#i messed up. i missed the follow-up comment from the hero you summon (it's always the same)

[tastycitrus]

the standard reaction to seeing cass in any comic

[rhela-xiv]

Taking a break from my regularly scheduled posting to do this. Advanced warning: rambling incoming. There's been a lot of conversation, and discourse, about whether or not the content in Dawntrail is "too difficult" for casual players. And after the experience I had today, I can't help but wonder if some of that feeling isn't the result of the attitudes of many long-time XIV players. Sure, there's a certain amount of "get good" that goes along with having a character at level 100, but some things just come down to whether or not you've seen a fight before. And are we really giving people the kindness and patience to learn and improve? I spent more than an hour in a level 100 dungeon today. We wiped more than 10 times across all three bosses. This isn't about my frustration with "oh I'll run a quick roulette before lunch" turning into a 75 minute excursion. This is about how the other people in my party reacted, and why I think the XIV community can do better. More under the cut.

I queue into Alexandria as a tank. I see a DPS and a Healer "Viewing Cutscene". "first time, forgive me" pops up, from the healer. "nw~ need me to pull a lil slower?" I don't mind doing that, especially in higher level dungeons where you can easily wipe to trash if someone misses a critical heal, or doesn't see the AoE indicator under the wall-to-wall pack of enemies. We get to the first boss. Which is not an easy boss the first time, or even the fifth time. There's a lot going off on top of each other, the safe spots are small and not always easy to see in the window of time you have to find them, and it's not very forgiving if you miss a mechanic. The healer dies, and despite the best efforts of our summoner to get everyone up again, we wipe. And wipe again. I double check to make sure everyone understands the mechanics, and it's just a timing thing. All good, we keep going. (I'll acknowledge my own failings here, I ate a lot of vuln stacks. Someone stuck a Dorito on me and it was just too much pressure.) And keep wiping. But we're getting further in the fight each time, and cleaner. At some point, the following comes in from the healer: "I'm sorry, I just might not be good enough" And it absolutely gutted me. Because I've been there. As a healer, as a DPS, and even as a tank. When it feels like you're trying your hardest, and you swear you can feel the other pixels on your screen getting more pissed at you by the second. The first time I ran Aurum Vale, I got so frustrated I cried and nearly quit the game. I had a similar experience with Heroes Gauntlet. The people in my parties were flat out -mean- about every missed mechanic, and every death. I still, to this day, with several Extreme clears and at least one Savage clear under my belt, get anxious when Aurum Vale pops up in Leveling. It would have been really easy to let the healer drop out, or kick them, or vote abandon. But what would that really have accomplished other than making someone feel like they're not good enough to enjoy the game that we're all here because we love?

All of this to say: For you, it might be a daily roulette between meetings or on your lunch break or after a long day at work. For someone in your party, that might be their MSQ experience. They might be learning. They might be coming back from a two year break between expansions. It costs absolutely nothing but time and a little bit of patience to be kind. And if we don't give people time and opportunity to learn, the whole community suffers for it. Dying is not the end of the world. Messing up a mechanic is not the end of the world. I've seen a lot of comments about "getting comfortable with messing up" floating around, but that only works if the other people in the party are also comfortable with messing up. With wiping and restarting three, four, TEN TIMES, and continuing on.

It was a level 100 dungeon this time, but I've been in ARR trials where someone queues in to a party that's half sprouts going through the fight for the first time, and gets pissed when there's a wipe. I had someone abandon me with two brand new players fighting Titan for the first time because we wiped twice. And we have to stop doing that to people. I can say for damned sure that the healer I played with today has a much clearer understanding of the mechanics in Alexandria bosses now. Because the party was patient, and gracious about mistakes, and wasn't afraid to own their own mistakes. And the next time they queue in for expert, they'll do better. And if everyone extends the same courtesy I experienced today, the whole community gets better together. Last thing. Rorrie the Summoner from Diabolos, if by some chance this finds you: you have the patience of a saint and you were absolutely the MVP of that run. I hope the people you play with regularly appreciate the hell out of you, because I sure did.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

I’m From Brooklyn, Too ~ 145

OUT OF TIME MASTERLIST

I’M FROM BROOKLYN, TOO MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count:  1,500ish

Summary: The final battle begins. (Look who actually updated, lol.)

Notes: You must read Out Of Time in order to understand this. The chapter numbers continue from Out Of Time.

Y/N coughed as she began to come to. There was smoke, and dust, in the air. Sitting up, she saw what was left over of the compound. Virtually nothing. Just rubble, debris, jetted out metal She looked around, almost instantly noticing Steve’s shield off to the side. Y/N stumbled in the Iron Man suit as she got up and went to the shield. She took and and looked around for her brother. 

“Steve,” she gasped when she saw him not far off. She hurried to him and knelt down beside him. “Come on, Stevie,” she shook him gently. “Wake up.” He let out a groan, eyes blinking. “There we go.” Y/N held up his shield. “Please don’t lose this again.”

“What happened?” Steve asked, looking around as he sat up and took his shield.

“When you mess with time, it tends to mess back. You’ll see.”

Y/N helped Steve to his feet. Together they walked through the rubble until they found an opening. There they spotted Thor, looking at something out in the rest of the destruction. Following Thor’s line of sight, they found Thanos sitting with a weapon on a rock.

“What’s he been doing?” Y/N asked, coming to the left side of Thor and Steve went right.

“Absolutely nothing,” Thor responded.

“Where are the Stones?” Steve asked.

“Somewhere under all this,” Y/N replied, motioning around. “All I know is he doesn’t have them, but they aren’t too far. I can feel them.”

“So we keep it that way.”

“You know it’s a trap, right?” Thor said.

“Yeah,” Y/N answered. “And I don’t much care.”

“Good. Just as long as we are all in agreement.” Thunder cracked as Thor stretched out both hands, summoning Stormbreaker and Mjolnir (which he had brought back from 2013). His casual clothes transformed into an armor and cape, with his beard becoming braided. “Let’s kill him properly this time.”

The three of them walked down the rubble they were on and towards Thanos. Y/N was searching out the Stones, trying to gather the strength. But she wasn’t stupid. She knew it would take a lot of energy for her to fight off Thanos with the power of the Stones and she needed to save it for the perfect moment. Y/N was currently grateful for the suit that she had around her, and for FRIDAY’s ability to sense what she needed.

“You could not live with your own failure. And where did that bring you? Back to me,” Thanos stated, as the three slowly moved to surround him. “I thought by eliminating half of life, the other half would thrive. But you’ve shown me that’s impossible. And as long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be. They will resist.”

“Yep,” Y/N said. “We’re all kinds of stubborn.”

“I'm thankful. Because now, I know what I must do.” Thanos stood. “I will shred this universe down to its last atom.” He placed his helmet on his head. "And then– With the stones you've collected for me, create a new one. Teeming with life, but knows not what it has lost but only what it has been given.” Thor began crackling with lightning. “A grateful universe.”

“Born out of blood,” Steve responded.

“They'll never know it. Because you won't be alive to tell them.”

Then the fighting began. Not wanting to waste her energy by using her abilities just yet, Y/N relied heavily on Tony’s suit. Thankfully, FRIDAY basically took control because she had no idea how to use it. The three heroes were working together, battling Thanos.

“Thor!” Y/N shouted, her suit opening. “Hit me!”

Thor banged his two weapons together, sending an enormous amount of energy at her back. The suit absorbed the energy and Y/N shot it out of the chest piece and hands, aiming for the Titan. Thanos twirled his blade fast to divert the energy. Thor grabbed Stormbreaker and used it to bat Mjolnir to his Thanos. Thanos quickly grabbed Y/N before she could attack and used her as a shield, resulting in damage to the suit. She was tossed away, her head bouncing around in the helmet as she slide to a stop.

“Y/N, wake up!” FRIDAY urged when the AI noticed that Y/N had passed out.

“Y/N!” Steve exclaimed. 

When his sister didn’t immediately answer, Steve growled and went after Thanos. Steve tried to attack Thanos but was easily shielded away. Thor’s attack was quickly blocked by Thanos’ sword. Thanos grabbed onto Thor and lifts him up by the neck, choking him, before slamming him down and punching him. Mjolnir is flicked away as Thanos relentlessly beats up Thor, throwing him into a tree and socking him before throwing Thor over rubble and socking him again. Thor tried to grab Stormbreaker but Thanos grabbed it and used it against Thor. 

Form not too far off, Mjolnir began to float off the ground. Thanos was digging Stormbreaker into Thor, when suddenly Mjolnir flies into Thanos. It zoomed past, stopped, and then flew back the way it came. Both Thanos and Thor looked back in amazement as Steve wields the hammer.

“I knew it!” Thor said.

Frustrated, Thanos kicked Thor to the ground. Steve charged at the Titan, swinging Mjolnir, and hitting him in the face, knocking him down. Steve threw his shield and Thanos deflected. Steve threw Mjolnir to his shield, creating a shockwave and knocking Thanos off his feet. 

Steve then threw his shield at Thanos, quickly hitting it back at the Titan again with Mjolnir. He lined his arm up with Thanos to channel lightning his way. 

Thanos eventually got the upper hand, removing his helmet. He stabbed Steve’s leg and knocked Mjolnir out of the Captain’s hand. Thanos proceeded to destroy Steve’s shield with his double-bladed Soward and threw him across the battlefield. Steve staggeredly tried to get up.

“In all my years of conquest, violence, slaughter,” Thanos said, “it was never personal. But I’ll tell you now, what I’m about to do to your stubborn, annoying little planet—I’m gonna enjoy it. Very, very much.”

The entirety of Thanos’ army was then summoned to the ground. Upon seeing the army descending onto Earth, Steve slowly got back to his feet. With a fierce determination, he tightened his broken shield to his arm and stood against the army. Alone. Suddenly, a crackling came in on his comm.

“Hey, Cap, you read me?” 

