#i assured him: oh they're fine. they come out to smoke and yell on the back deck like clockwork. I've ducked behind my garden fence-

[mod2amaryllis]

my good next door neighbor came by to ask if our bad next door neighbor was around, because he hasn't seen them in a while and wants to make sure we don't have to check for dead bodies. so connected to my community 💛

[ivvyela]

imagine with me, if you will, a nwh potential fix-it involving none other than the multiverse saving duo deadpool and wolverine.

i know, i know - but please, let me cook.

wade and logan now jump across timelines to "fix" things aka travel the multiverse for funsies and deal with the consequences later and somehow end up in a universe where peter parker doesn't exist, but spider-man does. and wade, blessed with the power of "i know this for the plot", immediately knows that is bull. shit. and sure enough, they find one very depressed, very lonely, and very jaded peter parker.

after much annoyance, light stalking, and following spider-man while he's on patrol, they get peter to spill how he ended up in this situation. and after hearing everything, logan breaks the silence with a simple, yet effective: "shit, kid. that... shit."

"yeah, well... now you know, so you can, like, leave me alone."

"nope, not gonna happen." wade shakes his head and tactfully ignores logan's imploring look of what-the-fuck-are-you-getting-us-into-now "i take my job as marvel jesus very, very seriously, so frankly, this is my job to fix your sorry little life, buddy. and if flat-out telling them you exist didn't work, then - "

"oh, i actually... i never told them."

"...come again?"

"i tried to tell them, but i couldn't. so..."

"i'm sorry... your best friend and girlfriend were crying, telling you to come find them and remind them of you, and you chose not to?"

"they're happy and safe without me! i wasn't going to ruin - "

"oh my god. you sweet, self sacrificial, idiot spider-baby. okay! we can fix this! we're no tony stark, but consider us your pseudo daddies for the time being, kid. let's get you your life back."

which is how one very emotional and determined deadpool, followed by a stoic, nonchalant wolverine (who, in all honesty, probably should be completely against this, but once wade commits to something, he can't be talked out of it, and the sooner he gets his fix from this the sooner he can go home, so fuck it we ball), end up in a certain cafe, all up in a poor barista and her friend's face with a cut-out yearbook photo of some kid, yelling "LOOK AT HIM! LOOK AT THIS BOY! HE'S SO LONELY! LIKE A SMALL, FORLORN, VICTORIAN CHILD! REMEMBER HIM, GODDAMMIT!"

(their efforts result in two confused and scared teens, and getting kicked out of said cafe.)

peter practically begs them to just leave him alone, that this was his choice, and he's fine with it, but both wade and logan know a lie when they hear one. they both know what being alone can do to a person, and peter is just a kid who got dealt the shittiest cards in life and at this point, it just feels wrong to leave him here without trying to do something. and maybe they both have a small soft spot for the teen, so what?

and peter knows both men can see through his broody, teenage angst front he's been putting up since the spell, and he's tried so hard to hate the two of them, get them to hate him so they would leave, but they're not budging, so really, there's no point in trying to push them away, right?

and so, he lets them in. he learns that while logan is stoic and intense and kinda terrifying, he's also someone who just wants to do the right thing for the people he cares about. he's also lost people, and he blames himself, but he's come out on the other side. he would tell peter about his daughter, laura, who wouldn't let him wallow in self pity because she is good, better than he has ever been. he never saw himself as a father, but she's still around, so he must be doing alright.

and at first hearing it would result in a pang in his chest, memories of thai food after walking into a smoke-filled kitchen, assurances that things will work out when everything feels hopeless, a tombstone that can never convey everything she was, but now... it's nice to hear that logan still had someone after losing everyone.

so, peter listens to logan's stories. in return, peter tells logan all about his mom.

and wade was brash and loud and conceded and really, really annoying, but he's... no, that's it. he's all of those things, but in a weird way, it's like all those bad qualities merge together to make him a good guy. and yeah, he can walk away at any point, he has absolutely no obligation to help peter, but he does it anyway.

("nonono, don't you dare make me some selfless hero type, kid. i know for a fact that every deadpool has a peter. i'm doing this for the me in your world."

"you're... huh?"

"bottom line, i'm a selfish bastard. i'm doing this for me, 'kay?")

peter didn't fight it. he's had experience with seemingly self-absorbed, deflecting type heroes.

wade doesn't replace him, not even close, but... still.

maybe peter will never get back what he lost. but, for the first time, peter sees a light at the end of the tunnel. that, maybe, he can stop being just spider-man, and he can start being peter parker again, too.

(and if there's a barista talking to her friend about how it's weird that two guys would show up holding a photo of an odd customer from weeks ago, demanding they remember him, and despite not knowing him she felt something, and her friend couldn't help but agree, well... that's neither here nor there.)

[todoscript]

Can I request Pro!Hero Bakugou in a scenario where he's going on the scene where a place was being attacked by low level criminals and the place's mascot character was essentially trying to protect kids from the harm, kind of standing up to the villains to abide time til the heroes or police arrive. Bakugou saves the day and the mascot character pops their giant head off to properly thank him and he's like--Oh shit they're cute I was not prepared

Bunny Face

Genre | Fluff. 

Pairing | Pro Hero!Bakugou Katsuki x Fem!Reader

Words | 1.9K+

Warnings | Bakugou getting flustered. Bakugou cursing. Bakugou beating up a villain. Bakugou.

A/N | I changed it from villains to a single villian, hope that’s ok. Also, Anon, this request? This is big brain energy right here

To say you were dying would be an understatement.

The cruel rays of the sun beating down on the earth made it an absolute hell underneath the heavy bunny costume you were forced to don on, all thanks to a particular coworker who bailed on their shift today with an abhorrent excuse of⁠—you quote—“car trouble.” It was bullshit, but you weren’t the one calling the shots, not when your boss said you were to fill in for them despite your protests. Now, clad from head to toe in fluffy pink fur and hefty layers of fabric and foam, you suffocated from within a cocoon that gathered heat and sweat around your body. You were so letting your coworker have a piece of your mind the next time they showed up.

“Miss Bunny! Miss Bunny! Let us take a picture with you!” a circle of kids hollered, their grabby hands tugging your fur to seize your attention and even jump to pull on your ears. The only thing you have to thank this costume for is the fact it at least concealed the dreary expression on your face, masked by the mascot’s smiley, plastic facade.

