#hopefully I’ll have some coherent thoughts after I finish it

[garashir]

oh this episode is making me insane

[amethystjewel01]

RoseJewel/Riddlethyst🌹 Pocky Day💎 Oneshot

Finally finished this!!! God I'm late but it's here!!! Hopefully things are written coherent enough, I haven't written something like this in a long time, especially for twst. Anyway enjoy!

Edit: Forgot to add that there isn't any warnings, the most that happens is a kiss

——————

“Heyyy birthday bestie!~” A voice called out to Yuuna, surprising them. They turned their head over to see a certain carrot top third year.

“Oh, Cater! What’s up?” They asked, adjusting their arms as they held a small pile of books. As the male approached, he could see the titles mentioning some kind of magic theory. The male then soon swinged an arm around their shoulders, leaning close.

“Coming back to study with ADeuce again?” He asked, smiling wide. Yuuna looked away, hoping their cheeks weren’t turning red with a flush. Unknowing that the male could already see, inwardly snickering at how cute they looked.

“No…I’m actually getting tutored by Riddle.” They explained, muttering quietly as they could see the male smirk at them from the corner of their eye. Yuuna still had trouble with fully understanding the theory of magic, mainly because of their otherworldly origin. While Yuuto had tried to explain it to them with Yuuki, they pinkette just never grasped the concept. And because of this lack of understanding, their grades had been slipping, so they had asked their red-headed classmate to help them. This is what led to them standing at the entrance of Heartslabyul with Cater questioning them.

“Oh~ I see.” He responded, his face similar to that of a cat. “Well Riddle would be the best! He even helped me with studying a bit ago!”

“Yeah? He’s not…strict right?” They asked nervously, having been slightly dreading the possibility. While they knew that the dorm leader had become more lenient after his overblot, there were still times when the male would relapse.

“Sometimes,” Cater began, tapping his phone against his cheek in thought. But he soon smiled in reassurance once he saw the other’s nervous fidget in his hold. “B-But it’s mainly for your own benefit! Trust me, it’ll be really helpful.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” They sighed, adjusting their arms again as they realized their arms were beginning to grow tired. “I better go then, don’t want to be late.”

They walked off a bit, forcing the male to let his arm fall. He looked at their back for a moment, before coming to a realization when he remembered the weight in his back pocket.

“Wait!” The carrot top male suddenly shouted, scaring Yuuna. They squeaked in fright, almost dropping their books from jumping. They sent a nasty glare towards his way in anger, earning a sheepish grin in response. “I was just going to give you this, since it’s that day and all.”

He quickly takes an unopened box out of his pocket and places it on top of Yuuna’s books. “Sam was selling these for a discount, and I knew how much my birthday bestie loves anything sweet.”

“Huh?” They looked down to study the box, perking up once they recognized the treat. “Pocky? I haven’t had that in ages.”

“Yeah!”

“Wait, what do you mean by ‘that day’? What day is it?” They suddenly asked, confusion swirling in their amethyst orbs. The male only blinked in response, confused at their confusion.

“Pocky day?”

“Oh, cool.” They responded shrugging, glancing up at the sky in thought. “I don’t really pay attention to those kinds of things unless it’s a major thing my family celebrated. Like Dia de los Muertos or Christmas.”

“You’re kidding!” He exclaimed, staring at them in shock as he processed their words. “So you don’t-”

“There you are.” Both jump at the sudden third voice, causing Yuuna to actually drop their books this time thanks to the carrot top bumping into them. All three flinched at the sound of the hard covers hitting the stone path. Cater and Yuuna immediately turned their heads to meet the steel grey eyes of Riddle. “You’re five minutes late, I almost thought you had gotten ‘lost’ at the hedgehog pen again.”

“Th-That was one time!” Yuuna almost screeched in embarrassment, their cheeks flushing a bright red. Soon they quickly knelt down to pick up the fallen books, hiding their face as they mumbled, “I needed a break from Ace and Deuce okay? Their arguments were giving me a headache, Yuuki wasn’t helping either.”

“Right.” A shorter male sighed, bending down to help the Ramshackle dorm leader pick up their studying materials. “In any case, at least this time I don’t have to drag you away from the pen.”

“They looked so sad! I didn’t want to leave them!”

Cater glances between the two as they bickered over the pinkette’s fondness for the small mammals. While he had known of the two sharing a class he didn’t have a big idea on how the two interacted, until now. Without realizing he began to analyze the small quirks each of the dorm leaders exhibit, Yuuna refusing to meet eyes with Riddle and flushing whenever they were close to, Riddle’s lips quirked up slightly into a small smirk as he teased them. It was clear to the carrot top that something was brewing between the two, something he wasn’t sure how to feel.

But he quickly pushed away those emotions and forced a smile on his face. Once the two stood back up with an even amount of books the male bent down to pick up the forgotten box of biscuit sticks to place it on the pinkette’s pile. “Can’t forget these!”

“Oh thanks man.” Yuuna quietly said, adjusting their grip. “Would be a good study snack.”

“Hm?” The Heartslabyul dorm leader leaned over a bit to get a good look at the pocky box. “Ah those…I remember seeing several dorm members talking about these.”

“Oh yeah, these were my favorites back home.” The pinkette said, smiling softly. “I remember they had all kinds of flavors, but these seem to be the classic chocolate ones. I’m sure you would love the strawberry ones.”

“I see.” The redhead hummed, before quickly picking up his pace. “But we can discuss after we study.”

“R-Right!” Yuuna attempts to catch up to the male, turning their head back at Cater. “Thanks for these again!”

————————————————————

“So that’s what you mean, I think I get it now!” Yuuna said, smiling as they quickly wrote down notes into their notebook.

After an hour of the redhead explaining to the pinkette about the theory of magic, the two finally found a breakthrough of how the magic-less person could fully understand the concept. Riddle sighs, looking over their shoulder to silently review their notes.

“How come your dorm member didn’t explain this to you?” He asked, arching a brow in question. “Surely someone of his capabilities could have helped you.”

“He tried actually.” They responded, slouching against the small couch within the redhead’s room. They raised their arms up to stretch their limbs, letting out a high pitch whine in the process. “He had a hard time fully explaining it though, probably because he never had thought about it before.”

“That would make sense.” The redhead hummed, thinking over their words. “It would be hard to explain it if it’s something you could inherently do since young.”

“Yeah, plus my only knowledge on it coming from fictional media back in my world where there’s different systems to it depending on the media made me think it was more complicated then how you explained it.” They explained, finishing stretching before they perked up in realization. Leaning over they grabbed the forgotten box of pocky and ripped it open. “But since i understand it better we can take a break!”

“We haven’t even gotten over how you could implement the theory.” Riddle huffed, eyes narrowing at Yuuna as he watched them take a stick out and nibble on it.

“Yeah, but I’m sure you could use a break too since you basically had to explain it to me like I was a child.” They responded, smiling cheekily in jest. That only earned an eye roll in response, making them snicker. They gestured the box towards him. “Want one?”

“Hmm, is it just a chocolate covered biscuit stick?” He asked, taking one carefully to inspect it. “I never really had a chance to have one.”

“Huh- oh right.” The pinkette looked the other way, flashes of seeing the male’s childhood flooding their vision for a bit. They never had told anyone they saw these, but made their stomach drop every time they had to almost view the trauma someone went through firsthand. “Well I’m sure most are gonna take Sam’s entire stock since Cater told me he’s selling them on a discount.”

“I would buy them all today myself honestly, what with the discount..” Yuuna snickered, grabbing another pocky stick to eat. “But lord knows all the looks I would get from everyone.”

“Why?” The male asked, confused. “You’re not one who normally cares what people think of how much sweets you eat.”

“Oh no,” They sat up, looking around a bit before they leaned over to the surprised male to whisper. “It’s because most of the boys would start thinking I’m trying to get kisses from someone.”

The redhead quickly flushed, backing away as he screamed, “What?!”

He then starts to cough, not realizing a bit of the treat in his mouth had been swallowed. He drinks some tea to stop his choking, feeling the pinkette roughly pat his back in comfort. “Why would someone think that?!”

“Oh, you don’t know? Makes sense.” They mutter, taking another pocky stick in their mouth. “It’s because of the pocky game.”

“The…pocky game?”

“Oh boy.” Yuuna sighed, ignoring the way their heart raced as they began to explain. “It’s basically a way for people to get a kiss from their crush or partner. You both take an end of a treat in your mouth and eat the stick until you…”

“I-I see…” 

Yuuna couldn’t see the male’s face as they had turned their head away, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. So they had not caught onto his flushed face as he glanced away.

“Yeah, most explain it in a way of a chicken game. ‘Whoever pulls away is the loser’ kind of thing.” They continued, their hands gripping onto their vest a bit. “But really it’s just a way to get a kiss, though I have to admit it’s a cute concept.”

“I can’t say I fully understand it.” Riddle replied, coughing to push down the flush on his cheeks. “But it’s not a terrible thing, most couples would do various silly things like that.”

“Exactly,” The pinkette then gulped, trying to ignore their still racing heart. They were so focused on trying to calm it down they hardly had time to stop the next few words flowing out. “I mean I definitely wouldn’t mind playing that game if it was with the person I like.”

“The person you like?” The male repeated, looking over at them.

“Um!” They quickly coughed, surprised. “I just mean- like! Um…Let’s move on!”

“S-Sorry.” Riddle quietly apologized, glancing away for a moment. “I was just a bit curious, since I never would think you would see anyone here in a romantic sense.”

“W-Well I do!” Their cheeks burned red, their thoughts trying to keep away from their crush on the redhead. “But that’s not important! L-Let’s just get back to studying!”

They grabbed a book from the table, bringing it to their face to block it from the other’s view. They wouldn’t have noticed the way the male’s eyes darkened, an unknown feeling beginning to rise in his chest. While he knew that there were clearly others that also have a fondness for the pinkette, he didn’t even consider that the pinkette would also have a fondness for someone. But instead of pushing the subject, the male only sighed and continued the study session.

After another hour of taking notes and explaining, the two decided to take another break. Though Yuuna could only pout as they stared at the empty box of pocky on the table.

“Man, I wish Cater had given me more.” They whined, mumbling as they nibbled on one of the cookies Riddle had set up for them. “Not that these cookies aren’t good, pocky just brought some nostalgia.”

“You don’t have to explain.” He only responded, his face blank as he stared into his tea cup. The pinkette noticed and frowned, their mind trying to think of what to say. But before they could, a knock resounded from the door, making the two dorm leaders focus on the familiar mop of orange peeking into the room.

“Still studying I see!” Cater pointed out, smiling wide as he entered the room. His eyes were quick to notice that instead of sitting across from the ramshackle member with his desk chair, his dorm leader was seated on the same couch as them. Grinning, he looked over at Yuuna. “Hopefully Riddle here hasn’t worn you down yet.”

“Oh no, we’re taking our second break actually.” The pinkette responded, smiling back at the male. They missed the surprise look on the third year’s face as they grabbed another cookie to eat, and also the look of exchange between the carrot top male and the redhead dorm leader. “Hey Cay, you got any more boxes of pocky?”

“Huh? Oh yeah! I bought some more for you!” The green eyed male said, tossing another box towards them. They failed at the catch, earning a laugh from the elder. Both had missed the frown on Riddle’s face that pulled down for s split section at the interaction before subtly shaking his head to push away the unsettling feeling from earlier rising back up. Luckily Cater had tossed him a box as well, snapping him out of his quick thoughts. “I got for you too Riddle! They had more flavors.”

The male scanned over the box he barely caught, reading over the text that spelt out it was strawberry flavored. His eyes narrowed, resisting the familiar voice in his head to check the nutrition label. The voice screaming in his thoughts made him grip the box tighter, something only the pinkette noticed for a moment. They gently pressed a hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Yes, thank you.”

“Of course! Anything for our dorm leader!” Cater said, forcing a smile onto his lips as he noticed the silent interaction. “Now I’ll stop bothering you two. After all, you did ask for no one to interrupt you two, ciao!”

“Huh? Why’d you ask that?” Yuuna asked as soon as the third year left, tilting their head as they looked over at the male.

“You mentioned how easily you can become distracted.” He explained, purposefully not meeting their curious gaze as he poured more tea into his cup. “Normally I tutor someone in the common room, but knowing you it would be easy for anyone to walk in and make you lose your train of thought.”

“That’s fair.” They responded, not at all offended at his assumption. He wasn’t wrong in the slightest, as they normally had to have Yuuki and Yuuto distract Grim to prevent him from interrupting their self study sessions. “Luckily we already were on a break when Cay walked in, and he brought more pocky!”

They hummed happily as they opened their box, making small noises of excitement once they realized which flavor it was. “Oh shit! This is oreo!”

“Language.”

“Whatever, I having fucking oreo pocky!” They stuck their tongue out at the huffing male, childishly grinning in joy. “That’s like the best!”

“And most likely the sweetest.” He sighed, shaking his head a bit as he heard them practically devour several sticks in a row. “Don’t eat those so fast!”

“But they’re so good!” They whined, not at all caring how the crumbs fell onto their lap. They did notice the male’s grimace and chuckled sheepishly in apology. But soon they swallowed the last in their mouth, taking a sip of tea to wash it down. “You can’t fault me, they’re so tiny too. You know I’ve eaten a whole big donut in one-”

“I do not need to hear about that!” Riddle exclaimed, halfheartedly glaring at them as they laughed at his playful frustration. “Honestly I’m surprised you haven’t choked.”

“So is everyone who knows me and my antics.” They chuckled, before gesturing their pocky box at him. “Try it! You’ll see that I’m right.”

“There isn’t any left.” He pointed out, making the pinkette look inside in shock. They hadn’t realized they had eaten all of the treats that quickly, causing them to dramatically groan as they let themselves slouch onto the couch in such a fashion that they began to almost slide off the cushion.

“Noooooo!”

“That’s what happens when you eat them too quickly.” Riddle huffed, shaking his head at their dramatics. Though he couldn’t hold back the small smile that crossed his face as he watched them ungracefully fall onto the carpet. He didn’t even have to look to know that their gaze immediately settled onto the box still in his hand. “No.”

“But-”

“No, Cater got these for me.” He said, smirking at their playful glare and pout. “You already ate yours.”

“Aw come on, you never even had these before!”

“All the more reason why I shouldn't share with a glutton like you.”

“Just one!” They had shoved a finger in his face to emphasize their point, causing the male to jump back into the couch. They pulled their hand back in apology, realizing they had gotten too excited. “I can at least ask for one! I like the strawberry ones too!”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t ask.”

“Can I have one?” They asked in a deadpan tone.

“No.”

“Bruh!’ The two had begun to laugh at this point, something the pinkette didn’t entirely expect. While the redhead was used to their antics in class they usually never had joked around like this with him, instead saving it for someone else like Ace or the other ramshackle members. But they were glad to see that the male wasn’t as stuck up as he was during their first few classes, having now taken a subtle teasing approach that was encouraged by their own challenging nature.

Riddle had begun to open his box of pocky with a smug look on his face, keeping eye contact with the other dorm leader as he bit into the biscuit. The two stayed silent as the male continued to eat one in an agonizing slow manner, amused as he could see their face scrunch up into a deep frustrated pout. To prolong the, albeit weird, standoff he had taken occasional sips of his tea in between the treats. But soon it all came to a head when he picked up the last stick, childishly waving it around. 

Though that allowed the pinkette to rise from the floor and quickly grab the treat, surprising the male as they rushed towards the male’s bed to create distance. They cackled in victory, their face very smug as they watched the male sputter. They had chosen to sit down on the plush comforter of the redhead’s bed, crossing their legs as they began to mimic the male’s previous action of swinging the biscuit stick. “Hah!”

“Give that back!”

Yuuna tapped their chin with the stick for a moment, pretending to consider before grinning mischievously. They placed the surprisingly unbroken biscuit on their lips and they grinned at him. “Don’t think so~”

“You-” The redhead glared at them as they snickered while swirling the treat around in their mouth without actually eating it.

“It’s already in my mouth, unless you want to bite the part that isn’t~” They teased, a look of challenge in their eyes. They could see his face turn red from their audacity, making them smile wider. They never really expected the male to do anything, believing the way this scenario would only end up with them being collared and forced to buy him another box.

But to their shock, the male had stood up abruptly and stomped towards them. They froze at his actions, trying to think of a possible escape plan. But as soon as they took their eyes off of him, they felt his gloved fingers loop under their silk choker and pull their head towards his. They squeaked at the sensation, meeting his fiery glare as he bit down on the biscuit. The force had broken it in a slight mess of crumbs, but neither noticed as they stared into each other's eyes. The male was munching on the treat in smug victory, before freezing once he realized the two’s current position. Neither said anything, unable to process how they ended up in the situation they currently were in. 

Yuuna was as red as a tomato as they tried to ignore the way their heart was beating against their chest rapidly, hoping the male couldn’t hear it. Their hands had unconsciously gripped onto the comforter below, their knuckles would’ve been seen turning white if they weren’t wearing their gloves. They could only sit there in frozen silence, not knowing what to say or do that wouldn’t make things more awkward. 

Meanwhile Riddle was no better, as his thoughts began to scream over his rash actions. He could almost hear that older feminine voice scream in rage about how inappropriate he acted in the moment, chastising him on how he potentially made whatever feelings Yuuna had for him plummet. He quickly removed his hand from the pinkette’s choker, muttering an apology as he quickly swallowed down the sweet treat. 

But before he could step back to try and apologize further, he felt the pinkette grab onto his bowtie and pull, crashing his lips onto theirs. Both had jumped in shock at the contact, both surprised by the pinkette’s actions. They didn’t even know when they had moved their hand, nor when the sudden urge to kiss the Heartslabyul dorm leader had overtaken their thoughts. And when they thought about letting go and groveling at the male’s feet for forgiveness, they felt him return the sudden passion in the liplock. Neither moved as they soaked in the warm feeling of kiss, each of their heartbeats pounding within their ears.

After a few moments the two pulled away, gasping in breaths of air as they realized neither breathed at all for those few moments. They couldn’t look each in the eye as Riddle stood up, having been forced to bend down a bit from the pinkette’s grip, coughing into his fist to quell the bright flush on his face. He tried to sputter out a few words, before Yuuna suddenly stood up.

“I…” Unable to say anything else, they rushed out the door. Their hands covered their flushed cheeks as they let their flight instinct take over for now. Once they reached outside the dorm building, they hid behind a rose bush and screamed into their hands. They don’t think they could face Riddle again after that, though they weren’t gonna complain how nice the kiss was.

————————————————————

“Yo Riddle how-” Cater stopped for a moment, blinking as he saw the dorm leader just standing in the middle of his now empty room. The third year could barely see the redhead’s ears flushed red, along seeing his whole body shake. Though he wasn’t sure of what, the carrot top hoped it wasn’t rage. “Uh, you good? Where’s Yuuna?”

“I-I’m fine! W-We just ended our session.” Cater could hear the tremble in the younger’s voice, still not fully able to pinpoint the emotion behind it.

“Oh, but their-”

“I’ll return those to them later!” The dorm leader shouted, slamming the door in the other’s face. After locking the door to make sure no one else would barge into his room, he slid down the door as he groaned into his hands. This was certainly a predicament he could never have thought to find himself in, especially with someone he had begun to pine for since his overblot. And as much as it made him flustered, he couldn’t help but remember how nice it felt.

[harksness]

Type of Love

A/N: So I wrote a lil Kate Bishop thing because I am o b s e s s e d with this woman, I couldn’t get her in that suit off of my mind. Hopefully two uploads in one day makes up for my absence on here lately, the other requests will be out soon! <3 ALSO IF YOU RECOGNIZE THE OUTFIT I PUT THE READER IN ILYYYYYYYY <3333333

Also also.. I wanted to add another scene where I basically continue the ending of this fic but I felt like it was getting too long.. So if yall are interested in a pt 2 let me know what you think and I’ll write one! :D

Word Count: 2.6k

Summary: Things have been weird between you and Kate for some time now. When she’s visiting home after being away at college, the two of you unexpectedly see each other again at a party and your feelings come to light.

Warnings: None. 

The second Kate sees you in that dress all coherent thoughts go out of the window.

All she can do is admire you, jaw dropped slightly and eyes wide as she drinks in your appearance. You’re wearing a gown, looking akin to royalty. Like you’re straight out of a fairytale, a real life Disney Princess.

Nevermind that, Kate thinks to herself- you’re more breathtaking than any Disney Princess.

The dress hugs your waist and chest snugly, leaving the soft skin of your shoulders and upper chest bare. She swallows hard as her eyes trail over the cut of your collar bone, her gaze moving down the purple fabric and the black, erratic pattern of lines on it. A black sash is tied above your hips, the dress fanning out into a flowy, elegant skirt, a vibrant cloud of purple and black. Long white gloves cover your arms, your hair neatly tied into a bun and a simple jewel hanging from your neck.

All she can manage to do is stare. Admire you from across the ballroom, wanting to approach you but not knowing what to say.

Kate has had a crush on you ever since the two of you were kids running around her penthouse. She’s always found you to be absolutely stunning, but this is surreal. A living, breathing fairytale right in front of her eyes.

“You should ask her to dance.”

Kate snaps her head towards her mother, gasping in surprise. She hadn’t noticed her standing there.

“Jesus, Mom, you scared the crap out of me!”

She scolds her mother, half trying to get the attention off of her obvious crush and half being genuinely irritated.

“Yeah, well, I noticed you pining from across the room, so I thought I’d come and give you some motivation.”

Eleanor tries to motivate her daughter; she has never been open about her crush on her childhood friend, but Kate is anything but subtle. Her mother was able to catch on quickly.

“What? No, that’s ridiculous, why- no-”

She stutters, completely taken off guard. Eleanor rolls her eyes. 

“I mean- We haven’t talked since before I left for college, it would be weird!”

Kate settles on that excuse, but her mother isn’t having it. She shares a knowing look with her child before letting an exasperated sigh leave her lips.

“Alright, I’ll be right back..”

Eleanor mumbles before taking off in your direction.

“No, Mom, what are you doing-”

She doesn’t get the chance to finish her sentence as she watches her mother walk away. Kate watches in horror as she approaches you, and immediately your radiant features alight with a smile upon seeing Eleanor. The two of you strike up a conversation, you look so excited to be reunited with her.

