#gah. ive been saving this one. for

[addox]

HIIII DEX for the kiss prompts, how about wrist? :)

♡ @eternally-smitten

[ wrist ] a tender kiss on the inside of the partner's wrist

"jesus, murdoc, you scared me," they gasp, burying their face into his chest. it had caught them off guard, when he'd spun them around so suddenly from where they had been standing at the kitchen island. they hadn't heard him come in.

"i've told you plenty, doll, you must be more vigilant."

"i'm sorry i don't have the skills you do."

"nobody has the skills i do, darling."

he reaches out, brushes a strand of hair from their face. his touch lingers, fingers tracing their cheek as he gazes down at them. they lean their head into the cool touch of leather, for a moment.

before he can move again, they've taken his gloved hand. carefully, slowly, they unclasp the small latch at the base of his wrist and press their lips softly to his skin. he allows them this small affection, though not without flinching at the way their breath fans up his sleeve after as they breathe a sigh of relief onto him. clearly, they've missed him in his absence.

as they breathe him in again, a familiar scent reaches their nose. it's metallic, and nauseating and one might think they'd be used to it by now, but they never will be. never can be, not when it's on him and they can't tell if it's his own blood or someone else's, though generally he reassures them it's the latter. this is no such time.

"...you're bleeding."

he pulls his hand gently from their grasp, inspecting his bloodied knuckles slowly, "so i am. it's nothing."

they lean back against the counter, pulling their waist from where he holds it against himself. this draws his attention; their expression falls with hurt and worry, "its always nothing, to you. it's everything, to me."

"oh, dahlia, please don't start. you know i don't fare well with sentimentality."

"at least let me look it over, make sure it's not serious."

he exhales slowly, dark eyes darting away from them for a moment. he would never admit it, but something in him hoped they would offer. as much as he hated tangling with emotional attachment, their gentle doting in all its innocence stirred something within him he hadn't bothered to give a name to, for it was so foreign to him.

"fine."

[wuahae]

HMMMMM in regards to the requests with the weird stuff . im throwing u my pitch of an idea i had but i doubt i’ll ever get to writing but . something dark with joseon era lord!jeonghan? like he’s infamously known amongst the townspeople to never cross him because he’s always a hairtrigger away from going axe-crazy and killing anyone who gets on his bad side . but then you’re also his morality pet who he loves oh so dearly . idk. jeonghan with a glint in his eye and with blood smeared on his face and his sword dripping crimson but then he always caresses your cheek and greets you gently and softly. IDK.

teehee cat here u go sorry it took a week

lord!jeonghan x maid(?) reader | warning for horror i guess | words: 1k

it happened again.

you can tell because the servants are pale as they rush around, murmuring in hushed voices. one of the new kitchen maids looks absolutely terrified as she brushes past you. “–d you see? …covered in blood, and he was still–”

“enough,” the old housekeeper snaps. “hurry and draw a bath for young master yoon. and tell the laundry to prepare vinegar and cold water.”

(it’s been years since jeonghan has been young master yoon, but sometimes you think that grandfather seo looks at jeonghan and sees the person he used to be. grandfather seo had always been so affectionate, too sentimental beneath his cantankerous facade.)

you watch, silently, as the kitchen maids clutch at their sleeves and bow their heads before hurrying to their duties. nobody spares you a glance, not even grandfather seo. instead, he sighs heavily and sits on one of the ornate granite stools in the courtyard, groaning as his joints creak. 

hot water, you think. one of the kitchen maids should bring him a basin of hot water and a towel for his bad back. you can imagine the thick, humid air of the kitchen, the large glazed jug resting on the stove, always filled with water and piping hot, ready for whoever needs it. the smell of the straw fire, the smoke stinging at your eyes. but instead of walking the familiar path back, you gather your robes and walk towards the main house. 

(there was a time when you were a maid too, with chapped hands and the persistent smell of smoke clinging to your clothes. but it’s been years since you stepped into the kitchen. you hold a strange position in this house– not a servant anymore, but not a lady either. something in between. a pet, they used to sneer. the young master’s beloved, grandfather seo says.)

the moonlight-sheer silk of your outer robes flutter in the wind as you make your way across the courtyard and under the arch separating the back of the manor from the front. the sun is setting now, and the sky is bloody red, making your white robes glow scarlet. 

jeonghan sits in his private chambers, legs crossed, elbow propped against his desk. there are no servants here– nobody is brave, or foolish, enough to cross jeonghan’s path when he’s in such a state. the sliding door leading to the gardens is open, and as soon as he sees you rounding the corner, his expression brightens.

“oh, my little dove,” he calls out to you, tilting his head affectionately. “i’ve missed you all day.”

you smile, hands clasped, as you make your way towards him. “good evening, my lord. did you just return?”

jeonghan looks like a disaster. his celadon-blue robes are covered in blood, soaked into the heavy silk like ink stains. there’s blood spattered on his cheek and on his hands, and he’s still carrying his sword, unsheathed, covered in gore. 

you carefully step up onto the threshold of the room, holding the hem of your skirts out of the way. they swirl like gossamar as you walk towards him and take a seat at his side.

jeonghan finally takes the cloth off his desk and begins to wipe the blood off his sword, like a ritual. “where have you been all day?”

“i apologize for my absence, my lord,” you say as you begin to pour him tea. white tea, his favorite. “i was feeling weak this morning, so i rested.”

“my poor darling,” he croons, pausing to lift his hand to your cheek. the blood has dried now and flakes off his skin like rust. impossibly gently, he strokes his fingers down the line of your jaw, as if to reassure you. you imagine the blood smearing in streaks. 

swallowing down the lump in your throat, you smile at him again and present him his tea. “it’s nothing to worry about.”

jeonghan sighs, but he doesn’t take his tea. “you know i worry, though. how can i not?”

“you’re too good to me,” you mumble, looking away.

“never.” the tender, loving way he tucks your hair behind your ear is at odds with the scent of blood and gore on his hands. he tilts his head into your field of vision in that silly way that he always does, smiling even as his hair falls into his face. 

“i heard about what you did today,” you say quietly.

jeonghan’s smile falters for just a moment, but it passes in a blink of an eye. “don’t fret, darling. you know i don’t kill anyone who doesn’t deserve it.”

of course, jeonghan’s grasp of morality isn’t quite all that… there. at least, not these days. you wonder how much he had to torture today’s poor victim before he got the confession he wanted to hear, regardless of whether it was true or not. 

“you’re unhappy.” jeonghan frowns. “please trust me.”

“i do,” you tell him. it’s a lie, and you know he can tell. 

“i swear.” his hand closes around yours, leaving rust-colored smears of blood on the white silk of your sleeve. “i won’t rest until i’ve fulfilled my promise. you remember that, don’t you?”

(you remember. by the time he finds you, it’s too late. you stare up at grey clouds, lightening with daybreak, eyes open but not seeing. who did this, he asks, but you can’t answer.

jeonghan has never begged before, but he’s on his knees now, gripping your shoulders, begging you. the great lord yoon pleading to a mere servant girl who somehow became something precious to him. he makes the promise right then and there. revenge.)

there’s no point. you want to tell him, but you can’t, so you just smile at him and squeeze his hand in return. your dear jeonghan, too cunning and vengeful for his own good. 

he’ll find out eventually, you’re sure because jeonghan always finds out in the end, that the man who killed you had drowned in the river later that same night, his head held down under the water as he struggled. all the desperation in the world is nothing in the face of a vengeful spirit. 

(you had waited until he stopped moving, and then you counted to 100 after that just to make sure, and then you watched as the body was carried by the water out of town, out towards the sea.

and then when you were done, you turned back and stepped out of the river. you needed to be back at the manor by daybreak. you weren’t supposed to be out, and jeonghan would be upset to find you gone.

the sun was rising.)

[vigil-antes]

Do you like have any good comics recommendations or anything to do with the bat fam, I don't have many DC friends so idk where to start

hiii omg ive been WAITING for this. you didnt give me any kind of parameters for what kind of fics you want so im going to list some of those i like most. its going to be a long one so buckle up:

My DC Fic Best Pics:

Short & Sweet (Oneshots/Less than 10k words)

Send to All: Crack, the bats have a sex pollen release form

glucose guardian: Funny, Tim being the caped community's accidental sugar daddy

A Brief Interview: Sweet, Damian & Tim Ageswap

curiosity and the cat: Cute, Timbern Catlad AU

Dead Meme: Crack, Jason centric, Jason keeps referencing dead memes

Have I Told You About Minnie?: Sweet, Bruce&Steph

Multi Media Marketing Mistakes: Crack, Social Media AU

an inappropriate explosion: Funny, Superman calls Batman to reel in his unruly son (Red Hood)

though your eyes will need some time to adjust: so sweet GAH, Bruce&Steph

Girl what were YOU doing at the devil's sacrament?: Funny, Timbern after the disaster with the chaos cult

Tim Drake: Bisexual Awakener Extraordinaire: Funny, YJ experiencing the mandated Robin-Induced sexuality crisis

Brotherhood: Tim&Damian, Damian Time travels right into Jason's attack on Titans Tower

Priceless: Crack, Nightwing&The Bats messing with Bane

User SuperRob: TImBerKon. Need I say more?

The Mystery of the Superboy Shirts: TimKon, Tim keeps stealing Kon's SB Shirts

Thicker Than Water: Funny, Batbros slice of life-ish

Big Bird, Commence Attack!: Crack, Jason's revenge plan involves dressing up as Big Bird

World’s Saddest Breakfast Club: Sweet, Batkids Bonding

red chrome: Funny, Tim's health is concerning enough to stop Jason from attacking him in Titans Tower

Hot Dog, French Fries: Tim&Damian, Damian gets dosed with truth serum

#SoftRobin: Funny. Damian-centric Social Media AU

Hurry Up Don't Take So Long: Sweet, DamiJon through the years

Paris vs Gotham: Crack, Social Media AU Ladybug crossover (no ships)

Can I tempt you?: TimKon, Light angst, Sweet

Bedtime Stories (15-50k Words)

Baby Birds and Bat Caves: SO funny, genuinely one of the best fics ive read, Tim-Centric, Meta(?)/Cryptid Tim, inspired by Welcome to Nightvale

Gotham Knockoff: Tim-Centric, Alley Kid Tim pretends to be the Drakes' kid to get closer to the Bats

In This or Any Other Universe: Nightwing ends up in the The Batman (2022) Universe

Dangerous and Noble Things: Kid Tim gets kidnapped by the League of Shadows. No one realizes until, four years later, the Bats notices something wrong

In this Town We Call Home: Kid Tim attracts Batman's attention to get adopted

With Violet Light: Jason finds a ring of power and becomes a Star Sapphire

Little Birds’ Wings: Jason&Other Batkids, Jason comes back from the League to a drastically different Gotham

the pact of our youth: Reverse Robins Au, TimBerKon after Tim dies (and comes back different)

Pretty Boys and Identity Problems: Sweet, TimKon, To get away from his crush on Robin, Superboy gets entangled with Gotham pretty boy Tim Drake

let's get mischievous: TimBern, during the chaos cult ritual, Bernard gets possessed by Dyonisus

It Wouldn't Be Make Believe (If You Believed In Me): DamiJon fake dating AU where they don't know each other and meet while Robin is investigating a case in Metropolis (they're uni aged btw)

I’m Pretty Sure Tim Steals Clothes: An Elaboration In The Form Of A Long Fic: Cute, TimKon, Tim keeps stealing Kon's SB shirts

Into the Deep Dark Night: Tim-centric, Tim&Jason, Tim dies as a kid and loses a bit of his humanity

Alcatraz, But On Hardmode: Sweet, Tim-Centric, A YJ mission goes wrong and Tim has to rely on Jason to get him and his team out.

His Head is Bloody, but Unbowed: Jason-centric AU where he never stole the batmobile tires, but ends up meeting the Bats anyways after he saves Robin

A Good Place: Very soft, Damian&Bruce, Damian time travels to Batman's first year of activity.

Fairy Godbrother: Sweet, The batboys time travel to each others' pasts and help their brothers when they were younger

best laid plans: Tim&Jason, Tim finds Jason after he crawls out of his grave, bt they get goth taken by the league

Mystery Man: Cute, BirdFlash, The bats aren't known to the JL, Different first meeting

One Eternal Round: Super original, Bruce&Robins, My Hero Academia crossover where Aizawa, Midoriya, Kirishima, Todoroki and Bakugo remember their past lives as Gotham vigilantes

A Meditation on Railroading: Tim-Centric, Tim's dad leaves him stranded away from Gotham with no way back. Jason finds him and brings him home

the ship of theseus: Jason-Centric, Percy Jackson crossover, Jason and Percy are secretly twins

Why They Shouldn't Have Social Media: Crack, Social media AU

Cracked Foundation:Soft, Jason&Damian, They get stuck under a collapsed building together

Monolith: Bruce&The Batfamily, The birds aren't known to the JL, The JL meeting each member of the Batfam for the first time

Loading and Aspect Ratio: SO GOOOOOOD, Batfamily, The bats use wing prothesis but everyone think they're metas

Three’s a Crowd (But I’m Here if You Are): Cute, Funny, TimBerKon

A Softer Gotham: Steph&Bruce, Steph-Centric, Steph time travels to a time before Batman, becoming Gotham's first vigilante

greatest of ease: Dick-Centric, POV Outsider, Dick Grayson as seen in the eyes of the people surrounding him

Yesterday's Voices: Bruce&Batkids, Bruce's memory of the past five years gets erased leaving behind a softer man, one who doesn't remember Jason's death

show me yesterday, for i can’t find today: Jason-Centric, Jason&The Batfam, Robin!Jason and Red Hood switch places

Eat Your Heart Out, Social Life (50k+ words)

Vultures, Squirrels, and Other Flying Menaces: So good, AU where instead of becoming Robin, Tim hires Deathstroke to kill Joker, leading to the assassin adopting him and the other Batkids.

I’m alone here, I think: TimKon, Witch Tim, Tim is erased from everyone's memories and leaves Gotham. Kon finds him anyways.

