#i asked her if i could see a reference to the transfer and she left me on read

[pilonciillo]

lol didn’t think someone giving money would give me anxiety

[kaciidubs]

A-B-C

✧ Summary: Secret baby questions and lazy Sunday afternoons, you wouldn't have it any other way. ✧  ✧ Word Count: 659 ✧ Warnings: Slice of life, fluff, mention of Bubble, pregnancy, Chris is a lovable goofball ✧  ✧ Female! Reader [No use of Y/N] | You/Your pronouns ✧  ✧ Additional Tags: Chan is referred to as Chris, and Fiance, Reader is referred to as Fiancee, this could be faintly related to Confiscated, so take that as you will, lightly edited ✧ Stray Kids Masterlist ✧ General Masterlist

| How did you learn the ABC song?

Pursing your lips, you peeked above the top of your phone to stare at the man sitting on the opposite end of the couch, his left hand gently massaging your left ankle as his thumb slid across the screen of his phone.

“Chris, you did not just ask Stays that question.”

His movements stopped, though you could see the bashful smile fighting its way onto his face despite his best efforts of pretending he didn’t hear you.

“Christopher.”

The playful warning in your voice was enough to make him give up the charade as he looked over at you, embarrassed laughter tumbling from him as his eyes creased into half moons.

“What? I’m just trying to get a bigger scope on this to see if there’s actually a huge difference in these things!”

You had just barely crossed over into the third month of your pregnancy, and with that came the casual, increased conversations of your own respective childhoods and what things you would like to incorporate into raising your own little bean. From family traditions and religions, to stances on co-sleeping and methods of potty training, there was almost nothing the two of you haven’t gone over since those two blue lines came into your life.

“Also,” Chris crossed his arms over his chest, peering at you with a raised eyebrow, “why do you still have my bubble?”

It was now your turn to laugh, before reigning it in enough to muster up a dramatic gasp.

“Is it such a crime to want to support my fiance’s career?”

“It is when my fiancee not only pays for my bubble, but my friend’s bubbles, too – as if she’s not already in a group chat with them where they can actually reply directly to her.”

You hummed, nodding and pursing your lips, “Or, you just don’t want me to catch you asking secret baby questions to Stays!”

The dramatics now transferred to him, his hand flying to his chest as his jaw dropped, “Secret baby questions?! Me?! I would never! I’m just having a conversation with Stays that somehow also relates to one we had a few minutes ago – I think that’s more ironic than anything.”

There was a beat of silence as you stared at him, and him back at you, until you both broke out into a fit of laughter; the sounds of your combined silliness bouncing off the living room walls and dancing in the air in notes not even the finest symphony could recreate. 

As your laughter simmered into breathless giggles, you watched as Chris wiped tears from his eyes — still in the clutches of the Sunday sillies — and let out a small, happy sigh.

That was the man you opened your heart to, the man who showed you in more ways than one that he would do everything in his power to make sure you felt loved and safe, the man who got down on one knee and thanked you for everything you brought into his life, and the man who subsequently cried when you gave him the wrapped pregnancy test a minute later — the greatest gift exchange either of you could have ever had.

“I love you.”

His glimmering eyes found yours, and whatever remnants of unbridled joy morphed into something warmer, softer, and inexplicably yours.

“I love you, too,” Chris smiled, his dimple pulling at his cheek as his gaze flicked down to the small bump underneath the wrinkles of your t-shirt. “The both of you.”

Blowing him a kiss, you both settled back into your own little worlds with ease; your phone in your hand and his in his own, his left hand massaging your ankle as if nothing had changed — even when you shook with barely contained laughter as yet another Bubble message popped onto your screen.

| I know it as… A B C D E F G H I J K ellemeno P

✧. ┊Tagged lovelies: @having-an-internal-crisis-rn, @midnightfrog625, @anyhow-everything, @bangchanbabygirlx, @sweetracha, @nightimescapes, @caitlyn98s, @ch4nn13luv, @ihrtlix, @jeonjungkookenthusiast1997, @maximumkillshot, @y-ur--i, @acker-night, @dreamescapeswriting, @specialstay, @s00buwu, @tinyelfperson, @jj-stay, @katsukis1wife, @inlovewithmusician, @keen-li, @armystay89, @main-character0, @vampcharxter, @ddyskz, @prettymiye0n, @bbgnyx, @bahng-chrizz, @milknhoneyracha, @hann1bee, @palindrome969, @newhope8, @kpopsstuffs, @starquokka, @wolfs-howling, @laylasbunbunny, @4-chan-inpadella, @butterflydemons, @kimahreummm, @ta3baee, @bethanysnow, @skz-smut-reader

✧. ┊If your username is in bold italics that means tumblr won't let me tag you. If you’d like to be added to the taglist, fill out this form!

[sylusjinwoon]

{ 162 }

moonlight.

jinwoo sung x fem.reader

sung jinwoo walked into the hunter association building for a scheduled meeting with the chairman. while taking casual strides into the building, he let out a yawn. jinwoo believed that nothing out of the ordinary would happen today-

only to be proven wrong the moment he opens the double doors to the conference room as a sudden weight was felt shoved against his chest.

had jinwoo been any normal man, he would have quickly been toppled over. but thanks to the newfound poise he had gained since becoming an s-rank, jinwoo manages to steady himself while keeping an arm around the stranger’s form.

“whoa, be careful.” his voice was gentle and not at all spoken in a manner that was meant to be like a scolding. yet still, he hears the gasp and looks down-

only to be met with someone unfamiliar-

only to be met with you.

your eyes widen with surprise with your lips halfway parted. incoherent sputtering were all he could hear when you back away from him. clearly sensing your embarrassment and discomfort, jinwoo lets go of you while keeping a hand shoved into the pockets of his coat, grey eyes shining with mirth for you.

“sorry for bumping into you, moonlight! i’ll be more careful next time!”

now this was interesting.

never before had he been referred to by such a nickname before.

moonlight?

he replays the word you had uttered in your panicked state over and over again before deciding that he liked it.

ready to say something to you, he was given little time to react when you suddenly bowed down to him, “sorry, but i’m late for a very important mission!”

you end up stepping off to the side, running past jinwoo as the young hunter was left staring off at you with pure amusement in his eyes.

“ah, hunter sung jinwoo! it’s nice to see you again, come on in, there’s a few things i’d like to discuss with you.” chairman go gunhee greets him with a hearty laugh.

despite his reluctance to look away from you, jinwoo enters the conference room with chairman go. during the meeting, the chairman spoke about the hundreds of sponsorship offers he had received for ahjin guild, yet as jinwoo poured over the paperwork, not a single one of those offers stood out to him. clearly, he had you other things on his mind.

why would i need any of these deals when the system provides me with far superior weapons?

jinwoo was dimly aware of the chairman letting out a sigh before saying a name he had never heard of before.

“excuse me?” jinwoo looks up expectantly to see a smile painted on the chairman’s features.

“that’s the name of the new healer that ran into you just now. she gets a bit scatterbrained when she’s nervous, but the young woman has a good heart. ever since ms. joohee lee retired, i have seen her transfer and appearance at our association as a blessing.”

jinwoo winces at the mention of joohee, recalling back their last meeting together when she announced her retirement to him. perhaps he should figure out her address and mail a gift to her?

but chairman go’s next words was what ultimately breaks him out of his reveries, making jinwoo do a double take, “today was her first raid.”

knowing that it was your first raid fills jinwoo with a strange discomfort, his chest tightening as the urge to protect you fills his veins. “you sent her off without me?”

the chairman gives him a confused expression, “i assure you, hunter sung, that this is a low level gate; a mere c-rank. the woman is a certified a-rank healer, and i’m certain she can handle healing her comrades.”

jinwoo’s heart suddenly began to stop just then, being filled with fear as he had flashbacks pertaining to the cartenon temple-

the same double dungeon that had killed him before deciding to choose him as the system’s player.

without even thinking about it, he looks towards the exit and asks for the exact location of where the c-level gate had spawned. chairman go lets out a sigh, collecting all of the documents together into one neat pile before answering him.

“it’s in the middle of the city, you wouldn’t miss it, hunter sung.”

jinwoo thanks the chairman before making a mad dash out of the association’s building and into the busy streets of the city. as he ran, he was able to sense the gate’s power quickly dwindling as it seemed to be on the cusp of disappearing.

hm? that’s strange; is the raid already over?

within the next few minutes, jinwoo arrives at the location where the gate had supposedly been, being filled with a relief when he saw a group of hunters and you in the midst of the crowd. they each call out your name, giving you a thumbs up while expressing their gratitude towards you and your healing abilities.

in return, your expression was sheepish, and a little embarrassed, waving to your comrades as they each returned home for the day. your hand was still kept in an upright position when you finally noticed him standing a few feet away from you with a lazy smile on his face.

you appeared to be flustered now, hands now gripping on tightly to your satchel as you attempted to run away from him by going in the opposite direction-

lucky for jinwoo, he was fast enough, already able to cut off your escape as he appears directly in front of you, eyes glowing a faint hue as his lips were turned up in a smile.

“why did you start running right after seeing me?” jinwoo made sure his voice was soothing and smooth so as to not scare you away. he could see the way your eyes darted everywhere else but at him, cheeks seeming to warm up in response to his question.

“u-uhm, well, it’s because i had run into you earlier and uhm-“

“you had called me moonlight, right?”

it seems he had nailed it, for your expression became even more panicked as you tried to take several steps away from him. but jinwoo, still filled with amusement and joy, was simply having too much fun to let you go.

“come on, there’s no need to look so panicked. your nickname for me actually intrigued me a lot.” he keeps a hand behind your back, preventing you from moving away from him.

“i’m just curious about your nickname for me, that’s all.”

jinwoo had to fight back the grin and chuckle that threatens to escape from his lips (he physically had to purse them in response to your flustered state.)

“uhm, well, that i-is…” you kept stuttering the tiniest bit, even fanning your face in response before setting the palm of your hands against your heated cheeks. “i’m sorry, i’d rather not say, hunter sung.”

jinwoo didn’t like how stifling his title sounded against your pretty, parted lips, making him sigh as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

after all, he would much rather be your moonlight.

“come on, let’s celebrate.” he decides to change the subject then in hopes of getting you to relax around him.

“huh? what? did you say celebrate?”

not even giving you a chance to reject him, he places a hand behind your back while leading you into the city.

“wait… where are you taking me?”

“out to eat at this steakhouse as celebration for your first successful raid.” jinwoo admits to you with a wink and a grin, making you even more flustered in response.

“oh, there’s no need! besides, i’m a little sweaty a-and-“

“don’t worry about it; it’s more of a casual dining experience, and i’m certain no one will be opposed to a healer like yourself dining at their establishment.”

you were ready to protest once more when jinwoo could detect a low, grumbling sound coming from your stomach. a cheeky grin was felt spreading when he looks down at your abdomen. unable to meet his gaze, you fold your arms across your chest, “okay, f-fine! i’ll join you for dinner…”

knowing he had won, jinwoo takes a hold of your hand in his, weaving across the city with a bright smile on his face when he takes you to the restaurant. upon arrival, he felt a little disheartened to see how busy it was, but when the hostess saw him, he was immediately offered a private table near the back of the restaurant.

“hm, i guess it pays off to be an s-rank…” once they were both seated, jinwoo takes a look at the menu while offering you the basket of warm rolls with butter for you to munch on to help with easing your hunger. losing all of your prior shyness now, you take two rolls and place them on your plate, spreading the butter on it before taking a bite. basking in your eager moans as you ate, jinwoo couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle in response.

“is there anything in particular that you’d like to order?”

between bites of your rolls, you shake your head before swallowing. “n-no, i don’t mind having what you’re having…”

jinwoo hums in response, collecting both of the menus when the waiter comes by to take his order.

“we’ll have two 16 ounce steaks cooked medium rare please.”

the waiter nods and writes down the order, “and what would you like to drink?”

“red wine and two waters.”

the waiter then takes the menu while smiling, “got it. it will be out soon, sir.”

jinwoo was finally left alone with you, seeing the basket of rolls already half empty as you worked on what he assumed was your last roll. he smiles at you before taking a roll himself, “do you feel better now?”

“oh, yes! ah, sorry if i looked like a pig, scarfing down all that buttery bread.” you had a sheepish expression on your face now, scratching the back of your head while letting out a nervous giggle.

jinwoo shakes his head in response, “there’s no need to apologize, pig out all you want. you can always be yourself around me.”

he listens to the way you proceed to swallow thickly, not quite brave enough to meet his gaze when you thanked him. humming in response, jinwoo also starts enjoying the dinner rolls while making small talk with you, wishing to get to know you better as you both waited for your food to arrive.

and truly, jinwoo did not hold back with his questions that were strangely intimate.

were you seeing anyone at the moment?

what was your last relationship like?

what was your childhood like?

do you have any siblings? if so, are you the eldest, middle, or youngest child?

when did you awaken your powers as a healer?

what is your…

favorite food-

favorite color-

favorite song?

the moment his questioning ceased was when their food finally arrived, as two large plates steaks with mashed potatoes and broccoli were placed before them.

“well, dig in. and don’t be shy, i know you still must be starving, especially after your first raid.” jinwoo had to make sure to reassure you as he could see the way your mouth was practically salivating at the food.

“t-thank you so much!” picking up your knife and fork, you began cutting into the juicy and tender piece of steak, placing the morsel within your mouth as you let out a happy moan in response.

“delicious!”

jinwoo was filled with utter delight as he watched you eating your meal, taking casual bites of his own food, but never once straying his gaze too far away from you. you continue eating in silence, not saying a word as it was clear that you wanted to savor this meal to its fullest.

you and jinwoo continued to eat in a comfortable silence for the next hour, with jinwoo letting out a whistle at your own, empty plate. “wow, that’s pretty amazing. i thought i was the only one who could polish off this meal.”

you were in the middle of taking gulps of your iced water, setting down your glass before wiping at your lips, “sorry, it was so good… and i guess i was pretty hungry. i had skipped lunch earlier because i was so nervous about my first raid.”

“that’s understandable.” jinwoo nods while taking sips of his red wine. “just… don’t skip meals ever again, okay? your body needs it- especially now that you’re a healer.”

you nod in agreement while giving him a smile. “thank you, i’ll definitely keep that in mind… hunter sung.”

“jinwoo.” he ends up correcting you with a sigh. if you weren’t going to call him moonlight again, then he would much rather you refer to him by his first name.

“ah, what…? you’re giving me permission to call you by your first name?”

“yes.”

jinwoo leans back against his seat with his arms crossed over his chest, “is that a problem?”

you shake your head while clearing your throat, “n-no, it’s no problem at all! if that’s the case, then you may call me by my first name, too.”

when the waiter returns, he asks if you or jinwoo would like dessert, but you both shake your head at the offer. jinwoo gives the waiter his card, paying for both of the meals, which earned another smile from you.

with the dinner date completed, jinwoo places his card back within his wallet, pocketing it before casually walking beside you. you were playing with the straps of your satchel, mouth opening and closing, like you wanted to say something to him.

“the reason i called you moonlight was because your radiance is as gentle as the moon.”

your sudden words makes jinwoo stops in his tracks, feeling his heart begin to pound when he heard that nickname again-

moonlight.

his attention was fully on you now, facing you completely as he rests both of his hands within the pocket of his coat. you did not meet his gaze, clearly embarrassed as you forced yourself to tell him the truth.

“i spent some time perfecting my healing abilities because i held a deep admiration for you… you were achingly beautiful to me, jinwoo… you filled my life with such motivation and light- however, your presence and beauty wasn’t harsh like looking up at the sun, shining so brightly that it may blind me.”

you take another moment to yourself before finally meeting his gaze, eyes shining with a look akin to adoration for him.

“no, instead, your brilliance was more like that of the moon. your gentle rays was like a beacon for me… that’s why, you’re my moonlight.”

once you had finished your explanation, jinwoo felt as though his heart was floating in response. never before had such unbidden happiness filled his veins, the feeling becoming so potent that he had to take a step closer to you.

“oh? that’s why you called me moonlight?” he asks with another grin spreading across his handsome features.

“ah, yes. in my rush… i didn’t want to say your name and my secret nickname for you kind of slipped…?” you admit with a bit of a tremor in your voice.

his rich chuckle was heard echoing into the night air when he leans down, placing a hand on your chin while admitting, “to be honest, i’m glad that your secret nickname for me slipped.”

he hums a bit while brushing the tip of his nose against your forehead. you end up clinging to the front of his coat while shakily calling out to him.

“please, refer to me as your moonlight from now on.” jinwoo gives you a soft smile, taking your hand in his while pressing a kiss against the back of it.

“i can be your moonlight, and you can be my love. how does that sound?”

he basks in the way your smile widens in response to his proposition, giving him an eager nod before wrapping your arms around his neck.

“that sounds perfect to me, moonlight.”

and when he finally leans down to press his lips against yours, it was a sensation jinwoo knew that he would never once forget for the rest of his life.

a.n. - i’ve had this daydream stewing in my head for a while now, and finally decided to write it all down in a more coherent story ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡ i wanted to post this real quick before spending the following weeks doing research with my professor, so please do enjoy!

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[maxillness]

🇪🇸 || Sugar Daddy || FA14 x Reader

Warnings: 18+, unprotected sex, sugardaddy!nando, age gap, degrading kink, praise kink, Nando’s being referred to as a naughty boy🤭, hair pulling, marking up, kitchen sex, no foreplay (I’m so sorry)

Wordcount: 0.9k

She woke up, her whole body aching. She was laid naked on her chest, the sheets barely covering her

She blinked her eyes open before standing on the floor. She put on some panties and took his discarded shirt from the floor to pull over her.

She yawned as she walked into the Kitchen “Smells amazing” She said hugging Fernando from behind as he stood by the stove and cooked breakfast

“Thank you, corazon. Your gift’s on the table” She could hear his smile in his voice

Her head turned towards the table seeing her gifts. It had become a thing that, when they had fucked the night prior, he would always have gifts for her in the morning

“I love that I have to fuck your brains out so I’ll get presents in the morning” She walked over to the table as he transferred the eggs and bacon to plates

“No, I give you presents so you’ll fuck me” His hands placed on her hips as she opened the smallest one of the two boxes

It was a pair of Gucci sunglasses “It’s beginning to be summer, and I remember how you broke yours last year”

“Thank you, baby” She took the other box closer to her. She opened to to be met with a black Prada bag

“I didn’t have an excuse for that one, I just thought you’d like it” She turned around to face him

“I love it. Thank you, mi amor” She pulled him in by his neck to kiss him tenderly “Did you already eat?” She asked she tasted bacon on his lips

“Just a little piece” He said, smiling as his lips found their way to her jaw and down to her neck and throat

“You couldn’t wait for me? You naughty boy” He groaned against her skin at her words. His hands gripped her hips tighter as she backed them up into the kitchen counter

She pulled his lips off of her by pulling at his hair. The new position of his head gave her access to add more marks to the ones she left the night prior

“Fuck. Don’t you think you’ve left marks enough, baby?” He whimpered when she sank her teeth into his skin

“Are you complaining about me marking you up, making sure every fucking girl knows you’re not available?” He could only whimper at her words, bucking his hips into her stomach “What? Already getting needy?”

“Fuck, yes. I want you so bad, please” His heavy breath had turned into soft moans as the new found friction

“How do you want me, baby?” Her hands traveled down under his shirt, her hands roaming on his abdomen

No answer left his mouth. This was usual when he wanted her the way he wanted her right now “Oh, I see. You want me bend over the counter, don’t you?” He nodded “Naughty boy”

“Fuck. Yes, baby. I want to fuck you over the counter, please” He whimpered as her nails scraped his skin

“God, you’re such a naughty fucking boy” She said as his hands roamed her waist and abdomen

“Fuck, please. I want you to fuck me so bad” He whined, yet again bucking his hips into her stomach

“Take it fucking easy, Nando. We got all fucking day”

“I cannot fucking wait” His voice was needy and just below a whisper

“Then fucking bend me over, corazon” Her voice was dominant, and without hesitation, he turned them around so her front was against the counter top and his hardon was pressed against her ass

She looked over her shoulder. She bit her bottom lip and her eyes lingering on his hands which were working on his belt and zipper

“God, Nando. You’re slow when you’re needy” She chuckled as he finally got his cock out of his boxers

He pumped himself a few times before lifting her shirt up to her waist and pulled her panties to the side. They both moaned when he drew the tip of his cock through her wet folds

They both moaned louder as he pushed himself into her cunt, leaving just the tip in. He finally pushed all the way in

He started found at a slow pace, holding her hips. As he sped up so did their moans, getting louder and heavier

His hand gripped her hips tighter, slamming her back onto his cock. On of his hands went down to her cunt, starting to circle her clit

His action made her clench around him, sending him closer to his orgasm. The whole house was filled with their moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin

“Fuck, Nando. You fill me up so good, baby” She praised him “Making me feel so good” She could feel him twitch inside her as she spoke

“Fuck, corazon, I’m- fuck. I’m close” His thrusts were starting to get sloppy and his motions on her clit was getting out of rhythm

“Fucking cum for me, baby” Her words sent him over the edge and she soon followed. His hands shook as they went up and down her sides

He slipped out of her so they could gather themself and get their clothes properly on again

“I think our food is cold enough to eat now” She smirked kissing his cheek making him chuckle

“I think so too, corazon” He said as they sat down at the table to eat

[ningningsdream]

expensive friendship | part thirteen: match of the century...or not?

main masterlist | ef masterlist

pairing: art major!fem reader x rich kid!chenle

genre: college/university au, social media au (some written parts), fluff, angst, slow burn(ish)

summary: your mysterious aura makes you the talk of the school as a new transfer, and chenle is intrigued to see if what people say about you is real. or in which, chenle pays you to hang out with him.

FRIDAY NIGHT

"do i look like a SMU student?", julie asked jaemin and you, striking three poses to show off the university jacket and cap that she stole from your closet for the night.

"jul, even SMU students don't look like that...", jaemin told her, making you hide your laugh as julie started pouting.

"don't be sad, babe, jaemin's just jealous he's too buff to fit in my jacket.", you said, wrapping your arm around your best friend's shoulders.