You simulated a chipper voice not to break the guise. “Alright, Miss Bunny’s coming,” you managed as the kids pulled you in front of an assembly of parents that captured their cute little children posing with a mascot who most certainly desired to be anywhere else.

Just as their phones clicked and shuttered, a loud boom suddenly thundered behind you, grabbing everyone’s attention in the area. The parents looked up with gaped mouths at the smoke diffused in the sky and the whirring of rides that tottered off balance in the distance.

“Look! Up there!” Their kids pointed to the lone figure who stood atop the highest peak of the ferris wheel, the man shouting out curses and threats for all those beneath him to tremble and run in terror. You, however, simply grounded yourself, impassive underneath your costume and nearly numb at all the events transpiring around you.

You have got to be shitting me, you thought, eyes cast into a deadpan.

Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any worse.

.

.

“Ground Zero! Ground Zero!”

Bakugou winced at the deafening static blared into his right ear, where the intercom vibrated a frequency of hasty squalls from his sidekick. He pressed a button on the device with his right hand to relay the call, his left currently occupied gripping the collar of a thug he just knocked into submission after giving them chase through the alleys.

“Calm down, dumbass, I heard you the first fucking time,” he scolded, the clamor of sirens heard in the background of the other line, “What is it?”

“A villain is running amuck at the local fair!”

“What the hell?! That place is populated with people!” Bakugou’s eyes flared alert as the tone in his voice rose to a volume much more piercing than his sidekick’s. Unknowingly, the hold he had on the unconscious goon in front of him tightened while his mind conjured the next plan of action. With such a densely packed area of civilians, the villain will undoubtedly cause rampage and havoc if not dealt with immediately. And right now, he was still halfway across the city from where they held the local fair. Not wasting another second of his time, he tossed the thug off to the side and tied him up for the police to apprehend later.

“Evacuate as many people as possible before I get there! Make sure the fucking villain doesn’t damage any of the structures holding up the bigger rides!” he instructed his sidekick.

“Yes, sir, Ground Zero, sir!”

With that, he pushed the mic off on his comlink before propelling himself into the air thanks to the kinetic explosions emitted from his palms, blasting past buildings, and keen on seeing the villain’s imminent doom at his hand.

It’s through his breakneck speeds across the city that he arrived there in no time at all. He assessed the current damage in the area and leered at the gray smoke scattered in the air, eyeing the attractions that fell off their foundations. He eventually spotted a crowd of kids gathered around a big blur of pink that held its arms outward to shield them, even while a menacing figure slowly inched closer

“There you fucking are.” Bakugou fired forward, eager to rocket down from the skies and let the sole of his boot greet the villain square in the face. On impact, the thug clobbered onto the ground, but was yet to be knocked out, gathering himself to stand and face the Pro Hero.

“It’s Ground Zero!”

The kids that surrounded you shrilled in joy at the explosion hero’s appearance into the fray, pulling on your costume to express their excitement.

“Look, Miss Bunny, Ground Zero’s here to save us!”

You peered through the small, meshed slits of your costume at the man before you, who had his grenade arms ready. He enacted confidence in his stance, challenging the dangerous villain without a single ounce of hesitation.

“Hey, Bunny Face!” he yelled, eyes never leaving his opponent.

Bunny Face? Your brows knitted together.

“Y-Yes?” you replied, voice coming out hoarse through the dense layer of foam.

“Get those kids out of here, I’ll handle the villain!” he commanded, and you did not disobey. You hastened the children by your side to make a break with you to the gates and safely meet their parents again, leaving the explosion hero to defeat the threat.

And defeat he did. The villain stood no chance against him as his attacks were all eluded by the Pro Hero’s high evasion and trained skills that had the goon edging the end of his rope.

“Screw this! I’m outta here!” he shouted, turning toward the opposite direction to attempt a getaway. However, Bakugou was already one step ahead of him, propelled and positioned in front of the enemy once more.

“If you’re going to escape, you shouldn’t yell your plans out loud, you fucking idiot,” was all the explosion hero gave, his hands effused with nitroglycerin that quickly emitted a radiating heat.

“Now DIE!!”

At his triumphant roar, his palms ignited a tremendous explosion forward, making clean contact on the villain who stood aimlessly at the flash of light that enveloped his body in a fever of nuclear energy. By the time the smog cleared, Bakugou was crossed with an unconscious, smoking body.

He dragged the villain toward the gate, where the police and his sidekicks gathered, along with the other fair-goers. They applauded him for his victory, saving the day once again. As the hero scanned through the crowd, he caught sight of you in the throng thanks to your bulky, bright costume that stuck out like a sore thumb. 

When your gazes met, you finally hauled the large bunny head off, revealing yourself to his red eyes that widened slightly upon grasping your true appearance.

He couldn’t help the stare fixed on you while you approached him, noting how your pretty eyes glistened, complimented by the balmy rosiness adorning your cheeks and the delicate flow of your hair that danced lightly at every step you took.

Fuck, she’s cute, his thoughts blurted out without him realizing you were now right in front of him.

“Ground Zero, right? Thanks for helping us back there. We didn’t know what we’d do without you,” you thanked, your words acting as the catalyst that finally brought his mind back to the cusp of reality. He shook his head in an attempt to ward off the flush of red reaching his cheeks due to your gratitude and the small proximity between your faces. Your voice—once veiled by that abominable voice box in your suit that did no justice to how sweet your tone was—did not help him maintain his indifferent facade. He opted to turn his head to the side for now.

“N-No problem,” he cursed at the way his deep timbre stuttered out his reply.

“No, really, thank you! I didn’t know how long I could protect those kids, but you managed to come in at the right time before things got bad!” you expressed your gratefulness while inching closer, much to his dismay.

“Look, it’s nothing, alright?! I’m a hero, it’s what I fucking do,” he brazenly stated, projecting as much poise as he could muster despite finding the dazed gloss in your eyes, and the way you gingerly pushed a strand of hair behind your ear, cute. Just even a peek of your soft-looking lips in his peripheral vision was enough for his demeanor to betray him.

Calm the fuck down, Ground Zero, he urged himself.