You, Me, and the Humanity in Between: Soft and sweet, Bruce&His kids, Non-Human Batkids

cards on the table: Tim-Centric, Tim&Batfam, Tim's parents fake their death and leave Tim behind. He uses his stalking skills to become a fortuneteller scammer. Against his will, he ends up befriending the Waynes

Roasted: Funny, Cute, Dick-Centric, Talon AU, Dick&Batfam, Recovered Talon Dick opens a coffee shop that ends up becoming Rogue-Vigilante neutral grounds

Code Bat: Batfam, The bats aren't known, they have an emergency code to only be used in emergency case when revealing affiliation is inevitable (idk how to explain but its good trust me)

Minimum Height Requirement: SOFT, Bruce&His kids, Batfam, Batman doesn't let his kids become vigilantes before they turn eighteen

Running Headlong into My Arms: Soft, No Capes AU, even without Batman, Bruce finds his family

Liminal Space: Tim-Centric, Tim&Bruce, Tim&Batfam, Tim ends up in a softer and kinder version of his world

Robins and Other Flightless Birds: Bruce-Centric, Bruce&His kids, A Batman without kids is visited by another version of himself. He finds tha he, too, wants kids.

Laughter Lines: JayRoy, Soft, Jason helps raise Lian, before and after his death

Stars of the Forgotten: Bruce-Centric, Meta!Batkids, Bruce&His kids, on the search for a missing Barbara Gordon, Batman stumbles upon five metahuman kids in need of a home

Latchkey: Sweet, Tim-Centric, Robin!Jason, BatWatch!Tim, The Waynes get concerned with their lonely neighbor, Tim Drake

Ain't No Compass, Ain't No Map: Funny, Tim&Jason, Borderline abandoned Tim Drake gets taken in by Crime Lord Red Hood. CPS tries investigating, with little results

And that's it for today. If you're still here, thank you so much and seriously, some of these are so good, so read them, trust me!

Sorry i took so long to get back to you, i had to organize the mess in my AO3 bookmarks and compiling this took me ages.

Let me know what you all think, and if you ever want more!!!! (Yes i have more. It's a problem)

[ursaribbon]

i haven't talked enough on here about gladion. specifically anime gladion. he's so well-written. i love him so much (platonically, although i was one of his superfans and had a crush on him back in middle school).

like there's the whole symbolism behind his other eye being visible while he's reconnecting with the playful childhood side of him and the thing about needing to protect his family and alola from ultra beasts after what happened with lillie and him and faba were the only ones who remembered that incident for so long and the fact that faba didnt do anything and gladion was too smol to do anything and that gave him a whole complex of having to get stronger and he couldn't stand being around lillie while he was training with pokemon presumable because it made him feel guilty and remember what happened and there's the thing about him remembering how warm and kind his dad was and then running to tell his mom with a huge smile when he found out he was still alive and when they caught the nihilego in journeys he was so happy bc his family was back together and he did the thing where he jumped up in the air but then when they went back to alola he was back to his edgy self bc getting over trauma and complexes like that takes time and NO ONE EVEN REALLY ACKNOWLEDGED HOW HE SUFFERED IN THIS WHOLE SITUATION WITH LOSING HIS DAD WHILE HE WAS AT WORK AND THEN ALMOST LOSING HIS SISTER THE SAME WAY AND THEN ALMOST LOSING HIS MOM AND YOU COULD TELL HOW ANXIOUS HE WAS ABOUT GETTING TO THE POINT AND GOING TO SAVE HIS MOM THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE ORDEAL WITH THE TAPUS AND SOLGALEO?! LIKE HE NEEDS THERAPY PLS?! LIKE NO ONE EVER REALLY HAD A PROPER CONVERSATION WITH HIM ABOUT WHAT HE WENT THROUGH OUTSIDE OF WHEN HE TOLD ASH WHAT HAPPENED?! IM SO GLAD HE FINALLY HAD THAT CONVO WITH MC IN HIS POKEMAS FRIENDSHIP STORY EVEN IF IT WAS FOLLOWING THE GAME CANON BC GAH DAYUM I COULD WRITE A LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY ABOUT THIS IF SCHOOL DIDNT MAKE ME HATE WRITING ESSAYS. ONE OF THESE SUMMERS IM GONNA WRITE SO MANY LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAYS AND IVE BEEN WANTING TO MAKE A VIDEO ESSAY CHANNEL ABOUT LITERARY ANALYSIS FOR SO LONG I GOTTA DO IT Y'ALL I FUCKIN LIVE FOR THIS SHIT

[reincarnatedonthefirst]

My skin has been looking crazy lately: splotchy, pimply, big pores, and I’m getting that darkening on the sides of my face that black people get when their insulin is high. I also have more ingrown hairs on my chin where hair normally grows in (I pluck). I’m not sure what’s up. Usually, my skin is smooth and even. Now and then, I get compliments on my face.

I’m going to stop eating those “keto crackers” I usually buy from Whole Foods for a while (high in carbs). I’m also going to try and use my St. Ives facial scrub at least once a week and moisturize my face more often (I’ve been leaving the house without moisturizer).

I’m liking this Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair product. My mom had a bunch of samples that she let me have. The only reason I like this moisturizer is because of the scent. It smells great. Whether or not it “repairs wrinkles”, I don’t know (it probably doesn’t). Most of these drug store facial products are trash so it doesn’t matter what I buy. But I love the perfume in this one so that will save me having to stand in an aisle for ten minutes, trying to choose a product at Target. I’m just going to buy the Neutrogena.

But, gah-damn, why does it cost $27.99…?!

Anyway, I’ve plucked my chin hairs (it’s so satisfying to pull the entire hair out, including the root), used my St. Ives scrub, and applied moisturizer. Today’s beauty treatment has been completed. Time for bed.

[hxney-lemcn]

To Fight For What You Love — Luke Skywalker x gn! Bounty Hunter! reader Pt. 2

summary: After running with Leia to escape Hoth, reader tries to survive with Han and Leia. The Empire seems to have it out for the group. (Terrible summary, shhhhh)

tw: torture (that one scene of Han being tortured basically (but it happens to reader as well)), movie typical violence, injuries, Luke being hurt </3

a/n: This chapter is so long. My robotics competition postponed this chapter coming out, but not for too long!

wc: 11.2k

Master List

Part One | Part Two

Read it on ao3 here.

“So,” My friend Yilla spoke up with a mischievous smirk. “What’s up with you and Luke?” 

“Hold up,” My other friend, Banth said, looking at the two of us. “Is this the same Luke who saved us back on Yavin IV?”

I rolled my eyes, picking at my food. I managed to make some friends after the battle of Yavin. They were really nice and accepted me pretty quickly. It was nice since I wasn’t always able to hang out with Luke, Leia, or Han. And wherever Han was, Chewie was close by. Banth was one of the cooks, and Yilla helped with communications. Our other friend, Ren, was a mechanic who was busy fixing some ships at the moment. 

“Yeah,” Yilla replied excitedly. “I mean, they did save Princess Leia with Luke and Han, you know.”

“I mean, yeah,” Banth replied. “I guess I didn’t think about it.”

“There’s nothing to think about,” I said, shaking my head. “Luke and I are just good friends.”

“Right…” Yilla tried off. “That’s what they all say.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” I shrugged, finishing off my food.

“Hey (y/n)!” I heard my name be called. Looking up, Luke waved at me, approaching me and my friends. I heard them start snickering and I elbowed Yilla lightly with glare. 

“Hey Luke,” I replied, smiling over at him as he took a seat next to me. 

“Hello,” Luke greeted my friends, and they greeted him back. 

My friends knew about how I felt towards Luke. I didn’t want to say anything, but Yilla seemed to see right through me. I trusted them, Yilla and Banth were both really trustworthy. It didn’t help that my feelings for Luke have only been growing. He tries to hang out with me as much as he can and he’s just so kind. Not to mention the constant hugs are a nice perk. Leia even seemed to know…but Leia and Yilla were kind of close since Leia directly overlooked Yilla’s position. I know Yilla didn’t tell Leia, but if Leia had a suspicion and told Yilla…Maker, what was I getting into?

“How’s it goin?” I asked, Luke. Yilla and Banth starting their own conversation.

“Good,” Luke smiled, taking a bite of his food. “I’m on the next patrol.” 

My body involuntarily shivered at the thought of patrols. Devaron was a hot, humid planet. Then living on Tatooine, I was used to the heat. Devaronian’s were heat resistant, so it never really bothered me, but the cold? Whole different story. Hoth was ranked as one of my least favorite planets.

“Good luck with that,” I grumbled.

Luke bumped his shoulder into mine, and his smile seemed infectious, “You cold?” 

“Well, living on a planet that is the embodiment of ice…” I trailed off sarcastically. “It doesn’t help that my blood’s thinner than other species.” 

Taking off his scarf, Luke wrapped it around my neck and I felt my heart speed up. Maker, why does he have to be so pretty so close up? I wanted to hold his cheek and peck him on the lips. Gah! What’s wrong with me? That’s such a weird thing to think about a friend. 

“There,” Luke said once he was done, satisfied with his work. “Better than that thin scarf you have.”

I looked past his head, not able to make eye contact, covering my face with the scarf, “That scarf is just meant to block out sand. And besides, won’t you be cold now?”

“Nah, I’ll be fine,” Luke dismissed. “I’m sure I can always get another one.” 

“If you say so,” I sighed, nuzzling further into the warmth the scarf provided. I chanced a glance and met his stare, but he quickly looked down at his food. I looked over at Yilla who was staring with a shit eating grin, Banth smiling with her. I glared at them, feeling flustered at the insinuation their gazes gave. He was just being friendly…right? Yes…that’s all. Luke would’ve given his scarf to any other rebel, it was just a kind gesture. I’m overthinking it. 

An hour later, I stood at the gate, watching Luke prepare his Tauntaun. I kept my arms close to my body, the chilly wind flowing through the gate and somehow penetrating my jacket, scarf, and insulated clothing. 

“All right,” I heard Luke breath out, turning towards me. “Time for me to go.” “Be safe, Luke,” I said. Noticing that he didn’t get a new scarf, I took mine off and wrapped it around his neck this time. My eyes wandered to how cute his rosy cheeks contrasted with his blue eyes and pale skin. “If you start getting real cold, remember to turn around. No ifs, ands or buts, you hear me?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Luke grinned, rolling his eyes in amusement. “Just focus on not being a popsicle when I come back.” 

I swatted at his arm and pushed him towards the Tauntaun with a laugh, “Oh shut up.”

“You love me,” Luke teased back, walking the rest of the way to the giant animal.

“Who told you that?” I teased back with a raised eyebrow. “You should tell them to stop lying.”

Laughing at each other, I waved him off as he exited the base. I tried to bite back the lovesick smile that kept trying to shine through. 

“Why don’t you give me that kinda send off?” Han teased riding off after Luke. I shook my head as their silhouettes grew distant. 

That was hours ago. Han returned, said Luke went to check out a meteorite. My worry grew with each passing minute that Luke didn’t return. The longer he was out there, the higher chance that he’d die of hypothermia. 

“Leia,” I called out. “Let me go out, I swear I’ll be quick.”

“No,” Leia huffed, her gaze clearly holding frustration. “Han was the last one out with him, he would know best where to start looking.”

I bit my lip in worry, “But he’s not even answering you.”

“I just sent the droids to alert him,” Leia sighed, her gaze falling onto me. Putting a hand on my shoulder, she tried to comfort me, “Luke’s a strong fighter. Han will find him and everything will be alright.”

I wanted to argue back, spill all my worries out to her, but I bit my lip and nodded. I made my way towards the gate, my heart sinking along with the sun that slowly went down. We had to close the gates due to how cold the temperature dropped at night, and knowing that Luke was out there somewhere…I wanted to cry. Leia joined me, pacing back and forth.

“Did Han…” I trailed off, knowing that Han was a sensitive topic for her.

“Yes,” She replied shortly. 

I nodded, “I’m sure they’ll be back soon. I mean…there’s no way…” 

I frowned, watching snow fall just outside the gate. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to comfort Leia or myself at this point. Han now being in danger didn’t make me feel any better, but it also sparked a small glimmer of hope in me. 

“Sir,” I overheard a rebel member speak out. “All patrols are in. Still no-”

The officer hushed him, looking towards Leia and I. I crossed my arms and glared at them. I didn’t need to be coddled. I just wanted the truth. The rebel lowered his voice, but I didn’t need to hear him to know what he was going to say next. 

“Mistress Leia!” C3PO called out. “R2 says he’s been quite unable to pick up any signals, although he does admit that his own range is far too weak to abandon all hope.”

“Your highness,” The officer greeted Leia. “There’s nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors must be closed.” Leia nodded, and the officer ordered for the doors to be closed. I felt my throat tighten at the prospect, eyes scanning the vastness of white that laid beyond the gate. 

“R2 says the chances of survival are 725 to 1,” C3PO piped up. I frowned as we watched the doors close, and Chewie let out a saddened howl. “Actually, R2 has been known to make mistakes…from time to time.”

I shook my head and walked off to my room. My eyes stung as my vision grew blurry. I will not cry. Everything will be fine. There is nothing to worry about. Han and Luke were both strong. They can survive almost anything…almost. When I sat on my bed I couldn’t hold my tears back. I can’t fool myself. Even R2 said the chances of them living through the night if they weren’t dead already were slim. I tried to keep my sobs quiet but failed as all the memories I made with the two started spinning in my head. 

It’s not fair. They didn’t deserve this. I pressed the palms of my hands to my eyes, trying to keep the tears back but they just kept coming. I laid back on my bed, the thought of the inevitable search party that’s going to be sent out tomorrow returning back with the bodies of my friends. Maker, why did I have to be so pessimistic? Or maybe I’m just being realistic. I suppose I won’t find out till tomorrow. I should try to sleep. I kept my jacket on, the rooms were more bearable but I still got cold easily. I lazily covered myself with my blanket and stared at the wall blankly.

I wasn’t getting any sleep tonight. 

The next morning I stood anxiously next to Leia in the communication room. A search party was sent as soon as they could. I knew I looked like a mess, but I frankly didn’t care. Yilla kept glancing at me from her station, but kept to herself. I suppose my dull eyes and disheveled hair would give away how I was feeling currently. One of the ships spoke through comms that they may have found a life force, but I wasn’t feeling too hopeful at the moment. 

“Echo base,” The same ship said through the comms. “This is Rogue Two. I’ve found them.” 

My eyes widened and I looked towards Leia who engulfed me in a hug. I felt tears brim my eyes once more as I clung onto Leia. I squeezed her jacket, trying to keep myself from crying. We rushed into the hangar, eagerly waiting for Rogue Two to return. Han came out, shouting for medics to come help. The pit in my stomach returned when I realized that it wasn’t over yet. Everyone rushed to help carry Luke to the medbay. Leia held me back from going into the room that held the bacta tank. 

“You’re not going to want to see him like that,” Leia spoke solemnly. “He’s safe now, you need to rest.” 

