#her succession would’ve been the only justice the two of them ever got

[halfyearsqueen]

no because let’s discuss this matrilineal lineage

[brave-and-gentle]

This Is Us Kevin’s ending thoughts - SPOILERS

Alright so. I’ve had a week for that to settle and I have THOUGHTS.

-once they broke up for a second time I NEVER saw Sophie and Kevin getting back together. Why would they after everything Kevin did??

-so I was surprised the writers did what they did and tbh, that last scene with them getting back together was cute. My little heart 🥺🥺

-AND YET. The message is problematic. It was all about Kevin making himself better for Sophie while she was trying to move on and couldn’t. It’s telling us as women to wait for our partner to grow and mature, even if it takes decades?!?!? Now yes Sophie didn’t just sit around and wait for Kevin, but she got divorced twice in that time. Hmm. Sounds like the “no successful relationships except your true love” trope. Ugh.

-I love Kevin bettering himself. His character arc is great. But why ruin it by making it that he only did it for Sophie??

-speaking of Sophie, WHY DIDN’T SHE GET HER OWN EPISODE EVER. I want to know about her outside of Kevin. She’s a great character and the writers did not do her justice. Sophie deserved more than two divorces while “waiting” for Kevin!!!

-and finally….it should have been Kevin and Madison. Although I love Madison’s character arc, I think I would’ve also loved her learning to trust that Kevin loved her and gain self confidence. I would’ve loved Kevin learning that his happy ending doesn’t need to look like his parents did.

[kaunis-sielu]

Fire Dogs: End

The trip out to New York is uneventful. You sleep in the car occasionally but you do stop at a couple of hotels you never sleep super well. Besides there’s something about being in a car with your Alpha that just soothes you to sleep. You wake at one point and hear him talking softly on the phone.

“Nat, I don’t want a big party. It’s going to stress her out and she’s probably going to be close to a heat so I don’t want a ton of people around. Just you, Clint, Wanda, Carol and Jarvis.”

“Everyone is so excited though.”

“They’re going to have to wait. Her well-being is my first concern.”

“Steve,”

“Natasha.” He warns lowly and you hear her sigh.

“Fine. Fine. I’ve got a few places lined up for you to look at as well as a property so if building your own place is more appealing you can do that. I don’t know how sensitive your Omega’s nose is.”

“I doubt she does either. We’re about four hours out. Thanks for doing all of this Nat.”

“I’m glad you finally found someone worthy of you Alpha.” You don’t love that she calls him Alpha, so you take a deep breath so Steve knows that you’re awake.

“Thank you Natasha. See you soon.”

“Bye.” She says and Steve hangs up.

“How much did you hear?”

“Her call you Alpha.” You admit grumpily and he laughs softly.

“Are you a little jealous?” When you grumble in response he sobers up, “They all do that Omega, not just Natasha. It’s a respect thing.”

“It was jarring. You’re my Alpha.”

“I know, I’m sorry I should’ve warned you.” He soothes, his hand is warm on your thigh when he reaches over. You trace the back of his hand with one of your fingers.

“How close are we?”

“About 4 hours, you need to stop?”

“No, I was just curious. I’m nervous too, I’m meeting your pack.”

“You’re only meeting a couple today. The rest will trickle in when you’re ready, take as long as you need.”

“Okay, thank you.”

The rest of the ride is spent in comfortable conversation and singing along to the radio. He puts you at such ease that you forget to be anxious, at least until Steve pulls off of the freeway.

“Take a breath Honey, it’s going to be fine.” He promises and you cling to his hand as he drives for a couple more minutes then pulls up to a little house. “Let me know when you’re ready to go in.”

“Can, god this is so stupid, can you calm me?”

“Oh Honey I can absolutely do that. C’mere.” He mutters before kissing you softly, his hands cup your face and you feel the sense of calm wash over you. He pulls away from you then kisses along your jaw, before covering your mouth once more. “How do you feel Omega?” He murmurs softly and you hum lowly.

“Good.”

“Ready?”

“Yes, as I will ever be.” His calm makes you feel a little drowsy but it’s better than the panic you could be in. Steve gets out of the car and you follow him, Cooper waits patiently in the back to be let out. You take his leash and he walks calmly next to you, Steve meets you at the front of the car. He takes your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze,

“I don’t think anyone is here yet.” Sure enough when he unlocks the door the house is empty.

“Oh god it smells good in here.” You mutter softly, “Can I let Cooper wander?”

“It’s your house too now Honey. You don’t have to ask.” You unhook Cooper’s leash and he wanders around the living room. “You look good in here, you belong here.”

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me Steve.” You tell him giving him a tight hug.

“Oh Honey.” He says gently before kissing your cheek. “Wanna see the house?” You nod and he leads you through the house showing you where things are. The doorbell rings and you tense up and the calm washes over you again as Steve presses a kiss to the side of your head. Cooper barks and you can’t help but smile at the familiarity of it all.

“Thanks Steve.” You follow him downstairs and when the door opens it’s just Sam and Bucky and a pretty blonde woman who you assume is Carol.

“Had to fight Becca to get her to stay home.” Bucky says with a punch to Steve’s arm, “thought she was gonna scream me to death when I told her ‘bout your Omega.” Carol gives you a kind smile as she follows Sam into the house, she smells like Oranges and chocolate.

“Wish she would’ve screamed you to death. Then we wouldn’t have to listen to your dumb ass anymore.” Sam says lowly.

“I see the two of you have had enough time together.” Carol says with a laugh, “Hi Fawn, I’m Carol. Sam’s much, much better half.” She doesn’t try to shake your hand or touch you in anyway which you appreciate.

“Hi, thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for spoiling Sam, he says you’re one hell of a cook.” She says kindly, “We live right next door so when the boys are at work feel free to call if you need anything.” She puts a business card down on the end table then drops down onto Sam’s lap.

Next comes a young woman with auburn hair and a tall man with purple hair. Steve introduces them as Wanda, an Alpha and Viz, a Beta. They’re one of the newer pairs in Steve’s pack but it seems like everyone was just kind of waiting for it to happen. Wanda is a calm in the storm that is the three other Alpha’s currently wresting for control of the remote on your couch.

“Enough.” Steve growls at the three of them as their scents spike and you bury your face into his chest.

Natasha and Clint come next, Nat is the one that you’d heard on the phone earlier and when you see her that little possessiveness rears it’s head. She’s beautiful. “Omega.” Steve rumbles into your ear and you feel so silly for being jealous of her using his title.

“You didn’t do her justice Rogers.” She says giving you a kind smile, one you tightly return. She and Clint are both Betas, she’s more smoky smelling and he’s more earthy but both are pleasant. She calls Steve Alpha once but he quickly pulls her aside and after they talk quietly she doesn’t do it again. Overall the night is a success, and you go to bed happy.

The next day is spent looking at different houses they’re about thirty minutes outside of the city. The first neither of you is thrilled with, the second doesn’t have a yard for Cooper, the third is off a busy street and smells terrible but when you pull up to the plot of land it all clicks.

“Would you be mad if I said I wanted to build?” You ask Steve as you stand at the top of the hill the property is on. The view here is incredible overlooking a river and some woods below you.

“Not at all.” He assures you, a hand on the small of your back, “whatever it takes to make you happy.”

“It’s going to be so expensive.”

“That’s okay. I’m independently wealthy.” You stare up at him for a second to see if his kidding,

“I’m sorry what?”

“Old money. If you didn’t want to you’d never have to do another book again.”

“Why are you a firefighter?”

“I like serving the community, and I’m good at it.” You stare at him for a moment longer then look back out over the property.

“This feels right doesn’t it?”

“Yea Honey it does.” He agrees, so you sign some paperwork and buy the plot of land. You want to get building started before your heat hits and you smell like an Omega and you do so just in time. Apparently Clint runs a very successful construction firm so you get the layout of the house done in two days.

When you wake on the third day you know you’re in your heat. You wake up feeling just as tired as you did yesterday and everything smells so bad except Steve. He goes to get up and you whimper softly, and he freezes as you reach out to him.

“Honey are you in heat?”

“I think so. It’s been so long since I’ve had an actual heat.”

“Do you want to talk to one of our Omegas?”

“You actually have those?” He huffs out a chuckle.

“Yea, not many but we do. Becca is one.” A cramp hits and you gasp in surprise. Steve reaches for his phone and you grab onto his arm.

“No, I just need you Steve.”

“Omega are you sure?”

“Yes, please Steve. I wanted to be sure that without my suppressants you were still my Alpha. You are. Please.” He rolls so that he’s on top of you, his knees between yours an arm on either side of your head and his scent all around you. “You smell so good Steve.”

“So do you Omega.” He grumbles he’s about to kiss you when his phone rings. You both groan loudly before he rolls off of you and grabs it.

“What?” Someone on the other end talks, “No, my Omega is in heat.” He says before hanging up. The phone rings again before he even puts it down so he stalks to the window, opens it and throws the phone outside.

“You know there is such thing as a power button.”

“I was going to smash it so I feel like I should get some credit for my self control.” He says stalking back toward you. This time his mouth finds yours before he’s settled back over you, his dog tags hit your chest and you cling to them keeping him close to you. Steve kisses down your jaw to your pulse point then down to your scent gland.

“Do it.” You whisper, “please.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” You’ve never been more sure about anything in your life. You feel his breath on your scent gland and you take a slow breath, then he bites. The pain and pleasure are so overwhelming that you black out. When you come to Steve is still placing soft kisses to your face.

“Omega. You back?”

“That was- indescribable. Thank you Alpha.”

“Careful Honey or you’re going to trigger my rut and then I won’t be able to spoil you.”

“I don’t need to be spoiled.”

“Too damn bad Honey. You’re going to be for the rest of your life. Now, I’m gonna go make some breakfast Becca always said day two was the harder day so I want to make sure you’re up to strength.” He goes to get up but you’ve still got a grip on his dog tags. “Omega.”

“You don’t wanna? I mean I thought-“

“Oh Omega I want you, terribly, but I don’t want to wear you out for tomorrow. From what I remember day one is for lots of sleep and comfort, day two is for sex and day three is for more sleep and comfort. Do you want me to have Bucky come take Cooper?”

“Yea. But you’ll have to go get your phone.”

“Damn it.” He grumbles but he gets to his feet, grabs the shirt he was wearing before bed and passes it to you before getting a clean one for himself. You pull his shirt on and sigh happily brushing your fingers gently over his mark. Steve glances over at you and gives you a small smile then holds a hand out for yours. “Wanna come with me to the kitchen? I can kiss ya some more while we cook.” You nod and climb out of bed with a wide smile taking the hand he offers, you’ll gladly go wherever he goes for rest of your life.

Tag list:

@memyselfandmaddox @thefanficfaerie @patzammit @dsakita @dramadreamer14 @killcomet @thesassmisstress @andahugaroundtheneck @loving-life-my-way @thefridgeismybestie @dumblani @im-just-another-monster @mywinterwolf @giggleberts @biskwitmamaw @geeksareunique @paintballkid711 @lumar014 @also-fangirlinsweden @connie326 @inkedaztec @eralen @valsworldofcreativity @strangersstranger @blackwidownat2814 @sky0401 @winterbuckystan1917 @dontbescaredtosingalong

[thebrochtuarachs]

Something in the Rain - “Finding Solid Ground”

A/N:  Hi all! This chapter has been in the drafts for quite sometime now but I only had the time to pick up the writing. Thank you so much for your patience with my slow updates but rest assured, I absolutely love this story and daydream about the chapters ahead. As always, your comment and suggestions help a lot moving this story forward. Hope you all are keeping safe and healthy! Till the next one!

AO3  / C1: A Day In June : C2: Definitely, Maybe : C3: So We Meet Again : C4: Friday Lunch

XXXXX

She was 45 minutes late.

Claire was running as fast as she could, catching some curious eyes on her as she raced towards Mrs. Kim’s Korean Street Food Hub to hopefully, still catch Jamie for their lunch.

She got off from her morning surgery quite late due to some complications but she still went as courtesy and because, in all honesty, she still wanted to see him. Their last encounter kind of left them in an awkward place and she was hoping that this meeting could help clarify some things. She has been waiting for this all week but alas, life (and medicine) had other plans.

Claire entered the store and knew instantly that he wasn’t there. The place was empty after the lunch rush and she sighed in disappointment.

“Claire!” Mrs. Kim suddenly called out. “This is for you, left by your friend”, she said while handing her a piece of paper.

“Thank you” Claire replied, opening it on spot.

Hi Claire,

Sorry, I left before you arrived but I have to get back to the office. Don’t worry about the wait, I really don’t mind but I just have a packed schedule today.

Forgive me if this is too forward but here’s my number. No pressure! Just figured we can text or call whenever is a better time to catch up. Just hit me up when you feel like it and I’ll be on the other line.

I do hope to hear from you soon. If not, I’ll be here next Friday, same time :)

Jamie

Claire did not waste any more time and punched in Jamie’s mobile number to call. After three rings, he answered.

“Hello?”

“Jamie? It’s me, Claire.”

“Claire, hi! I see you got my note.”

“I did. I am so sorry. My surgery ran a little bit long and…”

“Don’t worry, I figured that must be it.” he said cheerfully, cutting her off before she went into a long explanation. “I mean, you save lives and all, couldn’t be angry about that.”

Claire sighed relief on the other line and couldn’t believe just how understanding he is. So understanding that she’s starting to wonder if he’s even real. She hasn't really met anyone that chivalrous and it captures her.

“Oh, wow. Thank you - and thank you for the note and your number. My guilt would’ve eaten me alive if I couldn’t apologize to you.”

“You don’t think it was too forward?”

“No, not at all. To be honest, I was going to ask it last week before we got, erm, interrupted.”

“Well, that’s good to know. And in any case, I would’ve given it.” Jamie said.

She could hear his smile from the other line and she couldn’t help but smile too.

“Anyhow,” Claire followed. “I am so sorry I missed you today. To make up for it, would you happen to be doing anything tomorrow?”

“Hmm, let me check." Jamie checked his board calendar. "Nope, my weekend is free. Anything you had in mind?”

“Well, if you’re up for it, I’d like to invite you to the center tomorrow, see what we’re doing with the kids. Fair warning though, they get a little rowdy sometimes.”

“I’m game! Text me the details and what time to meet you.”

“Really? Great! Sure, I’ll text you the details in a bit”

“Will wait for it. Claire, sorry to cut this short but I have to run to a meeting. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Oh no, please. Go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alright, bye!”

-

It was a Saturday, two weeks since their encounter by the crossing, and now she’s waiting for him to arrive and bring him to one of the most special places for her.

Claire hadn’t absolutely thought through what inviting Jamie to the center would mean. Reflecting on yesterday, a part of Claire thought she may have panicked and this invite might’ve been a mistake. On another end was a part of her that was excited to see him and if she was really being honest, spend time with him, and show her the work they have been doing.

She had told her their meeting story and the extended invite to her friends and staff but left out the part about their lunches. She messaged the team on WhatsApp about their upcoming guest and her inbox has blown with messages asking her for more details about the man himself. She messaged that they’ll be able to find out for themselves tomorrow when they meet him and turned off her phone.

“Claire?” Deep in thought she hadn’t seen or hear Jamie arrive. “You okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. Spaced out there for a bit” she embarrassingly admitted.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Jamie asked as Claire pointed the way in.

“Erm, nothing much. Just thinking about giving you fair warning about everyone upstairs. They’re quite curious about you, Jamie Fraser.” she said jokingly the half truth.

Jamie got a bit nervous suddenly and Claire felt it. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll save you if they get too rowdy. Be ready to answer questions though." She said, smiling, hoping to ease his thoughts.

“Is any topic off limits? Should I not mention anything to them?”

“I leave it to you. But if you ask me, just be yourself and charm everyone away”

Jamie chuckled and Claire turned to him. “What?”

“You think I’m charming?”

Claire laughed and smacked him in the arm. “Oh, bug off!”

“I’ll take that as a yes”

“Anyway!” Claire interrupted. “Today’s event is just art and crafts and a story session. The rest, the kids can do and play how ever they like. I usually just play with any kid who asks me to and time just flies and suddenly, the afternoon is done.”

“Got it. I honestly hope I can help more than distract or whatever”

“Pssh, you’ll be fine, Jamie. You’ll be fine”

--

The moment the elevator doors opened, a line of people greeted Jamie and Claire at the entrance.

“Hello, everyone” Claire greeted but to her surprise, no one spoke or moved. Everyone was just looking at Jamie. “This is Jamie. Jamie Fraser, our guest for today”

She ushered them closer to the stunned group and began to introduce them one by one.

Mary, the receptionist and admin assistant.

Mrs. Graham, the secretariat and head of operations.

Joe, also a surgeon from Claire’s hospital.

Frank, the history professor he’d met a week earlier.

Geilis, a botanist and herbalist.

“It’s nice to meet you all. Thank you for having me this afternoon.” Jamie said and it was only then that the ice was broken.

“Hi, Jamie was it? Can I call you Jamie?” Mrs. Graham prodded.

“Yes, Mam”

“Alright, this way. Let me show you around”

As Mrs. Graham swept Jamie away for a short tour, the rest of the group crowded Claire with questions.

“Okay, he is even more handsome than in the pictures!” Geilis excitedly said.

“Pictures?” Claire asked.

“Ugh, I sometimes forget you’re a doctor who needs to catch up to the times” Geilis pinched her nose jokingly. “Jamie was named one of Scotland’s most eligible bachelors in a tatler magazine last year. There’s pretty striking photos of him in a tux and in casual clothes.”

“I remember that issue. Gail had one lying in the house and I happen to peruse it one time. You’re right, the pictures don’t do him justice.” Joe chimed in.

“I had no idea. I mean, I just literally bumped into the guy on the street!” Claire said, a curiosity pooling in her mind. She had to look for that magazine later.

“Such a meet-cute story. Ugh, Claire! It’s like something out of the books or movies” Geilis added.

“Psh, he seems too manly for me. I mean, who is that fit and that put together.” Frank mused.

“I think he’s quite charming” Joe added.