"yes, i am! it's unfair she's the only one that gets to wear your stuff.", it was jaemin’s turn to cross his arms and pout like a toddler.

"nana, i'm going to hold your hand when i say this.", you grabbed his hand with both of yours, looking at him directly in the eyes, "since you started going to the gym, you're twice as large as you used to be. you won’t fit in any of my clothes anymore."

"come to the gym with me then !", he exclaimed, raising both of his arms up.

"that's your solution??", julie replied.

"why not?!"

"gosh, i do miss mark during these moments...", you sighed, making your way into the gymnasium with your two arguing friends behind you.

once you walked through the big doors, the mood switched right away. outside, the moon was already shining bright in the sky, as multiple cars were driving around the parking lot to find a spot, but once you entered the gymnasium, the lights were so bright it took you a few minutes to get used to them. there were cheerleaders chanting to support their respective teams, some music playing in the background and a lot of people talking and moving around to find their friends. you walked a little further in the place while looking around in search of a familiar face or an empty spot.

on one of the first bleachers around the court, renjun's eyes caught the familiar figure he was waiting for, at the entrance. raising his hands in the air, renjun waved exitedly so you could see him. seeing your gaze stop on him as you started getting closer, he dropped his arms and told his friend, "y/n's coming."

"hey renjun!", you greeted.

"hey, y/n, glad you could make it.", renjun smiled.

"it's not like i had plans anyway.", you shrugged, "this is jaemin, and you already know julie."

"and this is jeno.", renjun introduced the dark haired muscular guy next to him.

"you're the tiny bald and the eyelashes bald, right?", jeno said, referring to the flattering drawings you made of your friends.

"that's us. the bald streamer couldn't be here tonight because he had to stream and the bald producer is coming a little later.", after jaemin's answer everyone bursted out laughing except you.

"i'm gonna regret bringing you, aren't i?", you said to your two friends.

a loud sound coming from the gymnasium speakers caught everyone attention and, a man's voice started speaking, "good evening, everyone! tonight, we have the pleasure to welcome the basketball team from hybe university for a match against our school's team. lots of warm applause for the supersonics !"

loud cheers and applauses errupted as a line of players entered the gynasium from the left side.

"supersonics?", you repeated out loud.

"they're really fast.", jeno explained next to you.

"and now, let's welcome our beloved team, the golden feathers !"

you clapped and cheered louder than you did for the other team as the players from your school entered from the right.

"the golden feathers? really?"

"it's because they can jump so high that it looks like they're as light as feathers.", jeno was the one to explain it to you once again.

"honestly, the other team's name sounds better.", you admitted in a whisper.

"i agree, but don't tell chenle.", jeno whispered back to you.

chenle stood next to jisung with a proud and excited smile. he was waiting for this match for ages. his eyes scanned the crowd, gaze landing on the usual spot where his friends sat and when he recognized you, his smile unknowingly grew a little more and he was determined to do even better.

a/n: i will probably not update this for a week or two so i can write some parts for the next updates 😭 my life is so busy these days im sorry 😭😭

[taglist: @spacejip @injvns @belleilichil @dearlyminhyung @t-102 @champagne1221 @jae-n0 @nahyuckers @dorritoni @renjunoya @winwintea @defzcl @mxnhoeuwu @myfavoritedelusion @usahanami @chenlesfeetpic]

prev next

[wrestlersownmyheart]

"Yeet Of Fate" Chapter 5 (Jey Uso X Female Reader)

Title: Yeet Of Fate Pairing: Jey Uso X Reader Summary: When you, an aspiring author, decide to take your skills to the world of wrestling, you decide to shadow and tag along with a couple of wrestlers to learn more about the sport for your upcoming book debut. None other than the Royal Rumble winner, Jey Uso, is the male wrestler you will be working with, and needless to say, that makes you nervous. You tell yourself, things will stay platonic. You tell yourself that…

Jey Uso is at the top of his game, the last thing he needs is a fan trailing around after him and fan girling all over the place. He wants to do his job, bask in the glory of it and call it a day. Not have to answer questions all day long from a wannabe writer. That's how he feels, until he meets Y/N face to face. She isn't what he expected. And he doesn't like to be wrong. As beautiful as she is… He will keep things platonic. He tells himself that…

Disclaimers: I own nothing or anyone associated or affiliated with WWE. I own only the original characters. This is just a fictional story that came from my imagination. Content/Trigger Warnings:

NOTE: Sorry for all the old song references in this story, lol. I'm not big on the newer music (the last thing new I listened to was probably about 2015 at the latest, lol) I'm more a fan of the music of my youth.

Chapter 5

You were slipping your dress over your hips and pulling it up to put your arms through the spaghetti-straps when you heard a knock at your door.

"It can't be Jey already," you thought out loud. "I'm not even fully dressed yet!"

You hurried to the door and looked out the peephole. It was Rhea, Nattie and Naomi. Smiling, you opened the door and let them in.

"You ladies are here just in time. Can you help me with the zipper and corset?"

"Of course," Rhea exclaimed, she turned you around and zipped the zipper while Naomi began lacing the corset.

"Are you nervous," Nattie asked, straightening at the front of your dress while Naomi cinched up your corset in the back.

"Yes, absolutely," you replied. "What if Jay shows up in bright pink or something? We'll totally clash!" You joked.

The women laughed. "Oh, you will like what Jey's wearing, trust me," Naomi said, tying a knot in your corset so it would stay put.

"Does he look really good," you asked, a flush staining your cheeks.

"Well, since my husband is his identical twin, yes, he looks really good."

"Oh, gosh, now I'm really nervous!"

"Don't be. You look beautiful and he's going to die when he sees you," Nattie exclaimed.

Your dress was properly fitted to you so you walked into the bathroom and looked in the large mirror as Rhea began applying the tattoo-covering makeup she'd brought, to your neck. She finished in minutes, and locked it in with a loose-powder and some One/Size On 'Til Dawn setting spray.

"That stuff isn't budging," she grinned. "Even if Jey decides to land a hickey or two."

You flushed at the thought, but smiled. "I wouldn't object to that."

All the women squealed and patted you on the back.

"Girls, clearly our job is done. We've officially corrupted her!" Rhea exclaimed.

You all quietened down as a knock sounded at the door.

"Could you go let him in, guys? I need to do some finishing touches."

"Yes, you're lipstick, you haven't put any on yet. I think you should go with a nude lip if you plan to be kissing later," she advised.

"Oh, I have a transfer proof red lipstick I plan on wearing, actually. "It's budge proof."

Nattie smirked, and the women left the bathroom so you could finish getting ready, as well as to let Jey in.

"Hi, ladies," you heard Jey's voice as he walked into the living area. "You all look beautiful. But where is my date?"

"She'll be out in a few minutes," Rhea answered. "She is just finishing up. We'll be going so you guys can hang out or whatever before dinner."

While the women said goodbye to Jey, you carefully applied a red lip-liner and then the red lipstick. Next, you put on your jewelry and then lightly spritzed some Idôle by Lancome–your favorite fragrance. You hoped that Jey would like it too.

Giving yourself one last look in the mirror, making sure every hair was in place, you grabbed up your matching red clutch bag and left the bathroom. Jey was sitting on the sofa and when he heard the bathroom door open, you saw him stand to his feet and turn, looking at you.

He froze.

You smiled shyly, as he regained his senses and walked over to you.

Wordlessly, he took your hand and raised it above your head, slowly turning you around so he could see the entire dress.

He gave a low wolf whistle, and spoke softly. "You did good, Mama," he said. "The trick for me will be not getting you out of this dress by the end of tonight."

You blushed at his words and giggled. "Kinda like that song Justin Timberlake sang. Something about 'Gonna have you naked by the end of this song'?"

"Exactly," Jey replied, pulling you into his arms. "I'll try not to but I can't make any promises."

You giggled again and laid your head on his shoulder. "I'm dreading for my vacation to end. I thought I'd be excited about getting started on my book, and I am a bit–but I'm so enjoying my time with you."

His arms tightened around you. "I'm enjoying my time with you too."

"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know. We'll figure it out. Come on, let's not get into a downer of a discussion. Let's go eat and have some fun."

You nodded and followed him out of the room and down to the limo that was taking you to the BleauLive Theater.

But first, dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant on the strip.

Jey helped you into the limo and then took a seat next to you. Instantly, your hand was in his.

You rode in silence, mainly because everything you were going to was on the Strip. Your hotel, the restaurant, the ceremony, the event, everything. You were at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in no more than ten minutes.

Jey stepped out of the limo, took your hand and helped you out of the large vehicle. You both walked to the entrance and entered the elevators at the end of a hallway. You both rode up to the eleventh floor and a hostess greeted you both, and then led you to your reserved table. Said table was in front of the huge floor to ceiling windows and you had quite the view.

The server came up to you both and introduced herself as Jennifer, and took your drink orders.

"I'll have water," you replied.

"Same for me," Jey replied. "And if you have it, a chilled bottle of sparkling white grape juice."

You looked at him, and instantly knew by his demeanor that he remembered that you didn't drink alcohol.

He was so sweet!

"Thank you," you whispered, squeezing his hand affectionately.

He returned the squeeze and stared into your eyes.

"I'm curious, do you have anything tying you down to (your hometown)? Can you see yourself working at another library? What about your books? Could you write from somewhere else?"

"What do you mean," you asked, as the server brought your waters and bottle of sparkling grape juice. She also took your first course orders and got them started in the kitchen.

"Well…" Jey said, getting back to your conversation as he poured you each a champagne glass of sparkling juice, "Let's say theoretically speaking that you fell in love with someone. Would you be willing to leave everything behind for them and move somewhere, like, say, Tampa?"

"Tampa, huh?" You teased. "Why specifically Tampa?"

"Because that's where I live," he told you, matter of factly. "And I'm serious. Would you consider moving closer to me? Because I'm not near ready for this to be over, baby. It's barely even started–I haven't even kissed you yet, and well…two weeks with you just isn't going to be enough."

You thought for a long minute, staring into Jey's hopeful chocolate-colored eyes.

Would I, you wondered. It is so soon, but… You weren't ready for this–whatever this was–to be over, either. It would break your heart to leave Jey behind.

"Our chemistry is off the chain, Mama." He coaxed you. "We deserve to find out where it could lead."

"But… I'm just… I want to, but, what if it doesn't work out between us? Then I'd be in a new state with-"

"With friends who care about you even if we did break up," Jey finished for you. "But I wouldn't have suggested you moving to Tampa if I wasn't sure we'd work out, Y/N."

You thought again. It didn't take you much longer to come up with an answer.

"Okay," you said, with a nervous smile. "I'd love to live nearer to you."

He flashed a megawatt smile at you and nodded. "I'm glad."

Your first courses arrived and you daintily sipped at your lobster bisque. "Oh my goodness! This is delicious! Want to try a sip," you asked.

Jey nodded and smiled, "Yeah, Mama, I'd love to."

You carefully spooned up a sip and slowly brought the utensil to his mouth so as not to spill it everywhere. He took the spoon into his mouth and savored the flavors that mingled on his tongue. "That is delicious," he admitted. "You want to try a bite of my shrimp cocktail?"

You nodded, and giggled when he held out a shrimp for you to taste. You took it in your mouth and bit into the luscious crustacean. "Mmm, so good!"

"Woman, the sounds you make are killin' me," Jey murmured, shaking his head. "I'm trying to be a gentleman tonight."

You giggled again, and took a sip of your soup.

You both continued to chat and eat your first courses. When you'd finished the dishes, the server came to you and collected the glass dishes after writing down your order for the main course–the entree.

"This is fun," you told him after Jennifer the server had disappeared. "I've never been to Las Vegas before."

"Oh, yeah? Why not?"

"I don't know. I did always want to see the big piece of the hull of the Titanic at the Luxor, but I just never got around to doing it. I was always so busy with work and trying to write in my free time."

"Well that's it," Jey said, "As soon as Mania is over, we'll go there and let you see it."

"Seriously," you asked, a dreamy look crossing your face.

"Of course, Mama! That look on your face alone would make me lasso the moon for ya if you wanted me to."

Jennifer returned with your entrees and you took a small bite of your Beef Wellington. The flavors literally burst on your tongue. Remembering what Jey said about the sounds you were making however, you tried to quieten your reaction.

"So, you're a Titanic buff, huh?"

"Yes, I love the ship. It was so majestic and beautiful and powerful and for it to have sunk on its maiden voyage really broke my heart. All the people lost, and it didn't have to happen."

"There is a Titanic exhibit in Orlando that allows you to actually touch a small piece of the hull. Would you like to do that?"

"Oh, my goodness! Really? I'd adore it, Jey! I can't even begin to imagine what that would feel like!"

"Well, we're doing it then. As soon as you get settled into Tampa. We'll make a trip to Orlando and go to the exhibit."

"Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation.

"You don't even have to try, Jey. I'm already more than halfway there."

"Woman, you can't say things like that to me in a public place! I'm liable to clear this table in a hurry and have you on it."

You felt your face burn, "And you can't say things like that to me in public, because I'm liable to take you up on it."

He stared at you for a long moment, "You and that mouth of yours…"

You smiled innocently, and took a sip of your sparkling grape juice.

The server once again returned to collect your plates and take your desert orders.

You both decided to split a creme brulée together. Jennifer went to put in the order and you scooted your chair closer to Jey's so you could each take bites of the desert a little easier.

Jey took your hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. You squeezed his hand in response.

And then Jennifer brought your creme brulée, and a couple of spoons.

Jey, the perfect gentleman, let you be the one to crack the surface of the decadent desert. You cracked the desert and took a spoon of it and brought it to Jey's mouth. He tasted the desert and groaned his pleasure at the taste. Then he took a spoon and scooped up a small bite of the desert and held it up to your mouth. You gently took the spoon in your mouth and tasted the buttery sweetness of the creme brulée. Forgetting about your sounds affecting Jey, you moaned softly around the spoon, as Jey slowly pulled it from your mouth.

You faintly heard him mutter, "Killin' me", and you giggled.

"Sorry, this is just really good."

You spent the rest of the time at the fancy restaurant finishing up the creme brulée with a little coffee.

Then you were going back down to the main floor, hitting the exit and getting back into your limo.

"I wish we could skip the ceremony and just go back to the hotel," Jey said, taking your hand in his. He wiggled his eye brows at you suggestively and you cracked up laughing.

"You can't skip it, Jey," you said. "It's important."

"I know. Just sayin'," he replied.

You chuckled, and squeezed his hand. "We'll have plenty of alone time after the ceremony and party."

Secretly, part of you wished you could skip the ceremony as well, but you knew Jey needed to be there as part of the WWE.

The limo pulled in front of the venue, and Jey got out and then helped you out as well. You immediately noticed the posh, red carpet that was laid out for the spectators to stroll in on. Jey kept hold of your hand and walked you into the BleauLive Theater. Flashbulbs immediately started going off all around you. Both media outlets, and fans were taking photos of you and Jey together.

"You ready for this?" Jey asked, looking back at you to make sure you were okay.

You nodded with a smile. "Yes."

You walked further down the red carpet and the photos got more intense.

"Jey, who are you with?" A girl called out.

"My woman," Jey answered back.

You flushed at hearing him call you his woman, and saw the look of jealousy cross the young woman's face. "I think you just broke her, Jey."

"Eh, she'll get over it," he chuckled.

"Still, a little more tact might be good," you told him.

After posing for a few more photos, you let Jey lead you into the auditorium and you sat down in your seats next to each other.

The three hour ceremony seemed to fly by. Before you knew it, Triple H was finishing up his acceptance speech, and the show was over.

"Beautiful ceremony," you commented, applauding the WWE Hall Of Fame Class of 2025.

Jey nodded, as he too clapped. "Yes, it was."

It was time to head to the LIV nightclub and attend the after party!

}i{}i{}i{}i{}i{

You walked into the club with Jey, hand-in-hand, and immediately you were dancing to the beat of a pop song you hadn't heard before. You didn't even recognize the artist, you were just excited to be there. And to be with Jey was the icing on the cake.

Jey danced around with you, making sure you stayed close to him–like really close. He held your hips in his hands as you both moved to the music. He clearly was sending the message that you were his, and no one was to try and move in on you.

The next song that came on was U Got It Bad by Usher. He immediately pulled your hips against his and you brought your arms up around his neck as you both swayed slowly to the music.

You got it, you got it bad When you're on the phone Hang up and you call right back You got it, you got it bad

If you miss a day without your friend, your whole life's off track Know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house You don't wanna have fun It's all you think about

You got it bad when you're out with someone But you keep on thinkin' 'bout somebody else You got it bad

Jey softly sang along to the music in your ear as you danced, and you smiled up at him.

"I think I do have it bad," you told him, running your hand down his neck and to his chest. You palmed the muscle beneath and sighed in contentment.

"I know I do." he replied, pulling you closer.

Jimmy and Naomi danced by you then. Naomi smiled and introduced you to her husband, and Jey's twin.

"So, you're the librarian I've heard so much about over the phone," Jimmy said, reaching out to shake your hand.

Jey rolled his eyes and laughed, "Come on, man."

"All good, I hope," you chuckled as you shook Jimmy's hand and then glanced up at Jey.

"Oh, yeah, for sure," Jimmy flashed a grin. "Nothing but good things coming out of his mouth about you." You chatted for a few more minutes with the twin and Naomi, and then they made their way to the drink bar, leaving you and Jey alone again. Well, as alone as you could be in the booming night club.

And that is how the party went. You danced a lot. Sometimes with the other women, but never with another man. You only had eyes for Jey.

The club started getting warm, so Jey proceeded to unbutton his dress shirt and pull it off, revealing a black tank top underneath.

"My, my, my," you uttered, eyeing his bare arms.

"Like what ya see, Mama?"

"You know I do," you replied.

"Well that makes two of us," he shot back, staring intently at you as you danced to another song you didn't recognize.

You felt your face burn, and Jey leaned down to your ear so you could hear him better. "You want something to drink?"

"Yes, please. A club soda on the rocks with-"

"With a slice of lime. Got it." He smiled and squeezed your hand before he left to get the drinks.

No sooner than he left you, someone touched your shoulder.

You turned to see who, and Gunther stood by you. "Can we talk? Dance?"

You glared at him, "You have a lot of nerve. Get away from me."

"So you've made your decision."

"I have. I like Jey's chances. Get. Away. From. Me."

Jey returned with your drink then.

"What do you think you are doing around her," he demanded. "I ought to beat you down right now for what you did to her."

You took his hand and tried to calm him. "It's okay, Jey. He was just leaving. Save it for tomorrow."

Jey stared Gunther down, until the younger man put his hands up as if to say, "Chill." And he backed away into the dancing crowd.

"You okay?" Jey asked, still staring after his soon-to-be opponent.

"I'm fine, don't worry. And remember you have to focus and fight for you tomorrow. Leave me out of it. That will only distract you."

"I promise, Mama."

You reached up and brushed your lips across his cheek, and he nearly flushed. It was the first time you'd actually kissed him and not the other way around. He looked at you then, leaned down to your ear. "You think we've put in enough of an appearance at this party?"

You nodded with a dreamy smile. "Yes, definitely."

With that, he took your hand and led you out of the club and straight for the limo.

He kept your hand in his the whole ride over to the hotel. It was as if he didn't want to lose contact with you for even a second.

Once you reached the hotel, he was pulling you out of the limo and leading you to the elevator, punching in the fifth floor button.

"Jey, slow down! I can't keep up!" you giggled.

Then you heard him mutter, "Screw it," and he lifted you up over his shoulder caveman style and carried you to your room. He slid the key card through the scanner and opened the door, all the while you were having a fit of the giggles.

"Jey, put me down!"

He got you inside the room, and set you down on your feet.

You playfully slugged his shoulder, "Don't do that again!"

You laughed, and Jey smiled, looking down at you, but quickly the smile faded, and he just looked you over. He reached up and traced his thumb over your bottom lip. "Tomorrow, after the match–after I win. I'm gonna kiss you, Mama."

"I hope so."

He made a growling sound in his throat, almost as if he was fighting off an inside battle within himself. "Woman…"

"Stay with me tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Can we just cuddle and sleep?"

"You don't have to do anything you're not ready to do," he told you, still sweeping his thumb along the swell of your lip.

"I'm ready, but just not tonight. I do want you to hold me until I go to sleep though."

"I can do that," he said, a teasing note in his voice. "Let me run to my room and grab a shower and put on something more comfortable."

You nodded, "I'll do the same. Can you untie my corset and unzip my dress before you go?"

He growled in his throat again, but did turn you around so he could reach your corset and zipper.

You felt the tugging as he untied your corset, and then heard the zip be let down next. ANd then he just stood there silently. You turned your head to look at him, and he was staring at your back. "You're beautiful, Y/N."

You swallowed hard. Normally you would've expected him to say "Mama", but he used your name instead. It was as if he wanted you to know how serious he was.

"Thank you," you replied, turning as you held your dress up to keep yourself covered, and kissed his cheek, the whiskers of his beard, tickling your mouth. "I find you quite attractive as well. Hurry back. Take the key card with you in case I'm still in the shower."

"'Still in the shower'? So should I join you if you are?"

"Behave."

Chuckling, Jey turned and left the room while you undressed and pinned your hair up in a bun so you wouldn't get it wet. Then you were showering and cleaning up. Once done, you dried off and put on your pastel pink nightgown. It had spaghetti straps , and part of the back was see-through lace.

Hoping Jey liked the gown, you walked to your windows in the room, and turned some music on your phone. Buttons by the Pussycat Dolls blared out and you looked out over the Strip. It was a gorgeous view. All the lights, you'd never seen anything like it before.

I'm telling you to loosen up my buttons, babe But you keep frontin', Sayin' what you gon' do to me But I ain't seen nothing

I'm telling you to loosen up my buttons, babe But you keep frontin', Sayin' what you gon' do to me But I ain't seen nothing

You swayed your hips to the music, trying to get into your sexy zone, when you heard the door to your room open, and then soft, muted footsteps across the lush carpeting. Tattooed arms went around you from behind.

You continued your seductive dance and Jey's arms tightened around you, his hand sliding across your stomach. He spun you around to face him and you brought your hands up to his broad shoulders, slid your hand down to his chest. Then you strutted a circle around him, trailing your fingers across his white tank top as you stepped to the music. You grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back toward the bed, urging him to sit down on the edge of it. Once he did, you pushed him on back, until he was laying on it, then you crawled up his form and arched your back as you rotated your hips on top of him.