I stared at her exasperatedly, “B-but-”

She only shook her head, “I’ll get you when they take him out. Just try to get some sleep.”

I nodded and went to my room. Just the night before I laid in here, crying about their death. It felt daunting. But he’s okay now. I took a deep breath in and out, trying to calm myself. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until now. I rested my eyes, and quickly fell into a dreamless sleep.

“-ake up,” I heard the familiar voice of Leia speak. I groaned, opening my eyes. I felt so groggy. “He’s up.”

I sat up quickly and looked at her. I threw the blanket off of me and ran to the medbay. There rested Luke C3PO and R2D2 already talking to him. His gaze fell onto me, and he gave me his familiar boyish grin. Maker, why do I have to be so emotional? I thought as tears brimmed my eyes once more. This time, I was able to hold them back thankfully. How embarrassing would it be to cry three times in such a short span of time? My eyes scanned over the healing cuts on his face and I frowned. I wasn’t sure what to say.

I walked closer to him and gently punched his arm, my eyebrows furrowed in slight anger.

“What was that for?” Luke asked with a frown.

“For-For not being safe,” My voice sounds scratchy. “I…I thought…” It felt like a frog was in my throat, and if I kept talking I would burst out into tears. Once again my vision was blurry and I fought back against tears. Luke seemed to notice and grabbed my hand gently, squeezing it.

“It’s okay,” Luke reassured. “I’m okay, Han’s okay.” 

I squeezed his hand back, holding it up to my face, trying to ground myself.

“I-I know,” I replied shakily. “Do you need anything? Water?”

I felt comforted under Luke’s gaze. It was so warm, loving, alive. He seemed to be contemplating what he wanted to say, but I didn’t mind. It just meant I could be under his gaze for a bit longer. 

“Some water sounds good,” He agreed. I nodded, brushing my thumb over the back of his hand before letting go. 

My heart felt lighter as I walked through the hallway. I smiled at Leia as she entered the room. 

“Thank you, Han,” I said with a grateful grin. “I’m glad you managed to both get out safe.”

“For a guy like me it was no problem,” Han boasted. 

“Yeah yeah,” I rolled my eyes. “Take it easy now, you deserve a break.”

I waved at Han and Chewie as they went into the medbay as well. I grabbed a bottle of water and Banth called out to me.

“Hey!” He exclaimed with a smile. “I thought you’d be by Luke’s side 24/7 right now.”

“Oh hush,” I waved him off. “I’m just getting him some water. Besides, Han and Leia are keeping him company right now.”

“I’m glad it all turned out well,” Banth nodded. “Yilla told me about…”

I sighed, “Yeah, I’d rather not talk about it.”

We said our goodbye and I made my way back to where Luke was. Nothing could bring my mood down right now. Well…I suppose walking in on Leia kissing Luke dampened my spirits a bit. She stormed out right after.

“Take it easy,” Han said sarcastically, walking out as well, the others following.

Our eyes locked and I tried to keep myself seeming neutral, but his grin quickly faded into a look of…fear? I’m not sure why.

“I’m…sorry,” I said awkwardly, fidgeting with the water bottle. “Did…I interrupt something?”

“I-no,” Luke stuttered, a desperate look on his face. “I-She-”

Tilting my head, I looked at him confused, “You don’t have to explain anything, Luke.” I gave him an awkward smile and handed him the water bottle. “It’s none of my business,” I shrugged, trying to act normal. “Now drink your water, don’t need you getting dehydrated now.” 

Luke opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but frowned instead and drank from the bottle. It felt awkward, something I never really felt around Luke. I didn’t like it. I wanted to get out of this situation, but I didn’t want to seem rude either. It’s so weird how just minutes ago I was relieved that he was alive, and now I’m feeling selfish because of my own damn feelings. 

“Feeling better?” I asked once he finished drinking the water.

When he looked at me, I felt so confused as to why his eyes looked so…lost. I understand why I’d feel disheartened catching my two friends kissing (one of them being my crush). But Luke? Didn’t he like Leia? He even gave Han a smug look before realizing I was there. 

“(Y/n), I don’t like Leia-” Luke was cut off as an officer rushed in.

“Sorry to interrupt,” They apologized. “But we are starting to evacuate. The princess wanted me to tell you that if you want to stay with the rebellion, she has prepared you to leave with the transport ships, (l/n).”

“So Han really is leaving, huh,” I mumbled to myself. “Thank you, I’ll go get ready.”

The officer nodded before leaving, and I turned towards Luke who was already standing up, “You sure you’re in good enough-”

I was cut off as Luke hugged me, pulling me close to himself. I slowly hugged him back. It felt bittersweet, but I decided to enjoy hugging my friend before we possibly go into battle.

“Good luck,” I murmured. “You’re gonna need it.”

Luke chuckled and pulled away, “Is that any way you talk to your…” He trailed off, his smile wavering a bit. “…friend before they go into battle?” 

“Only you,” I smiled innocently. “Think of it as special treatment.”

“We should get going now,” I commented as a person ran down the hallway. 

“Right,” Luke nodded. I waved at him.  I ran out to the hangar, stopping by the Mellenium falcon. 

“Hey Chewie,” I greeted. He let out a growl and surprised me with a hug. I hugged him back. Maker I’m going to miss these two. “You keep Han out of trouble, okay? Well, at least as much trouble as you can.” Chewie groaned sadly and I pulled away. Walking backwards, I looked up at the top of the Millennium Falcon, trying to spot Han. His head poked over the side and I waved up at him.

“You take care of yourself, ya hear?” I called up with a smile. 

“That’s what I do best, isn’t it?” He replied back. I rolled my eyes in amusement. “Keep an eye out on those two though, wouldja?” 

“What else am I gonna do?” I teased waving goodbye and joined the group of pilots that crowded around Leia. 

“All troop carriers will assemble at the North Entrance,” Leia ordered. “The heavy transport ships will leave as soon as they’re loaded. Only two fighter escorts per ship. The energy shield can only be opened for a short time, so you’ll have to stay very close to your transports.”

“Two fighters against a star destroyer?” A pilot asked. 

“An ion cannon will fire several shots to make sure that any enemy ships will be out of your flight path,” Leia explained. “When you’ve gotten past the energy shield, proceed directly to the rendezvous point. Understood?” They all agreed and dispersed. 

“Come with me,” Leia ordered me and I followed her into the communication room. I watched beside Leia at how we were doing. 

The first transport made it, and we all seemed to be in good spirits. That fell once the base started shaking, a fighter ship explaining that there were three walkers. I tried to bite my smile back as I heard Luke give out orders. I ignored the way Leia glanced at me, her eyes twinkling in mischief. Her gaze quickly grew serious once we heard about the casualties. I fidgeted a bit, the tables quickly turning.

“I don’t think we can protect two transports at a time,” The communications officer reported. 

“It’s risky, but we can’t hold on much longer,” Leia replied. The base shook once more, and C3PO held onto my shoulder for support. When did he get here? “We have no choice.”

“Launch patrol,” The officer ordered. 

“Evacuate the remaining ground staff,” Leia ordered another commander. We watched him leave and Leia turned towards me, “That means you too.”

I frowned, eyebrows furrowing, “No way, I’m leaving when you’re leaving.” 

Leia sighed but nodded, turning back towards the computers. Soon, it was just Leia, C3PO and a few communicators. The base shook more than ever, Leia and I holding onto each other as the structures around us crumbled. 

“You okay?” She asked, looking me over for any injuries.

“Yeah,” I replied breathlessly. “You?”

“As good as I can be,” She murmured, turning around and checking the monitor in front of us. Luckily, it still seemed to be in good shape. Leia continued monitoring the situation, and I was getting a little antsy.

“Shouldn’t we-” I was cut off by Han.

“You alright?” He asked, alerting us of his presence. 

“Why are you still here?” Leia asked, not happy seeing him. 

“Heard the command center had been hit,” Han replied, raising an eyebrow at me. 

“You’ve got your clearance to leave,” Leia replied, not even looking at him. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll leave,” Han said snarkily. “First I’m going to get you to your ship.” Han climbed over the rubble to us.

“Your highness, we must take this last transport,” C3PO cried. “It’s our only hope!”

Leia walked away from Han just as he got to us, “Send all troops in sector 12 to the south slope to protect the fighters.”

The center sparked up once more as the base shook, and I crouched down to keep myself steady. 

“Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have entered the base,” Someone reported through comms. I looked towards Han and Leia in fear. We needed to leave, now.

“Come on, that’s it,” Han said, grabbing Leia’s arm. 

“Give the evacuation code signal,” Leia finally ordered. “And get to your transports!” I followed behind the two, not exactly liking the way Han led Leia. 

“Wait for me!” I heard C3PO shout behind me. I glanced back, seeing that he was keeping up on his own. Once we got into a hallway, we began running towards the last transport. I kept my eye out, hoping to not run into any enemies. The path in front of us collapsed, nearly hitting Leia. I panted, out of breath, just glad to see that Han was protecting Leia. I helped her stand up as Han looked towards the now dead end. 

“Transport, this is Solo,” Han spoke into his comm. “Better take off. I can’t get to you. I’ll get them out on the Falcon. Come on.” I glanced at Leia who didn’t look pleased in the slightest. We passed by C3PO, but we didn’t have time to dwadle. 

Finally reaching the entrance to the hangar we ran in. I smiled a bit as I noticed Han pause for C3PO to enter. Chewie waved us over and we ran as fast as we could. 

“Hurry up, goldenrod!” Han shouted behind him. “You’re gonna be a permanent resident!”

Chewie, Han and Leia got on first. I stayed by the door to the ramp, and lifted it once I saw C3PO enter. My heart hammered as I heard the engine stall, and I quickly followed after C3PO who was calling out to Han. Han did not seem too happy and ran to the cockpit.

“This bucket of bolts is never gonna get us past that blockade,” Leia snapped. I couldn’t help but agree. 

“This baby’s got a few surprises left in her, sweetheart,” Han dismissed. “(Y/n), go man the blaster.”

“Right,” I nodded, running to the ladder and getting ready as quickly as I could. I did a scan of the perimeter and fired at the troopers that entered. Turning a bit, I noticed a group of troopers trying to set up a gatling blaster. I quickly shot at them and the ship started flying out. 

“What’s going on?” I asked as I watched us get approached by a star destroyer. 

“Just keep your eyes out for tie fighters,” Han replied back, clearly under stress. 

“Copy,” I replied, spinning the blaster around. Four tie fighters started shooting at us, and I shot back. 

“Star destroyers, two of ‘em comin right at us,” Han alerted me as the ship continued to shake. 

My shooting became more erratic as I started to panic. I managed to shoot a tie fighter down. My stomach dropped along with the ship as we suddenly plummeted. I reclaimed my gun, shooting when they came into range. The ship kept spinning around and I felt myself get queasy. There was no way I could shoot anything like this!

“Keep shooting!” I heard Han shout to me in the hallway. 

“What’s going on?” I asked through comms. 

“The damn ship is a hunk of junk, that’s what,” Leia replied. 

I shook my head, getting another tie fighter shot down. Suddenly, the trigger didn’t work and I couldn’t do anything anymore. 

“Shit,” I muttered. Not being able to help here anymore, I went back into the cockpit. 

“What the…” Leia murmured and my gaze fell onto the asteroids coming towards us. “Han, get up here!”

“Oh, no,” Han muttered, taking a seat. Leia got up so Chewie could take her spot. “Chewie, set two-seven-one.” 

“What are you doing?” I asked, looking towards Han.

“You’re not actually going into an asteroid field?” Leia asked incredulously. 

“They’d be crazy to follow us, wouldn’t they?” Han asked like it was that simple. I shook my head. This was all stupid. 

“You don’t have to do this to impress me,” Leia replied. 

“Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1,” C3PO cried out. 

“Never tell me the odds,” Han shouted back. 

“It was nice knowing ya,” I groaned out. Leia glanced at me and rolled her eyes. Han flew between the asteroids, a tie fighter exploding in front of us. The explosion caused the ship to shake and I held onto the chair Leia fell into. 

“You said you wanted to be around when I made a mistake. This could be it, sweetheart,” Han said snarkily to Leia. What the hell was going on with them? 

“I take it back,” Leia replied back. “We’re going to get pulverized if we stay out here much longer.”

“Ain’t gonna argue that,” Han muttered. “I’m going in closer to one of the big ones.”

I frowned, I think I knew what he was planning, but I didn’t like it. Leia and 3PO questioned Han. I steadily held onto the chair as Han flew us into a crater, and maneuvered us through a small crevice. The last tie fighter ran into the wall.

“Where are we going?” I asked, Han entering a hole that went towards the core of the asteroid. 

“I hope you know what you're doing,” Leia muttered. 

“Yeah, me too,” Han replied back, not reassuring in the slightest. Landing somewhat deep in the cavern, Han parked the ship. “I’m gonna shut down everything but the emergency power systems.”

“Sir, I’m almost afraid to ask,” C3PO spoke up. “But does that include shutting me down too?”

“No,” Han replied. “I need you to talk to the Falcon. Find out what’s wrong with the hyperdrive.”

The ship started rocking back and forth. Maker, we really couldn’t catch a break. 

“Sir, it’s quite possible this asteroid is not entirely stable,” C3PO piped up again. 

“Not entirely stable?” Han asked sarcastically. “Well I’m glad you’re here to tell us things. Chewie, take the professor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive. (Y/n), why don’t you go help out Chewie.”

“I only know the basics-” Han cut me off.

“You got the damn droid to yap your ear off,” Han dismissed. I sighed and took my leave. The ship rocked again, and I held onto the wall to not fall. I watched as Chewie pulled himself up.

“Need help up there?” I called up. Chewie only growled in a tone I learned meant no. Hesitantly, I looked over to C3PO, “Is there anything I can help fix?”

“There is quite a lot that needs to be fixed on this ship,” He started to ramble. 

“Anything to do with wiring?” I asked. “I’ve got a little knowledge in that.”

“Over there is a panel that got blasted,” C3PO said, pointing down a hallway. 

I nodded and quickly found the panel. Wires of many colors hung out. All I have to do is make sure to match the colors right? Make sure not to touch the live wire to the ground one, and cover the wires with tape since that’s the best I can do at the moment. I got to work, time passing by quickly as I focused on the task at hand. 

Once I finished that, I went to see if anything similar needed to be done. Not being able to find anything, I made my way to the cockpit. I noticed that Leia sat in one of the chairs, seeming distressed. 

“Something wrong?” I asked, sitting next to her. 

She looked at me surprised before shaking her head, “Besides the situation we’re in? Well…no.” I didn’t believe her, seeing as she didn’t make eye contact with me. 

