#i drew the hug and was just like. why would a robot want to do that? and decided it was very in character for

[honeybeeff]

Yellow

[chris-but-alt]

You're making me wonder: Is Bagley's head tangible?? Like, ik you drew a scene with Colin(I think,) was holding his face(?) and it gave off the idea that his head can be touched and interacted with. But, was that just that scenario in general? If (hypothetically) someone tries to smack him in the head, would it somehow work normally, or will the hand phase through??

(Or, even bizarrely, could someone whack his head off??)

I feel bad admitting this but whether he’s physical or not kinda depends on my mood or what i’m gonna draw for Bagley 😭

Because to be honest i never really worked on this, the really really first draft for Bagley is that his entirety is just a hologram, so your hand would go straight through.

My initial thought with his way to appear on screen is, he uses the operatives optiks to display himself so the operative would see him on the optiks (kind of like that AR reconstruction in game, or even more simply like a Vtuber kind of display). He can also be projected as a hologram like that briefing table in the safe house. (Personally i like the Optik one more… tho both works). So when you smack his head it wouldn’t do anything and your hand would just go straight through, unless he wants to give some sort of reaction. But i believe he would pretend his head fell off just to mess with the operative.

I do still use the previous two ideas every time i draw something that’s more “serious” or that’s more related to his character alone rather than some funny memes.

But overtime i started to ignore that sometimes especially when drawing yume type of fanart of him because i find it a little frustrating every time i draw him hugging or do any kind of physical interaction the operatives i want i have to consider that the operative can’t feel anything from it since he’s a hologram, so i choose to not consider it and just pretend he’s physically there since i really really want to hug him and have the operative interact with him (there goes why that pic of Colin holding Bagley exists, and many other silly fanarts of him)

If you feel like that’s too inconsistent, i drew him as a robot/android before (though his head is still that hologram…) i just never really worked on this idea that much:

tldr: physical or not, he’s kind of whatever you want him to be 😭

[minusgangtime]

https://www.tumblr.com/minusgangtime/730797996705497088/based-on-an-angst-idea-by

Ok,you can put this art request in your drafts cause you don’t have to make it now-

But in the future possible,can we get a sequel comic where the recovered and alive beta found Shelby after her suicide attempt alive?

…

And it’s a happy ending…pls?…

-mod Shelby

(... ÓwÒ)

(TW: Blood, Mentions of attempted suicide and death, Depressing thoughts)

After her brother had to be taken to the hospital, taken over by guilt, Shelby began walking in the woods. She didn't think twice... She didn't turn back... She didn't even bother to talk to the rest of her family.

She stopped at the edge of a cliff and looked down with an emotionless expression.

She jumped... She fell... Her head, body, arms and legs slammed into a rocky canyon...

Bones were broken... She began to bleed... But despite all that, she was still alive...

Shelby didn't bother to get up... All she can do is lay there and yell in frustration...

"WHY WON'T YOU LET ME DIE?!"

...

...

...

Hours had passed, Beta finally woke up from his coma state, his arms and stomach now wrapped with white bandages.

Why is he alive? Isn't he supposed to be gone from this world, never to be seen again...?

Beta noticed he was in a hospital room in a bed. Before he could question what happened, the door opened and someone came inside. It was the gang.

"Oh, thank god... You're alive..." MB sighed in relief, tears in his eyes.

Blue, Girlfriend and Pico rushed over to hug Beta, seeing him fortunate to be alive...

"I-I'm alive...? B-But I'm supposed to...-"

Beta groaned and grasped onto his head. It was a pain to remember what happened before he came here. Girlfriend gently lifted his face up...

"Oh, sweetie... We're just glad you're okay...~"

The yellow wolf smiled, but he felt like someone was missing. But does that matter, anymore? He should've known that she wouldn't show up. She hated him now.

Beta then looked to his right side. It was a drawer with flowers and get well soon cards on it, including a pen, a necklace, a yellow bow and the drawing he drew for Shelby.

However, that didn't look like it was torn in half and taped together. It was fixed like it never happened. How? The teenage girl who called his "sister" destroyed it, despite the fact he made it just for her.

But then it hit him. Before Beta felt like fading away, he remembered a familiar voice shouting at him...

"Was someone else there...? I think they said... "Big bro, I'm sorry"...?"

"Beta... That was Shelby..."

"What...? She was... worried about me...? I thought she wanted me... gone...?"

He looked closer at the drawing and tears formed in his eyes...

A few days went by... Beta was finally sent back home, but they hadn't heard much from Shelby since last time.

The gang formed a search party to find the young girl. They couldn't find signs of her until Beta caught a familiar scent. That's when they found her.

Shelby would see and hear someone yelling out...

"SIIIIIIS!!!"

The gang was able to pull Shelby up and Beta carried her in his arms. She couldn't believe what she was seeing...

"Beta, is that you...? I-I thought you were dea-..."

"SIS, WHY DID YOU DO THIS?! TELL ME! WHY?! PLEASE...!!" the yellow wolf broke down in tears...

The brown haired teenage girl also broke down in tears and covered her face in Beta's fur. The only answer she could mumble out is... "I-I'm sorry..."

Later, Shelby had a hospital trip to be given white bandages around her head, body, arms and legs to stop her bleeding. As soon the whole gang was sent home, Shelby finally confronted her brother for real this time.

"Big bro...?" she calmly asked. Beta looked over to his sister.

She sighed... "Listen, I just want to say sorry for-"

"No." he cut off. "I'm sorry. I thought I could make the perfect world for us in the Grim, but I put myself before my own family... I replaced you and everyone with a freaking robot version of themselves... The shards got to my head... I-I didn't know what I was thinking...! I understood why you hated me at first... I nearly destroyed the world... I thought it would be better if I just disappeared and you would be happier without me and probably find a better brother..."

Shelby gently lifted Beta's face up with one hand, making him look at her in the eyes. Then she lowered her head...

"And that brother is you, Beta. HS was right. I've been focusing on what happened back then that I didn't realize what I said took a toll on you... I should've forgave you right away... No talking... No asking how you felt... I just told you to fuck off, leave me alone and wished you to be gone forever... After I saw you hurt yourself, I was so angry at myself for treating you like that for the past two months that I tried to end it all... I thought you were dead... Forever... Ugh... Maybe I am like my dad... What kind of sister am I...?"

So that's why... Beta took a deep breath and hugged his sister close to him.

"It's all in the past, sis. You're still the greatest sister I've ever had. And your dad isn't here to hurt you anymore and you're not like him. You're the only family I have left... And besides, I'm still here, aren't I? I don't need to make a better home. I already have one.~"

Shelby's eyes lit up. She smiled with tears in her eyes and hugged Beta close to her as he hugged her back.

"Siblings forever?~"

"Siblings forever.~"

...

...

...

[sleepy-seal]

Leucas

Does h3 ever stop hugging Acher when h3 gets h1s new body?

In general what does ocean think about the textures of the outside?

Is Leucas affected by the same kind of virus that Acher is?

What are all of th31r abilities?

Do you think when Leucas and Swap!Moth meet . that's it what might happen at that point

Same with Swap!Gale that's gotta be awkward

What type of minecraft player is Leucas?

Has Leucas ever tried to fistfight someone for the fun of it

Did you expect Leucas to become an important plot element?

Why a hologram instead of a robot?

What was the thought process behind Leucas getting attached to Acher?

..this one's super self-indulgent, but can we get what Leucas thinks about moth, gale and or acher

What are Leucas's Overload Questions? same or different to Acher's?

Any plot points you wanted to do with Leucas but couldn't?

PART 2 ELECTRIC BOOGALOO GUYS

- [news reporter voice] the story is still developing as we report. some sources say never

- leucas is Enthusiastic. th3y probably spent a good hour or so touching literally everything th3y can get th31r hands on like a toddler. once h3 got over the feeling of overwhelm, glitch was actually Very excited to feel textures. h1s favorite at the moment is cotton candy

- who knows ! :)

- as a hologram, th31r primary abilities deal with being a figure of literal light. so th3y can't pass through walls, because that's just not how light works. but because h3 is not restricted by gravity, th3y can hover and even run faster! these abilities, alongside wardrobe change and change in height, are limited to h1s code when th3y are connected to the Big Box. with the adapter a lot of the fun stuff is just not included to save room for the functionality of the hologram. it also makes leucas look considerably more distorted, whereas with the box it's easier to hide.

- stay tuned for that ;3

- i do have an idea for that though! not in the immediate future, but still something. it would include a talk with each other and sale congratulating leucas for th31r agency and also overcoming the Murder Phase. leucas initially resents sale for their recklessness and also a fundamental lack of connections but th3y grow past it and appreciate sale for learning and also thanking them because h3 wouldn't be who h3 is now without him.

- leucas (lore leucas at least) is more of a fighter, and also a collector. h1s favorite thing to collect is Anything Pink (and flowers)

- yes. it was acher

- NO LMAO 😭 leucas was a funny haha because orpheus was doing things with drew but now th3y are a major part of the story and also fundamentally altered Several people's arcs. i tripped and now leucas is a main character

- that's because of the substitute from puppet history!!! acher was also inspired from him but less so since he was a robot. leucas, when i thought of the initial concept, was a more direct inspiration off of the hologram. that's why h3 also ends up desiring corporeality (that last part was unintentional actually it's pretty funny)

- um. that was Also unintentional. at first it was just a silly meet up like Wow these murderous ai get along well! that's so neat!! but then the emotion stuff happened and now they are glued to each other.

- gale: blue!!! a little apprehensive but gale is nice to th3m and even gave h1m some clothes that didn't fit shell anymore. overall pretty good vibes

moth: very cool! it was pretty weird at first because at some point leucas actively avoided th31r final mission by just refusing to go near swoth but th3y couldn't do that. turns out that they have a bit in common!!! moth is nice to th3m, that's all h3 cares about [:

acher: BUDDY!!!!!!!!!! favorite guy ever. h3 loves it so so much and would do basically anything for her. would definitely give him poppies and rose bushes in minecraft

- they are pretty much similar to acher, but if you asked glitch to list all the digits of pi, probably around the 100th digit vi will start to spazz out.

- lore gale and leucas conversation :( they probably would have talked together about things and leucas' currently unresolved mental issues before gale introduced th3m to minecraft, but it never came to fruition

[live-laugh-loverpool]

Hey, can you make some fanfic between Fabinho and Bobby? I miss them playing together.

Maybe a fanfic with them reuniting after the second game against Wolves. As far as I know, Bobby doesn't watch the games Virgil does.

Maybe something with emotion and lots of hugs. I miss my Brazilians

Hey, @rubybecker-rb2! I started with that idea, but then (as usual) I got carried away. This is a long one, and you might want to bring out Google Translate 😉 Don't worry, it's still got the feels

Tags: @millythegoat, @alissonbecksfan234, @moomin279, @rist-mlts

Song: "We Are The Champions" by Freddie Mercury/Queen

The Three Brazilians’ Night Out

Firmino really missed seeing his teammates happy. It wasn’t like they were never happy—they were still pretty cheerful most of the time—but it was a period of turmoil for all Liverpudlians and things were generally taking a downturn.

Due to a stubborn calf injury, Firmino hadn’t played with his Brazilian teammates since the World Cup break. It was driving him crazy to just sit idly by while his teammates gave their all on the pitch.

Firmino was very observant, and he’d noticed that some of his teammates were struggling with their mental health. Fabinho…well, even Firmino couldn’t find the right words to describe Fabinho.

The midfielder didn’t seem to show any emotion at all besides happiness. Firmino knew that Fabinho was disappointed at his drop in form—so why didn’t he show it? Even an eighteen year old was playing better than Fabinho now.

And Alisson had grown so unpredictable. The keeper, who was normally shy and friendly, now alternated between lashing out at people and refusing to speak. Firmino hardly recognized his friends’ behavior anymore. It was like they’d been possessed by completely different people.

They needed to relax, Firmino decided. They needed to go out and have fun, just like they’d always done. They needed to take their minds off football.

That was why after the 0-0 draw vs. Chelsea, Firmino did something he never thought he’d do.

*

“Kostas!” Firmino sprinted through the halls, desperately trying to catch up with Tsimikas. “I need your help.”

Tsimikas spun on his heel, surprise crossing his regular chill expression. “What’s up, man?”

“More like what’s down. Ali and Fabi are so down. So am I. What I mean to say is…” Firmino drew a deep breath, allowing himself to think about his question before he regretted it. “Is your nightclub open tonight?”

Tsimikas’ face lit up as if Firmino had announced he found the Holy Grail. “Hell yeah, it is! We’re even gonna have some special performers tonight. Why’d you ask?”

“Me and meus companheiros are stressed out,” Firmino explained. “It’s so obvious that even you’ve noticed, Kostas. Ali never yelled at us before and look at what happened vs. Brentford. Fabi’s like a robot, always trying to be cheerful for everybody else’s sake but I can see he’s hurting. We need to relax.”

Tsimikas frowned in thought, and for a while Firmino feared that the Greek was going to say no. Tsimikas tended to leap before he looked, but everybody on the team was quite aware that Alisson was one of their best players right now and so he couldn’t risk doing anything that would jeopardize his availability. Firmino was healing from an injury and Fabinho was already in bad form, so Klopp would be rather annoyed if any of them showed up drunk—or worse. Firmino wasn’t sure about his best friends’ drinking habits, but he guessed that they weren’t too bad since he’d never seen them drunk.

“Okay.”

The Brazilian beamed, squeezing Tsimikas in a tight bear hug. “Oh, thank you Kostas!”

“Kanéna próvlima, fíle,” said Tsimikas in Greek, extracting himself from Firmino's grasp. “We open at seven tonight. Just don’t get too drunk—--the boss will kill you. I speak from experience.”

Firmino smirked. Henderson had told all of them about the time Klopp and the coaching staff had first discovered Tsimikas’ “secret” nightclub. “I won’t.”

*

Firmino waltzed into the garden, whistling a merry tune. He frowned slightly upon seeing Alisson staring into space on a swing, while Fabinho listlessly hung upside down from a tree, but brightened up upon remembering what he’d come for.