Steve stopped and looked around.

“Cap, it’s Sam. Can you hear me?”

A portal began to form behind the Captain.

“On your left.”

Steve looked behind to see the portal on his left side. Three figures stepped through; Okoye, Shuri, and T’Challa, all ready to fight. Sam then zoomed in from above. As he did, dozens of more portals opened up all around the battlefield. Through one of the portals, Doctor Strange appeared, joined by Drax, Mantis, Star Lord, and Spider-Man. Everyone on the battlefield watched in confusion and awe as more and more heroes arrive through the portals from all the corners of the universe. 

Y/N came to, her helmet disappearing as she sat up. Giant-Man (Scott) appeared out of the rubble with Rhodey, Bruce, and Rocket. Every one was lining up behind the Captain, all the teams and armies that Strange and the other sorcerers brought in to help. Y/N could feel the cry of happiness that wanted to be let leashed as she looked around. Suddenly, something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. Bucky was rushing towards her, a big gun in hand.

“Doll!” He exclaimed. “Y/N!” He stumbled to a stop in front of her, quickly pulled her up and checking for injuries. “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? What are you doing in Stark’s suit?”

“Bucky,” Y/N breathed out, not really believing her eyes. Her armored hand shook as she reached up to brush some hair behind his ear. Her hand rested on his check. 

“Hey, doll,” Bucky smiled softly, putting his own hand on her cheek.

“I missed you, so much. And… we need to talk. But—“

“After.” Bucky nodded.

Y/N nodded as well. “After.”

Bucky pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Stay safe.”

“You need to stay safe to, okay?”

“Of course.”

They took gave each other one last look before Y/N’s formed covered her face again and they joined the others.

“AVENGERS!” Steve shouted, everyone gearing up as he summoned Mjolnir. “Assemble.”

next chapter >

I appreciate all likes, comments, asks, and reblogs! Thank you for all the positive support!

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[9worldstales]

Loki & Thor in “Thor & Loki – Double Trouble” n° 4

So we’ve reached the last issue of “Thor & Loki – Double Trouble” and I’m gonna miss it.

To refresh everyone’s mind this comic is just a funny story that has no pretences to be serious about two brothers, Thor and Loki, who can’t get along and their meeting with their alternate selves.

I don’t know why the past month it wasn’t released, maybe since this number has Loki meeting with his Variant self they wanted to wait for Loki in the “Loki” series to do the same first? Or maybe there’s other reasons. Not a big deal.

Anyway the siblings have lost the orb that would allow them to go back home so they’re searching for it with Female Thor.

Loki has been characterized as very smart but overall doesn’t like to do physical work so when they start to search he wonders if they can use a chariot. No such luck.

Now a tiny personal peeve of mine is that they show Loki freezing and not the two Thors despite him being a Frost Giant but whatever.

Loki is clever enough to have on himself marshmallows to eat (of which he seems to be a glutton)

...and even if he asks for a ladder when they’ve to climb a mountain he’s shown as being the first getting there (he’s standing on top of it while the Thor are just climbing on the top).

Now, here is a bit confuse. Loki seems, for unknown reasons, to fall into the nest atop the mountain when Fjalara, a giant bird is about to be back. Female Thor says to hide so she and Thor jump in the nest as well.

Someone, we don’t know who, comments he wouldn’t have chosen to hide under her while someone else claims birds are sensitive so they shouldn’t upset her.

For unknown reasons Fjalara notices Loki who has just turned into a newborn bird so the two Thors ‘heroically’ catches their chance to escape. As Lady Thor wonders if they should help Loki Thor, proving he’s a ‘good’ brother, says ‘no’ because that’s the sort of sibling love they have.

Okay… this is not a story in which Thor will be the first to show care for his brother. Pity.

Though I get Loki is terrible but really, Thor is clearly not a good brother either so each has what he deserves.

At this point though, Lady Thor figures the bird is just Lady Loki who retransform back into a human and greets her.

Lady Thor blames herself claiming she should have known it was her while Thor is surprised there’s another Loki. Lady Loki asks them if they’re looking for the orb which of course she has but, although Loki confirms it he’s more interested in praising his female self which in return praises him back because LOKIS ARE THE BEST! Not only I agree but that’s how you do Variants of the same person and funny Narcissism right.

It’s a page and it’s perfect.

It’s clear they’re Variants of the same person, even more than the Thors and they don’t try to compete about who’s the better Loki but just shower themselves with appreciation. And despite this they don’t fall in love with each other.

Thor interrupts them and Loki realizes they should recover the orb but of course, as they’re the same, Lady Loki wants it too. An argument that again remarks how they’re the same person as they react the same and they’re equally strong ensues.

We don’t have a Mary Sue here, they’re the same so they’re equally strong as they keep on transforming trying to steal the orb in a battle that reminds me of the one in “The Sword in the Stone” between Merlin and Madam Mim.

Meanwhile the Thors wait and discuss on how they both find being Thor… ‘glorious’ though they seem to lack assertiveness.

Really, I wonder if this number has been done to parody the “Loki” series as well.

We’ve also a nice moment in which Thor admits he’d like to get along better with his brother… and Lady Thor tells him the Lokis get along very well with each other… until they’re ready to kill each other. That’s a subtle way of explaining the problem of being the same person.

They accept each other but the fact they’re the same stop them from completing each other and put them into competition as they want the same thing in the same time in the same way.

If Thor were to make an effort to tolerate and accept Loki more, they could instead complete each other and get along better. Lady Thor also point out Loki is trying to get the orb to bring Thor home (honestly I’m not really sold on this but it’s nice).

After a lot of time in which the Lokis are completely balanced Loki decides to give up. It’s not random, this series keep Loki as intelligent and quick witted and so what he does is part of a plan because, although this story took care to make the Lokis the same, the hero is the FIRST LOKI so he’s slightly smarter and he has a plan.

They don’t try to make Lady Loki the Mary Sue who can easily beat Loki with a hand tied behind her back or that always get things her way.

So, Loki claims, while remaining IC that he’s not going to waste his energy (with previous scenes confirming Loki doesn’t like to waste his energy) to try to get back a orb Lady Loki doesn’t know how to use.

To a confused Thor who asks him whats’ wrong Loki tells to keep quiet as he knows himself.

Lady Loki knows it’s a trick, she’s not dumbed down. However when Loki tells her not to do something she just can’t resist because Lokis always do what they aren’t supposed to do and both Lokis know but again, they can’t resist.

I mean, look at this page and at how it’s beautifully expressive.

And the funniest part is not only that Lady Loki did it but that Lady Thor didn’t want her to do it (even though she should have figured it was all Loki’s ploy to make Lady Loki do it) which Lady Loki took as an incentive because… Loki.

Thor asks his Loki what would happen now and Loki admits he has no idea in the same way he had no idea it would bring them there.

The result is they summoned a Midgard serpent again. Lady Thor echoes his again in a worried tone while Lady Loki admires the Midgard serpent.

At this point Thor gets they can cooperate and takes Loki’s arm telling him to get ready, to which Loki confirms he’s born ready and then Loki grabs the orb...

...while Thor makes them to fly away until they’re on the Midgard’s serpent back. At this point Loki turns the orb counter-clockwise so they can go home.

Lady Loki takes the loss of the orb well and says she’ll repay Lady Thor ‘for backing her up’ by doing something mean and unexpected. So yeah, they’ve probably the same kind of relation Thor and Loki had.

Anyway Loki and Thor are back home and back to the mess they left, which Thor again blames on Loki.

Loki admits he discovered by that experience Lokis could be annoying and stubborn and apologizes to Thor for the first time, because he doesn’t want to be annoying. Thor is surprised but they have a beautiful second in which Thor smiles at him, suggesting they should get back on cleaning so Odin won’t scold them and Loki agrees… for a panel.

In the next he’s already suggesting they could try something else rather daring he has been hatching, his new great plan. Basically Loki is showing that, although he doesn’t want to be annoying, he just can’t change.

In reply Thor says he’s very busy… but we know he’ll end up following Loki’s schemes again because Thor too can’t change.

And that’s the end.

And okay, I love this 4 issues series.

It was clearly a funny story, uncomplicated and meant to be funny without being judgemental.

Both brothers have flaws, both brothers can do better if they accept each other and cooperate and being exactly the same doesn’t mean you won’t argue or that you’ll be pleased with the other.

It also played the Variants right as, although they were Variants, they clearly were a Thor and Loki Variants and you would have recognized them even if they hadn’t introduced themselves and you had no idea a Lady Thor and a Lady Loki exist. Variants were well balanced among them and the story had a Variant triumph on the other only when it was fair (Lady Thor wins on Thor because that’s her place and Loki wins on Lady Loki because that’s his orb) and logic (Thor undervalued Lady Thor, Lady Loki was distracted).

Yeah, issues are addressed in an extremely light and not resolving manner, Lady Thor explains Thor deep down his brother cares for him and Loki understands he can be annoying and admits he doesn’t want tobut, for the sake of humour, they can’t change but that was the whole point of the story.

This title didn’t promise great resolutions and growth but just fun and I love it.

So really, read it, I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[mortedeveles]

A Search at Midnight.

SUMMARY: Who knew that a ill and sleepwalking Present Mic, and a pair of lost glasses would be the start of your love story witth Tokoyami Fumikage?

