#i am almost 30 and still having to step into fights I'M TIRED

[freshcut-chetney]

😮‍💨

[svt-rae]

「 rae masterlist 」

GOING SEVENTEEN EP. 9 / 10 : don't lie lll (#1&2) [61621]

TW : nothing?

<in today's game, you are...>

Rae steps out of the hellvator next to Jun, intertwining her arm with his

she ends up next to Jeonghan, as always, on an armchair

<everyone checked their roles already> Seungkwan is the frist to speak after the silly fight between Hoshi and Mingyu

<he is the mafia> Rae don't even let Seungkwan finish his sentence, she accuses him

*she is perceptive* everyone laughs

<If you try to find me the way I found mafia Dino in 'don't lie ll', you'll seriously regret it>

<yah, are you threatening us?!" Rae stands up, pointing the boy

after the other agree that Seunkwan is the mafia, the voice interrupts you all

<the game will begin, the rewards starts from 500,000 KRW>

<so, Wonu, Rae and Jeonghan are the mafia>

<ey~ watch you'r mouth> she says

She give Dino a warning look from across the room *they love each other*

<new people would be the mafia this time> Rae look at Jeonghan concerned after what he says

<he is trying to fool us, he is the mafia for sure> she suddenly speaks, indicating him

<I swear I'm not> Jeonghan defends himself from the accusations

<why today you are accusing everyone out of the sudden?! I'm starting to think you are the mafia> when Hoshi speaks, Rae is almost scare and you can tell by the scared look on her eyes

*she doesn't wanna end up like Mingyu*

<look, I said it!> Hoshi screams out ot the excitement, making the room go a completly chaos

<no! I just don't wanna end up like Mingyu> she stands up widening her eyes

<liar!> Hoshi does NOT trust her

Rae is too stunned to speak, she just walk trowards him like she wanna punch him

<ya ya> Seuncheol laughs, standing between them

she silently returns to her sit, as the conversation it goes on

<the frist mini game will begin> the deep voice speaks

<you start> Dino looks on the opposite side, Rae

<no, you can go frist> she says, after jeonghan intervened

Dino goes first *evil twins always win*

the games ends having 5 min and 30 sec to find the treasure, Rae is too lazy to find it anyway

<I just let my cameraman relax> she talks to the camera pointing right on her face

when the others come back she is already sitting on the same spot

<why she is here?, she is not putting effort because she is the mafia> Mingyu immediately speaks as soon she see her

<i'm just lazy, i'm a citizen!>

they start to argue again about who is the mafia

She keep it quite the most of the time, until...

<[...] I suspect of Rae>

She snaps her head to S.coups

<she is too quite and she didn't even bothered to look for the money>

<just because i'm lazy to search for it, it doesn't mean I am the mafia!>

<he is right tho...> Hoshi put his hand on his chin like he is thinking

<yah, don't even start. You're accusing everyone, why we don't just get rid of him!?>

at the end, he wasn't the mafia but atleast Rae get rid of him. Mingyu archived his dream too!

<we'll start the second mini game>

<I like going outside> it was Rae question for the game

everyone brusted into laugh, already knowing the answer

<I don't> Rae admitted, still giggling

<this question, really...> <they are so easy!>

*ofcurse it was the truth*

Rae decided to go search the prize now, to not let the suspect go on her once again

<cameraman, I wanted to let you rest but it seems like they don't want to. They are mean, right?> Rae talks to the cameraman

<what you're talking about~> Dk overheard her and hit her shoulder

she laughs at her being discovered

she cover her nose as Dk got closer to her *exhaling is prohibited*

<hey, I brushed my theet-!" Rae runs away from him

<noona! Jeonghan said he is the pharmacist~> she can hear Dino calling her

<oh- i'm the pharmacist too> she plays along

<really, I can't belive them...> he walks away with Woozi, it can be seen on the background Rae and Jeonghan laughing togheter

<Vernon, you are tired too?> you smile when you see him sitting on the couch talking with Dino, before being interrupted by S.coups

<why you three are not searching?>

<we were saying that you are the mafia> Rae tease him

<i'm not, i'll say it, i'm the broker> <oh~>

<a participant has found the treasure>

<we need to kill who found the money, not fair he has it and we not, right?> she says

<YOU found the money, didn't you?> Dino accuse her once again

<I seem that smart to you?> Rae replies

*no she isn't*

<i'll tell you straight, i'm the pharmacist> Jeonghan confess

<isn't Rae noona a pharmacist too?> and those were the times she regret to play along with Jeonghan.

Rae tires to hold her laugh in as she see how far Jeonghan took this

absolutely brust into laughs when he, or they, get caught

<let's speed out, chose one> <Rae>

gives a creepy smile to Dino

<the third mini game will begin>

<why they always earn so much time~> Rae casually talks to the cameraman that was following her around, searching for who found the money now

she looks at Jeonghan and S.coups that pass beside her, too focused on their conversation to notice her

*she has an idea* Rae looks at the camera silently with a smirk

without getting noticed, she stalks all the conversation

<so Jeonghan is the real broker, not S.coups, and he knows who found the prize, Interesting>

she looks at S.coups walking away <I need to talk to him because I want the money too... but i'm too lazy 🙂>

<time is out? finally cameraman, let's find out who have the money>

<he is wearing the truth glasses, it's over for yall> she points at Vernon when they are sitting togheter again

<it's over for you> Jeonghan says at the girl

<I think Mungyu and you are the mafia> Joshua start to say <at this point Rae looks way too unbothered to be one of the mafia>

<that's right, she would be wishing with the others all the time. I don't think she is> Minghao agree

Rae just laughs, knowing that she is very obvious when she is the mafia

<what if there is no mafia> <WOAH~, sorry> she apologize when she got that she was too loud

<SHE IS THE MAFIA YALL I'M SAYING IT>

<I'M REALLY NOT>

after another big BIG blander (I can't do this anymore i'm sorry 😭) they decide to get rid of her

*no money for her*

<innocent citizen Rae was eliminated>

<THE MAFIA WAS THE STAFF ALL THE TIME?!>

✸ ‧ ‧ ‧ RAE lookbook ❜

🇮 🇲 🇵 🇴 🇷 🇹 🇦 🇳 🇹  ꜝ

this was so long, I'm scared that it might be boring. 😭 Need new ideas, smt interesting hlp me

[alcoh0lica]

GUILTY AS SIN

￫ summary: you lost in Silent Hill and found a pretty handsome guy, James Sunderland.

￫ word count: 3.5K.

￫ warnings: kisses, good feelings, bad words and fluff.

￫ authors notes: I ended up getting inspired by some imagines from @decay-1, @kiyokowastaken and @theawfuledges. Hope u liked!

*** I can't believe I'm here. What did I come to do in this decaying, foggy city? If it weren't for that letter... The letter. Then I remember the real reason I ended up here. A 3-hour trip because of a damn letter I received from my sister. From my dead sister.

3 years ago we came to Silent Hill to get some stupid documents of hers that she had forgotten in that hotel... What's his name again?

It turns out that on the way back we were arguing about something, it had to do with our house and our parents, her going to college and her leaving me alone with those two crazy people who only got into trouble. Well, our family relationship was quite the opposite: daughters take care of their parents. Funny, isn't it?

At first it was just an argument with silly accusations, but suddenly something changed... the mood got heavier and the fight started to get really serious. She was yelling at me, wishing she had never had a sister, blaming me for our mother going crazy. “It was because of your birth, you know, the doctors did something and she freaked out,” she said. All I know is that the fog started to form right in front of us and it started to get thick, almost as if you could cut it with a knife. That's when everything changed. Someone appeared, a creature that was just skin... but what nonsense, that doesn't exist. A person appeared in front of the car and she didn't see it, I turned the steering wheel so as not to kill whatever was there and then...

Then the car fell into an abyss. It fell several meters and flipped over, spinning and spinning and spinning. I woke up a week later in the hospital with the news that my sister had died. And it was all my fault. I started the argument and I pulled the steering wheel. If I had stayed quiet and let her run over that thing on the road, she would still be here. Marina would still be here and I wouldn't have to face the looks of disappointment and unspoken hatred from my parents, who silently blamed me for the accident.

And then, just as I'm about to leave all this behind, I get a letter from Marina calling me to Silent Hill, saying she's waiting for me at our special place, the one we used to go to on vacation when we were kids. It was crazy, of course it was crazy! How could a dead person send a letter? It was a bad joke, from some unfortunate friend of mine. But if I was so sure of that, why was I here? Why did I come back to Silent Hill?

***

I don't know how many hours have passed or how many days I've been here. I'm covered in the blood of creatures that I can't even explain what they are and so far there's no sign of Marina. I think I'm starting to go crazy. I just killed a creature that was just skin and legs, no arms, that crawled on the ground and vomited acid, or whatever it was. It almost got on my skin. The fog started to get thick again and I don't even know where I am anymore. I just passed Toluca Lake and I'm in the middle of the city. Luckily, I managed to get an axe from one of those shops where bearded lumberjacks wear red flannel. I better run.

As I turn a corner, my first reaction is to raise the axe as high as I can and prepare for a sure blow, but... it's not a creature. It's a... man. A tall, blond man, with a green jacket and blue-gray eyes. He looked to be in his 30s and very tired. He stops a few steps away from me, with a gun in his hands - which was previously pointed at me and is now above his head, telling me that everything is fine. But still, I can't lower the axe, which covers half of my face.

"H-hi... I'm James..."

I can't find the words to answer him, my voice simply won't come out. Could it be my imagination? How can there be another human being here? He looks at me with astonishment, amazed, but with a certain... admiration? That's what I can see in those eyes.

“DOWN”

He yells as he points the gun at me again. But not at my body, but at what’s behind me. Again, that skin creature. The bullet hits its shoulder, destabilizing the creature. I seize the chance, stand up and swing my axe at the chest of that horrible thing. Once on the ground, I aim for its head and split it in two. I didn’t even realize that the guy... James, was right behind me.

“Nice shot” - he says and I turn to face him.

“Are you... real?”

“Yes... yes, I’m real.”

It seems like a stupid question, but he doesn’t let it show on his face. He just answers me with a smile in his eyes. But still... still I can’t help but believe that he’s a figment of my imagination. I barely notice when I’m close enough to him to smell sweat and woody perfume. My hands slowly reach his face and I gently place my palm on his stubble, feeling the texture and warmth that he exudes. To my surprise, he doesn't react. He just stands there, looking at me and letting this complete stranger touched him. The strangest thing is that he… liked it. When he felt my touch, he closed his eyes and let the weight of his face fall on my hands. It seemed like he hadn't known what this was for a long time. What was a touch, a gesture of affection. I quickly took my hand off his face, realizing what I had just done.

“Sorry.”

“It's okay. See, I told you it was real.”

“Yeah… you are…” – we stood there staring at each other for a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. There was something in those ocean-blue eyes that hypnotized me. He snapped me out of my trance.

“What are you doing here?”

“I'm looking for my sister – DEAD,” I added in my thoughts. He didn't need to know that I was half crazy with ideas. – “and you”?

“I'm looking for my wife… dead. No… look at me like that, I'm not crazy! I got a letter from her telling me to come here and find her, but it's been 3 years since…”

“Since she died…” – I added for him. Contrary to what he imagined, my expression of astonishment wasn't because he was looking for his dead wife, but rather… because of our compatible history. There was something wrong in this city… Something that drew us here. He kept looking me up and down, but without saying a word. “I believe you, James.”

“That cut must be bad,” he said, looking at my belly, where there was a blood stain over a tear. A guy with a pyramid head showed up and did that…

“No worse than the one on your face,” – a red mark with dried blood accumulated on his right cheek. This provocation drew a shy laugh from his lips.

I heard more footsteps and, automatically, I put myself in front of him – something in that pathetic expression of his made me want to protect him. I raised my axe, but he pulled me back, by the waist. It was a woman… Marina? It was… my sister!

“Marina?” - I whispered...

“James, I found you, I was looking for you, my dear… who is this little thing?” – she looked me up and down. My God, she is just like my sister, but at the same time she is different from her. She came and grabbed James.

“Little thing?” – even the way she spoke…

“Mary, this is…” – he looks at me and realizes that I never introduced myself, we just stood there lost in each other’s eyes.

“Sydney. Sydney Redfield.”

“Nice to meet you… Who is Marina? Anyway, it’s starting to get dark and I’m a little cold. Can we go, please?”

“Sure… are you coming?” – he says looking at me. But the question seems more like a command, you’re coming with me. I just nodded, feeling the letter from my sister in my pocket burn.

We walked a few more meters and, JESUS, this Mary was unbearable. The way she wouldn't stop chattering and kept bumping her hand into James's, finding a reason to touch him. Seriously, it was desperate. Just like my sister when she wanted to get a boy's attention. It was annoying me, but I couldn't say why. Sometimes I would glance at her out of the corner of my eye, but all I could see was James studying me.

We stopped on a street so he could look at that stupid map of the city again, until I saw a flower shop across the street. Everything was so calm, quiet and fog-free, that I just walked over there. I didn't expect to find so many flowers still alive in a place like this. But there was one there, almost purposefully placed in the middle of the table and alive, one that reminded me of a date… November 29th… my birthday. Hydrangeas that Marina had given me. I put my fingers to it, I needed to see if they were really real. There were colors, shapes and textures proving their truth there, haunting me and reactivating part of the story I wanted to forget. I didn't even see James coming in and looking at me.

“Syd… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Or take you out of your own… world.”

“It's okay” – that same goofy look – “I'm glad you did.” He came closer and touched the flowers that were there, but with a little more force than necessary, making them bloom. He looked sad… more than usual for him.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have touched… it seems like everything I touch… dies.”

Without thinking much about it, I took his hand and guided it to another bouquet that was there, gently placing his fingers on the petals.

“Don't stoop so low, James… you just need a little more delicacy and patience.” – When I looked up, he was there, just standing there looking at me with those eyes and, once again, time stopped! We stood there for seconds that seemed like hours. My God, what was it about this man that made me so paralyzed?

An electric current ran through James's body the moment I touched him. He shivered and closed his eyes, breathing a little harder through his nose. Trying to stay calm. But of course, we had to leave, so Mary shouted from outside that she was cold and wanted to go to the hotel right away, breaking us out of our hypnotic trance again. He blushed, cleared his throat and said, "I found a way to the Lakeview Hotel… we better get going."

He left the store and I was right behind him.

Lakeview Hotel… So that was the name of the hotel my sister had left the documents for. We found three keys on the counter, one room next to the other. James in the middle. Again, something that seemed intentional. But anyway, it was so good to enter that place and realize that there were no monsters or fog. Just a bed and a shower… that magically worked.

I cleaned most of the blood off my body, half of it not being mine, and decided to go out to look for… I don't know, supplies or bandages. That's when I saw Mary throwing herself at James again, they didn't even notice my presence there behind them… I just left them alone and went into all the rooms, digging up a beautiful first aid kit.

There was a little staircase and a little door too, which led to the roof. And God, what a beautiful view of the starry sky. Now everything was clearer and almost fog-free. The lack of power in the city left the stars and the light reflecting strongly on my skin. I just took the opportunity to lie down on the roof and look up… a breather amidst all the chaos outside.

“Ah… there you are, thank God” – James appeared on the roof, looking relieved to have found me – “I looked for you in all the rooms and couldn’t find you, I was… worried”. – he climbed up on the roof and sat next to me.

“Do you and Mary have something?” – I don’t know why I asked that, it just came out of my mouth like bullets from a revolver. Even I was surprised by the question I asked… He also seemed surprised.

“With Mary? No… She’s just a friend I found…” – he was still analyzing me with those eyes… I just wanted to know what was going on in that head. A desire to use my axe to open his skull and unravel his brain, unraveling every part of his troubled soul…

I was looking at him too. I was going to say something, but a hallucinating pain knocked me out of orbit. It was a tearing pain, as if an axe had been stuck in my skin and ripped half of it off. Which was what had actually happened, but I no longer remembered it. A groan left my mouth, followed by my hands going to my belly. James looked scared. He came closer to me.

“Can I take a look… at this wound?” – he seemed doubtful about his own ability to take care of someone. But I didn’t have much of a choice. I sat up with difficulty and lifted my shirt, exposing my belly and the cut… ugly, very ugly.

He came closer. He sat with one leg bent behind my back and the other open, underneath my bent legs. Again, I smelled that woody smell – only stronger. An intoxicating smell that took me out of orbit. Gently, he dipped the corner of a faded towel in cachaça and passed it over my wound. I couldn’t help but groan, but I added a “see, you can be gentle” between breaths cut off by the pain. This seemed to amuse him, after all I saw a hint of a smile.

For some reason, we were whispering, as if we were telling each other our dirtiest secrets.

“Okay. I think you can hold on until we get out of this hell and I… take you to a hospital.” – Wow, did he really care about me that much? He took care of me, he took care of my wound. Now it was my turn.

“Your turn… come here” – he was a little startled, but didn’t react. I held his face with one hand and, with the other, I wiped the dried blood from his cheek.

Once again, he seemed to let himself be carried away by the touch. He closed his eyes and I felt his breathing change, becoming faster and his pulse stronger.

It wasn’t hard to put the pieces together: a man who hadn’t seen his wife in three years… but could it be that he hadn’t seen any woman at all? How could just one touch be able to turn him off? Anyway, I looked at his face and wow, he was handsome. He was a little over 30, but he still looked young. His eyes were tired and there were red circles under the skin, his lips were dry, but they looked soft.

What was he doing to me? I had only known him for a few hours, but I felt a huge need to have him for myself, just for me… to feel his skin on mine, his lips on mine, him filling my entire being. I noticed that my breathing was also accelerated.

And now, we were staring at each other. And this time there was nothing and no one to stop me.

Without thinking much, I just kissed him. I felt his warm lips on mine.

Suddenly, a hand on the back of my neck pulled me to deepen the act we had begun. Our tongues danced in sync and our heartbeats were rhythmic. Out of breath, we pulled away and I could see in his eyes doubts about what had happened and guilt…

Guilt for a sin that was not his. It was mine. Once again, it was my fault. But this time, I didn't care one bit. I would bear this guilt to my grave.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you, you're married, you're after your wife, everything is so crazy, I don't know what got into me, I s… – I was silenced by another kiss. This time, led by him.

“Don't worry, it's okay.”

“Why do you act like this?” – again the question escaped without me even thinking about it.

“Like… how?” – confused… goofy look… I think I'm starting to fall in love with goofy men.

“Like… as if you've never been touched before. I just slide my hands over your face, and you switch off, surrendering to your world of thoughts.” – I leaned against him to prove my point, but this time, he kept his eyes wide open, looking at me. He grabbed my wrist and brought it to his mouth, leaving a kiss on it.

“I guess I'm not used to this… being taken care of… being… loved.” That broke my heart. Three years without a wife, who knows how he relieved himself or with whom. Mary definitely didn't captivate him, so…

“Why me? Why do you only act like this with me?”

“I don't know… you give me peace, around you I feel like I can be myself. I feel like there are no judgments or resentments. There is no fear or pain. There is only you in front of me, no fog and no monsters. If this is my personal hell… I guess you are my paradise.” – he declared this in one fell swoop, catching me off guard. I could still see guilt for his confused feelings, for his wife and everything else. But it was a sincere feeling.

“James…” – I pulled him onto my lap, made him lie on my thighs and he… cried. He cried for the death of his wife Maria, he cried for Mary, he cried for me, he cried for every damn animal in this city. He cried and I just stayed there, taking care of him, running my hand through his blond hair and telling him that everything was going to be okay.

He confessed his dark sins to me and I confessed mine to him.

There we made a pact that no matter what happened in that city, whether we found our relatives alive or not, we would leave together. We would live together, each one broken in their own way trying to fix themselves.

We spent the night together, in his room. He confessed that he hadn't been able to sleep well for a while and asked me to sleep with him. So I did. He hugged me, as if I were going to run away. He held me in his arms, preventing me from running away. And he slept. He slept, snored and dreamed of his Maria. Just like me, who slept peacefully for the first time in 3 years and dreamed of Marina.

And my dream was yet another revelation.

It wasn't my fault. I wasn't the one who caused the accident. It was Marina.

She had decided to steal a medal from a hospital. A haunted medal. She also tampered with the car, said that the fan chain had broken and decided to change it herself, without any technical knowledge of mechanics. I tried to save us, but she tried to kill herself. She even told me that she wanted to die. That she wanted to die and let me live a free life. A flash came to my mind, revealing that while we were upside down in the car, she told me a secret: he turned the steering wheel towards the abyss, she tried to kill herself and take me with her, but she was happy that I was alive. That's how she died.

I woke up sweaty and shaking.

The sun was streaming in through the broken window. James was still hugging me. Mary was at the door of our room, looking around with doubts about what was happening. She didn't look anything like Marina. The room was different. It was normal, without that rotten smell and without the blackened blood of someone who had died there.

It was then that I understood. Guilt was a sin. A sin that attracted people to Silent Hill to die. Or to heal, as in my case. I understood that my guilt was not a sin. Now I needed to help James understand the same. I needed to show him that there was a way out.

He needed me.

And I needed him.

[vodika-vibes]

The ARC and the Monster

Summary: Three months after the events that left him with prosthetic legs and a prosthetic arm, ARC Knight Echo is on a journey to relearn himself. And while on this journey, he discovers a village that doesn't exist.

Pairing: ARC Knight Echo x Reader

Word Count: 5810

Warnings: Mentions of death

Mando'a Used: sen'ika - little bird (according to the website I saw, lol)

A/N: I am very bad at writing fight scenes, I should work on that, lol. This is a twist on Beauty and the Beast, and I'm actually happy with it, which is surprising.

Divider by saradika

“Morning again, darlin’,” You smile tiredly at the merchant, “Bacon and a fresh loaf of bread?”

“I don’t suppose you have anything new?” You ask as you lean against the counter.

The Merchant laughed, “You know I don’t, darlin’. One loaf of bread, and one rack of bacon. As normal.”

You sigh and rest your head on your palm, “I am so tired of bacon.” You say with a sigh.

“Ah, I know darlin’.” He reaches out and lightly pats your hand, “How are things at the palace?”

“Same as ever. As per normal.” You smile at him as you take the bag of food, “How’s the wife?”

“Exhausted. We both are. We never expected our son to be an infant for almost 30 years.” He sighs, he accepts the credits and you wave as you head towards the door.

“Maybe someday the curse will be broken,” You call from the door.

“You won’t find many people who still have hope, darlin’. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You wave and step out of the shop, allowing the door to swing shut behind you. You neatly side-step several other people, and start walking the meandering path headed back towards the manor.

At this point, you can walk the path while wearing a blind-fold, you’re so familiar with the path between the village and the old mansion you call home.

