#i honestly thought i'd abandon you and me? really? forever but here we are

[lightseoul]

you and me, both

synopsis. mina and kirishima invite you to a night out. ‘it won’t be like last time!’ they said. you begrudgingly go. (part 1)

cw. gn!reader, gradstudent!reader, prohero!katsuki, aged-up (~23 yrs old), mina ashido x kirishima eijirou, fluff

word count. 1.9k words

You check your watch for the umpteenth time, which now reads 6:29 PM. It hasn’t even been a minute since you last checked it, yet it feels like you’ve been waiting here for hours.

The ramen shop you’re waiting in front of and agreed to hang out at is slowly getting packed with people, tired businessmen and students alike eager to eat the day’s worries away and head home full and satisfied.

Rocking yourself on your feet, you chance another peek at your watch. You stare at it as the minute hand finally strikes the number 12. With a heavy sigh, you look up to find Bakugou walking towards you, hands in his pockets, just in time.

Of all things, the last thing you need him to be is punctual.

You stare at each other in awkward silence before warily exchanging hello’s.

Before Bakugou could even bring up the elephant in the room, you quickly explain, “I think everyone else is just running late.”

He nods silently, and in three strides, arrives at the spot to your left, all the while sparing a respectable distance between the two of you.

Clearing your throat, you look around at everything else but him. The ramen shop you chose as a group called Kikanbo is known for its signature ‘devil’ ramen—devil because of its (allegedly, hot and numbing) spiciness.

You were initially against it, not wanting to make a fool of yourself in front of Mina and Kirishima’s Pro Hero friends, but ultimately decided to go with the flow. The last thing you needed was for them to tease you about being self-conscious around Bakugou. Which you aren’t.

Suddenly, it dawns on you how suspiciously couple-looking you’re coming off right now. Giving Bakugou a quick once-over, he’s dressed in black joggers and a grey crewneck sweater, insulated by a thick, long coat. You internally sigh in relief at the sight of his baseball cap, which should shield his identity from prying eyes.

Though, you doubt his bulging muscles and piercing crimson eyes do much in terms of keeping a low profile.

While looking him up and down, he catches your eye. Embarrassed, you blurt out: “I’m gonna call Mina.”

Desperate to get away from his immediate radius, you don’t even wait for his acknowledgment before stepping away into a quiet corner. The phone rings three times before you’re greeted with a chirpy (too chirpy, if you were to be honest right now), sing-song voice.

“Hi, Y/N! What’s up?”

Twelve years of friendship and you still can’t believe this girl, “Mina? Where the fuck are you?! And everyone else?”

She has the nerve to guffaw, “Like I said, it won’t be like last time anymore! Tonight, it’s only gonna be you and—drum roll, please,” in the background, you hear someone—Kirishima, probably—imitating a drum, “Bakugou!”

Fuck. You can’t help but whimper, “You have to be kidding me.”

“Sorry, Y/N. We figured this is the only way we can get you guys to spend time together outside of just texting. By the way, you guys sure are going at a snail’s pace, huh?”

You can feel the blood rush to your face, “What? How’d you even—”

“Bye, bestie!” she cuts you off, “Have fun!”

“Be safe, bro!” Kirishima adds before she hangs up, leaving you slack-jawed and your heart going at 150 beats per minute.

When you turn back, you see Bakugou leaning with his back against the wall, a smirk decorating his features. What’s he all fucking smug about?

You reluctantly walk towards him, waving your phone for emphasis, “Did you know about this?”

“No,” the smirk has now been replaced with a subdued scowl, “but I put two and two together on the way here.”

And just like that, he drops the conversation. He simply makes his way to the entrance and you follow suit, forced to deal with all the implications by yourself.

Just like the dinner from two weeks ago, it turns out that hanging out with Bakugou isn’t so bad after all.

After ruefully accepting the fact that you both got absolutely betrayed and stood up by your best friends, you entered the ramen shop and got seated on the stools facing the chefs. You ended up going for the regular level spices, or futsu futsu, while Bakugou went all in and ordered the devil ramen or oni mashi.

He barked a laugh at how your eyes bugged out the moment you saw how red his broth is. Instead of challenging you to a spice-off, though, he simply offered you the first sip (which stunned you—you didn’t expect him to make such a courteous gesture). Grateful, you took his offer.

You shouldn’t have, though.

You ended up choking so hard, alarming everyone in the restaurant, and Bakugou had to keep in his snort (that was surely gonna be loud and attract even more attention) in favor of getting you some milk to wash it off.

Once you recovered, you went on to eat your dinner, talking about the kinds of things you’ve conversed about over daily texts. Real-life conversation with Bakugou, to your pleasant surprise, is easy and free-flowing.

Contrary to how he’s depicted in media and your first impression of him from that run-in in the middle of your commute home from university, Bakugou is thoughtful and considerate. Sometimes brash, yes, but never mean.

He also seems to be genuinely interested in what you have to say, mindful of shifting the conversation from revolving around his hero work to asking about how’s post-grad these days, or if there’s anything eventful that happened in Manual’s agency earlier, seeing as how’s today’s a Saturday, the day on which you work part-time as admin staff.

You couldn’t school the surprised expression on your face fast enough at his remembering, and a small, somewhat self-satisfied smile took over his lips at your reaction. You probably, maybe, could’ve died a happy person then and there, but you kept yourself in check.

Soon after the bowls were clean of delicious ramen and bills were paid, you then headed out and decided to walk in the cool night breeze, with Bakugou taking the lead.

Which is how you wound up here, in a somewhat populated park that you’ve never heard of, sitting on the bench overlooking the view and in comfortable silence.

“So,” you start, admiring the scenery (first; second, avoiding eye contact), “do you usually go here?”

He grunts in response, “Yeah. Though I usually stroll around alone, instead of…” he gestures awkwardly toward your direction.

You struggle to contain your chuckle. How can he be so domineering in the field yet so bunglesome when talking to you? It’s endearing, to say the least.

“But you have brought some over here, have you?” you look around again, inspecting the greenery, the stone infrastructure, the lights. “This place is so beautiful.”

“I have,” he starts, “I think I’ve jogged with Dunce-face and Bug Eyes here once.”

You snort at the nicknames he calls his friends, “Dunce-face? Are you referring to Kaminari when he—”

He smirks, “Yep.”

You can’t help but laugh out loud, and he joins in with a snicker.

“But wait,” you look at him, “I meant have you brought over a girl over here before?”

You mentally slap yourself for uttering the question before thinking it through, undertones and all. Bakugou’s eyes widen a bit, but his face remains controlled. If he’s masking his knee-jerk reaction, you’re thankful for it.

“I mean,” you peer amongst the people who are enjoying the night air with you, “Most of the people here are in pairs—couples, because of how romantic the place is at night, with all the light fixtures and all.” You shrug, “I’m sure any girl would appreciate being brought here.”

You sure as hell are hoping you’re coming off more as the ‘helpful-friend-giving-some-well-meaning-advice’ than the ‘jealous-bitch-who’s-crazy-over-past-girls’.

He huffs, and you’re starting to think you’ve overstepped his boundaries when he cuts off your train of thought. Hell—railroads you and leaves your mind embarrassingly blank.

“Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever been on a date. At least,” he snorts, “the one-on-one kind.”

Suddenly, a million questions start racing through your mind.

He’s considering this a date? Did he consider the fiasco from last time a double date? This is his first? What?! How?! Why did he bring you here, anyway? Does he think of you in that way…? How can he be so bashful yet so straightforward at the same time? How the fuck is he so cute?

All these very important (some outright silly) questions, but the one you pipe up with is: “But back then—you agreed when I said you had a lot of experience—how?”

“I grunted, dumbass. There’s a difference. I wasn’t about to tell ya how inexperienced I was in this sort of thing when you were hyping me up like no other.”

“Huh.”

He side-eyes you, “From the looks of it, I’d say you’re the one who’s had far more experience.”

You’re too embarrassed to admit the truth, and too dizzy from the implications of his statements, but you figured you owed him at least your honesty. Looking down at your clasped hands, you mumble under your breath, “This is actually my first time, too.”

Silence falls upon the two of you, and unlike earlier, it’s filled with budding anticipation rather than comfort. You finally will yourself to look up, only to see him red. Red all over—neck, ears, and face.

Redder than when he slurped down that monstrous broth from earlier.

Then it hits you.

What Mina said was…real.

She sure as hell omits some truths, concerningly more often than not, but she never lies to you.

You can’t help but let out a soft laugh, and he turns away at the sound, perhaps in embarrassment.

You smile, “For the record, I’m glad you’re my first.”

At that, he abruptly stands up, and for a second you’re thinking you ruined the moment by saying that, but you don’t get to wish for the ground to swallow you up whole because Bakugou looks back at you with a fierce determination in his eyes that makes your mind go hazy.

“Come on,” he holds out his hand, “I wanna make sure this is the best fucking first date you’re ever gonna have.”

Bonus:

(as he’s walking you home from the park)

“Wait, so am I the first person you’ve been texting, too?”

“Yes. Now quit yapping about this ‘first’ shit or I’ll make you.”

You laugh good-naturedly, “But you’re so good at it! The pacing, the withholding of information to keep them wanting more—I was convinced you’ve done this with a million other people.”

He sighs in what you think is fake exasperation, as his cheeks are tinted with a faint red, “For the billionth time, you’re my first. And,” he looks away, “I had Shitty-hair help me out a bit.”

Normally, you’d extinguish any and all species of butterflies in your stomach brought to existence by a boy because you can’t afford to get distracted right now.

But, today isn’t normal.

You, instead, let the grin that’s been fighting to take over your face the entire evening finally win over. You can’t help it—hearing that from anyone—especially Bakugou, makes you happy.

You continue walking in comfortable silence until he’s the one to break it.

“So,” he starts and you don’t even have to look at him to know there’s a smirk adorning his goddamn handsome face, “all sorts of company, huh?”

“Shut up.”

tagging. @wolfunderthethree @bakugo-dee @poemzcheng @fallingmoon02 @eksd @niiine @gold24fish @animehoe666 @distinguishedlight

[lost-inanotherlife]

Lost S2 Rewatch - spontaneous, random thoughts (might change my mind)

Kinda dig Ana Lucia. I remember that, back when the show first aired, I didn't like her but I guess I've changed my mind. I like the fact that she seems to be unapologetic, she's leader-material and she knows it and acts as such but she's not smug about it. She does bad things, she knows it and doesn't hide behind excuses. Honestly? So far she's cool.

The introduction of the Tailies was a ballsy move, we haven't seen our fearless leader Jack for 6 episodes now (I've reached S2E7) and the show is still compelling and exciting. We meet five new characters and their introductions are different from those of the main characters in s1: it's fast, no flashbacks, direct. The comparison works because I find myself wanting to know more even though I wasn't even given enough screen-time to care about them. Ballsy, well-executed professional writing move.

I like how the first 3 episodes are taking place on the same night/day as the last 3 episodes of S1 (or 2 episodes, according to how you're watching "Exodus"). We see the events from different perspectives and this method of storytelling sometimes is very effective, sometimes I personally find it a bit boring. This doesn't happen here at all.

Hurley is such a more interesting character when you rewatch the show! I think that he's the only character (so far) where knowing things in advance makes him better and I'm like "hell, yes, why didn't I see that before?". Like, when I first watched the show I thought that Hurley was the "comic relief" of the series. He kinda is, but he's also not and so much more? Upon rewatching the show you can clearly see why he was the right leader and the best protector of the island. Gotta love The Dude.

I've said it once, I'll say it again (and forever): JUSTICE FOR SHANNON. I'll protect her against anyone. Her centric episode "Abandoned" is okay but I find it very distasteful that her death is framed as manpain fodder for Sayid. Also, she has sex at the beginning of the episode and at the end she dies? Ugh. Again, distasteful, it felt a little like she had completed her function so off we go. My girl deserved so much more :(.

Speaking of Shannon, her relationship with Sayid is meh. I actually liked it 20 years ago but thank god I've definitely changed because it's a badly written ship. I mean, I can see that the two characters have potential, but there's no "meat" behind it. The story is not "built", it's just there. One day Sayid finds her attractive and that's it. The two of them have spent like 1 afternoon together and all of a sudden the guy creates a romantic location on the beach so they can have sex. Shallow. And also, let's never forget that these people are on a fucking island full of things AND people that want to kill them, but okay, let's go beachsex-camping somewhere!

I'm an anti-Charlie. It really costs me a lot to say this because he was my favorite twenty years ago and now I can't stand him. I've reckoned that if I have to spend more time trying to make excuses for him while I actively don't like his actions... well, it's wasted time. Let's call is as it is: Charlie's a dick. That scene after Locke was holding Aaron and Charlie was jelaous or, I'd rather say, unhingedly possessive? Brrr, chills bruh and the wrong kind. Dude, you're cringe.

[paulcatania]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT, TUMBLR?!?!?!

Dear Tumblr, I am so sorry for everything. Really. I am part of the problem.

First off, I am sorry for the #PornVibesStrong moment that Twitter ROBBED you of during and prior to the Trump Administration (and who knows, perhaps now). Didn't Trump shut you down? Something happened. I can't remember. But I know that wow, what a time. This time however? This is another time. A time which feels like no time or space are we existing. Just maybe. If anyone can understand what that means of feels like to think or say. The post Covid existence being this constant alternate universe, time warp fuckery I can't quite seem to pinpoint with a term defining. Listening to "Head Over Heels" right now by Tears For Fears feels appropriate. It just has that sound to it ya know. Especially when it shows up in Donnie Darko. OMG. DOES NOT THE POST COVID WORLD FEEL LIKE DONNIE DARKO???? I know this much. Wait hold on..... Ok I had to go and quickly skim the lyrics to that song as final line of the song played... "Funny how time flies....". It really is all connected.

I haven't written in forever. Not like this. Not through the vessel that is you dearest Tumblr. I have abandoned my original venting/creative space-preferred via the digital realm. It's all beyond a bit much; to say the least. As of this exact moment, trying to rid myself of the physical foot print being my last four years. A mental health decline in late 2018 where life didn't seem one worth living, yet still trucking through creative projects and feeling connected to "the muses" whoever they are. Entities undisclosed, yet carrying me. An overpowering of dark forces bringing me to feelings of wanting to simply NOT EXIST. I wouldn't say I was suicidal, but how many steps can we possibly be before thoughts turn transcend actions. So I kind of acquired an art gallery of my friends in the earlier months of 2019 which then turns into my quite literally manifested 2nd Hand Shop which I simply called "Paul's Closet". In this post Covid world I am left with what seems to be endless items now making up my brand name switch to a less than desireable to some "2nd Hand HoE". I know right. Who doesn't want to shop there?

2nd Hand HoE is a less than acceptably managed resale shop out of my office space in my hometown of Gloucester, MA. Yup. This is where I'm at. I mean it's not THAT bad. I'm working the sidewalk/vestibule/stairwell which leads to a second-level office building consisting of office space for commercial use. It's been a long and wild 3 years being back and forth between here and my apartment in Peabody just about 15 miles away. A shared space with my ex partner. The poor dude. Sorry Alex. Haha. Yeah, No. It was a great 3 years. A wild learning experience with a friend unlike any I'd ever had. Relationships can be intense. Cohabited relationships even more so if not the right time and place. And space. Hold this space my dear lover. Ugh I'm gonna shart my jorts. Honestly. I'm so lost. Like what am I doing. WAIT, I know....... DUH. I'm reintroducing myself into the strong relationship I once had with the Tumbz. I see you Tumbzi, and I know you see #metoo.

Anyhoozers, I was all up in my feelitos, and I don't even know what the fuck made me think of it but I was like, what should I do? Just sit here anal cav deep in my iPhone swiping between apps slash doom scrolling and being envious of others' shit???? NO. Ufck That dumb stuff. I need to recreate my life. Will I this time? Well, hope the fuck so. The universe will always work out the shit it needs to but I would like to be a little bit of a commander in this simulation as well. I mean that's only fair right? Most would say so. I have discipline issues. I'm afraid to take chances. I'm afraid of what everyone thinks of me. It's ridiculous. I hate the internet, and all these things I hate and am afraid of are the things I'm supposed to connect to and through to be anything worth anything in a capitalist world right? I don't even know what I'm saying right now. I just know that I need to speak or type or write or whatever the fahhhhhk is on my mind or else the wheels will turn and spin right off the track. Or shall we say, Tumbl off course.

of course.

[pure-kirarin]

Slow & Steady [P2] [Sabo x f!reader] (+18)

Genre : Romance - Smut - Bestfriends to lovers General warnings : Alcohol consumption - Dark themes - Swearing - S m u t - possessiveness - Mention of ex-relationships - jealousy

A/N : This is really different from my usual writing style but I am experimenting. Please tell me your thoughts and don’t hesitate to ask to be added to the tag list :) AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/31877203?view_full_work=true

In the last chapter --  «-Enough playing now, you're going to sleep. -B-but ! This wasn't what I asked for....You're really a coward after all...You virgin... » He carried you to his room, putting you on the bed and sitting next to you. «-I'd love to prove you wrong. However, it would be better if you were in a state where you'd be able to recall how good I am. If you want me to fuck you this badly then maybe ask me when you're sober.

Part I - Part II

Part II  -Yeah yeah...Pff..You're no fun Sabo. Things were finally getting interesting ! »

He smiled seeing that you were now calmer. You started to yawn and bury your face in his pillow. He loved to see you getting so comfortable in his room. He really needed a cold shower after your little show.  -Goodnight (Y/N). I'll sleep on the couch. You can get comfortable. -Are you crazyy ? You gonna leave me alone like this ? Let's sleep together~ -Come on (Y/N), you're a big girl. You could sleep alone for one night, would you ? Translation : I don't want to spend the whole night with a semi. And you're dangerously flirty, and I have wanted you for years and now I have to abstain.

-Pleaaaase. You said looking at him with puppy eyes. He rolled his eyes placing a hand in his hair. God.damn.it.

You won again. Like every time. * * *  You opened your eyes hardly next day, feeling something hard against your thigh. You looked at the ceiling

Oh...I am not in my room...Where the fuck am I ?

you turn around only to discover the embodiment of Adonis to your side. A light beam was lighting up Sabo's face. He looked like an angel as his beauty couldn't be that of a human.

Was he always this handsome ?

You didn't know, in fact, you have never had the occasion to wake up in his bed. Wait, in his bed ? This realization came slowly as your head was still foggy from yesterday's consumption.

You looked down, the thing that was pressing against your leg was indeed :

his thing.

You frowned, blushed, pulled away, put a hand on your lips repressing an internal scream, all of this in around three seconds. You then tried to calm down, telling yourself that it was very normal for a man to experience this kind of morning unconviniences, and that Sabo was a man, after all. Even if  you have always seen him as a bestfriend, he was still a man that is capable of physical attraction.

Now that this internal monologue was done with, you felt a bit calmer, but that didn't answer your question. You got out of bed, trying to recall what happened after going in the bar. And it came back. All of it. Without any mercy for your feelings.

You wanted the ground to swallow you whole. Your only wish was to disappear which meant : calling Nami. You headed out of the house, not even having the courage to face your bestfriend.

« Namiiiii -Uh ? What's the matter ? -I fucked up. I fucked up really bad. -Oh yeah ? Tell me about it. -Wait, why do you seem excited ? -O-oh I'm not excited. Come on tell me. What else could you have possibly done ? -I asked Sabo to fuck me. -Wait what ? You could hear Vivi ask Nami about what happened and her answering « She asked Sabo to fuck her ». -Nami ! Don't go on telling everyone about this. I'm on my way. -For starters, Vivi isn't « everyone », she's my girlfriend. And I'm here waiting for you to tell me what happened. -Wait, I'll come at your place. This can't be discussed over the phone. »

You hung up on her. Ten minutes later, you were at her place. Extremely confused. Nami was painting her nails bright red on the bed while Vivi was sitting comfortably on a chair. You let your whole body weight fall on a lounge pug, tourmented.  «-So tell me how you and Sabo ended up fucking. She emphasized the last word in a way that made you almost choke on air.  -We didn't actually. Nami and Vivi both sighed in a synchronized « Ah » of disappointment. -So hmm...I don't remember clearly. I was really drunk-- well that you're aware of and...And Sabo didn't want to leave me alone so we went to his place. Ace was at Thatch's so we were alone. We hugged and he comforted me. Then I started teasing him, and I don't know what I was thinking, but I kissed him, and then I asked him to fuck me. -Wow that escalated quickly. Said Nami as she continued painting her nails.

-Well, I was heartbroken, I needed something, someone, and he was there, and you know Sabo, he's a good guy ! I don't know what's worse, the fact that I asked him to fuck me or the fact that he said no.

-Oh god I'm so so sorry

- Nami please don't make things worse for me.

-No offense, but you're so dense. Sabo has always been into you. Do you want him, or do you not ? I know that going right into a relationship after a breakup is a bad idea. But honestly it's worth giving it a shot. He's a really good guy. Try dating someone nice for once.

-I don't know, he has something unsettling about him. Like « almost too good to be true » you know ? Added Vivi.

-Ohhh~ I see. Honestly, I always thought that he was a bit prude and hella vanilla. I mean, yes, he's my best friend. But he has never talked about girls to me or about sexual stuff. So I just assumed that. I never thought that he'd be packin' like that. You said as you popped a lollipop in your mouth.

-Ah ? Was it really that impressive ? asked Nami, genuinely curious.

-Yeah. On a scale from 0 to doflamingo he's a solid eight point seventy five. (*)

-Oh gosh. I understand why you're so worked up now.

-That's really...precise. Added Vivi, a bit horrified.

(*) [ The dear reader might need this clarification ; Doflamingo was Law's uncle, he sometimes came to pick him up after uni with his luxurious lamborghini. He wore extremely tight pants that left little to the imagination. And he was most known among your clique for having a nine incher. It was a running joke wether to know if Law got his uncle's genes. Needless to say that this joke wasn't to Law's taste. Now back to our adorable Y/N. ]

-So. I really don't know what to do. I am still heartbroken. -And horny. Added the ginger. -Yeah, that too. I'm afraid of ruining our friendship. -Listen dear, said Nami as she was closing the nail polish bottle, if you're not going for it, someone else would. And trust me, that girl Koala is upping her game. She's going to steal him right in front of your eyes, just like this - and she snapped her fingers. -Oh, and then, you can forget about being « best friends ». Said Vivi adding fuel to the fire. -Yeah, once he's gonna start dating, he won't have too much time for you-- and then, that Koala girl, my god, she seems extremely possessive ! -No way, your voice was detached, trying to act is if you weren't worried, Sabo has never dated any girl before.- -Yes but he seems to get along with that girl. And to be honest, she's kinda cute.