"Well, Mama…" He groaned, taking hold of your waist. "Didn't know I was getting a lap dance."

"Neither did I," you chuckled. "Just go with it."

You pressed your body against his and trailed your lips up his neck to his chin. You licked the underside of his bottom lip and gave it a teasing, light kiss.

"Woman…" he growled. "Playin' with fire…"

"Am I?"

"That does it," he groaned, and flipped you onto your back. "You wanna play?"

"Maybe I do."

He pinned your wrists above your head just as Buttons ended and the seductive beat of Phil Collins In the Air Tonight began playing. Jey stared into your eyes as he held you in place. You didn't struggle or strain against him. You were loving every second of this game.

I can feel it coming in the air tonight Oh, Lord And I've been waiting for this moment, for all my life Oh, Lord

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight? Oh, Lord Oh, Lord

Jey leaned down and buried his nose into the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent. "Killin' me…" he muttered, trailing his lips across your neck, being careful to not hurt you. Now that you'd had a shower, your neck makeup was gone and he could see your bruises again. "He's gonna pay."

You freed your hands and placed them on either side of his face, making him look you in the eye. "Jey. Fight for you. Please."

"I will. But he's also going to pay for what he did to you."

"Just be careful. He told me that if I didn't hurt you, he would."

"You chose to not hurt me."

"I couldn't. But now I'm afraid, for you."

"Don't worry, Mama. I've got this."

"I know you do."

He stared into your eyes again, and then leaned down, trailing his open mouth up your neck to your ear. He took your earlobe into his mouth and sucked lightly on it. The sensation sent a shiver of pleasure up your spine and caused you to arch against him. A soft moan passed your lips.

He cursed softly. "Those sounds…"

"I had a dream about you the night we danced together."

He perked up and looked down at you, "Oh, did you now?"

"Yeah it went a lot like this right now."

"Did we do anything else?" he asked, wriggling his eyebrows.

"We started to but my stupid alarm went off, and woke me up."

"Soon enough, when we have the time, I'll make sure your alarm doesn't interrupt us."

"How are you gonna do that?"

"I'll smash the thing if I have to."

You giggled, "You would, wouldn't you?"

He nodded.

And then seeing you were growing sleepy and seeing how late it had gotten, he said, "We better get some sleep." He helped you scoot up the bed until you both reached the pillows and laid your heads on them.

You immediately moved into his arms. "Can you take your tank off? I want to look at your tattoos."

Jey raised up and ripped his tank top off and tossed it to the floor. "What Mama wants, Mama gets."

He laid back down beside you and you eyed the tattoos, tracing your finger along the palm trees on his side. "Do they have a special meaning to you?" you asked softly.

"In short, they all represent my family, heritage and culture and personal milestones."

You nodded. "They're gorgeous. You had a very talented artist do them."

Jey nodded then reached over to your phone and turned off the music. "Yeah I did, thankfully. Now get to sleep, baby. You need it after the day we had and the day we're gonna have tomorrow."

"Okay."

You snuggled your face into his shoulder, and closed your eyes. It didn't take long for you to doze off. The feel of Jey's hand rubbing your back, lulling you into dreamland.

If you want on my tag list, just ask! 😀

Tagging:

@oreillystolemyheart @lookalivesunshine-x @southerngirl41 @claymoresofinfamy23 @beccalynns-world 

@Heerah34 @dersha89 @shortyiceheart @wwechristina87 @expert-texpert

@sassymox @sammyfinn21-blog @alliecatsworldsblog @potatosackk @keisha-knell 

@peaceloveandcurves @terrortwinunicorn @mzv11 @jazzyboo123-blog1 @ibelievedinjh 

@fafomama @zigzoggy @raya-hunter01 @sharmelasworld @queenmotionlessxo

[anzulvr]

୨୧ On Purpose Karma x (fem) Reader || Chapter: 07 ୨୧

Prev || Secrets 07 || Next

You'd think after seeing the images and reading a lengthy description of what to anticipate when joining End class,  [Name] might have mentally braced herself for what she would be exposed to.

"LET ME GO YOU CAN'T FORCE ME TO STAY." Her voice ripped at her throat, Agent Karasuma restrained the girl as she kicked and screamed. Sure, she read Korosensei's description and seen the image attached to his file but something about seeing him in person for the first time sunk reality into her.

"I can, I'm legally mandated to keep you here until you calm down," Karasuma said, out of breath. She "bolted" down the hall the second she saw her new teacher, but as it turns out she's a pretty slow runner. He caught up to her walking, that was until she started rolling down the hill.  He had to run down before she could reach the end of said hill and blab everything to the first person she saw out of sheer adrenaline.

Korosensei could have easily cornered her the second she walked out the door but instead, he was busy sulking to his students about how frightened [Name] was by him.

"Time to head back, you can decide if you want to switch back to the main campus once you're in the right headspace," Karasuma spoke as he dragged her back to class.

[Name] stood behind the halfway-opened door, as Karasuma encouraged her to walk in and introduce herself.

"It's understandable! I'm muscular, I have a chiseled jawline and an intimidating demeanor, it's only human instinct to run away." Korosensei spoke like he was trying to convince himself of his own words.

"Sir, I don't think that's what happened." Isogai raised his hand to reply.

[Name] stiffly walked in, her body aching from her attempt to run off or roll off the mountain.

"Go on, introduce yourself." Karasuma nudged her forward. Her hands were still jittery from the nerves. "I'm [Name]."

'Really? That's all she's going to say?' Karasuma decided to give her a break, her day had been hectic enough.

"[Name's] a transfer from A class. Do your best to accommodate her and make her feel welcome."

"[Name] you can take the empty seat next to Karma..." Korosensei meekly gestured, trying not to scare her away for a second time.

Once [Name] took her desk, Karma reached over to his new seatmate's head. "You got grass in your hair."

"Don't touch me you pathological fucking liar." She glared daggers into him.

Karma annoyedly clicked his tongue. If that’s how she’s going to act he can too, "I hope the spider in your hair lays eggs."

"Spider?! Karma get it off me! I didn't mean it! Honestly, I did, but still!"

  Lunch break had rolled around, and [Name] was sitting outside with Karma. "Ya know he won't hurt you right? Or did they leave that out?" Karma asked, referring to Korosensei.

"More like you left that out, you decided to leave me clueless."

"Can you blame me? You probably would've gotten me locked up in some mental asylum."

"I wouldn't have! I can't visit you every day there."

He flicked her forehead "You're an idiot."

"Don't be cute, I'm angry at you."

Karma leaned in closer, their faces only a few inches apart. "Are you?"

Nagisa accidentally stumbled into [Names] shoulder, "Sorry [Name]- Ah, I’m interrupting aren’t I? I'll go!"

"No you're not, what's up Nagisa?" She tugged on his sleeves encouraging him to stay.

"I just wanted to see if I could help you introduce yourself to everyone, and make more friends so you feel comfortable."

"Really! That's sweet, I'd love that." Her face lights up as she pushes Karma further away and cheerily walks off with Nagisa. Karma sighs in response as he trails right behind them.

    —⁺˖°ʚ୨୧ɞ°⁺˖—

"Gakushuu! I've been looking for you!" Kaho rushed over.

"Kaho, I've got places to be."

"I just want to ask if you've heard from [Name]. She hasn't shown up to any classes or contacted me today."

"You don't know?" For a moment he questioned if it was his place to talk.

"Know what?" Kaho tilted her head in confusion.

"[Name] has been demoted to E-class."

"What? How?!"

To save his breath, Asano pulled out his phone and let her scroll through your latest conversations.

[CHAT LOG]

[Gakushuu]: Father won't explain why you were dropped all of a sudden, he says it's none of my concern but as the president I disagree, so you tell me.

[Name]:  I was nervous about the upcoming exams &

his office was wide open so I tried to steal the answers

That wasn’t exactly true but it’s not as if she could be honest with him, so [Name] told a little white lie.

[Gakushuu]: Unbelievable. What did you expect to gain out of cheating?

[Name]: A high test score?

[Gakushuu]: That's a shame. I thought you were smarter than that.

I'm sure you'll be allowed back once you prove yourself but I doubt you'll get your student council position back.

[Name]: yeah… I hope my end of the workload doesn't pile on you.

Kaho shakes her head in frustration as she hands him his phone back. "This still doesn't explain why she wouldn't tell me. Seriously I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, I love her but people will give me shit for hanging out with an end-class student."

"That's what you're worried about? Explains why she didn't tell you."

"So what, you're going to continue hanging out with her?"

"That's different our relationship was purely work-related, it's not like we have much to talk about other than council responsibilities. I have no problem being cordial with her and wishing her the best."

"I guess you're right, it wouldn't be cool of me to ghost her over one mistake."

While [Name] wasn't the most popular out of the council she was adored by much of the student body due to the fact she put everyone before herself. She'd spend hours helping her peers who grew to rely on her.  That didn't matter anymore, Gakushuu was well aware everyone would turn on her once the news got out she moved down to the lowest class. His father could be a spiteful person but thankfully he wasn't bitter enough of a person to announce it to the entire school, the rumors would spread sometime soon but it would take time for people to believe them. "Teppei Araki here with the school announcements! I regret to inform everyone that Miss [Full Name] will no longer be a member of the student council. We have decided we will not be opening her position, and our council will simply continue as five members. In more positive news the Art club is holding a event for..."

Well, that was ironic, Even Gakushuu didn't expect his father to murder [Names] social life so mercilessly this soon. Gakuhō talked to the girl plenty of times, more than that, she was the only friend Gakushuu ever heard his father approve of. He expected his father to be lenient towards her.

He walked towards the meeting room bracing himself for the mess he would walk into.

Ren launched himself at Gakushuu the second he stepped foot through the door, "Did you hear? Our [Name] is gone!"

"You make it sound like she's dead, get off me." Asano shoves Ren off with his shoulder.

"She practically is dead! She's in End class with the filth."

"She's not replying to my messages either." Koyoma added.

"Does she ever reply to you, Koyama?"

"She replied last week, and it was only one month late! New record."

"Well, we can talk to her in person one of these days and see how she's holding up if that makes you all feel better."

Asano spoke as if he were suggesting it for their sake but in full truth he was a little worried. Not that he cared but everything seemed so out of character for [Name].

Sneaking into the principal's office for test scores? [Name] more often than not was a chronic nervous trainwreck, but a delinquent who sneaks around to steal answers? Not her style. In all the years he knew her, she was a stickler for the rules, it was one of the traits that earned her a position in council and set her apart from other students.

It was too unusual to ignore, he asked himself who could ever instill these ideas into her head, more importantly, how did they convince her to go through with it? He came up with a few theories, perhaps someone asked [Name] to steal the answers in exchange for something. Maybe she’s taking the fall for a friend. In any case, he figured meeting up personally might lead him to unravel whatever it is she’s hiding.

[aritsukemo]

Our Home | Prologue - The New Assignment! | AssClass

Summary: After another dead end in their current assignment, three assassin siblings are given a new assignment. One more deadly and much more interesting than any mission they've experienced!

Warnings: Reader is referred to with genderfluid pronouns throughout this story, but for this chapter, they're mainly referenced/called using he/him pronouns. That said, any references towards their gender is left purposefully vague as for all to enjoy! Torture scene ahead so possible gore ahead! ( Reader uses their gun as a torture weapon and their captive is shot numerous times ). Codenames are thrown around a lot in this. ( None of the main characters shown this chapter go by their actual names ).

A/N: Hey ya'll! Sorry I went off the radar for a bit..I got sick, heh- 😅 I'm still recovering plus my Thanksgiving break is filled to the brim with me working so anything new after this probably won't come til closer to Thanksgiving Day ( if at all ). On a more positive note, me transferring this old, mainly abandoned fanfic has got me wanting to rewatch Assassination Classroom. Maybe if I get the motivation, I'll actually continue this, who knows..

Tagging: @nursedflowers ( Because I love their commentary ) + Anyone who wants to be tagged! <3

Next Chapter

Third Person Pov, on the 57th floor of Mirai Hotel

 "Oh you're so funny, Mr. Kobayashi! Who knew you could be such a charmer?" A small giggle slips past the woman's cherry red lips as they gently curve upwards. The businessman who's arm she hangs on seemed completely enthralled as his eyes darted from her glossed lips to her chocolate brown hair that was pinned up by a jeweled hairpin.

  "Please, call me Takashi." He says as he brings one of his hands to his hair. The callous skin of his fingers sliding through his sliver locks with ease. The woman nods her head, her smile widening only to drop at the sight of the man's sudden frown.

 "What's wrong?" She asks, but he doesn't respond. She stares at him for a moment, waiting for his response but when he continues to remain silent, she follows his gaze and looks behind them to see her bodyguard dressed down in a black suit and matching sunglasses.

 "Does he bother you?" She whispers, her cool voice sliding into his ear which manages to recapture his attention and makes him finally pull his eyes away from the boy to look at her.

 "Huh?" He blurts out rather dumbfoundedly.

 "Does my bodyguard's presence bother you?" She repeats, her eyes narrowing a bit as she keeps steady eye contact with him. Takashi stiffens. The woman notices and moves her hand to touch his tense shoulders where she gives him a gentle squeeze and a golden smile that deserves one hundred awards.

 "Don't be so nervous. I was simply asking a question," She cooed. Her hands begin to trail upwards, her cold fingertips tickling the skin of his neck as they slide up until they reach his face where they cup the plump of his cheeks.

 "How about we go somewhere? Although this hotel is nice, I'd much prefer to go somewhere more..romantic," She leans against him, her breast jiggling a little as they collide with his chest which doesn't go unnoticed by the older male, "Do you know of any place like that?" 

 He gulps, trying his best to smile off the butterflies in his stomach. Alas, all he managed to do was present her an awkward smile, "Oh, uh.. I- I know a few places.."

 With a mental smirk forming in her head, the woman pulls away, her award-winning smile stretching in glee as she claps her hands, "Excellent! Then let's not waste any time," She moves to stand a little behind him, her smooth, soft hand touching his back and giving him a gentle push. He looks back at her, beginning to raise his eyebrow as she gives him another push.

 "Go on ahead without me and I'll join you in a bit. I need to send him off," She gestures towards her bodyguard, "What I plan to do with you..heh, let's just say it's not something a kid like him should see."

At her comment the wealthy man's entire face flushes, his mind creating all types of scenarios as he nods dumbly and turns, walking away without any further compliants.

 "Don't have too much fun without me!" As the man boards the elevator at the end of the hall, one of his last sights is her side profile. Her sparkling eye, a polished, perfectly stretched smile, a cherry blush painting her porcelain skin, and her hand waving goodbye to him. It's a shame the doors closed before he could wave back..

As soon as those steel doors closed and that waste of space was out of her sights, the woman saw no reason in keeping up her act. As quick as a snap of a finger, her apple colored lips twist into a rotten frown and her smooth skin is wrinkled by her eyebrows as they scrunch to form a deep v. It was like watching a beautiful butterfly transform into an ugly slug.

..But in her bodyguard's eyes, she seemed pretty much the same.

 "Alright, listen up brat. You needa' scram," She snapped, her voice once soft and tender now grating like a knife scratching against a chalkboard, "I originally hired ya' ass because I thought you were decent enough to do ya' job and stay in the background but I seemed to be wrong."

 "Now, if I see you hangin' around me anymore, I'll make sure yer never able to find a job in this country again."

And with that final warning leaving her lips, she resets. Her pretty mask returns and she smiles at the boy. Although to him, her smile seemed rather oily, "Now, a very wealthy man..whatever his name was..is waiting for me right now so I musn't waste anymore time on you," And without so much as a goodbye, she turns on her heel and walks off in the direction of the elevator, completely unaware of her now fired bodyguard's earpiece buzzing to life.

 "Shifting to plan b, you must secure the target's location before pursing any further actions. She's is approximately five meters away and is increasing the distance between you two every fifteen hundred milliseconds."

 "I will disable the elevator shortly after she boards it. Based on my calculations, she will end up on the seventeenth floor in roughly five minutes and fifteen seconds and counting. I trust that you'll be able to descend forty floors in that time."

Oh they'll manage. As he was continuously being fed information, the bodyguard decided that the obvious way down was to take the stairs. Running the opposite way the woman went and taking a sharp left, he wasted no time in grabbing the knob, twisting it, and opening the sliver door that led to the winding staircase. And without so much as a second thought, they jump over the railing and begin their freefall down.

..What? Surprised? Running down all those steps would take too much time and energy. Plus, as long as he doesn't die, this way down should be fine.

Twenty-nine, twenty-eight, twenty-seven.. Second by second he passes by floors until he finally catches a glimpse at the steel plating that reads '20'. He waits for another second to pass before he decides to act, reaching his arms out and grabbing onto the railing.

After let himself dangle for a moment, the bodyguard tightens their grip on the railing, they swing forward then back then forward again, steadily building up momentum until his body eventually swings back enough to flip completely and he's able to swing over the railing, landing silently in front of the door that reads the number '17'. Perfect.

 "As expected, you arrived early. The target will be arriving on the floor in another three minutes and thirty-nine seconds and counting. All the necessary cameras have been disabled and I've already gained access to all of the vacant deluxe rooms on this floor. When the target steps on the floor, the closest room will be '128' however, rooms '131', '133', and '134' can also be used if the situation calls for it."

Opening the door and walking down the hall, the bodyguard leans against a dim corner that gives him the perfect view of the elevator. He then leans back, crosses his arms, and waits.

About two minutes pass and the dinging of the elevator signals to the entire floor that a new visitor has arrived. One that seemed rather confused by her destination.

 "What the hell," She mumbles under her breath, her hand coming up to click the floor button that reads '1', mumbling a slew of curses under her breath when nothing happens.

 "Damnit.. Whatever. I'll just take the stairs," Stepping off the elevator, the woman walks right past her now fired bodyguard as if she never noticed him standing in the corner at all. She walks without a care in the world, her hips swishing left then right then left in a rhythm as she passes each room, completely unaware of the eyes that watch her.

When he's gained a comfortable distance away, the bodyguard straightens his posture and follows after her. His steps slow. Left foot then right foot, then left again, making sure to walk just behind her. His hips begin to sway left then right then left in a rhythm and just like that he's made her presence his own, going completely under her radar with ease.

And just as his unsuspecting prey passes the room with the golden plating that read '134', he strikes. Like a hungry viper ready to feast, he quickens his pace in an instant and closes the distance. Arms snake around her neck and right under chest where they latch on with a tight grip. Her eyes widen but that's the only thing she can manage to do before her body gives in and falls limp. She can't panic, move, or speak. It's like some imaginary poison has entered her system and has managed to immobilize her entire being. What's more is that it spreads to her consciousness, wrapping it's toxin around in a suffocating embrace and causing her to finally slip into complete unconsciousness..

Softness floods the senses, wrapping around the body and threatening to swallow it whole in it's comforting embrace. At the same time, discomfort cages the body, suspending it and robbing it of that comfort. As eyelids twitch and flutter open, dark brown eyes are immediately met with a blurred sight due to it's tears acting as a semi-transparent wall that impairs their view. As the senses flood in slowly, there's a quick realization that the softness felt was beneath in the form of silk sheets. Furthermore, as the body stirs, a stinging pain quickly takes over, rooting from the arms and legs.

..Wait, are these..ropes?

 "Are you awake, Ms. Aiko?" A voice calls. One that tingles the senses from the familiarity of it and in a way, helps finally ground the woman. Fluttering her eyelids and blinking away the teary wall that blurs her vision, she cranes her head slowly to the side and the sight she's met with sends a chill down her spine.

Sitting in front of the large windows that align the walls and provide the only source of light through a crack in the black curtains sits a shadowed figure who's eyes gleam in the moonlight and stare down her tied up figure with eyes of a hungry predator that's ready to consume it's meal at any given moment.

 "Wh.. Who are you?" She squeaks out, voice shakier than an unstable bridge ready to give out which she takes note of and in turn, bites her lip in an attempt to calm her nerves.

 "Shouldn't you be worried about other, more important things, miss?" The figure asks cooly as they cross their legs over the other and clasps their hands together, "I have some questions for you. Answer them honestly and—"

 "I don't care—!" With a squeeze of a finger her words die in her throat as a gun briefly shatters the silence of the room. On instinct, the woman's eyes slam shut and her mind shoots to the worst case scenario. However as the silence returns and nothing seems to happen, her eyes crack open and she looks up, her heart skipping a beat when she does. A bullet had slammed into the delicate woodwork of the headboard just inches above her head, cracking it's beautiful form and making her heart drop.

"You shouldn't interrupt others. It's rude," The figure scolds, but their words fall upon deaf ears. The woman seemed more interested in the fact that she was almost shot in the head rather than the person who almost shot her in the head, if her refusing to look away from the hole in the headboard was any indicator of that.

 "As I was saying, I have a few questions for you. Answer them honestly and you won't have much to worry about," The figure holds up two fingers, their other hand continuing to keep their gun pointed at her and their finger on the trigger, ready to shoot at any given moment.

 "I'm only giving you two more chances. Interrupt me again or refuse to answer and..well you understand, right? Nod your head if yes," Finally, the woman forces her eyes away from the bullet-pierced bedpost. She looks over, ignoring the clammy feeling she gets when she locks eyes with the figure, and nods her head.

 "Good.. For the past month, you've been kidnapping children and selling them off to someone. I need you to tell me who that is."

 "Huh?" The noise the woman lets out is rather exasperated but she quickly closes her mouth when the figure's eyes narrow. There's her opportunity, she thinks. Although risky, a small chance to get out of this situation is better than having none.

 "I don't know what you're talking about," She begins, her voice softening as her lips begin to stretch into a sheepish smile in the darkness, "I feel a tad bit insulted that you would assume I would do something so degrading--"

 "I have photo evidence that says otherwise," And just like that, the thread of opportunity snaps, "Embezzlement, first degree murder, aggravated assualt, extortion, the list goes on.." With each crime that leaves their lips, the woman's smile gets smaller and smaller until it was nowhere to be found, "I have enough evidence of your crimes to get you life in prison. However, if you comply and answer my questions honestly, I'll convince the police to reduce your sentence to.." A pause, "..Half that long."

