#i appreciate your sacrifice and ingenuity

[everything-is-as-it-was]

Upon my rewatch it is worthy to note that when Dan asked "do I look like the kind of guy that owns any type of power tool?" Someone from the audience shouted "DILDO" and did notget recognized

[fairytail-whathesays]

Um... Since you like the Seis... What's your opinion of Sawyer/Racer?

boy go fast zoom zoom

In the original manga I suppose the Seis as a whole barring Cobra were more intended as setpieces, and I appreciated them in that vein as cleverly-designed characters whose powers took some intuiting and attention to detail to figure and some real effort and ingenuity to overcome.

What I really love is the expansion done on him (as with all of the Seis) in the anime-only Key of the Starry Skies arc. I think, of all the sacrifices made to obtain power, Racer's was the scariest. He got the speed he wanted...at the cost of sacrificing his human condition and becoming a barely-sapient savage. I also love that they went in-depth on what I thought was unexplored the first time around, which is the reason why he was obsessed with being fast--he was constantly being chased by abusive lunatic guards as a child slave.

[ghostinthelibrarywrites]

I see you have had many asks but I am much curious about Witcher Yennefer (a witcher!Yennefer, part-Fae!Jaskier, modern with magic Yennskier AU) and literally all of your originals.

Any fun fact about one of the originals? 👀❤️

My Witcher!Yennefer modern with magic AU is a fic where Yennefer saves Jaskier's life and Jaskier being Jaskier, he's immediately smitten. But having spent several hundred years trapped in the Fae world and still not being entirely sure how courtship works in the human world, he thinks the best way of winning her heart is setting up increasingly elaborate scenarios where she needs to save his life.

A snippet:

“Well, hello.” The human sacrifice gazes up at Yennefer from the altar, batting big blue eyes like an ingenue in an old film. “Come here often?”

Yennefer has just cut through a half dozen of the cultists trying to bring about some kind of apocalypse, because people these days have far too much time on their hands. She’s covered in more viscera than she would like—she’s not Geralt, who can walk around covered in selkiemore guts for hours and hardly notice the stench. She isn’t in the mood to play the noble rescuer today; she was really hoping there wouldn’t be a human sacrifice involved. But of course there’s a human sacrifice. End of days cults aren’t known for their originality.

“Why the fuck would anyone come here?” With her blood-soaked steel sword, she gestures around the half-falling down, long abandoned house where the cult had the unfortunate idiot tied up.

Thoughtfully, he looks around. “I see your point. Though I suppose if anyone’s going to spend a lot of time skulking around definitely haunted houses, it would be a witcher. That’s what you are, right?” He bats his eyelashes again. “Two swords, medallion, slit-pupiled eyes. Though I’ll admit, no one ever told me witchers were so pretty.”

Yennefer gives him a long, unimpressed look, which he returns with a smile. “How fortunate that they didn’t gag you.”

“They kept threatening to. Apparently, my suggestions for how they could improve their villainy weren’t appreciated. Really, black robes, abandoned houses as lairs, chanting in archaic Elder? It was all a bit gauche, in my humble opinion.”

One of the gauche cultists comes charging at Yennefer, dagger raised. She slips a throwing star—a thoughtful Midwinter present from Aiden last year—from her belt and hurls it at the man. He collapses with a shriek as it embeds in his throat.“See?” The human sacrifice gestures as well as he can with his hands shackled to the altar. “No poetry. Truly, I owe you my life and my dignity. I would have never lived it down if I died like this. I shudder to think what kind of eulogy Valdo Marx would give.”

I don't know if this counts as a fun fact, but due to a major plot point in An Inconvenient Union, I've had to spend an inordinate amount of time lately contemplating the best preparation methods for an entirely fictional type of berry. So naturally, a spent part of this morning dissecting various types of berries to figure out the best ways to get all the seeds out. Which probably isn't close to the weirdest thing I've ever done for writing purposes.

Ask me about my WIPs!

[starsofmilos]

I’m Not a Hero (Adrian Chase x reader)

Request: Reader with a deadpool personality!!

I love this idea and I’m finally feeling better so we’re back to posting! Ear is still in some pain, but I am feeling much better! Also thanks @charleetheefictionalfucker​ for the request!

Masterlist

Warnings: mentions of sex, violence, some angst, some fluff, cursing, making out, mentions of abuse

What’s a hero?

A hero is defined by a multitude of things. Someone brave or selfless! If we’re gonna go by the literal meaning then a hero is,

‘A hero is a real person or a main fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength.’

A hero carries qualities that make someone a good person. A hero would sacrifice the people they love and themselves with remorse to save the world.

It’s for this reason only you hate the word hero or anyone who describes themselves as one.

Heroes are cowards. Heroes are people who use their abilities for good while also acting recklessly to save everyone, They get praise while some prisoners  who do the same things as a hero but with bad intentions get put away for life.

It’s not fair.

Life isn’t fair and neither is society and unlucky for you. You live in a world full of heroes. The justice league for example. God you hated Batman and especially Superman.

There was only one hero you actually admired and it was because he was like you. He was goofy and silly. He is also the love interest of this story so of course you’re gonna admire him. 

Adrian Chase or as you know him Vigilante. 

You were kinda obsessed. Mostly because he did what you did and his name was so fitting. He wasn’t a hero but he also wasn’t a bad person and you respected the hell out of him for that. 

So you kinda watched out for him. It wasn’t like you were stalking you just made sure he stayed safe. In the two months you’ve been watching out for him you had secretly saved him a total of seven times.

Not like you were counting though...(you totally were)

You just wanted the one person you considered genuine safe and his ‘partner’ Peacemaker never really did that.

Adrian didn’t meet you though not until he went on a mission with the team. You’d been following him since he joined project butterfly. 

One night the team had managed to get separated and Adrian was cornered. He only had six bullets and there were four men who were all armed.

Well they weren’t really men more like aliens. 

Adrian was cornered though, so with no hesitation (100% hesitation) you jumped in. 

“Get down!” You yelled at Adrian jumping in between him and the butterfly approaching him shoving your gun to it’s throat shooting him. Once he dropped the other three began to shoot.

Adrian stared in shock as you took all the hits easily. Blood gushed from the holes on your body as you groaned out in slight pain.

“Ow fuck! That hurt!” The butterflys stared in shock as the holes patched themselves up while you removed one of your katanas moving in to decapitate them. 

You panted grimacing jumping as you heard a gun cock. Adrian stood behind you keeping his pistol ready to shoot you. He shook from slight nerves as you tilted your head in confusion.

“Who the hell are you?!”

“Are you seriously thinking about shooting me after literally watching me walking off getting shot?!”

“Yes!” Adrian yelled back, “Fucking hell I don’t know who you are and while what you did was very fucking cool and kinda hot! You’re a fucking strong bitch!”

“Okay and?!”

“What do you mean and?! I don’t trust you! You took down four butterfly’s on your own and took gun shots with ease! Not to mention how incredibly skilled at fighting you are! Now who the hell are you?!!”

You groaned, “I don’t have a name but I know who you are Vigilante and had I not stepped in you would’ve died!”

“Yeah appreciate it! Who the fuck are you and how the fuck do you know who I am?!”

“That doesn’t concern you! Now take care!”

“Wait wait! Don’t you dare walk away from me-” Adrian grunted as two clips of bullets were thrown at him. 

“They’re the ones you need. Now go kick alien ass!”

“Wait no! How do you know- Where did you even come- HEY!” You disappeared as Adrian stared in shock. 

Needless to say after meeting you, Adrian definitely wanted to see you again but you were hard to find.

“So she knew what the butterflies were?” Emilia asked in shock by what he just relayed. 

“Yeah she was weird! But in a badass way!” Adrian exclaimed with a hint of excitement. 

“That’s impossible for her to know the butterflies though! We know them because of this whole project thingy. So she either is a butterfly herself or Adrian you have a stalker.”

“I mean she did do something weird..”

“Which was?”

“She uh got shot in the chest about four times and walked it off.” Everyone looked at him in shock,

“And you didn’t mention this earlier!” Adebayo yelled out exasperatedly. Adrian shrugged.

“I didn’t think it was important.” 

“That is important you idiot!” Emilia sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. Chris laughed a bit as John chuckled.

“I guess this means we have to find this person.” John muttered. Emilia nodded.

“Until we know she is not a threat or a butterfly then yes we have to find her.”

“Well how are we gonna do that!? I’ve been trying for two weeks and I have no luck.” Adebayo hummed at Adrian’s words.

“Well she said she knew you right Vig and that she’s been watching out for you well it seems that way so...”

“So?” Adrian raised an eyebrow at Chris. 

“So if you were to say be in danger again do you think she would step in?” Emilia sat up a bit.

“Christopher Smith that might have been the first actual good idea I’ve ever heard from you.” Chris flipped her off as Adrian glanced at everyone.

“So what I put myself in danger and hope she shows up?”

“Yeah pretty much.” He scoffed not thinking they were serious.

“Well obviously it wouldn’t be actual danger we’ll get someone to attack you-”

“If she really has been watching me then she’ll know I can take down one person no problem-”

“Not if they’re bigger than you and you’re unarmed.”

“Who will do that-”

“Obviously the person who thought of the idea.” John smirked pointing at Chris.

“What no way! From what he said she sounds like an absolute monster who will kill with no remorse!” Adrian laughed at Chris.

“We’ll stop her before she kills you but for now we need to make the setup.”

That led to now, Adrian groaned being thrown against the ground harshly. Chris laughed a bit seeing Adrian struggle to sit up.

“Do you have to hit me that hard?”

“Gotta make it believable Vig.” Emilia’s voice rang out in his ear as Chris kicked him down.

Adrian grunted coughing out a bit as Chris sighed glancing around before pulling out his gun.

“Time to die Vigilante-” Another gun cocking next to his ear cut him off.

“You sure it’s his time?”

Adrian sat up seeing you standing behind Chris. “Drop the gun.”

Chris obeyed as you eyed him suspiciously, “So Vigilante wanna tell me why your best friend Peacemaker is trying to kill you?”

“Wait you know who I am-”

“Everyone knows who you are fuck face. You’re known as the racist hero-”

“I’m not racist!” You scoffed.

“I told you that you came off as racist!” Adrian stood up coughing a bit. You hummed putting your gun down glaring at the both of them.

“You stopped him from shooting me-”

“Please you dumb fuck I know he wasn’t gonna shoot you. I came out because I knew you were looking for me.”

“Oh..”

“Yeah idiots. You both made it obvious.” Adrian chuckled a bit as you smiled under your mask.

“So Christopher Smith and Adrian Chase-”

“YOU KNOW MY NAME NOW!!”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” You gasped out feeling a sharp pain in your arm. Chris had stabbed you with a needle.

You yanked it out angrily glaring at him. “You s-stabbed me..” Your words came out slurred, “No..You drugged me! You son of a bitch!!”

You pulled your gun out pointing it at Adrian and Chris. “Both of you stay b-back!”

Adrian sighed raising his hands up, “Calm down..” 

Your eyes began to droop as you swung your gun frantically. 

“I don’t think she’s a butterfly..Drugs like this don’t effect them.” Chris muttered out as you fell still holding your gun up.

“W-wait y-you thought I butterfly!...” You garbled out head slumpng.

“In our defense you did take bullets and healed them right up..”

“Not alien..failed experiment....” 

You slumped down groaning before falling asleep. Adrian winced as Chris raised a questioning eyebrow.

“I feel kinda bad..She really was just looking out for me..”

Chris sighed as Emilia came out with everyone else. “Well pick her up and let’s get going. Drugs are only gonna last-”

“Two minutes for me!” Your head popped up a bit lazily. “Knocked me out and once I can move again I am gonna kick all of your sorry asses!!”

Your words were still slurred and you were immobilized. Adrian sighed picking you up. “Okay here we go.”

“Put me down! Fuck! Stupid bitch! Dumb whore!” Adrian laughed a bit as you slurred out insults.

“Okay so we gotta move fast.”

Adrian and Chris tied you down in a chair leaving the room after removing your weapons. You groaned out feeling your limbs start coming back to normal. They all surrounded you eyeing you with a small amused look.

You struggled in your restraints as Adrian grinned. “I was a boy scout. You won’t break those ties easily.”

“Take off her mask.” Emilia told Adrian.

“NO!” You yelled out shaking your head. “Don’t fucking touch my mask!!”

“I’m not removing her mask.” Adrian said as you yelled out. 

“Chase we gotta see who this is-”

“No! You touch my mask I swear when I get out of this chair I will kill every single one of you motherfuckers!”

“Okay okay we won’t remove it!” Adrian reassured you. Chris groaned standing up.

“I’ll do it!” You flinched in your seat as he grabbed the edge of it.

“Hey!” Adrian stopped Chris from doing it. “She said she doesn’t want her mask off! We’re not removing anything!”

You wiggled your ties before deciding to screw it and break your arm so you could slip out. Adrian yelled out seeing your broken wrist snap back into place. 

You untied yourself using everyone in shock as an opportunity to break free. Adrian grabbed you as you stood up trying to run out.

“Fuck Off!”

“Stop stop! We just wanna know who you are?!”

“Oh why didn’t you just say so?! I am not an alien and my name is-” Adrian covered your mouth.

“Don’t give away your secret identity!” You bit his hand stomping on his foot throwing him away from you.

“My name is Y/N and I honestly don’t give a shit if you know it and to be quite honest the author doesn’t really know how she plans on getting you to know my name!”

Adrian and everyone shared a questioning look with each other. You sighed grabbing your stuff from the corner.

“Hey! We’re not done questioning you-”

“No you’re not! But I will cooperate!” You moved taking a seat across from them.

You lifted the edge of your mask pulling out your vape. “Now ask away on my terms.”

“So your name is-”

“Y/N as I’ve said before.”

“And you’re not a alien?” Chris asked you. Adrian couldn’t help but to admire the bottom half of your face showing as you puffed out smoke.

“No I’m not an alien.”

“You mentioned failed experiment?” Emilia spoke up now just as intrigued as everyone else.

You nodded taking another hit, “Yes they tried to make a weapon. Someone to call a hero and got stuck with me. I uh..Shit was fucked and I’ve never looked back after I left.”