You are, or were, the head chef for the Duke of these lands. In charge of all of the cooking and all of the food shopping. At the time it was a good job, high paying with incredible job security, and a chance to move up in the world.

Of course…that’s not what actually happened.

Thirty years ago a stranger appeared at the palace doors on the night of the young Baron’s 15th birthday. The Baron himself answered the door, though it wasn’t his duty, and he sent the guest away with a harsh word and a violent hand.

The Stranger was a Sorceress, and she was so put out by the Baron’s actions that she cursed the entire land. The Duke and Duchess vanished, trapped in a painting to your best guess, the young Baron twisted and changed, until his looks matched his personality…and everyone unfortunate enough to live in this Duchy ended up trapped in a time loop. 

This day, the day of the Baron’s 15th birthday, repeats over and over and over again. And the only way for the Curse to break is if the Baron show’s any true remorse.

But…

Well…

He doesn’t. 

You stop in front of the manor, and then turn to walk around the building to enter through the rear. No need to draw attention to yourself, if at all possible.

There are some good sides to being trapped in a time loop, you suppose as you push the door open. For example, anything that happens today will be reset when the clock strikes midnight. Any dishes that get broken will be repaired, any injuries will be healed, and any money spent will end up right back in your account.

Also, no one can die.

But no one can be born either. 

You kind of feel bad for one of the Housekeepers, she was 7 months pregnant when this whole fiasco began, and now, thirty years later, she’s still 7 months pregnant.

But that not dying has been a boon. Especially those first few years when the Baron was so angry at everything that he lashed out at everyone.

It was incredibly…strange. Getting ripped to shreds and then waking up in bed the next morning like nothing happened.

Luckily, the Baron has since learned that his temper tantrums have no lasting effect, and has since locked himself away. You don’t know what he eats…and to be honest, you don’t care. You have more important things to do than deal with a self important brat.

You step around one of the butlers, who is dutifully dusting a vase, “Good morning, Chaz,” You greet.

“Good morning, Miss.” He replies, “Did you have a nice walk?”

Your smile is wry, “Well, it’s warm and sunny, right now, and not a cloud in the sky. So, I was miserable.”

He chuckles, “I sent the young ones to the kitchen for a baking lesson, they seemed thrilled.”

“Well, if I had the choice between cookies and math, I would choose cookies too, Chaz.” You joke as you lightly pat him on the shoulder, and then step around him.

“Quite right, Miss.” He says with a laugh, “Also, the Young Master is in a foul mood today, I would avoid the southern gardens.”

“When isn’t the Young Master in a foul mood.” You reply, “But I’ll tell people to stay clear.” You toss him one last smile, and walk the short distance from the side entrance to the kitchen, and you set your bag on the counter, “I have bread…and bacon.” you call out to your staff.

The room erupts into groans of dismay. “If I have to have bacon one more time,” One of the maids says dramatically as she drapes herself across the prep table, “I’m going to throw myself off a bridge.”

“That would be impressive since there are no bridges in the Loop.” You counter dryly, “Also. I’m making soup with bacon and chicken.” The moaning slows to a stop, “Great. Also, Chaz says stay out of the Southern Garden. Also, who’s doing baking lessons?”

“Granny’s got the kids,” One of the other maids calls from near the window, “And I saw the young Baron head into the Garden, he looked mad enough to spit fire.”

“Alright everyone, let’s get to work. We have a manor to feed.” You call, and the room devolves into organized chaos, and you smile. Running a kitchen is a dance, and it’s a dance you’ve performed over ten thousand times. Everyone is in their positions, and though the room looks chaotic…well, they’re performing a masterpiece. 

You smile and slide yourself into your position, and begin your part of the dance.

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

It has been three months since the events that saw ARC Knight Echo losing his arm, and both of his legs in a magical explosion. And while he has prosthetics, and they work well, and he’s comfortable with them, he’s still not comfortable with his new body.

It’s why he went to Rex and asked for time. Time to heal on his own, without people hovering around him. Time to get used to the prosthetics and the way that his body moves now.

And after two weeks of camping, he’s starting to feel more like himself. Still, he’s not quite ready to return home just yet. For all that he claims that he hates camping…he’s actually enjoying himself. Enjoying the hunting and the fishing, and navigating the land with nothing more than a map and a compass.

Still, Echo is beginning to think it’s time to return home. There’s only so much time he can spend on his own before he starts missing his brothers, and starts talking to the trees around him.

He glances at his map, and then at the bridge several feet away, “Well…I’ll get to the top of the hill, and then I’ll turn around and head home.” He says to himself. He looks over the map one more time, and then folds it and slides it into his jacket pocket. He then hefts his bag over his shoulder, and he crosses the bridge.

He walks up the shallow hill, crests the top, and then he stops. Slowly, without moving his eyes, he pulls the map out of his jacket and he looks down at it, and then back in front of him.

There is not supposed to be a village here. And yet there is.

A well settled village, at that. The houses look old, like they’ve been there for a while, and the road is cobbled, rather than dirt. Echo pockets his map, and carefully adjusts his jacket so he’s able to rest his hand on the pommel of his blade.

And then he starts walking down the cobbled road.

This is strange, and he loves solving strange.

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

Once more, you walk the distance between the manor and the village. You go to the grocers, you buy bacon and bread while making jokes about having literally anything else, and you leave the shop.

Normally you don’t pay any attention to your surroundings, you’ve done this thousands of times now, but for some reason, today you do. Maybe you’re just feeling wistful, remembering the days when you could crest the hill and cross the bridge and head into the forest.

You flicker your gaze towards the village exit, and your breath catches in your throat.

There, standing next to the welcome sign, is a man. A strange man.

And, after thirty years, there are no strange men in this village.

You turn and walk towards him. He’s tall, though not the tallest man you’ve met, with dark skin and dark hair. As you get closer, you notice that his hair is curly, and that he’s got a prosthetic arm.

By the time you’re close enough to talk to him, you’re sure. “You’re from outside,” You breathe out.

He pins you in place with a curious stare, “If you mean that I’m not from this village, then yes, you’re right.” He looks away from you, his dark eyes scanning the village properly, “This village isn’t on any map.”

A pained look crosses your face, “We used to be,” You say quietly, “But…not anymore, I suppose.”

He glances at you, and then at some of the other people in the village, some have stopped what they’re doing to stare at him, while others blatantly ignore him, “Why are they looking at me like that?”

“People don’t come here,” You explain, “I…I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

“I’m Echo. Echo Fett. I’m an ARC Knight of Mandalore.” 

You introduce yourself with a smile, “I work at the manor, as the head chef.” You explain as you motion, vaguely, to the manor, “Um, so you asked what people are looking at you-”

“Yeah. They’re staring at me. I know prosthetics aren’t normal-”

“What? No! That doesn’t have anything to do with it.” You hasten to say, as you reach out and touch his arm lightly, “Just…please, will you listen to our story?”

He turns his attention back on you, “Yeah, alright.”

You tug him off the main road, and to a small park. Families used to picnic there, but not anymore. 

You sit on one of the benches, and wait until he’s sitting next to you. “So…what’s the story with this place?” Echo asks.

“Um…okay. So this story begins thirty years ago, on the night of the Baron’s 15th birthday.” You explain, your voice quiet, “You have to understand, the Baron was never a good child. He was always harsh, always cold, always mean…no one ever had anything good to say about him. I can’t even describe just how awful of a boy the Baron is.”

“Okay. So he’s a brat, the son of a Duke?”

“That’s right,” You nod, “Well, there was a surprise visitor. And for some reason the Baron answered the door himself. He turned the stranger away with violence…and it turned out that the stranger was actually a sorceress.”

“Oh no.”

“The entire Duchy was cursed as well.” You say quietly, “The Duke and Duchess were trapped in paintings. The Baron has become a monster. And the rest of us…well, we’re trapped.”

“In what way?” Echo asks.

“We have to live the same day, over and over and over again. We can do different things, within reason, but time never moves on for us.” Your voice is soft, “You’re the first new person we’ve met in years.”

He leans back against the bench, and he doesn’t say anything for a really long time, “So…what happens when time resets with me still here?”

You bite your lower lip, “I don’t know.” You hesitate, “I would suggest staying away from the manor, though. Until we know if the loop affects you…you need to stay away from the baron.”

“Why?” Echo asks.

“Because he’ll kill you.”

Echo stills, and something flinty enters his eyes, “Does he kill people often?”

“Oh, he hasn’t killed any of his employees in five years now.” You try to soothe, “And, well, it resets at midnight anyway, so…”

“Does that make it better?” Echo asks, his voice very gentle.

Your hands shake slightly as you remember razor sharp claws and teeth dripping with saliva, “...no.” You admit. You clench your hands tightly in your lap, to try and stop the trembling.

Echo glances at your hands, and reaches to place one of his hands over yours, “It’s okay. You’re safe here.” 

“For now.” You answer softly, your hands moving slightly to lightly grip his hand, the metal is cool under your hands, but is also soothing somehow, “It’s why you need to leave.” You say as you look from his hand to his face, “If you stay here-”

“No.” He interrupts, he smiles at you to soften the harshness of his word, “Look, you said that the curse is based around the Baron, right?”

“Yeah. He changed, and then his parents were trapped in the painting, and then the duchy was trapped in the loop. In that order.” You reply.

“Okay, so with the curse centered on the Baron, then to kill the curse we need to kill the Baron,”

You’re already shaking your head, “He’s too violent. If we get too close to him he’ll kill us.”

Echo frowns thoughtfully, “Then I’ll do it.”

You start and stare at him with wide eyes.

“I’m an ARC Knight, this is what we do.” Echo explains, his voice very kind.

“Free people from decade long curses?” You ask doubtfully.

He laughs softly, “Fight things that other people can’t.” He squeezes your hand, very gently, “Trust me.”

You hesitate for a long moment, and then you slowly nod. “Okay Echo.”

He smiles at you and gently releases your hands, “I’m going to need your help. Can you get me into the manor?”

Your gaze lingers on his clothing for a moment, and anxiety twists your stomach, “What if he claws you?” You ask, “His claws are…they ripped through me in one…”

Echo reaches into his backpack and pulls out a small metal orb, it’s glowing faintly, “This is an armor sphere. This is where I store my ARC armor when I’m not actively using it. Don’t worry, sen’ika, I’ll be wearing armor when I fight the Baron.”

“...okay.” You stand and gather your shopping bag in your arms, “Then you should probably follow me.”

“Yes ma’am,”

Echo follows you through the streets, and down the path that leads to the manor, and he follows you around the building to the side entrance. You hold the door to the manor open for him, and he steps into the worn down hallway that leads to the servants quarters.

Chaz is waiting for you. His severe gaze looks from Echo, to you, and then back to Echo. “The Young Master is in the library,” He says in a clipped tone, “I have instructed everyone to remain in their rooms for the time being.” He exhales slowly, and then lightly touches Echo on the shoulder, “Good luck, young man.”

“Thank you,” Echo replies, growing slightly startled when Chaz bows deeply, and then turns and vanishes into a side room. “Sen’ika, I need someplace to put my armor on.” He says to you.

“We can use the kitchen, it’s the one place in the manor the Baron never comes to.” You say, “Plus it’ll be empty right now.”

“Great, lead the way.” He follows you down a side hallway and into the kitchen, where you help him clear one of the prep tables, and he activates the little sphere, and lays all of his armor out on the table, and he quickly starts strapping the pieces to his body, “Where’s the library?” He asks.

“It’s part of the main building, on the third floor.” You explain, “You’ll never find it unless I show you…it’s not like there are any maps of the manor.”

He cuts his gaze towards you, “I don’t want you anywhere near the fighting.”

“I’ll be careful,” You reply, “But you’ll never find it without me.”

He sighs quietly, “Fine, but you will listen when I tell you to do something.”

“Yes sir,”

He finishes pulling his armor on, and he hooks his blade to his hip and then grabs his helmet, “Alright. How big is the library?”

“Massive. The Duchess was all for education.” You answer as you head out of the kitchen and into the hall, “She purchased several copies of every book ever printed and all of them are kept in the library.”

“So it’s cramped?”

“Less so than you might assume…it’s just very big.” You guide him through the twisting halls, until you reach the main living quarters. Unlike the servants quarters, which are clean and well maintained, the main house is dimly lit.

The wallpaper is ripped and torn, and there are some places where the wooden floorboards have been ripped up and flung into the wall. Pictures have been torn to shreds, and none of the furniture is usable. “The Baron did all of this?”

You nod, “He destroys the house every morning…at this point it doesn’t even take him an hour to destroy the house.” You carefully step around one of the floorboards, “Follow me, we need to go upstairs.”

You move silently through the house, and Echo is just as quiet, in spite of the armor he’s wearing. Finally you stop in front of an ornate door, “Is this the library?” Echo asks, his voice hushed.

“It is,” You hesitate, “You can still leave, Echo.”

“I’m not doing that.” Echo replies.

You sigh softly, and then you push the door open just enough that the pair of you can enter. Just like every other room in the main house, the library is destroyed, but you lightly touch Echo’s arm and you point at the ceiling, “There.”

Echo’s gaze follows your finger and he inhales sharply, “That used to be a man?” He asks.

The creature is shrouded in shadow, with claws long enough to rip a man to shreds without trying, and teeth that barely remain in his jaw. He clings to the ceiling, as though gravity has no effect on him. 

“Yes,” You whisper, “That used to be the Baron.”

Echo motions for you to get back, and draws his blade, “How do I get him down?” He hisses.

You glance at him nervously, and then you lift your fingers to your mouth, and you release a loud whistle that echoes through the chamber. And then you immediately duck under a fallen bookcase.

The Baron’s eyes snap open, revealing blood red eyes, and he releases a noise that sounds like a million angry snakes hissing at the same time. And you watch as the Baron moves, lunging at Echo with his terrifying speed.

But Echo is just as fast, and his blade is just as sharp as the Baron’s claws. 

You watch, terrified, as Echo proves just how good the average ARC Knight is, and you gasp when, in a smooth motion, Echo severs the Baron’s head from his body.

You slide out from your hiding space, and take several steps towards Echo, when the pressure in the room changes suddenly. You clamp your hands over your ears as the pressure increases and becomes painful.

You feel Echo’s hand lightly against your shoulder, and just barely hear him calling your name. And then there’s the sensation of a baseball bat slamming against your chest and the world goes dark.

**********

You wake with a painful groan. Your entire body hurts, and your head is throbbing. You let out a noise of discontent as your bedroom door bursts open and Chaz hurries in, “Good you’re awake. Get up, get dressed.”

You groan and roll out of bed, landing on the floor with a painful thump, “Why does everything hurt?” You rasp out.

“You were standing right there when the curse reset,” Chaz replies as he pulls you to your feet, “You took the brunt of the reset.” He explains.

“Oh…it sucks.”

“It does.” He agrees as he shoves an outfit into your hands, “Get dressed, you need to get out of the manor.”

You clumsily take the clothes and start peeling off your sleepwear, replacing them with the loose tunic Chaz gave you, “Why?”

“Echo killed the Baron yesterday, didn’t he?” Chaz asks in return.

“Yeah. He did. But if the world reset-”

“I broke a plate yesterday, it’s still broken.”

Your fingers pause on the ties of your shirt, “That’s impossible.”

“It’s improbable, but killing the Baron caused a change. You need to go back to the village and see if you can find Echo. He’s not in the manor.” Chaz pauses and leans in, “I think he was flung outside of the loop, since he’s not a part of it.” He motions to the blue and black backpack sitting in the corner of your room.

You pull your trousers on, and then pull on your boots, “That makes sense,” you say quietly, “What if he doesn’t come back?”

“He’ll come back. I have a good feeling.” Chaz replies, and then he grips your shoulders tightly, “Listen. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but I think if we kill the Baron once for every year that we’ve been cursed, the curse will break.”

“30 deaths? There’s no way. We already know that the Baron remembers things that happen in previous resets.” You remind him, “There’s only so many times that Echo will be able to kill him with a sword.”

“Agreed. Don’t worry, we’ll handle it.” Chaz pushes you out the door, “Now go!”

“I’m going, I’m going.” You allow him to propel you out of your room, and down the hall, and then out the side door, and he slams the door behind you.

You huff out a heavy breath, and groan as pain shoots through you. You slowly walk the familiar path to the village, where you’re greeted by enthusiastic shouts. The grocer is missing a loaf of bread he sold the day before. The baker’s flour level is down just a little bit.

There’s change for the first time in years.

You walk to the Village sign, and lean heavily against it, your arm folded protectively against your ribs. You had forgotten how pain lingered. You don’t like it.

Your head snaps up when you see movement from in front of you, and a relieved smile crosses your face when Echo, still clad in armor, walks over to you. “Are you okay?” You ask.

He pulls his helmet off, “Are you? I found myself on the other side of the bridge when I woke up. Why are you holding your ribs?”

“They’re bruised, I think.” You reply, “I woke up in bed because of the reset.”

“So it didn’t work.” Echo says with a frown.

“Well, it is. But the curse is just…cracked. At least, that’s what we think.” You step closer to him, “Chaz broke a plate yesterday, and it’s still broken.”

Echo frowns, “You have a theory?”

“We think that if the Baron dies once for every year that we’ve been trapped here, the curse will break.”

“Thirty deaths?”

“Yeah. Sorry.”

Echo exhales sharply, “How many more times can I use my sword before he learns how to avoid it?”

“Better to not risk trying it again,” You reply as you reach out and take Echo’s hand, “But, we have lots of weapons…assuming you know how to use them.”

“I haven’t encountered a weapon I can’t use,” Echo replies dryly, “Come on, back to the manor.”

“Yeah.” This time Echo guides you to the manor, and through the side door.

Chaz is sitting in the kitchen with one of every weapon from the armory, “He’s in the west garden today,” He says as soon as he sees Echo, “Which one of these do you want?”

Echo presses his blade into your hands, “Keep this safe for me,” He says, and you nod, curling your arms around it, while he picks through the weapons, eventually grabbing a pair of axes which he spins expertly, “How do I get to the west garden?”

“I’ll show you,” You say.

“You’re already hurt,” Chaz says, “I’ll show you,” He says to Echo.

“But-”

Echo smiles at you as he pulls his helmet on, “Don’t worry, sen’ika. I’ll be fine.”

You watch him walk out the room, led by Chaz, and you tighten your grip around Echo’s blade.

***********

You wake up in your bed, dressed in the tunic and pants from the day before, with your arms wrapped securely around Echo’s blade.

You lay in bed for ten minutes. Whatever Echo did to the Baron clearly worked, since the day reset less than three hours after it began.

You roll out of your bed, and hurry out of the manor. And by the time you reach the village sign, Echo is waiting for you, his arms folded. “You’re okay?” You ask as soon as you’re close enough.

“A few bruises,” Echo replies as he takes his blade back, “I don’t want to get close to him again, I don’t think.”

“We’ll figure something out.” You say as you hug him quickly.

“I’m sure we will.”

The third death involves a massive amount of crossbows, which pin the Baron to the wall of the ballroom.

The eighth death involves a truly terrifying amount of fire.

The fifteenth death involves an explosive made from flour and gunpowder.

“Halfway there,” Echo says as he leans back on the bench in the garden, “Only fifteen more deaths.”

“Are you okay?” You ask as you reach out and touch a bruise on his cheek.

“Just exhausted, sen’ika.” He smiles at you, “The people sure seem happy with all of the changes,” He notes.

“Change is good, Echo. Being trapped is…it’s a kind of hell. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” You say quietly. 

“Well, with any luck, you’ll soon be free from this curse.” Echo says with a grin, “What’ll you do first?”

“Leave. I’m going to go literally anywhere else, and I’m never going to eat bacon again.”

Echo laughs, “Maybe I’ll take you back to Mandalore with me,” he says lightly, “It’s very different from this little village.”

“Oh, I’d like that-” You start to say, only to pause when something hits your face. The bustle of the village, just one street over, descends into silence, as the sky opens and rain starts falling.

You scramble to your feet, holding your hands out as the cool water splashes against your hands. And then you laugh, “Rain,” You whisper, “It’s raining!” You laugh again and spin in the rain, turning to grin at Echo, “Echo! You brought the rain back!”

From the next street over you can hear triumphant shouting, cheers of delight, and laughter.

You spin away from Echo, giggles of sheer delight falling from your lips as you stand in the pouring rain.

And Echo…well, he leans his elbows on his knees and he watches you with a fond smile on his lips. And when loud music starts playing the next street over, he gets to his feet, and he lightly takes your hand in his, an impish look crossing his face, “May I have this dance?”

You grin at him, and spin into his arms, “You may,” You agree as you look up into his eyes.

The seventeenth death involves an intricate trap with ropes, pulleys, and the heaviest bookshelf in the manor.

The twenty-first death involves a pit filled with lances.

The twenty-ninth death is much more straightforward, with Echo using a truly amazing number of potions to kill the Baron.

“This is the last one,” You whisper as you apply a healing ointment to Echo’s arm, and then reach up to patch up the bruise on his cheek.

“I think you’re more worried about this than I am.” Echo teases as he gently grabs your wrist, and lowers them away from his face, “Everything is going to be fine, I promise.”

“This is the closest we’ve been to freedom in years, Echo. I’m just…I’m nervous, that’s all.”

He smiles at you, warm and soft, and he leans in and lightly presses his forehead against yours, “There’s no need to be nervous.” He murmurs, “I’m going to take care of you.”

You release a shaky breath, “Okay. Are you sure you want to use your sword?” You ask one more time, just to make sure.

He laughs softly, “Yes. I’m sure. He won’t be expecting it.”

“But-”

Echo presses a light kiss to the inside of your wrist, “Trust me, cyar’ika. This is for the best.”

“I do trust you, but I’m still nervous.” You murmur, even as heat floods your face at his gentle kiss.

He smiles reassuringly at you, and gently releases you, “Go and take your position.”

You nod once, and take half a step back. Then you hesitate, and step back towards him and stand on your toes to press a kiss against his cheek, “Good luck, Echo.” And then you turn and hurry away.

Echo lets out a quiet chuckle, and then he pulls his helmet on. He walks the familiar path to the main room of the house, and he glances up at the second floor, where all of the employees of the Manor are standing, watching.

There’s the sound of angry hissing, and then the Baron is there. Twenty-nine deaths have left the creature angry and paranoid. Angry enough that his gaze was locked on Echo, and not any of the innocent people in the room.

Echo spins his blade with the ease of someone who knows what he’s doing and he takes a step towards the creature, “It’s time for this to end.” Echo says flatly.

The creature snarls and throws himself at Echo.

But Echo has already killed this creature twenty-nine times. He knows how he moves, how he acts in a given situation, and he’s clever enough to be able to make educated guesses on how he’ll react in unknown situations.

The whole encounter has already played out, hundreds of different times, in Echo’s mind. He already knows how it’s going to end. And so do the people watching the last fight.