 "Are you..threatening me?" As the words leave her lips, her teeth clench and grind, "Are yer' seriously threatenin' me? Do you have any idea who I am? With one phone call I could ruin yer' entire life! I--!"

 "If you don't have a name, it would help to describe their attributes, mannerisms, and or any ticks they may have. If you can't give me that, describe their voice and dialects--"

 "I'm not givin' you shit!" The woman shouts, "'Little brat thinks they can command me? Do you know what I'm capable of, I can—" With another squeeze of a finger, white hot flashes obscure her vision and a sharp, blood-curlding scream forces it's way out of her throat. Crimson drips from her shattered kneecap, the red liquid pooling out and staining the expensive bedding below.

Good thing these walls are soundproof.

Amidst her shrieks of pain, the figure seems completely unfazed. As if having done this countless times and as if her screams were some sort of familiar tune, they don't jump or tense up. They simply sit there and wait for her screeching to die down, silently hoping that she doesn't pass out like the last one did.

But it's no worry really. Although a bit inconvenient, they'll admit, they have ways of waking her if something like that does occur.

Lucky enough for them, that doesn't seem to be the case. Although big, clumpy tears roll down her cheeks and her body trembles violently, she's remains awake. A little out of it, yes, but conscious nonetheless.

 "That was strike two," The figure's voice rings out, speaking a tad bit louder so that their voice could hopefully be heard over the ringing that's probably going on in the woman's ears from the pain of being shot, but also remaining calm enough not to come off as aggressive, "I'll ask you one more time.."

 "Who is the person you've abducted kids for and what do they plan to do with them? 

 "Oh, you're done?" As the bodyguard enters an alleyway that's a few blocks from Mirai Hotel, a bouncy, almost honeyed voice is what he's greeted with, "You took longer than usual. Did you get anything useful out of her?"  

 "No, I did not," He answers simply only for a groan to be heard immediately after. As the person steps forward into the light, revealing a girl who's hoodie serves to conceal the majority of her appearance aside from her fringed bangs which poke out and covers her forehead.

 "Damn, so another dead end? And here I thought you took so long because you were gathering intel or something.." She grumbles, her lips beginning to form into a pout.

 "Without the necessary distraction from you, it took longer to get her in a secluded area where I could make my move," The bodyguard speaks, crossing his arms.

"Don't blame everything on me. I did my part and distracted that perv' she was with and even managed to get him to leave the hotel. Plus, even if things didn't go exactly as planned, you still managed just fine," Despite her words, the bodyguard didn't seem all that happy with her straying from the plan. Although to others, his face seemed relatively neutral.

 "Stop glaring at me like that," The girl said, waving her hand in a carefree manner, "You're alive aren't you? I don't know why you're getting so worked up."

 "..Moving on from that, why are the higher ups making us of all people play detective and investigate the abductions? Shouldn't the police be doing this?" She asks.

 "I don't know."

 "Would it kill you to be give more than a one-shot answer every once in a while?"

 "( Assassin Codename ), are you there? Did you succeed in gathering intel on the kidnapped children?" A familiar voice rings in the bodyguard's— er, assassin's ear, successfully pulling him away from the conversation at hand.

Bringing a hand up to signal to the girl to be quiet, the assassin brings his other hand up to hold down on the small button on his earpiece, "I couldn't get anything useful out of her."

A sigh is heard, "I thought so.. Someone will be arriving shortly to pick up both you and Inari. They will be escorting you to Rei's office."

 "Does it involve another assignment?" He asks which immediately catches the other assassin's attention and causes her to look at ( Assassin Codename ) with a rather exasperated expression.

 "Another assignment? We literally just finished one! I know we're the higher ups' favorites, but would it hurt them to give us a break before putting us on another exhausting mission?" She asks, waving her hands around in all types of directions to better show her distress.

 "Why are you complaining? You barely did anything," ( Assassin Name ) says flatly.

 "How can you say that? I'll have you know I was working very hard.." As Inari begins her rant of all the things she has done to help out, and occasionally slipping in the times she's helped in past operations, ( Assassin name ) eventually tunes her out. As a black car slowly pulls to a stop in front of the alleyway, the assassin turns on his heel and walks off. Promptly ignoring the curses that are thrown at him as Inari follows after them. 

"This is ridiculous! What kind of scenarios ran through my seniors' minds to make them think that we would be compatible enough to work together?" The male grumbled as he took another once over at the information on the papers he was given.

 "Oh c'mon, don't get so angry, Kazu'," The pink-haired hitman drawled, walking over to his counterpart's desk which had the nameplate that read 'Kazuhiko Rei' standing tall in the center front.

With a lazy smile on his face, he swings his arms around the hazel-eyed male, "You get to work with your best buddy and the world's greatest hitman! You should be jumping with joy!"

With a scoff, the suited agent pushes him off with a forceful roll of his shoulder which causes the younger male to chuckle.

"As always, your arrogance knows no bounds, Ryūji."

As if he had been shot in the heart, Ryūji clutches his chest and staggers back. His expression morphing into one of faux agony as his brows knit together and his hand comes up to fall dramatically over his forehead.

 "I can't believe you can be so cruel to me! Help me out here, Rina!" At the call of her codename, the girl sitting on the lush couch pauses, her hands stilling above the keys of her laptop as she looks over, her lips stretching into a smile.

 "Well logically speaking, I can't provide an accurate estimate since I don't know the details of this assignment yet. However, I can give you my educated guess based on your compatibility in past operations you've had together as well as the statistics of your own individual skill sets," She said, already beginning to type the numbers into her computer when Rei signals to her to stop.

 "That won't be needed, Rina. Please, do not insult your own intelligence by humoring this fool any longer," He says.

Retracting her hands from the keyboard, Rina eyes fall closed as she nods her head, "Very well then."

 "Huh.. Why do I feel betrayed all of a sudden?" Ryūji asks no one in particular.

With a sudden burst pulling everyone in the room away from the conversation, the doors to Rei's office swing open and Inari comes running in, her straight-faced colleague walking in shortly after her.

 "We're here!" Inari says in a sort of sing-songy voice, getting a mixture of different greetings as a response. Initially her smile widens, but as her eyes fall on Ryūji, who was now splayed out on the couch parallel to the one Rina sat on, her mouth falls open slightly and her eyes widen as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

 "Ryūji?" As she nears him, the hitman stretches his arm out, his hand balled into a fist as he waits for her to reciprocate the action.

 "Long time no see, kid," He says and her smile quickly returns. Balling up her hand, Inari eagerly fists bumps with the pink-haired hitman and in response to that, he laughs and throws his arm around her shoulders, pulling her down so that he could ruffle her hair.

 "Why are you here?" ( Assassin Codename ) questions.

 "First time seeing me in three years and that's what you ask me? And here I thought you'd be running into my arms," He jokes, but the assassin doesn't laugh nor roll his eyes. He doesn't react much at all really. 

 "The government has, for some odd reason, hired Ryūji to work alongside us on this operation," Rei says, his deep, mellow voice capturing everyone's attention.

 "Us?" Inari repeats, "You're going to be involved too? What, are aliens taking over the world or something?" She jokes. Her brow raising when she spots Ryūji making a face at her comment.

 "I'll explain the details in a moment. Firstly, would either of you like some tea? I've just restocked yesterday," Rei asks, sliding his chair back so that he can stand up and walk out from behind his desk.

( Assassin Codename ) walks over to the couch where Rina types who knows what into her laptop and sits down, "I'll have ( Tea of Choice )," He says, as the long haired girl beside her halts and glances up at Rei.

 "May I have a refill?" She asks, having long finished her chamomile tea before the other two arrived. Rei nods his head, "Of course."

 "Peppermint for me!" Inari exclaims which gains a few sideways looks from her two partners in crime.

"What?" She inquires as Rei walks out of the room to fetch the tea.

"It's nothing really," Rina says, "..but I thought you would've grown out of this phase by now.."

Inari brow quirks up, a vein flexing on the corner of her face, "Like that flowery bullshit taste any better."

"It does taste better. Research shows that—"

 "—My research shows that it tastes like watered-down grass," Inari interrupts.

As the two began bickering, Ryūji pouts. Not due to their pointless argument, but because of the blonde-headed agent who walked out a few moments ago.

 "How come he didn't ask me if I wanted anything?" He asks which only catches ( Assassin Codenames )'s attention, the other two being too indulged in their dispute to hear him.

 "You don't like tea," They answer simply and like some moody teenager, Ryūji's pout deepens, a small 'hmph' slipping from his lips as he crosses his arms.

 "Yeah but he could've still offered me some."

 "Hey, ( Assassin Codename )!" Inari calls, "You have taste. Set Rina straight already so that we can move on from this."

 "Both teas possess a distasteful flavor. I'm not partial to either."

 "Ugh! You're hopeless!" Inari shouts. Rina looks at her with an almost disappointed look.

 "It was immature of you to try and drag a third party into our conversation in order to win an argument," She scolds, using an almost motherly tone. Inari rolls her eyes.

 "Yeah, yeah whatever.." As that grumbled comment leaves her lips, Inari chooses to plop down on the small space left on the couch that Ryūji was laying on. Shortly after doing so, the doors to the office open and Rei comes rolling in with a small cart.

As the light smell of different teas fill the air, Rei hands ( Assassin Codename ) and Inari their cups of tea before grabbing the gaudy-looking teapot and pouring Rina some chamomile tea in her matching teacup. He then wheels the cart over to a corner before walking back over to his desk and sitting down.

 "So.. Don't keep us in suspense, what's this new assignment about?" Inari says after a while.

 "Yes," Rei clasps his hands together, his eyes narrowing, "We're all aware about the incident that happened two months ago? The one involving our moon being turned into a permanent crescent seemingly in an instant?"

 "How could we forget?" Inari said, leaning back against the couch, "Those stick in the mud higher ups of ours have been losing their shit over it ever since."

 "Well a week or so after that happened, we captured an alien-like being who we have reason to believe is responsible for that incident. Unfortunately, we're having trouble with destroying it."

 "Are these details relevant to the assignment?" ( Assassin Codename ) cuts in. Rei nods his head.

 "Yes, you see, about a month ago the creature made the odd request to teach a class of poor-preforming students at Kunugigaoka Junior High."

 "And our superiors agreed to this arrangement?" Rina asks, her brows beginning to knit together, "Having civilians come in such close contact with this creature will increase the difficulty of killing the creature and tremendously decrease our success rate. And, that's not counting the possible causalities that could happen."

  "I understand your concerns. I myself was skeptical of the idea of allowing the fiend around defenseless children, however the creature has sworn not to bring any harm to the students and is completely fine with them attacking as they see fit. Plus, government officials will be there to oversee everything so in that aspect, we have nothing to worry about."

 "But what's stopping it from attacking them? You said it yourself that even with the government's advanced technology and resources they were unable to defeat it so what's preventing it from doing whatever it wishes to?" She retorts.

 "We don't understand it's reasoning behind this nor can we one hundred percent guarantee the kids' safety but regardless, we don't have much of a choice. You see, when the creature proposed this idea it also made the proclamation that it will blow up the earth within a year's time."

 "So they're panicking.." Inari mumbles, referring to her superiors, "Heh.. How pathetic," She sneers, "..But I guess it's not all bad. Think if we take it's head they'll actually pay us for our efforts?"

 "Actually, they will. If we manage to succeed, they're agreeing to pay us a rather hefty sum of money—ten billion yen, to be precise," Rei explains causing everyone, aside from a certain monotonous someone, to gape in shock.

 "You serious?" Inari is the one to break the silence, her gaze seeming almost skeptical as she awaits for him to answer.

 "Am I one to joke about something like this?" Rei asks only for Ryūji to follow up with, "Yeah, is he one to joke at all?"

Rei continues, "We would, of course, split the ten billion among ourselves, but I'm sure none of you mind having two billion yen to keep for yourself. If you do, I can divide Ryūji's share among you three."

 "Hey, how come I'm gettin' a pay cut and we haven't even got the ten billion yet?"

Ignoring him, Rei focuses his attention on the three assassins' before him, "So, do you believe you all can handle this task? As you already know, there is no room for failure."

 "Not like we have much of a choice," Inari says, "And even if I did, I wouldn't want to leave the fate of my future to a buncha' punks."

 "That's rich coming from you, Inari," Rina quips. She then turns to look at ( Assassin Codename ) who seemed more or less unfazed by the entire situation as he sipped his tea.

 "What do you think would be the right course of action, ( Assassin Codename )?" Rina asks and suddenly everyone's eyes are on him, not that he cares.

Slowly, he lowers the teacup from his mouth, "Isn't it obvious?" He asks, and as if everything revolved around him in this moment, the atmosphere seems to completely change.

Upon first glance, it goes unnoticed, but as the assassin looks up, his gaze sharper than any dagger he may have hidden and more dangerous than any murderous fiend or wild animal, the bloodlust that exudes them becomes all the more apparent.

 "I'll make short work of it." 

A whistle of amusement breaks the silence before it even has the time to begin, "Well then it's settled! Team Pink is in business!" Ryūji cheers. Inari following up with a similar noise of glee.

Rei lets out a long sigh, his hand coming up to prop his head up, "I can already feel a headache coming on.."

Dividers were made by me, pictures used are from Pinterest, post formatting is inspired by @xxsabitoxx

[rallamajoop]

Mia Winters and the Connections

There are a lot of bad takes on Mia Winters out there, a lot of really irritating shallow misconceptions. But for now, I’m just going to tackle one of the big ones that annoys me the most.

Mia Winters is not a scientist, and it's debatable whether she had any long-term association with the project that created Eveline. She may not have even met Eveline before being assigned to transport her to South America.

Mia’s not any kind of researcher. Her job when she worked at the Connections is laid out clearly in the first document you find within moments of starting the flashback ("Orders"): she’s a member of the Special Operations Division in the English version, or a 'special agent' in the Japanese (特殊工作員, tokushu kousaku-in). The English version also gives Mia the role of 'caretaker', implicitly of Eveline, but there's not much to suggest this is a role extending beyond the bounds of this particular mission (for comparison, the Japanese doesn't mention caretaking at all).

Mia's job is exactly what we see her doing in the game: transporting important assets under cover identities, and running around doing damage control with a machine gun if things go south. She echoes the same in her letter to the Bakers, stating she 'was assigned to transport some important cargo.' Even the 'imprinting protocol' she refers to seems to be mostly part of a transport protocol (going by the very little we ever learn about it), and may not even have been implemented until shortly before they left.

Even in the one photo of her standing with the research team, you might note that Mia and her partner Alan are the only people present not wearing lab coats (and believe me, with how much other photoshopping there is in this photo, Mia would have been wearing a lab coat if they'd wanted her in one). The photo itself is far more of an easter egg than a real plot point anyway, and probably isn't worth reading too much into ‒ I mean, Alan is apparently the director of the Special Operations division, so it makes no sense to assume he's part of this one science team. But if you really want a 'canonical' explanation for this photo, considering Mia and Alan are wearing the same clothes as in the ship flashback, you could reasonably assume it was taken right before Eveline was shipped off to America ‒ a kind of "Let's get one last snapshot of the team together with the transport crew before Eveline goes to South America" deal. It's completely plausible Mia may not even have met Eveline until the same day this was taken.

So where does this 'scientist' nonsense come from? The only source which does call Mia a 'researcher' is a timeline entry in this one RE7 strategy guide which has never been published in English – and it's a good example of why sources like this are usually better treated as pseudo-canon at best. You can find various translations of it online – but you can also buy the whole ebook (which I did), so here's the page where it originally comes up.

And yes, inasmuch as I’m qualified to translate, the line does state that Mia joined the company as a ‘researcher’ (研究員, kenkyuu-in) in 2010. But the same guidebook also refers to her as an operative (工作員) just a couple of pages later, so even the guidebook is hardly consistent.

Charitably, perhaps we could read that Mia was initially hired as some kind of generic, low-level research assistant before being transferred to the special operations division after showing aptitude in that area. But it's more likely that Mia was simply going to be a researcher at some point in the game’s development history, before Capcom changed their minds, and the timeline that made it into the guidebook is just very out of date ‒ it happens. Either way, one line in an inconsistent guide book hardly trumps what actually made it into the games.

I do realise that asking people to pay attention to what's actually in the games over what's repeated in some wiki somewhere (or a gazillion different fanfic) is a big ask for any fandom, but Mia was clearly never a scientist in the game we all played. She still knowingly worked for some really evil people – she doesn’t get to claim innocence here – but the idea she's personally responsible for every bad thing ever done to Eveline is absurd.

FWIW, other details from the guidebook also back up the idea that transporting assets was a major part of Mia’s job. Her bio (above) mentions that she was away from home a lot, something that strained the Winters’ marriage, and that she told people she worked for a ‘trading company’ – a solid cover for a job focused on travel and logistics.

A very little is said about Mia’s relationship with Eveline. The guidebook does mention that the reason Eveline’s so attached to Mia is because Eveline had known her since she was ‘confined to the “mysterious organisation” that created her’, which could be taken to imply she knew Mia well before their trip began, but it's not much to go on. Mia's own feelings on Eveline are described briefly in a caption: “Although Mia found Eveline creepy, she also felt compassion for her lonely situation,” which tracks with how Mia interacts with her in-game. It doesn't track so well with the idea Mia had any real authority over how Eveline was raised or treated, however, and would be perfectly consistent with the idea Mia might not have known her long at all.

The guidebook timeline also tells us that the E-series project begain in 2000, and that Eveline herself was created in "the early 2000s." This doesn't make a whole lot of sense for reasons I've talked about already, but does put Eveline's creation well before 2010, the year the same timeline gives us for when Mia started working at the Connections. Since the guidebook also tells us Mia was 32 in 2017, back in 2000, she would have been all of 15 years old. Whatever Mia's involvement, the project long predates her joining the company.

But the real issue with trying to given Mia any major responsibility for the E-series project is that the lab that created Eveline was located in Europe. Mia, meanwhile, has a driver's license telling us she's from Texas.

The European location for the lab is another detail that gets barely mentioned in the games, though it's mentioned repeatedly in the guidebook, and the Baker Incident Report even puts it specifically in Munich, Germany. Given all we learn in RE8, that location does make a lot of sense, when the mould was found in Eastern Europe, and that Miranda herself was part of the research team (she gets multiple photos and a lab coat, you may note). And even if the lab wasn’t right on Miranda’s doorstep, Munich is a heckuva commute from Texas, or anywhere else in the US. Even if Mia was often away from Ethan for long periods, as her bio implies, how involved could she realistically have been?

I don't want to overstress the idea that it "doesn't make sense" for a special agent from Texas to have been intimately involved in a European research project ‒ making sense has never held back RE lore before. But the idea that Mia was brought in only as a handler for Eveline when she was being moved to America still makes a lot more sense than to suggest the Connections were fine with their star asset’s primary handler going home to the US every other weekend.

There are possibilities between the two extremes, of course: Mia may have had sporadic contact with Eveline before the trip, either regularly or just once or twice. It's easy to assume the 'imprinting protocol' must mean that Mia's been Eveline's primary handler for some time, but heck, maybe it's better read as the opposite ‒ something that can be quickly applied to a new handler or caretaker in a hurry, to explain how Eveline got so attached to someone she'd only just met.

Given everything we actually see of her, you could even speculate that Mia was chosen as Eveline's 'caretaker' specifically because she was someone nice and motherly enough for Eveline to bond with. Eveline was pretty clearly fucked up long before Mia ever got involved, and not actually wanting to adopt a walking bioweapon whose idea of a happy family involves mould-powered mind control really does not reflect badly on Mia's character.

Whether Mia was already working for the Connections before she met Ethan also isn't clear. The guidebook tells us she began working for them in 2010, and married Ethan in May of 2011 (later confirmed by the date on Mia's ring in RE8) – though it doesn't specify when she and Ethan met. Even by Texas standards, marrying someone you’d known less than a year would be pretty unusual, so it’s likely Ethan knew her before she took the job. But even that 2010 statement comes along with the bit about Mia being hired as ‘a researcher’, so you can always take it with a grain of salt if you'd prefer.

And that's pretty much it for what the complete RE canon ever tells us about Mia and her former employers.

So here’s where I’m left with Mia’s role at the Connections. Even if she wasn’t aware of exactly what she was signing up for when she joined the company, and even if she considered all that lying to her husband about it to be a simple matter of confidentiality around sensitive research, she’s fully aware by the disaster in 2014, and plainly has a guilty conscience when she admits to lying to Ethan in her video message. However responsible she may or may not have been, she's still complicit. Her hands are hardly clean.

But they’re still a whole lot cleaner than, say, Luis’, considering that he was a key member of the science teams at both Umbrella Europe and in Saddler’s cult, and I don’t see him getting a fraction of the same hate as Mia. They both regret what they’ve done, and they’re both willing to give their own lives to make up for it. No, Luis never lied to a spouse about it (that we know of), but he's every bit as shifty and secretive. And frankly, most of the other shit that gets dumped on Mia’s doorstep is just as much bullshit (like, people do realise the “Mia” we see having “marital problems” with Ethan at the start of RE8 isn’t Mia, right?) But that’s material for other posts.

We don’t know how Mia got involved with the Connections, or how she felt about working for them, because the games never give us this information, and that’s a real shame. But in the capitalist hellscape we’re all living in, she’d hardly be the first to find herself stuck working for truly terrible people, one way or another.

Meanwhile, everything we see her doing during the outbreak on the tanker speaks to a basically good person, desperately trying to run damage control in a fucked-up situation. She tells Alan she’s not going to let him die, even though what’s going down is his fault. She tries so hard to talk Eveline down. After she’s rescued by the Bakers in the Daughter's DLC, she insists on staying in the trailer, meaning to leave at her first opportunity – pretty significant, considering she knows she’s infected already. She also leaves them a message warning them to stay away from Eveline, even sharing information on how to make a serum if they are infected. If you pick her over Zoe on the dock, the first thing she does is try to convince Zoe to come with them anyway. Even under Eveline's mind control, you'll catch her ranting about needing to contain the outbreak, blaming herself, and telling Ethan she loves him with her last breath.