“Get dressed, manos!” Firmino sang out, tossing brochures at the two. “We’re hanging out tonight, no objections!”

Fabinho snapped out of his dull demeanor as soon as he realized Firmino was there, flashing a thumbs-up at his compatriot. “I’m already hanging—from this tree!”

Fabinho’s weak attempt at a joke didn’t amuse Firmino in the slightest. “Come on, Fabi. That joke is older than the pyramids. Admit it—you feel just as rotten as Ali and I do.”

Fabinho sighed, righting himself and sitting on the branch. “It’s just that…it can get so gloomy around here, you know? I feel like I need to cheer us up.”

“I couldn’t agree more with the gloomy part, Fabi.” Alisson finally seemed to realize what was going on around him, but he still seemed absentminded. “But you don't have to do that if you don't feel like it. It's not your job to make us feel better.”

“Then whose job is it?” Fabinho leant against the tree trunk. Every inch of him screamed exasperation. “I’m playing like crap, Bobby’s injured and we keep having bad results no matter how well you play.”

“I could play better.”

“Ali, for the fifty-first time: that’s not your fault.”

Alisson shook his head, jumping off the swing and climbing the tree. “Don’t say that about yourself, Fabi. That’s really harsh.”

“An eighteen year old is playing better than I am.”

“Bro, you’re being too harsh on yourself. Both of you are.” Firmino decided to intervene, climbing up on the same branch as Alisson and Fabinho. “I think we all need to relax. That’s why we’re going to Kostas’ nightclub tonight.”

Alisson nearly fell off the branch when he heard the word nightclub. “Você é louco, Roberto? The boss will kill us.”

“Not if we stay away from the alcohol and get back before it’s too late,” Firmino argued. “The boss won’t prevent us from having a little fun.”

Fabinho stroked his beard in thought, a mischievous smirk crossing his features. “I guess it can’t be too bad.”

“I still think it’s a bad idea,” said the goalkeeper. Firmino internally groaned—Alisson could be rather stubborn sometimes.

“Kostas owns the nightclub, Ali. It’s not like he’s going to drug our drinks or something.” Fabinho turned towards Firmino, grinning from ear to ear. “Let’s go. When’s it open?”

Firmino pointed to the brochure. “Seven. Come on, Ali, it won’t be so bad! It’s not like there’s going to be strippers or anything. Kostas is a little unhinged but he wouldn’t do that.”

Alisson thought about it for a while before nodding. “Alright, let’s go. It’s been too long since I hung out with you guys,” he announced, pulling the other two into a hug.

Firmino hugged them back, then began the process of climbing down the tree. “Get dressed. We leave at six!”

*

Finding the nightclub was harder than any of them had thought it would be. For somebody who couldn’t keep a secret from the others if his life depended on it, Tsimikas had concealed his nightclub well. Thankfully the Greek had given them instructions, but they were just as cryptic as the location.

“Are you sure this is it?” Fabinho asked, staring at the building they’d just parked in front of. The white letters on the front said LAUNDROMAT, and stuck all over its windows were so many detergent ads one couldn’t see inside the building.

Firmino shrugged, stepping out of the car. “Well, Kostas wouldn’t lead us to a laundromat for a night out. So this must be it.”

Alisson exited the car, freezing once his feet hit the floor. “Um, guys?”

“What’s wrong?” Fabinho was still in the car with the door closed. “Don’t tell me you ran into a scorpion.”

Alisson shook his head, pointing towards the ground. “I don’t think a laundromat should have sand all over its parking lot.”

Firmino looked down at his feet, and then around them. Indeed, the whole parking was covered in sand and dirt instead of standard pavement. “Maybe Kostas wanted a beach effect?”

Fabinho cautiously stepped out from the car, gingerly crossing the lot. “It better be for a good reason. I just bought these Michael Kors and I didn’t plan on getting them all sandy.”

Firmino struggled to hold back his laughter when he saw how Fabinho had tied plastic bags around his shoes. “I thought we agreed on casual wear, Fabi, not dress shoes!”

Fabinho ignored Firmino, relaxing once he got to the sidewalk. “So what? It’s my wardrobe. If I can stand in them, they’re casual wear.”

“Let’s go in and see what it’s like.” Alisson was already at the door. “I’ll go in first.”

“Nuh-uh!” Fabinho leapt in front of Alisson, shielding him from the still-closed door. “Remember what we talked about, abraçador: we need to protect you.”

“I’m older than you, Fabi,” Alisson argued, stepping out from behind Fabinho. “If anybody needs protection, it’s you.”

Fabinho rolled his eyes, facing Alisson but still blocking the door. “If anything, you’re the baby brother of all of us Brazilians.”

“As usual,” Alisson sighed. He nudged Fabinho aside, gripping the doorknob and preparing to turn it. “I’m still the baby brother even when I happen to be one year and twenty-one days older than you.”

“Muriel’s five years older than you.”

“Technically, he’s not five years older than me.”

“How correct—he’s five years and eight months older than you!”

“That’s five years and SEVEN months!!!”

“Rapazes!” Firmino pushed his way between them before the fighting got out of hand. “I thought we were supposed to be relaxing. Now we’re picking fights before we’ve even entered the nightclub.”

Firmino turned to Alisson, prying his hand off the doorknob. “And what got into you, Ali? You’ve never been one to argue this much. Now it’s like I’m hanging out with a different person. Você não é um lutador, você é um carinhoso. Where’s my abraçador?”

“Desculpe,” Alisson mumbled under his breath. Even though Firmino was four inches shorter than the keeper, it seemed like Alisson had shrunk. “I don’t know what got into me. I’ve never been so…”

“On the edge?” Fabinho offered. “I agree.”

Firmino rolled his eyes in annoyance, swatting at Fabinho. “Not helping, flaco. You’ve been stressed out, and this is how you’re coping with it. It’s not healthy but it’s understandable, and it’ll change in time. So what do you say, manos?” He gestured towards the door, which was still unopened. “Do you still want to go in?”

Fabinho and Alisson exchanged a glance, then they both nodded. “Yes.”

*

Firmino opened the door, gesturing for the other two to come in. Fabinho tried to hip-check Firmino into the nightclub and nearly fell to the ground, and Alisson ended up carrying Firmino in because he was laughing so hard.

They reached the main room and paused to inspect their surroundings. While the outside of the nightclub looked like a laundromat, the inside was full-blown nightclub. There was a large stage on one side of the room, and the remaining space mainly consisted of the dance floor minus a few tables and chairs grouped on the side. A few people wandered around the place—and the Brazilians recognized them immediately.

“That’s Mesut from Arsenal!” Firmino could identify the Turkish midfielder from anywhere with those eyes of his. “And Leandro, and Sergio Reguilon, and…is that Arthur?”

“So that’s what he does all the time!” Fabinho spotted somebody familiar on the stage, setting up a microphone. “Look, there’s Kostas.”

“Kos-ty!” Firmino called in a sing-song voice, approaching the stage. “Come on down, bro!”

“You’re here!” Tsimikas took the steps three by three, sprinting over to the group. “What do you think of the nightclub? Pretty slick, huh?”

“I have to admit, it’s impressive.” Alisson gestured towards the other players in the building. “You even brought other players here so we can avoid the press.”

“And they say I’m light on intelligence!” Tsimikas extended a tray towards the three. The tray held many tiny glasses filled with an unknown drink. “Try these. They’re from the kitchen.”

“Who’s head of the kitchen?” Firmino asked, stepping in front of his compatriots. He didn’t think Tsimikas would give them anything harmful, but as the oldest of the three he felt personally responsible for ensuring nothing went wrong.

“Relax, man.” Tsimikas seemed to pick up on Firmino’s concerns, holding up one of the shot glasses. “It isn’t whisky or anything, it’s just a new pina colada recipe. Thiago made it.”

“Hold up, Thiago’s here too? How many people are there?”

“Me, Thiago, Leandro, Arthur, Mesut and Sergio run the place,” Tsimikas explained. “I do the DJ work, but we don’t have regular performers. Sometimes people from the crowd come on stage for stand-up comedy. We also bring in special performers, like tonight—”

Tsimikas was cut off by a bright yet standard ringtone. Pulling his cellphone out of his jean pocket, he briefly apologized to his teammates and pressed the device to his ear.

“Hello? Yes, this is him. What about it? WHAT?! You’ve got to be kidding me, can’t you do anything about it? Well…okay. Thanks for trying.” He hung up with a shout of frustration, slamming his phone onto a table. “Anáthema!”

Firmino approached Tsimikas, placing a hand on his shoulder. “What’s the matter?”

“The performers’ plane got canceled.” Tsimikas groaned, tossing his hands into the air. “The patrons will be here soon, and it’s too late to hire any other entertainment!”

“I was really looking forward to that,” said Alisson, much to Firmino’s surprise. Alisson hadn’t seemed to really be excited about the nightclub, instead focusing on spending quality time with his teammates. “What was the performance going to be?”

Tsimikas dug out a brochure, smoothing out a million wrinkles from the pages and spreading it out on a table. Firmino recognized it as the same brochure Tsimikas had given him before.

“It’s a Brazilian group, Os Três Brasileiros,” Tsimikas explained. “They mainly perform pop songs, but they were going to do arena rock for the first time tonight.”

Fabinho raised an eyebrow, inspecting the brochure. “You know what that translates to, guys?”

Tsimikas nodded. “Well, duh. It translates to ‘The Three Brazilians’. But I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

“Wait a minute.” Firmino slowly caught on to Fabinho’s idea, gripping the table. “We’re three Brazilians, Kostas!”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Alisson’s eyes widened as he stepped away from the table. “We’re going to sing rock, on stage? I’m not so sure…”

“Come on, man!” Tsimikas cajoled him, slinging an arm around Alisson’s shoulders. “It’s not a hard song, and we’ve got half an hour until the patrons come. They won’t throw fruit or anything, I promise.”

“Well…okay,” Alisson agreed. “But I’m not going to get into any crazy getups.”

Firmino held on to the table so he wouldn’t run towards the stage already. He could hardly wait for the patrons to come so the three could sing together. The last time he, Fabinho and Alisson had sang together was after they’d won the Premier League, and that was nearly three years ago. It had been far too long since they’d performed together.

Even if Tsimikas’ nightclub wasn’t where Firmino expected their next trio appearance to be.

*

“Patrons of the club!” Tsimikas shouted into the microphone half an hour later. His hair, usually styled into his now-famous man bun, stuck upwards in a tall, bright blue mohawk. “It is my honor to present to you tonight’s performance, at DA CLUB!”

“Are you sure we can do this, Bobby?” Fabinho asked Firmino for the fifth time.

Firmino had been especially worried about Fabinho when they agreed to perform. It wasn’t that Fabinho was a bad singer—quite the contrary, actually—but the midfielder was often so shy that he had problems giving interviews, much more performing in front of an audience. Alisson was almost as shy when it came to performing, leaving Firmino to worry about both of them.

“Of course we can do it,” Firmino reassured Fabinho. “It’s a judgment-free zone.”

“But it’s at a nightclub.”

“And it’s Kostas’ nightclub, so it’ll be okay.”

“You don’t know how unhinged Kostas can get.”

“He wouldn’t humiliate us.” Firmino stopped twirling the leather fringe on his jacket, gazing at Fabinho with what could only be classified as attempted serenity. “You’re a great singer Fabi, and you entertain people all the time with your skills. This is just another one of them.”

Fabinho stood from the bench he had been perched on, wrapping the shorter man in an embrace. “Gracas.”

Firmino reciprocated the hug, burying his head into Fabinho’s chest. “De nada, flaco.” 

They remained like that for a while, Tsimikas’ droning on in the background. Even the Greek’s loud announcer voice did nothing to break them up.

“Manos!” Alisson shouted over the music, pulling the pair back into reality. “It’s time for our act!”

Fabinho and Firmino reluctantly pulled apart, brushing themselves off. They linked hands with Alisson, stepping onto the stage as soon as the music started.

“Veja!” Fabinho whispered to his compatriots, pointing towards the crowd. “All of Leeds is there, and I see some Arsenal players there, too!”

“Focus on the music, Fabi,” said Firmino, gripping his friend’s hand tighter. “Focus on the music.”

Fabinho nodded. He closed his eyes as he began to sing.

I've paid my dues, time after time

I've done my sentence, but committed no crime

Alisson joined in. Firmino spotted him squeezing Fabinho’s hand in encouragement.

And bad mistakes, I've made a few

I've had my share of sand kicked in my face

But I've come through

And we mean to go on and on and on and on

It was time for the chorus. Firmino momentarily froze, as he hadn’t heard the song much before. Before he could panic though, Alisson and Fabinho joined in on what would have been his solo lines.

We are the champions, my friends

And we'll keep on fighting till the end

We are the champions, we are the champions

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions of the World

The audience cheered, even though the song was only halfway. Jesse Marsch, one of Klopp’s best friends, flashed the three a thumbs up. Firmino grinned broadly, waving at the Leeds manager. He would have a good chat with him—but first Os Três Brasileiros II had a song to finish.

[elfmoon3]

A Shadowy Mist Chapter 11 (Transformers Animated story)

Pairing: Prowl x Oc and Bumblebee x Oc

Summary: After telling the other Autobots about the terrorcons, there's one more thing that Shadow Mist must confess.

Location: At the park in downtown Detroit at nighttime

Shadow Mist and Prowl were patrolling the park for decepticons. The two Autobots haven't talked in about an hour, but when they saw a young couple walk by enjoying the night, Shadow Mist sighed. "It's now or never SM." She said quietly. "Hey Prowl, I was wondering, before you went offline and before you first got to earth with the others, was there anyone in particular you were interested in?" She asked him, "Not until recently." He answered, "What does that mean?" She asked, "Well, I never really got a chance to be with a femme bot." He answered again, "What about Black Arachnia? She's the only female you met." Shadow Mist said, "True, but I'm not interested in her." He said, transforming into his robot mode. "Really?" Shadow Mist asked. "Then who? It's not like there's another girl bot that you would've just met and fell in love with soon after." She said, "Then what if I say that the girl bot I'm interested in is right in front of me." He said as he grabbed her in his embrace, smirking. She felt heat on her face, "Really?" She asked. "Of course." He answered. "Well, I've been feeling the same way, too." She said as the two Autobots connected their processors to each other. They were about to kiss until they heard a car engine and saw a familiar green and black muscle car. "Well, isn't this cute." LockDown said as he transformed into his robot mode. "What do you want?" Shadow Mist asked, "Nothing, just leaving you lovebots a gift." He said as he left something on the ground, two identical grey items. "Those are stasis tasers." Prowl said, "LockDown, why are you leaving these things with us?" Shadow Mist asked, but the Bounty Hunter disappeared. The Autobots nodded to each other and took the tasers back to the Hideout.