-Nami ! Vivi pinched her forearm playfully, pretending to be jealous.

-That hurt ! And don't be jealous, you know that you're my only one~

-Hmm...I prefer that. Vivi laughed. You started caughing reclaiming for their attention.

-Attention please ! We're discussing my dick-appointment here.

-Jesus you're really annoying, (Y/N), just go for it already.

-How much did he pay you to tell me this huh ?

-What ? He didn't pay me ! You're just always getting your heart broken. I'm just trying to be a good friend.

-Say that you are trying to get rid of her~ Jokes Vivi.

-Vivi, don't expose me like this- Nami plays along while laughing.

-I hate you girls ! You say as you throw a pillow on Nami. The ginger starts complaining that you messed her Nail polish, and the whole scene metamorphosed into a pillow fight.

* * *

You spent the whole day with the girls, chit-chatting about boys and girls and playing stupid games. You felt way more comfortable now, less ashamed. However, you were surprised because you didn't get a message from your bestfriend. You wondered wether he was mad at you, it wasn't in his habits.

You decided to message Ace [click for conversation] [ (Y/N) : Heyy amigo is Sabo ok ? Did he tell u smth abt yesterday ? Ace : Ouch, your hurting my feelings, </3 Only talking to me to ask about my brother~ Yea hes okay why tho ? (Y/N) : Ooo kay. He's home ? Ace : He is. Why don't u directly text him ? (Y/N) : Don't tell him I asked. Btw I didn't forget about those 10 bucks you « borrowed » from me. Give it back.] He didn't answer. You sighed and decided to go see Sabo to settle things down. It was the first time that you were embarrassed to see your best friend. You dressed up in a black skirt and t shirt. You didn't usually pay attention to your looks when you went to hang out at Sabo's, but you were really stressed out and what the girls have said about Koala made you scared of losing him. After all, you had some abandonment issues. You had to settle this down once and forever. You arrived at the guy's place, it was an apartment not so far from your own student flat. You knocked on the door and Ace opened : -Ohhh, (Y/N), he whistles, lookin' like a girl today huh ? -What are you implying you dumbass ? Where's Sabo ? -He's in his room with Koala.- -Wait what ? Koala ? What is she doing here ? Ace raised an eyebrow then said amused ; -I don't know, go ask him yourself. -You're useless as usual. -Always so sweet. You on your period or something ? -I didn't forget about my twenty bucks by the way. -I said I'm goin' to pay you back alright ? Now go talk to Sabo. You and Ace were always teasing each other in a brotherly way, but in reality, he really cared for you, it was just your usual way of communication. But it was true that knowing that Koala was in Sabo's room put you in a bad mood. You knocked on the door with a knot in your stomach. Did they start dating ? Was Sabo interested in her ? These ideas were torturing you. But why did you care anyways ? It was none of your business. He could date whoever he wants. You opened the door but there was only Sabo relaxing on his bed, still fully clothed. « - Sabo ?-Oh, (Y/N), what brings you here ? -Why ? Do I need a reason to see my best friend ? He sits on bed looking at you. He doesn't fail to notice your cute outfit, it was different from your usual sweatpants and hoodies, the way it complemented your figure was almost too much for him. Just that sight was driving him insane, but his face didn't betray his emotions, like always, he acted friendly, not an ounce of lust in his dark ebony eyes. You took place next to him. He smelled good, you thought. The same fresh minty smell as last time. Did he always smell this good ? -(Y/N) ?Huh ? Is everything okay ? His voice seemed concerned.He cared for you. And you had those stupid immature and posessive thoughts. Get a grip of yourself, (Y/N), you thought. -Oh yea-- wasn't Koala here ? Ace told me you were with her.

You tried so hard to act like you didn't care, but he knew you like the back of his hand. But still, he played along. -Hmm..Yes. She just left. I was going out as well. He says with a sweet smile, looking at his watch. You couldn't help but make a disappointed face. -But Sabo I wanted to - I'm really sorry (Y/N), let's talk later. He ruffles your hair and you close your eyes as he does so. You felt stressed out. What happened exactly ? You felt intimidated in his presence for the first time. You wanted him to stay and talk this out. It was a bit awkward for you now. You never thought too much. As he was going out of the room you held the fabric of his coat tight in your hand ; -Sabo- -Hum ? Need me to drop you somewhere ? -N-no. You let his sleeve go, realizing what you have just done, I'll stay a bit then go back home. Don't worry about me. -Alright then. See you later ? -Yeah. See ya. ]

You looked at Sabo go away and you followed him shortly after. Meanwhile Ace was sitting on the couch and watching some movies. You went back home and was quite tormented. It wasn't the right time to worry as you had your assignments and studies to deal with. On one hand, you didn't even have the time to think of your ex boyfriend and his cheating but on the other, you felt like you were let down by Sabo. But why ? He didn't do anything. He just found himself a new friend and a potential new girlfriend.

He didn't even talk about her, but why where you so upset by him meeting her ? After all, he had the right to date just like you always did.

A few days have passed and you didn't get the chance to talk to Sabo. Your exams were getting closer and closer and you didn't feel ready.

Usually, Sabo would help you with your assignments but you were too scared to ask. You realized how much you relied on him and how he has been always there for you.

Who were you exactly to him ?

Maybe you took him for granted.

As you were on your bed looking at the ceiling and trying to collect every drop of motivation in your system to study, you heard your phone ring. It was Sabo's ringtone ! ----- Tag list : @vemuabhi @chloe-abbacchio @mwls-garden @soanywaysistartedsimping If you wanna get tagged just ask for it :)

[feather-dancer]

🎁🍬💕

🎁 Have a piece of a WIP you want to share?

AN EXCUSE TO SHARE TRANS CONTENT? DON'T MIND IF I DO. This is first draft garbage so I apologise if the wording is terrible, it's not been edited as yet:

“Do you want to keep it? It’s not in the best condition admittedly but it is still your dress and one of a kind. I’m sure the right tailor could fix it up too if it proved too daunting for you to have a crack at.” Freeing his other hand a moment he scoops up the skirt so that it might be offered properly if more crumpled than any true artisan would dare.

“Here.”

His cousin reaches out to take it from his arms with such care it was though it were a prized possession which technically he supposed it was? Laying it out across his lap his fingers run over the little details that form the bodice, poking some of the stitching with a nail and running the flat of his palm down the length. Not wanting to interrupt Félix starts to pull on the trousers while he picks away at the damaged hem with a judgemental eye.

"I think I might yeah… Not really ready to wear one again yet but I'd like to have it for the day I can without my stomach dropping at the idea of mistaking me for someone else. All the other connotations with it aside of course I mean, it’s very obvious what this is."

“Wouldn’t be too surprised if most sacrifices burn theirs or tore it up to make into something new. If we stuck it at the back of my wardrobe with a few things in front it shouldn’t be noticed? Probably be raiding your room for any scraps he hadn’t already taken before long.” The reply is a thoughtful hum as he begins to carefully fold it in the proper manner for longer term storage.

🍬 Do you write for multiple fandoms? If yes, what is your favorite fic of yours for each fandom?

For Tales of Arcadia As long as there are stars in the sky wins all the time every time. The concept is so STUPID but I love it so much. Where the next chapter is right now is fixing some stuff up after the Void unintentionally triggered sensory overload and the motorbike ride back to the apartment.

For Miraculous if we stick to my main account only, anything for Heavy is the crown aka Prisoner of Iron. The first chapter is nearly done and waiting on another oneshot currently but it really let me go to town worldbuilding which is always my first love. May all the bag of holding jokes never get old.

💕 What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

Ghosts he left behind, always. I forever apologise for the delay on the next chapter because of my brain snapping at the death of a friend and it's very much not abandoned. It's a what if scenario rarely tackled, dealing with grief through loss and not knowing the truth while the end of the world is coming. Honestly this thing is a love letter to A House Divided and Jimhunters specifically but also the franchise because this variant could have so easily happened. Plus lots of Trans themes, bonding, forays into mental health and general "I don't know if we're going to survive so I want to know I care without acknowledging this might be the only time I get to say this." Bravery isn't the absence of fear after all so lets see what happens when death is stared down. Who will blink first?

[bbugyu]

of all the views you had seen, there was little that could compare to him.

6.2k | cavalry captain!jeonghan x gn pyro!reader, genshin impact au, fluff, adventure, drinking, so much flirting, mentions of trauma, honestly this is the sweetest i'm ever gonna write jeonghan

happy inazuma release day!!! it's your local kaeya trash, because i predictably fall for gay bastards that lie straight to my face (example: jeonghan), and i'm here to give you a fic i wrote AGES ago and just polished up a bit to celebrate the release of what is likely going to be my FAVORITE region in genshin impact. i'm japanese so 😅 i have a soft spot. if there's any other gaymer carats out there, enjoy this one. if not, sorry! you can actually probably still read this and understand it for the most part, though you might miss a bit of context of the landscape and the lore.

ps. go tell @babiemingoo that wonwoo xinqiu 🤭

~

your work with the adventurer's guild was always efficient. you received your commissions, you carried them out, then returned for your reward, usually before the sun had even peaked. the rest of your day was generally spent either basking in the eternal sun of mondstadt, feeding cats in inazuma, or enjoying a hard earned meal in liyue, depending on where you decided to stay that week, finding board and paying for it with the commission you had earned that day. your tendency to wander came less from choice and more from nature - you could call yourself a nomad, but generally, you just got bored, and preferred seeing everything teyvat had to offer rather than settling in one place. adventuring was simply what you were meant to do, your mother had told you at a young age.

she, too, had wandered for most of her youth, and didn't stop just because you had come into her life. you remembered getting scooped up because you had wandered off a bit too close to the railing at wangshu inn as a toddler, playing with dogs at the docks of liyue harbor. you remembered the ludi harpastum and the first time you had ever had a sweet honey roast, and the way it made your eyes grow ten times in size before you dug in for more.

when your vision was bestowed upon you, you already knew how to use a sword. it was important, your mother told you, that you knew how to protect yourself. she had a vision as well, younger even than you had, and you had come to recognize the static in the air as a sign that she was angry - whether it was because of an altercation with someone on your journey or because you had secretly eaten the last hashbrown without consulting her first.

she used her vision and a sturdy blade she had owned since before you were born to protect the two of you on the road, but when she felt you were old enough, she taught you how to weild. a two handed weapon that was far too big for you when you were only fourteen, but when your reckless abandon got paired with a spark, you suddenly became far more dangerous than even your own mother. she scolded you for nearly starting a forest fire when you tried to pair the two skills for the first time after receiving your vision, and you both agreed that training was a beach activity from then on.

your mother settled eventually, after you were old and skilled enough to take on the road alone, pulling the many favors she had gathered in her travels to build a home in a small neighborhood south of liyue harbor, nestled in the foothills of mount tianheng, where you visited as often as your wandering allowed.

you had become much better with your vision. more careful but just as hot. quick to scan situations and strategize in the moment, hardly taking a second before jumping into action, slaying hilichurls like you were getting paid. well, you were, you supposed, but you had been doing this long before you had discovered the benefit of joining the guild. you were good at it. you were built for adventure, but revelled in leisure. there was good reason you were able to take afternoons off, and you milked every last second of it.

"you're back in town?"

you grinned, leaning your sword against the wall and dropping your bag off your shoulders before settling at the bar. "for now."

rubin often served you alcohol - when you were in mondstadt, at least, however often that may be - but never questioned you deeply. he would ask how your travels were, and listen to your stories from regions beyond his knowledge, of the cultures that he had only heard of from people like you. he enjoyed them just about as much as any, if not a little more, purely because your tenacious personality brought something more to the table. he wondered, though, how long you intended to keep living day by day, sleeping in different beds every week.

"what's wrong with sleeping in different beds?" you teased, laughing into your wine glass. "if i didn't know any better, i'd think you were shaming me, rube."

rubin simply laughed, knowing your tone by now. "i just wonder if you ever intend on digging in your roots, or if you'll continue travelling forever."

"if i dig roots, you may never see me again. is that what you want?"

"what," he said. "you don't like mondstadt?"

"i love monstadt," you assured him. "but i also love inazuma. and my mother is in liyue, though she might be upset with me if i try to settle too close to her. perhaps natlan would suit me more?" you shrugged finally, the door behind you opening as you finished with "i suppose i'll settle when i've found a reason to love one place more than the rest."

rubin shook his head, a chuckle falling from his lips. "a wanderer through and through." his attention was quickly drawn to the man entering the bar. "ah, captain! the usual?"

"please," the decorated man said, quickly taking a seat beside you despite the rest of the bar being available. "would you like another, wanderer?"

you eyed him cautiously, studying what you could see if his face around the black eyepatch, gaze skimming down his elaborate clothing before looking down at your emptied drink. "sure."

"another for your wandering friend, rubin, on my tab, please." your brain swirled, considering the brief information you had been given and wondered how you had never managed to meet this regular during your past visits. "are you just drinking dandelion wine, or something more fun?"

"more fun?" you asked. "what are you drinking, then?"

"well, a death after noon, of course," he stated. "don't tell me you haven't had one."

you blinked at him. "i haven't."

you turned towards rubin when he laughed at the back and forth. "shall i make two, then?"

"definitely," your new drinking buddy said, then gestured to you. "you trust my taste, right?"

you said nothing, but he accepted your silent smile as an agreeance. "captain," you said finally, thinking of how rubin had addressed him. "of?"

the man turned towards you, his elbow planted on the bar and his cheek on a fist. despite his get up, he had a playful smirk across his lips. "you mean, my reputation doesn't precede me? you really are a wanderer. everyone in mondstadt knows my name."

"everyone but me," you corrected. "as i'm currently in mondstadt."

his teeth shone behind his smirking lips before he sat up straight. "well, allow me to introduce myself." he saluted, his arm extending from his side at an angle - a salute you recognized from the guards around the city. "i am jeonghan, the cavalry captain of the knights of favonius."

"ah, the knights," you smiled briefly, before letting your eyes wander as you thought, crossing your arms over the bar. "i don't see much of a cavalry in the city, though."

he let out an amused exhale. "so i have a bit more free time these days."

"i'm sure the acting grand master is jealous of all your free time," you teased. "poor guy, looks like he's staving off a panic attack every time i see him. you should probably help him more."

"so," he sighed, leaning against the bar again. "you know of the acting grand master but not me?"

"jihoon?" you asked. "of course i know of him. he's all anyone ever talks about around here."

jeonghan nodded once, thanking rubin when he placed two drinks before you. "people talk about me, also, you know."

your lips stuck out in a pout. "jeonghan, you said? doesn't ring a bell."

he rolled his eyes and picked up his drink, holding it out for you to cheers against. you giggled, clinking your glass against his before taking a sip. the golden liquid was sweet, but not like the dandelion wine you had grown to love in this region. it had more depth, a subtle bitterness to it, and a refreshing bubble. you stared after the glass when it left your lips, then looked over to find jeonghan grinning at you.

"i see why it's your usual," you said, taking another sip before placing the glass on the bar. "i could drink too many."

"will you?" he asked.

"not tonight," you replied coolly. "i haven't asked sana to put me up at the guild yet, and if i get there too late, i'll get a cot instead of a bed. unless rubin finally wants to come clean about something?"

the bartender laughed. "how many times do i have to tell you? we don't even have rooms to board."

you squinted at him. "i know there's something upstairs. i'll learn your secrets one day, rube."

"i wouldn't be a very good bartender if i didn't know how to keep them."

"so you're in the guild?" jeonghan asked as rubin attended to another patron. "an adventuring wanderer."

you smiled vaguely at him. "i am. i have to pay for my travels somehow."

he shrugged. "there's other ways to make money. probably more profitable, too."

you eyed his teasing smirk. "i'm not sure i know what you're implying."

"as a captain of the knights of favonius, i assure you, i'm implying nothing at all," he said, exhaling sharply and adjusting on his stool. he leaned over towards you before speaking in a quieter tone. "but as jeonghan, i think you know exactly what i'm implying."

you only laughed, recognizing the thinly veiled attempt to worm a secret out of you. "i outgrew those means a long time ago. besides, when mora gets tight, i can always board up with my mother. i like liyue enough."

jeonghan studied you as you drank again. "liyue's home, is it?'

"for her, yes," you said, looking over to him, but you found yourself looking away again when his steely blue gaze met yours. you thought carefully about how much of yourself you were willing to reveal to this stranger, especially considering how important he was in the rule of the city. "she was a wanderer, too, and ended up falling in love with liyue harbor."

jeonghan made note of the way your face softened as you spoke about your mother. "and what about you?"

you met his intent look again, thinking about how his covered eye somehow made him even more intimidating. perhaps that was its purpose. "what about me?"

"what have you fallen in love with?"

a smile crept onto your lips as you processed his question. "oh, archons, what have i not fallen in love with? the smell of the open ocean in inazuma, the breathtaking temples in sumeru - have you ever been to waterfall city?"

jeonghan merely shook his head at you, the corners of his mouth turning upwards as he put his cheek on a fist again, leaning against the bar. "beautiful?"

you exhaled, eyes wide as you thought of the towering falls and the light mist that covered the city, trying to come up with an apt description. "humbling. there's nothing like it."

he watched your expression, head tilting further. "what a wonderful way to describe a place. tell me more."

your gaze went to him, then away briefly, feeling suddenly shy as you noticed his look. "about waterfall city?"

he shrugged a fur covered shoulder, shaking his head lightly. "about anywhere. describe your world, wanderer. i'd like to hear whatever you have to say."

you wondered if the heat that ran through you was because of the alcohol or the man, but you just took another drink and cleared your throat lightly, thinking of more places you had discovered in your travels. you thought of qingce village, one of your favorite places to visit, because the people are kind and welcoming and the fields are so beautiful. you told him about a tea shop owned by an old man - he insisted you call him pops so fiercely that you weren't even sure you had caught his given name - and it was probably the most relaxing cup of tea you ever had.

"it's been a while since i've gone," you sighed. "i think i'm overdue for a chat with pops and his tea."

jeonghan was smiling when you looked at him again. "the tea in liyue is unmatched," he said, reaching for his drink. before taking another sip, he gestured for you to continue.

so you did. you told him about sakura pond, about celestia city, about the volcanic black beaches. you told him liyue had your favorite people, but inazuma had your favorite food. he clicked his tongue at you.

"what about mondstadt? do we have one of your favorites?"

you smiled, genuinely. "sunsets. the night sky is different here than it is anywhere else. i think mondstadt is the closest we can get to the stars without joining the archons."

jeonghan studied you briefly, his blue eye flicking over your face as you finished your drink. "i think that's an apt observation. it seems your eyes are always wide."

"i travel for the views," you exhaled. "i don't plan on missing any."

he thought a second. "have you been to starsnatch cliff?"

your eyes lit up. "not in years," you said, in complete shock that you could have forgotten such a place. you pushed from the bar slightly, turning towards him, and he noticed the flash of a red gem strapped to your right thigh for the first time. "my mother took me there when i was a kid, but i haven't gone since."

"it never gets old," he said, sipping at the end of his drink. "i've yet to see that view and not be in awe."

"i'll go before i leave mondstadt again," you decided.

he looked to you. "when will that be?"

you sighed. "not sure, yet."

he just chuckled. "would you like another drink?"

"oh, no," you said, standing and stretching your spine. "i should make my leave. i don't like sleeping on cots. i just came by to let my ol' pal rube know i was in town again."

jeonghan watched you pull your pack onto your back, grabbing the handle of your sheathed claymore from where it was leaning against the wall next to the bar. "perhaps i'll see you again tomorrow?"

you looked at him, a vague smile on your lips as you strapped your sword back on. "perhaps you will, captain."

"jeonghan," he corrected. "but i don't believe you ever shared your name?"

"that was by design, captain," you said, and he swore he caught a glint in your eye as you bid rubin a farewell and stepped out of the angel's share.

jeonghan spun back around on his stool, immediately looking to rubin. "do you know their name?"

"no, sir," he said, looking at the closed door. "they've never said."

jeonghan's gaze went to the empty glass you had left behind, thinking about your stories, your sword, and the signifier of your vision on your thigh. "fascinating."

you got lucky - sana had a private room for you, and said you were welcome to rent it for your stay. she said not many people were travelling to mondstadt these days, and that more often than not, the adventurer's barracks in headquarters went unused. ever since the fatui had holed up in the grand goth hotel, it had been harder for you to make extended stays in mondstadt, but it seemed that something was telling you to stick around longer than usual. you laid on the hard mattress - a feeling that was more comforting than most, thanks to your continuous travels - and thought of the charming captain that had made a night of questioning you. you wondered if he really had any interest in anything you had to say, or if he had been hoping for details about something pertinent to an investigation.

you packed a lighter bag in the morning, only bringing along the essentials as you set out for your commissions for the day. that afternoon, you wandered around mondstadt and asked questions. questions about the simultaneously well-discussed and mysterious cavalry captain that had listened to your tales of travel, and answers came easier than expected, though they didn't contain all the details you were looking for. that night, you waited up at the angel's share to brag about your newfound knowledge to the captain that never showed, and you did your best to not let that hurt your ego.

the next day, you made a detour on your way back to the city after completing your commissions, stopping by springvale to enjoy a well deserved lunch and catch up with some locals. you sat in the grass with a skewer of grilled meat, watching the windmills of mondstadt steadily spin in the distance as time passed, thinking about how rubin had asked you if you didn't like it here.

you did, you decided. mondstadt felt different than anywhere else you had been. untouched, almost. wilder. freer. despite being born in inazuma, your first memories being in celestia, or your mother being in liyue, mondstadt felt comfortable. felt like a home. you wondered to yourself what that might mean.

sana greeted you happily when you returned much later than you normally did. she told you to go ahead to the guild and come back, filing away your reports and retrieving your rewards. you dropped off your things in your rented room, quickly, practically galloping back down the steps towards the entrance of the city to continue your conversation with the adventurer guilds' mighty receptionist without your sword weighing you down. you crossed your arms on the counter, comfortably lounging as you chatted with her, having always enjoyed her conversations more than most. like rubin, she was a reason mondstadt always felt comfortable.

