, grabbing Peter’s arm and shaking it. Peter barely noticed, because he felt his face pale. He was about to raise his arm, but someone else had gotten the idea first.

“Yes, you!” Ashe said, pointing.

“Will we be meeting any Avengers?” Cindy asked eagerly.

Pausing for dramatic effect, a massive grin crept on Ashe’s face. “Yes! You will be meeting multiple Avengers on this trip. While not all trips are afforded this opportunity, this trip has been lucky enough to be part of the September Foundations outreach program to help connect the future generation to both Stark Industries and the Avenger’s initiative, as at the core, the heroes serve the people and outreaches like this help close the gap and build bridges.” Ashe offered in a smooth, practiced flow.

Another loud wave of cheers rang out from the group and Peter winced, covering his ears slightly. His enhanced senses were NOT as happy as they were at the moment. He felt MJ’s hand rub his back gently.

“Dude! DUDE!” Ned practically shouted at him, wide eyes. Peter couldn’t help but grin at his friend despite the growing dread in his stomach. He was happy for Ned, even though Ned had met all the Avengers at least once by now. This was a rare chance for all of his friends and he was happy for them.

But there was no way in hell this tour had been “randomly selected” for this. There was absolutely foul play here and it reeked of nepotism.

“Lucky, my ass. I think this was Pepper’s idea of ‘helping me out’.” Peter muttered to Ned and MJ.

“GOOD.” Ned said unapologetically.

MJ shrugged. “Technically, they aren’t under any obligation to not choose this trip just because they know you. They have the right to choose whatever groups they want.”

Peter raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were against Nepotism.”

MJ offered him a sly grin. “Technically the entire class benefits from this experience, so you aren’t stealing all the benefit from others. You’re more of… an asset in our appeal to the process. It’s prudent to make use of the advantages we are offered.”

“So I’m an asset.” Peter deadpanned to her. “That’s how you see me.”

MJ shrugged. “You’re my favorite asset.”

“You just like me for my assets.” Peter mocked.

“It is a nice asset.” MJ replied cooley. Peter stared at her for a moment, blinking before his cheeks started to tint red. Did… did she just hit on him?

MJ grinned triumphantly, having won the exchange as the group tuned back into Ashe.

“Our first stop will be a brief history of the company, followed by a tech demonstration. There will be a surprise challenge, followed by lunch and the end of the challenge, then a chance for outreach and interaction with SI representatives to end the day before dinner and some free time. We will leave tomorrow’s plan for tomorrow, so make the most of today while you can!”

Another break where the group was too busy talking to each other for Ashe to have a hope of controlling them, but she didn’t seem particularly surprised or bothered by it, instead answering some question that Mr. Harrington was asking that Peter couldn’t hear over the roar of overly excited teenagers.

“So at least one day before the Avengers ruin my life.” Peter muttered mostly to himself. He winced as he felt MJ gently pinch his back where she had been rubbing it.

“Stop being so dramatic, nerd. Things will workout fine.” She reassured, glancing towards her other nerd with a small smile as Ned was still freaking out with Abe.

Ashe checked the time on her starkpad before waving her arms a bit to gather attention back on her. “As much as I’m sure you’re having fun talking about how ‘hella cool’ this tour is gonna be, how about we actually start it?”

MJ raised at the expression and Ashe seemed to notice it and smirked in response.

Ashe led her gaggle of students towards a wide set of double doors that really didn’t look like anything special. Peter couldn’t quite place where he had seen them before though. They seemed… different.

“First stop on our tour will be a brief history of Stark Industries. This is actually a rather brand new installation and vastly upgraded from our older lecture version. I think you all will be pretty pleased by it. Without further ado, let’s begin!” She said, earning a few hoots and cheers from the class as she dramatically pushed open the doors.

Students practically rushed into… a blank room. All the walls were either glass or another blank surface. In the center of the massive room was a circular pedestal with a device on top of it. Everyone looked around confused, and Peter could practically hear their disappointment.

Ashe, however, was having far too much fun watching their expressions. “Just be patient. Is everyone in? Good! Okay, now everyone I suggest you stand back to start, and do keep in mind the center dias please.” She said before stepping back. After a moment the rest of the class stepped back too as murmurs of concern started to grow a little louder.

Peter, however, remembered exactly what this was and a massive grin crept on his face. He had no idea they had actually fully finished this project, it had been ages since he had helped out other interns with this. He had been involved in the development and the construction of the technology, not as much the final touches and execution of it.

He gestured for MJ and Ned to step back a little more. “Ned, do your best not to freak out too much.”

Ned nodded a bit too eagerly as he stared at the console, already amazed even though nothing had happened yet.

MJ seemed a bit skeptical, but scooted a little closer to him and crossed her arms, waiting to see what was in store.

Ashe knocked her fist on one of the glass panes twice. “Alright, Ty. Start it up!” She said eagerly.

The lights of the room instantly shut off and the murmurs died instantly. Peter could hear the sharp intake of breath as everyone was suddenly waiting very eagerly.

A voice rang out through the room.

“Everything is achievable through technology...”

Peter recognized the voice, he had heard it a few times.

Howard Stark.

Gasps rang out through the room because standing in the center of the room was Howard Stark. Or more accurate, a hologram of him. It stood there, looking around generically, but you couldn't help but feel like he was actually looking at you when his eyes happened to meet yours.

“Is that a hologram?”

“Isn’t that the founder?”

A bunch more hushed whispers echoed out, followed by an almost equal number of “shhhhh”.

Ned was gaping like a fish as he stared at the man in the old suit who walked forward, continuing to talk.

“Better living, robust health, and for the first time in human history, the possibility of world peace.”

He stopped and gently shoved his hands into his suit pockets. “I’m Howard Stark, and everything you’ll need in the future can be found right here.” He said with a sweeping motion of his arm.

As he did though the room changed.

One second they were standing in a dark room with a holographic dead founder talking to them, and the next there was a rush of light of colors from all around and suddenly they were standing in a fairground. Students gasped, talking in hush whispers as they looked around. Peter saw Betty even hesitantly reach out and touch the wall, which was still very much there, but it looked like she was touching an invisible wall in the park. Almost. There was just enough of a discrepancy that you could see the edge without stumbling face first into it accidentally. Peter guessed that had been a lesson learned the hard way, knowing the interns.

There were displays in every direction. There was a general ambiance of futurism, but it was anachronistic with the old visions of the future, incredibly outdated despite their best guesses of the time, being displayed by technology they couldn’t dream of. Displays of imaginary space suits, flying cars, toasters. Everything was in the distance as the world around them began to move across the ground, as if they were on a guided tour.

Everyone was still mostly rooted in place, and as if to lead them, Ashe walked across the room, mumbling a bit about watching out for the center kiosk, but went deliberately to look at a display from the far end of the wall. Peter followed her suit, just to encourage people as he walked across it too. It was a bit disorienting, with the world moving at it’s own pace while you walk. Kind of like those automated walkways at the airport, but not too jarring thankfully. Again, he figured it was probably a product of trial and error and an uncomfortable number of nauseous interns testing it.

Crowds bustled around them, phasing through people as the holograms were interrupted by the actual people in the room, even though Peter saw a student or two from their class hurriedly avoiding them muttering out apologies. Peter couldn’t blame them, it almost looked real.

He knew how disorienting it could be to be surrounded by illusions. Just like… him… whenever.. He fought…

Peter’s attention was snapped back to the present as Howard continued finally.

“From all of us at Stark Industries, I would like to personally thank you for visiting us. For your interest in helping shape the world into a better future.” For a few more moments they continued to float through the imagined space. Old music playing over a staticy sound system, girls in rather revealing outfits dancing and parading themselves around displays, all before it settled near the center of the area where Howard was once again standing there, smiling at them.

The world faded to black around them once more, and there were some groans of disappointment from the group as their apparent trip through time was cut short. Howard gave one last tip of his hat, before he faded.

There was a beat of silence.

Two.

Three.

“I’ve learned a great deal from my father, and clearly humility wasn’t one of them.” Tony Stark’s voice cut in as he suddenly walked forward, emerging from nothing and standing where Howard stood a moment ago.

Peter was almost tempted to reach out and touch him because it was strange seeing him so clearly there, but not at the same time. Peter knew it was a hologram, but he could have sworn it was real.

He raised his arms and a massive Arc Reactor, the old prototype emerged from the ground, large, and humming with energy. It dwarfed their size, and it felt surreal standing so close to it.

“The Arc Reactor was one of my first successes in his company, outside of our military contracts.” Tony said. He smiled at the group and it looked genuine.

It looked real.

Too real. Like he had seen before. Illusions. But they never stayed pleasant like this. Peter stepped back, bumping his back against the wall. This was dangerous. He couldn’t tell if it was his spider sense or anxiety that was now gripping the lower part of his neck. His heart began to beat much faster.

Too fast. Was he dying? Maybe. Was this real? He kept waiting for it to change like it always did. Tony would pull a gun on him. Or melt into spiders. Or get shot. Maybe the other avengers would show up to die painfully. Or attack him. Or each other. Peter’s fists were clenched tightly at his side and they started to shake.