Back at the Hideout

Ratchet examen the two tasers and sighed, "Yup, these are indeed stasis tasers." He said. "I don't understand. Why would LockDown leave these with us?" Prowl asked, "Well whatever the case is, there's nothing wrong with these tasers." Ratchet answered. "No tracking device or explosive in sight." He added, then Meagan came in, holding a sketch book, and looked at the tasers and her drawing, "THESE THINGS LOOK LIKE MY DRAWING" Meagan yelled which alert the three Autobots. She showed them the drawing, and there's no doubt that it looks like the tasers. "How in the known universe did you know what these tasers look like?!" Ratchet yelled, "I don't know, I had a thought of a sketch, and I drew this. At first, I wanted to draw a shuriken, but it ended up like this." She answered. She then realized that it may have been a premonition. "Or maybe I may have predicted that these things would show up at some point." She added. "Like a premonition?" Shadow Mist asked. "Yes, I've actually had premonitions before that even become deja vu moments." Meagan answered. "But anyone can have a premonition if they have an open mind." She added

Later that night

Bumblebee heard that Prowl and Shadow Mist are now together. He's happy for his ninjabot friend and the energon scientist. Then, a knock on the door was heard. "I got it!" He said as he answered the door, "Who knows about the Hideout?" He asked himself and got a hug from a pink and purple femme bot. "BEE!!" The femme bot said excitingly, "PixelSpark? What are you doing on earth?" He asked the femme bot. The other Autobots came to see what's going on. "I came to help! Ultra Magnus sent me. And of course, I accepted the mission, My Bumbly Bee!" PixelSpark said. Bumblebee blushed, "Babe, not in front of my team." He said, the young femme bot noticed the others and saluted. Bulkhead looked at Bumblebee, "Did she call you Bumbly Bee?" He said, holding in a laugh. Bumblebee smiled, "Yeah! Why, you jealous?" He asked. "Not really. Besides, she's perfect for you!" Bulkhead said, PixelSpark then saw Shadow Mist. "It looks like I'm not the only girl bot here. Do you have a special somebot? Like I have my Bumblebee?" She asked, Shadow Mist looked at her and then looked at Prowl, who smiled at her. "You can say that." She said

To be continued...

[jvstheworld]

My Ted Lasso Re-watch: S1E10 (part 3)

The Hope That Kills You

Roy answers the door to Jamie when he comes over to see Keeley and he is wearing fried egg socks. Who wants to bet that Phoebe or his sister bought him those?

Does Jamie not always get when someone is being sarcastic? Because Roy is being clearly sarcastic about making scones, but Jamie misses it. Is there something further to it?

Keeley being the diplomat, pours the coffee Jamie got her into the mug of coffee Roy made her. You know, the more I watch this show the more I agree with them being a throuple.

Roy and Jamie are children. No further comment.

Roy is definitely out to get Jamie, and he will get him later. At the cost of fucking up his knee though. But Ted genuinely likes Jamie, he didn't want him to go back to Man City. But he takes the blame for it to protect Rebecca. Because let's face it, after all the shit Rebecca has had to deal with, with regards to the press, it would just be another shitty thing on top of other shitty things. Rupert fucked up her life and the press revel in it. If they found out it was her that sent Jamie back to Man City, they would have a fucking field day and drag her through the mud. But if it's Ted that did it, then they can just chalk it up to him being an idiot and not knowing how to do his job. Ted, by continuing to take the blame, is protecting Rebecca from further ridicule by the press. Because if that got out, the so do the rest of her revenge plans, and neither her or Ted want that.

Roy knows that Keeley values honesty, so he tell the truth, even if it makes him look evil.

Mushy peas are exactly what they sound like, and personally I think they are gross. But at least Roy can take an insult and turn it into a cute joke with Keeley.

If anyone is interested, the peanut butter Ted is eating is Tesco smooth peanut butter. The label has changed slightly since the episode was released, but not a lot.... I was curious, don't ask why.

Ted in a blue Kansas City shirt (this man's whole personality is just Kansas, isn't it?) but the gray sweatpants are back. Plus the messy hair... He looks so cosy and cuddly. Too bad I wouldn't be able to go near him... Damn you nut allergy.

Ted recognising that kids will not listen to stuff you say. The robot Henry drew is pretty cool, so worth it.

The commentators said the episode title.

Keeley only started caring about football because of Roy. They should have stayed together.

Rebecca showing how much she cares for the team by being decked out in Richmond gear.

Give Paul the damn hug. He is a sweetheart and deserves it.

Rupert can rot in hell.

The whole Higgins clan out for the match. And the fact the the priest of the family was born out of wedlock is a fun fact of the Higgins's.

Roy chose Isaac to be the new captain. Was that because of the chair smashing the TV? Because yeah, Isaac, given the chance can be a natural leader, but did the TV thing seal the deal?

[fablewritesnonsense]

Welcome to the Pizzaplex

Chapter 7: Art for Kiera

Felix returns the favor for Kiera, and her father breaks the rules…

After a week, he’d finished his little side project, and printed it out in the employee room before dashing down in time for the kids to show up for daycare.

Sun did his normal jump and scoop in the ball pit, but when the kids were all dumped onto the ground, he was there waiting for Kiera to roll off the pile. She giggled and ran up to him.

“I’ve got something for you,” he said, handing her the picture. She gave a little gasp as she looked over the picture. He’d redrawn everyone in the cartoon style of the big animated sign, just as they’d been in the picture she’d given him the day before.

And her cartoon self was holding the picture she’d drawn the day before, edited in from a scan.

“I love it!” she said excitedly.

“Well, you drew me a picture, I drew you one,” he said, and she gave him a big bear hug.

“Ohhhh,” Mason said, looking at the picture. “That’s why you don’t do arts and crafts!

***

“Can you draw me a picture like you drew Kiera?” Moon asked, crawling up during naptime once everyone was asleep. Felix smiled, looking up from his logo art.

“Yeah bud, do you want it of everyone? Because I can just print out another copy,” he said.

“But that has Sun in it, not me,” Moon pouted.

“Yeah bud, I can draw you one too,” he said. Moon grinned and his head spun.

“Is this what it’s like having a friend?” he asked softly. “We’ve never had real friends before. Just the children.” Felix smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, we’re friends, like brothers,” he said. Moon’s head spun again.

“I thought it was just Sun. Nobody likes me as much as they like him,” he said sadly.

“That’s not true, plenty of people like you as much. It’s just that they’re not able to be in the daycare cause they’re too old,” he replied.

And making horny art online of you, he thought.

“But yeah buddy, I like you as much as I like Sun. I just get to see him more, that’s all,” he assured the bot.

“Thank you, It’s nice to have a brother,” Moon said before skittering off. Felix melted a bit in his seat, and began drawing Moon in the picture too.

***

“Alright, here’s Kiera’s stuff,” Felix said, handing over the child’s backpack and the folder with her art and report for the day to her father. “Hey Kiera! Your dad’s here to pick you up!” he shouted. Kiera, who had been playing tag with the other kids, continued running around and trying to tag one of the faster kids.

“Hey, what’s this?” her father asked, holding up the art that Felix had drawn.

“Oh that!” Felix said with an embarrassed smile. “Well, I’m sure you saw in her daily report last week, but she made me this little picture, it’s currently on my fridge with the rest of the pictures the kids have given me. So I thought I’d make her one like it and put her little picture in it there.” Her dad glared at him and he backed up.

“And you thought it was appropriate to make my daughter a drawing?” he asked.

“I asked her mom for permission, she said it was totally fine,” Felix said with a shrug. The man snorted.

“She thinks it’s appropriate to leave our child in a daycare run by stupid ass robot, how would my ex-wife know what’s appropriate,” he snapped, Felix clenched his jaw when the man glared at Sun, who was trying to round up Kiera. “If I call her and find out you didn’t ask permission, I’m going to come back and you’re not going to have a job.”

“Our Daycare Attendant is actually extremely intelligent and fantastic with the kids. And since he’s not human, he doesn't have to deal with the same mental stress, so he’s never going to slack in his job,” Felix said, trying to keep his tone even. “There’s a reason the kids love him. And it’s because he has an abundance of kindness and patience, as well as being extremely sweet.”

“Oh fuck off with this bullshit,” the man snapped. Felix registered Sun stopping and turning to stare at the man yelling, still doing his little bouncing.

“Sir, I'm going to ask you not to curse in the daycare,” Felix said. “If you continue to do so I will have to page security and have them escort you out. Kiera! Kiddo come on, your dad’s waiting, it’s time to go ho-” he was knocked off his feet, blindsided by Kiera’s backpack being swung into his face.

“You can’t tell me what to do! Do you know who I am?” the man spat at him. Some of the kids started crying out, and the pitter patter of feet ended. “I can end your entire fucking career for speaking back to me!”

“Friends, let’s go play ball-pit hide and seek,” Sun said, and some of the kids ran off, giggling with the head start. “You have until five to be fully hidden!”

Felix straightened up and pulled out his walkie, paging and saying, “Security, I need a parent escorted out of the Daycare.”

“Five!”

“How dare you call security on me you worthless-”

“Four”

“Sir, if you continue to act in this manner, you will be banned from the Pizzaplex-”

“Three!”

“I am a County Commissioner! How dare you threaten to ban-”

“Two!”

The ball pit stopped rustling and the man spat on Felix.

“You’re worthless trash compared to me!”

The lights in the entire daycare went dark, and the only light came from the screen behind the security desk. Felix turned and saw Sun shifting into Moon.

“Oh no-” he muttered, and tried to pull the lights up on his Fazwatch, but there was something blocking his access.

“Don’t ignore me!”

“Sir, I need you to get behind the security desk!” Felix said, running past and slamming the doors to the daycare shut. He was going to have to turn on the backup generators.

“Don’t fucking tell me-”

“Naughty, naughty,” Moon said, and they both turned to see the animatronic walking slowly towards them, his arms extended. “Rulebreaker, rule breaker,” he went down on all fours and skittered up to the county commissioner, grabbing him by the collar.

“No hitting in the Ḓ̸̢̬̺̟͔̻͇̟̙̤̙̹̯͎͇͐͆͑͑ͅͅͅͅâ̵̢̛̺̰̝͉̤̩̩͍̱̖̘͑̅y̵͖͓̱̻̺̭̤͖̜̺͓̱̖̽͛̽̇̓c̷̢̼͓̥̔̃̊͂͂͌͝ͅͅå̶̢̢̛̦̣͈̮̪̓͊̉̐̌̀́̂̽́̑̍͆̚͘͠r̶̢̛̳͉̲̦̗͋͂́̑͊̂̒̐̔̓̈́͛e̵͖̤̹͙͕̞̣̺̬̹̹̥͗͊̉͊̓̃̓̕͠ͅ!̶̡̘͚̘̮̱̙͎̥̖̠̮̩́̉͂!̸̗̗͉̥̳̳̞̟͇͔̳͎̣̹͎͙͈̏̒͊̅̄̃̕̚͠!̸̫̯͈̲̭̣̊̐”

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Have a wonderful day!

[miscjesstering]

Been thinking about the Spiderverse Recently so here's my little Intern Spider-people concepts. More of my thoughts under the cut

Lizzie (Aka "Winter-Spider")

Not seen in this doodle but she did infact shave her head inorder to put the mask on.

In her universe, Norma was basically her "Uncle Ben". So she wears Norma's scarf around her neck to remind her of Norma.

She has a little wing suit that lets her glide around.

She has little arm and leg warmers that look cool.

Of course, her moves are ice based.

Adam (Aka "Spider-Guy")

Imma be real with you chief, he was the last I drew on this page before passing out from sleepyness so I dont have many thoughts on him. Sorry!

Norma (Aka "Spider-Girl")

Her mask infact has prescription esq lenses letting her be able to see without glasses.

Hey :) wanna guess who her "Uncle Ben" was in her universe :) it was Lizzie :)

She also wears her weird scarf feather thing in memorial.

Obviously she has fire based attacks.

Alongside Lizzie, she also glides round with a wingsuit!

When Lizzie and Norma first meet each other in what ever spiderverse event happens they really click and neither of them really know why until they take off their masks.

Yes they do infact hug and cry and its sweet

Morris (Aka "Robo-spider)

His situation is similar to Peni Parker, as he has a psychic link with a spider that he uses to control a mech

I went this direction because I didn't want to make him just a regular spider-guy, as I feel like slapping some webshooters on him wouldn't really vibe with his wheelchair

Gisu helped make the robot suit, and while idk if she gets "Uncle Ben"d, I do think it'd be interesting if something happened to her (maybe Gisu Octavius?)

While piloting the Spider-Mech he has a little jumpsuit on/

Sam (Aka "Spider-Queen")

I really dont like her outfit I think just putting her in regular clothes is better

ANYWAYS her power is that she can psychically communicate to any spider she wants to.

She has like a little pack of spiders AND spider food

I also want to say she has a specific spider friend (maybe the one who bit her? idk)

Gisu (Aka "I forgot to draw her" Aka "Skater-Spider"??)

I'm gonna be real I just came up with her name on the fly any suggestions would be deeply appreciated

Very Spider-manny, totally made her own tech.

Probably made all the other's tech in their relative Universe's now that I think about it.

She has a cape and a hood! Such is quintessential for her character.

[somewhatgreatexpectations]

Palace (Wanda Maximoff/ Reader)

Hello! This part is inspired by Sam Smith’s “Palace”. Let me know what you think as we move more into Wanda’s territory. I don’t want to give away much but this part would take place very close to the start of Civil War.  

