#i guess since that was the last of that batch and my voice is shot rn i should work on editing my recordings of my chaptered-works?

[popcornfairy28]

Tonight, a podfic of BBC Merlin fic "Protecting the Innocent" written by @meridianrose that was published in 2010 (according to AO3)! This podfic was originally recorded for Voiceteam round 3 this year before I ended up getting all my points for that round somewhat accidentally anyway lol. When I had no Internet a couple weeks back, I found this on my computer and finally edited it, so I'm posting it now that archive.org is back up.

Summary:

Sir Leon reflects on his past and the guilt he carries, the ring a bittersweet reminder of the innocent he couldn't protect.

[daichinom]

LAST REFUGE

chap. 1 Daryl Dixon x Grimes Reader Season 1

⚠️Warning: spoilers, blood, mentions of death and suicide, medical terms, angst, typical TWD violence and gore, vomiting, child injury, allusions to gunshot wound

FlashBack

You were sitting at the coffee table where you were, with your computer on and your books and study notebooks, you were about to finish your medical degree and in a few weeks it was going to be your final exam for your career as a general practitioner, You were beyond stressed and eager to devour all the books you had along with your notes.

Suddenly, you felt the vibration of your cell phone against the part of your thigh, making your mind stop focusing on the text on the monitor, you took your cell phone out of your bag and saw that it was Lori, your sister-in-law.

You couldn't help but frown for a second, sometimes Lori called you because she used to argue with Rick about something and you already knew how your brother was, just like you.

So you preferred to listen to her and sometimes almost ignore her while you were cooking or doing something, but now you were busy, so out of courtesy you answered her.

-"Hello? Lori?"

-"Y/N… Hello… Hey, I need to tell you something… It's about Rick"-

She was agitated, you could barely hear a tremor in her voice over the line.

-"Go ahead, what's up Lori?"

-"When I went to get Carl from school, Shane came and… He told me that Rick had been shot"-

Your mind was left processing that last part.

Rick. Got. Shot.

-"I-I understand… Where are you now? Have you already gone to see him? Do you want me to stay with Carl?"

Your brain quickly abandoned the importance of studying, your family was more important in this case.

-"Please… It would be nice to have you"-

Was all you heard from Lori, and then you said yes and hung up.

FlashForwards

Since Shane had "saved" them from the road, you had been more comfortable in a certain way, more and more people joined in, needing shelter and Shane for a moment became the "leader".

You trusted Shane, you'd known him for a long time, and you sometimes questioned his actions, but you felt like he was doing what was best for everyone.

As for you, you were carrying a basket of clean clothes, ready to hang and dry with the help of the sun, while you did so, Lori stayed by your side.

-"This washing without a washing machine is so overwhelming"- you heard her say, -"yeah, of course"- you answered her, without looking at her, continuing with your thing, that didn't stop Lori from looking at you, -"hey… I'm sorry, It hurts me too.."- Lori said, covering that topic that still made your heart tighten. -"Yes?, I guess it hurts all of us"- you answered, while you looked at her, -"please… If it's because of Shane…"- Lori said, it hadn't taken you long to realize how many times Shane and Lori disappeared, but that wasn't a bother as such, and you made it clear to her while you placed her hand on her shoulder, -"it doesn't bother me, I can understand how you feel…I'm just…I still can't get over it…" - you answered, looking into her eyes, trying to convey your emotions, Lori nodded and hugged you, as a small consolation.

-"Sometimes I wish everything were different.."- you murmured, she ran her hand along your back, pampering you with human and maternal affection, the morning slowly became late, you were washing the last batch of clothes that had been washed. hanging out on the river, along with Jacqui, it was nice to have her, she was a woman with insightful comments.

-"I miss my washer and quick dryer set"- you heard her say as she sank the clothes back into the water, -"me too, faster and more effective"- you answered.

Suddenly, you heard a high-pitched, familiar voice, -"Aunt Y/N, Aunt Y/N!"- you turned and saw Carl, straightening up for a moment, -"what's wrong little one?"- you asked your nephew, - "Shane says come back, there are two men with very big guns" - that was enough for you and Jacqui to get up and pick up the amount of clothes, to hell with that, this was more important.

-"Guide me, honey" - you said to Carl, both of you going up the path of large rocks, when you arrived, you left the basket of clothes aside, grouping yourself with the others, Lori received you with her gaze, Carl was next to you, hugging your hip, it was Shane with his rifle aimed at two men, one had a pistol and the other a crossbow.

-"What's going on here?" - you asked, the gazes of Shane and the two men stayed with you, Shane and the guy with the crossbow moved away in the second but the guy with the gun didn't, on the contrary, it was as if he wanted to keep it as long as possible, disgusting.

-"These guys appeared out of nowhere"- Shane explained without taking his eyes off them, -"what do they want from here?"- You asked the two men, looking at them, -"Oh, sweetheart, we just saw a place full of people and. "We've been alone for a while and we like what we see here" - the man who kept looking at you with predatory eyes spoke, in an attempt to sweeten the ear, you looked at Shane, who didn't know whether to shoot or lower the gun. In the end, he opted for the second.

-"Because of your weapons... are both good at hunting?"- Shane asked, the one with the crossbow lowered his weapon and looked at him defiantly, but he did not speak, his silence was adapted to a "yes", - "well, you guys are left in exchange for giving us meat"- Shane sighed, the two men saw each other and the one with the predatory face shook his shoulders at the one with the crossbow, - "what are their names?" - Shane asked, - "Merle Dixon, he is my brother Daryl" - said the supposed man, pointing his thumb at the man with the crossbow.

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Not long after he and Lambert start working together, Aiden stuffers from the effects of his mutagens.

C/W slight ableism from Lambert and suicide mention.

Damn those fucking experiments. Aiden was perfectly willing to sell his soul to the highest bidder here and now if it meant he could just sleep. Something which had eluded him since that day they'd injected him and his class with some untested mutagen bastardisation all those decades ago. He supposed he should count himself lucky really - at least he was able to rest in a fashion. Meditation could only do so much though and he knew of at least two others who had ended it themselves before they'd even left the caravan, the exhaustion finally driving them to madness and another who'd wandered straight into the open jaws of a wyvern their first year on The Path, thinking it was just another hallucination (so the rumours said. Aiden had a feeling that one may not have been completely accidental either).

He could feel the signs creeping up on him. The bone deep exhaustion, the black spots creeping into his vision with increasing regularity. He wondered how much longer he could keep it from Lambert. It hadn't reached the point where he was a danger to himself - not yet - and he'd learned the prickly Wolf wasn't overly chatty anyway (at least, not with him) so any extended silences between them were probably counted as a blessing. It had taken so long for him to convince Lambert it may be mutually beneficial for them to work together (he'd been right) and now that tentative arrangement was perilously close to going tits up. Maybe they'd get lucky and hit a lull between jobs and travelling soon.

No such luck. Aiden felt himself stumble again as the griffin descended, barely keeping his footing this time. It's tail grazing the top of his head.

"What the hell was that, Cat? A fucking trainee could have made that shot." Lambert yelled as he fired another sign at its retreating form.

Lambert's voice sounded far away

"hey! Answer me!"

The world tilted and went black before Aiden could even open his mouth.

Aiden opened his eyes and found himself staring at the wooden beams of a ceiling rather than the sky. Lambert must have got him back to their shared room. He groaned a little as he turned his head to look around. The sound and movement alerted the other witcher, who was reclining on the other bed flipping through a thin volume Aiden couldn't see the title of.

"How long have I been out?"

The sun was still up. If he was lucky it had only been a couple of hours.

"Just over a day." Lambert replied, putting the book to one side and planting both feet on the ground. Aiden felt his stomach lurch. Shit.

"Healer said the only thing wrong with you was that you'd dropped from exhaustion. Funny that, considering I feel absolutely fine and dandy."

That's probably because you've been able to actually sleep."

"So what, the delicate little pussy cat has a couple of bad nights and goes to pot? Fuck me."

Aiden scowled, rubbing a hand over his face, "It's more complicated than that."

"Wait don't tell me. The ground's been too hard, that rabbit the other night gave you a funny tummy-"

"Oh, either let me explain or fuck off!" Aiden snapped.

The Wolf inclined his head, his expression telling Aiden that his explanation better be a good one.

"It's my mutagens, alright? Cats are a little more...liberal with the mixing process. They'd been working on a batch which was supposed to reduce the amount of sleep we need and thought my class were the ideal candidates when the trials came. Nine of us in all, three of us left last I heard."

Aiden gave a wry smile he didn't feel, "You can guess it didn't work quite how they expected."

Lambert's expression was one of calculating sympathy, "So, you don't need to sleep?"

"Oh I need to. I just can't." Aiden stressed, "What you saw today was me at my limit. Past it actually. My mind will just push my body over and over and over until." He clicked his fingers, "The longest I've been out before now is four days."

"So what? You talked me into working with you so you'd have a minder? If you're stupid enough to go into a fight when you can barely stand you shouldn't be on The Path."

Aiden gave a growl which would have made a werewolf proud, "You condescending prick! Shockingly, I was managing just fine before I met you. I suggested working together for the exact reasons I gave, and have I ever made a mistake before today?!" Aiden flopped back down onto his back, suddenly exhausted again, "I usually do manage it better. People having to drag me away from a job because I passed out isn't a regular occurrence."

"So what was different this time?"

Aiden raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying you would've taken me seriously if I said I needed to stop because I was tired?"

The silence from the other was answer enough.

Aiden turned to face the wall, his back to Lambert, "If you want to split ways, I get it. But don't ever imply that I'm a liability again when I've survived just as long as you."

Minutes passed and Aiden fought the urge to look over when he heard no sound or movement from the other occupant.

"How long?" A quiet voice asked.

"Hmm?"

"Before you...need to rest, how long is it usually?"

Aiden thought for a minute, "Usually about a month with meditation."

"Alright. So a month from now we hunker down for a couple of days. If we're low on coin, I can still go out on a couple of quick jobs while you sleep."

"If you're doing this out of pity-"

Lambert snorted, "I'm doing this because usually my brother's are the only ones to call me on it when I'm being an ass. You were right. It took until you were beyond your limit for me to realise something was wrong in the first place. And it's sort of nice only having to put half the effort in on jobs every now and then."

Aiden gave a small laugh at that, "And you said I was lying about the benefits. Hey Lambert." Aiden turned to look at the other, "Thanks. For not leaving me behind."

Lambert grumbled something that might have been "Don't mention it." Before turning his attention back to his book as Aiden let sleep pull him back under.

[morethansky]

***THE ACOLYTE SPOILERS***

• Me, seconds before I could hear millions of thirsty voices crying out: Oh my god is a nymph-bathing thing about to happen, is he legitimately about to strip

• Sadly, unlike Osha, I am immune to the Stranger's practically full frontal, but the reveal of his little tied-back hair bits at the same time had me screaming into a pillow, so we all win.

• So the island was definitely meant to evoke Ahch-To, right? This was a very The Last Jedi episode (it even had the same mismatched pacing for the three storylines lmao), and the Kylo Ren theme was the most prominent it's been in the end credits. I think the theories about Qimir being a progenitor of the Ren are spot on. I like this quite a bit; it would be smart to build off of High Republic stuff while cementing Resistance-era lore. This would line up with the Bad Batch building off of the Clone Wars stuff while cementing Resistance-era lore. I also personally find it a bit boring that Bane's lineage is laid out all neatly and am particularly interested in darksiders being outside of it. And it would mean the show is drawing even more from the books and comics, which I'm always in favor of. And fun fact, my second-ever SW fic was based on the Rise of Kylo Ren comics!

• But ALSO, given that they clearly showed the cortosis vein, it also evokes Bal'demnic, the planet where Plagueis kills Tenebrous omg??? Not to be an annoying fanboy, but I adore the Darth Plagueis novel and we're apparently supposed to see two additional Sith Lords before the season ends somehow??? And in the novel, Tenebrous secretly trains multiple apprentices. I could totally see the season ending with Qimir suffering a vague fate and an extremely brief Tenebrous appearance that leaves the door open for a season 2 big bad. That David Harewood casting rumor is too delicious to be fake!

• On that note, since episode 2, I haven't been able to stop thinking about how when we're introduced to Qimir, he's sleeping, and he's awoken by Mae, who is now confirmed to have been his apprentice. Which is notably how Palpatine kills Plagueis. It just feels so much like a neat little allusion to me.

• Did this episode not have such Mend This Old Wound vibes?? Waking up in your enemy's lair, finding out your wounds were tended to by him, realizing he really wants to convert you, discovering he doesn't find you a threat, being surprised by his vulnerability, being surprised by what of his past and his inner self he's willing to divulge. Tbh I hadn't even realized how tropey those elements were until I watched this lmao.

• Sadly, despite my lifelong love for enemies-to-lovers stories, I don't vibe with a lot of M/F ships, bad boy/good girl ones especially. I'm happy for the Oshmir shippers, though, and at least it's happening in a story created by a queer woman, so hopefully it'll be done tastefully. Hmm... Perhaps if I genderbent Qimir I could get behind writing something, and then the seduction to the dark side would be strengthened by the queer metaphor...

• BUT ALSO YOOO OSHA/JECKI CONFIRMED???? And after Dafne Keen confirmed that she played Jecki as having a crush on Osha?? Y'all, Osha was TOTALLY floating the idea of asking Jecki out on a date with that whole "the next time I'm on Coruscant" thing, oh my goddd. The gays continue to be buried, but at least they exist, and I guess at least everyone else is buried, too?

• I love that we got a quiet moment of Sol grieving because finally there was nobody watching and he couldn't hold it together any longer. This is what I was begging for the entire run of the Bad Batch. Wonderfully acted, too. Lee Jung-Jae's expression work is so good, and I love the long, lingering shot and how you see the tears well up gradually.

• I love when actors have to act as characters acting, and Amandla Stenberg was already acting as two different characters that they had to keep distinct from each other, but in this episode, they had to act as one of their characters acting as the other character lmao. Incredible.

• Halfway through this episode I was like, why does it feel like we're getting blueballed for information omfg. We're definitely getting the second Brendok flashback episode next week, and obviously they had to keep it at the forefront of the viewers' minds without giving it away, but I feel like structurally they could've lined this up in a different way that didn't just reveal nothing in order to kick the can down the road lol. I guess this is a pretty classic issue in mysteries.

• I've been deeply confused as to why there's been so much Jedi-good/Jedi-bad discourse lately, but I don't see them as firmly in either court and that to me feels like the entire point of the part they play in the story?? Which is why I always love seeing the tension in the Jedi-Senate relationship and the way the political machinations play out, especially when Palpatine's not involved (at least overtly).

So I really liked Vernestra's conversation with the senator and the line about the Jedi always being transparent so an audit shouldn't be an issue and how the show clearly illustrates that that's not remotely true. Which is also really interesting because we have Sol doing a cover-up, possibly him and the other three Jedi who were Brendok doing a different cover-up, and also Vernestra, who doesn't know about what happened on Brendok or what Sol is hiding, clearly looking uncomfortable at the suggestion that the Jedi are transparent, pointing to other things they (or she specifically) haven't been disclosing.

I'm a sucker for political corruption in stories and when well-meaning people's hands are tied, so I'm eating it up. And of course I love how they're setting up the Jedi's fall from grace and building out context for why and how they would walk into Palpatine's trap.

• Qimir talking about being a Jedi a very long time ago is very intriguing. Upon seeing his scar, my first thought was Force lightning and that he was talking about being abandoned by a Sith master. But with Vernestra's whip making an appearance that doesn't add anything to the story otherwise, the show is clearly presenting it as the cause of the scar?? Which is VERY interesting.

• Mog's suggestion that Sol killed all the Jedi made my jaw drop because why would they even speak this outrageous idea into existence if it doesn't have truth to it in some way??? Like oh shit, that's REALLY fun. Has Sol killed Jedi before? Would he? Are the other Jedi wary of him? Do they feel the same way about the other three Jedi who were on Brendok? Mog specifically notes that Sol is very powerful. We already saw this with him going up against Qimir and surviving, so why this line?

• Sol was already my favorite character from the start just with how warm he was and how full of regret and how much he clearly loved Osha even though he wasn't supposed to, and every episode has drawn the darkness simmering within him closer to the surface, which brings him even closer to the kind of character I'm particularly fond of, so I'm very, very interested in where the show takes him. I don’t know if they could really swing Sith Master Sol, but Lee Jung-Jae sure as hell could act it.

• Can I just say, the writing for this show is definitely wobbly, but I at least appreciate that showrunner Leslye Headland has a refreshing understanding of story mechanics, even if she might love foils a little too much (and this is coming from a total foil whore). What she said about a good plot twist being built up so that the viewer realizes what's about to happen just before it's fulfilled instead of coming out of nowhere and being a total shock literally made me pump my fist because I've been complaining about the internet's poor understanding of this concept for literal years!! And the way she talked about how when you watch Jecki die, you want her to move out of the way so you can see the Stranger's face, and how in thinking that you've betrayed her and in a way become complicit in her death, is SO good.

• It's too bad all live-action Star Wars ever is doomed to have mediocre dialogue. But at least these things make me feel fairly confident in having high hopes for the Brendok reveal. And regardless of what happens, I am so excited to see goddess Mother Aniseya again next episode, omg omg!!!

[badbatchposts]

Quiet Corners of the Galaxy, Chapter 4

While on a routine mission for Cid, the Bad Batch encounter a woman fleeing from the Empire. Crosshair suspects her seemingly free-spirited, nomadic existence is actually a cover for something else, but struggles to keep his attraction toward her in check as their personalities and ideals clash.

Relevant tags: Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Eventual Smut (not for a few chapters still), Canon-Typical Violence

Chapters posted 1-2x weekly!

Read the full fic so far on AO3

Read previous chapters on Tumblr: Ch. 1 l Ch. 2 l Ch. 3

Chapter 4 summary: The Batch are so bad at being under the radar. They learn more about the mysterious woman; Crosshair doesn't trust her.

“Don’t go to sleep, burk’yc.” Crosshair could see the woman nodding off any time he left her with a few moments of silence. She blinked her eyes open again and refilled her mug with more hot water.

“You’re not exactly the most fascinating conversationalist,” she remarked. She eyed his rifle, which he was methodically cleaning and breaking down, his post-mission ritual. “You’re not a bad shot. I saw the trooper helmets when you were done with them. Guess that’s where you get the name. Bullseye, was it?”

“It’s Crosshair. And I’m better than not bad,” he scoffed testily.

“I suppose that’s why you waited until after I was shot to step in. Or maybe you’re just scared of the Empire.” Her voice was neutral, but she had played her hand too obviously; she was goading him, probing for information just like he was.

He reined himself in and went on the offensive. “I wonder,” he purred, “if your hair’s that color everywhere.”