“If you ask me, Claire, I don’t know what’s going on between you two but keep it going” Geilis added.

“Aish, nothing is going on. I just extended a polite invite to make up for - “ Claire stopped as Jamie and Mrs. Graham arrived back, thankful for the Interruption.

“Make up for what?” Geilis asked, not missing that info.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Mhm” Geilis hummed raising an eyebrow to Claire. She’ll pull it out of her later.

---

It was a long but fun afternoon for everyone.

Afterwards, one by one, the space cleared out, the kids were picked up, saying goodbye to the staff with some even approaching and waving at Jamie as they left, leaving him with a heartwarming feeling.

“Well, another successful weekend, folks!” Frank called out and the team gave themselves applause.

“Great job to Joe and Mary for taking on the storytelling and painting sessions this afternoon and I would also like to thank our guest, Jamie, for being patient and helpful with the kids” Mrs. Graham added, earning another group applause.

“Thank ye, I hope I helped at all today but otherwise, I enjoyed today and thank ye for inviting me.” Jamie shared.

“Come join us anytime” Joe patted him on the back. “Alright, everyone, have a goodnight. See you all next week, I’ll bring Gail and Lenny along.” With that he made a way for the elevator and it was everyone’s cue to leave.

Claire approached Jamie just as he was going to her. “Well, how are you and how was it?” she asked. If she expected to spend time with Jamie, well, it didn’t happen. First, he was whisked away by Mrs. Graham. Afterwards, it was Joe asking help to build his set. Next up was Mary who got him assisting on getting and serving the food, and the rest of the time, it was kids calling out on Jamie here and there and he was more than happy to oblige.

“Fun and a little bit tiring” he replied and Claire gave a small laugh. “But in all honesty, thank ye for inviting me to come here. Made me miss my niece and nephew”

“I’m glad you had fun and I’m glad you got to see what we’re doing here.”

Jamie might be overthinking things but he knew that Claire sharing this part of her to him seems like a big thing and he intends to cherish that.

“Anyway, I’d like to offer to drive ye home...or to the nearest bus stop” he added, panicking he put her in a tight spot.

Claire paused, eyed him jokingly, intentionally making him more flush and nervous.

“I’d take that offer but” she began and Jamie swallowed the lump on his throat, “I actually live nearby so we don’t need to drive”

“Okay,” Jamie sighed in relief which Claire found very cute. “Lead the way, then”

[enmy-writes]

My Rock Star

Request: Anon: hii can i request a zuko x reader fic where the reader is in a famous girl group (like blackpink for example) & the whole gaang is backstage while the reader is getting ready for a performance & its just super fluffy & cute? Thanks!!

Word Count: 2,646

Fandom: ATLA (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Genre: All fluff. It’s some nice fluff time

Rated: 18+

Content Warnings: swearing, mentions of abuse (not detailed though), suggested themes but nothing bad

****My first request!! Sorry, anon, if I didn’t capture everything you wanted, but I hope it is! I am a sucker for music and bands, and instead of a blackpink approach, I gave the band instruments because I simp for instruments lol I might do a part 2 if this turns out well so lmk! Also, I learned how to make the “keep reading” line show up so that’s exciting yay me. Enjoy :)****

_______________________________________________________________________

It was about two hours before the show was supposed to start and Y/N was doing her normal self-routine before she had to go to her ‘Band-Team-Gang’ (or BTG as her and the girls liked to call it) pre-show rituals. 

Y/N was a part of a famous girl group who had just recently started making it big in Ba Sing Se and were on their first huge tour. Normally, this would make any performer nervous of the attention and putting on a big show, but this was the environment that she thrived in. 

Suki, Mai, Ty Lee, Azula, Yue, and herself all knew each other from an all-girl’s private school that they grew up in together and bonded immediately over their love for creating music. It was inevitable for them to become a group. 

They spent most of their high school days writing songs and joking around in Y/N’s backyard bungalow her parents had gotten her for her twelfth birthday. To this day, they still go back there and do hot (dumb) girl shit.

“Why would we stop? That’s our home, of course we’d still go back there!” Ty Lee answered the interviewer with her signature hair flip and giggle. 

Azula rolled her eyes at the girl, hiding a fond smile. “At this point, It’d be weird not to go back to that little corner of hell we made.” Yue smacked her arm quickly, “Azula! Don’t act like you haven’t written most of our top hits in the bean bag we definitely didn’t steal from the school lounge.” 

The rest of the girls laughed, remembering how they had to hop the gates and sneak past the night guards to be able to get the bean bag. The plan would’ve been a total waste of time and definitely would have gotten them all expelled if anyone had caught them, but thank Mai’s ability to pick locks (which no one knows where she learned to do but they do not question it). 

“Plus,” Suki chimed in. “Y/N’s dad makes the best snacks and meals for us. It’d be a federal crime to not take up that offer for as long as we can.”

Needless to say, the six girls were so comfortable with each other that every performance was just like every group practice with, like, thousands of extra guests of honor. They even have a couch lounge area as part of their stage set props. It just makes sense.

Even though those were her best friends ever, sisters even, Y/N had another friend group that she was super close with. Azula had introduced Y/N to her brother, Zuko, back when they were in their sophomore year of high school and the two instantly clicked. It had only taken a year of being friends and hiding crushes for them to get together, and the two were still going strong. Through him, Y/N met a gang of (crazy) people that he had spent his whole public schooling years.

Aang, an enthusiastic and bald, vegan kid who loved life and enjoyed everything around him; Katara, his pre-med and feminist girlfriend; Sokka, her hilarious and amazingly smart brother (though, sometimes his ideas are questionable); and Toph, a blind and tough girl who is on her way to ruin the top 1%. With Zuko, they were the tightest and happiest little family that automatically accepted Y/N when Zuko brought her over one night. 

She was there when he went through a pyromaniac phase, his varying hair styles, and when he tried to get his father’s love back.Ozai, their father, was the owner and CEO of a massive weapons corporation. He had burned Zuko’s face on a hot stove and kicked him out of the house for suggesting that he raise the wage of all his employees to a comfortable living wage because many of his employees struggled to provide for their families even though they worked their asses off. Thankfully, his kind Uncle Iroh instantly picked the boy up off of the streets, letting him live with him and run his successful tea shop called the Jasmine Dragon. 

Azula had been shoved away by her father mostly for sexist reasons. Ozai would never pass his company down to his daughter, no matter how smart and dedicated she was. He threw her in the private school where she lived year round. She had never told Y/N or any of the other girl’s any of this, Y/N had found out through Zuko.

Y/N’s mother was a successful lawyer and her father was a district attorney who were very very passionate about bringing justice to those of racial discrimination, domestic abuse, abuse in general, and orphan rights. Her mother was an orphan who was plain lucky to get adopted by a loving old couple who used their life savings to get her the education and life she deserved while her father was a victim of domestic abuse. 

So, after months of convincing Zuko, Y/N told her parents about the two siblings. Long story short, they got Ozai arrested for his abuse crimes, bribery history, employee mistreatment, and many more crimes. They also adopted Azula herself and gave full custody of Zuko to his uncle. 

Since then, the world has been peaceful for the group. Azula has started to recover from her trauma with the help of her friends, therapy, and love from two caring adults; and Zuko was glowing year round in the company of his uncle and friends. 

A smile forms on her face, thinking of her large family and all they’ve gone through to get here, when the door to her personal backstage room opened up. The loud voices from Aang and Sokka met her ears next. 

“I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU REMEMBERED THE HAM SANDWICHES WITH NO CRUST.” A kiss to her cheek and Sokka is instantly at her snack table.

“Y/N! How’d you know I was going to bring Appa and Momo?!” Aang walked his huge, white dog and lemur (don’t ask how he has it. It might be illegal, but no one can tell him no) to the pet bed corner she had put in. 

Not answering them, Y/N just smiles at her friends who barged in and turns back to her mirror where she’s trying to decide her earring combination for the day. Warm arms snake their way around her waist, a body sliding up against her back soon after. 

“What’s your ideas for tonight?” Zuko’s voice speaks quietly into her ear, causing her to hum and lean back against his chest slightly. 

“I’m not sure. We’re going for the edgy look tonight, but we all know Ty Lee is still going to wear pink. Man, our manager is going to kill her...again.” They both laugh. “Ugh, why did you let me pierce my ears, like, ten times. There’s too many combinations to choose from!”

“Me?! I did-- never mind. Just grab a handful, no one can see them from the stage anyways.” Despite his attempt to seem like he doesn’t care, one of his ring-clad fingers starts moving his favorite pieces over into a little pile by themselves. Y/N rolls her eyes and starts putting his choices in random holes in her ear, pushing him back lightly so she can bend over closer to the mirror to see better. 

“It’s the fit Zu… if the fit is a vibe, the confidence is there. If the confidence is there, nothing can stop my hot girl shit.” Her words cause him to let a huff of jealousy, flicking her arm playfully. 

Their eyes meet in the mirror, and he can clearly see the mischief in them. Calming down, he jokes back. “Yeah, well, you may do your ‘hot girl shit,’ but no one can steal you from me. We’ve been here too long.”

Toph cuts in from across the room with a loud laugh. “Please, fire brains, I could steal Y/N if I tried.” 

He whips around to face the short girl, “No you could not!!” 

“Actually, she makes a point.” Katara says, nodding along in hopes to pick fun at the boy. 

Sokka adds his two cents. “Honestly. Toph would just have to pick Y/N up and slam her against the wall or something and she’d tell her manager to send you a letter of resignation.” 

The whole group laughs, save for the angsty boy, and Y/N wraps her hand around his wrist. She pulls him towards her and reaches for a peck on the cheek. “While that may be true,” she gets a glare. “I’m too big of a simp for you… and Uncle Iroh’s dinner and game nights.”

While the rest of them laugh, Zuko’s eyes soften and he presses his lips to hers in a short, soft kiss. Uncle Iroh adores his girlfriend and everything she has done for Zuko and Azula where he had no power to do anything. The man calls her more than he does Zuko himself, and he’s pretty sure Y/N convinced him to download Words With Friends on his phone to play with her for when she can’t make it to the weekly game night dates. 

Y/N smiles up at him and pats his cheeks lovingly before moving to the wardrobe area of her room. She pulls out ‘Cards Against Humanity’ from a duffle bag on the floor before joining the rest of her friends around the lounge area, patting the seat beside her for Zuko to join them.

Everyone cheers at the sight of the black and white box with the many expansion packs that they have collected over the years. While Katara deals, everyone else makes bets on who is going to win this time. Y/N slides back into Zuko’s side as his arm comes to rest around her shoulders, playing with the ends of her H/L hair.

It’s about fifty minutes before the show is starting, and Y/N knows she has to start getting dressed and ready for the concert. Sighing, she slips from her boyfriend’s grasp (a small whine coming from him) and moves to her dressing corner. Suki, Ty Lee, Mai, Azula, and Yue had made their way to the room shortly after they started due to Sokka texting his girlfriend (Suki) to come over and join. 

The rest of the girls notice you get up and leave as well, much to everyone else’s dismay. You reassure them to keep playing a few more rounds, not wanting to ruin their fun with you putting clothes on. Y/N quickly shoves her outfit choice on which is very hot, black, and riddled with chains. To top it off, she had thick-heeled combat boots on with numerous buckles on them. Her hair, makeup, and accessories have already been done so she heads back to the group.

‘Cards Against Humanity’ has been packed up neatly and her friends are lounging around, getting last minute snacks and quality time before they go to their special seats right in front of the stage. Nothing but the best for her friends. Sokka and Katara are the first people to see her, and the former lets out his own wolf whistle in his own way to hype Y/N up. 

“DAMN, my best friend is HOT AS HELL. Zuko, you lucky ass man.” Katara hits him, but shoots her a wink as the rest of the gang look over. Y/N laughs giddily through their praises and hyped words (Toph in good spirit rather than actually seeing her outfit), as she makes her way back to her spot on the couch.

Zuko, who hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her yet, quickly grabs her bare waist and tugs her onto his lap to hold her tight. “So… this is what you meant by ‘hot girl shit.’” Letting out a loud laugh, Y/N turns her head and gives him a quick kiss. “I’m a rock star, baby, what can I say.” 

Aang cheers out of nowhere. “Yes! I’ve always wanted to be a groupie!” More laughter and jokes ring throughout the room, keeping the atmosphere as light as always, 

A knock at the door interrupts them. A man is standing there in all black with a headset on and a sleek, red (with little sparkles that only gleam in the light), electric guitar carefully caressed in his hands. While they are a girl group, their success has mainly come from being a girl group who also plays all their instruments. With Mai on the drums, Ty Lee on the keyboard, Azula and Y/N on electric guitars, Yue on the acoustic guitar, Suki on the bass; the band is truly a sight with all of them sharing the vocals and their enthusiastic (near crackhead) energy that give their crowd a good show. 

“Miss L/N? This is your five minute warning.” He tells them, not bothered by the usual group of people who are constantly in these rooms with her.

“Thanks Lee!” Y/N hops up to get her pride and joy (her child as Suki and Mai like to joke about). “I’ll be right out.”

Knowing these are the last pre-game minutes, everyone starts getting up to leave the room as well. Zuko lingers by Y/N who’s busy making sure her instrument is tuned perfectly for the numbers she’s about to perform. 

“I can feel you staring, Zu,” She smiles, still looking down at her strings. He huffs out a laugh, reaching out to push a piece of hair back to see her face.

“Good luck out there, my rock star. Don’t do too much hot girl shit.” 

“Oh, I’m doing all the hot girl shit.” A glare. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding… unless…?” She laughs at his fed up face. Reaching up, she presses one last, lingering kiss to his lips, enjoying the feeling of his fingers clutching her sides firmly and the feeling of his heart beat under her palm that’s resting on his chest. 

“Bye, love. I’ll see you after the show.” She whispers, sealing the promise with a kiss before moving back. “Alright kids! Get the hell out of my dressing room.” Y/N shouts at her friends and they all leave together, laughing away. 

The rest of them wish her luck before moving away, Sokka sprinting to find Suki one last time. Zuko holds onto her free hand, watching her laugh at ‘Simp Sokka’ with his small smile on his face. He kisses her hand, pulling her attention back to him. 

“Bye, rock star. I’ll see you after the show. Break a leg, yeah?” His cliche words make her laugh more, pulling away from him and towards the rest of her band who are chanting “BTG! BTG!”. 

“Zu… I don’t break legs. I break hearts.” And with one last mischievous look, she mouths ‘hot girl shit’ and struts away in that way that makes Zuko want to make her cancel the show completely. 

His phone buzzes a few minutes after he caught up with his friends in their special closed off section on the floor. He opens the notification and it sends him to Instagram where Y/N had tagged him in a post. The smile grows on his face with every second he takes in the post. 

Katara must’ve taken the picture. The angle, lighting, and quality could only be done by her. Y/N was on his lap, dressed to go on stage. Zuko’s mouth was almost touching her ear, definitely when he was whispering to her, and her face was wide in a smirk. They looked good, perfect even. The caption is what made him laugh, warmth and pride that she is his spreading through his chest. 

“Y/N_L/N: for him? I’m always on my hot girl shit”

[pollenat]

BLACKPINK and The first kiss

JISOO

It was too much for you.

The lights of passing cars illuminating her face, drawing the lines, shadowing the valleys, sharpening the edges - making her feel unreal, like the most beautiful of dreams. If you could, you would’ve stopped the time to watch the surreal painting of reds and yellows. No painter, no photographer, no poet could give Jisoo justice at that moment. Even if your eyes didn’t feel worthy of that, you watched her, careful as to not blink too often.

“(y/n).” You loved the way she said your name.

“Yes?”

“Why are you looking at me like this?” Her head bent to the side, mouth twisting into a sweet smile.

Embarrassed by her question you - with a heavy heart, mind you - dropped gaze. Your body turned towards the street where the cars continued passing each other.

“What do you mean? Isn’t that what I have eyes for? You know, looking?” Jisoo’s head dropped on your shoulder, something heavy resting behind the act of the gesture’s simplicity.

Minutes of verbal silence passed. Both the town and your mind were far from quiet though. Her hand sneaked in between your elbow and torso, then rested on your knee. Again, simple, but with a heavy undertone. One you didn’t know how to decipher. But then you realized that the position you’ve found yourself in was no ordinary one. The heaviness was right. It was the intimacy you shared with someone you dreamed of. A little worried, unsure what to think. Whether she meant the same as you did, or maybe needed a stable rock to rest on, you dared a question.

“Jisoo.” She hummed quietly, breath escaping through a small gap to tickle your neck. “What does it take from someone to be as beautiful as you?”

The weight of her head disappeared, and you looked to the side to watch her choke on saliva, half-laughing, half-covering her shock. She didn’t catch the undertone. Weird, considering the way most of your night together was built on double meanings.

“That was very sudden?” her hand patted your knee. “Why would you ask me something like that?”

“You asked me first.” At the statement, her eyes looked past you to signal contemplation. “That’s why I was looking at you before. But everyone tells you that, right?”

“Not so directly.” Now you had to snort in amusement. “I mean, not when we’re sitting so close to one another. And don’t laugh at me.”

“Sorry.” your hand went up to cover the grin, but it was the one resting on the same knee as Jisoo’s. She grabbed it before you could escape. “Jisoo?”

“I’ve been giving you signals all night. And then you start talking about others. It’s not what matters to me. What does, is that you’ve never told me I’m beautiful before.”

“Um- Well... I thought it was an obvious fact?” Oh, and don’t forget- “Signals?” Jisoo just nodded, her eyes away from you. “Signals, as in romantic ones?” Again, a nod. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” She finally dared to look back at you. “It’s not like you’re not obvious.”

“Of course.” Feeling incredibly foolish, you once again tried to break free from the hold of a hand, but Jisoo didn’t let you. Instead she pulled it to her chest. “Jisoo?”

The tip of her nose nudged yours, close as soon as you turned to face her. Jisoo’s dark eyes looked at the surprise on your face. She took you in, counted the seconds for a(n im)possible draw back, leaned forward to do the unthinkable. Softly, then with a little more confidence, awaiting the moment when you’d wake up. But who would want to wake up from a dream like that one?