She nodded as Adebayo leaned forward, “So you left and became a hero on your own terms-”

“No no let me stop you there sweetheart I am not a hero.” Adrian raised an eyebrow at your words.

“Wait you’re not? I thought you were...”

“Heroes don’t kill Vigilante and Heroes aren’t selfish..I’m selfish. I know I am. A hero would sacrifice themselves or whoever they deem necessary to save the world while a villain would sacrifice the world to save whoever they wanted including themselves.” 

“So you’re a villain?” Adrian asked removing his mask. He realized there was no point you knew his name. You smiled seeing him take out his glasses.

“You’re cute..and no I’m not a villain either..I honestly don’t know what to call myself..But I’m not a hero.”

Emilia and the team didn’t know what to think of you, but they were sure of one thing.

“We can’t leave you alone.”

“What?” You coughed a bit at Emilia’s words.

“You’re a liability since you know Vigilante’s identity and you know what the butterflies are. We can’t risk you blabbing your mouth to random people-”

“How do you know I haven’t already?”

A gun cocked loudly as Chris pointed it to your head. You raised an eyebrow giving him a smile.

“I’m kidding. I wouldn’t give away Vigilante’s identity.”

Adrian sighed a bit in relief, “So how did you figure out my identity?..”

“It was easy. Look I’m a contract killer, but I only kill people who deserve it and make money from it and I’ve had shitty people come to me with your identity wanting me to kill you.”

“Wait-”

“Relax. I always kill them and whoever they told. I consider you one of the good ones and I always take care of whoever they work with.”

“So you watch out for Vigilante?” Chris asked a bit doubtful.

“Yes in a way after getting the first hit job for him. I usually study whoever I have to kill and I watched him for two weeks before deciding whether to do it or not...Vigilante is someone I...He’s a good person.”

Adrian couldn’t help but to grin at your words. Someone actually thought what he did was good and not bad. Not to mention you described him as something no one has ever. 

A good person.

Adebayo smiled as well. You cared for him. Not that you would admit it though.

“So what’s the plan then?” You asked Emilia curious of her decision. 

“You’ll be joining the team.”

“Wait really?” John asked her.

“It’s the only way I can think of us being able to watch her on a tight leash and what’s one more killing psycho.” John chuckled at her words as you nodded.

“Alright. I’ll join or whatever.”

“Really? We don’t gotta convince you or anything?” Adrian sat across from you.

“Really. I know you don’t trust me, but that’s okay I don’t trust you either.” You grinned widely before standing up to walk out.

“See y’all tomorrow.”

“Will we really?” John muttered under his breath as Emilia told Adrian to keep an eye on you. Adrian agreed. Mostly because he wanted to get to know you.

Later that night during his patrol, Adrian had been sitting in his car waiting for something to happen. He didn’t expect for you to open his passenger door and climb in.

“Hello!- WOAH WOAH!” You yelled out as he pulled out his knife swinging it at you.

“Oh..Sorry hi there!” He put it away as you huffed.

“Jeez. Maybe I should’ve killed you when they offered me half a million.” Adrian laughed at your words before noticing you sliding your seatbelt on.

“What are you doing?”

“Joining you on patrol. Didn’t blonde women say you have to keep an eye on me?”

“Uh well yeah but I’m on patrol.”

“Okay? I’ll help you. I got no kills to do as of late and I’m bored not to mention I’m trying to get into your pants.”

“Well tough luck with that. You’re not getting in my pants. Honestly you’re a criminal if Emilia hadn’t told me anything. I would’ve killed you.” You laughed.

“I’d like to see you try Adrian.”

“Don’t say my name.” Adrian groaned out while starting the car.

“Why? I like your name besides I told you I’m not a bad guy.”

“I didn’t say you were, but you break the law.” You rolled your eyes.

“You do too. Hypocrite. Also I only kill bad people. Only difference between me and you is that I get paid for what I do.”

“You’re basically an assassin.” He exclaimed while looking around.

“You’re basically a Vigilante.” You laughed imagining the blank look on his face under his mask as he turned to you. “That’s were the name comes from huh?”

“Yes and I thought it was cool.”

“I never said it wasn’t. Dude you’re name is fucking cool. It’s why I keep trying to get in your pants.” Adrian couldn’t help but to chuckle.

“Fine Y/N.”

“Oo careful Vigilante if you say my name like that I get all tingly.” 

“Maybe that’s what I want.”

Adrian cursed himself. He shouldn’t be flirting back with you, but it came so easy. You were so carefree and...

“You think I can kill ten people with five bullets?”

Like him.

“If you try hard enough.” 

It was after that the two of you became inseparable. Adrian and you were attached to the hip every mission and when he went on patrol. You even invited him to some of your jobs.

He always denied, but stopped judging you for doing it. The only thing you still hadn’t done was show Adrian your face.

It began to irk him a bit. Mostly because you knew his name and face, also where he lives. You guys had movie nights and he had never seen your face.

“Fucking shit man..Blood does not come out like that!” You complained while the killer stabbed their victim on the screen. Adrian and you usually watched horror on movie nights.

“Can I ask you something?” You hummed while lifting up the bottom of your mask taking a sip of your beer.

“Why do you always wear your mask?” You smirked glancing down at Adrian.

“I have my reasons. Why do you ask?” Adrian shrugged.

“I don’t know. I guess I just find it kinda weird. You’ve seen my face and know practically everything about me. All I really know is your name.” You shook your head.

“No you know more.”

“Not really.” You set your beer down moving to sit across from him. 

“Yes you do. You know me personally. More personally than I’ve ever let anyone know. That sounded weird. Author messed up their words there, but what I mean by that is..I’ve shown you more of me than I have ever shown anyone Adrian...Do you really not know me?..”

Adrian sighed shaking his head, “No..I do kinda know you. Like I know you’re favorite foods and drinks. I know you laugh whenever something awkward happens cause that’s your trigger response..I’ve never seen them, but your eyes grow slightly wide when I flirt with you which is often.”

“See..You do know me, but if it bothers you so much and you think you need to see my face to really know me...” You grabbed the edge of your mask jumping as Adrian grabbed your hand stopping you.

“I don’t need to see your face in order for me to know you. You’re right..I do.” You shook your head moving his head.

“Because you know me you deserve to know. Plus I’ll be able to reveal my face more often not to mention maybe you’ll finally make a move when you see me or you’ll drop me completely after seeing the ugly scar I got on my face from the experiment.”

Adrian’s eyes widened as your face was revealed. You did have a scar. It looked slightly painful. It ran across your left cheek to the corner of your lip.

Adrian wanted to reach out and touch it. He wanted to touch you. You smiled awkwardly laughing as you grabbed your mask ready to slide it back on.

“I know ugly right? I’ll put my mask back on-” Adrian took your mask from you shaking his head.

“Never say that again.” He grabbed your face eyeing your lips. You took a shaky breath feeling vulnerable and exposed under his gaze. His fingers trailed your scar carefully as he grinned at you.

“Dude you’re hot.”

You laughed loudly. “I mean it you’re so fucking hot.”

“Nice try Adrian. I’m not stupid-”

“You’re not stupid and I’m not joking. Holy shit balls dude you’re fucking gorgeous.”

You sat stunned as Adrian studied your face. Clearing your throat after some time, you reached for your mask ready to slide it back on. 

Adrian immediately grabbed it throwing it across the room. You glared at him as he smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry just keep it off..You look better without it anyways.”

“What if someone else sees?..”

“No one will. I promise. We’re here at my place. I’ll close the windows if it’ll make you feel better? Just please keep it off.”

You sighed before nodding, “Close the windows.” 

Adrian cheered doing a small happy dance skipping away to shut the windows. You sighed as he sat next to you wrapping his arm around you.

Reluctantly your eyes gazed over to him catching him in time as he glanced at you. “Can you stop staring shithead?”

“Can’t help it..” He muttered with a grin. 

Adrian had realized something that night. It was something he didn’t ever think would happen especially with you of all people.

He loved you.

He just didn’t know if you felt the same. (You so obviously did)

It became obvious to everyone that he did care for you. He became more protective of you. Adrian was always protective of those he cared for and you just made number one on that list.

It annoyed you.

How were you supposed to be a contract killer when you had a overprotective Vigilante watching your every move?

“So how much do you charge?” You cleared your throat staring down at the young women sitting before you asking you to kill her husband.

“Depends how much are you willing to pay?”

“Whatever it takes. I just can’t live with him anymore and I don’t wanna be in fear of him finding me. I want him gone.”

You nodded, “I’ll do it for a seven hundred.”

“Really? Isn’t that a little cheap-”

“Don’t question it. Get it to me by tomorrow.” She nodded with a grateful smile before walking out of the bar. 

You sighed ordering a beer before jumping as Adrian jumped in the seat in front of you.

“Hey was that a client?” 

“Yeah I have a new case so I’ll be busy for the next couple of days.” Adrian frowned a bit.

“So you won’t come for the mission then?”

“You mean the one in three days with you guys? No I’ll be there I should be done with this by then if I get started now at least.”

“Oh..so do you mind if I ask who it is?”

“I do since we’re in public besides this is boring hot stuff. It’s all a bunch of crap and stupid shit. I’d rather talk about you.” You raised the bottom of your mask flashing him a smile taking a sip of your beer.

“Why don’t we get out of here?” Adrian asked you offering you his hand. You took it letting him lead you out.

“Man is this it? You finally taking me to bed Chase?”

“Maybe.”

“I love when you get mysterious makes me all tingly.”

“Shut up weirdo.”

“I know you did not just call me weirdo. Mister I pour the milk before the cereal.”

“It tastes better.”

“It’s the same!” Adrian rolled his eyes as you both bickered the entire way back to your place. 

The night was the usual between you both of watching movies and obnoxiously flirting with each other. 

“Hey...this guy you’re going after is he dangerous?” You hummed as Adrian rubbed your legs. 

“Well kinda yeah, but most of who I go after are dangerous and believe me this guy is not the worse. I’m doing this for his wife. He beats her.”

Adrian nodded, “I hate men like that.”

“I know I also hate them it’s why I do this type of work. Why are you asking though? Don’t tell me you’re worried for me?”

“No why would I be? That’s dumb..”

“I know it is..” Adrian nodded looking away from you. He seemed a bit tense and almost a little angry?..

“Holy shit Adrian are you actually worried for me?”

“No! No! I know you can take care of yourself.”

“I can so why are you so worried?”

“I’m not worried.” You raised an eyebrow as he grew defensive.

“If you’re not worried then I need to start heading out to start this job. You can spend the night here if you want.” You sat up stretching grabbing your mask. 

“You gotta go now?”

“Yep. I’ll see you in three days.” Adrian nodded as you patted his cheek walking out. 

“Yeah three days..”

You smiled leaning down to finally do the thing you’d been wanting to do for a while. You grabbed his shirt and yanked him up to you.

You kissed him. You kissed him hard. 

Adrian’s eyes were widened in shock as he panted softly once you pulled away. “I will be okay. Stop frowning and stop worrying. Promise I’ll be back.”

You walked to the door as he stood up following you, “This is so not fair! You can’t just kiss me and leave!”

“Yes I can dip shit! See you in a couple days!”

Adrian sighed as you skipped to your car. He had it really bad for you..

Which is why he did what he did.

“You stupid fucking idiot!!” You threw your mask off angrily glaring at Adrian.

“Look-”

“No! No! You are a cock sucking piece of shit Adrian!” He sighed as you tossed your guns to your coffee table angrily. “I can’t believe you you just! UGH!!”

“I thought it would help you-”

“No! Fuck you! You did this for you! Don’t use that stupid excuse that you wanted to help me!”

“Y/N-”

“Fuck you Adrian.” You walked to the restroom stripping your gloves off to start washing yourself up. Adrian sighed removing his mask following you.

“Y/N-”

“Go away.” He groaned throwing his hands up.

“Would you fucking give me a chance to speak?!”

“No! Why should I? It’s all gonna be a bunch of bullshit excuses! Cause you are bullshit!”

“It’s not a bullshit excuse! You needed this guy dead right?! So I handled it for you-”

“Not safely! I always handle it in a way they can’t tie it back to the people who hired me! You put his wife at risk for doing my fucking work! I study my kills before going after them take my fucking time! You screwed it all up!”

“I didn’t mean too-”

“I know you didn’t! It’s why I’m pissed off! You didn’t mean too, but you still did it anyways! This is my work here Adrian! One you said you didn’t approve of so I don’t know why suddenly you wanna help!”

“They’re gonna tie the murder to me anyways!”

“I know that! It’s why you got fucking lucky! But they are gonna question why Vigilante went after this normal looking man who doesn’t have a criminal record! Did you ever think of that?! Or were you too stupid!?”

“I am not stupid!”

“You are when you’re reckless! I can’t understand what the fuck were you thinking! Do you know how fucking lucky you are I got there before the cops did!?”

“I know I was lucky!”

“No you don’t we were both shot at! I took the painful hits for you so you’re dumbass didn’t die!” You kicked the cabinet sink angrily as Adrian turned away from you.

“I didn’t ask nor want you to do that!”

“I did it so you didn’t get hurt!”

“But you did!”

“I can heal myself! I can’t die remember!”

“Doesn’t mean I want you to get hurt! I don’t want you hurt you fucking idiotic bitch!”

“Why do you care so fucking much?! I thought you hated me! I’m technically a criminal remember! You said it yourself if Emilia hadn’t told you not too you would’ve killed me! You hated me! Fuck!”

Adrian felt his throat swell up as he choked back tears not wanting you to see him cry. This was all so stupid.

“I should’ve never gotten involved with you Adrian! I should’ve just kept my stupid distance and not gotten fucking involved!”

“Then why didn’t you!” He screamed out.

“I don’t know! I was just as much as an idiot!” Adrian groaned pulling his hair. You moved around Adrian going to your kitchen.

“I need a drink.” You mumbled out as Adrian huffed laughing.

“I just can’t believe you’re upset with me for helping!”

“I’m upset because you put yourself at risk and did my fucking job!” You hissed once you slammed the door feeling your shoulder throb.