Kate smiles softly at the sight. She’s missed you.

Then, her mom gestures back towards where she’s standing, and her eyes meet yours for the first time in what feels like forever. Her heart skips a beat. Your eyes light up excitedly as you immediately excuse yourself and run over to her, holding your skirt in between your gloved fingers as you make your way across the venue. 

You’re grinning ear to ear, and Kate feels her throat go dry as you approach.

“Kate! I’ve missed you so much!”

You take her hands in your own, wanting to hug her but not knowing if it would cross any boundaries. Things have been a bit weird between the two of you for a while and you don’t want to push anything, afraid of losing your best friend permanently. You smile excitedly, absolutely ecstatic to be seeing her again.

She smiles back at you, and she looks so nervous through your eyes.

But in reality, Kate is just as excited as you are. Her mind is racing a million miles a minute, unable to think of anything except how much she’s missed you.

So, her response takes a bit longer than it should as she whispers your name excitedly.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

Her voice is so quiet. Your smile drops a bit and you let go of her hands, her heart anxiously spiking in her chest.

“Is something wrong?”

You ask and immediately she shakes her head, black curls flying as she rushes to correct her mistake.

“No! No, of course not! I just haven’t seen you in forever.. And this wasn’t where I imagined reuniting with you.”

She laughs nervously and you smile softly at her words, your fear evaporating in your chest.

“You imagined seeing me again?”

Kate’s smile drops and she feels her cheeks beginning to heat up. This is why she took a step away from you, because you make her thoughts go foggy with your pretty smile and your soft eyes and she can’t keep her thoughts straight. She doesn’t want you to know about her crush, she doesn’t want to permanently lose you.

“Y-yeah, of course.. All the time.”

Your heart warms at her words. You felt like she just moved away and forgot about you, but apparently things are a bit more complicated than you had initially thought.

Kate knows she fucked up by pushing you away. She didn’t know how to deal with her crush on you, she was scared of losing you for good and she didn’t think she would ever have a chance of you feeling the same way. It all scared her so she just ran away.

But her feelings never went away. She’s still just as whipped as she was the day she realized she has a crush on you.

So she decides to be a bit brave.

“Do.. Do you want to dance?”

Kate asks with a lot less grace than she had intended, flinching at how clumsy she sounds. You, however, just grin brightly in response.

“I would love to.”

The pressure on her shoulders lifts a bit at your words, your enthusiasm.

She takes your hand, her heart racing a million miles a minute as she leads you out to the dance floor.

Your palms press together, fingers intertwining. She wishes that you weren’t wearing those stupid gloves so that she could feel your soft hands against hers. You wrap your arm around her neck, a loose, yet sturdy hold, before she slides an arm around your waist, pulling you just a bit closer to her.

Kate’s terrified of tripping, trying desperately to control her erratic breathing as she meets your eyes.

You’re so close, she can smell your sweet perfume. She can make out all of the marks in your skin, the colors in your eyes. Her throat feels so dry as she grips you tighter, guiding you into your first step.

You’re smiling, looking as elegant and beautiful as ever as she guides you around the dance floor. She starts to relax the longer the two of you dance, finding comfort in the silence and your mere presence.

Kate is becoming more confident, her nerves becoming background noise.

She takes your hand and let’s go of your waist, twirling you in a circle and back into her arms. You’re laughing and smiling, looking like you want to live in this moment forever just like she does. She smiles fondly back at you.

Kate wants to live in this moment forever. You in her arms, looking like pure magic. 

You’re closer now.

Your front is almost pressed to hers, one gloved hand resting on her upper chest as she wraps an arm around your waist.

Maybe it’s a good thing you’re wearing gloves, Kate thinks, then you can’t feel how sweaty her palms are growing. 

The smell of your perfume is intoxicating as she loses herself in your eyes, your movements becoming less grandiose and elegant and more slow, careful swaying and small steps as your focus turns more towards one another.

“Y’know..”

You break the silence, eyeing her suggestively.

“You look really good in a suit.”

Your words are soft, nearly a whisper as you grin at her. She blinks dumbly at the compliment, caught completely off guard.

“Y-yeah?”

She asks, feeling the warmth return to her cheeks. You laugh softly.

“Yeah.”

Kate can hear her heart thrumming against her chest. She hopes that you can’t hear it.

“Well, you look really amazing in that dress..”

She replies, proud of herself for falling back into her smooth charm instead of continuing to look like a flustered idiot. You can’t help the bashful smile that overtakes your lips at her words.

“Thank you.”

The two of you have stopped dancing, the air tense as you eye one another expectantly. You stay within each other’s grasp, however, not wanting to step away. The both of you have unspoken thoughts you desperately want to speak, not knowing what to do or say.

“Kate, did I-”

“I need to-”

You both start at the same time, each of you pausing to allow the other a chance to continue. You both laugh, bright smiles overtaking your lips and Kate’s eyes crinkle at the edges in the cutest way.

“You first.”

You urge her to speak.

“No, I insist that you tell me first.”

Kate pushes, hoping you’ll take the bait. You study her for a moment, pursing your lips in thought. The dark haired woman feels her heartbeat stutter at the action.

You take a step back, still holding onto her hand. 

“C’mon, let’s go somewhere and talk.”

Kate holds your hand as you guide her out of the large ballroom and down a hallway, the sounds of your heels clacking against the tile more prominent than the sound of her sneakers. She swallows hard as her gaze flickers between the back of your head and where your bodies are connected.

She finds herself disappointed when you let go of her hand, approaching two glass doors and pushing them open.

You turn around and flash her a smile that has her weak in the knees.

“C’mon.”

She follows you out onto the balcony, the cool nighttime air refreshing against your skin. You approach the railing, your gaze fixated on the stars as you lean against it, resting your weight into your forearms.

Kate stands next to you, her hands stuffed deep into her pockets as she studies you. Your features are shadowed in the starlight, your hair framing your features as you look up at the sky.

You turn your gaze to her, clearing your throat.

“I just.. I just wanted to ask..”

You sound so shy, so unsure of yourself. Kate’s heart leaps in her chest hopefully. You laugh nervously, your eyes flickering to the ground.

“I’ve missed you a lot, Katie..”

You speak softly.

“Did I.. Did I do something? To push you away..”

Your voice only grows softer and more insecure as you speak, unable to meet her gaze. Kate’s heart drops into her stomach.

“And don’t give me any of that “I’ve been busy with school!” bullshit. Things have been weird since before you left.”

Her throat goes dry, and she suddenly finds the battered sneakers on her feet very interesting as she mulls over your words. She sighs, speaking your name softly.

“No, you didn’t do anything wrong.. I just..”

She doesn’t know what to say, how to say it or what to do. She’s panicking, her eyes finally meeting yours once again.

“Okay.. Fuck it..”

She lets out another sigh, concentration etched onto her features as she searches her mind for what she wants to say.

“I’m in love with you.”

Kate pauses after she speaks the words, still trying to figure out how to properly articulate her feelings.

“And not the, “I love you bestie!” type of love,”

She clarifies, her hands nervously waving about as she speaks.

“The, I want to hold your hand and kiss you typa love.”

She speaks anxiously, her voice straining as years worth of bottled up feelings spill forward. You push yourself off of the balcony railing, standing up.

“The, I can’t stop thinking about you typa love. The, every time you’re remotely close to me I feel like I can’t breathe typa love..”

You take a step towards her and she finally meets your gaze.

“The.. God, she’s so pretty and all I can think about is how badly I want to hold her and kiss her typa love..”

She speaks passionately, finally gaining more confidence.

“I’m head over heels in love with you and I have been since high school.”

She sighs, exasperated as fear washes over her at her admission.

“I’m scared of losing my best friend.. But I can’t keep it a secret anymore.”

She speaks softly, covering her eyes with her hands as if bracing herself for your rejection.

“Say something.. Please..”

She sounds so embarrassed. You take another step towards her, grabbing her by the wrists and pulling her hands from her eyes. Kate meets your gaze, swallowing hard as she studies your features and tries to figure out what you’re going to say, how you’ll react.

Her heart stops when your eyes slide closed and you lean in slowly, pressing your lips to hers.

It’s brief, and Kate is too shocked to reciprocate. But she feels like her body is on fire, her lips tingling and her mind racing.

“I love you too, Kate..”

You murmur softly as you pull away.

“And not in a “I love you bestie!” Typa way either..”

You smile softly at her, raising your hand and brushing one of her stray black curls behind her ear.

“In a.. My heart aches for you typa way. In a, every second I get with you isn’t enough because I just want more of you typa way..”

Kate’s grinning from ear to ear as you lean in closer.

“In a, God, all I can do is think about how badly I want to kiss her typa way..”

You cup her cheek, running your thumb over her soft, pale skin. She wraps an arm around your waist, guiding you closer to her.

“Well.. You can just grab me and kiss me whenever you want.. I definitely will not complain.”

You let out a breathy chuckle at her words, your body pressed up against hers. She’s tilting her head forward, her eyes catching on your lips.

“You’re gonna regret saying that.”

You’re grinning and so is she. Kate pretends to think about it for a moment before shaking her head.

“I don’t think I will.”

She speaks softly as you lean in closer.

“Well, it’s too late to go back on your word, anyways.. Pucker up, Bishop.”

Kate laughs at your words, her smile all pearly white teeth. You trace your thumb over the corner of her smile before gently guiding her lips to yours. You’re both grinning into the kiss, and Kate feels like she’s living out a real life fairytale as your lips experimentally move against one another.

The archer hopes that you take advantage of her promise whenever you can because she’s quickly becoming addicted to your soft lips.

She grips your upper arm softly, running her fingers over your chilly skin when you let out a noticeable shiver. Kate leans back, resting her forehead against yours.

“Cold?”

You pause before reluctantly nodding, not wanting to go back inside yet, not wanting to stop kissing her. You want to live in this moment forever, it feels absolutely magical.

Kate leans back and out of your grip, letting her suit jacket fall off of her arms. You smile at her as she wraps it around your bare shoulders, holding the front of it closed with her hands.

“Better?”

You nod your head in approval, your smile falling into a shy one.

“Better.”

She pulls on the lapels of her jacket that’s wrapped around your form, guiding you into another kiss. It’s brief, an exchange of a few sweet, gentle kisses before she leans back again and cocks a questioning eyebrow at you. You return the gesture, knowing her all too well.

“We should order a pizza.”

You laugh, your heart gushing in adoration. After all this time, she’s still your Kate.

[chateautae]

flirt | pjm. (m)

➵ summary :  park jimin is a notorious flirt, but so are you. when you both meet at a party after weeks of back and forth, it’s a matter of time before somebody gives in

➵ pairing : jimin x reader

➵ genre :  college!au, sexual tension, smut, pwp

➵ rating : 18+

➵ word count : 4k

➵ warnings : super suggestive flirting, alcohol consumption (both parties able to consent), swearing, light dom and sub themes, soft dom!jimin, brat!reader, little bit of brat-handling, dirty talk, praising but also degradation? it’s hot i promise, use of slut, slight body worshipping, mentions of oral, jimin is hot and yes that’s a warning in itself, breast play, unprotected sex, penetrative + rough sex, bit of angsty sex, creampie cause i seem to not like it any other way

➵ a/n : and my first jimin fic is here!! dear god i love this boy to the moon and back so i got a bit carried with him lmao, hopefully this isn’t terrible cause i still need to edit it but your support and feedback are always appreciated!! <3

2 hours.

2 hours since you first came to this party. You’ve bumped into at least a hundred people, danced your legs numb, God knew how many and what concoction of drinks were inebriating your system and still, you hadn’t seen Park Jimin the whole night. 

The only reason you even dragged yourself to this party was because of him. You were initially bailing on the annual ‘one-last-hurrah-before-midterms’ party because you, like everyone else here had midterms haunting them Monday. It was Friday night and as the ever diligent student, you were planning to study over the weekend.

Though your nagging best friend Hoseok had other plans, threatening you to come with every piece of dirt he had on you until he finally sprinkled Jimin’s name into the mix. You couldn’t lie, it was the only reason you decided to hell with your education, wiggled into a barely-there dress and waltzed in with Hoseok ready to take the night on.

But when you hadn’t seen Jimin at all, you were left annoyed, pissed off and with a headache raking your brain.

Seeing him was a selfish desire, one you’d develop after realizing you had met your match when you first encountered Jimin. You were always fairly notorious for your flirtatious habits and touchiness, a sort of trademark of yours and the same was always said about a ‘Park Jimin’ unknown to you, sometimes described to be an even bigger flirt.

It automatically intrigued you, curious of what kind of rival you secretly harbored until one day, you chanced upon Hoseok who just so happened to be with Jimin. 

At first, you didn't think Jimin could be a daring flirt. He had this sweet smile and disciplined way of speaking that screamed innocent to you, his mannerisms and demeanor shy and introverted. He didn’t make big moves and so you wrote him off as just that. 

But it wasn’t until you started seeing him outside your class’ building, alone, and multiple times after that, enough for you to realize he was anything but shy or innocent.

You ended up observing that a) he was sex on legs, b) easily flipped between the persona of an angel and a demon and c) anything he did could seem flirting. 

You two hit it off without a hitch, your flirtatious tendencies meeting to form a relationship of mutual interest. It was clear as day, both your actions almost always held some sort of unknown intentions behind them, your every saying a double meaning. 

It became the norm between you two, anytime you met turning into a conversation riddled with innuendos, suggestive lip-biting or eyes that couldn’t help but wander. And you weren't stupid, you could tell he wanted you just as much as you wanted him. You two were dangerous, testing the limits of either’s control, hoping someone would give in and only left disappointed when nobody did. 

So when Hoseok mentioned this party, and graciously added Park Jimin’s name to it, you knew this was your chance. A party with buzzing bodies, loud music and copious amounts of alcohol was bound to set him off, especially if you were dressed scandalously and felt bolder with liquid courage pumping through your system.  

But it’d been 2 hours, and you hadn’t seen him all night. You were taking another shot in the kitchen, sulking by yourself and reflecting on the fact that you’d been duped by Hoseok. This party became useless to you, a mere waste of your time as you quickly discarded your cup and began stomping out of the kitchen.

You ventured further into the house to look for Hoseok’s 5’10 ass, tell him he’s the worst best friend for lying to you and that you were leaving this disappointment of a party.

You stepped around people mindfully, dodging them until you rammed smack dab into someone’s back, scrambling for an apology before looking at the unaffected victim.

Park fucking Jimin.

“Y/N!” Jimin beamed, holding a drink in his hand as he smiled widely.

“Jimin, hey! I thought you didn’t come tonight.” You attempted biting back your smile from finally finding him, shouting over the bass of the music as you met him on the dance floor.

“I just ran late. You know me, of course I’d be here!” Jimin raised his drink to his plump lips and sipped, stepping side-to-side in rhythm with the music. 

You couldn’t make him out that well, the disco lights of whatever lights system the only means of seeing him in the dark, but you swear the smirky grin on his face as he scanned you over wasn’t just a figment of your imagination, ecstatic that you already seemed to be reeling him in. “Do you want a drink?”

“No, I already had-” You didn’t get to finish your sentence as someone’s raging body stumbled into yours suddenly, sending you off balance until Jimin reached out for you cautiously.

“Woah, easy there.” Jimin’s arms quickly held you, flashing a scolding look at the person who bumped into you and pulling you towards himself. “Are you here with someone tonight?”

“Yeah, Hoseok! I was looking for him.”

“Why’s that?”

“I.. wasn’t having fun, so I wanted to leave with him.” You swiftly masked the real truth, your voice becoming less of a shout as Jimin encased you, just a few centimeters between your bodies as you peered up at him, cheeks flushed with heat and alcohol.

“Leave with him? Damn, didn’t know you two were like that.” Jimin flashed you a suggestive look, raising his eyebrows.

“Shut up, you know we’re just best friends.” You both erupted into a fit of chuckles as you hit his chest, your hand smacking against his jacket and now that you were close, registered what a meal he looked like tonight; ripped black jeans, plain white t-shirt underneath a distressed jean jacket, all pulled together sexily by his tousled hair, small hoop earrings and a Chanel necklace decorating his neck.

Dear God, how many times you’ve ached to kiss that pretty, pretty neck.

You internally groaned, habitually drawing closer to him as you enjoyed the warmth of his body, nostrils filling with the familiar scent of his intoxicating cologne.

“So I hear you wanna have some fun.” Jimin perked up, eyes amused and hands smoothing over your sides slowly after faltering from your arms.

“Are you suggesting I’ll have fun with you?”

“Of course, gorgeous, but up to you how we do that.” Jimin stepped dangerously closer to you as his voice lowered, your face tucked into his chest as his body blocked other people from touching you.

Excitement shot to your center at his use of a pet name, a common occurrence during your exchanges though his choices of which always an added thrill. 

“And what if I just want to leave and eat at a diner instead?”

“Then I’d definitely take you, food and you? A win in my book.”

You cocked an eyebrow, crossing your arms. “Adding me to the mix suddenly makes it a win? I’m not the one on the menu, Park.” 

Jimin’s eyes seem to blow out, leaning down as his plushy lips ghosted your ear as he spoke, tone darkened, “We can change that, princess.”

A thrill shot throughout your body, hyper aware of his lips mere inches from your face as your heart began to race, turning towards him expectantly.

You began advancing slowly to decrease the gap between your mouths, feeling him inch forward in response, letting him hover just above your lips for a tease before you stopped, “I’d like to see you try, Park.”

Then you abruptly turned out of his hold and walked away, making it through a few people into a hallway, allowing yourself to breathe. You loved teasing Jimin, it was an incredibly entertaining pass time but dear God, did it knock the fucking wind out of you. 

You were mentally recuperating from the fact that he almost let you kiss him, distracted as you stepped away until someone suddenly snatched your arm and pinned you against the nearest wall. You were honestly shocked to see Jimin, surprised he actually took your bait and stayed on your trail to stop you. His dancing eyes held nothing but greed, evident even in the darkness of the party.

“You know just how to test people, don’t you?” Jimin warned as he narrowed his dangerous eyes at you, holding your hot-skinned wrists against the cool wall. 

“Of course I do, it makes things fun and last time I checked,”  You brought your face to his and left only an inch between you two, ��that’s just what I want.”

Jimin visibly grew less tamed, glancing down towards your lips as he tried breathing controllably, “Careful what you wish for, princess. It might come true.” 

“And if that’s what I want?” You titled your head expectantly, licking your lips as you watched Jimin bite his own. He eyed you the whole time, making it a statement to drink you in every inch of you. 

You could smell the alcohol on him, assuming liquor was the only driving force behind his actions but then contemplated his level-headedness, his coherent speech and clear judgment in this moment.

Jimin was choosing to chase after you, choosing to not let you go after weeks of incessant back and fourth and you knew you were finally getting closer to exactly what you wanted. 

Park Jimin giving in. 

“You’re fucking hot.” Jimin commented, eyes eating you up hungrily.

“You’re hotter.” You grinned and leaned back against the wall, cleavage unintentionally popping out for him and Jimin’s look immediately shifted, bringing his body closer against yours.

“You look submissive as hell right now, is that what you like? To be dominated?”

“Only if you like to dominate.” 

Jimin could feel the reigns on his control snapping, biting down to contain his raw desire to fuck you. He’s been holding himself back, knowing you seemed willing on your end of the interactions but never wanting to take the leap in case it was all just an act. 

But as he watched you go along with his every comment, staring back at him with the same devious eyes and practically offering yourself to him in his hold, he knew you weren’t acting at all. 

“You talk a big game, but can you put your money where your mouth is?” Jimin leaned his hips against yours, ensuring you could feel his growing hardness. 

“My mouth can do a lot of fucking things, Park.” You jutted your hips into his.

Jimin shut his eyes frustratedly before he re-opened them, a downright obsidian colour taking them over.

“Go the fuck upstairs.” 

“Wh-”

“I said, go the fuck upstairs.” Jimin demanded, looking at you with conviction so searing you in fact did become submissive. 

“W-which room-” You didn’t complete your question as Jimin’s deft hands encased you and lifted you off the ground, bridal-style.

“Jimin-!” You exclaimed.

“Say another word and I’ll make sure you feel me in your throat.” 

You immediately swallowed your mouth shut as Jimin cluthed you to him, core alighting with desire as he carried you up the stairs. Jimin arrived at the second floor and rushed towards the first room with an ajar door, shutting it with your feet after entering.

He made towards the bed and practically threw you onto it, stepping away to lock the door before leaning against it, arms crossed and serious. 

“You sure you want this?” His voice came out considerate, no haste or pressure.

“Yes, Jimin.” 

“You’re completely sure?” 

You nodded incessantly. 

“I need your words, Y/N.”

“Yes.” You affirmed, unintentionally becoming submissive as you awaited him, and Jimin couldn't resist you, not any longer. He made towards your smaller figure on the bed and immediately crashed his lips onto yours, knee sinking into the mattress as he leaned over you, splaying you onto the bed.  

He held your wrists against the sheets, kissing you open as his plump lips worked tirelessly against your mouth. He continued to swallow you, opening up to catch all of you as he sank further downwards to feel your body arch into his.

His wet tongue glided over your lips and you welcomed him in lightspeed, letting his muscle entangle with yours hastily and you instantly loved the taste of him. 

Jimin’s kisses began deepening, exploring your mouth like he was dehydrated and your mouth was fresh water. His thigh began pressing against your core and you moaned into his mouth as Jimin disconnected from you, panting for air. 

“Don’t fucking do that.” He voiced frustratedly, his full lips swollen and pink as he tried to contain himself. 

“Do what?” 

“Fucking moan, it does shit to me.” 

“Sucks for you, I’m responsive as fuck.” You snipped as his sudden confession made you hot, squishing your thighs together. Jimin took notice and he flashed a look at your core. 

“Responsive, huh?” Jimin let go of your wrist, sliding his hand down your body before pressing his fingers to your heat through your dress. You instantly gasped, arching as you felt your walls clench around absolutely nothing. 

“J-Jimin.” you warned him weakly. 

“Mm?” Jimin paid no attention as he lowered himself to your neck and began kissing, tonguing, sucking at a spot that had you cowering and squirming underneath him. 

You groaned as your free hand tangled into his hair, hugging him to your neck as you basked in the glory of his plush lips devouring you. He was laving and nibbling at your skin, continuously kissing the area of your carotid all while rubbing his hand against your clothed cunt. Jimin began rutting his body against yours, the tip of his cock prodding you the more he moved.