Why wouldn’t he hurry the fuck up and kill Tony already. Peter didn’t have time for this. He didn’t want to see his mentor die again. He didn’t want to have to punch it just to make it go away. He just wanted to scream. He could see Tony’s lips moving, probably continuing the talk but Peter’s ears were ringing and he couldn’t hear anything. Why hadn’t the death come, was Myst-

MJ’s eyes filled his vision as she stepped directly in front of him. His eyes snapped to hers, and he felt her hand cup his cheek. It was warm. He swallowed thickly.

“R-real?” He asked shakily.

MJ’s eyes were focused, and God were they beautiful.

“Real.” She confirmed. “I’m right here, Tiger.” She whispered gently. She leaned in briefly, kissing him.

It was the strangest sensation, it was like he dropped from the sky back into his body. Everything snapped into place at the feeling of her lips briskly on his.

He could feel the pressure of her knee on the inside of his, one of her feet pressed against the inside heel of one of his as she had leaned into him. Her other hand gently holding his clenched fist as he forced it to relax and thread his fingers through hers. The sounds of Tony’s voice again.

“Under our new CEO, Pepper Potts, Stark Industries have moved on from our wartorn past and once again begun the long process of bringing tomorrow just a little bit closer.” Then the familiar sounds of “Shoot to Thrill” by ACDC started to echo throughout the room.

Peter’s eyes glanced around and saw most of the students now looking around as a new wide arrange of displays showed around them. Cindy had noticed him and had seemed a bit concerned, but saw MJ was handling him and went back to looking at the sights after a small smile. Ned also seemed worried, but Peter offered him a reassuring smile and a moment later Ned was next to Betty as they pointed at some Iron Man suits flying high above them.

Ashe had closed half the distance towards them, concern painting her features but he gave her a shaky thumbs up and she slowly nodded, stepping off to the side but clearly keeping an eye on him.

His eyes fell back on MJ’s, finding them still locked on his patiently, a warm, if not slightly concerned smile on her face.

“You’re okay. I’m right here.” She said softly, reaching up to move his hand under her neck to her pulse point, as he felt the steady throb of it. Life. Peter took a deep breath and slowly the panicked sensation in the back of his neck faded.

“T-thank you.” He said.

MJ still examined his face, no doubt reading past anything he could ever try to hide from her in the moment before she seemed satisfied and smiled. Giving him the briefest peck on the lips before stepping next to him again.

She dropped his hand, but reached over and slid hers under the back of his shirt,resting it directly on the base of his spine, her thumb making gentle strokes over it. A steady, warm, grounding presence. She was right here, and very very real.

Peter wrapped his now free arm around her waist and held her close as he took in the sights around them.

Now that all traces of his illusionist villain had been banished to the dark recesses of his mind, he had to admit it was pretty fucking awesome.

ACDC was blaring through the speakers, and everywhere you looked seemed like a technological dream.

High up in the sky various suits of Iron Man armor were flying everywhere, both in formations and freely, firing at targets as they were thrown up and blasting them into pieces that fell into glitter before vanishing.

Off to the side near Ned and Betty Peter saw a person waving at them, their entire arm made of a prosthesis that seemed to respond almost perfectly to their mind as it picked up and played with a coin dexterously.

On the other side there was a clean energy generator that powered a trail of lights before they erupted into a massive city streat, all being powered by the small glowing blue generator. Peter wasn’t sure if it was a bit of an exaggeration, but it accomplished its intended effect based on Abe's and Cindy’s reaction.

Tony was still standing in the center, looking impossibly smug as he looked around a bit randomly to catch eyes potentially.

Glancing over at MJ, he saw her attention had finally moved from him and he saw her mouth opened ever so slightly in awe as she looked at the scene closest to them. The sleek fairground around them that had been housing most of the other displays crumbled to dirt as they were suddenly staring out over a large patch of ground, surrounded by forests that seemed to stretch off for miles.

In the center of the clearing were a few robots that were transplanting sapling trees and some further down that were planting seeds.

There was some floating text giving statistics on successfully replanted trees and reforesting that had happened over the past ten years.

Peter looked back at MJ, her face being illuminated by the green as he saw the faintest traces of wonder in her eyes. An emotion he knew she felt as much as everyone else did, but hid from the world to keep herself safe. But seeing that look in her eyes, the smallest smile on her face, the way her eyes shifted to his and her smile grew even more, made his chest feel warm. He realized, there was nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for her. Nothing he wouldn’t do to see that smile every day for as long as he lived. He would move mountains for her if she asked.

He rested his forehead against hers for a moment, a serene oasis in the loud ACDC played. Eventually the music started to quiet down and everyone looked back to where Tony was still standing. Behind him an Iron Man suit landed in the hero pose, before it stood up and opened up, encasing Tony in it.

“Stark Industries is leading the world to the future. Try to keep up.” He said with one last smirk, before the helmet closed and he blasted off into the sky.

A second later and the regular lights slowly turned on as they were gradually reintroduced to the plain chamber as all the holograms powered down.

Everyone just sort of stood still, letting out a few deep breaths.

“Dude…” Abe said.

“That was…” Betty started.

“SO FUCKING AWESOME.” Jason said excitedly.

“Lonello!” Harrington snapped at the language, but seemed just as starstruck.

There was a loud eruption of conversations as people started gushing about the experience.

Ashe clearly leaned back, an almost maternal smile as she saw the excitement through the class and gave them a moment to process things.

Peter glanced over to MJ, and Ned and Betty who had joined them.

“Dude, that was insane!” Ned started out, practically shaking with how excited he was.

“I can’t even imagine how they did that.” Betty offered.

MJ smiled. “Yeah… that was pretty cool.” Everyone seemed a bit shocked by her honest confession, but no one was going to call her out on it. They knew she was working on being more open with others and the last thing they wanted to do was discourage her from it.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen this before. I knew they were working on it, even helped a bit, but it was nowhere near that… immersive.” He offered, hearing his own slight amazement and thankfully not much of the fear that crept in.

He felt a slight increase of the pressure on his back. MJ’s face portrayed nothing, but it was a clear reminder.

Im right here.

He just squeezed her a little closer from his arm around her side.

“You worked on that?” Betty said, a little too loud of surprise.

The class looked over at Peter both surprised and a little skeptical.

He raised his free hand in a sort of peace gesture. “Not like… the actual holograms. They must have… God, I don’t even know the level of artists and programmers that took. I just meant more of the basic technology.”

MJ snorted. “Basic. Sure.”

Peter rolled his eyes, tickling her side ever so slightly making her squirm before she kicked his shin in retaliation. “You know what I mean. I worked with the other interns on the back end.” He offered. He didn’t want to go into detail about working directly with Tony on it, or how it worked because he really didn’t wanna spoil the magic of something so fantastical.

“Sure you did, Parker.” Flash said in disbelief. Before he could chime in with any more eloquent comments, Ashe clapped her hands together once.

“Well then! You seem to have remembered which way is up, so how about we move on to the rest of the tour? I promise you there’s still plenty to be amazed by.” She said as she ushered them to the opposite of where they entered where there were more flush doors in the wall.

She seemed to do a head count, before checking her tablet to verify that she did indeed not forget the number of people she was responsible, before she smiled and moved open the doors.

Once again, the students burst into an excited murmur.

There was a rather tall young man, sleeves rolled up on a simple blue dress shirt and jeans as he leaned against a little kiosk. He had shaggy black hair, and a calm smile as he watched the students.

But none of them were watching him because behind him it looked like an arcade from the future. It was a series of rooms, all displaying various holograms above the tables. Other machines littered the walls and the room was darker to allow the lights emitting from the machines to draw your eyes in even more. People stumbled forward a bit more, but none of them were willing to go past the man without permission.

Peter glanced over at Ashe as she was staring at the guy in surprise.

“Ashelyn.” He said simply, an almost smug look on his face as he raised an eyebrow.

“Tyler.” She replied professionally, but Peter could see the barely constrained snickers that both of them were trying to keep hidden.

MJ glanced between the two young adults before looking at Peter.

Peter just rolled his eyes. “You’ll see.”

The two young adults had locked eyes long enough and seemed to be having a silent discussion long enough for the incredibly impatient teenagers who were desperate to see the technological wonderland just out of their reach to feel a little awkward.

Peter cleared his throat a bit loudly and both Ashe and Tyler seemed to snap back to reality, the faintest hint of a blush on both of their cheeks.

“Welcome…”

“Midtown.” Ashe supplied helpfully.

Tyler shot her a grateful look. “Welcome, Midtown. I hope you enjoyed our little introduction. A bit of a step up from our old lecture, I would say?” He asked, waiting for a chorus of replies.

“Yes!”

“Incredible!”

“Fucking amazing!”

“Lonello...” Harrington’s voice sounded more tired this time.

Tyler just smiled at them. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. It has been the product of months of hard labor, and many technological breakthroughs from all across Stark Industries to achieve. My name is Tyler, and I am one of the floor managers of the R&D department, with a specialty in audio development, though my floor covers a bit broader range as well. I have volunteered to serve as your specialist to answer any tech related questions you may have, if any happen to be beyond Ashe’s understanding.”

Ashe snorted out a laugh at that. “I appreciate the confidence Fros- Tyler but you know I leave the technology to you labrats down here. I appreciate the new headphones you guys released last month, but the most I know about them is I’m pretty sure they have a speaker in them somewhere.”