“I won’t judge,” I replied back. “I won’t tell anyone either. Sometimes it’s nice to get things off your chest.”

She frowned and looked at me, “I’m sorry I kissed Luke.” My eyebrows raised, it felt like that happened so long ago. “Han has been pushing at my buttons for so long. Keeps trying to get me to admit my feelings for him. In all my frustration I wanted to prove him wrong…”

“It’s okay Leia,” I consoled. “It’s not exactly my position to forgive, since it was Luke you kissed and not me.”

“But I did it with the knowledge of your feelings towards him,” She countered. 

I felt myself flush, it made me feel so vulnerable to admit these feelings I held, “It’s not like we’re a thing. Besides, if anything, I’m more concerned about Han and you,” I changed the subject. “If he’s being too pushy just tell me, I’ll have a little talk with him.”

“We kissed,” Leia blurted out, looking out towards the windshield. 

“What!” I exclaimed, but Leia’s attention was drawn to something outside. 

I followed her gaze, wondering what was more important than what she just confessed. Only for a creature to cling to the windshield, causing Leia to fall backward and scream. I followed Leia into the main corridor.

“There’s something out there,” Leia alerted Han. 

“Where?” Han asked, removing his welding goggles. 

“Outside?” I said, not sure where else it could be. Suddenly, something sounded from above us. 

“I’m going outside,” Han muttered, grabbing an oxygen mask. 

“Are you crazy?” Leia asked. 

“I just got this bucket back together,” Han replied back. “I’m not going to let something tear it apart.” 

“Then I’m going with you,” Leia fought back. 

“(Y/n), stay back and be ready to start the ship,” Han ordered.

I scoffed, “Why me?”

“Because princess over here won’t,” Han waved me off. I just shook my head as I went to the cockpit, taking a seat in the pilot seat. I rocked back and forth in the chair, looking over the controls. It’s gotta be similar to my old ship, right? I could pilot small ships, but I’ve never done one this big before. C3PO joined me not too long after. I heard a blaster go off, but not much else. I let out a startled scream as a creature flew past the windshield. C3PO also shouting out. The ship started rocking and I held onto the panel, trying to keep myself steady. 

The rocking kept getting worse and Han shouted, “Turn on the ship!” I flipped the switches that I thought was correct, and the ship’s light turned on. Chewie entered and I stood up, letting him take over. I sat down behind Chewie and strapped myself in. 

“You can’t make the jump to light speed in this astrofield,” Leia shouted, joining us. 

“Sit down sweetheart,” Han replied. “We’re taking off.”

“Look!” 3PO shouted.

“I see it,” Han dismissed. The opening of the so-called cave started closing. 

“The cave is collapsing,” Leia gasped.

“This isn’t a cave,” I replied, horrified. I can’t believe we were just sitting inside a beast this entire time. We barely managed to squeeze through the teeth, the worm-like creature trying to eat us after we left. We flew off of the asteroid and they prepared to make the launch to lightspeed. Hitting the switch…nothing happened. I groaned, Chewie also complaining.

“It’s not fair,” Han complained. “Transfer circuits aren’t working. It’s not my fault.”

“No lightspeed?” Leia mocked. 

“It’s not my fault,” Han mumbled. The ship already under fire. 

“Sir, we’ve just lost the main rear deflector shield,” 3PO reported. “One more direct hit on the back quarter and we’re done for.” 

“Turn her around,” Han pointed at Chewie. “I’m gonna put all power in the front shield.” 

“You're going to attack them?” Leia asked astounded. 

“Sir, the odds of surviving a direct assault on an imperial-” I cut C3PO off. 

“No more odds!” I exclaimed, not liking the pressure I felt already. 

Turning the ship around, they flew over the star destroyer and parked on the ship on one of their blind spots. 

“No fucking way,” I mumbled, slouching in my chair. 

“Captain Solo, this time you’ve gone too far,” C3PO scolded. Chewie growled at him. “No, I will not be quiet. Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?”

“The fleet’s beginning to break up,” Han pointed out. “Go back and stand by the manual release for the landing claw.” Chewie agreed and left. 

“I really don’t see how that’s going to help,” C3PO said. “Surrender is a perfectly acceptable alternative in extreme situations. The Empire may be gracious enough-” Leia shut him off and I felt relieved.  

“Thank you,” I relented. 

“What’s your next move?” Leia asked. 

“If they follow standard imperial procedure,” Han explained. “They’ll dump their garbage before they go to lightspeed and then we just float away.” 

“With the rest of the garbage,” Leia nodded mockingly. 

“Then we got to find a safe port around here,” Han said. “Any ideas?”

“Where are we?” I asked.

“The Anot system,” Han replied. 

“There’s not much here,” Leia shook her head. 

“No,” Han agreed. “Well, wait. This is interesting. Lando!”

“Lando?” I asked, confused at what he meant. 

“Lando Calrissian,” Han clarified. “He’s a card player, gambler, scoundrel. You’ll like him.” The last part being directed at Leia. I sent her a questionable glance and she just shook her head. “Bespin. It’s pretty far, but I think we can make it.”

I looked at the montier, reading the information, “A mining colony?”

“Yeah, a tibanna gas mine,” Han replied. “Lando conned somebody out of it. We go back a long way, Lando and me.”

“That doesn’t seem reassuring,” I mumbled. 

“Can you trust him?” Leia asked. 

“No,” Han reckoned. “But he’s got no love for the Empire, I can tell you that.” The ship started moving, “Here we go Chewie, stand by…detach!” The ship drifted along with the other trash.

“You do have your moments,” Leia praised. “Not many of them, but you do have them.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. I met her gaze and she looked off. We flew off and I decided to take a nap. 

The feeling of the ship shaking woke me, and I hurried off to the cockpit. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, stumbling a bit due to my grogginess. The sunrise was breathtaking as it illuminated the floating civilization. 

“We reached Bespin,” Leia told me. Being able to land, we all exited the ship. 

“Oh, no one to meet us,” C3PO remarked. 

“I don’t like this,” Leia shook her head. 

“Well, what would you like?” Han mocked. 

“They did let us land,” I shrugged. 

“Look, don’t worry,” Han tried to console. “Everything’s going to be fine. Trust me.” The door opened and my hand went to my blaster on reflex, but Han put a hand on my shoulder, patted it and looked between me and Chewie, “You two keep an eye out, okay?” I nodded, and Han went to greet this so-called Lando.

“Why you slimy, double-crossing, no-good swindler,” Lando ridiculed. “You got a lot of guts coming here after what you pulled.” And I wondered why Han thought of him as a friend. Han pointed to himself, and I kept a hand over my blaster. I kept having to brush my hair back, the wind blowing it out of place. Lando lunged towards Han, causing him to flinch back, but pulled him in for a hug laughing. I kept my eyes out, feeling a little more relieved but not entirely so.

“How you doin’, you old pirate?” Lando asked with a grin. “So good to see you!” 

“Well, he seems very friendly,” C3PO spoke up. I kept silent, watching as the guards went back inside, and approached Han and Lando.

“What are you doing here?” Lando asked. 

“Ah, repairs,” Han replied, pointing to the Millennium Falcon. “I thought you could help me out.”

“What have you done to my ship,” Lando asked in a serious tone.

“Your ship?” Han mocked. “Hey, remember, you lost her to me fair and square.” I pursed my lips. Of course. Of course Han would call the man who lost his ship in a gamble his friend. 

“And how you doin’ Chewbacca?” Lando asked over Han’s shoulder. Chewie growled in response. “You still hanging around with this loser?” Chewie stood beside me, gowling once more. Leia stepped on my other side, giving Lando a suspicious glance. “Hello,” Lando mused. “What have we here? Welcome, I’m Lando Carissian. I’m the administrator of this facility. And who might you be?” 

I held back from rolling my eyes. I suppose I shouldn’t have expected anything less from someone who Han called a friend. 

“Leia,” She replied with a forced grin.

Grabbing her hand, Lando kissed the back of it, “Well Miss Leia.”

I bit back a laugh as Han tried to wedge himself between the two, “All right, all right you old smoothie.” Han grabbed her hand instead and walked forward. Landos gaze fell onto me and C3PO.

“And you?” He asked with a sly grin.

“I’m (y/n),” I greeted with a nod. Chewie bumped my arm with his. Wrapping my arm around his, I leaned against him and followed. I don’t know why but I just wanted to be close to somebody. Probably my anxiety. Thankfully Chewie didn’t seem to mind. 

“Hello sir,” I heard C3PO start to rattle from behind us. “I am C3PO, human cyborg relations. My facilities are at your-”

Lando passed by Chewie and I, his stare clearly on Leia. Poor woman can’t catch a break. 

“What’s wrong with the Falcon?” Lando asked.

“Hyperdrive,” Han responded. 

“I’ll get my people to work on her,” Lando smiled. “That ship saved my life quite a few times. She’s the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” 

“How’s the gas mine?” Han asked, making small talk. “Still paying off for you?”

I tuned them out, taking in my surroundings. We walked down white stairs and corridors. It was a nice looking place. I fiddled with Chewie’s fur, making sure I was gentle. After a few seconds, I realized I couldn’t hear C3PO following us anymore. Looking behind me, I searched for the golden droid but couldn’t find him. Tugging on Chewie’s arm to gain his attention, he growled softly looking down at me.

“C3PO,” I whispered, pointing behind us. We turned around and walked back the path a bit. A door closed, but I didn’t pay it much mind, looking down the hallway instead. Chewie let out a growl and I agreed, not wanting to get lost. We quickly caught up with Han and Leia. 

“You two must be hot,” Lando said, looking towards Leia and I. “With all that winter gear I’m surprised you aren’t melting.” I decided to not sound annoying by explaining my heat resistance, and nodded with Leia. “Well don’t worry, I��ve already got my people getting outfits ready, here are the rooms. Once your finished, walk up the stairs at the end of the hall to the waiting room”

“Thank you,” Leia and I thanked. 

“C’mon Chewie,” Han said with a grin. “Let’s make sure no one breaks the ship.”

“Uhm,” I tried to speak up, gaining all of their attention. “We lost C3PO along the way. Uh…just so everyone knows.”

Lando nodded, “Thanks for bringing it up, I’ll tell everyone to keep an eye out.” I nodded, rushing into the room I was given. The room wasn’t too big, a folding screen sat in the middle, clothes thrown over the top. I discarded the insulated clothes I was currently wearing and adorned the new ones I was given. A light beige top with a dark brown jacket, dark brown pants to match. It was a bit comforting because it reminded me of my old Tatooine outfit. 

Opening the door, I peaked out first. I glanced towards Leia’s room. Should I knock? What if she was already in the waiting room? I kept debating what to do, but my question was eventually answered when she exited. Her outfit contrasted mine, and I found that fact neat. I exited as well and caught up with her.

“How are you feeling?” I asked as we walked up the stairs. 

“I’m not sure how to feel,” Leia sighed. 

“I like your hair,” I complimented. “Sorry, off topic.”

She smiled softly, “It’s okay, and thank you. How are you feeling?”

“Honestly?” I asked, taking a seat on one of the blindingly white couches. “I guess I haven’t had much time to think about it. On one hand, I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this place, it just seems too good to be true, not to mention C3PO. On the other hand, well…I guess I’m kind of worried about Luke. Did he make it with the other rebel members? Is he worried about us? Who's going to watch over him?”

Leia sat next to me, a soft look on her face, “You should tell him how you feel when you see him next. You never know when it might be your last chance.”

I groaned, “I know. It’s just so…scary. I’ve never felt this strongly towards someone before, and I’ve never had time for relationships before.”

Grabbing my hand, she held it gently in her own, “New situations are always going to be scary, but I can tell that Luke cares about you too. More than you think.”

I nodded, “Well what’s going on between you and Han? There’s something obviously going on…”

Leia only rolled her eyes, a small smile on her lips, “Don’t even get me started on that.”

I laughed with her. A comfortable silence fell over us. Glancing up at the windows that surrounded us, I admired the blue sky. Such a better contrast to the constant gray I’ve only seen on Hoth. She let go of my hand and stood up, pacing the room. We turned to Han as he entered the room, informing us that the ship was almost completely fixed. 

“The sooner the better,” Leia remarked. “Something is wrong here. No one has seen or knows anything about C3PO. He’s been gone too long to have gotten lost.” 

Han gently placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead, “Relax. I’ll talk to Lando and see what I can find out.”

“I don’t trust Lando,” I spoke up, both of them turning to me. I shrunk slightly, feeling somewhat awkward at ruining their moment. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. 

“I don’t trust him either,” Han replied back. “But he is my friend. Besides, we’ll soon be gone.”

“Then you’re as good as gone, aren’t you?” Leia asked softly. They stared into each other's eyes and I decided to turn my attention elsewhere. 

The sound of Chewbacca growling immediately caught my attention as he entered the room with C3PO’s parts. “What happened?” I asked, standing up to help him. 

“Where?” Han asked, and Chewie growled some more. “Found him in a junk pile?” I frowned, this wasn’t good. Something really was going on. 

“Oh, what a mess,” Leia commented. “Chewie, you think you can repair him?” Chewie growled, in what I’m assuming is either a maybe or yes. 

“Lando’s got people that can fix him,” Han stated. Leia and I looked back at him, not believing that he just said that.

“Yeah I think that’s gonna be a no,” I frowned. 

“I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?” Lando asked once entering. I bit back my sarcastic retort, not trusting Lando even a lick anymore. 

“Not really,” Leia replied instead. 

Lando smiled at her, and I didn’t like the look in his eyes, “You look absolutely beautiful. You truly belong here with us among the clouds.”

“Thank you,” Leia spoke politely.

“Would you join me for a refreshment?” He asked, and I quickly made my way to Leia’s side, trying to soften my glare. He looked at me and I could tell he tried to be more inviting, “Everyone’s invited of course.” Han held out his arm for Leia, her grabbing onto it. Lando seemed to finally notice C3PO and asked, “Having trouble with your droid?”

“No, no problem, why?” Han dismissed, and led Leia away before I could say anything. Maker did I want to say something. Lando took one last glance at C3PO before following after the other two, Chewie waited for me to join him and held up the rear of the group. 

“I want to leave,” I grumbled to Chewie. “I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

Chewie grumbled softly in reply. Lando kept talking about the Empire, and it made me feel even more uneasy. When he mentioned that he made a deal that would keep the Empire out I felt like the pin hit the ground. Before I could say anything, Lando opened the doors to a room with Darth Vader sitting at a dining table. I took a step back out of instinct, immediately lifting my blaster up. Han and I shot out at Vader, him deflecting it like it was nothing. 