“Fuck you, Jimin. This isn’t fair.” You moaned breathlessly

“As fair as it gets, princess. You wanted to see my try, yeah?” Jimin suddenly stopped his movements on your core and slid his hand up your bare thigh, only to shift your stained panties to the side and glide his fingers all over your bare pussy. You gasped Jimin’s name and tugged at his hair harshly, the alcohol hazing everything over with sensitivity and trying to sustain the sheer amount of pleasure he was rewarding you.

“N-nothing’s fair about this.”

Jimin smoothed the pads of his fingers over your slick core, eliciting your incessant gasps, “Fuck with my ego and I fuck with you, baby.” 

He was leaving purple marks all along your neck and chest, moving down to the valley of your breasts and you whined headily, hating that he had such an advantage in this position. 

You immediately grew bold enough to push him off by his chest, detaching him as Jimin looked at you confused. “Y/N, what the fu-” was all Jimin could get out before you stood up and gripped his cock through his pants, his breath immediately hitching. He looked at you with surprised eyes, growing weaker in your hold as you walked him back against a vanity in the room.

You had no clue who this room belonged to, but you could care less when you were minutes away from getting fucked by Park Jimin.

He let out breathy little moans as you palmed him, shutting his eyes in bliss as he turned harder by the second, leaning back against the counter. You planted your lips to his neck and mouthed fervently, making sure you embellished his skin with your desire for him. “F-fuck. Y/N, this isn’t fair.”

“Fuck with my ego and I fuck with you, baby.” You mocked him and began rubbing at his shaft, sucking hickies onto his pretty neck and licking over the areas your teeth grazed. Jimin continued groaning, hugging you close to him as he fisted his hands against your body, trying everything to cherish the pleasure he felt. 

The person he’s been desiring ever since he heard about you, his every nerve thrilled by your ability to counter him, match his energy of constant flirting and testing the waters, venturing further than him sometimes.

You were just so tempting and Jimin wanted every last bit of you. 

That sentiment increased when he felt your hands snake towards the belt of his jeans, unbuckling harshly with need so apparent he wanted nothing but to stuff your walls, now. 

“No, fuck off, getting inside you first.” Jimin denied your hands, capturing them in his hold.

You instantly whined, “But Jimin, want you to fuck my face.” You pouted into his neck, kissing along his collar bones as you rutted against him. 

“Fucking God, I’m destroying you for that.” Jimin wrapped you up in his arms and switched the positions, shoving you against the vanity, your ass on the edge of the counter as Jimin stood in between your spread out legs, lips meeting yours again. 

Jimin lifted the skirt of your dress up and over your backside, pooling around your waist as his hands slid over your fleshy thighs to the band of your panties. He pulled only to snap them back against your skin, the contact making you gasp.

“Why the fuck are you still wearing these?”

“And why the fuck are you still wearing clothes?” You chastised, hands greedily shoving his jacket off him even with your mouth attached to his.

Jimin didn’t allow the action to compromise your kiss either, practically ripping his jacket off and breathing hard against you as he threw it away. He then pulled his t-shirt over himself, revealing his toned, lean body underneath and only leaving his Chanel necklace hanging over his bare chest. You licked your lips at the sight of his smooth and pretty body, the outline of his abs like a work of art.

You reached out to touch him, his face and skin flushed with lust as he watched you. “You’re so hot, Jimin, so pretty.” You praised, eyes ogling him.

Jimin smirked proudly before speaking, “Your turn.”

He searched for the zipper of your dress and unzipped hastily, peeling away the top to reveal your naked breasts and now it was his turn to ogle at you.

“Fuck me, you’re prettier.” He huffed out, eyes blown out entirely.

“Probably not as pretty as your cock, let me suck.” You pouted playfully and pulled him closer to you with the back of your shins, hands greedily feeling up his bare chest.

“Only good girls get to suck my dick.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, you’re a fucking brat and a half.” Jimin started kneading your breasts, licking his lips as he watched you spread your legs wider for him and lean your head back out of pure bliss.

“I am not a brat, you just fucking take 10 years to get it on.” You snapped back, moaning in between at the way he groped your breasts, rolling the buds of your nipples with his fingertips.

“Sorry I was a fucking gentleman, didn’t know you were such a cock-hungry slut.” Jimin bit as he planted his thick lips to your perched nipple, eliciting curses from you as his tongue began swirling around, sucking teasingly.

“You just can’t fuck, isn’t it? All bark and no bite?”

Jimin scoffed darkly at that, sucking harder on your sensitive nipples before letting go with a pop. “I’ll fucking break you is why I kept holding off, you’ll regret this, princess.”

“Break me then, Jimin, please. Fuck me like you say you will, I need you.” Your arousal became unbearable as you grew hornier, rocking your hips against him for friction while he laved at either of your nipples.

“I will, baby. Get these off and I’ll fuck you so good.” Jimin tugged at your panties and you lifted your ass for him to discard them.

You unhooked Jimin’s belt and shoved into his pants, pulling his boxers and jeans down until you finally freed his leaking length, thick and throbbing to be treated.

What you always thought was right, his cock was pretty just like him. You graciously pumped him, spreading his pre-cum over the head as you watched him lean his head back, kissing under his jaw.

“So pretty, Jimin, just like you.”

Jimin stopped caring about any and everything and instantly grabbed one of your legs, spreading you wide open for him and situated himself before your entrance.

He brought a hand over yours pumping his member and moved you quicker against his hot flesh, looking down at the lewd scene and your pretty pussy aching for him.

“Look at you soaking, baby, so much prettier.” 

You moaned needily, the back of your shins urging Jimin closer to you again as you whined. “Jimin..”

“Raw?” he breathed impatiently. 

“Fuck yes, birth control.”

Jimin didn’t even take a millisecond before he was pushing against your hole, placing the hand that was pumping his member now against your pelvic bone, pressing down to feel himself sink inside of you.

You instantly careened, moaning out so loud that if there wasn’t music blaring in the house, everyone would know how stuffed Jimin made you feel.

“Fuck-Jimin! Stop doing that, it feels too fucking good..!” You nearly cried, the pressure of Jimin’s hand making you feel any and every ridge, vein and hardness of his thick cock, your walls drinking him in.

“Fuck you, this is what you get.” Jimin blurted as he buried himself to the hilt, groaning satisfyingly at your warm walls hugging him before plunging to make out with you.

Jimin began fucking you with conviction, determination to drive you insane for him as he spread you open. He thrusted fast and hard from the get-go, neglecting to set a pace knowing how much of a cock-loving brat you were. His thumb resting just above your clit dipped down to lightly play with your bud, tease it, all the while licking into your mouth and thrusting into you.

You gasped hard, so much that Jimin’s name was the only thing coherent within them and he swallowed all your sounds with his lips. Your body was on fire at the drag of his cock, shocked at how wet you were when he hadn’t even fingered or eaten you out, his cock doing all the work, leaving you only thinking of Park Jimin’s sheer power.

You wanted all of him so badly, wanted him to ruin you, destroy you like he said he would, fuck you open like he always insinuated he would.

“Jimin, please, harder! Fuck me like the brat I am, teach me a fucking lesson.”

“Princess likes it hard, huh? Want me to fuck this pussy up? Make it all mine?” Jimin’s words were so filthy they had you clutching onto him tightly, arousal gushing from you as Jimin impaled you harder, snapping into you.

His thumb continued its onslaught, your walls convulsing to his every stroke as you gripped his shoulders and kissed him, biting his plushy bottom lip as he fucked you harder.

“Mm, Jimin, fuck!” Your tits bounced as he pounded into you, taking his every thrust like a champ and he damn well shook the entire vanity, continuously drilling your hole as he gave no room for mercy. Your hands snaked into his hair and tugged, making him groan in approval and he only pushed you open wider in response.

“You pretty brat, look at you getting what you want. Fucked like the cock-loving princess you are.” Jimin breathed against your mouth, his skin slicking with sweat as he worked tirelessly against your opening, battering your pussy with an unforgiving speed.

“You would’ve gotten your dick sucked, but apparently-” you shuddered breathily, “I w-wasn’t a good girl.” You felt weak from his repeated onslaught, the bubbling pleasure in your gut keeping you going. 

“Yeah, so fucking behave and maybe I’ll let you choke on my dick.”

“Y-you stop playing games and maybe I’ll let you eat my pussy.”

Jimin only ticked his head to the side as he chuckled darkly, starting to propel his thick cock into your gut and raging at your clit so roughly, you gasped as you carved your pleasure into his skin. Jimin did the same as he bore his fingers into you, a hand squeezing your thigh harshly as he held your leg and your walls fluttered around him, moans growing higher in pitch.

“Jimin! I’m gonna-“ you didn’t even complete your sentence as your walls clamped around him, orgasm washing over you so quickly you barely realized it came. You clenched him like a vice and panted hard against his mouth, Jimin finally coming undone as well, spurts of cum painting your insides and filling you to the brim, certain he’d leak out of you for hours.

You felt stuffed, so full of him you were hazed over with post-orgasm bliss, mind unwinding from any trifling matter on Earth. Your forehead slacked against his shoulder as you both panted for air, sweating as Jimin held your weak body in his arms.

His cock remained shoved inside you, the throbbing letting up on both of you as your highs settled down.

“You..” Jimin swallowed dryly, breathing. “took me like a good girl. Maybe you can suck me off next time.”

“Next time?” You breathed labourly, turning your face towards his.

Jimin peered down at you resting against him, biting back a grin. “Of course, there’s always a next time with flirts like us.”

[hpimaginesandblurbs]

hey hey hey, could you make sub harry x dom fem reader smut where the reader finds out that harry spying on her in the showers with his cloak, so she takes revenge after the quidditch match on the showers? basically shower sex but reader being dom as hell. face slapping, choking, eating out, lots of degration, just pure sub harry smut!! and i loveee your writing btw love 💖🤧

pairing: harry potter x reader 

warning(s): 18+, dom!reader, mentions of voyeurism, shower sex, oral (female receiving), choking, slapping (like once), degradation, mentions of orgasm control/edging 

word count: 1.6k 

a/n: sorry i haven’t uploaded in a while, i’ve been busy but i have the week off so i hope to post more often! as always, enjoy! 

Once you saw the last of the team travel out of the locker room, you were quick to barge in - knowing your boyfriend, and the team’s captain, was the only one left. 

He was taking his jersey off when you arrived, his muscular back facing you. 

“You were great out there,” you said softly as you approached him, wrapping yours arms around him from the back despite how sweaty he was. You knew you’d be showering with him anyways. It was a little post-game ritual the two of you often loved to share. 

Harry leaned into your touch, letting some of the weight from his sore body rest on you. You almost felt bad for what you were about to do to him. He didn’t even know what was coming. Didn’t even know he had been caught this morning. But you surely weren’t going to let it slide. 

“Where were you this morning?” You asked him, innocently enough. 

“Went to breakfast then came down here,” he answered easily, moving out of your grasp to turn the water on. 

“And before that?” You asked him, raising a sly brow at him. 

You saw him freeze for a moment, but he recovered quickly. It almost made you giggle - the thought of him thinking he could get away with it. 

“What do you mean?” He asked, not turning around to face you. Instead, he opted to begin removing his pants. 

“Don’t act stupid, baby boy,” you said, almost mockingly. “We both know exactly what I’m talking about.” 

He froze for real then, his hands glued to the hem of his pants. You could practically feel him wracking his brain for something to say, but you both knew he already lost. 

When he turned to face you, his expression was filled with guilt and shame. It was almost cute how pitiful he looked. You walked up closer to him, completely invading his space until your chest was pressed against his. You could hear the way his breath hitched before he released a shaky breath, and you knew he was exactly where you wanted him. 

“Did you think it was okay to peep on me in the shower? You’re not slick, you know? I know when you’re using the cloak,” you questioned, referencing what had happened just that morning. 

You had been taking a shower, excitedly getting ready to watch your boyfriend play in his game today, when you heard an unmistakable swishing along the bathroom floor. You barely even had to look up when you saw it hit the light in exactly the right way. To anyone else, it may have just been a trick of the eye, but you knew exactly what it was. You had been underneath it enough times to know. It was Harry, underneath his invisibility cloak, watching you shower. 

And as aroused as you were that Harry had managed to sneak all the way in there just for you, just to see you naked, you refused to give him the show he wanted. After all, he didn’t need to know you knew was there. So you continued your shower as you normally would, finally hearing the unmistakable swishing leave the bathroom once more. 

“I’m sorry,” he finally said, looking down at his feet bashfully. 

“I’m sure you’re not, but you’ll make it up to me. Won’t you, baby?” You asked teasingly, palming him through his briefs to find him already half hard. When all he could do was whimper, you couldn’t help but chuckle, but you let it slide. “Help me strip.” 

He moved eagerly, quickly helping you out of your layers until you were naked. You moved under the water, letting it encase you before you turned back to him. He was watching you with eagle eyes, not daring to take them off of you. 

“Down on your knees, baby boy. I don’t know what you think you were doing, but I’m in charge now,” you told him, spreading your legs seductively, leaving him with a perfect spot to place his mouth. 

He was down on his knees within a second, not even minding the cold, hard bathroom floor. His lips sucked around your clit harshly, forcing your hips to buck up from the wall. He didn’t miss a single beat, almost effortlessly working your body with his lips and tongues. Regardless of how you felt about this morning, your man was good and you both knew it. 

“Look at you finally being good. Maybe if you had been good all day, I would have been the one on my knees,” you told him between your moans. You felt more than heard him whimper against your body, picturing the roles reversed. 

He got you off quickly after that, wanting to prove to you so badly that he was good, so that hopefully, if you allowed it, he could get off too. You came with a deep moan, your back arched against the cool shower wall and your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him as close as possible to your body. His tongue didn’t stop until you were writhing, forcing him off of you. 

When you looked down at him again, a whole new rush of arousal shot through your body. His hair was a beautiful mess, tousled under your fingers and the water. His lips were swollen and wet, slightly parted as he finally got the chance to breathe. And his eyes. Oh his fucking eyes. He looked like an absolute glorious fucked out mess even though you hadn’t even touched him yet. He looked as breathless as you felt. The power you had over this man was borderline insanity. 

“Do you think you did a good enough job to fuck me?” You asked him lowly, watching his eyes widen. 

“Please. I’ve wanted to all day,” he told you honestly, the plea evident in his eyes. 

“I really don’t think you deserve it after your stunt this morning but I’ll be nice. You can fuck me, but you better make me cum twice of your cock before you even think about cumming,” you gave in with a dark chuckle, watching as a blush crept to his face and his cock twitched. 

He was on his feet in an instant, easily lifting you up and balancing your body between the wall and his strong chest. It didn’t take him much longer to slip his cock inside of you and from the angle, you could feel everything. Every vien, every ridge, every throb. He definitely chose correctly when he picked this position. 

WIth every thrust, his pelvis was brushing against your clit and the tip of his cock was perfectly hitting your g-spot. You couldn’t even hold the moans back. He was proving just how good he was tenfold, he deserved to hear how good he was making you feel. 

“You were so fucking bad this morning, you know that?” You asked, slowly dragging your hand up his chest and to his throat. You didn’t clench down hard, but the fact that your hand was there was enough to make him moan. “Who gave you the filthy idea that peeping on me was the right thing to do?” 

“Y/N, fuck,” he said back, not quiet an answer, but you knew exactly what it meant. It meant that as your orgasm was building, so was his and he was having a hard time controlling it between your words and your hand so perfectly placed. 

And you knew exactly what to do to tip him over the edge. To make him cum and break the rules some more just so you could fuck with him more later. It was devious, but it was the perfect punishment. 

“You’re not showing me how good you can be. I know how close you are. Are you thinking about me in the shower again? How good I looked touching myself while you watched?” You questioned, your hand only gripping his throat tighter. 

“No. Fuck. I’m being good, please,” he begged aimlessly, thrusting inside of you erratically, just proving how close to the edge he was. 

“If you were good, you wouldn’t act like a desperate little boy,” you told him, trying your best to sound coherent through your own moans. 

You gripped his chin between your fingers to hold him steady before bringing up your other hand and swinging it against his face, a resounding crack echoing around the empty locker room. His head remained steady, but his entire body trembled. He managed to keep you upright, but he was breaking down slowly, spiraling to his release. 

“You better make me cum before you do,” you got out, at least managing to sound menacing enough. 

“I’m so close. Please cum, please,” Harry whimpered, fighting against himself to get you there. 

No matter what, you could never say that Harry Potter was a quitter. He raced to get you to your finish, and when you did, you contracted around him so tightly he hissed and you released with a scream, unable to hold back the sound. He came with a groan, his head buried in your shoulder. 

You took a moment to catch your breath before opening your mouth to speak. “I thought I told you to make me cum twice before you did,” you offered weakly, still a little breathless. But nevertheless, your words had their desired effect. 

Harry’s head immediately snapped up and you could already see the apology in his eyes. You chuckled slightly as you slid back down the wall, gracefully landing on your feet. 

“Don’t worry, baby boy. You’ll learn your lesson for that one later - nothing a few edges won’t be able to fix. But first we need to finish your shower, hm?” You asked softly, moving his messy hair back out of his face. 

He gulped but gave you a steady nod before flashing a barely there grin. He was a little shit - basically asking for a punishment. But he was all yours.

[porgthespacepenguin]

Thoughts about episode 2.9 (1/2)

Just finished the episode. I’m still shaking. What a gut punch.

Anyway, by now you know me: first post will focus on Qcard, and let me tell you, there’s a lot to talk about. Next post will cover the rest (hopefully).

I must warn you in advance, however. This episode killed me just to watch me die, so don’t expect my usual level of semi-coherence. This post consists mostly of me screaming into the void about the episode, with occasional flashes of analysis sprinkled throughout.

If that’s not scared you off: bravo, and onwards!

(Major spoilers under the cut: you’ve been warned.)

[Trigger warning: this post contains mention of suicide, including an image you may find disturbing.

The image, and the main discussion, are in the next section, so you can skip ahead to “End trigger warning” if needed.]

Where to even start? Oh, yeah: to borrow words from a great man,

"Boy, do I hate being right all the time."

I know, I know. So I’m definitely not right all the time. But I did nail a few of the twists, so let me enjoy my agony success in peace, all right?

[Start trigger warning]

* * * * *

Come find me

Wish I had been wrong

In a previous meta, I had called it: Jean-Luc had opened the door once before, but it resulted in his mother’s death. Hello, childhood trauma.

So, turns out I was right. Wish I wasn’t, though. Sorry about that.

Look, I’ll be honest: this topic is too personal, too triggering for me to dwell too long on it. So this section will be short.

Suffice to say, Maman hung herself in the winter garden, and Jean-Luc has been blaming himself for it since he was a child,

"I let her out, you see. If only I had left that door closed, she might have become an old woman."

Of course, it wasn’t his fault. Maman was sick, and in her sickness had made Baby!Picard a parentified child (which, by the way, explains a lot about him as an adult).

So when Maman begged him to help, he did what she asked. Of course he did.

He opened the door, and it cost him everything:

"I loved her. Desperately."

It wasn’t anybody’s faut, really. But it still broke him. And so Picard locked the door again, shattered the painted windows, and closed his heart to love.

Darker still

By the way, if you thought the foreshadowing surrounding Q’s fate was loud in 2.7 and 2.8... it’s deafening now.

Maman and Q have been mirrors of each other since 2.7, both explicitely through the sun symbolism they share, and implicitely, like in the conversation with Renee in episode 2.6.

And now we learn that, lost in the darkness, Maman has killed herself. In her death, she’s even shown to be wearing a white robe, much like Q was in Tapestry when Picard died:

As always: this isn’t a coincidence. There are no coincidences in big productions like Star Trek Picard. This is a choice.

And so Q’s fate grows ever darker.

(Also ... isn’t that line from earlier -- “I loved her. Desperately.” -- rather loud? If they bring it back in some form next episode, we’re in trouble, folks.)

* * * * *

[End trigger warning]

The key, at last

Having unlocked the memory of what truly happened to his mother, Picard can now finally start to come to terms with it, to heal from it, and move on.

Although, there’s still a significant element of mystery left. As Picard finally sees the dungeon from his dreams, he realizes that the wood of the platform is intact: his foot didn’t get caught in it like he had imagined.

But then what happened? How did he get stuck?

EDIT: @theboardwalkbody pointed out that they’re in the past, so nothing has happened yet. Doh! Wonder why the show made such a fuss about it then.

Did he turn around and try to escape, leaving her mother to her sickness? Did his mother, although lost in darkness, prevent him from following her after all?

And yet. I can’t help but notice that in Jean-Luc’s dream, he stepped into the light when he got stuck.

Is it possible Q intervened, saving his life yet again?

(Which would bring the current tally to 6 saves, and a nice round 7 if he does it again next week...)

Regardless, whatever or whoever held him back did save his life. And we’ll most likely find out next week, since, you know. Only one episode left!

Anyway, moving on.

Picard now holds the key to his own heart. Literally, even:

Q has given him this key, like he gave Kore the cure in episode 2.8. And now, also like her, all Jean-Luc has to do is choose to open the door and step through it.

Yet it may be too late to stop the sun from setting. Forever.

A lonely star

Before we continue, it’s imperative that you read @celestialwarzone​‘s Q-sun meta if you haven’t already.

It establishes how and why Q is symbolized as the sun, and that information is critically important to understanding the importance of the next section.

With that out of the way, let’s jump in.

Episode 2.7 essentially threw the Q-sun model at our faces with the subtlety of a brick. Episode 2.8, meanwhile, drove the point home like a knife with Q’s dying star monologue.

Well, friends, episode 2.9 looked at them both and went, “hold my glass of Chateau Picard”.

The dark before the dawn

I predicted that this episode would be the despair event horizon, and in a way it was. But I was a tad pessimistic, as it turns out. This is Star Trek, after all, as @celestialwarzone​ often reminds me: a utopia.

So, overall everything went badly, but it could have been so much worse.

Regardless, this episode functions essentially as team Picard’s dark night of the soul.

Literally.

The sun goes out, the storm rises, and everything falls apart. They are separated, outnumbered, outgunned and trapped like rats in the dark chateau. Though they are fighting hard for their lives, and the future, all hope seems lost. The night is winning.