JENNIE

“I’ve got to say - I wasn’t expecting that.”

Neither did you. When she first sent you a text saying how bored she was, you felt the need to save her from herself, and ended up almost instantly stepping out of your home. Just half an hour later you were under her apartment block, waiting in your car. Something about Jennie always made you want to make an effort, even just to see the smallest of smiles on her beautiful face.

“Do you mean that in a good way?” She pulled a huge teddy bear closer to her nose. It couldn’t smell good - you got it from a booth at a fair. Who knew how long he waited for your lucky shot?

“Of course!” Her big brown eyes watched you above the toy’s head. You couldn’t be sure, but you wished it was a smile she was trying to hide from you.

Still wary, because hey, who would outright say they didn’t enjoy a surprise that someone else has prepared for them, you sat back on your seat. Jennie’s eyes followed your profile. Having their attention all to yourself made you self-conscious, and you considered driving her home. You didn’t want the night to end, but you were unsure where else it could go. The possibility of disappointment loomed over your head. You were unsure what it was she expected out of your weird friendship, as well as what you wanted.

Then Jennie’s soft voice called your name. Unable to stop yourself at the sound of the most beautiful rendition of the word you’ve ever heard, you turned to look back at her.

“Yes?”

“What are you thinking about?” You, was what you wanted to say. Instead, you opted on the much safer, and much lamer “Life?”.

Jennie couldn’t hide the disappointment on her face, and you wondered - what did she expect you to say? Or maybe what did she want you to say? Now that’s what you usually tried to avoid, wondering whether the woman thought about things similar to you. Whether the crumbs your vivid imagination survived on kept her alive too.

“Do you take all your friends for evening dates at a fair?” Did she really say dates, or was it just your brain’s desire?

“Ha, you’d be the first one.”

You couldn’t help yourself, you had to look to the side, to check her reaction. How surprised you were, when Jennie’s lips landed on your upper lip. It was too short and much too sudden for you to register properly. As soon as it happened, it also ended. Jennie pulled back, obviously also surprised by the kiss. If your mind wasn’t completely blank, you’d have realized that her prime intent was to peck your cheek. Lost on options you’d have laughed nervously, then changed the subject. But your mind was empty, and you made no movement. You just stared at the woman you had the hugest of crushes on, awaiting her next words. Ones that would probably extinguish the fire building inside your body.

“Did I make you uncomfortable?”

She was supposed to turn you down, not ask things like that.

“N-no.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Jennie looked to the side, biting her lower lip in nervous excitement, or maybe to hide a big smile. “Would you want to do it properly now?”

“What?”

“You know - that or whatever.” Her cute inability to call kissing by its name finally broke the spell.

Suddenly full of emotions, you threw your head back from laughter. Jennie joined you, her lower lip vividly red from the hard bite. It didn’t last long, because now, confident of your feelings, you decided to strike back.

ROSÉ

She looked heavenly, propped on her shoulder, with face lighting up every now and then. The TV series you have found together was a good choice. Not only did it keep you entertained, it was also long enough to make a good excuse for your lack of physical activity the past few days. Nothing felt as pleasant as rejecting all social engagements for more time one-on-one with Chaeyoung. Her behavior told you that she had a similar approach to the situation.

“Oh, sorry.” the voice from her phone’s speaker was barely audible. “No, I really can’t. I’m already all set for the upcoming week.” as soon as she noticed you watching, her smile turned sinister. “Yeah. Bye.”

“Aren’t you a busy woman?”

“Oh, I have no time for myself because of the amount of arrangements I made!”

The two of you fell down on the bed, giggling conspirationally. Only calming down made it possible for you to press the play button. Chaeyoung’s head moved a little bit closer, to rest on yours. In between lines of dialogue and obnoxious noises, you could register her breathing. The sound of drawing air in and out was so close, the whistling it accompanied also reached your ears. Then, when she shook in place from laughter, you registered the smell of her shampoo, a lovely floral aroma.

“What? Don’t tell me that joke was not funny!”

Accidentally, as least you hoped so, Chaeyoung pushed you with much more strength than she expected. She ended up going so hard, your rolled off the bed and landed on the carpet face-down with a thud.

“Oh no! Sorry!” You heard the screech of springs as she crawled to the edge. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” but showed no sign of wanting to get up. “This rug is pretty comfy.”

Chaeyoung laughed after a moment of hesitation, her hand eventually landing on your butt with a clean sound. She clearly wanted you to return to her side.

“Get up!

Finally, you did as told. Got up first on your forearms and knees, only then did you look up. Good thing that you did, otherwise your and Chaeyoung’s heads would have collided. But because you you made the effort to look where you were moving towards- Let’s say there were worse thing than being just centimetres apart from someone.

Chaeyoung must’ve been stuck in her spot watching you. Perhaps unaware of your intentions to get up, perhaps too busy making sure that your mission ended a success. Seeing her face so close, you froze in your spot. Just as she did. Stuck, watching one another for a long awkward while.

Not gonna lie, your face felt hot after you realized. Even hotter when you noticed Chaeyoung didn’t lean back. She stayed in place, looking at you. Never made a motion back or forward. As if she was unsure herself where to escape from your presence. Maybe she didn’t want to necessarily escape? That thought made you feel like choking. Luckily, you managed to control yourself.

“Umm- Chaeyoung?”

“Yes?”

You hesitated. Was it right for you notice things out loud? Weren’t they about to scare her away from you, like a noise does to a frightened doe? The time stood in place. Dialogues in the background melted into nothingness of your empty head.

Just as you decided to speak again, this time jokingly to resolve all the tension, your puckered lips were taking a completely different way. Just a split second of them forming into a small “o” (that was meant to sound as a “wha”), and next thing you knew Chaeyoung’s plush mouth covered yours. Her eyes were closed, you saw it with your wide opened ones. She was really into the kiss. Not that you had any objections, you just never... Considered?

Her hand sneaked around your neck, to hold you close, while another one rested on your shoulder for support. Suddenly confident, because she wasn’t showing any signs of stopping, and it was the last thing you wanted from her, your hands also rested on her body. You couldn’t be sure which parts. After all, your eyes finally closed too, useless when a completely different sense took over.

LISA

➛ tw: slight jealousy (in case you do not appreciate people showing it)

It was 4:25 PM when Lisa placed her hands on the table and told you to “dish”. You knew, because you were just checking the hour on your phone, wondering whether she would even show up to your meeting. Ever since a week before there’s been a strange energy thing going on between your duo. Lisa was distant, you were unsure how to approach her, and it wasn’t until the day before that she has finally given you a date and time to see her.

“Well, hello to you too?”

Your surprised face made her take an awkward step back.

“Yes, hello.”

The clatter of cutlery filled the silence between you. For so long, you felt like paying the bill and leaving. But you couldn’t. Not when she was finally talking to you again.

“You can sit down?”

A little weirded out by her behavior, you decided to focus your strength on pulling a chair out. Lisa did take the offer to sit down, but she looked ready to escape any second, purse on her lap.

“Em- So what am I supposed to dish about?”

Lisa raised her head to look back at you, then turned it away. As if she was mad you even dared to ask her.

“I don’t know. Maybe, since when you and your cute neighbor are so close?”

“I met her like two times outside of our neighborhood by a total accident. Wouldn’t say we are close? But wait- How do you know about this?” The whole conversation was so out of character for Lisa, you felt as if you were dreaming.

“Jennie told me the first time. The second time I saw you.” Her fingers picked up a napkin to play with.

“And you’re mad at me for this? For having impromptu chats with a neighbor?”

She frowned at your words, her eyes turning distant to let you know she was processing. In the end, she dropped the now-torn napkin and stood up. The suddenness of her movement made you do the same.

“Honestly, Lisa, what’s going on with you?”

“I should go.” Without waiting, she walked away.

“What? You just came!”

Lost on options, you pulled a wallet out and dropped a bill on the table. You were in hurry, so waiting for a waiter was out of question.

“Lisa! Come on!” Only after a while you managed to catch up to her. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong.”

She stopped at the feeling of your grip on her shoulder, but waited a longer moment to turn around. From her frown you could tell she was fighting herself.

“It’s dumb.” The look in her eyes spoke vulnerable. “Nothing to worry about.”

“It’s not dumb if it’s bothering you. Just tell me what I did wrong.”

Lisa dropped her gaze, fingers now playing with the edge of her skirt. Which she looked really great in, by the way.

“So, you’re not into that neighbor?”

“What?” You laughed. “I am not! What made you think so? Our two random conversations?”

“I told you it’s dumb.”

“Lisa, I told you it’s not. Were you jealous because I talked to someone else?”

The look of offended bewilderment visited her face, forcing her eyes into the shapes of perfect circles. 

“Not just someone else! You called her cute yourself! How was I not supposed to feel bad? We were on three dates that I thought went pretty well, so I got worried you didn’t feel the same way I did.”

“I’m not a player.”

“I didn’t say you were. Just maybe not into me.”

“I AM into you.” You were almost laughing, until you remembered Jennie’s words from the day after your second date with Lisa.

Your best friend ridiculed you then for not kissing the girl you were so obsessed with. That you were thinking too much into trivial things. That kiss was the best feedback. Not heart emojis attached to a goodnight.

“Hey, did you think that because we didn’t kiss?”

“W-what?”

It wasn’t ideal. The feeling overtook you suddenly, without any proper warning. And just like that - you did it. Lisa stayed in place when you kissed her, frozen at first. It was a short moment, with too little material to build up the fire. The thought that maybe you were overstepping the boundaries came up, and you leant back. Lisa watched you, unsure herself what to do next. Still, her hand caught yours before the distance grew too much.

“You know, I usually wait a little longer before the first kiss. But I get it, you were just impatient for the end of our fourth date.” She didn’t smile back, instead flicking your forehead. “Oww!”

➛ pollenat’s list of reactions

➛ pollenat’s list of shorts

[storydays]

Season 1, Episode 1, p2

You dodged an Earth disc from the opposing team's earthbender's steady hand and used two water blast toward the earthbender and the firebender, sending them into the sink below. The crowd cheered as Mako and Bolin then sent the remaining benders into the sink. "And what an amazing triple play by the Fire Ferrets! If they can win the expedition match, the rookie sensations will be moving into the championship!" You grinned at your long time friends, brothers Mako and Bolin. Bolin was a rather loud, excitable earthbender and happy go luck person in general. Mako, however was a angst filled firebender, very serious, and could be a bit of an unintentional ass. 

You stumbled across them about 8 years back, while trying to track down your father with your Auntie Kya, who had been on a break from their busy lives. 

*Flashback*

Your Uncle Tenzin was searching with your Aunt Lin, while Aunt Pema and Gran-Gran were staying back with a newborn Ikki and a two year old Jinora. You felt so grown up, helping the adults. Your Auntie was rambling about how her brother's were idiots, and a few not so children friendly cuss words, when you felt a pair of eyes watching you. You stopped, catching her attention. "(Y/N), what's wrong, honey?" She knelt in front of you, waiting. 

You would tell her when you were ready. She knew you were listening, for something. 

Your (e/c) eyes looked down the alley, before whispering into the older waterbender's ear. Kya smiled, before standing up and followed you to the alley. There you found a pair of kids, one wearing a red scarf around his neck, the other with thick eyebrows. The one with scarf, you knew was a firebender, held sadness, and protection for his brother. The other was an earthbender, and he oozed fear for his brother, and he also held sadness, but could be a different reasons. You put on a gentle smile, before holding your hand out. 

"We've been looking for someone, and we found you two. We've been wondering around for hours, and I'm hungry. Do you guys want to join us,at the Rosemary Cafe?" The older brother eyes you and Kya for a moment before looking at his brother, and nodded, trusting your (e/c) eyes. Together, the four of you spent time  in Republic City, until your Aunt Kya ran into the pro-bender gym owner. They were old classmates/associates and knowing how hard it was to survive, the older man, adopted the boys, and they became family. 

After waving goodbye to them, you and Kya found your father making a fool of himself at a local bar. Your aunt whacked her brother upside her head, grinning as you try to stifle your giggles. That was a day, you would never forget, because it made your Aunt Kya proud at your big heart.

*Flashback end*

You grinned, after taking a sip of water as you listen to Bolin chat happily to his brother who replied bluntly. Other than your family, they were the only ones who knew you were an airbending master, and it was the biggest secret Bolin has ever held which, and it made your proud and special that he could help protect you. You finished changing, fixing your hair, so it hid your arrows again, before answering your radio that you kept on your person while off Air Temple Island. "Yes, Uncle?" You questioned, waving goodbye to your friends. "Yes, I'll meet you there, soon." You hung up, and then whistled for your other pet/friend, a polar bear dog, like Naga, but they were sister and brother. "Neo, here boy." You cooed as he sat in front of you, nudging you and looking at you fondly. "Let's go see Auntie Lin, boy." 

He barked happily, and quickly ran to the police station where your Uncle was waiting. Waving down a nearby guard, you asked him to take Neo to the animal section of the station, before Tenzin began walking. "So, why are we here?" You asked putting your arms behind your head, acting nonchalantly. "We're here because of Korra, it appears she ran away, and came here to start trouble." He grumbled, leading you into an interrogation room, where Korra was flinching under the Chief's stern voice. "Let's see, multiple counts of destruction of private and city property. Not to mention, evading arrest." She slammed the file in front of the girl, before leaning in close. 

"You're in a whole mess of trouble, young lady." "But there were some thugs threatening a helpless shopkeeper and I--" Korra tried to explain. "Can it." Lin growled, walking away. "You should have called the police, and stayed out of the way." "But I couldn't just sit by, and do nothing. It's my duty to help people." She pouted, before giving the Chief an awkward smile, "See, I'm the Avatar." 

You snicker, seeing the unimpressed look on your aunt's face. "Oh, I'm well aware of who you are, and your avatar tittle might impress some people, but not me." Korra looked a little shocked before relenting. "All right, fine. Then I want to talk to whoever's in charge." Unfazed by her tactics, Lin sat down across from her. "You're talking to her. I'm Chief Beifong." 'And in 3,2,1..' you counted down in your head before realization struck Korra. "Wait, Beifong? Lin Beifong? You're Toph's daughter!" She exclaimed. "What of it?" Lin huffed. "Well, then, why are you treating me like a criminal? Avatar Aang and your mother were friends! They saved the world together.." Korra trailed off. 

"That's ancient history. And it's got nothing to do with the mess you're in right now. You can't just waltz in here, and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place!" Your Uncle then ushered you to follow him. "All right, let's go get Korra before Lin kills her." He muttered, making you grin. "Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here." A guard called into the room. "Let him in." Lin sighed before standing up, and folding her arms behind her back. Tenzin walked in with a frown on his face, and you hung in the doorway, leaning against it and crossing your arm with an mischievous grin. "Tenzin, (Y/N), sorry. Got a little sidetracked on my way to see you guys." She shuffled nervously in her seat.

Tenzin inhaled softly, before sparing a grin at Lin. "Lin, you are looking radiant as usual." Your shoulders shake as you tried not to laugh. "Cut the garbage, Tenzin. Why is the Avatar in Republic City?" She growled at the man. "I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the South Pole to train her." "My relocation has been delayed. The Avatar on the other hand, will be heading back to the South Pole immediately, where she will stay put." "But--" Korra tried to cut in, but Tenzin continued as if she hadn't spoken a word, "If you would be so kind, as to drop the charges against Korra," He paused to glare at the shrinking girl's figure. "I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all the damages." Lin looked back at the crestfallen teenager, looked at you who smiled cheerfully back, before sighing in resignation. 

She waved her hand, unlocking Korra from her cuffs, before crossing her arms. "Fine, get her out of my city." "Always a pleasure, Lin." Tenzin complimented, before turning sternly to the Avatar. "Let's go, Korra. You as well, (Y/N)." "Wait, I need to talk to (Y/N). He'll catch up with you in a second." Lin stated, fighting a grin as the two made their way out. Korra rubbing her wrists, cast a look behind her, only to see Lin shoot her the famous, 'I'm watching you.' look before Korra replied with the same look, only mushing up and mocking the woman. Lin threw her hand up and scrunched her face in confusion before turning to a laughing you. "So, tell me what happened today!" Lin grinned, no one knew it but you, but she loved watching your matches, and tried her best to catch them when she could, or at the very least, listened to the matches on her private radio. 

You grin quickly explaining everything to her, and she smiled seeing you hyped up. It wasn't often she saw you this excited and it was a breeze of fresh air, and she was happy to see a spark in your (e/c) eyes. "But yeah, and if we win the expedition match, we go to the finals and we could be the champions!" You cheered. "That's great, (Y/N)! I'll be sure to catch those two matches for sure." She smiled before hugging you and sending you on your way. "See ya tonight for dinner, Aunt Lin."

You quickly grabbed Neo, and followed your Uncle to the harbor where he was trying to get a boat for Korra to leave immediately. "Tenzin, please don't send me back home." "You blatantly disobeyed my wishes and the orders of the White Lotus." Tenzin stated.  "It was actually (Y/N)'s idea!" Korra defended. You grumble, ignoring your uncle's withering stare. "It was your idea to have her come here?" He demanded. "Technically, I told her to look for the pro-bending gym, or I'd assumed she would've gone straight to Air Temple Island." Your Uncle then began lecturing you before you blurted out, "I had a vision!" They both looked at you with looks, varying between shock, awe, and surprise. "Why didn't you tell me, (Y/N)?" Tenzin asked calmly, knowing you responded better that way.

"Because I only just figured it out, what that vision meant, and I knew I had to act quickly, to try and speed things along." You fidget in place, Neo whining and gently nudging you in an attempt to comfort you. Seeing you were uncomfortable, Korra spoke up. "Katara agreed with me that I should come. She said my destiny is in Republic City." She felt successful when Tenzin turned his attention to her, face turning redder than his clothing, and you sent a grateful smile to the waterbender. "Don't bring my mother into this!" he snapped, ignoring your laugh. "You look like a tomato, Uncle."