Echo moves, just enough out of the way to not get hurt. He activates the runes on the blade, and he strikes. The Baron releases an inhuman scream, and spins to try and flee, but Echo strikes two more times. 

And the creature falls still.

Nothing happens for a long moment. And then the shadows that cover the creature disperse in every direction, washing over all of the people, then across everything in the Duchy, and then the shadows vanish as if they never existed to begin with.

You look at the massive clock on the wall and you watch as the calendar and time speed up to match the current day and year, and then you hurry down the stairs, “Echo!”

He pulls his helmet off and grunts as you crash into his side, “I’m okay, he didn’t even touch me.” His arm slides around your shoulder as you hug him tightly.

“No!” You both turn at the wail coming from the young man kneeling on the ground, “No! How could you? I was strong! I had power!” The Baron, a teenager again, gets to his feet, his teeth bared. “I’ll kill you!”

Echo lightly pushes you behind him as the teenager lunges at him. He draws his fist back, and then slams his fist into the boys face, sending him reeling back to the ground, “On the authority given to me by the Royal Family of Mandalore, you’re under arrest.”

“I was cursed!” The boy spat, “You can’t arrest me for being cursed!”

“No, but I can arrest you for the repeated murders of your employees. Just because it didn’t stick doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” Echo says flatly, and then he presses the tip of his blade against the teenager’s throat, “Unless you think that none of them will testify against you.”

The boy hesitates and then looks away.

“That’s what I thought.” Echo effortlessly cuffs him, and then tosses him against a wall.

“So…what happens next?” Chaz asks.

“I have to make a phone call to Mandalore, we’ll get people out here to help you all get resettled. Thirty years is a long time, my friend.” Echo says as he clasps Chaz’s shoulder, “Although, unless anyone wants to stay here, we’ll probably reach out to different nations to help you get settled somewhere else.” He smiles at the group of people, “A new start…for all of you.”

He steps away from Chaz as the older man begins giving orders for information to get passed onto the village proper, and he leaves the manor. You chase after him, “So, what happens with me, then?”

“A new start,” Echo says, stopping as you hurry to his side, “Doing whatever you want, wherever you want.”

“What if I want to stay near you?” You ask.

He pauses and looks at you, “Well, I might be able to help with that.” Echo says with a slow smile. “If that’s what you really want.”

You hum thoughtfully, “You brought the rain back, Echo. And you fought for our freedom. There’s nothing I want more than to stay with you.”

He laughs softly, “Come here, sen’ika.”

You step closer to him and he lightly hooks an arm around your waist, pulling you even closer, and then he lightly bumps his forehead against yours.

“I have an idea,” Echo says lazily, “How about, once I make this call, we go down to the village and buy sandwiches from the cafe, and we have a picnic while we wait for help to arrive?”

You rest your hands on his chest plate, “Like a date?” You ask softly.

“Exactly like a date,” He confirms.

You smile at him brightly, and you raise up on your toes to brush your lips against his, “I like that idea.”

He smiles against your lips, “Glad to hear it, cyar’ika. Now, I really do need to make this call, but you don’t have to move if you don’t want to. Actually, they’re probably going to have some questions for you, so it’s best that you don’t move-”

You grin and lay your cheek against his shoulder, it’s not a happily ever after, not yet at least, but it’s a start and that’s all you can ask for. 

[starboishifting]

₊˚⊹♡|| comic artist d/r intro

𓍢ִ໋☕️✧˚ ༘ ⋆ "𝐢 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭… 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚… 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞… 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐟, 𝐢 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞." "𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐢'𝐦 𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥. 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬? 𝐢 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞." 📖⊹ ˖.𖥔 ݁ ˖

₊˚⊹♡|| who am i

charlie dalton, american exchange student in london. has, since day one, been in a constant state of culture shock. what the hell do you mean i don't need to pay for an ambulance? double majoring in illustration and animation at brunel university of london, which in this reality, offers the greatest art degrees in the continent. i work at a little cafe, not because i need to, but simply because i enjoy the atmosphere. i can sit behind the counter and draw for hours, plus all the free coffee i want.

₊˚⊹♡|| hobie brown

yes, that hobie brown. evidently, fighting against fascists takes a toll, so he needed to stop for coffee. tall, strong, too much foam for my tastes, and just a sprinkle of cinnamon, which explains why he always smells like it. and then the next day, he's also tired, and wants another coffee. and the day after that, and the day after that, only to have one of the other baristas point out that he peeks in the window first to see if i'm working; if i'm not, he doesn't come in. so at 4 on the dot every day i work, i prepare his tall, triple espresso with too much foam and cinnamon sprinkled and chocolate drizzled on the sides before i put the coffee in, so it melts. and then one day, after two hours of pep talks, i write my number on the side of his cup. and my phone dings thirty seconds after he leaves.

₊˚⊹♡|| first date

after a few days of talking nonstop, he asks me to go to a museum opening with him. a friend of his has a show, and he 'doesn't want to go alone'. of course i say yes, and of course i spend hours planning what to wear because not only do i want to impress him, but also his friends. 17 outfits and 30 rings later, i'm stepping out of my flat and into the chilly november-in-london air, my heart racing. he's already waiting, like the absolute gentleman he is, and we walk hand in hand to the gallery. he already feels so safe, and i don't even know he's spiderman yet. supposedly, his friends like me. they spend the entire opening teasing me, which i take in stride (thankfully) and pulling him aside to speak in hushed whispers. he keeps glancing at me as they talk, and every time our eyes meet, my heart does a little skip. i like his friends, though. they're all so smart and cool and funny, and every single one is hot as hell, which makes sense for a ragtag group of goths, punks, and emos (plus peni, who is the sweetest little harajuku savage who i would trust with my life after knowing her for thirty seconds). the friend with the show, sybill, and i started talking, and it ended up coming out that the comic i'd been working on for almost a year, which i'd only really posted bits and pieces of on tumblr and webtoon, was hobie's favorite. malcolm, one of the emo guys, gave me a speech about how the stars had brought us together, and how we were meant to be. hobie dragged me away after that, seeming embarrassed, but i just giggled and asked if he was sure he wanted to go home, it was still so early in the night. so he took me to his favorite kebab shop, because i'd mentioned a while ago that i've never had one, and we just talked. later, when i checked my phone, i realized we'd been at the shop for three hours, just spilling our guts to each other. but then he walked me home, led me up to my flat, and leaned down towards me. i knew i was a ruined man the second he whispered, "is it okay if i kiss you? you're just so lovely, i'd never forgive myself if i didn't." and when i said yes, he gave me the softest, sweetest kiss known to mankind. and i was a fucking goner.

₊˚⊹♡|| favorite things

i love everything about him. i love the way he smells, the way my name slips off his lips, the way his ears wiggle when he smiles. i love it when he lets me play with his hair, but i love even more when he plays with mine. i love lying with my head in his lap or on his chest and talking about nothing, or everything, or not speaking at all. i love going to rallies just as much as i love going to book stores. i love that he makes me eat when i forget, that his sleep schedule is just as fucked up as mine so he stays up spiderman-ing or playing video games while i draw or write or read. i love when he lets me tend his wounds, even going so far as to audit a few ems classes at school to make sure i'm doing everything properly. i love when he's tired, and he just lies on top of me, his arms wrapped around my waist and his legs tangled with mine. i love that he's mine, and i'm his.

what's in my bag? ᯓ★ poorly done mood board ᯓ★

[icarusredwings]

Once landed, Logan and Wade were gearing up. There was already an entire search party here, dogs, squad, all of them talking, some parts of the woods taped off. It made Logan's hair raise.

"What's wrong? Hank said you did good by killing that kid." Wade tells him, his snow suit bright red, boots, gloves, and some markings black.

"I didn't kill that kid. That's apprently the problem..." he grumbles, his breath looking just as thick as his cigar smoke. He gave a small shake, not used to the blizzard feeling over his nose again. He was retired. Too old for this shit..

"I fucked up, Wade..."

"What do you mean? You smelled something bad so you attacked it. That's 10 out of 10 wolverine-ing right there. If theyre too stupid to see it, thats their problem." He mutters, stopping in his tracks, Noticing the way Logan had stopped in his, death glaring.

"You found Scotty didn't you?" He looks to where Logans daggers are going. "Yup. You did. Well for now lets ignore him and focus on the little girl. And then after we can beat him to a bloody pulp until he apologizes to you."

Logan growls, trudging forward through the snow towards him.

"Hey?? Hello? Earth to Logan?..... peanut?.... Uugghh god you're so fucking stubborn.." He groans, complaining as he follows suit. "Didnt you hear anything I just said? Girl- then kick ass. There's a checklist!"

Logan couldn't hear his husband complaining, beelining for that asshole, grabbing him by the throat and slamming him against a rangers truck. "Give me one damn good reason you drug my ass out here on a PLANE!" He snarls at him, popping the other hands claws out.

"Wolverine! That's enough!" A woman calls, before Scott could even threaten him back.

Turning his head, Logan glared, about to bark a 'What!?' Before seeing her. Standing there, was Ororo, still as beautiful as ever, wrinkles and all. She still was rocking that funky hair cut and she was still (in the snow) wearing those killer boots.

And she. Looked. PISSED.

"Ooh snap- youre in trouble now." Wade mutters, scooting out of frame.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"He-" He tries to explain, but mama bear Ro wasn't having it.

"Ah ah! I don't want to hear it! Let him go."

"But-"

"Now. Logan." Her arms cross, turning to give him that LOOK. She's always had that look. The kind that made unruely little kids behave.. and apprently the Wolverine... even in this old age.

Growling, he lets go of Scott, who drimatically coughs. "What is wrong with you!??"

"You sent a plane on purpose! And-!"

"I said ENOUGH!" Thunder cracks out of nowhere, the sky perfectly clear until now, lightning sparking in the clouds.

The two boys look at her, hell, Even Wade sits down. Right there in the snow. Criss cross apple sauce. ".. Yes ma'am.." he whispers out of instinct.

She gives Wade a look of being pleased with his unquestioned obedience, letting him sigh of relief. "You two. I am TIRED. Of this. Fed up! It has been almost 30 years and you two are STILL having such petty debates! There is a child MISSING and you two rather fight about who has the bigger penis!"

Wade coughs. "Logan- " Only to be shot an instant death glare. "Sorry ma'am, but it's true your honor." He salutes, sitting up straight as Ro rolls her eyes, stepping forward.

"Well do it sometime else!! Because so the godess help you, if this little girl doesn't survive? You will be sorry. Do I make myself clear?"

".. Crystal." Scott says, glaring at logan from the side of his visor, rubbing his neck a bit drimatically.

"Logan?" Her brow raised, tilting her head towards him.

"....Fine! But just know that if she dies... It's his fault." He growls, going quiet as he puts the claws away, crossing his arms.

"Good. Now get to work. I'm keeping it as clear as possible, but it takes a lot of power, so hurry up. We're already past the 48-hour mark..." She says this with a sense of melancholic bite as she turned, her cape flowing over as she walked away.

For a moment the boys were silent, only glaring into each others souls, eyes dark with dislike for one another to th very core.

"....soooo... you guys gonna kiss or what?" Wade asks, being shot two more death glares, making him put his hands up. "Fine fine! Lets go find the kid...sheesh.." Standing, he begins to walk off, towards the officers to see if they had anything for Logan to sniff.

Standing there, tense and still, Logan glared needles into him. If he stared any harder he hoped Scott would burst into flames.

"Logan! Come on!" Wade calls as Logan ignores him.

"... Better get going.... your husband is calling." Scott says, but the tone in his voice implied that Logan was the wife, enforcing a negitive gender association that only pissed Logan off anymore.

Slowly starting to walk off, Logan paused. "Better run along, Slim... Daddys calling... Oh wait.."

He walks away, leaving Scott to grit his teeth, tightening his fist into a ball..

Thinking about old Worst Wolverine being called by each of the X men individually after they have a falling out because Logan injured a child very badly to the point the only reason they didn't die is because another classmates healing abilities all while he just... walked away.

Well- ran.. away... leaving a child to die. He's tried to explain thousands of times that he blacked out, that he didn't remember doing any of this. He tries to say that maybe it was someone else, that mystique did this shit all the time in his universe.

"Yeah, well!? This isn't your universe! Because the REAL Logan would never do this.." Scott screams at him as Logan leaves the Mansion for the last time. He doesn't come back. He didn't even get to tell his Xkits goodbye. It got to the point where Laura dropped out, taking Gabby with her, wanting nothing to do with the school anymore.

So now, here he is. In Maine, an old fisherman, part-time hunter, and the only people he lets around him have healing factors.

He lives with Wade, who still- by the way- doesn't have any grey hairs (maybe because hes bald but- yk)

One night, while Logan is out, making himself feel useful by feeding the small town they're in, providing for more poor families, feeding their children's hungry mouths and asking nothing in return but respect. (It gets to the point that the children cheer when they see Logan, wanting to hug him, but he growls at them to get off, too afraid of hurting them) Wade finally awnsers the ringing phone.

"What." There's vemon in his tone, but soon his eyes widden, and he frowns.

Walking outside he stands there a moment, knowing Logan can hear him.

He ignores him, looking at the fish, litsening, his breathing slowing as he skewers some with his claws. Its not exactly spear fishing but- close.

"What?" His voice is almost annoyed, as if knowing what his long time Husband was about to ask him.

"Logan.."

"No."

"Logan-"

He shakes his head. "Don't care."

"...She's missing."

He pauses, turning after scraping the dead fish into a bucket. "Who's missing?"

"There's a little girl missing."

"So?"

"Logan!"

"I'm not helping them, Wade. That's final." He growls.

For a moment, Wade frowns, but he didn't learn to obey thy husband like the bible said.

He never did.

"Logan, there's a 6 year old out there. All alone. Cold. Probably going to be eaten by wolves!" He shouts from the back porch, knowing his place enough to stay here and not come near his fish. Even after all these years, Logan was still finicky over his food. "And all because some old fart won't help her!"

The silence thickened as Logan thought about it, the hero side of his brain yelling 'We'll find her!' And the hurt old part of him saying 'That's not my buisness.'

".. You find her then." He compromises.

"I can't! And if anyone knows those Canadian woods, it's you! You said you knew those forests like the back of your hand!" Wade protests. "If I could smell someone through miles of freezing snow, I would. But I can't. So here I am, asking The Wolverine to go do what he does best."

He grunts, glaring. "And that is?"

"Helping a little girl get back to her mommy..." Wade says, knowing that he was sold. He knew he was sold the moment he told him to do it himself. "She doesn't have much time, Logan." He sighs, putting a cherry on top.

The greyed man huffed, grumbling under his breath for a moment. "Who will stay here with the dog?"

"Gabby can! She loves gabs." Gott'em.

"What about Laura? Why can't she find her?"

Shit.

"Logan, Laura has barley been in those woods. You've lived in them for years. So. What will it be. Pull up your panties and go save a little girls life? Or do it anyway when our baby girl gets lost too?"

Logan scoffs, disappointed. "..She wouldn't get lost.."

"She would if the scent kept being blown away.."

Wade adds, seeing the 'god damn it, he's right.' look on the old mans brow.

He lets out a large sigh. "...I don't want any help."

"Oh well too fucking bad bucko, I'm gonna go pack my snow suit!"

"No! I mean... I don’t want any help from THEM.."

"No promises. I'm not letting poor Susie die just because you have a grudge. Now put your fish in the freezer and lets go! They're coming to pick us up-"

"I ain't flying!!" Logan snarls, watching as his lover ran off, having a deep feeling that he would be in the air shortly..

[metqnoiaxx]

inosuke x reader / fluff

kimetsu academy au :')

m/n = mispronounced name

-------

You walked out onto the fields. It was third period, which meant gym for you. Gym was the worst for you. You hated running or any physical activity at all. And 𝘩𝘦 was in your class too. 

Inosuke Hashibira. The loudest person you could've ever met. You think fireworks or ambulance's are loud? Clearly you haven't met Inosuke. He was screaming almost every second of the whole day. Constantly. He never stopped! Not only that, but he was always yelling and asking you to "fight him". It made no sense in your mind. Why would he want to fight you? Out of all the 30+ people in your class, why you?

You glanced around and made your way to the bleachers. After looking at your watch, you realized you were about 10 minutes early for class. You saw Coach Giyuu standing across with his clipboard in his field. "Oh no..", you thought to yourself. Looks like you would be doing sprints today. Sprints were the worst. You had to run around the track at least 5 times to so much as pass. It was the most annoying thing possible. Almost even more annoying than Inosuke himself.

Finally, you were getting a little comfortable and not all too worried about the sprints, when of course Inosuke had to notice you. He was walking out onto the field when he saw you sitting down reading.

"OI!"M/N! COME FIGHT ME! I'M READY THIS TIME!", he yelled out to you. Of course he had to mispronounce your name. Could he remember anything?

"It's y/n! Not m/n! I don't even know who that is! And no way am I going to fight you! I've already told you that a million times!", you yelled back.  You began walking down the bleachers when coach Giyuu blew his whistle. Looks like class was about to start. "Augh", you thought to yourself.

- time skip -

Everyone lined up on the track field, preparing for the sprints. You were already tired enough as it is, when of course Inosuke has to come up to you.

"I'll beat you m/n! I'll do a million more sprints than you ever could! Ha!", he said in his usual tone.

Something in you snapped this time though. You were sick of him telling you he would beat you every time around. And he did every time. It made him upset though since you never put in any effort.

"No way! I'll beat you!", you said back at him. He gave you this confused expression. You never really said anything about beating him or being better. You normally just let him talk and ignored him. 

He let out some small grumbling noise when Coach Giyuu blew his whistle, signaling the start of the sprints. 

You started running at a good pace, you didn't need to go necessarily fast. But of course, Inosuke has to start running in front of everyone.

"Hah! I'm better than all of you! Especially you, m/n!", he said to the people behind him.

"It's y/n, you IDIOT!", you screamed at him. Beginning to run at a much faster pace, you quickly caught up to him and the real race begun. Running head to head, the two of you speeded around and around the field what felt like hundreds of times. At around the 7th lap, he seemed to have given up and flopped onto the ground.

"Ha! I beat you!", you said. It felt good. Really good. 

"Augh, guess you're better than I thought..", he mumbled under his breath.

What was that? A compliment? Did the, Inosuke Hashibira just compliment you? No way. 

You held out your hand to help him up, which shockingly he accepted. The both of you stood there for a few seconds still holding each others hands, before quickly losing touch and taking a step away from each other. Awkward, of course. 

"Want to walk to fourth period since we have the same class?", he said randomly. This shocked you a bit. Was he really trying to ask if you wanted to walk together.

"Sure I guess, I got to go to the locker room though to get my binder and stuff", you said.

"Mhm", he grumbled, before the two of you began walking away to the the locker rooms.

- time skip -

You met with each other after getting your items from the lockers. Both of you started the walk to the third floor, where your fourth period was, when all of a sudden he grabbed your hand and just held it. 

"I-....well what'd you do that for?", you asked, still shocked about what he did.

"Eh...felt nice earlier", he said plainly.

--- end

teehehehehehh i LOVE boar boy :)

[acciocriativity]

You and Me II || Harry Potter

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin/Reader

Summary: After years at Hogwarts, your life would really begin and nothing could be better than to start this new phase with your official birthday party, but the next day does not turn out quite as expected.

Warnings: For those who haven't read the first part yet, Tom Riddle is not Voldemort in this fic. The first wizard war was against another wizard but its consequences are still valid! Just pure fluff and an implied bit of smut.

Word Count: 3,0k

A/N: This is obviously the part two of You and Me, but it’s not necessarily related, so you can just read this one as a one shot but the first part gives you a lot of context for this, ok? ok then. (Happy really early Birthday Katie! I'd like to post this on your bday but I was too anxious for this. Hope you like it!)

Part I

04/27/1997

"You're really not well, how can a person be in this state when their birthday is so close? I've tried to understand and still can't", the brunette's bored voice made itself present in the room for the 4th time in the day and as I prepared my answer, she held up her hand and delivered her own hypothesis first. "You can't be sad that we're finishing seventh year, I swear for Merlin's sake, if that's the case, I'll...", the words slipped slowly from her mouth, as did the calmness remaining in her.  

"Even though anything you have to say sounds like a lot of fun, it's not the case. I really want to start my own life, have my own job and all that. I'm just thinking a lot lately, too many things have happened, we've all changed so much", I didn't bother to look at her, still focused on the ceiling painted like a blue summer sky and she didn't mind asking permission to lie next to me on the bed. 

"We had to grow up eventually, although some took too long, in fact, I can point out for sure that half the boys still act like kids", we both laughed until our bellies ached.

"Well, good for us then because Draco and Blaise are not on that list and don't even dare look at me like that, you know he's changed a lot", I heard her amused giggles and already imagined what was coming. 

"I wasn't even going to say anything this time, it's really impressive how you just stick up for him, I hope it's the same with me", I frowned and looked at her as if she was out of her mind, and there were chances she really was. "Since when do you need protection from someone?". 

"I never said I needed it, but it's nice to know I have it", she shrugged without looking me in the eye and I decided it would be better to change the subject, because nothing good ever comes out of a Pansy, who is unseasy in any sense. 

"So, about your...," she started. "Pansy, what do you…”, I said at the same time, but I just smiled and waited in silence for what she had to say. 

"I was going to ask about your parents, you're going to have to live with them in a month, so how are you feeling about that?", she just glanced at me. 

"That's been going through my mind, I have no idea what it's going to be like but it's going to be better than anything that's happened in the past, that's enough for now", I sighed. 

"You know you can come to my house, right? You can hide there", I agreed with a smile and we continued in a comfortable silence. 

04/29/1997

7:30 A.M.

 On the morning of my birthday, I woke up in the best possible way. The warmth emanating from Draco's body and the thick blanket kept me unfazed by the freezing wind coming in through the window. I didn't want to move and I didn't need to. 

I sighed satisfied with the position I was in, curled up under the blanket hugging the blond's bare torso, with no responsibility or obligation other than to enjoy my day. 

"Morning, love", his arms pressed me tighter against him, I could feel his calm breathing and somehow, I felt calmer too.

I left a few kisses on his bare skin and the goosebumps they caused on him made me break out into a little smile. "Good morning, love", I whispered leaning back against him.  

"Come here, let me give you a proper happy birthday", he gave my hair a quick pat and lifted my chin to look at him. 

 As soon as I crawled closer to him, his arms entwined around my waist and pulled me even closer. 

"Happy birthday my love", he left several little kisses on my face and neck before moving to my lips, but our moment was interrupted by a noise on the window.

 A gray owl incessantly beat its beak on the window pane, we looked at each other, neither of us wanted to get up, but it would be too cruel to leave the poor thing waiting there. 