Using the force, Vader grabbed our blasters, “We would be honored if you would join us.” Boba Fett walked out from his hiding spot and stood slightly behind Vader. I glared at them, scanning around me for a means of escape, only for stormtroopers to rush in behind us. 

“I had no choice,” Lando said remorsefully. “They arrived just before you did. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too,” Han replied, glancing at Leia. We entered the room, Darth Vader taking a seat once more. 

Quickly, he dismissed Chewbacca, and stormtroopers escorted him out of the room. Not without him making a fuss. Not long after that, we were all separated. I was taken into a room and strapped to a chair. I was laying for what felt like forever, and I tried to hide my fear once I heard the door open. I clenched my fists, not wanting to see who entered. If I can’t see them, they can’t see me…right? No, of course that was a childish thought. I could hear the infamous heavy breathing of the sith lord. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see what was going to happen. 

Slowly, I felt the chair move and I peaked an eye open to see a strange machine I’ve never seen before. Suddenly, an all encompassing pain shot throughout my entire body and I couldn’t stop the scream that ripped from my lungs. The tears from my eyes seemed to evaporate as the feeling of electricity flowing through my body seemed to get worse. 

My entire body slumped against the restraints once it stopped. My body continued to tingle and my throat felt scratchy due to my screaming. My tears slowly faded. Unstrapping my body, the two stormtroopers that were supervising me grabbed me by my arms and dragged me to a room. I never felt so relieved to see Chewie than at this moment. He stood up and came to my side when the stormtroopers tossed me down and left. I looked up and noticed that Han was laid out on a metal slab, C3PO a little farther with his head on backwards. 

“You’ve looked better,” Han spoke up, his head aimed towards me. I just grumbled under my breath, Chewie picking me up and holding me. I focused on clenching and unclenching my muscles, trying to get them to relax. Leia came rushing in and went straight towards Han. Chewie and I tried to give them their moment, and he growled softly at me.

“I’ll be fine,” I whispered. “I’m gonna be real sore after that though.” He growled sadly in response and suddenly the doors opened. 

“Lando,” Leia scoffed. 

Chewie roared at him, holding me closer to himself. Lando stared at him, before his gaze fell onto me and his stare held remorse.

“Get out of here, Lando,” Han ordered. 

“Shut up and listen,” Lando commanded. I just stared at him lazily. “Vader has agreed to turn Leia, (y/n), and Chewie over to me. They’ll have to stay here, but they’ll be safe.”

“What about Han?” Leia asked. I already knew this. There’s a reason why Boba Fett’s here. I’m just surprised that Jabba hasn’t asked for my head too, but I suppose he only really cared about Han. 

“Vader’s given him to the bounty hunter,” Lando confirmed. 

“Vader wants us all dead,” Leia argued. 

“He doesn’t want you at all!” Lando exclaimed. “He’s after somebody called Skywalker.”

I felt my heart drop. No, no, no, no this can’t be happening. We are currently baits for a trap? For Luke? Someone’s gotta warn him, tell him to get as far as he can. 

“Not Luke,” I mumbled, patting Chewie’s arm for him to set me down. I swayed a bit, holding on to Chewie for support before getting my full footing. “We gotta warn him.”

“Vader set a trap for him,” Lando explained. 

“And we’re the bait!” Leia shouted. 

“He’s on his way,” Lando informed. 

“You fixed us all real good, didn’t you?” Han asked, slowly getting up and walking towards Lando. “My friend.” Han landed a strong punch, making Lando fall backwards. Han fell forward, getting hit by a guard, only for Lando to stop them. I went to move forward, but a guard held a blaster to Chewie and I. 

“I’ve done all I can,” Lando remarked. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do better but I’ve got my own problems.”

“Yeah,” Han mocked. “You’re a real hero.”

Lando stormed out and we all tried to help Han up, but I stumbled a bit. Everything was sore and my legs felt like jelly. Han waved them off, clearly still in pain.

“You certainly have a way with people,” Leia said softly. 

I took a seat as they put Han back on the metal slab. Leaning against the wall wasn’t comfortable, but it’ll do. I closed my eyes and tried to get as much rest as I could. So many thoughts flying around in my head. Han is going to be shipped back to Jabba, who knows what Jabba will do to him. Apparently the rest of us are supposed to stay on this forsaken planet, and Luke…Oh Luke. Why does he have to get dragged into this? How does he even know we’re here? I suppose Jedi intuition? So that’s why Vader hurt Han and I? I just wish I could communicate with Luke somehow.

And once again, why didn’t Jabba want me? Did they think I was dead? Did they think Han killed me? Is that for better or worse? I hope my parents aren’t too worried. Who am I kidding, they’re probably devastated. They probably think I was killed for some ridiculous rebellion, or worse, doing a job for Jabba. I hope dad hasn’t done anything to get himself killed. I wish I could see them. Maker, I’m sounding like a child. 

I lifted my head, alerted by the sound of the door. In came Boba Fett with a few stormtroopers behind him. I glared as he ordered us up and to follow him. First it was Han, Leia, and then me and Chewie (who had C3PO on his back). They put some weird restraints on Han, making Chewie growl, but they didn’t flinch. They led us into a dim room, only being lit with orange lights. We were put next to Lando as Darth Vader came into the room. 

“What’s going on? Buddy.” Han asked Lando.

“You’re being put into carbon freeze,” Lando whispered back. 

I zoned out, realizing just what was going to happen. Why the hell would they do that? Just what does Vader want? I was snapped out of my thoughts when Vader ordered them to put Han in. Chewie started yelling, fighting anyone he could. Han stopped him.

“Hey! Hey! Listen to me Chewie,” Han shouted. “This won’t help me. Save your strength. There will be another time. The princess, (y/n), you gotta take care of them.”  The troopers had put binders on Chewie, Leia and I approached him as he slowly calmed down. “Do you hear me, huh?” Han asked. Chewie only growled back sadly. I turned to hug Chewie, as Han and Leia shared a kiss. Stormtroopers separated the two lovers, pushing Han into position.

“I love you,” Leia finally confessed. I'm just sad it had to be in this situation. 

 “I know,” Han replied. He was then slowly lowered, Chewie’s cried out once more. I buried my face in Chewie’s arm, not able to watch Han’s possible death. The sounds of machines whirring and Vader’s breathing is all I could hear. I jumped at the sound of metal thunking, and peeking out to see Han’s body frozen in pain, encased in carbon. I glanced over at Leia who was also holding onto Chewie, pain shown clearly in her gaze. I walked over to her and held her to me, Chewie also turning to embrace her better.

“Oh, they’ve encased him in carbonite,” C3PO said, now getting a view of what was happening. “He should be quite well protected, if he survived the freezing process that is.”

“Well, Calrissian,” Vader spoke up finally. “Did he survive?”

“Yes, he’s alive,” Lando reported. “And in perfect hibernation.” I felt a bit better at that, but not much. 

“He’s all yours, bounty hunter,” Vader said. “Prepare the chamber for Skywalker.” I stared at Vader in horror. Of course this was just a test. I didn’t know how to feel, first Han, and now Luke…

“Skywalker just landed, lord,” A captain reported. Leia and I looked at each other in fear. 

“Good,” Vader said. “See to it that he finds his way here.” Vader walked closer to Han’s body, Lando walked towards us and grabbed Leia’s arm. Chewie and I pulled her closer to us and she yanked her arm from him with a glare. “Calrissian, take the princess, the Devaronian, and Wookie to my ship.”

“You said they’d be left in the city under my supervision,” Lando argued. 

“I am altering the deal,” Vader replied back. “Pray I don’t alter it any further.”

Leia’s eyes never seemed to leave Han, and I rubbed her shoulder, trying to comfort her in any way I could. Lando kept looking at us with guilt, but I found it hard to sympathize with him. He started to lead us, stormtroopers guarding us as we started to make our way through the halls. The sounds of blaster fire broke me out of my stupor and I tried to look, Leia seeming to have the same idea. A stormtrooper shoved her forward, but I knew that there was only one person that could be.

“Luke!” I shouted. “Run! Get out of-” I was interrupted by the closest stormtrooper hitting my side with their blaster. I grunted out in pain, and Leia quickly caught me before I fell. 

“Keep moving,” The stormtrooper ordered behind us. “And keep your mouth shut.” 

We kept walking. My side throbbed but I ignored it. Suddenly, the imperial officer waved Lando off and grabbed Leia, a stormtrooper grabbing me. The other stormtrooper started shooting, keeping us moving forward. My eyes widened when I saw it was Luke. 

“Luke!” Leia and I shouted as they forced us into another area. “Luke, get out of here!” I shouted.

“Luke! Don’t! It’s a trap!” Leia shouted. We struggled as we continued to try and warn him, I suppose we can only hope that he got the message. I struggled against the trooper that held me, swiggling, kicking, elbowing, anything I could think of. This only received another jab to my side and I couldn’t stop the yelp of pain that escaped me. 

They continued leading us through the winding halls, unhanding Leia and I when they were certain we wouldn’t fight back. I kept my hand to my side, feeling my ribs. I winced as a shooting pain rushed through my body. I tried taking a deep breath and that hurt terribly too. I don’t think I broke it, or I’d be crying rivers right now. But something was wrong with it. Suddenly, Lando’s people swarmed us, and made the troopers surrender. 

“Well done,” Lando spoke to what I assume is his second in command. “Hold them in the security tower. And keep it quiet. Move.” 

They all ushered the stormtroopers away and Lando handed Leia and I a blaster. I felt safer with the weight of a blaster in my hands once more. Though, it was a double edged sword as it was hard to lift with my ribs hurting. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Leia asked as Lando started to undo Chewie’s binds. 

“We’re getting outta here,” Lando spoke back. 

“I knew it all along,” C3PO spoke up. “It had been a mistake.” I threw a small glance at the droid before watching Lando in suspicion. 

“Do you think that after what you did to Han, we’re going to trust you?” Leia said incredulously. 

“Do we have much of a choice right now?” I asked Leia who only turned her glare to me. Once Chewie was let out of his bindings, he throttled Lando, growling fiercely.

“I had no choice,” Lando choked out. 

“What are you doing?” C3PO cried out. “Trust him! Trust him!”

“We understand, don’t we Chewie?” Leia mocked. “He had no choice.” 

I knew they were angry, and I knew they were hurting, but no good will happen if we are all dead. “Let him go!” I shouted, trying to pull at Chewie’s arms. “We’re no good to Han and Luke dead.”

“I’m just trying to help,” Lando choked out. 

“We don’t need any of your help,” Leia seethed. 

“Do you think this is another trick when we were already in the enemy’s hands?” I asked. I didn’t like Lando before, but we need all the help we can get now. “We don’t know how to get out of here! Please, think this through without your emotions clouding your judgment.” 

Lando tried to speak, but he was losing his breath quickly. Leia asked what he was saying and I could only roll my eyes. If you want to hear him speak, maybe stop Chewie from choking him. 

“There's still a chance to save Han,” Lando breathed out. “At the East…platform.”

Chewie finally let go, and I stumbled back a bit. Lando held his neck, gasping for air.

“I’m terribly sorry about all this,” C3PO apologized. “After all, he’s only a Wookie.”

I rushed after Leia and Chewie as they made their way to the East platform. I glanced back at Lando but only shook my head. I’m not sure why he went through all these loops to only help us once more and put himself on the line. Lando quickly caught up to us, and led us the correct way. I kept an eye out, blaster at the ready. Making our way outside, R2 was hiding in a hallway.

“R2, where have you been?” C3PO asked. Chewie turned around to see, “Wait, turn around, you wooly..” R2 beeped back and C3PO replied, “Hurry! We are trying to save Han from the bounty hunter.” I kept glancing back, making sure they were close by, but I kept pace with Leia. The pain in my side throbbed but I ignored it. 

Finally, we made it to the East platform, but the ship was already taking off. Leia tried to shoot at it, but I knew we were too late. I looked over to Leia with sadness, and she was clearly even more devastated as she stared at the ship that kept getting smaller.

“Oh, no!” C3PO shouted. “Chewie, they're behind you!” 

We all quickly turned around and got into cover. Stormtroopers shot at us, and I shot back, giving the others cover as they went through a hallway. I quickly followed behind. This continued for a bit, me providing cover for the others and then quickly following them. We got to a door, Lando trying to input a code, but it wasn’t working.

“The security input has been changed,” Lando stated. 

“R2, you can tell the computer to override the security systems,” C3PO ordered. I watched silently as Lando informed the people on his planet of the Empire. R2 beeped wildly as he was shocked. 

“This way,” Lando informed, leading us to another bay. People were running by us as we passed by them. Chewie and I held the stormtroopers at bay on one side, Leia at the other. Chewie growled at me, pushing me towards the door, and I ran towards the Millennium  Falcon. I climbed up the ramp quickly, heading right for the cockpit. I flipped the switches I did before, and the ship turned on. Chewie joined me shortly and started to fly the ship. 

Adrenaline continued to pump through me as all I could think of was Han and Luke. Once again, those two were in danger. I barely noticed when Leia and Lando joined us, too focused on finding enemy ships. 

“(Y/n),” Leia spoke softly. I looked back at her in surprise, body tensing. I noticed her face was a bit hardened, but her eyes showed her softness towards me. “You should go take a break, watch over the droids.”

I shook my head, “I’m fine.” Suddenly, she looked out the window and muttered Luke’s name.

“We’ve got to go back,” Leia whispered. 

“What?” Lando asked in shock.

“I know where Luke is,” She replied, looking at Lando and I. My eyes widened, staring at her intently.

“What about those fighters?” Lando asked. 

I glared at him, “Screw the fighters.”

Chewie growled at Lando, which caused Leia to order, “Just do it.” 

We flew back towards the floating city. Aiming the ship to fly beneath it, Lando pointed out that there was a person on the wire underneath. I felt my heart accelerate as my eyes scanned over the person.

“It’s Luke,” I muttered. 

“Chewie, slow down,” Leia ordered. “We’ll get under him. Lando, open the top hatch.”

“I’ll go,” I argued, standing up. 

“No,” Leia said with a strict tone. “You won’t be able to carry him in your state.” 

I frowned, knowing she was right. But I couldn’t just stand here. So I waited at the bottom of the hatch. I paced back and forth, not sure what I was going to see. Lando came down with Luke in his arms, and it felt like I went into autopilot. I grabbed a blanket that was close to me and threw it around Luke’s shoulders. He looked terrible, handsome, but absolutely battered. His hair was a mess, a cut under his eye, and he was clutching right arm. I hugged Luke, taking him back into a medical bed. 