And then the sun rises.

Right away, their luck starts to turn: Agnes wakes up and forges a new destiny for the Borg, but not before healing Seven, Picard finally faces his mother’s true fate, Rios manages to beam back just in tie to save them...

The light symbolism in this episode, I swear!

Incidentally, there are plenty of other darkness and light references scattered throughout the episode:

The green lasers of the soldiers;

“Wars have been fought on lovely days”;

Picard, having a flashback from a flash of light;

"Why don’t we continue somewhere less bright", right before the game takes a turn for the worse;

The darkness of the chateau and dungeon;

"You're my light Jean-Luc”;

Picard and Estonia lighting a torch in the dungeon;

Baby!Picard stepping into a light patch;

Elnor coming back as a hologram to save them;

The red light when the key flies out;

Maman killing herself at night;

The gentle sunrise bathing Seven as she accepts herself;

Agnes literally flying into the same sunrise;

And others I’m most likely forgetting right now.

Oh, and, by the way: Maman’s fairy tale winter garden? Is actually a solarium.

A literal place of sunlight. And the exit from the dungeon.

(*pterodactyl screeches*)

The star gazer

Once Maman’s dark episode starts, she drags Baby!Picard down with her into the dungeon, where the sunlight cannot reach them.

Baby!Picard just wants them to go back up, and study the stars together, but Maman is already too far gone,

"Stars... Did you know that space is so vast, so infinite, it takes billions of years for that tiny pinprick of light to make that lonely journey from its star to our eyes?"

So. This... this is Q. A lonely star, whose light and love took billions of years to reach Picard across time and space.

Picard, who’s been living in the stars his entire adult life, looking up at them as a child and starting his career as a captain on a ship called the USS Stargazer.

Picard, the literal star gazer.

Let’s make a detour back to 2.1 for a second. When Picard blows up the new Stargazer, there’s a bright flash of white light, and then a shot of a starry sky which eventually resolves into...

... Picard’s eye.

Yeah. There are no coincidences here. The subtext is almost text at this point.

A lonely star

Maman continues her desperately sad speech,

“The brilliance you see in the night sky, Jean-Luc, that exquisite light, it’s just an echo, really...”

... like me.”

Oh, but it gets worse. Infinitely worse. Exquisitely worse:

"When you remember me, promise me you'll ignore the coldness of a dying star, and remember instead her light and the infinite love she so very much had for you."

Make no mistake, this is Q. We’re not even mirroring here, we’re channeling.

The coldness of a dying star? Q, the sun, disappearing into nothing, colder and harder than we have ever seen him... Begging Picard to instead remember the warm, infinite love he holds for him.

Q, like Maman, is going to die. He has essentially doomed himself for Picard. But where Maman killed herself in spite of her love for Jean-Luc, Q is killing himself out of love for him.

It makes all the difference in the world, but I fear it may be a very cold consolation for Jean-Luc.

(I’m speechless honestly. This episode is killing me. If you need me, I’ll be huddled in the corner. Sobbing.)

The Q-bayashi Maru

I had planned to include this section as part of my retrospective on 2.1, but considering all the foreshadowing, we might as well get it over with.

So, remember how @celestialwarzone​ and I theorize that Picard will likely have to make a terrible choice: save the timeline and kill Q, or save Q and kill the timeline?

In other words, a no-win scenario. Remind you of anything?

That’s right, the Kobayashi Maru.

If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the basic outline of the test: a civilian ship, the Kobayashi Maru, is in danger. The cadet can attempt to rescue them, or leave them to die. But the test is rigged, and they’ll die regardless.

(Say, friends, did you know that Starfleet’s most infamous training exercise was first depicted in Wrath of Khan?

The movie in which Spock dies, sacrificing himself for Kirk and the crew?

The movie which was then followed by Search for Spock? In which Kirk and his crew mutiny, steal a ship and go save Spock?

Well, did you?)

Anyway, I’ve long thought that this impossible choice would be a direct call back to the Kobayashi Maru every Starfleet captain has to face as a cadet.

And would you look at this scene from episode 2.1:

(Oh, you are, Jean-Luc. You certainly are. And mark my words, you’ll rue the day you ever even thought about it.)

Anyway, if the above wasn’t clear enough, at the end of episode 2.9 Picard tells us outright,

"I refuse to accept an outcome that has not yet occured."

Sounds like "I don't believe in the no-win scenario" to me, but what do I know. I just write metas and screech incoherently into the void.

Don’t leave me behind

There’s more Q-bayashi Maru foreshadowing scattered throughout the episode, but one moment stands out in particular, and no surprise, it’s a Trios scene.

As we established in 2.8, Teresa and Rios are Qcard mirrors. This trend absolutely continues in 2.9, and it’s beautiful.

(Also excruciating. But mostly beautiful.)

As the Borg board the ship, Q-Rios regrets putting Teresa-Picard in danger:

(Oh look, another AGT reference. I’ve lost count by now.)

They escape to the chateau, and Rios is wounded. Picard orders him to go with Teresa, then prevents him from coming back, for his own safety.

So. We have a wounded Q-Rios, locked out and powerless, unable to help Picard. And things abruptly go from bad to worse.

(Need I remind you that the sun is out, and they’re all in darkness? We’ll come back to that.)

Teresa takes care of Rios (take note Picard!), and objects strongly when he decides to go back, dropping this little gem of a line,

”I’d like to rewire your brain.”

Fair enough, Teresa-Picard, fair enough. Lord knows Q has been doing it to Picard all season, so. His turn.

Teresa-Picard then drops another bit of Q-bayashi Maru foreshadowing:

"Knowing that win or lose, I'll have to let them go."

Ostensibly, she’s talking about the tricorder here, but that’s not at all what she means. She’s talking about her miracle: Q-Rios. She doesn’t want to lose him. But she has no choice in the matter.

And still the countdown climbs up, as implacable as fate in a greek tragedy.

Teresa is getting desperate,

“What if I don't want you to go? What if I want to see your face again, or something crazy like that?“

And Q-Rios tells her the truth: he’s thought about it, and he wants nothing more than to stay. But there’s no other way,

"This isn't my timeline. The future is yours (...). I'm just trying to protect it."

If you’ve read my time meta, you know that I speculate that Q may not be able to join the new timeline at all. So that’s not ominous or anything...

Regardless, Teresa-Picard isn’t convinced. She doesn’t believe in no-win scenarios either:

"What if your future is here and it was always supposed to be?"

What she’s really saying, of course, is: what if your future is with me?

And then Rios kisses her.

(Damned if I can’t picture Picard saying the exact same thing, and Q silencing him with a kiss, hating what’s coming but knowing he can’t change it.)

Q-Rios almost manages to tell her that he loves her, but is interrupted again as the transporter activates, and he disappears in front of her eyes.

He reappears right where he’s needed, placing himself squarely between Picard and danger -- nearly getting killed for his troubles.

How delightfully Q-like of him.

The search for Q

Speaking of which...

If you’re at all familiar with my posts, you know that @celestialwarzone​ and I have long thought that season 2 may end with Q’s death, leading us into a Search of Spock scenario in season 3.

(We’re entering galaxy brain territory, folks. Hold on to your seats.)

The wound

His mother’s death is Jean-Luc’s original trauma, a trauma he can’t get over,

"This moment I am so powerless to reverse."

Leaving aside the guilt of a parentified child unable to save their sick parent, loving and losing his mother in such a tragic fashion nearly broke Jean-Luc.

Another loss of this magnitude would have destroyed him completely. And so he protected himself, walled off his mechnical heart from love. To survive.

As Estonia points out,

“Love can be a source of great grief and immense pain. Of tremendous guilt.”

No wonder he’s been running from Q’s love.

But fear hasn’t held back Q. And however much love may hurt us, shackle us...

“... it's a gift."

For all these years, Q’s love has been a gift to Jean-Luc, whether he was able to accept it or not.

And for a very long time, he wasn’t. But now, as Jean-Luc embraces his feelings once more, he may well find himself opening up and facing another such soul-destroying moment when Q dies.

Because if Q and Maman are mirrors -- the show certainly seems insistent about it -- then their fates are likely to be similar to a degree: both of them lonely suns, both of them loving Jean-Luc infinitely...

Both of them eventually killing themselves.

And so Picard has kept himself away from Q, not letting himself know him, because to know him would be to love him.

And therefore to lose him.

The prince wins

When Baby!Picard wins the game of hide-and-seek, finding his mother sitting despondently in the dark, she says:

Just like in Maman’s story, the prince wins the game, and the Sorcerer dies. Picard will figure out the escape and save the timeline, but in all likelihood, it will be at the cost of Q’s life.

This time is different

(Jean-Luc’s subconscious is certainly worried about the idea, and who can blame him?)

So, is Jean-Luc doomed to love again, and have his heart broken a second time? Maybe. But only temporarily.

Ultimately, Q is not Maman. And her fate need not be his.

Jean-Luc isn’t a child anymore, powerless and small: he is an adult, a Starfleet admiral, tempered by time and loss.

He could not prevent his mother’s death, but he will undo Q’s dark fate,

“In those moments, tragic endings might rewind into joyful beginnings. Moments of loss into those of gains."

From death will come rebirth, from despair happiness, and from loss...

Love.

After closing such a terrible chapter of his life, Jean-Luc will be able to move on, freed, and take his first steps toward his true final frontier: ascension.

Exploring and travelling the stars, with Q at his side, for...

(It would be the perfect ending for both Jean-Luc and Q, now, wouldn’t it?)

Next, on Porg the space penguin:

So, one post down, one to go (or perhaps two). Next up:

All hail Queen Agnes

Integrating the self

More Raffi and Picard mirroring

New time shenanigans?

And maybe more...

As always, I hope you enjoyed, and I want to thank you for reading. ❤️

[alliedbiscuit]

msr fic / s7 post-closure but pre-all things / wc: 3398

Scully takes Maggie out for a birthday dinner, and you'll never guess who they run into.

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

“So, how are feeling about dessert?” the waiter asks hopefully.

Maggie Scully scoffs. “Oh, no. I couldn’t eat another bite. Maybe just a cup of coffee? Decaf, please.”

“Mom, are you sure? You should get dessert,” Dana Scully prods, stopping herself short before she could let it slip, “It’s your birthday!” The last gift her mother would appreciate is a gaggle of underpaid waiters singing some public-domain-compliant version of a birthday song while the whole restaurant turns its attention toward her. Like mother, like daughter.

Well, the daughter made an exception and found that kind of thing charming exactly once. But at least she got a nice keychain out of it. All her mother would get was humiliation and a chocolate lava cake.

As soon as the waiter leaves to fetch their after dinner coffees, Maggie reveals her true intentions.

“I was thinking we could go to that ice cream parlor down the street. If I’m going to indulge, I think I want a hot fudge sundae. Or maybe we could split a banana split?”

“Or you could get a hot fudge sundae and I could get a banana split, and we could split both,” Scully suggests.

“See, that’s why you work for the FBI.”

“Dessert Conflict Resolution was part of my training at Quantico.”

Both Scullys giggle.

“Does Fox have the same specialty? Or is that what you bring to the team?”

“Mulder’s dessert strategy is just to eat everything and then swim a mile and run five the next day. No, he’s a Takeout Menu Marksman, though. He knows where to order from and what to order so it travels the best and doesn’t get cold and congealed by the time it arrives. Might sound like a trivial skill, but it’s a lifesaver on movie night.”

Maggie continues smiling but cocks her head slightly. Dana realizes why almost instantly.

“You have movie night?”

“It’s not a set thing or anything. We just…if we’re not busy with a case.”

“You just watch movies? As coworkers?”

“As friends.”

“Just friends?”

Dana lets out a long sigh as she stares her mother down. Her mother, maintaining that gentle yet challenging grin. Dana considers her response carefully. She could offer a simple yes because that is the fact of the matter. They are just friends. She could criticize the wording choice. “Just” friends? Why does it have to be “just” friends? As if friendship isn’t somehow enough or isn’t valuable?

She could realize it’s her mother’s birthday and she’s the only other Scully woman left to confide in about matters of the heart, and although she doesn’t want to bring up the New Year’s kiss because she still doesn’t really know what it meant, maybe they both need this little gift of honesty, filled with tempered excitement and promise.

“For now,” Dana Scully finally admits.

Maggie’s grin grows as Scully just shakes her head and manages to keep her slight eye roll from reaching embarrassed teenager level. The waiter does bail her out a bit by choosing that moment to deliver their coffees.

“How is Fox doing? After his mother…” Maggie trails off, but her daughter knows not to expect any more specifics.

“Better? I mean, as well as can be expected. The thing is, right after that, he found out some more about his sister. About what happened to her. It was just so much all at once. I was really worried…”

Maggie reaches across the table to lay a hand on hers.

“But, it was almost like he was ready for it. He finally had some answers. Like it brought him some peace.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah. He needed that.”

“We all do.”

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

Maggie is the one to spot him first as they’re heading for the door.

“Is that- is that Fox?” she asks her daughter.

“What? No, he wouldn't…” Dana trails off as she looks straight ahead to where her mother was indicating and confirms that it is indeed Fox Mulder, standing with his hands in his pockets and his eyes trained to the floor as he appears to be waiting near the vestibule for the restrooms.

“Mulder?” Scully questions as she approaches, her voice giving away her confusion and growing concern.

His head darts up in surprise, but a beaming smile of recognition quickly overtakes his face.

“Hey, Scully! Mrs. Scully, it’s so nice to see you!”

“You too, Fox,” Maggie kindly replies, although a quick glance to her daughter confirms her suspicion that Dana is still very confused by his presence.

“Did you…did you need something?” She suddenly feels silly for presuming that he must have come there with urgent news or a case or something, but why else would Fox Mulder be at Petrino’s on a Saturday night? Did his informants trade in clandestine meetings in parking garages for family-style Italian?

“Hmm?” Mulder asks.

“You didn’t come here to find me? I told you I was bringing my mom here for her birthday, didn’t I?” He didn’t look like he had rushed to the restaurant from the office or his apartment as she had originally assumed. He had clearly shaved and combed his hair nicely. He wore an olive green sweater with dark blue jeans and a black wool pea coat rather than his leather jacket. He had definitely made an effort.

“You did, but I thought you were going out tomorrow night on her actual birthday. Happy birthday, by the way, Mrs. Scully.”

“Thank you, Fox. I’m going to have lunch with some ladies from church after mass tomorrow, so I asked Dana if we could do Saturday night instead.”

“Ah. What a weird coincidence then. I can’t believe we didn’t see you at all during dinner.”

We.

Oh God.

Mulder was on a date.

Mulder was on a date in this restaurant on the night he thought Scully wasn’t going to be there. Mulder was on a date right after Scully had confessed to her mother (and herself) that their “just friends” status was in the process of changing. Mulder was on a date right after he’d been through so much pain but seemed to come out lighter and more open and he wanted to share it with someone…who wasn’t Dana Scully.

“So, you’ve already eaten then?” Maggie asks since her daughter appears unable to form a coherent statement at the moment.

“Yeah, we just finished. I’m just waiting for her…” he seems to trail off just to motion towards the restroom rather than say anything indelicate, but then he notices Maggie’s poorly masked look of concern toward Dana, and then he notices Dana’s completely unmasked look of shock.

And then he gets it.

“Oh, no! It’s not…I want you to meet her,” Mulder insists as he grabs a hold of both of Scully’s elbows and then glances anxiously toward the restroom door.

Dana Scully looks like she might be ill.

Thankfully Mulder only stammers a moment longer until the restroom door opens and he finds reprieve when a tall, thin woman appearing to be in her mid-60s walks through the door.

“Aunt Helen,” Mulder calls.

Somehow Scully’s eyes manage to get even wider as some of the color returns to her face.

“Aunt Helen, there are a few people I’d really like you to meet. This is my partner, Dana Scully, and this is her mother, Margaret Scully.”

Aunt Helen smiles widely in recognition, first shaking Maggie’s hand and then Dana’s. “It is such a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard such wonderful things.”

She lingers with her hand holding Dana’s while she says this, and the younger Scully is left blushing. She hazards a look at Mulder, but he doesn’t look embarrassed by this revelation. He holds her gaze with nothing but pride.

“This is my aunt, Helen Briggs. She’s my mom’s sister. She’s visiting for the weekend from Charlotte.”

They all kind of marvel over the fact that they were in the same restaurant and what a coincidence and oh, we were seated near the back bar, that must be why we didn’t see you and Scully is just starting to feel her pulse return to normal as Aunt Helen laments not having a chance to talk with the Scullys.

“Well, Dana and I skipped dessert so we could go to The Big Dipper for some ice cream. Would you two like to join us?”

“Oh, that would be lovely. As long as we’re not intruding,” says Aunt Helen.

“Not at all,” Scully assures her. “There is one catch, though.”

“It’s not real ice cream. It’s that Tofutti nonsense, isn’t it?” Mulder groans.

“It better not be,” Maggie insists. “I don’t know how she eats that stuff.”

Scully ignores her mother and her partner’s bad mouthing of her frozen treats as she returns her attention to Aunt Helen.

“I’m afraid if you want to come along, you will have to reveal a few good Young Mulder stories. And by ‘a few,’ I mean as many as you’ve got. And by ‘good,’ I mean the more embarrassing the better.”

“I’ll start thinking now,” Aunt Helen laughs.

“I knew I should’ve picked a different restaurant,” Mulder says regretfully.

***********

They’ve just sat down to a small, round table for four with their ice cream when Mulder stands up to get them all more napkins, and Aunt Helen retrieves a small, rectangular piece of paper from her purse that she then deftly slides to Dana.

“Oh my god!” Scully exclaims with joy.

Staring back at her from the paper is a very young Fox Mulder. She guesses he must be around 8 or 9 in the school photo. His long, sandy brown hair falls just above his eyebrows. He doesn’t have his distinctive nose yet, but his bottom lip is already a little pouty. The real give away is the eyes. He’s grinning for the camera, but his eyes still have that soulfulness, that slight sadness.

She’s surprised. She knows she shouldn’t be. His eyes didn’t suddenly change when Samantha was taken. His eyes were probably always like that.

But she had always assumed that the great tragedy had flipped a switch for Young Fox Mulder. That before that single event, he had certainly been a perfectly happy child. Funny and athletic, popular for sure. But the humor developed as a defense mechanism later in life. And the sports were a great physical release as well as an excuse to be out of the house as much as possible. She didn’t actually know what he was like before, but now that she thought about it, home life was probably never all that great if it eventually led to a father sacrificing one child and leaving the other to always live with the guilt and loss.

It was very possible that Fox Mulder had always been a little boy with a lot on his mind.

In contrast, present day, adult Fox Mulder looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world as he returns with extra napkins, ready to tuck into his chocolate peanut butter ice cream in a waffle cone – that is until he realizes what his friend and partner Dana Scully is looking at.

“Oh come on. I was gone for thirty seconds, and you have the visual aids out.”

Scully continues to beam as Maggie finally gets a glimpse of the photo in her hand.

“Oh, Fox!”

“Okay,” Mulder said exasperatedly. “Does this meet your embarrassment quota?” he asks, looking pointedly at Scully.

“Not even close! This isn’t embarrassing. It’s adorable!”

Mulder rolls his eyes but can’t hide his bashful grin at her comment.

“It’s only fair, Fox. I know you’ve seen family photos of Dana at my house,” Mrs. Scully says, sounding like a mother well practiced in settling disputes between children.

“Just a couple. I do like that high school graduation picture, though. I still don’t know how you kept your cap on with all that hair.”

“That was the style back then. Everybody teased their hair and used a ton of hairspray.”

“I thought it might be a religious thing at Catholic school. The higher the hair, the closer to God,” Mulder teases.

Maggie and Aunt Helen chuckle, though the latter gives him a good-natured swat on the arm in admonishment.

“See, this is what I need, though. I need something from the teen years. That’s peak embarrassment fodder,” Scully says.

“If you ask our colleagues, I think my peak embarrassment fodder would come from about 1991 to present,” Mulder points out.

Aunt Helen just looks slightly regretful. “I’m afraid I don’t have many stories from those years, Dana.”

Mulder makes eye contact with Aunt Helen. “You didn’t miss much,” he insists. She looks like she wants to debate him, but he just places a hand on hers reassuringly, and they seem to make a silent agreement to not argue the point any further.

Mulder had never really mentioned any other family before. She knew his grandparents had all passed before she met him, but she had assumed, just like with everything else, that any other extended family connections had disappeared along with Samantha. That no one would know how to comfort and console The Mulders in a situation like that, with no explanation.

His aunts and uncles must have had questions, probably even had their own theories. Did his mother’s side suspect his father’s involvement, or did his father’s side blame his mother somehow? Did any of them blame…no, she couldn’t go down that route. Besides, did anyone ever suspect horrific things like that before the days of cable news and supermarket tabloids?

The point is, it was a tense situation, so Scully assumed they had all done what wealthy white people in places like Martha’s Vineyard and Boston and Raleigh did with any uncomfortable subject – they avoided it completely.

And that meant avoiding the little boy with a lot on his mind as he became a teenager with even more on his mind.

Scully had accompanied Mulder to a small burial service for his mother in Raleigh a few months ago. It was just the service. No gathering or dinner after, or at least not one that Mulder told her about. The attendees at the service were all pretty spread out, not much mingling. Again, it was another sudden loss shrouded in mystery. They all avoided particulars as much as they could.

Scully didn’t remember seeing Aunt Helen that day, but maybe she was there and just couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Maybe she wasn’t there because she couldn’t bring herself to go and then regretted it. Dana Scully didn’t know, and it didn’t actually matter. The point is that she’s here now. And that’s exactly what Mulder’s look of reassurance and acceptance seems to say.

It seems to help her perk up because she offers playfully, “Oh, what about that summer on Quonochontaug? I think you were 9 or so, and you were collecting leaves for one of your Indian Guide badges.”

“Oh god!”

“I’m hooked already. Not to jump ahead, but please tell me there’s poison ivy involved,” Scully says gleefully.

Aunt Helen’s bark of laughter and Mulder’s exaggerated eye roll are all the confirmation she needs.

“It was heavily involved! But that’s not the worst part. While he was working on his Leaf Collecting badge, he also earned credit towards his Wildlife badge when he came across a skunk in the woods.”