"Look, I can't wait any longer, to finish my training. Being cooped up and hidden away from the world, isn't helping me become a better Avatar. I saw a lot of the city today, and it's totally out of whack. I understand why you and (Y/N) need to stay, Republic City does need you both, but it needs me too." Korra finished her speech, leaving Tenzin to stammer before sighing as a police officer brought Naga to the group. "Is this your polar bear-dog, miss?" He asked tiredly. You laugh before gently taking Naga to see her brother Neo who howled with glee seeing her big brother. 

Korra sighed seeing the boat come closer to the port. Tenzin was really making her leave. You stood next to your Uncle as he studied Korra. "You know she's right. It'd be helpful and beneficial for everyone involved, if she stayed. It's going to happen anyways, so it'd be better if she was here under good tenses, instead of her constantly sneaking off." Your conversation was cut short, as the 3 Airbender kids landed in front of your group. Meelo hopping off of Jinora's back, and the kids hugging her legs and waist. "Korra!" They cried happily. "Are you coming to live on the island with us?" Ikki asked, as Korra knelt in front of them. "No, I'm sorry, Ikki. I have to go home now." She felt her heart break at the kids disappointed cries. 

"Aw." Tenzin watched the scene with sad eyes. Ikki then hopped on your back, and snuggled into your back. "I don't want Korra to leave." She murmured, sadly. "I know, she doesn't want to leave either." You said, clearly, before sharply elbowing your uncle. He looked into your (e/c) eyes, and then looked at the sad faces of his kids, before sighing in defeat. "Wait." He walked forward to a surprised Korra. "I have done my best to guide Republic City towards the dream my father had for it. But you are right, it has fallen out of balance since he passed. I thought I should put off your training in order to uphold his legacy. But you are his legacy." He put his hand on Korra's shoulder, and smiled softly at the girl.

"You may stay here and train airbending with me." Korra gasped excitedly as Tenzin continued. "Republic City needs its Avatar once again." "Yes! Thank you! You're the best!" Korra cheered as the Airbending kids cheered with her. She grabbed the airbenders in her arms, giving a giant group hug, and making Tenzin groan at the girl's strength. You laugh as Naga snuggled Korra's back, happy that her girl was happy. You smiled softly from atop of Neo, as Nevermore found you and curled in your lap. "Hey girl, didja miss me?" You coo, running your fingers along her scales, before looking into the stars, smiling. 'Things are going to get crazy, aren't they, Mom?' 

--The Next Day--

You stood behind your Aunt Lin's stern figure as Korra was at a press conference. The Avatar didn't know where to look with all the flashing lights, but a quick glance to you, made her get her confidence back, she cleared her throat, before speaking. "Hello, I'm Korra, your new Avatar." "Does this mean you moved to Republic City?" An older reporter called out. "Were you trying to send a message to the  Triads yesterday?" A green eyed woman asked."Will you be fighting crime, the anti-bending revolution, or both?" Another cried. "Will you be working with Chief Beifong and the police?" A final question rang out. "Uh, yes, I am definitely here to stay, but honestly, I don't have a plan yet. See I'm still in training, but all I know is Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the center of peace and balance in the world, and I believe we can make his dream a reality, and I look forward to serving you! I'm very happy to be here! Thank you, Republic City!" Korra then walked off with Tenzin, as you stood by Lin's side. "That's all, no more questions." Lin demanded, before tugging you along with her. 

You grin finding Neo and Naga playfully wrestling, before sitting next to Korra while Tenzin and Lin were talking quietly. "Good job, Avatar. I know things will start to get better now that you're here. Just promise me one thing." You refused to meet her eyes, but you knew she was listening. Turning toward her, you raised your pinky to her, "Promise me, we'll do this together." You beg as she studied you. Korra sent you a gleaming smile before hooking hers around yours. 

"I promise."

[thefanficmonster]

Close Call

John (The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope) x Reader (Female)

Warnings: SPOILERS, Swearing, Near-death scene

Genre: Fluff

Summary: Colleagues John and Y/N are stranded in the ghost town of Little Hope with four of their students. Will the two manage to save their group from the horrors the town has to provide for them? Will they both live long enough to see the next day and maybe finally come clean to one another?

Requested by @artlovingbre  Hello dear! Sorry to be posting your amazing request so late, hope it makes the wait worth it. I love John, he’s such a comfort character and he needs to be protected at all costs haha. Please enjoy the read! Love, Vy ❤

“Are you alright?“ Shiny eyes shed a concerned gaze on him while a warm hand hold his cheek, adjusting his head to a specific angle. “Try to open your eyes, John.“ She speaks in a soft voice, guiding him back to consciousness.

His eyelids lift ever so slightly, his foggy vision not doing the woman crouched in front of his slumped body justice. He can see the worry mixed with light fear on her features. Something about the look in her eyes tells him she’s seen something that mortified her.  John’s gaze clears up when he focuses on that exact element of her gaze, the one suggesting she’s not doing as well as she’d like others to think. He almost chuckles to himself at how signature of a Y/N move that is.

Y/N Y/L/N, the Business and Management professor who has recently been transferred into their college. In her early thirties, she’s only had about ten years of teaching experience but she has easily become the most liked and professor on campus. Her attitude and her teaching are basically a formula for success one can’t deny. She’s earned herself this job with a lot of work, having come from a much smaller and less-known college where she taught a class of roughly twenty people, she had to teach many other classes as well, considering she also possesses great knowledge in Economics and English Literature. She’s continued to do so, being a substitute professor whenever an English Lit or ECON one couldn’t make it, while also tutoring on the side. She has worked hard to make it in the world of knowledge and John finds her incredibly inspiring.

He met her when he was looking for a professor to cover for him while he got through the final preparations of the school trip he was planning for a group of his students. She would’ve volunteered immediately, he’s definitely certain of that, but this time around he was actually directed to her by a fellow colleague. Seeing her for the first time felt like he was witnessing a phenomenon he’s heard many people talk about but no one was sure it existed. He had heard whispers about her all over campus, she was rather popular - she had come to the college and brought a breath of fresh air with her, getting the students wondering and making assumptions about her. She carried herself with such powerful confidence, it got everyone thinking she’d be a strict, no-nonsense, stuck-up professor who asked for too much while not giving the students enough.

Needless to say, they couldn’t have been more wrong.

John has never connected to a person so quickly and easily before. The new professor was certainly something the school needed but no one could suspect it’d be someone of her rank. Even he felt he was below her and he has been teaching for twice as long as she has. There’s something so appealing about her, makes him want to never stop talking to her - if circumstances allowed for such a thing, he’s certain neither of them would run out of things to say. They have plenty in common, a lot of stories to share and a lot of advice to give one another despite him being the more experienced professor.

“What the hell was that?“ He mutters, sitting up in a more upright position.

Y/N scoffs, “You tell me. That man, he looked just like you. And....there’s no explanation for this, is there?”

They’ve just witnessed John’s double’s execution. It was a real torture to be exposed to such a horrifying scene. The death in and of itself was disturbing, but one can only imagine how the entire situation is messing with their heads - especially Y/N’s. She’s a person of logic, she likes being in the know and fully understanding issues and problems. She can’t just accept this illogical occurrence that has been happening to them all night. It’s tiring her out and driving her mad. Matters are a lot worse when you don’t know why they are the way they are or how they came to be. Knowing she functions based on this principle, John can’t help but feel bad for not being able to help her. Hell, she’s doing all the helping around here, he’s the one who blacked out when they returned from that hellish trip back in time.

Their students are surrounding them, all looking on with worry and confusion as to what they saw. These trips back in time have become common in the past our or two, they no longer question it when it happens, instead they focus on what they see.

“None as of now, but...“ He starts speaking, looking for words of comfort which are cut short when a sudden noise comes from somewhere nearby, amongst the tall grass and bushes.

It sounds like a fast movement, quickly accompanied by a growl-like sound that is enough to freeze the two in their spot while their students each took a step back, getting further away from the possible danger up ahead. John and Y/N get up hand in hand, eyes glued onto the now visibly rustling grass from which emerges a gruesome creature straight from hell. It’s not their first run-in with a monstrosity like this one - they faced the chain-bound one going after Angela; the floating, long-tongued one with it’s target on Taylor and the spear bearing one in pursuit of Daniel.

This one is his. It’s finally his turn to spin the wheel of fortune and see how likely he is to survive. 

His thoughts are racing, he can hear the thumping of blood in his ears. This is either gonna be his demise or a story to tell, the two options so far from one another, so surreal. They remind him how fragile his life is. How little it would take for him to be wiped off the face of the Earth, but how much effort he’d have to put in to save himself and the people he’s responsible of. Among them, a person he hasn’t been fully truthful with this whole time...

“GO IN THE HOUSE! NOW!“ Y/N’s voice grounds him, pulls him back to reality. She shakes his arm, yanking his attention to her, “John, we gotta move!“

The thought of one of these things even daring to get close to Y/N mortifies and angers him. He doesn’t want to run from these creatures, demons or whatever the fuck they may be. He’s done choosing flight.

“I’m sick and tired of allowing them the upper hand.“ He exclaims in frustration, looking around for something to use as a weapon. “Y/N, go inside. I’ll meet you there shortly.“

His words are insanity to her. She can’t even imagine leaving him behind as he’s suggesting, but she knows arguing would be futile. Instead, she backs away without as much as a word.

The demon starts approaching, this one’s movements a lot faster and more rapid in comparison to the rest they’d faced. John is aware he’ll need to stay razor sharp to even have a chance of survival, not that there’s much for him to do against an overpowered demon moving at that speed while all he has is the old sledgehammer he finds laying nearby.

He manages to get one good swing in, pushing the thing away, earning himself some time to put distance between him and the demon, but before he is able to do so, the thing is already charging at him and has him toppling to the ground, promising to seal his fate right here and now.

A sudden hit is delivered to the demon’s head with incredible force, giving John the freedom to stand up and look to see who his savior is as they go in for another swing with what looks to be a metal pipe.

It’s Y/N.

“Take that, you piece of shit!“ She yells, delivering another blow to the head. 

John runs to her side, guiding her away by the arm now that the demon is far enough away. Adrenaline is pumping through the both of them, keeping them on their feet despite the shaking of their knees. They attempt to make a run for the house, but Y/N’s movements are hindered by the chain that wraps around her calf, yanking her back and onto the ground.

John wastes no time rushing to her aid, using the sledgehammer to free her from Angela’s demon’s grasp and pulls her to her feet.  This time, the run to the house is successful. They make it inside, mildly harmed, out of breath and with rapid heartbeats. And with their lives, of course. Surprisingly, they made it in with all their limbs and their lives. That has to count for something.

“You suck at following instructions, don’t you?“ John asks Y/N after they briefly catch their breath.

She chuckles, holding the wrist she sprained when manning the heavy metal pipe as a weapon, “No, I just protect the people I care about. You should know what that’s like.” She bumps his shoulder with her, sending him a warm smile.

He sure knows what it’s like.

                                                               *  *  *

It’s all over. They are safe, back on campus. Shaken up, bruised and traumatized but alive and safe from any physical harm. For the mental torment they will be helped by professionals, friends and family. What matters is that they’re alive.

“Hey, um, I never got to thank you for saving my life back there.“ John hesitantly approaches Y/N once each student is picked up by someone from the school parking lot, presumably to be taken to a hospital. The two of them can’t go anywhere before they take responsibility for what happened.

Y/N grins at him, her tired eyes shining in the late morning sunshine. “I couldn’t leave my favorite colleague to die now, could I?” She laughs, placing a hand on his shoulder, “And thank you for saving my life.”

He returns her smile, covering her hand with his, “Couldn’t let you die on your first school trip, could I?”

She laughs again, shaking her head in what appears to be disappointment, “First and last. I bet I’m getting fired for this.” She looks down at her shoes, digging them into the pavement.

“Hey.“ He gives her hand a squeeze, grasping her attention  causing her to look up at him and meet his warm gaze, “I won’t let that happen. I promise.“

Y/N sighs and nods, exhaustion radiating off of her, “Alright, I trust you. Let’s just get it over with, shall we?” She tilts her head towards the entrance of the school.

Ok John, now or never. Just spit it out

“Um, Y/N?“ He says her name questioningly, causing her to turn to fully face him, “Would you maybe want to head to lunch afterwards? I completely understand if you’d prefer to be alone, but if you want some company...“ He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck, nervous as all hell. That’s really telling, considering they just escaped hell.

He resists the urge to close his eyes and cringe at how hesitant and awkward he sounds. Where is that bold side of him that wanted to fight a demon earlier?

“Sure, John. I’d love nothing more. Lord knows company is just what I need right now. I’d hate to be alone, I think I might lose it.“ Her response accompanied with a slightly shy chuckle sends an overwhelming wave of relief crashing down onto him, allowing him a sigh.

Sometimes, as John would learn, going through hell may be worth it when you consider the aftermath.

A chance with Y/N is his aftermath, and it just about makes the hell of Little Hope worth it. He’s yet to find out for certain though.

@sparrow-gg  @megandaisy9

[gladiators-intoxication]

In Search of Justice, Concerning Chivalry

Part two of three: Kaeya’s final act of service, and his final betrayal.

Warnings: Spoilers for Kaeya’s companionship stories, arson

[1], [2], [3]

“Are you sure?” Diluc asked for what seemed to be the millionth time.

“I’m not sure of what’s changed since I left,” Albedo replied, “but there’s a fair chance he’s still alive.”

Diluc scowled, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ‘why are we doing this again?’

Albedo frowned a bit. “The killing of innocents is unacceptable in Teyvat’s eyes. Do you not consider yourself to be the voice of true justice?”

Diluc’s scowl darkened, but he didn’t respond. Somehow, the prodding question felt like something Kaeya would say.

A few corners later, Albedo unceremoniously shoved Diluc into an alcove behind a statue, before leaning against the pedestal, arms crossed over his chest. It was comical, almost, unsubtle. Albedo was nowhere near large enough to physically hide Diluc with any measure of success. It seemed, though, as the conversation began, that that hadn’t been his intention.

“You,” came a venomous voice.

“Me,” Albedo agreed. “I’m not here to cause trouble.”

“Your being here is trouble,” the unseen man said coldly.

“I’m not here to give you any more reason to want to kill me, that is,” Albedo amended, somehow sounding wholly unconcerned. “But if you’re anything like I remember, His Highness’ wellbeing is more important to you than this ruined country.” Diluc could only see a flash of a black cloak around Albedo’s foot. Albedo paused, feigning a thoughtful silence. “Unless all these years has changed you.”

Privately, Diluc thought that if Albedo ever got tired of alchemy, he ought to join a theatre troupe.

The unseen man muttered something that sounded like a curse in an unknown language. “What do you want?” he relented finally.

Albedo made a pleased noise, as if to say ‘still got it.’ “The keys to His Highness’ room.”

“So you’ve turned traitor too,” the stranger sighed. “Am I the only one left?”

Albedo snorted. “I know where your loyalties lie, Dainsleif. Don’t pretend you care for these ruins any more than His Highness or myself.”

Dainsleif scoffed, but the jingle of keys could be heard. “His Highness is in the third room from the end of the hall in the western guest wing,” he said. “He hangs at dawn if you fail. You’ll follow next.”

“Scary,” Albedo replied drily, righting himself as if to leave. “You were scarier the first time, though.”

“Wait.”

Albedo did.

“To think that two of our people have been recognized by gods that have scorned us,” Dainsleif said, more to himself than Albedo. “I do wish to speak with you on such matters at a different time, should we meet again.”

“I look forward to it,” Albedo said, dry and unconvincing. “I care little for the goings on of the gods, but I’d be delighted to share my research with you.”

“Oh, and your friend can come out now. You’d best get moving before the patrol gets to this corridor.”

“You talk too much,” Albedo grumbled, stepping away. “You heard the man, let’s get going. It’s not far, but we’ll likely have to fight our way out.”

Diluc only caught Dainsleif’s eyes widen before Albedo was walking away so quickly Diluc had to jog a bit to keep up with him.

Diluc didn’t really like how far ‘not far’ was to Albedo. Admittedly, Albedo spent most of his time in Dragonspine of all places, nearly a week’s trip from Mondstadt, but even so, it shouldn’t change Albedo’s perception of space that much.

“Where are you going?” Albedo asked, dragging Diluc out of his thoughts. “This is the room.”

Albedo leaned on the wall beside the door, twirling the key around a finger. Diluc couldn’t help but be distracted once or twice by the flash of the red palm of his glove. “It has to be you,” Albedo said. “You understand, don’t you?”

Diluc stared at the still-locked door. “Are you sure?”

“His Highness’s personal retainer, for all his dislike of me, would be quite lost in the world without him. Put simply, Dainsleif’s loyalties lie with His Highness. Not necessarily with Khaenri’ah.”

Diluc frowned. “How does that work?”

Albedo shrugged with one shoulder, held out the key. “Plausible deniability.”

As long as Khaenri’ah didn’t know that Kaeya had betrayed her, Dainsleif wouldn’t have to choose.

Albedo had joined the Knights after Diluc had left, so he’d never had a reason to know Albedo, but his blue eyes were piercing, cutting. Diluc wondered for a moment if everyone from this godless country had cold, cruel eyes like that.

Dainsleif’s, for the brief moment Diluc had seen them, had been hollow, deep, devoid of meaning, full of confusion, but they’d held no human warmth.

Albedo’s eyes felt like a scalpel cutting into Diluc’s very soul, cold, so sharp he couldn’t feel where they cut, only that he was bleeding.

Diluc’s heart twisted, just a little, to remember that Kaeya’s eyes had laughed far more than they’d cut. They’d danced much more than they’d hardened. Even if it had been a lie.

Diluc put the key in the lock.

“Back already?” Kaeya’s voice asked from inside, but it wasn’t Kaeya’s voice. Not really. It was tired and melancholy in a way that Diluc had only heard once or twice.

The same voice that had made a confession one night in the rain.

“I was left here to spy on Mondstadt. Khaenri’ah wants war. I don’t know what I want anymore. I know you’re in no place to help me, but I’m asking anyway.”