"fancy meeting you here," an all too familiar voice said, and you pulled your eyes from sana to find jeonghan leaning his side against the counter next to you.

"good evening, cavalry captain!" sana chirped, placing your reward - your room free already removed - on the counter and bowing politely. "can i help you with anything today?"

his icy gaze flickered from your lightly curved lips towards sana. "oh, no, my dear. i'm just coming back from an investigation near springvale"

"interesting," you said, eyeing him. "i was just there and didn't see you."

"i wouldn't be very good at my job if you did, wanderer," he grinned. "knight business, you wouldn't understand. got the assignment yesterday."

"ah," you shifted to your side to face him, making him eye the vision on your thigh. "is that why you never showed? rubin was worried."

he looked you up and down. "rubin was, huh?"

you rolled your eyes and adjusted your posture to face away from his smirk. sana looked between the two of you twice before clearing her throat as quietly as possible, making jeonghan let out a chuckle before he directed his attention to the guild's receptionist.

"how goes holding the post, sana?"

she looked almost frightened when the attention was directed back to her. "good, captain! in fact, one of our most capable adventurers-" she gestured to you, "-just returned from taking care of some of our more difficult commissions - no one else would take them."

jeonghan looked at you. "why did sana have to tell your secret?"

your eyebrows quirked upwards. "what secret?"

"that you're good at this. shouldn't you be bragging?"

a chuckle spilled from your lips, and jeonghan watched you as you looked away. "i'm not the bragging type."

he studied you a moment. "what type are you, then?"

you considered the question, wondering exactly how to answer. what type were you? if not a teller, than surely you must be a shower, but that didn't seem right either. you exhaled. "the quiet type. see you later, sana."

he laughed, pushing off the counter as you tucked your mora into your waist bag, wishing sana a good evening and following you towards the fountain. "you sure talk a lot for being the quiet type."

a smirk landed itself on your lips as he fell into step beside you. "maybe private is a better description."

"that one i can see," jeonghan said, looking over to you. he thought of how you had spent nearly an hour telling him about the best views in teyvat, yet he still didn't know the most basic information about you. "do you share your name with anyone?"

you thought. "my mother."

he scoffed. "anyone else?"

you looked to the sky. "rubin."

"wrong," he retorted. "he doesn't know your name, either."

you laughed, looking over to him as you came up to the fountain, spinning and sitting back on the ledge. "you asked?"

"of course i asked," he said, planting one foot on the ledge beside you and placing his arms on his knee. "i asked other people, too. almost everyone knows you, but they don't know anything about you. bits and pieces, but never the full picture."

you just smiled up at him from your relaxed posture on the concrete. "what's wrong with a little intrigue?"

he just smiled back at you. "nothing. i tend to keep a bit myself. did you know there's a large number of people in this city that were shocked when i said you wield a claymore?"

you hummed, dipping the tips of your fingers into the fountain. "did you know there's a large number of people in this city that consider you the most eligible bachelor in not only mondstadt, but in all of teyvat?"

his lips parted slightly as you spoke. "so you snooped, too."

"i was bored yesterday. it wasn't hard," you exhaled. you flicked a drop of water towards his foot. "jeonghan yoon, the cavalry captain of the knights of favonius since he was only nineteen. who loves wine and whose adopted brother runs the biggest winery in teyvat, yet they're hardly ever seen speaking. who comes from a far off land on a different continent, but has come to love mondstadt like it was his home. who wears an eyepatch but has never told anyone why."

he chuckled at the assessment and pulled his foot off the ledge to sit beside you. "so when do i get to learn about you?"

"i told you about me yesterday," you said.

"you told me about teyvat," he corrected. "and while i was able to infer some things about your character, i still know close to nothing about you."

you thought for a moment, realizing no one had ever noticed how little you truly shared despite always being willing to tell stories. "sometimes it feels like i am teyvat. it's hard to think of things that are just about me."

"you could start with that vision," he said, nodding at the strap across your thigh. you looked down at it, exhaling.

"what's there to tell? you know what it means, and that's more teyvat than me, too."

he leaned back on a hand, looking you up and down in curiosity. "how old were you."

you chewed your cheek. "fourteen. you?"

his lip quirked upwards. "sixteen."

you bumped his shoulder with yours playfully. "beat you."

he laughed. "how'd it happen?"

you paused. "you go first."

he just chuckled and looked away, watching a dog wander past the general store. "another day, then."

"no fun," you sighed, brushing your hands together as you leaned forward. "what about the eyepatch?"

he met your eyes, mouth slanted in a smirk. "another day."

you clicked your tongue. "if you wanna learn about me, you have to be willing to give up some details, too. i value a fair trade."

"then stop asking questions that you know i won't share the answer to." jeonghan noticed the color of the sky, then suddenly pulled a pocket watch out, checking it quickly to confirm that there was enough time and stood. "come with me?"

you stared up at him. "where?"

he grinned, extending a hand to help you to your feet. "you said mondstadt's sunsets were your favorite, correct?"

you generally weren't prone to following mysterious men into back corridors, but jeonghan easily convinced you with no words at all that sneaking around the sight line of the acting grand master was completely normal behavior, sushing you with a grin as you giggled, taking refuge around a corner after the two of you made it up to the second floor of the favonius headquarters. he tugged your hand with his, pulling you into a steep maintenance staircase behind a door.

"this feels like it's against some rules," you said, climbing the stairs behind him.

"nonsense," he said, looking back at you and grinning. "are you suggesting that a knight of favonius would break rules just to impress a mysterious traveler?"

you laughed quietly, wondering if he really meant that he wanted to impress you. "not most, but maybe this one."

he only thought for a split second. "if anyone asks, we're on official knight business."

he opened the door and you found the sky again, beginning to glow orange as the edge of the sun began to hide behind the cliffs. you stared in awe at the way the few fluffy clouds reflected pink and gold, then readjusted your focus when jeonghan spoke again.

"i hope you aren't afraid of heights," he said, walking over to the parapets that surrounded you. "the best view requires a bit of a climb."

you looked up at the tower, and while it wasn't much higher than where you stood, you also recognized that you were well above most of mondstadt already. "you climb up there?"

he paused, studying you. "we don't have to, we can just sit on a merlon-"

"no, we can climb," you said, walking over to where he was and eyeing the small gap between the parapet and the adjacent roof. "hop over?"

he laughed, stepping over the gap and holding a hand out for you. "watch your step."

and though you didn't need it, you accepted the hand anyways, and it stayed on yours as you walked over the roof to the tower, as if making sure you didn't misstep several stories in the air.

"would you like to go first?" he asked. "i'll catch you if you fall."

you rolled your eyes at him, dropping your hand from his grip. "you go first. i want to see where the handholds are."

he just grinned at you. "very well," he said, tugging on the wrists of his fingerless gloves to make sure they were taught against his skin before taking hold of a brick. you watched him as he took foothold after foothold, and he resisted the urge to show off by speedily scaling the wall in favor of making sure you had the chance to see where he gripped. when he reached the opening in the tower, he pulled himself up and spun around, exhaling with a grin as he seated himself at the ledge with his legs dangling above you.

"your turn."

you adjusted your waist bag as you sighed in amused annoyance, spinning it to be behind you and out of your hips' way to climb the wall. it wasn't much - a couple meters, maybe - and you had definitely climbed further, but jeonghan's presence made you slightly nervous. that nervousness, however, just fueled you to prove yourself.

you scaled the wall easily, making jeonghan whistle and jokingly call you some kind of adventurer, and your only hesitation came when his hand was in your face. despite your initial inclination to ignore it, you put your left hand in his, allowing him to help you pull yourself up on the ledge and sit beside him.

"impressive," he commented.

you laughed, brushing off your hands. "you, too."

"c'mon," he said, gesturing his head over his shoulder before making moves to stand. "the view's on the other side."

you sighed, looking over the view of mondstadt shrouded in golden light as he stood and walked to the other ledge. "never a moment of rest with you."

"if you want to miss the sunset, be my guest."

you leaned back on your hands and laughed, pulling your gaze away from the city to look at where jeonghan had seated himself on the other end of the tower, and subsequently the view of the rolling hills beyond him that were glowing golden in the evening sun. you blinked for a second, realizing you hadn't seen the sunset the night before, and quickly got to your feet to join him before you missed this one, too.

he gave you a soft smile when you sat beside him, and you briefly wondered how many he had in his repertoire. the wind was stronger higher, whipping gently through his hair and alleviating any uncomfortable warmth you may have had from exerting yourself on the way up. you watched the dregs of sunlight skip across the grassy hills and the sky turn deep orange and bright pink, feet swinging lightly over the edge of the tower.

"i was fighting with my brother," he said suddenly, causing you to look at him with a start before you realized he was telling you about his vision. there was a slight smile on his face as he looked out on the fields. "hyungwon. it was bad. he already had his - he's a pyro, like you - and we were both young and stupid and just lost our dad. we were sword fighting and it came to me when i needed it. it probably saved my life, honestly."

you blinked at him. "you think he would have killed you?'

he exhaled, leaning back on his hands. "i think if the roles had been reversed, i would have tried to kill him, too. i'm grateful it didn't go that way, though." he coughed abruptly, clearing his throat. "we're on speaking terms, and i do love him as a brother, but i generally avoid him."

you let that thought ruminate as you watched the sun sink, halfway beyond the horizon. "my father was in a gang in inazuma, but my mom ran away when she found out she was pregnant. didn't want to raise a kid in that world, i guess? we ran into him when i got older and he wasn't very understanding." you paused, remembering the detail too well. "they were going to take her vision. that's what they did to traitors. probably take me, too. they weren't expecting me to start setting fires."

jeonghan's gaze was on you as yours was on the horizon. "just a couple of survivors."

you looked over at him, a smirk on your lips. "a couple?"

he laughed waving at your implication, thinking he would have said the same thing in an attempt to fluster you just as you were to him. "like, more than one and less than four."

you only laughed back. "fortune favors the weak, i suppose. the archons saw we needed help and extended a fig branch."

"is that what it was?" he asked, a laugh on his lips. "we were both fighting people. that's hardly an offer of peace."

"look for the deeper meaning, jeonghan. we were fighting for our lives," you pointed out, and he realized it was the first time you had addressed him by his name rather than his title. "i was fighting for family. for freedom. is that not the greatest pursuit of peace?"

he watched you as you pulled your knees to your chest, putting your feet on the edge of the stonework surface you sat on. he studied the way the golden rays lit your skin and made your eyes sparkle. "i suppose so."

you paused in that moment for a long while, and jeonghan allowed the comfortable silence as the two of you watched the sun disappear beyond the cliffs of mondstadt. the sky was turning a deep shade of purple when you told him your name, and jeonghan thought that it was quite possibly the best news he had ever received, but he kept that joy to himself as he confirmed your name, and you rolled your eyes.

"are you gonna answer my other question now?"

he scoffed. "about the eyepatch? is it really that interesting?"

"not any more interesting than my name," you retorted.

"completely untrue," jeonghan insisted. "i've never been so excited to be told a secret, and i get told a lot of secrets."

you eyed his smile warily. "my name may be unknown, but it's no secret."

he sighed and shook his head lightly. "you really wanna know the reason i wear it? it's probably not as dramatic as you're hoping."

"yet you hide it?"

he laughed. "what's wrong with a little intrigue?"

you looked away, recognizing the parrot of your own words. "whatever you say, captain."

"no!" he whined and grabbed your arm, making you start and look at him with big eyes. "you just started calling me jeonghan, don't go back to captain."

you stared at him, only breaking to laugh, dropping your legs over the edge again. "you won't show me what's under the eyepatch, so i thought we weren't on first name basis."

his hand on your bicep was warm and gentle, but his gaze was piercing as he thought it over for a bit longer. you did your best to hold it, but you felt yourself shrinking when he quietly muttered, "go on, then."

it took you a second to register what he meant, and you reached out slowly, fingers hesitating before they brushed upon his cheekbone. jeonghan closed his eyes, resigning to your touch as you gently lifted the eyepatch. his eyes opened again, slowly, and you thought your heart might have skipped a beat.

"like chocolate," you commented, and a smile spread across his lips.

"that's the kindest reaction i've gotten."

your fingers fell upon his temple, brushing down gently as you inspected his singular brown eye. "since birth?"

he nodded, his eyes flicking down to your lips briefly before he spoke. "heterochromia. it's a characteristic of my family."

you studied his face. "not the one here?"

he sighed. "not the one here."

the icy blue of jeonghan's eye had always struck something in you. it made him mysterious. commanding. it felt like he saw more than you despite having one eye covered. but now, you felt warm. you felt his gentleness. there was comfort hidden away behind that black patch, and you told him that you understood why the cavalry captain had chosen to hide the eye he did.

but to you, he was willing to show anything that would keep you around longer, he said.

"why me?" you asked, studying his expression when he looked away. the sun had retreated behind the hills, leaving the sky a deep blue.

jeonghan didn't respond right away, and you wondered if he himself even knew the answer. "we're birds of a feather, you and i."

you looked out to the view again, watching the subtle movements of the wild hills. "did you travel much before you came here?"

"it was all i knew," he told you. "i was thirteen when my father left me here."

your neck snapped, your eyes on his profile when he leaned back on his hands. "left you?"

he almost laughed, a smile on his lips when his eyes met yours. "i was slowing him down, i suppose. hyungwon's father found me and took me in."

"so you stayed?"

"i didn't always want to," he assured you. "i had the itch to leave for years. as soon as i was able, i always told myself." he paused, eyes dropping. "then father died. then hyungwon turned down his position with the knights. and i was their second choice."

you pursed your lips. "you stayed for a job."

he laughed. "it's not that simple."

you smiled at him, enjoying the warmth of his eyes on yours as the sky cooled. "are you sure we're birds of a feather?"

"listen," he said, getting off his hands and brushing them off on his thighs. "i accepted the job so that i could set the story straight. i didn't want to run from the people that believed that hyungwon tried to kill me to avenge our father."

you studied him. "i'm sorry."

"don't be," he said, nudging your shoulder. "i was still planning on leaving, but then i fell in love."

you looked away, trying to sort out the way your stomach flipped. "are they still around?"

"not with a person," he laughed, then nodded towards the now dark hills. "with the views. besides, i get free reign whenever i leave for missions. i have fun adventuring, and come home to the best sunsets in teyvat. there are worse places to call home."

your eyes scanned the horizon, remembering the brilliant rays of sun you had just seen skip across it. "that is tempting."

"how tempting?" he asked.

you thought on that for a moment. "almost as much as a death after noon right now."

jeonghan laughed, slightly proud that he had hooked you on his favorite drink. "shall we go see rubin, then?"

you hummed, smiling at the captain. "as long as i don't have to sit alone again."

"that's a promise," he told you as he stood, holding out a hand that you took without hesitation, though he withheld his intention to make sure you were never alone again.

[v-hope]

You overhear him talking about your sex life to his members

Pairings: OT7 x Reader

Genre: Fluff, crack

Request: "could you please do a bts reaction that you overhering your boyfriend talk to the members about your sex life?"

Warnings: Mentions of sex, as expected.

Kim Seokjin

"Hey, Jin-ie!" you greeted cheerfully after answering your boyfriend's upcoming call, only for a frown to form in your eyebrows when you were met with nothing but muffled sounds. "Love?" you wondered.

After a few seconds, you rolled your eyes as you figured he had once again butt dialed you. Shaking your head in amusement, you moved your phone away from your ear to hang up.

"You guys are into some weird shit".

Or maybe you would not.

"It's really not" you heard what you thought was Namjoon's voice after you had pressed your mobile up against your ear again.

"You've honestly never tried it?" this time was Jimin's turn to speak at your boyfriend's petrified silence.

"No?" although you could not see him, you knew Seokjin was frowning.

"You're too vanilla for this, hyung" Taehyung's taunting tone made you look at your phone in disbelief.

He did not.

"Yah!" Jin was quick to scold him. "Y/N and I have our share of kinks, of course–"

You blinked rapidly a few times. Where they really going this deep now?

"–But what you just said is… dude, no".

"Hey, don't kink shame me" Tae spoke in a pout, causing you to bring a hand to your mouth so that they wouldn't catch you laughing.

"Don't vanilla shame me then" Jin bit back.

"You are a little vanilla though".

Kim Taehyung, if you do not shut up–

"And yet I still can make my girlfriend have multiple orgasms with just my body instead of having to rely on some unnatural shit to make it happen".

With that said and your mouth hanging open, you hung up, not believing the drag you had just witnessed.

That was your man.

Min Yoongi

"Do you and Y/N have sex?"

You stopped in your tracks the second Hoseok's question reached your ears – your eyebrows furrowing for a moment there before you had to muffle down a laugh when your boyfriend answered:

"Do you breathe?"

A frustrated sigh abandoned Hoseok's mouth, leaving space for the room to remain silent for a brief second.

"Should I be worried you're interested in our sex life, Hope-ah?"

"No" he was fast to reply, "I just… I was curious because, I mean, I've pretty much heard every couple here have sex" you nodded your head unconsciously; everyone had at this point, "but I haven't heard you guys".

"And you want to hear us?" Yoongi wondered with a cocked eyebrow.

"No!" Hobi denied immediately, freaking out over how twisted this was turning out to be. "I was asking in case you guys were going through a crisis or something…"

"We're not" Yoongi clarified. "Unlike all of you inconsiderate little shits, we just keep it quiet or go to hers instead".

"Oh" Hoseok nodded his head understandingly, "that seem–"

"But if you want us to be loud here…" his words made you bring a hand up to your mouth, knowing already where this was heading to.

"No, wait–"

"Y/N!" Yoongi called you, ignoring Hobi's desperate pleads as he stood up to go look for you – not giving you enough time to turn around and go back to his room before he found you eavesdropping in the hallway.

Not minding to have found you in such state, he smiled.

"Come on" he grabbed your hand, "Hobi gave us the greenlight to be loud".

"Hyung, I didn't–"

This time, and with a smile of your own, you were the one to interrupt Hobi mid sentence as Yoongi dragged you to his bedroom, only to effusively say: "Thank you, Hope-ah!"

Jung Hoseok

"Yeah?" you heard your boyfriend answer with a low, raspy voice after his phone had rang a few times that early morning. "No" he shifted in bed so that he was facing you again – your eyes remaining closed as you wanted nothing but to go back to sleep, "I stayed at Y/N's".

Your heart jumped after feeling his fingers run tenderly over the left corner of your lips as he attentively listened to whoever was on the other side of the phone.

"Can you guys do that without me?" he wondered, this time his fingertips travelling to the spot below your ear. "Jimin-ah" he complained, "I'm really tired right now, and she hasn't even woken up yet".

Now, you didn't really get to listen to what Jimin had said, but by the snort that had left Hoseok's mouth, followed by what you knew was his signature smirk, you didn't have to be a genius to get his words right.

"Yeah, I think I really worn her out last night" his hoarse voice sent shivers down your spine, and you had to fight the urge to open your eyes wide at his oversharing behaviour. "I don't know… I think at like, past three? You can't even imagine, it was amazing".

Okay, that definitely had you opening your eyes in a heartbeat to lock with his.

However, his tired eyes didn't panic, in fact, he looked calm as ever – his gaze softening and a sweet smile curving up his lips at the sight of you.

As soon as he told Jimin that he had to go and you made sure he had hung up, a whine abandoned your lips, covering your face as you felt a strong wave of heat reach it.

"You're such a douche, how am I supposed to look Jimin in the eye now?"

Hoseok chuckled, not wasting another second in wrapping you inside his arms and burying his face in the crook of your neck. "We can just stay here this way forever" he proposed, pressing his lips on your skin. "That way you won't have to face him. I wouldn't mind".

To no one's surprise, neither would you.

Kim Namjoon

You didn't mean to eavesdrop, you really did not, but when you're in the bathroom wrapped inside a towel after stepping out of the shower and Taehyung stops your boyfriend just outside the door to talk to him, there isn't much you can do about it.

"Hyung, please tell me my bed's not broken because of what I think it is".

You gasped at the mention of his broken bed, for you had hoped he wouldn't notice… or at least that he'd do so when you were long gone and in the safety of your own apartment.

"I'll pay for it, I promise" Namjoon informed him immediately, and it was the fact that he had neither confirmed nor denied it that Taehyung grew even more worried.

"Yes, you will" Tae nodded, for it was obvious, "but I'm more worried about you and Y/N having sex in my bed, if I'm honest" his hand went up to scratch the back of his neck. "I mean, I like you, hyung, but that is just disg–"

"We did not!" Joon denied this time, much to Taehyung's relief.

"Okay, great" he let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. "Then how…"

"Um… I mean, we did have sex… but it was in my bed…" you ran your hands over your face as your boyfriend started oversharing; if you weren't in nothing but a towel you would've barged in already, "after we fell on yours thinking it was mine…"

Great. Perfect. Just perfect.

Although you had expected some kind of scold coming from Tae, what you heard instead was a snort, followed by a small, breathy laugh escaping his lips.

"You were that desperate to get laid?" he teased.

And, as if that comment itself hadn't brought enough heat to your cheeks, you felt you were most definitely not able to handle any more of it when your boyfriend answered with: "If you ever had her the way I do, you'd understand".

Too bad you would only ever be with him.

Park Jimin

"How far into a relationship you think it's alright to bring up the kink talk?"

Now, when you had gone to see your boyfriend to the dance studio, you had expected to walk into a sweaty, focused Jimin dancing around, not to… him sitting down on the floor with the rest of his members.

And you had most certainly not expected this one to be their particular conversation.

"Kink talk?" Jeongguk wondered. "That's how you call it?"

Jimin sighed, lightly slapping the maknae's arm. "You know what I mean".

"I'm not sure…" Seokjin intervened, "what kind of kinks are you into?"

"I'm not talking about this with you, guys".

"Yah! You started with this topic!" Jin accusingly pointed his finger at him. "I'm asking because, if they're too weird, then maybe you should wait a little longer so she doesn't run away".

You bit your lower lip not to chuckle at the whole situation, especially after seeing Jimin's frustrated expression; later watching him run his hands over his face before defeatedly looking back up to the six expectant pair of eyes that were focused on him.