Adrian relaxed slightly seeing the grimace of pain on your face. “Your shoulder when we fell it dislocated. Let me help you pop it back in-”

“Don’t touch me!” You snapped at him. 

“I’m trying to help!”

“Well stop trying! I’ll pop my own shoulder in when I want!”

“It’s hurting it’ll literally take a second!”

“I don’t want your help!” Adrian clenched his fist grabbing his mask.

“Fine! Fine! Be angry and stubborn! I don’t care anymore! I’m going home!”

“Good! I didn’t want you here right now anyways!” He stopped turning around.

“See I was gonna leave but then you said that so now it makes it seem as if I’m leaving because you told me too! Which isn’t what I wanted!”

“Oh my god!” You exasperatedly yelled out grabbing your shoulder.

Adrian took a deep breath removing his suit. “What are you doing?”

“I’m gonna get undressed and I’m gonna crash on your couch we can talk in the morning.” You laughed a bit sarcastically. 

“No! I seriously don’t want you here right now-”

“I don’t care what you want. You’re hurt and I wanna make sure you’re okay.” You sighed looking away.

“Fine. Fine. Morning you’re gone though.”

“After we talk sure.”

“I don’t wanna talk to you!” Adrian approached you offering you a small smile. 

“See you say that but I know you do. You always wanna talk to me. Now let me help you pop your shoulder back in.” You relaxed a bit as he grabbed your arm.

“Fuck!” You yelped out as he pushed it in. Adrian winced himself hearing the crunch. “Mother fucker that fucking hurt!”

It was quiet between you both for a bit as you caught your breath feeling the pain go away. 

“Look..I really am sorry for messing up your thing and for having you get shot for me. I killed him because I was worried for you.”

“I’m sorry for calling you stupid. I told you not to worry for me though. I’m always fine. You said it yourself too. You hate my work.”

“I hate your work, but I don’t hate you. I want..I want you safe. It’s weird for me to say that, but I want no I need you fucking safe. I can’t have you hurt Y/N.”

“That’s selfish of you Adrian..”

“I know. So maybe I’m not a hero like you thought I was because I know I’d throw away the whole world if it meant you were okay.”

You huffed a bit glaring at him. Adrian smiled at you. “I hate you.”

“I know.”

“This doesn’t mean I’m not still mad at you.”

“I know.”

“God screw you for being fucking cute and likable!” You yanked him down for a kiss. Adrian smiled into your lips kissing you back.

“You screw up any of my jobs again and put yourself at risk like that again I will kill you!”

“Okay!” Adrian kissed you again.

“About what you said earlier too..I’m not a hero either I care for you just as much now take me to bed and screw me into the mattress!”

Adrian grinned throwing you over his shoulder. “With pleasure!”

I guess neither of you were heroes, but you both still did your best to do the right thing..

“I’m not sorry for killing him though.”

“I know you aren’t Adrian. I want you to be sorry for screwing me over!”

“I am sorry for that but I’ll kill whoever I need too for you to be safe.”

Again you both tried to do the right thing.

[laufeyamp]

“S”

SUMMARY. ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ- how could two distinct worlds ever collide to one for two utterly different people to really embrace each other?

RELATED DRABBLES. ༊*·˚ Steven Grant, Solely Yours, Hazel and Gus, "S".

PAIRING. steven grant x assasin!gender neutral reader/marc spector x assasin!gender neutral reader (platonic) WORD COUNT. 1.244k TAGLIST. @lovers-liability​

THIS WORK CONTAINS angst, fluff, mentions of murder/mass murder (nothing explicit)

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

“I don’t think we stand a chance,” you confessed your silenced thoughts with the faintest beam of bitterness and fatigue after much deliberation, enunciating a truth you’ve made futile attempts in rewriting. The ex-mercenary stared at your mentally and physically drained figure which leaned against one of the poles on the felucca boat you’ve taken, bedecked with spirals of golden light strings. You were his prey demanded by Khonshu, the only one he'd failed to slaughter with your adept assassination skills and flexible body. It was immensely shocking the night he learnt that you were his alter’s significant other among billions of people in this world, to learn this wholly new behaviour you’ve developed willingly for his nerdy alter out of love. The best out of the best was what they named you in the world of criminals for your infamous kill count, the catastrophic destruction and grievous anguish you’ve brought to thousands. Merciless, belligerent, remorseless, heartless, immoral, you were regarded as every horrible adjective in existence. There are minutes when he’d ponder how could someone like you possibly melt in the hands of a bookworm this effortlessly. 

”Steven, he’s-” you didn’t know where to begin for a split second, the flare of this splendid and peculiar sentiment shimmering on your darkness at the mere sight of his ingenuous twinkle. “He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve had after the years I’ve spent having my vicious carnage for a stash of money. He’s a stark contrast to me, an embodiment brimmed with each quality I’m nothing of.” And Marc relates to this. It’s the similarities that you share that fortuitously build a bond between you such as your desperation to completely rinse off the crimson blood staining your pair of hands, the threats faced and the sacrifices you must make for the sake of your loved ones. Perhaps it’s erroneous of him, but he understands your suffering like no other and he tends to show you empathy and sympathy, just as how you do for him. Looking at you felt like looking at a mirror that reflected him himself, instead of his distinct alter. The only dissimilarity separating your identities was the roles you both portrayed in this world, either as a protagonist or antagonist of this story. Nevertheless, you were both entangled in a contract or deal you’ve made with the devils, transforming yourselves into puppets with strings you could never cut off for eternity. It’s the same question you’d ask yourselves afore shutting your eyelids and allowing your mind to obtain rest: when? When is this seemingly perpetual profession and burdening responsibilities ever going to cease, returning you your respective freedom which you both deserve?

”He showed me what it’s like to be loved and appreciated, how it’s like to wander under broad daylight without any sense of guilt, to pass my days in tranquil without being haunted by this feeling of-” “-worthlessness,” he finished your sentence for you, seeing that you couldn’t find the precise phrase for it through your puckered brows. It’s this weariness of being forced to follow this path you wished to quit and the unerasable shame that swallows you like a black abyss. And no one would truly understand your side of the story, how you had been left without an alternative option after all of the bloodbaths you’ve engaged in.

”Yeah,” you agreed, your gaze averted to the American who shares a shell with the love of your life, studying his slightest nods of comprehending your unwanted plight. It's never crossed your mind that a man who had once made a laborious effort in depriving you of your life is an alter of your sweet lover, the only person who’s capable of reading you and providing you support in the most appropriate way. The brick walls you’ve both built due to your fear of emotional attachment just collapse miraculously when it comes to each other as if you’d known for a lifetime. No words of elucidation were required, nothing. And it was more than great, not having to put the affliction into letters you're about to vocalise or receive any form of ignorance and judgement towards it. “It’s time for me to wake up from this 'all-too-well’ dream now, isn’t it? Nothing beautiful lasts.”

It prickles his heart to learn your frank request for a break up with his alter whom he treated as his brother. Marc was reminded of the same choice he’d made to shield his wife by vanishing from her life, eradicating each hint that proves the memories they’ve created real. It’s an option you’ve attempted to realise but failed miserably, truth be told. The empathy and adoration you had towards him restrained your intention in abandoning him when he was living at a point of perplexity and despair, utterly aimless in the crowd of people marching towards their goals. Marc Spector on the other hand has always been positive about it being an entirely risk-free and the best choice for both parties until now, when he’s given the opportunity to witness your relationship nearing its end. The snivels of intense sorrow simply above the level of inaudible from his alter echoed in his head, leading him to wonder if Layla had wept for him the moment he disappeared without a word, to doubt if it really was the right decision he’d made.

“He does this all the time…” Marc reached out to take ahold of one of your hands resting on your lap delicately, in hope of showing you something he’d perceive whilst Steven was fronting. He may not have an accurate solution or advice with his relationship being a downright failure, but he knows that he has no desire for you to repeat his mistake, devastating one another regardless of the endearing link shared. He wished you’ll have it differently, that you’ll honour your pledge and stay alongside Steven. You lifted your weight from the pole in instant, hunching over with your elbows pressed against the flesh of your thighs without any sign of protest or discomfort. He extended your loose fist, revealing your palm under the magenta lightning with his rough one cupping the back of it underneath. Perhaps it’s muscle memory, the way he moved the pad of his thumb deftly against the skin of your palm felt like your lover himself. Marc traced his first letter crookedly which was an ‘S’ at a laggard pace and it managed to send you on a visit down memory lane, reminiscing how much Steven admired your calloused hands. He loved comparing hand sizes, frequently playing with your fingers, and asking you to guess the invisible letters or shapes he traces on your palm. It’s an affectionate habit of his that’s somehow soothing and favourable. His thumb carried on with drawing an outline of a V-shaped heart in one go, one that was particularly thinner and smaller. And that’s another distinguishable intricacy of both alters you’ve discerned as Steven’s heart shape was rather disparate. His was rounder drawn with obviously unparallel curves that were typically done twice. It didn’t take you another minute to recognise where this was directed to and which one of Steven’s gestures he was mimicking.

“… and I think it’s more than enough to show that he loves and needs you,” Marc interpreted, all the while ending his imitation with a gentle trace of your initial across your palm lines. ‘S’ hearts ‘y/i’, how could you ever forget that?

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

SYD .ೃ࿐ Reblogs and interactions are greatly appreciated, thank you for reading.

[effervescentdragon]

Akira. i promised you an essay and an essay is what you will get.

your ficlet. you know the one. to me it epitomises toxic!charlos.

they are both fucked up here on so many levels. Let's start with carlos because that's the easy one.

We know he needs to be in control. That's obvious in whatever he does. The way he treats Lando is a manifestation of this. And Lando is so easy for him. He still is. It's so obvious even now with the way he always talks about Carlos. Always hypes him up, always mentions him. Carlos on the other hand will mention him rarely, sparsely (man even cut him out of the golfing photos this week hELP). And Carlos clearly knows just HOW easy Lando is for him. And he abuses that power. He shouldn't be doing this to Lando as a good dom. but he does anyway because its about winning and winning to him is making the situation go exactly the way he wants it. It's so selfish. And if Lando likes it, it isnt winning, he isn't getting a sacrifice, he isn't getting him to give up. So Lando has to not like it. And it's not even a revenge type situation. He isn't taking his frustration out on lando because he's getting beaten on track. Carlos outmatched him both years and then moved to Ferrari. he won. and he's used to winning.

Then he meets Charles. Charles can take the pain and then some. He's been at Ferrari . He's been at Ferrari with Seb. He went to his dream team and then that team failed him and failed him and continues to fail him. (i love them but they failed). He is so used to keeping it all together and going through the motions and taking the pain. And he likes the pain. So with Charles, Carlos cannot win. Charles wants him to take. And then Charles will beat him anyway on track. But he doesn't see that for Charles, being used, being taken, being on his knees, it's not losing. It's what Carlos thinks is losing because Carlos hates losing control. Just by continuing to give in to charles, carlos is losing. And he will only win when he stops giving in, when he stops giving charles what he wants, when he stops letting him take what he wants, stops letting him affect him. But well. that's impossible. Carlos will never stop trying to win, and as long as he's trying he will lose.

Now Charles. lovely lovely Charles. He could not care less. He's having so much fun. He's getting exactly what he wants (from his scorchingly hot teammate) and it helps him perform. He'll do whatever it takes to win, and this is part of that. And if Carlos doesn't give him what he needs he can just get it from others. Love doesn't play a part here. He doesn't love anything but the race, anything but winning. People are unimportant, to him. (And if he gets to spite Lando or Max just a little while doing it well. icing on top. ).

I just. this entire ficlet to me is like the transition from 2020 to 2021 to 2022 for them. Carlos comes to Ferrari ready to prove himself. Maybe he thinks Charles is this wide-eyed ingenue. He doesn't know what it means to fight his way to the top like Carlos and Carlos can use that against him. But he is not at all ready for Charles Leclerc. And you see that. In 2021 he is all praise for him. Constantly showering him in affection, saccharine sweet. In 2022 they are much more balanced. THey are meaner but in a way that shows that they KNOW the other person can take it. Idk, something about that journey just speaks to me. And when Carlos talks about how it is easier with Lando now, there is no teammate thing, it speaks to the same thing. He needs to beat his teammates, and he cannot beat Charles. It is always easier with Lando, whom he has always beat. And now he is beating Lando anyway, it will be even less difficult.

Final thought, but Charles isn't the only one with a huge praise kink. I think Carlos has one too, but for him its the need for validation. He needs to be in control and know that the other person knows it as well? And he wants appreciation for that? This is a thought that I have had more recently, so it's not as well developed, but I shall hope to nuance it in the coming years. We have till 2024 (ferrari willing).

Anyways, i do apologise for this monster. It was a lot. But you did ask for an essay.

Kisses, hugs and my gratitude forever for your writing, for all pairings but them especially, it fuels the brainrot.

-C

🥺️

thank you <3 i loved reading every word of this and i agree with everything and i am glad i managed to properly convey it and just thank you, this makes my lil heart very happy <333333333

[reginrokkr]

✧ Thoma

Even the most gallant flames hold the time where they must rest. Burn and burn may he thrives in doing, there’s sense in ensuring there’s fuel to sacrifice before the roots become that price. Finding himself taking refuge in this particular clearing as they settle themselves down, even then, considering how life within this world allows for beasts to rise from even comprehensible circumstances, that exhaustive state of tension always must be retained. Vigilance, or else he comes to see himself and his mentor surrounded by troublesome odds.

This journey after all requires them to step to edges further steeped by the bygone days of mechanized genius. A creeping terror that roams within these cusp of lands required souls stalwart in strength and endurance if they’re to see it through. Upon such a path, Thoma found himself gaining taste of a path that would require him to reach for plateaus further beyond. While not an issue in mind, for the current, learning how to be at his current level and to dance effective with danger that cares little for the word of man is a different matter.

Machines forged with endless stamina would always hold that advantage over humanity it looks like. Allowing his head to ease back against the ruin walls nestled with vines and wooden roots, it’d be the sensation of his companion that drew forth his attention. A voice manipulated to fit their current statue, and in truth, just the arrive of Dainsleif never failed in putting such a relieved smile on his face. Quickly dragging a glove covered forearm over his head, a swift effort quickly brushes the sweat away.