Summary: Certain members of the team deal with the news that you have decided to leave. A little more into Wanda’s mind.

“I'm gonna miss you. I'm still there. Sometimes I wish we never built this palace, but real love is never a waste of time”

The sound of the quinjet landing in the early morning air was a stark contrast to the serene stillness that surrounded the compound before everyone awoke. With the morning sun still below the horizon it was easy to get lost in the peaceful image. To get lost in this brief moment of tranquility before life caught up to you.��

“Y/n?”

There. The trace was broken because the serenity wasn’t real. It was just an illusion. It couldn’t erase the damage that lurked shallowly under the surface. “Yes, Capsicle?”

Despite himself Steve couldn’t help the chuckle that slipped, “Even now and you won’t call me by my name?” you shrugged with a smirk. His expression became solemn once again. “You’re sure about this then?” he nodded towards the jet. 

Steeling your features, you nodded firmly. “I think it’ll be good for me. They need my help and you all have everything under control over here… for now.” You added cheekily. 

A sigh replaced what would have normally been a laugh. “You’re sure you don’t want to say goodbye to… anyone?” He trailed off, but you knew exactly who he was referring to. Wanda.

“It’s for the best. There’s no point dragging this out any longer. I’m just a part of her past now. Plus, I want this. My purpose in life has always been to help those who need it. I’m just fulfilling that purpose, Steve.” You answered with what you hoped was a believable smile.

What you didn’t tell him was that you used to believe that your purpose on this earth was her. It didn’t matter either way because she couldn’t be anymore. 

Wordlessly Steve pulled you into his arms. You willed yourself to stop the watering of your eyes as you hugged him back. “It’s not going to be the same without you here, kid.”

Over his shoulder you noticed the sun begin to rise on the horizon. Time was running out. Soon everyone would be up whether it be for training, meetings, or just breakfast. Then you’d lose your nerve. 

With a small sniffle you pulled back and smiled weakly up at Steve. “Try not to replace me while I’m gone.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Remember if you ever need my help, I’ll be back. And-” you took a sharp breath before continuing. “And please, don’t tell her where I am.”

Steve frowned at your final comment but nodded nonetheless. “You have my word. Take care of yourself out there. Call when you can.”

With one final nod you turned and boarded the quinjet without a glance back. Steve stayed until he saw the jet disappear in the distance, dreading the moment when everyone found out. 

Dreading the moment when Wanda found out.  

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that the questions began. Steve breathed a sigh of relief that they weren’t directed at him.

“Has anyone seen y/n?” Natasha asked, “I have this new disarming move I want to try and she’s always saying she’s too fast for me.”

Wanda perked her head up out of reflex at the sound of your name, but quickly diverted her attention back to the book in her hands. It wasn’t like you would want to see her anyway. That didn’t stop her from eaves dropping on the conversation that was happening around her though. 

“Probably in her room, avoiding our afternoon run I’m sure.” Sam chimed in.

Natasha shook her head, “Already checked there. Anyone else seen her?” She asked the remaining Avengers in the room all of them shaking their heads except Steve who walked away to the kitchen. Wanda was the only one other than Natasha to notice. 

“What aren’t you telling us, Rogers?” Natasha questioned as soon as she entered the kitchen. Her head tilted in challenge.

He huffed out a tired sigh as he leaned against the counter. “Nothing.” He replied shortly which caused Natasha to quirk an eyebrow.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. please call y/n for me and tell her to meet me in the kitchen.” She stated firmly while maintaining eye contact with Steve.

The robotic female voiced sounded moments later. “I’m sorry, Ms. Romanoff, that is not possible as Ms. Y/ln is not currently at the compound.”

Steve rubbed his temple wearily, he had hoped this conversation wouldn’t have to happen so soon. “Where is she?” Natasha countered quickly.

Once again, the robotic voice responded, “That is classified.” Neither Steve nor Natasha noticed the figure that was stopped in her tracks at F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s words. 

For a moment Steve and Natasha remained in a silent stand-off, neither backing down. “Where is she?” she repeated, this time directed towards Steve.

“I can’t tell you that.” he replied quickly.

“What can you tell me?”

For a moment he seemed to think about it, about what he could say without breaking his word. “She’s on a mission.” 

That isn’t entirely out of the ordinary, Wanda thought to herself as she began holding her breath nervously. She had a bad feeling about this.

“Where?” Natasha fired off.

A mere shake of his head was all he gave her, “I can’t tell you that.” He repeated.

“How long?” Natasha stared at him for a moment, analyzing his solemn nature. Realization quickly dawned on her. You weren’t coming back.

There was hesitation in his words as he drew them out slowly. Almost as if he was coming to terms with the words himself. “Possibly a year, maybe two…” he drew in a breath before continuing. Wanda dug her nails into her palm. “It’s most likely indefinite. She may never come back.” He finally concluded somberly. 

Wanda couldn’t contain the gasp that slipped passed her lips. Natasha quickly turned her head in the direction of the sound, her own sadness taking a back seat when she noticed the look on the younger girl’s face.

“Why wouldn’t she tell m- tell us anything?” Wanda demanded desperately, her accent heavily pronounced and her eyes wide with distress. Steve didn’t reply, he couldn’t find it in himself to. He merely looked at her with pity. 

She knew why you didn’t tell her anything. She understood, and her legs felt like they’d give out under the weight of that knowledge any second now. 

Taking pity on the girl Natasha hesitantly made her way over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Maybe you should go sit down.”

Erratically Wanda pulled herself out of arm’s reach and marched over to Steve, her eyes watering despite her aggressive tone. “Tell me where she is. Right now.”

Steve didn’t waver, his conversation with you playing over in his mind. “I can’t.”

Red wisps began floating around Wanda’s hands as her eyes began to glow. “That’s fine. You’ll tell me whether you want to or not.”

Natasha tried to step in, but Steve merely raised his hand. “I can’t because she didn’t tell me. She thought this might happen. She only told me that she’s leaving and how long she’d be gone. She didn’t tell me where she would be located.” He lied smoothly, surprising even himself. He refused to break his word to you.

Wanda’s eyes slowly returned to their normal shade of green as her shoulders slumped, the fight draining from her body. Steve gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “She wanted me to tell you that she was sorry. To all of you.” He added as he looked up at Natasha who nodded sadly in understanding.

At his words, Wanda merely shut her eyes, she knew that they should have brought her comfort, but they didn’t in the slightest. His words wouldn’t change the fact that you were gone and would quite possibly never be back. She knew she had no right to be upset. She made her decision, now she would have to live with it. That knowledge didn’t stop it from hurting though.

“Did she say anything else?” she asked quietly, clinging to any information she could get. Trying desperately to gain control of her emotions.

“That she was fulfilling her purpose by going. Helping others.” Steve offered.

Natasha smiled faintly at his words. “Sounds like destiny then. That’s definitely something she’s good at.” 

Wanda couldn’t have agreed with Natasha more. You were destined to help others. You helped her, saved her, and now you’d be a life raft for others. The secret of your love would no longer be an exclusive privilege that only a select few knew of. The true and whole-hearted way in which you loved her would be given to another. 

One day, she would merely be a ghost of your past. She would become a painful story that you’d share in the arms of another. Her heart fluttered anxiously at the thought. 

It was as though news of your departure made her aware of what her stubborn mind and your usual steady present prevented her from seeing. “Wanda?” she faintly heard a voice call out to her.

Her features remained neutral. The dull ache tightened in her chest. She knew there was nothing she could do to stop it. “Yes?” she replied flatly.

Natasha placed a comforting hand on her arm, a look of concern on her face as Steve watched curiously from where he stood. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Wanda replied, waving her hand. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

Both Steve and Natasha exchanged uncertain looks as they watched Wanda exit the kitchen area. With her mind so muddled Wanda just began walking, a laugh escaping her lips when she finally realized where she had gone on reflex. The roof. The same place you both had actively avoided since that fateful nights a few months ago. It was bittersweet. 

She took a seat in the same area you had both sat in countless times before as she pulled her knees to her chest and looked around. It was almost as if she could still hear the soft music playing in the background and the sound of your occasional humming from right beside her, never expecting anything more from her. An unmovable force. A quiet pillar of support that she so often relied on. That was all just a memory now.

She always dreaded the idea that one day she would lose you, she never would have guessed that she would have lost you at her own hands.

In the solitude she finally allowed a few silent tears to fall down her cheek, allowed herself to feel what she had been refusing for so long. She was going to miss you, she knew that much. She was going to miss the beautiful relationship that you had created together, the same relationship that was mere ruins now. She just hoped you would forgive her one day, she hoped that you would return one day soon. She didn’t dare allow herself to hope for more. 

“Wanda?” came the sound of another voice. The contrast of night surprising Wanda when she focused on the world around her once again, she must have been up here for hours. A moment later Vision came into her view.  “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Is something wrong?”

She bit her lip, not ready to talk about the chaos in her mind yet. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Wanda eventually mumbled.

A look of confusion covered Vision’s features, “Is this about Y/n?” he pressed.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” She repeated with growing frustration.

Again, Vision stared at her with confusion. “My findings have suggested that the only way to properly process sadness is to talk about it.” He replied matter-of-factly.

As much as she didn’t want to, she couldn’t help but compare how you comforted her to how Vision was attempting to. “Well, your findings don’t apply to everyone.” She said, her tone laced with irritation.

“My findings are rarely ever wrong.”

Wanda groaned. “Can you just hold me?” 

Cool arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. For a moment he just held her in silence. The silence did not last though. “I still believe it would be beneficial for you to talk to me about how you are feeling.” He insisted once more. 

Wanda ignored him, not having the energy to argue back.

Even though she was in Vision’s arms, all she could think of was you. About how desperately she wished to be in the arms that said they’d never let her go. The arms that she forced to let go. She couldn’t help but feel like she was sinking ever so slightly with no life raft in sight.

There you have it, part 7! Technically this is the first part of this series I wrote with a lot of touch up. As always, I hope you all enjoyed. Thoughts and comments always welcome. :)

[goldenavenger02]

my pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand

5 times Zane took care of the team and 1 time the team took care of Zane

•••

1;

"You three are brothers now, and will become stronger together. But for now, you must get acquainted with each other." Sensei's words rang in Zane's head as he made his way into the kitchen of the monastery.

While Jay had been somewhat easy to get introduced to, with his passion for robotics and his tendency to talk, they had become close very quickly.

Cole, however, was a bit harder to speak to; Zane could tell that Cole was a good person, as he was extremely loyal to Sensei even though he had just started his training under him, but he was also closed off to Jay and Zane.

And while he didn't know why, Zane had a feeling it was more so due to some sort of pain in his past, and not him viewing himself and Jay as lower than him.

Which is why Zane was now in the kitchen; he could never quite place exactly why, but he always felt at peace when he was cooking. Something about making something out of nothing was soothing to him.

But before he had decided what exactly he was going to make, that's when Cole came in, a look of longing across his face.

"Hello, Cole," Zane greeted, offering him a smile, but it faded when Cole stiffened, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"It's alright, just startled me," Cole insisted, the look of longing came back before he asked, "are you making anything specific?"

"I have not decided. Do you have a request?" Zane asked, trying to read Cole's face.

"Can you make cake? Vanilla cake?"

"Absolutely," Zane smiled, going to grab the ingredients before asking, his back turned to Cole, "are we celebrating something, or is it just cake?"

He heard Cole take in a deep breath, almost as if he was trying to avoid crying, which didn't make much sense, since from what he knew, cake was never for sad things.

Zane turned around to see Cole staring at the counter before he responded.

"Yeah, it's…" he swallowed before locking eyes with Zane, "it would have been my mom's birthday. She passed away a few months ago."

"I am sorry for your loss, Cole." Zane spoke softly, unsure of how best to comfort someone he didn't know very well.

The room went quiet for a few moments, and Zane busied himself with grabbing the rest of the cooking supplies when Cole spoke up again, his voice cracking slightly from the tears.

"Can I help?"

Zane nodded, allowing Cole behind the counter before Zane got to work on the dry ingredients, watching as Cole started working on the wet ingredients.

And when Zane tripped over his own foot, resulting in Cole being covered in flour head to toe, he couldn't stop himself from laughing when Cole did, although he didn't fully understand exactly what was so funny.

2;

"Come on, you stupid hunk of junk!" Nya's shout rang through the Bounty, startling everyone that was aboard.

"How long has she been working on the thruster?" Zane asked, wondering just how long she had gone without food, sleep and water.

"Since yesterday afternoon, I can't pry her away from it." Jay explained, which led Zane to nod before making his way to the control room.

Nya was hunched over the thruster controls, screwdriver in her left hand and a screw hanging out of her mouth, her eyebrows scrunched in anger as she continued to twist the wrench with her right around a bolt.

"Nya?" Zane spoke softly, not wanting to provoke her, before gently putting his hand on her shoulder, "perhaps you should take a break. Jay said that you have been working on it since yesterday."

"I've gotta work on this," she shook her head after taking the screw out of her mouth, "we don't know when we'll have to make a getaway from...whatever Lord Garmadon is planning."

Zane nodded; since Garmadon had disappeared after the destruction of the golden weapons, they had all braced themselves for an attack, even Lloyd who had just started learning the full extent of his powers was getting ready for whatever his dad was going to throw at them.

"I understand your reasoning perfectly, but you are human, Nya. You will get burnt out if you work yourself too hard," he stopped to gently take the wrench out of her hand so she would look at him, "and if we have any chance at stopping Garmadon, we are going to need Samurai X."

Luckily, Nya nodded, and put up her tools, before wiping at her brow with her arm. "Thanks, Zane."

"You're welcome." Zane couldn't help but smile as he watched Nya make her way towards her quarters, and that's when he turned back to the thruster, and started to get to work with schematics pulled up in front of him.

"You will fly again, my friend."

3;

Despite the fact that it was called "The Dark Island", Zane had actually found the perfect place to sit on the beach and watch the sunrise, which was hidden by large rocks, even though he could see the ocean perfectly.

He knew that the others would wake up soon, and they would start working towards the final battle yet again, but for a brief moment, everything was peaceful.

Until he heard the footsteps.