"If you must know" he raised his eyebrows, "it's just trivial ones. I love our sex life as it is, but there's a few things I'd like to try with her…" to say that didn't make your heart speed up would be a lie. "Nothing as wild as BDSM or such, though…"

"Aw, dammit" you couldn't help but barge in right then, enjoying maybe a little too much the panicked look Jimin's eyes were displaying. "I was hoping you'd be into that".

Park Jimin choking on air? Yeah, that just happened.

So, after throwing your head back as you allowed a laugh to escape your throat, you stared at him with sparkling eyes, being amused as ever because of his impossibility to react.

"I think it's a good point in our relationship to have the talk".

A nod. That was as much as you got from him before he clumsily stood up to go to you.

"Yah!" Hoseok called out when Jimin held your hands, causing both of you to roll your eyes when he stated right after: "Wait until you're home to have the talk, we don't wanna know about the unholy shit you're into, you freaks".

Kim Taehyung

You knew what your boyfriend's intentions were when he invited you to spend the night – his blunt statement of his hyungs being out late was enough for you to get the drill.

However, you had forgotten about a certain maknae who would still be there. And when you had excused yourself to go get a glass of water, you had most certainly not expected to come back to hear his voice coming from Taehyung's room as he whined:

"I can't believe you're ditching gaming night to have sex".

Your hand froze still before it could turn the knob.

Taehyung snorted. "I think it's pretty reasonable, actually".

"But you guys had sex yesterday!"

How did he know that, you could only ever imagine.

"Your point?"

"You had sex yesterday" Jeongguk repeated, emphasizing each word, for that was the point itself. "Why would you be so desperate to do it again when it hasn't even been a day?"

This time a loud scoff was heard through the door, one you knew had came from Taehyung.

"Have you seen my girlfriend?" he questioned, making your heart speed up. "Bold of you to believe I won't take every single chance I get to be buried in between her beautiful legs".

And that was as much as you could handle.

Trying to stop your cheeks from burning up more than they already were, you turned the knob for once and for all, quietly clearing your throat for the two men in front of you to acknowledge your presence – your eyes instinctively locking with your boyfriend's.

"Are you guys done arguing over us having sex or…"

"Yeah" Tae smiled brightly, stretching one of his arms out for you to hold his hand and pull you closer, "now come here".

Jeongguk frowned at the sight of you smiling as you went up to Taehyung, tilting his head the second he saw his hyung's arms wrap around your figure and his lips pucker up as he leaned in to smash your lips together.

"Ah, fuck you, guys" he complained breathily before making his way out of the room.

Second night in a row having no choice but to wear headphones because of the two of you it was then.

Jeon Jeongguk

"Is it normal?" you heard him question his hyungs as you went to check up on him after he had told you nearly ten minutes ago that he would go to the kitchen to get a couple of snacks and be back.

"What is?" Namjoon wondered.

"Not getting enough of her?" your breath hitched at his words. He could not possibly be talking about that to his hyungs, could he? "I mean, like… I really, really can never get enough".

"You mean you're always horny?" Yoongi couldn't help but taunt, receiving an instant glare from the maknae.

Okay, so they were definitely talking about your sex life. Wonderful.

"No" he denied, "just when I see her, when we're together. It's like, it's gotten to the point we're done and I just want to do it again. All the time".

"I'd say that's pretty normal when you've just started to have sex with someone".

This time a loud sigh escaped your boyfriend's lips. "I'm worried she'll get tired of it, though" he dragged on, his voice turning softer, "or that I'll make her think I just want her for the sex…"

"Nah, I'm sure she's just the same as you right now".

At that you bit your lower lip, tightening your grip on the doorframe. Well, Yoon was not wrong.

"Yeah" Joon agreed. "Either way, if you're worried, just ask her. If she doesn't mind it, then… just enjoy the huge amount of sex you get to have, I guess".

Silence was followed as you guessed your boyfriend processed his hyung's advice, and so you decided to go back to his room to wait for him to get back.

It wasn't too long before he did so – a smile spreading over your face at the sight of his snack-filled hands.

"You know" you spoke up after he had slumped down on his bed next to you, letting the food messily fall all over the mattress, "I don't mind it at all" you mindlessly spoke as you took a chocolate bar in your hand.

He stayed quiet for a few seconds, trying to understand what you meant – his eyes sparkling when realisation finally hit him. "You don't?"

You shook your head immediately, taking a small bite of your snack. "I love it, actually".

Jeongguk couldn't help but chuckle, feeling his heart at ease. "Good" he mumbled, leaning down to plant a kiss under your jaw, "because I think I might love it a little too much".

[violetwolfraven]

And 28 has so much Sprace energy, so I'd be forever grateful if you wrote that as well. Again in canon era if possible?

What if we kissed because we were arguing and I really wanted you to shut up but we both enjoyed it? Lol jk... unless..?

It does have sprace energy. Coming right up!

Tw: vaguely referenced period-typical homophobia.

...

Race was fighting the urge to start swinging already, and he’d only been in this argument for a couple minutes.

It was unusual. He could usually keep his cool pretty well, being one of Manhattan’s two seconds in command and one of the borough’s best negotiators.

But this wasn’t a usual argument.

This was Spot.

Race didn’t see clearly when it came to Spot. He never had. Hell, he knew Spot didn’t see clearly when it came to him, either. They dialed all each other’s every feeling to 11 and made everything else melt away with the amount of raw emotion they made each other feel.

Were they friends? Technically. Race would even consider Spot to be one of his best friends. But that didn’t mean they didn’t absolutely hate each other sometimes, pissing each other off in every wrong way and digging salt into old wounds.

They’d known each other long enough to know old wounds, and that could be a good thing, sometimes, but right now was definitely not.

But Race wasn’t the one in the wrong, here, even though he often was. Rational people didn’t let their closest friend sell on their turf for years and then suddenly decide to revoke that.

“For the last time, Race,” Spot snarled, “You’re banned from Brooklyn, so deal with it! You can shove your abandonment issues up your ass! It’s not like I’m your brother!”

“No,” Race shot back, “But you are my friend, so I’m tellin’ you that ya can’t just cut me out of your borough and your life with no explanation!”

“I can do whatever I want.”

“Why?” Race shoved him, hard, unable to help himself, “Cause you’s the King of Brooklyn? I’m quakin’ in my boots.”

“Shut up.”

“No! If you want me out of your life so badly, why not make it permanent? Why not kill me?”

Spot growled his answer under his breath, quiet enough that Race couldn’t catch it over the rage in his own head.

“Gonna kill me, Spottie?” he challenged, “I know you can do it. I know you’ve killed before, so why not now? Why not one more? One knife, and ya cut me out of your life for good.”

That was a shot Race absolutely should not have taken. He knew that Spot hated talking about his kills. He felt guilty about them. He was haunted by them.

Right now, Race was too angry to care.

“Don’t be stupid.”

“Is it stupid?” Race asked, smirking, “Go on, do it. I dare you. I know you’s got a knife on ya somewhere—probably more’n one. So why don’t ya use it?”

They stared each other down for a good few seconds, neither willing to be the one to break because that wasn’t who either of them were.

The tension growing between them was so thick Race couldn’t breathe, and he wished that Spot would just use his knife to cut it.

Whatever one of them said next would redefine their friendship or end it. Race was sure they could both sense that.

To his surprise, Spot broke first, looking away and sighing.

“I can’t.”

Race shrugged, “Why not? You’d be gettin’ rid of me either way.”

“I can’t, Race,” Spot said, his voice tight in a confusing, unidentifiable way.

“Spot, you say ya ain’t my brother like it changes anythin’, but ya miss how there’s a million ways to care ‘bout someone. Losin’ a friend ain’t better than losin’ family. I should know since I’s lost a lot of people. And if ya don’t understand that, you ain’t the kind who should be bothered by killin’ someone, so why pretend you can’t kill me?”

“I can’t,” Spot insisted, the tension in his voice growing.

“Why?” Race shot back, not even sure why he was so angry anymore beyond the fact that it was Spot, “Come on, Spottie. Wh—“

Race had been expecting Spot to interrupt him.

But he wasn’t expecting Spot to cut him off by kissing him.

And he definitely wasn’t expecting to kiss back, fisting his hands in the other boy’s shirt and trying to fit months worth of feelings he hadn’t recognized for what they were into just a few moments.

“‘Cause it’s you,” Spot hissed, pulling away just a few inches, “That’s why.”

Race was still a bit breathless from the kiss, but he tried to collect his thoughts into words, anyway.

All that came out was one too-terrified-sounding word.

“Oh.”

Spot snorted, “That all ya got to say?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Race asked.

He couldn’t tell if he was feeling everything or nothing right now and couldn’t decide if he cared.

“Because,” Spot whispered, finally taking his hands out of Race’s hair, “I can’t do this. Not with anyone. No King of Brooklyn with sense can.”

“Jack and Davey can.”

“It ain’t just ‘cause you’re a boy, Racer,” he hissed, “It’s partly that, but... I knew when I challenged for king I was givin’ up a lot of things. Any relationship was always gonna be one of ‘em. I made my first kill when I was 13–ya think anyone would wanna deal with that? And that ain’t even takin’ into account the danger. It’s my burden. I’m the one who probably ain’t gonna make it to 20. I’m never gonna put all that on anybody else.”

“Ever stop to think somebody might be able to take all that?” Race asked quietly, reaching for the other boy’s hand, “Might want to for you?”

Spot moved his hand away, “That’s why I had to kick ya out before ya ever found out I had... feelin’s. For you. ‘Cause I knew there was a fair chance ya felt the same.”

“So ya lose your chance at happiness?”

“Do you honestly think I deserve one?”

“I think ya do,” Race said firmly, “And I know you don’t think so. So stop worryin’ about what you deserve and focus on how I deserve better than you kissin’ me and confessin’ and then turnin’ around and just kickin’ me out.”

Maybe that was conceited to say, but Race knew his own worth even if the rest of the world didn’t seem to, most days. And he’d never met anyone who made him feel the way Spot did.

And not just the euphoric, on-top-of-the-world happiness, but the bitter, raging anger and the agonizing, broken hurt, too.

For better or worse, Spot Conlon made him feel more than anyone else, and damn if Race was going to let him go without even trying.

This time, he didn’t let him pull away from grabbing his hand.

“Tell me ya don’t want me,” he challenged quietly, “Tell me and I’ll leave.”

Spot wouldn’t or couldn’t say it.

Race knew neither of them needed the other. That wasn’t how they worked. They were both strong enough to survive on their own.

But he knew he still wanted Spot in his life.

He wanted him in the exact way Spot was afraid to admit he wanted Race, too.

“You can’t, can you?”

Spot shook his head, “I wish I could.”

“I’ll try not to take that personally.”

“I wish I could push you away so you’d be safe,” he clarified, “I’m not as strong as I wish I was.”

“Hmm,” Race put his hand on the side of Spot’s face, “Care to have a moment of weakness and kiss me again?”

The other boy scoffed, both his hands going to Race’s waist.

“You’re terrible, y’know that?”

He was terrified even if he’d probably never admit it, holding almost tight enough to hurt.

Funny. Race had known Spot for years and the only thing he’d ever known him to be afraid of was his own emotions and the lack of control he had over them.

“Want me to shut up? You’re gonna have to do it yourself.”

Spot rolled his eyes, but didn’t argue, for once.

Teaching him to believe he deserved it, whatever it was—being happy—would have to come another day.

This—all the swirling, chaotic, raw emotions dialed to 11 they always brought out in each other all locked up in one kiss—was enough for now.

[chlodani]

His Lost Girl to His Profiler

Once Upon A Time AU

Criminal Minds crossover

(Fanfic)

An abandoned girl from the enchanted forest escaped her own reality by going to Neverland. She knew he was the most ruthless person she would ever come across, Peter Pan, but she thought he had to be better than the man she lived with. She felt that she could avoid him and if she had to fight him. What she never expected was to fall in love with him. Living out her life until one day she's sent away to an unknown place, where she meets him, a simple handsome looking genius, who happens to be her FBI coworker.

Chapter 1: Neverland

Chloe's P.O.V.

I held a magic bean in my hand. Standing at the docks, with the moon shining bright. No one was around me. It was just me and the night sky. Which was honestly relaxing. I stood there thinking of everything. Of everyone I had lost. Everyone that I have ever cared for, that I have ever loved, they're gone. My mother, my father, my best friends Destiny and Hannah. They were the ones who stayed the longest until, the horrible people I stayed with took us away from each other. I haven't seen them in years. They basically took everything away from me. It wasn't long after I turned thirteen that I discovered I had magic. I never told them, they never would have let me use it. I've always wanted to learn how to use it. Learn how to control it. Destiny and Hannah were the only ones I used my magic around. They were the ones that helped me to keep my mind aligned. Once they disappeared from my life I felt trapped. I couldn't stay here anymore. I hated it here. I hated my life. There was nothing for me here in the enchanted forest. One night while I was in the tavern, I had heard tell of an island that anyone who felt lost could disappear to. However, there was one thing, or person, on that island whom you have to watch out for. His name is Peter Pan. I honestly don't care who I have to defend myself from. I can't stay here anymore. The outfit I wore was that of a bandit. That's pretty much who I am.

Being alone, trying to fend for yourself, while also trying to survive. I can't do it anymore. I want to be free. I closed my hand with the magic bean in it. Closing my eyes for a split second. I took in a deep breath, opening my eyes, I threw the bean into the water. Without another thought I jumped through the portal.

I stood on the shore of Neverland, honestly amazed at my surroundings. I was drenched from having gone through the portal in water. I tried to use my magic to dry myself only half succeeding. I sighed as I looked at myself. Well, I guess I'll dry when I start moving. I ventured forth into the jungle, with wonder of what to find. I didn't know if I was ever going to meet this Peter Pan or not but I can't go back now. Leaving my old life behind will be good for me. It will give me a chance to start over. Even if I have to avoid someone as ruthless as Peter Pan for the rest of my life.

. . .

As I walked through the jungle I heard rustling in the bushes all around me. I stopped walking to listen. I pulled my sword from its sheath.

"Who's there?" I asked sternly.

"Well, well, well, -"

I turned around to see a tall boy with a wooden staff walking towards me. He had a toothpick in his mouth. I pointed my sword straight out towards him.

"What do we have here?" He asked looking at me.

"Who are you?" I asked him.

He showed no emotion as I touched the tip of my sword to his chest.

"I think the question is, who are you? Pan doesn't like unknown people roaming his island without him knowing," he said to me.

"Well, if you're so sure about that, why don't you have Pan tell me that himself," I said to him.

"Gladly,"

Next thing I knew I was being dragged through the jungle. I had dropped my sword as I was dragged away. I tried escaping from their grasp, but they were too strong. They took me to a campsite, a fire sat in the middle. They had me on my knees in front of a log. Two of them stood on either side of me, still holding me so I couldn't escape.

"Felix!"

An older looking boy walked over to us.

"What is this?" He asked as he looked at me.

Looking up I saw him standing there. I looked into his face, and couldn't help the thoughts going through my head. He was very attractive in my eyes.

"She was roaming the island by herself. She disobeyed one of your rules," the boy I presume as Felix, (the one I talked to earlier) said to him.

The attractive one looked at me.

"Are you lost? - the first lost girl to ever come to Neverland, - help her to her feet boys -"

The boys standing on either side of me helped me stand up. They moved away from me. I looked into his green eyes.

"What's your name?" He asked me.

His British accent was almost to much for me.

"I think I should know yours first," I told him.

He smiled as he looked at me.

"Fair - I'm Peter, Peter Pan,"

"Well, Peter Pan, I don't want to cause any trouble, I just came here for a fresh start -"

"That's what Neverland is known for, those who have felt lost, alone, unloved, who have been abandoned. What happened to you?" Pan asked me.

"I don't think that's any of your business," I said to him.

"Actually, it is, everyone on this island is a family, and you're no exception,"

"Look I'm sorry if I've caused any trouble already. I just want to stay out of everyone's way, just as I've always done my entire life,"

"I'll make you a deal, take tonight to explore the island, do whatever your heart desires, then join us, be who you really are,"

"And just who am I?"

Pan smiled deviously as he looked at me.

"A lost girl, of course, everyone who has ever been abandoned is lost,"

I said nothing to him as I looked at him. There was something very intriguing about him. I didn't want to take his deal, but something told me, he would never leave me alone if I didn't. Or maybe do something even worse. And what's so bad about being a lost girl. Maybe it will change my life. I said nothing as I nodded to him. Another smile crossed his lips as he stepped out of the way allowing me to pass by him back into the jungle. I walked past him, venturing into the jungle behind him. I wanted to live out on my own, I feel as though now that I have met him, Peter Pan is going to be a part of my life for a long time.

. . .

I don't know how long I wandered. Everything was just so beautiful. I stopped walking to admire what was around me. I ended up in another area that had a large amount of water. I thought since I was alone, I'd try to use my magic to bring my sword back to me. Nothing was happening. Ever since Destiny and Hannah were taken away from me, it's like my magic has been blocked. Whenever I try, I can't use it.

"You're thinking to much about it,"

I jumped slightly not expecting to hear anyone. I turned around to face him.

"How did you find me?" I asked him.

"I know every inch of this island, no one comes to this island without me knowing," Pan answered.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help you,"

"I don't need your help, thanks,"

"Not knowing how to use your magic could be dangerous -"

"I don't have magic,"

"I know when someone has magic, - I could teach you how to use it and how to control it,"

"Thanks, but I say again, I don't need your help,"

"I think you do,-"

Pan appeared himself behind me. He was so close behind me, my breath became short, my heart beat a thousand times more. He placed his hands on my arms closer to my hands. He let his fingers lightly touch my hands. My body was tensing just feeling his touch.

"Don't think about it - let your emotion take over, find your anger -"

"I don't have any anger,"

I don't think lying to him was worth it. It's almost as if he knew I was. He moved himself closer to me.

"What makes you a lost girl? Who abandoned you?"

I said nothing as I looked into the darkness of the night.

"Why do you feel unloved?"

"I was abandoned as a baby, my mother and father didn't want me, I lived with my uncle who didn't allow me to do anything, he took everything from me, my best friends, he took everything. I never had a chance to get to know who I really was. I lived around so many people, but I was alone. I could never find my place, I didn't belong anywhere. I wanted to escape, I hated my life, I hated everyone around me. No one wanted me, no one loved me, I've never felt wanted by anyone. I was a slave in my own home, never allowed to do anything but what they wanted. They treated me like trash, they took away the people in my life who really mattered, rubbing in my face like I was nothing. I was nothing, - I am nothing. I've never been wanted by anyone, and I never will be. All I've ever been my entire life is lost. I've never felt like anything other than an orphan,"

I felt something in my hand. I looked down at my hand. I was holding my sword.

"How did I do that?"

"By embracing who you really are,"

I didn't know what else to say as I looked at him.

"I could teach you how to control it,"

"You would do that for me? Even though you have no idea who I really am?"

"There's always time to learn, - and there's something about you, I don't know what, but I want you-"

My stomach fluttered as I heard the demanding tone to his voice. He moved closer to my ear.

"And I will have you -"

Pan appeared a necklace into his hand. The chain was silver, there were two hearts crossing over the other, with a small emerald green stone in the middle.

He put the necklace around my neck. I didn't know why, but I liked the gesture. I liked being around him. My heart was beating a millions times faster as his warm breath covered the side of my neck.

"There's one thing you should know if you're going to stay on my island, - Peter Pan never fails,"

I shuttered underneath his touch as his hands rested on my arms. How am I going to live on this island feeling this way towards him? Why do I feel this way towards him? What purpose could he have possibly had for this necklace? I loved it, I wanted to hold onto it forever. Pan disappeared from my sight. I let out a breath I was holding back that I didn't even know I was holding back. I honestly didn't want him to leave. I wanted to be near him. I couldn't allow myself to get involved with him. It would mean nothing but trouble for me; but what if he can't stay away from me?

. . .

I found myself standing back outside of Pan's camp. I didn't know why I went back, but I wanted to be near him. I wanted to learn everything there is to know about magic from him. I watched as the lost boys danced around the fire, cheering and chanting.

"Come back for more?"

I turned to see Peter Pan standing behind me. My stomach fluttered as I looked at him. He had the most intimidating look on his face. One that I found rather attractive. He intrigues me just by the way he looks at me.

"I came back to tell you that I'm joining you," I said to him.

Pan didn't say anything as he looked at me.

"And I want you to teach me how to use my magic,"

Pan appeared himself behind me. He stood close behind me, placing one hand on my waist. He used the other to move my hair off my neck. He leaned down closer to my neck. His warm breath on my neck almost sent my body over the edge.

"It'd be a pleasure,"

I closed my eyes breathing out softly as he placed his lips on my neck kissing softly. It's almost as if he was teasing me. And he knew what he was doing. He moved back from me starting to turn around to walk back to camp. I didn't want him to move. I was to afraid to say anything. He turned to look at me.

"Aren't you coming?" Pan asked me.

He held his hand out to me. I found myself smiling as I took his hand. He led me into the camp.

"Boys, -"

They all stopped to look at us.

"This calls for celebration, let's welcome the first lost girl to ever come to Neverland," Pan said to them as if I was actually something worth celebrating.

I felt a little awkward standing there being put on the spot, but I also felt welcomed. I haven't felt that way in such long time. Maybe being here won't be so bad. Maybe this is where I have belonged all along.

[peaceisadirtyword]

Vikings Rewritten {Prologue}

A/N: Hello! Okay first of all: this does not have a title because I don’t know what title to use :( I suck at this. So until I decide for a title (I accept ideas thank you😂) I will call it Vikings Rewritten because I'm the most original person in the whole world. 

Second: This is a prologue, though it’s too long to be a prologue. I said I'd “rewrite” the series on my own way since season 5A but I wrote this (which is technically episode 20 from season 4B) as a prologue to introduce the reader (who was going to be an OC but I didn’t know what you preferred so... If you prefer I use my own OC I can change it!) and it probably is a bit boring... Just wanted to know if you liked the idea... If you decide this is the biggest shit you’ve ever read I won’t post it! But if you decide you love it I would be more than happy to share this with you!♥️ 

Third: I am following the original storyline here, the major changes will come later (I still don’t know what changes I will do but if you think there is something in the show that shouldn't be that way please message me! I will say more about this at the end because I don’t want to spoil you anything. Though y’all know what happens. 