Crosshair expected steel, fury, maybe a flush coming over her cheeks. Instead, she ran her fingers through her locks disinterestedly, picking out the leaves he had noticed before. Both ears, he observed as her hair was smoothed out of the way, were pierced from top to bottom with a series of small silver rings. “It didn’t used to be. Last few years haven’t been the gentlest for the galaxy, have they?” She nodded at the closely cropped gray hairs that coated his own head, growing back patchily around the burn scar at his temple. “What’s your excuse, grandpa?”

“Genetic enhancement,” he replied cryptically.

“Guess that explains the big guy.” She gestured to Wrecker, who was dead-lifting Gonky at the other end of the ship, before offering her beverage to Crosshair. “It’s supposed to be a communal practice,” she explained in response to his raised eyebrow. He made no motion to take it, eliciting a shrug from her. “That’s alright. I always drink it alone anyway.”

“What? No one likes sharing with you?”

“My life seems like it’s a lot less…communal…than yours.” She glanced vaguely around the ship, which was littered with evidence of their co-habitation. “I suppose mercenaries run in packs.”

“We’re not mercenaries,” Hunter interrupted, rejoining them. He had always taken issue with that term. “We’re clone troopers.”

Crosshair prickled a little. He would never understand why the others had been so difficult to track down during his time with the Empire. Hunter didn’t seem to get the finer points of staying off the radar, since he took the opportunity to expose who they were to the first pretty face they came across.

“Haven’t seen a lot of clone troopers that look like you all.” The woman offered Hunter the mug; sniffing curiously, he took a sip.

“It’s good. Thank you,” he said. Crosshair could tell what Hunter was doing. Where the sniper was rigid, aloof, difficult, the sergeant could be considerate, relatable, diplomatic. He thinks he can break you down this way. But he’ll only get a more amenable version of you, the marksman thought. The woman’s face did appear to soften as his brother continued. “We’re a bit different from the rest of them. But with the Republic gone, none of us are soldiers anymore. Gotta find ways to make ends meet.”

The woman seemed to be opening up. Crosshair didn’t trust a minute of it. “Yeah, I know all about that. It’s hard to get by these days.” She turned to Hunter with a small smile. “I’m Dara.”

“Dara.” He smiled back at her. “Any reason we should be worried that the Empire might come looking for you, Dara?”

She shook her head. “The shuttle really was… well, not exactly a misunderstanding. I just panicked. I’ve been traveling. I was staying in a village on Takodana when the Empire began rounding up all the villagers—I have no idea why. I hid and tried to make a break for my ship, but some troopers spotted me. The shuttle was closest. I managed to take off but it took a hit before I entered hyperspace, and that was just where I ended up when my systems started failing.”

Hunter looked thoughtful. “Well, they probably won’t come after you. But I wouldn’t risk going back to Takodana. You likely won’t be getting your ship back.”

He was already heading back to his bunk when Dara spoke up again. “Thank you. I mean it. All of you.” She shot grateful looks at Tech and Crosshair in particular. “I’m lucky you found me when you did.” She was treated with another smile from Hunter as he left. Tech looked rather pleased with himself.

Crosshair leaned toward her, drinking in her beatific expression as he looked into her eyes. “Liar,” he hissed. Even as her expression remained largely impassive, her eyes glinted and nostrils flared ever-so-slightly, hinting at the snarl she was just barely containing. There, he though, leaning back satisfactorily. The knife’s edge of her self-control. That was a start.

Next chapter

[photogirl894]

"IronStar"

Chapter 4

"Symbol of Acceptance"

A "Fairy Tail" fanfic!

Pairing: Gajeel x fem OC

A/N: It's been a bit since I updated this one, but I felt it was time to! Sadly, I finished rewatching Fairy Tail a little bit ago and so my motivation to keep writing this fic went down a little, but I'm not giving up on it! I still love this fic just as much as I do my other ones 😊 Hope y'all enjoy!!

Taglist: @l-lend , @rosechi , @the-bad-batch-baroness , @angrypaperearthquake-tbbb-main

《 Chapter 3

》 Chapter 5

All chapters

Explanation: Genna, Gajeel and Lily return to the guild and it is determined whether or not Genna is worthy to join Fairy Tail.

Very soon after waking up, Genna, Gajeel and Lily bade their farewells to the villagers and departed from the village to make their way back to Fairy Tail. For part of the walk, Genna remained quiet as her mind kept wandering back to her brother and his ultimatum: do the job her father had for her or M would take her back to her family's guild.

The job was to infiltrate Fairy Tail.

She felt so caught between a rock and a hard place. For a long time, she'd wanted to be a part of Fairy Tail and, considering how welcoming a lot of people had been to her already, she didn't want to hurt any of them...but she also never wanted to return to her old guild. That was the last thing she wanted. What was she going to do? Maybe if she told Fairy Tail the situation, they could help protect her from her father...but that would mean having to tell them who he was, which she knew wouldn't go over well.

"What am I gonna do?" she wondered.

Lily's voice beside her broke her from her thoughts as he asked, flying up next to her, "Is everything all right, Genna? You've been strangely quiet."

"Yeah, it's kinda weird," commented Gajeel.

She gave a shake of her head, snapping back to reality. "Sorry. Just was zoning out," she told them.

"Somethin' on your mind?" Gajeel inquired.

Thinking quickly of a cover answer, she just shrugged and answered him, "I'm just...feeling a bit anxious about going back to Fairy Tail. I've dreamt of being in the guild for a long time and...I guess I'm worried that maybe what I've done won't be enough to achieve that or the Master won't think I'm a good fit. I'm just trying to not get my hopes up."

"Trust me, Genny, you've got nothin' to worry about," he said. "The old man hardly turns anyone away. You've got a pretty easy shot at gettin' in."

"I just can't help but worry," she said. "What if I get in and the others don't actually like me?"

Lily chuckled in amusement. "I highly doubt that will happen. Natsu, Lucy and Happy love everyone. You'll have friends for certain. You've got us, too."

That brought a smile to her face. At least, they both seemed to buy her excuse. "Thanks, Lily," she replied.

A few more minutes passed and when they rounded a corner on the road, they saw a downed tree across the middle of the path, blocking their way. Genna wasn't sure how she was going to get over, at first, because of her injured arm, but then she figured Lily could fly her over. However, just as she thought to ask, she was shocked as Gajeel said to her, "Hold on," and suddenly swept her up into his arms. Then he leapt into the air and soared over the tree to the other side, landing with surprising grace. She had not expected that from him and was slightly flustered as he set her back down.

"Th--thank you, Gajeel," she told him, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

"No problem. There was no way you were getting over that with that arm," he said back.

Lily came gliding over the tree and pointed out as he came up next to him, "You know I could've just flown her over, right?"

Gajeel gritted his teeth and his cheeks went pink with slight embarrassment. "Yeah, well...you weren’t movin' fast enough," he stated back, quickly walking away.

"Well, that was unexpected," said Genna to Lily.

With a hum of agreement, he replied, "Gajeel may appear rough on the outside, but he does have a softer side that he lets slip through the cracks every once in a while."

"That's good to know. I was afraid he didn't like me," she told him.

"I assure you, that isn't the case," he said.

She hung her head for a moment. Lily seemed to be a wise Exceed. She wondered if she could say something to him about her problem without jeopardizing her chances at getting into Fairy Tail. Perhaps he could think of something she could do.

"Lily, could I ask you something?" she asked.

"By all means," he replied, hovering a little closer to her.

Her hands fidgeted nervously. "I'm...afraid," she admitted. "I'm afraid of my father coming after me and potentially endangering Fairy Tail. I don't want that to happen and I don't know what to do."

"You have no need to fear," he said firmly. "All of our guild protects each other. Should your father come for you, we'll make sure to instill the fear of Fairy Tail in him."

"If only it were that easy...," she lamented in her mind.

The Exceed noticed her hesitancy and gently nudged her shoulder as they went along. "Everything will be okay, Genna. Once you're a part of Fairy Tail, you'll have plenty of people who will look out for you."

"I know, you're right," she responded.

Up ahead, they heard Gajeel call out, "Hey! Keep up, will ya?"

They hadn't realized they'd fallen a few feet behind as they were talking. After Gajeel got after them, Lily and Genna picked up the pace to catch up to him. Despite Lily's reassurances, Genna still couldn't help but still worry. He had no idea of the power her father held and the danger he would pose to Fairy Tail and to her if she didn’t do what he wanted. She didn't want to, but knew it would only bring chaos if she didn't.

"I'll figure this out," she thought to herself. For now, she supposed all she could do was just get back to Fairy Tail and see how things went from there.

"Hey, welcome back, Genna!"

The first person Genna saw upon entering the Fairy Tail guild hall was Lucy, accompanied by Natsu as well as a shorter, blue-haired girl wearing a headband and an orange dress.

"Glad you made it back," said Natsu with a smile.

"Hi Lucy, hi Natsu," Genna said as she walked in.

"Hey Gajeel," said the bluenette.

He smirked. "How's it goin', half-pint?"

She immediately scowled playfully at him. "Why do you always have to make fun of my height, you jerk?" she replied.

Gajeel simply snickered in return.

"This is Levy," Lucy said to Genna, gesturing to Levy.

Levy turned to Genna and said, "It's nice to meet you, Genna. Lucy was telling me you're looking to join the guild. It'll be fun having you here and I look forward to getting to know you."

"Thanks, Levy," said Genna.

It was then Lucy noticed Genna's arm in a sling and she gasped. "Genna, you're hurt! Are you okay?"

"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Genna said dismissively.

Gajeel looked around the room for a second and then yelled, "Hey Wendy! We could use some healing over here!"

"Oh, I'm coming!" replied a small, feminine voice. Then a small young girl with long, dark blue pigtails came running up, followed by a white Exceed in a tiny dress.

"This little girl is also a Dragonslayer?" Genna thought in surprise, seeing the Exceed.

Wendy immediately saw the problem and ran up to Genna. "Here, let me help you," she said, holding both her hands over Genna's arm.

Her hands began glowing a bright teal color and suddenly, Genna could feel her arm go cool and her bones started shifting inside. The throbbing from her fracture began to subside and fade. A few seconds later, Wendy's light went away and Genna's arm felt like normal. She pulled off the sling and slowly moved her arm around. It was perfectly fine!

"Oh wow! Thanks so much!" she said gratefully.

"Happy to help. I'm Wendy, by the way, and this is Carla," said the young girl, then pointing to the white cat with her.

"A pleasure," said Carla.

Genna then introduced herself by name in return.

"Where's the old man?" Gajeel asked, looking back to Levy, Natsu and Lucy.

Natsu pointed back towards the bar and answered, "Gramps is back there with Mira, Erza and Laxus."

Genna looked and saw Master Makarov sitting on top of the bar with a mug in his hand. Mira was behind the counter talking to him and on the Master's other side was Erza and a very tall, muscular young man with slicked back blonde hair and a lightning-shaped scar over his right eye. He wore a purple dress shirt, black pants and a dark, fur-lined coat draped over his shoulders like a cape. She assumed he must've been the one named Laxus. Gajeel motioned with his head to Genna for her to follow him to the back so they could talk to the Master. She followed Gajeel over to the bar with Lily flying behind them. Natsu, Lucy, Levy, Wendy and Carla all trailed after them.

Makarov saw them coming and declared, "Ah, welcome back, you three. I take it things went well with your job?"

With a nod, Genna replied, "Yes, sir. The Dark Wizard we faced was known as Darius, the Shadow Shepherd, and he's been taken care of. We left him to the villagers to hand him to the authorities."

"That's excellent to hear," said the Master.

"I've heard of the Shadow Shepherd. He is indeed quite a powerful force. Did he prove to be a good enough challenge for you, Genna?" inquired Erza, her tone low and almost authoritative while still friendly and curious.

"I took a few hits," Genna answered and then she looked at Gajeel as she went on, "but with Gajeel and Lily's help, I managed. I owe a lot to them."

Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Ugh, cut the sappy crap, will ya?"

Erza smiled warmly. "I'm impressed."

Right then, Natsu came up beside Genna and draped his arm over her shoulders. "I knew you could do it the whole time!" he exclaimed.

Then Makarov turned his attention to Gajeel. "Well, Gajeel, what do you have to say?" he asked him. "What did you observe about Genna in your time with her?"

The Iron Dragon crossed his arms across his chest, a frown on his face. "Oh, I've got some things to say about Genny," he said almost condescendingly.

"Huh?" Genna voiced, confused at the tone he had when he said that.

He went on to say, "At the start, she thought she could take on the Shadow Wizard alone, which was pretty careless. Then she took as much of a beatin' as he did. If I hadn't been there, she would've lost. It was kinda embarrassing to watch."

Genna couldn't believe what she was hearing. After everything he'd said about her having what it takes to be in Fairy Tail, this was his report to the Master? What was his deal? What was he saying?

He kept going, "She's headstrong, reckless and she needs serious training if she's gonna take on other powerful Wizards like him."

Disappointed and hurt, she clenched her teeth together and turned her face away, fighting back tears. Had he been lying to her the whole time? She couldn't understand why he would say such things. She knew she shouldn't have gotten her hopes up about being enough for Fairy Tail. Guess it seemed her best efforts weren't good enough...and that Gajeel really didn't care about her at all.

Then she heard Gajeel state, "That bein' said...I think Fairy Tail is the best place for that."

Genna gasped softly in astonishment.

She noticed he was now grinning proudly as he told the Master, "No other guild's gonna be able to help her as well as us. She's already got pretty powerful magic that'd be even stronger if she trained some more. And while fightin' the Shadow Wizard by herself was reckless...it reminded me a bit of myself and even Salamander 'cause we also love jumpin' headfirst into fights."

"Ha ha! You got that right!" agreed Natsu with a wink.

Gajeel then looked at her and said to everyone who could hear while maintaining eye contact with her, "She's strong, determined and, like I said yesterday, she's got moxy. She'll fit right in."

Seeing the mischievous glint in his eyes, it was then Genna realized that, once again, he had been pulling her leg, giving his report in a negative way first to mess with her head only to spin it in a more positive way; the way he really meant it. How she wanted to just punch him right in the face at that moment, but she was too elated at his last words to really act on it. Maybe later, she'd hit him, but right now, she was too excited. His words were what could help convince Makarov to let her into the guild.

With a light chuckle, Makarov said in reply, "Very well, then. With that testimony from Gajeel, there is only one thing left to say." He focused intently on Genna with his kind gaze and asked, "Genna Whitesun, is it still your desire to be a Wizard of the Fairy Tail guild?"

At any other time, she would've shouted "yes" immediately, but now with the order from her father, she was hesitant. It was a no-win scenario. She'd either get her father or her brother coming after her if she didn't follow through or she'd end up betraying Fairy Tail if she did. Her eyes wandered and she realized that just about everyone in the guild hall had gathered around and was watching her, waiting for her answer. Something about the light and hope she could see in all their eyes instilled a calmness inside her. There was warmth and camaraderie here. She caught Natsu, Lucy and Levy smiling at her encouragingly. Even Gajeel had a small grin on his face looking at her. She'd felt more accepted at Fairy Tail in the brief moments she'd spent thus far than she ever had with her own family. She still couldn't help but worry about what would happen to them or to her if her father were to ever learn she didn't obey his orders...but now, she didn't care. She wasn't taking orders from him anymore. If somehow Fairy Tail were to learn who she really was and who her family was, it would be devastating, but that was a bridge she'd cross later. She would reveal the truth in time after gaining some trust first.

"This is what I want...Father and M be damned!" she thought.

With deep resolve, she then answered, "Absolutely!"

Natsu cheered and pumped his fist, Lucy and Levy both clapped and giggled excitedly. Lily and Gajeel exchanged pleased looks.

"Excellent. Mirajane, if you will," then said Makarov.

Behind the bar, Mira pulled out a large stamp with the Fairy Tail symbol on it. "What color would you like your emblem to be and where would you like it?" she asked.

Genna thought for a few seconds and then answered, "Purple and then right here." She pointed to her left forearm just below her elbow.

"A great choice," said Mira as she pulled out a pad of purple ink.

While she prepared the stamp tattoo, Makarov spoke up softly to Genna, "Now remember, my child: once this emblem is on your skin, you are a full-fledged member of our guild. Not only that, but you are a representative of Fairy Tail wherever you go, in all you do and say. Your actions are a reflection on our family, so be sure that the things you do are only for the good of the guild and the good of all people."

"Yes, sir," she promised, giving him a nod.

She looked at Mira, who was beaming with delight as she held up the stamp. Genna laid her arm out on the bar and Mira pressed the tattoo stamp firmly onto her forearm. Once the stamp peeled away from her skin, Genna had to keep from bursting into tears at seeing the new purple emblem of Fairy Tail now on her arm. It just seemed too good to be true.

"This is the symbol of Fairy Tail," she then heard Erza say to her. When Genna looked at her, Erza told her, "It is a symbol of truth, hope and second chances, but above all...it's a symbol of acceptance, home and family."

Both Genna and Erza shared happy smiles.

Throwing his arms out the sides, Makarov exclaimed, "On behalf of everyone in the guild...welcome to Fairy Tail!"

Everyone in the guild hall cheered loudly and vigorously, which only made the smile on Genna's face grow wider.

"Thank you...Master," said Genna with overwhelming gladness.

"Welcome to the family!" cried Natsu.

Then Makarov shouted, "Mira, rounds for everyone! It's time to celebrate our newest recruit!

"Coming right up!" Mira replied.

As Mira prepared drinks, Genna was bombarded by a lot of people coming up and welcoming her or congratulating her. It was exciting, but also a bit crazy at the same time. There were definitely a lot of faces and names she'd have to learn, but now that she was officially in the guild, she had all the time in the world to learn them.

In the midst of the crowd, Gray came up to her, having just gotten back from a quick outing himself, and he had a woman with him with long blue hair and wearing blue winter attire. He congratulated her and introduced his friend to her. Her name was Juvia.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Genna," said Juvia, her low pitch resonating with elegance. "Now that you've joined the guild, where will you be staying?"

"Um...I hadn't actually thought that far ahead," Genna shyly admitted, rubbing the back of her head.

"A lot of us girls live in apartments close by. There are a couple extra rooms; I'm sure you'd be welcome to claim one of them," Juvia told her.

"Thanks, I'll look into that," said Genna.

More people soon came up and congratulated her or introduced themselves. Other members named Elfman and Lisanna--who were Mira's siblings, it turned out--Cana, Jett, Droy, Freed, Bixslow and several others. However, Genna's attention was diverted when she spotted Gajeel sitting at a corner table by himself, sipping his drink from his mug. Even though he'd told her that he was a "lone wolf", she still felt bad seeing him alone. There was something about him that made her feel like he wasn’t as much of a loner as he tried to make himself out to be; that he wanted friends, but was too shy or embarrassed to do anything about it. So she decided she would. She ducked out of the crowd, excusing herself, and made her way over to his table. He saw her coming and, to her slight surprise, got a small smirk on his face at her approach.

"Well, Princess, looks like ya got whatcha wanted. Welcome to Fairy Tail," he said before taking another swig of his drink.

"It wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for you," she replied. Although, her eyebrows then furrowed and she scolded him, "Though, the way you started your report to the Master was a real jerk move."