Zane immediately drew his weapon, hearing the slight rustle of sand get louder and louder, until finally, he stood and yelled, ready to attack until the supposed assailant screamed, energy at both of their hands.

Zane immediately sheathed the weapon and took a deep breath, watching as Lloyd did the same, his hand against his chest. "You scared me, Lloyd."

"Likewise," Lloyd took a deep breath before raising an eyebrow, "what're you doing?"

"I'm watching the sunrise, it looks beautiful from here," Zane explained, sitting back down and watching Lloyd's face fall, "although, I could ask you the same thing."

"I just needed some time for myself," Lloyd told him, sitting next to Zane before letting out a sigh, "I don't think I'm ready."

"To fight your father?," Zane offered, resulting in a nod from Lloyd, "You have every reason to be upset about this situation. I just reunited with my father, and I can confidently say that I would be very distraught if we were on opposite sides."

"My entire life, I've lost people. My father got banished, my mother went to work on her research and left me at Darkley's, even my uncle didn't take me in for a long time," Zane watched as Lloyd took in a shaky breath before wiping his face against his sleeve, "I don't wanna lose him again."

"Again?" Zane asked softly, as to avoid provoking Lloyd.

"My dad has been the only one to come back for me. When I got taken by the Serpentine, he left whatever evil place he was in to come save me, and I know you guys came for me too, but…"

"You're scared of being abandoned again after you fulfill the prophecy." Zane spoke aloud as it clicked in his head, and when Lloyd nodded, he could feel his heart break slightly.

"I don't want to be alone again."

Zane nodded, before gently laying his hand on Lloyd's shoulder and he saw the tear streaks on Lloyd's cheeks. "You won't be alone again, because you have me and the others. We are your brothers, and even if you didn't have elemental abilities, we would still be your brothers."

Zane didn't prepare himself adquitally for the hug that Lloyd gave him, and he could feel his circuits and gears tightening under his grasp.

But hearing Lloyd's soft voice whisper, "thank you, Zane," made it all worth it, and he couldn't stop himself from returning the hug.

4;

"No sign of Chen or any of his warriors." PIXAL affirmed with a smile, which led Zane to repeat the message to Kai.

Now that he had been freed, he was fully able to explore exactly what his new body could do, and while he remembered big events clearly and flashes of small things, his memory was still foggy.

But he remembered his friends, and that was the biggest thing that mattered to him.

"Any sign of Skylor?" Kai begged, and Zane had no choice but to shake his head no, seeing the look of anguish on Kai's face grow more prominent.

"Let's keep looking. They couldn't have gotten off the island." Kai insisted, Zane following closely behind, watching as Kai's face went from anger to worry.

"You seem distraught, Kai. About more than Skylor," Zane reached forward and gently set his hand on Kai's shoulder, watching as he turned back to meet his eyes, "do you want to talk about it?"

Kai let out a sigh before turning back to the path and continued to walk, "I feel terrible for what happened. I had to trick Lloyd in order to get the staff from Chen, and then I almost hurt Lloyd and Skylor with the staff. Now she's missing, and...I feel like that's on me."

"No one blames you for that, Kai. Chen is the one who took her, not you." Zane reasoned softly.

"But I allowed myself to be corrupted by the staff. We all know how bad losing power is for Lloyd, and I allowed the power to consume me, to say things to him that...that I haven't believed in a long time."

"As soon as we get back, you two should talk and get everything out in the open," Zane stopped once again to put his hand on Kai's shoulder, "if we are going to fight as one, and stop Chen, we cannot have any harsh feelings towards each other."

"You're right," Kai nodded, before letting out another sigh, "I just hope Lloyd doesn't hate me."

"I think that would be impossible, Kai," Zane insisted, and when Kai turned to raise an eyebrow at him, he continued, "I do not remember everything, and my memories are still foggy, but I remember just how much Lloyd and you have bonded over the years. I have a feeling that after you two talk, he will forgive you."

Kai smiled, which made Zane's emotion levels spike with happiness, before the two continued walking deeper and deeper into Chen's island.

5;

Zane couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something, like there was a gap in his memory drive, even if PIXAL insisted that there wasn't one.

So he was awake in the bridge, trying to double check; he really did trust PIXAL, but something had happened to his memories, and after the whole situation with his memory switch in the first place, something about forgetting just scared him.

But as he continued to go through his internal hard drive, and his memory drive, it seemed as though PIXAL was correct, and there was no gap.

As he went to close the files, that's when PIXAL popped up in his vision.

"Zane, there is someone in the general proximity of the bridge. Proceed with caution."

Zane straightened his back as he closed the files, even though the only sound he could hear was a slight sniffling that sounded a lot like crying, and grabbed one of the spare katanas that was out, turning slowly to see if he could scope out who was in the room, but that's when Jay turned the corner, a pint of ice cream in his hand that he almost threw at Zane when he screamed.

"What the heck are you doing up, Zane?!" Jay screeched as Zane set the katana on the table and approached him, "You're going to give me a heart attack if you're that quiet!"

"I'm sorry, I was just…" Zane trailed off before making eye contact with Jay, who now had the spoon from the pint of ice cream, that looked like it was Cole's ice cream, in his mouth; the tear streaks barely visible against Jay's cheeks, however, that's what Zane noticed, "What are you doing up at this hour?"

"Could ask you the same thing," Jay responded before sticking another spoonful in his mouth, "couldn't sleep, got hungry, and Cole's name isn't on his ice cream."

"I heard someone crying." Zane asked softly, watching as Jay nearly choked on a chunk of cookie dough before sputtering.

"Maybe it was Lloyd, you know he curls up under the wheel when he doesn't want anyone to know he's crying."

"Lloyd was snoring when I left our room, I would have seen him," he watched as Jay's body deflated slightly and he put the ice cream down on the console before sitting down, which led Zane to put his hand on his shoulder, "do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm just working through some things, things that...you wouldn't remember."

Zane swallowed as he made the connection that Jay knew exactly why he had a gap in his memory that PIXAL couldn't detect, but instead of freaking out, he sat next to Jay, and put his hand on his shoulder. "Maybe not, but I am willing to listen, even if you wanna erase this conversation afterwards."

"Nah, I'm not gonna do that," Jay wiped his hand across his face before taking a shaky breath and turning back to Zane, "You remember when we were trying to get to Stiix because of reports of Clouse being there?"

"Yes, that's when you and Nya resumed dating." Zane affirmed, watching as Jay's face fell slightly.

"Yeah, that's… not exactly what happened…"

6;

'Remember when I put Kai's clothes in with yours, and you had to dress up as the pink ninja? Remember?' The blonde boy pleaded, green eyes full of tears.

He had no idea what this liar was talking about, let alone who he was. Vex insisted he was some sort of liar or traitor, but there was something about the way…

'No.'

He had no idea who this was.

•••

Zane tried to shake the memory away as he made his way to his room, looking over at the photo on his dresser.

The picture that they had taken after finishing the mural on the monastery wall; where Kai was holding onto Nya and Lloyd and Nya was holding onto Jay and Jay was holding onto Cole and Lloyd was holding onto him and he was holding onto PIXAL.

And they were all happy; even though the Oni almost killed them all, there was a large gash next to Lloyd's eye and Cole looked like he had been through the underworld and back, they were happy.

Zane was anything but happy now.

When they returned from the Never-Realm, and they shared weary smiles and hugs with Master Wu and PIXAL, despite the frostbite, Lloyd's obvious concussion and the burns on Kai's hands that would definitely scar, they were happy.

The feeling in Zane's gut was not going away anytime soon. Watching as PIXAL stitched the cut on the back of Lloyd's head, applied bandages to Kai's hands, and treated the frostbite wasn't helping with that either.

Zane didn't deserve to feel happy after nearly killing the others. After nearly killing Lloyd.

While the others were eating dinner, courtesy of Nya, Zane was sitting outside on the steps of the monastery; he didn't need to eat, and even if he did, he didn't think he could stomach it.

'You were built to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You failed your purpose. Both as a ninja, and as yourself.'

Despite all that had happened with his memories, Zane was starting to consider asking Jay to wipe the archive of the Never-Realm. Maybe he wouldn't feel as bad then.

"Hey," a voice interrupted his thoughts, and he lifted his head to see Lloyd smiling at him, although it was more of a sympathetic smile than a genuine one, "mind if I sit here?"

"You're not supposed to be outside, or on stairs for that matter, without supervision," Zane reasoned, but still moved so Lloyd could sit beside him, "you still have a concussion."

"Well, you're here, so I'm being supervised," Lloyd reasoned while sitting, and Zane couldn't deny that logic, and the company was more welcome than the deafening silence, "besides, I need a break from Kai and Master Wu breathing down my neck."

Zane nodded as Lloyd adjusted to get comfortable; he had noticed how understandably protective both of them had grown since they had gotten back, and how Lloyd had insisted immediately that the concussion was Vex's fault, refusing to look Zane in the eye.

"So, are you leaving?" Lloyd's voice cracked, which jolted something in Zane's system as he nearly stood with the shock.

"No, no, I'm not leaving," he insisted, unable to ignore the relief on Lloyd's face as he spoke, "why would you ask that?"

"Because the last time you left the monastery at night, you found my treehouse," Lloyd kicked at a pebble before looking at Zane, "and when the Hypnobri burned down the old monastery-"

But Lloyd's voice cut out as the scene played out in his head.

'Flames, trapped dragons, no more training equipment, no home, nowhere to go, alone, everyone accusing him of causing this, insisting that it was a teaching moment, being ignored, seeing the falcon, following it, the feeling of being alone again.'

"I left because I saw the falcon, and you weren't even there." Zane tried to convince Lloyd that it hadn't been the guilt, feeling like he had screwed up, feeling like he was alone.

"You're right, I was busy being a brat," Lloyd reasoned before looking back at Zane, "but I know as well as anyone what guilt is, and you felt it then, like you feel it now."

Zane swallowed; did everyone know? Was he terrible at hiding this? Had they planned to send Lloyd out?

"I hurt people. A lot of people," Zane swallowed, knowing that there were tears in his eyes, "I hurt you."

"That was Vex-" Lloyd tried to insist, but Zane shook his head, unable to look at Lloyd and instead looked up at the glittering stars.

"You don't have to lie to me, Lloyd. They were my hands, I was the one who…" he couldn't even finish his sentence without choking on the emotions on his throat.

He felt Lloyd's hand on his shoulder, he couldn't look at him, but he couldn't reach over and pull his hand off either, 'what if I freeze him? What if I hurt him again?'

"You know, Master Wu has a saying for things like this, "we cannot change the past, but we can affect the future"," Lloyd quoted, leading Zane to swallow harshly as his master's words rang true in his head, "but I get it. Feeling like you hurt people because it was your hands."

'Morro.'

"Lloyd, I didn't-" Zane started, finally managing to look at Lloyd, but he was cut off by childlike wonder spreading across his face.

"A shooting star! Quick, make a wish!" Lloyd begged, and Zane wiped at his tears before closing his eyes, pretending to make a wish before turning back to Lloyd.

"What did you wish for?" He asked, fully indulging Lloyd at this point, who was standing up. 'Lloyd deserves this, after everything.'

"That you'll come back inside with me and the others," Lloyd held out his hand to Zane, making his head throb with worry.

'You'll hurt him, you'll hurt him, you'll hurt-' "You're not going to hurt me, Zane."

Zane took Lloyd's hand, and allowed him to lead him to the living room.

For the first time since they got back from the Never-Realm, as Cole and Kai went head to head in their video game, as Nya and Jay snuggled on the couch, as he sat in between Lloyd and PIXAL, things felt right again.

He let PIXAL hold his hand, he let Cole high five him, he let Jay give him a fist bump, he hit the empty bag of chips away from Lloyd's head. Even as Master Wu pulled Lloyd away from the TV due to the concussion and Cole took his spot, he still felt calm. Relaxed even. Maybe now, they could all start to heal together.

[toosweetfiddlesticks]

Can you do Bakugou x soft (male or gn) reader meeting a Karen and go creative with it hope you have fun

Big Meanie

Paring: Barista!Bakugou x Soft!Gn!Cashier reader

Warning: Karen being a Karen, cussing, bakujealous, Bakugou calling you a big meanie, not proof read

Catoergy: Comedy

A/N: Thank you for the request!!

Summary: boom boom man gets upset because you didn’t let him be the Hero of the day.

—————————

As you unlocked the door, you huffed a breathe of anxiety out and tried to build up as much optimism you could for your first day. You felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitement boil in you.

With a smile full of courage, you stepped into the clean kitchen. The lights contrasted and dimmed the already dark morning sky as you felt a cool breeze from an opened window. The hall was a bit dimmer from the kitchen so you turned those lights on for the rest of the co-workers. An ash halons hair boy was currently wrapping the store’s iconic colored apron around his waist. He tighter his grip as he caught a glismp of you.

“Good morning!” You spoke softly, but cheerful. You flashed a small smile but his demeanor did change. He held his solemn look at you when blood red eyes. “So...how was your sleep?” Your excuse of small talk feel short the silence in the air seemed to be even more awkward between the two of you. He grunted and muttered something under his breathe before speaking.

“Don’t forget to clock in.” He ignored your question which honestly, did not bother you. You took his warning and walked out to the time clock, punching in your time. Silence swallowed you both while once again. Ok y/n, your co-worker may not be the most friendliest, but hey it’s only your first day, how bad can it be.

”Also,” You head shot up from the time clock. Your co-workers back facing you. “Don’t talk to me, you boring extra.”

——————————

You began to start your third day shift with a proud smile on your face. As you made your way to the time clock to punch in, greetings of waves goodbyes from other workers thats shifts just ended, you’ve met made your start of the day feel even better. Humbly, you waved the two men off.

“Bye Kiri, bye Denki!” Denki giggly waved his hand in the arm with excitement as he happily walked with Kirishima.

“Bye Y/N!” The sharp tooth man cheerfully sang his farewell. His arm hugging around the shoulders of his shorter blonde hair friend. But before the two could fully walk out, the red head immediately turns back around, as if something just came to mind. “Also” he added, “watch out for the Karen’s.” Your head titled with puzzlement.