And after being infected herself, the first thing on her mind is to try and protect Ethan, recording that message admitting she’s lied to him, and warning him to stay away (Ethan never gets that message, but you can’t say Mia didn’t try). Mia loves Ethan enough to die to save him – and she will, if you choose the Zoe path, and she’ll do it without a second thought.

Mia is fascinating to me as a character because she’s so full of contradictions: a woman who leaves syrupy video messages sending ‘tons of kisses’ to her husband, but who is completely comfortable running around with a machine gun killing mould-monsters, and who shrugs off an Eveline jump-scare with 'fucking hallucinations!' Someone who’s done bad things and knows it, and is trying so hard to make up for it, but whose background and motivations are left frustratingly undeveloped. But if you haven’t caught that Ethan and Rose mean more to her than anything, you really haven’t been paying attention.

Whatever you assume about Mia’s full story, she’s complicated in a way that makes her so much more interesting to me than most of the franchise’s more popular playable characters. I am very serious in saying I want RE9 to be just the full Mia-Winters-story, because to me that’s the only remotely satisfying justification for keeping her such a mystery for so long. I know that's not at all likely, but fuck it, I can dream.

Mia’s made her share of mistakes, but holding her responsible for everything the Connections has ever done is no kind of fair.

[crazycat010]

The funny looking latino

OPPOSITES ATTRACT part 1

Leo Valdez x OC Zarya Mirova

click here for the Opposites attract masterlist

IN WHICH: Prologue+first encounter between Zarya and Leo

Reader is referred to with her own name, references to clothing and her appearance, angst with a bit of fluff (mostly about Zarya's past). Mention of death, reader being left by both her parents, bullying. No explicit context.

word count=4,835 words

Takes place right after Percy Jackson & The Olympians

Zarya’s POV

You were running as fast as you could, zigzagging in the crowd of people that had just gotten off the bus, Greenwood High School appearing in the distance like a mirage.

You looked at the time from your watch, it was 7:56, so you still had a few minutes before the bell rung.

You sprinted up the stairs,  reaching the crowd of students in front of the main gate.

7:59; you had made it on time!

It may not be as rewarding for anybody else, but getting caught in some mishaps and arriving late was ordinary for you, so you were glad to have been able to make it safely and on time to school today.

Just as you entered the classroom, the high-pitched bell rang.

You plopped down in your usual seat at the back of the classroom, where the teachers couldn’t see what you were doing and pester you just how they loved doing. Yes, you may zone out frequently, but how could they see it as a problem? You were quite and had straight As in almost all of the subjects, except for P.E. obviously.

You hated your Physical Education professor! He always called you names and tried to get under your skin. Thankfully, you were a very introverted and calm person, otherwise you would’ve lashed out at him, resulting in an even worse relationship with him.

But you’d worry about it later, right now you had Maths, and since you had already studied the argument our teacher would explain so you could basically do whatever you wanted.

However, Miss Johnson regained your attention as she presented a transfer student from some Academy up North that would spend the week here with us.

He acted weird, like he was searching for something, or rather someone.

Lost in your own thoughts, you didn’t immediately notice him heading for the back of the classroom, where the seat next to you was the only one left.

“Hi! I’m Clove, your soon to be favorite classmate.” He tried to look confident and nonchalant, awkwardly failing.

“Your making it look like a difficult challenge.” You offered him your hand in a firm handshake. “Zarya Mirova.”

“Not a fan of your classmates, I suppose?” He replied.

“No shit, Sherlock.” You chuckled to yourself.

A long uncomfortable silence followed shortly, though you didn’t mind. Another reason for which you had chosen this seat was because the one next to you was always empty, so there wouldn't be anyone bothering you. You would much rather sit in silence uncomfortably with him rather than having to engage a conversation.

Clearly, he didn’t think what you did, breaking the silence:“Sooo…What’s the teacher explaining?” He asked you, trying to chat.

“Some geometry demonstrations.”

“Oh, I love geometry! If you need I could offer you some help.”

“No.” You cut him down abruptly, soon adding a “Thanks”.

He looked a bit down after you had shut down all his attempts at getting to know you better, but he found hope when the teacher handed you some papers with exercises you had to do, in pairs.

You had always hated working in groups. You ended up doing all the work, only for your classmates to take the credit. Besides, when you were alone, you could get everything done quicker and better than when you had to work with some dumb stuck-up kids who did nothing but distract you.

Thinking he would be the same, you took the paper and started writing down all the answers. They were all pretty easy questions, and you knew your way around numbers or Math in general.

You were quickly interrupted by the funny looking guy on your right. “Hey, what are you doing? It’s meant to be done in pairs.”

You looked at him like he was some mysterious puzzle you had to solve, observing his confident but also friendly attitude and trying to figure up what was with him.

You shrugged your shoulder, putting the papers in between the desks.

You pointed at the first problem, going to explain the procedure, when he stopped you. “Yeah yeah, I know that. What about the remaining questions?”

You looked at him, brows furrowed, he was smarter than you’d expected.

You finished the problems together, realizing you were both experts in Maths.

Not long after, the bell dismissed you, your professor telling to anyone who hadn’t finished the papers to do it at home for tomorrow, as Leo smirked, whispering to you: “That won’t be a problem for us.” As he tried to fix his curly auburn hair, that looked like he had just rolled out of a bush.

You nodded absentmindedly, packing your bag to get ready for P.E.

Watching your movements, Clove asked you: “Why are you packing your bag? Are you already leaving?”

“I have P.E. the next 2 periods, you do too, if you’re to stay with us this whole week.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you for the heads up!”

You grabbed your bag, unamused and quite bored if you might add, heading towards the gym with Clove following shortly after. You had ten minutes before the next period started, so you would have to rush if you didn’t want to get scolded again in front of the rest of the class.

You walked through many corridors, passing in front of the school canteen. “Woah, is this were you eat? It’s huge!”

You simply nodded, lost in your thoughts.

When you arrived at the gym, you pointed to the other end of the big space: “That’s the boys’ changing room, this is the girls’. Professor Dinkins wants us to be ready five minutes earlier so he can tell us what we’re going to do.”

He nodded, muttering a quick thanks before following your other male classmates to the lockers.

You changed quickly, getting out of the lockers in the least amount of time possible and not going to the bathrooms even if you needed to: last time you did, your wonderful classmates had decided to pull a prank on you, locking your door from the outside. You’d somehow managed to climb on the bathroom door, since it wasn’t connected directly to the ceiling, but you’d arrived fifteen minutes late and was consequentially scolded and made fun of by both your professor and your classmates.

At the center of the small field there already were inking and the transfer students, most of your classmates taking their time to change.

“Miss Mirova! Looks like you’ve outdone yourself today! You’re actually on time.” The professor said with his ever loud and arrogant tone.

You offered a tight lipped smile, as you were approached again by Clove: “Hey!”

You raised your brows, acknowledging his presence as you went to tie your shoes.

Soon after, all the class had arrived, and the professor told you that you would be playing dodgeball, as per usual.

The teams were going to be made by the two most competitive boys in the classroom, who obviously left you as the last one, the kid nobody wanted on their team.

“Aww, looks like poor Mirova is left as the last resource once again. Maybe if you changed only your entire personality, somebody would actually choose you.”

His words would’ve hurt someone else, but you? You didn’t care, or at least that’s how you had acted, going to the team you had been assigned with your eyes trained on the ground, unfazed by the snickers of some people or the pity looks from others.

Like you usually did, you let yourself be eliminated at the start, so you wouldn’t have to play for long, only dodging the fastest balls from your strongest male classmates.

P.E. and the lessons after it flew by quickly, as you soon found yourself in the canteen with your tray of food and no seats for you to sit at.

You were going to put everything in your backpack and eat outside, like you always did, when a familiar cheery voice stopped you in your tracks: “Hey Zarya! Why don’t we eat lunch together?”

You were surprised, to say the least. Nobody ever invited you to eat with them unless they needed something from you.

You accepted, even though a bit reluctantly, but soon saw there were no spots left.

You decided to go eat outside, since it was a very sunny day. You mostly sat there in silence, exchanging a small conversations with you.

Not so long after, you found yourself bidding goodbye to the weird kid, heading back to your house.

Your aunt awaited you, as sweet and motherly as ever. You’d always thought you didn’t deserve all her love, her undying desire to make you happy, often neglecting herself in order to accomplish your requests and fulfill your wishes.

You constantly tried to repay her, for example, you only studied a lot because you wanted to make her proud. You couldn’t care less about Maths or Literature, but seeing her bright smile after hearing about your improvement at school was enough to make you happy.

That week passed by faster than you’d imagined, and soon it was Friday and time for Clove to pack so he could head back to his own school the next day.

You were all at your house, working on a Science group project your teacher had assigned you.

You didn’t know how, or why, but the green eyed guy had been able to slip past your defenses. You hadn’t opened up to him, no that would’ve taken a lot more time and effort, but you’d appreciated his gestures and started actually participating in the conversations he started, or even asking him about his hobbies and whatnot.

You were glad to have teamed up with him for the project, because it felt almost natural working with together; besides, when your aunt had heard you were bringing one of your classmates over for a school project, she’d been enthusiast.

Right now, you had just finished your work, and were all munching on the chocolate cake your aunt had just baked,, when his mood switched. He turned serious, talking both to you and your aunt: “Zarya, we, me and Miss Mirova here, have something to tell you.”

He paused a bit.

“Okay, uh, so this is gonna sound totally crazy," Clove started, rubbing his neck. "But you know how weird stuff has been happening to you? Like, how you see monsters or mythical creatures just walking around harmlessly? Or as your aunt told me, you always know the temperature and you never get colds? Or how the temperature drops and wind starts forming whenever you’re angry?”

You had thought about that by then, always giving yourself the same explanation: “My adhd, my sensitivity, my good health, coincidences”

Clove laughed nervously. "Yeah, no. See, there's a reason you're special. You're, uh... not exactly normal. Not in a bad way! Just... in a half-god, your-mom-is-a-powerful-immortal-being kind of way.”

Silence.

You crossed your arms. "Right. So you're telling me my mom, who I’ve never met, is a goddess? And my dad—who left me when I was a baby—just, what, forgot to mention this tiny detail?”

Clove gulped, beads of sweat trailing down the sides of his face. "Well… yeah. But he didn’t exactly forget. Gods aren’t really supposed to raise their kids, and, uh, you were safer here. Until now.”

You narrowed your eyes. "Until now?”

“After you reach a certain age, monsters start appearing. You see, they’re able to sense if there’s a powerful demigod around, and since your powers are beginning to show, more evil creatures are going to come for you. That’s why, I’v been assigned on a mission to bring you to the Halfblood Camp, where I come from. I’ll explain everything along the way, but I’ll tell you this: we don’t want to force anyone to come against their will. You can come in summer and go back to your home in winter. Camp is designed to help demigods prepare themselves to face any dangers that await them.”

You looked at him confusedly, so he said: “For proof, look at my legs and my head.” He took off his hat, revealing two short curved horns that were still growing in, and lifted his pants a bit, exposing two sheep-like legs…So that’s why he looked stiff whenever he walked and was always fixing his hair.

“I’ll leave now, so you can sort it out together.” He quickly added, grabbing his coat and going out.

After he was gone, you looked at your aunt wearily.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” You questioned her, a feeling of betrayal seeping in your heart.

“You weren’t mature enough, you wouldn’t have understood.” She said.

“Not mature enough?! That’s your excuse?! Just say you were afraid of telling me the truth. You lied to me! All this time, I thought my mother had just left me. You knew why she wasn’t here, yet you never told me the truth.”

“Please Zarya, I only did it for your good!” She begged you to understand her motives, she cared about you and would never hurt you intentionally, so why couldn’t you see that?

“You lied to me, all my life! I HATE YOU!” You started yelling.

“You don’t really mean that…” Your aunt’s voice broke painfully.

“You made me feel like my own mother didn’t want me! Like the woman that had given birth to me was disgusted and repelled by me! I told you how I felt yet you never cared! You’re just a selfish liar!”

Your hands started trembling, voice breaking and eyes crying rivers: had your only family lied to you? If so, who could you even trust? What were you going to do now?

“I’m going outside for a walk. Alone.” You added, shutting the door behind you before anyone could see you in this pathetic state.

You couldn’t believe she’d kept such a secret from you all this time.

You’d always thought your parents had both left you when you were a kid, because you were too big of a responsibility, or they simply didn’t want you.

You thought you were alone, making you scared that, if you built relationships with others, they’d leave you.

You took a long walk in the small village, deciding you were going to join this Camp Halfblood after school ended, which was in a few weeks and you’d sort this all out with your aunt.

Even though it hurt, and your relationship was never going to be the same, your aunt loved you, and being the only family you had, you couldn’t just leave her.

You called her to tell her you were coming back and had ordered take out for dinner so she wouldn’t have to cook.

The phone ringed without response, which was strange, because she always picked up after the first 3 or 5 buzzes.

You thought she must’ve been angry at you, so you wrote her a message instead, telling her how you loved her and were sorry for lashing out at her. You were starting to get confused, because, as time passed, she still hadn’t read your message.

Once you’d reached your neighborhood, you heard screams and cries, so you immediately sprinted to found out what had happened, only to be met with the saddened and apologetic face of Clove and the rest of your neighbors.

Your breath got caught in your throat, your heart beating wildly in your chest as your mind felt like it was about to explode.

Your house, the small cottage you’d lived in with your aunt since you were 6, was destroyed. It looked like a huge claw machine had just started banging on the walls and destroying everything in its way.

Panicking, you ran towards the house, fearing the worst as you easily escaped from Clove’s embrace, who desperately tried to ground you from doing something reckless and dangerous.

You reached the kitchen, finding your aunt’s body on the floor. It was lifeless, with a huge claw mark that went from her chest to her hip. You couldn’t look away.

You stood there, simply staring, for what felt like hours, before Clove came in and grabbed you, getting you out of there.

He hugged you tightly, trying to reassure you.

You couldn’t hear him though: your ears were ringing so loud all outside noises reached you as incoherent muffled sounds and you felt like someone had just ripped your own heart out of your ribcage, yet the tears wouldn’t come. They never came, not that day, not during the quick funeral, not when you packed all your stuff or during the long roadtrip to camp Halfblood.

You didn’t talk either, barely eating and only drinking if absolutely necessary, showering once or twice in two whole weeks.

Nonetheless, what you were disgusted the most by, were the other campers’ pitiful looks. What was wrong with them? Couldn’t they just go bother someone else? You hated this situation, you hated how your life always turned into the worst imaginable, right when you were beginning to be happy again, but mostly, you hated yourself, having been unable to save your own aunt.

How were you going to protect and save others, if you couldn’t help your own family?

Fair to say, you blamed yourself.

After a while, though, a new feeling erupted in your cold heart: the desire for revenge. You wanted avenge your aunt and kill whatever monster had ended the sweetest soul on earth. Without realizing it, the new feeling started eating you alive, suppressing your emotions and destroying what made you yourself.

You cut off any previous contacts or relationships with other people, barely acknowledging your own cabin mates when, not having been claimed, you had been given a bed in the Hermes cabin. You started training daily, deciding you were going to become the strongest demigod ever, in order to save everyone and kill all the monsters that went in your way.

Your powers grew exponentially: after only months, you were able to create icy daggers from scratch and form small snowstorms. Nonetheless, your favorite power was your ability to launch razor-sharp ice shards from your hands at high speeds with deadly precision. With a flick of your wrist, you could unleash a barrage of frozen projectiles, capable of piercing through armor or immobilizing enemies in a flurry of frost. The shards formed instantly, drawing from the moisture in the air or your own body heat, making you a relentless force in battle—swift, cold, and unforgiving. You had also gotten lighter and swifter in your movements and physical combat.

Everybody noticed how much you were growing and how much potential you held, yet, it felt like, the more you trained to become the strongest, the more cold you became, as if your powers affected your capability of feeling emotions. However, your mother still refused to claim you, rendering you Camp’s most talked about demigods, right after Percy, Annabeth and the rest of the actual strongest.

TIME-SKIP

LEO’S POV

How in the hell did Jason evoke a golden sword and since when could he fight against wind-men? Not that it was normal to see people transform into wind, but, after the fight, Leo really thought he’d seen it all.

However, he found himself mouth agape once again, as he saw flying horses headed towards the Grand Canyon.

Piper had to grab his arms from stopping to pinch himself too much: was there a racing chariot attached to the two horses? Who was flying that thing?

Questions filled the poor guy’s mind as he watched a blond tall girl jump from the chariot before it even reached the ground, heading to Jason with a determined and almost menacing look, not sparing him a glance as the latino quickly got up, trying to break the ice and learn more about the mysterious lady: “Hey! Hello to you too, we’re fine thanks. We appreciate the help.”

She shot him a fiery glare, shutting him up instantly.

“Damn it! It’s not him!” She exclaimed to the other guy who had been driving the chariot.

“Who’s not who?”

After Butch had explained him the whole Percy and half-bloods situation, Leo still didn’t understand a thing, but at least he was with his two friends, right?

Wrong. Soon after, another girl came down from a stallion as white as snow with huge feathery wings.

The girl was scary, even scarier than Annabeth: she had white silky straight hair that swayed a bit as she walked and she was way taller than him, or Annabeth for that matter.

Mesmerized by her aura, the latino was brought back to life as she ordered in a low tone, barely enough for him to hear: “Get on the horse kid, the chariot’s too small for five people.”

Leo looked confusedly at Piper, who simply shrugged her shoulders, going back to take care of her boyfriend, or was he still her boyfriend? That day’s events had just messed up his mind so much, he actually would’ve appreciated a rather hard swing of Coach hedge’s bat to his head, so he could wake up and this would all have been a nightmare, though he highly doubted that was the case.

The horse lowered himself on the ground, so it would be easier for Leo to sit on him.

He’d never been on horse, much less a flying horse…What was he supposed to do?

Thankfully, he followed your movements as you jumped on the horse in front of him, taking the reins as you lifted up high in the sky.

‘Don’t look down! Don’t look down!’ Leo thought, right before his eyes betrayed his mind, letting him see how distant he was from the ground. He wrapped his arms tightly around the girl’s middle, hiding his face in her fluffy poncho.

She didn’t seem to mind though, focusing on possible threats like for example another ventus coming for them.

He had finally adjusted to the new transport, letting go of the girl in front of him, when she looked around, alarmed.

She told him: “Hey kid, hold tight!”

Without having to be told twice, Leo held onto her for his dear life, hearing her yell “Incoming!” To warn Annabeth and Butch of the approaching ventus.

She had been able to dodge the attack, her horse almost going into a nose-dive before reopening its wings, getting them behind the monster.

She rapidly created an ice dagger, aiming for the ventus and successfully bringing it down in a short period of time.

Leo, on the other hand, was conflicted: internally, he was amazed by the girl’s abilities; however even more internally, his lunch was spinning around at insane speed like a blimey carousel, not letting him enjoy his time exactly at the fullest.

Leo Valdez learned two things that day: 1 never mess with Elsa (that’s what he would’ve called her until they’d get to properly introduce themselves), 2 never eat spicy tacos before a fight with a ventus on top of a flying horse (though the second rule only applied to a limited group of people).

After they’d arrived safely to Camp Halfblood, Leo was claimed and one of his half-siblings helped him get adjusted to Cabin 9, explaining everything he needed to know about Camp and particularly his Cabin, while Elsa, Annabeth and Butch went to inform Chiron about their mission’s ending.

Leo became a bit frustrated, still not having had the chance to thank for her help and get to know better the mysterious white-haired girl, which had become the main focus of his thoughts.

However, he wasn’t able to meet her until that evening: after having eaten with his half-siblings, seeing as she was rushing somewhere, he ran off to try and stop her.

Zarya’s POV

“Hey!” A familiar voice stopped you in your tracks.

You turned, recognizing him as the small boy you’d saved earlier on the mission with Annabeth and Butch. You’d heard he’d been claimed right after arriving here, a pang of jealousy hitting you, though you were able to hide it with your usual scowl.

“I’m Leo, Leo Valdez.” He offered you his hand. You simply stared at him: what could he possibly want with you?

You didn’t shake his hand, by now unused to people trying to get to know you.

He tensed visibly, nervously fidgeting with a scrap of metal in his hands, trying to start a small conversation. “Sooo…What’s your name?”

You didn’t answer at first, still not trusting the newcomers.

“Not much of a talker, huh?” His constant blabbering reminded you of a certain satyr, but you shoved down the memories quickly, like a natural instinct.

You let the silence linger for a bit more, quietly observing the boy in front of you, coming to the conclusion he was harmless.

“Zarya Mirova.”

Your sentence, for how short it was, surprised him, as a bright smile made its way on his tanned face, exposing his slightly crooked teeth.

He looked…funny.

“I wanted to thank you for today. If it weren’t for you, o-or Annabeth and Butch also for that matter, I may not be here now.”

You nodded, deciding whether to send him away now or later.

Thankfully, he took the hint, heading towards the Main Pavilion after saying: “Anyways, I gotta go now. Thanks again and see you later at the assembly, right?”

You nodded again, before disappearing into the woods.

You’d always enjoyed spending time there, immersed in the nature, nobody and nothing disturbing your mindless wander. You spent hours just like that, often making Annabeth worry about you. She’d always tried to get you to open up a bit and become a mother figure for you and all the other new campers. However, she hadn’t managed to crack you, making it her mission to help you feel welcomed at Camp and build a family with the other demigods.

She reminded you of your aunt, and that was probably the main reason for which you always tried to avoid her, often frustrating her, because all her attempts at getting to know you were met with your stone-like cold walls, a facade those who knew you the longest were able to see through, yet never break down.

It was just who you were like: you preferred being alone rather than opening up to others, not wanting anybody to concern themselves about you and your feelings.

Everyone who you had been close with during your childhood had either left you or died, so you’d promised yourself to not get close to anyone else to prevent from getting your heart broken again.

Your destructive flow of thoughts was interrupted by a loud noise: the alarm that warned all the campers an assembly was starting.

Impossibly tired, you dragged yourself towards the crowded open space, leaning on a centenary oak for support as all the seats on the logs had been taken and you certainly were’t gonna sit on the ground.