I don’t own any of the characters or the original plots and storylines, only the ones I created and the reader (though I don’t own the reader because that’s you and you’re free and belong to no one💖).

Warnings: Drama, a character’s death, Ivar’s anger issues, a bit of angst maybe. Some parts with a bit of fluff. It can be really bad written.

Words: 2915 too long to be a prologue I'm not good at this. 

gif belongs to @jorindelle 💕

"Ivar, I understand you are angry, I know you want to avenge your father more than anything, but you have to be rational, listen to..."

"I already listened to them, Eyra, and I don't agree, we should kill Ecbert"

"Yes, but first listen to him"

"They are too soft" he scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

"They are your brothers, and you should consider their opinion"

He was sitting on one of the empty rooms she had found, after he came looking for her. 

Eyra hadn't wanted to be on the same room with the brothers while they discussed Ecbert's fate, as she already knew how it would end. 

Instead, she went to explore the place. She managed to save some books and some drawings from the fire, and hid them on a room to look at them more closely. 

But Ivar's displeasure with his brothers' wishes prevented her from doing so. 

"What do you think we should do?"  he asked, shrugging with a scowl on his face. He obviously thought everyone was mistaken but him. 

"I agree we should kill him" Eyra answered softly while touching one of the drawings "But you should listen to the offer he had for us, if he gives us land to settle here it can be really good for our people"

He scoffed. He had hoped at least she would be on his side. 

"I don't want to stay here forever, Eyra"

"Neither do I, but there's people who do want to stay..."

Ivar rolled his eyes, but she wasn't on the mood to argue with him. 

Those last days had been hard... After the Great Heathen Army defeated the saxons, killed Aelle and took king Ecbert captive it seemed like the revenge for Ragnar's death was almost finished. 

And then Helga died. She had been like Eyra’s mother. She alongside Floki was the one who raised her, as if she was her own child. 

She didn't deserve that death, she deserved to live more than anyone, to enjoy life and to be happy. 

But the Gods took her, breaking Eyra’s heart. She had helped Floki to bury her, and mourned her death for days.

She had to move on though, there were other problems and decisions to make. And the Ragnarssons counted on her. 

"I want to blood eagle Ecbert" Ivar bit his lip, his eyes darkening as he caressed the sharp edge of his dagger with his finger "To make him pay for giving my father away to be killed"

Eyra pressed her lips together. She agreed, Ecbert did deserve it, but...

"Ivar you could hurt yourself while doing it, you couldn't stand up..."

"I'm not a child, Eyra" he scoffed "Stop babying me, I'm not fragile"

"You're right, sorry" you sighed. Years and years worrying about him and she often forgot he had more strength than most of the vikings in all Scandinavia. And not only physical "I shouldn't have said that... Forgive me"

His expression softened, and he shook his head. 

"It's okay, there's nothing to forgive" 

Eyra got up from the chair she had been sitting on while looking at the drawings she had found, walking over to him. 

Ivar welcomed her by leaving his dagger on the floor and letting her sit on his lap. His strong arms hugged her waist and she let herself relax while closing her eyes and leaning her head into his shoulder.

"You should tell your opinion to your brothers, Ivar, with respect and listening to their point of view too..." she could almost see him rolling his eyes again "I'm sure they'll consider your idea while taking a decision"

Of course there was a feast. The vikings had to throw a feast to celebrate everything, to the point Eyra started thinking they'd only go to war to have something to celebrate later. 

It was almost as the ones in Kattegat; loud, full of food and music, some fights and a lot of drinking. Sigurd was playing his oud, Ivar was mocking everything Björn said, Ubbe was ignoring everyone and Hvitserk was eating as much food as he could. If only Helga was there too... She could say she was happy though. 

Ecbert was dead; he killed himself after giving the lands of East Anglia to the Ragnarssons. Ivar wasn't really happy with that ending, but at least Ragnar was avenged. 

Everything seemed to be going so well that she should have known. She should have known it was the beginning of a nightmare that would last for her entire life. 

The Ragnarssons were her family. Eyra grew up with them, as if she was their little sister. Björn played with her when she was a child, she shared toys Floki made for you with Sigurd and Ivar, who were the closest in age to her, Ubbe was her first crush when she were eight and Hvitserk got angry every time someone made her cry. 

And then some day, Ragnar came back to Kattegat, and she was angry at him. He left a wife and four kids and just disappeared. They needed him, they needed their father but he just abandoned them. Eyra even yelled at him once, called him coward and told him he didn't deserve his family. He had only smiled at the brave girl, with his eyes full of admiration, then he hugged her and told her how happy he was to see his sons had such a fierce and loyal friend by their side. 

Surprisingly, Eyra cried a bit when she heard of his death. 

Somehow, he managed to convince Ivar to go with him to England, and she couldn't remember any time when she had panicked as much as when Aslaug came to her home, crying desperately, asking for help to convince Ivar to stay. 

He'll die, Eyra, I've seen it.

She thought he would listen to her. She was special to him, his best friend and the only one who could calm him down. 

He didn't listen. He never did. But maybe it was a good thing, as when saying goodbye to him, in the middle of the boat full of people, with his family looking at her, she found the courage to kiss him for the first time. And then hugged him tightly, begging him to come back alive and to be safe. 

He did came back, and when she saw him again, realizing he was alive... Eyra kissed him again so hard she almost made him fell to the fire. Ubbe laughed for hours because of that. 

Aslaug was dead, Lagertha killed her and called herself queen of Kattegat. Ivar was angry, sad and frustrated. And she became his main support then; she taught him to be patient and to love someone, she inspired him in so many ways... He learnt a lot of things thanks to her, including the fact that he could definitely pleasure a woman, in more than one way. 

But of course with the love came the jealousy, the possessiveness and the fights. Both of them were stubborn and whenever the two of them fought even Björn would leave the room.

Nevertheless, she was always there for him, and he was always there for her, and honestly that was all they needed. 

Loving all the brothers as her own family made the fights unbearable to Eyra, though. 

Everything was going too well, she thought, sighing and looking away from Ivar and Björn. 

Björn wanted to go to the Mediterranean again, but Ivar didn't want to stay in England farming. He was in the mood to argue with someone as he turned to look at the rest of the army, who were feasting and cheering.

"Who can stand in our way now?" Ivar screamed, and they cheered again. 

She bit her lip, looking at him. Ubbe frowned next to her, looking at his little brother. 

"You cannot lead the army, Ivar"

"I don't want to, Ubbe" he used that condescending tone "All I'm saying is that, for those who are still brave enough to raid and find adventure then, I will lead them... You can put on an apron and settle down if you want to... And Eyra agrees with me"

You sighed, looking away.

"Everyone should be free of choosing what they want to do, Ivar, don't mock someone for wanting a quiet and peaceful life" she glared at him.

"I'm not mocking anyone!" He widened his eyes, raising his hands and shrugging "I just know that is not the viking way"

"But it will take a great man, Ivar" Hvitserk intervened "To stake a claim in here, to defend it"

Eyra nodded, agreeing with him, but Ivar ignored her. 

"Ah, that does not sound like yourself, dear brother, the Hvitserk I know loves to raid, he's a real viking... What you just said, and what Eyra and Ubbe are saying is not the viking way"

"Your father was a farmer before being king, Ivar, don't forget that" she raised her eyebrow. 

He looked at his lover, pressing his lips together, but didn't argue with her, turning around to look at the crowd again. 

"So, who among you will follow me? Who will follow me into battle? For the love of fame and for the love of Odin, our All Father?" he screamed, smirking in victory when they cheered again. 

Eyra was aware of the looks Sigurd had given to Ivar during his speech, and during the conversation with his brothers. She knew what was going to happen. 

Everyone was used to their fights, but she couldn't help but tense up every time they started. Ivar almost did it once. 

"We are the sons of Ragnar, we have to stick together" 

Ivar smirked, and you knew it was on. 

"Frankly, dear Sigurd, I don't care what you say" he tilted his head, and ignored the kick Eyra gave him on his leg and her glare "The truth is, I wouldn't even piss down your throat even if your lungs were on fire" he mocked while emptying the content of his cup on the floor. She gasped and frowned when some people laughed. 

"Ivar" she hissed "Don't say that"

"Is the truth, Eyra" Ivar smirked "I couldn't care less for what he says"

"He is your brother" the girl narrowed your eyes. 

She could be in love with Ivar, but Sigurd was like a brother to her, and she hated to see them fight. 

"Well maybe that's because you're not really a man, are you, Boneless?" Sigurd replied, and she widened her eyes looking at him, feeling Ivar tense up next to her "You wouldn't make Eyra lie about it and she wouldn't have to find other men who can actually pleasure her if you were"

"Sigurd!" She screamed, her cheeks turning red in rage "Leave me out of this and don't spread lies about me!" She wanted to kill them both at that exact moment. Luckily her self-control was better than Ivar's "And please learn how to behave like brothers, both of you!"

Ivar was angry, it almost scared her when she saw that look. 

"So" Björn decided to ignore them and talked to the rest of the men, who were looking at the brothers in amusement "Who's going to stay here and farm?"

Harald Finehair raised from his seat then, smiling to Björn.

"I would like to stay, but I have other plans" he raised his cup "Skål" 

"Skål" everyone answered, and Eyra took a sip of her drink, to try and calm down with her heart beating faster and faster. 

His brother Halfdan stood up to, revealing his wish of sailing with Björn to the Mediterranean. That seemed to relieve the eldest of the Ragnarssons, who took it as an excuse to leave the main table and join his new travel companion to hug him.

"Then it seems that the only thing that really kept the sons of Ragnar together was the death of their father"

"Poor Björn, it is you who doesn't want to keep the army together, it is you who want to go away to sunny places!" Ivar snapped, and she jumped, startled "Everyone else can follow me"

"Ivar" she said softly. She just wanted him to calm down, to relax...

But Sigurd wanted to keep pushing, and Eyra didn't have enough strength to stop the fight then. 

"I don't want to follow you Ivar. You are crazy, you have the mind of a child!" 

"And all you do is play music, Sigurd"

"Ubbe please" she begged, whispering "Please make them stop"

"They won't listen, Eyra" he squeezed her hand to calm her down "It's fine, calm down"

Calm down? How could she calm down? She could feel the anger coming out of Ivar's body. She could see it in the way he frowned, in how he clenched his jaw and his hands gripped the arms of the chair painfully tight .

"I'm just as much a son of Ragnar as you are" Sigurd shrugged, unbothered by Ivar's remark. 

"I'm not so sure. As far as I remember Ragnar didn't play the oud... And he certainly didn't offer his arse to other men!"

"Ivar!" This time she jumped, knowing neither Ubbe or Hvitserk would do anything to stop them "Please, stop, you're brothers, don't do this"

"I can't believe you're with him, Eyra" Sigurd glared at you "He doesn't deserve you, he will get tired of you and then toss you aside like a toy, and you know that but still stay with him"

"Sigurd, please, don't do this... You're angering him, and both of you are saying nonsense because you've drank..."

"It's not nonsense, Eyra, and don't get involved, this does not concern you" Ivar glared at her, clenching his jaw. She was used to his rage, his bad mood and his yelling. But there was something different on his eyes. 

"You make me laugh!" Sigurd mocked him, and Eyra closed her eyes, shaking her head. Next to her, Ubbe grabbed her arm softly, ready to shove Eyra away from the table in case the argument escalated "Just like you do when you crawl around like a baby"

"Sigurd, please don't say that" she wanted to cry then. They wouldn't listen to her, they could kill each other right there and no one could do nothing. Only watch how her own family fought, how they tried to humiliate each other in front of a whole army. 

"It must be frustrating to be with a man who only crawls around and who cannot pleasure you either, Eyra" Sigurd was now smirking. 

She wanted to scream in that moment, to say that Ivar could in fact pleasure her, in many ways, she wanted to hit both of them too, to make them see they were fighting their own blood... 

"Shut your mouth!" Ivar yelled, and Eyra had never ever heard that tone on his voice. He hit the table too, and it made her jump. 

"Enough!" Björn interrupted, with an annoyed voice "Listen to Eyra, she's the only rational person over there now" 

"This has nothing to do with you!" Ivar yelled again. And he hit the table again. She didn't dare to even touch him, giving him some space so he could calm down. 

"What's the matter, Ivar? You can't take it?" Sigurd kept pushing him. Surely he had to see his brother's rage, he could see he was losing control.

"Ubbe please" she muttered, her voice broken in panic.

"Ivar" Ubbe spoke softly to his little brother, smiling "Do not listen to him"

"Ivar look at me" she tried to do what she always did, to calm him down, to help him "Come on, don't listen, okay, just look at me"

Ivar did look at her, and he seemed to soften a bit before Sigurd decided to speak again.

"No, I guess it must be hard for you now that your mommy is dead, knowing she's the only one who ever really loved you" 

That was it. 

Everyone saw it in a slow motion. Eyra saw Ivar losing control completely. She saw his hand, reaching for the axe he kept next to his seat. 

Ubbe saw it too.

"Ivar" he warned. Eyra stood up then, ready to take that axe from his hand. He wouldn't throw it, would he? No, he was his brother... "Ivar..." Ubbe's tone became urgent, and he shoved the girl away from the table when he understood what she was going to do. When he saw it coming and knew she couldn't stop it "Ivar!" 

A scream. And then there was silence. Everyone looked at Sigurd as the axe hit him, as he looked at Ivar with hatred on his eyes and took the axe out of his body. Gripping the handle and walking over to Ivar. 

"No" she muttered, not really knowing what she was doing as she tried to reach Ivar. She really was willing to cover Ivar when his brother intended to bury that axe on his head. 

For most of the people watching she must look like a crazy woman. 

But Sigurd didn't touch Ivar. He collapsed onto the floor, and then Eyra realized what had happened. 

She couldn't remember much. Just crying hugging Sigurd's body, looking at Ivar's shocked and confused face. 

Her family started to break apart then. 

Tags: @mblaqgi @lol-haha-joke @tephi101 @alicedopey @hallowed-heathen   @ivarslittlebadgirl @naaladareia @captstefanbrandt @love-hate-love @titty-teetee @thisisparadisemylove @readsalot73 @moondustmemories @thevikingsheaux @therealcalicali @chimera4plums @blushingskywalker @awkwardfangirl02 @gruffle1

I hope I didn’t miss anyone! If you want to be tagged just message me💜 and if you don’t want to be tagged anymore message me too! 

As I was saying: this is practically the original storyline; I wanted to keep Sigurd alive, but I needed to change his relationship with Ivar and that was a bit more difficult... I would love to keep Sigurd, but I couldn't 💔 I made the reader mourn him though(?).

Also with this I’m not implying I can write a better series than the actual writers of the series, not at all please... I just felt like changing the story on my own way and sharing it with all of you😘 

Oh! this started as Ivar/Reader but it’s not necessarily just that! This can change during the story!☺️

I hope you like it, thank you for reading!💕

[alansparkshark]

Alright, this hit me like a Boarbatusk. Or a truck. Same thing.

So, here I am, happily making some RWBY OCs. I get to their Semblances and think: "What can I give them that's useful and connected to their character?" Cuz, you know,

I don't quite get it from that explanation though, so my next thought is: "Well, let's look at the original cast, see what they got and how it pertains to their characters."

And yet the more I looked, the more a thought grew in me.

"There's aren't so much decided by their personalities as they are by their wishes."

Now, hear me out here. For most Semblances we've seen yet and have heard/seen the unlocking of, they seem to have appeared in a moment of need, a moment of physical or emotional stress.

And it always seems to pertain to certain desires the user has.

Alright, let's just start from somewhere. Let me explain my thought process.

I take a character who's Semblance we know of, then check their backstory and personality. Then I check if said backstory/personality could lead to a desire in said character. And finally, I try to see if that desire connects directly to the Semblance of the character in question.

Let's start with someone who's Semblance we not only know, but saw the moment they found it.

Lie Ren.

First off, we check their personality/backstory. Ren is a quiet, less emotionally expressive character. He seems to stay calm in every moment. As the story progresses, he grows more expressive - in current-day Kuroyuri, he is shown in a rage.

So far, it seems fitting that such a character gets a Semblance such as "Calmness", as I'll dub it.

But it's the moment that he unlocks it that makes it interesting.

Up until that point, we've seen Ren as an excitable little boy. He went from store to store, trying to find something to buy his father for his return. He shows a lot of emotions at that point. When the Nuckelavee attacks and his parents perish, he is panicked beyond belief and is hiding under an archway. He notices Nora a little ways away, in a similar state. He wants to help her. He wants to take action, but he's too panicked to move. He wants to calm down , he tries and tries and- his Semblance activates. His desire to calm down activated his unique ability - to instill calmness despite negative emotions. His wish was to do as his father and mother did - be brave and inspire others to feel the same.

In other words, his Semblance was unlocked by his desire to be calm so he could be reliable to those he cares about.

Alright, next big example - Jaune.

His Semblance was first hinted at in "Forever Fall, pt.2" as Cardin attempted to give Jaune the good ol' knuckle sandwich, only hurt his hand after a bright flash of light (This'll be of importance later). The next time we see it is alllll the way in "Vault of The Spring Maiden", and this time it was fully unlocked. His Semblance of Aura Amplification is one that I personally feel really fits his character - he doesn't want to protect his friends. He wants to do as Pyrrha did for him at Beacon - bring them up, assist them in achieving new heights but not doing it instead of them. Notice how I again used "wants". His desire to do as a good leader should, bring up his teammates, is the basis of his Semblance. It's the same with when he blocked Cardin's punch - he wanted to bring himself up from the pitiful state he was in at the time, not just protect himself from the pain but have the strength to overcome it.

Alright, next up on the list... is Raven, surprisingly.

She was one of the easiest to piece to this logic, as she and Qrow have an irony with their Semblances. But back to Raven.

Her Semblance is "Connection", as I'll call it. It's premise is relatively simple - she can create a portal to those she has a strong emotional connection to. The list so far includes Qrow (brother & teammate), Taiyang (lover & teammate), Yang (daughter) and Vernal (right-hand woman until her untimely demise). We know about Vernal due to process of elimination - unless you wanna imply she actually had a connection to Cinder or her companions. And yet, her whole story is how she abandoned her daughter and her husband. She told Qrow "they owed everything to the Branwen tribe", strongly implying, if not confirming she feels a sense of thankfulness to the people who raised her when she needed it. She admonished Qrow for deserting the clan. She feels a sense of duty towards them. And yet, her Semblance is based entirely on emotional connection - something I doubt is of great importance in a bandit clan composed of "killers and thieves", in Qrow's words. I'd hazard to guess that a childhood in a bandit clan would easily stir a desire to form lasting bonds - something easily achievable when you can make portals. Despite her sense of duty, she still desires a strong emotional bond, devoid of power dynamics and a sense of "we may die any day". Something she had with Taiyang and Yang. Something she had with Qrow and Vernal, despite the circumstances. Really adds a layer to her character if you put it like that.

Alright, who's next... hm, let's put Qrow on the dissection table now.

His Semblance of "Misfortune" seems awfully contradictory to his character, that of a caring man who can barely stand to hurt those close to him, even if they're not family and friends. Why would that be his Semblance?

Well, he obviously didn't have a great opinion of the Branwen tribe. Who knows, maybe what Raven saw as being saved, Qrow saw as being used. Maybe he wished that they'd be caught by bad luck, that the tribe would just collapse and disappear. But that spite evolved into his current Semblance - everyone around him suffers while he's only really left with emotional scars.

Welp. That was depressing. Who's up for getting at Nora next.

Now, this is gonna be pretty short this time. There's not a lot to talk about. She sees Ren as her emotional anchor, her savior. She wants to give back for what he does. She sees he's struggling on the physical side (he's pretty low on the endurance, as evident multiple times throughout the show), so she desires to be strength he's lacking in. And look where that got her - her Semblance, "Charging" makes her grow exponentially stronger the more electricity she absorbs. She can even channel it into objects, like Magnhild or an Ursa. I'd say mission successful, you funky little Thor ginger.

Let's finish up JNPR with their resident apology machine - Pyrrha.

So, we know she'd been in many tournaments. She's the Invincible Girl. The three-time Mistral regional battle tournament winner. She's honestly a gladiator. And what does a gladiator crave? Victory. That's where her overpowered (in comparison to others) Semblance appeared from. She simply wanted to beat her opponents more easily. Well, until she didn't want all the fame that came along with her power.

Alright, who do we mentally lay bare... Hm, Velvet seems simple enough.

What's there to say - a shy, bullied bunny. She's a second year in the first year's history class. I'd say that would do some things to your confidence. And what's her Semblance? Well it just so happens to be "Movement Copying". She can copy a person's physical movements, even if she has not seen them, as shown in "Heroes and Monsters". Makes sense - her desire to be as strong as those around her shows both in her Semblance and her weapon (which is basically a weapon-copying camera). She doesn't have confidence that she's strong, so she (quite literally) does as those around her.

Hm, who next... oooh, how about Yang?

"...basically a temper tantrum", I'd call it "Rise Up". This also can connect to a desire. Yang, being repeatedly battered by one damaging event after the other - her mother abandoning her, her stepmother dying, likely a depression in her father and mothering Ruby. The girl has likely been brought down more than once. But she desires to get stronger from it, so much so that the desire has become a characteristic. She shows so when she decides to find Ruby, when she decides to start training again. She has done it again and again and she'll continue doing it - her desire is now another part of her personality that won't break.

Alright, we put Yang here, how about we make a Bumbleby combo and go for Blake next.

"Shadows", now that's a name I can get behind. She "leaves an empty shell, a shadow to take the hit while she runs". It's, all things considered, a kind of cowardly Semblance. It's basically "here, beat on this while I dodge away and escape the attack". And with the recent events, we've seen she doesn't wanna run anymore - yet she retains her Semblance unchanged? Makes no sense if it's connected to a personality trait. But if it's connected to a desire, then it would make perfect sense. Firstly, she's a Faunus. We know for a fact that there's Faunus discrimination (seriously, if the Adam short and Adam's scar aren't enough proof for you...) and that she was fighting against it in protests. And if our world is anything to go by... yeah, it's easy to see how peaceful any counter-protests would be. Not to mention Adam himself. From all those factors collected, well, the thought process behind the desire her Semblance is founded on becomes obvious - she realised the racists only saw an animal, nothing of importance where Blake stood. So she gave them just that - an empty sandbag to hit while she runs. I'm not gonna get into Adam, as I'm simply sick of the topic.