“You’ve come a long way,” Albedo said softly. “Young Master Ragnvindr.”

Diluc startled at how gentle the title sounded. Affectionate, almost.

It had been Albedo that appeared in the rain, eyes blazing. “They have him.”

“Who?”

“His Highness’ betrayal has finally caught up to him,” Albedo said coldly.

“Who?”

Albedo’s eyes, Diluc realized with a shudder, didn’t burn like fire. More like frostbite, or hypothermia. There was no passion, only a steely glint of the blade he’d use if he needed to. “Your brother,” Albedo spat. “And you’re coming with me to retrieve him.”

“No, I’m not,” Diluc replied. “If the Knights want him back, they can do it themselves.”

Albedo, despite his frame, managed to be more intimidating than anything Diluc had encountered up until now as he stepped forward, murder flashing in his eyes. Perhaps this is what it felt like to be one of Diluc’s unfortunate guilty, to stare up him standing over them with his flaming greatsword in their last moments. “You will come with me. You are going to right your wrongs or die trying.”

Albedo, Diluc noted, does not mince his words.

“What wrongs?” Diluc asked, briefly afraid for the answer.

“He’d lost everything but what little place here that the Knights could give him. Now come, while Klee’s occupied with the Outlander. I don’t need children interfering.”

“Why should I go with you?” Diluc challenged. “He was a spy.”

Albedo’s eyes, bright and blue as they were, felt like a sword through Diluc’s gut.

“The night he went to you was the same night His Highness betrayed Khaenri’ah.”

Diluc’s temper flared. “How do you know about that night?”

Albedo scoffed. “The young master Ragnvindr is a fool. There were two of you involved in that fight, no?”

The title cut more than the words did. “Why would he tell someone like you about that?” Diluc snarled.

“Never mind my relationship with him. This is about your relationship with him. I see you kept the vase. Do you want to keep him alive?”

“I want him to rot for a while,” Diluc hissed.

Albedo’s lip curled in disgust. “He has been. Perhaps you wouldn’t know it, but the only inescapable prison for one of our people is one’s own mind.”

“’Our’?” Diluc echoed. “Are you a traitor too?”

“Khaenri’ah never had any love for me,” Albedo said dismissively. “My craft stems from her, but I was never one of her subjects. My point is that he’s been rotting in a prison he couldn’t hope to escape.”

“Why can’t you help him on your own?” Diluc grumbled, still angry.

Albedo sighed, as if Diluc were some ignorant child. “Because he isn’t looking for my forgiveness.”

For a moment, one hand on the doorknob, Diluc doubted. Himself, Albedo, everything he’d done to get here. For a long moment, Diluc doubted the sky blue eyes that cut deeper than any blade ever would. He pushed that aside. If Kaeya wanted a rematch, Diluc supposed he’d brought it upon himself. Quietly as he could, Diluc opened the door and stepped inside.

“I guess not, then. So soon? I swear Dainsleif just left,” Kaeya sighed. “I was hoping for a sign from the Tsaritsa at least.”

Diluc couldn’t stop his mouth fast enough. “Are they your gods or not?”

Kaeya’s head snapped around at the sound of his voice.

“That’s not what I-”

“What are you doing here?” Kaeya was in his face in a heartbeat. “What are you doing here? Get out. Do you think they’ll let you live?” Kaeya’s eyes weren’t laughing, they weren’t dancing. They weren’t smug and calculating. They were hollow and intelligent, full of a resigned sort of despair.

“Come with us,” Diluc said, because somehow he couldn’t find something more meaningful to say.

Kaeya hesitated.

After a moment, Diluc realized how rare it was for Kaeya to hesitate. He always had some kind of plan, some kind of mischief. He always had something else going on.

“Someone’s coming,” Albedo hissed. “We can have a touching reunion after we’re out of this godforsaken city.”

“It would’ve been easier to get the four of you there together- ah. They’re still here.” Diluc whirled around at the sound of Dainsleif’s voice.

Dainsleif only inclined his head. “Young Master Ragnvindr.”

“I thought I told you to keep her away from here,” Albedo snarled, bloodlust in his voice.

The Outlander gave him a sheepish smile. “She wouldn’t stop insisting. She said you let her go to Dragonspine…” he trailed off, sort of bewildered. “What is this place?”

“Khaenri’ah,” Kaeya said, in an attempt to save Aether from any more of Albedo’s tongue-lashing than he needed to endure. “We really do need to get going.” He hesitated for a second time. “Will you stay behind?” Kaeya asked, seemingly to no one. “I don’t plan on returning again.”

“If that is the case,” Dainsleif said slowly, “Then I too have no place here.”

Diluc’s eyes found Klee, clinging to the Outlander’s leg, eyes wide, staring at Dainsleif and Kaeya. “Kaeya, who is this?” she asked.

Diluc could see Albedo’s shoulders relax a little, even if his scowl didn’t.

“Dainsleif, dear,” Kaeya said warmly, as if he hadn’t been awaiting his own execution five minutes ago. “He’s… a friend of mine.”

Dainsleif and Klee both paused, confused, but Albedo went over Aether and picked up Klee, eyes stormy, but relieved. “You’re a terrible babysitter,” Albedo sighed, to the Outlander, inspecting her for injuries.

Aether, appropriately contrite, looked down at his shoes. “Sorry,” he muttered.

“Never mind that,” Albedo said. “Let’s just get going.”

Of course, it would never be that easy.

Bitterly, Diluc couldn’t help but laugh a bit at how his relationship with Kaeya would never be ‘easy.’

“I can hear the guards coming,” Dainsleif sighed. “I’ll meet you on the surface, yes?”

Kaeya smiled, a brittle, forced thing. “If you would kindly.”

In a foreign gesture of subservience, Dainsleif took Kaeya’s left hand in both of his own and knelt, pressing his Prince’s knuckles to his forehead. “If I fail, please don’t remember me in contempt.”

Kaeya’s sad little smile wavered. “Never. You are the only part of this place I wished for when I was away.”

Dainsleif nodded, as if satisfied with that answer, as he got to his feet. “Please excuse me, your Highness. I won’t be long.”

Kaeya didn’t wait to watch him go, taking off at a brisk clip, as if he still owned the place, a hard, well-practiced mask of determination already in place. Albedo was quick on his heels, despite carrying Klee. “We shouldn’t lose them,” Aether said, sounding nervous, tugging on Diluc’s sleeve. Diluc only hesitated a moment longer before following Aether’s anxious scamper.

As they approached the chamber Albedo had originally argued with Dainsleif in, the walls shuddered with a blast of biting cold.

“Tell Diluc to stop dragging his feet!” Albedo shouted over a shoulder. Diluc scowled a little bit, but picked up the pace. He faltered at the chamber.

Diluc blinked.

They were still underground, weren’t they?

A generous layer of snow covered the polished stone floor, and the walls of the great, round room were freshly decorated with a coating of ice several feet thick. Several humanoid guards were frozen in it.

“Come on,” Albedo barked, “or we’re collapsing the tunnel without you!”

Diluc shook off his shock and caught up.

Kaeya was leading Klee by the hand, pointing to seemingly random places in the floor, near the walls. Aether accompanied them, sword drawn. This hallway, Diluc noted, was peppered with small bombs. Albedo still looked tense, eyes flickering, scanning. “Keep moving!” he snapped. “We need to get out of here, and if anything happens to Klee, I’ll bring you lot back to life so I can kill you again with my own two hands.”

“Just a couple more, Albedo,” Kaeya said. “Then we run.”

Albedo opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. “Make it quick.”

Diluc had been present for a few of Klee’s infamous escapades, but none of the ones he had or would experience would rattle him like this one did. The main entrance to the city was housed in a temple to a god Diluc had never heard of, and Klee, Kaeya, and Albedo were running around, placing explosives in no pattern Diluc could discern. Columns that didn’t seem to hold anything up, walls that seemed oddly placed, random patches of floor.

By the time they were done, Diluc could hear the boots on the stairs leading from underground.

Klee lobbed her specialty- a round, especially large, admittedly cute bomb- at the temple. “Run,” Albedo said, taking her hand. “Now!”

And they did. Diluc could feel the heat behind him, smell the burning grass.

Klee’s was a terrifying Vision. Diluc shuddered to think of the day where she’d be allowed to use such power unsupervised.

The blast had sent Albedo and Klee tumbling over each other, laughing good-naturedly, and launched Aether a few feet, but they seemed unhurt. Kaeya had stopped and turned back, staring at the pile of rubble that remained.

Diluc wanted, as he so often had when they were younger, to ask what was on his mind.

“My last service to my country,” Kaeya said softly as Diluc approached. “Fitting, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?” Diluc asked. He had no love for Khaenri’ah. “You could’ve destroyed it entirely.”

Kaeya’s smile was bitter and crooked. “The only thing left of my glorious kingdom were sinners. Her time was long over. You should know about holding onto things past their worth.”

Diluc found himself with questions, but didn’t get a chance to ask.

“Pardon me, your Highness, but might I ask what in heaven, on earth, or in the pits of the abyss was that?” Dainsleif’s voice asked.

Kaeya offered his best charming smile, eyes dancing with mischief. “That would be Sir Kaeya to you, Dainsleif.”

[final-fantasy-imagines]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a drabble of an a Cloud x reader where the reader has a either an art show or something along those lines and Cloud misses it and has to make up for it?

This was a cool request, thank you for sending it in. I hope I did your idea justice! :) 

You owe me something – Cloud x reader (modern!AU)

You were nervous. Not the kind of nervous where you got sweaty hands and forgot what you wanted to say but rather thatkind of nervous where you felt like you were going to throw up if you made the mistake to open your mouth for longer than maybe two or three seconds. Your heart was pounding like mad and you felt slightly dizzy as you adjusted your clothes in front of the mirror again.

It was your first art show ever, the first time to show your paintings to people other than your friends and your family, and you already prayed that they would enjoy your work or maybe even spread the word about it. You had always dreams about becoming a famous artists and to host your own art shows but right now, you just wanted to rush home und curl up under your favorite fluffy blanket to hide from everyone and everything.

But instead, you had to to put on a smile and deliver an opening speech in about ten minutes. Much to your relief, you had already prepared some notes yesterday; otherwise you would’ve been completely lost today.

You held back a sigh as you looked at yourself in the mirror again. If only Cloud was here… your long-time boyfriend never failed to calm you down, no matter how hard you were freaking out but today of all days he couldn’t come around to reassure you about your plans, even though he originally had promised to be by your side when you held your first art show.

You knew that it wasn’t his fault that he couldn’t be here right now; he was stuck at work but you couldn’t help but wish that he magically appeared in front of you. He was your calm anchor, your best friend and you really wanted to share this special moment with him. But of course things hadn’t worked out the way you had wanted to.

“(Y/N)?” Your assistent peeked through the door, snapping you out of your racing thoughts. You turned around and tried to put on a smile. It wasn’t her fault that you were freaking out right now. “Yes?”

“It’s time for your speech. The visitors are waiting for you.”

“Okay,” you said and took a deep breath since you started to feel slightly nauseous again. Two more deep breaths, then you headed towards the door. “Let’s do this.”

*

When you returned home this evening, you were exhausted but incredibly relieved. After the initial nervousness had subsided it had actually been a lot of fun to spend time with people who were genuinely interested in art. The vernissage itself had been a thorough success too, the guests had applauded you for your work and some of them had even asked you if they could buy one of your art pieces. You had spent the day in a rage of enthusiasm and happiness but now that the event was over you finally felt like you could breathe easily again.

“Holy moly,” you mumbled to yourself as you kicked of your shoes and headed into the living room where Cloud was already waiting for you. He looked tired and a bit upset but when he spotted you his lips curled into a soft smile. “Hey baby.”

“Hey,” you sighed, already making your way to the couch to sit down. Your eyes fluttered closed as you allowed your tense muscles to relax after a long day.

Cloud plopped down next to you. “How was your day?”

“Exhausting,” you said and slowly turned your head to look at him. “And amazing at the same time. I never thought that there would be so many people who enjoyed my art!” A brief expression of disappointment flashed over your face. “I wish you would’ve been able to be there with me.”

You could see a hint of guilt in his blue eyes as he locked his gaze with yours. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, whatever,” you replied quietly and stopped him with a wave of your hand. “It’s not your fault and I’m not mad or something. It’s just… it was my first art show ever. It would’ve been nice to see a familiar face in the crowd, y’know.”

Cloud nodded. He knew how important the event had been to you and while he agreed that it wasn’t his fault that he missed it, he still felt guilty. He definitely needed to make up for it, especially since he had promised to be there with you. “I’ll make good for it, I promise,” he said and reached out for your hand to interlace his fingers with yours. “Maybe I could help you organize your next art show? I know you were hella busy with that over the past few weeks.”

You smiled, gently squeezing his hand. “Sounds great. But I actually have a better idea.”

“… okay. Go on, tell me.”

“Let me paint you.” From the corner of your eyes, you could see how his face dropped. If he had been drinking something right now, he would’ve spat it right out, you were sure.

Since you met him a few years ago he had refused to let you paint him, even though you had tried everything to make him change his mind. He had been so stubborn about it that you have up eventually but now seemed to be the perfect time to bring the topic up again.

“Remember,” you said, a mischievous grin forming on your lips. “You owe me something, Strife.”

Cloud groaned. “I should’ve kept quiet.”

“Come on, don’t make a fuss,” you replied and poked him in the ribs. “I’m not going to disfeature you. I just want to practice painting portraits.”

Cloud groaned again and rolled his eyes. “Fine. But don’t even think about showing that damn painting to someone.”

“Well… we’ll see about that.” You giggled. “You’re way too handsome to not show around.”

[captainjimothycarter]

Prompt: Peggy’s deaged and Tony finds out (: 🙏

Oh, poor Tony, being one of the last to know. Listen, OP I am SOFT for this and started tearing up. This is so pure and beautiful with them. Maybe not what you wanted and maybe 100% a ramble but their relationship is important to me.

--

“Why am I just being told?” Before Fury or even Coulson could be bothered to answer, Tony was speaking again. “Why am I just being told that Auntie Peggy is alive?! She’s been alive – deaged for how long now?”

“Three weeks,” murmured Coulson, only causing Tony’s eyes to snap to him. “We told her immediate family first, we-”

“I’m part of her immediate family.” The reply came in a sharp snap, cutting them off. “I’m part of her family as much as Steve and Sharon are and I get to learn last. No, not even last, I get to learn weeks after she’s released from the hospital and doing God-knows-what? From passing information?!”

“It wasn’t us who told Steve – Romanoff did. Then Hill told Sharon. If I had it my way, none of ya’ll know until we had more information on her condition. We didn’t know how she would survive.” Fury was at least trying to soothe the situation and it was not helping.

“-more information on her condition.’ You had enough if you let Romanoff slip between your fingers to tell Auntie’s soulmate that she was alive! You had enough to know she was going to be okay! And what more information did you need beyond seeing it was working? Because she’s alive!”

He didn’t want to hear it, Tony did not want to hear some bullshit, bureaucrat excuse that means nothing to him beyond utter betrayal. Not that he’s trusted Fury or Coulson to begin with, it was the point of the matter. His Auntie was alive and no one thought to inform him?

That cut deep, worst than they would ever consider.

On paper, no he wasn’t Peggy’s family. He was unfortunately Howard Stark’s son, but anyone with enough sense would connect two together, see the photos Auntie had in her retirement home, see the photos he had, the stories, and connect two and two.

Maybe Shield just didn’t have enough sense as he thought it did.

“Where is she? And so help me, Nick if you say it’s classified, I’ll…”

The threat trailed off when Fury’s eyebrow rose, folded hands raised to his chin level as if to challenge him to continue. When Tony didn’t, he leaned back and folded one leg over the other at the knee.

“We don’t know.”

“How the fuck do you not know where your walking human experiment went?” Tony snarled.

“Anthony Edward Stark – I am much more than a walking human experiment.”

The hard voice lecturing him made Tony’s hair stand on end and caused him to shiver. He suddenly felt like he was eight again and being scolded for eating sugar straight out of her jar. He could feel his cheeks warming as he turned around to see his Auntie standing in the doorway.

It took his breath away how healthy she looked. No wrinkles, no fading eyesight, not even a gray hair in sight. Her eyes were sharp as ever and right now trying to decide who she should be glaring at. She walked with a limb and he guessed that was her getting used to maneuvering again. Steve was somewhere in the waiting room, he knew. They weren’t far from each other, he guessed. It was sickening how they migrated towards one another like the sun and the moon.

“Director Carter,” Coulson breathed, standing up a smidge bit straighter and fixing his tie. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Tony wanted to snort – underneath the bash, white-collar bullshit that was Shield, Coulson was a fanboy at heart for his idols. He turned to look at his Auntie again because he knew her and she did not like to be told where she could and couldn’t be.

“If I remember correctly where we’re currently standing was once the storage room for our failed experiments,” Peggy mused, tapping the silver cane she was forced to use on the floor. It echoed through the entire room. “And I know I’m technically a 90-something year old here, but my memory is sharp as ever and I know for a fact that I am one of the reasons we’re all standing here. So, I think I have clearance over your agent-level coded bullshit, Agent Coulson. Now -“

Her eyes were set on Fury again, knuckles turning white on the cane. Tony found himself shifting closer, but not touching. He didn’t know if he wanted to touch. If he did, this illusion of his Auntie being young, healthy, and quick-witted as ever would shatter into pieces. “Auntie…”

“Not now, Anthony,” she didn’t even look at him. “Director Fury, what is this business on not letting my godson know that I was alive instead of 6 feet under? I think if I remember correctly my paperwork reflected that Anthony was just as much as my family as Sharon was. Steve isn’t family – not yet at least and he was told.” When Fury’s mouth opened to defend himself, Peggy’s head shook her curls. “Forget it, whatever excuse that will come out of your mouth will never do the fact justice that you neglected to tell my godson. For Christ's sake, I’ve changed his diapers. I think he’s family.”