There were a few laughs from the group at that and the lovestruck look Tyler gave her made Peter wonder if he was that obvious when he looked at MJ.

(He was.)

Cindy raised her hand.

“Yes?” Tyler asked, pointing at her patiently.

“Are the tours usually led by floor managers? You seem a bit… important. Not that we aren’t incredibly grateful!” She added quickly, embarrassment creeping in after her brain caught up to her curiosity.

Tyler shrugged, not bothered by the question. “Usually no, we have mid level interns give these tours to gain experience in presenting their work though we are always available to help them when needed. This is more of an… exception.” He offered, his eyes flickering over to Ashe who was hiding her laugher behind her fist as she tried to suppress her giggles.

Peter laughed at that, apparently loud enough for Tyler’s eyes to lock onto his. He tilted his head slightly and Peter blushed. Oops. Busted.

“Pet-”

“Okay! How about we get started!” Ashe cut him off, giving him a look that apparently he understood to mean just follow her lead.

“Right! So, there are three rooms behind us, and you’re free to interact with any of the displays there. Unfortunately we do have to ask you to not use your phones in these areas. While you will be free to discuss anything you see here, some of the technology is new and patent pending, and we would prefer visuals of it not be released ahead of our schedule. I must insist that this rule is rather strictly enforced, and FRIDAY will be keeping a close eye out.” He said, his voice calm and even. “Right Fri?”

“That is correct, Tyler. Upon the exit of the third room in the back, you will be able to use your devices again. Feel free to silence any devices or respond before you pass the ropes up ahead, but we ask you not to attempt to film the area from here either.”

A couple of students pulled out their phone and silenced them just to prevent any temptation. Peter actually did that himself, because while he was pretty sure he was actually an exception to the rule, since he knew way more sensitive technology than this, he wasn’t exactly looking to prove a point and he had a habit of forgetting.

MJ, Ned, and Betty seemed to trust him and followed his lead.

“Now that the lame rules are out of the way, let me explain a bit more. Feel free to explore any of the machines up ahead. All of the holographic displays are interactable, and feel free to engage with them to your heart's content. Common sense rules apply here too. Don’t steal anything. Don’t break anything. Don’t run around.” He offered, raising an eyebrow. “Midtown is a reputable school, so behave but beyond that have fun and find me or Ashe if you have any questions.”

With that, he stepped aside and the students rushed in, spreading out to all corners of the first room as they started looking around and fiddling with things.

Ned and Betty went to the nearest display table and as Peter was about to lead MJ in, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Turning, he saw Ashe looking at him with a concerned expression.

“Are you okay? I saw your reaction in the holodeck. I know it can be disorienting.”

Peter nodded, smiling as he felt MJ increase the pressure again. “Just… caught me off guard.”

Ashe nodded, fidgeting slightly. “I… wasn’t sure if I should have cut it off. I was about to head over and ask you…”

Peter shook his head quickly. “No! I’m glad you didn’t. It was incredible. I was fine.” He offered, even though the last bit was clearly a lie.

“It’s okay, that’s what I’m here for.” MJ chimed in, making Ashe laugh.

“Yeah, you did distract him pretty well. I must say.” A teasing lilt in Ashe’s tone. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen two people make out when surrounded by cutting edge hologram tech.”

Peter’s face flushed red and he buried his face into MJ’s shoulder. MJ just shrugged, hoping to hide her own embarrassment.

“Really? Cause I distinctly remember something similar.” Tyler’s voice chimed in, making everyone look at him as he reached out and squeezed Ashe’s hand.

Ashe flushed red and slapped his chest.

“Frosty! Shut up.” She muttered, glancing around.

MJ glanced at Peter, then the two.

Peter was just laughing at the sweet revenge. “They uh… know each other.” He offered, not sure how much to reveal about their personal life.

Ashe rolled her eyes, and held up her hand where there was an engagement ring on it.

“I see.” MJ said, smirking. “Explains why Peter’s boss is crashing our tour group.”

Tyler shrugged. ”Ashe normally works so far away.” He whined uncharacteristically for the calm man, earning an eye roll from Ashe. “Plus I’m not Peter’s boss. Kinda. Technically?”

Peter and Tyler both looked at each other, confused.

“I… don’t know.” Peter confessed as both boys seemed to ponder the problem.

“A well run organization, I see. Very cutting edge.” MJ offered and Ashe snorted a laugh at that.

Peter nudged her side. “I mean I work for Tony directly. But I also spend time helping out the other interns where I’m needed, or wherever Tony gets the impulse to send me that day. So some days he is? But like, Tony is his boss so I don’t know.”

Tyler just shrugged. “I listen to Tony, and you listen to me while you’re here, but I think that’s just because you’re nice. So as long as nothing gets messed up we can all just agree Pepper is the boss of all of us.”

Peter nodded. “Probably the safest bet.”

Ashe and MJ both shared a look. “Are all tech nerds this much of a mess?” MJ deadpanned.

Ashe just nodded. “Our sample size seems to suggest so. At least they’re cute.” She offered, kissing Tyler on the cheek.

MJ snickered. “True.” And squeezed Peter’s hand.

“You’re taking a field trip to your job?” Tyler asked Peter, an amused expression on his face.

Peter let out a sigh that made him feel years older. “Yeah. Cause my life is a joke. Don’t make it worse?” He asked hopefully.

Tyler nodded. “Trust me, I get it. I still tell people I just work in the labs in SI. Attention sucks.”

Ashe sighed but wrapped an arm around him. “Even if you deserve it.”

Tyler sighed with a small smile and stepped away. “I guess I should do my job and not keep flirting with you. That’s why they banned you from my Lab. They kept saying I get nothing done.” He said without a single regret in his tone. He turned and disappeared farther in.

Ashe just let out a dreamy sigh after him before her attention snapped back to Peter and MJ who were both judging her and snickering. She ushered them in. “Go be nerds.”

Peter let out a laugh and dragged MJ by the hand over to Ned and Betty as they fumbled with the controls to the holo display. Ned was waving his hands around it and made a display of the latest Stark Phone expand and shrink.

“Okay, that’s pretty cool.” MJ confessed as she hesitantly reached a hand out. Both Ned and Betty stepped back to let her interact with it for a moment.

Peter was surprised as MJ seemed to be a bit of a natural at interacting with it. Her intuition let her pick up the general motion controls as she was able to move it around naturally, and soon started to separate it into pieces. There weren’t specifics to protect trade secrets, but you could see the general parts. She paused to tie her hair up, because it kept getting in her face when she would move for a larger movement.

Eventually MJ noticed Peter staring at her with a strange smile and she paused, having disassembled and enlarged the camera part she was playing with. “What?” She asked, a hint of self consciousness leaking into her tone.

Peter just gave her a shy smile. “You’re in a lab, playing with tech like this. It’s uh… really hot.” He confessed in a quiet tone.

MJ felt her own face flush. “Oh my God, Peter. You’re such a nerd.” She mumbled out, but also filed that fact safely away for potential future use.

“Aww.” Ned said dramatically as he looked between them.

“That’s cute, but we really don’t need to know about your feti-” Betty was cut off as MJ interrupted, loudly.

“Okay! So what else is there?” She said, turning away from the table, the same time Peter, bright red spoke too.

“It’s not like that!” Peter looked about 30 seconds from running out of the room.

Ned and Betty shared a look, but let the subject drop. For now.

They wandered over to a nearby machine that wasn’t occupied by the classmates. “What is this?” MJ asked, walking up behind Peter and resting her chin on his shoulder.

Peter leaned his head against hers for a moment. “Surprisingly one of the most tame things here. It’s just a 3D printer. Just a lot faster and has more materials it can work with.

“But what can it print here?” Ned asked, brow furrowed.

Peter’s smile grew wider. “Oh, anything. You’re gonna love this.” He said before leading them to a nearby table. Clicking to the right program, MJ raised an eyebrow. “Is that photoshop?”

Peter shrugged, already deep in work mode. “Kinda. It’s a 3D modelling software we developed. But it’s a bit more interactive.”

Peter reached out towards and area of the holographic display and a clump of a material digitally appeared in his hand. He began to squash and stretch it, occasionally adding more.

“See, you can copy and paste if you make this motion…” he mumbled out to them as they stepped back and watched him work with a fascination. A few other of his classmates even wandered over, starting to watch Peter work. Peter however, was too deep in thought as he worked on bringing the thought he had to life and MJ and Ned knew better than to try and snap him out of his zone.

“You can change the material here. The program is also smart, so if you’re trying to select a part of it it will generally help you get what you need.” He said as he enlarged the form and with two fingers held together started to select the top part of it, before cycling through a few different materials and dragging it onto it as the form changed into a clear plastic.

“Dude… is that?” Ned asked as Peter just grinned.

“You are such a nerd.” MJ repeated, overly fond as she watched Peter put on some minor details.

Shrinking it down a bit, Peter swiped his hand as the whole form began rotating a few times, showing off the final result.