He chuckled in amusement. "Yeah, you should've seen the look on your face," he said.

Her teeth clenched and her fists tightened at her sides. "You shouldn't have done that," she said in a lower voice. "After all the things you said about how I had a good shot at joining Fairy Tail and then you started off your report to Makarov in a way that painted me in a negative light...I really thought you had lied to me the whole time and that almost upset me."

A small grunt mixed with a quiet gasp caught in his throat at her admission, noticing the hurt in her face. He'd only meant to tease her; he didn't expect what he'd done to actually hurt her feelings. An unfamiliar feeling of guilt grew within him, but his pride was keeping him from apologizing.

Trying to push aside the guilt, he stated, "Well...no need to make a big deal about it. I told the old man the real truth in the end and you got into the guild. That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

"I mean...yeah," she said.

Gajeel took one last drink, set down his empty mug, stood up from his seat and told Genna, "Look, Genny, it doesn't matter. I helped you get into Fairy Tail, the job is done and you can move on now."

Her head tilted, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Meaning you're done dealing with me," he clarified.

"What makes you think that's what I want?" she questioned.

He closed his eyes and he sighed loudly. "Trust me...no one wants to deal with the likes of me." After he said that, he moved around her and attempted to walk away.

Genna wasn’t about to let him just leave after saying that. "Gajeel, wait, hold on!" she cried.

Before she could say anything else, he stopped and whirled around to face her, saying, "Listen, kid--"

"Incoming!" they both heard someone shout.

Gajeel and Genna looked up to see Natsu flying through the air, screaming and hurtling in their direction.

"Look out!" exclaimed Gajeel as he grabbed Genna and moved her out of the way of the flying Natsu.

Just as she moved, Natsu crashed into the tables behind them, breaking them practically in half and sending splinters and chunks of wood everywhere. Gajeel shielded Genna from the wooden debris.

Natsu sat up from where he landed and then yelled, "All right, you wanna party, Gray?"

Gray yelled back from the other side of the room, slamming his fist into his other palm, "You bet, Natsu! Bring it on!"

"Then let's dance!" replied Natsu as he got to his feet, turning his fist into a ball of flame before leaping from where he landed towards Gray.

As another fight between Natsu and Gray commenced, Genna turned her head and found herself looking up right into Gajeel's crimson eyes. They both gasped quietly at their close proximity and Genna suddenly realized that she was right up against Gajeel, her hands on his chest, and he still held her in his arms from moving her out of the way. Time seemed to stand still as they found themselves locked in place, staring into each other's eyes for a moment in astonishment. They hadn't anticipated finding themselves in this situation and yet...it felt strangely...nice...and almost familiar somehow. Her hands on his chest sent a warm wave through him he'd never known before and being in his arms seemed like the safest place she could be.

However, the moment ended all too quickly as reality set back in and Gajeel let go of her and Genna took a small step back, the two of them awkwardly averting their gazes.

Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she tried saying, "Gajeel, I--"

"Look, Genna," he interrupted her, slightly stunning her when he used her actual name, "you'll be better off not hangin' around me. Let's just leave it at that."

"But why? I don't understand," she asked in return as he turned away. "I know you didn't want to go on the job with me at first, but I really thought things turned out okay."

He shook his head and just replied, "I gotta go. I'll see ya around." Then he briskly walked away, calling for Lily as he went out the door and his Exceed flew after him.

Dumbfounded, she watched him leave the guild hall, wondering why he was suddenly more closed off from her than before. She wanted to thank him again for helping her on the job and now the chance had come and gone. Then just now, there had been something small between them...or had she just imagined it? No...something within her told her it hadn't been imagined. It didn't seem like just a normal feeling, but somehow, something more magical, like her starlight magic inside her ignited in the moment. She'd never experienced that kind of sensation with her magic; it was very strange and foreign.

Then Genna saw Levy come up to her, looking perplexed. "Wow, what did you do to Gajeel?" she asked, looking to the guild hall entrance and then back to Genna.

Slack-jawed, Genna answered, "I have no idea. He's acting like, now that the job we went on is done, I won't need to be around him anymore and I don't know why he thinks that. I personally liked our time together on the job and I figured maybe he thought the same. Guess I was wrong."

"He might, but he's just too proud to admit it," Levy said. "Gajeel is a good guy, but he's a tough book to read sometimes. He had a bit of a...rough start with the guild when he joined and, even though a lot of us have warmed up to him, he still just keeps a lot to himself. The only one who really keeps him company is Lily."

Then Erza approached them, overhearing their conversation. "Gajeel can be obstinate, but he is good at heart despite his past and what he believes about himself. I had full faith when I sent him on that mission with you."

"I thought we worked well together," Genna told her with a shrug. "Or, at least, we did eventually."

"What do you mean?" asked Levy.

Genna hesitated slightly on telling them what she was about to say, but then she decided to go for it anyway. "At one point on the job, Gajeel and I got into an argument where he made it clear he didn't want to be there, so I told him to leave...and he did."

"He what?" said Erza, her voice raising.

"Yeah, he left at first, but then he came back...and lucky for me, he did, because I'd gone up against the Shadow Shepherd and he had me weakened and pinned down. He was about ready to put an end to me had Gajeel not come back and saved me. In the end, he still did the honorable thing. He acts like he doesn't care, but if he really didn't, he would have left me behind and never looked back."

"Exactly," Erza said.

"I was hoping to thank him again for his help before he left, but I feel like I need to do more to really thank him because he saved my life," Genna told them.

Levy put a finger to her chin in thought for a few seconds, humming contemplatively. "What if you make something for him?" she suggested. "Is there anything you're good at making?"

Genna liked that idea. "I'm not the best at crafts or anything, but I'm decent at baking."

A cry of seemingly euphoric elation suddenly rang out on her other side and Genna jumped, startled, as she turned to see Erza gaping at her with the brightest, most excited look in her eyes and on her face.

"You bake?!" she cried with sheer delight. She placed her hands on Genna's shoulders. "Do you bake cakes?"

"Uh, yeah, I've been known to make cakes every now and then," Genna answered.

Erza shrieked again with joy. "Oh Genna, my dear, you are heaven-sent!" she exclaimed, her normal low tone suddenly jumping up a couple octaves.

Then Genna heard Levy whisper into her ear, "Erza really loves cake. It's practically her weakness."

Erza didn't seem to notice as she then went on a very dramatic rant, "Cake is the most magical thing to exist in this world, even more than the magics we all possess. Taking even a single bite is like tasting happiness itself. Its delectable sweetness is enough to fill my soul with the most overwhelming joy that nearly causes me to burst!"

Through a laugh, Levy said to her, "All right, Erza, I think you've painted a pretty good picture of how you feel about cake."

Erza's cheeks went as red as her hair and she sheepishly replied, her attention mostly on Genna, "My apologies. I tend to get a little carried away when talking about my favorite sweet treat."

"It's okay. Now I know something interesting about you," Genna said back.

"Back to the subject at hand, why don't you make Gajeel a cake to express your thanks?" Erza suggested.

"Maybe, but I also want to thank Lily, as well. Is there anything they both like?" Genna asked the two ladies.

"I'm not sure," answered Levy as she looked down in thought again. A few seconds later, she snapped her fingers as an idea came to her. "I've got it! What if you made them cupcakes? Then you can make individualized ones for both of them that they'll like."

"An excellent idea, Levy," commented Erza.

Genna agreed, "I like that idea. What things does Lily like that I can use?"

She heard her answer come from a smaller voice above her: "Kiwis!"

Then she, Levy and Erza looked up and saw Happy, Natsu's Exceed, hovering above them with his wings, having overheard them below.

"Really?" Genna asked curiously.

Happy nodded. "Oh yeah, he loves kiwis. He drools over them as much as I drool over yummy fishies."

"Noted. Thank you, Happy," Genna said back.

"Aye, sir!" Happy cried before flying off.

"Gajeel eats iron, I know that much," Genna then said aloud.

Then Levy spoke up, "You could find some iron chunks to mix in, kind of like chocolate chips."

"Ooh, I like that!" said Genna excitedly.

Erza chuckled. "It sounds like Gajeel and Lily are in for quite the treat."

"Oh yeah," said Genna. "I can't wait to get started!"

After partying for a few more hours, things started to die down and Genna figured she'd better head back to her hotel. Though, as she was about to head out, Levy suggested that she go with her and Juvia to the girls' apartments to see if they could get a permanent room for her, now that she was an official member of the guild. The three women made their way to the apartments and sure enough, getting a room was easy. She even was able to get the room right next door to Levy. Then both Levy and Juvia helped Genna get all her stuff into her room and then left her alone so she could get settled.

Genna fell back onto her new comfy bed, taking in the new space and the fact that she was now actually in Fairy Tail like she always wanted! It felt so surreal like a dream, but every time she looked down at the emblem on her arm, she knew it was the real deal. She squealed like a little girl into her pillow. This was a dream come true!

Right away, she'd met a bunch of great people that she looked forward to getting to know more over time. They were so welcoming and beyond friendly; it honestly felt like coming home. Now that she was in the girls' apartments, she knew she definitely would be getting to know all the girls pretty quickly. Levy seemed like a sweet person that she thought would be a great neighbor.

As she stared at the ceiling, her mind wandered back to Gajeel and the image of his back to her as he exited the guild hall. What had happened that made him suddenly so dismissive of her? He was a mystery to her...and she had always been drawn to mysterious things. He came across as abrasive and cold and yet, he had saved her life when he very well could've left her alone. Then he'd opened up to her the previous night when neither of them could sleep. It had only been a little, but it was a start, at least. There was something about him that made her want to know more and befriend him. Though, given how the last couple days had gone, she knew it wasn't going to be easy, but she was determined to get to know the elusive Iron Dragon.

The idea then came to her of writing down all the days' events in her journal before she forgot, so she dug her journal and her pen out of her bag. She recorded everything from when they'd gotten back to the guild, being inducted into Fairy Tail and the celebration that followed as well as the myriad of feelings she'd felt in achieving her goal. Though, just as she finished, she set her book down on the bed and absent-mindedly put her hands in the pockets of her skirt where her fingers brushed up against something inside that she'd forgotten about. She gasped lightly, remembering what the object was as she withdrew it.

It was the piece of paper she'd received from her brother that said "Infiltrate Fairy Tail".

Her teeth clenched tightly together and her blood boiled, hating how both her father and her brother put her in such a compromising situation. She'd never dream of turning against anyone in Fairy Tail and yet...

"If you don't do this job...you know the kind of punishment I can inflict...the bargain is simple: do this or I'll take you back to the guild...and to Father."

Her brother's malicious voice rang through her head, recalling once again the ultimatum he'd given her. The frustration growing inside her was so intense, she knew she had to add that in her journal just to help vent and get all the feelings out. She picked up her journal again, holding the small piece of paper between her hand and the book, as she quickly scribbled in:

"One thing that terrifies me about all this, however, is the fact that M somehow visited me last night. He gave me orders from Father that I don't want to obey, but I'm scared to disobey. Father wants me to infiltrate Fairy Tail. I wanted to join this guild for so long and now, he's using my own dream against me. How twisted and cruel can he get? If I don't do what he wants, he'll send M to take me away and possibly hurt my new friends. If I do, then I'll betray the guild and my friends will still get hurt, anyway. There's no winning this. What's worse is I can't seek help from Fairy Tail either for this. They'd turn on me immediately if they were to find out my father is..."

There was a knock at Genna's door, making her jump. "Who is it?" she called out.

"It's me again," answered the voice of Levy on the other side.

Genna quickly slammed her journal shut, trapping the piece of paper inside its pages, and she slid it underneath her pillow before saying, "Come in!"

Levy's head peeked in through the now cracked open door and she smiled. "Hey, I know you might be tired or still getting settled in, but I was going to make a run into town. Would you like to come with me? I figured we could shop for the ingredients you need for your cupcakes while we're out."

Her offer touched Genna greatly. Despite only being a member of Fairy Tail for a couple hours, Levy was already including her and treating her like a real friend.

"I would love to!" she exclaimed. Then she had the thought to invite Levy to do something in return, so she added, "And hey, if you're not busy afterwards, maybe you can help me make the cupcakes?"

The bluenette's eyes lit up and her smile widened. "Oh my gosh, yes! That would be so fun!" she replied gladly.

Genna was really happy to hear Levy accept her offer and the two of them quickly took off from her room. She could see herself being great friends with this girl. This was only just the beginning.

The beginning of her new life in Fairy Tail.

[chaosjedimasterk]

Get Up.

Honestly I had to do this just bare with me here. I needed this little fixit? I guess

Spoilers below the cut for the last two episodes of the bad batch season 2 finale

Tbh I’m probably not tagging this right? Let me know if I did it wrong - I’m literally so green when it comes to fanfic

CW: angst? Mentions of blood, broken bones, cannon typical violence

Pairing: Jedi reader/ Tech - in my head Jedi is fem presenting but I try to use pretty gender neutral language to the best of my abilities.

Tech knew what he was doing when he shot his hold on the rail. His brothers needed to get to safety. Omega needed to get to safety. He could not and would not be the barrier to that. He had calculated the probabilities and the likelihood he could make it into the car was slim. So he let go. As he tumbled he knew he was making the right choice. That still didn’t stop him from looking for something, any kind of hold he could get with his grapple to soften the fall.

.

.

Waiting. That’s all you were doing was waiting. You didn’t know why really. You had helped Saw’s group bypass the sensors by knocking out the security. You had to develop new skills since using the force could get you killed…or worse these days. While you waited for Saw’s team to return to the cliffs you felt it. You didn’t know what it was. But it reminded you of old times. When you connected with the force more often. But it felt like an under water current pulling you. It wasn’t hard so you tried to ignore it. You needed to be here when the team got back.

And then it felt like you were being ripped from where you sat. And you could have sworn you heard a voice tell you to get up. “Master?” You whispered frightened to even acknowledge the feeling aloud with a word. And almost with a unseen shove you made your way to your small ship and began to fly north. Unsure of what you were looking for but knowing the force would guide you to what it wanted .

.

.

Tech had barely managed to grapple a tall pine before he tumbled to the ground. Trying to slow his fall by reaching for branches on his way down. One branch his his previously injured leg too hard and he felt it snap again. As he landed on the forest floor he seethed in pain. Taking deep breaths to try to calm his nervous system he began trying to make sense of his surroundings. He couldn’t be far from the rail lines which meant troopers would come looking for him and soon. He took a deep breath to balance himself and tried to stand but the pain was too great. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from yelling out and giving away his position. He would have to try to move soon or he surely would perish if not from the empire first but then the elements of this planet.

.

.

You landed your ship in the last spot you could find toward where the force was pushing you. With a deep breath you grabbed your lightsabers from their hiding place in the vent system and tucked them into your tunic. Just in case you thought. Quietly you slipped through the forest, reaching out into the force looking for just what was calling you. You walked for maybe a mile until you saw him.

Though you had been through the horrors of war this man was in rough shape. Clearly from the 60 yards away you could see that both of his legs were broken possibly an arm as well. He looked as though he wore old clone armor? He couldn’t be with the empire there was too much color. Gingerly you took a step toward him and stepped on a stick and it cracked. Though he was injured his head whipped toward you and likely with his better arm pointed a blaster in your direction.

Your heart ached as you moved closer his emotions washed over you as though you dove head first into a raging river. “I’m not here to hurt you” you said as gently as you could you tried to reach out with the force to calm his emotions but thought better of it. Keep it hidden for as long as you can, the inner voice whispered.

.

.

SNAP. Tech whipped his head around only to find himself staring through his cracked lenses the figure of a woman? He wasn’t sure one full lense was gone. He held his blaster as steady as he could but he could feel his strength failing him.

“I’m not here to hurt you” the voice said delicately. It was soft in a way that a warm blanket was on a cold night. He was getting very tired..he shook his head trying to stave away the effects of shock.

“Wh-who are you?” He managed through gritted teeth.

“That’s not important right now” she stated as she closed the distance between them.

“I would think it is” he winced as she pressed her hands against his leg “as I need to determine what level of threat you are”. He finished her palms still pressed against his leg. Her eyes were closed but she still looked very focused. She inhaled through her nose and let out a long breath through her lips that resulted in a low whistle

“You know jumping from the rails is not an advised activity unless you have proper equipment” she jested trying to bring some levity to the situation. Tech just breathed a huff through his nose.

“No I would suppose it wouldn’t be” he muttered trying to keep his eyes open

.

.

“Hey stay with me… uh..what is your name?” You said as you rummaged through your pack

“Tech” he said quietly

“Okay tech well, I’m about to apply 3 bacta shots. This is all I have and it won’t fix the problem but you might be able to at least move a little okay ?”

“Doubtful my left leg is entirely broken and bacta will not repair that in such a short time”

You huffed. You couldn’t take the time to heal him. Not now, he had to get back to your ship so you could properly do this. “Okay well where would the shots help you most?” You asked

“One in my right leg, right arm and left shoulder you may still need to carry me a bit but I could at least shoot if need be.” He stated matter of factly a little more alert at being asked questions. You followed his instructions and just as you were about to inject the last shot you felt that same ripple in the force. But this time it almost yelled Run!

“We need to go” you hissed reaching for your sabers in your tunic.

“Stop right there !” A new voice boomed through a modulator. Your back stiffened and you gripped your sabers tightly. “You are traitors to the empire and will be brought in for questioning” the voice continued “any resistance and you will be shot and killed” you looked at tech and gingerly placed a finger on your lips signaling to him to be quiet. “Come on now we don’t have all day” the storm trooper barked

You waited - the force was telling you to wait. So you did. Then you felt it, a younger recruit , likely trigger happy began to pull the trigger on his blaster. You whipped around igniting your saber to block the bolt and deflect it back at him. Then all troopers began to fire “Don’t let the Jedi get away!” The leader exclaimed you continued to deflect their blasts finally after the two other troopers flanking the lead trooper had been eliminated uou only had the leader left.

“Quite a small squad they sent, clearly they didn’t think you would be capable” you taunted as you cut into the trooper. With the initial squad eliminated you figured more would be on their way. You turned to tech who looked like he was really fighting for his life trying to stay awake. “Tech” you said firmly and gripping his shoulder “I need you to get up. We need to move. Now!” You put as much urgency as you possibly could in your voice

“My brothers- ” he started

“We don’t have time!” You heard an explosion in the distance. He was taking too long to get up so you had no choice but to carry him. As delicately as you could you placed your arms around his midsection and tossed him to your shoulders so that his middle was by the back your head and his head was to your left so you could grab hold of his better arm and leg. He was bigger than you but you used the force to steady you as you made your way through the trees as quickly as you could.

You began to hear shouting and ships in the distance and you began to book it the remainder of the distance. No longer worried about deepening his injuries. You made it to your ship and set him in the co pilot chair and strapped him in.

“My brothers. Omega” he choked out as you began to take off

You looked at him and with every bit of sincerity “you can’t help them if you’re dead Tech. We will find them.”