"It's my birthday, I have the right to ask you to go", I gave a brief kiss on his lips before letting him go to the war field. 

 I stayed warm while he opened the window further so that the owl could get through, as well as the icy wind. 

He rushed back to my side in time to see me tear the seal off the letter I received. 

"It's from my parents, they are really working hard this year. I have to admit that", I told him as I scanned the paper. 

"At least they realized what a great daughter they have, she's a little mean but still great", I was too busy reading the letter to notice his cunning and more icy than usual hands pass around me.  

 I jumped out of bed as I felt the shock of our skin contact and he had the audacity to laugh, I had to control myself too much not to grab my wand. 

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, you are dead now", I climbed into bed with my pillow, ready to fight. 

20:00 P.M.

 A few hours later, I was getting ready for the party in the Slytherin common room, everyone was invited since after this stressful year, a party would be nice and I couldn't physically kick anyone out. 

I was barely concentrating in my makeup, Nala was running back and forth between my feet wanting attention and I couldn't give it to her or for the next few hours, no matter how much it broke my heart. 

"For Merlin's sake... Nala! Sit!", it saddened me to see that she obeyed but still wanted to come running to me, that deserved a good reward.

 I fed her one of her favorite cookies and petted her shiny fur before going back in front of the mirror. I checked several times to make sure I was ready. 

"See you later my love, mma will be back soon", I waved to her and went downstairs before I gave in. 

 There were already a lot of people when I arrived, the new song by The Weird Sisters was so loud that Pansy didn't hear me, even though I called out 2 times as she passed by on the other side of the room. 

As I made my way through, many friends stopped to congratulate me and also to chat a bit, by the time I realized what I was supposed to do, more than 10 minutes had passed. 

"Have you guys seen Pansy? I was looking for her", I said before turning my own glass of buttered beer over and leaving it in Tom's hand. "See you guys later", my eyes were glued on the blond guy standing in the corner and in less than a second, I was walking towards him. 

"What the hell am I supposed to do with that?!", I heard his indignant voice but ignored it along with all the other people, who tried to talk to me on my way to him. 

"You know, the delay is only elegant because it doesn't last more than 5 minutes", he was smiling even though he hated tardiness. 

"Maybe for most people, a queen is never late love, the others were too early. Especially when it's her birthday", I stopped in front of him. "You haven't given me my present yet, I'm waiting", I pointed to my own lips.  

 He chuckled and looked at me for a few seconds before he said  something, even with the lights flashing I could still see the twinkle in his eyes, which still reflected mine equally. 

"Are you asking this as a gift around too?", his smile widened as did mine, he took a step closer. 

"Does that mean you're not going to give it to me? I had high expectations for this one in particular", something in his gaze changed, I could clearly tell but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. 

"That particular one can wait, right now, I have my main gift", he took his hands off his back and in them was a green velvet median box with silver details. 

 I was almost breathless just admiring the package once it was in my hands. To top it off, a green silk bow and I had the impression that he had made it himself. 

When I opened it, my jaw dropped. A silver necklace with an emerald heart carefully displayed in the box. 

"Draco, you really didn't have to give me something expensive", he didn't answer me, instead took the necklace and helped me put it on. 

"It seemed like an appropriate gift, now that we will no longer be living by Slytherin rules, it’s a nice way to say goodbye", I didn't think twice before I kissed him. 

"I love you, I'll never get tired of saying that", I whispered between kisses. "You won't forget that, right?", I sighed as he brushed his lips across the skin of my neck. 

"I have no reason to forget love, I...", we were interrupted by a forced cough behind me. 

"Why don't you two just go into a room? No one has to see this scene", Blaise's unmistakable voice sounded and I felt my boyfriend giggle, not moving out of position. 

"You can go after your girlfriend instead of getting in our way, wouldn't that be a brilliant idea?", I didn't see what happened, but a nice answer wouldn't be."So where were we honey?", he raised his eyes to meet mine. 

"We better save that for the end of the party love, wasn't that your idea?", I pulled away from him and took his hand. "You have a whole party to enjoy." 

"I already regret that decision, thanks for reminding me", he mumbled that and a few other things I couldn't hear. 

07/01/1997

7:00 A.M.

"I still can't believe this is our last breakfast at Hogwarts", Astoria commented amidst the silence that had formed at our table. 

"I still can't believe it's really over, it seems like any minute now I'm going to wake up and be back in third year", Pansy added. 

"Well, I hope you'll make better decisions if you go back there tonight. No one forgot the hair Pan", my remark made everyone laugh for the first time in the day, a bit of pride grew inside me. 

"Just because Hogwarts is over doesn't mean we're going to split up. None of you have any right to be this down today", Theo said and I was forced to smile as was everyone else. 

"I was glad to be rid of you, at no point I was sad," Blaise muttered but we could all hear him and we all laughed once again. 

8:00 A.M. 

"What are you thinking?" he was with his eyes closed leaning against the train window, but I knew he wasn't asleep. 

"How familiar everything here is, the worn leather of the seat, the smell of candy in the hallway and of trees coming in through the window. Other things will be familiar 7 years from now, it's just weird to think about it," he continued in the same position but held out his hand to me. 

"That's true but I feel better knowing that we will continue to be each other's constant," I intertwined our fingers and we continued like that until we arrived.  

11:00 A.M. 

"It's time for the gifts, we prefer to give you personally. I believe you will like it", my mother said as soon as we sat down on the couch in our living room. 

 I smiled not knowing how to respond, since I usually got the same thing every year, money or more paint, and I was pretty sure they didn't choose in person. 

"Go ahead, open it. We decided to give two separate presents this year, the pink wrapping is mine and the purple one is your father's", the two boxes were right next to me on the couch, so why was I hesitating so much to pick them up? 

 A lot was going on in my head, they have changed a lot in the last year but why? I could be dreaming of the ideal day, but no dream was as vivid as this one.

I took a deep breath and opened the pink first, I expected to find anything but my stuffed bunny, he was washed and clean, different from how I remembered, but still the same. 

"I thought I lost or tore it a long time ago", I managed to say as I hugged him like one who finds an old friend, but he was beyond that. 

"He was really in a rough state, but I was able to fix him. It was in one of the boxes in the basement, remember how you got it?", I agreed again, a wave of memories washed over me. 

My parents had just arrived home from a business trip, it was the first time I had been alone at home without them. 

"Mommy, Daddy!", I ran down the stairs as fast as my little legs would allow and threw myself into my father's arms, not caring about his wet coat, which soon became even wetter. "You promi-promised that you would be back soon”. 

"Oh my love, something unexpected has happened. We were never going to leave you alone for so long," her hands wiped away my tears and took me in her lap. "So, for you never have to be alone again, we brought a little friend, he will always keep you company when we have to leave." 

That wasn't enough to calm me down but it made me curious enough to stop crying, I didn't have any friends before that. 

 I hurried to open the other package but there was only an empty picture frame with no photo inside. 

Before I could open my mouth to ask for an explanation, shapes began to appear from the black background. 

I recognized the picture, me still a baby in my mother's arms and my father behind her, hugging us both but as soon as I blinked, it was gone. 

Another picture formed in its place, I was older, about two or three years old, this one I had never seen. I was on my mother's lap holding a drawing that I had made and possibly looked terrible. 

More pictures appeared and disappeared but I didn't wait to see them all at that moment. 

"I loved these gifts...thank you Mom and Dad," I made a great effort to hold back the tears as I hugged them both. "They are the best presents I have ever gotten." 

23:00 P.M. 

"What are you two doing out there at this time of night?! Draco, have you been drinking now?", Narcisa gave us another stern look before opening the door and shoving us inside. 

 We walked in almost tripping over the living room rug, laughing at each other, to the point where tears formed in our eyes.  

"Shhhhhh, my dad must be working... uhhhhhh, he's not going to like this, u-um," his hand covered my mouth. 

I pushed his hand away from my face. “Me?Shut up? You're practically screaming you idiot!".

 "You two, I don't want another peep out of you. Come up quietly. Your father doesn't like to be interrupted," she whispered, but it was enough for us to agree without hesitation. 

"Yes, Captain, I mean, ma'am," he pulled me up the stairs before her patience ran out. 

07/02/1997

14:00 P.M. 

"What do you mean, you don't remember what happened?", the blond was clearly trying hard not to laugh and I sighed, still under the blanket. 

"I don't remember Draco, did your mother really not hate me? I can't believe we came here...", even though no one was watching me, I started to blush, or was it just the fever? There's no way to be sure now. 

"That could never happen, she made sure to request your favorite tea. Now get out of there before it gets cold", he tried to pull on my blanket but I used all the rest of my strength not to let him.  

"Noooo, out there that's too cold. Come here, it's too cold for you too", I took one of my hands from the comfortable warmth to pull him to me. "You didn't have to get up so early to get this", I whispered but soon after started coughing. 

"There must be a potion to help you, I'll just get it and then...", he was ready to get up from the bed but I didn't let go of his arm. 

"I just want you, please stay here? The elf will bring it anyway", before he could protest, I covered him with the blanket. "You're not well either, let's just lay down for now". 

 He opened his mouth to deny it again but all that came out was a sneeze, after this he just gave up and lied down too. We were both screwed but at least we were together, right? I tried to think positive.

[ @x-dratie-x @fa-me]

Harry Potter Masterlist

[marchioness-caprina]

Confessions

Pairings : Reader x Bakugou

Writing Style : 1st Person and 3rd Person

Warning : A Lot of Swearing

Word Count : 3639

____________________

Y/n's POV

" I Just don't Know what To do Izuku! You're Telling Me He Likes me but he barely even takes a glance at me! The bad thing is that whenever I try approaching him... Or even expressing my Love for him... He screams bloody murder and roasts me like there's no tomorrow! " I complained as I buried my face within my palms .

I was on the verge of tears simply because of a shitty crush. I felt Izuku's Hand caress my head as He stared down at me with a sympathetic gaze.

" There, There y/n. Let it all out " He muttered making me want to cry even more but I wasn't done venting.

" I've been chasing him ever since we were in middle school! Ironic how I give nothing but love but receive pain instead... I think... I should finally Give up" I whispered the last part and Izuku's movements were put in a halt.

" Really? After everything you've been doing for him? You'll just give up?! That's not you y/n! You're the type of person who fights with everything you've got without losing hope! And that's pretty admirable! I may not be as close with Kaachan as I was before but I know for a fact that he likes you too and is just too... Errr... Umm... How do I say this? Uhh He just has a really big Ego to admit it " He tried lifting my spirit up but I was tired. My heart was tired and I just wanted to... Give up or maybe Just Rest for a couple of weeks.

" Yeah? Well you think pretty Highly of Me Izuku.... But I'm weak too you know and there are battles I must quit.... I'll just try to recollect myself and rest for a few weeks Or so, I'll have to set my Priorities straight too... Ya know... If you get what I mean and all " I chuckled trying to mask the pain and it was futile. Izuku can read me like an open book.

He gave me a solemn look before nodding. This little cinnamon roll is just too kind and understanding, he even accompanied me to this very cafe we were in when he saw me looking down coming out of the Dorms.

" I get it, People need to cool off from time to time " He gave me a small smile and I returned it with a grin.

" Hey! You know there's this Carnival That was set up last week and it's their last day today! I had two tickets and tried inviting Katsuki.... I mean Bakugou Yesterday and he almost blew these tickets away.... It would be a waste if we don't use it so why don't we start my Personal Growth and healing by having Fun!? " I exclaimed and Izuku looked genuinely as excited as me.

" Really!? Sure! I'd like to go! It's been awhile since I actually had fun because of all the Pressure and Stress! " He smiled and I grabbed his hand immediately and dragged him out of the cafe and Off to The carnival we Go!.

_________________

" Man! And Don't even get me started on the Food there! Although the Almight Mascot looked Really Weird it was still fun! " I Beamed as Izuku opened the front door.

" Yeah! And the Fireworks were awesome Too! I'm really glad we hung out today! " He bashfully stated as we simultaneously stepped inside .

" And Where have you two gone to? Maybe you shouldn't have came back if you'd show up in the middle of the damn night " Aizawa sensei suddenly appeared out of nowhere making me and Izuku flinch in shock.

" W-why... Hello there sensei " Midoriya stuttered fear ridden as he glanced down at me.

' Shit we're screwed '

" Guys! I believe it was extremely irresponsible to be gone without a word and come back at an unearthly hour! You could have atleast sent one of us a message or even answered Our calls! So we wouldn't be this anxious of your arrival! " Iida Sped walked towards me and Izuku and that's when we noticed that everyone was still up and gathered in the common room.

" We were so worried about you guys! We thought a villain took you or something! "

" Not cool dude, Aizawa Sensei almost flipped and called out a search team to look for you guys "

" You could have told us before you left "

Came the concerned comments of our classmates. It made my heart swell up with Joy and at the same time Guilt.

" We're so Sorry! " Me and Izuku yelled in Sync bowing our heads.

" It was my fault! I forgot my phone in my room! And Izuku was just accompanying me to a small cafe in town... And I invited him to go have fun at the carnival... To Distress.... I didn't think you guys would be this worried but thank you for worrying about us! " I yelled an apology and Izuku was fast to take the blame.

" No it's my fault! I turned off my phone and left without informing anyone and without thinking of the consequences! Neither me and y/n were aware of the time. We won't do it again! We're sorry guys" Izuku frowned as I placed my hand on his shoulder.

With a sigh Aizawa gave us a stern look scratching the back of his head before speaking.

" Look, this better not happen again or else you two will be in serious trouble. You're lucky tomorrow's a Sunday so No school . Just make sure to say something next time and not disappear without a trace "

" Yes sensei! " Izuku answered while I nodded my head vigorously.

As Aizawa continued his Lecture my eyes drifted towards the crowd of my classmates and what surprised me was that Bakugou was Present. He was awake. Did he actually give a fuck?... No he's probably dragged into this by Kaminari or Kirishima.

After a long 30 minutes of sermon Aizawa sensei finally let us go.

In the end everyone returned to their rooms and Before I went to mine I gave Izuku a Hug as a ' Thank you for being there for me ' and I was unaware of a pair of crimson red eyes staring at us.

_____________

The Next Day

_____________

I heard knocking on my door which forced me to wake up and open the door and to my surprise it was Izuku and Uraraka.

" Morning Guys.... What brings you here? " I yawned blinking my eyes as the two chuckled at my messy appearance.

Bed hair, oversized t shirt and drool on the corner of my lips.

" We came here to invite you for breakfast! Everyone is gathered in the common room! You're a pretty heavy sleeper! Jirou and Momo tried waking you up earlier and there was no answer " Uraraka explained but still, sleep was very much alive in my system and I just gave a lazy nod before hanging again.

" Looks like she's still Tired Uraraka, you go on ahead we'll catch up with you" Izuku offered and Uraraka was fast to jolt away a from us.

" Ok! But you better not let her go back to sleep Deku! Everyone's counting on you to wake her up! " Uraraka yelled as she headed downstairs.

I was swaying back and forth with my eyes half lidded and I had a sudden urge to sleep on the floor.

" Still sleepy? " Izuku asked and fortunately I was still awake enough to give him a nod.

" Wanna get on my back? I'll carry you down stairs so you'll have time to rest " He offered while turning his back against me and bending down.

Without hesitation I fell on his back and subconsciously wrapped my arms around his neck and my head resting on his back.

I felt his scarred hand grip my thighs and he lifted me off the ground and started walking.

Honestly I didn't know how long it took him to get to the common room but I was happy I had a really nice friend to carry me like this.

" Wow, Midoriya when we told you to get Y/n we didn't know you'd actually ' Get ' Her " The familiar Voice of Kaminari commented and I was thankfully awake or more like I forced myself to be awake.

I peeked my eyes at him and stuck my tongue out.

" Yeah you're just jealous cause Izuku is Carrying me " I retorted and Izuku's chest vibrated in a small chuckle.

" You two a Thing Now or something? " Mina grinned pointing at us with her chopsticks.

" No Mina we're not a Thing. We're People " I countered and she gave a light laugh.

" Smart move y/n. Smart move "

" Do you want me to put you down now? " Izuku asked as he looked back at me and I shook my head.

" No, I like being carried by you. You're really warm " I smirked and the poor boy's face overheated with embarrassment.

" Oo~ are you sure you two aren't a Thing? " Uraraka Teased giving me and Izuku a suggestive wink.

" So you're dumping Bakugou for Midoriya or something? " Kaminari crackled with laughter and the whole room fell into a cold silence.

As if everyone knew something I should be aware of.

" Me and Bakugou aren't Dating in the first place, I don't think we'll ever be together too " I confidently stated and I could hear gasps and the shock faces of my classmates didn't go unnoticed.

" S-She called him Bakugou and Not Katsuki! " Mineta Yelled in panic as he stared at me with wide eyes.

Suddenly a loud bang was heard from one of the tables. Specifically the Table Bakugou was on.

He had slammed his hand on the table along with his chopsticks and he was seething with so much anger and... Are my eyes lying? Is that jealousy!?.

" I ain't fucking hungry! " He yelled and stood up violently that the chair fell off.

He started stomping his way towards us. I was never afraid of Him.... Well not until Now atleast.

" Deku " He growled lowly and I could feel Izuku tremble.

Immediately, I got down from his back and when Katsuki was close enough I stepped infront of Izuku.

" Stay Back Bitch! " He hissed and I stood my ground.

" No you Stay back Asshole! What is your problem!? Why don't you mind your own fucking Business! " I snapped harshly poked his Chest with each word I uttered.

He glared at me tiny sparks popping on his palms.

What he said next was something I have never expected him to say.

" You are My goddamn Business You Little Shit! Hanging around with Deku the whole Night making me worry about your shitty ass! And now you're clinging onto him like a stupid fucking Koala! Can't you see how jealous I am!? Can't you drill it in your pretty little head that you're Fucking Mine! " His voice rang through every corner of the common room.

Everyone was silent for a few seconds. My eyes were wide and full of disbelief.

" Finally, Took Him a long time to actually confess... It was kinda getting painful to watch " Kaminari mumbled but it was loud enough for me to hear.

" Dude, it was so manly confessing to her infront of everyone. Bakugou is a true man " Came another comment from one of my classmates, Kirishima.

Katsuki was glaring at me his Chest rising and falling at a visible way clearly indicating how aggravated he was.

His crimson eyes held a lot of swirling emotions, Jealousy, Anger, Betrayal and Possessiveness.

" ..... Excuse you!? " I managed to voice out and he tried grabbing me but I was quick to evade his hand.

" No! And Just when I finally decided to give up on you. You decide to throw all this bullshit infront of me Bakugou Fucking Katsuki! No you listen here you Egotistical Haughty Son of a Bitch! I suffered through every shitty insult and pain you threw my way because I loved you and when I'm at my limit and ready to go you give me this!? all you gave me was pain and honestly I'm not a masochistic bitch to accept it with open arms how but my middle finger huh?!. Damn you and your very confusing and petty way of claiming me! That is not happening! You hear me!? So suck it up Bakuhoe and Go Fuck yourself " I actually felt proud of myself but that was the first time I actually raised my voice or even cursed infront of everyone in the first place so their dumbfounded expression didn't really surprised me.

" Wow.... Your girl's as good at Cursing as you are Bakugou " Sero was the first to comment and that pissed me off.

" I'm not his 'Girl' " I emphasized the girl part with a hint of mockery.

" Yet " Bakugou added making me glare at him.

" Fuck you " I grumbled turning around to walk away in victory thinking I had won the fight.

But before I could even take one step forward I was slung over Bakugou's Shoulder hanging upside down.

" Put me down you Fucking Asshole! " I yelled as he carried me away from the common room.

" Hey! " I grab hold of his blonde hair which was surprisingly soft and gave it a harsh tug which earned me a groan from him.

" Bitch! " He yelled slapping my butt making me gasp.

" I should get you mad more often, That was hot " He commented as if he hadn't just slapped my butt.

The nerve of this fucker.

" Put me down!" I growled as he proceeded to carry me upstairs.

" Now don't think I'm done with you just yet. I have to get my sweet revenge because you hung out with Fucking Deku and let him touch you! " He barked as I felt him tighten his hold on my fleshy thigh.

I tried everything I could, from squirming to kicking to punching his back but the guy is a Fucking wall and didn't even budge.

" Stop it Bitch! Save your energy for later. You're gonna need it " He muttered making me react violently. Until he had enough of it and slammed my back to the nearest wall with his strong muscular arms trapping me I'm between with his body a bit too close to mine.

His face was inches away and I visibly gulped turning my face to the side as his breathe fanned my cheek.

" Bakugou I'm warning you. I'm gonna do something YOU'RE gonna regret if you don't let me go " I had managed to say without stuttering and I mentally Pat myself on the back for my strong tone.

" Fuck it y/n. You really think I'd let you get away after Saying all that shit and defending Deku!? After you hopped onto his back like you're HIS!? Well you're Fucking Mine! You got that!? " He yelled making me groan. His voice was too loud and I think my ears are gonna bleed.

" You asked for it! " I yelled back as I prepared to kick him where the sun don't shine but I didn't even get to raise my leg halfway when he pulled me down by my leg and pressed his body against mine even more.

Right now I had no way of moving with my leg trapped against his thighs holding me in place.

" Oh? Was that your Great Fucking Move? Well it's pretty pathetic so kick and scream all you want. I'm claiming you right now " Using his hand he raked my locks down and gripped onto my hair roughly forcing me to face him and his lips had already connected with mine.

His kiss was rough, dominating with a tinge of passion and jealousy. Moving his lips at a better angle his other hand trailed down to squeeze my hips.

I ressisted. I really did but after awhile of him kissing me I melted. My hands wrapping themselves around his neck my chest squeezed with his toned chest. Both of his hands resting on my waist as I stood on my tippy toes kissing him back with the same intensity.

Opening my mouth to give him access he didn't waste a second to slip his tongue inside my claiming his new domain. His tongue wrestled with my own and soon gaining dominance as he continued the rough kiss.

It was a very angry kiss with lots of jealousy coming from him.

When we finally pulled away breathless and panting his intense crimson orbs pierced mine a smug smirk slowly rigging on the corners of his mouth.

" Still refusing me after that? After you willingly kissed me back? After clinging onto me for dear life? " He was either mocking me or teasing me but either way it pissed me off.

" Katsuki I'm gonna rip your throat off if you keep that up " I glared at him but I guess actions spoke louder than words because my neck was still wrapped around his neck and my body still pressed against his.

" Yeah right and a moment ago you called me Bakugou now look who's calling me Katsuki again " He sneered and I tried retreating my hand away from his neck to push him away but he beat me to it; grabbing my arms and using it as leverage to pull me closer towards him.