Hmm, who's left... Well, Weiss has a familial Semblances. The Schnee Glyphs aren't so much unique as the summons included. Really, the only thing unique about her Semblance is who she summons, as we've seen a Queen Lancer, a Boarbatusk and the Arma Gigas, unlike Winter, who we've seen with a flock of tiny Nevermores and a Beowolf. The show says the Schnee family Semblance is a very rare thing, a passed-down-by-blood power. So it's an understandable outlier.

Let's look at Ruby next... Well, she seems to be a very big outlier to this theory of mine. Her silver eyes have more to do with her desires than her Speed. Maybe she has a desire we have yet to see? Anyways, I don't quite have an explanation for Ruby, so I'll leave her aside.

Let's clean our palates with Sun, then.

His Semblance, "Kage Bunshin No Jutsu" (I know it's called "Via Sun", but I wanted to make an unoriginal joke), actually seems to fit my theory. We don't have much, if any, backstory, but in this case we need none. His desire, as we've seen many times throughout the series and which was twisted in Volume 4 & 5, is to help people. He wants to be there for those he cares about, like Blake and his team, but he realises he can't do it alone. So his desire turned into his Semblance, "One Monkey Army" - a way for him to help even if he's alone to do so. You can't tell me he hasn't used his Semblance to fetch something for someone at least once.

Hm, few people left. Let's go with Emerald.

Her "Hallucinations" are a nod to her growing up on the streets. A place you'd be begging people not to pay attention to you. Her Semblance, then, is born from the obvious desire to fool prey and predators alike.

Neo... We don't know much about her. No backstory, some personality, but honestly? The only idea I have at this moment is more of a headcannon. But I CAN connect her Semblance's evolution. So, before V6, her Semblance is simply making physical illusions. It's honestly similar to Blake's "Shadows", in some uses, but it's definitely a lot more of a multi-use tool. It can be used to make her look different, if not outright invisible. But it always shatters upon being hit. Fast forward to V6 and her fight against Cinder, and suddenly she can use the illusions as straight up puppets to fight for her. Her Semblance grew, to put it bluntly. But why in such a manner? Her illusions were fragile and immobile before, now they're tougher and mobile to the point of being straight up weapons. But why in that direction? Well, they can move and touch things without them breaking now. Guess who's started to get more headpats from her partner.

Alright, Hazel is up for the mental strip.

Honestly, despite our lack of major backstory here, his Semblance is pretty easy to trace back. Nobody likes pain, outside of masochists, so it's easy to understandable he'd have a Semblance that removes the feeling of pain.

Adam. Adam Adam Adam. He's surprisingly more similar to Hazel than Yang in terms of Semblance. Yeah, you heard that right. "He gets to dish out damage and not feel it". His Semblance is basically a self-loading gun - he can use the power of strikes to charge it, only to the unleash various empowered slashes. He refuses to feel pain, just like Hazel, but unlike him, he also desired to return what was meant for him straight back at his attackers. Hazel is relatively peaceful when the situation doesn't include Ozpin, but Adam? He's aggressive, always bloodthirsty. His desire was simple - feed his thirst for vengeance. A perfect Semblance for that wish, no?

Hm, well we only have Glynda left. I got nothing. I don't see how I'd understand her desire to have telekinesis without a backstory I doubt we'll get.

Well, that's it for that! I feel like I'm onto something.

[gaymedievaldruid]

I'm not gonna answer all of these, but it's a rlly good excuse to talk abt my wips!

This is a Very Long post, and i don't actually expect anyone to read it, I just want to talk.

I have four wips, one semi-perminantly abandoned (maybe until I get inspiration back but eh idk), one that I last touched a few months back, and two which I've been hyperfixating on recently and I think have just gotten off the high from.

They're all fanfic, so in regards to some of the questions above eg. do you hope your works will become famous; no. No I do not. If I get any attention for my scribbles, I will combust. Anyways, my four wips are- a hp fic in which padfoot gets overly paranoid abt what happened to Harry and escapes early, sorta just running up and down the country until he finds him. He does, and stays as a dog as Harry manages to distance himself from the Dursleys. I got to the train and stopped. Don't know if I'll ever get back to this one, during the hiatus was when all the jkr transph*obic stuff came out and it's killed the wind

The second one is for Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch as a no magic AU! Very depressing, fittingly written in the midst of major depression, but I'm enjoying these characters finding each other and helping each other heal from grief, depression, addiction etc

The third and fourth ones are both for TCB's Spies Are Forever, because it is my favourite, and I love it. One is Curt Dies, Owen survives and (typically) blames himself but in the "it's his fault but I could have done something" way. Curt goes on to become the DMA, Owen goes on to avoid America at all costs BC Trauma! His first mission back on American soil features Tatiana being a badass, Owen kinda sorta being a better spy than Curt (okay but curt left spying for four years and Owen didn't), and Owen being kicked out of the CIA for vague treason reasons. Also they kidnapped Barb because she deserves to be part of the story. They're currently going to Monaco as I decide if I want these two spies to be Very Dumb, or out of character.

You can tell which ones I've thought about recently.

The other SAF fic is a private one, but one that I want to talk abt because it's very close to me and also no one can stop me. If anyone was part of the old Spies discord a few years back, you might remember a quarantined offshoot server about Mad King Owen. Not a lot of people liked MKO, but I love it! The Symbolism the Worldbuilding the Characters the Vibesss. Many headcanons were created there which I unashamedly use in my own SAF stuff.

Anyways this fic is a Spies Are Forever crossover with Mad King Owen (saf! And MKO!curt got swapped, the characters have no clue how it happened and neither do I). Literally nobody else is interested in this concept and yet here I am. This is also a Barb-heavy fic because her friendship with Curt is important to me as a trans ace individual. At the moment I have bare minimum ideas about plot, mostly just DMA doing science stuff and being an absolute riot, Curt trying to play with Wocka (SHOUTOUT TO WOCKA!!!) and Barb being awesome.

Right! That's 1) done. The rest of this will probably just be me addressing points that I can talk abt.

Scenes that I can't be arsed to get to? Jokes on you if you think I'm bothering to think abt that. I write the scene/dialogue/sentence and go from there. Minimal plot, minimal brainpower.

Not currently part of any of my wips, but I love writing TSS Janus! He's a lil angsty, but he is hurt from the split and trying to manage his anger and grief in a healthy way. Although MKO DMA comes in a close second. He's v Mysterious, never quite making it through a plan without some improv and drama and I can vibe. I never write his POV though, only other people (Inc. Wocka) seeing him do stuff.

I love Barb, but I don't really identify with her. I'd honestly have to say MKO Curt, because we have the same monkey brain energy. Also neither of us understand social cues.

I write either incredibly long sentences with multiple commas, too many clauses, and more triplets and metaphors than you can shake a stick at, or. Incredibly short ones. That make no sense on their own. Because they're cut halfway through by full stops.

Pfffft planning never heard of her

Title is definitely the hardest! I can do a summary no problem, tags i need to write as I'm coming up with the fic, but titles. Never. Come to me. Aagrhsodhbdisbajgshaghgg.

Do I reread old works? Yep, mostly to find where I left my most recent work. My fics are separated into docs by fandom, not into their own individual doc. It makes it harder <3 but is also good for giving you plot bunnies Abt where the unfinished ones might go, whichay or may not inspire me to write.

Gotta go figure out how to to a keep reading break on mobile, but other than that and the tags, i think that's it!

If you really want to, I'm gaymedievaldruid on ao3

Fun meta asks for writers

Tell us about your current project(s)  – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it?

Tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project

What is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be arsed to write all of the set-up and context it would need? (consider this permission to write it and/or share it anyway)

Share a sentence or paragraph from your writing that you’re really proud of (explain why, if you like)

What character that you’re writing do you most identify with?

What character do you have the most fun writing?

What do you think are the characteristics of your personal writing style? Would others agree?

Is what you like to write the same as what you like to read?

Are you more of a drabble or a longfic kind of writer? Pantser or plotter? Do you wish you were the other?

How would you describe your writing process?

What do you envy in other writers?

Do you want your writing to be famous?

Do you share your writing online? (Drop a link!) Do you have projects you’ve kept just for yourself?

At what point in writing do you come up with a title?

Which is harder: titles or summaries (or tags)?

Tried anything new with your writing lately? (style, POV, genre, fandom?)

Do you think readers perceive your work - or you - differently to you? What do you think would surprise your readers about your writing or your motivations?

Do any of your stories have alternative versions? (plotlines that you abandoned, AUs of your own work, different characterisations?) Tell us about them.

Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?)

Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)

What other medium do you think your story would work well as? (film, webcomic, animated series?)

Do you reread your old works? How do you feel about them?

What’s the story idea you’ve had in your head for the longest?

Would you say your writing has changed over time?

What part of writing is the most fun?

[frighthouseofalighthouse]

Fairy lights, daisies, matte, mood board, oil paints, grunge, painting, and love (((love is mostly cause I just love seeing all the happy posts you make about your gf sometimes, and side note I love when you reblog ask things cause you answer so honestly and I feel like I get to know you. Like you'll tell the good, bad, and ugly, and you're just super down to earth and real. Thanks so much for being you, I wish I had the confidence to message you. ): one day I hope, I'd like to have a friend.))

Fairy Lights: If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about anything, what would you want to know?

Honestly, I’d want to know if I’m with the right person/who the right person is. Because I love my gf, SO MUCH, and I do think she’s the one...but I thought that in all my previous relationships as well, and I’m always going to have irrational doubts in the back of my mind and I’d love to put those to rest.

Daisies: What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Obvious answer for me is surviving and overcoming my urges to cut ever since I stopped, but also I’m super proud of having wrote 5 novels in my life! (one sucked because I was 11, one I wrote at 13 for NaNoWriMo sucked and was unfinished and abandoned but met the word count, and I’ve completed two novels in my current series and am in progress with the third, but it’s met the word count requirement as well!)

Matte: If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?

For one thing, I’d stop stressing about completing high school and making it to college. Because a year of that wouldn’t make any difference. I’d also be more outgoing and reckless with my money and my courage in general, I’d do a lot more things I haven’t experienced because of anxieties.

Mood Board: Do you feel you had a happy childhood?

I went through some shit the last half of it, but all in all, yes!

Oil Paints: What would you title the autobiography of your life so far?

I Am Here. It’s the title of my favorite song by Pink, and it reminds me that no matter what I’m going through and no matter how hopeless I feel, I am still here and I am still strong. Another possibility would be the title of a multi-part poem I’ve written: Daughter of Athena. It illustrates my nature and that I care about justice, knowledge, and wisdom.

Grunge; Who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say?

After all this time, I’d like a full apology letter from my first ex, acknowledging and admitting how much wrong she did to me, and maybe even some money as compensation for all the harassment and trauma. I’d still have to deal with it, but if she acknowledged and apologized, the closure would help tremendously.

Painting: What is the best Halloween costume you have ever put together? If none, make one up.

In 2017, I made my own Alexander Hamilton costume out of entirely thrift store finds. Black combat boots, black dress slacks, off white undershirt with great colonial looking loose sleeves, off white frilly button up vest, and dark blue military style coat with gold buttons. Picture below.

Love: Have you ever fallen in love? If Yes, describe what it feels like to realize you’re in love.

I fall in love easily, so yes, I have, several times.

It feels like you’re floating, flying, like you’re looking down on the timeline of your life, and you realize THIS is what it was all for. And sometimes, it really is what it was all for...and sometimes it’s not. But hey, I’m a poet, so let me describe it for you in a few short poems I’ve written about it.

“Love as Poetry”

I have always known / That poetry comes from life, / But you are teaching me / That life is poetry. / The moments we spend / Swaying in my bedroom / With our foreheads touching / Are written in the form of sonnets / Inside my book of memory. / Our kiss is a psalm that / Will be sung forever, / If only for the two of us to hear / Then it is all the more beautiful.

“New Perspective” : Maybe I have always gone about love / The wrong way. / Instead of stupidly happy / I should be intelligently happy. / Instead of falling in love / I should rise in love. / Instead of falling head over heels / I should be swept off my feet. / You are showing me / That all these things / are better than cliches. / A fairy tale should not involve / Falling, / But instead flying. / Perspective is everything. / It looks beautiful from up here.

“Head Over Heels”: Being head over heels in love / is a stupid expression / until it’s you.

“Subject Matter”: Love manifests / In the ability / To turn any subject / into a romantic poem.

~

This has turned into the longest post ever, but if you read it all I appreciate it! I REALLY appreciate your compliment as to my honesty! That was so sweet and it means a lot! Also thank you for liking to hear about my girlfriend! ALSO, whoever sent this, PLEASE hit me up because I’d love to be a friend to you and talk about deep and honest stuff! Thanks again!!!

[lilacsolanum]

am I correct that you once mentioned being able to talk forever about the breakdown of Animorphs team dynamics at the end of the war? please... if so... i'd love to hear your thoughts...

YES, YOU ARE VERY CORRECT. HERE WE GO.

Cassie and Ax are the only ones whose books straight up lay down the law on this. The Sacrifice has Ax straight up talking shit about, like, everyone but Marco. Marco he’s cool with, because Marco’s clear headed and not worried about getting his hands dirty. Marco’s like “Man, drop a nuclear bomb if you GOTTA, like I don’t LOVE the idea but what’s an intergalactic war without a ‘lil nuke here and there? Makes it EXCITING.” But he starts getting disenfranchised with Jake - “I wished now not for Jake, but for an Andalite commander. An experienced soldier. Someone who better understood when to fight and when to watch.” He is OVER how Rachel is terrifyingly violent and should have been removed from fighting a while ago (the scene where Ax chooses to forgive and free a Yeerk-moprhed-bird who is just trying to become a nothlit — only for Rachel to thoughtlessly murder the Yeerk on a rampage — is one of the most chilling moments in Animorphs. I gasped and had the set the book down when I first read it, and I first read it as an adult.) While He even straight up calls Tobias out on getting trapped in morph on purpose - “He stayed in red-tailed hawk morph for longer than two hours. I suspect he did it on purpose.  It was his way of escaping the complexities of human life. Although he exchanged them for a new set of complexities.” When he finds out Cassie gave away the morphing technology, he says “I could not stop looking at Cassie. I was not exactly sure what I was feeling. But I was sure it was very close to hatred.” Later he says “Perhaps the real menace lay at the other end of the continuum - represented by Cassie. Humans who were softer. Kinder. Well-meaning. And, ironically, infinitely more dangerous.” He eventually does forgive Cassie and start to understand her choice, but it takes him a MOMENT. Ax is TIRED in this book. The Sacrifice is just Ax talking shit about everyone, it’s amazing. “My hatred for Cassie began to extend to them all. They were fools. They would never prevail. They were too soft. Too sentimental. Too childish. Too stupid and ignorant.” - Aximili in The Sacrifice, pouring out some tea.

Ax ends up in this really sad place at the end of the war where he’s resigned to dying on Earth, to dying with his human friends, and he sees honor in that but he does not want it. Ax is easily the least developed characters in the series, especially once he’s given to the ghostwriters. He’s either The Funny Alien Bro or he’s the writer’s voice of political commentary. VERY RARELY is he treated with respect. Because of this inconsistency, it’s hard to say what Ax does immediately after the war. Does he just peace out to Andalite immediately? Does he take time to decide what he truly wants? Does he decide he truly wants to stay on Earth with humans but goes back to Andalite out of duty? Does he reach out to Tobias? Does he quietly accept Tobias’s decision to isolate himself and feel secretly relieved that he no longer has to care for this neurotic bird? Does he feel guilty about being secretly relieved? Does he not care he’s relieved? There are a ton of ways to interpret Ax and view his post war decisions. The only thing we know from The Sacrifice is that he’s pretty fucking DONE.

-

Cassie talks a ton of shit, too. (”The truth was, and it hurt me to admit it, Jake just wasn’t Jake anymore.” - The Ultimate. “Rachel’s voice, on the other hand, was firm and unhesitating. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m thinking it’s time to explode a big ‘ole bomb.” “And you couldn’t be happier,” Cassie said bitterly to Rachel. “Could you?”” - The Sacrifice.) Cassie always has sweetly-snide things to say about everyone in her narration (homegurl is always like “Marco is funny, but only to cover up his own fear.” “Yeah Tobias DEFINITELY trapped himself in morph.” “Rachel is a mess.” Cassie is a southern church lady and a master at shade and I love her.)

Cassie and Ax are basically just. Done with everyone. Cassie has already realized all her friends are way too war-touched to ever be healthy, and knows, on some level, that she’ll retain enough stability be able to elevate herself past the PTSD. In her last book, she makes this sad, desperate last chance grab at retaining what was left of Jake’s humanity. After that, we don’t see many people really connecting with Cassie and honestly, it’s not because she gave away the morphing cube. It’s because the Animorphs agree to blow up the Yeerk pool. I think that is a defining point for Cassie, the equivalent of Jake losing his parents. Her fate is sealed when she is forced to participate in destroying the Pool. She doesn’t like herself and she doesn’t like these people. She completely gives up on Jake and knows they have no future, which you see plainly in her reaction to Jake’s proposal (I don’t know what I expected her answer to be, but I didn’t expect her to start crying. And not tears of joy, either. “I would like that … eventually,” she said. “ But. But what?” She sighed. “But, Jake, what are you going to be? What are you going to do?” “Guess I thought I’d go to college,” I said. “And study what, Jake? Me, I’ll go to college, I’ll become a doctor. never forget what’s happened, I’ll never even try, but I’ll be able to slip back into a normal life. But you, Jake?” ) She is straight up aggressive toward Rachel in The Ultimate (”“Why do you have to be so horrible?” Cassie exploded. “You are, you know. And you get worse every day. Your own mother can’t even stand you.””) Cassie is maybe not consciously aware that she is the only one who will truly survive the war, but she knows SOMETHING, and she starts to distances herself and gives up on her friends at the end of the war. It’s another one of Cassie’s bright clear lines.

-

Marco doesn’t really comment on things falling apart, but I also don’t think Marco approaches exactly HOW falling apart things have become in the same honest way Cassie and Ax do. Listen: homeboy has abandoment issues. Which I guess is extrapolation, as I can’t really think of any example where he’s directly like “Everyone Leaves Me Eventually Fuck ‘Em And Their Little Dog Too”, but the text DOES tell us 1. Marco’s mom died when he was 11, which is a very big thing to happen to a very tiny child; 2. His dad mentally checked out immediately after and 3. After the war, Marco awkwardly tries to keep the band together. He admits to spying on Jake in his free time in The Beginning, AND I MEAN. “Marco lived half a mile from me, in a house about seven times bigger than mine. We’d started hanging out again. And after awhile he’d given up arranging dates for me with whatever starlet happened to be willing.” (Jake, The Beginning). Some of that is Jake giving back to Marco, but one can ONLY ASSUME from Marco’s weird spying that Marco pulled every drop of Jake’s friendship out by sheer force of will. He also apparently invites Cassie AND HER BOYFRIEND to his Hollywood parties (I spoke to Cassie every couple of months. She was seeing some guy … actually, a good guy. I had met him at one of Marco’s parties.) and is in general all up in her shit. He does this crazy detailed run down of every step Cassie has made post-war in Chapter 10 of The Beginning. Like bro why do you even know Wal-mart tried to get Cassie to sign a deal with them? Because you’re not as cool as you think, and you miss the fuck out of the Animorphs. His defining character trait is also “Cares about no one unless he adopts you as as family, in which case he will walk right into hell and personally bitch slap satan to ensure your safety.” I honestly don’t think it OCCURS to him that they won’t all be friends after the war. He comments a bit on people falling apart, but I swear he thinks they’re all going to fall apart together. Marco is arguably in a better position when the war ends than when it started. He brings his mother back from the dead, his dad is functioning, he is rich and famous, everything is great (save for the inevitable trauma of his parents and the existence of Nora and the fact he deliberately put her in harm and all the other terrible realizations we’ve all had about that family). But I can’t help but feel that his abandonment issues are part of what lead him to The Rachel. He sacrifices a pretty bomb life to go on a suicide mission without question, because Marco doesn’t have much family, and he adopted the Animorphs as a family, and now the only way to get that family back for even a moment is to go on The Rachel.

Basically, at the end of the war, Marco is something close to happy and hopeful. The last book he narrates is a fucking romp with tanks and ducks and bondage jokes (”” ICONIC). He’s focused on his parents, and he’s not really seeing the looming aftermath of war.

-

Tobias is sort of in the same situation. He’s dealing with a lot. He’s got a Loren now, and he’s awkwardly morphing human for her. He has been disenfranchised with Jake ever since Jake manipulated him into volunteering himself for torture. He’s kicking it with Marco and Ax and they have this sort of unofficial club going on, but he never mentions particularly connecting with Marco on the same level he does Rachel or Ax or even Cassie. Which, don’t get me wrong, I am 100% a huge believer in Team Finesse as disgruntled roommates who care for each other deep down, but it’s ultimately not enough of a connection to keep him around after Rachel’s death. That’s the thing with Tobias. He was always sort of detached from everyone but Rachel and Ax, and Ax was somewhat circumstantial. We all love the shorms, shorms are real, but there’s definitely a reading where the two of them bonded because they had to. I also definitely think Tobias never truly believed in Ax’s love for him. That’s the thing with Tobias, he can joke and he can bond and he has a nice time with the other Animorphs but he doesn’t believe in a universe where they hang out without the Yeerks, ya feel? He can go on a tank joy ride with Marco, but underneath it he’s thinking “This hilarious class clown wouldn’t give me the time of day if it wasn’t for Elfangor.” He can listen to Ax call him shorm, but ultimately he’s going to feel “Ax is only here because he has no other option, we wouldn’t be friends otherwise.” That’s why as soon as Rachel dies, Tobias is out. When Cassie says, “He doesn’t hate you, Jake. He never did. His heart was broken, that’s all. And you know, Tobias never had anyone. No one before Rachel. No mother, really, no father he could ever know. Rachel was the first and only person who ever loved Tobias.” (The Beginning), I think she’s speaking from Tobias’s POV, because she knows of all people that Tobias was loved and loved fiercely by many. It’s just that when Rachel said it, he actually believed her. (This is a line I’ve been sitting on for a minute and will use in a fic, so anyone who reads it again later, act surprised okay?)