Reaching the atmosphere you began to calculate the jump to hyperspace. The man beside you quietly touching his face. You noticed he was missing the goggles you had initially seen him wearing. Likely they fell off in the race to return to your ship.

“We will find your brothers, you will get them back” and your ship lurched into the white and blue of hyperspace.

[she-karev]

Andrew Comforts Maya (Siblings in Law Imagine)

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of One

Fandom: Station 19

Canon Episode: Season 7 Episode 7

AN: Hey guys so while I did like Beckett comforting Maya after she confronted her brother, I think it would have been more meaningful if it was Andrew instead. That way even when she cut ties with one, she still has a brother on her side. It’s one of the many things they robbed us of when they killed DeLuca.

One Shot Requests?: I’m willing to take one shots of Maya and Carina and more of Andrew and Maya being siblings.

Summary: After confronting her brother Maya Bishop goes to the hospital to look for Carina but runs into her brother-in-law Andrew DeLuca instead who helps her with her hormone shots and she tells him about Mason.

Words: 1168

After his lap chole Andrew walks down the hall heading to the ICU to check on Dorian when he spots his sister-in-law, Maya Bishop yelling at Jules Millin in the lobby who looks scared. He knows how scary Maya can get and with a batch of hormones in her system for egg retrieval it’s like being face to face with a lion after poking it with a stick and stealing it’s food. Andrew quickly heads over to defuse the situation.

“Look can you just find her please? Is that so freaking hard to do around here? Are you interns really as useless as my wife and sister-in-law make you out to be?”

Jules clears her throat, “Um Mrs. DeLuca I’m sorry but your wife isn’t responding to her calls so she must be in surgery. I’m just a messenger.”

Maya looks even more angry with a vein popping out of her forehead, “You know what the famous quote is on what happens to messengers don’t you?”

Andrew faces Maya with scared but pleasant smile, “Hey Maya why don’t we take a walk and you can tell me why it’s so urgent to see Carina while Millin gets back to work, what do you say?”

Maya inhales and exhales sharply, “Fine as long as somebody here is useful!” Andrew leads Maya down the hall away from Millin and cuts to the chase.

“I gotta be honest I didn’t think anybody except Amber could get Millin to pee her pants, but I guess you proved me wrong.”

“Where the hell is Carina?” Maya asks DeLuca impatiently.

“She’s at the mediation with the lady who’s suing her.” Maya groans, “Didn’t she tell you?”

Maya pinches the bridge of her nose, “She did I just had a long day and ran into someone who made me feel worse than I normally do since I started treatment. I forgot about the meeting and now I am here looking for my wife who’s not even here that is fan freaking tastic Bishop!” Maya yells out the last part causing a few workers to stare at them.

Andrew speaks in a calm voice, “Okay what’s up? What do you need?”

Maya groans, “I need to inject my HCG trigger shots in.” Maya checks her watch, “Ten minutes otherwise my eggs won’t be mature enough to be retrieved and my wife won’t get pregnant and will hate me for not giving her a baby she and I so desperately want. I’m trying to find Carina to inject them because only drug addicts and diabetics are used to injecting themselves and I realized this while I was driving home after my inspections so-”

“Okay, okay it’s fine it’ll be fine.” Andrew leads her into the attendings lounge, “We’ll just do the shots here, I’ll help you. It’ll be quick and easy, give me the stuff.” Maya hands him the med pouch that he sets on the table, “And as thanks you can name your future kid after me, Andrew works for a boy or my given name Andrea in case it’s a girl.” He walks over to the sink to wash his hands, “Lift up your shirt for me.”

Maya does so and waits for Andrew to finish scrubbing and putting nylon gloves on from the pantry. He walks over and rips open the alcohol rub wipe when Maya confesses to him in a small and broken voice, “I found my uh…my brother.”

Andrew keeps his shock to himself and sighs in sadness for Maya. He knows the story about how Maya recently saw her brother Mason as one of the hate group protestors during the pride parade. When Carina told him he was shocked someone could be so hateful towards his own sister. When he found out Carina was bisexual, he supported her, the only thing that bothered him was she constantly slept with his ex-girlfriends. But even then, he would never in a million years imagine yelling vicious words at her while she celebrated who she was.

He can see the impact it has on Maya as her anger shifts to that of despair causing him anguish seeing her in pain, “I’m sorry.”

Maya sniffles while Andrew sterilizes her lower abdomen for the shot, “He’s so hateful. I thought-I thought a little piece of him was still left but he’s gone. When I talked to him it wasn’t until later that I realized…I realized I was talking to our father. I didn’t know until today that he became him, just full of hate and anger.” Andrew looks at her in sympathy and turns to fill the injections from the vials, “Oh my god I cut him off. How could I do that?”

“Maya-”

Maya cries, “I’m a horrible person. I left him with our father and now he’s like this because of me.”

“You were kids.” Her brother-in-law states factly, “You two were kids trying to survive a father who made you feel you had to compete for his love. He did that to your brother you didn’t so don’t blame yourself if Mason chose a different path that pushed the people who love him away.” Maya sniffles still crying, “You did what you had to do, not just for you but for your baby. He would have bullied that little boy just like your dad bullied him, you did what you had to do to protect your family. Don’t ever feel bad about that or apologize for it. It’s like with me and my dad I knew there was nothing I could do to make him better so I let him walk away. And when I got sick…I vowed that I wouldn’t force my kids to do that with me. I take my meds and I go to therapy; I do that every day, so my daughter doesn’t get a fraction of what my dad did to me. I had to end the cycle and so did you. It’s horrible and you’ll feel awful but it’s better than opening yourself up to that pain you worked so hard to overcome. Even if you cut off one brother, you’ll still have me. I mean I think I’m a pretty good consolation prize.”

Maya looks up grateful for having him, “Thank you…and for the record you are nobody’s consolation prize.”

“Thanks.” Andrew taps the needle and leans down to Bishop’s stomach, “Ready?”

Maya is still lifting her shirt, “Yeah.” Andrew inserts the needle causing her to groan softly.

After pushing in the hormones, he pulls the shot back and stands back up, “For whatever it’s worth, you’re already a great mom.” Maya looks up at him with red stained eyes, “Come here I got you.” He gently pulls her in for a hug that she doesn’t fight instead she wraps her arms around him and cries against his shoulder letting her grief swim out of her as her brother rubs her back and lets her break down in his arms telling her over and over ‘It’s okay’.

[hostess-of-horror]

A Taste of Sunlight

The Sequel to "Oath of Silence"...

Asked by @khanzi-salamander

Inspired by @winslowdraws

@tiramegtoons @darkmedolie @starleska @snailstrailz @medys-space @lemonbaloni

Content Includes: Blood Drinking, Sleep Paralysis, Flirting, Descriptions of Gore, and Slight Suggestiveness (not explicit NSFW)

---

"Muffin...", Chef Saltbaker purred into your ear from behind. Startled, you shot straight up from crouching. But then you relaxed. How clever... you were in the middle of making muffins for tomorrow's shift. He chuckled in amusement, his deep voice making you feel bashful. "Sorry for scaring you, sweetie pie." Chef Saltbaker giggled, planting a kiss on your cheek, "You look awfully tired. Are you sure you don't want to rest? I can finish up the last batch." He was right. Both he and you had a real busy day, and you agreed to take charge of making fresh treats. As much you wanted to finish the job, you knew that your needs were more important. You agreed, kissed him on his cheek, and went through the catacombs. After working in the bakery for a while now, you had found out that Chef Saltbaker's business was also his home.

Or rather, his "Tomb Sweet Tomb", as you jokingly called it.

Chef Saltbaker had the generosity of allowing you as his apprentice and roommate, since you didn't have the financial means to have your own house yet. He had turned the many funerary chambers into nicely decorated living quarters. The walls of coffins became shelves for pictures and trinkets, the floor was dusted and adorned with lovely patterns rugs, nicely cleaned furniture completed the space. You wondered how long had he been living under here, as you noticed a few older decorations placed around the rooms. The kind of decor that someone's great, great, great grandparents would have in their own house. If you were to guess, Chef Saltbaker had dwelled in these tombs for decades.

You went to your respective chamber. It was already well-made, but Chef Saltbaker had given you the freedom to make it your own. You had many freedoms, other than sharing the chores, and that, you believe, made him the best landlord to ever exist. Pictures - torn magazine pages, photos, drawings, and notes - sprawled across a stone wall. Wooden shelves and a desk provided the necessities and entertainment. Your bed was small, but comfortable, and it was placed up against the decorated wall. Not bad for your first rental. You removed your apron and work clothes to put on some sleepwear. The moment you sat onto your bed made you instantly drowsy. You finally laid down, your head on the pillow, and drifted off to sleep.

....

You opened your eyes. Everything was almost pitch black. Shadows blanketed the corners. Your body was frozen still, unable to move. Your heart pumped rapidly, your ribcage a steel prison trapping a wild, frenzied beast. Your eyes were staring up at the ceiling. Oh God... Not again! You steadied your breath. You've been through this before in the past, no need to panic. This sudden feeling was temporary, after all. But something isn't quite right. You kept feeling an odd sensation and it woke you up. With some struggle, you managed to move your eyes to glance over. You looked to your right.

How long had Chef Saltbaker been standing there?

A dark figure with glowing yellow eyes, he stood there, staring at you. A silent moment passes. He awakes from his stare. "O.. oh! Oh my goodness!" Chef Saltbaker spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you! And not only that, it seems that I've gotten you stuck in place. Doggone it... I thought I took control of this power. You're not... uncomfortable, are you?" You laid there in silence. "Oh... Right. You can't talk. Whoops... Um... My apologies for all of this. You're probably wondering why I'm here in your room. Well, it's because... I, uh... I'm a little bit peckish." He continued, "The little lady I had was a small one, not enough to fill me up for the night." Peckish? Oh dear. You knew this moment would come. However, you had no know idea whether to be frightened...

Or excited.

"A feisty one, too. Put up quite the fight. I actually felt bad for her after pulling her eyes out with the corkscrew. The eyes are the best part, you know. Surprisingly tasty and very, very juicy.", Chef Saltbaker continued as he approached to your bedside. Such mentions of goriness made you rather desensitized. After all, you were working with a creature of the night. Even taking in a few victims, albeit difficult, was nothing more than a daily chore to you now. Anything for survival and business. Chef Saltbaker sat down right next to you, twiddling his fingers. His lips thinned in embarrassment. The awkward silence filled the room. His eyes shifted around, his mind searching for the right words to say. Hesitantly, he opened his mouth to speak, only to lose his concentration.

"Gosh, I'm in quite the pickle, huh?", a flushed Chef Saltbaker chuckled, "I... I hoped... Uh, well, I mean, I would prefer that you have the ability to speak so that I can know if... if you're okay with it. I don't wanna go through with it if you're uncomfortable. I want to make sure that you - both of us - are in a mutual understanding." You blinked. The only part in your paralyzed body that you could move. Thank the stars, you could move your eyes! Shutting your eyes gave you great relief, exhausted as you were. Chef Saltbaker glanced up. In a moment of realization, he snapped his fingers. "Ah ha! Your eyes! You're blinking! Oh, this is great! I have an idea! Blink once for "yes", and blink twice for "no". Got it?"

Blink.

"Alright.", he paused, letting out a sigh, "Now... Are you sure you want to do this?"

Blink.

"Okay... Do you want me to do a count down before we begin?"

Blink, blink.

"Just making sure... Oh, Honeybun...", Chef Saltbaker growled, bright eyes full of hunger. You could not feel it, but you watched as he leaned over and wrapped his arm around your waist, hoisted up against his chest. A firm yet gentle embrace, his hands mindlessly caressing your back and up to your navel. Your eyes were glued to those familiar yellow-halo eyes - the sign of a creature's craving. But surely, you thought, there was more to his craving than that of your life force. A desire that a gentleman such as himself would have to hold back immensely, for he found himself unable to control the urge to kiss you. His lips were pressed against yours, as if it had been an eternity since he had seen them.You were the air that filled his lungs with life, and the blood that quenched his everlasting thirst.

Inhaling the scent of your hair, Chef Saltbaker buried himself into your neck. His mouth - his teeth - grazing your throat in between lingering kisses. The numbing sensation all over your body had begun to fade, but to your despair, slowly. Every touch was pure agony. You had robbed yourself of expectation, leaving yourself at the mercy of your lover's maddening passion. You wanted it. You could not deny it anymore, you wanted it! You needed it - ached for it! If not for your inability to speak, you would have gave in with a hysterical plea! To wrap your arms around his neck, to melt in his embrace, to surrender to an act that could so easily snuff out your life!

Oh, but if you were to die, then you would have let him be your Angel of Death.

Chef Saltbaker shifted, whispering in your ear, "I can't guarantee that this won't hurt. But I can promise this: it will be quite nothing you have ever experienced before." As you felt more of your body awaking up, a rumbling growl shook you to your core. His baritone voice, a delicacy for your senses, whispered once again, "Just relax... Close your eyes... And allow me to feed, my love." And with those words echoing inside your mind, your eyes rolled back into your skull as his bared fangs carved into your flesh.

The pain, at first, was an excruciating pinch, but only for a moment. Then Chef Saltbaker began to drink. Tiny sips that became pulsating waves traveling down your body. Finally gaining control of your arms, you gripped the back of his uniform. Your hands clutched the fabric tightly with every wave. Your back arched, pressing your chest against his. He was right. This was nothing like you had ever experienced before. But whatever this feeling was, by Golly, you wanted more of it. But such an addiction, just like many others, has its risks. Risks you were undoubtedly willing to take if it all meant for your undying love.

The thirst was exquisite. But the release - ah, the release from his bite! You were free from your paralysis, now wincing at the mark he made. It made you weak. He made you weak, and so did you to him. Drifting from reality and into deep slumber, you managed to catch a glimpse of Chef Saltbaker. His stained mouth was agape, relishing in his feast, licking the remaining blood off his lips. He lowered you down into your bed, his tongue savoring the wound one last time. "Oh... my stars...", Chef Saltbaker gasped, "You... taste like sunlight. Thank you, my sweet... You were absolutely divine..."

[dracomalfoy7]

The Other Half | II

PART I

Draco Malfoy x Slytherin!Reader Fling!Marco Flint x Slytherin!Reader Harry Potter x Sister!Reader

Summary: Harry Potter's twin sister y/n Potter transfers to Hogwarts during the third year. With Harry being a Gryffindor being sorted into Slytherin was hard enough. Now having to battle the shadow that comes with being the twin of the chosen one. On top of being the only girl on the Slytherin Quidditch team. In the notorious cold-blooded house, y/n leans on the Bronze 5. Eventually falling for the pureblood prince, himself Draco Malfoy.

Word Count: 1k+

Warnings: Retired Voldy AU, Angst, Fluff, Cursing

A/N: I'm sorry I took a while I was busy writing my college essay 😭. I also wanted you guys to have a longer part plus I had a little writing block. But I started so many one-shots that I'll release soon 😌. I also made a Google form in my bio if you want me to tag you in future parts and/or one-shots. Go check it out!

Mischief glitters in your eyes as you respond.

"No one told me how...charming the captain of the quidditch team was" you smile

You hear Draco peep a laugh, but it's drowned out by the music in the background. Thankfully, you send him a glare which he catches and shuts his mouth. Of course, you knew about the misogynistic history of Marcus Flint. But who are you to judge before getting to know him?

"Why don't we go grab a drink?" Marcus asks offering you his hand

"I'd love to" you return

Over at the makeshift bar you ask for a nice hardy cup of fireball. As you were drowning your weight in Fireball a soft voice reached you.

"Would you like some herds? You look like you could use some the first batch is on me"

You turn and see Luna Lovegood sitting at a table selling "herbs" and good old-fashioned muggle weed. Sitting next to her unexpectedly is Neville Longbottom.

"Not tonight" you smile

"Oh, you're Harry's twin aren't you?"

"Harry's sister?" Neville turns

"Yup and your Luna and Neville, right?"

"Yes, we are" they both answer

"Ah, so you're responsible for getting my brother so high that one time, he threw up so much he slept with a bucket in his arms."

You laugh and exchange pleasantries until a firm hand finds its way to your waist. You turn to see Marcus.

"There you are, lost you for a second"

"Well, here I am"

"Actually if you don't mind do you have a pack of cigarettes by any chance?"

Luna smiles "You’re in luck I always have a small stock for the boys and this is my last one"

"Thank you" You reach in the band of your bra for a bill but she stops you

"Please to make up for your brother"

You laugh "Fine but I'm paying next time" you affirm

You and Marcus make your way over to the couch and sit together. He talks about himself for what seems like a little too long. He then asks about you and Ilvermonry to which you then talk about yourself a little. As you guys talk, he finds ways to be closer to you, eventually putting his arm around your shoulder.

In the distance you see Draco standing at the beer pong table watching Pans and Blake play against Blaise and Enzo. You don't notice but his jaw tightens at the sight of Marcus with his arm around you. He doesn't even notice himself tensing up, his grip around his cup tighter. He doesn't like seeing you guys together but he doesn't know why. As you talk to Marcus about Ilvermorny he asks if you guys had quidditch to which you answer.

"I've actually been playing since first year"

"Oh really"

"Ya got on the team first year guess I'm kinda an ace they nicknamed me Viper"

"Damn I mean looks, brains, and quidditch you’re the whole package aren't you"

"I would like to think"

The evening continues with you and Marcus squeezed into the loveseat couch deep in conversation.

As it hits 1 am people start leaving

Draco and the group walks over

“Hey Y/N/N we gonna head home if you wanna come”

Marcus stands up and helps you to your feet

“I'll walk you we’re in the same house anyway”

You smile “Here I thought chivalry was dead”

He gives you his arm and you take it head for the door with the rest of the group behind you. Enzo is holding a buzzed Blake's hand on her waist in an effort to stead her. Draco and Blaise are walking with Pans in the middle, her arms around their shoulders. You and Marcus walk a few paces in front of the group. You're a bit more than buzzed but you try to walk on your own suddenly you stumble a little but Marcus catches you. He bridal carries you up the stairs into the shared dorm of Blake, Pans, and sets you down on the bed. Your eyes feel heavy and the last thing you hear before drifting off to sleep is “Goodnight Vip”.

The next morning you wake up groggy and in last night's clothes, you get up and go to the bathroom. After a refreshing shower and some Advil for the monster headache, you see Pans and Blake.

“Ugh what happened last night my head's killing me,” Pansy says holding her head in her hands

“No literally it's a miracle we got home “ Blake agrees

“Well then you should thank the boys they were with you guys all night”

You guys get dressed and head to the great hall for breakfast. You walk in and spot the boys already at the table. As you guys sit down Blaise starts “Good morning sleeping beauties how was your beauty sleep?”

“Killer” Pans responds

“It's like I got hit by a train. How are you guys okay?”

Enzo responds “We didn't drink like animals that's how”

Draco looks at you and pushes a piece of buttered toast in front of you.

“Eat it'll make you feel better”

You muster up a smile

“Thanks”

As you dig into the toast you feel someone come up behind you.