“Man, am I glad to see you, heheh, as always.” Comes his earnest admittance.

”Felt like there was going to be no end at this rate.. To think such a horrible nest lied in the undersides of Araumi..” After his words, a flow of trained, martial finessed breaths are taken in order to make the most of anemo’s mild rejuvenating effects with each round through the lungs. Right now it felt as if they were resting upon a landmine from the past, of beast bred of circuitry and human ingenuity. Even now, the worst of it, some mysterious hum, low, metallic and threatening could be heart echoing within these very walls. So irritating to the bruising he’s gained upon his midsection.

Reaching up, he couldn’t resist acknowledging his companion with a small touch of the hand, a soft pat upon the side of their head. “I just need me a lil time.. and water, is it natural for these perpetual mechanical beast to have such a legion..?”

Against what all common logic may suggest, automatons are not devoid of rationale or feelings. They are carriers of a long lost legacy and homesickness that shows through the places they frequent, locations they resonate with that hold a semblance of what their homeland used to be or merely to attach themselves onto that sense of familiarity even if they are dwelling different civilizations altogether. Civilizations that still hold a degree of comparability with that which they seek.

Dáinsleif’s contiguous eyes closes when Thoma pats the side of his head. Truth be said he’s far from accustomed to physical contact and he would rather avoid it if possible. Nonetheless, he surmises that the strawberry blond’s touch is carried with fondness that he appreciates, perhaps furthered with his current bodily condition.

❝Do you still have that flask in your possession that you usually carry with you?❞ Empty, he assumes. Otherwise it would make no sense for him to not drink if he needs it. Thus he jumps from his shoulder as the characteristic sapphire flames that surround him in a plethora of activities exercises anti-gravitational pressure so his descent is smooth and without adding further pain to his wounded area which becomes the objective of his attention. Araumi’s depths are most treacherous, even more so if one remains injured and those machines sense movement elsewhere that does not belong to them.

❝Indeed.❞ A small hand grazes over the dark clothing that covers his midsection, hopefully his size makes the contact nigh imperceptible to him. Should that garner any kind of negative reaction, then that would be a crystal clear telltale that his wound is serious. ❝Once upon a time they encompassed an entire faction of a lost kingdom’s military system.❞ Namely Khaenri’ah, alas at the present moment Dáinsleif was not in the mood to reminisce bitter memories when Thoma was in need of medical attention. ❝Homeless, they now occupy those places that strike a resemblance of what used to be their homeland.❞

[forever--rain]

I wanted to create a separate post for this, @thebansheeandherboy, because it’s a topic that is near and dear to my heart as a little sister with an older brother. (And this got...LONG. So I've hidden part of it under the cut.)

My brother used to be very set in his patriarchal ways. Certain things were "a woman's job." He was absolutely convinced there was something wrong with every guy who miraculously took interest in me. For a long time, we had a very Sokka-and-Katara-Book-1 relationship. Antagonistic yet fond. Full of conflict yet protective.

As we grew up, he dated some girls who were very strong-willed and courageous. They didn't take his crap. They were my earliest feminist influences and I love them all for it. Without them, I may not have found my voice and become the person I am today. And they changed him, too.

He's very supportive of my independence now. He thinks I kick ass and is extremely proud of who I am, even if we don't always see eye to eye. And as the years have passed, he's learned that my judgement in regard to friends and significant others is pretty good. Sure, I made my youthful follies, but so did he.

Though I know he'll never admit it out loud because it would mean admitting that he likes someone whose views directly oppose his, he actually likes my S.O. and he's glad that we finally found our way to one another. And though I know I'll never hear the precise words, "I like him," I see it in a myriad of little ways which I won't delve into now because it's not pertinent.

"Ever," you may be asking. "What does any of this have to do with fictional characters?"

Well, Sokka learned from strong female influences as well. He shed his misogynistic views and embraced Katara, Suki, and Toph for who they were--strong women. He learned not to underestimate them. I've seen that in real life and I can relate to it.

It's my personal headcanon that Sokka and Zuko become lifelong best friends after everything that happened during the war. Zuko would come to admire Sokka's ingenuity and Sokka would appreciate Zuko's sense of duty and honor. They'd both respect each other's leadership skills and be in constant communication about inventions or laws or anything else under the sun. They'd be good sounding boards for one another. (And they'd also really grow to appreciate each other's senses of humor.)

(Truly, these two are my brotp.)

In a universe where Zuko and Katara get together, I actually see Sokka catching on long before either of them do. Maybe Suki would have to clue him in, but I don't think so. I think he'd catch on to their chemistry at the Western Air Temple during the war. And I think that he'd sit down with Zuko to talk to him after the war. Not in an "over protective big brother" kind of way or anything. He'd definitely just want to thank Zuko for saving Katara's life since she's always been the one to sacrifice for everyone else. He'd make sure to tell Zuko what that means to him and how much he respects him for it. He might even tell Zuko that he's like a brother to him.

That would be the beginning of it, though.

Sure, maybe a part of Sokka would find it weird because it's his little sister and his best friend (and, honestly? I'd find it weird at first if my best friend liked my sibling), but he'd kind of get it. Zuko and Katara push one another. They complement one another. They have a selfless and unconditional give and take that somehow always remains equal. Plus, Sokka knows Katara better than anyone. She's strong-willed and determined. Even if he hated the idea of her and Zuko getting together, that wouldn't stop her. He knows, too, that Zuko has always seen Katara for who she is. Zuko's not once underestimated her. He'll remember when Zuko and Katara went to track down Yon Rha and that memory will reinforce in his mind that Zuko is willing to provide Katara with unwavering support no matter the decision she makes.

And when he notices them looking at each other when the other has no clue, he'll realize he's seen that look before. Katara looks at Zuko the way Suki looks at him. And Zuko might be better at hiding his emotions than Sokka ever could be, but he can't completely disguise the way his eyes go soft when Katara walks into a room. (Don't forget: Sokka trained with Piandao. He has higher observational skills than most people give him credit for.)

And he'd just kind of watch over the years as Zuko and Katara sit in denial and dance around it. But he'd also definitely tease them both about it relentlessly, don't get me wrong! He'd make kissy faces at Zuko behind Katara's back. He'd walk around after Katara mimicking her voice as he says, "Oh, Zuko's so handsome. Zuko's such a powerful bender. Zuko has such nice, shiny hair." (Until Katara bends a snowball into his face, of course.)

Maybe Katara would try dating other people. Sokka would say things like, "You know, this guy doesn't make you laugh. Even Zuko makes you laugh." Or, "This guy can't even sling a boomerang! At least Zuko can wield two swords at once. You should find someone like that." Or, "You should be with someone who's unafraid to give you autonomy and likes your political ideas."

And if Zuko looked like he was about to give in to an arranged marriage, Sokka might step in in a subtler way. "You know, you should find someone who challenges you and inspires you to be a better person. Someone with aspiration who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Especially if she's speaking up for the average person. And you should really try to find someone you love because leading a nation seems like a lonely thing and you don't deserve to be alone."

When they finally decided to try to be together, the two of them would keep it under wraps at first. People might suspect, but there'd be no concrete evidence. Toph would claim she's noticed a difference in the energy between them. And Suki might say Katara's letters suddenly contain a little too much Zuko. But Sokka, ever the skeptic, wouldn't buy into it because his best friend and his sister are dense.

Maybe Sokka stumbles across them snuggled under a tree by the turtleduck pond one day. Or maybe he catches them kissing during the winter solstice celebration in the Southern Water Tribe. And he definitely pulls something melodramatic because, let's face it, he's Sokka. Plus, he just wants to give them shit because he's still Katara's brother and Zuko's best friend and he's obligated.

Afterward, though, he'd track Zuko down. Zuko might try to explain in his usual fumbling manner, but Sokka would just look at him and say, "You know if you hurt her or leave her or if you don't find a way to make this last forever, she'll kill you, right?" And then he'd pull out a flask of Southern Water Tribe vodka, raise it in Zuko's direction and say, "Flameo, hotman. Flameo." And together they would toast to Zuko and Katara's relationship.

(But Sokka would still lovingly give them shit for the rest of their lives.)

[simonalkenmayer]

What do think of (if anything) about Buffalo Bill? Thank you for your answer regarding Bill Hickock.

Same opinion. Never met him, but his claim to fame was killing Buffalo and natives. Simple facts: the man was a capitalist and I can appreciate the ingenuity that allowed him to turn the aggrandizement of his own legend into something that paid for him to exist half the year. I truly can, and I realize that sentiments were different in those days, but for my part I have never found a person worth lauding because they claimed to take a scalp. War heroes aren’t my cup of tea. Sacrifice? Fine. Self defense, fine. Glorifying slaughter? No. I draw a line. We lived through the same thing at the same time, and yes I had the benefit of being theoretically unkillable, but I never had any problems with the Plains Natives. None. I left them alone. I made it known that I was actively not trying to hurt them. No allegiance. Cody and Hickok both chose their side, and their side was fundamentally expansionist, manifest destiny. I didn’t build the railroad to expand America, though I knew that would be a natural consequence. I did it to promote technology and expand horizons. I believed people would be better for seeing other ways and lives and speeding up communication. But I washed my hands of any true hopes I had the moment we were told to shoot Buffalo on sight. I was asked, back in 1862 to become a scout. I declined. I was not in the Civil or the “Indian war”. I’ll have no part in it. No part in any military action of this country. No part, and it’s because of men like Cody.

[cosplayinamerica]

Vasquez & Drake from Aliens : anniegraves.cosplay & pfmcosplay

Hello! I am Annie Graves and I have been seriously making costumes since early 2018. Truth be told, I have dabbled in costume making for most of my life for Halloween and for play when I was a kid. I am an animal lover, photographer, gamer, and I love a good story whether it be a book, video game, show, or film.

There are very few things I have found in life to be as challenging and rewarding as cosplay and costume making are. I find that since I have begun cosplaying, I am far less fearful of taking on challenges and have learned how to critically think around projects in ways that I haven't been able to before. Even home improvements seem less insurmountable now!

This hobby definitely pushes the limits of creativity and ingenuity. Once I began cosplaying, I found myself taking apart or assembling costumes and props habitually in my mind almost every time I watch a movie or show. It changes the way you view the world! I also dabble in photography and cosplay photography, because nothing has evoked my imagination like seeing a well-done, imaginative, and professional image of a gorgeous cosplay!

Photo: @averagecalamities 

When it comes to Vasquez, this character has always been a heroine of mine. I saw the Alien movies when I was very young and fell in love with them. Aliens has been my all-time favorite film for as long as I can remember (although I admit Mad Max:Fury Road is right up there with it now). It has to be one of the best films and stories I have ever seen. The SFX are brilliant, the cinematography gorgeous, and the characters are so colorful and well-written.

Vasquez and Ripley were ahead of their time as Women and when I saw them on screen as a girl I knew that was who I wanted to be when I grew up; tough as nails, beautiful, standing up for what is right, and my own person no matter what. I chose Vasquez to cosplay for that reason and because her and I look similar in stature and build. Wearing her is empowering and I feel like such a badass!

So, my Vasquez cosplay was a collaboration between myself, my friend Greg Baron of Hellhammer Design and Cosplay, and my friend Lucas Goleb who is a metal worker by trade. I put together the uniform items, made the armor, put together the harness, made all needed modifications, painted everything, weathered everything, and assembled it all once all components were done. Greg fabricated the back light, headset, and smartgun for me as a commission!

He built these pieces all within a few weeks out of EVA foam and various materials. His speed and the quality of his props still blow my mind! He is such a foam genius! Lucas helped me in fabricating the steady arm for my smart gun. In the film, the smartgunner uses a Steadycam arm to connect the weapon to the harness.

Since screen-accurate Steadycam arms can cost over 10,000 dollars nowadays, I decided to try to make one. Thanks to Lucas I was able to make this happen. After much research and the drawing of diagrams, I decided to build it out of square PVC pipe and steel brackets. Lucas, in his personal time, fabricated the steel brackets for me and I will forever appreciate that! Once all the components were ready, I assembled the whole thing, sprayed some olive oil on my biceps, and viola! Vasquez.

So far, the only con I took Vasquez to was DragonCon, the mother of all cons. Vasquez was received VERY well. People loved her and I loved wearing her! Surprisingly, the costume is so comfortable, I was able to wear it for upwards to 8 hours before taking it off. I will say; however, that the soreness from getting down in that squat pose all day the next day hit pretty hard the next morning, but it was so worth it!

The best part of wearing her at DragonCon was attending the Aliens Photo Meetup and getting to hang out with the Colonial Marines group there! As I said before, I have loved Aliens for as long as I remember, so getting to hang out with all those super fans, dressed up as my favorite character, and getting pictures with all those folks was unforgettable! I plan to take her DragonCon again next time I go and maybe make her a DragonCon staple for me!

Well, there are two things I will add. If you are thinking about cosplaying and becoming a part of the costume community online and at cons, DO IT! This community and this hobby has changed my life for the better. The friendships I have made will more than likely be lifetime friendships! I have grown as a person and a creative thanks to this hobby and I am so glad I decided to take the plunge.

Second, do not make this hobby stressful for no reason. You will see a massive "con-crunch" mindset in the community to finish things before cons and such and some people sacrifice way too much of their health and money to meet deadlines.

Always remember that this is a hobby and should be fun! If you need more time on a costume, take it. If you need to take a break from creating, please do! Always take of yourself as YOU are the one wearing the costume and YOU are what your friends look forward to seeing more than your costume!

https://linktr.ee/anniegraves.cosplay

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

Aliens on Amazon https://amzn.to/3lOdmNC

[astraeagreengrass]

The Queen's Husband [3/?]

When her reign is threatened, the Queen of Ergona must find a husband to secure her throne.

Word Count: 2.096

Warnings: None! English is not my first language so I apologize in advance for any mistakes.