“What’s wrong? Do I look OK?” you called out his series of glances, subconscious about how you appeared after staying hidden beneath the sweltering hot ensemble for the majority of the afternoon. In your head, you thought you must be a complete mess in front of him, with your hair strewned all around and face a bright, crimson hue. However, Bakugou saw differently, and through his eyes he tried to fathom how one could still look so pretty in spite of that cumbersome costume you wore.

“You look fucking fine,” he assured, though his words were an understatement in comparison to the rampant thoughts imbued in his head. A smile lined your lips thanks to his affirmation.

“Oh, here, have this!” You reached your pink pad of a hand into the front pocket of your costume’s overalls and pulled out wads of yellow tickets. “Some free admittance tickets for the fair! Maybe you can use them when it opens up again.”

You offered the stack to him at which he was going to reject and cooley state he didn’t have time for shit like that, but he pulled his brakes upon realizing something.

“You.. work here, right?” he asked, though it should be obvious considering the hefty costume no regular person would wear on a hot day like this. Or on any day for that matter. The bunny honestly was, without a doubt in his mind, quite fucking hideous. However an endearing girl like you got roped into this job was a mystery to him, but he eventually received an explanation.

“Yes, though I’m not usually the one wearing the mascot costume. My coworker bailed today, so I was forced to take their place,” you answered, mentally pained when remembering what you had endured throughout this hellish day.

“Your coworker must be an ass.”

“Oh tell me about it,” you agreed with an exasperated sigh leaving your lips. “Anyways, I usually work at a game stall next to the ferris wheel.” You pointed to said attraction that was somehow still standing in one piece despite all the chaos that transpired today.

“You’re welcome to visit me if you want, Ground Zero,” you said, and at that, Bakugou gladly took the tickets from your hands and accepted your proposal, knowing it meant he could see your pretty face again.

“Fine, but when you see me, it’s Katsuki. Bakugou Katsuki,” he informed, babbling about how you couldn’t call him by his hero name or risk bringing him unnecessary attention he most certainly didn’t need to deal with during his free time. Though in actuality, he just wanted you to be familiar with him and utter his name in that syrupy voice of yours that sounded like melodies to his ears.

You giggled, the laughter coming from your lips saccharine and the expression on your face rivaling a meadow of flowers with the colorful bloom in your eyes.

“Alright, Bakugou Katsuki.”

And then you finally thought that maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

Ending Notes | I hope this request was ok! If any of you want to request something of your own, feel free! My ask box will stay open until whenever

[vyglitchcraft]

Cavalier Gantz Origin Story

Authors Note: i wanted to make a short story about Gantz's backstory and i wrote more than i expected

Under the cut for length

Word Count: 1.6K

"And who are you? You're going to get sick if you stay here" the child looks at the boy, he was holding an umbrella and wearing a yellow rain coat "my...My name is Gantzy and you?" Gantz stood up and looked at the boy "my name is Simon! Nice to meet you Gantzy!"

They smiled, Simon was very short and had short brown hair with dark green almond colored eyes "my mom has a bakery nearby, you should visit!" Gantz nodded and followed him.

"Simon, oh you're back and you brought a friend too...Oh my god what happened?!" She looked at him behind the counter that at them, realizing all the bruises they had on their face, she ran out and crouched to their height and holding their cheek "i think no one likes me..." they muttered.

Simon's mother looked at them with sadness before quickly dragging them inside the shop, cleaning them up and giving them a fresh pair of clothes "you should stay here for a while dear" Gantz tilted their head "but what if they find me and hit me?" she hugged them, clearly hurt by those words "no one's going to hurt you here, don't worry" they smiled and started to tear up softly muttering "thanks"

===

"Gantz did you understand anything about the teacher's teaching cuz i swear i don't" They were walking home from school and Simon had pointed at the book they were reading about the last subject which was chemistry "honestly don't know, all i know is, you're fucked" Simon immediately grabbed the book and read through it "HOW HARD IS THIS ANYWAY?" Gantz laughed and grabbed the book back, putting it in their bag.

"Simon, we should go there it looks cool" they pointed at an abandoned and rundowned building, they both nodded with a mischievous look in their eyes. They ran inside and placed a bag of paint canisters on the ground, putting on a cheap gas mask "what're you gonna draw? Can i choose?"

"HELL YEAH!" they tossed another gas mask at Simon and quickly he puts it on, grabbing a random can and started to paint a random drawing. They quickly finished when it started to rain and Gantz signed the mural with "CG SE" in the corner of it "Let's go before mom gets worried" he pulled Gantz out of the building.

They both arrived at the bakery, luckily not soaking from the rain. "What did i told you about not coming home late?" She looked at them disappointingly, she sighed and chuckles "i still remember back when i was your age, getting in trouble and all that, god i miss those days. Let's get you some food shall we?" both of them nodded excitingly and followed her.

"Thanks Mrs. East they taste amazing!" they took a bite off the muffins and smiled. She smiled back but that smile quickly turn into a frown "We need to talk, our bakery is in a terrible place lately and we're starting to lose customers, it's likely we need to close it down" Simon looked at his mom with shock "WHAT THE HELL? what can we do to help?" he stood up and yelled "if you can earn some money, it would be very helpful, but i think you should leave it up to me, i can find another job so don't worry" she sat him back down and hugged him "I'm sorry" both of them cried.

===

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE SELLING DR-" Gantz yelled at him but quickly muffled by his hand "shh....Gantz please it's just something i have to do and i need your help too!" they clicked their tongue in frustration "i ain't selling drugs! Are you crazy? We're in middle school, we're gonna get in trouble if we get caught"

Simon pats their shoulder down "please you need to help me and my mom, I'll even let you keep some money to yourself just please" Gantz sighed and hugged him "fine I'll do it" he smiled and hugged them back.

"five hundred right?" the man they were speaking to asked, they nodded and gave the bag of coke "thanks kid" he gave the money and Gantz quickly pockets it. "tenth one this week, alright"

Simon ran up to them, tapping their shoulder "you got it?" they nodded and handed him the money, he quickly thanked them.