“Auntie!” Tony looked mortified and he could see Coulson’s ever so slight smirk. Oh, he was not letting that go. His ears turned a bright shade of red. “I think they knew that you didn’t have to say it.”

“Anthony, never assume what these agents do or do not know. Shield isn’t what it used to be.” Peggy silently held her arm out to him, leading Tony out the exit and the doors to the Director’s office closing behind them at once.

As expected, Steve graduated towards Peggy, hovering just inches behind her. His hand slipped into hers and he looked down at Tony with a sheepish smile and shrug of his shoulders.

“I hate not knowing,” Tony sighed, rubbing at his temples. “You were in the hospital here for two weeks…”

“Then moved to SHIELD in California for another few weeks to continue to monitor my health. The doctors thought the sun would do me some good when they forget I absolutely despite being so hot. We only just came back last night. Anthony…” She let go of Steve’s hand with a soft squeeze and cupped his cheek, giving a fond smile. Her fingertips stroked over the gray peppered through his beard. “I am absolutely so sorry that you did not know. I asked about you several times. Steve even tried to contact you but Pepper said you were out of the country on some business.”

“Unavoidable, lost all communications when the suit was destroyed.” Maybe he shouldn’t have said that given Peggy’s furrowed brow. “But still even before that…I shouldn’t have to come home and find out through Barton of all people that you’re alive. But I don’t blame you or Steve or-or any of our friends, I blame those bastards in there. What would they think I would’ve done to you if I had known right off? Experiment on you? I’m not my father.”

Peggy’s arms wrapped around Tony tightly and crushed him to her, the cane clattering to the floor. Tony melted against her and suddenly he was five again. Scared, sniffling, not wanting to let go of her hand and go to school. He’s been to school, he’s had tutors come in, he’s done it online, but going into a classroom with other kids who were dumber than him and loud and annoying and he liked how quiet his auntie’s office was and she listened to him.

His legs buckled and he was only supported by Peggy and eventually as her still recovering body gave out, Steve too who lowered them both to the floor. He hadn’t even realized he was crying until Peggy was making calming, soothing noises and stroking his hair away from his face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t visit as often as I had liked,” he whimpered, refusing to pull his face from her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I’m sorry that I blamed you. I’m so sorry, Auntie.”

“Shh, shh, darling,” Peggy whispered, rubbing his spine. “Shh. I do not blame you, not for one bit. Your gifts to keep me afloat, to keep my programs running in mine and your mother’s name was more than enough for me. Seeing your face weekly was enough. I am not upset. You…” She pulled back to cup his face and press their foreheads together. “You were hurting and raw and had to blame someone after Howard’s death. I was there and I was your balm, as I have always had been. I blamed myself too, it’s okay.”

“No, it-it’s not okay. It’s not. You didn’t deserve that! You had too much on your shoulders already instead of me being a brat.” The painful sob ripped from him and Tony just wanted to melt into the floor.

“Anthony, please listen to me I do not blame you, not one bit. You needed someone at that time. Rhodey was away for basic and I was there for you.” She used the end of her sleeves to clean his face off and peck a small kiss to his nose. “It’s okay now. This…”

“It’s a second chance.”

It was Steve who spoke, causing both of them to look up. Tony had forgotten he was even there, watching him have the breakdown of a lifetime. All the while sitting back, looking somehow small in his large form. If he had been younger…he would’ve been excited to see Captain America but after working with Steve for years, he could see why Peggy worked so hard to honor him. Steve got on his nerves, under his skin with his bullshit morals, but sometimes he did have a point.

And then other times, he saw why Peggy had complained about how infuriating frustrating the Captain was.

“Yeah,” Tony breathed, nodding his head as he looked back at his Auntie. “A-a second chance. At least this time you don’t have to change my diapers.”

Peggy snorted and rolled her eyes, ruffling her godson’s hair. Untangling their limbs and with Steve’s help, the pair were pulled to their feet, her cane back in hand. Peggy grasped him, leaving Steve to run ahead to get the car as they walked down the hallway.

“What did the doctors say? Any reason you keep using that cane?”

“Because they’re idiots,” she sighed, making Tony smile. “The serum was successful for the most part, but given how…ill I was and the state of my body and numerous injuries, some things are slower to heal than others. I’m healing at a faster rate, but it’ll take time before I’m a full hundred percent again. They warned me to get plenty of rest and take it slow.”

“Do they even know you?” Tony snorted, letting the elevator take them down to ground level. He leads her out a side entrance and towards a covered awning, the snow piling up around them. “The last you’ll ever do is take it slow.”

“Obviously not and they clearly don’t know Steve either. One nurse tried to shoo him from the room because he wasn’t considered ‘family’. I told them if I wasn’t still considered legally dead until they get a jump on the paperwork, then Steve wouldn’t be  considered family.” She rolled her eyes as she slipped inside the jeep, staying in the backseat with Tony pressed against her side. Steve just smiled at them through the mirror.

“Where to, Miss Carter?” He teased, closing the doors for them and pulling out to the main street. “You’re officially cleared from Shield Hospital. The world is your oyster – why…does that saying exist?”

It was Tony’s turn to roll his eyes. “Not this again, Steve. Stop thinking about it. Why are you even driving? I could’ve called Pepper to set a plane up for us.”

“Some people like to drive, Tones. It’s calming for me, I never got to drive much beforehand and this…” He gripped the wheel lightly and ran his fingertips over the expensive leather. “Is one reminder I’m grateful for what I have.”

Around Peggy, Tony noted, Steve was a different person. More whimsical, almost calmer, more…himself than he’s seen Steve been in the years he’s known him. “You didn’t know how to drive,” he grumbled under his breath, noting Steve was turning onto the highway. “You crashed your first bike into a tree.”

“Peggy!” Steve’s eyes flashed to hers through the mirror, where she was finding the cars around them suddenly interesting. “You told him about that? I didn’t crash it. It slipped out from underneath me because Jones didn’t…”

“Excuses, excuses,” Peggy laughed. “And no, he didn’t. I had to teach him after…he recklessly and bravely rescued the 107th. We didn’t have much time in between the serum and us being shipped off on two different routes and his smaller self couldn’t even see half the time, so risking him being behind the wheel was not something I was going to do.”

“She’s told me many stories about you, Stevie-buddy. Like the time you and the Howlies went up against a moose and geese.”

Steve’s face flushed the brightest shade of pink as he went around a slower car, his fingertips drumming on the wheel. “We do not speak of those demons – ever.”

Tony laughed and for the first time in a while, it felt good to laugh. A real laugh. A hint at a life he could’ve had if Steve hadn’t died. A hint at a life together where he knew his Uncle and Auntie as two people and not a Captain and Director. This was a second chance and he was going to take every moment that he could while avoiding their sickening love.

Peggy’s hand squeezed his own and he found himself sinking into her shoulder and eventually in her lap in his exhaustion. Four days up straight did that to you. He could hear Steve’s rumbling voice, paying no attention and Peggy’s soft response as she played with his hair.

“I want to go home, Steve,” she told him with a small smile. “Brooklyn. Our real home, I think I’m tired of DC for now and I remember a promise I made a long time ago to this one…” Her fingers stopped stroking Tony’s hair, looking down at his relaxed face. He looked so much like his mother. “We’ll need to stop by the humane society – I promised Anthony that I would get him another cat.”

If Steve was surprised, he said nothing. “Okay, but we’re not naming him Mr. Sprinkles.”

[p3nny4urth0ught5]

One Step Back - Chapter 1

Hey everyone! I finally finished the next part of One Step Back. Thank you so much to everyone who has been so supportive so far!

If you want to be added to the taglist please let me know! Also big shoutout again to @singeramg. I honestly don’t think I would be able to do this without her. You all should read her stuff.

Just a reminder, this story takes places after the events of Justice League. The timeline is a little different so if things seem a little incorrect that is why. Also this part is still from Clark’s POV. I’m planning on officially introducing the reader the next chapter. Thanks everyone!

Taglist: @singeramg @queengeorgiaaa @spookypeachx @ayame236 @ohjules 

           Clark was anxious. He was so nervous that he could barely breathe. He kept having to stop his leg from bouncing. His hand rubbed the nape of his neck and his entire body felt as stiff as a board. He decided to take the bus back home instead of just flying, and while it was probably a good idea for him to not be in the air right now with how much of a mess he was, it was also very counter-intuitive because it gave him more time to dwell on what was to come.

           He hadn’t been able to get Y/n off his mind in months and yet now he felt like an idiot for making this trip. The two of them had grown up together. They met when they were kids and became joined at the hip despite his parent’s reluctance to him having any close friends. She had fought tooth and nail for the right to be his friend and had proved time and time again that she was worth the risk it was to him and his parents. In fact, after the whole bus incident from when they were kids, she became so defensive and protective of him that she had definitely scared off both kids and their parents alike from confronting him or his mom and dad about what happened. Lois had even been intimidated by her when she came around looking for answers about who he was, and knowing how Lois was, that in and of itself was extremely impressive and surprisingly heartwarming.

           After his dad died, he hadn’t been able to stay in Smallville. He felt like in order to find himself and assuage the pain and guilt and loss he felt, he had to leave. Clark hated leaving his mom to deal with his father’s death all alone, but it was eating him alive being in his home when his dad was gone and he could have saved him. He had been so angry at him for not letting him help and at himself for listening to him. Despite how hard it was, he needed to leave, to get himself straightened out.

           As difficult as it was to leave his mom, his home, and everything he knew, it had been especially hard for him to leave Y/n. He had been through everything with her and not only was she his best friend and his rock, but the two of them had eventually fallen in love and became high school sweethearts. He had proposed to her just a few months prior to the death of his father.  The two of them hadn’t even started seriously planning the wedding but they had decided on a few things here or there very casually, such as possible colors they liked or how many people they wanted in the wedding He loved waking up and knowing that he was going to spend the rest of his life with his best friend and love of his life. Clark had been so in love with her. Leaving her, had left the both of them heartbroken and wishing things were different, and it was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do. 

           To this day, he still could remember her standing on his porch, tears in her eyes, telling him that she didn’t want him to leave. They had fought over the prospect of him being gone for weeks but eventually she had told him that she understood why he was doing what he was, she just wasn’t happy about it and didn’t agree, all she asked was that he come back to her.

           The bus he was in was crowded and noisy and the sound of a crying child dragged him from his memories of Y/n. He looked up and saw a frantic mother of three at her wits end, her two boys fighting next to her and her toddler crying inconsolably in her arms. The child had her arms outstretched toward the ground, reaching for something, and when Clark looked down, he saw a stuffed elephant sprawled across the floor of the bus. His heart stopped at the shear pain on the child’s face and the anguish in her cries. He felt himself feeling her pain as his own, wanting to cry out as she did, but he couldn’t. 

           Clark reached down and grabbed the ratty old stuffed toy, clearly something that had been loved on for years so probably a hand-me-down of some sort, and held it out to the teary-eyed child. Upon receiving what she was looking for, the child gurgled for a moment and then immediately quieted. The mother looked down at her now silent baby and breathed in a sigh of relief. A smile broke out across Clark’s face. The young girl stuck the elephant’s ear into her mouth and started to suck on it. He had to hold in a laugh at how quickly she had been pleased as he shook his head and turned to the window, looking out at the changing scenery. A flash of regret struck through him. By now, he thought that he would’ve had a whole gaggle of kids or at least, that was the plan when he was still learning to be a man.

           As the view outside changed from the city to the countryside, Clark tried to clear his head of the nonsense running through it and get back to focusing on seeing his mom. He hadn’t been home since he had helped her move back into their house after Bruce bought the bank. He still couldn’t believe that he did that. He definitely appreciated it, but Clark just couldn’t fathom anyone having enough money to just up and buy a bank. He had grown up on a farm in a small town and while he lived in Metropolis now and worked for a very successful newspaper, he still wasn’t exactly flush with cash. Being a pencil pusher mostly meant he wasn’t paid super well. Clark liked his job well enough and it gave him an excuse to poke his nose into things and places where it didn’t belong but he didn’t have the passion for it that Lois did. Something just didn’t feel right, like there was something missing.

           After a few hours, Clark was finally home again and he felt himself fill with joy at the thought of seeing his mother. Despite his underlying reason for coming home, he was still very excited to be back. He imagined this is what he might have felt had he gone away to college and come home for the summer. The bus dropped him at the city limits so he started the long trek to his family farm. He decided to walk through the center of town because it had been such a long time since he had seen it.

           Everything he saw as he walked along the familiar sidewalk brought back memories from his childhood, both good and bad. There was the diner on the corner where he would spend time with his parents when they had a little bit of money to spare for a night out. The old movie theater that he and Y/n used to sneak into, well... that Y/n used to help him sneak into. He could practically see the two of them running around town like the hooligans they were, getting into trouble and Y/n always took the blame. Most of the stuff they did was her idea anyway but he played an equal part. People were always confused as to why the two of them were such good friends when she was such a troublemaker and he stayed on the straight and narrow. He couldn’t help but laugh thinking about how people used to talk about what a bad influence on him she was. It was 100% true, but he didn’t care either way.

           A few things had changed here or there in the town, it actually seemed a bit bigger than he remembered, there seemed to be more people that he didn’t recognize but Clark didn’t put much thought into it. He continued on his journey home and started to pass by the other family farms that were in between town and his home. Clark noticed that most of them seemed to be doing quite well and it looked like there had been a few updates done to the houses as well as some newer cars in the driveways. It was puzzling to him how they could afford that but once again he didn’t let that thought bother him.

           As he got closer to home, he felt his throat start to close up and it felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest. The air started to fill with the scent of wildflowers and lavender that always seemed to permeate from the property no matter what season. He took a deep breath and stopped in his tracks. In his mind, as clear as the light of day, he could see Y/n lying next to him smelling so strongly of those two things, her skin soft and sun kissed from being outside. His mouth watered for the taste of apples, something she always seemed to have on her that the two of them would share at lunch or after school. He could feel her touch on his skin and hear her laugh almost as if she was right next to him.                     Just as Clark started to lose himself in the memories, he noted that the air smelt dusty and barren, as if the house hadn’t been lived in properly for months if not longer. His eyes snapped open and he had to stop himself from rushing to the front door. He took a good look at the house and while it still looked like it was in great shape, it was obvious to him that no one had been there in quite a while. The house was obviously still being maintained by someone as it looked quite clean and put together, but he didn’t see or hear or smell anyone living there. His heart sank in his chest and he started to feel light-headed. She wasn’t there.

           Clark tried to push all the negative thoughts creeping up in his mind that something had happened to her or that she was with someone else. For some reason the second option sounded all the more terrifying and filled him with more dread then the first. He continued walking toward his mom’s house, the trek feeling like it took even longer than it should have. His feet felt like they were filled with lead and seemed to get heavier with every step that he took further from her home and toward his previous one. He tried to focus on the other reason he was here, his mom, but Y/n was hovering in the back of his mind and he had to focus on not letting it overwhelm him.

           He continued walking and arrived at his mother’s home just a few moments later even though it felt like it took a good four hours. Clark felt a little bit of the weight on his shoulders fall off at finally being home. His chest didn’t feel like it was completely caved in anymore and he could breathe. A small smile graced his lips as his mom walked out of her house and the family dog, Frank, ran out of the house and up to him. She smiled and laughed, cupping her hand over her brow to block out the sun, “Is that my boy?”

           He crouched down and scratched Frank behind his ears and ruffled his fur. “Hey Mom.” 

           It was hard to believe as he looked around that just a few months ago all of this had been seized by the bank. His mom had to move with all of their stuff and abandon their home where he grew up, and yet it didn’t look like a thing had changed, it looked the same as it always had. A small part of him was comforted by the fact that nothing had changed.

           She walked down the porch steps and threw her arms around him. Still touch sensitive, he flinched and tried to disguise it by hugging her back tightly. His heart sunk at still feeling anxious like he was. He thought if anyone would be a comfort instead of another reason for him to feel tense, it would be his mother, but apparently not. 

           “I wasn’t expecting you to come home. If I would’ve known I would’ve made a roast or something.” The two separated and he crouched down to grab his bags as she led him inside. 

           “I wanted to surprise you.” His cheeks hurt from how wide he was smiling, meanwhile his skin still ached from where she had touched him.

           “Well I’m always happy to see you honey. Come on in, let me get you something to eat.” 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Being at his mother’s house for the past few days had done him some good. Clark felt like he was a little more relaxed, less on edge. He loved being home, getting to help out his mom around the house, working in the fields, it made him feel like a kid again, but something kept nagging him at the back of his mind, Y/n. He hadn’t dared to bring her up yet. It was causing him to lose sleep thinking about her, not knowing where she was or if she was alright. He knew that his mom knew something was on his mind, and he was sure she knew what that was as well. He never could hide anything from her. Sometimes she would look at him like she wanted to bring it up but then turn away. Clark knew that it was his responsibility to bring her up, he knew that she was trying to get him to admit his mistakes and ask her what he was dying to ask.

           It all came to a head about a week after he’d come home. He couldn’t let the thought of her eat away at him any longer without getting answers. The two of them had been working tirelessly all day and were now in the kitchen preparing dinner, well, his mother was at least. He had offered to help and she had shooed him away like always, claiming that she liked to do it and didn’t need any help. 

           “Hey Mom?”She looked up from where she was stirring something in a pot on the stove.

            “Yes dear? What is it?”

           He had a sense of déjà vu, sitting at the dining room table drinking a half empty mug of coffee. A sigh passed through his lips as his stomach turned and his soul filled with dread. Now that he had begun the conversation, he was having second thoughts, but he knew he had to push forward even though things were about to get very uncomfortable.

           “Where’s Y/n? I walked by her home the other day on my way here and it seemed like it had been empty for a while.” He gulped and felt like he was trying to swallow a boulder. His chest was tightening as he waited for a response and his heart felt like it was about to pump out of his chest.

           Clark’s mom’s back straightened. He could hear her take a deep breath as she turned off the stove. His mind raced when she didn’t immediately start talking. She took a few moments to wipe off her hands and settled herself down at the table beside him. Her hands reached out and grabbed one of his into her own.