" I know I did some pretty fucked up shit. I'm not the best person at expressing these shitty feelings I have for you but I will make it up to you, I'm s-soow.... S-sooo.... Rrr... Eeyyyy " The way he forced out a ' I'm sorry ' got me laughing so hard .

He didn't appreciate that because his cheeks were tinted red form embarrassment and anger.

" You Fucking bitch! Don't laugh at me! I'm trying! " He yelled as I continued laughing.

Yeah, seeing him like that was new and hilarious.

My laughter was cut off when I felt his warm lips press a kiss on my cheek.

He looked to his side his eyes avoiding mine.

" Don't Fucking laugh cause I mean it though.... I'll make it up to you.... " He muttered the faint red color of his cheeks still present.

A smile formed on my lips as I stared at him fondly. A small pinkish tint coating my own cheeks but me being me I ruined the moment with a bitchy remark.

" Yeah why don't you practice saying Sorry first while not sounding like you were about to take the biggest shit of your life " I retorted and because of that I began laughing once again and he was raging. Screaming at me to stop laughing but I couldn't help it. He did deserve it after all.

I'm pretty sure I'll get more of my little revenge in the future....

________

Bonus :

" Deku.... I know you care about those two and You're a hardcore shipper but... What you did though... Was it on purpose? " Uraraka asked taking another bite of her pancakes as they listened to the two bicker.

" Who knows " Izuku answered with a contented smile on his face.

" Huh... You're a bit suicidal for doing that but I respect you man. Bakugou finally confessed it was getting pretty sad to watch him act all tough and pretending he doesn't like her " Sero chuckled.

" Hopefully those two will stay strong from now on... " Momo took a sip of her tea and everyone silently agreed with her.

" So.... Do you think they're Fucking? " Mineta suddenly brought up the topic which caused Tsu to slap him with her Tongue.

" Mineta-kun you're being a pervert again" Tsu muttered staring at the purple headed boy.

" Hahahahha! " Denki and Mina suddenly came down stairs holding a camera.

" You guys wanna see what they were doing upstairs? " Denki asked while laughing.

" Dude, invading other people's privacy is Not manly " Kirishima stated bit he couldn't help but be curious.

" .... What happened though? " Kirishima asked taking a peek at the camera.

" Oh you know, They kissed and Bakugou tried saying sorry but it was an epic fail! " Mina laughed and on cue Y/n came running down with an in raged Bakugou trailing hot on her tail.

" Come Back here! " Bakugou barked trying to grab hold of the girl.

" I was being honest when I said you need practice in saying sorry! You look like you're about to shit Bricks! " She yelled merely avoiding the hand of Bakugou that was centimeters away from holding her.

" Drama and Breakfast in the morning sure is pretty Good. But Drama, Breakfast and Comedy in the Morning is The best! " Denki chuckled watching the two interact.

" Oh boy... I have a feeling everything is going to be a lot more louder here than usual " Izuku sighed .

[amenomiko]

Part 2! @ikemen-girl

Retrieve That Smile Again (Part 2)

Pairing: IkeSen Ieyasu x MC (Reader)

Type: One Shot

Rated: Angst + Fluff

❤🧡💛❤🧡💛❤🧡💛❤🧡💛❤🧡💛❤

Even though he will be out of his character, now he will be the one to retrieve her old smile.

----

Day 1

"....What is this?"

"It's a food made by Masamune-san. He made it a lot, so it will go to waste if we didn't finish it. I've asked for the maids to serve it here... Maybe you could join for a lun-"

"Bring it to my chamber. I will eat it later if I remember it."

"Your chamber? Isn't it far away from mine? It's better to have it here, while it's still hot--"

"More the reason why to have it in my chamber. Rather than eating it hot and at an unpleasant surroundings, it's better to have it cold in an area that I'm more comfortable with."

An invite for a meal together - Failed.

Day 10

"A new bow and arrow?"

"Yes. It's a fine wood given by Lord Nobunaga's alliance with nanbans (a lie), it's not bad to have a proper material for our weapon, isn't it?"

"Hmmm..."

His eyes went wide as a plate when she suddenly aim the arrow towards him. "Wh- what are you-"

There was a silent scream within him when she shot something behind him. And..

SHRAKKKKKK BOOOM!!!

"WHO CUT THE TREE IN THE GARDEN INTO HALF (　☉д⊙)???"

"It was not me, Hideyoshi-sama, P-Princess is trying her new weapon >A<!!"

"As expected of our warrior Princess! She aimed for the tree's main point and makes the tree shred into half!"

"Ooooohhhh😮😮😮😮😮😮👏👏👏👏👏~~~~"

"Heh. Not bad. Like you said, Ieyasu."

Ieyasu's current state: *Fainted with eyes open*

Amazed her with new weapon - 50% failed 50%... Success...?

Day 20

She stared at the ointment in his palm.

"It's an ointment for wounds. You are still you no matter how strong you get, MC, but you can be reckless at times. So here, use it for the wound that you get during our recent battle-"

She turned to one of the soldiers, "Here, give it to my horse."

"Understood, My Lady."

"Wha-- (　☉д⊙)??"

"Hm? Oh, my horse got pierced by an arrow, so yeah. Thanks, it's a great help." She waved goodbye and walk away after that.

Caring for her and to tell her that he knows her well - Failed.

Day....30

"My lady~~~ let's play skipping stones..!"

"Alright I will be right there~"

Ieyasu took the chance to approach her. "MC. Here."

She turn to the box in his hand. "An ointment again?"

"No, it's.." He opened the box, there's a small hair clip inside of it. "I.. Coincidentally come across a shop near the medicine shop I frequent to. When I saw it, it reminds me of you."

"..Oh."

Hm? Did it succeed this time?

"Thanks." She smiled, and he felt relieved to it, as it was a first time she responded positively to his attempts.

But was it him or..

Her smile didn't reach her eyes?

"My lady~~ here's your stone for the game!"

"Oh, there's no need! I have my own!"

Ieyasu raised his eyebrows when she run towards the lake without putting the box away in her hands. Of where.... She squeezed the same box and took an aim,....

"HEYA \(^ w ^\)!!!"

Ieyasu : *GASSSPPPP* 😱😱😱😱😱😱!!!!

*Splash Splash Splash BLUB*

"YAAAAAYYY I winnnnn! Thank you for the 'stone' Ieyasu! Thanks to it I won the game~~~ weeeee~~~~ 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸!!"

Ieyasu slump on his knees at that moment. "Ugh OTL ...."

Attempt to give her a gift, FAILED COMPLETELY.

.....

Is this it..?

Looks like.. She wouldn't budge, or no matter what it is, her heart won't melt anymore.

-----

Ieyasu sigh to himself. He won't try again, he swear it. Until, on that same night, he couldn't bring his tired eyes to sleep, then he decided to have a walk at the lake.

"It's almost midnight, and.." He groans, "What am I doing--"

He froze.

He saw something, no, someone were standing near the lake. Was it an enemy? But there was only one. He cautiously sneak behind a tree, his small sword readied in his pocket, and when he took a peek..

It was her. It was the help from the moonlight that shine above, revealing her.

But what is she doing here? Half of her body is wet. Wait- does she attempt to--

He was about to step out from where he was hiding, when MC took something out from her chest pocket, revealing a familiar square box in her hand.

"I'm glad it didn't get wet."

'It'..?

She open the box, and takes out a small hair clip. A hair clip that he bought for her..!

Ieyasu's eyes didn't leave her, especially when she smiled at the clip, and smiled giddily as she hold it close to her chest. "Fufufu.. You idiot." She giggled, and he almost jumped when she turned to face him. "Are you looking down upon your warrior princess who can easily detect a presence?"

"......"

He had no choice, but to stand in front of her right now.

"...Wh-"

"Why, you ask?"

He pressed his lips tight.

"Hmm.. I don't know. Maybe there's a part of me helplessly looking for you, I guess?"

"..You guess?"

She shrugged. "Yeah."

"Looking for me, is it? Looking for.."

His love, again?

"Well, up to you to think what it is. Okay, I am sleepy again. I will see you tomorrow."

"You are bad at lying yourself."

Her wet kimono. It's obvious that she has been searching for the box in the lake the whole night.

Her smile to the hair clip.

Her relief when it is not wet.

Her.. Gentle, loving eyes, treating it as if it is very fragile to her.

Just like her.. The old her.

"Me? Lying? Don't classify me like you-- nnf-"

He pulled her by the wrist, closing her lips with his.

She didn't struggle to get away; she stayed there. Letting him to dominate her lips, again and again, even when his hand snake into her hair locks to bring her closer. Especially when..

"Nnh-"

She closed her eyes, fighting for that dominance when their tongue lap against each other.

He pulled away, staring deep into her eyes, "Let's return. The night is cold."

"..Then make me warm."

"....."

They undressed each other right there right then, sharing their body warmth to one another into the night, making up for what they have lost.

And then, few months after that special night...

Nobunaga and his warlords were having their usual war council, when it was announced with the return of MC from her mission.

His chest beams despite his facade, especially when she entered the hall, eyes met with his first. The fatigue from battle is there, but he wouldn't deny that she is still beautiful no matter what.

"Good job for the successful mission. As expected of my Lucky Charm. Hmh."

MC nodded to the smirking Nobunaga, and turns back to face him.

Hideyoshi had offered her a seat, only to be declined politely. Her smile is mesmerizing too; Ieyasu can feel that he is the one who had fallen head over heels for her; everything about her is astounding. Even when she is walking to him, hastening her pace, and he is about to welcome her but

SLAP!!!

Them: (☉.⊙)

"Again??" - Hideyoshi.

And him: Wh- what (☉д⊙)??

What did he do this time?

"........Hm." She grinned. Grinned? But why does she slap him??

"I nearly fell over my horse for the sudden uneasiness in my stomach, turns out you are the cause."

"What? Is it a food poisoning? Why does it have anything to do with--"

"Midnight. Box. Lake." She uttered one by one before placing his hand on her growing belly. "Congratulations, and take responsibility."

"....."

Bing!

It hit him. "Ah- wha- wha- wha- wha wha wha wha O///////////o?????"

"Hooh a smaller lucky charm is on its way it seems?"

"Apparently it is, my lord. Congratulations, little mouse."

"Heeeh to think our Ieyasu is very bold deep down. Proud of you, lad."

"Wha?? MC? Who's the father-- IEYASU?? WHEN? WHAT? HOW??"

And Mitsunari: *Things were too lively to blend in and so the words around him were jumbled here and there, resulting him to imagine a baby's face on a four leaf clover* OwO 💭🍀👶🌼🌼🌼

Also Mitsunari, after few minutes: Congratulations, Ieyasu-sama \(≧ω≦)/ 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸!!!

[huntertheblackwolf]

The Morning After

(2.0k) Thank you guys for waiting! (a whole month 👀) Also, shout out to @eisukevint ! They were really nice to help me out, so an extra thanks to you!!💕 Alright, let's go!

Chapter III: The Meeting

‘Hey Hunter? Do you think it's possible for the dead to surround the living? Cause I do.'

  Hunter jolted, gasping for air, hands going up to claw at his throat. 

"Easy Hunter, easy! Shh shhh, it's alright man, shh, it's alright. That's it. Good boy." Someone said, gently scratching his head, allowing him to breathe and relax, letting him get himself together. Looking up, he saw Silviya and Conner, his eyes having discoloration, but the swelling coming down, looked at him in concern.

 "Hey man", Conner whispered, "how are ya? You really took that hit." 

Blinking, Hunter reached up to feel for a bump or something, but instead, he felt cotton bandages wrapped on his head. Finally looking around, he noticed the white walls and smelled something sharp. 

'Rubbing alcohol. The hotel's clinic then.'

 Tilting his head, he looked towards Silviya and let out a small croon, seeing as she was upset. Closing her eyes, Silviya sighed and crossed her eyes. 

"What the hell Hunter? I thought you were the most sensible out of all of us? I do have to give you credit though, you really want all out." Sighing again, she added, "I can't really be mad with you though. We would have done the same thing." Shaking her head, she started to chuckle. "I can't believe you took a glass bottle to the head for a guy you don't even know." 

Conner, who was busy checking Hunter's head, nodded and smirked. 

"Feel in love with him when he defended you? Is that it?" 

Rolling his eyes, Hunter snorted and shook his head. He started to sign his response. 

"He wore Sam's colors. I reacted on instinct and took the blow. That's all there is to it." 

Rubbing his eyes, he asked a question."What time is it? How did you find me?" 

 Leaving Hunter's bandages alone, Conner answered, pulling out his phone to check the time. 

 "It's currently 11:48 in the morning." He put away his phone and continued. "I'm guessing those men who saved you from last night, brought you here. We knew it was you when someone mentioned a guy wearing sweatpants and a black silky looking nightshirt being dragged out of the bar. That was about 30 minutes ago give or take. I'm guessing they put you up here and left you here in case of the risk of a head injury developing later on." Conner finished. 

Silviya snorted and spoke. 

 "I think we've overstayed our welcome. The nurses have been giving us nasty looks after we barged in. You alright enough to get out of here Hunter?" 

He nodded, ready to leave and get this thing over with. Grunting, he got up and immediately started to tilt sideways before catching himself. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Opening them, he started to walk towards the doors, following after Conner and Silviya who held out his hoodie from last night.

Placing it on, he pulled up the hood as they walked towards the elevator and waited for it. Getting on, Silviya pushed for their floor. It was quiet for a while until: 

  "I still can't believe you did that Hunter. Like holy shit man!" Conner laughed, jabbing Silviya by her side. She rolled her eyes playfully until she snorted and barked out a sudden laugh. 

 "Fuck! I just realized that was the first time in a while you got into a fight!" She snorted, as all three exited the elevator, going to Hunter's room. "What was it like?! The adrenaline? The way you beat that man up! No remorse! I-" She stopped, taking notice of a man from last night. Hunter looked up, but faced away, too tired to even converse with a stranger. He let Silviya and Conner do the talking as always. 

"Oh, hello there! You're the man from last night who helped Hunter out. The one Hunter took the blow for, from last night. Thank you for that!" Silviya said, stepping forward, a smile on her face. "We also", she nudged Conner, who looked at them and smiled, "want to apologize for the inconvenience. We didn't think he would do it in such an open area. Again, apologies for the inconvenience, but thank you for helping him." She finished off, bowing her head slightly, Conner smiling. 

 "It's alright, really. Actually, I wanted to invite Hunter to dinner, to thank him for protecting me. As well as all of you of course. Think of it as an apology for what occurred last night." Said the man, dressed in purple. 

 "Oh! Don't worry about that!" Silviya said, shaking her head.

"I insist. I would feel horrible if you didn't."

"We would love to then! It sounds wonderful as well to be honest. " Silviya responded, Conner nodding along.

 "I also wanted to give this back." The man continued, holding out a cellphone as Hunter looked up. 

 Checking his pockets and hoodie, he found it to be missing. He grabbed it, bowing his head, subtly poking Silviya in the ribs. 

 "He says thank you." She grinned. "Where do you want us to meet you at, Mr.-? 

 "Apologizes, my name is Eisuke Ichinomiya. A pleasure." He said, looking away from Hunter, smiling at Silviya, reaching his hand out. 

"Likewise Mr. Ichinomiya. My name is Silviya." She said, shaking the man's hand and then letting go. "This is-" 

"I'm Conner! Nice ta meetcha man!" He waved, before shaking the outstretched hand. 

"It's very nice to meet you as well." Ichinomiya replied as Silviya playfully rolled her eyes. 

"And you've already met Hunter. He doesn't really talk, so you'll have to make do with silence on his end." Silviya said as Hunter simply nodded his head towards Ichinomiya, who smiled at him. She coughed politely."So, where would you like us to meet you?" 

"There's a restaurant that I think all of you would enjoy. I'll be sending a car at 7 if that's alright with all of you?" 

  "Sure, we'll be ready by then. Uh, is it formal?" Conner asked. 

  "Yes." 

  "Alright, then we'll get ready. Thanks again man!" 

  "Of course. I'll be going then and I hope to be seeing all of you at 7." 

  "We'll be ready by then, thank you." Silviya responded, smiling at him. 

  Eisuke smiled back before walking away, towards the elevator. 

"Well, that took a turn." Conner said as soon as the elevator doors closed. "First, you get beat up and next you get invited to dinner. This place is fucking looney. It's my type of hotel!" He finished, chuckling. 

Silviya chuckled with him as she walked towards her room, Conner trailing behind. "I want everyone to be ready by 6:30 or 6:50 at least." She said, opening the door, letting Conner in first. "We'll see you later Hunter. Hopefully you're still up for it by then." She said before waving and entering the room, closing the door. 

  Hunter nodded and entered his room, planning to at least rest for a while, before even thinking about getting ready at all.

             ˏ 𓏧 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓋒 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏧 ˎ 

"And where are you going Boss?" Baba asked. "Another dinner party?" 

Eisuke huffed, clasping on his cuffs. "None of your business." 

"You're going to the casino then? We'll go with you! Can't imagine what ladies you might attract this time around!" Baba enthusiastic said, not minding the harsh response, Ota nodding along, grinning. 

"No. You will all stay here. I'm not your babysitter or your entertainment. Go somewhere else, I don't care." Eisuke said, straightening out his jacket. 

"Oh, come on Boss! You know we just want to be there with you. And have fun, but that's besides the point! It'll be fun!" Baba responded back, Ota stretching next to him. 

 "What will? Never mind. With how you fools act, I'm almost certain it's something that you alone will find entertaining." A voice said, coming from the balcony as they entered the room. "I am curious; however, on where you're going Eisuke. You normally don't enjoy doing business on the weekends. Even if you do go to parties, you'll let them know what's going on." Soryu asked, putting away his phone. 

Eisuke rolled his eyes. "If you must know Oh, I'm going out to Misoguigawa for dinner and I've invited the man from last night who saved me and his group of friends, as an apology for what my hotel didn't do. I still can't believe-" He muttered under his breath. "Anyways, I'm meeting them at the restaurant. Now, if-". He was cut off as Ota butted in. 

"You know, I think I'm good friends with the restaurants owner, especially after I donated an art piece of mine. I think it'll be fun if we visited them. Don't you think so Baba?" 

"Oh, absolutely Ota! Should we go with Boss? I don't think he'll mind us going. After all, he does owe us-" 

"I don't owe anything to you fools." 

"-from last night, after helping him with those men. I think I was almost injured during the fight too." 

"You're absolutely right Baba! I think I almost broke my nose when one of the men was throwing his arms around." 

Soryu hummed and then smirked. "I think you owe us dinner Ichinomiya. After all, we did help you, especially kicking out those men for you. Don't want to stain your reputation, now do we?" 

Eisuke was quiet, glaring at them, before turning away. "Do what you will, I don't care. The car is waiting." He said as he walked away. 

Soryu walked after him, the other two grinning towards each other as they followed him 

out.

             ˏ 𓏧 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓋒 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏧 ˎ 

Conner gave a low whistle as he caught a glimpse of the restaurant as the usher showed them the way to the table Ichinomiya had reserved for them. "Damn, this place ain't have bad." 

Silviya nodded along as Hunter trailed after her. As the usher started to slow a bit, she noticed the group of people already there. "Hey, isn't that the group of people who helped out Ichinomiya?" 

"Hm? Oh yeah! I guess he invited them too?" 

With the usher coming to a stop and showing them their seats, he spoke. 

"A server will be here shortly." He said, smiling, before quickly leaving. 

Eisuke stood up and smiled, reaching his hand out. "Thank you all for coming. I hope the ride was up to your standards?" 

Silviya shook his hand and grinned. "Oh yes! It was lovely! Thank you." Letting go, he reached out his hand for Conner to shake. "Thanks for the ride man. It was joy." Conner smiled as he let go. Eisuke nodded and smiled back, reaching out towards Hunter next. Hunter nodded his head, face expressionless, as he shook Eisuke's hand. 

"These are my acquaintances." Eisuke continued as Hunter let him go, nodding towards the rest of the table. "They wanted to join me. I hope you all don't mind?" 

"No, of course not." Silviya said as she nodded towards them. "A pleasure! My name is Silviya." She greeted as she shook hands with everyone, Conner falling swiftly. "The name's Conner. Nice ta meet cha'!" 

"Mitsunair Baba. A pleasure to be greeting beautiful women such as yourself." He smiled, winking at Silviya and grinned at Conner. "Hey, what's up!" 

"Ota Kisaki, nice to meet all of you!" 

"Soryu Oh. Good evening." 

'Why do they all look familiar? Especially the one dressed in all black?' Soryu thought as he finished introducing himself. 

"And this is Hunter. He doesn't talk, so you'll be hearing a lot of silence from his end." 

Silviya said as the other three men looked at Hunter expectantly. They all sat down as the introductions came to an end. 

"Oh, well. It's still very nice to meet you." Baba said, before reaching out to shake Hunter's hand, Ota doing the same. Hunter simply nodded his head towards them. 

'Hunter? I know that name…'

Soryu reached out to shake his hand and as Hunter clasping it firmly, a chill ran down Soryu's back. Narrowing his eyes, Soryu looked Hunter over as they released hands, Hunter doing the same. Spotting the fading bite mark on Oh's neck, and the yellow bruises, Hunter realized who it was. As did Soryu when he finally recognized the man from a few nights ago. 

'Fuck.'

'Shit.'

(My very good friend delivered this masterpiece yesterday, but I forgot to put it here! I'm so happy she made it though, so I hope you guys enjoy it!😊💕)

[oohfluffy]

TIHM Ch.7 | BBH

Group: EXO

Member: Byun Baekhyun

Theme: Angst | Fluff | Rated M | University!AU | Football!AU

Word Count: 2,383

chapter 7

"Come on! Give it a shot!"

You hesitantly looked at who your best friend was pointing at, and saw him. In the midst of the dizzying lights in the crowded place, you can see his bright smile as he talked to his friends on the other side. He was wearing that tight white shirt that holds his toned body for its dear life, and a pale blue jeans to pair his rubber shoes. He has this denim jacket that matches his pants too.

So handsome and neat as usual.

"I don't think I can—" You blushed as you see his eyes caught yours. You quickly turned away.

"If not now, when will you ever get a chance to do this?" Yong Sun grabbed your shoulders with a cheerful smile, making your nervous heart go calm for a bit. "He might be waiting for you to approach him, you know. Guys can be shy too."

You bit your lip as you thought of what to do.

Do I escape or do I go for it?

"Go for it, Saejin." Her smile was too encouraging that you sighed in defeat, making her smile wider. "Yes! I knew you would!"

"If he says no, I'll back down pronto, okay?" You let out a breath as you turned your head to where your first college crush was.

He wasn't there now though.

"I think he went up?" You heard Yong Sun saying as you walked away from her. "Fighting, Jin-ah!"