===

It was break time at school and Simon pulled them out of the class to the back of the school "Gantz we need to talk, my boss wants to meet you" they tilted their head, confused "huh why? When?" he shook his head "i don't know but this afternoon, one of his friends will take us to him" again, they were confused "alright, I'll do it, i trust you so this better not be a trick"

They arrived at a mansion with dozens of other people. They were in the entrance waiting for the boss, the sound of glass being hit was loud and sudden

"thank you for coming my fellow men and women, we're here for the new recruit party today as you can see, you were told to bring a guest with you, we will run them into a test to see who will join our family, now guests follow the guards to the car, they will drive you to the test area, good luck"

Simon holds their hand, a bit worried but Gantz assured him and followed the "guards" to the car. They and the other guests were blindfolded and forced to sit in the back of the car. The drive was long and boring, filled with silence before they were all thrown to the outside. They cough, trying to get the sand out of their mouth. The guards took off the blindfold and thrown a single firearm at them.

"The test is simple, you'll shoot eachother with the weapons we gave you, the last people that survives after the timer ends will join"

"IN THE COUNT OF THREE"

"TWO"

"ONE!"

Barrages of bullets was shot, immediately two were dead, one was injured. Gantz moved in a zig zag pattern, trying to dodge any bullets that comes in their way.

They used the smoke as a cover and killed three although someone was able to graze their shoulder one was able to make a large gash on from the left side of their jaw to the corner of their left eye. They fell down to the ground, cutting the corner of their mouth open, immediately they covered their head and ducked down, letting the others to kill eachother.

"STOP!"

The dust settled down and they stood up and looked at the guards, they were all blindfolded again and tossed to the back of the car again and drove back to the mansion.

When Gantz saw Simon's figure, they immediately ran up to them. They recognized him even when after the fight, the green eyes, the brown hair with sides shaved off, they recognized him. "Gantz! Did you past?!" he screamed, Gantz nodded happily "I DID IT!" they hugged him tightly, trying to balance themselves to keep standing up.

"congratulations, you passed the test, from now on you'll be joining the hitman group. Guards, shoot the useless ones"

The boss pointed and the guards started to shoot the ones that took the survivors. Gantz pulled Simon out of the way but it was to late, several bullets had hit his chest and stomach. Trying to find an exit, Gantz carried him on their back and exits the building, somehow able to reach the road. They called for help but most just drove by except a driver that saw them and called the ambulance.

===

They were sitting in the waiting room with a blank stare until they saw the doctor coming out of the room "can i see him?" the docter nodded and they ran to Simon's room.

"thank god you're alive" they hold his hand and he weakly pets their head, "you're the one that saved me" he smiled softly. "you're welcome" they smiled back and rested their head on the bed.

From that day on, Gantz always visited him, talking to him and teaching some of the subjects in school, even sneaking in snacks for him.

"hey promise you'll visit tomorrow?"

"of course, i will, promise, i won't leave you"

"really?"

"yes, you're like a brother to me"

"thanks, see you tomorrow?"

"yea, I'll be back, don't worry"

They went home from school and visited the hospital as usual, but something was off his mother was standing in front of his room, crying "I'm sorry Mrs. East, your son has passed away peacefully in his sleep" Gantz went wide eyed, collapsing to the ground, on their knees, when his mom saw them she immediately got on her knees and hugged them, crying.

Their eyes were starting to cry and their voice was cracking "i didn't even say goodbye....". They stood up and ran to the hospital exit "i need to be alone dammit!"

They leaned against the hospital wall, curling into a ball and sobbing. "i didn't get to say anything, are you serious?! If-if only i was the one that died, he'll still be alive, it's my fault dammit"

He and his mom was the only family they had, and without them, they're alone. Mrs. East was found hanging herself after he died.

A pair of foot steps walked up to them, it was the same guard that drove them to the test area, he gave them a piece of paper to an address.

Without anyone else, they went to the address, now inside the building, walking down in an empty and echoey hallway. They knocked on the door "come in!" opening the door they saw their new boss, the leader of the hitman team.

"Ready for your first mission Gantz?"

[nicolewoo]

Speakeasy Part 1

Pairing: Fergal Devitt X Reader. Finn Balor X Reader

Scenario: Desperate to make enough money to live on during the great depression, Reader gets a job at a Speakeasy, and finds a dangerous ally. Can she trust this man and his stories or should she listen to her friend's advice and steer clear of him?

Warnings: Part 1 has no warnings. Future parts probably will.

The minute I walked in, I could smell it.... the stale smell of cigarette smoke and alcohol were practically oozing out of the walls. This wasn't going to be good for my throat, but then again, this wasn't going to be good for anything except paying bills. It's 1930 and a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do.... especially living alone in Chicago.

I had a job at a diner, but the breakfast tips weren't enough to get by, and I'd been frantically trying to get a job in a proper theater. The problem was that everyone wanted dancers that could sing. I had the singing part down. The dancing? Well, I've got 2 left feet. No matter how many lessons I took, I just couldn't dance. So, here I am, in a speakeasy, getting ready to try out for a bunch of mafia guys, risking getting arrested just so I could pay the bills.

Count your blessings, girl. A lot of people are a lot worse off. I told myself as I remembered leaving Hutchinson Kansas due to The Great Depression. I remembered the sight of homeless families and bread lines and brawls for crumbs. Yes, I was doing something illegal, but I was going to be able to live because of it.

I was shaken out of my thoughts with the sound of a trumpet squeaking out. I knew before I even looked that it was my friend Tony getting my attention. “You made it. You look great, doll.” Tony said coming up to me. “Let me introduce you to the band.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me over to the stage.

“Marty,” Tony called out getting the band leader's attention. “This is Y/N, the singer I told you about.”

Marty barely looked up from the sheet music he was reviewing, “Hey. Let's hear those pipes, doll.” He sounded less than enthusiastic. “Guys.” He yelled to the band. “Give me some Mean to Me.”  He motioned me over to the mic.

Ok, well, let's do this. I sidled up to the mic, trying to insert some extra swag into my walk so I'd look more experienced than I was. The music began and I reached up to hold the mic stand as I started to sing.

“You're mean to me. Why must you be mean to me?” Marty looked up with a look of surprise.

“Gee, honey. It seems to me. You love to see me crying.” Tony gave me a big thumbs up to encourage me.

“I don't know why. I stay home. Each night when you say you'll phone.” I started to see the band members nodding and smiling to each other.