“The Karen’s?” You kept your question in your head and before you knew it, the two was gone.

But you shrugged it off for the day and continued to go back to work.

——————————

“Hey move it extra!” Bakugou’s voice arose from behind you like a sound of a hurricane warning. You huffed a little and stepped aside from the time clock. Tiredly, you twisted your body around and leaned against the wall, facing him with crossed arms. Your eyes dropped a bit and your eyelids cried to close. But though you body was ready to sleep, you were wide awake..kinda. You manage trying to hide your weary face. Holding a hopeful smile and you greeted Bakugou.

“Morning Bakugou.” There was a small chance he would really greet you back with a morning salutation. Today was not the latter. He’s body seemed a bit stiff, he’s face looked alive and refreshed, but his body slouched a bit. Turning his head to you, an eyebrow raised at you.

You stiffened a bit, you leaned off the grey wall with a feeling of astonishment  , “Wow that’s new.” A notion you told yourself.

Still, he said nothing, leaving you two both in somewhat awkward silence. By the looks of it, he was staring with bit of puzzlement in his eyes. He’s red eyes sparks with a look of examination. As if he was searching for a look, or scanning your farcical features like a robot. He was just standing there, arms crossed, eyes stern, eyebrows furrowed. It seemed like forever before you two said anything.

“Are you tired?” Bakugou finally spoke that shock you. You were a bit taken a back at his response but nodded you head. He grumbled something under his breathe and signaled you to follow him. “Come here,” he sighed.

You’re eyes widened, but you obeyed and follow. As you walked, you could hear his small mutters and talks but couldn’t understood a thing he said. He walked a little slow than usual, like if he was trying to make sure he didn’t leave in you in the dust.

The walk was short and you made it to the destination in no time. He groaned as you got there, the kitchen area. Your eyebrows drew with concern.

Backing up a little, you spoke “Uhm, look if you’re gonna splash me with water-“

But your cautiousness was only mocked by small chuckles that bubbled up in Bakugou as he picked up a plastics cup.

“No I won’t, ya idiot.” He interjected, “What’s your type of coffee, you like Frappuccino or somethin’?”

——————————

“Hey, Cashier Extra!” Y/N nostrils flare with heavy air leaving them. For the past three months and a half, you’ve been having to deal with one of the biggest meanies they had ever known in their entire life. Originally, you thought you were confused at times by him.

Bakugou Katsuki was one of the hardest people work with sometimes. It was like he had a whole book of mean names and rude comments. Or looked up how to send the worlds most bone-chilling stare. And after a long tiring day of work, right as you’re are about to clock out, you hear the small words “bye extra” leave his grumpy little pie hole. You wondered why his rude one point, then nice another.

Y/N briskly huff, straightening out any wrinkles or creases in your pale button up shirt. “Yeah Bakugou?” Y/N tried to give Bakugou the most genuine confusion on your face. Though Y/N didn’t find a lot great characteristics of Bakugou, but they knew that Bakugou was a smart man. He quickly caught onto their small frown creasing at the sides of their mouth and y/n bothered eyes.

But unlike usually, Bakugou’s face didn’t seem to get annoyed at that. No, instead, how facial expressions seemed to go down a little. Bakugou’s eyebrows furrowed, from y/n couldn’t tell what was on Bakugou’s mind. He’s volcanic eyes seemed to be put out.

Y/N would almost say the usual solemn face of Bakugou Katsuki just broke away for a minute.

Bakugou caught himself, the dust of his volcanic chucked up as the lava came back into his eyes, keeping a stern look. Though Bakugou wouldn’t admit, Bakugou had definitely fallen for Y/N strong admiration for this job and their determination. He’d give them the compliment from time to time, but to wasn’t as much as he wanted to say.

“Just make sure you remember to clock in.” He mumbled softly, Y/N could barely even hear it. They nodded, a bit confused, but nodded and almost went on to work like usual. “Hey!” Bakugou stopped Y/N in their tracks, “Be cautious of Karens.”

The name still confused you to this day, but once again, you shrugged it off with a nod and carried on.

——————

This would have to one of the most crowded shift you’ve ever had, ever. If you were a customer, driving up into the driveway, you would’ve definitely drive straight out by the amount of people parked or in the driveway, getting their order taken their.

Bakugou, Denki and six others carefully rushed with the drinks, other orders holding up on the racks. Kirishima, Mina, and another worker kept up their the best they could, taking people’s orders from the drive through, then there was you and three other cashiers. You four had to take the orders as smooth and quick as possible, all of you praying that the customer will have a little bit of compassion and patience. Lines of people excitedly waiting to order the new drink the shop put out.

The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream. Your new enemy, almost every single child, adult, teen, everyone was asking and wanting that “creamy delicious coffee”. Who even lets their child drink coffee! You didn’t want any part of it.

“Stupid coffee ice cream, its not even December yet!” You quickly grumbled under your breath.

”Uhm, excuse me?” You nearly forgot about the rush hour at work today. Hastily you straighten your spine. The customer was a lady, maybe in her late 50s. Her pale skin wore brightly colored pigment over its wrinkles and creases. Her hair was short but bumped up and curled.

“Oh I said, hi welcome to StaryBunkers,” You correct yourself quickly, trying to pass your entirely different words as the same, you grasp notepad and it’s thin paper in one hand, and a pencil in another. Forcibly, you gave the customer a fake smile that would impress the greatest actress. “What would you like for today. Behind your fake smile and your facial creases, you internally prayed with every god, deity, and goddess you know, hoping that they wouldn’t say..

“The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream,” The older lady grasp her young daughter tightly that was so short, you just now noticed her. She seems to be up to her mother’s knees. “make that two please, today’s my girls big day!” The woman’s words didn’t invoke any feeling of excitement that usually does when some says big day to you.

“tHe cHirStmAs cHocOlatE wIntEr cReAm”

Your sighs of annoyance was held captive in the bars of your fake smile. “Of course!” Your forgery of cheerfulness impressed your cashier partners who’s fake smile was somewhat stiff and expressionless. “Birthday I presume?” You ask, the pencil’s tip close to the paper, ready to write.

“Yep!” The little girl chirped, her two brown pigtails swinging with you as she nodded her head. Ok you had to admit, the little girl was very sweet and cute. She single handedly made your stressful day a little bit better (ugh what a queen, we stan)

Your smile became more genuine, you heart even warmed a little.. “Coming right up, wait a moment please.” You paced hastily behind you, internally wishing you could spend you whole entire day in the back. You made your way quickly to the kitchen, hoping the customer were the patient type as you heard the shouts of anger coming from the drive through. You took a quick glance at the altercation.

“I SAID CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE WINTER CREAM,” The customer aggressively yanked the the lid up. “THIS ISN’T ENOUGH CREAM!” The white and red haired boy calmly his hands out, trying to rationalize with the person.

“Sir, ” He spoke with dullness, “Thats how much cream comes with it.” But the customer only got even more hotheaded.

“NO IT ISN’T!”

“Yes it is.” Todoroki scrunched his face up, “You don’t even work here, how would you know?” Todoroki, unknowingly made the man even more upset which cause the drink from his hand to fly out towards him. You panic, rushing over there the close the door before it was too late. But, the man was quicker, and as the drink came rushing to a motionless Todoroki, a body came rushing in to take the hit, Kirishima.

“Brrooooooo” He said in slow motion. “Poor Kiri” you internally spoke with pity. And as the man ran away, kirishima’s stomach burned from the heat of the coffee. You cringed at the sound of his small whimpers of pain. “F in the chat.” You busy back to the kitchen.

The steam from the coffee makers brush against your skin, squeezing out a very thin layer of sweat on your cheeks. Quickly, you yelled.

“Two Today Specials for Cashier number UNO,” the Barista’s groaned, “AKA Y/N!” You yelled again for clarification. They, annoyedly, went back to work with the drinks again. The most pissed out of all them though was Bakugou. Not cause of the loaded day. But because everyone was going to “slow”. He huffed, panted, scream, yelled, intensely ordered and more,

The man was like lighting, filling up cup after cup after cup.

“Move your asses!” He sealed three cups and handed them to Mina, “Y/N stop wasting your time back here and work!” Your posture caved in, but you obey his command like a solider obeying their Sargent.

“Aye aye, Captain.” You sang jokingly. And while the others smirk and giggled amongst the stresss, Bakugou arch an eyebrow at your jokes and went back to work.

You happily went along to the front again to update the mother and the daughter about their meals. But as you approach them, you could hear the mother’s now bewildered voice. It was like cat nails to a chalkboard and her voice was crackly.

Her scream filled the whole place, putting a pause on the whole day. You internally panicked, not only can you feel the wrath of the woman from where you were standing, you could also feel the piercing and grim stare of Bakugou behind you. Once again, you we’re praying to gods, goddess, and deities. Praying that whatever is out there won’t eat you alive. Swallowing down your fear, you began to walk, with the feeling of it stuck down in your stomach.

Once you were in her eyesight, she swatted her daughters arms. And like a puppy, the girl immediately obeyed, handing her phone to her. The lady was obnoxiously grumbling words under breath as she pressed record. And with a large gulp she began her fit. You knew exactly what was gonna happen.

This..this must be the Karen they’ve talked about.

“SAY HELLO TO THE MEDIA!” Her voice sings with pride, “THIS PERSON MADE MY DAUGHTER WAIT ONE HOUR FOR HER DRINK-“ Your eyes grew with shock at the woman’s words. But before you could say anything, the cashier next to you, Deku interjected. His arm reached over to hover over your body as a means to protect you.

“Hang on now!” He argued. “You’ve only been here for three minutes!” You nodded in agreement. Pushing Deku’s arm up to cover your face from the camera.

“I’m sorry for the wait ma’am” you apologize, “But all you had to do was wait a couple of more minute-“

“DO YOU SEE THIS?” The woman ignored your remarks and claims, instead focusing on her own, “THEY ARE TRYING TO DISCREDIT ME AND MY NINE! YES NINE! YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!” She waved her phone in her daughters face like she was evidence. She waved, hopped, and dance around the counters and to other people’s table. “HOW CAN YOU PEOPLE DRINK HERE!” Her words and movements were melodramatic and over the top.

And after her little rant to the people, some of which left, she stomped her way back to you and Deku. This time, she had a nasty smirk on her face and a hot drink in her free hand she stolen from another customer.

“Ya know what!”

“Oh no not this again”

Hastily, you moved Deku and you away from the woman’s sight. You two ran into the back kitchen to Chef Ramsey Bakugou. Who was now even more pissed. Not only did Y/N make a Karen mad (ok he knew it impossible not to make them mad he’s just stressed). But no, instead of running to him, Y/N runs to Deku first?! Man’s got his priorities straight.

As Deku quickly runs over the back area to get his phone, you rush over to Bakugou and the others in panic. “Bakugou, call the police!” The others around quickly take of aprons and another things at the words of that. Police involved?? Yep they think a murder just went down. But Bakugou just grumbles and huffs.

“No.”

....

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO!?” Bakugou looks at you with bewilderment, this is his first time hearing you yell at him that way. But before he process the fact that a cinnamon bun is yelling at him, you began to grasp and shake at his shoulders. “THE LADY IS TRYING TO KILL ME!”

“WELL YOU SHOULD’VE CAME TO ME INSTEAD OF FUCKING DEKU FOR PROTECTION..” Bakugou fumbled and shouted through his words. “Y-YOU BIG MEANIE”

You two went silent after that,

Big

...

Big Meanie?

Deku came out from the back with his phone, “Shoto!” Todoroki’s head jerked towards his way. “Help me with the Karen!” Todoroki nodded.

————-

Finally, the situation was under control, the Karen was banned from the coffee shop, Mina and Denki gave Kirishima some aloe. And while things didn’t really calm down until the day was done, everyone seemed a bit less tense, expect you and Bakugou. For the rest of the day, he was knocking over cups, using wrong lids, and spilling coffee. Dude’s lucky that he wasn’t fire. He felt embarrassed by the way he reacted. Now Y/N probably saw him as some type of control freak. Tensions were high and he was stressful.

Bakugou quickly moved pass the others, trying to clock out early before Y/N sees him-

“Hey Bakugou” Bakugou internally groaned at the sound of your voice. Screw you plot device he said to himself. Bakugou turned his head to the side to face you. Yo he side view is lowkey cute you noted. “Could we talk outside, after I clock out?”

Oh how badly Bakugou wanted to say no. The pit in his stomach grew bigger as he nodded.

“Great, just give me a second” Bakugou nodded once again and quickly clocked out. He’s footsteps echoed in his head as he waited outside, leaning against the glass wall of the store.

He didn’t know what you were gonna say, but he had an idea of it. He annoyed you to no end, made things harder for you, and was never truly nice to you that often. How was he suppose to believe that you would like a guy like him in anyway? He internally frowned at his thoughts, the words eating him up and chewing him out only to get stepped on by the crushing feeling of doubt.

Once he saw the buildings door open with you coming out to join him, that crushing feeling of doubt covered and weighed down on him. This was it he thought. He shoved his hands into his pockets, readying himself for the painful impact of rejected.

“Bakugou..” you softly asked. Bakugou hmm’d at you with a feeling of shame boiling inside.. “Did you mean it when you said i was a big meanie?” Bakugou let out a sigh of pain.

He caught onto your words late, “Look I’m sorry for-what?”

“You called me a big meanie.” You mumbled, “and I was wondering if you were serious because one, you’re like 23.”

“I’m 16” he deadpanned  “Like you.” You ignored him though.

“and two, you’re the one who’s been acting like a big meanie.” You accused which wasn’t contradicted, “And all cause you like me huh” Bakugou opened his mouth to spew his defense, but nothing came out but a small “I”. He sighed defeatedly.

“Im sorry,” He spoke. “I just, didn’t know how to tell you or whatever.” He spoke so awkwardly and shy. “I’ll uh, I’ll leave you alone or whatever.”

You drew out a finger, objecting. “Hold on now,” you replied. “Who said I didn’t like you?” Bakugou’s heart sparked at those words, he lifted his head, red sparks in his eyes. “Hey what can I say? A big meanie like me likes big meanies too.”