“Good morning vip, how'd you sleep?”

“Like a baby”

“Good I'm glad you were knockout cool when I got you home”

“Ya thanks for that by the way”

“No worries anytime” He winks

He puts a cup down on the table

“What is that?”

“Hair of the dog. Something muggles do for hangovers”

Draco contests “No she does not need more alcohol in her system right she needs to soak it up”

Marcus turns to look at him “Relax Malfoy she'll be fine”

You stare at the cup “I don't know my hangovers almost passed”

You push the cup away “I'll just ride this one out”

Marcus eyes flash with what seems to be disappointment before it's replaced with his signature smile.

“No worries just trying to help”

“By the way Vip you wanna play some quidditch later?”

You give him a smile “Ya definitely I'll be there”

“Great I'll see you later,” He says before turning around and leaving”

Enzos is jaw-dropped

Blaise is stunned but manages to say “I’ll be damned, how did you get Marcus Flint to eat out of your hand?”

Enzos adds “Damn girl you work fast”

You just smile and say “A lady never tells” before breaking down in laughter with Enzo.

PART III

tags: @venomsvl @kaverichauhan @marplest

[unwantedtomost]

it had been months — sebastian stan

sebastian stan x fem!reader

word count: 4,401 words

summery: it had been nine months since you and your first real long term boyfriend broke up. but as they say, time makes the heart grow fonder ... and it also made the lust build up.

warnings: angst, smut, thigh riding, cheating, kind of a breeding kink at the end, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it)

a/n: i have never actually posted a whole thing on here before, so i hope this goes well. i know my writing can improve, but it’s pretty good i would say. enjoy!

It had been months since you had broken up with your long-term boyfriend. Your first long-term boyfriend you had since you arrived to the Hollywood scene. Nine months, to be exact. The same amount of time it would have been to carry a child. A hypothetical child. The same hypothetical child that ruined your relationship in the first place.

“You don’t want kids?” Sebastian questioned as soon as you entered the shared apartment. The topic of children came up at dinner with your shared friends. You, offhandedly said: “God, no,” with a laugh, not giving it a second thought. Not till now.

“Not really,” you said as you unzipped your heeled boots. “I never really have, not since I was younger.”

“Never?” He asked, heart starting to beat heavier.

You looked up to him, concerned when you saw his face. It was the same face he had on every time you guys got in a face, mixed with disappointment, maybe even hurt. You smiled, trying to lighten the situation.

“Maybe not never,” you said, putting your shoes away. “But not at least for ten years, maybe even longer. I mean, I am only twenty-two. I would like a good life without children before bringing them into the mix.”

Your warm smile and calm demeanor did nothing to elevate the tension, something inside you saying it did the exact opposite. He looked serious and upset, a combination you never saw much.

“In ten years I’ll be almost fifty,” Sebastian states.

“So? Guys never really stop shooting out good rounds. All my parts will still be intact by that time too.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is it?” You were confused. Why was he acting like this?

“I shouldn’t be old enough to be the kid’s grandfather.”

Anger started to bubble up as well. This tone that he had made you pissed off. He was talking like you were stupid like you didn’t get what he was saying. The brassiness you had in general not helping your temper.

“Maybe you should have thought about that before you started dating someone sixteen years younger than you,” you shot back.

Then the yelling started. Something that could have been a deep, meaningful conversation (one that frankly should have been had way before this point) turned into a full-blown fight. You both started going in at each other, picking at old scabs that you knew would hurt. That was the point, after all, you just wanted to hurt each other. Because you were mad and upset, you guessed, but by the end of it, you weren’t even sure.

The fighting ended two hours later, you sat, slumped on the couch, huffing. You tried to catch your breath from all the yelling. Your throat was hoarse, your cheeks sticky from dried tears.

“It seems like we’re not gonna work out then,” you said, numb.

“Seems so.”

And you left that night, grabbing nothing but your phone before making your way to your closest friend’s house.

After that, you cried for two months straight. You really thought that Sebastian was endgame. That you would be together forever. That you would be happy. Ever since you caught sight of him at your first audition, you felt that he was the one. Then the universe laughed maniacally as it showed you just how fucking wrong you were.

In the past nine months, you had seen him approximately sixteen times, most being in passing, a few being at parties, and one time being at a coffee shop that you both loved. You started to frequent it less after the breakup, too scared to bump into him. Little did you know, he was doing the same thing. The day you two saw each other was both of your first times in three months.

It was all stupid small talk until it wavered, forced laughs and fake smiles fading as the reality of the situation simmered in.

“Look, y/n—”

“Don’t,” you interrupted. You knew what he was going to say, and you didn’t want to hear it. You simply couldn’t. “It was nice seeing you again, Sebastian. I hope you have a good life.” You took a few steps before turning back around for a moment. He looked at you like he was expecting you to run into his arms and make everything go back to normal. “And I really hope you meet a girl that can give you what you need.”

He tried to reach out to you, but you wouldn’t let him. You simply walked away and left him, alone. That was the last time you had spoken to him.

It was five months after the breakup until you let your friends talk you into going out again. And that night you had run into none other than the Timothee Chalamet. Numbers were exchanged then the next thing you knew, you were naked in his hotel room. After that, you went through a bit of a “hoe stage.” Every two weeks you were on a cover of TMZ, E!, or any other celebrity gossip magazine that existed with a “possible new thing.” The people ranged from Tom Holland to Madison Beer, and no one knew what was true or not. After the first few batches came out, you stopped giving a shit. You were allowed to rebound with whomever or however you wanted to, and you were taking full advantage of that.

You were so busy juggling so many people that you hadn’t even thought about Sebastian. Not till right now. Your eyes catch his from across the ballroom that you’re currently in. Your pulse quickens rapidly, you feel like you might even faint. If it wasn’t for Timothee’s hand on your waist, you were sure you would have collapsed on the spot. You watched as Sebastian’s jaw clenched just like it did whenever you did something he disapproved of. Just like it did every time he gave into himself and read one of those stupid gossip sights and saw you all over whatever arm candy you had chosen for the week.

“I’ll be right back, okay babe?” Timothee said, kissing you on the cheek. He waited for you to nod before making his way to one of his friends.

You don’t know what to do and those beautiful blue eyes you fell in love with all that time ago refuse to leave yours. You feel like you want to cry, or scream, or throw up, but you know that you shouldn’t actually do any of those things. You’d draw attention and you don’t want any more people talking about you.

Luckily, one of your best friends, Elizabeth, pulls you into a tight hug and brings you back to earth. Her body feels warm and it makes you feel safe, the smell of her strawberry shampoo bringing you comfort.

“I know,” she said before you spoke. “I saw. Are you okay? I’ll leave with you right now if you want to.”

It takes you a minute to process everything, and even though you’re running everything through your mind, nothing really sinks in.

“I’ll be fine,” you say with conviction, though you don’t know if it’s true at all. “Leaving wouldn’t accomplish anything.” You stop talking for a minute before smiling at Elizabeth. “Now, let’s go give the people what they want and take some pictures together.”

It had been two hours and the event was finally coming to a close. No more than forty-five minutes and the place would be cleared out. With that knowledge, you went to go take advantage of the free bar stocked up with expensive liquor. After schmoozing with people you did not even want to interact with, you deserve it.

“Two shots of tequila and a rum and coke, please,” you say to the rather cute bartender, shoulders slumping.

As soon as the two shot glasses were in front of you, you downed them. It burned like hell and you could only imagine the ungodly face you made. You tried to chase it with the rum and coke, but it didn’t help much. You heard a gruff voice beside you order something, one that was very familiar. When you heard a chuckle, you knew for sure who was right next to you. You froze again, that same dizzy, sick feeling coming back. You turned your head slowly to see those big blue eyes for the second time tonight, your heart surely beating loud enough that anyone in a mile radius could hear it.

“You look beautiful tonight, y/n,” Sebastian said, leaning against the bar, facing you.

“You do too,” you blurt out. Face turning red after you realized that you’re fucking stupid. “I mean, you look—shit. You look very nice, Seb—Sebastian.”

You’re so flustered and red, you want to simply sink into the floor. For a moment, you wonder why he isn’t acting the same way. It could be that he had already had some to drink or maybe he was just better at controlling his emotion. And the thought that makes dread flow through you is that maybe he is just over you.

“Are you going to an after-party?” He asks, sipping from his glass.

“I don’t think so,” you say. You were supposed to go to one with Timothee, where you were finally going to announce that you two had become official, but now you just want to go home. “Are you?”

“Probably not,” he said simply. “I’ll just have a few more of these back home and go to bed.”

“Drinking alone is no fun,” you say, hinting. You know what you are trying to get across but you don’t know why. It’s like your mouth was moving before your brain could understand what you were doing.

“It’s not ideal,” he said. “But I really don’t have a date to drink with, unlike you.” He pointed towards Timothee talking to a director you hastily met.

“He’s not my date,” you shot out. “I mean, he is, but we’re not like, dating.” Why the fuck are you talking!?!?

“It’s none of my business,” Sebastian said. He didn’t sound mean, he sounded like he was trying to comfort you.

“I know … but we’re not … if you were wondering.”

He chuckled, placing a hand on your elbow. “It was nice to see you again, y/n.”

He turned to start walking away but you called after him, making him turn back around. “Wait!” Once he was facing you, you felt like you were in a movie. “I could go for a drink.”

Sebastian smiled but his eyes dismissed you. “What are you doing, sugar?” He warned.

“I don’t know,” you said honestly. “But don’t shut me down.”

With a shared smile, he took your hand and you both left the party. On the car ride back to his apartment (that used to be your apartment), you thought briefly about how you would explain this to Timothee in the morning. Then you turned off your phone so you didn’t have to feel guilty if he decided to text you. Neither of you spoke much on the way. His hand never left its place on your thigh before you were finally there.

When he opened the door, you stumbled lightly into the apartment. Sebastian caught you by wrapping his arm around your waist. He lightly sat you down on the chair by the entrance (the same one you had sat at nine months ago). Once he had closed the door and put his things down, he came back to you to help slip off your heels.

“Are you already drunk?” He chuckled.

“No, just a wee bit tipsy.”

“Your ‘wee bit’ is usually a lotta bit.”

“Not this time, I really mean just a wee wee bit.” You suddenly burst out laughing at the fact you just said wee wee, giving away the fact that you are indeed close to being drunk.

“Maybe you don’t need anymore to drink,” Sebastian said.

“C’mon, Sebby, take that stick out of your ass,” you say, making him laugh. It makes you feel lighter like you weren’t fucking shit up again. Like you weren’t making a mistake you would regret in the morning. 

You watched as he made his way into the kitchen, pouring both of you a glass of red wine. Your favorite and most expensive red wine, the one that you had left at the apartment after the breakup. You wondered if it was the same bottle, or if he had done the same thing he was doing with you with another girl. When he came back, he handed you the glass which you placed down on the coffee table, realizing you were still in a designer white dress that you didn’t own.

“Shit,” you muttered after your realization.

“What is it?”

“This isn’t my dress.”

His eyes wandered down your figure as he thought. “You can take that off and I can hang it up for you. I’m sure there’s something here you can wear.”

You nodded before he was walking towards the bedroom, the one you once shared. You followed after him through the small hall. You looked around the room, noticing how boring it looked now. None of your decorations you had were up anymore, but the small mural you once painted in the middle of the night was still in full view. Did he think about you every time he saw it? If he did, why didn’t he just paint over it? 

Sebastian placed one of his shirts (that was your favorite one to wear) and a pair of shorts you had thought you lost on the bed.

“Well, you can get changed in here,” he stated before going for the door.

“Actually,” you called out, stopping him from leaving. “Can you unzip me please?”

He paused for a moment before nodding, slowly making his way back to you. The room went silent as he softly collected your hair and moved it to one side. Heat started to rise through your body at the close proximity he held. His hands grazed your shoulders momentarily before he steadily unzipped the expensive dress. You caught his eyes in the mirror in front of you, your cheeks immediately burning red. He finished unzipping the dress before helping you slide it off your arms. You had to cover your breasts with your arm since you hadn’t worn a bra. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen your body before, he knew his way around there better than you did, but not covering yourself just felt inappropriate. But, to be fair, the entire situation felt inappropriate. The dress fell to a pool around your feet, leaving you in nothing but a pair of lace black underwear, ones that Sebastian had bought for you one month before you broke up. You stepped out of the dress, eyes never leaving his. He bent down to pick it up, blue orbs never leaving your eyes.

“I’ll go lay this on the guest bed,” Sebastian said plainly before leaving the room and closing the door.

Your heart was beating out of your chest as you let your arm fall. Even though you hadn’t even had a conversation with Sebastian in six months, being in that moment felt more intimate than anytime you had sex with Timothee—or anyone, for that matter. You pulled on the worn-out gray tee shirt that vaguely had ‘Coca-Cola’ printed across it before going out to the living room where you found Sebastian sipping on his wine, now dress in an old tee and grey sweatpants.

The next hour felt like a blur, it was filled with giggles and stupid comments. By the end of it, the wine bottle was empty and you two were officially wine drunk. Now, you were slumped on the couch (the one that you picked out), leaning towards Sebastian, hand dancing along the cushion space between you two.

“Have you realized we never had a goodbye?” You ask, breaking the silence.

“What do you mean?” He asked, not wanting his guess to what you were talking about to be right.

“I mean, we had a fight and I left then we were done. There were no ‘this is for the best’ speeches or attempts at a goodbye kiss. One day there was an us and the next it was … nothing.” You looked up at him, an innocent yet quizzical look on your soft features.

“We don’t have to talk about this,” he said.

Not this shit again. “I know,” you said, “we don’t have to talk about anything. We’re not together anymore. We don’t even need to acknowledge each other’s existence anymore. But tonight, you did, and now we’re on your couch.”

“I don’t—” he started, but you wouldn’t let him finish.

“We don’t have to talk about it then. But, I do have another question. Did you ever fuck anyone here?” The words flowed out before you could think any longer, nothing but courage and alcohol running through your body.

“What?”

“It’s pretty self-explanatory, Sebastian. I just want to know if you ever fucked someone in my—our—this place.”

His eyes bore into yours as he spoke, voice sharp and clear. “No, y/n, I have never fucked anyone in this place. No one but you.”

That answer made you happy. This place, your place, was still pure. No random hookups had tramped through the place where you lived.

“Good,” you accidentally said out loud, making him upset.

“Why does it even matter? It’s not like you weren’t fucking those young things you were all over in public.” He started to get angry at the thought. “Who are you to question me about my sex life after you broke up with me then pranced around tabloid covers for months with different people each week?”

“Because this was our house, I just want to know it wasn’t tainted by blonde bitches with names you didn’t even remember in the fucking morning.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but you’re the only blonde bitch I’ve fucked.”

Suddenly, your hand was moving and your palm was connecting with his face. It shocked both of you, making you both freeze in place. It took ten seconds before Sebastian grabbed the wrist you hit him with, yanking it so you were closer to him. So close you could feel his breath on your face.

“Slap me again and see what fucking happens, I dare you,” he spit out.

Then your heart was in your ass as your stomach erupted with butterflies and your panties soaked with arousal.

It was almost like you lost all control over your body as you smashed your lips against his. Your hands went to the back of his neck, pulling him in closer and tugging at the hair there. The intentional scruff on his face was harsh against your smooth skin, but it only elevated your pleasure. Sebastian’s hands went around the sides of your neck, one kind of cupping your face while the other was closer to the back to pull you closer. You felt like you needed to get closer to him, get as close as possible. You needed every single inch of him over every single part of yourself. Your leg swung, straddling him.

Without thinking, you rutted yourself against his thigh, a guttural moan coming from your lips as you did. It’s not like you hadn’t been touched in a while, you just got fucked a few days ago, but you hadn’t experienced something as hot as this in so long. It was rushed and needed, you felt like you would die if he stopped. Your hips absent-mindedly grinded down against his thigh again.

“Fuck, ride my thigh baby,” he ordered. You listened, slipping into your old ways. You continued to rut against his thigh as you kissed. He knew you were getting close by the moans you were letting out into the kiss. He pulled away from your lips, watching as you were losing yourself. “I want you to cum for me, sugar.”

Your hips slowed as your mind raced a mile a minute. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of making you cum from just his thigh. What would that do to his already inflated ego? It sounded like bullshit to give into him.

“No,” you mumbled out, your hips threatening to halt their movement.

“No?” He repeated.

You sat there for a minute, silent as his eyes frantically studied your face to see what the point was. He wondered if you wanted to stop, he would understand completely, but he knew that wasn’t what it was by the way you keep clenching your thighs together. Sebastian smirked as he realized what was really happening. He grabbed your hips and started to push you down on his thigh. The problem was that you wanted to cum, but you didn’t want to cum for him. Too bad he was determined on it.

You moaned loudly as he started to drag your hips. You were inching so close, the fact that you didn’t want to give in to the feeling made it feel like it was only becoming stronger. Your hands grabbed his old t-shirt as you frantically moved your hips back and forth. Your nose scrunched and your eyes shut tight, your mouth letting out a whisper of “oh fuck”s on a loop.

“That’s it,” you heard Sebastian say even though his voice sounded like it was miles away. “Cum like a good girl.”

Suddenly, all the pressure that was building up deep within your tummy snapped and you were on cloud 9. Your heat pulsed as you road out your orgasm, Sebastian's hands helping you immensely. It took a good minute of pants as you caught your breath before you opened your eyes and came back to reality.

“You’re a fucking asshole,” you muttered to him when you finally made eye contact again.

“I know,” he smirked. “Now be a good girl, sugar, and take off your pants.”

You questioned arguing with him more, but you decided not to. You wanted him, you wanted him so fucking bad. You stood up and pulled down your shorts, doing a little spin so Sebastian could marvel at how wonderful you looked.

“As beautiful as those look on you, darling, they’d look better on the floor.”

You playfully rolled your eyes as you stripped out of the underwear as well, leaving you in nothing but an old grey t-shirt. You went back to your place on Sebastian’s lap, pulling him in for another passionate kiss. You felt like you were melting into him entirely as everything snapped back into place. Your hands roamed lower, palming him through his grey sweats. You smirked to yourself at the realization of how hard he was already and at the fact he wasn’t wearing boxers. He lifted his hips to help you pull down his pants. Just as you were getting ready to place his member in the place you wanted him the most, he halts your movement by grabbing your wrist.

“Shit, I don’t have a condom, y/n,” he warned. You frowned, upset that he had stopped you.

“I don’t care.”

“But you still have that IUD in, right?”

You grimaced because no, you did not. Your five years had run out two months ago and you hadn’t gotten around to making an appointment for a new one. You shook your head slowly side to side before he sighed. He went to pull you off of him but you stopped him by holding onto his shoulders

“I don’t care,” you repeated.

“Y/n, you know why can’t.”

“Why not?”

He looked at you in disbelief. “Besides the fact you could get pregnant?”

“I don’t care,” you said one more time. “I want you.”

He looked into your eyes, trying his best to decipher your intentions.