PAIRING: Tokoyami Fumikage x gn!reader

THEME: fluff, pining, awkward teenagers <3 [ONE-SHOT] 

TW: I don’t think there’s anything? 

a/n: Please read! this is a personal and writing update. 

hey guys, i known i’ve been MIA for a while. school is kicking my ass majorly, i just got a C in one of my subjects (im usually a straight A student) :’) wishing i could attend therapy and focusing all my time on schoolwork and very little for myself, much less for writing. but ya know, life’s wack. old news. due to this, i can’t promise frequent content. i only have a few planned works that will be released. on another note, regarding my writing, i will be publishing about 2-3 drabbles in the upcoming weeks! i know my interaction is prob gon be low because i’ve been gone for a while ;; but please continue to support me if you enjoy my content <33 FANTASY WEEK has been postponed until further notice. however, we do have a new writing event coming up on late October! will release more information later on. 

sorry for the rant :( i think that’s all and without further ado, please like, reblog, follow and/or comment if you enjoy! supporting content creators is extremely important! love y’all <3 

(will be using banners made by ME from now on. do NOT REPOST. this one-shot is kinda over the place,, may have some inaccuracy with present mic’s quirk ;; also, this one-shot is shorter than usual, but i hope you enjoy!)

The loud blaring of sirens and shouts snap you awake. One moment, you were snuggling your pillow, silently asleep and the next you're scrambling to find your slippers, slapping your glasses on, and racing outside of your U.A Alliance dorm. 

You meet the eyes of your best friend Tokoyami, and rush to his side, eyes darting to observe your surroundings. The rest of class 1A  is in the same hallway as you, kids murmuring nervously. Everyone has messy bed hair and ratty sleep clothing. 

The sirens that shook you awake went silent and within a few seconds, tore into the silence with another screech. Everyone yelps and you flinch. 

''What is it?!'' Everyone begins to murmur and you find yourself clinging to Tokoyami's arm, nervous and half-asleep.

He's been your closest friend since you arrived at U.A. and the two of you share a mutual bond of trust. With just sharing a glance, the two of you know you have to stick together. 

''This is not a drill!'' Aizawa's voice booms- you're not sure from where it’s coming from, ''Class 1A, head to the exit!'' 

Even though your class consists of heroes in training, emphasis on the in-training part, you're still human and react with fear.

Sleep-deprived and overly hyper teens race past you, and while you cling to Tokoyami's side as the two of you rush forward, someone slaps your glasses off your face. It slightly stings.

You don't even register it, adrenaline is pumping through your veins and all you can focus on is reaching the exit of the dorms. The sirens are so loud your ears are straining at the sound. 

Eventually, everyone calms down and Iida, as the good class president he is, turns the chaotic mess of your class into organized students standing in rows.

Your class is standing in the green areas of the campus, the sirens had gone silent a while ago and everyone is fidgety and nervous. What had just happened?

''Alright, class 1A!'' he adjusts his glasses and acting on instinct, you raise your hand to touch yours, only to notice they're gone.  Iida continues talking but you block him out; focusing solely on finding your glasses. 

''No, no...'' you murmur, and Tokoyami notices when your hand releases his arm. He frowns and watches as you murmur to yourself and pat down your shirt and shorts. 

''Aizawa-sensei will be here shortly,'' you manage to catch a few of Iida's words. ''It seems that a...'' he falters. ''Present Mic is ill and is suffering a few symptoms. He's been affected by an unknown quirk, which causes him to release his sonic scream at any time.'' 

Everyone begins to murmur bewilderedly at this, sharing glances and looks. 

''That's right,'' Aizawa stepped out of the dorms and stood next to Iida. The night was dark and you could barely make out Aizawa's figure. 

''And Present Mic...'' he winced. ''Tends to sleepwalk. That's why you heard the sonic screams in your dorms. They're highly dangerous, which is why I ordered you all to leave the dorms and stay away from his range.

''Now,'' your sensei sighs and you realize how his posture was slumped. He was exhausted. ''You can all return to bed. Present Mic has been awoken and returned to the U.A. facilities.'' A classmate or two snickered at this. 

''Alright, you heard sensei!" Despite the time, Iida was rigid and instructive as ever. ''Off to bed! Class 1A, please form a line! Sero, please wrap up Mineta, we don't want any issues this early.'' Sero cheers in agreement and you smile as you hear Mineta shriek.

One you were in a line, in front of Tokoyami, you groan and lean back into him. There seemed to be some commotion upfront and the dorms were still closed.

''Tokoyami...'' you murmured nervously. He frowned in concern at your tone and leaned closer. 

''What's wrong, L/N?'' 

''I lost my glasses,'' you grimace. ''I was about to tell you earlier but I wanted to listen to Aizawa-sensei. Do you think you can help me find them once we step into the dorms?'' 

Tokoyami's body is screaming for sleep, but he knows he'll do anything for you. So he quickly nods.

''Of course,'' he spares a glance at the quickly advancing line. ''It seems that the dorms have been opened. We should head inside and find your glasses.'' 

''Yeah,'' you smile softly- the smile that always makes Tokoyami's heart skip a beat and walk at his side. ''Thanks, Toko. I really appreciate it.'' 

He hums in response, feeling his throat clench as his heart performs an acrobatic show in his ribcage. Tokoyami wonders if you notice how his heart goes euphoric every time you smile at him. 

 Once the two of you are inside the dorms, Tokoyami summons Dark Shadow; he was a bit fearful at the start, but the lighting of the dorms is far enough to keep Dark Shadow on reins. 

After minutes of searching and several grumbles of annoyance, the two of you find nothing. Well, the search was mainly of Tokoyami and Dark Shadow, since you weren't able to see much without your glasses. 

''Oh man...'' you sigh and slump your shoulders. ''I'm going to have to buy new glasses.'' 

Tokoyami frowns at your disappointment and his eyes catch a gleam of silver on the ground. ''Wait,'' he steps away and grabs the glasses off the floor. He grimaces as he presents them to you. They're cracked, twisted, and definitely not wearable anymore.

''Oh no...'' you frown as you hold them in your hands. 

Your sadness unsettles him; and before Tokoyami can even close his beak, a string of words escape them. 

''I'll help you.''

Slightly frightened, you flinch before looking at him. ''How? You don't have to pay for them Toko, they're my responsibility. I appreciate the thought, you're very sweet.'' 

He feels his feathers ruffle at your compliment and he's thankful you aren't wearing your glasses otherwise you'd see his flustered face.

''I-I,'' the boy clears his throat. ''Ahem. I can help you take your notes and so on until you receive a new pair of glasses.'' 

You gasp and grin gleefully. Your body is racing towards him before you can even blink and you wrap your arms around his back, squeezing him as you bury your cheek into his chest.

Tokoyami falters in surprise and nearly squawks- thankfully, he's able to shove it down his throat before he hesitantly returns your hug.

''Of course, Y/N. You are very dearest to me and I would do anything for you.'' God damn it! It seems that he can't control his body tonight! The romantic confession leaves his body and nearly takes his soul alongside.

His words make you freeze and he internally curses at himself, knowing he's ruined your friendship.

''...Really?'' your voice is barely higher than a whisper and Tokoyami finds himself slowly nodding. 

''I like you too, Tokoyami,'' there's a soft smile playing on your lips that makes his knees weak. 

''Well,'' he diverts his gaze from your smiling face. Tokoyami knows that if he stares for too long, he'll never be able to stop. ''That's-that's wonderful.'' 

You laugh quietly at his sudden bashfulness and tug his hand towards the dorm's elevator. 

''C'mon, we should head to sleep.'' Tokoyami feels impossibly happy as he walks with you, hand in hand, and shoulders brushing against each other. He doesn't think he's ever felt this happy before. 

And after the two of you step into the elevator and the doors are about to close, you press a soft but brief cheek on his feathery cheeks before returning your gaze to the floor. The doors slam shut with a ding! and the two of you are blushing impossibly hard.

Needless to say, losing your glasses is the best thing that's happened to both of you. Who knew that a pair of missing glasses would result in a romantic confession from your best friend? 

[inkribbon796]

The Emissaries of Death and War Ch. 2: Not So Different

Summary: After stopping Wil, old enemies get to talk.

Chapters: 1, 2

After a little bit of a chase and a struggle, Dark, Techno, and Philza were able to stop Wil. Techno being the one to physically knock down and keep a hold on the madman.

Dark sent Wil to the Void and held him there until he calmed down. It took a while but the next time Wil saw Techno he seemed to be fine.

Wilford was being brought back in while Techno was conducting something of a report on the fight.

“Not too bad, you raised a couple half decent fighters, well except for the new one,” Techno told Dark. “Or, I assume he’s your newest, the other two are better fighters, so . . .”

As Techno trailed off, Bim felt his face heat with shame. Yes, he was the youngest, but he was not the newest. He was Dark’s kid!

“Geez, Techno, you didn’t rough them up too much did yah[1]?” Philza cackled. “Hardly fair. We should’a gone ta find Tommy. That would have been more fair, man.”[2]

“Nah, against these three?” Techno scoffed angrily, “they would have torn through him like wet tissue paper.”

“Come on, mate, he’s not that bad,” Philza tried to defend from the other room.

Philza had paused to look at the large portrait in the hall, and smiled before only now starting to catch up with the rest of the group.

Techno took a couple steps so Phil could see his face and fixed him with a baleful glare.

Rolling his eyes, Phil added, “Okay, so he’s a shitehead[3] who’s done some shite[4] things, but he’s not a half bad fighter.”

“Uhh, brat was discorporated for the first time during a fist fight, you do the math,” Techno reminded coldly.

Phil frowned at him, huffing and looked around to see that the Entity was out on the back balcony. So as Wilford and Techno were talking with the three spawnlings, Phil decided he needed a change of company.

“How do you feel about anarchy?” Techno smiled at Wil, as Philza shook one of his wings and then pulled a bottle of Chardonnay out of it.

“What’s that?” Wilford asked with a huge smile on his face.

Techno gave a huge grin that Phil couldn’t help but copy that smile as Techno began to launch into — as Philza called it — his “fuck the government” spiel.

Instead of joining in, Philza walked out on the balcony to smile at Dark with his bottle of Chardonnay in his hands. “Come on, Ent, I’ve got your favorite.”

“I don’t get drunk anymore,” Dark warned, but summoned two glasses for them.

“Shame,” Phil chuckled. “You’re a fun drunk.”