You waved at her before looking around, trying to find him. When you got to see the bar full of alcoholic beverages, you thought of getting one just in case you lose your confidence, which kept on depleting as seconds pass by.

"Nope. You're not drinking, Saejin." You mumbled to yourself as you turned the other way. Your eyes drifted up the stairs and saw a guy in white shirt trudging in the second floor hallway. You tried calming your loud beating heart before taking steps towards the staircase.

Here goes nothing.

You sighed in relief as you got to get out of the dance floor, patting your aching arms from the pushing you got in the middle. Your eyes were restless as your feet landed on the second floor ground. Compared to the noisy environment downstairs, it was peaceful here.

Is he escaping the noise as well? Is he that kind of person? Is he like me? Or is he—

"Hey."

You almost took a step back to the staircase when you heard a deep voice on your side. Your eyes widened as you saw him with a drink in his hand, his jacket was dangling on his arm. You darted your eyes away from him, trying to keep breathing as he stared at you.

"Uh... I'm—Am I intruding—"

"No! No..." He almost exclaimed as he looked around the empty hallway behind him. "It's just me here, and this floor is an open territory as the first floor is. You're free to roam around."

"Oh, that's..." You bit your lip as you shyly nodded. "...great."

A few minutes has past and you were still standing in front of him as he took sips on his glass, eyes were restless but kept on coming back to you. 

Damn, what was I supposed to do?

"Do you want to sit somewhere, Saejin?" He suddenly spoke, surprising you. Not only because he talked all of a sudden, but he knew what's your name. 

HE KNOWS ME!

"I—"

"We can stay at the living room at the end of this hallway, less noise and peaceful." He kindly smiled as he gestured the well-lit hallway behind him, probably where he came from. "It's alright if you're not comfortable, I'll just be there if you need something."

GO FOR IT, JIN-AH! You can almost hear Yong Sun's shout in your brain.

"I'll—" You let out a sigh as your eyes met his once again. His round eyes twinkled under the calming lights around you, allowing you to drown within his gaze. "I'll come with you, Hyoseop sunbaenim."

His grin was contagious as he tipped his glass towards his back. Your heart swelled at his kindness, even though you're probably just one of those juniors that he has showed his generosity to. He turned his back on you as he waved towards the way. 

"Hmm. Let's go then."

—

Your eyes closed as you leaned your head back on the couch, your book was within your grasp but was slowly slipping from it. It's fortunate that your first class starts in the afternoon, not in the morning, or else your mind would not be in its best state after a hangover. Jiwon already left after breakfast though, not even saying goodbye to you. 

You figured she was still upset about you attending that damn party with those girls.

"Argh." You groaned as you closed your book before looking up at the clock on the wall. 10:30 it says. You decided that you'd prepare earlier to get coffee in the nearest cafe, and go to the library, maybe to pull yourself together before class.

A cold shower truly woke your senses, your warm skin tingling under the shower head. Your mind went over to what happened last night as you gently scrubbed your arms with a mesh sponge.

Shouldn't I thank Baekhyun for last night? For the comfort he gave me when I was out of my wits? I think Jiwon mentioned that he gave us a ride home too.

Your eyebrows scrunched as you thought of how you should approach him today if you'd see him around. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?

He saw me in my weakest state.

"He'd forget that, wouldn't he?" You mumbled as you frowned at your arms that hugged his body— "I couldn't forget though." You groaned as you turned the shower on again to rinse yourself.

You decided to thank him when you see him today.

Closing your locker door, you looked around to seek for a familiar puppy face. It was ten minutes before lunch break ends. Not being able to see anyone familiar among the students around the hallways, you thought that you'll just search for him after class. You tugged your bag straps down as you walked up the stairs, preparing your short message of gratitude for the guy.

"Thank you for last night, Baekhyun sunbae." You mumbled to yourself, feeling a bit weird about what you said. "That doesn't sound right."

"Thank you for comforting me?" You shook your head in disapproval. "Thank you for bringing us home last night, sunbae."

You tsked at your awkward thank-you's as you turned to the corner of the hallway at the end. You were about to go straight ahead when you heard something weird on the restroom area on your right. Your eyes widened as your skin had goosebumps.

Was that a gasp?

Your feet halted as your eyes went to the dark restroom area by your right. It was an empty hallway as it was under construction, so nobody enters there.

"Did I hear it right?" You whispered as you desired to run away already. You just couldn't move your feet. "I should probably just—"

"Ah!"

Adrenaline rushed through your nerves, and without knowing, you were in front of the girls' restroom door. It was opened a bit, and a dim light shadowing behind it. You peeked at the space, and saw the reflection of the huge mirror. You squinted your eyes at it, forehead almost bumping the door.

Is that a person? 

You should probably run now, but your eyes remained focus on that back—

"Yes, Baekhyun. Just like that! Keep on doing that, hmm. Shove those pretty fingers in me."

Your eyes widened as you got to see the gray hair of the guy that you owe a sincere thank-you. His back was on the mirror, hips moving forward sensually as if he was rubbing himself onto something—someone rather. His head was tilted on to the woman that is plastered against a wall behind her. His shoulders flexing as he did something below him. They were clothed, but that doesn't make the scenario any more innocent.

"Are you hard, baby? Will you fuck me here, Baekhyun? Please do! Please give it to me." The woman wailed desperately as she gripped on the said guy's ass, squeezing them as she pulled him closer. You see Baekhyun's head jerk away from her, making her shut up.

You stepped away as you heard the woman moan, probably against his mouth as it was a muffled one. Your legs almost gave up on you as you did. 

Get the hell out of here, Saejin. Keep yourself together. 

You quickly snapped your body towards the main hallway and ran away from that sinful area. 

"Thanking him is probably not for today, huh." You shuddered at the thought of seeing him today. You wouldn't stand thinking of him as a good guy for now. After doing some things at that dark room, you couldn't bare to sincerely thank him without a hint of disgust.

Why does that matter though? He helped me last night, so he deserves gratitude from me. Why does it matter that he's currently making out—or more with some girl?

"No, not today." You decided as you opened the door to your first class, away from that dark hallway.

You thought that having caffeine in your system would keep your mind sane in class, but a single scenario kept your mind away from the lecture your poor professor was teaching. 

He is truly a freaking playboy, huh? Does he not get tired of doing that every day?

As the bell rang, you guiltily stood up from your seat as your mind was as empty as it was when you entered the class. You mumbled to yourself to self-study later to make up for this lecture while you packed your untouched notebook and pen. 

"Why's he here?"

"Is he playing around with someone from this class?"

"Oh my god, he looks so damn hotter every day."

"He said he's just waiting for someone."

"You don't think it's her, right?"

"Let's hope not."

You barely had any of your woke brain cells right now until you stopped by the front door of the room. You could hear whispers behind it, meaning something that you wouldn't like to see is happening.

Your feet were quick to decide to leave the room by the back door of the room. Your consciousness probably sensed some bad aura outside of that front door. 

I've got a bad feeling.

You quickly opened the back door, and didn't bother to look back at the crowded space on the front. You walked briskly with your eyes in front, alert and—

"Lee Saejin?"

Your walk just turned into a full blast run, swiftly turning to the corner and almost smacking into a person. You just muttered an apology before going down the stairs—

"Hey!" A hand took a hold of your arm, stopping you from taking a step down. You didn't know if it was your instinct, but you slapped away that hand that touched you. Your eyes were glaring as you looked back at the person.

Your bad intuition about that aura was absolutely right.

"Woah, sorry to startle you." Baekhyun breathed out, surprised by the glare you welcomed him with. His hand hanging mid-air. Those sinful hands. "Are you alright? Why do you look mad?"

"Don't touch me again."

Those words were like sharp knives that pierced his heart, not just his confidence. His shoulders slumped in disappointment. He thought you'd be happy and thankful to him the moment you see him again. Despite feeling that way, he smiled at you.

"Sorry, I forgot you're not like my girls."

My girls? Of course, plural form.

"Of course not." You snapped, not able to control the irritation flowing within you. Your eyes drifted at the piercing he's got on his right ear. There's a short silver earring dangling, making him more attractive to look at. Instead of becoming feminine with an earring, he looks more masculine.

"Are you forgetting something to say to me?" He said while looking into your eyes, hopeful that you'd still say kind words to him. He couldn't believe he'd be like a child waiting to be praised by his mom. "Like a simple thanks or some—"

"I appreciate what you did last night, but you didn't have to do that." You cut him off as you looked back at him. "I would have been alright by myself."

"Are you hearing yourself right now? You could have been taken by that douchebag if I didn't see you!" Baekhyun almost shouted, his eyes suddenly stern and mad. "You were vulnerable and drunk—"

"I wasn't drunk! They probably placed something in that drink they gave me—"

"You knew that, but you still drank it?!" Baekhyun incredulously asked with a new fire burning in his eyes. "What kind of stupidity is that, Saejin?!"

You stopped talking at his shout, eyes dropping at his feet. His shoulders heaved up and down as he breathed heavily. He sounded so concerned about you that you almost believed it.

"Just..." You struggled finding words that wouldn't end up with you choking. "...don't bother yourself worrying about me, I don't need pity. You don't even know anything, so stop it."

"Then tell me!"

"I don't need you, Baekhyun sunbaenim."

You did not mean to hurt him in any way, you just needed to get him off of your back. He's not supposed to be entering your mess of a life. He should just keep on fooling around, especially it's his last year of college. He doesn't need to worry about a person like you.

You don't need him.

"So don't bother trying to be friends with me." You turned your back at him, heart feeling heavy as you quickly took steps down the stairs. Leaving him there with a blank stare felt bad. When you glanced at him at the last step, he was still looking at the space where you were earlier.

Maybe he's just trying to get into my pants. You thought.

But you were just convincing yourself, you knew.

"What a great way to thank him."

—

♫ Ch.8

[canyouevenwritebro]

Sunflowers (pt. 1)

Summary: The reader has been with the Avengers since they rescued her from HYDRA. She has joined them on countless missions since then but this may be the hardest one yet. Set in 2016 CA:CW.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. It’s purely fiction.

Characters: steve rogers, tony stark, natasha romanoff, bucky barnes, sam wilson, wanda maximoff, clint barton, peter parker

Word count: 4.5k

Warnings: angst, depression, violence, death

a/n: hey!!! i did it! my first fanfic.

When the Avengers raided the HYDRA base you were kept in, they found you inside a cryo-chamber sleeping peacefully. After every personnel was captured, they transferred you to the compound along with artifacts and files of experiments they performed. Eventually, they found your file. It was quite lengthy. Your father was working for HYDRA but he turned on them and planned to take them down. As a result, they silenced him and your mother. They knew that whatever he knew about HYDRA, he told her. They spared you because you were just a kid. Instead, you were out on the Thanatos program. It was your father's project and it was almost done up until his betrayal. They thought you would be perfect for the program. They could groom you to the perfect obedient soldier they needed. On top of that, what could be more cruel than using your father's work to torture you?

They gave you a version of the serum used on the winter soldiers, with their own upgrades of course. They incorporated it with the Extremis serum and that left you with a super soldier that can breathe fire. Phoenix, they called you. The ultimate weapon of death.

After briefing everyone on your situation, they woke you up. You stepped out of the chamber confused. You were met with unfamiliar yet kind faces that it overwhelmed you. You made a run for it and nearly burned down the entire medical wing before they tranquilized you again. You woke up in a small glass cell where they told you that they meant no harm. Somehow, you believed them.

That was a year and a half ago. Now, here you were walking around New York and trying your best to be part of society. After extensive amounts of therapy of course. You were on your way back when you saw an old man in a flower shop organizing his stalls. You were mesmerized by the flowers' beauty and found yourself crossing the street to get there.

"Looking for anything specific, ma'am?" he asked

"No, not really. Maybe something cheery?" God, why are you so socially awkward?

"Well, in that case," he said, "here are some sunflowers." He handed you a bouquet.

"My wife loves them. When she's upset, I get her these because they always look towards the sun and the color brightens up the room," he said with a smile.

"Thank you so much," you said as you handed him a $20 bill "Keep the change"

You were now back at the compound and you were rummaging through the kitchen in search of a vase. You didn't find any (Seriously? a state of the art training compound owned by a billionaire doesn't have a vase?)

"I guess a pitcher would do," you whispered to yourself as you headed to your room.

"What is that?" asked Tony.

"Sunflowers. Got it from the guy near the train station. It's a good metaphor when you think about it. They're always looking on the bright side. I didn't get many opportunities to go sunbathing when I was at HYDRA." you said with an awkward chuckle.

"Alright. Fair enough. I'm headed to MIT for the speech thingy. Wanna come?"

"Nah. I still have to catch up on culture." you giggled. Years of working for HYDRA also didn't give you a lot of me-time.

"Okay well if you change your mind, you know how to get there."

"Copy that."

You headed to your room. Yours. You actually owned something. You turned on your TV and scanned through the channels. Doctor Who reruns? Sure. Hours had passed and you've scanned through hundreds of channels. You decided to turn on some news in the background while you read.

"On breaking news, eleven Wakandans are amongst those confirmed dead after a violent clash between the Avengers and independent mercenaries in Nigeria." Your head bolted up and you reached for the remote to turn the volume up.

"Brock Rumlow, former SHIELD agent, led the team of mercenaries to procure a biological weapon being tested at the Center for Disease Control Nigeria Division. It was believed to be a suicide mission as eyewitness account said Rumlow wore a type of bomb in his vest. Avenger Wanda Maximoff contained the explosion only to have the blast thrown into a building killing a total of 30 people. We have yet to receive an official statement from the Avengers. More details tonight only on Channel 6 News at 8." You listened with intent and your heartbeat was beating fast. Those poor victims. Is the team on their way home? Are they okay? How is Wanda doing? Your mind formed a million questions.

"FRIDAY, call Steve Rogers." a faint ding let you know that your request is being done.

"Y/n." Oh, thank god he's okay.

"Steve! Are you guys alright? I saw what happened. I am so sorry."

"We're alright. Search and rescue was already on the scene when we left."

"How's Wanda? Do you need me to do anything?"

"Physically, she's safe, y/n. Emotionally? This is gonna take a toll on her."

"What about the others? Nat? Sam? You?"

"We're gonna be fine. We're on our way home."

You met the team on the law of the compound. They were visibly stunned and you cut through them to hug Wanda. She was your best friend and you know that this was going to affect her greatly. You were right. She locked herself in her room and the only thing you heard was the sound of the news and sobbing.

In his office, Steve kept replaying what had happened in Lagos. Knowing him, he was gonna blame himself for this. You wanted to leave him be but your concern for Wanda kept you standing by his doorway.

"Steve? You got a moment?"

"Y/n. Do you need anything?" he said as he paused the video on his computer.

"No. I just wanna say I'm sorry about Lagos. Sam and Nat told me what happened."

"It's not your fault, y/n. It's mine. Rumlow mentioned Bucky and all sense of the mission disappeared in my head."

"Don't blame yourself. Bucky was or is, your best friend and he's still missing. You have a right to have emotions."

"Thanks. I... uh...  I needed that. Have you talked to Wanda yet?"

"No. Her room is locked. Maybe you should try talking to her. Both of us saw you as a mentor. She'll listen to you."

You gave him a faint smile and headed for the kitchen. Maybe some food could help them. You moved the vase of sunflowers from your room to the middle of the large dining table.

Tony walked in and asked everyone to meet in the conference room. He got the news as he was coming home from Massachusetts. After a brief interaction with a grieving mother and the news of the mission, he knew what he had to do.

Inside, you were met by General Ross and his assistant. Rhodey was already inside and the rest of the team followed suit. Wanda had stopped crying but you knew she would never get over this.

The general discussed the Sokovia Accords with the team. As much as you'd like to be on Steve's side, you knew the team needs to be put in check. One more incident like this and the world might lose their trust in you. You agreed with Tony. Rhodey and Sam were discussing, or perhaps fighting would be a better word, over the Accords. Tony just sat there looking like a rebellious teen listening to his parents' lectures.

To prove a point, Tony showed the team a picture of Charlie Spencer. He died in Sokovia after Ultron planned to drive the human race into extinction. You felt your heart drop. He just wanted to do some good and he was caught in the crossfire.

At that point, the fighting and bantering was too much and you just zoned everyone out. You wanted to cry and you knew that the team was slowly drifting apart. Steve walked out after receiving a text. You didn't ask why. He has a private life after all.

You decided to take your frustrations out on the punching bags. You finally had a home. A family. But you feel the world caving in around you. With one last punch, the punching bag came flying through the room engulfed in flames. You fell to your knees as tears clouded your vision. Dum-E, who Tony programmed to follow you around with a fire extinguisher as a joke, finally put his programming to use.

"Y/n." a familiar voice called to you

"Nat. Hey." you struggled through the tears.

"Talk to me."

"I- I just want the team to stay together. You guys are the only family I have."

"Me too, y/n. I used to have nothing till I found this family."

"I want to help. What can I do to help?"

"I'm off to Vienna for the signing of the Accords. I'm meeting Steve on the way to try and change his mind. Maybe you can help."

"I'll try."

Nat took you to a cathedral. Steve was on the other end by himself. He looks... tired. On the altar was a picture of Agent Carter.

"Oh. That's why he left."

"Hi, Steve. I just wanna say I am so sorry for your loss," you said as you walked towards him.

"Nat. Y/n. What are you doing here?"

"We didn't want you to be alone and I'm also taking y/n with me to Vienna for the signing of the Accords."

"There's plenty of room on the jet," you said

"Who else signed?"

"Tony, Rhodey, Vision."

"Wanda?"

"TBA."

"Clint?"

"He said he's retired."

"There's still time to change your mind, Steve. Come with us to Vienna." you pleaded one last time

"You know why I can't do this y/n. If I sign, we're surrendering our freedom to people with agendas different from ours."

You felt a lump in your throat. "I'll be in the car." You said to Nat as you turned around not looking at Steve once as you walked out of the church.

"She hates me now, doesn't she?"

"No, she doesn't. She's just scared."

Nat was right. As always. You got in the car and tried to meditate. You didn't want to cry. Not when cameras surrounded you. You tried to steady your breathing but your brain seemed to do the exact opposite.

~~~Flashback~~~

"Injecting serum in five seconds." an emotionless voice said. You tried to break free but you were strapped down to the table. Even if you weren't, it was like you were trapped in your own mind. You couldn't move. The next few hours were a blur to you. The only thing you remember was the excruciating pain coursing through your veins.

"Serum successfully administered."

"Good. Take her to the cell for the remainder of the process."

You woke up in a pool of sweat inside a dark room. Alone. Like you have been since you were a kid. You don't remember much of it. Sometimes you see your parents in your dreams. You were 5 years old and they took you to the park. Your mom was helping you get to the other end of the monkey bars while your dad went to get snow cones. You were happy. But that memory was soon followed by the sound of gunshots and screaming. You couldn't understand what was said but you didn't need to be a genius to know it was full of anger. Your mom told you to hide and you did. But they found you anyway. Since then, you were subjected to vigorous training. You now know 30 languages and deadly fighting skills. You became a weapon and today was the final step of your transformation. Eleven years of training and they deemed you ready. After they reprogrammed your brain to be obedient, of course.

The man in the army uniform handed you a folder. "Your first mission, soldatin," he said, "Procure the obelisk. No survivors. No witnesses. You have 48 hours. Report back here as soon as it is finished." You nodded and opened the folder. It was of a tiny village at the base of the Swiss Alps. In the middle of it was the said obelisk encased in glass. You took a handful of soldiers with you and you headed for the village.

You succeeded in your mission. The obelisk was safely placed inside a containment unit in the jet. The village was burned to the ground. Bodies were piled on the streets and the only sign of life was your team and a handful of livestock the villagers kept. With that, you headed back.

"Very good, soldatin. Go with the doctor." and like the good soldier that you were, you walked behind the man in the lab coat.

You passed by a few offices on your way to the medical wing. Amongst other things, the serum enhanced your hearing. The faintest whispers sounded like normal talking.

"You heard about the mission?"

"Yeah. I heard y/l/n didn't even show mercy for those villagers." the voice chuckled.

"Bettenhauser's gonna be pleased." said another.

"I bet. He and y/f/l/n worked together on the program and seeing it do its purpose mus be so satisfying"

"Her father was an asset for us. That was before he betrayed us, though."

"Well, we got her now. She is an even bigger asset than her father ever was."

You kept walking and you ended up in a room with four other people in coats. In the middle of a room was a large glass case with a chair.

"Step inside the chamber, soldatin. You need to rest." and just like that, your feet dragged you inside. One of the coats placed a mask on you amongst other things. You felt your eyelids getting heavier and heavier and heavier. Gone.

The glass chamber now safely enclosed your unconscious body. Your body was now as cold as ice.

~~~End of flashback~~~

Since that first mission, you had killed hundreds of people for HYDRA. Innocent people. They haunt your dreams to this day but what's done is done. All you could do is help as many as you can.

You were taken out of your trance by the sound of the car door closing. Nat now sat beside you.

"Eagle Hangar please," she said to the driver

The drive to the hangar was silent. So was the flight to Vienna.

"Here goes nothing," you said to Nat as the elevator doors opened. World leaders were gathered in the room and cameras were flashing everywhere. A lady with a clipboard checked you in and quickly walked away.

"I see you are not fans of the spotlight." said the man in the suit. You later learned his name was T'Challa. Prince of Wakanda.

"It isn't very flattering," Nat said to him.

"Well, considering your last trip to Capitol Hill, you seem to be doing great so far." you chuckled at his response. You read about that months ago. You even saw it on YouTube on "Black Widow most iconic moments compilation.

"You don't seem like a big fan as well." You told him

"The accords, yes. The politics? not very. Two men in the same room can get more done than a hundred."

"Unless you need to move a piano." the voice behind you said

"King T'Chaka. This is Y/n Y/l/n. Allow us to apologize for what happened in Nigeria."

"Thank you, Ms. Romanoff. I'm sad to hear Captain Rogers won't be joining us."

"That makes three of us." You replied to him.

Just then, you heard a voice come on through the speakers asking everyone to take a seat. King T'Chaka was giving a statement when both yours and Nat's attention was drawn to his son who was looking out the window.

"EVERYBODY GET DOWN!" He screamed as he bolted for his father.

Like instinct, you threw yourself in front of Nat. It's something that you started doing after you joined the team. You thought after all the lives you've taken, protecting as many as you can could "wipe the red off your ledger" as Nat put it. You were a very effective human shield as a result of the serums. You weren't immortal nor did you have instantaneous healing due to the reaction between the two serums but you still healed faster compared to average humans. You felt a spray of glass cut through your skin and a searing heat touched your skin. Search and rescue came after the explosion and took you and Nat to get medical attention. You were perfectly fine but Nat had a few cuts and bruises. In typical Nat fashion, she walked it off like it was nothing.