“No!” Scully shouts.

“Ivyed and skunked at the same time,” Mulder admits.

“Oh you poor thing,” Maggie adds sympathetically, but with barely contained laughter.

“He had to jump right from a tomato juice bath for the skunk smell…”

“Which didn’t work!”

“…into an oatmeal bath for the itching.”

“Which worked better, but I still smelled like a Grateful Dead concert.”

Both Scullys are full on giggling at this point.

“Do you remember what Grandpa Ralph said when he walked in and saw you and mom dunking me in a tub of oatmeal?” Mulder asks.

Aunt Helen pitches her voice deeper and amps up her Southern twang, “Why don’t cha dip him in some egg and flour next? We toss him in the frying pan, we got supper! We’re havin’ Fried Fox tonight!”

Now they’re all in hysterics. Even the man who usually hates his given name can’t help but laugh along, especially when it makes his lovely company so happy.

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

Scully enters the basement office Monday morning to find Mulder already there, flipping through an open drawer in the filing cabinet.

“Good morning,” she says cheerfully.

He looks up and smiles. “Good morning. Long time no see.”

“How was the rest of your weekend? Did you guys do any sightseeing or anything?”

“No, we just had a late breakfast yesterday before I took her to the airport, but it was good to catch up some more. She told me to thank you again for letting us tag along for ice cream. It was really nice.”

“It was,” Scully agrees.

Mulder appears to be considering something for a moment before he crosses over to the desk and picks up a small envelope.

“She also told me to give this to you,” he says almost bashfully, extending the envelope in Scully’s direction. “She told me I couldn’t look inside, and I didn’t. But I think I know what’s in there, and if I’m right, you don’t have to keep it. You can just leave it here on the desk.”

Well, now she’s intrigued. Scully opens the envelope to find a small handwritten note at the top.

“I thought you might like these. I have plenty more too, if you’d ever like to see them or want any more stories. Please don’t be a stranger.”

Scully lifts up the note to see the remaining contents inside and finds a small stack of photographs, a mixture of more school photos along with a few wallet-sized family portraits and a couple candids taken on the beaches of the Vineyard or Rhode Island, she can’t tell. But she sees the same set of eyes in all of them.

She looks back to read the rest of the note.

“I’m so glad I got to meet you, Dana. Take care!”

Below Aunt Helen’s elegant signature, she has also written her home address and phone number. Scully will have to call and thank her.

“She tried to give some to me,” Mulder explains, “but I didn’t really want…and like I said, you don’t have to…”

“No, I’d like to keep them,” Dana insists.

Mulder lets her statement hang in the air for a moment, but he can’t help but diffuse it.

“You just want more blackmail material.”

“Something like that,” Scully says teasingly, but there’s no bite behind it.

“I knew I should’ve picked a different restaurant.”

She chuckles lightly as she shuffles the photos into a neat stack to place back in the envelope, thinking that this is the point where they get back to work. Mulder stays standing in front of her and appears to be considering something again. Does he have another envelope that he’s afraid to give her?

“You know it was pure luck that we ended up at Petrino’s the same night as you. I actually gave Aunt Helen a few options and let her choose. I was pushing more for that Thai place in Arlington, just off Old Dominion. The one that’s been there forever,” Mulder explains.

“Oh, the one with the secret menu? I’ve still never been there. Can’t say I’m surprised that Aunt Helen wasn’t up for Thai food, though.”

“Yeah. Fair point,” Mulder nods for a moment too long before continuing. “Would you like to go there sometime? Like this Saturday? With me?”

Scully slowly looks up from the envelope to see Mulder’s face because in all matters, other than the divine, Dana Scully needs to see to believe. And the slightly nervous yet gentle grin that she finds allows her to believe it to be true – Fox Mulder has just asked her out on a real date.

“I would like that,” Scully says gently.

“Good. You wanna say 7:30? Or we can always figure out time later,” Mulder states, aiming for practicality to keep him from grinning like a complete idiot. He ends up grinning like a moderate idiot, but he’s okay with that.

“Sounds good.”

Yep, Scully will definitely have to call Aunt Helen and thank her.

[teddy06writes]

sum angst for sapnap x quackity x karl x reader if requests are open, i dont remember if they are, and if u feel up to it

sapnap x karl x quackity x reader + sleepy bois x sibling!reader

trigger warnings: yelling, swearing, character death

this is an in game au so be aware of that

premise: you’ve been on the inside, spying on Shlatt for pogtopia, you thought you had had him convinced that the spy was Tubbo (Who knew just about nothing about pogtopia) but during the festival Shlatt asks you to make a speech... after the festival, things begin to fall apart

(y/n/n)- your nickname

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“And you’re sure about this? You’re positive that it’s him and not Quackity?” Shlatt asked.

The festival was in two days, Wilbur’s plan to blow Manburg was in place, and suddenly huge evidence of things you had berried was piling up. Your entire position as Pogopia’s spy was at risk.

“I’m positive Mr. President. I caught Tuboo poking around in some tunnels, trying to talk to TommyInnt just yesterday,” You lied straight through your teeth, “The log I found behind the files proves it.”

You held up the book, truly a work of your own notes, signed in you co workers hand.

Shlatt took it, quickly skimming through the pages, “Hmmm, this is significant evidence to condemn the kid. We’ll have to do something about.”

“Maybe we should exile him, like Wilbur and Tommy.” You suggested carefully.

He considered it for a moment, a wide jagged grin spreading across his face, “Or... we could execute him,” He seemed to take pleasure in your shock, “Publicly. We have been needing a slam finish for that festival.”

“Shlatt Tubbo is just a child!”

Shlatt glared down at you, “Sorry, what was that? It almost sounded like you were trying to go against the word of the president.”

The threat chilled you to the core, and you strained to stay calm, “With all due respect Mr. President, Tubbo is only 16, and there are other ways to deal with insurgents.”

“Insurgents? As in there's multiple now?” Alex strode into the room, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as you breathed a slight sigh of relief.

“Yes, your partner here has just informed me that our dear Tubbo is a traitor,” Shlatt slammed the journal onto the desk, ignoring the glare Alex gave him when you jumped, “He’s been spying on Manburg for Pogtopia.”

Alex reached for the book, flipping to the last page and reading allowed, “If there is ever a time to strike, it would be during the Manburg festival, though it is worth noting Wilbur’s plan of destroying L’Manburg should be put off as long as possible.”

“When I caught them in the tunnels under the city, they were talking about tnt,” You said, the shake in your voice all too real, as forced tears began to prick in your eyes, “Wilbur’s going to blow it up.”

Shlatt looked at you clearly searching for something, but giving up once you fully began to cry, turning to burry your face in your boyfriends shoulder.

The president sighed, annoyed, “Get them outta here Quackity, I can’t work when there's fucking crying in my office.”

“It’s probably just the stress, sir. I’ll get them home.” Alex carefully led you out of the white house, and you were grateful, unknowing how much of the emotion was real or not.

“Oh god! Is (y/n) okay?” Karl asked as soon as Alex had gotten you to where he was decorating party island.

“Yeah, they’ll uh- they’ll be alright. Shlatt, Manburg, stress, you know?” He eased you down to sit on one of the benches, and quickly Karl moved to sit and wrap his arms around you.

“Hey, I’ve gotta get back to work. I’ll see you guys tonight.” Alex quickly pecked at your cheek, and then Karl’s lips before heading back in the direction of the white house.

“What happened?” Karl asked softly once he had gone.

You sniffled, leaning into his embrace, “Work’s stuff. The festival’s getting stressful.”

“Yeah, well I’m helping Tubbo with the last of the decorating tomorrow,” He paused, “You’re missing Wilbur and Tommy aren’t you?”

You nodded, “I miss them and Techno and Phil. I miss home.”

Your duties as a spy didn’t entail much seeing your brothers, just taking down notes of what was going on in Manburg and leaving them in a remote chest for Wilbur to collect later.

“We all miss home. But think about it this way, if you hadn’t come here, you wouldn’t’ve found me, or Alex, or Nick,” Karl said, looking out at the rest of Manburg, “We wouldn’t have this place without you or your brothers, and even Shlatt can’t change that.”

You smiled a bit at that, “Thanks Karl.”

“And! You don’t have to worry about decorations for the festival cause I’m helping Tubbo with it tomorrow!”

Though it was meant to cheer you up you felt your heart sink lower, he and Nick still didn’t know, and wouldn’t about what would be planned for the festival, but hopefully Alex would understand the burden.

~~

“So why is there a festival?”

Nick had just arrived back in Manburg from a while’s stay in the SMP, and was very confused by the posters lining the streets.

“Shlatt wants to celebrate democracy, so he’s had Tubbo and I organize a festival.” You explained.

He cocked an eyebrow, “And what does Wilbur think of this?”

Nick was still the only one who’d found out about your allegiances to Pogtopia, only by mistake, when he’d caught you making the journey back from the cavern.

“Wilbur thinks it’s an opportunity,” You sighed, quickly scribbling down a new messege to the boys, “Techno think’s it’s a waste of time and energy, the anarchist energy’s been shining through more and more lately.”

“So who do you agree with?” He asked carefully.

“Neither, Wilbur’s gone manic, Techno is- well he’s Technoblade, and Tommy just goes along with what Wil says.” You tucked each note into an envelope, folding them between the pages of the newest set of notes.

You looked up to meet Nick’s eyes, “I’m worried about what Friday will bring. I’ve tried to throw Shlatt off my trail and it seems like it’s working I just-”

You broke off as Nick wrapped his arms around you, “Hey, it’ll be okay. And if he tries anything, I’ll be there to protect you,” He chuckled, “Hell, maybe it’ll be the only time your brothers and I agree.”

“Maybe.” You mumbled.

“Woah! Are you guys cuddling without us?” Karl feigned shock as he came into the living room with Alex.

“I would never!” You forced a laugh.

~~

“(y/n), come on, we’ve gotta go get ready to meet Shlatt.” Alex nudged you.

You sighed, starting to snuggle back into Nick’s grip, wishing the small amount of morning calm would last, “Do we have too?”

“Yeah, you know he won’t be happy if we’re late.”

You looked at Karl and Nick, still mostly asleep, and then back at him, quietly admitting, “I’m scared today could change everything.”

He sighed, immediately shifting back down into be, “I suppose we could stay a bit longer.”

Slowly, the other boys woke up, but the room remained in silence, as if everyone could feel the coming tension, as if even moving would shatter the peace of the day.

Carefully, Karl broke the silence, “We’re gonna be okay guys. The festival is gonna be awesome. Wilbur wouldn’t do anything to ruin it for (y/n).”

“If what they found out is true, you guys could all be at risk.” Alex murmured.

Nick sighed, “I don’t care who’s bad side I get on, it’s gonna be anything to keep you all safe.”

Each of you heard a different meaning behind his words, but still none of you spoke.

“Whatever happens today, we’ll make it through, the country, may not.” You said, voice wavering, but still with a note of finality.

~~

By midday the festival was in full swing, and surprising your older brother had actually shown up for the festivities.

“Strange seeing you here,” You laughed, nudging him, “A celebration of a government.”

“It’d be rude to turn down an invitation ta one a these,” He sighed, glancing around, “Where’s your boyfriends hanging around at, I haven’t threatened them yet today.”

You chuckled, “Q’s helping Shlatt with the last of the prep for the speeches. Sapnap’s supposedly trying to figure a way to cheat Fundy’s dunk tank and Karl’s over there.” You gestured to where he, Tubbo, Sam and Bad were running around at Party Island.

“mmm, hey, uh, your note the other day, you weren’t serious about framing the kid right?”

You sucked in a breath, tightening the grip on the sword at your side, “It was him or Al- Quackity, I couldn’t do that to him. Whatever they’re planning I’m going to stop them.”

Techno look back at the stage warily, “I’ll back you up if I can.”

Soon everyone was being called to take there seats in the audience as you, Tubbo, Alex, and Shlatt took to the stage.

“Well everyone!” Shlatt addressed the crowd, “Thank you for coming to this wonderful celebration of democracy! Things sure have gotten bet around here, I’m gonna give the mic to Tubbo, the main organizer of this event, for his speech.”

Tubbo grinned, shuffling his notecards as he took Shlatt’s spot in front of the microphone, “Hello everyone! I’m honestly so excited to be here right now!”

As Tubbo rambled on about Wilbur and Tommy’s banishment, you stood back, wishing you could’ve stood on the same side of the stage as Alex.

Looking out over the crowd gathered you tried not to let your gaze wander to Tommy and Wilbur, who you knew were perched on the top of a near by building.

“And uh yeah! To democracy!” Tubbo concluded.

You could almost here Alex chuckle as he started to turn to the chest on the side of the stage, ready to grab the materials to box the boy in.

“That was nice, hey, uh, (y/n), dear (y/n), my secretary of state, I uh, I hate to put you on the spot here, but uh, why don’t you come up and make a speech?” You blood ran cold at Shlatts words.

On the other side of the stage Alex froze as well, out in the crowd no one suspect anything, so you clasped your hands behind your back to hide the tremors and moved in front of the microphone.

“Well, uh hi guys! I honestly didn’t except to be up here making a speech today, so I’m not quite sure if this will even turn out coherent,” You laughed, out of the corner of your eye you noticed Tommy tensing, “I remember, soon after I followed my brothers to this land, we fought in a war. L’manburg’s war for independence was long and hard, and I often thought we would never see a better time, but standing here, it is very clear to me that this country has changed since the election.

“This country, since gaining it’s independence has changed my life, and it weighs on my heart that My L’manburg has a ruler such as Mr. JShlatt. We fought for this land, my brothers and I, and here we are today, with so much progress made! So, my friends, my colleges, here's to Our L’manburg!”

Everyone began to cheer, only to be cut off my Shlatt’s harsh laugh, “Oh, (y/n), it’s Manburg now remember? or did you forget while you were off conspiring with your brothers in Pogtopia?”

Tubbo pushed a still frozen Alex out of the way to grab the materials, beginning to box you in.

“S- shlatt?” You quickly turned on the emotion, turning frantically as they caged you in, “Shlatt what are you talking about?”

“Shlatt what the hell are you doing?” Alex asked.

“Oh, you didn't know? Your partners a traitor!” Shlatt laughed again.

Alex turned to you, now trapped between the throne and the mic stand, looking betrayed.

“I didn’t do anything! Shlatt! Please!” Though a few days before most of the emotion had been real, but now you were thankful for your acting skills, blubbering, “Alex! Alex look at me it wasn’t me! I didn’t do anything!”

Down in the stands Nick was halfway to standing, pushing Karl back down into his own seat.

“Or really? So that book wasn’t forged? That chest you used to pass messages? You tried to turn them against me!” Tubbo exclaimed.

“I didn’t- I- I would never betray my country!” You sobbed, forcing tears to leak from your eyes.

“Oh shut up,” Shlatt turned to the crowd, “Technoblade, front and center, get up here.”

Shakily Techno stood, quietly moving up to stand on the stage as Alex backed off the stage, looking between you and Shlatt with mixes of betrayal and shock.

“What uh, what you need me up here for Shlatt?”

“I want you to take care of them, make a public example.”

Techno coughed awkwardly, “You- you want me ta kill m’ sibling?”

“No!” You exclaimed, “Techno please...”

Shlatt glared at you, “Cut the crap (y/n)! We all know you aren’t actually this god damn emotional!”

Sapnap was fully in the isle now, sword drawn, and up on the roof You saw Wilbur clamping a hand over Tommy’s mouth to keep him to keep him from giving them away.

Sighing you wiped away the fake tears, “You have to admit, Shlatt, you believed me, you trusted me!”

Shlatt just rolled his eyes, “Techno get on it, snap too! I’ve got places to be.”

Techno slung his crossbow off his shoulder uncertainly, “(y/n)?”

All the fear from the morning came flooding back, but you shoved it down, leaning forward, to make eye contact with Shlatt, “You kill me now and nothing will change! This place will still go down hill and my brothers will still plot against you! All my secrets go down with me!”

“Shut your mouth and die already!”

Your nails dug into your palms, “Don’t make them watch Shlatt, have some mercy, if you want to kill me kill me, but don’t make my boys watch, don’t make Techno do it.”

“Get it over with!”

You leaned forward, gritting your teeth, “You heard the man, kill me.”

“(y/n), I can’t- you- yo- I-”

“Do it.” You hissed.

Time slowed, and Techno slowly raised the crossbow.

You looked out, past him, over the rolling fields of L’manburg, your home.

Niki out in the crowd wore a look of horror, hiding her face in Eret’s shoulder, who wore a simillar look for fear. Fundy wore a steely expression clearly close to breaking, Sam looked down right terrified, as Bad hid his eyes in his hands.

To your left Tubbo looked scared even though he’d put you in the cage, you were glad it was you and not him.

Shlatt wore his usual evil grin, pupil’s dilated.

Up on the roof, Tommy, your little brother looked horrified, Wilbur still holding him back with a neutral expression, Techno, now directly in front of you, was nearly in tears, your big brother, who swore to protect you, now being your end, it seemed almost poetic.

Behind him Nick was running up the isle, sword drawn, though you knew he’d be to late, Karl, lip quivering sat frozen, and Alex, his face still was filled with betrayal.

You looked up, took a deep breath and then time resumed, Techno pulled the trigger and everything went black.

{(y/n) went off with a bang}

~~

It was cold.

Dark.

You didn’t now where you were as you drifted through a world you barley recognized.

Where was this?

How did you get there?

Vaguely you remembered a festival, your brothers, plus your boyfriends, oh how you loved them.

Your friends had been there too.

You looked back down to see L’manburg, ‘home!’ you thought happily.

You drifted towards your house, a voice in the back of your brain wondering, ‘why am I not walking?’

“What the fuck was that?” A loud voice cut through the air.

‘Nicky!’ you thought happily, following the sound.

“What the hell do you mean?”

‘Alex!’

You entered the room, finding them standing on opposite side, Karl, huddled in the corner.

“You are so fucking stupid! You know that? You let them die! They’re fucking dead because of you!”

“They were a fucking traitor! They got what was coming to them!”

“They loved you!” Nick screamed back, “They loved you and me and Karl, and their brothers! And now there gone! Because of You and Fucking Shlatt!”

What were they talking about?

“They fucking betrayed us! They betrayed Manburg! You saw the fucking acting they did! How do you know they ever loved us!”

From the corner Karl sobbed, and instinctively you moved to comfort him, but instead you passed right through.

‘what the hell?’

You had no time to dwell however because Nick shouted, “Etheir way you let them die! They’d be here if you’d interfered!”

“But I didn’t wooupdy do! They were a traitor!”

“They were trying to save their home!”

“WELL MAYBE THEY SHOULD’VE CONSIDERED THAT I WAS TRYING TO BUILD IT UP!”

“You and Shlatt never did anything but tare this place to the ground.” It was only a whisper, but Nick’s words sent Alex spinning on his heel and heading out the door.

“Fuck you! Fuck you! I am aware that my best isn’t good enough! So fuck you!”

The door slammed, and Nick only blinked a moment before Karl quietly asked, “Why did you do that?”

“What?”

“Now he’s gone too!”

Karl’s voice made your heart shatter.

“You think that’s my fault?! Clearly he didn’t give a shit about us, or them, other wise he would’ve stopped Shlatt.”

“They said we’d be okay! But we’re not!” Karl sobbed.

“I can fucking see that! God damn Karl! What did you except?”

“I-”

Before he could finish the door was slamming again.

Karl leaned back against the wall, staring straight through you whispering, “Why did you have to go (y/n/n)? You only just brought us together! We only just figured it out.”

[forever-rogue]

My lovely, when you get a chance and/or feel so inclined, id love you forever if youd write a part 2 to the story where Boba’s wife is prego, we need a little Fett heir to the throne lol. Ily! ❤️

I couldn’t resist! Enjoy! 

Can be read as a stand alone or part 2 to this!

Boba Fett x Fem!Reader; no warnings

Star Wars Masterlist

»»————-　♡　————-««

You were tired, so tired. And why? You hadn't even done anything to cause you to experience the tiredness that was dragging you down. If anything, you should have been wide awake and ready to take on the day. But as soon as you'd gotten up and eaten breakfast, you were just about ready for a nap. 

That was after you'd rushed to the fresher in order to heave up everything you had just eaten.

Strange. It must have been something from breakfast - perhaps some of the fruit had been off or...something. There really wasn't anything that you thought it could be. But obviously something had disagreed with you. 

"What's wrong, Little One?" A concerned expression was on his face as he removed the helmet as he came back into your bedroom. He'd expected to find you flitting around the sprawling palace tending to odds and ins, but he hadn't spotted hide not hair of you all day, "I haven't seen you all day."

"Nothing," you offered up the best smile you could muster up as you looked up from the soft bed where you were currently buried under a mountain of blankets, "just taking a nap."

"You've been tired lately," a note of concern colored his tone as he came over and sat at the edge of bed. You made a small sound as you pouted at him, shrugging your shoulders lightly. He sighed before taking his hand and gently brushing the hair out of your face. He pressed the back of his hand to your forehead before following suit with your cheeks, "is everything alright?"

"Yes," you whispered softly, "I guess I'm just going through a phase. I'm sure its nothing - don't worry about me, Boba."

"I always worry," he inhaled and exhaled deeply before leaning down and pressing his forehead against yours, "I need to leave soon. I can stay if you prefer, if you're not feeling well."

"No, no, no," you insisted firmly, sitting up and fervently shaking your head, "Boba, you're not staying behind because of me. You've got to go and you will. Besides, someone needs to stay back and look over the place. It - I will be fine, I swear it."

"If you're sure-"

"Boba Fett," you tugged on his cowl, "You're going and that is final. Besides, I'll have Fennec here. Everything will be fine."

"I love you," he insisted as you beamed at him, "I'll be back soon. I won't be gone long."

"I'll hold you to it," you said as he kissed you gently, "promise me one thing?"

"Hmm?"

"Quit worrying so much!" you tapped his nose, attempting to make light of the situation, but Boba was not having it. It made you smile a little, however, to see this big, bad Mandalorian let you tease him in such a manner. Had it been anyone else in the galaxy, they would be dead on their feet within seconds, "Boba - for me? Try anyways?"

"I lost you once," he reminded you as a solemn look crossed your features, "I will not do it again."