“It’s just a quick mockup to show you what you can do here. I didn’t really dig into details but I could have taken off the glass and added the seats to it. I also could have made the form hollow if I wanted to include some kind of engine in this, but I really only have a few minutes. But I know the X-wing is your favorite Ned so I thought I’d just…”

Peter trailed off as he owlishly blinked at the group of students who were all staring at his floating model of the X-Wing from star wars that he had just sculpted out roughly. “Uh… hi guys.” He muttered out. “When did…”

“Dude, you’ve been in your own world for like 10 minutes.” Ned said, nudging him, but still staring at the X-Wing.

“Peter, how do you know how to do this so well?” Cindy asked, tilting her head as she watched the model rotate slowly still.

Peter shrugged, a blush creeping up on his face. “I told you, I intern here. We uh… use this to help make mock-ups. It’s good for playing with visuals.”

“It’s true.” Tyler’s cool voice cut in, making the class turn to see him standing there, hands in pockets as he smiled. “Peter is correct. It’s often useful to have a visual model handy when either pitching an idea, or to help generate ideas because keeping things purely theoretical can get in the way of finding obvious solutions sometimes.”

The class nodded with murmurs of agreement.

“Peter, the machine is fully stocked so feel free to print it off. Does anyone else want to try as well?” A bunch of hands shot up and Tyler nodded, glancing around. One of the displays of the Stark Tablet was pretty much empty so he walked over, typing in a password and switched the program to be another display of the modelling program to allow more people to mess around with it at once.

“I’ll set it up over here as well. You will need to take turns with the printer, but feel free to print off a model if you want. Please be reasonable about the size though, due to time and costs.”

Peter quickly sent the print request to the machine as he stepped back, saving his project with a quick override for later use just in case, then brought up some blank models for people to try out. His cheeks were still flushed as he went over and collected the model, handing it to Ned as he watched Betty starting to sculpt a sort of old fashioned camera.

“Dude! That’s incredible!” Ned marveled as he held up the mini ship, flying it through the air.

“That was pretty cool, Peter.” Cindy confirmed as Peter could only nod, flustering under the praise.

Tyler bounced between the people at the nearby tables, answering questions and helping them get comfortable with the program and soon most people had printed off little figurines. He saw MJ waiting on something, but she had told him to leave when he tried to see what she was working on, saying it was a surprise so he had settled for showing Ned and Betty some of the other nearby machines, various displays and robotics. It took all of his will power not to peak at whatever MJ had been working on.

Eventually though he saw Flash had taken her place and she was standing near the printer, waiting for the result. He wandered over while Ned and Betty were taking photos with a camera that hovered in place

“What did you make?” Peter asked, his tone a little more whinier than he had planned. He couldn’t help it though, the curiosity was killing him.

She just rolled her eyes and patted his head patronizingly. “Soon.”

Peter harrumphed and crossed his arms.

“Hey, Penis!” Flash called out, and letting out a sigh, Peter turned slowly.

“Really, Flash?” He asked, glancing over at Ashe who was frowning at Flash and whispering something to Tyler. Welp, that probably wasn’t good.

“Just wanted to show you what an actual good design looks like, unlike your stupid spaceship.” He said smugly as he enlarged his design and spun it around. It was… a suit of Iron Man armor. Kinda. Almost.

The proportions were way off, and it was almost aggressively lumpy despite the many smoothing tools available. Still, Peter figured it wasn’t the worst he’s seen.

“Real cool, Flash.” He offered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Flash just sent him a smile as if he had been genuine. “You should pass it to Mr. Stark.” His voice said almost impressively condescending. “I made some cool changes I think he’d like.”

Peter glanced over it and grimaced slightly. He thought it would be cool to have a sort of back panel that looked kinda cool, but also dramatically limited the motion of the arms, which was not something Tony could do without. It also had enough solid panels wrapping around the body to prevent any easy access in and out of the suit.

“Sure, I’ll do that.” Peter muttered as Flash highfived with his friends, as if he had put Peter in his place.

His eyes flickered over to Ashe, who was not looking happy and even Tyler had a frown on his face now.

“I gotta print this.” Flash said as he went to print it, only to see the queue. Frowning, he moved his to the top, cancelling the print in progress, which also deleted it.

“Flash! What the fuck!” Cindy said, whirling around, fists clenched.

“Oh shit.” Flash muttered, not realizing he had canceled it.

“What happened?” Tyler asked as he approached, Harrington showing up as well.

“He canceled my print and now it’s gone!” Cindy said, a layer of hurt under her anger.

Tyler’s brow furrowed. “Is this true?”

Flash looked a bit pale. “I was just trying to make sure mine got printed before we ran out of stuff.”

Cindy was trying to navigate the holotable. “I can’t find it… My spider.” She said, her voice dropping into a hint of heartbreak.

“Flash, that is not okay.” Mr. Harrington started to scold Flash who only looked mildly bothered by it.

MJ and Betty moved over to Cindy, consoling her as she pouted and glared at Flash.

Peter locked eyes with Tyler as they approached the table. “I think it got deleted as more people started working on their projects.” Tyler said as he searched all open files.

Peter frowned, crossing his arms. He glanced over at Cindy as she looked at him with hopeful eyes, as if he could save her. MJ gave him a look expectantly. Like she had absolute faith in him to solve this problem. He felt a warmth in his chest and turned back.

“Tyler, do these still have the same programs we use? Just in a display mode or something?”

Tyler nodded. “Yeah, these weren’t made specifically for this, we just locked out access to some of the features since the public would be using it. Why?” He asked, trying to figure out what Peter had realized.

Peter nodded. “Which means, they would have the same protocols, right?”

Tyler’s eyes widened, catching up. “It would.” He paused. “But this isn’t technically my department. I’m kinda crashing here to help out. I don’t know if I have access.”

Peter frowned, that was a good point. Depending on who set the restrictions, they could either out rank Tyler, or be at the same level. Still, there was someone above them all.

“Hey, Fri?” Peter asked.

“Yes, Peter. How can I help?” The voice came from the table in front of them, making some of the nearby students jump.

“This table still has all the normal protocols active, even if locked off, right?”

“That is correct.”

“Can you run one for us, please?”

“I’d need to override the access.”

“Ask Mr. Stark for permission, please.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Do you seriously think you can just ask favors from Iron man, Peter? Just because you intern here?” Flash asked, as if he was embarrassed for Peter and looked apologetically to Tyler and Ashe. The audacity of him.

“Please check your phone, Peter.” Fri chimed in after a moment.

Peter looked to Tyler, and Tyler just shrugged. They both knew he actually had permission too, but he was trying to make it less of a show about wielding his privilege around here.

Pulling out his phone, he saw a text from Tony.

Fri requested an override. Pretty sure you can do that on your own. Everything OK?

Peter responded quickly.

Yeah. Just need to run a protocol to help a classmate. Trying not to be obvious about what I can do.

Lame, if you got it, flaunt it.

So is that a yes?

Yeah, just try not to give away company secrets or something.

Peter snorted out a laugh, earning an amused look from MJ. He passed her his phone while he turned back to the table.

“What Protocol would you like to run, Peter?” Fri asked.

“Run ‘Shit, I should probably sleep’ please.”

Everyone except for Tyler looked at him confused.

“Pulling up temporary back-ups now.” A few people understood and laughed.

Tyler just grinned. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had to try and recover unsaved work. Thankfully we keep a temporary back-up of everything now.”

“That’s because your department is held together by caffeine, stubbornness, and concerned loved ones who are the only reason you guys ever eat and sleep.” Ashe chimed in happily.

Tyler rolled his eyes but didn’t offer any protest. Peter really couldn’t say anything either. Tony might be the worst of them all, but that didn’t mean the rest were particularly great at holding back when they felt inspired. Overtime wasn’t encouraged and actually discouraged because of that.

“Can you find a spider model from the past hour?”

“Right away.” Fri offered as the screen displayed various files being scanned through quickly.

Eventually a model popped up. “Is this it, Cindy?” Peter asked.

“Yes!” Cindy said, throwing her arms around Peter in a quick hug. Peter just grinned and returned the hug quickly, glancing at MJ who was giving him a proud smile.

Flash was holding the model he printed out as if it was worth it’s weight in gold. Peter quickly moved Cindy’s order to the top of the list and it began printing.

“Thank you Fri.” Peter offered as the program went back to its default state.

“My pleasure, Peter. Glad to be of help.”

There were some murmurs and people looking at Peter. He started to squirm a bit, not a huge fan of the attention he just drew to himself, but the look on Cindy’s face was worth it. He knew how devastating it was to lose something you worked on and were excited about, even if it was a smaller project.

MJ, sensing his distress, grabbed his hand and led him towards the second room of the area. “Come on, let’s explore more.” She offered and Peter just let her drag him along.

The next area was a bit similar to the last one. More tables with displays, but no printing machines around. Instead there were rough displays of a bunch of Avenger’s tech everywhere. No specifics were available, but there were a bunch of costumes you could look at different parts of, pull apart, mix and match.

Ned promptly freaked the fuck out and ran over to one of the tables with the shortest line. Betty, MJ, and him followed shortly behind. Peter watched him swipe through a bunch of different armors quickly, gasping with each one.

Peter turned to MJ, seeing her watching Cindy hold up the spider proudly.

“You’re a nice guy.” MJ said, finally looking back at Peter.

Peter shrugged. “I know how much it sucks to lose a project.”