A/N: No one is free from apprehension - not even queens! Luckily for our queen, she has found herself a pretty nice fiancé! This chapter is a little short and not exactly what I wanted it to be, but I decided to post it right away instead of keeping on battling my writer's block. I hope you like it! And, as always, thank you to the lovely, kind, generous people that take the time to read, comment and reblog. I appreciate you ♡

Series Masterlist

My Masterlist

Marble archways and red-orange torches were the only witnesses to yours and Steve’s late night conversations.

Your hand was in his as you ambled. It was fairly inappropriate, even if you were engaged, but you couldn’t help it in the darkness of the hallway. The touch of Steve’s skin was thrilling and your palm was sweating from the adrenaline coursing through your veins. The feeling was brand new and fantastic.

This tradition was something you both committed to once Steve moved to the palace, three weeks after your betrothal: he’d escort you to your chambers at dusk, the only moment you could talk in private, even if it sometimes meant you had to whisper. Every other hour of the day you were surrounded by your handmaids, advisors and political allies and you weren’t keen on them listening to your conversations with the Captain; not when the butterflies you first felt in the rose courtyard were still there, brewing a storm in your stomach whenever you gaze met his.

Growing up as the heir to the throne of the Ergona, you’d been extensively schooled since your earliest days. Politics, mathematics, geography, english and other languages, diplomacy… You excelled in many topics, having been taught by the most brilliant minds in the world. Love, however, had never been in your syllabus.

Queens weren’t taught the ways of love and, as such, it was never your priority. Knowing you’d most likely marry for duty, with a suitor chosen by others, you focused on becoming a good ruler - a fair and honorable sovereign, born to love Ergona rather than a spouse. 

Steve’s confession had terrified you - not because you didn’t believe him but because you did. You weren’t lying when you said you thought he was a good man and maybe that was why his love for you was so mystifying. Steve was handsome, loyal and kind-hearted. He could have any woman he wanted and yet he chose to love the one who built walls around her heart higher than those surrounding the Dragon Keep in Albeon. 

Wariness was a hard lesson to learn but a necessary one: trusting the wrong person could cost you your kingdom, your crown and your life. No one told you how hard it would be – the loneliness and the doubt – but a Queen’s life was full of sacrifices. Yet now, every night after you bid your goodbyes to the Captain and laid to rest on soft feather pillows, your past decisions and insecurities kept you awake, taunting your mind with “what ifs” and lost possibilities. 

What if you’d smiled more? 

What you’d been less cold?

What if you’d been more talkative?

Maybe then you’d know what to do with the snake coiling around your lungs, crushing your breath while it screamed you were not good enough. Not for Steve and not for Ergona. 

After every sleepless night, you’d watch the sun rise. The golden glow would slowly but surely spread across the inky sky, making way for dawn. It made you think of Steve and the way the blonde strands of his hair reflected that same light: your fiancé, blessed by Helios himself.

Amidst the anxiety, his presence was soothing. It confused you how the cause of your worries could also be their healing balm. Your days, as busy and hectic as they were, now suddenly revolved around the prospect of these slow walks to your chambers, the dark shadows of the castle’s walls mere bystanders to the way Steve was carefully, day-by-day, breaching through the queen’s careful armor until he found the woman.

It was scary but exhilarating.

Your conversations were easygoing and light-hearted. He’d ask about your childhood, your life in Foghar, your favorite color and favorite foods. In turn you’d question him about growing up in West Ergona, his days in the military and his travels.

You learned Steve was a sickly child who dreamed of being a soldier. His best friend was named Bucky Barnes - “he’s a punk”. He loved visiting Asgard because it reminded him of his mother and was very grateful to Abraham Erskine, the doctor who healed him.

Steve never inquired about your political agenda or demanded to be part of small council meetings. Much to Lord Fury’s chagrin, while you sat in stuffy rooms negotiating tax administration, the Captain could likely be found training archery with Master Barton. 

He was tanned from his moments spent outside in the summer air. His already impressive muscles were bulging and his smiles were relaxed and frequent, as if joy itself had made a home in him. You’d never seen him so carefree.

Outside the fortress domains, Ergona thrived with the news of your nuptials. Apparently, there was nothing like a royal wedding to lift the nation’s spirits after a war and - unsurprisingly - the prospect of Steve becoming the new King was very exciting.

For the first time in your reign, you welcomed Western emissaries to the royal palace, including Steve’s father, the Duke of Arvenia, who was absolutely delighted with his son’s good fortune. A short, balding man who resembled Steve very little, the Duke arrived with an entourage of musicians, dancers and even his personal painter. His golden cape could rival a lion’s mane and his necklace was encrusted with the finest emeralds. A feathered beret completed his look, making him look every inch an exotic peacock. 

Despite the obvious luxury he surrounded himself with, the Duke wasted no time asking how profitable the engagement would be to his duchy. Steve was flabbergasted with his father’s audacity, his face turning a shade of red that could rival his stepmother’s rubies - a girl even younger than you were. In an attempt to soothe him, you placed your hand over your fiancé’s, delicately saying that if the Duke of Arvenia had any questions regarding the marriage, he should take them to Lady Natasha. 

She would sort him out.

You'd gripped Steve’s hand on instinct, your body’s automatic response to his discontent. It was organic, as if your own senses were attuned to his - perfectly synchronized.

When you felt him relax you let it go, even if the loss of his skin left an unpleasant tingling sensation. You weren’t expecting for him to grip you hand again a few hours later, under the dinner table, as Lord Pierce - an obnoxious marquess from West Ergona - made you uncomfortable by suggesting Steve’s virility would surely grant him many sons.

His answer to Pierce, in the same commanding tone he spoke to his soldiers with - made the older man wither like a flower in a snowstorm.

“I hope our first child is a girl, so that she may follow her mother’s footsteps and become a great Queen".

He then proceeded to toast to his words, his wishes dying in a smirk of wine-stained lips.

It was how you ended here, wooden soles clicking on the stone slabs of the corridor. After the second course you excused yourself from the dining hall. You thought Steve would chose to stay with his relatives - according to Natasha, he hadn’t seen his father in three or so years - but he rose from the table as you did, not even biding his farewells.

You missed the way Lord Stark pulled his squire from his belt, preventing poor Peter Parker from escorting you and Steve. No one else dared to follow you and, as soon as you left the room, Steve's hand reached for yours again - bolder this times, fingers entwining in a move so similar to the way his own soul was twisting and wrapping around yours. 

You walked in silence for the first time. No conversation to appease the tension or divert your mind from the heat shared between your palm and his?

As usual, once they saw you approaching, the two guards that kept watch outside your chamber’s door exited to grant you privacy. They’d return once Steve left.

The Captain cleared his throat and spoke:

“In Asgard, where my mother was from, it is customary for a man to give a ring to the woman he is betrothed to. It is a promise of his commitment to her until the wedding day.” 

From his jacket pocket Steve removed a navy blue velvet pouch. Long fingers loosened the cord that held the pouch closed - dexterous with a sword but delicate to the touch - and a ring fell on his palm.

The oval stone was the same shade as the velvet cloth - midnight indigo, dark as the depths of the ocean that crashed in Ergona’s shore. Dozens of tiny diamonds surrounded it, twinkling lazily in the warm firelight glow. Even more diamonds made up the ring band - and opulent jewel, made of the finest gems dig up from western mines and handcrafted by the greatest jewelers at the Duke of Arvenia’s disposal.

Too opulent for you and Steve knew that.

“I know it’s too much” he said apologetically. “My father is known for his grand gestures. But I miss my mother dearly. This ring is the only heirloom of hers I have left. I know it’s not your style, but it I would if you accepted it as a token of my affections.”

There he was, breaking down your walls again. Every carefully placed defense crumbled in the presence of his words, scattering to ashes when you couldn’t find dishonesty in them. You found yourself divided: one Y/N was rational, overzealous and logical, screaming at the top of her lungs to halt the other - wide-eyed and ingenue, desperate to break-free and be loved. It was the second one who said:

“Doesn’t Asgardian tradition say that the groom should place the ring on the bride’s finger?”

Steve beamed - a beautiful stretch of lips and cheeks and eye crinkles. He smiled with his whole face, making you wish for broad daylight so that you could better commit to the loveliness of it.

He slid the ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. The jewel was even heavier than it looked, engulfing your digit in blue lavishness. Delicately, Steve traced a line from the base of your finger towards your wrist.

“This is the vena amoris. It runs from your left ring finger straight to your heart. I hope you can see this ring and remember that my own heart belongs to you.”

He continued.

“And, if you allow me, I will cherish your heart as you have cherished mine.”

“How could I have cherished you heart if I didn’t know of your… feelings?” you replied. 

 He laughed - a short, breath-like laugh that tickled your nose.

“You did so by being you. That is enough for me.”

“I don’t know how to do this” you whispered, mentioning to the space between you, yet meaning it as more than the inches separating you. 

“Neither do I” he took your other hand in his - limbs and worries and dreams laced together in the  dark. “But I’m willing to try if you are.”

Wordlessly, you nodded, cracking a small smile as you swallowed your tears. You didn’t cry easily,  but you found yourself getting more and more emotional the longer you shared Steve’s presence.

With his thumb he caressed the outside of your eye, temple, nose, then slid it downwards and traced your lips. Gently, as if touching a cloud, he took you chin in his grip.

When Steve's lips touched yours, the butterflies in your stomach broke free from their prison,  spreading their crazy fluttering to your heart, your skin, your mouth. It was quick - the briefest of pecks - but it still left you breathless and wide-eyed.

“I'm sorry” he muttered, mistaking your awe for consternation. “That was too bold. Your Grace, …”

Raising your hand, you interrupted him.

“Don’t apologize, I beg of you. I’m just… overwhelmed. I’ve never kissed anyone before.”

Now it was his turn to be surprised.

“Our acquaintanceship is changing me. Being in your company is bringing to life so many things I never wondered about or deemed important. In so many aspects I feel like a new person. And it's disconcerting but rewarding. You make me feel happy.”

“And I don’t know what this means or where this will take us but I hope you’re not afraid of going there with me. Because I’d hate to be alone again.”

“Your Grace…” Steve started but you interrupted him again.

“And I order you to stop calling me Your Grace. At least when we're alone”

Then, in a move that astonished both Steve and yourself, you rose to your tiptoes and kissed him again.

[astraea802]

Sorting my Fanfic Characters

Celebrating Back to Hogwarts day in style!

While I had some idea where I’d put these characters, I did a couple sorting quizzes just to double check, based on what the characters valued more than certain qualities. While my fic is a crossover with existing characters, some of my characterizations do slightly differ from or go deeper into canon, which influences my choices herein:

Dave Stutler - Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff

Miles Ambrosi - Ravenclaw (w/ Slytherin and growing Hufflepuff tendencies)

Merlin of Ealdor - Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff (with growing Slytherin tendencies)

Allie Pennington - Gryffindor (with Hufflepuff tendencies)

Will Wagner - Hufflepuff/Gryffindor

Marco - Gryffindor

Balthazar Blake - Ravenclaw/Gryffindor

Becky Barnes - Hufflepuff

Explanations below cut:

Dave Stutler - Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff Dave’s intelligent, creative, and curious, and puts a lot of stock in those abilities - he likes to show off his know-how to Becky when he can. But he only shows off to Becky because he values love and an ordinary life, symbolized by Becky, so I think if given the choice he’d go with Hufflepuff. He isn’t driven by the fight between good and evil, like Balthazar, but by people - it’s only when others are in danger that Dave’s true potential really comes out. As Balthazar says, “Your ingenuity, your heart, put you at an advantage over Morganians,” so those are the two values he’s most defined by. I do believe he has more Gryffindor in him than he realizes, though ;) - he’s got a lot of Neville Longbottom in him.

Miles Ambrosi - Ravenclaw (w/ Slytherin and growing Hufflepuff tendencies) Miles’s defining quote in Avalon High is that he does his assignments in half the time to prove he’s better than everyone else. He relishes his one talent that he can publicly display, and keeps to himself out of safety. But he won’t put ambitions above people he cares about - as he nurtures friendships for the first time in years and learns about Camelot from Merlin, he becomes less about his own ambitions and safety, letting his Hufflepuff heart out more and more after a long hibernation. (More on that below)

Merlin of Ealdor - Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw (with growing Slytherin tendencies)

Merlin’s so freaking tricky to nail down because he’s multifaceted. He appreciates the Gryffindor qualities in Arthur, is driven to bring magic back to Camelot, and is rather reckless and self-sacrificing himself, yes. But when the chips are down he prizes loyalty, friendship, and the status quo over justice in many ways, which is Hufflepuff, and values his own uniqueness (magic), wittiness, and creativity, which is Ravenclaw. We know he’s strongly associated with nature and animals, too, which is that earthiness of Hufflepuff. He’s also starting to get a little more selfish, guarded, and calculating in his protections of Arthur at this point in his timeline (Season 3), so Slytherin is growing, but not dominant yet (by Season 5 in the show, I definitely think he’s more Slytherin, matching with the Merlin of legend). For me, you can see how Miles starts out from where Merlin maybe leaves off - with the Ravenclaw and Slytherin sides coming more to the forefront over time. But again, if we’re going based on current values within the story, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw win out currently. 

Allie Pennington (Arthur) - Gryffindor (with Hufflepuff tendencies)

I mean, do I really have to say it? She’s big on fairness. She’s impatient. She’s the reincarnation of King Arthur. I will say she’s a little more driven by kindness and is less haughty or reckless than her former self, but based on values she’s a Gryffindor all the way.

Will Wagner (Leon) - Hufflepuff/Gryffindor

Will, like Leon before him, is defined by loyalty and kindness and bravery. He’s very much on the fence - he’s certainly noble and chivalrous, protecting people like Miles from bullies, but his gentleness, his need to please, and his willingness to forgive his friends after they lied to him, something that Allie was much less tolerant of, might indicate more Hufflepuff qualities, so I’m not sure.

EDIT: Oh my god, Will is basically Cedric Diggory, isn’t he?

Marco Campbell (Gwaine) - Gryffindor

Reckless, noble, brave - that’s Marco and Gwaine all over. He’s kind of the Sirius Black of the group, and believes that a man’s actions determine his value. While he was certainly willing to play the Slytherin in Avalon High, it was all for a noble cause.