He seemed so out of it. His eyes were squinting, and I wasn’t sure if he was even really conscious. I started tending to what I could, fear starting to absorb me. Maker, not another near death experience. I ran my hand through his hair, grabbing a wipe to disinfect the cut near his eye. Then, my eyes ran down to his arm and I gasped. Quickly, I grabbed a bandage and wrapped it around where his hand would normally rest.

“(Y/n),” Luke murmured. 

“I’m right here,” I whispered back, holding his cheek gently. Luke's bright blue eyes conveyed hurt, sadness, and…fear. I had no idea what I could do, what I could say. I had no idea what he’s just been through with Vader, to what extent his injuries ran. Just that he was back with me, safe. 

“Father?” Luke called, looking up at the ceiling. I sat back, unsure what to do. “Ben…why didn’t you tell me?”

Luke then started to get up, making me question him, “What are you doing?”

“I need to help them,” He replied back.

“You’re injured,” I argued. “You need to rest.”

“Please,” He pleaded, and I could never say no to those puppy dog eyes. I nodded, and helped him up and to the cockpit. As I helped him sit in one of the chairs, I winced slightly and let out a small grunt of pain. Luke looked up at me with wide eyes and I only waved him off, sitting in the seat across from him. He seemed hesitant, but he gazed back out the windshield to the star destroyer, “Vader.” I kept an eye on him as his expression seemed troubled. I let out a gasp as we were suddenly going at lightspeed. 

I paced in front of the medic room that held Luke. They were currently attaching a prosthetic arm to Luke. I was kept out of the room, Leia telling me that Luke didn’t want me to see him in such a state. What frustrated me was that I had already seen him in that state, and I just wanted to be there for him. My ribs have already been checked out, and they were only bruised, so nothing could be done. Just try not to strain anything. The doors opened, and I turned towards Leia who stood there. 

“He’s ready to see you,” She informed me. She then came over and hugged me gently. No words needed to be said as the hug said everything. It was meant to comfort, meant to be a reassurance, meant to be a promise. That we would be by each other’s side if anything went wrong. I suppose things have already gone wrong. Once we pulled away, I entered the room, greeting the two droids as they passed me on their way out. There stood Luke, watching the galaxy. I stared at him for a few minutes, and he caught my gaze as he turned around. He smiled softly, and I smiled softly back. 

Joining his side, I stared at the stars that glowed brilliantly against the black void of space. So much has changed. I wasn’t sure what to say. I wanted to hug him, hold him, confess, tell him everything would be fine…but would it? Han was still gone, Vader was still out there… I was brought out of my thoughts when I felt Luke hold my hand.

“You’ve changed,” I whispered. “Grown out of that farmboy I used to know.”

“I’m still your Luke,” He murmured back, his gaze piercing  me. “I guess I have grown.”

My heartbeat raced and I felt drawn to his eyes, “Mine?” 

“Always,” He replied, his grin so soft, so sweet. I felt drawn to him, like we were two magnets. 

“I suppose now’s a good time to admit that I’m yours,” I confessed. “If you’d have me.”

“It would be an honor,” He breathed out, his breath fanning across my lips. Nothing more needed to be said. I wasn’t sure who kissed first, but our first kiss was one of love, passion, and longing. A kiss of comfort, and warmth. Sweet, and soft. 

“There’s so much I have to tell you,” Luke muttered once we pulled apart. “I’m scared you’ll see me differently.”

“I love you, Luke,” I replied back. “Nothing’s going to change that.”

[loveregrown]

hi perce.... i dont think ive ever asked this question sohere i am giggle. uhm who is ur favorite ra*bit or what's ur favorite ra*bit pairing (it can include someone outside of ra*bits as well) romantic or otherwise lalalalala

LENA...! 🥹🥹 I love you hi! This is very rambly. I love all of ra*bits and how they work together, as a unit, so much! I feel bad picking a favourite and am quite indecisive. Obviously I feel more connected to Hajime I feel due to others associations of him with me he lives in my heart, I'm so protective of Mitchuru like wow he's so wonderful and so awfully overlooked, and then Nito is Nito... ♡♡♡ but my favourite officially is probably Tomopyon?! He's stuck in my heart forever, a delightful boy who is so normal except no he isn't due to the ambiguous disorder! He's so silly and so beautiful, and he was my first favourite all because of Lena. Which is funny because your old all time ansta favourite then was Hajime, wasn't it? Yaoi, friendship, and ambiguous stuff below;

Uuu... I'm not anti polyrabits, it is not the devil to me, they can kiss if they want it is cute! It is I think about it! But I like rabits in general way more as it is, finding worth in it not being romantic when it comes to the themes at play and their dynamic. It's just way more compelling to me that way, the power of platonic love and friendship Saving You is so important that it almost feels a bit reductive, they can all love each other very much without it having to be romantic at all. If they look up to Nito and have puppy crushes it's kind of sweet... and mitsuhaji is cute. But I think they're really special & love is at the core of it all regardless, so it doesn't need to be made romantic. I so often think about how Nito was supposed to save them but they ended up saving him...

TOMOHAJI IS SO IMPORTANT AND SO INTERESTING TO ME THEY'RE SO CRAZY 🫠😵‍💫 I think they're the most romantic out of the rabits pairs to me although I love them as just friends too because THE THINGS THEY HAVE GOING ON AND HOW THEY TALK ABOUT EACH OTHER... GOT DAMN! It is very personal. Their long-lasting friendship, and how Hajime gets about it at times... BAH. It's kind of crazy. Tomohaji lookback scout? 🥹 ... "He's only been getting cuter lately, to the point where my heart would skip a beat at times... I think everyone would also fall in love with Hajime the moment they chat with him...♪" enough oh my gah. I like when hajime forced him to drink tea that was funny. Sometimes it feels like Tomopyon is blithely unaware of Hajime’s feelings... sad. But they're so special to me.

Outside of rabit x rabit... Mitsusorakasa got me CRUNK they're so CUTE and SPECIAL and it's funny how they are all honestly overlooked members of the units they're in ahaha and not quite taken seriously and it's sad, but they are just so sweet and should hold hands and have cuddle piles 😵‍💫😵‍💫 oh my gaw. Tomohokke is also so crazy everyone knows that you cannot take them anywhere. When Mitsuru was like "Didn’t you really like that Hokuto-senpai person? I guess it’s natural that you’d have some complicated feelings about this~?" & "Geez, he’s going to slip away because you’re dawdling you know! If you like him, you gotta let him know!" 😭😭😭 MITSURU!!!! TELLING TOMOPYON THAT HE'S FUMBLING THE BAG. I... Really care for Maguro and Mitsuru. I think about Maguro a lot. 🥹...

Teaclub. I love teaclub. AGH! It's so important to Ritsu & Eichi and Hajime plays such an important role and I feel almost bad for him, all alone in yumenosaki, teaclub-less & made to cope with the Eichi cut-out. 🥹😭 Ibahaji... I love how Ibara treats him as an equal... I love Ibanyan and Jimenyan (LENA MENTIONED!) I love bogie time I love how they still call themselves this to this day and what a positive impact it'll have on Ibara and perhaps even both of them, yuri or not, it's awesome they mean so much to me I will cry and die if no one's got me bogie time and ibahaji got me even though other parts of bogie time are so cute and funny too. I love Hajime and his friends so much! SUBAHAJI AND THEIR MOVIE DATE AND HOW HAJIME BLUSHED...? The talk about marriage?! They're crazy, although I'm not too invested in them romantically to the point I always think about them, but it's like, omg!!!! These guys never stop being yaoi!!! I think his friendships with Tsukachan and how Tsukachan would sometimes get jelly about him & Anzu is so silly and I love that card they have together my favorite cameos are Hajime cameos, and how cute and funny he and Midori are in biblio, bah...! I haven't invested too much time in hajitori but they're so cute together? Little pink and blue angels?! Mitsuru and Mama make me crazy sometimes. Track and field club!!!! I LOVE TEAM GOD ALSO I think nagisa sora and mitsuru should all be friends

Obviously theatre club when your circle small but all yall crazy. Wataru shouldve gotten a job to be quite honest. Just kidding because I love him. Their dynamic is so so funny

I love branco as a shuffle unit so much that I have pondered poly branco. I love that they are friends. I think Sora and Hajime deepening their bonds could be very valuable. Aichan is special to me as you may know, and the way Hajime compares Aichan to Tomoya due to their idol fan ways and spends time with him and calls himself Aichan's number one fan and asks him to never give up... 🥹 all of the branco interpersonal relationships are special to me!

I think it is really, really funny that Hajime loves Eichi and every other member of rabits would be happier if he died.

Shunazu makes me turn into the joker and I will forever be sick about it, from dragonfruit all the way to how Nito is still traumatized in certain ways that make my heart feel squeezed at, Mika's misplaced, complicated feelings towards Nito and all of the madness to do with Shu and Nito and how he was his muse and he still IS 😭 oh he still is! Nito just wants him to be happy... I see shmk fans erase Shu's past a lot. It is so important and shouldn't be, I feel, it only adds more value to valkyrie as it does to Nito I feel though I've complained about this before. So very nuanced... I've said much about ex valkyrie especially when it's about Mika's feelings about Nito I could speak about that specifically forever but I won't allow myself to right now it's just something diabolical to me. When Nito noticed Shu looked tired and asked if something was wrong and if he would help him, and also, Shu's feelings towards rabits... wah. People tend to forget human comedy is a rabits story too. The influence his time in valkyrie had over Nito's early unit leader behaviours and his projection onto the babits I think I will be sick. I would like to see them, especially shunazu, reconnect... I don't like how exvalk fans treat Nito at times & how they tend to reduce his character and only focus on when he was a shell of himself instead of celebrating how comfortable he is in his own skin now and how he can even be brutal at times, not that I dont love to focus on exvalk Nito, but there's something about how Nito-only nonrabits fans talk about him. You know? Shnz makes me smile still in spite of everything.

He was so funny during that livestream shumugi hosted and Nito was in the chat like "repentance" sure is an interesting theme ♪ and Shu shut his gay mouth and refused to make a comment. Imagine your ex pulling that move..!!! But seriously, they are so very fascinating and evil to me. The type of relationship that tears me from the inside out because both Shu and Nito make me sick.

A controversial romantic pair, I don't always like 1y×3y but tsumuhaji makes me crazy, I'm sorry, I have so many headcanons for them and everything. Even platonically, I think it's delightful! But uuu boyfriends. Tsumugi smells lavenders and thinks of him...

Ummm... I'm missing stuff here such as friendships and even pairings I have probably found cute before, but it is okay 🕊 thank you for the ask!

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Can I be honest?

I really do not care about Missing Link.

I'll admit that the most recent trailer probably made me more interested in it than I ever have been before, but even then I'm just kind of like... ehh.

And this is for a few reasons, I think.

A large one being that it's a mobile game. And I shouldn't have to explain why that's a huge reason as to why that's helping to kill my interest in this game, even though it looks like this game should be a lot better than KHUX and Dark Road, thankfully (but I'm also somewhat reserving judgement on all of that until we get it).

The fact that it's a game like Pokémon Go was also sort of ruining things for me, since I really can't walk well anymore. But according to the trailer and Nomura, it seems like that you don't really have to travel in order to do things in the game. So we'll see how that pans out.

But I guess I'm just getting to the place where some casuals were before, were--in some ways--if it's not about our main cast, I almost feel like I can't be bothered (and I do feel bad about that, in some ways).

I'm somewhat tired, I suppose, of having to play a million different games, in order to understand the next mainline installment. And I know this is just one between III and IV (if you don't count the Re:Mind DLC and Melody of Memory), but it does sort of feel a bit like "same old, same old" to me.

I also just... I don't know. Really feel like we didn't need this part of the timeline filled in? And I would almost prefer if that wasn't happening, so it could be a mystery and we could imagine it for ourselves? I feel like the only reason it's being filled out now is because of the Scala ad Caelum stuff in KHIII. And probably because this next saga is partly going to be saving the people from the KHX saga. But if we didn't get Missing Link, that plot point could have been delivered in another game.

Now we're just going to get more characters introduced, and clutter up the roster even more, and gah!

I know this game is surely to partly tide us over until KHIV, which is definitely nice. But IDK. I, personally, would have rather had one of the plot lines they teased at the end of Re:Mind as a game (Kairi's training with Aqua, Mickey in Scala, the Wayfinder trio in the Realm of Darkness, or Naminé looking for clues about Sora's whereabouts in Roxas and Xion's memories). Or waited a bit more and just gotten KHIV and then the Verum Rex game (both as console games, of course), because you know they have to be making both of these games right now.

I really don't mean to complain. Because I know a lot of time and work has surely gone into this. And it's something. And I'd rather take something over nothing (for the most part. Don't start giving me KH NFTs, Square). But unless something changes, there's nothing about Missing Link so far that's really grabbed me, personally.

And maybe it will. I'm sure it will, eventually. It won't take much to do it. But the fact it's a mobile game will always hurt it. It's weird to say, but I kind of miss the days of the handheld KH games. At least they were better quality. Oy.

Edit: And back to my one point, I feel Missing Link is going to add even more to the KHIV stuff now, when there's already so much it needs to conquer that I have no idea how it's going to do it all. Like, I was thinking that maybe some of the point of Missing Link was to flesh out this new saga... but there's already so much going on here.

Edit 2: However, Missing Link, and all the stuff with the story of Scala ad Caelum, seems to be a story Nomura-san wants to tell. And that is most definitely his right.

[waterfallofspace]

HI!! same anon who asked about vnc here. i feel like your answer is enough of a go-ahead for me to be a bit more unhinged so first of all PLEASE SHARE YOUR VNC THOUGHTS. at some point. you must be the change you want to see in the world and whatnot. ive been on a skk kick but my bimonthly vnc rewatch is my sanitys single saving grace. vanitas is such a pathetic worm and he deserved to get stomped painfully into the ground /aff

also just letting you know that a second season is unlikely bc the anime adapted 55 out of 61 chapter (WHICH ON THE BRIGHT SIDE easy to catch up!!! :"D) the only time ive seen an anime get THAT close is with... bsd. which. well. sure was something. but i doubt theyd go that route with vnc

i have... alot of opinions on the ships. but its ALOT. however i will disclose that vanoe <3 SO JUST KNOW THAT IF YOU DO POST ANYTHING VNC/VANOE RELATED.... there will be at least one person (ME!!) screaming about it FHDJDJSJ

Oh it's completely a go-ahead, I'd love the chance to be deranged about them!!! Gonna stick it under a cut because it's gonna be long ahahaha~ (possible V/anitas no Carte spoilers under cut, so be warned!)