"And I lost you too," he was not the only one who had suffered during your years of separation, "but we found our way back to each other. We always will - besides I'm not the one going out to hunt down quarry. I'll be here, safe and sound."

"Little One-"

"Boba Fett, are you forgetting that I once was the same as you?" you arched a brow as he huffed lightly and admitted silent defeat, "I am out of practice but I won't be alone. Now go and get ready - the sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be back."

»»————-　♡　————-««

But then a week passed. And another. And then before you knew it, you were approaching three weeks without Boba. You knew he was fine, as you required, maybe even begged, for him to communicate with you and keep you in the loop as much as possible when he was gone.

But still - it wasn't the same as having him at home and within arms length.

Kriff. Hopefully he'd be back soon. Maybe -

But you didn't have enough time to think further into any sort of scheme as the contents of your stomach churned and you ran to the nearest the fresher. 

Fennec had been looking for you, concerned at this point for your health as well. You hadn't been looking well for weeks and she was sure something was up.

"Hey," she said gently with a rap of her knuckles on the door. You sighed heavily with a wipe to your mouth as you sat down on the floor. The sniper, small but fierce, came in and sat next to you, giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze, "are you okay? This has been going on for weeks."

"I dunno, Fen," you admitted, "I think its just some bug but I can't shake. I'm sure it'll get better soon."

"And I'm sure you should go and see a healer," she was insistent and while she had inklings of suspicion, she wasn't going to mention those just yet, "or I'll be forced to tell Fett.”

“You’re worrying over nothing,” you insisted with a small roll of your eyes. Sometimes you didn’t know who was worse - Fennec or Boba. Surely one had to have learned from the other as they became increasingly protective over you, “it’s fine, Fen.”

“It’s my job to worry about you,” she reminded you softly, “otherwise Fett will have my head. Besides, I happen to care about you as well. Please go to the healer this afternoon and just get a check up. What can it hurt?”

“Fine,” you agreed, begrudgingly, crossing your arms over your chest, “fine. But when nothing is wrong, I will gladly tell you both I told you so.”

“We’ll see about that, Princess,” Fennec gently pushed your hair out of your face as you huffed lightly. You felt more like a child than a respected adult at that moment.

»»————-　♡　————-««

As you made your way back home - the newly redone and revamped palace that was welcoming to all - an odd sense settled over you. You felt...a million different things all at once, but none of them seemed real. A few tears had run down your cheeks as you almost laughed to yourself. You certainly weren’t going to be able to tell them I told you so after this. 

And yet you didn’t mind - not at all. In fact, among all the worries and fears that rushed through your body, you were excited. Thrilled even. Who would have thought? 

Marching down the stairs to the throne room, you expected to find Fennec to share your news with her, but instead you found a different sight. One that sent a spike of excitement flowing through your blood.

“Boba!” you hopped down the last few steps and bounded over to him. He immediately looked up from what he was working on, a smile gracing his features as he held his arms open to you. You almost bowled him over in your excitement, a feat compared to how much of a tank he was in the armor, “my love - you’re home!”

“As are you,” he kissed the top of your head before putting his hands on either side of your face, “Fennec told me you went to see the healer. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, but it can wait - how was your trip?”

“It was fine,” he gave you a curious look, “just business as usual. Now tell me - what aren’t you telling me?”

“You weren’t hurt or anything were you?” you looked him up and down, checking his face to make sure there were no new marks or injuries before following suit with the parts of him that were exposed to you. He scoffed lightly as you fawned over him, but deep down the big bad bounty hunter lavished in your praise, “no mishaps?”

“No mishaps, no injuries,” he promised as you peppered a few kisses across his cheeks, “out with it, Little One. I know you’re hiding something, you always get like this.”

“Hmmm,” you mused as you took a step backwards and tried your best to keep from brimming over with excitement, “and you are always a big worry wart over nothing, my love.”

“Only when it comes to you,” he insisted with a waggle of his finger, “now out with it, what’s going on.”

“Remember how I was feeling before you left?” you asked and he nodded with a grimace, “well I haven’t been feeling better-”

“You told me you had,” he accused as you gave him a sheepish look, “were you lying to me?”

“Maybe…” you plastered on the most innocent expression you could, “but none of it matters-”

“Of course it does!”

“Hush,” you held a finger up to his lips in order to silence him, “lemme finish. Well, this morning I still wasn’t feeling better, and Fennec insisted I go to the healer. She insisted and said you would too.”

“Of course I would, I’ve been telling you since -”

“I know, I know, I know,” you rushed out the words, very fiber of your being trembling with excitement, “I found out the reason I haven’t been well.”

“Is it a bug?” he asked as you shook your head, causing him to tilt his head to side in confusion, “if it’s not...what could it possibly be?”

“I’m pregnant,” you blurted out excitedly, unable to hold back any longer. Boba’s face shifted through about a million expressions as he looked at you expectantly and you nodded. A smile tugged on the corners of his mouth before he pulled you into his arms, clutching you against him as tightly as he possibly could, “we’re having a baby, Boba!”

“A baby,” he back as he studied your face, gently wiping away at the tears that had rolled down your cheeks while his own eyes glistened as well, “Little One - cyare - this is far better than I could have expected.”

“I know,” you agreed as he kissed you, “I never thought...it all makes sense now. The fatigue, not being able to keep food down - it’s so obvious. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner.”

“A baby,” he was incredulous, unable to form a coherent thought at the exciting news. He never thought he would get this - you, a baby, an empire, anything - but it was, all coming to bless him at once. He had never been more thankful than in that moment. He looked down at your stomach, where there was still no evidence of your pregnancy just yet, but sighed contentedly before placing a gentle hand over it. He couldn’t wait to see you grow round with your child - his child - as time went on. If you thought he was protective over you before, then you were in for something else. Now that he had everything he could possibly ever want, he was never letting it go. 

“You’re - you’re happy right, my love?” you asked as he met your eyes, lips trembling as they were tugged up lightly in the corners. Touching his cheek lightly, he keened into your touch before you gave him a gentle kiss, “I know we didn’t...plan this, but I’m happy.”

“Me too,” he promised as he wrapped you into another warm hug, this time being gentle with your stomach as you laughed, “I am happier than any man deserves to be. All thanks to you, Little One. I love you.”

“I love you too Boba,” you agreed, “I am so happy, so so happy. But there is one thing…”

“You’re not going to be able to call me Little One much longer,” you grinned as you put on your belly, “not once the real little one comes around.”

“Nonsense,” he insisted softly, “you’ll always be my Little One, Princess. Always.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

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[hollowedwing]

Isekai-ed into Hawk's Life

Hawks x gn!winged!Reader

Warnings: ⚠️ Death!(at very beginning, it is an isekai), mentions of death throughout, some angst(??maybe not yet??), slight cursing

THIS WILL NOT FOLLOW A SPECIFIC TIMELINE IN THE MANGA

(so sorry i just, love, love, the idea of having wings)

(this is all my art, it is on IG, im just too embarrassed for people who know me irl to potentially find this xD Even though none of them have tumblr 👀 if you somehow recognize it...props to you?)

_________________________________

tbh, I can’t decide if I want this to have more than 1 part. 

Word count: ~1,800

_________________________________

You were on your way home from a long evening at your part time job. Before that you had already taken 2 finals that morning too.

You dragged your feet, exhausted, as you headed towards the crosswalk. Stopping at the edge as the traffic light turned green, you decided to pull out your phone and decided to watch a speed paint from your favorite artist who recently released a new video.

It just so happened it was a Hawks speed paint 👀

The light turned red and you slipped your phone into your pocket as your started to make your way across the street

little did you know this would be the last time you'd cross the street

A wild driver came barreling down the road, no regards for civilians or traffic lights, probably drunk or high or just someone out for blood.

You stood there like a deer caught in headlights as your life flashes before your eyes

You can barely comprehend what's happening as you felt pain engulf your body and suddenly you were unconscious

________________________________________

Keigo tiredly stumbled into his large apartment, kicking off his shoes and shrugging his jacket off by the door

He wants nothing more than to just flop down and pass out. The HPSC has been giving him hell lately about god knows what.

He let out a long sigh and headed towards the bathroom to do his nightly routine

As he finishes up, he drags his feet towards his bed and flops down face first into the comfort of his pillow and sheets

Keigo falls asleep almost instantly after getting into a comfortable position, worn out from a long day of work

What he wasn't expecting was a loud "thud!" coming from the main room. He jolts up from his bed, feathers ready to attack.

*******

Reader's pov(?)

*******

You groaned as you hit the floor. Your head was spinning and it feels like a truck just hit you

oh wait...

You suddenly became more alert, looking around in a panic, expecting to either be on the road and injured or in a hospital of sorts. What you didn't expect was a wooden floor inside of a random apartment.

You felt around your body for any signs of injury, but all you found were a set of wings on your back- wings?? Hold up. Why did you feel wings what kind of sick joke was this?

Your thoughts were racing as your breathing picked up. What was happening? Didn't you just get hit by a vehicle? Why are there wings in your back? Where are you even?

Feeling around in your pockets, you found your phone and whipped it out, trying for anything. You turned it on, the harsh light of it illuminating your face, you tried to send a text to your best friend, but alas, it wouldn't go through. Actually nothing on your phone seemed to work. You checked your location settings, for some reason it said Musutafu, Japan.

Wasn't....Wasn't that the location that most of Boku no Hero Academia took place?? This can't be right, this has to be a dream right? There's no way that you could have actually ended up here unless...

Then it hit you.

You read your fair share of isekai series back when you were alive in your realm. Mostly manhwas of characters getting reborn into another person's body, but, never actually reincarnating as yourself into another world.

That was the only thing you could think of. You must have been reincarnated into the Boku no Hero Academia world. Except as yourself.

In all honesty, this is not how you thought you'd go out. You didn't know what to expect after death, but this definitely wasn't it. After all, this was a fictional setting, wasn't it?

Well, not anymore because now you're living in it! Smh.

That would also probably explain the wings on your back. This was you now. You have a bird quirk.

Now, all you have to do, is figure out where the heck you are.

Just as you are about to stand up, feathers zip towards you, pinning you to the ground

You hear footsteps begin to come towards you. You don't know if you should be scared for your life considering you've already died once or ecstatic because, you knew for a fact, this could be none other than Hawks' apartment.

The winged hero finally emerges and stares down at you, crossing his arms over his chest.

He says in a low, gravely voice from sleep, "Who are you, and how did you get into my home?" You stare back up at him and nervously chuckle.

"I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you." You nervously sigh out.

"Try me." He demands, sounding a little more irritated now. You sigh in defeat and start to explain your situation.

"Do...do you know what an isekai is?" You said sheepishly while turning your gaze away from his. He kind of gave you a confused head tilt and just a vibe that said “No”. You sigh again and explain it to the best of your ability. Hawks becomes more and more interested and confused as you talk, but nods a long slowly. 

“So...you were reborn here, but as yourself? Wait- does that mean you died before!?” He asked, disbelief and fear ran through his eyes. You looked at him in bitter amusement.

“Apparently I did. The last thing I remember of my world was getting hit by some truck or car. The dude clearly did not know how to drive. I had the right of way I was pretty sure at least. I mean, the light was red, usually that means pedestrians can cross the street? And plus he was going wayyy over the speed limit,” you begin to ramble on, the reality of actually dying setting into you. Hawks noticed the panic beginning to set into you and released you from his feathers. He crouched down next to you and grabbed your shoulders gently.

"Hey, hey, hey, look at me, you're ok now, right? You're here, and not dying in the middle of the street still. You're here. In Musutafu," he said trying to calm you back to reality. Well, what was your new reality. Your mind was racing. Trying to put together a coherent thought. 

You look up to him, with a panicked look still in your eyes, thoughts started to come out of your mouth as your brain was trying to catch up with the situation. "I'm... I'm in Boku no Hero Academia and, and you’re Keigo... standing... right in front of me..I have wings. I have wings? Jeezus I have fucking wings. And I’m dead in my own world. I don’t know anyone, well, wait, technically, I do know people, just-Oh gods! I’m so sorry, that name slipped out! I- I, I’m really sorry Hawks." Even in your wild state, you noticed Hawks tense up at the sound of being called Keigo by a total stranger, and were able to get out an apology. That was progress? You were slowly coming back to reality.

Hawks froze up a bit at the sound of hearing his real name mentioned. At first he wasn't sure if he believed your tale of the isekai situation, but after this he might have to reconsider it. He opted to shake off that weird feeling for now and focus on different matters. 

" I-I don't know what I'm supposed to do now? I have nowhere to go or to stay. I'm in a whole different freaking universe! My phone doesn't even hardly work here. And I have a pair of wings on my back!" You puffed them out angrily. Hawks glanced behind you and his eyes widened a little. You in fact, did have a set of bird wings. Kind of owl like wings. Not near as big as Hawks', but definitely big enough to fly you around.

Before Hawks could process the words coming out of his mouth, he was already asking you, "Would you maybe like to stay with me? I can help with your quirk too." He glanced away awkwardly. You looked towards him in disbelief.

"Dude, are you sure? We literally just met like 10 minutes ago? I mean, I'm all for it, I have nowhere else to turn to, but if you really really don't want me here, I will politely step out of your life." You so badly wanted to accept his offer on the spot, but being the considerate, mostly sensible human you were, you gave him the option to back out. Hawks shook his head.

"No, no, it's alright. You can crash here. Uh- I mean- stay here! Sorry!" You giggled at his comment.

"Well thank you very much!"

"It's all good. I have a spare bedroom you can occupy for the time being. I'll give you some clothes to sleep in that'll hopefully fit. Accidentally bought a couple things in the wrong size without looking. " (a/n: just...just assume its your size, or oversized, whatever's comfy idk) He jumped up and headed towards his room to grab you the clothes. You still sat on the floor. Still amazed at everything that was occurring.

Hawks walked back into the room and tossed you the clothes. "Hey uh, you know, you can get up now, sorry for holding you down earlier.."

You blushed and scrambled to stand up, "Oh no! It's ok! I understand. This would definitely warrant that kind of action. Some random stranger crashes into your apartment at like 1am. I completely understand. Honest."

He let out a small laugh and wearily brushed his fingers through his hair. The adrenaline of everything finally wearing off. He could feel the tiredness setting into his aching muscles again. “Ah, well, I’m going to head to bed now. The room is down the hall at the very end that you can stay in. I’ll take you out training tomorrow evening if that’s alright?”

You gave a nod of understanding and followed him down the hallway. “Goodnight Hawks,” you sang as he walked into his bedroom. He gave a hum of acknowledgment and closed his door. 

Making it into what was now your room, you changed out of your clothes so fast, eager to rid yourself of the past hours events. 

Not gonna lie, you could not figure out how to properly get your new wings into the shirt, even with the holes and snaps in the back. Your mind was too exhausted to even process this new skill. So you ended up going to bed without the shirt on and just settled for putting the sweatpants on. 

You figured it’d be good to just pass out asap. You were sure if you tried to recount the recent events, you’d spiral into a panicked mess. 

You shut your eyes tightly, willing yourself to sleep, trying to only think of positive outcomes for the future. But to be honest, you didn’t know enough about anything in this realm to think rationally about anything good. 

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

I prooobably didn’t proofread this as much as I should have

[aminiatureworld]

A Little Rest II

Characters: Xiao, Zhongli, gn!reader

Word Count: 2,104 

Warnings: Swearing

Premise: Sometimes life is just unbearably tiring. And a comforting shoulder can be the perfect substitute pillow. In which the reader falls asleep on their partner.

Author’s Note: Second part!!! I realize the first didn’t get a ton of traction, unfortunately, but hopefully, this’ll still be welcomed. I realize since most of these are basically pseudo fics, would you guys prefer it to be bullet-pointed or paragraphed? I’m just wondering if one format is easier or more pleasant to read than the other. 

Also, adepti’s rules and personal needs are kinda nebulous to me so I sort of made them up myself. Watches also weren’t a thing until the 1800s, and specifically didn’t really become a thing in China until the mid-20th century. But this is fantasy so I do what I want.

Xiao

You loved Xiao more than you could say. Every little moment spent with him made your heart flutter, every habit of his that you’d noticed, every little way he revealed his soul to you.

It seemed so improbable to you sometimes, than an adeptus, someone so very disconnected from the world of humans, should choose to love you. Although Xiao would never let you think you were any lesser than him, would never let his nature put you down, you were still somewhat in awe of the whole setup, and little reminders of his adepti status often brought you back to when you two had first begun to fall in love, when Xiao had explained that he didn’t quite understand the human way of life.

And one of those things that he didn’t understand appeared to be the concept of sleep itself.

It wasn’t that Xiao didn’t know what sleep was. Nor was he unable to sleep, he once told you. Theoretically he could sit down and take a nap much like any normal human. It was more that he didn’t need to sleep, and didn’t see the need to do something that took up so much time and left one so vulnerable.

Not that he didn’t pay attention to your needs; he wasn’t about to disrupt your sleep schedule on purpose, in fact you often joked that Xiao cared more about your rest than you did. It was only that, after spending so many years simply not thinking about things like sleep, it became hard for him to suddenly remember that he had a partner who needed said sleep every day. And a day was oh so short in Xiao’s mind.

It was a beautiful evening at the Wangshu Inn. The air was warm without being stifling and a breeze blew, light and cool. You were on the roof with Xiao, the place that had become your normal meeting spot. For as much as Xiao adored you with every fiber of his soul, he was still an adeptus, and his comfort level around most humans was that of an anxious cat – always ready to bolt.

Besides, the roof of the Inn was such a lovely place to relax. You gazed at Xiao’s profile as he looked up at the stars, noticing the way that the wind ruffled his hair slightly, the way his posture seemed so relaxed, so comfortable. One of his hands was clasping yours, fingers linked together, his palm nice and warm; the other pointed out constellations to you, each bearing a story, some which had long been forgotten by the residents of Liyue.

It wasn’t often that Xiao was so talkative, so open. Although he still barely mentioned his past – keeping that part of himself shut away with only the occasional crack through which you might learn of his sorrows – he’d become much more willing to disclose his everyday thoughts to you, as well as share stories that he knew. The latter was something you always loved to listen to, not just because the stories he told were always interesting and so full of life, but also because they gave you the sense of knowing him better, something that always made you happy.

Unfortunately, tonight was one night where, though you were more than happy to listen to Xiao talk about the stars, you were kind of dying of fatigue. A headache slipped in and out of your consciousness, and you found it more and more difficult to concentrate on Xiao’s words, finding they were all melting together into some semi-coherent monologue.

Your fatigue must’ve been very apparent, for when Xiao glanced over at you his whole demeanor changed; the carefree look on his face was gone, replaced with one of slight confusion and definitive worry. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” You shook your head. “Just a bit tired, that’s all.”

“Then you should rest.” Xiao squeezed your hand slightly before moving to stand up. However, as tired as you were, you cared more about spending time with him, and weren’t about to cut said time short.

“Wait!” You exclaimed, causing Xiao to pause, looking at you in a puzzled way. You smiled, slightly sheepish, but pressed forward. “I’ll be fine. If you don’t mind though, may I, uh, may I lay my head on your shoulder.” You gazed up at him, but inside you were struck with the urge to suddenly look away. Xiao was still a bit reticent with affection, not that it bothered you. He’d told you that he was simply unused to it, not averse to it. You weren’t about to pressure him into anything though, no matter the cause, and thus you waited for his response, hoping your expression conveyed that it’d be perfectly fine if he declined.

Your worries proved to be without ground however, for Xiao’s expression grew only fonder. Lying back down he gestured towards you. You gladly scooted closer to him, laying your head on his shoulder, hand once more in his. “You were saying about the boar constellation.” You murmured.

Xiao smiled, kissing the top of your head, before once more going on speaking about the stars. You smiled too, allowing his stories to carry you off to sleep, your head already swirling with half formed dreams about creatures who walked among the stars.

Xiao listened to your breathing even out, still talking a little after it seemed you’d dozed off, making sure that the sudden stop of his voice didn’t wake you up.

Gazing down at your peaceful face he pondered for a moment how much his life had changed so quickly. Even a month ago the idea that he would become friends with a human seemed impossible, much less that he would fall in love with one.

When he’d first met you it was as if something that had been frozen inside him for a long time began to thaw. He was terrified at first, terrified of you, terrified of himself, terrified of the unknown that loomed before him like a vast chasm. It had taken every ounce of courage to hold your hand at first, and every ounce of courage for every step after that.

But he would do it again if he had to, for being with you was the best part of his long, often cruel life. And he would do anything to protect you, anything to make sure you were comfortable and happy and healthy.

“Goodnight.” He spoke softly. Up above the stars kept silent vigil along with him. Tomorrow would be a bright new day, but for now he was simply going to enjoy the moment he’d been given with you.

 Zhongli

For someone who’d lived thousands of years, you’d think Zhongli would remember that tea had to be decaffeinated sometimes.

Not that you could really blame him for forgetting. After all it’s not like he needed to pay attention to whether or not his tea was caffeinated. To one of the Seven sleep was something more akin to a perk than a necessity. Sure, it was nice to sleep. But it’s not like Zhongli was going to feel regret if he accidentally downed five cups of tea right before midnight and spent the rest of night starting at the ceiling, wondering where he went wrong.

Unfortunately, you were definitively not a god, and did, in fact, need sleep. So, when you found yourself staring out the window at 5 am, having long come to the conclusion that sleep was just not going to happen, the emotion going through your mind was something more akin to: “Oh. Fuck.”

This turned into an “Oh you’ve got to be fucking kidding me” when you saw the list of your daily commissions. Yeah, someone had to go to Jueyun Karst and Qingyun Peak to collect Cor Lapis, and considering your relationship with Zhongli and the adepti it should’ve been unsurprising that you were going to be the one to do it. But your sleep addled brain was having a difficult time processing things logically, and all you saw when you looked at the list Katheryne gave you was the fact that today was going to hurt.

Your prediction turned out to be only too true. No adepti came to ask why you were mining outside their front doors – honestly what would you even respond to something like that – but the amount of treasure hunters that ran into you began to feel less like a likely coincidence, considering the location, and more like a targeted attack. Thankfully there was nothing you couldn’t handle, but by the end of your expedition you were more than ready to go home and take a nap.

Hurrying through the rest of your day, barely responding to the people you interacted with, by the time you’d finally finished up with your adventuring duties you felt like the most irritated person on the planet.