Chiron was discussing the arrival of the new demigods and the prophecy that they were part of. That Leo guy was intriguing, to say the least; not even a day in and him, along with his two other friends here, had gotten assigned on a mission by a real Oracle.

That had never happened to you: you could only wish anybody would value you as important. You’d tried to step in, wanting to participate in the mission, but Annabeth had immediately called you out of it with a firm: “You’re staying at Camp, to help me search for Percy.”

You knew you couldn’t possibly argue with her, so you simply nodded and went back to your usual sleeping spot: a nice thick branch of an old tree in the middle of the woods, were you could sleep in peace, away from the chaotic environment of the Hermes’ Cabin. You appreciated your cabin mates’ attempts at making you feel more at home, but they’d stopped trying after realizing it wouldn’t have brought them anywhere, much to your relief.

With your mind at ease, you settled down on the bare bark. You didn’t feel cold; you never had. In fact, you’d never caught a cold in your entire life; you remembered how, until the age of seven, your aunt used to make a daily fuss about how you had to dress more appropriately because of the weather. Being the hard-headed person you’d always been, in order to prove you didn’t need to dress so much, you’d spent an entire afternoon outside, dressed in nothing more than a t-shirt and a pair shorts and flip flops as snow fell heavily. Your aunt had never scolded you about your clothing again, probably in a state of permanent shock after the episode.

A small smile had been able to break that icy shell of yours, as you fell asleep to the memories of your old family.

Hiii! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you've appreciated this post. Part 2 is coming up soon but you're more than welcome to come check out my account with my other posts and/or make requests(MASTERLIST). Do NOT plagiarize this or any of my content.

Love you guys! See you soon!😘

Written by crazycat010 © 2025 crazycat010

[sirfrancisvarney]

So as the show is halfway through, and before episode four drops, I've tried to put together and organize all the information I've gathered so far.

In 2005 (18 years ago), Anders Lund found Tsalal station. Raymond Clark joins. The shots of the website don't show when everyone else joins, but some of them join within the next few years. The source of Tsalal's funding is hidden by several shell companies that link back to Tuttle United.

Seven years ago (or possibly earlier), in 2016, Annie Kowtok insists on joining her friend on her visit to Tsalal station, and immediately starts a relationship with Clark. This behavior is apparently unusual for her. Did she go to Tsalal specifically to meet Clark? Why keep it a secret? Also in 2016, Clark bought a trailer. It's assumed this was used to meet Annie K in secret.

Next year, sometime in spring 2017, Oliver Tagaq left Tsalal for reasons unknown. In April, Annie is killed. She records herself, clearly frightened and afraid of getting caught, on her smartphone in what appears to be an ice cave, saying, "I found it. It's here. I found it, I found it. My name is Annie Kowtok. If anything happens to me please--" she's pulled away from the camera and she is heard screaming. The camera view at the end is on the skeleton of some marine animal encased in ice.

On April 18, Annie's body is found. She was stabbed 32 times with a star-shaped instrument, ribs and teeth broken. She was kicked after her death and her tongue was cut out. Four days later, on April 22, Clark gets a spiral tattoo that match's Annie's. I don't know how long it takes to arrange getting a tattoo, so I don't know if he already had plans to get it, or if he got it because of Annie's murder.

Time passes. At some point, Clark turns the trailer into a shrine of some sort for Annie. The mannequin in the bed is wearing her cardigan, and there are baby dolls and children's toys placed around it, possibly a reference to her role as a midwife.

Clark covers his research notes with writing, including repeated phrases and words such as "her eyes her face," "I can hear her coming/moving outside," "cold," "dark," and "her fingers." It's unknown when this behavior started.

Fast forward to the end of 2023. A few weeks before the show starts, Clark's behavior becomes noticeably stranger. At some point before December 17, he obtains Annie's smartphone, which appears to have video of her last moments, and he is assumed to have acquired her tongue. He could have gotten these at the time of Annie's death, or at any point since. If he didn't take Annie's tongue himself, maybe getting them caused his mental instability to get worse?

On December 17, the last sunset of the year, a hunter watches as a herd of caribou get spooked from an unknown stimulus, and flee. It's unknown if this is connected to the events of the series, or merely meant to be symbolic. On the same day, the water in the villages goes bad, for reasons unknown. The mine is blamed. Also on December 17, the scientists at Tsalal are living their lives, relaxing in the evening, doing chores. Anders Lund is going over old data on a whiteboard (no spiral is visible on his forehead). Molina is filming himself making a sandwich, when he sees Clark, shaking or shivering. Part of Clark's hair is dyed blue, and where his hair touched the parka, the dye has transferred. He has clearly been outside in the snow. When Molina asks if he's ok, Clark turns and says "she's awake," which is immediately followed by a power outage that also affects Molina's smartphone.

On December 22, the delivery guy arrives and finds the place empty. A figure moves inhumanly fast through one corridor, but no other sign of life is present. The TV is playing "Twist and Shout" in repeat. He finds Annie's tongue on the floor underneath a table (several feet away from where Clark had been standing) and calls the police.

The next day, Rose finds the bodies of the scientists. They are frozen together, almost completely buried in the ice, bodies twisted in agony. They are naked, with burnt corneas and blood from their ears. Some have scratched their eyes out or bit themselves. Lund has Annie's spiral drawn on his forehead. Somehow, he is also still alive. (I don't know if this is important, but Danvers had to brush snow away to see the spiral, but Rose knew about it and told Navarro. Maybe it was more visible when she found the bodies and snow covered it before the police arrived, maybe Travis told her.) The scientists's clothes were found folded neatly near the corpsicle. The shoes look like indoor slippers, and it's likely that the clothes match what they were all wearing the night of December 17. A single handprint was taken from one shoe. It appears to be missing part of the ring and pinky fingers on the right hand (or they just couldn't get the print of those fingers).

Lund wakes briefly. He tells Danvers and Navarro, and I quote, "we woke her. She's awake. And now she's out. She's out there in the ice. She came for us in the dark."

Those are all the relevant facts concerning the main murder case (to my knowledge) as of episode three. I suppose I could have included a picture of Annie's stab wounds, but I couldn't make any kind of pattern out of them, or take a guess at what the weapon was. There's also the snow Navarro hit in the first episode, but I couldn't tell what it is, or if it's anything more than dirt and snow piled on the road. Personally, they do not suggest a microbial origin or cause. Diseases take time to infect, and they don't progress in everyone at exactly the same rate. The scientists were found together, practically climbing over each other. They died at almost exactly the same time, apparently in abject panic. I don't think a disease can kill that precisely. How did Clark avoid getting infected, since he lived with them all? Plus, whatever happened to them happened shortly after the power outage, since Molina' left his sandwich behind. One would assume he meant to eat it, since he went through the trouble to make it. The death of the scientists, the power outage, and the water going bad are all too closely linked in time to be unrelated. I wish I had a map of Ennis. I'd like to see how close these are in physical distance.

I also don't think there are any real clues to be found in the website. Their bios look about like what you'd get if you asked someone to come up with backgrounds for people studying ancient microorganisms in glacial ice. Plus, I think most of the scientists are ultimately going to be unimportant as individuals. Out of all eight men, Lund and Clark are the only ones focused on by the narrative. When interviewed, the cleaning ladies only mentioned Lund (yelled at them for touching his stuff) and Clark (his crying, probably over the brutal unsolved murder of his girlfriend kept them from being able to clean his room) by name. Lund survived (for a while, at least). Clark is missing and is closely connected with Annie's case. Oliver Tagaq mentioned Lund by name when he learned the scientists were dead. (On a side note, I really wish Danvers and Navarro (mostly Danvers) hadn't been so hostile when questioning him. They might have gotten more information from him if they hadn't gone at it like assholes. Granted, that's practically an impossible task for Danvers.) The rest, sadly, don't seem to be important. They are effectively ignored and dismissed, much like how they ignored the cleaning ladies.

So what could have happened on December 17, and how is it tied to Annie's murder? Honestly, I don't know yet. I'm not sure there's enough information given to answer those questions. Lund's speech and the way the scientists died suggest a supernatural explanation, but other details surrounding their murder seem to suggest more prosaic, human causes. There's no sign of a struggle at the station, but maybe someone cleaned up after themselves. The way part of the note at the bottom of the whiteboard is erased looks unusual, like it could have happened accidentally. Maybe someone got knocked against it, or their coat brushed against the board when they were writing the message. It's also possible the murderer was able to make them all leave without a fight. The power had just gone out, so maybe they all gathered together to put it back on? Where's the circuit breaker or generator for the station? Maybe that's where the actual crime scene is. The folded clothes feel like something you'd make a person do right before you execute them, sort of like making your victim dig their own grave. It could also have the opposite motivation: I could see a person not in full possession of their faculties (like Clark, or maybe one of the cleaning ladies in a fugue state) instinctively trying to straighten things up. Both feel like very human actions.

Finally, who is "she"? Is that even the right question? When did "she" wake up? The scientists didn't seem to be doing anything that would trigger her awakening on the 17th, so it must have happened before. I wish I knew more about what made Clark's mental illness ramp up in the weeks before sunset. It feels like there could be an important clue there. Too bad Clark is missing and anyone else who could answer the question is dead.

[sepublic]

Again, another Metroid episode pitch; When Samus is infected by an X and is undergoing the life-saving procedure, one of the scientists has the idea to save her with the Metroid vaccine. They of course note that there may be unexpected side-effects, but at this rate, they need Samus and can't ask for her consent either way. So they go through with it, Samus' body initially rejects, but then it stabilizes as the X begin to disappear.

But with all the stuff going in on her body, and Samus' note that she was reborn after the operation? Let's do a psychological fever dream episode, where Samus reflects on her guilt in the worst ways possible.

Poetically, a big part of her dream is being a Metroid; We see 'Samus' hatch from an egg, imprint on her doting Queen mother. The Queen makes sure to feed Samus, absorbing energy from the environment before transferring it to her and other infants.

Eventually, Samus grows old enough to leave on her own. She is accompanied by an older Alpha, who helps protect and guide Samus; She feeds enough to become an Alpha herself, guiding another larva as she herself had been guided.

Samus becomes a Gamma, adjusting to the increased weight and the impact it has on her flight abilities. Then she becomes a Zeta, a bit sad to no longer fly; But the lithe speed and agility she has in this new form! Finally she reaches the Omega stage. Samus accepts a challenge from another Omega Metroid, but in the end it's clear this is not a serious fight, actually; Just play.

Samus is enjoying her life, being a wild animal without any duties or obligations, feasting on whatever life she comes across; She has no fear of starvation, and enjoys the hunt, lying in wait for a nearby prey to pass; This is Samus' enrichment. She is content knowing she is the strongest animal on this planet and cannot be hurt by anything.

And then it appears; The Hunter, a cold and quiet, unfeeling death automaton. Samus has a vicious battle with it, but is left wounded and only forces the Hunter to retreat, for now. Samus heals herself easily, but as she tries fretfully to sleep in a cave, is confronted by an apparition of... Dark Samus. Dark Samus confronts the state she is in, saying aloud the questions Samus, as a conventional Metroid, cannot say: Will she be able to kill the Hunter, or will she be killed? Maybe she wants to be killed???

Dark Samus is here, because Samus is about to become like her; A ‘Humetroid’ hybrid. Samus is facing a doppelganger, both in the dream, and later in real life; Here's the OG. Dark Samus started off as a Metroid who roamed SR388, although she was kidnapped by the Federation before she become an Alpha. Maybe Samus' dream is the life (and death) Prime would've had... Or the life (and death) the Infant would’ve had. Likewise, Prime has already haunted Samus as a ghost and voiced her fears before.

And of course, this foreshadows the SA-X. It's karma in Samus' eyes to be a Metroid slain by it. And her being an Omega alludes to an Omega Metroid being the final boss of Fusion, too! The Metroid dream ends with the Hunter attacking the Queen, only for Samus to take a blow for its mother, who avenges her; A callback to the infant’s death, because maybe it was inevitable. Likewise, the Queen Metroid slaying the Hunter could be Samus’ feelings on what should’ve happened on SR388. And an Omega Metroid proving the undoing of the Hunter, allowing someone with the Queen trait to finish it off, is also foreshadowing.

The dream also has other phases to it; Such as Samus on trial... I did have this idea for a prior 'Ridley trial' episode, where he gets captured by the Federation and is forced to go through due process. The judge is a member of his own species named Racklas, as a reference to this one obscure comic.

Samus is on trial for her genocide of the Metroids and other crimes, like the murder of Rundas, Ghor, and Gandrayda; The destruction of Phaaze and Zebes. The judge, if it's Racklas or someone else, pulls apart the logic behind Samus' defense, acting as Samus' own feelings on the matter. Stuff like "It was self-defense" or "It was euthanasia to keep the galaxy healthy" all that stuff. By that logic, weren’t the Space Pirates justified as performing preemptive euthanasia on humans who might grow into Federation soldiers? Other incidents that bear on Samus’ conscience are also brought up.

The courtroom becomes a dark version of itself as the jury, judge, and audience are replaced by Ing who confront Samus over the fact that she murdered them. If what Samus did was self-defense for the Luminoth, then are the Ing not justified as well, because they were also in the same position: In order for one to live, the other must die, and co-existence will lead to both dying anyway. Why did the Luminoth deserve to live more, why would Samus choose them over the Ing? Because the Ing are ‘monsters’, like the Metroids? We see a Dark Metroid to further reiterate this point.

There's a twisted scene where Ridley is fighting an armored Gray Voice... He's about to die, but then Samus comes to Ridley's defense. She's also clad in Chozo armor, but is killed by Gray Voice. Ridley, who's had the opportunity to fight back, is able to finish off Gray Voice and 'avenge' Samus.

This scene is meant to represent how Samus is starting to reevaluate her relationship with the Infant Metroid; As essentially, what if Ridley had adopted me, and I grew to love and care for him as a parent without once considering or being told what really happened, to my real family. And I even ended up giving my life to save his. It's a twisted reflection of Super Metroid's climax.

Samus had been saved by the Chozo; In this other timeline, she was saved by Space Pirates, perhaps. Given her role as the Infant, it hearkens to how the Space Pirates would've technically 'saved' the Metroids on SR388 had the Infant been left behind; While it was an armored Chozo who left only one survivor. Given how Beyond plays out, we could see a callback to Sylux having a Metroid imprint on him, after 'rescuing' it from the Federation, and a parallel to Samus' relationship with the Infant. A fully-fledged Sylux flashback might happen later in the Fusion arc, after Samus learns of the Metroid breeding program.

Eventually, the fitful and nightmarish dreams end with Samus coming to, tears in her eyes behind the visor; Surgeons trying to calm her down, alert her to the fact that she's about to be very different. Samus calms down a bit, and finally gets the chance to realize her new form, with a strange sense of awe, uncertainty; Not outright terror or panic. Just sort of wondering about this, an apathetic acceptance because she knew deep down, during the dream, what the operation had done. And whatever this is, it might be karma.

[yeosboba]

perfume - l.mh

another one i'm transferring here from @yeosluvr

______________________________________________________________

Perfume - Lee Minho Featuring: Lee Minho of SKZ

Genre: Angst, a little fluff

A/N; This is an idea I’ve been thinking of for a long time, and is actually part of a series that I’m currently (slowly) working on, so for now, just enjoy the random word spill huhu. Do leave some feedback and reblog

Disclaimer; this is just a fanfiction and doesn’t portray how lee minho or any stray kids member behave irl. sorry for the late updates.

...

Minho stares at the bottle of perfume now standing - out of place - on the top of his vanity, away from all of his other belongings. It’s cheap perfume, still a quarter to be full, and he doesn’t even remember the brand - maybe there was no brand, to begin with? - but he remembers her being used to coming up here, to his room, lying down on his bed and having breakfast in bed with him, having that cheap perfume stashed in her pocket for emergencies. He remembers the first time he ever officially talked to her - scratch that, it was her who talked to him first. It was about his perfume.

“Where’d you get your perfume?”

He also remembers at the time that it was after his very first breakup - and he even liked her a lot too despite his flirtatious ways- and after that, she came into his life through a simple tap on his shoulder and a seemingly trivial question with a much more trivial intention. She didn’t really expect that it’d hurt to fall in love. He grimaces at the thought and stands up to take the bottle of perfume on the stand.

Twelve months ago, she had come up to him, jet black eyes behind thin rectangular glasses, in a librarian uniform with her name tag stuck proudly on the left side of her vest. He remembers her looking down at her polished leather shoes and the frantic eye language she gave him - the wrong person to ask for help actually since she needed help asking him a question. He chuckles at the memory, and remembers that he answered, “It was a gift from an old friend.”

His ex. Anyone would refer to their ex as an old friend, right?

He could see the surprise and embarrassment eating up on her when she bit her inner cheek and crimson flooded her cheeks, and he thought to himself that he found this girl cute. Awkward, sure, also highly introverted, and not to mention her addiction with books and the school library was beyond what he could fathom, but she was cute nevertheless. Her chuckles rang through his ears, and he found himself smiling over that little action alone.

And without even thinking through, the words passed through his lips.

“Are you free tonight?”

Minho lays down on his bed, legs hanging off the edge as he sighs quietly, closing his eyes, the quarter-full bottle of cheap perfume held tightly to where his heartbeats quicken over a memory he’d do anything to replay.

*

Waking up to her tidying his room was one of the most wonderful things in life that happened to him. He’d rate her existence as a blessing, God-sent. He had needed this kind of person since the breakup and she was the perfect fit for the requirements.

“So…

You want me to help you forget about her?”

No, certainly not in a dirty way. Not to such a pure, innocent creature as herself, who admitted to never having been asked out on dates or even been in a relationship, although she had embarrassedly confessed to wanting to know what real love feels like.

As if he knew. He scoffed at her request at first, because he thought that he knew what love was. Before the break-up, he thought he knew what it was. Post-breakup? Not very sure. But he wasn’t sure as to why he wanted to grant her wish when he saw her looking down to his hands hesitantly.

“I really wanted to know what love is, Minho.”

“Okay.” He didn’t know what drove him to agree after only the second time she asked. After all, it wasn’t unknown that Minho was one of the people who were very hard to convince.

Minho looks across his room and finds the tulips she sent him months ago in a vase. One of them is starting to wither, he observes. “Red tulips,” she once said to him, he recalls. It’s one of his favourite quotes from her still, and he tries to remind himself of her everyday. “To love someone so great is a wonderful gift. I wish I could love and be loved like that.."

He grumbles at the squeaking pipe at the kitchen sink, and the slow flowing of water into his glass, and as Minho impatiently taps his foot on his kitchen tiles, his cousin Felix walks in.

"Hey."

"Morning, cousin.” Felix chuckles, and Minho shakes his head at the younger man before he notices that the glass is already full, so he retreats into his room quietly. He doesn’t miss the pity in Felix’s eyes as he slowly retreats to his room, not wanting to miss watering the tulips that she gave him months ago.

*

Climbing up to his upstairs apartment was a routine for her, because God knows how Minho can get freakish headaches in the morning if he wasn’t woken up the right way. Minho discovered that she had approached him moderately, just the right amount as to not let the pain rise to his head.

There was a pattern to it too.

Of course, he gave her the spare keys to his apartment so she could help him get up in the morning. He’d groan first, before finding one of her cheeks and pecking it, give her a little smile, and he’d greet her afterwards. “Morning, beautiful,” was an accustomed one that even she got used to.

Afterwards they’d be eating their breakfast together, her snuggling into his chest, and he’d make comments about some random reality show that came on TV. An hour before his first class for the day, she’d get up, tidy her clothes and fix her hair before she’d kiss his forehead - her kisses were always longer than his. It made him feel somewhat strange, something stirring inside him that he couldn’t name. She’d wish him a great day and to text her if he wanted meals together, and he’d follow her out after he gave her a kiss on her cheeks.

Another thing he got used to doing was to walk her back to her studio after classes and meals. They didn’t even talk much on the way back, just comfortable silence and her asking if she could put her hand in his pocket, and later on he’d hold her hand in his pocket. He couldn’t explain why he loved it when she simply smiled at this little skinship, but it felt so pleasant and familiar that he didn’t even disagree with it.

Were they something more than friends when they had that, he wondered.

Perhaps it was something else. It was also possible that friends would do that. It would be the feelings that come with it that’d be inappropriate, in his opinion. Feelings that made him feel his cheeks go warm, feelings that made him stutter in his words, feelings that simply told him that he wanted her with him always, feelings that told him she deserved better. So he had to shake it away one way or another.

They were friends, he’d remind himself. Very close ones. He’d tease her and she’d smile through it, and truthfully it made him happy that simple gestures that told him that the weird friendship they had didn’t go one way made her happy. Simple things in life like buying her her favourite coffee. Remembering to wish her good morning first thing - if she wasn’t in his apartment, that is. Remembering to wish her good night.

In truth, he was scared of it.

It grew to be even more frightening when she accidentally left her cheap perfume- the one that he’s holding at the moment- in his apartment. He was so curious that he picked up by means of teasing her when they’ll be having Literature in a few hours. That was until he smelled it and thought, ‘she smelled nothing like it.

She smelled better.’

Literature was fun. She was one of the tutors in their year, and he’d always tease her when she came round to teach his group about literary components. It usually amused him to see her cheeks flare in red and she’d swat his hand in furious embarrassment, but that one specific Literature night class was … he didn’t know how to describe it, but he felt all giddy reminiscing that one particular night.

“Ah, hey guys. Need help?”

“I think we’re kinda good here, princess.” He was the one who answered, and he had ideas in his head that might’ve shown on his face that made Seonghwa choke on his water and Hongjoong had to poke Minho on his shoulder. “Yeah well, stop kissing her in your head, Lee,” Hongjoong smirked, and if that didn’t make his heart race he didn’t know what would. And surprisingly, her face had seemed to be the same shade of a ripe tomato- if it wasn’t redder.

And then came the teasing.

He didn’t know what drove him. He really didn’t know, but the only thing in his mind at the moment was to see her smile goofily. He had to do it, right?

He leaned forward in his seat, closing the proximity between them two, until their breaths mixed with each other - which actually took her by surprise because she was too focused on drawing a mind map on their whiteboard- and said, “You left your perfume in my apartment, sweetheart.”