[young-prince-firefly]

1984, August 7, Circus Baby's Pizza World

Elizabeth's pov

"But it's my birthday and my birthday robot!"

"You can't go over to her, that's final."

I was about to beg and argue more, but Daddy walked away and went back to work.

It wasn't fair. He made the robot for me, why couldn't I just go see her?.

I was stuck with Mike. He didn't want to be here, I didn't want to be stuck here, and neither of us wanted to be without Jeremy.

Under normal circumstances, we would be at Fredbear's, but after the spring locks were deemed too dangerous, the place was shut down. Any other locations with the golden suits were shut down as well, including Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.

"He wouldn't be so strict if Jeremy were here."

"Don't."

"I'm not wrong."

"Please stop."

I looked over at him. He seemed sad. I guess Jeremy's death weighed heavily on his conscience.

"I've got an idea! We're going to watch Funtime Foxy's show!"

"Didn't you want to watch Baby's?"

"Yeah, but Daddy won't let me. Foxy is the next best thing. Come on, let's go!"

Mike's characteristic eye roll followed by him standing up saying "I'm coming" and for me to slow down.

Funtime Foxy is very short. She is close to Mikey's height. On stage though, he towers above us. I can see Mike smile just a little.

Funtime Foxy challenges us to a juggling competition. I fail immediately. Mike gets a steady rhythm before screwing up four minutes in. Funtime Foxy does it for twelve minutes before dubbing herself the winner.

"You only won because you're programmed for this."

"Want to try again?"

Foxy's question lingers in the air. He seemed genuinely excited to face us. I shake my head. Mike seems transfixed, like in hypnosis.

"Game on."

For the next half an hour, I watch as Mike and Foxy try to out juggle the other. Mike gets closer each time, but Foxy still remains triumphant. Mike gets more and more agitated as well.

With all his focus on this, I could slip away. With one final check of his attention, I shrink out of the room.

Down the hall, I hear music. It's a popular song, Michael likes it. I think it's by Wham!. The tune is catchy.

I pass by a room with a twinkling ballroom, music box song. Inside is Ballora. She's a giant ballerina with blue hair. She reminds me of my mother. I miss her.

The next room has loud laughter coming from it along with even louder teasing. This is Funtime Freddy. He's a big white and purple bear with a blue rabbit hand puppet.

Those kids are having fun. One is even hugging Freddy. How is that fair?

Anger flashed through me. I stalked all the rest of the way to Circus Baby. I could hear her singing from outside her room.

Peering in the doorway, I could see a couple of kids in there. They were screaming the lyrics along with her. I stepped inside.

Something grabbed my arm.

"Hey-"

"Lizzy, what do you think you're doing?"

"I just want to watch her show once."

"You can't."

I rip my arm free. He looks worried. I wished he didn't care.

"I don't care what you or he said, I'm watching her show!"

"I'll get Father..."

"Go ahead! He'll have to come over here and stop me himself!"

"Elizabeth!"

I turn around and leave Mike in the dust. Peeking behind me let me know Mike had left. Circus Baby was only a few feet away.

"I don't get why Daddy won't let me see you, you're wonderful."

Her shiny red dress reflected the changing lights. I could see my face in her skirt.

"Where did the other children go?"

It was very cold in here. It was quiet. Too quiet. Baby shifted and something metal came out of her stomach. It was holding ice cream.

I looked around. No one was there to tell me no. It was my birthday, my animatronic, my ice cream. I took the ice cream.

The metal drew back when I took it and shot out again, wrapping around my waist.

I screamed but I don't think anyone heard me. Her stomach shut close. I banged on it and tried to pry open where I thought the plates opened.

My voice was ragged and my fingers bled. I banged as hard as I could on the metal surface. I got blisters and the cold increased. I shivered and hit the wall weakly.

"Please, let me out."

My words came out strained and unsteady. I could hear muffled screaming on the other side. Did someone else see? I heard the clicking of the stomach... claw? Yes, it is a claw.

Inside, I saw it scoop up ice cream and set up a cone. The stomach opened up slowly and I felt pain go through my body. Something warm dripped down. I tried to curl up on my side. Something was in the way.

Tears flowed from my face. I think I heard screaming along with a thud. Did someone fall? I'm getting tired.

I moved my hand to rub out the sleepiness but found I couldn't, I was too weak.

A splatter of ice cream and the metallic shrieking along with another burst of pain.

"...Mike..."

Was that him screaming? It sounded like it.

"...Help..."

a few hours later...

Footsteps. Tools being dropped. Swearing.

"Why didn't she just stay away, like I told her? All of this could've been avoided."

Daddy? It's Daddy. I can't see him. There he is.

"Daddy, I'm sorry."

He froze like a deer in headlights. He came up to me and touched my cheek. Why am I so tall?

"Of course, you fused with the robot. Would you like to help me with work, Elizabeth? To make up for mistakes?"

"I'd love to. Can we go home now?"

"Of course, we can. Your mother has missed you."

[rayeverydangday]

Get it with a Kirby Back, Guarantee! Chapter 2

Notes: I forgot to say this fic takes place in the light novel universe

As Kirby headed to Castle Dedede he noticed some changes…

For one, they didn’t remember the castle overlooking the ocean, it was in the middle of Dreamland. Nowhere near the sea. Second, they didn't remember there being a small town nearby. The castle itself looked different as well.

While the shape was similar to its more recent design, the colors on it looked different. A bit bland and dirty.

“Did King Dedede have the castle be moved to the sea?” the young puffball pondered.

Finally they made it to the castle itself. A few patrolling Waddle Dees walked by and Kirby waved at them happily. But they did not return the gesture. “Huh… they look odd,” they pondered out loud. Their eyes looked almost empty and they walked in an almost robotic manner. “Hmm… maybe… I should make sure Bandana Dee is okay… “ they said, growing concerned for their friend.

They entered through the drawbridge and only grew more concerned as they explored deeper. This was nothing like the Castle Dedede they had come to know. Its walls were a dark green instead of yellows and light browns. Mini Dedede statues lined the walls the same green color.

They didn’t get it. Everything was different and they didn’t like it. They felt unwelcome in what had almost become a second home to him. “Why…? Where…? Waddle Dee! Dedede!” they called out. They had to be here. They’ll help clear things up. Where were they?

“Bandana? Bandana! Dedede?!” they cried. They felt little tears sting their eyes. Where were their friends?

“Kirby?” an odd voice said. they turned and saw a purple snail? They tilted their head and asked, “Who are you?”

The snail jumped back in complete shock, as if he’d said something wrong. Then he cautiously bent down closer to him, and with a confused look said, “Did you just speak?”

“Yes.” Kirby said unsure. “Why wouldn’t I? Do you know where Dedede is? I was with Bandana Dee and then I picked a thing and then I was outside and then the waddle dees looked odd and I don’t know what's happening!” they said.

The snail looked confused and said, “Uh… listen I don’t know any waddle dees wearing a bandana and I don’t know if the king would want to see you... “

“Huh? Why not? Is he sick? Is he hurt?”

“Uh… “

“ESCARGOON!” A voice with a thick southern accent rang through the castle walls. It almost sounded familiar. The snail looked nervous and yelled back, “Coming sire!”

“Dedede!” Kirby shouted, happy to have found at least one familiar friend. Even if he was putting up an odd voice at the moment.

“Ahhh! Wait, Kirby!” the snail, Escargoon, called out. But Kirby simply followed the sound of the voice all the way to the throne room.

Meta Knight wanted to talk to Dedede about the tower. Specifically what had happened after it. He wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about the events but…

There was something about the way Dedede had helped him, that made him see the glutton of a king in a new light.

So he had come to the castle in hopes of chatting with the King.

Only to find out about an entirely different crisis going on.

He spotted Dedede talking with his loyal subordinate, Waddle Dee, who had a worried look on his face.

As he drew closer he picked up on the conversation.

“… he’s just broken?” The king had suggested, Meta Knight unable to hear the first part of what the king said.

“I don’t know, he was asking for someone. And was holding this when I found him.”

As Meta entered the room, the two turned to him and he saw Waddle Dee holding a glass star shaped object in his hand. He knew what it was.

Before he could say anything though, a small “Poyo” admitted from behind the two and Kirby rushed over and hugged him.

“Wha…?” He was a bit surprised by the gesture.

“Sir Meta Knight! Something is wrong with Kirby! All they’re saying is “poyo” and he doesn’t seem to understand us.” Waddle Dee explained.

He felt something brush against his wing and he saw Kirby staring at them in wonder. “Po poyo?” He said as if it was a question, and looked as if he had never seen his wings before.

“I think he’s just broken.” The King said, matter of factly.

“Hmm… Waddle Dee what was it you had in your hand.” Meta Knight asked. The Dee handed it to the Knight, “He was holding it when I found him.” The knight looked it over, and said, “I believe this is a Dimensional Star. It has the ability to take you to different worlds.”

“Whoa.” The two said in unison. They stared at it for a bit before Meta turned to Dedede and said, “Why do you have this?”

“Uh… remember when you went to that black market to find a halcandrian item to summon Galacta Knight?”

“Yes.”

“Well… I bought that because it looked pretty. The seller didn’t say anything about dimensional travel.” Dedede laughed nervously.

Kirby seemed to be confused as he watched the two converse. Waddle Dee walked up to him and stared into his eyes. “Hmmm…” he hummed. “I don’t think this is our Kirby then.” Waddle Dee concluded. The King and Knight looked at each other then at the two kids.

Meta Knight sighed. “Then it seems we’ll have retrieved our Kirby.”

Previous / Next

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Could we get this time an Eduardo x Reader x Edd fighting for the reader during PowerEdd?

Funny how I saw this after I re-watched that Eddisode XD I went the platonic route bc I think it's more amusing to see them fight for Reader's friendship

.......

"Holy shi-"

As you swerved the car, narrowly missing the crashed vehicle in front of you, that's when you realized it was Tom's. You hit the brakes and got out to investigate why it was flipped over.

But you noticed Matt was inside, so you rushed over and knelt down by the broken window. "Matt! You okay?!"

Fortunately, he wasn't badly hurt as he opened his eyes, grinning upon seeing you. You were one of the friendlier neighbors, thank goodness.

"I'm alright, [y/n]!" He said as you helped wriggle him free from the car wreckage. "Is my face alright, though?"

"It is, don't worry. Now-"

"Oh look!!" He pointed to the sky, and you followed his gaze. You could see two men in green costumes fighting each other, throwing kicks, punches, and energy beams. It was like something straight out of an action film.

"Damn that's crazy. But where's Tom and Edd?" You looked back at Matt, confused.

"Ah..funny story." He began. "Edd got these crazy-awesome superpowers! But so did Eduardo...and he destroyed the bacon, cola, and cotton factories so Edd brought us here to fight him! Though he threw the car at Eduardo and then he punched Tom-"

"Wait, wait..you mean to tell me that's Edd and Eduardo in the sky?"

"Yeah!"

"And they're gonna kill each other..."

"It's cool, right?! Let's get a selfie-!!" But when Matt looked over, you had disappeared, instead running over to where the two men were still fighting.

Eduardo had slammed Edd into the concrete, shouting that he'll be "coming in second place" as he manifested a massive energy ball. But before he could throw it, you called out to him.

"Eduardo!! Stop!"

With a groan, Edd opened his eyes, surprised but relieved to see you arrive just in time. "[Y/n]! You made it-!"

"Oh no..don't even TRY it," Eduardo spat, scowling at his rival. "You always get everything you want!! I won't let you have them!!"

"Are you listening to me?! What's this all about?"

He turned to you, the energy ball in his hands shrinking significantly as he frowned. "You may hate me for this, and I'm sorry, but...I promised you I'd be numero uno someday!! I've had enough of being second place. The laughing stock!! I'm DONE!!"

At first you didn't know what "promise" he was talking about, but then....you remembered something from long ago:

~Flashback~

Despite your art project coming in third place, you weren't too upset. In fact, you were quite proud of it as you admired it on the easel.

Your other classmates left a few minutes ago, taking theirs home: Tord drew a giant red robot, Tom made a big purple monster, Matt painted a mirror with him in its reflection, and Edd hugged his sloppily-drawn superhero persona, grinning as he bragged about being "number one".

Hearing a sob, you turned around to see Eduardo crying in the corner of the classroom. As you walked over, you frowned upon seeing his duck painting on the floor and decided to put it back on the easel.

You're the only one who didn't taunt him for coming in second place, whereas everyone else did. It was wrong and mean; you didn't think it was fair for the teacher to suddenly give Edd first place, either.

"Hey, um.." You began, crouching down in front of the sobbing boy. "I got third place if it helps..you did better than me."

"B-But I wanted first!!" He looked up at you with a face full of snot and tears. "Edd always gets first! It's not fair! I just wanna be better than him.."

"Well...I liked your drawing best."

Eduardo sniffled in response, wiping his nose. "R-Really?"

You nodded and put your arms out, offering him a hug. "I'm sorry everyone teased you. You deserved first place."

However, he seemed wary of your intentions, as he just frowned and hugged his knees. "Wh-Why did you stay? You're always walking home with Edd."

"I couldn't leave knowing my best friend would be all alone and sad."

He blinked in astonishment. "I-I'm..your best friend?"

"Yeah! He's just a friend, so..you're first place in my friendships." You reassured him.

Now your words finally got through to him. He grinned from ear-to-ear and accepted your hug. "Thanks, mi amigo..I-I promise I'll be better than him someday!"

~Flashback End~

Eduardo seemed to remember as well, as he rubbed the tears from his eyes and growled. "And today's that day!" His hair became neon green.

"You helped me at my lowest point, [y/n]..and I never forgot that. So join me and we'll put that loser of a neighbor in his place--second place, that is!" He laughed evilly, levitating off the ground.

You looked past him and towards Edd, who was wiping the blood from his mouth. It was clear that his strength was waning, and you were merely giving him time to recharge.

But the realization hit you: the reason why they were always fighting, even before superpowers entered the picture.

It was because of you and the simple fact that you befriended them both. Maybe Edd was angrier at the destroyed factories that produced his favorite things, but Eduardo couldn't comprehend you being friends with his rival.