“I have been rather reliably told that I become insufferable and impossible to deal with,” Dark corrected, opening the bottle and pouring out two drinks.

“By who?” Phil took the glass he was offered, swirling his aura in it a bit, Dark copying him before they both took the first sips. “You were a riot after Agra.”

“Exactly,” Dark pointedly didn’t answer the first question. “Besides, I have too much to worry about to get drunk on top of it.”

“Right, right, anyways I thought I saw traces ‘a[5] Phantom’s aura in town, thought he was with you,” Phil began. “What’s he up ta[6] these days?”

“Don’t know, don’t care,” Dark snarled.

“Ohhh,” Phil took another sip, “it was that bad huh? Sounds like yeh[1] traded up.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Dark warned.

“Fair,” Phil allowed. “So what’s the new pact mate like, you two dating? Seems like it, looks all domestic in here.”

“We work together,” Dark answered, “everything else is our business.”

“True, true,” Philza agreed. “I’m just curious, we come inta[7] town and find out you’ve got a new pact mate, some spawnlings, and a body. Wanted to figure out how much had changed.”

Dark didn’t give a real comment to that, sipping on his wine.

“How many you got?” Phil leaned in a bit.

Dark considered for a second if Philza was going to talk to Phantom, then he said, “Six.”

“Oh yeah,” Phil whistled, “I saw the painting.”

“I need to move that thing back into my office, two of Wil’s boys insisted it be on display in the hall,” Dark scoffed. “We don’t even have guests over, I don’t know who they expect to see it.”

“Six is a lot, mate,” Phil reminded. “Sounds like you’ve been up ta[6] some mad fun. How old are they?”

“None of your business,” Dark told him firmly.

“Right,” Phil agreed. “But I gotta ask because I have to answer someone else’s question, it’s not about your spawnlings, it’s about mine.”

“You do have a reputation of picking fights with every lord and vizier in the world, unsurprising,” Dark responded. “How many did you keep?”

“I had two, one is, uh,” Philza paused and downed the rest of his glass before reaching to fill it up again. “He’s dead, and the other is off doing his own thing. An empath and a glitch.”

“Hmm,” Dark hummed as he sipped on his wine.

“Which do you have?” Phil asked.

Dark thought on if he should tell the avian, but figured that anyone who looked at the Lost Ones long enough could probably figure it out on their own. “Two deal makers, a showman, and the other three are all empaths, I’m fairly certain.”

“Are they all yours, or did your friend split some ‘a[5] them off?” Philza asked, if he was surprised or impressed he didn’t show it.

Dark wasn’t going to answer, was about to brush it off, but the Entity felt a deep twinge of pain. It wasn’t bad, but it did hurt, and Dark fought the urge to cough.

Phil looked over Dark’s shoulder and smiled, “Hello, who are you? You one ‘a[5] his lot?”

Grabbing his chest, Dark looked around at his echoes, his red was fine, but his blue one was clutching his chest in obvious pain. But that wasn’t the real problem.

His echo didn’t look like him, he looked like Damien! Dark almost screamed in surprise but after a second or two of shock, his aura shot out and dragged his blue soul back in and the echo of course screamed and tried to fight him out of fear. The outside balcony lights flickered, but eventually everything was still and calm again and Dark told Phil, who was just staring at him, “Ignore him, that is not a spawnling.”

“I didn’t hit yah[1] too hard, did I, mate?” Philza asked in concern. “You splitting?”

“I’m fine,” Dark snapped, and slammed his fists down and her body changed to match her red one, forcing her blue soul deep into the back of their soul.

“That’s a neat trick,” Phil commented, “now I can’t see why you’re in a body if it does that.”

“Yes,” Dark stood up, “now, I think we’ve left the others alone for too long.”

Philza was quiet for a moment before he stood up as well, “Yeah, probably. Don’t know how yours are, but Techno’s usually good ta[6] leave to his own devices. He’s not the one I was always worried about.”

“Really?” Dark commented, her aura holding the door open for Phil.

“Oh yeah, anytime I left my two boys alone they always got into some trouble,” Phil smiled warmly. “Tommy still gets inta[7] trouble.”

“Spawnlings do tend to do that,” Dark agreed and they saw the group sitting in the living room as Wil was telling one of his stories and Techno occasionally cutting in with comments or his own stories.

Dark was able to stay calm and collected during the rest of the visit. Techno did give an eyebrow raise at her changed body but didn’t give any other type of comment. Wil did naturally fawn over her but after their guests left so did the Host, saying his goodbyes and Dark sent him back to the heroes’ base.

It was quite possibly the only time she was happy to see the Host go. As much as Dark cared for the young man, Host tended to be a bit nosy and he always seemed like he knew what was going on.

And Dark didn’t need that right now. She needed to sort out what had been bothering her aura. For weeks she’d been wondering, and now she knew.

There was something wrong with her blue soul! That’s what the problem was! Which explained why she could hide it better when she was using her red one.

Dark had let this go on for too long, and she had to act fast before her blue soul did irreparable damage.

Techno and Philza were halfway out of Egoton, heading out of the city through Brighton, when Illinois caught up with them. He wasn’t really trying to disguise his approach and Philza’s crows warned him the young man was following them before Techno heard him coming.

Techno’s sword came out and the voices began clamor for a new fight. “Round two then?”

“Nah,” Illinois was flipping his lucky coin in the air. “Just wanted to talk without my mom listening in. She tends to get a little antsy when I’m on my own.”

“Illinois right?” Philza smiled.

“Heh,” Techno snickered, “were you born there?”

Illinois took a deep breath, “I was born in Ohio.”

“Missed opportunity, then,” Techno chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

“It’s a name,” Illinois defended. “Anyways, I came to ask you two something.”

“Sure,” Techno glanced at Phil.

“I kindly request you leave my brothers and sister out of whatever fight you have with our father,” Illinois told them. “You deal with him, and me, and that’s it.”

“Oh is that how it is?” Techno stared at Illinois with a fire burning in his eyes.

“You two strike me as the type to like a good fight, I’m more powerful, as you saw with my baby brother, besides me and Host they don’t really have a lot of aura worthy of a good fight.”

Techno thought on that for a second, “You know you’re starting to speak more of my language.”

Illinois smiled back, “So let’s leave the little kids out of it.”

“Careful Junior,” Phil warned and watched Illinois’s eye twitch angrily at the nickname. “Yer[8] a kid yourself. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

“We have a deal or not?” Illinois redirected the conversation.

Techno hummed, “That depends on how much of an iron-booted tyrant your old man is, but the fact that your brothers don’t seem to be all that beholden to authority is very intriguing.”

“Of course they wouldn’t,” Illinois scoffed. “They don’t have to help run the business.”

The two veteran warriors glanced at each other before Phil chuckled, “We’ll make yeh[1] a counter-deal, mate, your siblings don’t mess with us and we’ll pretend that Ent only has one kid.”

Illinois glared at them but flipped his coin again before stowing it back into his pocket. “I suppose that’s the best I’m going to get.”

“It is, now if you’ll excuse us, we have a train to catch and all,” Phil grinned and they left, Phil’s wings fluttering as he walked and Techno always keeping an eye on him.

When he was sure they were out of the city, Illinois returned to the Manor to talk with Dark, while Techno and Philza got on a train that led from Brighton to Northern Scotland where they were currently hiding out. Phil had paid extra to make sure their trip stayed as quiet and private as possible, in that if he had to he bought extra tickets.

The Blood God did have to make his face look a touch more human instead of the mask he always wore so they weren’t given much trouble.

Techno was settling down for a long nap, trying to calm the voices on his head enough to relax, and only sleep could grant that calm silence to him.

Besides them, the car they were in had a couple other people but their little four-seat section was empty apart from them.

Until someone came over to sit down.

Initially, Phil wanted to chew the guy out but he saw the green hoodie and the familiar face, along with the white smiley face mask in his hands. So instead he just groaned and poked his blood brother in the arm, “Tech.”

“Hnghmmm,” Techno groaned, still awake enough for Phil to rouse him back to consciousness. “What do you want, Dream? I was kinda busy sleeping.”

“Yes, I wanted to talk with you before you drifted off again,” Dream told them. “I need you two to come back to Gainesville. I need you to find someone for me.”

“Dude we just got on this thing, yeh[1] couldn’t have called us earlier?” Phil groaned, looking out the window. “We’ve got Tech’s dogs ta[6] feed back home.”

“You cashing in your favor so soon?” Techno smiled eagerly, leaning in. “You calling it in?”

“What?” Dream smiled deviously. “For something this petty? No, I just figured you might want in on this. But if you want to head back to Inverness, that’s fine. I won’t stop you.”

“So, what’s the problem, mate?” Phil sighed.

“There’s a Legate in Gainesville, I’ve been tracking his legion’s movements for a while now, and he apparently hates making himself known,” Dream explained.

“You sure it’s not just an empath with a ton of spawnlings,” Techno rolled his eyes. “Everytime I go to find and fight one it’s always some empath hoarding their kids.”

“Positive, I wasn’t sure a couple weeks ago, which is why I didn’t waste your time with it before,” Dream dismissed cooly. “But he’s real, and this Legion has apparently been operating in Gainesville for the past twenty-five, thirty, years or so. The Entity hasn’t even seen him, he’s that secretive. His legion is apparently seven strong.”

Phil hummed in uncertainty but Techno was all smiles.

“We’re still heading back home, got some things ta[6] sort out, mate,” Phil gave Techno a look.

“Fine, I need to train anyways,” Techno huffed, a nasal growl in his voice. “Don’t wanna[9] be rusty.”

“That’s fair,” Dream stood up, taking a fair sized green box out of his pocket and giving it to. “You two know where to find me.”

“If you can get me some scents, I might bring some of my dogs over,” Techno promised.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Dream gave him a huge smile and put on his mask before walking off the train.