Augh I know, I mean look at this man!!!! He deserves to be wrecked in the most gorgeously affectionate painful whumpening <3 I want to bite him (and we know he'd like it LMAO)

I adore skk and satosugu, but Vanoe will always have such a sweet place in my heart~ gah tragic beloveds (that are at times, not tragic) are my bread and butter.

Yeahhhh, I did hear about thatttt, but I'm still hopeful that after... idk... 5-6 years... we might get more.... I just!!! They can't end it like that!!!! I mean it's an ending I can live with, but god I crave so much more!!!!

Omg if you ever wanna discuss the opinions I'd be so happy to listen!!! I have some opinions about dif ships in there too (Olivier and Roland are In Love and you cannot convince me otherwise).

So I adore Vanitas like I mentioned, but um... Olivier also owns my heart. We don't get enough of him I love him- the way he gets a headache every time Roland is there???? ICONIC OF HIM <333

He's just... he's so gorgeous. He has the aethetics that I adore, and a personality I find intriguing and fun~ Gahhh now I need to rewatch again hahahaha~

(also love Roland but in the same way I love Noe, just lil sweethearts <3 also also Chloé and Jean-Jacques <3 are so precious <3 to me and each other <3 )

Aaaand a little snippet as a 'thank you' and 'congrats' for making it to the end of this way-too-long response, here's a lil taste of what I had headcanoned for Vanoe

Vanitas: Soft, little rapid ones, 'iHh'tchiew! hiH'tchhue!' and he is so. mad about it. Will often try to stifle so no one hears them, orrrr add a yell/growl to try and unsuccessfully make them sound more 'fitting'. Truth is, they fit him better than he'd ever admit~

Noe: Harsh and (fairly) Loud, and it surprises literally everyone, Vanitas most of all (despite hearing it however many times now). Think something like, 'hHRZShh'ieh! ah'yieASHhuh!' You'd think someone this soft-spoken and sweet would have a dainty little sound, but nope~

[toestalucia]

uhh up to ch177 lines again

Noa: Captain… Are you sure about this? Are you okay with enduring this sort of tragedy as long as it means saving the world? Choice 1: No, I'm not. Vyrn: That goes for all of us. Losin' friends is a tough pill to swallow. But… everybody who died is gone. There's nothin' we can do… Choice 2: We just have to accept it. Lyria: We're not the only ones who suffered in this battle. But everyone was trying to move on. Even if it meant turning away from reality or hiding their true feelings.

gah.....

Loki: I have to ask… Do you genuinely think it's right to do something like that? Let's say someone dies of an illness. It's obviously a heartbreaking thing. You could even call it a tragedy. But is it really okay to bring them back to life on a whim? You know the answer, but you're choosing to turn a blind eye. In the past, I have no doubt that you would have intervened to stop anyone who was trying to bend the laws of nature. So that no matter what tragedy they had faced, they could look to the future and live on. Loki's tone is genuine, without a hint of mockery. Loki: If you guys say you've changed, that's fine with me. I just want to know what you've got your sights set on for my own sake—so I can walk my own path.

Lyria: I tried to accept it at first too. I told myself that the dead don't come back—that's just how the world works. But if there's a way to make the impossible possible, whatever it is… Loki: You want to travel with your friends again, even if the world may not view your actions as "correct".

loki fan is still surprised we have arrived at a place where loki has this much screentime. anytime the loki parts are always on my mind. personally i rly like the direction of the ppl whos been helping the world going against the world, & that while the side thing of the broken sky Is concerning enough to look for a solution for anyway, theyre pretty obvious with the 'even if that wasnt a thing, we still wouldve done this'. like lokis 'I guess that was a pretty silly question, considering how many times you've come face-to-face with the world in crisis.' line........

but especially considering katalina asking them to travel for themself rather than the whims of the world. having this be their decision issssss auughhhhhhhh......running from the empire...defeating freesia.....having to leave phantagrande 1) cuz theyre wanted 2) they need to get to the next sky realm for the sky pieces anyway. and nalhegrande ends in falling to the bottom of the skies, and oarlyegrande has them swept up first in blf and then otherworld. something about the decision they make is to travel with their friends again. you know

anyway brief loki posting but the way he talks about having met beings similiar to current captain. gods born from beliefs. giving them forms as primal beasts. cuz i feel its been established loki wasnt a researcher? 'im as infamous as those researchers'. but byleistr is also the person who had access of akasha...................next update loki lore for sure. copium. ive waited for so long for them to piece together what theyve alrdy said about his past

[sporesgalaxy]

WELL GAMERS I told myself I should get more of the sequel done first. I told myself I should draw a new picture. But ive never been famous for my self control or patience, have I 💚

If I regret my writing choices after watching the finale later this week, thats between me and God.

•••

quick reminders abt how this is Canon Divergent:

1. Philip never directly witnessed the portal, and/or something happened that forced Circe to suddenly stay in the Demon Realm a bit sooner than in canon. The point is Philip never made it to the Boiling Isles.

2.

ok teehee time to get sad.

CW: Philip's never outright transphobic but like. Some of the things he says about refusing to accept witchcraft may sound like it.

•••

?: [distantly] Philip?

?: [closer] Philip!

?: Philip Wittebane!!!

P: [weirded out cuz hes in the middle of the woods] What in the--

C: [running up to him excitedly] Philip!!! It's SO good to see you again!!!

P: [backing away] Er, excuse me miss. Do I...know you?

C: !

C: Come on, Philip!

C: Surely the King of the Witch Hunters can recognize the Dread Witch Beezelbella when he sees her!

---

P: ...

C: [smile falters nervously] Erm...Philip?

[Philip bolts]

C: Wh- Philip!

[He sprints through the woods as fast as he can, but weaving between the trees is slowing him down.]

[Circe suddenly cuts Philip off, riding on her staff]

P: [nearly falls over] GAH!!

C: What are you running away for?!

P: [shielding his face, peeking at her erratically, as if afraid to look directly at her for too long] You're not real!! You're some cruel illusion!!

P: Sent to-- to torment me, or tempt me to forfeit my soul to the devil!

P: Well it WON'T WORK!! So-- gh-- [flails his hands in her general direction] BEGONE!

--

C: [trying not to laugh] No, no...! I promise, no tricks!

C: [REALIZES SHE IS LEVITATING] Ah!!! Er...

[she jumps off the staff and holds it behind her conspicuously, too frantic to remember to store it as a palisman]

C: [smiling nervously] I meant to save that for later.

P: [incredulous] Did you?!

C: Yes, but-- really, it's harmless!

[gestures for emphasis, but is still holding the staff in one hand, and ends up accidentally waving it between them.]

[Circe realizes she's still got the staff out. Philip is staring at it like it might explode. She reduces it to just the bird and pockets the palisman in her cloak]

C: Er-- mostly harmless!

C: [smiling apologetically, holding up palms to show she's unarmed] I'd never dream of hurting you, anyhow!

P: [mentally recalculating] ...Is that so?

C: [beams] Of course!

P: [less defensive body language, but still clearly a little wary] Hm...

--

C: Before anything else, I'll need to re-introduce myself!

P: Re-introduce...?

C: [trying to stay chipper but looking more stressed] I told you! It's...it's me!! [she pulls her hair back into a ponytail, looking a bit uncomfortable] See?

P: The...Dread Witch Beezelbella.

C: [frustrated] Your s-- your sibling!!! You know, the one who raised you?? Who spent all those years putting gruel on the table??

P: [playing dumb but also being mean] The one who died seven years ago?

C: Er-- well-- yes and no! I had to go away for a while, but I'm back now!!

C: [trying to bulldoze through it] And hardly anything has changed!

C: But I HAVE learned I'm much happier being your sister! That's not too complicated, is it? You understand, don't you?

P: I...suppose--

C: [bulldozing again] Spectacular!!!!

C: So, you'll now call me Ci-- [seems to realize something] Er...just C.C. is fine for now! [smiles nervously]

[Philip gives her a perplexed look]

C: Probably easier and, er...good for an Adjustment Period! [nods to herself]

P: [mostly just baffled] ...C.C.

C: You've got it! And none of my old name, pretty please? [before Philip can reply] Great!

C: Now, with all THAT out of the way: It's YOUR turn! Tell me everything! How are you?! What's happened while I was gone? Tell me all about what you've been up to!

--

P: Oh. Er...

P: I'm...doing very well. I... ["thinks", bringing a finger to his chin a little too theatrically]

P: ...Goodness, so much has changed, I'm not even sure where to start!

P: Perhaps you could just visit the house with me and see what's changed for yourself? [grabs her arm and gently tugs]

C: [Withdraws, very nervous] Oh, no no no, I reeeaaallly shouldn't go into town.

C: You and I of all people know how they are about--!

C: ...!

C: [Squints]

P: ...Is something the matter?

C: [Squints harder]

C: It's been a long time, but I haven't COMPLETELY forgotten what it sounds like when you're LYING, Philip.

P: >:| ...

C: >:[ ...

P: ...I have no idea what you're talking about.

C: UUGGGHHHH.

C: [crosses her arms] Well, I've no plans to set foot in that town ever again, so it's no use to try.

P: Then perhaps you could wait here, and in just a moment I'll return and we can-- [beginning to walk away]

C: [Grabs his arm to stop him leaving] [exasperated] I'm not an idiot, Philip!

C: [sighs] Look, I know magic is going to be a lot for you to take in, but it's really not so bad!

P: [MAIDENLESS STARE]

--

[Circe continues holding Philip's arm to keep him there, and for now, he lets her.]

C: As it turns out, you DON'T actually have to sell your soul!

P: [no longer hiding that he's not buying it] Is that so?

C: [frustrated] It's true! I could prove it to you!

C: Well, I guess I can't PROVE that I still have a soul. Not that I know of. [to herself] I wonder if there's a spell for that...

P: [extremely sarcastic] Perhaps we ought to enlighten the entire town to the existence of this fascinating *benign sorcery*.

C: You're making fun of me. >:T

P: Nonsense. Since you can *prove* that it's harmless, then why wouldn't you prove it to everybody, hm? It would make our lives *so* much easier...

C: Philip.

---

P: Why, no one would have to do chores ever again.

C: Philip!

P: Maybe we could all be in one big witch's coven together.

C: Philip, STOP!

C: I'm not here to waste my time on them!

C: I'm not even here to talk about magic!

C: [taking his hand in both hers] I'm here to talk to *you*!

C: I...I need to tell you-- That is, I *should've*--

C: [squeezing his hand, struggling to find the words] What I mean to say is, I never explained that I--!

P: [Rips his hand away from her, furious] Enough of this!!

-----

P: I'm no idiot, either!!

P: You expect me to believe you're here to *talk?!* [scoffs]

P: Just where in the world could have you gone, that you'd *vanish without a trace,*

P: and then-- *reappear out of thin air,* only to TALK?

P: [facetious] I suppose you could have *dropped by to chat* at any time in the last seven years, but you weren't in the *mood!*

C: Well...perhaps, but I--

P: [more outraged] What?!

C: Now, hold on--!

P: Then where have you *been??!!!*

C: I *wanted* to visit, Philip! But I couldn't-- I couldn't just-- it's complicated!

----

P: So you just LEFT me here to assume you were DEAD???

C: Wait--

P: I spent YEARS trying to hunt down that *witch*--

[Circe grimacing/wincing rxn shot]

P: [gesticulating wildly] YEARS hopelessly wondering what might've become of you!!!!!

C: I was--!

P: I WASTED my LIFE searching for answers, when you could have just TOLD ME!!??

C: Please--!

P: I suppose you were too busy learning WITCHCRAFT in-- in-- WITCH-LAND!!

C: 😟

--

P: [still angry, but also tearing up] And what a cruel joke, that you'd finally deign to visit *now!*

P: [reaching subtly for his knife, which is holstered on his belt] After I'd finally managed to give *up* on you.

[Circe hugs him. like that portrait oooo!!!!! he freezes, hesitating over the knife]

C: I'm *so* sorry, Philip.

C: I *do* care. I *did* want to tell you.

C: But...

[she squeezes tighter]

[Philip, over her shoulder, looks desperately lonely.]

C: Truthfully...

[She steps back to look him in the eyes, still holding his shoulders.]

[Philip regains his composure before she sees his face again. His hand twitches over his knife.]

C: ...I thought you would be better off without me.

---

P: [genuine confusion. His hand looks less ready over the knife.] What...?

C: [drops her arms, steps away][bittersweet amusement] I was the one always getting us into trouble.

C: [sitting on a fallen log] And you were so smart! You could accomplish anything you put your mind to!

C: You could...fit in.

C: I never could. Not really.

[Philip seems confused that she'd say this about herself, and about him.]

C: [sighs]

C: I told myself that leaving you was a sacrifice I could make to give both of us everything we wanted.

----

C: ...But it wasn't just my sacrifice to make.

C: I don't regret leaving Gravesfield--

[Philip's expression darkens momentarily]

C: --but I regret leaving *you*.

[he's taken off guard by this]

C: I'm sorry, Philip.

[He tries, but can't hold on to the anger. His hand falls slack, no longer considering going for the knife.]

C: [brushes her hair out of her face] You don't have to forgive me. But you deserve to know.

C: And I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.

[Philip looks at a loss for words]

C: [gazes into the woods, fidgeting] ...I-if there's a way I could ever even *begin* make it up to you... I'll gladly try.

----

C: [looks sadder] ...But if there's nothing I can do, I understa--

P: [sudden, desperate] *Come home.*

[Philip looks alarmed that he blurted that out]

C: [wide eyed. that was the last thing she expected him to say, too]

P: ...*please.*

C: [sadly] Philip...

C: I can't.

P: Why not?!

P: If-- if witchcraft really doesn't cost you your soul, then-- couldn't you just...*stop?*

--

C: [serious] It isn't about magic.

C: If I'd never used a drop of magic in my life, my days would still be numbered here.

P: What??? Why???

C: [thinks for a moment.]

C: ...I was always scared in Gravesfield.

P: [concern, confusion]

C: I tried not to let you see it-- I was supposed to protect you. [rueful amusement] I wasn't supposed to be *scared.*

C: But the older I got, the more terrified I became.

C: I knew that I would eventually do something... wrong.

C: Too wrong for just one humiliating punishment.

--

C: The moment that anyone found an excuse...I would be judged unfit to even *exist.*

C: Because I couldn't...