Arriving home, throwing your pack haphazardly onto the floor you almost tripped and fell flat on your face in your hurry to get to the bedroom. Not bothering to take off your adventuring gear you threw yourself onto the bed and quickly found yourself lost in long overdue sleep.

Zhongli glanced at his watch, frowning as he saw the lateness of the hour. The sun was already beginning to set, and though he’d walked as fast as possible, he still found himself feeling vaguely guilty about being so late. You two hadn’t spoken much in the morning, you’d seemed a bit restless and hurried out right after breakfast, so Zhongli was anxious to spend as much time with you after work as possible.

“Darling?” He called out, walking into the home you two shared. He glanced around uncertainly, surprised that you hadn’t greeted him at the door. The sight of your pack sprawled about the hallway only made him more confused, and vaguely alarmed, and he hurried down the hall, checking each room to see if you were there.

His worry immediately faded upon seeing you, curled up above the covers, evidently fast asleep. Unsure as to whether or not to wake you up he instead headed towards the kitchen, thinking you might like something when you got up.

You woke up in the dark, something that surprised you. You’d been out for a long time. Seeing that the door had been opened you shuffled down the hall, still a bit groggy from the extended nap you’d just taken.

Zhongli smiled as you entered the kitchen. “Did you have a good nap my darling?” He asked, kissing you on the forehead. You nodded sleepily, propping yourself up by your elbows on the counter. Zhongli chuckled. “Here, something to warm you up.”

Yours eyes widened as the cup of tea was placed in front of you. For a moment there was silence, then you glanced back at him.

“Zhongli?”

“Yes?”

“Uhm, is this tea, well, does it by any chance have caffeine in it?”

The look on Zhongli’s face was enough to make you burst into giggles. Perplexion melted into realization, which evidently caused some sort of embarrassment, for the former god blushed a bright shade of red before bringing his hand to cover his mouth.

“Ah, I see. That’s why you were so tired this morning.”

“It’s alright.” You finally replied, the initial fit of giggles having passed. “I know that you don’t have to think about these sorts of things normally. Only me making the same mistake two times in a row would be a bit hilarious, wouldn’t you think” You placed a kiss on Zhongli’s cheek, finally causing him to calm down a bit.

“I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry. Next time I promise to pay more attention.”

“Thank you.” You smiled, fatigue coming back after the initial burst of energy. Leaning into Zhongli’s neck you sighed slightly.

“Still tired?” Zhongli asked, voice soft and caring.

“Yeah, a bit.” You admitted. Zhongli nodded, before scooping you up.

Carrying you over to the couch you both settled in a bit. Zhongli began humming a sort of lullaby, and you smiled despite yourself. “You’re too good for me.” You mumbled.

“Nonsense.” Came Zhongli’s reply, just as full of love and affection. “You’re too good for me. And I won’t hear otherwise.”

“If you say so.” You replied, too tired to really fire back, already drifting off.

“I do. It’s only the truth.” And with that he began to hum again. As you fell asleep one last thought lingered in your mind.

If such contentment comes from staying up too late, then I’d be glad to do it again.

[script-nef]

So why won’t you realise it '^' | Gojou Satoru

Category: fluff

1.9k words; Movie date [2/6]

Spoilers of Howl’s Moving Castle!! Beware!!

← Previous chapter | Masterlist

“Eh, Shouko! What do you mean you can’t make it?”

“I mean, another person is about to come in and they need me to heal them. By the time I’m done the movie will be finished.” Shouko’s voice over the phone is laced with annoyance and sadness coupled with lethargy. You don’t know how she pulls off such a unique combination of emotions but she somehow accomplishes it every time. “And I was looking forward to it…”

This would have been the first time you had a break with her since the trip to France. And while she enjoyed it a lot, the same couldn’t be said for the two males. Which was weird since Gojou is infatuated with sweets and Ken-chan agreed to come. So it was kind of weird when there was a tense atmosphere between them. You know your brother and Gojou are nearly polar opposites, but their animosity wasn’t usually that strong. 

They brushed it off as nothing when you asked if something was wrong, which was sort of dubious since you could kind of see the black cloud looming over the both of them, but you let it go. If it was something important, they would be able to handle it themselves or report it to you. You couldn’t sense any cursed spirits nearby so you guessed that they were just in a bad mood for some reason.

Still, you had a wonderful time and found some new snacks that everyone enjoyed. So a day well spent, all in all. 

And Ken-chan told you to tell him if Gojou ever offers overseas trips or anything similar, so he must have enjoyed it. Maybe you can ask Gojou to take all of you to Denmark one day.

“Ah… my dear Howl. Life and curses separate us again.” Her voice is full of sadness now, no doubt mourning over her chance of watching her favourite character on a huge screen with surround sound disappearing. 

“It’s okay! I’ll bring you the figurine and we can watch it again here in about… uh…”

“Ten years?” She sounds like she’s about to drop dead.

“Uh… yes… But maybe five years? Hopefully? You know, I shouldn’t watch it without you. I’ll come back to school.” 

“No, no. Watch the movie. At least you’ll get to see it. Ah, they’re coming now so I have to go.”

“Ah, okay. Bye, Shouko! Stay positive!”

A non-committal sigh accompanies a small “Bye” before the call clicks off. A frown takes over your face at the lost opportunity for her. She was looking forward to this for a long time and you leapt at the chance for another girls’ day out. Being able to watch a childhood favourite is an added bonus. But now you’re standing in the movie theatre, the ticket desk just across the room and an extra on your hand. 

It’s a shame because it cost quite a lot. Shouko is definitely going to mope about this when you get back and maybe start smoking again. She always has a pack on her even if she said she quit, and smokes one if she’s stressed or angry. You should call someone and make sure somebody takes it away from her.

You should probably hold onto the ticket and give it back. Or maybe that would make it worse for her, serving as a reminder of this day. Conflict rages inside your head. There’s a high possibility of either decision breaking her heart. Again. A buzz from your phone saves you the trouble of deciding.

Shouko: I sent someone as my replacement. 

A tap on the shoulder makes you turn as you type in a reply and you come face to face with a black jacket. Gojou’s head pops down.

“Hey there. I think you called for a replacement!” He seems to be in a ridiculously good mood, even more so than usual. Maybe his students successfully finished another mission. Which is great. It also means more paperwork for you. Which is not so great.

“How did you com—ah. Teleportation.”

“Ding ding ding! Correct!” He's been using the skill more frequently lately, popping in and out of places like one of those Whac-A-Mole games. . It gives you heart attacks all the time and you’re sure he gets a kick out of it. You saw how his smiles widen when you flinch or react. Thankfully it’s when you’re alone so other people never see you jump what feels like a metre into the air.

“Do you want popcorn?” He breaks you out of your thoughts. “I think they have the new caramel flavour. Apparently it’s way too sweet.” So perfect for Gojou. Even though he’s asking if you want it, there’s a spring in his step which definitely means he’s getting some. Probably the biggest option they have.

And you’re proven right because he comes back with two huge buckets which look impossible to finish. When you try to object, he cuts off with “I’ve eaten three buckets before. Alone.” With the smile he’s giving you, it really doesn’t sound like he’s joking. You try to take one to lighten the load but he says it’s alright. 

He signals the way to the theatre rooms with his head, walking beside you as you find your way.

“So what’s the movie?” Your head snaps to him in confusion.

“You don’t know?” A shake and a shrug. “It’s Howl’s Moving Castle. This was Shouko’s idea since she loves it and this year is Studio Ghibli’s 40 year anniversary. The cinema is having an exclusive showing of their movies this month. Only one session per movie, for some reason. Surely they would make more money if they played it over multiple days, but. I dunno. Executives make weird decisions.” A light scoff from him to tell he knows exactly what that’s like. His hatred for the higher-ups runs deep. You don’t push it.

“So she wanted to come but got held back at the last minute?”

“Yeah. Ah, here are our seats.”

You’re placed in the very middle of the room and you both make yourselves comfortable. Shouko went all out for this movie, upgrading the seats and making it a recliner. Your poor back, abused after sitting in chairs and hunched over computers for so long, practically melts into the plush cushion. It’s so comfortable that you might fall asleep in it if it isn’t Howl that’s about to start. 

Feet dangling in the air, you look over to Gojou to see him on his phone. It looks like he’s in a chatroom and you catch the words ‘Shouko’ and ‘favour’ before looking away. You didn’t mean to peek, but it’s not like you can consciously not read something. It was in your line of sight and you averted your eyes as soon as you realised what you were reading. Your brother brought you up better than to pry into other people’s businesses, even if it’s really, really tempting.

“Phones need to be placed on silent, you know.” The ads are coming on the screen. He smiles at you, slipping it into his pocket.

“Just talking to Shouko. She says she hasn’t even started properly.”

Disappointment fills you. Gojou is a good friend to watch this with but you hoped Shouko would somehow miraculously finish in time. She would be devastated.

“I’ll have to make this up to her when we get back. Give her the figurine and keep her hap—ah! I forgot! Gojou, I was supposed to ask someone to take her ciga—” He cuts you off with a light pat on your hand.  

“Don’t worry, I did it already. All of them are safe out of her reach and I gave her packets of hot chocolate instead. When we get back, she’ll have drunk at least half of them and be in a good mood.” What a Gojou-like replacement. He smiles like a child wanting pats on the head for a job well done. You just barely catch yourself from moving. 

Gojou gets a rep for being aloof and neglectful, but he does take care of the people he holds dear to him. His friends, members of the school, his students. You hope you’re included in the list. 

Actually, the more you think about it, the more you realise he’s different from initial perceptions. You learn more and more about him as time goes on, in the most delightful sense. He’s somewhat like an onion, new characteristics being revealed every time a layer is peeled. A snicker escapes at the thought of Gojou dressed up like an onion, just waddling around. He shoots you a questioning head tilt which you wave off.

In the years that you’ve known him, he made himself into a trustworthy friend. One full of laughs and ridiculousness. Maybe it’s his childishness that puts you at ease, but he’s incredibly comfortable and easy to relax around. Thoughts trail and the words fly out of your mouth before you even think.

“You know, I think you would make a wonderful boyfriend.”

He freezes completely, like somebody’s zapped him in place. You stare at him, wondering what’s wrong, but the lights dim and by the time he gathers coherence, your concentration is on the opening sequence.

“Ah, that was so good! Ugh, I love Howl. Isn’t he so cool?” You skip out of the room, remembering to take the figurines provided at the exit, with Gojou trailing behind you. “You know how she asks him to wait for her in the past? The first thing he says to her in the movie is ‘I’ve been looking everywhere for you.’ He searched for her the entire time! This is modern poetry. This.” 

“Do you think Howl would be a good boyfriend?” The question stops you. It’s different than usual for some reason, the voice asking the question and the intensity of it. He’s still his aloof self, all smiles and grins, but there’s something you can’t quite place that’s wrong. It’s unnerving, but you diligently answer his question.

“Um, I mean, yeah? Look at how cute he is with Sophie. See?” The figurine is a frozen shot of Howl and Sophie dancing in the rain with an umbrella that’s not being useful at all. They’re both incredibly detailed, so much so that you can see their clothes and skin drenching wet. Wow, this is actually a phenomenal job. Shouko will be so happy. It makes your heart lighter knowing that at least something might light up her day. 

“Why is he cool?” Gojou seems to be invested in Howl. It confuses you since he just watched the movie with you and he saw how awesome Howl is. 

“Hm, well for one he can do magic.” He opens his mouth but you shush him with a finger to his lips. “Yeah, I know, what we have is kind of like magic too. But theirs is just… different. He just makes it seem kind of elegant. And he overcame his fear just for Sophie. Remember the scene with Sulliman and in the cluttered bedroom? He still found the strength to protect her even though he was so scared before. It’s admirable. I guess I like strong guys.”

“Hmm~” His tone is contemplative. “You know I’m stronger than him, right?”

A question mark forms over your head. He’s being really weird today. “Yeah? You’re the strongest in the universe, silly. What’s up with you?” Gojou just chuckles and ruffles your head.

“Nothing, nothing. Just making sure you know.” He slings his arm around your shoulder, the intensity gone and the light spring in his step back. “Who else do you think is strong?”

Next chapter →

[nevertheless-moving]

Suicidal Misunderstanding IX

Star Wars Time Travel AU #27

Part I - - - - - Part II - - - - - Part III - - - - - Part IV  - - - Part V - - - - - Part VI - - - - - Part VII - - - - - Part VIII

Content Warning: This chapter contains potentially triggering material, particularly aftermath of attempted suicide as well as discussions of bodily injury.

Cody woke up the morning after the...drunken keldabe still feeling uneasy. He spent half an hour attempting to read over reports in preparation for the Umbaran campaign before giving it up as a lost cause. He distracted himself for a little while by pouring over last night’s cantina surveillance, before giving up on that as well and sending a message to General Skywalker.

‘Any updates on General Kenobi’s status?’

He watched the comms as communications from everyone besides the General trickled in. He answered a few requests for requisitions, forwarded some medical reports, and ignored an irritating handful of overly-personal questions. 

Agonizing over it the whole time, he opened a comm-text link to Obi-Wan. It took nearly an hour, but he managed to send two sentences. ‘Hope you’re recovering well. Look forward to upcoming mission discussion.’

He immediately wanted to retroactively delete the message, mortified by every word and deeply concerned at every second that passed without a reply.

He spent the next 30 minutes hunched over, quickly closing every incoming CT and CC communication, justifying the time to himself as ‘technically on leave.’

He lurched forward when he finally received a General’s comm code, but slumped in disappointment when it was Skywalker, not Kenobi.

‘Not as drunk but still seems a little high. He says he wasn’t drugged. He’s taking the rest of the day off. I’m monitoring.’

Taking the rest of the day off. Did that mean he wasn’t carrying around his comm? Kriff. Should he more or less concerned that the general was actually taking a day off?

He decided to be more concerned.

‘Thank you for the update. Respectfully request information on any changes.’

Hopefully that would encourage Skywalker to keep him informed even if he stopped freaking out over his vod’s behavior.

Stowing the remote comm, he stood up and exited the temporary planet-side office, throwing himself into cleaning up the mess that was nearly 20,000 clone troopers simultaneously attempting to get the most out of a very brief R&R. 

Shortly before mid-day, he received another update from Skywalker.

‘Just managed to get him to medical. Healer cleared him of drug interactions but Obi-Wan’s still acting strange (not crying, but a lot of hugging).’

Cody stared at that for a long while.

‘Any other verbal indications of upcoming danger?’ he finally asked. Skywalker didn’t reply. 

Shortly after nightfall, his incident reports were interrupted by a call from an unknown temple number. He quickly opened it, and a holo of an unfamiliar Mon Calamari female healer appeared in miniature on the desk.

“Commander Cody. Thank you for answering so quickly. Are you somewhere private?” she asked, voice deliberately neutral.

The Commander tensed up. “Yes, sir. I’m in CC office space, alone. The room and the channel are both secure. Is this regarding General Kenobi?”

“Yes.” She replied. “My name is Master Bant Eerin; I’m a temple healer as well as a personal friend of Obi-Wan’s. He’s...he’s in the healing halls right now. We’re still trying to understand exactly what happened- I’ll tell you what I can but first we need to rule out any possible drugs he may have contact with. I need you to describe in detail anything he may have been exposed to that could have possibly had mind-altering effects.”

The Commander was a professional. He swallowed back his fear, his questions, and his demands to know what was going on.

“Of course. Everything on the Negotiator was GAR Standard, and I was with him when we left the ship. We went directly to the lower levels. The first time he was exposed to anyone outside the 212th was when we left our transport on level 3915. I...actually have footage of him the whole time night after that point. I’m sending it over right now, sir.”

“That would be extremely helpful, thank you.” He watched as she pulled it up on a second comm, sound barely audible. 

He continued with his report: “One of the boys took it without permission. He didn’t mean anything by it, he’s just an idiot; I’ve already issued a severe reprimand. In any case, he brought it to me after I issued surveillance on the cantina, it tracks everything the General did- as far as I can tell, he had a glass of house grub wine, two shots of rancor blood, and an unnamed mixed cocktail ‘on the house.’ You can see everything the bartender added- as far as I can tell nothing was slipped in. He just... blacked out suddenly after the fourth drink, and quickly startled awake, confused by his surroundings.”

“I see.” Her tone was still carefully neutral and Cody didn’t know how to read her expression. He waited, wishing he was wearing his bucket so he didn’t have to keep schooling his face into professional patience.

“You brought him back to the temple...correct?” 

“Yes, sir.”

She let out a deep breath, gills fluttering slightly. “We’ll probably have more questions later, but please understand our inquires are entirely based around determining how we can best help Obi-Wan. This call and any future ones are not intended, and should absolutely not be interpreted, as indications of blame. He’s actually spoken to me about you before, I know he has the deepest respect for you, personally and professionally. Someone will likely be assigned to talk to everyone whose spent time with him recently, including myself.”

The sick feeling in his gut from last night returned full force. “I...believe I understand sir. His condition is serious, then?”

Her gills fluttered again.

“Even now, I think we can safely anticipate a full physical recovery. He...there’s no easy way to say this...it appears he attempted to end his own life. Knight Skywalker got to him just in time, and he received bacta within minutes of the initial burn. I...like I said...we’ll began work to figure out why-”

Her voice broke and she stared up, large tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. She hastily wiped them away.

“Rest assured commander, he’s getting the best treatment possible. Thank you for your assistance. I’ll do my best to answer any questions you might have right now. This is my personal comm link- please feel free to reach out to me at any point for updates.”

“I-” Cody cleared his throat. “Can I come to the temple? To...” he trailed off, not sure how to finish.

“Not tonight, I’m sorry. The healers need to focus; he’s not allowed any visitors until he’s out of Bacta, I’m afraid.”

“Skywalker must be throwing a fit at that” Cody remarked numbly.

The healer winced. “Knight Skywalker is currently sedated. He was...injured in the struggle to keep Obi-Wan from further harm. Master Windu witnessed part of it, but we’ll have to wait until its safe to wake him to get the full story. I’ll be notifying Captain Rex of the situation after we finish speaking.”

“I’ll do it.” Cody offered immediately. “Tell me what happened.”

Eerin hesitated. 

“Please, Sir. It will be better coming from me and...if he’s the only other trooper who’s being informed at the moment...”

“Of course,” she said quietly. “We don’t know the full circumstances, but at some point in performing emergency care for Master Kenobi, Knight Skywalker was stabbed in the lower abdomen with a vibroblade. It pierced his large intestine. The blade was pulled out shortly before healers arrived, causing some further damage and blood loss. He’s already finished surgery, and should only need a few hours of Bacta at most. Considering his extraordinary past recovery rates, he’ll likely be out of bed tomorrow and fully healed by the end of the week.”

“General Kenobi wouldn’t...” Cody trailed off again. He was having a hard time putting coherent sentences together.

Bant looked at the ceiling for a moment, seeming to collect her thoughts.

“Psychosis can have many manifestations. Even with- with conventional injuries, people can mistake help for harm. There’s just too much we don’t understand, and only so much we can learn before they wake up. Are you certain you wish to be the one to inform Captain Rex?”

“Yes.” That was about the only thing the Commander was certain of right now. “Is there anyone else in the GAR I should inform of...anything?”

“The military aspect of this isn’t my area of expertise. If there’s someone you trust who can be a support for you, I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to tell them in confidence. Some form of what happened is going to get out eventually.” she replied. “Please use your discretion, I suppose. It’s...not really my speciality but I imagine you’ll receive further orders on how much to release to the GAR once Obi-Wan’s stable.”

Right. Discretion. Because Obi-Wan wasn’t just Obi-Wan- he was a high general in charge of nearly 1/3 of the republic’s forces. If word of this got out to the wrong ears it would cause mass panic, maybe even an emboldened separatist advance. It was an insane amount of responsibility for one person, no wonder - he deliberately didn’t finish the thought.

“I’ll comm the Captain immediately. Thank you for the information, General.” he said out loud.

“Feel free to contact me for further updates, and tell Captain Rex he’s welcome to do the same. I’ll message you when its clear to visit the halls.”

“Yes, Sir.” Cody responded, saluting automatically. 

“Take care of yourself, Commander Cody”

The hologram blinked out. Cody sat motionless for several long moment before sweeping his desk off, sending the assorted flimsies and redundant comm-units of various designations to the ground.

He stared at the empty desk, then tapped a button on his wrist comm, opening a private audio channel. “CT-7567, please come in” he said calmly.

“Cody?” came the alarmed reply. “I’m here, what’s going on?” Why did he sound so panicked? He had deliberately used his calmest voice. Oh well.

“Please report immediately to CC Office 12 in Guard Headquarters”

“I’ll be there in 10″

Cody hung up. He stared at the blank wall. He knew something was wrong with how the General said goodbye.

He opened the single desk drawer and dumped the odd wires and coins inside to the floor. Eerin had said burn. That could mean a lot of things, but lightsaber was the most likely. 

Cody puked profusely into the empty drawer. He stared at the vomit for a moment before carefully closing the drawer. He still felt a little sick. He hadn’t even said anything back to the General, he just stood there, frozen. 

He stared vaguely at the wall across, wondering if he was going to puke again.

Rex burst into the room. “Cody! What’s going on?! You- kark, what is that smell?”

“I puked in the desk drawer” Cody explained.

Rex shut the door behind him and slowly walked over. He knelt down next to the desk, gently taking Cody’s hands in this own. “Cody. Vod. Talk to to me.” 

“Obi-Wan tried to kill himself.”

Rex’s hands tightened over Cody’s compulsively and Cody squeezed back harder. He closed his eyes so he wouldn’t have to look at Rex’s expression.

“Some of ghost company went out for drinks last night. Obi-Wan started acted oddly. We flew towards the temple. He started crying. We got to the temple. He Keldabe kissed me. He told me goodbye. I didn’t say anything back.”

“Oh, vod” Rex whispered. He gently pulled the slack Cody off the chair and onto his lap on the floor. Cody continued mechanically. “I did reports today. Skywalker said he was with him. I left Obi-Wan a message. I don’t think he saw it. He tried to kill himself. Skywalker must have left him alone. He saved him. Obi-Wan stabbed Skywalker.”

Rex froze, still holding on to Cody. 