Another five minutes passed and the train started moving. Techno took his much needed rest, and Philza settled down with a book in his hands as they train bypassed the barrier from the conjoined city and into the UK proper where it rocketed towards Scotland. The stars in the night sky above.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Accessibility Translations:

1. you

2. Hardly fair. We should have gone to find Tommy. That would have been more fair, man.

3. shithead

4. shit

5. of

6. to

7. into

8. You’re

9. want to

[girloikawa]

carry on youtuber au

baz starts out as a cover artist, occasionally posting his own songs (he does violin stuff too)

but eventually he gets recognition and people are like “who is this person?????” so baz does a few q&as

oh BUT THEN he reveals that he also has so many other interests (books, movies, planting, coffee, Controversal Topics) that people want him to do other types of videos

and that is what starts baz on the long road of his channel basically being an everything bagel where he does a bit of everything and people find it very chill

agatha and baz become friends over their mutual love of gossip in the community (as long as they’re not apart of it)

(because baz and agatha and simon and penny aren’t problematic)

which brings me to agatha, she’s one of those channels that keep everyone updated on the drama and the shitty stuff that happens on YouTube as long as regular media

very opinionated, this gal is, so she shares her opinion on...everything

though, sometimes she’ll do a q&a and do her makeup and talk about fashion or what she’s into at the moment

she’s basically angelika oles

penny’s a booktuber!!!

she mostly reads and reviews fantasy books, as they are her favorite, but she’ll also do those videos where it’s like “i just read a shitty wattpad romance story, let me rant” or “my top ten favorite ya pairings” or “tier ranking every harry potter character because life has no meaning”

now, simon, the babe, he’s (and you cannot fight me on this) basically jenna marbles

his videos are so random and spurratic, he doesn’t even plan what his next video is, and he’s the youtuber

i would also like to point out that simon probably totally has adhd and would talk about it and his experience with it

his most popular videos are of him baking. he’s like (and hear me out) very good and very bad at it. like, all throughout the videos, everybody’s holding their breath’s like “oh no this is going to turn out terribly” because simon being in the kitchen is like a horse babysitting a dog, it’s a mess, however the end product is always perfect and amazing and by the end everybody’s drooling behind their screens

simon is also widely conceived as the weirdest straight guy ever. like people (from just looking at him) think he’s just So Striaght but a very Cool Straight Guy who people wouldn’t actually mind being around

simon has the most subscribers (the majority being that they find him funny and see him as a friend, the minority being people who think he’s Hot As Hell and okay yeah he’s a good person too but have you seen those freckles-)

then it’s baz because he actually started first and his following has been a journey, then agatha (she’s the newest, and her subscriber rate is growing rapidly), then penny (booktube is a small community sad face)

penny n simon are irl best friends and penny was the one who convinced simon to make a channel bc he needed something to help let out his energy, “plus it’s a little fun hobby”

snowbaz now :)

simon has followed baz from pretty much the beginning. he saw his cringy covers, his development as a songwriter, and the walls built around baz crumble over the camera

baz...well, he’s one of those people who think simon is Hot As Hell, but he also genuinely enjoys the videos. at first, baz was like “I’m not watching him, everybody watches him, and I’m different” so he always avoided the recommendations youtube gave him of simon’s videos (but it was also bc he didn’t want to confront that he was very attracted to simon)

and then, one fateful night, agatha sent baz a link to a video called “coming out” and under the link she wrote “youtube angel!”—that’s their nickname for simon—“shocking the world!”

baz click click clicked because hot guy is lgbt+????? and baz watched the video, commenting “proud of you” or something along those lines, and then he watched so, so many more of simon’s videos

simon, a boy who just came out as bisexual, just had his youtube hero comment on his video where he came out and is like !!!!!!

simon’s sexual awakening is baz

also, simon breaks the internet with that video, because he isn’t striaght and that’s so mind-boggling to everybody. but there’s always that one group of people who are like “i saw this coming. do you not remember that one time simon showed his socks and his jeans were cuffed-”

simon replies to baz’s comment and is like “oh my god thank you so much. you’re like my actual favorite youtuber” like a fucking Nut and people see that and say “omg collab” because they’re both relatively high status youtubers and their collab would be Powerful

then, summoning all his courage, simon dms baz on instagram with just a simple “hey, a lot of people are saying we should collab lmao”

“i’ve seen that” “heh uhm yeah” “maybe we could get to know each other and see if that would be a good idea” “yes! i’d love that”

and they do. they get really close and stuff,, but people don’t exactly...see that

you see, on twitter, they get in millions of arguments. people genuinely think that they hate each other to some extent, when in reality, they’re swooning at the sight of the three dot bubble

baz, on twitter: “you cannot tell me that people actually enjoy sparkling water. it’s trash, move on” (they had an argument over it, privately, and baz is making it public to cause a rise out of simon bc he finds angry simon cute)

simon, in response: “yo I’m throwing you in the trash as we speak. fuhhhck u”

so, when they collab for the first time, everybody at home is just like *shocked pikachu emoji* they end up doing a video where simon bakes baz’s mom’s recipe of cherry scones with baz. it’s kind of a big deal bc both simon and baz don’t want to ruin baz’s memory of his mother

in the end, baz tears up and gives si a big ass hug because they’re perfect, simon. i love them, thank you. the fans start shipping. hard. it’s simon’s highest viewed video

that surprise hug is also what makes simon realize that his feelings are much deeper than attraction and surface level forms of knowing someone

on baz’s channel, they were going to film a video where they talked about their experiences being queer, but then simon realized that his biggest, most prominent example was staring at baz’s jawline, so he had to be like “uhhh, actually, I’m not really comfortable with that yet” which is part true. instead, they do a video where they have argumentative discussions, like on twitter but in depth and with less insults

anyways, they receive pretty positive feedback on the videos, people enjoy them, so they decide to do more. also, they both live in LA, so it’s actually pretty easy to do them, plus they have a diverse area to do them in

also, i think it’d be nice to mention that simon will sometimes do twitch streams of him playing minecraft and then he puts edited versions on his channel. it’s worth mentioning because during this one stream, he ends up slipping up and saying “we talk a lot, actually. and i—i like him a lot” about baz, then he blushes like hell because i really just said that and it’s live oh god

all the while, baz and simon actually just start hanging out (without hiding behind wanting to do a video). one meet-up, they go to disney world and halfway through baz is like “uh, should we be filming this?” and simon gives him a smile and replies, “no” because that moment is for them and them only + the fans who see them together and ask for a picture/just take pictures of them being like a couple

their next collab is a bit of a fun one. behind the scenes, pen, ag, si, and baz all become friends, because of that one time baz came over while penny was there and he barely payed attention to simon, too busy talking to penny. anyways, they do a big four person collab where agatha basically teaches them how to do makeup

on penny’s channel, it’s book related. they have to do a look based on the synopsis’ of each other’s favorite books. baz gets simon, simon gets agatha, agatha gets penny, penny gets baz. baz: “snow, you’re holding it wrong. it’s like this” simon: *stares longingly at the brush that gets to touch baz’s face*

on agatha’s, the video is just titled Teaching My Friends To Do Makeup (ft. idiots who test my patience). they all suck. majorly. well, by all, i mean simon and penny suck at makeup

on baz’s, they do a trivia of sorts. if they get a question wrong, they have to skip a product. simon: “oh thank god less work” agatha, deadpanning: “i think i might kill him”

on simon’s, they have agatha and penny go against simon and agatha. si and pen being the ones who have to actually do makeup because, according to agatha, “since you decided to bitch so much, you guys are doing our makeup” “but-!” “nope, I’m Peak Brains of us all so I call the shots” “you’re not even-” “shut up” Everybody (and by everybody i mean the fans) is actually glad that they got to see simon doing baz’s makeup, because it’s literally them just being so flustered the whole time

the collab stuns everybody bc: “they’re all friends??????” plus, some people start calling them the Four Fucks because at one point penny says “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, and most importantly, fuck me” after simon flinged a bunch of eyeshadow on her

okay so agatha and penny are just like: “these idiots need to get together already” because it’s very obvious that they like each other. like the eiffel tower in paris, you can’t miss it. everyone watching the videos also sees it, so you can imagine the comments

during one of si’s live-streams (he’s playing the hunger games minigame on minecraft), the chat goes wild because baz pops in. he plans on surprising simon with a picnic (he just thought that they could go into simon’s backyard or the park that’s a few miles away), but it was pretty spur of the moment so he didn’t think about simon doing a stream. and to be honest, simon’s stream was also spur of the moment, so it’s not like he made sure to tell baz about it

“simon! hey, i let myself in!” baz called from the front doorway. the chat is freaking because: “is that baz???” “omg baz has a key to simon’s house!!” “are they dating???” simon kind of just freezes up and starts sputtering as he reads the chat and tries to reply to baz

of course, baz doesn’t understand that simon doesn’t want baz to go into his office/room with his computer, so he does go in and as soon as he sees the livestream he’s like: “oh, uh, I’ll go” and simon unfreezes and goes “no, no, stay, I’ll just be a bit” “do you want me to...leave the room?” “you can watch if you want” (baz wants) “okay, sure” so simon pretty much shows baz how to play minecraft

i never finished this, do i?

[mobius-prime]

282. Sonic Universe #9

Knuckles: The Return (Part 1 of 4): Echoes of the Past (Part One)

Writer: Ian Flynn Pencils: Tracy Yardley! Colors: Jason Jensen

Man, I almost forgot how much I kind of miss the Knuckles-centric arcs. Say what you will about Penders and his writing, but I still stand by the fact that the KtE series was genuinely enjoyable for the most part. We open with Knuckles, Julie-Su, and Mighty taking a warp ring to General von Stryker's camp in the Sandopolis desert after having received a summons from him through Catweazle. Stryker gets right to business, accusing Knuckles of having lied to him. While that sounds bad, it turns out some of his scouts have found Finitevus' lab on the island and recovered a full documentation of his Enerjak project, meaning Stryker has found out that Knuckles wasn't actually in control of himself during the Enerjak fiasco.