-

And Jake and Rachel have isolating incidents that are pretty clear on the page. Rachel’s descent into extreme violence addiction isn’t super well done, but these ARE children’s books. As dark as these books are, there’s something so incredibly disturbing about watching a child find joy in a shower of blood that it’s not really well touched upon. All we know is that she’s out of control, to the point where when confronted by an armed but currently peaceful group of soldiers, she ignores orders from Ax and attempts to ram through the human shield by physically stomping on her mother’s foot and forcing the gas pedal. No one wants to hang out with Rachel by this point, not even her family, not even Cassie. Well, we can assume Tobias is still kicking it with her, but we never get a scene of them together which is a SHAME. And Jake is, you know. I’ve rambled enough, but anyone who has read the series knows that Jake withdraws from his friends when he loses his parents in The Diversion. Marco and Tobias are too preoccupied to help, Cassie tries to the point where she hands their only leverage over to the enemy but eventually gives up on EVERYONE, and Ax is too exhausted to care. I don’t think it would have mattered much if Jake had gotten a ton of support though. He’d given up by then.

ANYWAY you asked for my feelings on the kids drifting away from each other and I gave you 2K because I am extra.

[z-iridest]

Attack On Titan: Warriors Soul- Part 2

A.O.T- The Underground

843:

A harsh cough left Kana as she came to, slowly sitting up. She brought her hand up to her head. It was really hurting her. She shook it off as she slowly stood, testing the strength of her legs. Despite being a little shaky, she was able to stand on her own. Okay, so the fall didn't do that much damage... If only I could figure out where the hell I even am... Kana thought as she looked around. She slowly walked to the end of the alley she was in and peeked around the corner. Everyone was dressed differently than she was. She looked down at her clothes. Well, shit, I'll be sticking out like a sore thumb... Kana looked around before spotting a shirt and some pants that looked like they would fit her. She'd have to steal them off the line they were hanging on, but it beat having to take clothes off some random, dirty as hell dead body or something. She used her gymnastics skills to climb up, snag the clothes and get back down. She looked around to make sure no one was around before changing in the shadows of the alleyway. Digging into her original pants pocket, she found that there wasn't anything but her pocket knife to take with her. She held onto it, deciding to keep it in order to use it if the need ever arose. Surprisingly, the clothes fit her okay, and she could move in them better as opposed to a dress, so it was basically heaven to her. As she stepped out into the crowd, leaving her old clothes behind and with her pocket knife in her pants pocket, she put her hair back in a messy bun, some stray hairs framing the side of her face. She would take care of her rat's nest of hair later, right now, she needed to figure out what to do.

This wasn't part of the Attack On Titan world as far as she knew, having only seen the one episode Akairi had been watching... Kana frowned at the thought of her little sister. She had to find Akairi, hoping that the poor kid would be okay alone. The thought honestly scared her, Akairi being on her own. But, considering that kid had seen the whole series through to the final episode of the third season, Kana concluded that Akairi's knowledge would be more than enough to survive this world.... At least... She hoped...

A commotion caused her dark hazel eyes to shift to her left, her gaze at an alleyway she had been about to pass. She put her hand in her pocket, closing it around the knife as she walked towards it. What she found nearly startled her. There was a young girl, around 16 or 17 if she had to guess the kid's age, with reddish-brown hair that was pulled into two pig tails, a pair of vibrant green eyes looking up at her. The kid had on a large orange button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, what looked like brown tights with small tan boots adorning her feet. Something about the girl's green eyes reminded Kana of Akairi, though the kid was currently looking really weak. Kana wordlessly helped the kid up, taking her to an abandoned house. There wasn't much in it, and the place had cobwebs galore, but it would have to do. As much as the cobwebs begged the shit out of Kana, it needed to wait. Kana tried the faucet to see if the water was working. Much to her own relief, it was. She rummaged through the cabinets before finding a cup. It was caked in dust, but after a good scrubbing, it was all the way cleaned. She filled it with water and brought it to the kid, helping her sit up. "Here, drink this. After we get you hydrated, I'll get us some food." Kana promised. The kid, thank God, listened to Kana and drank the water before falling back asleep. Once she was asleep, Kana went back out, snagging food from stands as she walked by when the owners weren't looking. She was honestly surprised at how smoothly it went considering it was her first time stealing anything. Once she returned, she gently woke up the kid and fed her, keeping an apple for herself as she looked around in thought. The place needed a serious dusting, and that wasn't even the half of it.

"Thanks for that, miss! I can take care of myself, but I appreciate the help!" The kid told her.

"What's a kid your age doing living in garbage alone anyways? Where the hell are your parents?" Kana asked.

"Aw, it's not so bad. You don't gotta worry about me. Besides, living among trash is all I know, I don't have any family left." The kid answered, waving off her concern. Kana hesitated for a second. The kid had no family left... Just like her... Well, besides Akairi...

"Well, whether you like or not, you do now." Kana replied. "I'm Kana. Kana Takashiro." The kid seemed to light up at this.

"I'm Isabel Magnolia, nice to meet ya!" She hyperactively introduced herself, causing Kana to crack a smile. This kid had as much energy as her little sister. Kana's smile fell as she looked around.

"Hey, Isabel, give me a hand with cleaning this place up, would ya? There's cobwebs and shit everywhere." Kana asked her. Isabel enthusiastically nodded before the two set to work. It took a while to clear the place of all the crap, but once it was finished, Kana felt proud of the work they'd done together. Isabel let out a breath of exhaustion, plopping cross legged onto the floor.

"That was exhausting!" She exclaimed dramatically, making Kana chuckle a bit while shaking her head. She grinned up at Kana. "Hey, Big Sis, I've told you about my family, what about yours?" She asked. Kana's smile dropped as she sat down next to Isabel. "My parents died a few years ago. I have a little sister, but she and I got separated. I somehow ended up down here." Kana answered her. She watched as a frown crossed her face.

"How old is she?" Isabel asked.

"8 years old, which is why I'm worried. She's never been on her own before."

"Do you know where she is?"

"Somewhere up top if I had to guess." Kana smiled at Isabel. "You remind me of her a bit." Isabel lit up.

"Really?" She asked excitedly. Kana nodded.

"Yeah, Akairi has a ton of energy, and she's definitely got spunk." Kana laughed at the memory. "I'll have to introduce you two if we ever get up top and find her."

"I'd love to meet her!" Isabel grinned, hugging Kana. Kana laughed and hugged her back. This was going to be a crazy one. She just wished Akairi could be here with her....

Underground- 844

A year after Kana first arrived in the Underground, she had perfected her abilities as a thief, as well as had been able to take down several men twice her size while protecting Isabel.

One specific day, Isabel and her had been snagging food from the vendors while pickpocketing certain people when Isabel suddenly looked up, making Kana stop and look up as well. Flying past them on some type of machine were two men. The first looked a bit older than Isabel, with dark blond hair with bangs that hung in the center of his forehead, and light grey eyes. He was dressed a simple, long sleeved white shirt with a blue vest, tan pants and knee high boots. But the second...

The second looked around the same age as her, with short, straight undercut raven black hair and narrow, by far the most intimidating she'd ever seen, dull grey eyes. She noticed that there were dark circles under his eyes and she wondered if he had problems sleeping for too long at night like she did.... He was wearing a white shirt that had sleeves that only went to his elbows in length, the collar turned up, a brown vest, dark pants with a brown belt and the same boots as the blond. "Those guys are so cool! I wonder what it's like to fly around like that..." Isabel trailed off in thought, making Kana smile at her a bit as she shook her head. But, she couldn't help but wonder who they were...

In the year she had been taking care of Isabel, Kana often times found herself having to hold back the nearly 18 year old spunky girl from doing something hasty, but Kana couldn't always get her to listen. One of the times Isabel didn't listen, it happened to be a day that Kana remembered from then on as the day that changed everything... The day that changed her life forever...

"Isabel, come on, we have to head back." Kana called her wild child of a friend.

"Wait, Big Sis, we can't leave it here." Isabel was bent over something, cradling whatever she was hiding in her hands.

"What're you talking about?" Kana asked, only for Isabel to reveal a bird. Kana blinked. "How the hell did that get down here?" She asked as she knelt next to Isabel to get a better look.

"It must have gotten in through the sewers." Isabel reasoned. Kana gently pet the top of the bird's head with a finger before noticing that the bird wasn't struggling in Isabel's grip at all. "We need to take it back up top." Isabel told Kana.

"Whoa, whoa, wait a second, kiddo. First of all, how're we going to get up the 11th Stairway? The toll went up earlier today, and the amount of money we do have won't be enough. Secondly, what if there's something wrong with it's wings? It won't be able to fly away." Kana asked, trying to make Isabel see reason. Isabel only smirked. Seeing through her, Kana started to refuse. "No, no, no, no, don't you dare! You know how much trouble you'll be in... Isabel!" Isabel took off running for the stairs, Kana chasing after her. The girls hid behind a wall by the stairs, watching as the guards took money to let people upstairs. Three of them total, and if they got caught, they were in for it. "This is an extremely bad idea." Kana whispered to the green eyed girl next to her. Isabel winked.

"I got this, Big Sis. You worry too much." Isabel whispered back.

"Uh, given how much trouble I've had to get you out of in the past year, I think I worry just the right amount, thank you." Kana countered, close to whisper shouting as Isabel snuck closer to the stairs with Kana behind her. But, just as they reached the steps, their luck of not being discovered ran out.

"Hey!" One of the men yelled, getting his companions to turn around.

"Run." Kana said simply before grabbing Isabel by the arm and running with her, but one of the men managed to grab Isabel.

"Ha! Got you now, girlie!" He yelled, putting a hand over Isabel's mouth.

"Get your filthy hands off her!" Kana bellowed as she cut a gash in the guy's face the same time Isabel bit down hard on his hand, making him howl in pain as Kana grabbed Isabel and ran, making the girl keep up with her.

"What're we running for?! We can take 'em!" Isabel asked.

"With you carrying that bird? I don't think so. We need to find some place to hide or at least get enough distance between us and them so I can get the drop on 'em." Kana replied stubbornly before rounding a corner, hitting some kind of plaza.

"Find somewhere to hide, I'll hold them off." Kana told her, letting her go.

"But...."

"NOW!" Kana yelled at her, interrupting what she was about to say. Isabel only nodded and continued running, Kana turning to face the men chasing them, able to hear their voices. She grit her teeth, growling a bit as a deadly scowl crossed her face. Just as they came into view, she heard a thud coming from somewhere behind her, allowing her to conclude without looking that Isabel had found a place to hide.

"Can't believe that brat bit me that hard, and that bitch..."

"When we catch them, lemme have a little fun with them."

"Hah? What fun can you have with a brat like that? The bitch, I understand..." All three men stopped in their tracks upon seeing Kana, her knife drawn and a look of pure hatred on her face. The blade was pointed downward as she stood in a ready position, anticipating the fight that was to come.

"Oi, where's the brat?" The leader asked.

"Why don't you shitheads piss the fuck off? I'm not telling you where she is." Kana snapped at them.

"Guess I get to have my fun after all." The second one grinned, a look in his eyes that pissed her off.

"You'll have to kill me first." Kana snarled before the men charged her. Kana let out a yell and started fighting them, dodging all their attacks and dealing damage of her own. After a while, one of them got a hit in, knocking her to the ground. Kana sprung back up, her knife out of her hand and too far beyond her reach to get without getting caught. She crossed her arms in front of her to guard herself as she was attacked by one while the other two charged her. Noticing her predicament, she back flipped, avoiding the two and causing them to crash into each other before they hit the ground, groaning in pain.

"GODDAMN IT!" The leader roared, swinging wildly at Kana. Kana dodged each, getting under the last punch before kicking his stomach and punching him in the face as hard as she could. The leader grunted as her fist came into contant with his nose, a cracking sound being heard before he hit the ground, blood gushing out from his nose. Kana panted for a second.

"Listen up, piss ants. You threaten that kid again, I swear to god, I'll hunt all of you down, and kill your dumbasses. You stay the fuck away from her, got it?" Kana snarled at them. Much to her satisfaction, they nodded quickly, their eyes showing fear. "Then get the hell out here before I change my mind." She watched as they got up. She lunged for them and they screamed, tripping over their own feet as they ran for it. She wiped the blood from her bottom lip, finding it was busted. "Damn..." She murmured before going to her knife and picking it up. It was covered with blood leftover from the fight. She looked down at it in disgust before cleaning it, walking toward the house that Isabel ran to. When she looked up, she found the two young men from a few weeks before, the men leaning against opposite sides of the doorframe. She stopped in place, popping a hip. "You gonna let me pass to see her, or am I gonna have to kick your asses too? I'd rather not have to fight again today, but I will if I have to."

"Heh. You're a fiesty one too, aren't ya? Relax, we'll let you see her." The blond replied, allowing Kana to pass him. Kana glanced to her right to see the raven haired man's grey eyes on her. He was 3 inches taller than her, much to her annoyance. Considering that she was only 5 feet tall, she should have known she still would end up the shorter one, but a woman could only hope... He made no move to stop her, merely cleaning his own knife with a rag. Once her blade was clean, Kana put her knife and the rag she had away in her pocket before kneeling in front of Isabel.

"Are you okay?" She asked. Isabel nodded cheerfully in response. "Are you hurt?" She asked again, getting a head shake from Isabel this time. Kana reached up and flicked Isabel on her forehead, making the girl yelp.

"What was that for?" She whined as she rubbed her forehead with a hand.

"For acting like an idiot. Again." Kana answered. Isabel merely pouted at her.

"Hey, how long are you going to cling onto that for?" The male asked Isabel after a minute of silence had passed. Isabel blinked in surprise, but the male wasn't done. "It's going to die."

"I thought that'd warm it up." Isabel replied, moving her arm so the males could see the bird, holding it in her hands. Kana moved to Isabel's side so the boys could see better.

"Where'd you two get that bird?" He asked.

"It was flying about, probably came in via the sewers. I thought I'd set it free above ground." Isabel told them. The blond looked surprised.

"You tried to sneak up the stairway for that?" He asked. Isabel smiled down at the bird in her hands as she gently stroked its feathers.

"This little guy probably prefers soaring the skies instead of wandering the underground city." Isabel answered. The blond knelt by her, getting a closer look at the bird.

"That's all fine and dandy, but this bird's hurt its wing." He told Isabel. Isabel looked down at it.

"Huh? For real?!" Isabel cried out, making Kana's eyes go skyward.

"Told you." Kana said to her, making Isabel glare at her.

A bit later, the blond finished wrapping both the bird's wings in gauze before gently holding the little thing in his hands. Kana was sitting next to him on the couch, her leg crossed over the other while Isabel sat in a chair facing him to watch his actions. "You're something else.... Oh, right! What's your name? I'm Isabel, and that's Kana." She jabbed her thumb toward Kana.

"I'm Farlan and that's Levi." Farlan introduced himself before casting a glance over at the raven haired male, who was sitting at the table with one leg over his other, slouched with one arm on the tip of the backrest on the chair.

"Farlan, and, Bro?" Isabel asked. The words caused Levi to glance at Isabel with an eyebrow raised.

"Bro?" He asked.

"Please let me join you!" Isabel burst out.

"Hah?" Farlan turned toward Isabel.

"Isabel..." Kana started, but Isabel kept talking.

"You guys use ODM gears, right? I've seen you two in action! Seeing you guys fly free like birds made me jealous. I want to try it out too!" Isabel begged. Farlan turned to Levi.

"What should we do?" He asked. Levi looked down in thought for a minute, uncrossing his legs before standing up and walking toward the door.

"Hey!" Isabel's shout made him stop in his tracks, looking at Isabel.

"If you're going to stay here, learn how to clean first before learning the ODM Gear." Levi answered, before his eyes set on Kana. "That goes for you too."

"Tch, not a problem." Kana answered. She wasn't going to let Isabel join them alone, but it looked like she wouldn't have to force them to accept her too. Levi looked at Kana a bit longer before heading out the door, closing it behind him. Isabel threw a questioning glance Farlan's way, who merely smiled and nodded once, causing Isabel to light up.

"THANK YOU, BRO!" Isabel yelled after him, causing Kana to snigger and shake her head. In the month or so that followed, the girls tried on the gear given to them, and a test run proved difficult as both Kana and Isabel somehow ended upside down multiple times before calling it quits. Not too long after, Farlan took the bandages off the bird's wings, seeing that it was good as new before Levi, Farlan, Isabel and Kana all cleaned the hideout top to bottom, making it spotless. They ate together, Farlan, Isabel and Kana teasing each other. Levi even ruffled Isabel's hair. After a month or so, Levi's gang gathered around to watch as the girls attempted the ODM Gear again, this time being successful in their attempts and flying around as the gang cheered them on. Kana, Isabel and the boys flew above the city on the ODM gear, finding a crevice in the ground big enough to set the bird free, sending it back where it belonged. Kana wrapped an arm around Isabel's shoulders as the four watched the bird fly high into the sky, leaving behind a single feather.

"That'll be us one day, I promise." Kana promised Isabel before the four headed back to the hideout. When they were almost there, Kana stopped dead in her tracks. A man was in front of the steps, looking at a pocket watch. "Levi." Kana got Levi's attention before nodding toward the man, the remaining three stopping next to Kana. Levi saw the man as he looked up, closing his pocket watch and putting it in his pocket. Levi discretely moved a bit in front of the girls, wanting to protect them both from whoever this guy was.

"Oi, what is it, old geezer? You want something from us?" Isabel asked, her arms crossed behind her head.

"I need a job done." The man spoke. Farlan spoke this time.

"You sure you didn't get the wrong address? We aren't handymen." He told the man.

"I assure you, the pay will be good." The man insisted.

"Piss off." Levi finally put in before Kana could reply, the four walking past him.

"I believe I have already put down a deposit for your services." The man told them without turning around. This made the four of them turn around.

"That's horseshit. This is the first time we've met." Kana responded this time, standing next to Levi on the steps.

"That's true... But I'm sure you will recognize the gentleman over there." The man spoke, turning his gaze to across the street, the four turning their heads to see what he was looking at. A young man not much younger than Farlan was being helped into a carriage by two older men.

"Jan!" Farlan spoke, recognizing him instantly.

"His leg is severely impaired. He must have it operated on in a hospital above ground. I am correct, am I not, Levi?" The man asked.

"What're you getting at?" Kana asked, the question coming out in a half snarl, as if tempting the man to try something.

"I'll repeat myself... That is our deposit. Now, will you hear me out?" The man asked. Levi stayed silent for a minute before speaking.

"Very well." He agreed. While Jan was carried into the waiting carriage with a smile on his face, the four followed the men up the 11th Stairway. As they reached the top, they shielded their eyes from the bright sun, giving their eyes time to adjust.

"Are these the ones?" Kana heard the voice before she saw the man. He was sitting in a carriage, but he was looking at them from the window. She noticed his eyes lingered longer on her before they gained a look that no good man should ever look at a woman with. As the man who brought them there spoke, Kana felt Levi put her behind him, a sharp, hateful glare on his face.

"Yes. I've heard great things about them." The man with them spoke. Levi glared at the man for a moment before speaking.

"Who the hell are you?" He asked.

"I understand your wariness. But, you'll learn to trust me in time." The man spoke.

"Doubtful." Kana murmured under her breath before Farlan laughed a bit.

"How so?" He asked.

"The fact that I've contacted you personally proves it. I am risking quite a lot by being here. Have you recieved my deposit?" He asked.

"I don't know what you call it above ground, but it's called "taking a hostage" where we're from." Levi spoke up in response.

"It's proof that your reward will be ample." The man replied. "Do you understand? Once you complete this job, not only will you be generously compensated for your work, but you will also earn the right to live above ground." The man's words made Kana's heart stop dead in her chest. She could get above ground? She could find her sister if she was above ground, but where would she even begin to start looking? As the four started to walk away, the man spoke once more. "Let me just say one thing." This made Levi stop and turn back around, still keeping Kana behind him. "Whether you accept this job or not, the target will come into contact with you. In other words, there's no getting around it."

.........

Later on at the hideout, Levi and Kana checked over their gear with Farlan and Isabel checking over their own before stepping outside for a second. Everything was working in perfect order, but Kana didn't want to tempt fate. The chance of finding her sister depended on this job... She felt the warmth of Levi's hand over hers, realizing that she had been slightly trembling. "What's on your mind?" Levi asked.

"This is a huge chance, but... I don't trust that man." Kana answered him.

"I honestly don't either, but we don't have a choice at this point. Farlan should be able to come up with the intel we need, so we're at least not going into this blind." Levi replied. Kana looked down at her feet. "Hey." She heard Levi's voice grow soft in tone before feeling him lift her chin with his finger and thumb, making her look up into his eyes. "You're already thinking about how this could go wrong. Stop that. Everything'll be fine." He assured her.

"I hope you're right." Kana whispered, but Levi heard her anyway.

"Levi, we're ready to roll." Farlan told Levi as he poked his head through the door, causing the male to turn his attention away from Kana before he could say anything more to her. As they walked down to where their latest heist would be, Farlan spoke. "I've verified Jan's status. He's definitely been admitted to a top class hospital. The man in the carriage's identity is legit, too. This job is the real deal. We're doing this, aren't we, Levi?" He asked. Levi was silent for a moment.

"Bro?" Isabel asked tentatively.

"Just act natural. It's only when we come face to face with them like that bald geezer said, that our job begins." Levi answered. He jumped down behind a bunch of crates, the others getting into position. When Levi gave the signal, the four activated their ODM gear and jumped into the air, Levi and Kana crashing into crates and knocking them over, allowing the ground members of the gang to grab what was there and run for it.

"It's those thieves! They've hit us again!" One of the guys below shouted.

"Somebody call the Military Police!" Another guy yelled as the four took off into the sky.

"Yahoo!" Isabel shouted in excitement as she soared through the air behind Levi, Kana and Farlan. They got into formation, Levi and Kana in front while Farlan and Isabel were next to each other behind the two. Farlan glanced behind them.

"Levi, they're here! Our pursuers!" Farlan shouted in warning. Levi and Kana glanced behind them to see 3 Military Police officers and four people behind them in green cloaks.

"Military Police, huh? When will they learn?" Isabel asked with a smirk before looking ahead at Levi with a bright smile. "Yo, Bro! Was that line sweet or what?" She asked Levi.