           “She left town shortly after the funeral we had for you here at the house. After she found out about Lois, she was completely devastated and she got a great job offer out of town and took it. I tried to talk her into staying but you know how hard headed she is.” His heart stopped; she was gone. He had hoped to have told her about the Lois situation himself but knew that was probably just a pipe dream at this point. “Son I love you but I have to say I have never been more disappointed with you with the way you treated that poor girl. She deserved better than that.”

           That statement hit him hard. He knew he should have treated her better and come clean sooner with her about him and Lois, but he was scared, and it was difficult trying to juggle his superhero persona and his normal life as Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet. Y/n leaving because of him was the last thing he wanted. He had hoped that the two of them could sit down and talk like adults and try to mend the bridge he had broken by leaving in the first place. A big part of him knew that the conversation would not go that way at all but he had still hoped at the time. Now, he was lost.

           “Where is she Mom? Where did she go?” It felt like someone was choking him from the inside of his throat and he felt his eyes fill with tears.

           His mom had a dejected smile on her face. She cupped his cheek with her hand and he felt himself grit his teeth at the touch, it still made him ache. “I don’t know son.”

[polymetis-23]

Diary Entry Sept. 26th, 2021

Day 1 - The hunt begins

I spent most of today working on updates to my hero gear based off the trial runs these past few weeks. First I removed the giant skirt from my costume and replaced it with a utility belt. Sure those might not have been the most iconic thing about steampunk but they tinkered a lot so I'm sure they were around plenty. I hope to make more gadgets as time goes on so this will be a good place to store them. For now it is a simple belt with pockets as found at hardware stores. I know, it's ugly and doesn't really fit and I wish I had time to be proper about it, but with The Eye out there it seems somethings will sadly have to be function over form. 

In addition to adding the tool belt, I have been working on the wrist crossbows (told you I wouldn't forget about them). I've moved them down from the back of my hand to around my wrist and made the bow limbs out of a semi-bendable metal. They work like springs and shoot the dart out fairly fast … or at least that is the current theory, I've really only added the wrist strap, had to finish some homework.

As the sun started to set, it was finally time for me to find The Eye (seriously does anyone have a better name for this person?) I could've sworn I was in a movie. The sky was overcast but no rain and everything seemed eerily quiet. Without a better idea I started from where I last saw them, the eye was still on the wall and it didn't look like anyone had been home in a while, I hope she didn't kill him. Anyway, I wasn't about to break into someone's house because that is illegal so I sat on the roof and surveyed for any mysterious red lights. It may not have been the most efficient way to find them, but hey that red glow is the only thing I have to identify them at the moment, and well the eye. I saw a few flashes over the course of the night, and a few more eyes around the city. Some the crime was obvious, another breakin or general vandalism, but others a dark red eye was just on a wall, nothing around to denote why.

Day 2 - Uh yeah, exams are a thing

    How, might I ask, are we in the third week of classes and I already have a quiz. Like seriously what are we supposed to have learned at this point? Even if they had taught us something, this is the absolute worst time, now I have to spend all day studying and I can't go out tonight. I was getting so close last night to actually catching up to The Eye. Sure I hadn't actually seen them, but I was getting quicker at navigating the city so the time between red flashes and my arrival at a scene was getting less and less, it was only a matter of time until I caught them.

Day 3 - Crossbow work

    The forecast for today is rain, lots of rain all day and I don't really fancy going out and getting soaked or slipping and falling on my butt while hunting for Eye, so I guess today is a design day. It actually works out really well because now I will have the wrist bow ready for when I finally do encounter her. Next thing I need to work on is tranquilizer darts, I don't want to permanently hurt those I bring in, after all I'm not the judge, jury and executioner, I just bring people in to meet justice. 

    After today's tests the bow seems to be great … or at least manageable. I still need to improve the aiming, for some reason the bolts won't group together. And I need to make an automatic reloader attachment, I have plenty of darts held on the cuff, but it would be nice for the system to be semi automatic incase I miss a shot or more probably I am fighting more than one opponent and need to incapacitate them both in quick succession.

Day 4 - The Evil Eye

    Finally a semi-free day. I was able to make a few small adjustments to my weaponry between classes then waited until dark to roam the streets. The clouds from yesterday blew by leaving not a trace and letting the nearly full moon illuminate the streets, although that could also be from light pollution … I guess it is good that I can see and not trip, but I would've liked to be able to see the stars.

    The night started relatively calmly, I was finally getting used to the red haze that settled over the world when I used my goggles. If I ever learn how to actually code, I'll have to write a program to filter out the ambient light, but for now I would just have to let my eyes adjust. I got lucky in my positioning tonight, I hadn't seen any pattern in how The Eye chose their targets so I had decided to sit on a random tall roof top and was rewarded with a beam of red two blocks over. Although I had previously only seen an aura of red indicating The Eye's (this is gonna stick now isn't it?) presence, it wasn't hard to imagine that they had the ability to focus it. 

    I ran across the rooftops, which were thankfully connected, I'll have to figure something out for when they aren't. I guess I could run at street level but that is more crowded and less direct, plus heroes are known for leaping across roofs right? Regardless I soon arrived at where the beam had been and looked for the source. Below me on the street there was a fight going on and sure enough one of the combatants' hands were surrounded by an aura of red. Upon closer observation I was shocked to find out this wasn't a fight, it was a beating. The man The Eye was 'fighting' was just laying on the ground not even trying to defend themselves. It was clear to anyone watching that the fight was over and didn't need to be continued so why was The Eye still there? I called 911  and reported the situation so her victim could get some help. I doubted they would be moving by themselves any time soon. 

    After placing the call I turned my attention back to the street to apprehend The Eye myself, but they were already gone, an eye left on the ground above the injured man's head. I could already hear the sirens of the ambulance and knew he would be okay. I waited until the paramedics started treating him, then left. I spent the rest of the night searching for another sighting of The Eye to bring them in, but they seemed to have gone silent for the moment. I suppose I will have to try again tomorrow now that I had seen they were not only bad, they were straight up evil. Attacking someone for no reason at all.

Day 5 - The Conversation

    So classes were normal today and nothing special happened except well, I finally got to talk with the eye. I went out a little earlier than I usually did planning on scoping out some of the roofs on campus. Although I was currently preoccupied taking down The Eye who seemed to operate across the river, I knew I would be coming back to stop crime on campus eventually. There is a really nice iconic roof space above the main lobby of campus where I was planning to start. Up there you can see all around campus, sure it wasn't the tallest building, but it did have a great view.

    Anyway, I was up there planning to see what was what and keeping an eye out for any red flashes in the city when from behind I heard:

    "I thought they blocked off all entrances to the roof" they had, I have just been practicing picking locks. Yes I know that skill is rarely used for anything good, but sometimes it can come in handy, like tonight with the door

    I turned around expecting to see some other student, while it wasn't a common hang out spot, people definitely still came up here. Instead I was confronted with The Eye herself, what was she doing on this side of the river and at my school no less. Of course I immediately confronted her about her illegal activities and she scoffed at me. I mean she literally scoffed and called me naive, how am I naive when I saw her commit those crimes? Like seriously? It quickly became apparent that she wasn't remorseful at all and needed to be brought in. We had a brief altercation which I definitely nearly won if she hadn't taken a cheap shot and knocked me on my butt I would've had her. As it was I landed with a loud smack and was slightly dazed. The only sound I heard was "stay down, this isn't the world for you" When I got my bearings again, she was gone and I was alone on the roof. 

    I layed back down and stared at the sky. This is going to take more work than I thought, but I'm sure it can't be that much more.

Day 6 - A day to relax

    Not much happened today, I ended up sleeping through my alarm which I guess is a natural consequence of staying up into the early hours of the night every day for a week. I did my laundry, bought a few groceries and sloughed through some homework and … that was about it.

Day 7 - Coding is still the worst

    So I have a problem set due for my coding class and I swear this class should be worth twice the amount of credit listed on the syllabus based on how long it takes me to write a 'simple' program. I guess I am learning some things because I can follow the code examples given in class, but I definitely can't recreate them. I'm gonna need to find another way to code my goggles or get someone to do it for me. Superheroes have a man in the chair right?

    I eventually got the problem set turned in and started to draft ideas for the semi-automatic wristbow, still very rudimentary though.

[theyscreamjade]

Sasha

I wrote this when I watched Sasha die in the anime..(and called @husband-to-tomura-shigaraki while crying on the phone to them about it). BUT I WANTED GIVE ONE OF MY TOP FAVORITE CHARACTERS A GOOD SEND OFF.

Disclaimer: Gore, Death, Angst a/ happy ending

Jade smirked, tapping Zeke’s nose with her finger. “You know, You get easier to destroy every time..” she said, teasing him at how fast she took him down in that Titan form before sitting back.

She placed her hand on her hip and looked at her group of close comrades, giving a soft smile to Hayden. “You okay? I can understand how..difficult this is.” She said, placing her hand on Hayden’s shoulder.

She knew how hard it was for them to deal with Eren just randomly dumping them and up and going without giving a second thought. After them dating for almost two full years, it was hard to help them move on and get over the one person they could ever love just to see them again after all these years.

Hayden gave her a soft smile, her eyes read that soft smidge of hurt in her eyes. “I’m okay, I’m just glad he’s fine.” They responded just as Hange walked out of the office, smiling softly.

“For once, I’ll say it. It feels good to do something like this and to not have soldiers killed, it’s a great feeling.” They said as Jade nodded. “I thought we celebrate when we get home, I think they deserve meat,” Jade suggested, walking down the hall to the celebrating team. She gave Eren a dark glance while walking towards the room.

“Alright, Alright guys.” She said, walking inside. “This is a victory for us, We successfully gathered the information, serums for Titans captured Zeke Yeager and Eren again. Let’s remember this, We didn’t lose anyone this time. Not a single blood shed from anyone, This means we feast once we land on the meat of course, extra for you Sasha!” She said as Sasha’s face lit up with happiness while Jade walked to her, placing her hand on her shoulder.

“I credit you because if it wasn’t for you and your successful snipper work, the mission would’ve been a lot more difficult.” She said to her cadet. In a matter of seconds, A loud boom and flash went off. Blood spattered onto Jade’s face as her eyes widened. “SASHA!” She screamed as loud as she could, seeing her friend crash onto the ground.

Her mind was so focused on her friend to even realize who or what got into the flying ship. “S-Sasha! He-Hey! Don’t close your eyes, CONNIE! GO TO THE FRONT AND GRAB THE FIRST AID KIT!” She ordered, pressing her hand down on the wound. Blood coated her hands as she tried to compose herself.

Sasha slowly turned her head towards Jade, smiling softly. “A-Are we eating yet?...” she asked, her eyes starting to fade. A look Jade knew just too well, hearing more footsteps rush towards them. “Y-Yeah! We’re eating...I-I made your meat the way you like it...It’s..I-I cooked it perfectly.” Jade whispered, trying to hold back her tears with Hayden across from her.

Hiccups and sobs began to echo from the room as Sasha smiled softly. “Thank you..” she whispered, gasping her last breath. Jade looked down at her fallen friend before her vision became blurry, tears rolling down from her cheeks. Screams of the soldier's name echoed inside the room, sobs infused with hiccups included.

That night happened over two days ago, leaving each soldier a bit numb. I shoved my foot into my boot, standing up while a yawn slipped from my mouth.

Since we landed, I couldn’t sleep. From interrogating those brats, being spat and called out of my name by them then having to break the news to Sasha’s father. This was something I dealt with all too many..just would’ve never thought it’ll be her. Of all people, Sasha.

I walked out of my cabin, sliding my cloak on my shoulders, and began to walk towards the comrades with their horses, they all paused and gave me a salute. I waved my hand to tell them to stand down before hopping on Lightning’s back.

“I never thought I’d have to see this day..” Hange said softly while I nodded softly. “It’s here, whether we like it or not..” I said softly as they looked around. “Where’s Hayden?” They questioned. “They’re trying to crack Eren, he’s being a complicated asshole but...I know why they want to see him.” I said softly, rubbing my eyes.

“You should really get some sleep..” Hange suggested as Mikasa’s horse lined up with mine. “I’ll try tonight, but I doubt it’ll work. Don’t worry, He’s well aware of my terrible sleeping habit and he’s been on my back as well.” I justified while exhaustion was on the back of my head.

“You’re lucky we made it on time, if you get an idea please ask us ahead of time instead of at five in the morning,” Jean said, walking over to me as he handed a bag to me. “It honestly surprised me that you could even cook,” I told him, opening the bag as I pulled out the brown paper wrapped item before handing it to Hange. “Grab one and pass it around, quickly!” I ordered as the bag moved faster.

The sound of trumpets played loudly as we began to move, marching forward as the view of Sasha’s casket came to me. I gripped Lightning’s harness a bit tighter while we walked through the silent city. I couldn’t cry, I wouldn’t dare cry now...I can’t. I could see her now, remembering the first day we met.

She snatched my potato off my plate before I could answer her random question of ‘if I was going to eat that?’. Her cheers of encouragement, her constantly napping on my shoulder even when I became a Lieutenant. She saw me as the same girl who wanted to get justice for her people. How she still celebrated my birthday even though I once resented the day, how she always had a smile and enough kindness to see through the hardest bastard who attempts to kill any of us.

I could remember how fast she devoured the steak I made for her once all because I wanted to see how she’d react, the sparkle in her eyes when she wanted me to show her the same moves Levi taught me. I climbed off my horse, walking to her grave while they lowered her in, her wooden casket disappearing into the darkened abyss within the world.

The priest began his sermon, giving a devoted speech of how she was, but does he really know? He only knows what people say..while all of us really knew her for her. “You can finally rest my child’s you’ve done what you were destined to do, you brought victory to us and we thank you.” He spoke, closing the Bible.

I finally saw Hayden as they walked over with her cloak as we walked to her father, tears rolling down his cheeks. I looked into his eyes and gave him my best salute, putting my heart into it as Hayden tossed her cloak over his shoulders, tying it perfectly before turning back to her grave. I reached into my pocket, opening the potato then kneeling down.

“Sasha Braus, Formerly known as potato girl and the meat-eater...you defeated Titans left and right alongside all of us. I will miss the moments we shared from the first day we met until now...I hope you’re eating in the afterlife, I pray that there’s an abundance of food for you to devour until your heart's content...I love you Sasha and I’ll never forget you.” I said before standing back to my feet.

“FOR SASHA!” We screamed before giving a unison salute, all of us slamming the potato in our mouth and taking a large chunk from it. Tears streamed down my cheeks while I chewed, each memory of her flashing through my head as rain poured down. I felt Hange’s wrapped around my arm as I released my salute as we all walked away. I turned back at the tombstone, seeing her eating a large chunk of meat with Erwin and others by her side as a smile flashed on my face before I whispered within the wind.

“Thank you, Sasha.”

[wakaoujisenhime]

Fairytales - Natsuo x reader

Synopsis: One night after escaping the usual family drama, Natsuo - the god of snow - meets you on a park’s bench. The two of you immediately click and he seriously considers revealing the fact of who he really is, anticipating nothing but support and understanding from your side. But what he never expected was rejection... 

A/N: So this is my second work for the bookclub! I’m actually quite nervous since I’m not that familiar with Natsuo’s character so I’m sorry in advance if I didn’t do him justice! (◞‸◟；) 

Furthermore, I’d like to thank (and tag) a couple of the members who showed interest in my story and supported it along the way! A BIG thanks to @bnha-homeroom​ , @hanniejji​ , @wesparklebitch​ , @redbeanteax​ I hope you guys are going to enjoy it! ❤️  

tags/warnings: Natsuo x reader ✅  SFW ✅  angst (like a LOT) ✅ mention of abuse and death ✅   

image/art source: Twitter (art by sakurai0329)

prompt: “You can’t ignore me forever”

━━━━☆ ━━━━☆ ━━━━☆

Natsuo was a member of the most famous family of gods and goddesses - the Todorokis.

The reason for their success and popularity amongst the other entities was because of their recently obtained ability to combine two absolutely contradictory elements, namely fire and ice.

To be more specific, the only family member who achieved this rare ability was Natsuo’s younger brother Shoto. 

Unfortunately, this didn’t mean that the rest of his siblings could lean back and cheer the youngest sprout on, no...now there were even higher expectations for the other three. 

“There’s no way you can let your youngest brother surpass you! Work harder, become stronger, become the strongest, and prove to me that your birth wasn’t a mistake.”

Having to hear such words every single day was not only vexing but also painful and their father’s indifference towards their feelings made it even worse. 

Not long after the eldest brother deserted his family and swore to never return, no matter what might happen to either him or them. 

After his leave though, everything started going downhill…

Their mother fell into a state of madness and pure hatred for her own husband. She even held such a deep grudge against him, that one day she unintentionally took her anger out on Shoto, scarring him for life in the process.

When her female role model of a mother was taken away from her, Fuyumi instantly knew that as the only daughter of the Todoroki family she was now expected to succeed her in almost every way possible.

Seeing his elder sister’s and younger brother’s suffering, Natsuo needed a break from it all so he did what he’d always done in dire times like this.

Go down to the human world.

He’d visited many places all over the entire globe, but Japan was the only country that made him genuinely feel welcome whenever he decided to drop by.

Right now the busy streets of Tokyo should’ve been covered by snow, but thanks to all that was going on at their home he hadn’t found the time to use his powers and dye the dark streets and alleys of this city in a purer white than his hair’s.

While he was sitting on a secluded bench, observing the countless walking people hurrying to get back home he let out a deep sigh.

“You don’t want to go back home, do you?”

The sudden voice startled Natsuo. His grey eyes immediately locked onto the source that was standing some meters away from him, the moment he saw you the retort he had prepared was instantly forgotten.

The young man had never seen such a beautiful human in his entire life, your looks, as well as your aura, had stunned him so much that he forgot how to talk for a slight second.

“Y-Yeah...how did you know?”, he stuttered. 

Your silent giggle was like music to his ears, but the moment he came to the conclusion that you were most likely mocking him, his cheeks turned bright red. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you...I just wanted to ask if it was ok for me to sit down next to you.”