Balthazar Blake - Ravenclaw/Gryffindor

Tricky one! Balthazar values ingenuity and heart above all, so there’s an interesting duality at play - you see him harp on focus in his lessons to Dave, saying love is a distraction, and see him reading practically all the time when he’s not fighting. But this emphasis on focus and knowledge hides the heart of his values - his duty to Merlin and Veronica. While he admits he’d make the same sacrifice play as Dave, he’s also driven by the battle of good vs evil and is very noble and daring. So I think if he had to choose, he’d pick Gryffindor.

Becky Barnes - Hufflepuff

Becky’s super supportive and caring. While she’s willing to put herself in danger, she does it for Dave more than anything else. She’s also incredibly humble - she doesn’t think her radio station is anything special, but is happy to share music she loves with others anyway. (Although, she does value Dave’s unique perspective on the world, so Ravenclaw might be close second?)

[crescentgames272]

What do each part do for a gaming pc

Unforgettable Moments In Gaming Part 3

It really is time to recognize the finest gaming blogs of the year. EDIT:I made use of to watch the Feedback video over at G4 just about every week, but it is gone down hill the last couple of occasions I watched it and now that Adam Sessler isn't on it and they have that girl from IGN that every person hates in each and every episode I just cannot be bothered to watch it any far more. Nevertheless worth going back and watching some of the older ones though. Klepic applied to be on that show and back then in the early days was when it was the very best. Back when they in fact talked about gaming news with some semblance of intellect as an alternative of just gushing about what ever game they are told is cool this week.

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[thevampirediariesdiary]

DAMON AND ELENA, SEASON 2 INDEX

below the cut you will find a nearly exhaustive collection of Damon and Elena’s interactions, or conversations relating to their relationship, in season two.  it mostly exists for my own meta-writing purposes, because I have a terrible memory, but I would love it if people reblogged and gave their rankings!  top 10 moments, favorite angst moment, favorite romantic moment, favorite funny moment, etc. write meta! tag your friends! revive the fandom!

unless stated otherwise, you may assume the two people conversing are Damon and Elena.  moments are included or not included only on the basis of my personal bias, and/or whether I forgot them.

From 2.01, The Return

Really? Before, on the porch? We were talking, all cathartic, feelings exposed?Come on, we kissed, Elena. / Okay, I don’t have time for this, Damon. / Hey, if you want to forget it happened, fine, but I can’t.

We should be able to talk about this, Damon, we’re close enough now. I really want to know how you’re doing. / I kissed you, I thought you kissed me back, doppelganger hijinks ensued. How do you think I’m doing. / I think that you’re hurt / Mmm, no, I don’t get hurt. / No, you don’t admit you get hurt, you get angry, you cover it up, and then you do something stupid. / You’re scared, you think Katherine’s going to send me off the deep end, don’t you? I don’t need her for that. You know what, why is it such a surprise that I would kiss you? / That’s not a surprise. I’m surprised that you thought I’d kiss you back. / Now I’m hurt.

You’re surprised I thought you’d kiss me back? You can’t imagine that I’d believe that you want to? You’re the liar, Elena. There’s something going on between the two of us and you know it, and you’re lying to me, and you’re lying to Stefan, and most of all you’re lying to yourself. I can prove it. / No, Damon, don’t. What’s wrong with you? / Lie about this. / Stop it, you’re better than this, come on. / That’s where you’re wrong. / No, Damon, I care about you. listen to me, I care about you I do, but I love Stefan, it’s always going to be Stefan.

(Stefan) She got under his skin, she undid everything good about him. / (Elena) There’s nothing good about him, Stefan, not anymore.  He’s decided what he wants.  He doesn’t wanna feel, he wants to be hated, it’s just easier that way.  He got his wish.  I hate him, Stefan.

From 2.02, Brave New World

I need you to come with me. / Whatever it is, I’m not interested. / Yeah, I need you to come with me right now, Elena.

Damon, she’s my friend.

From 2.03, Bad Moon Rising

I’ll take really good care of her. (spiteful stelena makeout)

(takes an arrow for her)

You touch her and I swear I’ll never speak to you again. / What makes you think that has any power over me, because I took an arrow in the back for you?  You overestimate your influence.

Come on, you can’t hate me forever....You have every right to hate me, I understand, but you hated me before and we became friends?  It would suck if that was gone forever.  So...is it?  Have I lost you forever?

Road trips work well for us. / This doesn’t mean that things are back to the way they used to be, Damon. / Oh, come on, you know I chipped a little bit off your wall of hatred. / I need to know the truth, when you broke Jeremy’s neck, did you know he was wearing his ring? / No. No, I didn’t. Katherine really pissed me off, and I snapped, and I got lucky with the ring. I don’t know what I would’ve done if he wasn’t wearing it. Elena, I’m sorry. / Thank you for being honest with me. And the answer to your question about our friendship? Is yes. You have lost me forever. / But you knew that already, didn’t you? You used me today. I thought friends don’t manipulate friends. You and Katherine have a lot more in common than just your looks.

From 2.04, Memory Lane

(Stefan hallucination, Elena with Damon in 1864 and then in the grille playing pool.)  It’s your turn / Be prepared to lose

I made myself clear, Damon, I want nothing to do with you.

(Damon) I don’t do jealous, not with you, not anymore. / (Katherine) Don’t try to be the hero, Damon, you’ll end up dead. / Been there, done that, at least this time it’ll be worth it.

From 2.05, Kill or Be Killed

(Damon) So what’s up with this faux drama in your relationship? / (Stefan) What are you talking about? / Oh come on, Stefan.  You and Elena don’t fight.  Especially not over me.

What you did for Caroline’s mom...that's the Damon who was my friend. / Hey.  Stefan didn’t drink the people blood, if you were curious.  But he needs to.  And you know that.

From 2.06, Plan B

I wasn’t thinking, I didn’t think / It doesn’t matter, Damon. She won, Katherine won.

From 2.07, Masquerade

Everything you’re doing is hurting Elena.

She’s the doppelganger, she needs to be protected / Then I’ll protect her.

From 2.08, Rose

(staircase, over Stefan’s shoulder moment) thank you / you’re welcome

Cute PJs. / I’m tired, Damon. / I brought you this. / I thought that was gone. Thank you...please give it back. / I just have to say something. / Why do you have to say it with my necklace? / Because what I’m about to say is probably the most selfish thing I’ve ever said in my life. / Damon, don’t go there. / I just have to say it once, you just need to hear it. I love you, Elena, and it’s because I love you that I can’t be selfish with you, why you can’t know this. I don’t deserve you.  But my brother does. (forehead kiss) God, I wish you didn’t have to forget this. But you do.

From 2.09, Katerina

(Rose) Must be difficult being in love with your brother’s girlfriend. / (Damon) I’m not in love with anyone.

(Caroline) She’s not in any danger, I would not let her put herself in danger. / (Stefan) Any danger where, where is she? ...she’s with Damon, isn’t she. / Ew!  No!

(Rose) You’re right to fight it...the way you feel about her. / (Damon) And why is that? / Because if we’re going to survive, we need to not care about anyone. / Caring gets you dead, huh? / It might just be time to turn the switch off on your emotions. / I will if you will.

From 2.10, The Sacrifice

(Elena) Everyone that I care about, including the two of you.

Come on, we’re leaving. / No. / I said, we’re leaving. / I’m not going with you. / You don’t get to make decisions anymore. / When have I ever made a decision? You and Stefan do that for me. Now, this, this is my decision. / Who’s going to save your life while you’re off making decisions? / You’re not listening to me, Damon, I don’t want to be saved, not if it means Klaus is going to kill every single person that I love. / Get your ass out the door before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out myself. / No. (she tries to punch him, he catches her hand) / Don’t ever do that again.

What you did today was incredibly stupid. / Actually, the only thing stupid was that I got caught. I don’t question why you and Stefan and everyone else try so hard to save me, you shouldn’t question why I would try to save all of you. Damon, good night, okay?

Stefan’s in there, Damon, how could you let this happen? / What are you talking about? I was too busy saving you from your crazy kamikaze mission. / You didn’t even have to go after the moonstone in the first place. / It was the right call, Elena. / Right call?? How was any of this the right call?  Damon, let go of me, let go of me.  Let go of me!  Please / Are you done? 

(Stefan) Keep Elena away from here. / (Damon) Yeah, cause that’ll be easy. / Promise me, no matter what happens, you’ll protect her. / Promise. / (Katherine) That right there was the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

From 2.11, By the Light of the Moon

Come on, pouty, at least give me two points for ingenuity. / Do you think this is funny? / Yes, Elena, I find hilarity in the lengths I repeatedly have to go to to save your life. / What did Stefan say about this? / We had a good laugh. / And what did he say about Elijah still being alive? / Yeah, that...didn’t tell him. / Why not? / Well, A he can’t do anything about it, and B...what I just said. Where’s Bonnie? / (Jeremy) I thought she was with you? / No, she’s on moonstone duty and I’m on Elena patrol. / (Jeremy) Who’s on Tyler Lockwood and the full moon? / Vampire Barbie asked me if she could handle it, and I figured worst case scenario he’ll bite her and I’m rid of two of my problems. / Wait, tonight’s the full moon? / Yep, and you were too consumed by your suicidal tendencies to notice....Change of plans, you babysit. Oh hey, you should get out, enjoy the sun – oh wait, you can’t.

From 2.12, The Descent

(Rose) You’ve never been in Damon’s room before, have you? Not what you expected.  / (Elena) It’s just a room with a bed...maybe I expected there to be silk sheets. / You’re lucky, you know.  No one’s ever loved me the way you’re loved.

You were supposed to leave. / I did. But then I came back to make sure you were okay. / I appreciate the gesture. I’m just glad it’s over. / You know I don’t believe that. / Go home, Elena. Get some rest.  It’s a whole new day tomorrow. / Damon, I’m your friend - / I’m well aware of that. / And a friend usually knows when their friend is hurting. / What do you want to hear? That I cared about Rose, that I’m upset? Well I didn’t and I’m not. / There you go, pretending to turn it off, pretending not to feel. Damon, you’re so close, don’t give up! / I feel, Elena, okay, and it sucks. What sucks even more is it was supposed to be me. / You feel guilty. / That would be human of me, wouldn’t it, Elena? And I’m not human. And you’re one to talk about giving up, all you’ve done is give up.  Go home, there’s been enough doom, gloom, and personal growth for one night. / Okay, I will. (hug)

From 2.13, Daddy Issues

He just blew in, announced to Jenna that he’s my dad, and then took off. / That’s public knowledge now? / Apparently. / You okay? / Yeah. Jenna’s head is spinning, but I’m okay. / Did he say what he was doing here? / No. Stefan thinks he’s telling the truth about wanting to help me. / Do you believe him? / No, I don’t believe him for a second. /  I don’t either. / What’re we going to do? / Kill him. / Damon. / I’m joking...well, I’m a little serious. / Damon! / Relax, Elena, I’m not going to hurt him.  I’m a good guy now, remember. / What does that mean? / I’m going to have a civil conversation with your father. / Wait, I’m coming with you.

We just need answers, please don’t do anything stupid. / Yeah, but stupid’s so much more fun. / Damon, I mean it.  All I ask is that you try to keep it together…be the better man. / Okay then.

You totally blew her off. / Trust me, it’s in the best interests of women everywhere.

Damon, please. Okay, too many people are dead. / You need to stop doing that. / Doing what? / Assuming that I’ll play the good guy because it’s you who’s asking. / Be the better man, Damon.

(Damon) I’m in love with a woman I can never have. / (Andi) Let me guess, she’s in love with another man. / Yeah, but that’s not the point.  The point is I’m in love with her and it’s driving me crazy, I’m not in control. / What, you don’t trust yourself around her? / I don’t trust myself around anyone, Andi....It’s in my nature, it’s who I am.  But then I have to stay together to protect her, and she wants me to be the better man, which means I can’t be who I am. / Maybe this is who you are now, love does that, Damon. It changes us.

From 2.15, The Dinner Party

You guys want me to fight, I’ll fight, but if we’re going to do this you can’t keep things from me.  From now on, we’re doing things my way. / Seems fair.

From 2.16, The House Guest

(Damon recognizes Katherine pretending to be Elena.)

How did you guys convince [Katherine] to [pretend to be Elena]? / We didn’t.  It was actually her idea. / Oh, that’s not good. / No, no that’s not good at all.

From 2.17, Know Thy Enemy

(Damon) Right now you should just stay here.  It’s safer for us to keep an eye on you. / (Stefan) What, in the house that any vampire can enter? No, her house is safer. / (Damon) Well then we’ll stay there. / (Elena) So, is that the plan? Neither of you let me out of your sight again? (Damon) Let me know when you come up with a better one.

(Elena) You’re giving me your house? / (Stefan) Isobel had the right idea with the safehouse, this way you can control who gets invited and who doesn’t. / (Damon) But I’ll be super pissed if you lock me out.

From 2.18, The Last Dance

What are we, twelve? / One of us is.  If I let you in, do you promise to obey the owner of this house? / No. / Seriously, Damon!  My way, you promised.  I call the shots.  No lies, no secret agendas.  Remember? / Yes, Elena.  Sure. / Then please, come in.

How you doing? / Freaking out a bit, you? / Cool as a cucumber. Come on, remember the last decade dance? The vampires were all ahhh and you were all ahh! / Right, and you won. / Yes, we did. / You’re good at this! / I’ve got moves you’ve never seen.

Stefan, get Elena out of here, I’ll deal with the body. / What do you mean, deal with it? / Sheriff can’t know about this. Last thing we need’s another mysterious death. / This is Bonnie! / Get her home now, so I can clean this up. / Oh my god, what about Jeremy? / I’ll find him.

What did you do with her? / Will you please calm her down. / Don’t talk like I’m not standing right in front of you. / Please, calm down. / You knew, didn’t you? You knew that if she harnessed all that power, that she would die, didn’t you? / Yes. yes, I knew. (smack) You need to listen to me and prepare for what I’m about to say....he had to believe it.