MJ rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I mean. You wanted to avoid drawing any attention to yourself during this trip, but the second a classmate lost a project they worked on for a couple of minutes, you contacted Tony to ask for his help.”

Peter was lost in her smile for a moment. “I mean… I could have used my override, but I was trying to act like just an intern.”

MJ nodded. “And if Tony ignored the request you would override it yourself. I know you would have.”

She was right. Peter just shrugged. “What did you make anyway?”

MJ pursed her lips, as if debating telling him. “I was gonna keep it a surprise till later but you deserve a treat for that.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small figure. It was a cartoonish looking spiderman, complete with him posing in his thwip motion. It was tiny, about the size of a keychain, but surprisingly well made and accurate to this usual suit.

MJ felt her heart fluttered as she saw his expression. His brown eyes had gone wide as she held up the dumb little figure she made. His eyes kept flicking between hers and the figure as he practically glowed with happiness. It was really unfair that such a little gesture could make her boyfriend look so adorable.

MJ knew Spider-man meant the world to him, and that he was always afraid she’d hate it because of the drama it brought into their lives. But MJ was so proud of him, and while she wasn’t one to overly brag, heaven forbid he get Tony’s arrogance, she did think the world of him for doing it.

So if she could make his day by making a little trinket, she’d make them for the rest of her life.

Peter just leaned forward and kissed her quickly, knowing they had probably already shown more PDA than they usually would but he couldn’t help it. “You’re incredible.”

MJ scoffed. “It’s not that well done. It was quick.”

Shaking his head, Peter still met her eyes. “That’s not what I meant. I meant you. All of you. That too, but you.”

MJ blushed and turned her head, unable to handle the compliments. She just pocketed the figurine for safety before taking his hand and turned them back to where Betty was examining Black Widow’s outfit.

“These Widow Bites are pretty sweet.”

Peter nodded. “They’re terrifying.”

MJ laughed. “Spider-man should get some then. Maybe she’d lend him one then, they have to spider pals or something.” She offered a teasing glance at Peter.

Peter knew MJ knew he was friends with Natasha. She also knew Nat would never let him try them out, because that was a horrible idea that would end up with probably at least two different people hurt.

Betty stepped back and Peter thought for a moment. “What, like spider fangs?” Then he paused. “Actually…” He suddenly pulled up both the suits for Spider-man and Black Widow. The suits were old and out of date, but he just wanted to test an idea so it didn’t matter.

He quickly grabbed a widow bite and enlarged it, tossing away most of the arm mount, and flicking away different launchers from it till only a few remained.

“Now pull up the web shooters.” Peter asked the holotable as they flicked up. He tossed away some of the other features on the suit. “Actually, bring up a repulsor too.” He muttered as he started stripping away parts from it to just have the glove.

MJ watched in admiration as she saw Peter in his natural habitat. Even more so than when he was sculpting, this was him at his best. She saw how tall he stood, his eyes focused but his face in a bright smile. She could practically hear the hum of the gears in his head as he gracefully navigated the menu, pulling apart holograms and attaching them with ease to form something new. He looked confident and in his element and she felt her face flush.

“I kinda get why he found it hot now.” MJ muttered to Betty quietly.

Betty laughed and just patted her shoulder. “You two were made for each other.”

MJ rolled her eyes, but Peter was waving her over. He had the hologram in his hands, but made her stick her arm out. He moved it so now the hologram was floating around her arm. It was a simple gauntlet, with the web shooters underneath but two widowbites on top as he rambled about the possibility of webbing someone up then being to launch a taser at them without electrifying the whole web necessarily.

“It’d look cooler if it was black with red highlights…” She offered and soon they were going back and forth as she posted with the holo weapon while Peter tweaked it to her suggestions.

“Hey Fri, take some pictures please.” Ashe said as she leaned against the wall near Ned and Betty.

MJ and Peter were too busy laughing with each other and playing around to notice.

“Are they always this adorable?” Ashe asked.

Ned nodded. “Yeah it’s kinda gross.” He said fondly.

Betty sighed. “It’s better since they actually asked each other out. They danced around each other for ages, it was torture to watch. We were about to lock them in the broom closet until they got together. We had made plans for it too.”

Ashe laughed and watched them fondly. She had met Peter a few times through Pepper, and seen him in the lab with Tony whenever she had been sent over there with some work for him. Peter seemed like a good kid and reminded her of her fiance when he was younger. She was glad Peter had found someone that brought out a smile like that from him. He was always smiling, but that one was different. Warmer, somehow.

Eventually the two teens seemed to realize they were getting carried away and they stepped back from the holotable to let others have a chance.

“What?” Peter asked, tilting his head.

Ashe just pulled out her phone and showed them a picture Friday had sent her.

MJ had her hand outstretched with a faint blue glow around it as the weapon hovered over her arm, Peter attaching another widow bite to it. They were looking at each other, Peter grinning while MJ had a deep warm smile.

Both of the teens blushed and didn’t say anything, but held each other’s hands.

“Fri, send that to Peter. That deserves to be printed out.”

Peter blushed more, but nodded. It was an amazing photo.

“Right away, Ashe.” Fri said. “I have cleared it of any sensitive information as well, so might I recommend adding it to your social media.”

“Thanks Fri.” Peter mumbled, blushing even more.

MJ just laughed and squeezed his hand tighter. “I needed a new screensaver anyway.”

Eventually the group made their way to the third room and everyone’s jaw dropped except for Peter. “I was waiting for this.”

#spideychelle #Michelle jones #MJ #mj x peter #Peter Parker #Spider-man #MCU #Field trip to SI #I love these two #So much #and the cameo of Tylashe #I love this fic

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twiceblackvelvet · 5 years ago

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Eclipse

Request; Could I request for LOONA kim lip with prompt "were you singing my song?", fluff? Thank you! ^^

A/N; i lost this request somewhere. tumblr hates me here. i took this on a little bit of a different route than the usual because well, it wouldn’t be me if i didn’t try to be different lol. anyway! enjoy anon. sorry for the wait.

Warm air traps you in place sitting idly, headphones placed in your ears, and a glass of water filled to the brim with ice placed beside your leg. The window slightly ajar to allow the very little breeze on offer to hit your skin, a small offering of mercy from the rays beaming down from above. Your shadow being illuminated by the deadly sun being your only companion other than the herds of people walking around the city below you. All of which likely suffering from the heatwave far worse.

It’s calm, peaceful, albeit for the beads of sweat threatening to pour down your forehead at any given moment. The soft melody playing from your phone up to your headphones is particularly catchy, though, you’re not sure if you’ve heard it or not before now. Whoever is singing has a delightful tone that makes the hairs on your arm stand to attention. It’s beautiful you think. You quickly tap the little heart on the screen to make sure you don’t lose it amongst the playlist.

Eclipse.

It somehow becomes the song for you in the weeks following. Every time you listen to it your ears take note to different parts of the song that you hadn’t picked up on previously. Be it the instrumental, the adlibs, or just the voice. Anyone else would have been driven to insanity after having listened to it as often as you have, and yet, you catch yourself more often than not using the repeat feature.

Part of you doesn’t wish to learn more about the person behind the angelic voice, after all, sometimes that can lead to disappointment if it turns out they’re a beautiful singer but an awful person. Yet, the girl displayed on the screen has you more than intrigued if truth be told. You soon learn that she isn’t a solo artist as you had assumed but rather part of a group with eleven other people. After consuming all of their music in one afternoon, it becomes clear to you that whilst all of their music is to your liking, her own song stands out the most to you.

It’s like the shuffle option on your phone just knows when to hit you with those atmospheric synths, sitting on a train headed towards work. It’s a quiet day, people simply seated and minding their own business which is a relief. Your headphones placed firmly inside your ears, the lack of noise surrounding you is a huge upgrade from the usual commotion you’ve grown used to dealing with. Your hand resting atop your lap gently taps along to the beat as you zone out briefly until the train comes to a halt.

Lack of people around is not a privilege you’re offered once you’re out of the station as the streets are lined with people scurrying along, likely doing the same as you. You instinctively turn the volume up to an almost deafening level before striding onward.

Draining. That’s the only way to describe your day. Everything that could go wrong, managed to, and everything that could go right evaded you like the plague. The walk home made even more excruciating by the fact that your headphones have decided to give up on you. Every step feels like it’s going to be your last if you aren’t in the comfort and safety of your own home soon.

Without even realizing it, you slowly begin to hum a tune as you walk, your brain’s way of offering you something to focus on other than the dark streets ahead. The lyrics soon begin to jumble out of your mouth too, not in the correct order, key or rhythm they’re supposed to, but you do your best to sound quietly decent. It’s relaxing and makes you feel a little bit more at ease.

Well, it would, if it weren’t for some very loud steps from behind you beginning to grow closer and closer to you. Your first instinct is to swing around extremely fast and hopefully knock whoever this strange person is flying far enough away from you to be able to at least get a head start on them. However, they’re a lot quicker than you imagined and instead their body collides with your own and the two of you end up laying in a heap in the middle of the sidewalk together.

You’ve seen this happen plenty of times on television or in films, yet what they don’t show you or explain is just how painful it is to hit the ground with force and have a whole other body on top of your own. A visit to the chiropractor will definitely be happening in the foreseeable.