“Y/n …”

“Get me pregnant, Sebby,” you said, meaning it too. “I want you, I want your kids. Fuck, I want us back. I don’t care if that means kids and a white picket fence. I just want you.”

“Are you sure?”

In response, you slowly leaned down and your lips touched. It was nothing like the kisses you had shared preferably, it was slow and soft. He pulled you closer, finally letting you lower yourself down on him. You both let out loud moans as you sink down on his member.

It was like you had forgotten what making love felt like, probably because you did. In the past nine months since you had split, you hadn’t made love with anyone once. It was all just meaningless sex or hot fucking, but there was no love behind it. You didn’t love Timothee, you hadn’t loved any of your flings. Maybe it was because you never stopped loving Sebastian—you were almost sure it was because of that.

You moved up and down whilst Sebastian thrust up into you. The room was filled with moans, grunts, and praises from both ends. He started to kiss your neck as his thumb started to rub your clit. The multiple amounts of stimulation only brought you closer to your climax.

“I’m gonna, fuck—I’m close.”

“I know, babygirl,” he cooed. “Look at me.” You looked into his blue orbs, feeling your climax inching ever so closer. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” you whined out as your hips moved faster. “Cum inside me, Sebastian. Get me—fuck, god—put a fucking baby in me.”

With your confirmation, he flipped you on your back, thrusting harder. The hand that wasn’t toying with your clit interlaced with yours. Your grip on each other squeezed harder as you neared your finishes. You wrapped your legs around him as his hips started to stutter.

“Cum with me, baby,” Sebastian groaned.

You finally let the coil that built inside of you snap with his permission. Moments later, he busted inside of you, making you both yell out. He collapsed on top of you, trying his best not to crush you under his weight. You both panted for minutes before you finally spoke up.

“I love you,” you said. He lifted his head, looking into his eyes. “I never stopped.

“Neither did I,” Sebastian said. “Did you mean it, you want to have kids?”

“I want to do anything if it means I can be with you. Anything.”

[treesnutsandleaveswrites]

Aftermath

Pairing: The Bad Batch x Reader (Polyam)

Summary: It’s been a year or so since you left the Batch (caught up with the series timeline, some SPOILERS) Warning: Mentions of death, shooting, yelling, angst, fluff, mentions of slavery, minor TBB SPOILERS

Word Count: 2048

A/N: D-5 is supposed to be a rendition of D-O, which i know isn’t really canon haha

pt xii, pt xiv

XXXXXXX

You rushed through the forest quickly, speaking into your com device.

“I’m making my way to you! Be ready!” You instructed.

“Give me a sec.”

“You have 3 feet to be ready, I’m nearly there!”

“I-”

You burst through the foliage of the forest and grabbed the blaster from your teammate’s waist before shooting the enemies chasing you. You huffed and glared back at them.

“You told me you were good at this!”

“Look, I don’t do short distances!” He tried to explain.

“You’re a damn sniper, snipers do any distance with a clear shot!” You turned to the ship to another teammate, “Everyone on board?”

“Locked and loaded. This might be our last batch for a while…”

“I know.” You sighed, “Get on, we’re leaving.”

“When the Empire said they were gonna make things better, I expected Caetum to be up and running smoothly.”

“The Empire is all the same as the others who tried to keep ‘order’.” You muttered while taking off your helmet, “Let’s just get out of here.”

“This really was your home planet?” A teammate queried.

You nodded, holding onto something as the ship took off. Once you were steady in open space, you moved to the storage part of the ship where there were multiple people huddled together.

“Is everyone alright?” You hung a small lantern to illuminate their faces more.

“Thank you…” An elderly woman said and you smiled, holding her hands in yours as you crouched down.

“I wish I could’ve saved more…”

“You have done so much for us… your name already lingers…”

“The Great Lodestar.” A man spoke up, “I heard from one of the troopers that other planets were talking about you…”

“I… have freed others, but it’s still not enough.”

“It takes time.” The woman assured, “Go and rest.”

You took a moment before leaving the storage room and making your way towards the cockpit.

“We’ve set a course for the Ocsalev System. Ready when you are, Lodestar.”

You nodded, “Make the jump.”

*******

Hunter jumped slightly from a dream in one of the chairs in front of the computers. It was always a constant dream about you… his cyare. He was sure the other boys had such dreams too. It took nearly a month for Wrecker to stop screaming your name in his sleep…

“Hunter? You okay?” Omega’s voice caught his attention as she made her way towards him from the gunner’s mount.

He nodded with a gentle smile before sitting straight up. She furrowed her brows for a moment before humming and opening the cockpit door, which urged Hunter to enter also.

“We’re almost at the coordinates Cid gave us. Odd, she never sets us up on missions where we need help from other mercenaries.” Tech remarked.

“We’re not mercenaries.” Hunter muttered but Omega giggled.

“I think you have to face it, Hunter, we are.”

He sighed before sitting in his seat as Wrecker walked in.

“We almost there yet?”

“Just approaching, it’s best you sit. No need for another head injury.” Echo joked.

“We don’t have to worry about no inhibitor chip anymore!”

“But we do have to worry about how much bacta and ice packs we use on you.” Tech rolled his eyes while easing the ship into the planet’s atmosphere, “Gentlemen, and madam, welcome to the Ocsalev System.”

They landed the Havoc Marauder at a simple docking bay before making their way into the city.

“Stay close, kid.” Hunter ordered as he led the group through the busy streets.

It was fairly crowded with people going in and out of buildings or rushing through the streets. Omega admired the commotion and looked around, but the boys made sure to urge her through the crowds. To her, this city was very different from Ord Mantell, having a lack of technology and more of a natural kick to it. Houses were built around trees and into the side of the mountain, which made Omega want to explore more.

“The device says to go in here to find this so-called ‘Kapu’.”

The batch nodded before making their way into the small shop, seeing it crowded with many different weapons and droid parts. There was an alien at the head of the shop, which boggled Omega.

“What is he? He has so many arms.”

“A besalisk…” Echo explained quietly, “The female ones have up to eight arms.”

They approached the counter as the besalisk worked on a small device, using its multiple arms to hold parts and tools. Hunter cleared his throat.

“We’re looking for Kapu. We were sent by Cid.”

The besalisk nodded while looking up at them, “Clones? Huh, never thought Cid would give clones a chance!” He laughed, “Yeah, I’m Kapu. Come with me and we’ll meet the person who’ll be joining you on your mission.” He urged them with his multiple arms while walking through the back door of the shop. There was a small transport waiting with an Ewok driver. The ewok started yelling in its native language toward Kapu.

“I told you they’d get here when they get here! And here they are! Now come on! Let’s go!” Kapu got into the passenger's seat while the Batch piled up in the back, “Better hold on to something, he’s blind in one eye.”

The batch looked at each other nervously before the transport speeded off out of the city. They arrived at the base of the mountain and followed Kapu towards the small house built into it.

“She just came back from a mission, so let’s hope she’s in a good mood.” He knocked on the door, “I’m coming in, kid!”

He swung the door open, hitting a small droid.

“Aw gee, D-5, what were you doing there?!” Kapu groaned, picking the droid up.

The batch looked around the small house. It was hardly full with anything but basic living necessities. Omega immediately noticed the armor sitting on the table, admiring the visor of the helmet. She picked it up and looked at it closely.

“Wow, this helmet is really similar to yours, Echo! But it has some modifications similar to Tech’s, like the mouth guard, and a sniper’s glass like Crosshairs.”

Kapu placed the droid down and called out again, “Girl, where are you?!”

“I’m here, hold on!” You groaned, “I literally just got back, can’t I have some time?”

“No, boys from Cid are here.”

“Cid? Since when did you start taking jobs from Cid again?”

“Just get out here!” Kapu scolded, sitting down to look at D-5.

You walked through the back door and looked at him, “Did you break my droid again?!”

“He was in the way. These are Cid’s boys.”

You looked up and your breath caught in your throat from the sight in front of you. Hunter was there with Echo and Tech behind him, who were as shocked as you. Wrecker was busy looking at the helmet with Omega, but then Echo hit the side of his head.

“Ow! I thought you said you didn’t want any more head inj-” Wrecker got up and looked at you.

“Kapu, take the kid out back, she’ll help you fix D-5…”

Omega looked to Hunter, who nodded. She followed Kapu out and you closed the door gently behind them before turning back to the batch. You then moved closer to where Hunter was still standing with his brothers.

“I… I know this looks bad…” You stuttered, tears coming to your eyes, “I-I couldn’t let you-”

Hunter had engulfed you into a tight hug and sighed into your shoulder. You were rendered speechless, but returned the hug once you processed what was happening.

“Oh, cyare…” He whispered, pulling away slightly and placing his forehead against yours, “My love…”

After he let you go, Echo hugged you tight. Then Tech. Finally, Wrecker… who kneeled down in front of you and hugged you while digging his face into your stomach.

“We thought we lost you, ad’ika.”

“I’m so sorry…” You whispered, “I should’ve left something to explain, but I didn’t want the Kaminoans to do anything to any of you…”

“It was about the inhibitor chips… wasn’t it?” Echo asked.

You looked at him for a moment before nodding, “Yes…”

“Omega told us about them.” Hunter explained as you all settled down to talk, “Order 66… that’s what they were put in for…”

“To betray the Republic.”

“No. To kill the Jedi.” Echo explained.

“The Jedi?”

“Palpatine said the Jedi betrayed the Republic… tried to assassinate him.”

You shook your head, “No. No-”

“Rex explained it to us a bit further.”

“Rex? Rex is alright?”

“Yeah… we still had the chips in because they didn’t work for us during Order 66.”

“But Rex said we needed to take them out. They were still dangerous. We learned that through Wrecker and his multiple head injuries.” Tech stated.

You took a moment before looking back to them, “Cross… on Caetum, I heard the troopers talking about their new clone commander: Crosshair…”

“Yeah, his chip was working for him, then the Kaminoans improved it’s signal and now he’s with the Empire.”

“Wait, did you say Caetum?” Wrecker asked, “You went to stop the Separatists?”

You sighed, “I needed some time to get some credits and settle… but the Empire got there before I did and nothing really improved. I just got back from one of my last missions there, liberating people so they aren’t enslaved again… But there’s still so many that need help.”

“You’ve been busy, then?” Echo smiled which caused you to smile.

“I guess… but the last mission was a mess and I can’t go back anymore. The Empire is… more controlling than the Republic. They almost caught us last time.”

“‘Us’? You have a new team?”

“No, just some other mercenaries in it for money. Nothing exclusive.”

They all nodded and Wrecker spoke up, “Then maybe you could come back with us! Be a Batcher again!”

“Let’s not get too rash, Wrecker. We still need to get this job done.”

You nodded, “We’ll talk more after. Let’s go see what we’re in for.”

Wrecker cheered and you all walked out of the house. You saw Omega and Kapu sitting against your speeder while D-5 was rolling around.

“We fixed him up.” Kapu smiled.

“Thanks, his balance module was a bit out of place, maybe that was why he got hit by the door.”

“The kid did most of the work, actually.”

You nodded and looked at her, “Omega, right?”

“Yep. And… you’re ‘cyare’ according to Hunter.”

You laughed, “To him, Wrecker, Tech, and Echo… but you can call me Lodestar.”

“Good, ‘cause that would have been weird if I had to start calling you ‘darling’ or something like that.”

You shrugged, “I wouldn’t mind.”

You both laughed before turning to Kapu with the boys as he explained the job.

*******

You fastened the last bit of your armor before picking up your helmet and heading back to your speeder. Omega was sitting in the back while helping Tech with something. Kapu lent two speeder bikes for Wrecker and Hunter to use so you all wouldn’t be packed in the speeder. You walked over to Hunter as he flipped his knife and grinned as he looked you over in slight shock.

“Weird seeing me in armor, huh?”

He smirked, “I think it’s about time, Lodestar.”

You shoved him playfully before he caught you and wrapped an arm around your waist.

“I’m surprised you all have warmed up to seeing me again. I was actually expecting to be yelled at by you or Echo.”

“We’ve been through a lot recently, yelling won’t make anything better...”

“If Crosshair were here, we’d go at it for sure.”

He nodded with a small hum, which made you cup his face, “Omega told me you had to leave him behind on Kamino… It’s okay, we’ll get him back.”

He nodded, leaning in to give you a kiss, but Kapu called.

“You better get going! Almost sundown!”

You turned to acknowledge him before turning back to Hunter, “We’ll have some time after the mission… I promise.”

You got into the speeder as Wrecker and Hunter started up their bikes.

“See you in the morning!” Kapu called, urging D-5 inside.

You put your helmet on before driving off.

XXXXXXX

Taglist: @darkangel4121 @lightning-wolffe @alucas528 @rintheemolion @shadowfoxey @butch-medusae @gabile18

[maria-akira]

good girls don't get used: michael langdon x fem! reader — PART 2

—♡—

READ PART 1 HERE

summary: michael langdon, your ex, falls into a bet wherein he needs to (fake) date you. if he falls inlove again, he loses, and doesn't get the prize.

warnings: making out, pre-smut???, michael as a tiktok fuckboy, + me not proofreading this hahah sorry

italicized bold words are direct lyrics from the song :)

please excuse any errors. enjoy!

—♡—

It had been a few hours since Y/N arrived at home. She changed into an oversized shirt and a comfy pair of shorts. To be honest, she has never tutored anyone before, except for her baby brother Aaron. With Aaron it was just 1+1 or 2x3, you know? The basics.

"Mom, someone's coming over tonight!" She called out from upstairs,

"Who will?"

Y/N didn't know what to say. Her parents knew about Michael, and how they broke up. She didn't want her mom to know that it was him who would be coming over. Why hide it? She'll see him anyways.

"Michael! Michael Langdon!" Y/N went downstairs to finally face her mom.

"Wait, your ex?"

"Yeah.."

Her mom laughed, "Oh my, looks like something's gonna happen~" She said in a sing-song tone while she prepared dinner.

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Oh my goood mom! That was 2 years ago, he just asked if I could tutor him. Apparently, he's failing."

"He's what? Failing? Isn't he one of the top students in your batch?"

"Yeah, I honestly don't know what happened to hi—"

Ding Dong!

Oh my god, She felt her heart beating fast.

Y/N walked to the front door and opened it, and there he was. Michael Langdon in his grey sweatpants and black hoodie.

"Hey, Y/N." Michael greeted, giving her a smile.

Y/N looked him up and down,

"Hi." She gave him a sarcastic look and stepped out of the way, gesturing him to come in.

Y/N's mom squealed, "Oh my, Michael! Look how you've grown!" She squeezed him into a hug and it made Michael laugh.

Aaron came down the stairs to see what the fuss was about. When he saw Michael, he rushed towards him and hugged his thigh.

"Michaeeeelll!! You're here!" Aaron giggled

Aaron loved Michael a lot. When Y/N and Michael were still together, he would always play with him.

"Hey, slugger! Now you've grown alot too, huh?" Michael kneeled down to his height and ruffled his hair, "Yup! I'm a big boy now." Aaron said proudly with his chin up.

Slugger. That was the nickname Michael gave him.

"Is Michael staying over?" Aaron pouted and gave her puppy eyes.

Y/N panicked. How was she gonna explain?

"Well, he actually came over to study for school, but he—"

"Of course I'll stay over! Anything for you, slugger." Michael cut her off. Y/N widened her eyes, making a 'what the fuck are you doing?!?!' expression at him.

Y/N faked a cough, "Aaron, go stay with mom okay? Michael and I will be studying now."

Aaron whined and crossed his arms. "But I wanna play with Michaaael!!"

"You'll do that later. After all, he said that he'll be staying over." She looked over to Michael and gave him a sarcastic smile.

—

After a few moments of arguing with Aaron, Y/N and Michael finally went upstairs. "Your room changed alot." Michael said as he looked around her room for the first time in 2 years. Once Y/N shut the door, she stormed over to Michael.

"Langdon what the fuck was that down there?!?! I only allowed you to come over, not stay over! Where will you even sleep?!"

"In a bed, duh."

Y/N slapped his forehead, causing Michael to wince at the pain.

"Are you that stupid?! Sleep on the fucking floor!" She hid her face in her hands out of frustration, then lifting her head again. "You know what? Fuck it. I don't care anymore."

—

"So if you move negative four here, what will you get?" Y/N asked, pointing her pencil on the equation. It's now 8PM, Michael and her were studying the last subject for the day, which was Math.

Michael analyzed the problem, then wrote down the answer. "Fifty.. three?" He slid the paper to her direction. While Y/N was checking his solution, he received a message from Duncan.

Dunc 🖕🏻: how's tutoring going?

Michael: its fine ig, lmao im staying over 😴

Dunc 🖕🏻: yooo what?? where you gonna sleep?

Michael: beside her? idk im still gonna play video games with her brother so i guess i'll sleep beside her 😶

Michael: brb shes done checking my solution

"Michael," She called for his attention, He let out a hum in response. "Your solution is correct.. But to avoid confusion, change this into an arrow instead of an equal sign, because it isn't the final answer yet." Y/N pointed out his mistake and circled it with a mechanical pencil.

Michael smiled. despite this 'trying to get her trust back' thing, he thought that Y/N was adorable like this. Focused with academics. He admired her alot.

Y/N looked over at Michael, "Langdon, are you even listening?" She snapped her fingers in attempt to catch Michael's attention.

Michael went back to reality, "Yeah. I get it now, thanks Y/N." Michael got his paper back and saw all the check marks. While Michael was distracted with his paper, Y/N stood up and streched. "They're all correct?" He looked up at her and asked in fake disbelief. Y/N rolled her eyes, "Duh, what are all the check marks for, dimwit?" She furrowed her eye brows and made her way to the door.

She glanced over at the clock beside her mirror, it was already 8:15 PM. "Hey, we have to go down for dinner now." She looked over to him and opened the door. Michael stood up and made his way to the door, stopping by the mirror, "Damn, I'm hot." Michael said as he praised his reflection in the mirror. When Y/N heard this, she furrowed her eyebrows and looked at him.

"Yeah sure, maybe in a different planet." She insulted, playfully hitting his arm.

"Oh c'mon Y/N, you miss me." Michael leaned on the wall with the support of his arm. Y/N shut the door.

"What makes you say that, Langdon?" She crossed her arms and leaned against the door.

"I've seen the way you look at me, baby. Admit it, you miss me, you wanna kiss me, you wanna be mine all over again."

"Don't hit me with your 'say you miss me, say you wanna kiss me.' shit, Langdon. I'm not that stupid," Y/N pulled on the neckline of Michael's hoodie, signalling him to come closer. Now, their faces were a few centimeters apart.

"Let's face the facts here, Langdon. Actually? you want me." She pulled him even closer, her lips ghosting over his. Michael moved closer in attempt to kiss her, yet to no avail. Y/N smirked and pushed him away. "You know, you're better than that." She gave him a little tap on the cheek and left the room, slamming the door in his face.

Michael was speechless. Y/N did change, a lot.