You were taken to a tent to get a fresh set of clothes while Nat talked to Prince T'Challa, now king under horrible circumstances. When you got out, he was gone and she was on the phone.

A few minutes later, your phone rang.

Captain Grandpa calling...

you dropped the call and went to check on NAt

~~~BUCHAREST~~~

News outlets revealed Sargeant Barnes, Bucky, was behind the bombing. You knew Steve was gonna go after him. He'd been looking for Bucky since SHIELD fell. Now, he found him in Romania. Orders were given to shoot him on sight and Steve wouldn't let that happen.

~~~BERLIN~~~

Bucky was now in custody.

"What part of don't make things worse didn't you understand?" you asked Steve

You were in one of the offices watching Bucky getting evaluated by the doctor. You were in the other room talking to Tony about what would happen to your teammates.

"We're lucky they aren't in jail," he said

This was all too much. You went to the bathroom to splash some water on your face. You hadn't slept in 24 hours nor eaten anything. You looked in the mirror and fixed your hair as best you could.

BLACKOUT.

What was happening? You ran out and saw a lot of commotion.

"Get me eyes on Barnes," yelled Everett Ross.

You saw Nat and Tony walking towards the exit.

"What happened? What can I do?" you asked

"Don't know. We need to find Barnes." Tony said

"Please tell me you brought a suit," said Nat

"Sure did. It's a lovely Tom Ford three-piece two-button. I'm on active duty non-combatant."

Just as he said that Agent Carter, the younger, ran past you "follow me," she said. The three of you did and she led you to the facility's lobby.

You had never met Sgt. Barnes but from what Steve told you, he was a good man. The person you saw in the lobby was not him. He reminded you of your time at HYDRA. Cold and merciless. A soldier.

Sharon and Nat ran in and tried to fight him to no avail. You managed to get him down but he pinned you n the floor. He was trying to choke you and as a last effort to break free, you took a deep breath and exhaled a stream of fire. He dodged out of the way and you managed to get up. The next thing you saw was T'Challa going after him. You set fire to the staircase to slow him down but he still got away

You went outside only to see Steve on the rooftop pulling a helicopter from the sky. Sometimes you forget that he's a super-soldier just like you.

"Y/n coordinate evac. Get civilians as far away as you can," said Tony through comms. You wanted to help Steve but you got your orders.

~~~Fast forward to Berlin~~~

You did what Tony said and got civilians to a safe distance. When you went to meet with Nat and Tony, they told you Steve and Bucky were gone. They assumed Sam was with them too.

~~~Steve's POV~~~

"This would've been a lot easier a week ago," said Sam

"If we call Tony or maybe y/n--" he cut you off

"Who knows if the accords will let them help." he had a point. After everything that's happened, the UN would not listen to them even if they found out about Zemo.

"We're on our own."

"Maybe not." you looked at him questioningly. "I know a guy"

~~~End of POV~~~

You were now back in a conference room with General Ross. He gave you 36 hours to bring the three men in. He wouldn't hesitate to kill Steve if it meant bringing Barnes in.

"My left arm is numb. Is that normal?" he asked. Nat put her hand on his shoulder.

"You alright?" she asked

"Always." you knew that was a lie. Numbness in the left arm was a sign of a heart attack. But he's Tony. he could be bleeding to death and still say witty sarcastic remarks. You wish he didn't do that. You wished he'd open up to you more. "36 hours. Geez."

"We're seriously understaffed," said Nat. It was just the three of you there now.

"Would be great if we had a hulk right about now. Any shot?" Nat shook her head

Not even the Hulk. It would be nice if just Bruce and Thor were there. Maybe things wouldn't be as bad. Bruce and Thor would've deescalated matters before you could say Mjolnir.

"You really think he would be on our side?" she asked. You hadn't thought of that but knowing Bruce, he would want the team to be together.

"I have an idea." Said Nat

"ME too. Where's yours?

"Downstairs. Where's yours?" said tony.

~~~QUEENS~~~

"Spiderman? really?" you asked Tony in the car.

"HE stopped a 3000 lbs car going 40 miles an hour wit his bare hands and he swings from webs."

"But he's dressed in a red hoodie and swim goggles." you chuckled. It was probably the lightest moment you had in the last week alone.

You and Tony knocked on the apartment door. It was answered by a middle-aged woman. She was beautiful honestly. She had those kind motherly eyes that reminded you of your mom.

"Hi. I'm Tony Stark. This is y/n y/l/n. Is Mr. Parker here? we have some good news for him." Tony sad

"I'm May., his aunt and no he's not here. He should be home soon though. You're welcome to wait." she invited you in and served you some walnut and date bread. It was horrible but you didn't have the heart to tell her. she was so nice.

"So what is this good news you're here about?" she asked. Tony didn't actually tell you what his plan was. Not in full anyways so you were just as curious as her.

"Oh its a grant from the September foundation that he applied for. I approved." as far as bullshit made-on-the-spot excuses go, that was pretty good.

"Oh, he never told me that.

"He probably wanted to surprise you," you said to her

"Probably. Are you also a receiver of the grant?" she asked

"No. I'm interested in how the foundation is run so I asked to be here" she nodded. You didn't think she'd buy it but she did. Just as he said that the front door opens and a young guy walked in. He couldn't have been much younger than you. He had his earphones n and he was going on about this nice car parked outside. Tony's of course.

He saw the three of you on the sofa and he was clearly starstruck upon seeing Tony. He couldn't even speak without stuttering. He repeated his excuse to Peter and he surprisingly went along with it. Tony asked for five minutes alone with him and you were left in the living room with Aunt May. When they got out of the room, Peter informed his aunt that Tony invited him to the compound to talk more about the internship. You knew it was a lie of course because just a few hours later, Peter was standing next to you on the car to the airport.

~~~BERLIN~~~

Vision informed you that Clint came to get Wanda at the compound. Immediately, you knew this wasn't gonna end well. You don't want to fight her but you don't have a choice

As a last effort, you tried calling Steve but hews just declining your calls. Eventually, none of them would even go through.

~~~Fast forward~~~

"Steve, you know what's about to happen. Do you really want to punch your way out of this one?" Nat said.

"Just come with us. Please," you pleaded. He looked at the both of you

"Alright, I've run out of patience. Underoos!" yelled tony. just as he did, Peter grabbed Steve's should and landed on top of  the helicopter

"Nice job kid"

"Thanks. I could've stuck the landing a little better. It's just the new suit but it's perfect, Mr. Stark" he went on this babbling for about 45 seconds. You thought it was funny.

~~~

"I'm trying to keep you from tearing the Avengers apart," Tony said. You wanted the same thing. You all do.

"You did that when you signed," said Steve

"You're gonna turn Barnes over and you're gonna come with us now because it's us" You could hear the sadness and frustration in Tony's voice. "Come on" he whispered

You heard Sam's voice through Steve's earpiece "We found it. The quintet is in hangar five. North runway." you let out a deep breath. This was it. Steve raised his arm as Redwing cut through his restraints.

"Alright Lang," said Steve

"What the hell was that?" asked Rhodes

"I believe this is yours, Captain America"

"Oh great. There's two on the parking deck. One of them is Maximoff. I'm gonna go grab her. Y/n come with me. Rhodey, wanna take Cap?" said Tony as he grabbed you by the arm and flew towards Wanda... and Clint?

"There's two on the terminal. Wilson and Barnes"

"Barnes is mine," said T'Challa

~~~Fast Forward~~~

"Wanda. I think you hurt Vision's feelings"

"You locked me in my room."

"I did it to protect you."

"Wanda, stop this now. I don't want to fight you but you know I will."

"I can't live in fear anymore, y/n." and with that, she used her powers to drop cars at you.

"I'm done playing nice. You want a fight? I'll give you a fight." you said as you aimed fireblasts at her and Clint.

A fight has now ensued between the two teams. Tony attached a miniaturized jet pack to your back so you could chase after the others. Steve and the others were making a run for the hangar when Vision used his laser to stop them in their tracks. You landed in front of them, skin now glowing red from the fire inside you. The others followed suit.

"You must surrender now." Vision's voice thundered over you despite being in an open space. You were now face to face with your friends.

"What do we do, Cap?" asked Sam

"We fight."

"This isn't gonna end well," whispered Nat

"They're not stopping," said Peter

"Neither are we."

a/n: what do you guys think? I hope you like it. it's my first time writing fanfic. criticism would be greatly appreciated. part two coming soon depending on the response to this...

[haddonfieldproject]

<<PREVIOUS⏺<<CONTENTS>>

1.2.3 HALLOWEEN NIGHT/NOVEMBER 1st 2:10 AM

Haddonfield, Illinois

As the Tate family continued eastward through Missouri in the rain, Officer J.T. Swain pulled his police cruiser into the parking lot of the Warren County Sherrif's Office. Swain jerked the hood of his rain slicker up, took a long and shaking breath, and braced himself for the deluge from above as he gripped his door handle. He quickly exited, shutting the door with his hip, and sprinted toward the doors, kicking up large splashes as he sloshed through the puddles in the parking lot---a parking lot that had been empty a few hours before when Samantha Nguyen had entered it.

It was now full.

His fellow officer, and friend, Greg Mullenix, met him at the front entrance, and held the door open for him as he stepped inside. “Where the hell have you been man?”

Swain threw his hood back, “I had to escort the Tramer's from the police station to the park.”

Mullenix winced as he opened the glass door on the inside annex.

“It was horrible,” Swain continued, “that boy's mom kept crying and crying, and I had to hold an umbrella over her while they ID'd their son.”

Mullenix put a hand on his friend's back. “I'm sorry man.

“What did I miss?” Swain asked as they headed through the lobby, passed the plastic chairs, and to the right of the front counter with it's frosted glass window...still shut. They could hear Officer Williams and another voice, a female voice, talking away from behind the glass. The phone still rang incessantly.

“It's a shit show.” Mullenix replied, pulling his wallet out of his pocket and tapping it to the little white square beside the large metal door that read: AUTHORIZED PERSONELL ONLY. His little plastic keycard inside reacted to the pad and a light at the top of the square went from red to green. He jerked the door open.

A cacophany of voices hit them immediately. The first door on the left gave way to a large conference room. The overlapping conversations were emanating from there. Six or seven Officers sat about the large mahogany table and about the same number stood in various places around the room. As Officer Mullenix and Officer Swain entered the doorway, they were bumped from behind by two other men. Deputy Sheriff Ben Meeker had exited his office from across the hall and pushed through the crowd. He was holding a manilla file folder in his hand. Another man, with a receding hairline and smart black and white business attire, followed him.

“Feds?” J.T. Mouthed to Mullenix as they moved to get out of the way of the two men.

Greg shrugged.

“Alright everyone!” Meeker rose his voice to a level that could be heard over the other conversation. “Everyone shut up!”

The conversations ceased.

“So as you know, Sheriff Brackett is of course in the hospital with his daughter so all operations has been handed over to me.”

He looked around the room, took a deep breath and then said, “Look---I know tonight has been,” he stopped for a moment, looking down at the desk, trying to fight the urge to get emotional. “Well,” he continued, “let's just say it, tonight's been really shitty. I know and you know we're stretched to the breaking point right now as it is, but US Marshals have something else we need to pay attention to, so this is Deputy McGrath out of the Springfield outfit, I need you to give him your full attention.”

The room was dead quiet, save for a solitary cough from the back corner of the room. Meeker switched places with the man who had come in with him. He cleared his throat and when he spoke, a sharp New England accent came through,

“Hello,” he said, pausing for a moment, thinking about what to say. “Deputy Meeker here has been telling me about the clusterfuck of a night you guys have had,” he looked around the room at the tired faces of the officers, “and I want you to know that the last thing I want to do is add to the little shitstorm you guys got going on in this little town tonight, but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to.”

Meeker handed the file folder to the officer next to him, a fat, snow white young looking kid with pink cheeks and frosty blonde curls all over his head. The kid's name was Kip Kinnerly, but all the other guys called him “Doughboy.”

“Kip, look at this and then pass it.”

“Yes sir.” Doughboy replied curtly as he took the folder.

Meeker raised his voice. “I want everyone to take a good look at this!”

The man in the suit cleared his throat again. “As he told you, I am Deputy Mark McGrath from US Marshals, and as most of you have no doubt already heard, we have been hunting two extremely dangerous persons and we believe they may have just arrived in your back yard, that is, in the general area of Warren County.”

“Are you fucking serious?” An Officer who stood in the corner of the room spat. “Are you talking about those two shits from Mississippi?”

“Let's watch the language Spaulding.” Meeker snapped.

“It's alright Sherrif Meeker,” McGrath smiled. “Two little shits are exactly what they are. Their names are Lloyd and Lee Chumway of Biloxi Mississippi. And we are requesting---hell we are begging—for your assistance so we can nab these sonsabitches and at least give y'all a silver lining to this terrible night.”

“Oh fuck.” Officer Malcom Donald breathed as he looked into the file folder. “I thought I'd seen enough of this kind of shit tonight.”

The photograph of the Chumway brothers had reached Mullenix and Swain. They had already seen their faces on the television the days before. Hell, all of America had.

“Someone snap pics of that with their cellphone and text it out to everyone. I want everyone to have those two faces burned in their brains.” Meeker said.

“I got you boss.” Swain replied. He passed the picture back to Mullenix and began to dig in his pocket for his cellphone. “Here, hold this.”

“Who is this chick?” Spaulding asked, taking another pic from Doughboy and handing it to Officer Emrah Lagenbruner next to him who had just squeezed himself into the circle that was forming around the conference room. .

“Whoa,” The young African American officer said upon seeing the picture, “Gonna be a closed casket for sure.”

McGrath pointed to the photograph in his hand.

“Her name was Marina Madden, Lee Chumway's brother...he's the younger of the two. On Thursday afternoon, around 13:30 Central Time, these two upstanding citizens apparently brutally raped this woman, and then pummeled her with a bedside lamp.”

Mullenix took the picture from Lagenbrunner. The aforementioned Marina Madden was sprawled out on burgundy carpet, near the foot of a bed-frame, her lifeless eyes gazing upward at a ceiling that was out of view of the camera. Blood was congealed on the side of her head, a broken bedside lamp lay beside her, a dark spot in the carpet spread out from beside her head. The darkened puddle was flecked with bits of brain matter.

Mullenix passed the picture to Swain.

“Who's this?” Spaulding asked, holding up another picture before passing it to Lagenbruner. “Whoa, hello sexy!” Lagenbruner quipped again upon seeing the picture and passing it to Mullenix. It was a circa 1977 Olan Mills portrait of a woman, wearing a bright floral print dress, cat-eye tinted glasses and a large brown bee-hive hairdo in front of a tacky painted background with a sunset, trees, and ducks. Two young boys in white suits and red ties sat on her knee.

McGrath answered, “That is the mother of these two fine citizens. Melba Jean Chumway. Aparently they grew bored of Miss Madden and decided to drive over to their mommy's house. They beat her to death with a hammer.”

Lagenbruner whistled as he saw the next photo. “Good night,” he breathed as he passed it to his left.

Mullenix's stomach tightened as he saw it. Even though she was face down on a linoleum floor, you could tell it was the same woman. Her dress was different, but an equally as offensive floral print. Her bee-hive was gray now, and a different, more modern pair of glasses lay broken beside her. The side of her head was split open, and old darkened blood was pooled on the tile beside her. Large shoe tracks were printed in blood all around her as well. A blood soaked hammer lay just beyond her elbow.

For not the first time tonight, Mullenix was feeling nauseated. As the wave of sickness washed over him and through him, he closed his eyes, gulped and opened them again to receive another photo. The time, a pretty but a little chunky woman in a Lynyrd Skynyrd t-shirt and camouflage pants was sitting atop a tractor. A field of snowy white cotton gleamed in the background. An older gentleman stood beside the tractor with a cigarette handing out of his mouth and a battered confederate battle-flag hat laying crooked on his head. He wore a simple blue shirt with the words TRUMP in bold white letters, along with the tag-line in red below it: Make America Great Again.

“I'm guessing this one is their engagement photo?” Swain tried to quip as he took the picture from Mullenix. It came out hollow as his voice cracked.

McGrath guestered to him. “They then left for Lloyd's apartment where Lloyd's unfortunate girlfriend Kelly Willis-Ross was living. They nearly decapitated her with a kitchen knife.”

Another grizzly crime photo was passed over. Poor Miss Willis-Ross lay in a bathtub, soaked red. Her head lay disjointed on her shoulders, her chin impossibly almost touching her right breast. Swain felt another surge in his stomach. He tried to focus on something in the picture so that he would appear to be looking at the slide, but not really looking at the carnage itself. His eyes fixed on a blue bottle which sat on the side of the tub next to the unfortunate carcass of Lloyd's now ex-girlfriend. HERBAL ESSENCES CONDITIONER. BLUE RASPBERRY.

“Jesus Christ,” Mullenix breathed.

Swain shot him a glance. His friend and partner's face was caught in a grimace.

“I know,” Swain whispered, “good luck sleeping tonight.”

“I don't think I'm ever going to sleep again,” Mullenix mumbled.

McGrath continued, as more horrific scenes of gore was paraded down the line.

“They then drove to their place of employment: a Papagayos Mexican Restaurant. These two star employees were on the clock for only 53 minutes before they murdered their boss and everyone in the store with kitchen knives. They have been on the run every since.”

“How do we know they're coming here?” Meeker asked, taking a seat on the edge of the conference table.

McGrath answered, “On Thursday night around 20:00, 911 operators at a Southern Star Gas Station near Oxford Mississippi were alerted to a robbery and homicide, and closed circuit cameras in the store captured the Chumway brothers. Two of the men they beat to death inside the store were concealed carry operators who were overwhelmed before they were able to withdraw their weapons. The Chumways stole the weapons and are now considered armed and dangerous....well...more dangerous.”

A few more cops trickled into the conference room from outside, looking pale and cold, shaking off the rain. McGrath paused as they took their place around the room, then continued, “Early Friday morning, around 02:30 we got a bead on to what direction they were heading in when 911 dispatch got word of a robbery at a Dixie Donuts outside Memphis Tennessee. Again surveillance at the location confirmed that the Chumway brothers were perpetrators of the crime. They were tracked to a strip club in the area and then to a motel, but apparently just missed the grasp of Memphis police. Their pursuit was also put off by trick or treating traffic, something I heard you guys had trouble with as well as you were tracking your own psychopath through the town.”

A few of the cops nodded and murmuring in agreement. Agent McGrath paused , rubbing his chin, his eyes clouded over, as if he were lost in his thoughts. After a moment he said, “We have every reason to assume they continued north, and would be entering this vicinity very soon if they continued at their assumed rate of speed. Unfortunately we have no idea what they could be driving now, they keep switching vehicles, but we just need you boys to keep an eye out.”

There was another cough and a few moments of heavy silence. Then Doughboy snapped to attention, his blue eyes wet, and barked: “Sir yes sir.”

The others officers followed suit, but all were less exuberant and most were merely mumbling. Deputy-Sheriff Meeker sat up from the edge of the table and approached Agent McGrath, and placing a hand on the shorter man's shoulder. McGrath gave a half smile, shooting a glance to Meeker and then back to the assembled officers. “Well okay then, we know what to look for, and we'll do our best to nab these sonsabitches.” Meeker extended his hand and McGrath took it.

Officer Mullenix yawned. Officer Ted Mitchum came in to the room with a large WANTED poster of the Chumway brothers. He lifted a stapler and stapled it to the wall next to the whiteboard at the far end of the conference room. Mullenix fixated on their face.

They look so normal, he thought, like just two simple men....two...really normal simple men.

NEXT>>

[abysswhiskey11]

Fallin’ For You. [Jim Kirk x Reader]

Pairing: Jim Kirk x Reader.

Summary: Jim and you were high-school sweethearts. You two went through it all together. His rebellious phase, life’s ups and downs at the time. But, one day, you abruptly left. Leaving Jim. What happens when the two of you meet years later? Will you both stay or will you both leave?

Warning: Maybe, language? Does s*** count? angst, but fluff too!

A/N: The fic’s based on a song, called Fallin’ For You by Colbie Caillat! Also, i haven’t edited it so, i’m sorry for any errors in advance!

I don't know

But I think I may be fallin' for you

Dropping so quickly

Maybe I should keep this to myself

Waiting 'til I know you better

You and Jim had met in highschool. It was just as cheesy as anyone would imagine. Sweet, first love.

You had walked in just in time for your first day. Swearing, you climbed off of your motorcycle. Rushing in, you bumped into someone and fell flat on your rear.

“Whoa, there. You okay?”

Your breath hitched the moment you eyes connected with his gorgeous blue ones. They were full of concern and curiosity. That’s when you noticed his extended hand.

You took his hand, got up, dusted yourself and spoke, “Yeah, sorry, i’m almost late. It’s the first day.”

Jim’s heart was thundering, as he took in your beauty.

He shrugged, “I’m always late.”

You chuckled, “Let’s try not to add another one to streak then, shall we?”

I am trying, not to tell you

But I want to,

I'm scared of what you'll say

And so I'm hiding what I'm feeling

But I'm tired of holding this inside my head

You sighed at the state of Jim as he opened the door. He just rolled in eyes and let you in. You gently touched his face, tilting it to see the cuts.

You mumbled, “Please, let me patch you up.”

He softly swatted your hand away, “Why are you here, Y/N. Just go.”

Your lip twitched, “For you.”

“Oh, not on behalf of your father?”

“I can’t help that my dad’s the Police Chief. Come on, those look bad.”

He reluctantly nodded, “Under the sink.”

You fetched the supplies and started dabbing at the wounds.

“Won’t you ask me why I did it? Why I do it?”

You just shook you head and started bandaging the cuts. You felt him stop you. Looking into his bright blue eyes, you felt your heart break for Jim. All you could see was pain, anger and...fear.

“I always get in trouble with the law, Y/N. You’re telling me you don’t wanna know why?”

You smiled sadly, “No. All I care about is you.”

Jim’s lips came crashing down on yours. He could feel you reassuring him, it just made him want more.

I've been spending all my time

Just thinking about ya

I don't know what to do

I think I'm fallin' for you

I've been waiting all my life

And now I found ya

I don't know what to do

I think I'm fallin' for you

I'm fallin' for you

You pulled up to the school and pulled your key out of the ignition. You looked around and spotted him. His messy blonde hair was hard to miss. Jim was joking around with his tight knit group of friends, smirking and laughing once in a while. He must have felt your gaze on him, as he turned around to see you. You would never forget the way his face lit up. And Jim would never forget the smile growing in your face.

You held up the coffee cups as he made his way to you. His lip twitched up, as he took it from you.

“Thank you, starlight.”

“Oh, you’re welcome, astronaut.”

You spent the few minutes you had talking, laughing and flirting. It had been 2 years since you both became official. Time had gone so fast, yet you remembered every small detail.