“I’m so sorry, oh my god! Are you okay?” The words hit your ears like a sharp sting, either that or this collision has truly broken your spine. “Please say something.”

Your eyes readjust to look up at the owner of the body still uncomfortably pressed against your own. A hood is pulled up over their head but you can see some brown flowing hair poking out of the side of it. Dark eyes that are wide and alarmed, likely because you still haven’t said a word or that it’s only just become aware to them that they’re pressing down onto you.

“Sorry, again,” the stranger apologizes once more as she finally stands up and offers a hand for you to grab. “Come on, you can’t lay there and be silent, either speak or get up at least.” A chuckle follows her words and you’re convinced it’s the softest thing you’ve ever heard.

Latching onto her hand, you finally stand on your own two feet once more. Her grip almost crushes the bones in your own, but she relinquishes it as soon as she sees that you’re okay.

“Do you usually run into people at full force?” You ask, annoyed tone obvious and aiming right for her.

“N-no.” The stranger stutters. “I just got a little bit excited when I heard you singing, can you do it again?”

Great, you think, not only has she managed to damage your entire frame but now she’s after your sanity too having overheard your out of tune singing, if you can call it that.

“No? I wasn’t singing for you. It’s scary out here, there are random people who will run right into you after all.”

Almost in slow motion, or maybe it’s just the trance-like state she’s put you into, the woman removes the hood covering the majority of her head. Those brown locks of hair end up sliding down her back gracefully and her features become clearer without the darkness of the material blocking them. She looks, familiar. Though you’re certain the two of you have never met before.

“Please, just like a few seconds of it and then I’ll leave you alone, I promise.” Her begging right before you bizarrely makes your heart swell inside your chest. Never did you imagine that this was the encounter you’d be receiving when you first heard the impending footsteps behind you.

“Why?”

She clears her throat and looks around awkwardly as if there are people around to overhear your conversation. There isn’t.

“I think it was my song you were singing.” Though the words exit her mouth at a normal rate, time seems to slow down between you both the more she continues. That and you’re ready for the world to swallow you whole, spit you back out, and then swallow you again. Because, yes, that familiarity you felt stems from the fact that this is Kim Lip stood right before you. “It sounded really pretty, please.”

All of the air in your lungs couldn’t force the song out of your throat even if you wanted to accept her request. But you definitely don’t. Frankly, you’re embarrassed enough and you can’t imagine how she must be feeling about it all. It’s best for both of you if you simply walk away now and forget this ever happened. Which is what you attempt to do. However, her hand latches onto your coat and pulls you back into place in front of her.

“Come on, I’ll sing it with you.” She stares deep into your eyes. Genuine in her approach, you can’t help but give in to her request.

Despite having heard the song several times and just singing it merely seconds ago, hearing Kim Lip right before you softly let out the lyrics herself, you stumble over a few of the words which earn you a bright smile from her. Your own embarrassment being the only coherent thought in your mind other than just how perfect she sounds and that anyone would believe you’re listening to the version from your phone and not a real person before you.

She suddenly grasps your hand, presumably to be encouraging, however, your nerves get the better of you and suddenly you can feel it shaking against her own skin. She doesn’t let go, simply holds it a little tighter.

“You’re a good singer.” She stops mid-song to not just tell you but almost convince you. Her features show that she can sense you aren’t confident in this moment but she’s imploring you to try or at least one day believe it. “Thank you so much for singing with me.”

Her hand finally let’s go of your own and she places the hood back over her head, her face darkening in the process to where all you can properly see are her sparkling eyes that you’re sure look as if they’re on the verge of tears, though, you’re unsure why.

“Are you okay?” You decide to ask her.

She heaves a deep sigh and looks away from you briefly before answering.

“I’m fine, I’ve just never heard someone else sing my song yet.” The corners of her lips curve up into a brief smile before she continues. “Thank you, I should probably head back but please keep singing. I might see you around someday.”

Before you even attempt to thank her yourself, she’s darting off just as fast as she collided with you into the night. When you began your day, never did you imagine such a thing would happen, nor are you certain it actually has, however, a quick nip to your arm proves you are awake and not in a state of sleep to dream this whole thing up.

The Kim Lip heard you sing her song, and liked it?

It’s a small world after all.

#loona #kim lip #kpop #girl group scenarios #loona kim lip #kim jungeun #kpop scenarios #girl group imagines #kpop imagines #loona scenarios #loona imagines #kim lip x reader #fluff

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starr-fall-knight-rise · 5 years ago

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Humans are Space Orcs, “Operation Steel- Eye,”

This is probably the last bit I will be doing on this particular thread because I want to do more with it in the book version, but hopefully this will get you guys interested in how things turn out.

They had gone through another attack. The rundi chairwoman had not been expecting it, but all of a sudden there were voices, and shouts, and people running this way and that, she had been hurriedly bundled into a truck and driven for over an hour in the opposite direction with no idea what was happening, and no one that seemed to want to tell her what was going on. When they finally stopped she was told there had been another attack, and they were trying to get her as far away from the fighting as possible.

They waited there for over half a day, and only began their return journey when a spotty call came in over their radio to drive them back. When they reached camp, a good portion of it had been damaged, especially alone the suwards side, though, as she got out of the truck, she was told they were lucky, and the ashfall cleared enough that their long range weapons became more effective, driving the Drev off for a time.

“However, I don’t think I need to tell you how imperative it is that we get operation steel-eye up and running.” The admiral was saying leading her through the camp, as the soldiers scrambled to repair and re-supply themselves for an attack that could happen at any moment. Ever since the supply ships had been able to get through the atmosphere, thing in camp were looking a little less bleak.

The wounded were better cared for, and the soldiers were receiving more rations.

Though the ash was still a heavy nuisance, and kept the days mostly dark, they did have occasional times of clearance that allowed them to see the sun.

She moved into place behind the admiral, who had led them to the new medical tent, less of a tent now and more of a pop-up shelter, with reinforced siding, and an actual door. Stepping inside, she couldn’t help but gawk at the difference just a few days of supplies had made. The floors and walls were a uniform steel grey, and proper decontamination equipment was brought in to rinse ash from their bodies. Instead of suits to put over themselves they were washed off and given entirely new sets of clothes.

Stepping onto the ward was a much greater relief. The place was spotless clean, bright white lights shone in from above, and instead of rolled mats on the floor, there were cots, clean bandages, and monitoring machines hooked up to each of the wounded soldiers beeping away with their vital signs. Instead of moaning and pitiful whimpering from earlier, they were silent most of them asleep, all of them heavily drugged under vast swaths of pain killing medication. The first half of the room housed newly injured soldiers lying on cots their missing limbs bandaged and properly cleaned.

But the back of the room, well the back of the room was where things changed.

The fruits of operation steel- eye. At least twenty soldiers, this being the first medical tent, she was told there were twenty more soldiers in the second. They did not lay on open beds, but instead hung from the walls in various states of unconsciousness, pinned there by the thick metal contraptions welded to their bodies. A main rod of the metal was riveted down their backs curving around onto their hips and then locking at the knees, similarly with the arms.

Metal protrusions connected to the underarms and over the back of the hands.

It was a strange sight, and made her rather nervous as she somehow felt the wrongness of the steel next to delicate skin and bone.

Theadmiral stepped forward to examine the sleeping soldiers, “We lost 20% of these brave men and women after the first few hours out from the operation. Bacterial meningitis, and the occasional paralysis. A few of them just stopped breathing, but that could have been a reaction to the medication. This is all we have left.

The rundi chair woman stepped forward looking up at the sleeping humans their eyes close, their faces so much more peaceful now. As per usual she was drawn to one human in particular, the only human that she actually knew on sight based on their history together, or their acquaintance.

From her reports, this human had been the first human ever to meet nonhuman life, and had been instrumental in language acquisition for their linguists, and now here he was reduced to nothing more than a piece of hardware to be upgraded and augmented for the purposes of better battle strategy

The thought made her sick and uneasy. The more she thought about it, the more she was coming to realize that the humans and the Drev had more in common than anyone else on this battlefield, both of them were unwaveringly brutal, the Drev with tearing off limbs…. And the humans continually asking their soldiers to give when they had already given so much. With this thought her eyes shot down towards the human’s new robotic leg still and silver in the painful overhead lights.

No other species had ever considered such a thing as an alternative option, adding machinery to bioology….. As far as she knew there was nothing human’s couldn’t replace, and that thought made her wonder…. How far could they go before there was no more human left before the machine took over completely?

As she thought looking up at the sleeping human the admiral came to stand next to her looking up at the face of the sleeping human.

Her eyes drifted downwards, noting a strange dissimilarity in one of the human’s arms. With one hand she pointed out, “What is that.”

He glanced towards, “Oh, well, that is a drug port.”

“A drug port?”

“He nodded, unfortunately due to our time constraints we cant let their injuries fully heal, which means we will be mainlining morphine during combat, but due to the nature of the side effects of morphine, we are going to have to pair it with a drug classified as a stimulant to keep alert during battle.”

The rundi chairwoman shifted nervously, “I… not to question your methods admiral, but havent you asked enough from them. First they lose their limbs, then you splice them with robotics, and now you are keeping them drugged.” The admiral looked down at her with a cold unreadable expression, “You wanted us to win this war, and sometimes we have to do things that don’t make us sleep so well at night.”