—

"So what brings you here, Michael?" Y/N's father asked, eating a slice of steak that was on his plate. "I'm currently failing some of my classes and I asked Y/N if she could help me. Luckily, she agreed." Michael looked over to Y/N and gave her a smile. She kicks him under the table, causing him to flinch.

"Will you be staying over, Michael? It's getting late." Y/N's mother asked this time, "If that would be okay with you, Mrs. Y/L/N." Michael replied, looking over to Y/N again.

Well, let's say that everyone looked at Y/N after Michael said that.

The silence made Y/N glance at them, "Why are you all looking at me..?" She said in a confused tone, her mom shot her a 'is it okay if he sleeps in your room' look. Y/N sighed, "Fine, he'll sleep in my room." Now, everyone went back to what they were doing.

After dinner, Y/N's mom called up Michael's parents to inform them that he would be staying for the night.

Y/N was washing the dishes tonight, and of course Michael volunteered to help her.

"Why did you even volunteer? You hate washing dishes, Langdon." She said as she cleaned a dirty plate with the soap filled sponge.

"Oh c'mon, Y/N. Can't I change?" He replied, rinsing one of the dishes that Y/N cleaned.

Y/N scoffed, "You? Change?"

Michael elbowed her side, "Hey, I did change!"

"Whatever." She went back to what she was doing cleaned the rest of the dishes, ignoring Michael's statement.

After a few more dishes, her hair started to slip away from the loose ponytail she made earlier. Her hands were slippery and full of soap, if she were to wash her hands and fix her hair, then go back to washing the dishes, her hands would be wet again. Plus, the drying towel was on Michael's side. So she asked for his help.

"Michael," Her voice was soft. Softer than usual. "Yea?" Michael replied, still rinsing the dishes.

"Can you please tie my hair up? It's slipping away."

"Hold on." Michael shook the water off his hands and dried it using the towel beside him, while Y/N turned her back over to his direction. Michael removed the hair tie and bit on it. He started gathering her hair from the top, combing his fingers through her soft, silky hair. He was very gentle. After he gathered her hair, he removed the hair tie from his teeth and tied her hair, careful not to tug too hard.

Y/N turned around to face him, "Hm, maybe you did change," Michael was curious when she paused. "Because you used to be so aggressive when you tied my hair." She joked and finished off the dishes that were left.

—

It's now 11 pm. Michael is in Aaron's room playing video games, and Y/N is alone in her room, doing some extra school work that was due for next week.

Like any other Friday night, girls like Y/N's age would be out partying like there was no tomorrow. After that one time she was really drunk and a guy touched her inappropriately, she never went out partying again.

Once Y/N finished her school work, she decided to take a shower. She wanted to take advantage of Michael's absence and stay in the shower longer than usual. Like a typical teenage girl, she would blast music in the shower, dancing and singing like she had a whole audience to perform for.

Y/N wrapped a towel around her body and left the bathroom to get her clothes from the dresser. Little did she know, Michael was back from her brother's room.

"I see you still have that body, huh?" Michael smirked and looked her up and down. Y/N turned around to see Michael on her bed. Her instincts told her to scream and throw an object at him, so she did.

"What the fuck are you doing here?!"

"Chill, it's not like you haven't sent me your nudes before." Michael dodged whatever she threw at him and laughed.

"Yea, and I regret sending those to your ugly ass. If I could turn back time, I would've sent them to your hot bestfriend, Duncan was it?" She turned around again to get her clothes from the dresser. Michael walked over to her and grabbed her neck from behind,

"What did you fucking say?" He growled in her ear. She smirked and bat her eyelashes innocently at him.

"I said, I would've sent them to Duncan. You should set me up with him, hm?" Y/N knew what she was doing, "Aww, is little Mikey getting jealous?" She mocked in fake sympathy. She removed his hand from her neck, turned around to face him and gave him a pout. 

Michael was furious. What has gotten into him? He doesn't even love her. He just fell into a stupid bet just to fuck some girl's pussy after he fucks with her ex's feelings. But why does he feel like this? Like he needs to have Y/N only for himself?

Before Y/N went back to the bathroom to get dressed, she just had to get on Michael’s nerves again, as if she wasn’t already. At this point, she could literally see fire in his eyes. He was really mad. But why?

"Look at you, Mikey. You can't respond when you react." She giggled and gave him a quick nose boop as the cherry on top for her little act. But she wasn't getting away so fast. When she turned her back on him, Michael aggresively wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her, securing an arm around her waist.

"Where do you think you're going, you little shit? You aren't getting away easily after that stunt." The grip on Y/N's throat slowly tightened. "W-Wh... Why are you so mah-d.. Huh?" She managed to choke out.

Michael left soft kisses against her neck, while slowly loosening the grip on her throat. "See, Mikey? You're the one who misses me." Y/N whimpered, using her free hand to pull on Michael's hair in hopes of prying him off, but he was stubborn. Y/N whispered in his ear, "Whatever it is you're trying to do, Langdon, I'll never give in." She pushed her elbow into his ribs, causing Michael to groan. Finally, Y/N goes back to her bathroom to get dressed.

Once she leaves, Michael punches the nearest wall in frustration. He hated rejection. The girls that he usually fucked with never turned him down, they always wanted more. Why wouldn't it work on Y/N?

Michael sat on the long side of her bed, still thinking about what happened earlier. He couldn't believe that she could play with him like that. It made him look like he was the desperate one, which he is.

He took out his phone to text Duncan about what happened.

Michael: yo dunc, something happened

Dunc 🖕🏻: what happened? slr i'm at a party

Michael: bro she's a tough little shit. i did the usual thing that i would do to another girl, she didn't give in at all. instead, she's playing with me.

Dunc 🖕🏻: lmao man step up your game, she isn't your usual girl

Michael: dumbass you think i'm not?

Dunc 🖕🏻: duh??? if you were actually stepping up your game then you would've fucked her there and then 🙄

Michael: whatever.

Once he heard her bathroom door open, he immediately hid his phone back in his pocket. He looked over his shoulder to see Y/N already dressed in her pajamas. Michael didn't know what to do. His angelic side says to 'go and say sorry', yet his devilish side says to 'try harder and fuck with her feelings even more.' Of course, it was obvious what is choice was.

Y/N plopped herself on the bed and grabbed her blanket that was near Michael. She then placed the blanket over her and locked eyes with him.

Michael crawled beside her and placed the blanket over him as well. They are a few inches apart. Y/N turned the TV on, clicking on Netflix. Though she tried her best to ignore Michael, she can't help but think about what happened earlier. She liked it. No, she loved it. She loved the fact that she was able to get on Michael's nerves, and how he reacted to it. It was hella attractive to her, and the smell of Michael's perfume wasn't helping her either.

Now, Y/N was watching some cartoon show that she loved. "Are you kidding? You still watch cartoons?" Michael complained, gesturing at the TV. "Yea? What about it? I bet you only watch porn." She shot back and pulled the blanket towards her, leaving Michael without it.

Michael laughed, "I just can't believe a girl like you would watch cartoons. I find it cute." He pulled the blanket towards him, sticking his tongue out to tease her.

A few minutes passed by and Michael was on his phone, scrolling on TikTok. The same sound that kept repeating for almost a minute caught Y/N's attention. Was he watching the same video?

Y/N paused the TV and looked over to Michael's direction, averting her gaze to his phone. She took a good look at the video. a shirtless boy with a gold chain, with LED lights in their room.

"You've been watching that video over and over again, Langdon. Do you like him or something?"

"Yea, I like myself."

Like myself? Oh my god, no.

"What do you mean..?" That can't be him in the video.

"That's me."

Y/N's mouth dropped, "Wha— huh? How? I mean, yeah.. but?"

Michael let out a laugh that he had been holding in, "But what? Look, I'll show you." He handed her his phone, which allowed Y/N to have a closer look of the video.

"So you're telling me you blew up on tiktok by thrusting a phone on your pelvis??" Y/N stared at the amount of likes, a fucking million.

"Uh, yeah? That's how TikTok works? Look at the comments." Michael tapped the comments icon and Y/N scrolled through it.

'yo im down bad 😫'

'can we keep him a secret pls'

'chill i have a bf..'

'break my back 🤪'

Y/N bursted out in laughter, "Oh my god, if only they knew." she gave his phone back and Michael looked at her with a puzzled look.

"Knew what?" He asked, "You couldn't even 'break my back' two years ago, Michael!" She said in between giggles. "That was two years ago, Y/N! Two fucking years. I was a virgin!" Michael defended himself, then immediately realizing what he said.

Y/N wasn't aware that she was Michael's first.

"Wait Y/N, the last part isn't tru—"

She smirked and grabbed her phone from wherever she left it. She opened Twitter and decided to tweet about what Michael said, just for fun.

just wanted to let yall know that @m_langdon admitted that 2 years ago he lost his virginity to me 🤩

"What are you typing and why are you smiling?" Michael asked with a hint of fear in his voice. He feared that Y/N would do something that would tear his reputation down.

Y/N gave him a mischievous grin, "Oh nothing, just tweeted about what you said."

Michael's face fell, and Y/N hit the tweet button.

"Did you twee—"

"Yeah, go check your Twitter. I tagged you too."

Michael shot her a slight glare and went to his Twitter.

Y/N's tweet already had 5 retweets, 14 likes, and 8 replies.

"You did not." Michael said, shocked at how she would do something like this. "Ooh sorry babe, I just did." She faked a pout and formed a letter 'L' with her hand.

Michael felt embarrassment fill him, he wanted to scream at her so bad. He never thought that she would go this far. She was never like this.

He took a deep breath, "Why did you tweet that?"

"And you have the audacity to ask why?"

"Delete that tweet, Y/N." His voice was demanding and dark.

"Or what?"

Michael slowly started to kneel on the bed and hover over her. "You don't want to know."

Y/N smirked and fixed her posture, "Infact, I'd like to know. Care to tell me?” 

Michael clearly wasn’t having any of her shit, he was more than angry. He wanted to release all of his frustrations, and he was gonna do that. 

He trapped her by placing a leg on each side of her left thigh. Surprisingly, Y/N did not shrink against the headboard of the bed. She remained in her place. Their faces are centimeters apart now, 

“Now what, Langdon? Just gonna stare at me? Pathetic shit.” She cupped his face and stroked his cheek mockingly, then dragging her thumb against his bottom lip. 

“Shut the fuck up.” Michael swatted her hand away and crashed his lips again hers. The kiss was so intense, Michael hasn’t kissed any girl like this, it was a foreign feeling for him, and especially for Y/N. Michael’s free hand started roaming throughout her body, tickling her soft flesh. Meanwhile, Y/N was tugging on Michael’s hoodie, “Take this off.” She pulled away from the kiss and gasped for air. Michael took off his hoodie and revealed his naked chest infront of her.

Y/N felt weak. She wanted to fight this feeling so bad, which was lust. But it was too late.

"Fuck me, Michael.." Y/N whimpered, ashamed of her current state. Michael ran his thumb over her bottom lip, "What was that? I didn't catch it." He pouted, teasing her. Y/N couldn't believe herself. She promised herself that she would never fall for any of Michael's antics, yet here she is— completely submitting to him.

Y/N cleared her throat, "Fuck me please.." Michael cocked his head to the side, amused. He was enjoying this. He loved it so much. He finally had Y/N where he wanted her to be, wrapped around his little finger.

Michael's lips ghosted against her cheek, his breath warming up her skin. "Gladly."

And it begins now.

��♡—

this took me like 3 weeks im sorry 😔 nonethelEEEESSSSS i enjoyed writing this despite some breakdowns here and there <3

tags (ily all sm <3): @kitwalker02 @angelicmichael @deademobitch @iheartfrogs101 @tatestripedsweater @mrs-march-ahs @no-mercy-bby @hawtghostgirl @vixemi @antichristwifey @bitchchatter @fallwiththesun @booksandfandomsarelife1 @roseelizabeth666 (im sorry if i missed anyone!!)

—♡—

[rainydaydream-gal18]

(The Bad Batch) Platonic!BB x Reader:  Ice Cream

   (Author’s Note:  Some random platonic Bad Batch fluff!  Enjoy!

Literally, I wrote a whole paragraph on Wrecker’s ice cream order)

   You caught a glimpse of familiar gray and red through the frost-patterned windows, a smile spreading across your face.  Suddenly, the unbelievably slow day wasn’t so bad.  Your favorite customers were on their way in, after all.  You smoothed out your apron, straightened the mandatory uniform ball cap on your head, and waited at the front counter.

   The door swung wide open as the largest of the group ducked his head a little to enter through the doorway.  “Hey, ________!” Wrecker greeted.  “How’s it going?”

   “Wrecker!  It’s going alright.  How are you?”

   “Good now that I’m here!”  He guffawed.  The other walked into the store behind him with Hunter in the lead.  He was followed by Tech and then Crosshair, and you were surprised to see an extra trooper among them.

   “Hey guys,” you waved.

   “Hey _________,” they chorused.  The man who came in last looked at you curiously.

   “I see you’ve got a new member of the squad,” you commented, and Hunter nodded as he folded his arms against the counter casually.  

   “_________, this is Echo.  Echo, this is _________.”

   “Nice to meet you,” you said, reaching over the counter to shake his hand.  Only, there wasn’t a hand to shake.  Echo gave you a sheepish look as you switched, instead offering your left hand.  He shook it with a genuine smile.

   “It’s nice to meet you too.  The boys told me all about their favorite place to get ice cream and the friendly face they look forward to seeing.”  He chuckled, lowering his voice a little.  “Especially Crosshair.”  You fought back a giggle as the sniper rolled his eyes.

   “The ice cream here is pretty legendary,” you said.  “As am I.  So, what’ll it be?”

   “I need a minute to see what you have,” Echo replied, stepping back.  Wrecker quickly and enthusiastically took his place right in front of the counter, grinning.

   “I already know what I want!”  He pointed at the item on the menu directly behind you, and you could already guess what it was before even looking.  “With extra sprinkles!”

   You smiled and got to work, pulling on a pair of disposable gloves before grabbing a chocolate-dipped waffle bowl from its container against the wall.  With a scooper, you shoveled out a heaping scoop of vanilla and two scoops of chocolate.  Then, you drizzled on caramel and hot fudge before throwing a dash of peanuts on.  Finally, the treat was complete when you added a mountain of whipped cream and tossed two spoonfuls of chocolate sprinkles on top.  It was sugar in a sugary bowl topped with sugar and more sugar, just how he liked it.  Wrecker was rubbing his hands together, tongue darting out to wet his lips as you carefully handed him the treat.

   “Aw yeah!  Thanks, __________!”

   “No problem.  Who’s next?”

   “I’ll just do a regular chocolate sundae,” Hunter said with that charming smile of his.

   You grabbed a cup, scooped some vanilla ice cream in, and drizzled chocolate sauce on top before handing it over the counter with a spoon.

   “Two scoops of cherry ice cream on a cone, please,” Tech spoke up.

   “Mm, good choice.”  You filled his order, and he adjusted his goggles with one hand as he took the ice cream in the other.  “Next?”

   “Mint chocolate chip on a cone.  Two scoops,” Crosshair said, arms folded.  You shot him a friendly wink before you grabbed his order, and he uttered a “thank you” as you handed it to him.  By that time, Echo was already meeting your gaze.

   “Are the banana splits here any good?”

   “I’ve heard that is the case,” you replied.

   “I’d like to try that then, please.”

   You grabbed a banana from the fridge, quickly shedding the peel and slicing it in half.  You placed three scoops of vanilla in a longer plastic dish before placing the banana halves on each side.  Then, you drizzled chocolate, strawberry, and pineapple on top before adding whipped cream.

   Echo looked impressed by the finished product as you gave it to him.

   “So,” Hunter said, fishing some credits from a pocket in his armor.  “What do we owe you?”

  “It’s on me,” you told him with a smile. The squad chorused their grateful “thank you”s. 

   Hunter’s brows rose.  “You sure?”

   “Yeah, you guys are by far my favorite customers, and I haven’t seen you in a while.  I missed you.”

   “We missed you too,” Tech spoke up.  “As well as the ice cream.”  

   “Yeah!”  Wrecker growled through a mouthful of his sundae.  “Turns out they don’t have any good ice cream places on Felucia.”

   “Oh, is that where you were?” you asked curiously, leaning against the counter, intrigued.

   Hunter gave his brother a warning glance, but ended up shaking his head with a sigh.  “Technically, it’s top secret,” he said.

   “But yes, we were on Felucia,” Crosshair confirmed.

   “Wow, that’s pretty far.  No wonder I didn’t see you for a while.  And they don’t have good ice cream?” you gave a playful smirk.  “That sounds rough.”

   “It was!  Not to mention there’s no ___________ there either,” Wrecker added.  “Although, I’m glad you are safe here.”

   “Yes, selling ice cream in a warzone does not sound...ideal.”  Tech crunched down on his ice cream cone.  You chuckled at the thought.

   The squad ended up spending the rest of the afternoon in your shop.  Fortunately, it had been a slow day, so you didn’t have to step away too many times to serve other customers.  At one point, you had your hat and apron hanging on the back of a chair in the dining area as you and the squad sat around a table talking and catching up.  You liked Echo right off the bat, but after getting to know him better you knew for sure you’d get along.

   Crosshair had lightened up a bit and was leaning back in his chair smirking at an amusing story that Hunter was telling you about the latest mission.  The shop was filled with laughter and good-natured teasing.  Eventually, your shift came to an end.  You hung up your uniform and grabbed your belongings.  Your replacement arrived a little early, so were good to head out.

   “Since we’ve been here for a while now,” Hunter said.  “We were going to get something to eat.  Want to come?”

   “Sure,” you grinned.  “I’m down with wherever.”

[skellebonez]

How's about Shadowpeach with 10 and 73, specifically with Wukong taking care of Spider Macaque in the Spider Monkie AU?

The ShadowPeach in this fill is pretty vague, so if you don't ship them I think you could still read and enjoy this! I really wanted to just have an introspection from Macaque about what the transformation has done to to him and how much he thinks it had done to Sun Wukong as well.

Stop it! You’re only making it worse!/You’re putting an awful lot of trust in them.

"Macaque?"

"I'm fine, Peaches."

Macaque was not, in fact, fine. In any sense of the word. His back and shoulders ached horribly, deep set into the muscle, aches that stemmed from what he had willingly put his body through. The extra height. The new grown fur.

His extra set of arms, totaling four overall, set below his regular arms that had their own shoulder blades to ache with. No, he was not fine.

Not to mention the headache from his extra eyes...

The fact he was laying face down on a pile of leaves because he ached too much to make it back to any of buildings was a pretty clear sign to anyone passing that while he sounded convincing, as always, he was clearly lying.

“Is there anything you want me to do for you?”

The question made Macaque pause in his musing and look up. It wasn’t as if the offer to help was unexpected, no. Wukong had made it very clear since they reunited that he can and would help in any way possible. It was the way the help was offered. Or, rather, the way he was asking if he could offer any to the ailing demon.

It was... different.

Maybe because now that Wukong went through something similar he could possibly understand a bit more.