(Stefan)You could’ve told me. / (Damon) How do I know when you’re gonna go blabbing things to your girlfriend? / Don’t you understand what you put her through. / See, that’s why I didn’t tell you, because you’d never have been able to do it.  Don’t get me wrong, Stefan, I don’t mind being the bad guy.  I’ll make all the life and death decisions, while you’re busy worrying about collateral damage.  I’ll even let her hate me for it.  But at the end of the day, I’ll be the one to keep her alive.

Look, Klaus had to think she was dead.  Your reaction had to be real. / I understand why you did what you did.  Klaus was fooled, and Bonnie’s alive. / Here’s to duplicity. / But let’s get one thing straight, Damon.  Bonnie will not die for me, I will not let that happen. / We need to kill Klaus, Elena. Real Klaus, who will probably be coming to pay you a visit soon now that he knows that Bonnie’s dead. She’s the only one who can do it. / We’ll find another way. / I hope so. / Look, I shouldn’t have hit you. / Apology accepted. Let me be clear about something: if it comes down to you and the witch again, I will gladly let Bonnie die. I will always choose you. / Good night, Damon. / Good night.

From 2.19, Klaus

Where do you think you’re going? / Back to Elijah. / No. / Get out of my way, Damon. / If you so much as try to take a step out of this house... / (Andi) Damon, easy. / Stay out of this, Andi. / (Stefan) Let her go. / Are you kidding me, we just got her back. / (Stefan) I said, let her go. / That’s twice today you’ve stood in my way, I wouldn’t try a third.

From 2.20, The Last Day

What if it doesn’t work, Elena? / Then I guess I’ll just be dead.

(Elena) Where is Damon? / (Jenna) I saw him go upstairs. / (Elena) You disappeared. / (Damon) I didn’t want to hear anymore. / I need you to understand why I’m doing this. / Why, it clearly doesn’t matter what I think. / I’ll be fine, Damon.  I’ll drink the elixir, Bonnie will kill Klaus, and then all this will finally be over. / If it works. / It will work. / You think it will work. You want it to work. Why am I the only one convinced it won’t? There has to be another way. / There isn’t. / Then you’re going to die, Elena. / And then I’ll come back to life. / That is not a risk I’m willing to take. / But I am. It’s my life, Damon. My choice. / I can’t lose you. / You won’t. / There is another way. / What are you...Damon, no. Damon, no! 

(Damon) You’re so bent on dying, at least this way I know you’ll come back. / (Stefan) As a vampire...she’ll come back a vampire. / It’s better than nothing else. / (Stefan) How could you of all people take that choice away from her? / Go ahead, wish me an eternity of misery. Believe me, you’ll get over it. 

(Stefan) It would be selfish for me to ask you. / (Elena) Didn’t stop Damon. / He shouldn’t have done what he did. But he did it because he loves you. / But he did this to me, Stefan, which means, he doesn’t really know what love is.  And to be honest, I’m not sure if I do.

From 2.21, The Sun Also Rises

(bridal carry)

Come back as a vampire, I’ll stake you myself, so don’t. Cause I can’t stand the idea of you hating me forever....Elena. / Damon? / How do you feel? / I feel fine.

(John’s letter) Whether you are now reading this as a human or a vampire, I love you all the same as I’ve always loved you and always will.

(Stefan) Damon, she needs us right now, all of us. / (Damon) And then what’s the plan, Stefan.  The curse is broken.  How does one go about killing an all-powerful wolf-vamp and his two-faced older brother? / I have no idea. / Then we need to get an idea, and fast. / I’m not going to let Elena lose anyone else. / I wouldn’t make any promises, brother. / What’s that supposed to mean? / Tyler Lockwood bit me. It’s actually more of a nip, really, but there it is. / We’ll find something. A cure. / There’s no cure, Stefan. / We kept Elena human, right? We found a way when there was no way. Hey. I will do this. / You want to do something for me, keep this from Elena. Last thing she needs is another grave to mourn.

From 2.22, As I Lay Dying

I want to apologize. / Damon. / Please, Elena, feeling you my blood, I was wrong. / Yes, you were. / And I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need it. / And I need some time, maybe a lot of time / Sure, of course, take all the time you need.

(Elena) You’re breaking the rules, you know.  Movie night’s supposed to be a distraction, tomorrow we can return to our regularly scheduled drama. / (Stefan) I know, I wish this could wait. But it can’t. Listen, um, the other night when Damon was helping Tyler, something happened.  Tyler was starting to transform and...Damon was bitten. / What? Is it, is he...gonna? / Yeah? / Oh my god.  He came to the house this morning and tried to apologize, I practically slammed the door in his face. / He told me not to tell you, but I figured if you wanted to talk to him...I wouldn’t wait. / Stefan... / It’s not over. There might be a cure, but I have to find Klaus to get it. / No, he’s going to kill you. / No, he had the chance to kill me, but he didn’t.  Whatever Damon’s done, whatever led him here, I’m the one that made him become a vampire in the first place.  So if there’s a chance for a cure, I owe it to him to find it.  Go talk to him.  Tell him that there’s still hope.

Elena. / It’s okay, I’m here. / Elena, get out of here, I could hurt you. / No, you won’t.  I’m not leaving you. I’m here till the very end. / Get out of here. / Shhh it’s okay. / It’s not okay.  All those years I blamed Stefan, no one forced me to love her.  It was my own choice. I made the wrong choice. Tell Stefan I’m sorry. / I will.

This is even more pitiful than I thought. / There’s still hope. / I’ve made a lot of choices that have gotten me here.  I deserve this, I deserve to die. / No, you don’t. / I do, Elena, it’s okay, because if I had chosen differently, I wouldn’t have met you. I’m so sorry. I’ve done so many things to hurt you. / It’s okay, I forgive you. / I know you love Stefan, and it will always be Stefan. But I love you. You should know that. / I do. / You should have met me in 1864. You would have liked me. / I like you now, just the way you are. (kiss) / Thank you. / You’re welcome.

[laurazepamwrites]

The Chemicals between us ~Ch.6

Within the vast sun scorched Arabian desert stood the glittering city of Oasis. A monument to human achievement, intelligence and ingenuity from many areas of study, founded by scientists and academics and governed by the ministers, each with their own field of expertise. It was here Satya Vaswani, Vishkars most decorated Architect, was currently based. She had been here for two months now, being deployed by Sanjay Korpal as a representative of Viskar and to promote their ideals to the ministers. At first she was confused as to why she had been sent. He was Viskars chief negotiator and this was the most advanced city in the world, to be sent in his place made no sense to her. He had explained of course, that he had equally important business to attend in Monaco and who better to send to Oasis then Viskars own prodigy. She had asked as to the nature of his meeting with Monaco and with whom but he was secretive. Simple telling her it was of great importance to Viskar and the world. She knew best not to push the matter, she was an Architect, a tool to creating a better world, Sanjay was the hand that used the tool. It was not her place to question so she had obeyed and had come to Oasis and presented Viskars interests to the ministers. They had listened to her share Viskars vision and interest to work alongside Oasis as a beacon for mankind in the wake of the Omnic crisis and watched her as she weaved intricate designs of hard-light using the traditional dance of her homeland. The ministers thanked her for her time and would finalize their decision with her superiors, for despite her skills she was just the tool afterall. They had not been inhospitable towards her and invited her to stay in Oasis as an honored guest until her duty called, staying in the world renowned Gilded tower hotel, attending lectures and seminars in the state-of-the-art University and dining with the elite of Oasis in the world class elBuffi restaurant. It was a welcome respite after the complications and confusion in Rio de janeiro and she did enjoy being here, especially the Abu Hassoun gardens.

 It was early evening and the heat of the day was ebbing to a comfortable warmth, the sky soft shades of dusky oranges, yellows and pinks. It was her favourite time of day here, the air was cooler, the sweet earthy smells of the Olive and Almond trees drifted through the air and birds sang as they swooped in to roost for the night. Lanterns hung lazilly between terraces swaying so lightly in a gentle breeze. It was beautiful, but most of all it was quiet. She loved the city, but it was still a city, a city with a multitude of sounds, lights and movement. She found it overwhelming and at its worse like she was drowning and in need of a sanctuary. She had found one on a small veranda within the garden surrounded with sweet smelling climbing flowers, soft lighted lanterns and the sound of water from a nearby fountain. She closed her eyes, focusing on the gentle sound of the water and the soft breeze on her skin and breathed steadily, her senses calming. She remained as she was for a few moments, focusing, breathing slowly in rhythm until the sound of footsteps approaching intruded her meditation. She made a slight face, annoyed with the disturbance yet kept her eyes closed and returned to focusing on the water rather than the footsteps growing louder. They shall pass her and she would be alone again soon she reminded herself

‘Quite the alluring evening, wouldn't you agree Miss Vaswani?’ A feminine voice asked her.

Satya’s brow furrowed in slight confusion, not expecting to be addressed. Opening her eyes she looked up and blinked in surprise.

‘Oh! I apologize Madam Minister. I was not expecting company.’

The woman smiled slightly at her then turned her gaze towards the large body of water surrounding the city, the setting sun shimmering across its surface like liquid gold.

‘Then I must be the one to apologize, It was not my intention to disturb you. I have been informed that is it your last night with us and wished to say goodbye.’ The woman spoke, still watching the view.

‘That is most gracious of you Madam Minister, and I thank you for yours and the cities hospitality. It has been most welcome.’ Satya folded her hands in her lap politely, waiting for the woman to continue speaking. She had not spoken directly to the Minister of Genetics, nor had she asked Satya any questions during her presentation. She had simply watched her, her hands steepled and her strange eyes watching intently. 

‘We have appreciated your presence and what you represented Miss Vaswani. Vishkar shares our ideals. Could you imagine a world structured on the foundation of order and discipline, where ingenuity leads mankind into a greater future then what we have now?’

‘That is Vishkars hope for the world Madam Minister.’

Moira peered at her, politeness bid Satya to make eye contact but this woman made her slightly uncomfortable. She had an air of superiority about her, but there was something else that Satya could just not put her finger on. This woman made her feel..small. Judged. Inferior. What felt more unsettling is that Moira seemed to know this, and revelled in it.

Moira made a satisfied ‘

sound and folded her hands behind her back. Her strange gaze once again returning to the water. ‘A pity the masses do not agree. Rio was an unfortunate business for your Corporation. To be bested by common riff raff led by some jumped up revolutionary?’ She chuckled darkly ‘How embarrassing for Sanjay.’

‘I...It was...It did not…’ Satya struggled to find the words and squeezed her hands tightly together in her lap. She swallowed and took a breath, ‘It was not-’

‘You have no need to explain Miss Vaswani.’ Moira interrupted. ‘As an architect it was not for you to control the people. I believe the fault lay with Sanjay, Viskars mistake was offering too much and using force too late. The masses do not know what is best for them and must be shown the way Miss Vaswani, through any means necessary. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good and order will be born from chaos. When you next see Mr Korpal please remind him of this, and tell him you have my vote for a partnership.’

‘..I...thank you, Madam Minister. Sanjay and Vishkar will be most pleased..’

‘As they should. I shall bid you good evening Miss Vaswani, I'm sure you have a long journey tomorrow.’ Moira nodded her head curtly and began to walk away, leaving Satya alone once again.

‘Oh, one more thing Miss Vaswani.’ Moira called over her shoulder.

‘Yes?’

‘You have great talent and skill. The perfect instrument to building a new world. But be prepared to make some difficult choices for a better path. Do this and you shall rise from the ashes with the best of humanity.’ And with that she left, not waiting for a reply. Satya sat in silence, staring at the place where Moira once stood. ‘

 She thought to herself, she felt unsettled, goosebumps prickling on her skin despite the warmth of the evening air. She took a deep breath in, closing her eyes and once again focusing on the sound of water.

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

Junkrat had been at the Gibraltar base for nearly three weeks now and he was ready to tear out the hair he had grown back. He was 

He was agitated and despite being more settled with the routine of being in the workshop and the distraction of Hana and Lucio there was still the incessant anxiety in the back of his mind which truly reared its ugly head and turned into something more ferocious and cruel when he was alone at night. God, he was desperate to blow something up, to feel control over destruction and chaos. It was too damn fucking quiet here, he kept busy during the day, tinkering with something, making blueprints for bombs he couldn't make and repairing whatever needed fixing at the watchpoint. But the nights where the worst, he usually woke up sweating and panting from a vivid nightmare, shaking and so desperate to feel the sudden blast of heat and raw energy which he could create by simply pushing a button. One night he’d gone as far to ‘accidently’ rig a service bot to detonate with a teeny tiny explosion until Torbjorn caught him. He’d gotten a good whack with the hammer and spent the night sulking in holding with a headache which was only made worse by a stern lecture from Morrison. He knew he was asking for trouble and taking a risk but the quietness here, it was deafening. He spent his life jumping at every sound, always alert. If you didnt you wound up waking with a knife to your throat or ambushed for whatever supplies you. He had seen it happen more than he cared to think of. Since the exile, which was all Roadhogs fault, he had been on the move. Not staying in one place too long to have to get used to its noises, but here, at this base  It was so god damn still it unsettled him and finding a new outlet for his jittery energy was difficult to find. One particularly restless night he climbed onto the roof of one of the many buildings to smoke a rare cigarette and watch the stars only to be severely creeped out when he noticed the Omnic Zenyatta silently hovering near the cliffs. He had avoided that particular spot since. He hated that bot, even more than the Bastion unit with its dumb bird. This one could talk, and spoke like it had 

It was only a few days in when Junkrat had threatened to ‘update’ its circuits to something more explosive. The thing even had the audacity to 

 him back, making Junkrat take a ‘warning’ step towards it. That was the day he learnt what a sleep dart felt like. Pretty good actually, it was probably the best ten minutes nap he ever had but he didn't tell Ana that. He was starting to act out more and pushing his boundaries so slightly, he was just so bored and so desperate for a release for his ravaged emotions that bubbled furiously inside, like a fuse burning. The comparison made him giggle as he worked on some random bit of tech he suspected had no great purpose and was just to keep him busy. Torbjorn glanced towards him.