You know, time and again, every writer that comes along still wants to make the dingoes these inherently bad individuals who are constantly looking for new ways to oppress and betray. If you ask me, Stryker should have begun his journey to redemption alllll the way back when he was captured by the Dark Legion along with Knuckles and Julie-Su in KtE#24. I mean, overall, Stryker himself actually hasn't done too many bad things - the biggest beef he had with the echidnas for the longest time was simply the fact that they were procrastinating on building basic goddamn housing for his people, which is absolutely something he had the right to be angry over. And while a lot of the other dingoes I wholeheartedly believe don't deserve to be redeemed - running concentration camps, and all - Stryker wasn't the one in charge of that, and ultimately never came across to me as a terrible person, just overzealous in looking after his people. I just don't understand why, after all of that, Ian has gone right back to portraying him as a bad guy, eager to take over the island or whatever and only looking out for number one. The dingoes could have been so interesting, man. So much wasted potential for gray morality there.

Anyway, Knuckles has left Vector and Ray in charge of Shrine Isle for the time being, and Ray gets excited when he looks over the edge of the island and sees that they're passing over Downunda. Vector offhandedly mentions that he got out of there as quick as he could when he was young, and Ray immediately latches onto this, asking again and again to know Vector's history in Downunda despite Vector's obvious discomfort at this line of questioning. Funnily enough, the two of them make mention of Vector apparently teaching Ray about how "fact-gathering is an important part of being a detective," even though there's been literally no hints whatsoever in this universe of Vector or any of the other Chaotix members being involved in detective work. They're detectives in the games and anime, sure, but not in the comics. Eventually, with enough prying, Ray convinces Vector to begrudgingly give up some info about his past.

There's silence after his little tale, and Vector initially thinks Ray is irritated at his ending the story so quickly, but then a scream for help alerts him to the fact that out of nowhere, a massive swarm of wing-dingoes (oh boy, remember those from the Tails Miniseries #2?) has swooped down and grabbed Ray to carry him off. Vector rescues him, but they find themselves surrounded and vastly outnumbered. Meanwhile, one of Stryker's soldiers has just finished taking Knuckles and his backup on some kind of sand worm to Finitevus' hideout, which turns out to be inside some dusty old ruins at the very edge of the island. Knuckles and Julie-Su head in amongst the buildings, while Mighty stays behind to talk to their driver, whom only he recognized - it's none other than good ol' Harry! Unfortunately, he seems quite downcast when Mighty asks him how he's been doing, and reminisces on how he always hated being in the military, but didn't have much of a choice when he was stuck in the pocket zone with the other dingoes, before Hawking restored them to the Prime Zone. From there he quit and enjoyed the simple life as a cabbie, even though he was always caught up in the schemes of the heroes.

…ouch, man. It's true that Harry was pretty much forgotten about during the whole Return to Angel Island plotline, being little more than a plot device for the heroes, but you'd think they would have given enough of a damn to take him with them, y'know? Mighty tries to apologize, stricken, but Harry just tells him that while he's not angry he's also not interested in dealing with the heroes' messes anymore, and after confirming they have a warp ring with them, heads back out on the sand worm, leaving Mighty feeling awful. He joins Knuckles and Julie-Su in the ruins, where Knuckles is busy musing about the architectural design of the huts and how it doesn't match usual echidna architecture. Julie-Su is annoyed with this preoccupation and tries to get him to focus on finding Finitevus, pointing out that echidnas aren't the only species that have settled on the island, but Knuckles stubbornly presses on, pointing out the pyramid in the center of the ruins and how it matches Albion's architecture, but not that of the surrounding huts. At this point, Mighty agrees that they should focus on Finitevus, so Knuckles reluctantly leaves his thoughts behind and follows them to the pyramid, which they break into.

It's easy to miss given how far back it's been, but the interior of the pyramid is nearly identical to that of the one Archimedes led him to in the Sonic & Knuckles special way back when. Mighty makes a thoughtless comment about how he'd thought that after Knuckles met his ancestors he would have learned everything about his history, and this pisses Knuckles off, as he now feels like even more secrets have been kept from him that he wasn't aware of. As they march on, back at Shrine Isle Vector and Ray continue to struggle against the wing-dingo attack, severely in need of backup.

Seems Vector is taking Espio's betrayal especially personally. Knuckles marches on quickly through the ruins, and right as Julie-Su tells him to slow down a bit and be cautious, the three of them fall through a false floor into a small chamber that immediately seals them in with lasers. Oh, also, the walls grow spikes and start closing in on them. Good luck, guys!

[bubbleblower]

Minor Details Ch 3/?

AN: Oh Man you guys. You guys! I'm so touched and flattered and freaking out right now. I've gotten like 33 new follow requests since posting this story and I just don't even know what to do with myself. Thank you all so much for the kind words. I really hope you continue to like the story

Ao3 Ch1 Ch2 Next

Adrien knew she was Ladybug. ADRIEN KNEW SHE WAS LADYBUG. Alya was being akumatized again but ADRIEN KNEW SHE WAS LADYBUG??!?!?! Marinette let herself be dragged down one hallway after another, too busy panicking to really pay attention to where they were going. Before too long they halted in front of a custodial closet, Marinette teetered a bit at the abrupt stop.

"This should do nicely, there's no-one around" Adrien said turning to meet the still panic stricken face of his friend. He smiled, so widely that it tipped up at the sides. "Marinette, snap out of it bugaboo, Alya needs you right now. You can transform in here" he said scooting her into the closet.

"What?!- But... Adri-.. I'm not.. How??" She spluttered as he closed the door. He paused, smiling softer now.

"Who else could she possibly be other than you?"

Marinette stood in the dark of the closet for a moment catching her breath. Tikki floated out of her purse, a serious expression on her face.

"I told you that was a bad idea, Marinette."

"I'm sorry Tikki, I'll figure out a way to fix this. But for now we need to transform and save Alya. Spots On!"

Ladybug dashed out into the commons, she had seen Alya transformed a couple of times now, both as Lady Wifi and as Rena Rage, but this form was new. Alya floated above the ground in a full suit of silver armor with red detailing, and was carrying a large shield in the shape of a Ladybug. Below her cowered most of the student body, eerily silent. In her other hand, held outstretched, Chloe dangled limply in her grasp. As Ladybug tiptoed closer to get a better look Chloe turned her face away from Alya, tears rolling down her cheeks, her mouth and hands were completely missing.

Marinette must have gasped in terror, because Alya turned to face her. Alya's face was paler than Marinette had ever seen it, and her hair and eyes were both bright red.

"Alya.." she said, taking a step back from the Akuma.

"Alya isn't here. I'm the Defender. You verbally attacked innocent citizens on the Ladyblog last night, be prepared to never communicate again."

Ladybug jumped and somersaulted out of the way as multiple jets of red light shot towards her from the center of the shield. Great, another ranged weapon Akuma who could fly. If Alya hit her, she wouldn't be able to summon her lucky charm, or cast the miraculous ladybugs to fix the damage the akuma caused. The Akuma seemed to sense Ladybug's distress firing round after round of energy at her, not giving her a moment to rest. Oh, how she hoped Chat showed up soon.

"Funny, I thought the phrase was 'Cat's got your tongue' not Ladybug." A familiar and incredibly welcome voice commented as Chat bounded into the room, extending his staff and knocking the Defender sideways.

"Chat!" Ladybug crowed, the relief evident in her voice. "The Akuma is in her shield. We've gotta work quickly on this one so she can't take away our ability to summon our powers. Lucky Charm!"

Chat nodded knocking the Defender sideways again before summoning his own

"Cataclysm!"

Marinette's summoned object fell back into her hands.

"A hand mirror?" She looked helplessly around the room. Chat's hand and the Akuma's shield both lit up in polkadots. Just then Alya got a hit in, sending Chat flying past Marinette, a jet of red light following him at a rapid pace. Jumping into action, Marinette held up the mirror in one hand, reflecting the beam back at the Defender, and with her other lassoed Chat with her yoyo slingshotting him back as well.

The Defender ducked down, raising her shield above her head to deflect the beam, putting her Akumatized object right into Chat's trajectory. Just as Marinette had known would happen, Chat slapped his hand down onto the shield, disintegrating it with his power, releasing the butterfly for Ladybug to purify.

"Pound it!" Ladybug grinned holding her fist out as the magical Ladybugs rushed around the room. Chat smiled back engaging in their ritual, and they both jumped out onto the roof of the school.

"That might have been the fastest we've ever stopped an Akuma My Lady. Well done."

"I couldn't have done it without you Mon minou" Chat's smile softened.

"You didn't have to defend me like that last night you know. I know what people say about me behind my back, and they aren't always wrong. It means a lot to know how you feel about me, but it's not worth getting Akumatized over." He sighed, slipping into a sitting position with one leg dangling off the roof. Marinette huffed dramatically, throwing herself carelessly down next to him.

"I meant every word, Chaton. They're wrong. You're the best hero I know of. And I can't stand to hear them say such horrible things about you. Especially since..." Marinette swallowed guiltily. "Especially since I'm actually the screw up."

"My lady?" Chat began, an edge to his voice that conveyed both confusion and a willingness to argue the point.

"Oh, Chat. I really messed up. Someone discovered my identity. I thought I had been careful last night hiding my room from view of the camera. But I must've missed something or let something slip, because he knew who I was today when I came to class." Chat tried very hard to look natural and concerned, but he wasn't quite sure he managed it.

"He? Who is this guy? Are you in danger? Would he tell the press or anything?" Chat managed to ask, proud that he didn't fumble over his words.