"Are you dense?" Levi's counter question caused Isabel to pout. Levi and Kana both maneuvered a different way, causing all three Military Police to fall off course. A couple switches pulled by Levi and Kana caused them to be able to push off a wall to go the way they came, as two of the soldiers in green passed and were forced to turn around while Kana and Levi rejoined Farlan and Isabel.

"Those movements.... They're not the Military Police!" Farlan exclaimed, all four of the soldiers in green keeping on their tail.

"Yeah, there's no mistaking it..." Levi trailed off.

"It's them." Kana finished. "Those Wings of Freedom crests... The Scouts." All four kept up with them as Farlan let out a slight chuckle.

"These battle-hardened soldiers really are a cut above the rest." Farlan commented. Levi looked at Kana.

"You three! You know what to do." Levi told them. Kana nodded.

"Of course." Isabel replied.

"It's showtime, right?" Farlan added before the four split off in different directions. A Reconnaissance soldier followed each, Kana kicking it into high gear. Time to see how good you boys really are. Kana thought as she maneuvered over the city, trying to shake the one behind her. She sprang in a window, running through the building, jumping over gaps and flipping between the divide in the conjoined buildings. She jumped through the window on the opposite side, allowing herself to free fall. She gasped when she spotted a green blur heading for her and ducked as she ended up going under his blade, the metal nearly touching her skin. With the angle she was in, what little lighting the town shone through the hood her pursuer was wearing, revealing a pair of blue eyes looking at her. She could barely spot some blond hair, though her first thought had nothing to do with his looks all together...

Goddamn, those eyebrows are thick as fuck! Kana thought as she shot up into the air more and flew at a fast pace. However, a second ambushed her from above, knocking her to the ground. Kana slid a bit before flipping onto her feet, drawing her knife and blocking an attack, straining to keep from losing the fight. A glance to her left showed her that Levi was right next to her, the soldier that had been pursuing her having him pushed against the wall behind him with his knife hand up next to his head while the male's blade sat at Levi's neck, Levi's free hand keeping the wrist holding the bigger blade from getting any closer to hurting him. "You bastard!" Kana yelled, but the break of concentration got her in the same predicament. Levi and Kana both struggled at the same time.

"Don't even think about it. Look around you." Kana's pursuer told them. Kana glanced over to find that Farlan and Isabel had been captured, Farlan not struggling at all while Isabel struggled like a maniac.

"Let me go, asshole! Goddamnit!" Isabel yelled as she struggled, giving her captor a hard time. Farlan saw their predicament.

"Levi, Kana!" He shouted, drawing Isbael to stop struggling and look at the two, complete and utter fear on her eyes. Kana grit her teeth.

"You son of bitch." Kana snarled at him before Levi dropped his knife. Reluctantly, Kana followed his lead, not knowing what else to do. Both men holding them against the wall let go of them and withdrew their blades.

"You're both quick on your feet." The male commented, only getting a glare from both in response, Levi half putting Kana behind him protectively.

Just moments later, all four were on their knees with their hands cuffed behind their backs, Levi placed between Kana and Isabel. "I will ask you a few questions." He held up on of the handles for the ODM Gear. "Where did you obtain these?" The first of his questions was met with silence. "You're all very skilled in ODM Gears. Who was your instructor?" Again, his question was followed by silence. Their interrogator approached Levi. "I'm guessing you are their leader. Have you undertaken squad training before?" He questioned Levi. For the third time, silence was his only response, followed by a glare. The male who had attacked Kana grabbed Levi by the head and forced him to the ground, ducking Levi's face in a muddy puddle.

"Get the fuck off him!" Kana yelled.

"Asshole!" Isabel shouted at the same time.

"I'll ask once more. Where did you learn how to use the ODM Gear?" The interrogator asked. Both Kana and Levi glared at him.

"No one taught us! We taught ourselves!" Farlan answered. That got Farlan a look of disbelief.

"You taught yourselves? That's hard to believe." He responded.

"We did so the escape from this goddamn hellhole. It's something that someone like you, who's basked in the sun, would never understand. Either way, get your filthy ass hands the fuck off of him now. You got your goddamn answer." Kana snarled, her glare unwavering from her face.

"Stop acting stuck up just because you're soldiers!" Isbael growled in addition. The male's gaze switched from Kana to Isabel, then back to Kana again before settling on Levi. With a nod to his companion, Levi's head was brought back up out of the puddle before the blond knelt in the puddle to be eye level with Levi.

"My name is Erwin Smith. What is your name?" He introduced himself. Levi was silent for a moment before replying.

"Levi."

"Levi, I would like to make you a deal." Erwin told him.

"A deal?" Levi asked in response before Erwin continued.

"We'll let you off the hook so long as you lend us your strength. Join the Reconnaissance Battalion." Erwin told him. Farlan and Isbael's eyes grew a little wide at this while Kana and Levi's stayed narrowed in a poker faced glare.

"And if I refuse?" Levi asked.

"You'll be handed over to the Military Police. Considering the length of your rap sheet," Erwin stood to full height as he continued. "The Military Police will make your lives a living hell."

"Erwin, was it? Why don't you take a good long look around you? Filth is everywhere here, people are dying without medicines that are too high in cost enough without the rising prices, no sunlight for anyone down here means even more people in fatal condition without any resources they need... How could you, someone who's lived in luxury compared to the four of us, call this anything but a living hell?" Kana asked him, speaking her mind with venom on the edge of her voice. Erwin faced Kana.

"Then, you have no reason to decline my offer." Erwin told her, ignoring most of what she said. A growl left Kana, but the female found herself ignored again. "Make your decision." Erwin told Levi. Levi was silent for a moment before speaking only two words:

"Very well." Isabel's eyes widened in surprise at this, Farlan remaining unreadable along with Kana as Levi spit out mud before glaring up at Erwin. "I'll join the Reconnaissance Battalion." With Levi's agreement, they were freed of their restraints and lead up the stairs, being taken to the Reconnaissance Battalion's Headquarters. A female soldier took Isabel and Kana into a different room to get them cleaned up and dressed before letting the girls rejoin their male friends to receive their jackets. When Kana had entered the room, Levi was the only friend there, along with a male soldier. The male soldier gave her one of the jackets, which Kana put on before standing beside Levi, getting a good look at him. Along with the Scout uniform was a pure white ascot around his neck. Kana thought it looked good on him, but before she could say anything about it, Farlan and Isabel joined them.

.......

"ATTENTION!" The leader of the Scouts yelled, all of the Scouts standing at attention as Farlan, Isabel, Levi and Kana all stood beside him, facing their new comrades. "Starting today, these four will be fighting alongside all of you! Introduce yourselves!" He commanded the four after addressing the Scouts. Levi glanced at Erwin before looking at the Scouts, his arms crossed over his chest.

"The name's Levi." Levi introduced himself. It caused a bit of commotion among the Scouts, more than likely due to the way it was said.

"Levi, the first thing you need to learn is some goddamn discipline." The leader told him with a bit of an irritated scowl. "Next!" At the leader's shout, Isabel stepped up, her head held high.

"I'm Isabel Magnolia! Nice to meet ya!" She introduced herself. Farlan was next, saluting with his fist over his heart, though it was turned toward the ground.

"My name is... Farlan Church." Farlan introduced himself. Lastly, was Kana.

"And I am Kana Takashiro." Kana introduced herself.

"Flagon, these four will be assigned to your squad." The leader told one of the soldiers. "Look after them." Flagon didn't look too pleased with this. "M-My squad, sir?"

"Any objections?"

"N-No..." His eyes glanced toward Erwin, who was next to him. "But, shouldn't Erwin..."

"Erwin is tasked with overseeing all the soldiers. The new recruits will be your responsibility. Is that understood?" The leader interrupted him. Flagon saluted, Kana paying attention to the way he saluted the leader. Fist over heart with the heel of the palm turned upward toward the sun... The Scouts made a commotion over Farlan's introduction because he saluted wrong.... She thought, making a mental note not to make the same mistake.

"Yes sir! Understood!" Flagon answered his leader's question, though he still didn't look happy about it as he glared a bit at Levi, Levi's gaze steady as he looked at Flagon in return. A bit later, Flagon was showing them around, saving a simple building for last. "This is the barracks." He told the four as he entered the building. Farlan looked around as he followed Flagon into a room.

"There are quite a few bunks in here." Farlan commented, Isabel jumping in excitement behind him. Kana and Levi entered behind Isabel, Kana looking around.

"Yay! We're all in the same room!" Isabel shouted in excitement, causing Flagon to look irritated. Noticing Flagon's expression, Kana spoke.

"The barracks are separated by gender, aren't they?" Kana guessed. Flagon nodded in confirmation, making Isabel whine.

"But I wanna sleep in here!" Isabel yelled, Flagon continuing as he nodded toward a bunk bed, the bed closest to the window.

"You two men will sleep here." Levi walked over to the bunk and ran his hand behind the bottom board for the top bunk, a disgusted look crossing his face when dust and debris fell onto the lower bed. He rubbed his index finger and thumb together as his nose scrunched up. "So, I know you guys were living in the Underground City's slums, but do try to keep this place clean." Flagon told the boys. Kana watched cautiously as an angry look crossed Levi's face just then. To tell him, of all people, to try to keep a place clean... It was practically an insult.

"Levi..." Kana's voice was low in warning, but ultimately the warning went unheard by him. Levi turned around to face Flagon with a look on his face that screamed he was about ready to start fighting.

"Huh?" That was the only sound that left Levi as Isabel, Furlan and Kana all tensed up. Oh shit... Before anyone could move to stop him, Levi had stepped closer to Flagon, a set glare on his face.

"Wh-What's with that look?!" Flagon's voice shook, but whether it was from rage or fear, Kana wasn't able to tell. "How dare you approach a superior officer with that attitude-"

"Sorry!" Farlan jumped between Levi and Flagon, cutting the tension that was about to unfold into a fight. The girls stood side by side, frozen as they watched Farlan act. "We understand. We'll try to keep this place clean."

"We'll do more than try... We can keep it better kept than those idiots." Kana mumbled under her breath before she saw Farlan salute Flagon with his fist upside down again. She nearly facepalmed. Flagon looked at Farlan for a minute.

"Tch... You'll begin training first thing tomorrow, got it?" Flagon asked as he walked out. "Your hand's upside down!" He yelled over his shoulder before the door slammed shut.

"Well... He was pleasant..." The last word was said with venomous sarcasm, coming through Kana's grit teeth. "I swear to the gods, if we gotta deal with every one of our commanding officers being that way, I'm not gonna make it through this without killing someone." Kana commented, getting a look from Farlan before the male turned to Levi, who had pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket to wipe his hand off.

"Don't disobey your superiors, Levi." Farlan warned Levi before looking at Kana. "We're drawing enough attention as it is."

"Didn't you hear what that prick was sprouting out of his big mouth?" Levi asked, turning to Farlan with a look that showed that he was still pissed off about it.

"We weren't just caught by accident, you know." Farlan pointed out. "I hope you haven't forgotten why we're here, Levi."

"Yeah, I know." Levi replied. Kana opened her mouth to say something, but closed it, looking down at her boots as she remembered what their employer had said....

"The Scout Regiment will likely come after you. Be sure to put up little resistance. There are two things I'll have you do for me... First, you'll obtain a certain document, which is in the possession of Erwin Smith. And secondly, to kill the Scout Regiment squad leader, Erwin Smith. These are the tasks I've given you." His voice echoed in their minds.

"To be frank, I honestly don't trust him. However, at this point, it's not like we can just go back the Underground... As fucked up as I may think this is, we don't have a choice. If we want lives above ground, we have to do this." Kana spoke up once she snapped out of her thoughts. Levi nodded in agreement. Later that night, Kana laid on her bed, wide awake as she listened to Isabel's soft snores thinking about how strong she had been forced to be during the past year or so. But, the only thoughts that would truly echo through her head were about Akairi. Is Akairi even okay? Where would I even begin to look for her? Kana turned onto her side, her eyes glancing out the window to the starry sky. Please, she mentally prayed, let my sister be safe.

The next morning, the four began training. One of the female Scouts led Isabel and Kana to the horses. While a couple of them nudged Isabel for attention, one in particular caught Kana's eye. It was a black mare, it's hooves pounding as the Scouts put a saddle and reigns on it. It didn't look too happy either way. "What's going on with that one?" Kana asked. The female Scout looked where she was looking, Kana catching a grimmace as one of the Scouts near the horse got on the saddle, only to be in for a wild ride as the horse began bucking.

"That's what we call a real Night Mare. That particular one's name is Shadow, and since we found him as a colt, no one's been able to go near him except for the stable keeper, and even that's only to give him food and water. He doesn't allow anyone to ride him." She answered Kana. He's rebellious... Kana thought as she began walking toward the commotion to get a better look at the animal despite the Scout shouting at her that she was nuts. Kana watched as the horse kept bucking until the Scout flew off the saddle. The horse nickered, as if laughing at the Scout, before finally settling down. Kana walked toward the horse, keeping her eyes on it and ignoring the other Scouts that were currently shouting at her to not try it. The horse was watching her, as if daring her to make any sudden movements. Kana slowly reached up with one hand, placing it gently on its snout. The horse nickered, but made no movements. Kana cautiously continued, running her hand from its snout and down its neck until she reached right beside the saddle. She looked at the horse, only to find it watching her. She placed one foot in the saddle, but that was when all hell broke loose. The horse started bucking, obviously not going to allow Kana on as she was thrown to the ground. She grit her teeth as the other Scouts laughed at her, but the 5 foot tall woman was far from done. Kana got back up on her feet before beginning to back up, getting a running start and using the fence as leverage to boost herself into the air. She grabbed hold of the reigns as she came down and swung herself into position in the saddle, holding on for dear life as the horse continued to buck, both horse and woman refusing to back down. Kana pulled back on the reigns, causing the horse the rear before she lightly digging her heels into the animal's sides. The horse took off running, though it still bucked as it ran before it finally settled down, focusing on running down the pasture as it accepted defeat. Heart hammering her chest, Kana reached down and gently placed her hand on the side of its neck. It neighed and she withdrew her hand.

Kana pulled back on the reigns a bit after a minute, forcing the horse to slow down to a trot. "I'm glad we're finally in agreement. Let's head back, yeah?" Kana asked him. He nickered in response. "Hyah!" She gently nudged the horse's sides with her heels and they took off once more, heading back to the others. The Scouts were cheering for her as they arrived back, though the trainer's jaw had dropped to the ground. Isabel caught sight of Kana from on her own horse and laughed. Kana slowed her horse back down to a trot as the two approached Isbael. Isabel high fived Kana as the older woman came to a stop beside her.

"Big Sis, watch me!" Isabel told her before taking off as Kana kept Shadow still. Kana laughed a bit as Isabel showed off with the horse she was riding before coming back, petting the horse's mane as the two came to a stop.

"I'm surprised... Did someone teach you two how to ride a horse?" The girl asked, her brown hair in longer pigtails than Isabel.

"Nah, not me. But, I've always been fond of animals. This guy says he likes me too." Isabel answered, leaving the trainer in shock while Kana laughed.

"I haven't learned either, I just went with my gut." Kana provided her answer.

"No way!" The trainer exclaimed in disbelief. Isabel grinned down at her.

"I'm serious! Big Sis, wanna race?" Isabel asked.

"I think Shadow has a race in him. Ready..."

"Set..."

"Go!" Both girls shouted as they urged their horses into a gallop, racing down the pasture. The girls laughed as they raced, Kana and Shadow taking the lead about halfway through.

"Hey, no fair!" Isabel shouted after Kana as a free spirited laugh left the older woman's lips, her dark chocolate brown hair flying behind her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Flagon asked Kana later that afternoon, Kana holding the blades the same way she would hold her knife. "Those blades weren't designed to be held like that. Do you want to die the moment you step outside those walls?"

"Why don't you ask yourself the same question? If you hold a knife during a fight for your life in the Underground City the way you're teaching me how to hold these blades, you're already dead." Kana told Flagon as she walked toward the starting line to begin training with the dummies.

"What was that?!" Flagon asked, his voice giving away his rising anger.

"All I have to do is slice the nape of a Titan's neck, right?" Kana turned to face Flagon. "With all due respect, I'll do it my way." She told him before beginning her training. Two Scouts were watching along with Flagon.

"Was she given any formal training?" The woman asked. The woman had shoulder length dark brown hair that was tied up in an unkempt high ponytail with bangs parted down the middle. She wore thick-rimmed glasses that have bands strapped around her head, glasses which hide her wide, light brown eyes.

"No, I don't believe so." Her male companion replied, turning to look at her. The male had short smooth brown hair parted down the middle and light brown eyes. "I don't think any of the four new recruits had formal training." He jumped a bit when the woman gained an excited expression on her face.

"Good... Very good!" Her male companion gained a startled expression as she continued. "Everything, from how we search for Titans to how we defeat them, is dependent upon individual methods!" She let out a squeal of excitement. "This is getting fun!" She exclaimed. As Kana flew through the trees, her dark hazel eyes scanned the surrounding areas and in front of her for any sign of the targets. All of a sudden, two popped up at the same time. She switched gears, shooting her anchors straight ahead and giving it a bit of gas to speed forward. As she sped forward, she drew her blades, turning them the way she was taught how to fight. As she passed the two Titan training dummies, she sliced both nape targets, twisting a bit in order to get a deep enough cut before shooting forward, moving to the next target as Flagon watched her.

Later on that night, while Erwin and the other leaders were in a meeting, Isabel, Levi and Kana kept watch in different positions while Flagon was searching Erwin's office for the document they were sent to retrieve. Dammit, where is it? I thought this would be easy, considering how little there is here... Farlan thought as he searched the room before starting to pace the room a bit. Just then, the warning signal sounded off, causing Farlan to freeze and look around the office for a place to hide. By the time Erwin reached his office and stepped in, Farlan, Isabel, Kana and Levi were gone, leaving no evidence of them being there. "We won't find it, no matter how many times we turn his office over. It's probably best to assume it isn't in his room." Farlan told the other three.

"Then, where would it be?" Isabel asked.

"What do you do with something you really want to keep safe?" Farlan asked in retaliation.

"You have it on your person at all times..." Kana answered before a sigh left her. "Which means we'd have to kill him first in order to get it."

"Exactly my thoughts, which means we could use the upcoming mission to our advantage. Outside the Walls, Erwin and the others will have their hands full with Titans. We just have to wait for an opportunity." Farlan told them.

"I see... Great idea!" Isabel replied. Kana, however, noticed the look on Levi's face as he glanced down at the floor.

"You okay with that, Levi?" Farlan asked him.

"Sure." Levi answered.

"But?" Kana asked, seeing the hesitation in Levi's eyes. Levi glanced up and straightened up, crossing his arms over his chest.

"But I'm going alone." Levi told them, his posture leaving no room for arguement.

"What?" Farlan and Isabel asked.

"Hell no." Kana replied, only to find that Levi wasn't listening to her.

"You three come up with any excuse to stay behind." Levi continued.

"Bro..." Isabel trailed off.

"Why?!" Kana asked before Farlan or Isabel could.

"We haven't even seen a real Titan yet, and it'll be our first time outside the Walls. It may take all we've got just to make it back alive." Levi responded before a determined scowl crossed his face. "But, if I'm by myself, I'll manage somehow."

"But that's..." Isabel started to argue, but Farlan held up a hand, interrupting her.

"So, what you're saying is that we can't handle it, right?" Farlan asked him.

"That's right. At least, that's how I feel." Levi said. Isbael jumped off of the crate she was sitting on and walked until she was right in front of Levi.

"How can you say that?! You won't know until we've at least tried!" Isbael shouted in argument at him.

"What the hell's wrong with you? It's not like you to loose your nerve like this." Kana continued. Levi stiffened, seeming to grow angrier.

"If you won't stay behind, then we're done talking!" He yelled in response. Isabel and Kana both blinked. "We'll wait for an another opportunity." Levi then began to walk away, Isabel looking at the ground while Kana glared at the wall. What the hell was going on with him. Farlan growled a bit and turned to face Levi as he walked past.

"Levi!" Farlan called after him.

"Wait, Bro!" Isbael added as the trio ran after Levi.

Kana had been the first to spot him. Levi was on the Wall, sitting with one leg dangling over the edge, while the other was bent at the knee, one of his arms draped over it as he looked up at the sky. It was a cloudy night, but a little moonlight still struggled to shine through the clouds, reflecting on his pale, strong featured face in a way that made him look... God-like... Kana felt her heart skip a beat before she quickly shook it off. Why was she thinking this way? She shouldn't be thinking this way, especially not now...

Levi's eyes darted to the side when he heard footsteps, seeing Kana approaching him. She wordlessly sat down next to him, knowing his eyes were still on her as she looked up at the sky. "Where're the others?" Levi asked.

"On their way." Kana answered, not moving her eyes from the sky above her. Levi opened his mouth to respond to her, but was cut off by Isabel and Farlan's voices.

"Bro!"

"Levi!" Both Kana and Levi turned their attentions to their two friends as they joined them, Isbael having her arms crossed over her chest. "Let's talk about this. No matter how I look at it, you going alone is a bad idea. It's a fool's errand!"

"You said that when we first step outside the walls, it'd be all four of us together, right? Have you forgotten?" Isabel asked, reminding Levi of the promise they had made. Levi turned his back to them after a minute.

"It's the same." Isabel and Farlan started in confusion before Levi continued. "Without the moon and the stars, the night is just as dark above ground as below it." Levi told them.

"The color of the sky, sure. But.." Kana trailed off.

"But it's different." Isabel finished. This made Levi turn around to face them. "We know that there's no ceiling! It's completely different!"

"That's right. The sky is endless. It may be the same darkness, but it's different from underground." Farlan added.

"Look." Kana pointed upward. Levi obeyed and looked up at the sky once more, only to find that the clouds were moving, revealing the moon and allowing more of it's light to shine.

"The moon is so bright!" Isabel sat next to Kana while Farlan sat on Levi's other side. "Right? It feels different, doesn't it?" She asked.

"Of course." Farlan responded to her. "We're not underground." They all looked up at the sky.

"We'll never go back down there." Kana added as the four sat together.

(To be continued in part 3 [I've hit the max! 😫😫😫😫] comment and like to tell me what you think)