“You don't and I'm left alone. Singing the blues and crying.” I saw a couple of men come from the back room to see who was singing, but I couldn't make out their faces in the dark room.

I was ecstatic to see such a great reception, and I was pretty sure I'd gotten the job. As the song swelled to the harder part, I focused on hitting all the right notes and making the song sound as sexy as possible.

I saw one of the men who'd come in from the back signal to Marty, but I didn't know what the signal meant. I peeked at Marty, but I couldn't read his expression. He made me wait until the end of the song.

“Ok, kiddo. You got the gig. We'll see how tonight goes, and if you do well, we'll talk about something permanent.” Marty showed no emotion. I'd gotten the impression that he'd gone through a lot of singers, and didn't expect any better from me. “Guys,” He yelled over the sound of instruments playing different sections of the songs and talking among themselves. “We start a full practice in ½ an hour, so go get some food now. We're gonna be busy tonight.” He dismissed the band with the same lack of emotion as when he'd hired me.

Tony ran to me as excited as me. “You did it, doll!” He hugged me tight. Then started to lead me outside. “Lets get some chow.” He said as he pointed to a diner across the ally from the speakeasy.

As we sat down, I asked, “So, does Marty want me here or what?”

Tony chuckled under his breath, “Oh yeah yeah! He doesn't show emotion,” he explained. “But don't worry. You're in!” He assured me.

“I didn't know what the signal was from the guys in the back.... or even who they were.” I explained.

“Yeah, Hey. So....” Tony paused. “Ya know not to talk about... ya know.”

He didn't finish his thought, but I knew what he meant. Although I'd never spent any time in this seedy underworld, I was no dummy. “Say no more.” I replied.

“Ok. If you have any questions, just come to me, but not at the club.” He assured me. “Just focus on singing and let them do their stuff.” His gaze bored a hole in me, and I nodded in understanding. “Most importantly,” Tony reached over and put his hand on my arm, “DON'T get romantically involved with any one there. Do you understand?”

“You don't have to worry. I know who they are.” I assured him.

Tony was like a big brother to me. He'd been a regular at the diner where I worked; me always starting my day as he was ending his over breakfast. We became great friends, and Tony and his wife had taken me under their wing, inviting me over for dinner, watching out for me. Working at the speakeasy wasn't what Tony and his wife wanted for me, but when I couldn't get a theater job, they had finally given in and got me the audition. Tony had promised his wife that he'd protect me from the going ons of the club.

After dinner, I sat with Marty going over what songs I knew and what songs I needed to get to know in order to keep working there. He was pleasantly surprised at my song knowledge, and we both felt we had enough to put on a good show tonight. It was perfect because Marty had had to sing himself since losing their last singer. We went over the songs with the band until we were comfortable with each other's styles.

Afterward, I practiced in the back, pouring over the pages of sheet music Marty gave me while tinkering the notes out on an old, out-of-tune piano in a side room, hoping to add in some of these songs soon. The closer we got to show time, the more anxious I got. It was more than if I'd be entertaining... I was worried about getting arrested. Tony had assured me that if the cops came in, and I couldn't get away in time, he'd bail me out before morning, but still. A proper girl like me didn't get arrested. What would my parents think if they were alive? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and tried to focus on the music again.

I heard the band start, happy music flooding through the whole building. I peaked out at the crowd and was shocked to see the club almost full already. What surprised me the most was the class of the people in the club. I had expected to see hardened criminals and desolate prostitutes, but instead, the crowd was full of Chicago's best. Ladies in fine dresses with fringes everywhere. Men in tuxedo suits sporting walking sticks and monocles. I glanced at my own aged floor length dress that I'd bought from a theater who was throwing it out, and lamented at the state of it. Would these rich muckedy mucks accept me in this ragged thing? Before looking at them, I thought I'd looked good, but now. Now, I was wracked with every insecurity I'd ever felt.

I saw Tony rise from his seat at the bandstand and come backstage to me. “You ready?” He asked all excited.

“Tony!” I almost started crying. “Those people. They're all so fancy. This dress is so old and ratty.” I started to say, but he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Doll, the minute you open your mouth, everyone is going to fall in love with you. You've got the voice of an angel. We can buy you more dresses when you get paid. In the meantime, don't worry about it. You look amazing, and the stage lights are going to hide any imperfections in the dress.” He gave me a quick hug as I heard Marty announce me.

“Ladies and gentlemen, We've got a special treat for you this evening.” How the hell did Marty have emotion now? He sounded positively jovial. I guess he was just a good actor. “Tonight, for the first time at Club Red, we are proud to present our new singer, Y/N.”

The crowd responded to Marty's happy announcement with excited applause. Tony took my arm and escorted me out to stage, depositing me in front of the mic before taking his own seat in the horn section.

We started with Ain't Misbehavin', and the crowd went silent as they focused on me. I prayed they were enjoying the performance, and I poured every ounce of energy I could muster into making the song sound sexy. I wasn't sure how I was doing until the song ended, and the crowd went nuts! They were applauding and giving me standing ovations. I even heard some lewd whistles from near the back where the mob guys had been earlier. I was a hit!

When I turned to find out what song we were singing next, Marty smiled warmly at me. “You did great.” He whispered just to me. “Am I Blue” is next.

The music sounded and the crowd quieted as the slow song changed the mood in the room.

“Am I blue? Am I blue? Ain't these tears in my eyes tellin' you.”

Marty whispered over my shoulder, “Go walk through the crowd, engage them.” he encouraged.

“Am I blue?” I slowly left the stage, pleasantly surprised when the spot light followed me with no notice. “You'd be too. If each plan with your man just fell through.” I placed my hand on a lady's shoulder emphasizing the phrase and she reached up to pat my hand in understanding. I wandered to another table. “Was a time. I was his only one.” I crooned to a table of men, and they smiled broadly at me. “Now I'm the sad and lonely one.” I continued to wander through the crowded room, placing my hand on a shoulder here, singing closely into a gentleman's ear there. The crowd was eating it up. “Now he's gone, and we're through. Am I blue?”