"Oh, no!" Ladybug said, shaking her head vehemently. "Not Adrien. He's the most thoughtful and trustworthy boy I know. He would never intentionally endanger me. In fact if he wasn't so busy with his modeling I would have offered him a miraculous long ago." Chat could not contain his grin, getting to hear Marinette defend both of his selves in a single day. She really was just the nicest person he'd ever met.

"Modelling, huh? You wouldn't be talking about Adrien Agreste would you?" For the second time that day, Marinette froze solid in shock and horror. "So this is your school then, huh?"

With a groan, Marinette buried her face in her hands. Chat laughed outright.

"Well, Bugaboo, I know I've wondered a few times if we knew eachother in real life, and it seems I may have been right." He winked at her as she peeked through her fingers. "Don't worry. If this guy is really as great as you say, then your secret is probably safe. In the meantime you should probably pay closer attention to these minor details you keep letting slip" He tugged gently on the end of one of her pigtails, just as their miraculouses started to beep. "Cat-ch you later My Lady" he said pole vaulting off across the roof top.

Marinette watched him go, readying her own escape from the roof.

[synkiller82]

Collapse Into Me Chapter 28 - Helpless

I would like to apologize for the hiatus of this story.  Between the semester ending, my beloved 10 year old Dane passing, and the holidays, I didn’t have the mental capacity or time to work on it.  However, this chapter is finished, 29 is being edited, and 30 is almost ready to head to editing.  I promise I will finish this story!!  Thank you all for being so patient with me!  It means so much to this reblogged or comments/kudos on AO3!!

Gabriel stared at the portrait of his wife, readying himself for what was to come.  It had taken him a month to find a facility that could help Nathalie and get her settled.  Thankfully, he had convinced her to give up the Peacock miraculous before she found herself in the same state as Emilie.  Now, he would implement the next step in his plan. He needed a new ally, and he knew just where to go and how to get them to fold to his will.  It wouldn’t be that hard, considering the date and the emotional turmoil that came with it. A few soft words and he would have his new ally begging to help him.

A soft knock brought a smile to his face that he quickly banished, returning to the stoic face he is known for, and uttered the two words that would start his plan to victory over those bothersome teenagers.

“Come in.”

---

Marinette paced her room, getting more worried with every pass.  Today was the anniversary of Adrien’s mother’s disappearance and she hadn’t heard from Adrien all day.  She had texted him a number of times that day to tell him that she was here if he needed and other supportive things, but they were all met with radio silence.

“Do you think he’s okay, Tikki?”

The little kwami looked up at her chosen. “I’m sure he is, Marinette.  Maybe he just wants to be alone today.”

Marinette was doubtful but didn’t say anything.  She continued to pace until her nervous energy became too much for her.  “Maybe I’ll go out for patrol and swing by his house, just to make sure.”

Calling her transformation, Ladybug darted through the skylight and was about to launch her yo-yo when she felt it buzz.  Opening it, she found a message from Chat:

Ladybug, I was on patrol earlier today when I ran into Adrien Agreste, who was insistent that he speak with you.  He asked that I get this message to you: meet him at Jardin des Tuileries at 22:30. Cat-ch ya later, LB. - Chat

Ladybug looked at the time on her yo-yo.  22:25. She gasped and sped to the meeting location.  She landed in the gardens and caught sight of his golden hair.  Quietly, she made her way over to him through the shadows, keeping an eye out for any late-night travelers.

When she got to him, Ladybug tapped him on the shoulder before speaking.  “Hello, Adrien-” was all she managed to get out before he spun toward her and she got a look at his face.  

His normally vibrant green eyes were dull, almost haunted in a way.  The bags under them didn’t help her worry either. He didn’t even smile when he turned, which was unusual for him.

“Hey, Ladybug,” he greeted, his voice tired and hoarse.  “I wasn’t certain that you would be here, but I’m glad you came.”

“I’m always willing to speak to the citizens of Paris,” Ladybug replied in what she hoped was a comforting voice.  “Why don’t we go somewhere a bit more private. Chat’s message made it sound like you had something important to talk about and we wouldn’t want anyone overhearing, am I correct?”

Adrien nodded and followed the spotted heroine deeper into the trees.  They walked in silence for about five minutes before Ladybug sat against a large tree and motioned for Adrien to join her.  He rubbed his arms, clearly debating with himself before taking a seat next to her, though he didn’t face her.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Ladybug coaxed.

Adrien drew in a deep breath before he let his eyes fall into his lap.  “I-” he started, but stopped as he choked back a sob.

Ladybug tentatively reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.  When he didn’t flinch back, she reached further to rub soothing circles on his back.  “I understand that today is not an easy day for you, am I right?” She watched him nod.  “For what it’s worth, I’m so sorry to hear about it. If you need some time, I’ll keep watch for you.”

Adrien nodded again before he finally let the dam he had been hiding behind break.  He cried and let everything that had happened that day out. He finally spoke again after about fifteen minutes.  “I wanted to see you today because I know who Hawkmoth is and why he’s been terrorizing Paris.” Ladybug’s eyes were wide as saucers, though Adrien couldn’t see.  Adrien continued to talk, relaying the events that had happened that morning.

---

Adrien was in his room practicing his piano when he was summoned to his father’s atelier.  It was unusual for Gabriel to talk to Adrien at all, but especially today. He looked over at this computer, smiling at the background photo of him and his mom, before heading down to meet with his father.

Knocking quietly on the door, he heard a quick ‘Come in’ and opened the door, quickly closing it behind him.  He glanced at the painting of his mother before speaking, before settling his eyes on his father’s back. “You asked to see me, Father?”

“I did,” Gabriel answered without turning around.  “As you know, Nathalie is currently on leave, recovering from an illness at a hospital in the country.”  Gabriel turned to fix his son with a stern look. “I believe it is time I told you what is going on with both her and your mother.”

Adrien’s mouth dropped open.  What did Gabriel mean, what happened to them?  Was his mother still alive? Why would she leave and not take him or at least send word that she was okay all of these years?  What is going on?

Gabriel continued, not noticing or seeming to care about his son’s inner turmoil.  “Many years ago, your mother and I took a trip to Tibet. While there, we found the book you found as well as two pieces of jewelry.  Two brooches, to be precise. I bought the book to use for inspiration, while your mother purchased the brooches, giving one to me and keeping the other.  The brooch she gave me was one of a butterfly, which became the symbol for my company. Your mother kept the one shaped like a peacock, loving the vibrant colors.”

Adrien’s heart hammered in his chest as he tried to decipher the information.  His parents found the book of superheroes in Tibet, along with two brooches, which happened to resemble the missing miraculous.  Something wasn’t sitting right with Adrien, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“To be frank, we found that these were not just mere pieces of jewelry, but magic talismans that could make us into superheroes, much like Chat Noir and Ladybug.  However, the Peacock was broken and your mother fell ill. Before I realized what was wrong, it was too late. That is why I’m searching for the Black Cat and Ladybug miraculous.  I need them to bring your mother back to us.”

Adrien’s world came to a complete stop and then crashed around him.  “You’re-” he started, his eyes wide in disbelief and panic.

“Yes, Adrien.  I am Hawkmoth and I need you to help me bring your mother back.  Nathalie can no longer perform her duties as Mayura, and I need a new ally if I am to defeat the heroes and bring her back.”

Gabriel walked down to where Adrien stood frozen and took his hand, placing something in his open palm.  Adrien looked down to see the peacock miraculous in his hand before looking up into his father’s eyes.

“You want me to join you as the next peacock holder?” Adrien whispered.

“Yes.  With you by my side, I am sure we will succeed.  You are perfect for this, just like you are at everything else you do.  Join me, my son, and help me put this family back together.”

Adrien was honestly torn.  He was the Black Cat holder.  He was one of the two heroes fighting Hawkmoth, his FATHER, to keep Paris safe.  However, he also wanted his mother back. He was just a boy who missed his mother dearly, especially today, and wanted her love and life back with him.

A slight pressure on his chest brought him back from his thoughts.  Plagg’s way of letting him know he needed to talk to him. He needed to get out of here and talk to the kwamis.

“May I think about it for a day?  This is a lot to take in.”

“I will call you tomorrow for an answer.  Keep the miraculous until then and learn about it from Duusu. However-” Gabriel’s tone turned to ice when he spoke next, “you will help me, one way or another.”

Adrien nodded before walking back to his room.  He wasn’t sure how he was going to get out of this mess, but he knew one thing was for sure...he needed to tell Ladybug.

---

Ladybug was silent for a few minutes after Adrien finished, letting everything sink in.  It just wasn’t fair. Hadn’t this sweet, amazing boy been through enough? Not only had he lost his mom, but his dad was a terrorist who wanted to bring his own son down with him!  Ladybug was seeing red.

Adrien’s voice cut through the swirling thoughts of how to murder Gabriel Agreste in Ladybug’s mind.  “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to help him, but I want my mother back so much.”

“Adrien, we will figure something out.  That I can promise you,” Ladybug answered, her voice sure and calm.  She wouldn’t let Adrien suffer, nor would she let him become an accomplice to a known terrorist.  “For now, I think we need to get you somewhere safe, away from the situation. I’m going to take you to a safe house where no one would think to look for you if you are okay with that.”

“I don’t know,” Adrien responded.  “Father wants my decision tomorrow morning, so I need to be there.”

“Adrien, can you answer me honestly?” Ladybug asked.

Adrien nodded.

“Do you feel safe in that house?”

Adrien shook his head.

“Then we are going to take you somewhere safe.  I will deal with Gabriel Agreste if it comes to that.  You don’t have to worry about him tonight.”

“I can’t, Ladybug,” Adrien sighed.  “If I’m not there, he will go to every one of my friends and could even akumatize someone just to find me.  I wouldn’t put it past him to fire my bodyguard to reakumatize him into Gorizilla. I have to go home.”

Ladybug sighed, but she knew that she couldn’t kidnap him.  “If that's your decision. However, if at any time you need to get in touch with me, contact Chloe or Alya.  They can both signal me and I'll be there as soon as I can.”