“The healer called. Asked about drugs. They don’t think its drugs but they had to ask. She said they’re both going to heal completely fine. I have a link if you want to call the healer directly. That’s...it. I have reports to do now.”

Rex held Cody tighter. “Not right now”

“It’s war. People get hurt. People die. I have work to do”

“Not right now,” Rex repeated. “You have the right to be upset. You have the right to grieve. You’re a person, of course you have feelings.”

“Obi-Wan said that.” Cody whispered. Then he started crying. He continued to quietly sob for some time, hurt and bewildered and scared. They sat on the floor together; Rex barely moved, simply held on to his older brother as he fell apart.

Inevitably, Cody’s tears dried up and he pulled away. 

“I don’t know how to clean this,” he said gesturing at that closed drawer. 

“I’ll take care of it. Let’s just get you to bed. There’s CC bunks here, right? 

“Yes but...”

Cody didn’t really like sleeping so isolated, but he also couldn’t imagine facing the 212th right now. 

“I’ll stay here with you. We’ll go to the temple together in the morning.”

Rex shepherded Cody to the fresher. He stared at the mirror with a vague sense of recognition before automatically moving through a standard sanitation routine. By the time he finished, Rex had joined him in his room.

“What did you do with the vomit?” Cody asked, suddenly exhausted. They slipped into bed together.

“Swapped the whole desk with Pond’s. That bastard knows what he did.”

Cody let out a snort. Then, much to his surprise, he sank heavily into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Part X

[falling-pages]

New Years Kiss headcanons

Happy New Year! These headcanons kinda suck but so did 2020, so I think it levels out. But here are my headcanons for the hosts’ new years kisses!

-

Who will you be kissing at midnight?

-

-

- It was December 31, and you were excited to end this year on a bang. 

You were really feeling yourself--decked out in your favorite party outfit, shiny accessories clashing with the plastic party props you were holding--but you felt like a million bucks.

You wandered the party with your drink in hand, floating from friend group to friend group, taking pictures and snacking on hors d'oeuvres, until you see them across the room.

They’re staring right at you. You’ve thought about this person all year, and especially tonight, wondering if they would even be at this party, wondering if they felt the same way, wondering if you might steal a kiss at midnight.

Your heart hammers as you see there’s only a minute left until the new year.

Then you see them walking towards you.

TAMAKI:

Tamaki wasted no time in coming over to you once he spotted you

He wore this absolutely garish outfit of a brilliant silver suit on top of black dress shirts and slacks, but it fit him so perfectly for the occasion

Pink plastic sunglasses balanced on his nose, but he took them off as he approached you

The soft light of the room reflected off his outfit and made his eyes look so alive

He greeted you with a hug, and offered you a cheers

You clink your glasses together and there’s something about his rosy smile, his soft eyes, and the way that he’s so relaxed that fills you with excitement

He slips you a few feel good pick up lines, tries to chat up the party, but with ten seconds left, confesses his feelings

He takes your face in his hands and gives you a quick preemptive kiss

“You’re so beautiful. I’ve admired you for a long time, but I was too scared to try.”

You hear a countdown in the background, but all you can focus on are his eyes

“Here’s to one kiss, and hopefully many more this year.”

He kisses you just as the clock strikes midnight. Everyone around you screams and celebrates, but you run your hands down his back as he holds you tighter, smiling into your lips, thankful that his new year’s resolution has already come true.

KYOYA:

Kyoya thought about hiding or using the restroom at the one minute mark

He was frustrated about being invited to an event with no meaning other than to watch another minute pass by on a clock

But then he saw you

And suddenly this party didn’t seem so bad

You too were loose business acquaintances, but he had always thought you were cute. You could hold a conversation well enough, and you had earned several promotions in your field, but there was something about the mystery of you--knowing you, but not well enough--that always caught his eye

He gripped his champagne flute and went over to say hi

He’d never admit it, but his hand was sweaty

You were finishing your glass just as he approached

To break the ice, he offered you his champagne, since he didn’t drink and only held it as part of some social standard

You declined, but you thought it was a nice offer. You had only known him as the conniving, stone-faced Ootori heir

His nervousness and shaking did not go unnoticed by you

How could someone so accomplished and clever be undone by someone like you?

He offered some conversation about the party life, but it fell flat as the countdown began

You had noticed him from afar and wanted to get to know him better, but never had the courage

Champagne and a free-for-all atmosphere gave you that courage

As the clock struck, you leaned forward and kissed him lightly, barely a peck on the lips

His eyes stayed open, stunned, and he asked you why you did that

You told the truth: you wanted to see who Kyoya was, not Ootori

Cheers broke out and Kyoya gave you a warm smile, this time leaning in and sharing a good, proper, eyes-closed kiss

Haruhi

Haruhi did not want to be at this party

She only came to chaperone her friends, who were doing who knows what with who knows whom

The only reason she stayed was because of the fancy tuna appetizers

She spent most of the party watching the shenanigans on TV and eating her snacks

She didn’t even notice when it was 30 seconds to midnight

She got up to throw away her trash when you, the only person you could see without a date, spotted her

She looked so cute in her pink sweater dress with her hair clipped back

You quickly grabbed the closest piece of fish you could find and ran to her, offering it out

“Fish for a kiss?”

She was too shocked to respond, but having known you long enough to know your intentions, she nodded and puckered her lips

“Happy New Year!”

You gave her a little peck and handed off the tuna to her glutton-filled hands

HIKARU

Hikaru had been the life of the New Years Eve party

Danced and drank the night away

He was a mess, but still coherent enough to know when it was nearing midnight

His heart had searched for you the entire night, and when he found you he couldn’t help himself

The drinks had given him new confidence

His face shone, and his eyes were so bright you thought they were crystals

He looked so handsome in his red suit and gold chains that you were just as eager when he came to you

“(Y/N), I know we’ve been friends with benefits for a while, but I want that to change. I love you. I want to be with you. Now and forever.”

You jumped on him and kissed him as the clock struck midnight

He immediately added tongue, and as his hands roamed your body, you knew that this kiss was so much more than any kiss you had ever shared with him before

You wrapped your legs around his waist and tangled your tongue with his, not knowing where you ended and where he started

The two of you kissed until someone yelled at you to get a room

And you didn’t come out until well into the next afternoon--it was indeed a good start to the new year

KAORU

Kaoru had lost Hikaru in the crowd some time ago, but that was fine by him--he was looking for you instead

And when he found you, he just about fainted

You looked so beautiful, and you were even wearing a piece he had made for you

You two had been friends throughout college, but there was something about seeing you in that outfit, that he had made just for you, drinking and laughing and smiling, that made him feel the warm headiness of love

He waited until you left your friends to come up to you

He took your hand in his and brushed against your nose, letting the words come from his heart

“I wanna ruin our friendship. We should be lovers instead.”

You answered him with the sweetest kiss as the crowd screamed

MORI

Takashi was NOT excited to go to this party

It wasn’t bad once he got there and saw some classmates, but Mitsukuni quickly ran off and after an hour of stalking the sweets table, Takashi went off to investigate

He had barely had a drink or crumb of food, so when he saw you, his appetite was whet

He had had a crush on you for a little while, but you were so popular and loud and extroverted that he didn’t think you would be compatible together

But tonight was new years, he was ticked off, and it was the night for taking chances

You watched as his eyes washed over you, taking in how good you looked

It momentarily made him forget about the search for his cousin

You extended a hand and crooked a finger towards him, inviting him closer

The heat of the crowd and pulse of the music worked their magic

Once he approached you, you smiled and wound your arms around his neck

“Do you have a new years kiss?”

“No”

“Then I’ll fill the spot”

You had wanted him for a while, but with his tall frame and strict, angry face, you never thought he was interested. But the way he clung to your waist and the avid glances his eyes took from yours to your lips convinced you otherwise

As the clock counted down, he bent his head and kissed you like his life depended on it

His quiet exterior was deceitful--that man kissed the hell out of you

He held you tightly against his body, working his mouth against his frustrations and in with his feelings about you

[nyotasaimiri]

Arc Two (redux) 013

((First day teaching went rather well! It’s just for a few weeks so hopefully I can get sane time tables again soon))

Somehow it went by so quickly, the trip from the little smoothie shop back to the tele-port. They had left a note for Marcy’s father about running errands, and Nyota put a message through SAIL to tell Lumen and Eldie where she had gone. Hopefully those would keep their people from worrying about them too much. Marcy turned their talk to lighter things: telling Nyota about the shopkeepers she knew as they passed, how her dad had started a neighborhood weekend hot-pot tradition, and her own work delivering copies of books to local schools.

“It’s not much, but you should see their smiles. Hylotls smile with their eyes, you know,” Marcy said. “They have so much control over the corners and lids, you can get a whole range of expressions without their mouths ever moving.”

“Humans can smile with their eyes too,” Nyota noted. It was one of the first surprises she’d learned about them.

“Yeah, true. But not quite as well. Do Apex not do that? You did it pretty well, living with us for so long, but I never thought to ask if it was normal for you.”

“Yes and no. We learn not to smile with our eyes, really.” Nyota shrugged the question off. “It is complicated. I’ll explain it better later, I promise.”

Marcy touched her hand. “I’ll hold you to that. But we’re here already. Which booth?”

Nyota pointed at a green-painted platform and led the way over. “We arrived out of this one. Just give me a moment to enter the coordinates… There. I’ll catch you on the other side.”

As luck would have it, she had to catch herself first, grabbing the port frame as dizziness swung her vision around. The teleporter attendant offered her a tray of ginger candies and Nyota took two with a grateful murmur she hoped sounded halfway like coherent words, then found a seat where she could let the world settle down again.

Marcy arrived two minutes later. “Wow… is this some kind of space port? Oh. Motion sickness still bothers you, huh?”

“A bit.” The ginger was helping. Nyota stood up and held out a hand. “Shall we go see the place, then?”

It was quiet at this time of day, relatively speaking, with most visitors returned to their homes and those who called the Outpost home just finishing their daily tasks or trading gossip about the strangers they’d seen that day. Marcy stuck close by Nyota’s side, her expression between fascinated and anxious.

Nyota reached down to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “No one here is looking for trouble. This place is not as much of a port as a refuge,” she explained. Marcy’s nervousness felt strange to her, but she knew that her own comfort was just from knowing them for years. Marcy didn’t have that same luxury.

“A refuge? From what?”

“Anything, really.” Nyota indicated a small rookery of penguins. “They avoid rival mercenaries. There are two other apex here trying to evade the Miniknog. The first person I met was a woman who survived Earth.” She met Marcy’s surprised stare with a small smile. “It was such a comfort to know I wasn’t the only one. Her name is Susa. She was the first person I talked to afterward…”

Marcy looked up at Nyota, trying to read her face, then leaned against her arm. “How long was it?” she asked. “Between Earth and here, I mean.”

“Why do you ask?”

She pressed into Nyota’s arm a little more firmly, wrapping her arm around it and lacing her fingers through Nyota’s. “You always shut yourself away from people when you’re hurting.”

The silence between them pressed down hard on Nyota’s tongue.

Marcy’s grip slackened. “Too close?” She shook her head. “Sorry about that. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“A week.” The weight lifted just a little. They had been close enough once that Nyota wouldn’t have hesitated to answer. She wanted that back. “The first two days were by choice. There was a mine on that planet, and a forgotten sleeping bag. But no signs of people, after that. I hadn’t realized, until I came here…” The words tried to catch, but Nyota forced her way through. “I did not know how lonely I had become.”

It felt like the rest of the Outpost stopped existing in just that moment. “You know, I don’t think you would have told me that, before,” Marcy said slowly.  “It really was a busy nine months, wasn’t it?”

Nyota felt the fur along her back press flatter, trying to make her as small as she felt. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She didn’t have enough of a voice to say it louder, as loud as she wanted, as loud as she needed.

She tried to pull back, but Marcy held her tighter. “No, don’t apologize!” The sudden vehemence made Nyota stop in sheer surprise. Marcy never raised her voice, rarely put passion into her tone at all, but in this moment, she sounded as fiery as Hadley.

“Don’t apologize,” Marcy repeated. “Nyota, it’s okay. I could tell, when we met—” She stopped, closed her mouth, then shook her head and kept going. “Maybe not when we met, but as I got to know you, I could tell you had something so heavy on you. Something too big to talk about. Maybe something that hurt you—It’s okay. I never minded. You don’t have to apologize for it.”

“I do,” Nyota said. She didn’t try to pull away again, but her arm was so tense that she could barely feel Marcy’s hand. “If you knew—”

“You would still be my friend.” Now Nyota could feel Marcy against her arm. She felt the young woman trembling. “…please, Nyota. I thought I’d lost you forever. I’ve spent… I grieved for you, these past nine months. We already lost Isobu...” Damp seeped into Nyota’s sleeve, a hot knife through her knotted heart. “You don’t have to let me in, just… don’t push me away.”

Wordless, Nyota knelt and slid her arms under Marcy’s unprotesting shoulders. It took a force of will to pull her close, but Nyota had faced down the Ruin itself. She would do it again if it meant mending what felt like a hole in the world beneath their feet. “I do need to let you in at last,” she murmured. “I have kept too many secrets for too long, and you deserve better than that. Will you follow me?”

Marcy didn’t say anything, but she nodded.

Nyota let go and stood up, but kept ahold of Marcy’s hand and tried a smile. She actually succeeded. “I’m going to show you the gate that brought me here. We can talk there.”

[justletmeplayminecraft]

so, after seeing the wonderful frozen xisuma art by @ambered-glazed-sheep i had an urge to write some comfort. so i did.

featuring: hermits looking after their admin, a very out of it x, lots of warmth, both physically and in friendships, the comfort after the hurt.

warnings: general being frozen. he's fine though! warmed by the love of his friends. even if he won't step into a snowy biome for a while after this.

"'Suma!" Xisuma can't gather the energy to open his eyes. The voice sounds far away, and he struggles to tell if it really is or not. A burning touch against his cheek breaks through the numbness that has long taken over his body. He twitches from it, muscles moving without his command. A rough noise leaves his throat. "He's freezing."

"I think that's a bit obvious!" That voice is high and distressed. Xisuma can't place why. He knows he recognises them but- His thoughts are distracted as he's moved. Powdered snow slips off his body, limp in the hands that hold him. "Come on, I've got a leather chest plate. Help me get him into it."

He barely manages a noise to protest being manhandled. There's gentle hushing in response as a force tugs at his arms. He can hardly tell which way is up anymore. Something is being pulled onto him and with some effort, he blinks his eyes open. He can't make sense of what he sees. It's just colours - blues as cold as the iciness inside him. None of the shapes come together in his head, no matter how hard he tries to focus. Exhausted, they fall shut again. His head rolls forward with them, quickly caught and laid back on something solid. He's sitting upright. Ah.

"C'mon, Xisuma." He's pretty sure that voice is talking to him. He's Xisuma, right? "Stay with us a bit longer." With a firm click, warmth blossoms in his chest. He sighs at the sensation. He didn't think his muscles could slack any further, but he slumps against the wall behind him all the same.

"I've got his helmet." Mm, his helmet. Something tugs through his hair, and he feels snow drop onto his nose. When did he take his helmet off? "Let's get him back to Hermitcraft." He makes a surprised noise when the wall behind him moves. There's something hooking under his arms, and then he's hauled upwards. Despite his best efforts, his feet only slide on the ground. He can't feel the surface underneath them. He's not sure if he should be fighting the grip or embracing it.

"Up you come, big guy." He attempts to open his eyes but gravity swings around him. Although he can't be sure, he thinks that squeaking noise came from his mouth. He squeezes his eyes shut to fight off the dizziness in his already clouded thoughts.

"Have we got everything?" The pressure on his body shuffles him, moving malleable limbs into position. Xisuma flexes his fingers into soft fabric. They ache with the movement, but he grips on tightly all the same.

"One derp of an admin successfully collected. We can come back for anything else." The sturdy chest he's leaning against rumbles with the words. Xisuma hums softly.

"Impulse, can you go ahead and make sure we have potions?" Xisuma allows his head to rest against the support holding him. Warmth is seeping back into his limbs at a snail's pace. He couldn't tell anyone where his feet are right now for the life of him.

"On it! I'll see you guys at spawn." His ears finally pick up on the crunch of snow. That must've been there before. He was recording something with it, wasn't he? Warmth presses on his head, ruffling his hair. He sinks down with a pleased sigh, mind feeling heavy.

"I'd say this is a mission success."

"Yes, and somebody is going to get a stern talking to." The warmth on his head leaves for a second when his nose is poked. Xisuma scrunches up his face. He has a vague notion that somebody might be him.

"Let's get him warm first-." The rest of the sentence trails off from Xisuma's hearing. His thoughts have only grown heavier, and he's too tired to fight that encouraging pull into sleep. He lets out a final sigh, curling into the warmth surrounding him. He's safe here. He can rest.

-

It takes some time for him to climb back to consciousness. He's cozy. There's a comfortable pressure shielding him from the world. When he listens, he can make out familiar voices talking without distinguishable words. Occasionally, there's someone holding him, and he can feel the words more than he can hear them. Xisuma is happy existing in this in-between. There's no pressure. No ever-present responsibility. And, his tired mind helpfully supplies, no cold. He'd begun to think he'd never feel warmth again out there.

His thoughts are more coherent now, at least. He can feel all the way down to his toes. His skin is covered in soft fabric, a comfortable cocoon. A fire crackles in the distance, the scent of food reaching his nose. Mushroom stew, he thinks. Rich and well-flavoured.

"Xisuma," a voice encourages, next to him, "I can see you twitching." Xisuma thinks his sigh is disappointed as he makes that final grab towards consciousness. He squints his eyes open into a warm glow. "There you are!" Xisuma hums in reply, trying to make out the person's silhouette.

"Cub?" The name sounds unsure to his own ears. Like his voice still isn't part of him. It didn't hurt as much as he expected. How many potions have they fed him?

"Yep. Welcome back, X." Xisuma lifts one of his arms, weaving it out of the blankets to rub his eyes. It still feels heavy, moving with an ache. Ugh, he hates the cold.

"Gettin' there." He frowns at his failed pronunciation. Nothing he can do about it now. Cub chuckles, ruffling through X's hair. Xisuma makes an annoyed noise, trying and very much failing to whack him away.

"Think you can manage some food?" Cub asks. Xisuma takes a deep sniff of the stew, his stomach twisting in previously forgotten hunger at the thought.

"Please." Cub smiles, leaving his side with a barely felt squeeze of the shoulder. These blankets are thick.

Xisuma uses the time to take stock of where he is, eyes adjusted to the light. It's the spawn hub he built. Across the central room, Cub has joined Joe and Impulse, working in front of a campfire he's pretty sure he didn't include. Underneath him is the soft surface of a bed. Something is warm inside the blanket, and he's fairly sure he wasn't wearing such fluffy clothes earlier. His armour is stacked against a chest next to the bed, helmet on the lid and within reach. He smiles.

"X!" He turns back as Impulse approaches, smile brighter than any of the lights in the room. "It's good to see you awake, man. Or coherent at least." Xisuma laughs a little self-deprecatingly.

"Ah, I didn't do anything too embarrassing whilst I was out, did I?" His memories of all that are a bit fuzzy. He remembers recording, and it was going well! He'd taken good notes and he was working through them efficiently. Then he remembers lying there in the snow, wondering if he'd ever move again (he won't linger on that memory.) Next thing he knows, he's being picked up.

"Well, unless you count clinging to Cub like a child?" Hm. The blush he can feel at the thought answers that one. Impulse takes in his expression and laughs, "Nah, you were fine! We won't tell anyone. Lips sealed."

Xisuma doesn't get the chance to reply as Cub and Joe join them, bowls of stew and a plate of sliced bread in hand. They set up a few chairs with a table between them. Xisuma has to shuffle his sore limbs forward to reach. He jumps in surprise when something rolls out of his blanket pile, hitting the floor with a thud. Impulse reaches down and scoops it into his hand. He unwraps the bundle, revealing the stone within.

"Magma rocks, wrapped up so they're not too hot," he explains at Xisuma's confused look. "Zed's idea, actually. Keeps him warm in that massive cave of his." Oh. That explains the extra heat source, then. Xisuma reaches out for a slice of bread, dipping it into the stew. He smiles as he watches it soak in, taking his time to enjoy this. It smells glorious, and it tastes just as good.

Once he's half way through his stew, he finally asks, "What happened? I'm still a little confused." The three share a look. Cub is the one who shrugs.

"You went to record a snapshot overview, right?"

Xisuma nods, "I did indeed. And the next thing I remember is being on the ground. And cold." Can't forget the cold. He kind of wishes he could.

"Well, Xisuma," Joe sits up straight as he speaks. His bowl is already empty. How did he manage that without Xisuma realising? "We noticed after a few days that our dear admin hadn't come back. So after a few messages with no response, we went to look for you. And what do we find but our admin curled up in the snow, looking like an icicle."

"Seriously, X," Impulse says it with a gentle sigh, "Why would you set your spawn in the snow?" Xisuma's mouth opens, but he ends up simply rubbing his neck. It does nothing to hide the blush creeping onto his face.

"Ah, goodness." He chuckles once his words return. "Not my smartest move, then."

"Well, you've had your moments." Cub's smile is as fond as it is teasing. Xisuma returns to dipping his last slice of bread in the stew, hopefully not embarrassing himself further.

"You know, you're kind of lucky, X," Joe adds, with a smile a little too smug for him, "Cleo wanted to come." X winces at the thought, swallowing his food down on instinct. He got off very lucky indeed. "We're still going to talk about this," Joe warns, "but I'll hold her wrath off for now." Xisuma hums, tugging the blanket tighter around his shoulders.

"We don't want anything to happen to you, Xisuma," Impulse tells him, ever so soft. "We had no idea something did. What if we hadn't checked?" It's not a comfortable thought.

"I'll think of something," X decides. "I see what you're saying."

"Well, technically you don't see it-" Cub rolls his eyes at Joe, taking the empty bowls to wash up. Only Xisuma hasn't finished.

"Joe, I'm trying to be serious, man!" Impulse protests. Xisuma hides his laugh behind a spoonful of stew. He continues eating, listening to the three go back and forth. Later, they'll work out a plan for future snapshots. Frequent check ins, a buddy maybe. But, for now. For now, he gets to spend time with what matters most. His friends.