“But of course! Please go ahead...”

Even though you were sitting next to him, Natsuo remained as silent as he had been the moments before your arrival. 

Today marked the first day a human had actually talked to him and even if he was extremely happy on the insides, he didn’t know how to show it on the outside. Luckily you noticed how tense he’d become so you took it upon yourself to lighten up the mood.

“Tokyo is way prettier when there’s snow around, don’t you think?” 

A nod.

“There’s something about it, that turns this busy city into a surprisingly calmer one.”

Another nod.

“The snow two years ago saved my life, you know…?”

There was no reaction just...silence.

You took a deep breath and even if you weren’t sure why you intended to talk about your problems in life with a complete stranger, you just did it. 

The talk started with your father’s high hopes that suffocated you every single day, about him being unhappy if your test score was below a B+, how your father would scold you for many hours and sometimes even raise his hand at you or your mother and to wrap things up, you talked about how your mother couldn’t tolerate his behavior any longer and had left you alone with your father. 

When you finished your monologue, you weren’t expecting a reaction from him, but as soon as you glanced to the side you were more than just surprised. 

That young man was directly looking at you with teary eyes and a slightly agape mouth, you could even see his lower lip tremble slightly...it was as if he was trying his hardest not to cry.

Natsuo was genuinely touched by your story since it resembled his own so perfectly well. 

It now made sense why you guessed correctly about the reason he was sitting alone on the park bench. 

So to thank you for sharing that story with him, he returned the gesture and told you about his family situation as well.

“Sounds like both our families are quite messed up, huh?”

“Indeed...”

The tension between Natsuo and you was gone and a long conversation began…

——

“What happened to you brother? You look quite happy!”

The chirpy voice of his older sister disrupted the young man’s thoughts. He was hesitant to talk about you...at least for now, so he just brushed her question off and went to his room.

You guys had talked for almost two hours and the talk would’ve continued if your father hadn’t interfered by calling your phone. 

Before saying goodbye Natsuo asked if he could meet you the following day to which you of course answered with a happy and loud ‘yes’. 

He has never talked to a human before and to think that his first meeting would go so well, surprised him so much that he wondered if this meeting was perhaps supposed to be fate.

Since then the two of you started meeting at the same bench every single day. One time you would be the one to wait for him to arrive and the other time it was his role to anticipate your appearance. 

It was surprising how easily you guys found topics to talk about when you were together and that was a first for both of you. 

For Natsuo, it was as if he had found the puzzle piece he was missing for his entire life. The moment he saw your face always made him feel like seeing the sun rise upon the horizon, paired with your laugh and smile it made him forget any sad or upsetting thing that happened on that day. He was so thankful that you had spoken to him back when he warmed the bench on his own and the question of how to make it up to you occupied his mind on a daily basis.

Flowers? A small gift? A date? Whatever he thought of seemed way to less for such a big presence like you. 

Was there even something you wanted or desired from him? 

He had no idea, but he was willing to give you something he had never given anyone ever before, his heart as well as his deepest secret - namely that he was the god of snow.

——

“I’m sorry! You must’ve been waiting for me for quite some time Natsuo!”

“Oh no (Y/N)! Don’t worry, I just got here myself.”

That was a lie he prayed you weren’t able to see through and apparently luck was on his side today.

It all started like any other day. 

The usual greeting at the same bench from where the two of you were able to see the countless people walking past you and even if the sight and situation were so familiar...Natsuo was perhaps the most nervous he had been up until now.

While you were sharing today’s experiences with him, he was thinking about how to reveal his true identity to you. As soon as your eyes landed on his bend over form he knew that the time had come…

“(Y/N)...what do you think of gods?” 

“Gods? Now that’s a peculiar question...”

The way your fingers rubbed your chin made you resemble one of those famous detectives he had seen on TV, it should’ve been therapeutic but for him, that motion was nothing but torture.

“I don’t believe in those fairytales.”, you said in a low voice.

That answer broke his heart into a million pieces and left him behind with the feeling of betrayal. He thought that if there was someone who’d accept him the way he was, then that person would’ve been you. 

So why?

Why were you rejecting their existence? His existence?

While you explained your point of view, he didn’t listen to any word or sentence you uttered, he instead hunched over more and covered his mouth with his trembling hands, the gesture catching your attention and making you break your speech off in worry.

“Hey, is everything alright? You look so pale all of a sudden.”

Your normally warm hand that was placed on his shoulder was now colder than the coldest of ice he’s ever felt. On any other day, your touch would’ve made him so happy, but not today.

“I-I’m good...no worries.”

Despite neither believing in him nor in his answer, you choose to nod and remain silent.

What you’ve done by answering the question like you did was beyond your imagination.

You see, for gods like Natsuo or the rest of his family members, the faith and belief in their presence were crucial to their existence. But not every human’s opinion mattered...only the opinion of a chosen person was of importance. And you were that person for him. 

Fuyumi had warned him about making that decision, afraid that it might prove to be a quite premature one, but her younger brother didn’t even listen. His trust in you had blinded him up to the point of carelessness. And now...he had to reap what he had sowed.

The reason why Fuyumi had warned him about that hasty decision of his was because of the deadly risk that followed in case the chosen one rejected their god. 

Every time Natsuo would now look at you, he’d end up remembering your hurtful words and that would take away one piece of his soul, shortening his life in the process. 

Gods are immortal.

That’s a statement a lot of humans believe in and it contained the truth..to a certain degree at least.

Those immortal beings humankind spoke of so highly were the type that had fought all life long for acceptance and was now an absolute component of the humans’ religious history. 

While the Todorokis and some similar families were merely gifted with just one special ability, those indestructible deities’ powers on the other hand knew no limit.         

You don’t want to go back home, do you? 

The snow two years ago saved my life, you know…?

Sounds like both our families are quite messed up, huh?

I don’t believe in those fairytales…

All those things you had said to him played back in his mind like a broken record, reminding him of all conversations you guys had and hurting him in the process.

Natsuo tried to stop thinking about you but had to give up soon after realizing that you weren’t just a friend to him.

It was just a matter of days and the normally vibrant and cheerful young man was looking awfully tired and feeble. Those shiny grey eyes of his were now dull and had the darkest of circles enhancing them. 

His family was already preparing themselves for this boy’s death. 

Tears were spilled, accusations were spoken and the last embraces were done. 

After Fuyumi had applied some makeup onto his face, she helped him into an elegant attire, preparing him for what might perhaps be his last day on earth.

“Are you really sure that you want to meet with (Y/N) in that state?”

The boy simply nodded and responded in a silent voice: “Yes...I’d be rude of me to just up and leave without a proper goodbye.”

His older sister had to bite her lip in order to hide the tears that were dreading to roll down her cheeks.

You don’t deserve this pain Natsuo…

With weak and slow steps the said young man walked the same path he took the first day he had come to Tokyo. His eyes registered the unchanging mass of people and made him crack a small and barely noticeable smile - perhaps the first one since long ago. 

It was just a matter of seconds for you to arrive after he’d taken a seat on the bench to preserve some strength for the rest of the evening.

“I’m sorry! You must’ve been waiting for me for quite some time!”

“N-No not at all...I just got here.”

This time this wasn’t a lie.

Your plan for tonight was to show Natsuo your favorite places and maybe give him some recommendations along the way.

During your walk, you quickly noticed that the young man next to you wasn’t in his top form. You had barely even left the park and he was already sweating while desperately trying to hide the fact that an easy task like breathing had become quite the challenge for him.

You noticed of course, so you decided to walk a tad slower, hoping that this would help.

Throughout the entire tour, he remained quiet and absent-minded which discouraged you and let your mind wander off about the reason for his silence. 

Is he perhaps mad about the answer I gave him some weeks ago? 

Your eyes gazed as unobtrusive as possible to your side, eyeing the man who very much appreciated your slow pace.

I didn’t know Natsuo would be that religious…

You weren’t the type of person to lie just to make someone happy, at least not all the time and besides...changing your opinion now would obviously be mare lip service.

Instead, you decided to cut your explanations short and even leave out some of your favorite places.

Let’s try the tour again when he feels better…

Half an hour later and the two of you terminated the expedition under a sole street light that illuminated the upcoming turn for the cars.

“Alright then Natsuo, that was it. I hope you liked it and it wasn’t too boring for you.”

“Y-Yeah, no...it w-was ok- I mean it was interesting...yeah”

You had to force yourself to smile as you watched him scratch the back of his neck out of embarrassment.

So he didn’t like it, huh..?

God...why does this have to be our last meeting…

“So (Y/N)...I wanted to thank you.”

The surprised look on your face made him smile. Your heart skipped a soft beat out of relief to finally see that beautiful smile of his.

“You’ve shown me a part of your world and I really loved spending all those nights with you. E-Even if our time was quite short I was- no I am still happy to have made your acquaintance.” 

It appeared quite suspicious of him to use the past tense and it seemed to you as if he was intending on leaving for a long time. Unfortunately, you weren’t able to ask him since he straight out left after bowing and bidding you a silent farewell.

“Y-Yeah...until we meet again, Natsuo.”

——

The young man’s back leaned against the cold surface of a building’s wall as he tried to prolong what appeared to be his last heartbeats... 

He looked at his trembling hand and as his attempt to move his fingers appeared to be futile, he bit his lower lip in frustration.

Although he couldn’t even walk properly anymore, Natsuo began moving with one goal in mind.

I want to see it…

I want to see (Y/N)’s home... 

If I can’t convince you with words, then I’ll just show you…

I’ll show you that we exist...that I exist 

You can’t ignore me forever...and that’s what I’m about to prove to you…

Wait for me…

...(Y/N)

——

“I’m home!”, you called upon entering your beloved home which you sadly had to share with the man you called father.

Luckily he wasn’t home yet, so you sighed in relief as you headed towards your room.

Upon opening the door, you were in complete awe as you looked outside of your window.

“It’s snowing?”

A wide smile spread across your face the moment you looked out into the night.

I can’t wait to show Natsuo how our park looks like when it’s covered by snow!

You started humming to yourself anticipating your next meetup but missing the white-haired young man lying motionless some feet underneath your window.

The snow that landed on his pale skin covered him like a blanket. 

Comforting him…

Hiding his tears…

Blurring his view…

I hope the ending of this fairytale was to your liking…(Y/N) 

[kiitsume]

a few thoughts on six the musical because nobody asked for them

(also excuse any historical inaccuracies, i've done only cursory reading thank you)

let's start light. the costumes are pretty but they completely take away any sense of historical context, unintentionally minimizing the degree of awareness the audience has of the culture surrounding the women at the time, which is actually pretty important to the message the writers are trying to construct.

the music is good. like, it's catchy and generally well written, and of course well performed. but the writers giveth and the writers taketh away. mostly they take away. all of the songs are reductive and collapse six people-- who they claim to attempt to honor the memory of-- down into platitudes and general notions of people, caricaturizing them into something that's barely recognizable.

the set up the musical to be a "competition between these six women to get the respect the deserve for the amount they suffered" and then they turn around at the end and shame the audience for doing that-- for picking favorites along the way and actually considering which ones they empathize most with.

the opening song, "ex-wives" uses modern lingo and whatnot, but it's not any more jarring that the costumes, so it's not until "don't lose your head" that the text speak really throws you off. it was honestly uncomfortable to watch in context of the musical, at least upon my viewing.

do i know they went chronologically? yes. will i ever forgive them for putting the most jarring joke of a song, "haus of holbein" right after arguably the most heartfelt song of the musical, jane seymour's "heart of stone"? absolutely fucking not.

haus of holbein has it's merits. i won't lie. it addresses the beauty standards of the time and the way that women were expected to destroy their bodies and give up their lives in order to appeal to men, which contributes to the larger narrative the writers were trying to build in saying that all these women would've led remarkable lives if they hadn't been forced to give themselves up to a life that made them miserable. but all of that is erased by the fact that it has air horns in it, i'm sorry, that can't be overlooked. literally die.

katherine (we're going with the musical's spelling okay) howard's song? a fucking bop. "all you wanna do" is iconic. but it has been brought to my attention by my girlfriend, who is much more knowledgeable on the six's actual history and writings, that pretty much the entire song is a complete disregard for who she was in life and her actual feelings, and that's especially irritating because they did it specifically for the purpose of constructing a much more simple narrative and, in the process, did the exact thing they claim to condemn: writing over her, and all the others, with what they think they know and bending them and their lives to fit their ideal message. how so? my girl k howard actually did have feelings for thomas. you know, the one person in the song she's like, "just mates, no chemistry/ i get him and he gets me/ and there's nothing more to it." they just throw that out to make thomas look like a nice guy and like people were just constantly taking advantage of her, which to some extent was true. but it also strips all the agency out of her life, and ignores the fact that "serious, stern and slow/ gets what he wants and he won't take no," francis dereham was the one who got jealous of her and thomas' relationship and snitched to the king and got her executed. there's literally no acknowledgement that he was anything other than just another fling or something. and, by omission, it implies that her music teacher, henry mannox, was the one and only one who groomed her (and molested her at 13). in reality, dereham's relationship with her started when she was 15 and he was 32. oh, and she was 17 when she married the 49 year old king. if the musical is supposed to form a cohesive narrative around how these girls were taken advantage of and thrown out by history as a joke, her story is literally ideal for that purpose. but instead we got naive girl uses sex to get ahead and then it backfires and she's killed for it.

not that thomas is innocent in all of this-- when the affair was brought to public light he blamed everything on howard and continued to deny ever sleeping with her, though he eventually admitted to intending to. there's some debate over whether their private meetings were actually an affair, but howard's writings on it make it seem as if she did have feelings for him, so. we may never know. but again, this is just to show the disservice the musical did to her.

i don't know as much about the other queens i'll admit, but here's just a few things that would be useful for the narrative the musical tries and fails to build: catherine parr was 15 when she was married to henry's brother arthur, who she couldn't speak to because they'd corresponded in latin but had different pronunciations-- this marriage was to give arthur greater legitimacy, because she was considered more strongly royal by blood; anne boleyn resisted henry's attempts to make her a mistress-- she was extremely smart, which was desirable in a mistress but not a wife!-- as her sister mary had been, and her daughter, unlike parr's is never acknowledged by the musical, the subjects called her "the king's whore" and blamed her for his tyranny, and-- oh, did i mention? historians debate whether there were any actual grounds for the charges brought against her that led to her execution, and most scholars regard it just something the king did so he could move on to seymour; jane seymour was married to henry the day after anne boleyn's execution, and she was never publically coronated in part because of a plague (woo!) but some also theorize that henry didn't want her to be coronated until she'd done her "duty as queen" and bore him a male heir; anne of cleves was described as extremely beautiful, so when the king met her and described her as "plain" he was incredibly let down, and immediately decided that he wanted to avoid the marriage altogether-- she was not considered ugly, as the musical makes it sound, just not good enough for the kings "selective" tastes (you know, the same henry who had a festering, ulcerated wound on his leg from a jousting accident); catherine parr is done the most justice, actually acknowledging the work she did in education and writing, the role she played in the establishment of the Third Succession Act which allowed her daughters access to the throne, and her two previous marriages (one of which was to someone twice her age) but it fails to acknowledge that her protestant sympathies got her targeted by arrest warrants before she reconciled with the king, and she was able to marry her lost love thomas seymour (different thomas, different seymour) in secret four months after the king's death, only to die a year and four months later.

also this: catherine of aragon was the only wife older than henry when they married, with her being 24 when and henry being 18; boleyn was 32 while henry was 42; seymour was 28, married to a 45 year old henry; anne of cleves was 25 and henry was 49; i repeat, howard was 17 when she was married to the 49 year old king; and parr was 31 and henry was 52.

and they were all flawed individuals, too, don't take my defenses of them to mean otherwise. in fact, as historical figures, i don't necessarily like all of them. but despite their flaws, they didn't deserve what happened to them, which is something the musical fails to portray in every way. it glosses over everything so quickly, which i understand is to be expected to a degree when you give each queen a six minute song to tell the story of their entire life, but the writing distorts them so badly they're hardly recognizable, and their stories are changed willy-nilly to fit the lazy empowerment theme rather than addressing them as they were.

the final song, "six." boy do i have thoughts. it's meant to seem empowering, and to an extent it is, because the characters they've given us get to talk about having a happy ending and making something of their lives that made them happy to have a legacy. but none of it's true, and it feels incredibly forced, especially because they take the concept of these women and pay no attention to them historically or what the figures they're based on would've actually wanted, and instead just says, "they all sing and dance and have a great time! question nothing!" and it just feels so hollow. it honestly made me feel even worse about the historical figures themselves and the suffering they endured, because it felt minimizing and shallow, like a platitude to make you stop thinking about how horribly they were treated. it was genuinely upsetting from that point of view, and despite how uplifting it's meant to be in the context of the show, it acknowledges that it's only a dream by giving a time limit to their happiness-- five minutes. and after that point you're supposed to go on continuing to be happy, having connected with these people and been empowered by their stories, when you are given very little of their actual stories and are shamed for analyzing things through the lens they gave you at the opening of the show. not to mention how horribly they trample over their message of how restrictive and repressive their lives were by nature of their station and says that, "well, if they could've just made different choices they would've been happy!" ignoring how the culture gave them no other choice and there's a pretty good chance that, even if they had made the choices they wanted to, they would've still been held back by virtue of their gender and station. the story behind six is not empowering, and it feels horrible to have it twisted around that was to make it seem empowering. i understand not wanting to beat down your audience and make them miserable, but rather than reducing these women down to such simplified caricatures and then having them all bond and have a girl power moment, it would've been much more impactful to have their actual concerns be what they bonded over-- being forgotten, talked over, held back, so on-- and talking about the people they actually were. having them write their own stories is fun and all, but having them actually tell their stories and feel heard, even if it's in a time they'll never see, is a much less reductive sentiment.

tl;dr: so basically i thought the musical was badly written for the message they were trying to send, and no amount of good music or talented performance can save a boring or badly written musical, and the six queens still deserve better.