My eyes settled on a man at the table next to me in the back of the room. He was quite frankly the most beautiful man I'd ever seen, with a chiseled jaw, perfect black hair, sparkling blue eyes and his black tuxedo, black shirt and white bow tie matched by a white pocket square. He oozed money and sex. Logically, his table should have been the next I visited, but the way he was looking at me... lustfully... deterred me, and I skipped his table. He made no indication that my turn away from his table bothered him, but his eyes didn't leave me for the rest of the song causing butterflies in my stomach. He gazed so intently at me, I felt like he could see through my dress to my naked body.

I managed to gather my wits again as the song ended and I walked back up to the stage. This job was too important to me. It was this or I ended up being the one in the bread lines tomorrow. I couldn't let anyone, not even this wickedly beautiful man, get in the way of me making this money.

I stayed on the stage the rest of the night. I already had the crowd eating out of the palm of my hand, I didn't need to pander to them anymore. At the end of each song, the crowd cheered for me, and I noticed the lone man in the back smile as he gauged the mood of the crowd.

It was late... very late.... and I was tired when the show ended. “Heya doll. How bout I give ya a ride home?” Tony said as I started leaving the club with an extra few bucks in my pocket as the sun peeked over the horizon.

I was so tired, I could barely speak, but I nodded yes to Tony. He was full of energy, praising my performance, telling me how happy he was. Saying he was sure I'd be hired permanently tomorrow. I fell asleep in the gently rocking car, and Tony laughed when he had to wake me up. “Guess you're gonna have to get used to the schedule.” He teased. “Good thing you're not working at the diner this morning.” After I thanked him for the ride, Tony watched until I was safely in my apartment building before heading to the diner to get some breakfast before he went to bed. I didn't care that I was hungry, I took off my dress and fell asleep in my underclothes.

I dreamed of music notes flying through the air, of gathering them in a bag and presenting them on beautiful sheet music to the guests. I dreamed of the smoky bar and the man seated in the back and that he paid me for one of my music sheets, a small contained smile on his lips.

[universal-kitty]

would it be possible to get a Watch_Dogs Wrench x nonbinary reader where they're going out and causing some havoc? explosions optional. many thanks~!

   Mmmm, delicious anarchy... Let’s cause some mayhem~!

   “You want to what?” You heard him just fine, but it doesn’t stop you from pretending like you didn’t, a grin slowly growing over your face. Wrench was known for his chaos- you loved it- but an actual invitation to hop on that explosive ride for the night? A rare opportunity from “Mister Works-Alone” and with such a rare offer...you had to ask again. Gotta make sure you’re not dreaming, right?

   “C’mon, baby... Don’t make me say it again,” he purrs, arms extending in his usual dramatic fashion. He’s in such a good mood and the knowledge of it makes you giddier than normal. That’s just Wrench, though; infectious.

   “Won’t you please~?” You flutter your lashes right back as his mask flickers into a playful, downward double slash before flicking back to carrots.

   “...You’re lucky that you’re the hottest thing since switchblades... As I said! I’m planning on ruining a few files with a virus Josh cooked up and then blowing up a new summer estate for some shitty rich dude up on the hills... Could be a fireworks show. Wanna join?” The low rumble of his voice at the end question had shivers rolling up your spine, suggestive in his playful way, and with the notion of waggling brows under the mask. (Some things you don’t need to see to know they’re happening.)

   A deep sigh from you, but a grin on your face regardless. “Well, I suppose I don’t have anything better to do... Give me a moment to grab my shit and let’s do this~” Wording it that way? Worth it for the offended down slashes it got you, laughing softly as you went to grab your stuff.

   “Who’s truck even is this?” You asked later, feet kicked up on the dash and eyeing the cushy interior. Definitely not Wrench’s, but did he own a ride or...?

   “Don’t know, don’t care!” Was his cheerful reply, weaving through traffic with a practiced hand that made you nervous and a little flustered. Something, something, adrenaline...and the pure fact that- even without seeing his face- Wrench was hot as hell. He’s a teasing shit, an annoyance, and with an anger that makes you cringe on occasion, but DAMN if he doesn’t know what he’s about, down from the distracting roll of tattoos on his arms, the anarchy tatt that bobs on his neck when he swallows, or the energetic way he moves.

   Wrench is a living distraction that’s only competed by his taste in music (which is as equally loud and distracting) and... Yeah, you still love it. Even as a song about....something blasts through. You haven’t been paying attention, but knowing Wrench, it’s either about dismantling the system, weird shit, or perversions. Maybe a mix of the two, any two.

   It makes you smile a bit, staring out the window to catch a glimpse of the moonlit bay as Wrench catches a glance at you- unseen- and his display momentarily flickers to hearts.

   You both left the house wheezing from laughter, stumbling to the truck in a rush. “H-Holy shit,” you whisper-yelled, wiping a tear from your eye. “The computer! Smoking!! How long do you think before the smoke alarm goes off?!”

   “I don’t know, but MAN I wish I could see his fa-” Wrench’s own whispers were cut off by blaring alarms and a muffled shout. You both choked on laughter, hopping into the truck and racing off, laughing into the night as some poor asshole now had to deal with his shit being fried to hell and back.

   That’s what you get for treating your employees like shit!

   Final stop, the framework of “some rich asshole’s” getaway. Such a shame...that DedSec is gonna bring up some just desserts for this one. You wanna be a shitty person in San Fran? DedSec coming after you! You don’t make money off the broken backs of the struggling middle and homeless population without getting cooked for it!!! And they’ve got all the fires and best seasoning...

   ...Fuck. Does this make any sense? Maybe.

   Anyways, you assisted in getting most of the security down while Wrench did a bit of his own work...and still did enough- just in time- to help out with rigging the explosives. Getting them placed and even getting a more...hands-on approach when it came to setting them up in a way that Wrench needed to blow this place sky-high.

   ...Safely, of course. Can’t exactly take down the powers that be and hurt the average citizen in the process. What would be the point, then??

   “Alright... We’re good. C’mon! We’ve gotta watch the show!” Who knows why Wrench thinks it’s important to whisper, but you shrug to yourself and follow him out, cautious the whole way to the truck, where he proceeds to drive off a little ways more and check something, fiddling with the remote.

   Remote detonation, the safest way to blow, as he said before...and then made it more perverted. Because that’s just how Wrench do.

   “Everything alright?”