Only you could stop this from escalating into something catastrophic.

"You don't have to prove anything."

"..huh?" Eduardo's glowing hair faded back to normal as he stared down at you, confused.

"I know we kinda drifted apart over the years but..you're still my best friend. Edd hasn't taken your place at all." You smiled. "Honestly you're both pretty cool and it'd suck if I lost either of you."

Edd overheard your words, as he emerged from the crater and flew over to you. He bumped into his still-perplexed rival. "You really mean that, [y/n]?"

"I do. So c'mon guys, enough's enough. Killing each other just to get my attention isn't the way. There's nothing you gotta prove to me."

"I...." Eduardo lowered himself to the ground. "I'm still numero uno in your friendships? Even after all this time?"

"Yes, you're-"

However you were cut off by a loud roar, and you yelped in surprise as a giant one-eyed monster leaped down in front of you three. It seemed confused by the lack of fighting between Edd and Eduardo.

The two took your yelp as a scream of terror and looked at each other for a moment. Then together they manifested one giant beam that blasted the monster into the sky, far away from you.

But that was apparently the last of their energy reserves, as their costumes disappeared, switching back to normal civilian clothing.

Eduardo seemed dazed, and you let him lean on you for support. "Ugh..you okay?"

"Yeah." You chuckled, glad to see them both working together for once, before noticing Edd was still floating in the air.

He noticed Eduardo lost his powers and was about to laugh at him, though your scowl silenced him quickly. Eventually he lost his powers, too, as a bee startled him, sending him to the ground.

"I'll admit..you did deserve first place. My drawing sucked.." He told his neighbor, who looked at him in surprise.

You just smiled. How ironic that an ordinary person like you saved the day.

"Now..how about we settle this over some cola and diet cola?"

[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name and I’ll Be There:  4.1

Author’s Note:  So I’m thinking of updating every other day or every two days? I tend to write compulsively and neglect my schoolwork lol.  Juggling this with work and school will be difficult if I post every day (I can’t help it though, I love updating every day!) So yeah.  Also if anyone has chapter filler ideas or prompts they want me to write out, message me or comment below! Back to the story!

..........................................

Xiao had just cleared a band of hilichurls when he came across the small stuffed bunny lying on the ground.  It was tattered and worn, but still held its original color.  He picked it up and dusted it off, glancing in the direction of the crying girl at the top of the hill. She had been crying over her stolen toy so Xiao took it upon himself to return it to her.  

He may or may not have destroyed a portion of the rice crop in doing so...but no matter! The girl was happy now.

"Thank you Mr. Adeptus!"  She gave him a toothy grin and hugged her bunny close.  "Thank you so much!"

"It was no trouble."  Xiao didn't return her smile and began to walk across the bridge that oversaw most of the rice crop.  What was it with mortal children and material possessions? Was it like him with his yaksha mask and spear?

"Mr. Adeptus sir, would you like something to eat?"

"Mortal food is not to my liking."  He continued to walk away despite hearing her disappointed 'oh.'  His eyes landed at the top of another hill, where the hall of Quince Village sat.  I should check on her Granny while I'm here.

"Welcome to my humble home!  How may I--" Granny's eyes widened significantly when she caught sight of Xiao.  "Oh my, it's been some time.  Is she alright? Has something happened?"

"Mm."  Xiao flicked his gaze around the building before he closed the distance.  "She's fine.  The Fatui will pose a significant problem.  They may come to you first."

"Oh," Granny rolled her eyes.  "Don't worry about me then, dear.  Just make sure she's safe.  I can handle the Fatui's interrogations just fine."

"There's no telling what tactics they may use or what they're after.  Make no mention of my interactions with you, nor how you found her.  It is for your own safety."

"Consider it done!  Now, would you like a cup of tea?"

...........................

"Wait, what?" You and the rest of the adventure team had returned to Quince Village on your request.  

Well...when you say 'the rest of the adventure team,' it was just you and Aether.  Diluc and Bennett had returned to Mondstat on your way here from Liyue Harbor.  After your little confrontation with Childe, he claimed there was unfinished business with the Fatui in the harbor and had to remain there.  You didn't believe it one bit.

"Yeah! Do you think he doesn't like me?" Lil Luo's shoulders drooped in sadness.  She held her tattered bunny tight against her chest.

"'An adeptus that doesn't smile," Aether met your eyes.  "That sounds like Xiao."

"W-well, when was he here?  When did this happen?"  You had to refrain from shaking her little shoulders for answers.

"U-um, maybe a week ago?  I saw him a couple more times after that, but he never smiled back at me..."

"Xiao," you whispered to yourself and scanned the fields for any sign of him.  "When was the last time you saw him?"

"Four days ago, I think."

"You want to look for him, don't you?"  Aether raised a smug brow.

"Can we?"  You pleaded.

"We're here on your request.  Might as well stay a bit, right?"

"Thank you so much!"

"You can just repay us with food," Paimon popped up and was practically drooling at her own imagination.  Aether nodded in agreement.

The three of you--correction, two of you-- climbed the hill to the village center while Paimon floated carefree alongside Aether.  The second you reached the top, you were greeted with a disturbing sight.

Fatui agents.

"W-what the hell?"  You instinctually grabbed the hilt of your sword, as did Aether.  "What are Fatui doing in Quince Village?"

"Paimon has no idea.  Let's get them!"

"Doesn't your Granny live here?" Aether sent you a worried look.

"Yes, she does."  You marched right up to the nearest agent and puffed out your chest.  "Excuse me, what's going on here? Why are you morons moving my Granny's stuff out of the house?"

"Who're you callin' morons?" The agent scoffed through his mask.  "Shouldn't you be in school or somethin'?  Scram.  Get out of here.  Damn kids."

"This is MY house," your blade pressed against his neck in a flash.  "Get off of my property."  Aether followed your lead and drew his weapon too.

"I'm afraid it isn't your home anymore," an all-too familiar deep voice flowed through the air. Zhongli shot the agent a look that caused him to leave the situation to the consultant.  "I sincerely apologize for not being in touch recently.  The funeral parlor has been quite backed-up lately thanks to Hu Tao's mismanagement."

"What are you doing here?" Paimon asked the question that was on all your minds.  "The funeral parlor is so far south of here."

"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor serves all of Liyue," answered Zhongli.  His piercing eyes turned their attention to you and Aether.  "As you know, the parlor is partnered with the Fatui."

"And? That doesn't explain why you're here," you snarled.  Don't get anything mixed up; you were happy to see him.  But the Fatui at your house? Not as much.  

Zhongli released a short sigh and closed his eyes.  "We received a call from one of your neighbors.  It appears your grandmother died last night of a heart attack."

Something hard panged within your chest and it was suddenly difficult to breath.  "That's not...possible."

"Hey," Aether wrapped an arm around your shoulders as the world seemed to sway beneath your feet.  He slowly led you to the ground.

"That's horrible," Paimon muttered.  "Was it...painful?"

"Paimon!" Aether hushed.

"No.  It was rather quick.  She had not suffered long."  Zhongli knelt so that he was eye level with you.  "I had sent someone to meet up with you in Dihua Marsh, but it appears as though the messenger never met you.  My apologies for the oversight, dear friend."

"Then," you gulped, "why are the Fatui here?"

"Your grandmother had signed the house over to them a day or so before she passed."

"What? Why would she do that? She loves this house!"  Your tears dried before they had the chance to fall.  Your fists tightened as you struggled to determine who the enemy was.  Was it Zhongli?  He was technically Fatui if he worked with them.  Xiao could have been wrong about him.  "Who's in charge here?"

Zhongli almost appeared hesitant to answer.  Xiao managed to reach the grandmother in time, but it appears she still had to make some sort of arrangement to guarantee everyone's safety.  To think that Childe had somehow known to come here--

"Tch."  You stood up and brushed past Aether, heading directly toward the Fatui agent that had the audacity to tell a twenty year old to go back to school.  "Hey, dumbass!"  You gripped the collar of his coat and yanked him close.  "Tell me who's in charge here."

"Heh, want to fight your way out of a contract, eh?  Don't you worship the God of Contracts?  You're not gettin' your stupid house back."

"Tell me who sent you."

"A certain Harbinger," the agent taunted.

"Give me the name!"  You back-handed the masked agent hard enough to hurt him and split your knuckles wide open.  The blood splattered onto the wooden floor and soaked into his jacket.

"Hey, wait!"  Aether grabbed your shoulder.  Zhongli watched him do so.

"You're in luck, sweetheart.  You'd give quite the show badmouthing Childe."

"Wha--"  You stumbled backwards and knocked into Aether.  The two of you shared a look of shock, concern, and betrayal.  "This is all under Childe's jurisdiction?"

"Uh-huh," the agent lifted his mask slightly and wiped at his busted lip.  "He should be on his way back to Liyue Harbor by now, if you wanna try and take it up with him.  But I'm tellin' you he ain't gonna budge."

..........................

You stood alone in the rain.  Zhongli had arranged for a proper funeral and had refused to charge you for the provided services.  He had even managed to retrieve one of Granny's necklaces from the Fatui's grasp, and gave it to you.  He and Aether were alongside you, what...twenty minutes ago?  They decided to leave you alone in front of the new gravestone to grieve.  The funeral was simple, per your request to hold true to Granny's wishes.  The entire village had grieved with you.

"I'm sorry I came too late for a visit, Granny." The words came out robotic and emotionless.  The look on your face was blank.  You placed a small bouquet of glaze lilies on top of the stone; Zhongli had you sing to them before picking them.  "Things got busy, and Childe...well, I'm sure you met him, didn't you?"  You let out a dry bitter laugh that blended with the sound of raindrops.  "I love you.  Thank you for taking care of me even if I was a brat sometimes."

Could it be that you had been the cause of her death just like you had caused your parents'?  Just how much blood was on your hands?

You felt nothing yet everything at the same time.  Your eyes were dry.  After the initial shock, you hadn't shed a single tear.  Thus was your usual reaction to death; you were usually at peace with the idea of it.  If it was their time, it was their time.  But you were not convinced her death was caused by her heart.  

Childe.  Could he have resorted to such extremes to get the house? Or was it for something more?  Perhaps he was the true danger Xiao had warned you about.

Your chest ached, desperate to release the pent up storm of emotions whirling through you.  The wind picked up for a moment.  "Xiao?"  Your hoarse greeting was met with a grim-looking yaksha.  It was possible you were just imagining him in a time of need.  You hadn't seen him in a month now.

Xiao blinked and gave you a once-over as he stood beside you.  He had heard your sorrow like it was blaring in his ears.  His eyes fell to the gravestone, and his expression saddened further.  "She's dead." His question of disbelief sounded more like a tactless statement of fact.

"Yeah," you half-winced, half-scoffed at his remark.  "She's dead."  You knew all too well that he didn't mean any harm.  "Why're you standing in the rain?"

"I don't concern myself with the weather, but you should be inside.  Mortals are fragile."

"I don't particularly care at the moment." Your words cut through the rain like a blade of ice.  

She has lost all of her family now, Xiao realized.  He watched you with admiration at how strong you were acting even though it was clear you were trying not to break.

"I came back to visit and check in on her," you opened up after a few minutes of silence.  His glance towards you prompted you to continue.  "And then a little girl told me an adeptus had saved her toy bunny.  That was you, wasn't it?"

"Mm."

"Did you...see her?  My Granny?"

"I have spoken with her several times over the course of several years.  I did not think it would be the last time.  What happened?"

"Heart attack."  You swallowed.  "When I reached the house, the Fatui were clearing it out."  You caught the color draining from Xiao's face.  "What? Do you know something?"

"So my suspicions were correct," Xiao muttered distastefully.  He looked around the graveyard.  "You're sure they all left?"

"Yes.  Zhongli said that before she died she had signed a contract to hand the house over.  But she wouldn't do that so easily."

Satisfied with his scan of their surroundings, Xiao folded his arms across his chest.  "I told you I would inform you of our predicament when the time is right.  The time is now."

"After my Granny just died?"  Your undirected anger manifested at his words.  

"The Fatui are after the two of us."

"Why?"

"Our guess is they wish to create adepti soldiers or yakshas using the technique I used on you when you were a child."  Your eyes raised at 'our.'  Xiao's gaze flicked to you briefly.  "Zhongli."

"Wait, why would Zhongli be involved with this in the first place?"

"He is the former Lord of Geo, Rex Lapis--"

"Wait wait wait, he's what?!  But that's not possible, Rex Lapis is--"

"--Only a select few know his identity.  Do not go around telling."  You nodded, head spinning from all this new information.  "Childe was tasked with identifying and obtaining us.  If anyone gets their hands on an adeptus or your blood, it could spell the downfall of humankind."

"What exactly is my blood?  Why would they want me?"

"My blood runs through your veins."

"U-um...?"  You shifted uncomfortably at the thought.

"That is how I saved you," Xiao uncrossed his arms and faced you fully.  "It allows you to withstand more adeptal energy than the ordinary human, which is why I can be so close to you.  It also increases your body's healing capabilities.  It is the only reason you survived that day.  It is also the only reason you survived your lawachurl wound."

"...Why didn't you tell me this before?" You mumbled beneath your breath.  The rain hitting the earth nearly overtook the sound of your voice.  "We...We could have saved her."  Your anger leaked through your voice.  It wanted something to blame, something to lash out at.  You caught yourself before you could say or think something you didn't mean.  It was a heart attack.  Xiao is not to blame for this.  Childe is the enemy.

"Childe was listening in on our conversations.  I could not disclose this information to you so we would have the advantage to work in the dark against the him."  He stared down at the gravestone.  "I am...sorry.  I did not recognize the stress it would put her through. She was optimistic and happy when I last saw her."

You shook your head.  "I doubt it caused the heart attack.  I just want to know what they did to make her sell the house," your hands curled into fists.  "Childe will pay for this."

The two of you silently stood in the rain for some time before Xiao held his hand out to you.  "You will get sick if you stay out here longer.  Let us meet with the rest of the team."  You placed your injured hand in his, having forgot that it was aching the entire time.  Xiao's eyes narrowed at this, but he did not question you.  With your blood, it would heal by tomorrow morning.