There was an awkward pause of silence between them, but she let it go.

What did she know.

The humans probably knew what they were doing.

***

Lieutenant Adam Vir woke slowly, but he did it without pain.

In a somewhat drowsy haze, he floated upwards towards consciousness like one would float upwards through a pool of warm salt water. lights , beginning as big fuzzy circles, soon condensed themselves downwards into sharp points of light. The buzzing in his ears followed suit morphing and churning before turning dowards and sharpening out into a baseless echo. The echo that soon turned and warped again until, “Lieutenant, Lieutenant, can you hear me.”

The light jumped first to one eye and then the other.

He blinked past the pain squinting as he tried to make out the room ahead of him.

His fuzzy surroundings condensed, contracted, and then finally sharpened out, to the face of a woman. She was small petite, with black hair pulled up in a bun, and large, thick framed glasses. She had one hand on the side of his face as she flicked the light between his eyes.

He groaned slightly and shifted.

“There were are, that's good, can you focus here on the light and follow it please.” It took him a moment to comprehend what she was saying, but finally followed the little pen light with his eyes. She clicked it off andplaced it in her pocket, “Very good.” Reaching out she felt the side of his neck and up under his jaw, “Turn your head to the right…. Now left…. Now open your mouth…. Tilt your head back.” He did as told, though somewhat groggily. As he tried to tile his head back, he felt something strange flexing with him, “Very good, now can you wiggle your fingers for me.” He did as requested tilting his head down to look at his body, which he now realized was hanging upright instead of lying down.

He blinked again, trying to push a haziness from his eyes as he squinted past his hands and down towards his legs. They were bare mostly, which is how he noticed the metal prosthetic so quickly.

He missed her next couple of words as sounds and images came flooding back to him. Ashfall, a dark silhouette looming over him, the sharp point of a spear, and terrible horrible pain.

Something was beeping frantically off to his side.

A hand rested on his arm, “Come on back to us Lieutenant, you’re safe here.” He opened his eyes again looking over to find the admiral standing next to him, “There we go.”

He blinked again.

“How are you feeling?” The man asked

“Not… in pain.” He responded thickly

“Try flexing your toes.”

He did as told looking downwards. His left foot flexed just fine, but the right remained still. He grew sick felt his stomach churn.

“Hm that…. Wait, hold on there kid, we need to power it on.” A sudden relief washed over him as the woman bent down to engage the limb. The Admiral patted his shoulder, and suddenly his eyes widened, he could FEEL his leg, could feel the woman’s fingers as they moved across the metal, could feel it as if it was his own skin.

He shivered, and then shuttered goosebumps erupting across his entire body. She looked up at him, “Can you feel that.”

He nodded dumbstruck, eyes wide.

“That's good, now do what the good lady says and try to raise your arms.”

He did as told, and nearly clobbered himself in the head as his hands and arms flew upwards. He jolted in confusion, staring down at his arms in shock. He flexed hs fingers watching as tiny metal bits flexed with him clicking softly. He flexed his arm again and it felt as if he wasn’t even moving it, instead being dragged along by the metal frame which held his body.

He dropped his hands again.

“Reduce the response time on those,” the admiral ordered, “Let him get the hang of it first.” The woman adjusted something on the leg. He shivered again, feeling her fingers, the sensation was so real, he expected to look down and see his leg back, but predictably it was still metal.

“Go ahead and flex your toes now.”

Nervously he did as asked,and this time the toes of the prosthetic twitched and then curled inwards. He moved one, and then the other and then rolled them tilting his head back and closing his eyes, feeling as if he was in ecstasy.

“Good.” All around him, the other soldiers were doing the same. Across the way, a soldier, who was missing three of her limbs had tears spilling down her face as she flexed her new arm.

Another was blinking through a robotic eye and speaking for the first time…. With a mechanical jaw.

“Lets lower him down slowly let him feel the ground. They rushed to do as told racing over to the wall and slowly lowering him towards the ground. His feet made contact with cold metal…. He could feel it, the cold through the soles of his feet, the only difference was that…. Without skin, he didn't feel that subtle deflection as skin puckered and flatted about objects.

He tried lifting the knee of the new leg, and it came as told. He flexed the ankle, and the foot moved seamlessly with it.

“Wow.”

It was almost as if his leg was back, almost as if….

Embers fell from the sky, and that dark shape moved closer to him fro the darkness.

A hand rested on his shoulder and he jerked away, “Stay with us lieutenant.” The admiral moved forward taking him by the shoulders, “Look at me.”

He did.

The other man’s eyes burned hungrily, “This is your chance…. For revenge, to make them pay for what they did to you.”

Adam nodded, but at the same time, something inside him felt very uneasy. IS revenge what he really wanted…. But of course it was… wasn’t it, that roach had taken his leg..? But shouldn't he feel more?

“And, you will help win the war, no more casualties, no more pain. You do this and it will all be over, you’ll have served the UNSC, the GA, and earth….. Can you do that for me?”

Of course the admiral was right.

“Yes sir.”

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thequietmanno1 · 4 years ago

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Thelreads, Vigilantes 39, Replies Part 2

1) “Oh okay, that thing is slow but it isn’t dumb, and it quickly realized that if it can’t catch you, then it just needs to kill you with projectiles.”- This guy is comparable to the junkie villain, but whereas this guy had overwhelming power and zero though put into his attacks, Octopath meanderer has enough of his wits about him that he can actually think and somewhat adapt to a situation, making use of his surroundings and his natural strengths to gain the advantage, such as switching to adapted projectiles against a swift-moving target, or keeping two of his arms in reserve as backup surprise weapons should he meet an opponent that’s too much for him and who he needs to get a sucker-punch in to take them by surprise. His mental state might have been affected, to the point where he’s not speaking a word, unlike any of the other new trigger villains we’ve seen, yet his reasoning is clearly still intact in there

2) “Alright, now besides being a thrift shop, a cafe and a illegal drugstore, they also deal in veterinarian goods, with supplements for farm animals. Is there something you bastards don’t sell here?!”- huh, maybe Koichi meeting them here is how he gets access to his own stockpile or illegal hero gear- I can see these guys as being a slightly-less shady, and effective, version of Giran for Koichi, which is fine, as there’s no need for him to delve that deep into the black market at the present point in time.

Just a few costume/gear upgrades here and there, and Koichi’s current struggles with dealing with the rise in more powerful trigger villains will see a massive improvement. Not like Aizawa can complain if his next adopted son is taking the proper measures to avoid getting to hurt in the line of duty.

3) “Holy shit is that Winston Payne?! Can’t believe he got sick of that bullshit going on in the courtrooms and ended up raising sheep.”- Honestly, Winston would deal with less bullshit that goes on in the average Phoenix courtroom if he just straight-up bought a farm. I wouldn’t be surprised if Phoenix finds himself in a situation where he has to interview a sheep or 3 at some point- probably during the murder trial of Old McDonald.

4) “YOU MOTHERFUCKERS I THOUGHT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR LIVESTOCK ONLY, ARE YOU GUYS INSTEAD SELLING THIS STUFF TO DEAL WITH BALDNESS ACTING LIKE IT IS A DRUG DEAL I HATE THOSE FUCKING CRIMINALS, AIZAWA PLEASE ARREST THEM RIGHT THIS INSTANT, I KNOW YOU’RE NEXT TABLE SIPPING YOUR COFFEE”- It’s a good thing they weren’t marketing their goods as ‘Cat nutrients’ or something, otherwise Aizawa might have bought a pack himself and suffered buyer’s remorse- gotta keep good care of your kitty’s wellbeing after all.

5) “AIZAWA PLEASE I WAS JUST JOKING YOU DAMN ASS THIS ISN’T A COFFEE SHOP, NOT A LEGAL ONE AT LEAST.”- If Aizawa’s cutting out their shadier business practices with his presence here, he might as well make it up to them by purchasing a cup of coffee or 3 whilst he chills around the place- doesn’t hurt if the coffee’s actually pretty good too. I bet Winston got recommended to come here by Godot on his off days.

6) “HOLY SHIT HE DID IT

THE MADLAD, HE SAID, ALTHOUGH NOT WITH ALL WORDS, THAT HE LIKES HANGING AROUND THIS PLACE

IT’S CANON

AIZAWA ADMITTED TO HAVE ENJOYED THE COMPANY OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING”- I think it’s more that he likes the vibe of the store itself- quiet, cool and relaxed, with no shenanigans going on that prevent him from enjoying a smooth, dark cup of joe’s finest. A man can really hear himself think in places like this- whereas if he’s around Midnight and present Mic, all he can do is hear them thinking out loud. Must be a nice change of pace for him.

7) “OH LOOK AT THAT, KOICHI HAS ARRIVED

ALTHOUGH I EXPECTED HIM TO JUST ENACT A BENNY HILL-ESQUE CHASE SCENE ON THE OUTSIDE RATHER THAN BREAKING THE WINDOWS-

FOR FUCK’S SAKE KOICHI, YOU CAN BREAK YOUR SHIT, BUT DON’T GO AROUND DOING THE SAME TO OTHER PEOPLE’S STUFF”- Looks to me more like a ricocheted shot from one of the Octopitcher’s curveballs missed Koichi and hit the store instead- honestly, I think he might have a good future in the big-league games with an arm like that on him-and about 7 more as backup besides.