You gasped, “Penguins deserve the world! They are sweetest, cutest and the most badass when provoked!”

Jim laughed, “You just described yourself!” But soon, his eyes went wide, “Okay, okay, but have you seen Flamingos? I mean, they have so much to unbox! Their neck, their legs, their absolutely ridiculous colour!”

Nodding, you put a finger to you chin, “The only thing these two have in common is-!” And, you faltered, “....Oh my god, they have nothing in common.”

Jim and you burst laughing so hard you couldn’t breathe. Jim snorted, which made you laugh even more. As things, calmed down, you wrapped your hands around his neck. Jim’s snaked around your waist. Yet, you could see him holding back his laughter.

“I love you, Y/N. You really are my starlight.”

“I love you too, Jim. Happy 2 year anniversary.”

As I'm standing here

And you hold my hand

Pull me towards you

And we start to dance

All around us

I see nobody

The tears were flowing freely on your face. You clenched you jaw, willing them to stop but they never did. You let out a strangled cry. You knew you couldn’t ride like this and shakily pulled up. The minute you got off, you collapsed to your knees. Your head pounded, and you heart felt like it had been ripped out. Full of guilt, you took deep breaths, trying your best to compose yourself. Your phone ringed.

“Hey, Dad. Yeah, I’m out of town. I’m reaching the airport in 5. Yeah, yeah, i’m fine.”

Meanwhile, Jim raised his hand to knock on your door. But then, the huge padlock caught his eyes. His breath halted. Shaking, he ghosted his fingers above it. He ran to your neighbour, banging on the door. An old lady, opened the door, smiling sweetly at Kirk. Her smile fell when she saw him clench his jaw, clearly holding back tears.

“The Y/L/Ns. There’s a-a padlock on their door. Whe-Where did they- Y/N- What..?”

She smiled sadly, “You must be the Jim Y/N talked about. Sweetie, they just moved away. Like 30 minutes ago, they packed their bags and went off to the airport. Didn’t say the reason.”

Jim knew he was hyperventilating by now. He just couldn’t understand it. He could register the old lady reach for something behind the door.

“She asked me to give these to you.”

He looked down and felt his heart breaking more. If that was possible. He slowly plucked the photographs of the two of you from her hands. She smiled sadly at him and said something but, all Jim could focus on was you. You had left.

He walked away briskly, running a hand through his lock. He just didn’t make it far before he let out a strangled scream. He took out his anger on the printed memories of you two. Tearing, and ripping. But then, his emotions hit him like a train. He loved you, and you were gone, just like any other person in his life.

Here in silence

It's just you and me

I am trying not to tell you

But I want to

You rested your head against the window, staring at the clouds outside. Your mind was a mess. Just like your heart. You clenched your fists, and shut your eyes tightly, as memories flooded you. The first time you two said the three words.

“You are the last person I expected a lecture from!”

“This isn’t a lecture, Jim! I’m just trying to help.”

He yelled again, “That’s what everyone says! You’re just trying to fix me when I’m not even broken!”

You pleaded, reaching out for him, “I’m not, Jim! I just want you to follow what your heart wants! And I know you well enough to know this isn’t it.”

He scoffed, “You do not know me! I know you’re tired of all this you have to put up with! So why don’t you just leave!”

“I won’t leave because I love you!” Your voice soon turned into a whisper, “I love you, and I’m fighting for you! For us! So please, Jim, fight for yourself, too...”

You sniffed, shaking your head and clutching your jacket. Jim took huge strides towards you. He couldn’t believe that someone like you loved someone like you. He caressed your cheek and ran his hand through your hair. You stroke his bicep and looked up at him.

Jim squeaked, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean any of it. I’m scared. I’m scared because I’m in love with you, too.”

You kissed his forehead, and ran your hands through his hair, “Then, we’ll get through this together.”

I'm scared of what you'll say

And so I'm hiding what I'm feeling

But I'm tired of holding this inside my head

The club was packed. So many people were on the dance floor, just grinding into each other. Jim was one of them. His hands were on the waist of some alien girl as they swayed. It had been months since you left, and yet, Jim couldn’t let you go. You were a constant at the back of his mind. He tried to bury it. And, here he was, a playboy, someone who just wants to have sex. He wouldn’t accept it but he knew.

He was trying to find you in other women.

He also knew he wouldn’t get you.

It didn’t stop him. He just never got attached or developed feelings. He hated you. Or that’s what he said to himself.

I've been spending all my time

Just thinking about ya

I don't know what to do

I think I'm fallin' for you

I've been waiting all my life

And now I found ya

I don't know what to do

Jim pushed the glass door open and stepped into the office, “Sir, can I know why me and my crew are docked right now? And, about this classified mission?”

The Admiral smiled softly, “Ofcourse, Captain Kirk. You’ll be working with MACO. Specifically, a Major. As soon as she arrives-“

You growled, entering, “Admiral, I might torpedo someone. My team and I-“

Jim’s heart stopped.

No. It couldn’t be her. That voice still haunted me in my dreams. I whipped around and instantly regretted it. It really was her. She stood there just as surprised as me.

You felt like you were a deer caught in headlights. All the memories of the past that you tried to push under the carpet bubbled up. You heart screamed in pain. Those electric blue eyes. They were burning holes in you. Yet, you cleared your throat, and walked up to the Admiral.

You felt your throat constrict as you shut your eyes tightly, willing yourself to focus, till you could no longer feel his eyes. You walked towards the table.

The Admiral motioned to you, with his eyes on Jim, “Captain Kirk, this is Major Y/N Y/L/N. Military Assault Command Operations. MACO for short.”

This time he looked at you, “Major, this is Captain Jim Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise. A science vessel.”

You deadpanned, “Captain.”

He growled, “Major.”

You spoke, “Sir, why are making two ends meet? Military and Science?”

He sighed, “We need you to infiltrate a rebel base. But, they have something that belongs to Starfleet. That’s where the Enterprise comes in. You, Y/L/N, need to help secure the base and the rebels. Arrest them. And Captain, you need to secure the various experiments. The official briefing is in an hour. Gather your crew.”

briefing is in an hour. Gather your crew.”

Jim started, “With due respect, sir-“

His cut-throat tone made you gulp, “I don’t care what personal history you have with each other. I need this job done. And done by the best of the departments. So, talk it out.”

You nodded, “Affirmative, sir.”

He walked away, leaving the two of you behind.

You cleared your throat and asked, “How have you been?”

He replied, “Major, we have work-“

You sighed, rubbing your forehead, “We both need to focus on this mission, Kirk. The only way is to-“

He cut in, “-Ignore it. Alright? I don’t care.”

Sighing, you nodded, “Alright, Captain. See you then.”

I think I'm fallin' for you

I'm fallin' for you

Oh, I just can't take it

Jim moved through the crowds and you tagged along. There was tension between the two of you. Anyone passing by could see that easily. Suddenly, you arrived at the Bridge.

Jim cleared his throat, “This is Commander Spock. My second-in-command.”

The Vulcan shook your hand politely, “Hello, Major Y/L/N. Good Afternoon.”

You chuckled “I just smacked myself in the face picking up my comm. It really is a good afternoon.”

Spock rose his eyebrow, but smirked.

Kirk spoke, “We’ll head to the Medbay then.”

You could feel it. The tension. In the turbolift, whenever you walked together. Every time, and your guilt just got worse and worse. After what seemed like eternities, you arrived at your destination.

Once again, Jim introduced you to a blue shirt, “Bones. This is Major Y/N Y/L/N. Major, this is CMO Leonard McCoy.”

“Call me Bones, love. Everyone does.”

You drew out the word, “Okay.” Suddenly your eyes fell on the ball of fluff sitting on the table, “Oh my god, awe!”

Bones gaze floated to what caught your attention, “A tribble? Their only two purposes in life appear to be to eat and to reproduce.”

“Just like humans.”

He chuckled and turned to Jim, “I like her.”

“We should get going. Gonna hit warp in 10.”

You grimaced at Jim’s tone, “Alright, Captain. I’ll be at the bridge in 20.”

At this point, Leonard knew something was wrong. He stopped his best friend and grabbed his shoulder, “Hey, Jim-“

Jim’s voice was full of irritation. And hurt. “Can this wait, Bones?”

Hesitantly, he nodded, “Okay. Yeah.”

The same day, Jim spilled all the secrets to his best friend. Bones.

My heart is racing

The emotions keep spilling out

I've been spending all my time

Just thinking about ya

A few days later.

Jim sighed, “Can i just...undo that?”

Bones deadpanned, “Nope.”

“Oh man, cause that was embarrassing as hell.”

“Yep.”

Spock walked in on the two. Raising his eyebrow, he questioned, “You’re not sober, are you?”

Bones groaned, “I’m reasonably functional.”

The Captain spoke, “That’s a no.”

soon, the two broke into a laughing fit as The Vulcan’s gaze rose to you.

You were currently sitting on top of the counter Jim and Bones were leaning against. He could see amusement dancing in your eyes.

He gave you a pointed look, “Aren’t you gonna do something?”

“I’m paid to protect y’all from various aliens and abuse from any and everyone, not your own stupidity.”

Jim giggled, poking your side, “You’re the best bodyguard ever.”

Spock rolled his eyes and went out the door. You almost saw him smile at you lot.

Bones grinned, “This is gonna be controversial and debatable, but that went well.”

Now the three of you were laughing and wheezing.

The next morning, you expected the two men to be much, much more hungover than you. The reason being that you could hold your alcohol. Striding inside the Medbay, you were ready to pick on Jim and Bones for their killer headaches but, you instead found them chatting. Normally, may you add. You could hear supplies being one of the topics.

Apparently, the two had noticed your shock filled expression as the realisation dawned on them.

Jim smirked at you then turned back to Bones and spoke loud, so that you could hear, “She thought she’s special just cause she can hold her alcohol.”

Coming up beside him, you smacked his shoulder. Bones smiled and shook his head. He had to accept the fact that he had grown close to you. He saw you as his little sister. A little sister who could kick any and everyone’s ass. Jim had told him the history between the two of you on the first day. Hence, he had been sceptical about you. But, slowly and steadily, he grew to admire and respect you.

The way you would coo to a tribble. All little things added up. And he could see in Jim’s eyes, that he could see them too. Just from a different perspective.

He could see the love and hurt flashing in his eyes. Battling and debating. Bones just hoped Jim would figure it out. For both of your sake.

You hummed, “In my defence, we finished an entire bottle of whiskey.”

You were glad that things were working out on the Enterprise. For you, and for everyone. The first few days were bumpy but soon, you grew warm towards all the members of Jim’s crew. And by a miracle, even Jim himself. You knew he had not forgotten and he hadn’t forgiven. But, right now, all you both wanted to do was to push the elephant away. As far away and for long.

I don't know what to do

I think I'm fallin' for you

I've been waiting all my life

And now I found ya

Jim muttered to himself, refreshing his padd over and over again, “What the hell?”

When he realised what was actually happening, he sprinted off towards your room.

Meanwhile, you were packing your uniforms and belongings in a suitcase. Folding and stuffing repeatedly. You felt a sick feeling at the bottom of your stomach. You didn’t want to leave. Suddenly, your doors opened. And in walked the gorgeously blue-eyed man.

“Hey, J-“

He stated coldly, “You’re leaving.”

You took in a deep breathe, “My job’s done. I have-“

His voice raised, as he scoffed, “There you go again with the same crap to justify your shitty actions!”

You gaped at him, “Where is this coming from?”

He snorted, “Oh, ofcourse you’re gonna play dumb about it. Just like you have all these days!”

This time, you yelled, “You don’t understand Jim! You never will!”

“You didn’t even help me try to, Y/N! You don’t get to blame me!”

Instantly the anger vanished, “I’m not-“

“Neither do you have the right to be jealous when I flirt with someone else!”

You stared at him like a deer in the headlights.

He just scoffed to your reaction, “Yeah, I’ve seen it. You don’t have the right to, after all this time!”

He ran a shaky hand through his hair and pointed to you, “You don’t have the right to stroll up to me and my crew and pretend we’re friends! Cause let me make you clear we aren’t! We are far from friends or more!”

You were in the verge of tears by now, “I’m not pretending! I’m trying to make amends! I’m try to make amends for leaving! For abandoning you! I am trying to get out of this web of lies I’ve spun!” You sighed in frustration and turned away from him, “Till this day, I regret what I did! I loved you, Jim! I had to choose between us and my goddamn life!”

Jim froze at that. All his rage vanished, as the realisation slowly started creeping in, “What do you mean your life?”

You just growled at your helplessness in the situation, “I am sorry.” Leaning on your wall, you back was towards him. Your voice broke, “I know it won’t help but i broke just as much as you did, when I left.”

Suddenly, he turned cold again, “You wouldn’t know anything about that.”

You scoffed at him in disbelief. Tears were steaming down your face freely now but you didn’t care. Yet again, your voice rose, “You tell me what I was supposed to do after witnessing a murder! You think Witness Protection was my idea?! That maniac almost killed me and my family! I went for MACO because that’s the only reason I could live my life freely and protect my family! You weren’t there when I called your home, Jim! You had left for Starfleet! I wasn’t gonna take that away from you!”

The pair of you went rigid at your confession.

Million thoughts were running around your head. You didn’t want this to happen. God, no. You wanted, you needed to protect him. Yet, here you were, you secret out. Shaking your head, you composed yourself and sniffed, “I need to go. The shuttle’s waiting.”

He watched you go. The doors shut. That’s when it all dawned on him. The reality of the situation. The hurt, the pain, the anger of it. Once again, he ran. He ran towards you. He ran towards the woman he loved and will always love. He ran to get you back.

Jim caught your wrists and turned you around, not letting go of your hands, “I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to let you go. I never stopped loving you, Y/N. I never will. You’re my first and last, Y/L/N. Don’t let go.”

Never before had you even considered this happening. But, it was happening.

Jim didn’t hate you. Not at all. The reality was the exact opposite of what you had been thinking.

Gasping, you tore his your hands away from his and pressed them against his cheeks. Pulling him towards you, you connected your lips with his.

Nothing about the kiss had changed.

You still felt the exact same fireworks. You still felt the exact same love. So did Jim.

Pulling away, your whispered to him, afraid it wasn’t real, “I still love you too. God, I do. Last time, I didn’t have a choice, but this time I do. And, I choose you, Jim Kirk. I’ll choose you over and over and over.”

You never left after that. Not the Enterprise, not Jim, not your crew.

I don't know what to do

I think I'm fallin' for you

I'm fallin' for you

I think I'm fallin' for you

I can't stop thinking about it

I want you all around me

And now I just can't hide it

I think I'm fallin' for you

I can't stop thinking about it

I want you all around me

And now I just can't hide it

I think I'm fallin' for you

I'm fallin' for you

Oh

Oh no no

Oh

Oh, I'm fallin' for ya

[rogue-barnes-16]

WITCH (part I/?)

Request: Loki x reader (The reader has few powers that she doesnt know how to control properly she can go walk  through memories and has a power to absorb powers for a limited amount of time but afterwards she  collapses and screams from agony since her body is not used to the powers people have ) And the way she meets the avengers is that she is walking to her apartment and in a blink of a moment she falls into a portal on the ground (and its Stephen's portal ) The portal takes her to the avengers tower . As she stands up from the ground she is greeted by the avengers . The whole time Loki couldn't take his eyes off of her .

Pairing: Loki x gifted!Reader

Genre: angst-fluff

Tags:

Requested by//Witch:

@almostmellowsalad

@unicorniorosacomefrutillas @bbcsassdeadass @mirtaqueen @han-flower @arttasticgreatnessoftheawesome77 @godhateskyleigh @tarynkauai

Permanent taglist:

@notexactlythatgirl @thisismysecrethappyplace @sofreakinmanyfandoms @pizzarollpatrol @bubblycypress87 @almostmellowsalad @loislp @lovenaturefirst @dyanna-corona @2ptonpt @goodnightmode @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers

Warnings: bad memory/experience.

A/N: this idea is meant to be a multipart, fight me. Instead of walking to her apartment, the reader's gonna be walking from her apartment to her work.

Rogue-barnes-16 masterlist

It was a regular Monday.

I woke up at at 6:30 thanks to my old alarm clock, which I bought during my early teen years —thank God, it still worked.

I walked out of the bed, tied my hair in a bun and, carrying my clothes with me, I got in the bathroom to take a shower.

I came out of the shower already dressed up and had a quick breakfast in my tiny kitchen.

I placed my uniform in my bag, along with the rest of my things, and, after putting on my headphones, I walked out of the apartment.

I never listened to music while going to work, but the headphones helped me to control my... Problem. They allowed me to focus on my thoughts, at the same time as they stopped me from stepping into someone else's mind.

I was checking my phone absently, and, after turning left in one a corner, I felt how the sidewalk below my feet vanished.

I squealed, but just a couple of seconds after falling inside God knows what, I was met with the cold ground. "Ouch" I propped myself over my forearms, sitting up and looking around.

"you have to be kidding me." oh my God. It was Tony Stark. And not just Tony Stark, Steve Rogers too. "Strange, she's a kid."

"she's a threat" the man besides Tony Stark said. "maybe not an imminent one, but prevention is better than cure."

"what the-" Mr. Stark sighed and pointed at me tiredly, "Rogers, help Ms. Y/l/n get up and take her to the living room."

Captain Rogers crouched before me and helped me to get up, but when he tried to take off my headphones, I stopped him. "Uh- Okay, leave them on, but come with me."

I nodded, getting up and following him to what I supposed it was the living room. "what am I doing here?" I asked quietly, sitting down on one of the couches.

I damn well knew why I was there, but I thought playing silly would probably be the best way to get out of this mess.

"Y/n, I'm gonna be honest" Steve crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. "I'm not sure why you're here. What I'm sure about is that you know that reason."

"I cannot find any book in your poor attempt of library" I turned around to see who had just spoken, and I was very surprised to see Loki, the man who destroyed New York a few years ago. He was walking to Steve, but when he saw me, he stopped in his tracks. "what is this?"

I saw Steve attempting to talk, but I certainly could defend myself, and I didn't give a damn if he was a God. "Excuse me, but I'm not a 'what', I'm a 'who'."

"Agressive. I like it." he stated, examining me closely with his piercing gaze, and I couldn't help but look away.

More people got into the room before Loki could say anything else. "Okay, dear. Seems like Dr. Strange is right, you're a threat."

"I'm not" I rapidly replied. I really wasn't a threat I had never been. Yes, I had a problem, but I knew how to control it.

"what kind of threat can a little mortal present for the mightiest heroes of Earth?" Loki teased behind me. It wasn't the kind of support I was hoping to have, but something is better than nothing.

"I see you decided to stop nosing my library" Mr. Stark retorted, and I realized I was no longer in the conversation. "got bored so soon?"

"starting with the fact that I never was amused in first place" I couldn't help but let out an amused snort, attracting Loki's eyes to me. "I found it utterly useless"

They glared at each other for an awkwardly long while before the Mr Stark sighed. "why am I not surprised." he then turned to me, gesturing to the headphones. "take them off."

I hesitated for a moment, considering my options. I could let them on and piss off two Avengers, a crazy villain and some kind of psychic, or I could take them off and control my problem.

Yeah, take them off sounded pretty good.

"Okay" I muttered, taking off the headphones. I looked around and relaxed a bit when I noticed that holding back my problem wasn't as difficult as I thought.

"well, wizard" Mr Stark pointed at me briefly while staring at the man besides him. "she seems to be controlling it just fine"

"Stark, listen to me for once in your life" the 'wizard' seemed quite tired, as well as frustrated while he spoke "she's dangerous!"

"I doubt it" when Loki let out the comment, using that condescending tone, all of us turned to look at him. "she seems completely harmless. And if I'm being honest, a little stupid too."

"well that was just rude" I replied, not being able to decide if he was defending me or insulting me.

"she is harmful. And almost as dangerous as you" he let out a scoff, rolling his eyes with disdain.

But I just didn't know how to react to that.

Yeah, I had a problem, and yeah I had lost control a few times, but I didn't consider myself harmful nor dangerous.

"But..." how did I defend myself in front of those people? "I- what I do- it never had consequences for the others."

All eyes were on me, but Loki's were particularly difficult to put up with. He had been staring at me the whole time, I knew that, but by saying what I said, I could tell I confounded him.

"you are." the wizard stated, completely ignoring what I had explained them. "the problem is that you don't know you're whole potential."

"wait, is it a problem or a gift?" Loki asked, slightly confused. I wasn't going to answer that question, because I actually didn't know what to say.

Everyone stayed silent. Either they weren't sure about the answer, or they wanted me to say what I thought it was.

Whatever it might be, Loki didn't get his answer. "can she-" he started to ask, but apparently, he changed his mind, since instead of addressing to Mr Stark, he stepped towards me.

I'm not going to lie, I got scared and my first reaction was to step backwards. "what are you doing?" words tumbled out while I spoke, and I heard a snort from some of the men standing now behind me.

However, Loki's expression remained curious while he stepped towards me once again. "use it with me." it was my turn to snort, which made him roll his eyes. "I can take whatever your ability is. I am a God."

"You're an idiot, that's what you are." Mr Stark spoke, and I glanced at him. "you know what? Go ahead dear. Use it with him."

Again, my options were pretty limited, so I took a deep breath and gave an apologetic glance at Loki.

I wasn't even sure if I was giving him that glance because of him or because of me.

"Okay, what do I d-" Loki's sentence died the moment I brushed my fingertips against his.

Last thing I saw was his eyes widening.

"No no no no" I heard as I fell on my back to the ground. A hand held the back of my neck. "you fool you didn't listen" it was... Thor?

My abdomen hurt like hell and the simple task of breathing became unbearable. "I know, I'm a fool" it was Loki's voice the one coming out from me. "I'm a fool" I —or he— repeated, this time with more difficulty.

It had worked, but I didn't know what kind of memory was it.

"Stay with me, okay?" Thor's voice sounded utterly distressed while he was shift Loki's body's position.

Was I- was he dying?

"I'm sorry." it was almost inaudible, it was more a gasp than a proper sentence. "I'm sorry, it's alright"

My breath hitched when I felt a slap on my hand, bringing my back to reality. "You witch" Loki muttered, trying so hard to contain the tears that he looked like he was going to explode.

He could stop his tears. He was struggling, but he managed.

But I just couldn't stop the sobs coming out from me, which disconcerted everyone.

Loki didn't break eye contact with me, nor did I. Not even when I felt someone giving me a reassuring hug. "breath, Y/n. Just breath, It's alright."

It's alright, Steve said.

It's alright.

Loki caught it too, and that seemed to trigger him, because I caught a glimpse of a tear escaping from his glassy eyes and falling down his cheek, right before he stormed out of the room.