   “Yeah, yeah,” he mumbles, looking down again before focusing on the road. “Just making sure it’s been set at the right time. Don’t want it to be too short or that could be a taaaad risky. Too long, and not only is it a little boring, but it might’ve gotten out of range... Just making sure things are good to go.” He hums pleasantly and you settle on it being a good sign, delighting quietly in the way your boots shake dirt onto the dash.

   Joyriding in a stolen car... It makes moments like this more delicious.

   The rise is perfect when you hop out of the truck, a perfect view of the in-progress mansion and what’s about to be the fireworks show of the century. Lighting up and blocking off a shithead if even for a few more years... Mm, glorious.

   “T-minus....4 minutes,” Wrench hums, checking his phone for the time, then clicking it off to flop his butt onto the grass. Watching him a moment, you hesitantly step over and flop down yourself, watching the opposing hill with sharp eyes.

   ...Man. It’s a shame nobody brought snacks. It’d be a good way to pass by some time with chips or maybe some candy and a drink... Classic popcorn, maybe? You snort at the thought of 3D glasses and a bowl of popcorn, drawing Wrench’s attention and the appearance of question marks on his mask.

   “What?”

   “Trying to imagine you wearing 3D glasses over your mask,” you admit, laying back. Quick thoughts of bugs rise up, but your wrists and shoulders would surely thank the lack of pressure on them. “Shoulda brought popcorn.”

   “....Damn,” he mutters, looking back to the hill, downward slashes appearing on his display. “You’re right... Ah, well. Too late now. I guess we could get Chinese after this, though.” You hum in thought, tilting your head a little.

   “...I guess?”

   “Never such thing as too much Chinese food!” He suddenly gives a firm pat to your stomach, making you squawk in alarm as he loses it laughing. Squinting at him with a huff, shaking your head...but a smile growing regardless.

   “You’re...sure something.”

   “Oh, I know. No need to compliment me,” he assures, double carrots flickering to a single tilde; a winking face. You shake your head again, groaning, but you’re still grinning. “See? You’re smiling! It’s proof!”

   “That is not pro-” Any further playful debate is put on pause as something starts beeping, Wrench’s display lighting up in double stars as he looks up to the hill, you shooting up to follow his gaze-

   --and watch that bitch not only light up like a bonfire, but for literal fireworks to shoot into the air.

   “....You glorious bastard,” you murmur, watching blues and whites and the whistling of fireworks blaze into the sky. It lasts a bit longer than the explosion does, as to be expected of fireworks, but by the time they simmer down and you can look away...your eyes meet the enchanted screen that is Wrench’s own vision.

   Heart eyes on display, softening your look.

   “...Hey.”

   “Huh- Yeah?” You lean over, watching the mask rapid fire through question marks, stars, the @ symbol, and hearts, until you very gently kiss the spikes of his mask. A start, at least. Another roll of the @ symbols, then settling back to hearts.

   “...Thanks.” The display flickers for a second, but ultimately doesn’t change, Wrench giving a shaky laugh in response, sounding a little breathless.

   “Heh, yeah, uh... No problem. Glad I could do this with ya...” He gets up slowly, shifting a little before he steadies himself and offers a hand to help you up. One you accept, smiling a little brighter at how much something so simply threw him off so much... “So... Chinese? Food? Yes, no, maybe so?”

   “Yeah,” you say through a laugh, beaming more when you notice his hand hasn’t quite let go of yours. “Let’s get some fuckin’ rice.”

[zenyattayatta]

Good luck with the blog, love your work so far! As for a request, I'd like to see a fic in which Reader (any gender is OK) has an ill-advised crush on Reaper, but Reader has had devastating rejections in the past and they're scared of it happening again, especially considering the object of their present affections... Sorry if it's vague or breaks a rule, this is what listening to sad George Micheal songs on repeat (esp. A Different Corner) does to my imagination. Thanks! X

Maybe

Author’s Note: Dont be sorry! It doesnt break any rules. ^^ The thing about vague request is that it gives me more room to work with. Hope this to your enjoyment!

Small warning for blood and a bit of violence.

You’re taste in partners has always been… debatable.

Quite frankly, they never panned out the way you had wanted.Rejection often leaving you regretting even coming out about your feelings.However, you weren’t one to fuss about it. Understanding that you could notforce someone to accept your feelings. You’d handled it with grace.

“Just wanted to let you know.” You’d laugh, hiding thequiver of your lip and tremble of your voice. “Thought I’d give it a shot.”

It had been a long while now since you’d last developed aliking to anyone. One too many rejections leaving a sour taste in your mouth wheneven thinking about confessing. In truth, you’d admit it even put you off fromdeveloping feeling for anyone. But now, once more, you’d found yourself in apredicament.

You sighed, eyesdrifting slowly to the curve of your leg, the bandage at your calf and the extensive tear on the formal wear you wore. It was dirty and blood stained,pieces of glass still tangled within the threads. Then you noticed a nastyscuff on the most uncomfortable but gorgeous pair of dress shoes you owned. 

“Damn, these were new too.” You mutter to yourself rubbingdown the scrape in hopes it would smooth the material once more. Unfortunately,it didn’t. “Damn it.”

You had hit a rough spot while on the mission. You needed tothink fast and bursting through the window was your only option. Bullets flewpast you, arms and legs moving in a motion to counteract the enviable work of gravity.

Yet you landed right in the arms of one of your companions.If you could even call him that. Reaper stared at you through black holes ofhis mask as he caught you. For a moment, you wonder if this is death’s finallydream. Being caught in the arms of a man you fancy more than you’d liked to tell yourself. Thestare down between the two of you seems to last ages. His arms are large andyou can feel the muscle of his tone arms keeping you from falling. There’s dust of color on yourcheeks and you can’t tell if the adrenaline is what’s making you heart beatfast. However, your thoughts are cut short as he speaks to get your attention.

“You want to get off already?” He asked, you’re a bitperplexed as to why he didn’t just drop you rather than asking but decide notto question it.

“Ah, yes.” You place an arm on his shoulder in order to keepyour balance as you find your footing. There’s yelling from above you as yourprior engagement has come into relevance once more. “Shit.” You mutter underyour breath.