At the sound of his voice so close to her, she whipped her head up to see his smirking lips first, then his incredibly shining eyes - that was what she said to him anyways - and she leaned back. Her face was red. She was stuttering on her words.

It was nice to see he wasn’t feeling one-sided about all the arrangement wasn’t it?

“I’ll see you later, honey,” he winked at her.

She nodded, before walking to another group, fanning herself.

*

Minho really badly wants to cry at the amount of memories that are replaying in his head as he clutches the perfume to his chest. Where it hurts. He’d see her smile, and the glow in her eyes whenever she looks at him. Looked at him. It’s getting harder to breathe, so he walks up to his window and for the first time in months, he draws the curtains open.

Senior year was about prom. Of course it was always about prom.

Lee Minho asked her if she’d wanted to be his date- “As friends, of course. Single friends,” he laughed- and she had agreed to it. Which led to the agreement that they’d go with matching colours. That time, she made a request for him to take him out shopping for black ties. He’d groaned, actually, but it came out a whimper, then a sigh, when he glanced her way and saw her big hopeful eyes, blinking at him.

“Okay.” He smiled.

It didn’t help that on the day of said purchase of tie, she’d hurriedly took some cash out of her wallet and handed it over to the cashier before he could even protest. “I’ll pay for this,” she affirmed firmly, and the cashier squealed over how cute of a couple they were. Which led him to the first of his many regrets in their 'friendship’.

“We’re just friends,” he chuckled, not noticing the way her smile faltered and the cashier nodded awkwardly at her. By then she felt very weak in her knees, but he didn’t really notice it because she was too quick to hide it when he turned to her and asked her if everything’s okay. Of course, she’d answer that it was all fine. All very very fine.

He didn’t get a good night reply that night.

She seemed okay in the morning, though.

She had told him how excited she was for prom, and when curiosity came to him and urged him to ask her about her gown for the night, she just gave him a plain smile emoji and told him that she wanted to save the surprise for the night. He’d smiled at that comment and had waited patiently for the sun of the day of prom to set.

Minho takes in one breath as he remembers the night where he first sees her in the black gown. He wants to remember taking in the sight of her in that black gown of sequins and the frilly neckline and her face was shaded with the lightest tones of make-up and even her hairstyle was simple, her bangs pulled back in bobby pins, and her hair was pulled back with a flower scrunchie, flowing in a wavy side ponytail.

Beautiful. He tells her, the her in his memory.

Thank you, the her in his memory replies. Same voice, same shyness.

She got him tripping and she didn’t even know.

“You look gorgeous, Lee Minho,” she smiled.

“Likewise.” He bowed his head, knowing full well that in her eyes he’d be very flushed-face in the mere presence of her. In a black gown. With that hairstyle. At that point, he was very confused with the border that separated friendship and something that he’d labelled as 'something more’.

The rest of the night, to him, was a complete haze as he kept his hand firm on her waist, keeping her close to him at all times. He didn’t know why he acted like it, but she seemed to not mind, only excusing herself at one point because she needed the toilet. He thought the night went perfectly, and her presence with him had kept him at ease and composed, and he didn’t even remember that he used to have someone that wasn’t her.

Well actually, that thought was interrupted by a gentle poke on his shoulder, and what greeted his sight - to his shock - wasn’t her, but his ex. All in her glorious emerald green dress, all smiley. All beautiful for someone that wasn’t him. His heart stopped at the thought and for a moment all he could think of was how pretty she looked. If only she was his.

“Hi, Minho.”

“Hey yourself.”

A moment of awkward silence passed as she sheepishly grinned at him and he struggled to keep his breaths in check, because he finally remembered what it was that made him stay with the girl in the black gown all along. She was able to make him forget his misery. Had he really used her for his own good? He didn’t know he was capable of doing that, but when his stomach turned and flipped and made him feel sick, he realised that maybe, it wasn’t love that he felt for the girl in the black gown.

So why was he crying?

So why is he crying?

“You came."

"Yeah.” He gulped, not wanting to meet her gaze.

“I saw her just now.” She chirped, and from that voice alone he knew she was genuinely happy for him, thinking he had found someone for him. Someone that could make him happier than she did. “She’s really pretty isn’t she?”

He couldn’t speak.

“I’m glad you’re happier with her, Minho.”

Supposed that she only made him believe in temporary happiness, and not actually him feeling happy with her? The girl in the black gown? Then what should he do? What had he done to himself?

What had he done to her?

“I’ll see you around, Minho.” She smiled, and before he knew it, she had tiptoed up to his cheek, felt a brief second of a kiss on his cheek, and left without any more words exchanged. He felt slightly ashamed of himself, felt as though he was undeserving of any kind of love at all.

But he didn’t know why he’d feel so, so terrible when he looked up to see the huge eyes, those huge, terribly tearful eyes - in terms of trying trying hold back tears from overwhelming - looking at him, who stood in the middle of the room, and her, from the entrance to the hall where the prom was held.

He didn’t even know why he felt so broken, felt as though he’d begged her to stay when she let one of her tears fall and wiped the others away with her hand. He was waiting for a slap - some kind of physical pain on any part of his body - as she crossed the room in small steps. But there was nothing.

She’d crossed the room, took his hand and kissed his knuckles gently, and he felt some more tears falling onto his fist.

“Was I not enough, Lee Minho?"

"No, sweetheart,” his breath hitches at the memory, and he feels his gut kicking against the walls of his stomach as he says so. “You’re more than what I deserve, more than what I asked for,” he says to her in his memory. The words that he didn’t say to her that night.

“Minho?” Another hand came to hold his knuckles and he felt her shake. And of course, the tears. Waves of slow music echoed against the walls and Minho was so thankful that nobody had noticed her. Or him. Crying.

“Hey.” He whispered, bringing his hands to wipe the streams of tears running down her cheeks. Her eyes fluttered close to his touch, and he felt the pain throbbing inside him again as he kissed her eyelids. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s dance,” he whispered, and his arms went down to her waist as he buried his head in her neck.

She nodded quietly, soft sniffs still loud in his ears as he took in her scent, and before long he felt her arms gently going around his neck, and felt her wet cheeks against his chest. Still shaking, he felt her swallow her sobs, prompting him to slide his hands against her back in an attempt to calm her down.

“I’m so sorry,” he says to her in his memory. “I thought it was for the best.”

“I know, Minho.” Figured that he had said the same thing, because he had remembered her saying this all, and her looking up to him, wet eyes and sad smile. “I’m so sorry,” she sniffed again. Minho ignored the urge for him to kiss her right then and there.

Shaking his head, Minho swiped his thumb across one of her cheeks and she smiled. The lump in his throat remained as he felt his cheeks becoming wet after seeing that broken smile of hers. As if she was somehow… just giving up her happiness for his. Although he couldn’t really explain why that thought that might’ve run through her head made his heart sink.

Afterwards Minho had taken her to the photobooth, by means of making her smile. At least they could make funny faces at each other when they sit there, right? At least they’d laugh at each other right?

But he couldn’t really do anything at the moment. Not when she seemed to force herself to enjoy the night because of him. The first take she was laughing because he had tripped on her and she had pulled him to sit down on the seat beside hers, and the cameras flashed on their faces before he could comprehend anything.

The second take was more like him laughing at her as he teased her about how beautiful she looked in that gown. How he wished he could make her his, the voice in his head had whispered. A pleasurable shade of cherry red again coated her cheeks, like the previous times where she had been teased by him, and the second take was her stifling a silly grin and playfully shoving his shoulder.

The third take was him pulling her to sit on his lap, and that the cameras had caught her surprised look on the cameras made his stomach turn. She had her arms around his neck to keep herself balanced, and for that matter she needed to look up.

The fourth take was unexplainable. She was sitting on his lap, and the cameras caught him looking at her with the same confusing emotions he had felt the whole time he was with her. And he had mistaken those feelings to be similar to what he’d felt for a friend when he knew she wasn’t just a friend. She was smiling so beautifully, looking into his eyes as she did so, and he knew he felt warm, as though something inside him was melting to the sensations she was making him feel.

“Lee Minho, I love you."

Between the bright lights of the camera flash and the sound of shutters being clicked open and close, he heard the small voice of her amidst everything.

That night had somehow ended with shaky breaths and hushed voices as he walked her back to her studio, and somehow it felt as if it was the last time he’d hold her hand.

Minho stands up from his position and walks to his desk. His very, very dusty desk, pulls out an old book - that’s for another story for him to tell - and takes out the set of four black-framed polaroids they had taken that night. Brushing his hands across the pictures, he sighs at the sight of her in that gown he adores so much.

But even without the gown, she looks so much more beautiful than any other girls he’d ever known.

Is this love?

He brushes his thumb across her cheek in the picture and feels a weird sense of … something unnamed overwhelming his five senses. Bringing the perfume in his hand to his nose, he gently sniffs on it, before he brings the Polaroid set to his nose. It smells the same, he hears the voice in his head speaking fondly. It smells wonderful. This is her smell.

Brushing the pads of his fingers against her wet cheeks, he bent to her forehead, leaving unspoken feelings and hidden meanings behind a simple lingering kiss to it, but it wasn’t just that that broke her. He had said something that made it particularly difficult for her to forget- and it was such a Lee Minho thing to do when parting ways.

"Don’t ever change for anyone, darling.

You’re perfect the way you are,

Stay the same, love.”

Goodbyes were hard, but it was extremely- surprisingly- difficult for someone who had said a lot of goodbyes such as Lee Minho, and he hadn’t expected that to happen with anyone. Except he didn’t expect meeting her would be the end of that statement for him.

He turned on his heels after the kiss, begging his heart to not even spare a glance, because this was her. She’d make it especially difficult for him to leave.

But long after he reached his apartment, changed out of his suit, and drank a mug of hot choco that Felix had made for him, he found himself staring into darkness, his mind drowning in the remaining memories he had of her.

He sighs again, clutching the two items to his chest and takes in the smell of her. As he closes his eyes, he remembers feeling a sense of warmth flooding him as her smell engulfs him in what he can only as her comfort hugs. How can she smell good even without perfume?

She always does that when she knows he’s upset.

Somewhere in between his consciousness and his dreamstate, he hears a little voice pleading with her in his memories.

If I ever get to meet you next time, I’m praying to God that even if you find someone that’s not me, please don’t ever change.

*

It’s early morning the next day when Minho next opens his eyes. Since his curtains were drawn open yesterday, he’s greeted first thing by the little rays of sunlight. The sun is rising. Groaning, he fights the urge to curse the sun for being up too early. It’s the weekend, what the heck?

The first thing that he registers is that he hears Felix singing as he makes his usual pancakes, and that if he’s very much awake he’d realise Felix is actually having a pleasant conversation. With a girl. But Lee Minho’s not in his right mind, so he doesn’t think of it too much when he realises that the voice is hers- because he thinks he’s still dreaming.

“Hyung!”

He hears Felix’s three soft raps on his door, and he swears that he can hear Felix smiling when he presses his ear to the surface of the wooden door when Felix says, “Someone’s out here to meet you, hyung.” Minho doesn’t think too much of it, because Felix usually invites his friends over, and his friends- Hyunjin, Jisung and Seungmin- he can say they’re basically fond of him.

What he didn’t expect was to see her.

With a box of Pepero sticks that he remembers mentioning to her that he craved for. That was over a year ago.

He blinks, grip tightening on his door handle as she lowers her gaze in a small bow. Minho feels all his senses heightening at an alarming rate, so he turns to Felix, who throws worried looks in his direction as if wanting to ask if he’s okay with her coming. He notices her gulping, wondering if the anxiety hits her the same way it’s currently hitting him.

“I’m just stopping by,” she stutters. “To drop this.” She gestures at the big green box, giggling nervously as she picks at the skin of her arm. When his gaze finds hers again, she looks down to her stockinged feet. She’s still the same, he whispers to himself.

Felix eyes him nervously, an eye language of, “Maybe I should leave you guys alone.”

Minho nods at him, and before she can look up to stop Felix, he’s gone.

The sound of a slammed door surprises her and makes her jump in her position, but Minho stifles his chuckle because he doesn’t want to scare her away like he did last time. It seems as though they’re both thinking the same thing, because Minho notices another gulp going down her throat, and that’s what he’s currently having a problem with. His throat feels dry and it feels particularly difficult to breathe.

“Hey.”

She looks up.

“Let’s sit down. Talk.”

“Like old times?"

He sighs. He knows that it won’t feel like old times anymore.

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t bring that up.”

“It’s okay, darling.” He says, and he feels the nerves in him relaxing. “I wanted things to be the way they were too."

He sees her open her mouth, but then she closes it. Considering her words and actions before she regrets it.

He walks towards the couch in front of the TV, prompting her to follow him. She doesn’t sit when he sits, slightly troubled and confused, but he knows she can’t refuse him when he holds out one hand and something else in his eyes that begs her to do so, so she sits.

He then carefully slides his arm around her waist, glancing at her to assess her reactions. Under his touch, he notices she tenses, the red spreading to her ears and he sighs and before anxiety can creep back up to eat him from inside out, he pulls her closer to him, putting his chin on her head.

An involuntary content sigh leaves his slightly parted lips, and he relaxes into her figure. Gradually, she leans against his chest too, and he hears a heavy breath coming from her. Another bold move that he attempts is to take her other hand in his, and he cheers quietly when she doesn’t budge, instead leaning more into him, and this time he hears a happy hum from her.

It’s so tempting for Minho to sway her in that position, so he does that, and he hears a giggle from her. The giggles that he’s deprived of for over a year. Immediately he feels as though a huge amount of oxygen is being returned to him, as though his sleepless nights will be no more.

"Minho.”

He hums.

“What are we?” She looks up to him, and he lifts his chin so that he can see her expression.

She’s hopeful.

Tired, but hopeful.

“Are you willing to wait for me?” I promise I won’t be long, he promises quietly, tightening the grip he has on her hand.

“I’m willing, Min,” she affirms, responding to him with a reassuring squeeze of her hand around his. “So long as it makes you happy,” she adds, before leaning into him again, another happy hum escaping her lips.

“Then let’s just stay like this for a while,” he whispers into her hair.

“Okay, Minho."

It takes a minute for him to take in the smell of her, this fresh her, smelling like that perfume he has in his pocket, like the Polaroid set in his old notebook. Everything’s going so perfectly, the way he’s holding her, the way she’s fitting so adequately into his arms.

"We’ll be alright this time.

I won’t run away again.”

She doesn’t look up to meet his eyes when he lowers his eyes to meet hers, stiffening in her position, but remains there on his lap, and Minho understands her too well that he knows she’s slightly uncomfortable with his promises. Ones which he knows that she knows he’ll struggle to keep, and she doesn’t want that. No hurting Lee Minho if she could ever help it, she’d say. If anyone is going to get hurt, it should be her.

“I don’t want you to promise, Lee Minho.” She sighs, playing with the fingers that are intertwined with hers. “I’m more than willing to wait for as long as I must, so please, don’t hurt yourself,” and Minho just doesn’t know what it is that stabs him deep inside but it really hurts to hear the pain hidden in the fake calmness of hers.

“I won’t promise then."

Her perfume in his pocket long forgotten, and the Polaroid set lies abandoned in their shared notebook, Minho takes in the scent of her wafting through the air around them. It’s the first time in over a year that he’s able to sleep so peacefully, and he doesn’t even need her perfume to help him sleep.

She never changed.

[the-mandawhor1an]

The escape

[Flashback Chapter!] Chapter 0 – Guided by the stars, connected by the force

Masterlist

| Next chapter ⇒

Chapter summary: The day has arrived. Maia has to take another chance of breaking free of the shackles the Empire forced upon her. Maybe, just maybe, today is the day she can finally escape and seek the life she was destined to lead. To find out who she is and what her place in this universe is. 

Warnings: 18+ content, MDNI! Canon-typical violence, mentions of SA/involuntary pregnancy, brief mention of periods, the Empire in general needs its own warning, character death

Words: 2.6k 

A/N: This chapter will be one of many flashbacks (because I’m a slut for flashbacks) and I guess I call it chapter 0 because it’s JUST backstory, no tin can involvement yet. Enjoy, I guess!

»Maia, wake up,« a voice rudely awoke the 18-year old in what felt like the middle of the night. Her room didn’t have the luxury of a window, just cold, white, high shine walls and similarly sterile fluorescent lighting, so the only way to tell was by trusting her body, which felt heavy and uneasy in the shine of the cold, bright lights. »What’s going on?« she asked, soothing over her brown hair with one hand while her eyes adapted to the sudden change of brightness. After a few blinks to adjust, she made out the person that had barged in. Sitting upright in her bed, she turned to face the man that interrupted her slumber.

Raymond, a man she had met on her first day here, had a concerned expression plastered on his face. The expression only a father had when he feared for the worst for his child. It was an unspoken agreement between the two of them; him seeing her as his daughter, and her seeing a father in him. What made him enter her room in the middle of the night and what in the world had him so worked up?

»You need to leave tonight,« he proclaimed, earning a puzzled look from the just awoken. »What?« She understood what he said, but not what he meant. »Listen, we don’t have much time. You have to leave. I’ve watched this long enough and I can not tolerate it any longer. They want to transfer you to the Phase 3 ward.« In an instant she rose from the bed, while he peeked his head out the doorframe to listen for any sign of steps in the hallway. »I have someone waiting for you at the outskirts of the facility, they’ll take you away from here.« 

Maia’s heart sank. With every day since her capture the hope to make it out of here dwindled more. And with each passing day it became more and more clear, why she was even here in the first place. At first they lied to her, promising her to take her back to her family as soon as they were found. The reality was a whole lot darker: She was taken from her family when she was about 4 years old. She lost everything that day: Her family, her future, herself. She forgot each detail about herself, even her name, as if it had been wiped from her memory. The Imperials only referred to her by her identification, M-414. Raymond had come up with ‘Maia’, which in retrospect was just her code with the numbers exchanged for vowels. But the then-4-year-old liked the name. 

Days became weeks, weeks turned to months as she studied and trained to one day be utilized by the Empire. Only as a teenager she had made the realization, that all test subjects were in fact girls, and that this was no coincidence. 

Early on the weekly assessments started to test their progress and also their capabilities. Fighting, acrobatics, using the force, sometimes fighting the other girls until one was barely hanging on. Until, one by one, the older subjects disappeared as the frustration with the officers and the Overseer grew. Although Maia had rarely interacted with the other girls, she could sense their presence in the force. But with every presence that left the close vicinity, an aura of pure dread grew on the other side of the facility. She was never allowed to go close to the Phase 3 ward, but she knew what was going on there. The screams would double within 8 to 9 months, after a year it was unbearable to be even close to that area in the facility. There was so much grief, pain, helplessness. Yet still – Maia felt love, even in such a dark place, where everything was hopeless. 

Love. She was surrounded by it, even though it was hard to find love in a place like this. Yet still, there was this sliver of love in all of the dark feelings that surrounded the facility. Like the undying love a parent had for a child. The same love she saw in the warm brown eyes of her father, hidden behind the veil of years of worry.

The Imperials were counting on this love, this motherly instinct as means to make the girls obedient. Holding the children hostage they forced them to have, making sure every rebellious thought was killed off to protect the infants that kept Phase 3 quarters awake at all times of day. Children, more specifically only daughters, born by abducted, brainwashed, abused women, to be molded into the perfect Sith assassins. Who knows what experiments were conducted on all those poor souls in the name of science. 

Hastily, she got dressed as her father packed some of her clothes into a bag. Her hands were shaking as she tried to put on her jacket. With a sigh Raymond walked up to her and helped her, his hands soothing over her shoulders in the process. Maia shook her head, her voice was trembling. »I don’t understand, why me? I’m not ready to…« be a mother. While she was definitely not mentally ready to be forced to get pregnant and have a child, she wasn’t physically. Part of the never-ending medical examinations was monitoring their hormone levels. She hadn’t spiked yet, and hadn’t had to deal with the pain and discomfort that came with the bleeding.

»They want to see results quicker so their approach has changed. Take the most promising subjects and give them hormone therapy. They’re tired of waiting for nature to take its time. This is why I have to get you out tonight. You are on their list.« Raymond furrowed his brows. He was a captive himself, albeit not in the same way Maia was, but still he felt the guilt of not ever trying to put an end to this. Or not doing it sooner. He had hoped to have her be safe in here, but all of his efforts, all his good intentions, were futile. Witnessing what the Empire did to so many girls had broken him over the years. The scientist was a shadow of his former self. The fullness in his cheeks had left years ago and his hair had grayed substantially. Only the softness in his gaze persisted whenever he faced his beloved daughter.

»Are you coming with me?« He halted in his movements and looked into her eyes. Desperation shone within the green eyes of the young woman. As much as he’d love to leave with her, he couldn’t. She was a person of interest and so was he. That meant her chances were a lot better if he distracted them long enough. He knew she make out his lies without having to think about it much, so he chose to be honest with her. Even if it meant seeing her heart break in front of his eyes. »I wish I could, Darling.« His brows furrowed as he saw her eyes welling up with tears. It tug on his heartstrings but he knew it had to be like this. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands and stroked over her cheeks with his thumbs.

»You are smart and so unbelievably strong. I know you can do it without me. You have to. I will stay here and distract them as long as I can.« »What about my sisters?« She had always referred to the others as such. Raymond often wondered if that was a fragment of her old self shining through. »I will try to get them out of here as well.« Maia wasn’t sure she could believe him. She wanted to, she really did, but something in the way he looked at her made it feel like a farewell. »I’m really sorry it has to be like this. You’re not burdened by being a mother yet so your chances are far better to make it out of here.« He pulled her into a tight hug before they made their way out of her room. 

He pulled out a blaster and slowly entered the hallway with his daughter in tow. They didn’t talk as to not alert the guards that were patrolling. Every now and then Maia had to get rid of one while Raymond dealt with the other. He hated himself for forcing her hand to kill, but they couldn’t risk another escape attempt to fail. 

Something was off, Maia could tell by her father’s posture. He was uneasy, maybe because they had yet to run into actual trouble, which was suspicious to say the least. The hangar was just ahead of them, when the door opened and a squad of stormtroopers greeted them. None moved, yet, but Raymond halted. Not all was lost yet, but they had to focus. 