8) “Yeah, Koichi is sort of a local celerity around the neighborhood, due to all the good he does, the locals all know him, but unfortunately the heroes that live around here also know him quite well, even more for the ones that exchanged blows with his previous father figure”- The one time Koichi could do with being anonymous or unremarkable, it’s with the hero who never forgets a face -Aizawa literally met him only the once, and his focus was more on Knuckleduster than Koichi, but he instantly recognises him once they make eye contact- which is probably a good thing all round, Koichi could do with a temporary father figure to fill in for Knuckle whislt he’s away at the store- might even get a bit more advice on how to logically handle his quirk better so he doesn’t hurt himself or others this way.

9) “OH NO! A SHOUJO CHARACTER IS LATE FOR SCHOOL! QUICK KOICHI, YOU NEED TO CRASH INTO THEM TO KICKSTART THE PLOT AND SAVE THE UNIVERSE!”-You say that, but judging by the discarded Sandwich on the ground there, it really was a standard shojo meeting in progress between those two, and they’re not happy that the Octobruiser is butting in to their ‘crash-into hello’- not least because it’ll hurt a lot more with him

10) “I think that by the time you took to finish saying that he already killed them. Going by the distance between them, they are already meeting with God up there on the penthouse floor.”- Aizawa may not have the speed quirk Koichi does, but his reflexes are honed to a top-notch standard here, far greater than anything Koichi’s been able to pull off even with his improved mobility do far, and his hero’s instinct for danger has him moving to intercept before anybody else even thinks about the need for somebody to save those two.

11) “Alright, Koichi is going to fuck off from there before he gets his ass beaten.

Not that he has to worry about it, this is a proto-nomu, his strength is from bio-modifications rather than quirks; just like teruo, he’ll need to immobilize him rather than nullify his power, an that can take a while.”- On the other hand, Bio-modifications means that Aizawa is naturally at a disadvantage against any of these new breed of trigger villains, so as much as he has the greater combat skills between them, Koichi’s meagre support skills in attack right now will probably provide the edge he needs to win this fight. Neither one of them can easily win against Octobrute on their own, but working together will provide the edge they need to stop him without anybody else getting hurt besides Aizawa- which is probably a good thing. Koichi needs some way of getting away from him once the fighting’s done, and a bruised rib or two is exactly the kind of excuse Aizawa could use to let his new adopted son slip away ‘this time’.

12) “Right, time to figure out what you’re dealing with Aizawa, after you fail once again to use your quirk- Aizawa, tell me, was there a single moment where you actually managed to use this quirk in this manga?”- There was him subduing Soga and the doll dealer, but otherwise, these new bio-modded villains have been pretty handily handclapping the full range of Aizawa’s power in combat, leaving him to improvise or get creative as needed.

13) “At least he won’t end up with his arms broken again, like last time- actually, like future him did. A giant black bio-engineered tank that he failed to neutralize with his own quirk… Huh, this is all starting to feel oddly familiar for some reason… Except that All Might wont be coming to save them from an evil gamer dude.”-At least there’s an All Might fanboy nearby willing to sub in for the role to protect his new adoptive father-figure.

14) “Oh thank god, at least this time you managed to get away. Shame that you forgot how to fight agaisnt this type of monster. I’ll cut him some slack, he had to make room in his brain for all the children he ended up adopting.”-Octosmasher might be tough, but his actual strength in combat isn’t as out there as OG Nomu’s- the main threat from him comes from him having more ways to hit you than you have to block him off, meaning he holds the advantage in a straight fight from sheer numbers, rather than any actual combat technique or enhanced strength. OG Nomu was built to basically be a walking tank/sandbag to force All Might into a battle of attrition- not easy to do when you consider the kind of chaos he deals with on a regular basis that he resolves, by necessity, in the blink of an eye.

OG Nomu needed to be stupidly powerful just to last longer than any average opponent against All Might, meaning Aizawa folded like a wet tissue in front of him- literally- because he was built to a different standard than any other combatant we’ve yet seen in the manga, besides AFO and All Might themselves. Octomotron here, on the other hand, might outweigh Aizawa as a heavyweight fighter and be immune to the negative effects of his quirk, more or less, but his speed and strength are still within manageable levels for Aizawa to handle- he can’t even tear the binding cloth Aizawa wraps him up in, whereas OG nomu treated that carbon-fibre weapon like it didn’t even exist.

There’s simply too great a difference combat-wise between OG nomu and the latest disposable villain the VF pumped out for Aizawa to bother remembering in the midst of a life-or-death fight with children’s lives on the line, besides the thematic similarities between both past and present situations. Heck, odds are he’s probably fought even stronger villains than the 8-armed bandit here up until he met OG Nomu

15) “GODDAMMIT I KNEW IT, BUT I WASN’T EXPECTING EXTRA ARMS, I THOUGHT HE WAS JSUT GOING TO SLINK AWAY FROM-“- It was nice visual foreshadowing that we never got a look at Octopummler from the back, thus giving away his secret weapon, but besides the fact he’s literally been fighting with both arms behind his back up until now, Aizawa should have gotten a good look at his back when he charged at him, but the fact he missed two arms in his little hogtying manoeuvre seems to have slipped him by.

16) “AIZAWA, ARE YOU KIDDING ME THAT YOU GOT YOUR SHOULDER BROKEN

ARE WE JUST GOING OVER THE USJ ARC AGAIN?”- History repeats… will repeat? Is going to happen again?.... either way, Aizawa’s always fated to demonstrate the lengths he cares about people not through words, but though how much of a beating he takes to keep others safe.

17) “THIS WHOLE THING WAS GIVING ME A FEELING OF DEJA-VU, BUT NOW I REALLY THINK WE’RE MIRRORING THE USJ ARC, ALL TO THE POINT OF AIZAWA ALMSOT DYING AGAINST A HUGE, BIO-ENGINEERED MONSTER”- If nothing about the USJ arc jogged Aizawa’s memories about this fight, despite all the thematic similarities, then I can only speculate about how many times he’s come close to death in the intervening years, to the point that this particular encounter becomes a mere number amongst hundreds of times he’s nearly died, and he can’t even recall the specifics of it when in a similar situation years later.

18) “DON’T AIZAWA, YOU’RE PROTECTED BY THE LAWS OF CHRONO-CONSERVATION, THE TIMELINE REQUIRES YOU TO SURVIVE SO THE USJ ARC CAN OCCUR. IN SHORT, YOU CAN’T DIE, NO MATTER WHAT.

YOU CAN’T DIE”- Time paradoxes are not allowed here.

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19) “OH THANK GOD FOR KOICHI PULLING A MEGAMAN RIGHT AT THE LAST SECOND, I COULDN’T STAND HEARING THAT SONG AGAIN, IT ALREADY WAKES ME UP EVERY MORNING FOR MORE SUFFERING”- Judging by the dramatic lighting, it seems his repulsion blasts come with their own lighting source, which could be handy in dark areas as needed if he can hold one steady In his hand like a wingless Navi- In fact, this could even let him create mini-flashbangs if he figures out how to manipulate the light source on top of everything else his quirk is doing. Another gun function for his expanding arsenal.

20) “WAIT

WAIT IF THIS IS WHAT THE COVER WAS ABOUT, THEN THIS VOLUME ISN’T THE ONE WHERE KOICHI AND McBEE WILL FIGHT? THIS PROTO-NOMU WILL BE THE VILLAIN OF THE ARC INSTEAD? WHAT?”- Oh no. Ironically for a match-up between two speed-based fighers, them clashing now would actually be too quick for their fated duel of the FAST. It’s gonna take a bit longer than just one volume to properly build them up into each other’s fated rival, and in the meantime, cutting his teeth on beating back VF trigger villains like this lets Koichi gain valuable experience for his eventual Deathmatch with Scarface.

21) “But even before that, we’ll have to face the fact that soon Koichi will be on his own. From Knuckle moving on to Pop following her dreams, soon our boy will start to be a solo Vigilante, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it.

This will be a bittersweet moment, that’s for sure… Hopefully it will take some time before we get there.”- It doesn’t matter how many allies Koichi has supporting him- in the end, the path of a vigilante is one that he alone treads, and whilst he can have supporters he walks in parallel to, it doesn’t chance the fact that nobody else can live the life he leads but Koichi. Life’s all about experiencing change, both good and bad, and expecting knuckle and Pop to stick around forever beside him to preform vigilante activities was naive of Koichi, as well as a little selfish on his behalf.

Ultimately, if he wants to be a hero, then he’s got to be a hero, without needing a helper around to hold his hand through every encounter. He’s made do for now, but someday, he’ll have to take the training wheels off for good, and ride solo through the backstreets of the city, keeping it as safe as he can with his natural capabilities, and zero backup, unless he manages to found a like-minded group of young vigilante crime-fighters, like a Distaff Teen Titans…. Actually, come to think of it, if Knuckle is a Batman Paralogue, then Koichi would be a good fit for Robin, especially a Robin that’s starting out solo and not yet figured out the whole ‘Nightwing’ identity yet.

@thelreads

#bnha #bnha vigilantes #thelreads #chapter replies #my hero academia #vigilantes 39

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