Reaper looks at the hail of bullets beginning to rain abovethe two of you. It’s almost immediate that your body is enraptured in his armsagain. The wraith using his body as he covers you from the heavy fire. Hegrunts as the bullets pierce his back while as you huddle into the expanse ofhis chest. Though, as the enemy moves to reload he manages to shadow step intocover.

Reaper places you on the ground with ease, worry quicklyovertaking you. “Are you alright?” You ask trying to look over his to his back.You place a hand on his shoulder feeling for blood but find that there is none. Smoke seeps from his wound, angry and hot before the skin begins to close.

He ignores your fretfulness but doesn’t move away from yourtouch. “Do you have what we came for?” His voice

“Yes, the data has been collected and Sombra should have itby now.” You assure him before peeking out from your cover. You can see the menfrom before beginning to search the area for you. Their pistols replaced withmuch more heavy artillery than before. “They haven’t spotted us yet. We canprobably make a run for the drop ship.”

You pull yourself up slightly wincing when you notice a cutalong the length of your calf. A shard of glass having cut you during yourdramatic escape. You frown and Reaper seems to notice the rise in tensionfollowing your gaze. He sighs, twisting his neck trying to work out the kinks.

“Wait for me here.” He warns, not giving you much of anoption. “And do not move.” His tonehaving made your knees weak, as all you can do is nod with your mouth agape.You hang back, leaning on the wall while ripping the sleeveof your formal wear off. There’s the sound of men shouting before you hear thebang of gunshots not long after. Assuming Reaper is doing quick work of themen, you move to tie the ripped sleeve around the wound on your leg.  Its uncomfortable and does little to aid the possibilityof infection but you need the bleeding to stop.

“Alright, let’s go.” Reaper announces swaying towards youwhile discarding a pair of shotguns on the ground. You nod, using the wall tohelp balance yourself while your leg aches in pain. The first step isn’t so baduntil you move your weight to your injured leg. The pain is intense and youhiss at the feeling stumbling a bit in your steps. 

Reaper looks over his shoulder, watching as you limpsluggishly behind him. The blood beginning to seep through the makeshift bandageat your calf. He continues to walk on until you manage to fall too far behindfor his liking. With a growl, he turns around and walks over to you.You stop, looking at him questioningly as his arms reach outto you. One hooks at your back and the other behind your knees lifting you upeffortlessly. Heat rushes to your face and you move to protest but he speaksbefore you.

“You’re slowing us down.” He says matter-of-factly. “We’llget there faster this way.” 

You can’t argue with his reasoning. You were slowing himdown and him carrying you adds less stress to your leg. A tight pull of yourlips leaves you silent. Though, the closeness this particular situation has youin leaves your heart to beat loudly in your ears. You begin to feel the effectsof the blood loss when you start swaying in his hold. He notices too, pullingyou to lean on his chest as your eyelids begin to feel heavy. You curseyourself for wanting to stay awake to revel in the arms of your crush but thenull of sleep pulls at your stronger than your resolve. It’s not long afterthat he feels you go limp in his arms, your head on his chest and your breathingslow but steady.

He carries you until you both make it back into the hanger,settling you into one of the seats before leaving you there for the duration ofthe flight. You only wake once checking over yourself when the pilot announces your arrival at base. 

The walk back to your dorm was quiet.

You mind mulled overthe course of tonight’s events. After Reaper had cleared the area of guards,he’d practically carried you back into the drop ship. Though, your walk backinto the base was of your own accord since he had misted away as soon as you’dlanded. One long trip to the medical bay had you dismissed hours later with a “You’re fine, don’t be a baby”. Althougha bit rude, you were thankful you had escaped with the least damage possiblefor your situation.

Silently, you kicked yourself for not giving him a properthank you. Although, you knew better than to push your good luck so far withReaper, it still left you feeling awkward not thanking him. You pondered yourthoughts for a moment if you should approach him or leave the matter be.

This man killed for a living. He was known as a livingnightmare. Yet, here you were. Wondering why you wanted to thank the same manwho saved your behind three times in one mission.

You smiled dumbly to yourself. He saved me three times.

The pads of your feet flinching every time you made contactwith the cold tile. You held your uncomfortable dress shoes in your handswinging them as you walked along with a slight limp. The corridors were silent,save for the buzz of the lights and electricity, and no one else seemed to beawake at this hour. That is until you rounded the corner to your hall, findingyour ‘hero’ walking through.

“Reaper!” You called out before you could stop yourself.  The man halted before turning as you caught upwith him.

“What.” His tone was none too pleased. You stopped beforehim with a hint of nervousness rather than fear.

“I, um,” You took a steady breath, fiddling with your shoeson one hand. “I wanted to thank you.” You began, “For helping me earlier. I wasa bit surprised when you caught me, I’m sure you were too.” You laughed. Hesimply stares at you motionless. “But, uh, yea. Sorry to bother you.” You gavehim curt bow before moving to walk past him.

He blocks your way by extending a leg out. His mask movesslightly towards your, as if he’s watching you through the corners of his eyes.“Your leg.” He states, you’re a bit confused on what he means till the holes ofhis mask gaze down your calf.

“Oh!” You pipe, moving your hands nervously. “Doc said itwas fine. Just a minor graze and no real damage. Might leave a scar though.” Abit of nervous laughter is added at the end as his gaze went back up to levelwith yours. It’s quiet for a moment before he moves his leg out of the way andbrings his arms to cross of his chest.

“Do you always make it a habit of falling into people’sarms?” He asked, his tone was suddenly different. Almost as if it was flirtatious. You raise a brow before tossing him a wink.

“Only the good-looking ones.” You wink, clicking your tongueat him before stepping around him. “Have a nice night, Reaper.” You add,turning the corner towards your dorm room.  You almost feel a weight leave your shouldersas the door shuts behind you. A rush of realization hitting you with fever.

Did I really just dothat?

You place a hand over your beating chest before closing youreyes. The way he asked you was more than just a question. The way he blockedyou, his tone, and even his body language. You’d seen him work with Sombra andWidowmaker before and he always held a different aura. Though, he seemed a bitmore relaxed, maybe even playful? A wave of laughter rushed through you as youfelt giddy.

Alright, alright, takeit slow. You assure yourself. Take itslow this time. Maybe it’ll work out, you never know!  You shut your eyes, thinking at thepossibility a bit to eagerly. Maybe.