»I have to admit, I was wondering when you would try to save one of your little ones, Doctor Kaville,« a voice echoed through the hallway towards them, as the Overseer approached from behind the troopers. Raymond extended his arm to ward off his daughter. »We were sure you’d want little 414 out of here soon.« »Velkas, this has to end,« Raymond retorted, slowly pulling Maia behind his back as if to shield her with his body. They weren’t going to open fire on them, were they? »You have no idea what you’re doing here.« »We are breeding our own little army of Sith, Raymond, beautiful enough to blind the enemies of the Empire and equally lethal. Aren’t you proud of what we have achieved so far? She is one of the strongest force-users we have, her daughters will be even stronger, given the right training.« »You will never understand, will you? You are creating ticking time-bombs. You are working toward your own destruction. Training girls to be killers while treating them like animals, breeding them and relentlessly abusing them. They will rebel against you some day.« Velkas scoffed. Maia obviously never liked the Overseer, in his shiny black uniform, the serious expression that never left his features, the grayish undertone his skin had, similar to the white-silver of his hair. He wasn’t old by any means, but his appearance was downright unpleasant to look at. Perhaps he himself was consumed by the dark. 

With one gesture the stormtroopers approached Raymond, blasters drawn and focused on the doctor. Maia was practically glued to her father’s uniform, pressing her face into the fabric. Two troopers approached to separate the two, while Raymond was disarmed and handcuffed. Maia put up a fight, although she wasn’t quite angry enough to be any threat to the two men, yet. Screaming and kicking, they dragged her behind Raymond toward a makeshift holding cell.

The captives were dragged into one of the cargo rooms that surrounded the hangar. Maia had been handcuffed as well, tased one too many times to be able to walk straight any more. She was fixed to the wall, while Raymond was brought to his knees, right opposite of her. Both had been putting up a bit of a fight, although it wasn’t showing on the scientist. Strands of his hair were in disarray and his uniform had creased in places, but other than that he looked like he had just had a bad night. The teenager on the opposite hand looked a mess. Her hair was down, matted in places from fighting while getting handcuffed. Her jacket had burn marks where the taser had made contact with her. Her nose was bloodied and her face wet from the angry tears she had been slowly letting out.

»Look at me,« Raymond begged her. He knew what they would do to him. To make sure they could break her and deter her from making her final escape attempt. The last time she had made it off the perimeter, this time she would for sure make it farther. She didn’t listen, rather she watched as another familiar face entered the makeshift prison cell. »Maia,look.at.me,« Raymond pressed. She fixed her gaze to her father’s dark brown eyes, now also welling with tears. »I’m really sorry, Dr. Kaville,« Nathan, the blonde man holding a blaster to Raymond’s temple, confessed. »Nathan stop this,« Maia begged him. »Please.« Of course they were forcing her kind-of-boyfriend to kill her father. She pulled on her restraints, trying to break free from the cuffs they had her in. »It’s okay, Honey. I’ll be fine,« again, Raymond tried to reason with her, seeing her struggle to deal with her emotions already had him fear the worst. She tugged on the restraints, her hands looking like they would disconnect from her wrist any second now. Her breathing was erratic, sobs shook her whole body. »Remember everything I’ve told you. About what defines us, about who you want to be in this world. I am so immeasurably proud of you and that will never change. Promise you won’t forget who you are, deep down.« Tears started running down her face as she slowly nodded. She didn’t want to let go, but a small part in her didn’t want her father to see her struggle in his last moments. »I promise.« »My story might end here, but yours won’t. There is so much left for you to discover in this galaxy. Who you are, and who he is.« 

Her heart skipped a beat. Nathan knew who Raymond was referring to. Maia had mentioned it briefly in one of their conversations. She had someone out there, someone she could connect to in a way they never could. Possibly a relative. Possibly something more powerful than that. 

Nathan pressed the gun further into Raymond’s temple as one of his supervisors grew impatient. »Shoot him already!« Raymond choked a sob himself. It broke his heart to know he would ultimately hurt her by dying in front of her eyes. »I love you so much. Find him.« Those were the last words she ever heard of her father. She didn’t even register the sound of the gun going off. His lifeless body fell to the side while Nathan fought back a heave. The communications engineer averted his gaze and hunched over. He had just killed someone. That alone was too much to process, more so as this was his girlfriend’s father.

Her world fell apart. With Raymond, the last person keeping her sane in this mess had ceased. Not even Nathan, who she now made responsible for the passing of her only comfort, would be able to stop her. 

She screamed as loud as she could without losing consciousness. She pulled on the handcuffs once again, while the metal holding her back made strange noises. The low grumble of metal being bent surrounded the holding cell, all the way to the other side of the hangar. This was what they had wanted to see all this time. Her losing the grip on her emotions. The green in her eyes faded and slowly, even the yellow left to be replaced by fiery red. With a crack, the metal gave in, and they were now confronted with what could happen if you made a force-user angry enough.

There wasn’t much she remembered after that, but the screams had haunted her for years afterwards. Sometimes she could make out mortified faces in her dreams. She doesn’t know if anyone survived the destruction of the research facility, and she mostly didn’t care. All she knew was: she had made it out somehow, awaking days later in a foreign place. She had made it. 

More of Wolke's ramblings: Soooooo... Actually I wasn't planning to start the story with this, which is precisely why I call it chapter zero. But I feel like my original approach lacked the exposition and this scene offered a lot of it. It's not really smart to start with a bang like this, killing off a character that at this point hasn't established himself to any extent, but I feel like there is a totally different kind of tragedy in witnessing Raymond's passing without knowing much about him. It'll hurt more in the end. At least that's what I hope for.

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

Don't Go Blindly Into the Dark

Summary:

To hide that he can't read, Jan Van Eck has been forcing his son to pretend he's blind since he was eight years old. Wylan is now attending Ketterdam University, and meeting Jesper Fahey may very well be about to change his life. But is he safe to tell Jesper the truth? And what will Jesper say if he does?

Jesper is struggling to weigh up his life in the Barrel and his life at the University of Ketterdam, and there's a good chance that his growing debt is about to make the decision for him. He hasn't attended class consecutively for months, but maybe that will change when his newest project includes partnering up with Wylan Van Eck. But can he really leave the Barrel behind him? And how long can he keep up the pretence of who he thinks Wylan wants him to be?

Tags: @justalunaticfangirl @lunarthecorvus

Content warnings for this chapter: ptsd, implied child abuse references, implied violence, implied gambling addiction

If anyone else would like to be tagged let me know :)

AO3 link

Chapter 6 - Nina

It was nearing ten bells when Nina and Inej reached the University District. They both wore Ravkan clothes that Kaz had stolen from someplace or other, costumes probably though Nina hadn’t checked for a ribbon, and Nina fidgeted unhappily with her sleeve. It felt wrong; not exactly like wearing her uncomfortable, Kerch-made kefta but in some ways similar, more like she was trying to sell herself a lie than she was anyone else. She sunk her hand into her pocket and rubbed one of the purple kruge notes buried inside it between her fingers, like she had to remind herself it was still there. 

There was little to no problem getting things sorted at the office; Nina switched between speaking in Kerch to the woman behind the desk and saying a few random phrases to Inej in Ravkan whenever there were silences or it looked like there might be a issue, and at one point she kept telling Inej how wonderful she was in an increasingly anxious tone because the woman had said something about not knowing if their rooms were ready. But eventually everything was sorted and they left with an address, two sets of keys, and a map of the campus in hand, only to cross towards the Boeksplein and walk straight into Jesper Fahey. 

“What are you doing here?”

“Well it’s good to see you too, gorgeous,” he winked, “And as it so happens I am in fact a student - not a fake transfer student,”

“Keep your voice down,” hissed Inej, glancing back at the office building they’d just left.

Nina didn’t think they’d have an issue with that - the woman behind the desk had been about as bored and fed up as a person could be, Nina didn’t think she liked the night shift much - but she was more distracted processing the rest of Jesper’s sentence.

“You’re a student?”

“As I said the last time I was asked,” he smiled at Inej, “I’m supposed to be, but here we are. I thought you two weren’t getting here for a few days yet?”

He looked almost nervous, fingers moving to play with one of the mirrored buttons on his waistcoat. Nina watched him for a moment, the movement leading her to take in his ensemble and realise that he must be on his way to the Barrel. Maybe it wasn’t nerves that were sending this energy fizzling through him, then.

“Change of plans,” replied Inej.

Jesper nodded.

“Well I’m sure we can compare timetables and squeal over new stationery tomorrow,” he said, “but I’ve got to keep moving,”

Inej pursed her lips, but she kept her very obvious thoughts to herself as they bid each other goodnight and Jesper walked away.

It took a few minutes for Nina and Inej to orient themselves on the poorly designed little map they’d been given, it looked more like a tourist trail than something designed for consistent use and darkness had fallen long ago by now, but then they made their way to the dorm building they’d been assigned to. The flats were structured to house up to five people, the bedrooms arranged down a corridor that looked like it should belong to a hotel. The sixth door was a kitchen, and not a big one, and at the other end was a seventh for the bathroom. Nina didn’t know how five people coped in that kitchen without treading on each other’s toes or hitting each other over the head with a frying pan, but luckily Kaz had wrangled in advance for them to be alone in an otherwise empty cluster. Nina wondered how they ended up with empty flats - weren’t these places always oversubscribed? - but when they arrived and traipsed their way up five flights of stairs she thought maybe everyone who was supposed to be in this flat had been defeated by the staircase before they ever even moved in. She was out of breath by the time they reached the top floor.

The building was quiet - Nina had expected the sounds of student nightlife, but perhaps by this time anyone up for anything had gone out to find themselves in the Barrel instead of sitting around in tiny kitchens lit only by whatever candles they had between them. Inej unlocked the door to the cluster and then passed Nina the key to her individual room. They both stood in the doorway of the first bedroom together and Nina raised her eyebrows.

“I suppose it’s… quaint?”

“It’s bigger than my room at the Slat,” said Inej, dropping her bag onto the floor.

But she looked on edge, and Nina watched her hands drift towards her knives. She wondered if it was a way of praying, she knew Inej named her knives after her Saints, or if it was just a comfort to feel them in her hand. Maybe both. 

“You alright?”

“Yeah. It’s just…” Inej took a breath and squared her shoulders, then smiled at Nina, “Yeah, I’m good,”

Nina didn’t feel convinced.

“Okay, well I’ll be next door. Come and get me if you need me,”

Inej nodded.

“Same to you,” she said softly, “Night Nina,”

Nina grabbed her hand briefly, squeezing her fingers.

“Night Inej,”

It didn’t take Nina too long to drift asleep, though the mattress was not particularly comfortable, and the next thing she knew she was jolting awake to a sharp knock splitting the air like a knife blade. Nina jumped upwards, mumbling something so incoherent she wasn’t even sure what she’d said, as the knocking turned to frantic little taps against the door. She almost fell out of the bed as she tried to fumble to her feet in the dark, her heart skittering into a panic with a thousand questions of who on earth might be banging on her door in the middle of the night. The thin dressing gown she’d dropped onto the floor earlier was hurriedly yanked over her shoulders and pulled to cover her nightdress. It only occurred to her as she reached the door that she’d grown unused to the absence of the peepholes at the White Rose, and as much as she’d been enjoying the lack of them in the walls here thus far it might have been helpful to have one here and now, to see whomever might be about to attack her in the corridor. Though, of course, that would be using them for quite the opposite of their intent at the pleasure houses. And anyway, Nina doubted that assassins knocked first. It didn’t stop her from flexing her fingers and preparing to drop into a fighting stance as she reached for the door handle, ready to stop a heart or two if necessary. She was possibly more surprised by the sight that greeted her than she would have been an attacker.

“Inej?”

She looked unbelievably small. Her night clothes were loose enough that Nina thought they must be second hand, from some cupboard or other at the Slat perhaps, and although the button down’s droopiness aided Inej’s preference for long sleeves it also left a neckline wide enough for Inej to evidently be discomforted. She fidgeted with the collar, dark eyes staring up at Nina through her thick lashes. Her voice was barely a whisper when she ventured:

“Can I sleep on your floor?”

“Wh-? I-?” Nina didn’t actually know what the ends of those sentences were, “Come inside,”

What time was it? Nina fumbled across the desk for a match and held it by her watch without bothering to properly light a candle. Two bells. Had Inej slept at all yet? How long had she been sitting alone in her room, wide awake, weighing up whether or not she should come through?

“Do you want me to find a bonelight?”

Nina didn’t want to leave candles lit overnight, but she didn’t know how Inej felt about the dark. As if it had been waiting to be perfectly in time with this thought, the flame of her match began to close in towards her fingers. She quickly shook it out. Inej just shrugged.

“Okay, well there’s one on the desk if you want it. You can sleep on the bed, I can-”

“I don’t want to,” she whispered, her voice somehow barely in existence and yet still fraying at the edges.

Nina nodded.

“Well, I have two pillows so maybe we could lay them out-”

Inej shook her head. Nina bit her lip.

“At least let me give you a blanket,”

For a while both of them lay in silence, knowing the other was still awake, and after a long time Inej said:

“Talk to me,”

“About what?”

“Anything. About the job, last night,”

Nina half-shrugged, still lying down.

“I don’t know that there’s anything to say other than what I already told you,” she admitted, “It was just… strange,”

It had been past midnight when Nina arrived at the Geldstraat, which was almost definitely the first warning sign that this was going to be an unusual job. Walking down here felt like a different city than the Barrel did - here night was a real thing and people slept through it, here the houses dominated your sight so you could barely see anything beyond, here the air even seemed to taste different on your tongue. Nina fidgeted with the sleeve of her fake kefta. The street was completely silent but for her, illuminated by streetlamps few and far apart, their flames flickering and casting shadows that ought not to have frightened a soldier of Ravka’s Second Army across the stones. She shivered, reminding herself that Inej was somewhere with her, hidden in the shadows above her head, and she was not alone. 

She’d knocked on the door half expecting there to either be no answer or to find herself being shouted away for bothering them at this ridiculous hour, but a maid had opened it almost instantly. She looked her up and down, clearly clocking the Heartrender kefta, then hurried her inside.

“He’s waiting for you in the drawing room,” she said then, just as NIna opened her mouth to ask questions, added: “Stay quiet. Follow me,”

Nina followed her down the hall, studying the extensive panelling in the walls. Mahogany, she reckoned, with carvings of the three flying fishes of Kerch and several depictions that she thought must be stories of Ghezen. The maid knocked on the closed door of the drawing room, and after a moment had passed and someone called for them to enter she held it open for Nina. The second Nina was through the doorway it was closed loudly behind her, and she found herself alone with a tall man she guessed to be in his forties, his tie set with a ruby, his hairline making a distinct retreat from his forehead. He stood up slowly.

“Miss Zenik, I presume?”

She nodded.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr Van Eck,”

He’d spoken to her a short while, telling her about how his son had lost his sight in an accident - he didn’t say what - when he was eight.

“I…” Nina hesitated, “I can try to do anything I can to help you and your son, Mr Van Eck, but I’m not a Healer. I don’t even know if it would be possible to restore his sight, but I definitely won’t be able to,”

“You misunderstand me, Miss Zenik,” he said coolly, “I don’t want you to Heal Wylan. I want you to Tailor him,”

Nina frowned. 

“His scars are obvious,” Van Eck told her, “He doesn’t like to have them on show, but Tailoring only lasts so long. Up until recently we had a Healer in the Grisha workshop who could tend to them whenever necessary, but unfortunately she is… no longer under my employ. If you do a good enough job, and you are interested, then perhaps this can be an ongoing agreement between us, Miss Zenik,”

Once he’d brought the boy - Wylan - into the room he left them alone, nodding at Nina. If Nina hadn’t already known from Kaz that Wylan Van Eck was a university student, she wasn’t sure she’d have been convinced he was more than fourteen - if that. But he was only a little younger than her, a similar age to Inej. 

“Hi,” she ventured, after a moment, “I’m gonna sit down in front of you - oh sorry I should’ve said, my name’s-”

“We’re not supposed to talk,” he whispered.

Nina leaned back slightly, taken by surprise.

“Okay…” she frowned, “Can you just tell me if it’s okay for me to touch your face, now?”

Wylan nodded.

“Alright. Stop me if you need to,”

Nina leaned back over him and gently pressed two fingers beneath his left eye. Her hands must have been cold; Wylan shivered and for a moment she thought he might pull away, but then he settled. She couldn’t see any sign of his scars though, except what she assumed must be the trail end of one of them - a small cut above his right cheek bone. Her lessons at the Little Palace had taught her to find the seams of the previous Tailor’s work, but Nina couldn’t feel anything at all. She had never been a particularly skilled Tailor. After a long moment, she ventured:

“Can I ask you what kind of accident it was? So I know what kind of scars I’m looking for?”

Wylan swallowed hard. He said nothing. 

Nina did find something, after a few more minutes, and she traced the scar above Wylan’s cheek until she discovered a long, thin slash through his right eye. Once she knew what she was looking for it was easier to find the two lines that crossed the left, and the slightly jagged one down the side of his nose. It took a while to properly smooth his skin to cover all of it - if she’d only recovered the edge that had become visible she would have left his skin blotchy and probably only drawn more attention to the marks - and the process seemed to thicken the slight haze over Wylan’s eyes, further blurring the edges of his irises. When all that was left for her to cover was the trace edge above his cheekbone that she’d started uncovering from in the first place, the door to the drawing room suddenly banged open and both Nina and Wylan jumped.

“Time’s up,” said Van Eck, watching them from the doorway.

“I’m not finished-”

“You’ve done splendidly,” said the merch, beckoning her to her feet.

Nina didn’t think Wylan looked very different from when she’d started, but something was tugging at her edges and telling her she definitely shouldn’t argue. So she stood up and walked slowly towards the door.

“Thank you for your time, Miss Zenik,” Van Eck shook her hand, pressing a kruge note into her palm as he did so, “My staff will show you out. And please, we would appreciate your discretion,”

“Of course, sir,” said Nina, before immediately reporting the entire bizarre experience to Inej and Kaz. 

Kaz had been concerned it was going to ruin the job, but Nina wasn’t convinced.

“He doesn’t know my name,”

“He won’t recognise your voice?”

“I don’t… I don’t think so; we barely spoke. But Kaz, it can’t be a coincidence,”

Inej shuffled a little on the floor, and Nina rolled onto her side so she could see her.

“Tell me something you haven’t told me before then,” she whispered, eyes finding Nina’s in the dark.

“Like what?”

“Tell me about Matthias,”

So she did. Quietly, with several details omitted, curling the corner of her blanket tighter and tighter around her fist. Inej eventually fell asleep curled up on the ugly carpet, knees tight to her chest, blanket draped flatly over her like a shroud. Nina lay anxiously on the bed, watching her. 

[innerchorus]

Okay I'm suddenly having Farangis brainrot and consequently have like, a bucketload of questions. Hear me out.

Was Farangis native to Khuzestan? Was she born elsewhere, sent to a temple from that region, only to be transferred to the temple in Khuzestan or was she from Khuzestan to begin with? I realize this is somewhat of a stupid line of question but whatever! My brain can't help it! I wonder how young she was when her parents died and she was sent to the temple, fairly young? 8-9-ish? Even younger? In her teens? I'm just now pondering in amusement how she ended up on the opposite end of Pars from her homeland— southwest to northeast. Also I planned to have her join the clan around the same time Ranna does: aka when she's about like, 13 and they 7 or so, and have them bond with each other as they get accustomed to their new home, but maybe I should move it up a little, but gah I've gotten so fond of the idea!

I'm not sure there are confirmed answers to many of these questions but let's have look at what the novels say! (These are exactly the sorts of things I wonder about too, so I'm more than happy to look into them.)

I don't recall seeing any direct reference to where Farangis was born. It could have been in the region of Khuzestan, or it could simply be that the cultural importance of the temple at the time was what led to her being sent there. It does seem that she was sent there to be raised immediately after her mother's death, though (her father died earlier, leaving her mother more or less a fortune, half of which her mother instructed to be donated to the temple after her death, while the other half was left for Farangis herself). Her mother asked that the temple support her daughter, presumably because there were no other relatives capable of providing for her, or perhaps because she saw being raised in the temple and becoming a priestess as the choice that provided the best future for her daughter.

The temple of Mithra in Khuzestan was built as a donation to mark the birth of Prince Arslan (ordered by Andragoras himself). Arslan was born in 306, at which time Farangis was around 8. So that's the youngest she could have been when she was sent there, and I do tend to think it was likely to be around that age that her life at the temple began.

This seems like a good place to talk about Khuzestan itself, since I mentioned that geographically it doesn't match up with the real life location. It is an area located east of Ecbatana, west of Peshawar Fortress and just north of the Nimruz Mountains. (That's not super specific, but the comment about the Nimruz range helps the most, especially because that's included on the map from the guide that covers up to Book 10)

(annotated map courtesy of the first fan translation)

As well as being just slightly above just above the Nimruz mountains, if Khuzestan is more or less mid-way between Ecbatana and Peshawar that would make it very close to Soleimaniye's location on the Continental Road.

The Chinese version describes Khuzestan as a 'small town' (小镇) but when checking the Japanese the novel is actually talking about the Khuzestan region (地方) which makes more sense.

Now for a little cypress diversion; we were talking about cypresses being planted around temples in ancient Iran, and although I didn't see a mention of it for the temple of Mithra in Khuzestan, the temple of Ashi in the Oxus region is surrounded by them, so that appears to be a thing in Parsian culture too. (Although this is a female-only temple dedicated to a different god, there's a little more detail of temple life in that section which probably applies to other temples like the one in Khuzestan too, so it's a good section to look at for inspiration for that.)

And also, since I may as well add it to this post after I think I forgot to mention it in comments yesterday, concerning the novel's use of the term magpat for a Parsian high priest, it hasn't come up in manga canon presumably because the time it crops up in the novels is when one of these high-ranking priests betrays Tahamenay's location to Hilmes, when in the manga Arakawa changed it to Husrab. In looking at that scene in the novels again I did see Tanaka gave us a brief description of what that priest was wearing; robes of 'gaudy gold and purple'.

Anyway, I think your proposed timeline for Farangis meeting Ranna in your AU would work! Perhaps the jinn told her to travel that way?