It was odd for the dark furred monkey to have to crane his neck to look up at the other now. Sun Wukong towered over... well, everyone. Even Sandy was shorter than the new Spider-Monkey King. The only person who could probably best the other in stature now was possibly DBK, and that was on a day he wasn't using his own magic to shift to his smaller form.

He'd also been granted a third set of arms, instead of the extra eyes that Macaque had to get used to and deal with on a regular basis. But often he wondered if the trade off was worth it...

The places where they matched transformation wise, however, were their fur and eyes. Both had grown a mixture of coarse spider fuzz and soft monkey fur, often times mingling into a warm mixed coat that granted extra protection from the elements. Macaque's black fur had grown a deep purple over his chest and arms, offset by silver bands and stripes in places. Wukong's, on the other hand, became a soft white and a light peach fuzz shade that mixed with his natural deeper fur color. And their eyes each attained a brilling green hue.

Spider Queen once said they shone like emeralds and Macaque couldn't find himself arguing with that.

What he could argue with, however, was the fact that HE got really cool purple markings around his eyes and Wukong's face marking didn't change at all.

So point 1 to him for getting something extra.

Built in eyeliner.

"Mac? Mango?" Wukong asked again, pulling the other from his thoughts abruptly. "I can leave you alone for a bit if you want. Check in on you later?"

Macaque tensed and pain shot through his spine and, for some reason, the thought of suddenly being alone again filled him with dread.

"Can you..." he started slowly, low enough that he was uncertain that the other could hear him. "Can you groom my back for me? I couldn't finish it and..."

He trailed off, to embarrassed to admit that the whole reason he was even in this mess was because he had stubbornly tried to clean the fur on his own back when it had gotten caught on some brush and the stretching of his already painted muscles proved too much for him.

"Sure," was all Wukong said before sitting down beside the other and quietly getting to work.

They sat silently for a while. Wukong doing his best to run his many fingers through only the glossy tangled fur. The coarser fur would require a comb or brush and Macaque douted that the other wanted to even attempt brushing his fur out in this situation.

And while the deep set ache in his spine didn't vanish, the longer he laid there and felt the other working on his fur the longer he relaxed and felt the surface aches slowly dampen themselves.

“What did Syntax say about the next batch?” Wukong finally spoke up as his fingers worked their way through the knotted fur between Macaque’s second set of shoulder blades. Every graze against the skin beneath the fur felt like a new ache, but the touches we so soft and fleeting that Macaque knew the temporary pain would be worth not having to attempt to groom his own back again. “It’s supposed to last longer, right?”

"He thinks so," Macaque said, voice tight but clearer than he expected it to come out. "I know it will. He's never failed me before."

For better or worse.

"Seems like it," Wukong agreed quickly, apologizing as he pulled a stubborn knot just a bit too hard and earned a pained yelp from the other. "You're putting an awful lot of trust in him... but his serums have been working so far so even if everything is guess work he seems to know what he's doing."

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

The reply came so fast that Macaque knew that it was practiced. Said so clearly that even after all this time he knew that the other spider-monkey mutant was hiding something. His actions never ceased, though. Grooming continuing on as if nothing was said, hundreds of years not being dampened by the addition of size or number of fingers in the slightest.

“You can’t expect me to believe that you went through a transformation more drastic than mine so quickly without anythin-”

“Yes,” Wukong interrupted, voice more form and snappy than he has sounded the entire time he was tending to Macaque’s fur and muscle aches.

“You’ve always been a shit liar, you know. That’s my forte.”

Now the movements slowed, not to a stop but noticeable enough to be felt. Not until he finished working through the fur after another minute or so of silence.

"Only to you," Wukong admitted, running his fingers through the finished patches of fur to catch any missed knots. "Apparently I'm pretty good when it comes to others."

"That's because they haven't known you as long as I have," Macaque said, sitting up against the urges from the other to keep laying down.

And the sight before him, closer and clearer in the light than before, proved his suspicions that he'd had since the other's transformation correct in his mind.

Sun Wukong looked exhausted. Not physically, except for the dark bags under his eyes that Macaque could see forming. But his posture and the dull shine of his eyes gave it away. The way he leaned forward and his eyes were half lidded and the way he smiled in that awkward nervous way that showed far too much teeth.

"You've been treating me differently," Macaque continued as he stretched and the pain was worth the light rush of relief from the way the stretch relieved some pressure on his back. "Since your transformation. It's because you know how I feel now, don't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Stop it!" Macaque snapped, startling the other. "You’re only making it worse, pretending it doesn't happen! Have you even gone to Syntax for any treatment?"

In the back of Macaque’s mind he could swear he heard "hypocrite" shouted at him for the pretending bit.

"... no," Wukong admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with two hands. That wasn't from embarrassment or nervousness, that was from pain. Macaque recognized it from so long ago. "He comes to me, though. Practically throws the stuff at me while insulting me for being too stubborn for own good."

"He's right you stubborn ass," Macaque said with a half chuckle, standing with more than a bit of effort. When he stumbled forward he was grateful that Wukong held out a hand to grab his own and didn't catch him, who knows how much that would hurt. It had when he'd caught him before. "The new batch should be ready, actually. We should go see him together."

Macaque smirked up at the other, hoping he was playing his cards right.

"Besides, I know how much you like proving people wrong."

The loud laughter that resounded through their little patch of forest told him he was still good at playing that little game of chance.

"Alright, yeah," Wukong agreed, smile softening as he held out one of his lower arms from Macaque to hold onto as he walked. "I do like proving people wrong. I'm not too stubborn to accept help after everything that's happened."

"Now tell Queenie that next time we see her so she can stop worrying over you so much," Macaque chided with a laugh of his own as they walked the path to home Wukong had built for the spider demons on his island.

As they walked Macaque felt the soft and firm brush of Wukong's tail against his own and he wrapped his around it. Their tailed wrapped together, twining like rope behind them, and they just had to hope that Syntax wouldn't have a rant planned out for the two of them when they arrived.

[hellothere-generalangsty]

Crosshair - Night Terror

Summary: Erys, a medic assigned to the Bad Batch, had to deal with a sleep deprived Batcher. (Happens Pre Order 66, so no Omega here, and no Echo either yet)

Pairing: None (none…yet)

Reader description: Human medic, f!reader [she/her], no real physical description

Word Count: 2724 words

CW/ TW: Angst; Nightmares/ night terror, sort of injury, pain; Fluff too because I’m a softie tonight

Tags: @allamarisss @loth-wolffe @tacticalsparkles @imalovernotahater @ladykatakuri (I don't know why it won't tag you correctly so sorry about that ;; )

@m-o-o-n-s-g-o-o-n-s this one I dedicate to you my soft Moony 🌙

As usual, if you want to get tagged/removed, tell me so!

Notes: I’m sorry Crosshair, I know I make you suffer (a bit) but it’s for the p e o p l e

Also due to personal reasons (aka, I need it to be this way), the Marauder has a closed room with bunk beds (4) in it

Lately the nights were short and agitated for the Batchers, and even after all this time in the company of clones, Erys couldn’t get used to it. Their last mission had been quite difficult for them; Tech had been injured and they almost lost the information they were supposed to get.

They couldn’t get back to Kamino yet; they had to safely transport the information to the Senate. Usually she would have been in the cockpit, observing the blue and white strings of hyperspace wrapping the ship, but Hunter and Wrecker had fallen asleep in their seats and she didn’t wanted the door to wake them up. So she stayed in the room, peacefully reading a book on her datapad. Tech had left some time ago and didn’t came back yet, but she didn’t worry much about it. He was trying remain active as a way to distract himself from the pain. His arm had been shot, and he needed a full recovery on Kamino; but for now he had to do with bacta patches only.

As for Crosshair…well, he was one of the reason she remained in the room. She noticed how much he struggled to sleep lately; being a light sleeper didn’t help his situation, and he would spent most of the time simply laying on his bed and staring at the wall or the roof, chewing toothpick after toothpick. Erys couldn’t do much about that, but she didn’t wanted him to feel lonely during these moments.

He wasn’t much of a talker, so she never forced the conversation with him. She would just tell him “I’m here” before settling on a bed, and would find a way to get occupied. Sometimes he would come down to sit next to her and watch her write a report, or fill a medical file about one of them.

Today was one of those days. She was working on Tech’s file, describing his wound shot, the number of bacta patches he had since he got injured, the evolution of the burn and the healing of the tissues.

She felt a small bump on her shoulder. She used the reflection on her datapad to confirm her intuition, careful about her movements. Crosshair had fallen asleep.

Finally, she thought to herself. He deserved some rest. She knew how Tech getting injured was eating him alive; he couldn’t prevent it yet convinced himself it was his fault.

“Crosshair, you couldn’t tell there was another sniper. It happens, that’s part of going on a mission, and that’s why I’m here.”

“I should have guessed; but you can’t understand, you’re just a medic.”

She knew he didn’t mean to hurt, and she wasn’t mad at him. She’d rather have him talking mean to her than bottling everything up. Later, he had asked her if Tech needed to change his bacta patch.

“Yes he can change it now.”

“Where is it?”

She had pointed to her bag, telling him to take the white-wrapped one. He nodded, his voice a bit softer than usual when he thanked her before leaving the room. He wasn’t much of a talker, but he was a man of action, both on and off the battlefield. If anyone wanted to know how Crosshair felt, they would have to look at his behaviour more than listen to his words.

She still couldn’t believe how quickly he fell asleep; against her shoulder on top of that.

He is sleep deprived, of course he was quick to fall asleep. But he should lay down, he’s going to get cramps if he doesn’t lay down.

She thought about it for a moment. Eventually, her arm would feel numb and she would have to move too; but was it worth taking the risk of waking him up? She decided it was better for her to wait. He had to get some rest. She carefully took his toothpick out of his mouth so he wouldn’t hurt himself with it, and focused back on her datapad and the notes she had taken.

.

“Crosshair, sniper!”

He laid flatter on his stomach, eye aligned with the scope of his rifle, scanning the houses a few clicks away, until he spotted it.

“Got you.”

He shot straight, watching as the body jolted under the impact, falling to his side.

“Tech’s down, we need to get out of here!”

He pretended he couldn’t hear the worry in Hunter’s voice, he tried to push away the idea of his brother being hurt, because they had a job to do, and the sooner it would be done, the sooner they could get away from here.

“Bring them out for me.” He told them, eagerly waiting on the bodies to move in his field of vision. He counted in his head to keep his breath regular; now was not the time to get distracted, or nervous.

One, two, three; aim and shoot. Four, five…Wait. Wait…Shoot.

One by one, the bodies were dropping on the ground, and none of them could tell what hit them. When he saw Wrecker coming out of the base, a thumb in the air, he slightly turned his rifle to see were was Tech. Hunter was blocking his vision, but he could still guess the shape of his brother, and the blown out part of his armour. Wrecker joined them and helped Tech get on his feet to get away from there.

“Crosshair, let’s go!”

He jumped on his feet. But something didn’t add up.

“Are you sure they’re all down?”

“Doesn’t matter, Wrecker’s gonna blow it up. We’ll come and get you, so be ready!”

He could see their small silhouettes running toward the Marauder. They barely had time to get in before the base exploded. The wave got to him and pushed him back, making him trip and fall. It took him a second to register the pain, another to roll to his side and try to grab his rifle. A third one to realise there was no rifle anymore.

“Looking for that?”

“Give it back.” He pushed on his hands and knees to get up, staring at the helmeted person standing there, his rifle loosely held in one hand.

“I don’t want it,” they threw it away, “I’m here for you.”

“Go away.”

He kept staring at them, trying to guess their next move, counting the time he had left before the Marauder would come to get him. He had to get his rifle back.

“That’s not a good idea,” they simply said.

But he couldn’t care less about what they thought was a good idea or not. He reached for his blaster, aiming straight between their helmet and the upper part of their chest armour.

“Get back to sleep.”

He tried to shoot, but nothing came out of the blaster.

“Why is it not…”he threw it on the ground, heart clenching in his chest. He felt his hands shaking, and caught himself thinking about being unable to use his guns, standing all alone on a cliff with a masked stranger, waiting on back-up that was still not here; and Tech being inured because he didn’t see that kriffing sniper ambushed right in front of his own hiding spot, and the noise that explosion made, and why didn’t they came for him yet?!

“Crosshair-”

“Shut up!” he snapped, getting dangerously closer to the stranger. His face was covered by his helmet, but the rage, the fear, the guilt; all of it was still clearly discernable in his voice. He grabbed the hand that was coming toward him, bluntly twisting it, forcing whoever it was down on their knees, begging.

“Crosshair, let go now!”

“I told you to go away,” he tightened his grip on their arm, “so why are you still here, why?!”

He could hear the muffled whine coming from under the helmet, and held still even if they were trying to break free. He pushed further on their arm, forcing it open.

“You’re…you’re gonna break it Crosshair…Let go, please…”

.

It felt too brutal. Waking up above her, her arm twisted under his fingers, her skin marked by his too tight grip. He didn’t know how, but he made sure she couldn’t get away. She was trying so hard not to be afraid; he could tell, but he was still scaring her.

He was still hurting someone.

“I- I’m…,” he let go of her, as he realised what just happened. His hands were still shaking, and his breath was way shorter and faster than usual. He straightened on the mattress, backing up as much as he could, until he could feel the cold metallic all against his back. She barely rubbed her arm before turning around, trying to comfort him.

“It’s okay, it happens. I’m fine, Crosshair, I promise you I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry, I- what was that…“ he stuttered, hands close to his chest.

“You had a night terror, it happens, okay?”

She didn’t try to reach him, not physically. She knew it would only make things worse.

“Look, I’ll go get you something to drink and eat, and you can stay there until I come back. Or go to the refresher if you need to,” she gently told him, calmly getting up of the bed. “I’ll be right back.”

She turned around one last time before getting out of the room, but he couldn’t even look at her in the eyes.

First Tech, now her.

She went to the food supplies, grabbed a few bars for Crosshair, as well as a small bottle of blue milk. She almost congratulated herself for not making any noise, but quickly lost that enthusiasm when she crossed path with a still half-asleep Hunter.

“Hey there,” she smiled, holding the supplies close to her arm to hide the bruises.

“What’ you doing with that?” he muttered, lazily stretching his hands.

“I’ve been working on files for hours and forgot to eat, so I’m catching up.”

“Right.”

He looked down at the supplies in her arm for a moment, met her eyes again, silently asking a question she would never answer to.

“Well, I gotta go, lot of work waiting for me.” She said, already heading back to the room.

“Yeah, I guess you do.”

She lost her confident mask the second the door closed behind her. She didn’t wanted Hunter to get involved, Crosshair was already feeling bad enough. Speaking of which…

“Crosshair? I brought you some food.”

She guessed he was in the refresher, because she couldn’t find him in his bed. She sat down, spreading the supplies on the mattress, then taking a closer look to her bruises. Sure, it hurt, but it could have been way worse. She knew clones were more prone to have night terrors; it wasn’t the first time she witnessed one. The incoherent babbling, the fear, the aggressive tone and actions, the blank stares; she recognised it straight away. It didn’t help that he was sleeping against her; it would have been easier to turn off the light and try to create a calmer atmosphere for him if he had been lying on the bed.

She let herself fall back against the mattress, focusing on the pulses running through her arm. A door slid, and she thought it would be Hunter checking on her, but instead it was Crosshair who came to sit next to her, a wet towel and bacta patches in hand.

She softly sighed, straightening once again to lean against the wall.

“Do you remember anything?”

He shook his head from left to right. All he could possibly remember was that overwhelming fear, and the pressure on her wrist.

“Look, I’m not mad, and I know you didn’t do it on purpose. You’ve had a lot of trouble sleeping lately, and the pressure you put on yourself didn’t help. Those things happen, that’s why I’m here.”

He didn’t say anything, but looked down at the blue marks he left on her skin.

“You’re not the only one who get battle scars, sometimes.” She tried to joke, a light smile on her face.

He turned more to face her, bending one of his leg and wedging it under his knee. He then gently seized her hand, bringing it closer to him, softly pressing the wet towel against her wrist. She shivered to the cold contact, but didn’t back off. He proceeded to gently wipe her arm, careful in each movement as to not hurt her.

He spent a few minutes on it, barely pressing against her skin, trying to mostly cool the bruises down a bit before he could get to the next part. When he estimated it was enough, he put the towel away and grabbed a white packet. His hands were not as steady as usual, and he struggled when trying to open it.

“I can help-“

“It fine,” he stopped her, then whispered in a softer tone, “I can do it.”

She didn’t try to interfere anymore, but instead watched him get irritated with the package, taking it to his teeth to rip the corner off. He then peeled the bacta patch off, holding it with the tip of his fingers above her arm.

“Could you…,” she tensed her muscles a bit and got closer, “yes.”

He quickly estimated where he should put the patch, slightly sticking out his tongue as he applied it on the bruises. He gently massaged it to make sure it was sticking correctly, and also out of guilt for being the cause of this injury.

“I should have guessed there was another sniper. It’s my job, and I failed. And Tech got hurt.”

His voice was but barely a murmur, filled with shame and regret. He couldn’t lift his eyes off of the bacta patch, afraid of what he may see in hers if he did.

“How long until he fully recovers?” he then asked her.

“Probably two weeks, maybe less if he gets his treatment on Kamino and if he keeps moving around the way he does. And we both know he will.”

“Yeah,” she managed to rip a subtle smile from him, “he will.”

“You know, you could be a medic too. You got the skills and the soft touch.”

She looked at his hand still on the dressing, quite satisfied with his work. He shook his head to brush that comment off, but deep down it soothed him a bit. He turned around to grab the blue milk and throw the bars between them.

“Well, if I was a medic I’d tell you to eat. So…eat.”

She held a chuckle back, a silly grin on her face, and picked one of the bar from the pile of supplies, unwrapping it before taking a bite.

“Mmh, if you need help to open that…”she pointed at the bottle of blue milk, trying so hard not to laugh. He rolled his eyes at her, but when he tried to open it and it didn’t work, she lost it, bursting into laughter. He couldn’t hold a grin back when he handed it to her.

“Don’t mock- you know what? You earned that right for tonight. Thank you,” he said as she gave it back to him, uncapped.

“You must admit, that was funny!”

“Anything is funny with you, you’re a good audience.”

“That’s true. But it was still very funny.”

He looked at her, a soft smile on his face, and for a short instant, forgot about the façade, and the pain; nothing mattered but the way she was laughing because of him, and the way she was staring into his eyes and-

“Sorry.”

He broke the eye contact, leaning against the wall and trying to look relaxed. He couldn’t tell, but she felt like, overall, this personal time between them was a win. Both on a professional, and a personal scale.

He drank a long sip from the bottle, offered it to her out of courtesy. For the first time in a few days, he felt tired. Enough to get a good night of sleep, at least. So he let himself fall backward, head hitting straight into the soft pillow as he closed his eyes.

“Sleep well.” she whispered to him.

And even though he didn’t answer, did not worded it, he still found a way to let her know, through a heartfelt smile.

I will now.