C: [as if it puts a bad taste in her mouth] I couldn't be who *Gravesfield* thought I should be, *flawlessly.*

C: And if I couldn't be a *perfect* witch hunter, or *stay* a perfect witch hunter until the day that I died--

[shot of Philip with next line. He looks like he understands, and wishes he didn't.]

C: Then that would make me a *witch.*

[back to Circe. Looking very serious]

C: Magic or not.

--

C: Most of all, I was scared I would bring you down with me.

C: I was rash. And stupid. But I only ever wanted you to be safe.

C: Truly, I did.

[Philip looks conflicted, frustrated, trying to find his anger and righteousness again]

P: I...

[He gives up. Looks upset-- sad, frustrated...tired. Sighs, pinches bridge of his nose.]

P: [plops down next to Circe on the log]

[Circe watches him, wondering what he's thinking now.]

P: [closes his eyes tighter and leans forward, resting his elbows on his legs. He presses his forehead against his clasped hands.]

P: [whispering] Lord...give me strength...

[shot of Circe looking at him sadly]

P: [offscreen, over shot of Circe] [quieter] *please*...

P: [in frame now] [very desperate, and quieter still] ...**please**...

--

C: ...Are you happy in Gravesfield?

P: [Hands still clasped, but eyes open, looking into the woods] ...

C: Philip?

P: [flatly] That doesn't matter.

C: [Leaning forward, trying to look in his eyes] ...It matters to *me*...

[Philip unclasps his hands and instead holds his elbows, which still rest on his legs. Does not look at Circe.]

P: [cold resentment] Does it.

[Circe shrinks back]

[the two sit in silence for a moment. Birds chirp, and the bare tree branches sway in the breeze above them.]

--

C: [quietly] ...are the trials as bad as they used to be?

P: ...

P: [even tone] Less frequent, maybe.

C: [hopeful] That's good.

P: ... [furrows his eyebrows]

C: Do you still--

P: Yes.

C: [guilt] ...

P: I've prevented what happened to you from happening again a dozen times over.

[Circe pales with horror. Philip still is not looking at her.]

P: [clearly bitter about something] And *I'm* actually *careful.* [seeming more vexed than proud] I've done more research than *anybody.*

C: [examining his face] ...Research?

P: ...

C: [dawning realization] Do they...*understand* that's what your doing?

P: [intensely, looking only at the ground] It doesn't matter. I can prove it to them.

C: [putting the pieces together] Philip, are you in danger?

P: [breaks a twig off a branch on the fallen log with his left hand] [curtly] *No.*

P: [looks annoyed at the stick momentarily. passes it to his right hand] *I* am not a witch.

P: [slightly hesitant] ...obviously.

----

[Philip starts doodling in the dirt with the twig]

C: [losing patience with his stubborness] Do you honestly still believe that only real witches get accused? Get *punished?*

P: [stops drawing. gives her an angry sideways glance. then glares at the dirt again] ...

P: ...*Yes.*

P: As long as you do it *correctly.*

C: [furrows eyebrows] ......

[Philip resumes, scratching the dirt more forcefully.]

C: But--

P: Witches die because they are born doomed.

[as he says "doomed," Philip finishes drawing The Belos Mask with a final, forceful scratch]

C: That's what we were *told*! That doesn't mean it's true!

[Circe looks at Philip, expression somewhere between frustrated and pleading, but he won't look up from his sketch]

------

P: [darkly] What does that mean for you, then?

[Circe is taken off-guard]

P: Do your witch-friends know what you used to do?

P: Or are you lying to them, too?

C: I--!

C: ...

C: [quieter] ...Not all of them know.

P: [snidely] Hmph.

C: [with a bit more conviction] But, the ones that *do* know...

C: They know that I was scared. And trying to keep us safe.

C: There are people who understand that I truly thought I was doing the right thing.

C: [guilt] That I would give anything to undo it now...

C: [focusing on Philip again] They trust me, and love me, even though I've made...terrible mistakes. Even though I'll *always* make mistakes.

C: [trying REALLY hard to get through to Philip] *Gravesfield isn't all there is.*

P: ...

[Philip scratches out the doodle forcefully.]

P: [unhappily] Good for you.

----

[a prolonged beat of silence, save Philip's stick scraping against the ground as he scribbles slowly, randomly on the spot where the doodle used to be]

C: If you want...I could show you--

[suddenly, Philip throws his stick to the ground and turns to Circe]

P: [frustrated noise] Would you get this over with already?!

C: What?

P: I don't care what you want anymore! Just take it already!

P: You win! So stop tormenting me with this awful vision!!

C: [taken aback] Wha--! I-I'm not--! You still don't believe that I'm real?!

-------

P: You *can't* be!

P: [breaking a little] I only *want* you to be real!

P: I *want* you to be *alive*!

P: I don't *want* to be *alone* any longer!!

P: But you insist on making me offers that I have *just* enough clarity of mind left to refuse!!

P: [becoming more desperate than angry] Why won't you just lie to me?! Tell me you'll come home? Tell me that nothing's changed?

P: *Something*-- *anything* that's easier to convince myself to accept!!

[Circe looks deeply hurt]

P: Won't you at least let me die thinking I was reunited with-- with you?!

P: [losing steam] ...What could you possibly want that you haven't had the chance to take from me already...?

[a beat. Circe's expression has closed off considerably. Philip holds his head in his hands.]

P: Please. Get it over with.

P: Or for God's sake leave me be.

[wide shot of them sitting in unhappy silence]

------

C: [very quietly] ...Alright.

[Circe stands, brushes her skirt off. Philip remains sitting, not looking at her]

C: I suppose I've done all I can.

P: ...

C: I won't disturb you again.

P: .......

C: I'm still thankful that I could see you one last time.

P: ...........

C: [trying to keep composed] Please...stay safe. Take care of yourself.

P: .................

---

C: I love you.

P: ............. . . . . . . . .

C: [offscreen] Goodbye, Philip.

[she walks away]

[a beat passes]

[Philips resolve breaks. As he looks up--]

P: Ca-- C.C., I--

[--he realizes he is alone again.]

P: ....

P: [slowly, he stands. brushes his jacket off. walks away.]

-----

been trying really hard to do things with my spare time over the last week besides rewrite the circe clawthorne au intro but youll never guess what happened

[azurajay]

hey uhhhh,,, long time no update,,,

I finished the magnus archives,,,,

What the Fuck

[istherewifiinhell]

reading process: chapter 196 (damn)

reading highlights: now with new and improved features

178 Yjh hesitating to fast ball special this weird little dude: pls dont die. kdj: look at me. bitch

179 Gah. can an author make a story so big even their monster cant eat it

180 I knew the 4th wall was gonna eat but i forgot IT HAS TEETH

shaking the no no can at 4th wall

gah okay yeah jesus lee sookyung [song accompaniment love run by the amazing devil]

the narrative will make you apart of it (threat)

181 '4th wall also isolated me from myself' DING DING DING

overall evaluation ⬛⬛... -> mood

gonna twach the sentient dangerous trauma response some... morals? interpersonal skills?

↳cant handle direct interaction, eats and sleeps. yea

↳im gonna take a nap right here

LJH: arent you and kdj.... yjh grimacing as being ask about his love life by his teenage ward

kdj funeral -> song accompaniment welly boots by the amazing devil (just because I left doesnt mean I'm not still there)

YJH sponsor -> praying for his fate eh?

182 [sponsors lhs 100 head pats]

SYS is literally your daughter 🥺. kdj dad who hates dads moment

183 lhs wants to be on kdj team :((((

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE LHS IN THE DRESS

(did hades make it??)

184 feeling differently after talking to 4th wall yeah pretty sure you had a break thru about dissociating there

yjh: looking with eyes not seen in TWOS -> kdj facial expression blindness trutherism

185 YJH: cause you know me sooo well kdj: starting to think i dont know this you that well

yjh thoughts: there have never been so many ppl who made it to here

"continue to live kim dokja now you have to save this world"

kdj u cant take your own medicine (yjh scheming)

LSK contemplating abt what shit is up with her son

Something lives IN THE WALL

186 other people feel pain with no wall. YES!

"I told him there is no such development [yjh death] in the ending i want"

'yjh desperate face' thats crushing to even read

187 hsy type cast as murder friend sorry bestie

god some classic kdj asshole moments -> guilting lhs and everything

"see the sight of a bearish man weeping" i would like to

jhw T.T oh my murder woman

188 making sys and lgy do this. your KIDS! -> generational Something or other

kdj to yjh: you cant change whats already happened -> this may be an unauthorized use of radical acceptance

your stigma is Literally self sacrifice based... DUDE

get killed by the narrative. your loved ones but also the story... for the story. AH

yjh im so sorry... this is devasting

Uriel... lol shes sweet ig

Demon king of salvation. so juicy (unionize hell lol)

189 LHS LGY YJH boy grief party

yjh widower era

min jiwon and han donghoon! yay

yoohan bonding?

190 Bihyung aw!

[I will pull all of you down from that fucking heaven]

191 a soul can't belong to anyone!

"I will destroy the world of the fucking dokkaebis"

192 ur still a jerk kdj. drama kid

193 yeah fuck the state jhw

do they all share a house 🥺

LHS is back with the army... okay putting a pin in that

yjh stayed in his room like a broken person... bruh

jhw was a bartender? did i know that? it makes so much sense tho

kdj ur story is told bc they love you!!

194 idk i was the only person reading this 1000 chapter work and when i left a comment some stuff changed

syswitz industrial complex... run that by me one more time

damn human life is just like hell, ive been saying this

195 demon trains? i know all about those

complete ur scheme. say somthing cool. pass out. kdj ur self parody at this point

rotation: recency bias is a hell of a thing. i want to partially tie up the parenting stuff with noting how often the constellation incarnation relationship was considered parental, how kdj views them (and indeed how weve seen quite a few be) really cruel, or exploitative, and well thats fitting for him to see that as parental isnt it. but then also. he has kids in his own care, and one is literally his incarnation. frankly im interested in both how attacking and dethroning gods is gonna impact his own godhood deal, his own parenting, and his view of his mothers job of parenting him

im not sure if i have any particular takes here but let it be know kdj is a bastard and a scoundrel and i shall not miss him. not from this distance. no but god that was a classic really jerk move level manipulation. need to re-calibrate the dials. whats worse is at this point i think he can fully understand how much emotional damage hes putting his loved ones through.

Also did you know we live in a society. this one is pretty nascent so far but the breaking of the Seoul dome is reminding us of normal human society, and its flaws, and with the demonic realm, blatantly stated, we live in hell on earth.

[deadgrantaires]

ive been thinking a lot about what happens in chimera ant arc especially like. gons actions to fight pitou and its consequences and how that all led to killuas decision to leave gon at the end of chairman election arc. bc of the shit gon says

im now SPECIFICALLY thinking about gon saying (to kurapika after he refused to use judgement chain on him) that the prospect of letting down a friend is a lot scarier than putting his life on the line

obviously hes clouded by grief at the time but. gon does choose to forsake killua multiple times, including after knowing that kite is dead. and given gons personality and values i AM reading that as he is following through with this at least in part bc he thinks that if he DOESNT avenge kite he is letting him down. even though it was shown to gon MULTIPLE times in his interaction with kite that kite actively valued gons life and would put himself at risk to protect him (and killua). but gon blatantly refusing that priority and follwoing through with his revenge as a way to not let kite down AS WELL AS putting his life at risk about it. while completely disregaurding that grace with killua to let him down instead. and like i just. imagine that being shown several times in the chimera ant arc that killua IS second to kite and that gons selfishness will prevail against the proof given to him. just must have been such a devestating blow to killua so im not surprised. it shook him to his core and made him reevaluate HIS goals and HIS life and how HE wanted to do something good that he. then had power to (saving alluka/nanika)

AND I KNOWWWWWW. gons a child and grieving terribly and im not discrediting that. and also. he doesnt really even seem to GET how much he fucked up in his treatment of killua after being healed. hes still stuck thinking only about himself and how he feels responsible for kites death (whcih he had. no control over) and is almost. ignoring the shattering of his relationship with killua. and he only seems to understand that like. killua needs space. ider if he apologizes that ones on me bc i was SO CAUGHT UP in killuas heart wrenching "I’ll clean up your mess, but this time I won’t let it slide. You have to apologize." GAH

.

[sweetlilbambi]

rant under the cut!!

if ur reading, tw deaths

soo i work as a caregiver and though i love my job and the people that comes w it, it also takes a lot of toll on my mental + physical health overall that i just feels soo drained all the time.

theres a lot of deaths in my work place simply because of old people passing and i absolutely cannot handle it anymore, like i have a really bad attachment issues and i tend to socialize a lot w my patients (its kind of unavoidable because most of the times, we need to build trust in order for me to help them like feeding etc) and it’s like they’ll be fine and still be energetic then the next day they’ll be transferred to hospice care (which is basically where they get sent so they’ll be taken care of before they pass, kind of a general definition but yk)

and recently, one of the patients that i’ve really grown attached to passed and its really just making me so :( i dont really express my problems/sadness here just cuz i feel weird n like. idk LOL but gah i just dont have anyone to talk ab it with because i have a hard time makin friends irl and my coworkers refuses to talk about stuff like this because it makes the work place more depressing (?) ive talked ab it w my mom but she kinda doesn’t really get it and laughs it off because i “care too much” but GAH idk.

the shifts are also just crazy.. i dont have perm schedule so i just get called all the time and most of the times i’d work for 16 hrs straight for like a couple of days n i would j be soo exhausted..

i also just treat this like a temp job? i dont wanna work in this field forever and i really wanna go to training school for flight attendants bcuz ive always wanted to travel and that job just seems very fitting + ive been wanting to do that since i was little!

idkidk i think i might quit ?? argh im in the process of saving money so i can move out soon so i dont think it would be the most convenient thing to do but i just feel like getting out of smth that makes me sad all the time will help me :-3

currently thinking!!!!! lots of thinking!!!!!!!!

[dracwife]

ALSO thank you kindly for your sweet words on my Texiarty Great Gatsby AU writings, I appreciate Mikołaj :')!!!

I wanted to come ask, when you've the time, how does Wyler like to help you unwind after a very long and stressful day ✨🥺? He seems the type to want to pamper you✨💜

Sunny @tex-treasures

gah, ive been saving this to answer for a day like this 😮‍💨

he actually does enjoy pampering, just in general <|3

he is very much a man who commits his all, and this includes in relationships -- he would do anything for the one he loves, and he adores mikołaj, and as such wants to see him smile more than anything.

after all he needs his star to be in perfect shape for his close ups ❤️‍🩹