‘If that thing explodes boy I swear-!’ 

‘

! Chance would be a fine fucking thing..’ He muttered under his breath

‘What’s that?’

‘Nothing, nothing.’ He grinned to himself.

Torbjorn grumbled in reply and finished screwing a bolt into place on one of Reinhardts great gauntlets. Wiping his brow on his forearm he gave a huff before turning back to the sulking Junker.

‘Look boy, I know you're frustrated. Hell, you're making it obvious. That little stunt you pulled with the service droid damn nearly had Morrison lock you in a cell permanently-’

‘Brig thought it was funny.’

‘My daughter thinks making one of her million cats chasing a laser is funny. Lets not toot our own horn here.’ Torbjorn retorted back at him as he picked up a wrench and returned to his work. ‘My point is boy, we know this is hard on ya. Ain't easy on us. Overwatch suffered a lot in the last few years before it fell to pieces and this anti vigilante lark is no easier. I'm too old for this shit. I should be with my wife and kids but unfortunately one of them insists on being here. We all want to be home, living normal lives...well..whatever normal was for you anyway. Ya know the Doc was head of surgery at some fancy hospital? Now she's here waiting to patch us up with next to no supplies. So think about that before you end up getting blown up or impaled or-’

‘Whacked with a hammer?’

Torbjorn ignored him. ‘No one wants to be here, not really. Think Morrison wants to be here? After everything? Think the other kids want to fight terrorists and corrupted Omnics?’

‘Least they get to do shit. I've been stuck on this rock for weeks. I've travelled I have! Now i'm literally a rat in a cage.’

‘And It's gonna be a much smaller cage if you keep making trouble boy! And not everyone goes on missions. You don't hear Mei complaining do ya?’

Junkrat laughed, ‘Oh not if its complaining about me!’

‘Stop pissing her off then.’

‘Tell her to stop pissing me off! Acting so uptight and goody two shoes!’ He mocked her voice, ‘You can't be in here! You can't do that! You're being a jerk! Don't threatened my dumb bot ice maker!’

‘Ahh give the girl a break, she's been through alot.’

‘Yeah? Like what?’

‘Not my place to say boy. Now, make yerself useful and finish your work. I need to go to a briefing soon and if you keep your head down maybe I can convince Morrison to get you more involved.’

‘Aww starting to care about me old man?’

‘If caring means getting another hammer to the head then yes.’ 

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

As evening drew in across the base the senior members of Overwatch sat at the large briefing table. A holographic map of Bryansk and the area surrounding it in front of them, along with a video call of Zarya and Genji who were waiting patiently.

‘Zarya. What did you find out in the town?’ Asked Morrison.

Zarya looked to be in a small room, presumably from a safe house they had required on their mission, a large object was hidden under a winter coat upon her bed. Its size suggesting her huge graviton gun, she saluted before speaking. ‘Commander, the locals can confirm Reinhardts source. The Compound appears to be active again, the government apparently sold it to an building firm to renovate new homes but is a cover up of course.’

Morrison gave a small grunt in recognition. ‘Go on.’

‘I have been scouting the area for some time Commander.’ Reported Genji. ‘I see trucks enter then one or two days later they leave with an unmarked cargo. Three days ago an aircraft flew in bearing Talons insignia. From what I could see two men left the craft with an armed guard, they stayed a few hours then left again.’

‘Did you identify them?’ Asked Ana.

‘Negative Captain. I was unable to get close enough.’

‘What are we dealing with?’ asked Morrison.

‘A huge heavy duty steel gate and fencing surrounding the entire compound with barbed wire and automated turrets. Patrols of guards along the perimeter and surrounding area within a mile. Getting closer was no easy feat. All guards are armed and I have seen two Mechs, a model I have not seen before.’

‘Talon have the means to make their own.’ Said Winston.

‘How many guards?’

‘At Least thirty, human and Omnic but who can say how many are inside.’

Morrison grunted in response and frowned in thought. To his side Ana leaned forward, folding her hands on the table. ‘So..how do we tackle this?’ She asked the room.

‘You got a pattern on the guards rounds Genji?’ McCree asked.

‘The gates and fence are manned constantly’ The Ninja replied ‘But the perimeter checks are done at least every 4 hours which may give us a window of opportunity.’

‘And how will this be handled? Covertly or erm..with force?’ Enquired Winston. 

‘McCree laughed. ‘Aint no mission ever go quietly, you know that.’

‘Wishful thinking..’

‘Fact of the matter is whatever is being stored in there needs to be destroyed.’ Said Morrison as he turned his attention back to the screen. ‘ Thank you, you have both done good work. Remain where you are and keep vigilant until we contact you.’ Zayra saluted to the Commander and Genji nodded in acknowledgement as the screen cut out and disappeared. Morrison leant back in his chair and folded his arms and gave a low hum in though. ‘Perhaps a first wave quietly takes out the perimeter guard, we can try to bypass the security systems but this may require force if Athena cannot bypass it. Once in we confirm what's inside, get as much information as possible then level the place before reinforcements arrive.’

‘This sounds like a big operation Commander..we don't have the manpower like we used to. We are vastly outnumbered..’ Said Reinhardt

‘So we hit hard and hit fast.  We’ll have the element of surprise on our side.’ He responded and turned to Torbjorn.

‘What will you need to level that building?’

‘Oh is this me being nominated to go?’

‘You're our engineer. Engineer something to bring it down Lindholm.’

‘That's not my specialty Jack..’

Morrison waited for him to continue but Torbjorn just looked at him like he knew something he didn't. And then it clicked.

‘No. Absolutely out of the question.’

‘Oh c’mon Jack..utilize what little we have!’

‘He’s a liability!’

‘You wanted a way to destroy the place and I give you one, we can't have everything done by the rules anymore Commander.’

‘Give him half the chance he’ll bail on us with anything that's not tied down-!’

‘I agree with Torbjorn.’ Ana’s voice cut in.

Morrison stared at her incredulously. ‘You honestly think-?’

‘I think this will be a good opportunity to show faith on both sides, Jack. It's clear we need Fawkes particular talents here and in return he can put that relentless energy to good use.’

‘He's a loose cannon Amari, they both are!’

‘Rutledge more or less has kept to himself and has shown no signs of aggression towards anyone here, and despite being 

 more extrovert Fawkes has not done too much harm or damage around the base. Nowhere near as much as expected.’

Morrison shook his head, ‘He’s no agent, no training, probably doesn't even know the meaning of the word stealth..and above all else he needs a damn psych evaluation!’

‘That's not my field before you ask.’ Angela muttered under her breath.

Ana made a sound of annoyance. ‘Ealayk allaena Jack! We have no choice but to use whatever assets we have now.’

Winston shuffled awkwardly and cleared his throat. ‘I’m afraid I have to side with Commander Morrison. It's too early to even consider using him on the field. Besides, It gives Talon the opportunity to capture him.’

‘He lasted weeks being followed and was holding up pretty well until we got involved and I think his ‘career’ speaks for himself. I say take him.’ Said McCree.

‘His career is full of collateral damage and who knows how much blood on his hands.’ Jack said darkly. Ana narrowed her eyes at him.

‘And how much blood is on our hands? On yours?’ She leant forward and fixed him with a steel gaze. ‘Just how many people died when the headquarters exploded?’

The room was still, its occupants waiting on bated breath as Commander and Captain stared each other down. A muscle twitched in Jacks jaw as he fought against the wave of shame made worse by Anas intense gaze. He looked down and conceded and Ana sat back, her lips thin and slightly curled in contempt. Her voice was steady but none could deny the ice behind it. ‘All in favour of Fawkes joining the Bryansk mission?’ 

Torbjorn and McCree both raised their hands soon followed by Reinhardt, no other hands followed. 

‘Then it's settled. Fawkes is in. Me and Jack will plan the mission and everyone going will be notified in briefing, but I think it best if I tell Fawkes in private to prepare him.’ She looked around at her comrades. ‘Thank you all, dismissed.’ 

There was a quiet shuffling of chairs and movement as everyone but Ana and Jack left the tense room, neither said a word until they heard the soft thud of the doors closing.

Jack was the first to speak ‘Was that necessary?’

Ana sighed and shook her head slightly. ‘ That was..poorly timed and yes, badly worded. I am sorry.’ 

‘So am I Ana..’ His tone made her lean toward him and clasp his arm. Her voice was warmer. ‘I know my friend.’ She gave him a reassuring squeeze. ‘I know.’

‘You’re angry. I get it. We lost good men and women...and it's my fault.’

‘My point was Jack..none of us are clean. Take me for example, my husband won't take my calls and my daughter can barely look at me..’

‘I can barely look at myself Ana.’ 

‘One day you will. This road you're on Jack..you're not alone. We came back together, and we will see this out together. One day we will forgive ourselves.’

He placed his hand atop hers and they smiled at each other. ‘Besides’ Said Ana, ‘My eyepatch is much scarier to look at then your scars.’ Jack chuckled and stood up to leave. ‘Only when you take it off Amari, only when you take it off. I’m going to get some coffee, want some? We may be here awhile.’

She smiled up at him ‘Tea if you don't mind Jack.’

‘Sure..and Ana? Thanks.’

‘Anytime my friend.’

And as he disappeared from view the smile slowly faded from her face.

[quirkykayleetam]

Not Who You Made Me to Be

Self-Sacrifice + Discovered Immortality requested by @whump-tr0pes

Post-Apocalyptic Corporate cyborg setting selected by me. 

See tags for trigger warnings.  Gore is a thing that happens.  Defense of fanfic as a human beauty completely endorsed by the author.  Interpretations of the romance as queer are welcomed and appreciated.

It was the end, the resistance’s final stand.

They wouldn’t win.  They couldn’t.  That much was clear when the sun rose to the literal army of abominations ahead of them.  Created by madness and corporate greed, these mixtures of machine and flesh had no free will.  They only did what they were programmed to do.  And now, they were programmed to kill.

They did not feel fear.  Handmade flamethrowers that had at least given the first wave paused didn’t slow these beasts.  They leapt forward on paws and legs and distorted feet.

They did not feel pain.  The enemy scientists had found a way to block their neurotransmitters so they did nothing but obey.  Where our soldiers fell to knee shots and blood loss, theirs’ continued forward.

Still, the last of humanity fought on.  They used all their ingenuity, their creativity, their community, everything that couldn’t be made in a lab to strike back against those who would take that away.  Whole units fell as distractions so children could make it away in cloaked underground tunnels, their minds filled with memories of stories and art and the determination to make beauty wherever they went.  Once elders asked us what was worth saving.  Charles Dickens?  The Mona Lisa?  Harry Potter?  Fan Fiction?

The resistance responded with one voice: Everything.

I watched our leader.  She was beautiful.  Her Black braids waved in the sunlight as she shouted orders from the front lines.  She knew her job wasn’t solely to fight; it was to be seen.  She’d become a symbol of hope and while that weighed on her in quiet moments where she felt she could be herself again and not just a banner on a battlefield, she accepted that responsibility.  As long as she was standing, she knew people behind her would fight.  They would not give up.

The day was long and bloody.  My vision blurred with tears and smoke as I helped burn the bodies of our fallen.  This wasn’t something that could wait.  If we lost, we knew they’d turn our corpses into their next experiments and we  vowed to prevent that.  Our friends deserved better.

There wasn’t much else I could do.  Lame from birth and half deaf, I couldn’t keep up with the fighters.  I couldn’t hear orders if they were shouted from my left side or hear approaching enemies if they came at me that way.  That was why the corporations didn’t want me.  They’d marked me for scrap before the resistance saved me.  

They handed me seeds and precious books, knitting needles and cooking knives.  They learned I had an eidetic memory and set me to making maps and portraits and art.  Some things were for tactical use.  Some things were to remember people.  Some things we made because they brought out the best in us.  They were beautiful.

“No one is worthless,” they told me, “And even if they were, we’d stand together just the same.”

It seemed strange that I was there when we accomplished our final objective:  We cornered their head scientist in his lab.  We hoped that if we destroyed his research, his schematics we could at least slow their innovations and give us time.

Our leader was there.  Even if we didn’t survive, we wanted memories and pictures of her confronting the man, giving our arguments for the importance of humanity.

Then something went wrong.

A machine exploded.  Shrapnel shredded the room, the largest piece headed for our leader’s heart.

I didn’t think.  I just jumped.

The floor was already slick with blood and oil when I hit it.  From my good ear, I could our leader, my leader calling out my name.  The metal pierced my stomach.  I breathed wretchedly through the pain, knowing that was one of the worst ways to die.  At least it was worth it.  She was safe.  I loved her and she was safe.

Her hands lifted my head.  They were warm and calloused.  I could see the tears in her eyes and I loved her all the more for that.  She ripped the scrap from my belly.  I cried out in anticipation of more pain, more spurting blood, but it never happened.  We stared.

There were synthetic tubes where my intestines should have been.  They were ripped, spilling fluid, but already trying to repair themselves.  I was hurt.  I was hurting.  But I wasn’t dying.  I was just broken.

Another voice reached my ears.

“No!” the scientist howled.  “You!  You were supposed to be my greatest creation!  A human so lifelike even humans couldn’t tell you apart.”

“Why?” I whispered.  Then louder.  “Why?!”

“Ah, the switch!  Here, I have it.  One flip and you’d be one of mine again.  Think of it?  The moment of you little revolution’s greatest triumph and you’d be cut down by one of your own, exactly what you were trying to protect.  It would prove you all useless.  It would prove you all wrong!”

His wrinkled hands fluttered to the switch.  He flipped it once.  Then again.  Over and over, the red light going on and off as he pointed it at me.

I could feel something.  Something cold unfurled in the belly he had wounded.  It was stark and plain.  It spoke of painless unfeeling and worryless obedience.

But I also felt my love’s hands in my hair.  I saw the golden halo that ringed around her irises.  I felt her heart speed up as she tried to process what had happened.  I heard her voice crack as she whispered my name.  And that seemed far, far more important.

With her help, I struggled to stand.  Blood and oil seeped out of me and in the low light of the laboratory, they both seemed the same.

“I am not who you made me to be,” I said.  

I turned to my people.  We turned to go.