Adrien nodded again.  “Thanks, Ladybug.”

“I’m going to look for Chat and tell him what’s going on so we can make a plan.  We need to act quickly so you aren’t in danger any longer than necessary.” Ladybug placed her hands on Adrien’s shoulders.  “Please stay safe, Adrien.”

“I will, Ladybug.”

“Do you need me to take you home?”  Ladybug asked, taking her yo-yo off her hip.

Adrien shook his head.  “No. I've got a way to get home.  Thank you, though.”

Ladybug hesitated, not entirely okay with leaving Adrien at the park by himself.  However, she saw a flash of silver and figured he had his driver waiting for him. With a goodbye and a salute, she swung to a nearby rooftop and left a message for Chat to meet her at Notre Dame as soon as possible.

Adrien watched as Ladybug swung away, thankful she hadn’t pushed taking him home.  He looked down at Plagg, who simply nodded before swirling into the ring and transforming Adrien into Chat.  Opening his baton, he read Ladybug’s message and darted over to their meeting spot, curious to find out how Ladybug planned to get Adrien out of the mess his family had made.

[thebooktrooper]

Together

A Drarry Fanfic

Draco finds out about the Dursley's treatment of Harry after Harry reveals a secret during one of their fights. Words: 3.5k  Find it on aos

“Scorpius! Albus! Get over here right now!” Draco’s voice thundered through the house, but he didn’t care. Someone had gotten paint all over the rug upstairs. The expensive carpet that his mother had bought him and Harry for their wedding

The floorboards shook as the twins ran up the stairs at lightning speed, not willing to anger their father more by taking their time. Draco and Harry had adopted them a year after they married. The boys looked extremely similar, but not identical. Albus’s hair was a shade darker than Scorpius’s, and he was about an inch taller. They were Draco’s pride and joy, and only a year from going to Hogwarts.

“Would one of you like to explain why, when I came upstairs, I found paint smeared all over my favorite rug?” Silence. Utterly frustrating silence. “Which one of you did it? It had to be one of you,” It took all his self-control not to curse or raise his voice to a complete yell. Again, he was met with silence and two guilty looks. “Fine, then you can go to your rooms until you are willing to talk.”

Both boys slunk away to their respective rooms, not daring to speak. Draco ran a rough hand through his hair, and let out a sigh. It was nothing a quick Scourgify couldn’t fix, and he mumbled the spell under his breath with a quick flick of his wand. What angered him was that the boys hadn’t said anything about it and that they didn’t own up to it.

It was days like these when Draco missed Harry the most. With his promotion in the Auror Department, he was hardly home anymore during the week. Not that Draco minded staying at home with the kids. He loved Albus and Scorpius, and he loved spending time with them and getting the chance to watch them grow. But he loved doing that with Harry by his side, not by himself.

Draco ate dinner alone that night, too stubborn to take back what he had said to the boys. They had to be taught their lesson, and if he gave into them, they would never learn to own up to their mistakes. They could have breakfast in the morning.

Harry didn’t come home until late around midnight. Large bags hung underneath his eyes, his hair was a mess, and his normally crazy hair stuck to his head from sweat. This was how he came home many nights, but Draco was still not used to the air of exhaustion that hung around Harry.

Draco met Harry at the door, waiting until he dropped his bag and took off his cloak to give him a hug and peck on the cheek.

“I missed you,” Draco whispered, not caring about the dirt and sweat that was transferring onto his robes.

“I missed you too,” Harry said. Draco stepped back and cast a quick scourgify and freshening charm on Harry. It couldn’t replace a shower, but it would be good enough for the moment.

“Want any dinner?” Harry nodded and followed him towards the kitchen. Draco cast a heating charm on the leftovers from his lonely dinner and set them in front of Harry. He made tea in an attempt to keep his hands busy. All he wanted to do was take Harry right there and then, but he knew he couldn’t do that. Harry was too tired to do anything but eat, shower, and sleep. Just like always.

“You’re amazing, Draco. Thank you.” The words ease the tension in his chest a bit. Draco set the teacups down on the table and kissed Harry’s cheek, grimacing at the roughness of his stubble.

“Of course, love.” He took a sip of his tea, contemplating what he wanted to say next. Should he mention Albus and Scorpius’s punishment? Harry wouldn’t find out if he didn’t tell him, and he was stressed enough as it was. There was no need to bother him with the misbehaving of their kids. Besides, he had dealt with it, hadn’t he? “You look exhausted. When was the last time you got a decent nights sleep?” Harry shook his head.

“Since before I got promoted. Everything is going into chaos; half the department is at St. Mungo’s since our last case, which means our resources are extremely limited. It’ll be better in a few months once everything settles down.”

Draco nodded in understanding, even though he wanted to scream in frustration. That’s what Harry said every time he brought up his promotion. That it would get better. But it never did. It only got worse. Harry just got more tired and more frustrated.

“You need to quit,” Draco blurted out. Harry looked up sharply.

“Draco, we’ve talked about this. I can’t just-”

“No, you listen. You’re working yourself to the bone. You haven’t spent time with the kids since you got promoted. There are others who need you. When was the last time you talked to Ron? Hermione? When was the last time you slept for more than 4 hours or had a decent shower?” He shook his head, “You’re trying to play hero again. You don’t have to be the hero for everyone all the time. Sometimes its enough to be the hero for your friends, for yourself. ”

“The kids are sleeping. I don’t want to fight with you right now Draco.”

“When are we going to talk about this then? You don’t get home until midnight half the time, and the other half you’re too tired to say more than a few words.” Harry sighed, and ran a hand through his hair.

“I’m going to shower. Thank you for dinner.” Draco shook his head.

“The kids asked for you to say goodnight to them. At least visit them, please?”

With a nod, Harry left him alone and went upstairs. Rubbing his temples in frustration, Draco summoned the Firewhiskey and poured himself a glass. Why did Harry have to be so damn stubborn? Why couldn’t he see that Draco needed him?

The familiar warmth of Firewhiskey spread through his body. Draco’s head buzzed slightly, and he savored the slight numbness the drink brought.

Footsteps thundered down the stairs, making him spin around in shock. Harry stalked towards Draco, a piercing glare pointed right at him.

“That was a quick shower,” Draco commented, not sure what had angered Harry.

Not deigning to respond, Harry walked past him and pulled two plates out of the cupboard and without a word, made two PB&J sandwiches.

“Who are those for?” Draco asked. Harry looked up and glared at him.

“Our children, who you, apparently, left starving in their rooms for half the night.” His voice was sharp and cold, not leaving room for contradiction.

Draco scoffed. “I didn’t starve them. They went to bed without dinner because they wouldn’t own up to spilling paint on the rug. I was going to give them breakfast.”

“So starving them was your first resort? The rug is fine, Malfoy.” When they had married, they both took the surname Malfoy-Potter since Malfoy had proposed. They only went back to their individual last names when they were really mad at each other.

“They wouldn’t own up to it! We can’t let them get away with everything in life. Otherwise, they’ll never learn.”

“This isn’t up for discussion,” Harry said, voice filled with venom. “Now I’m going to go bring our kids these sandwiches, and try and convince them that you’re not going to make them stay in their rooms forever and let them die.”

“What-”

“Whats next, huh? Are you going to beat them? Stick them in cupboards as my aunt and uncle did me?”

Shocked speechless, Draco sat there and stared at Harry, who had angry tears running down his face.

“When I agreed to raise Albus and Scorpius with you, I thought I could trust you to take care of them when I couldn’t.” Harry picked up the plates and started walking to the stairs. “I guess I was wrong.” The words were like a sharp blade thrusted into Draco’s heart.

It wasn’t until the clock chimed three that Draco stood from his seat and went to lay down on the couch. It wasn’t until four that he fell asleep

He woke up the next morning to the sound of the stairs creaking. Groaning, he sat up and stretched out his back while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“We should talk,” Harry said. His voice was softer then it was last night, but it still didn’t hold the same warmth it typically did.

Draco nodded, ignoring the pain in his head. He patted the spot next to him on the couch, hoping Harry would still sit next to him even if he were in a bad mood. The sofa dipped as Harry tentatively sat down.

“I don’t know what to ask you.” Draco whispered, “I have so many questions, and I don’t know the right ones to ask.” Harry nodded. “Are the boys alright?”

“They’re fine. They didn’t fall asleep last night until 1, so they’ll probably sleep in for a few more hours.” Draco nodded. “I owe you an explanation for last night.”

“And I owe you an apology.” Draco had gotten better at apologies through the years. They were still hard for him, but he knew when one was needed. And this was one of those times.

“Me first.”

“No,” Draco paused. “I was a dick and unfair to you and the boys. I shouldn’t have done that. I was just angry, angry at you, and at them, and at myself. It’s a shitty excuse, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry I yelled at you. You’re doing a fucking fantastic job at the ministry, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. I just worry about you. I worry if you still care about the kids if you still care about me and the life we’ve created together. I’m sorry I was so terrible yesterday, you didn’t deserve that after coming back from work.” He glanced down at Harry’s pajamas. “Are you not going today?”

Harry smiled. “Not for a long time.”

“You quit?”

“With the Malfoy and Potter fortunes combines, I think we can handle a few years without either of us working. I sent my resignation letter last night.”

Draco grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Thank you,” he whispered. Harry nodded.

“I’m sorry too. I completely overreacted last night. You were just trying to look out for me. You’ve been doing so much around here, and I haven’t shown an ounce of gratitude. You’re a great parent, Draco, and I wouldn’t want to raise our children with anyone else.”

Draco’s lips curved into a small smile.  “You mentioned something about your aunt and uncle?” Harry froze, and Draco quickly backtracked. “I’m sorry, nevermind. We don’t have to talk about that. You had said some things, and I wasn’t sure if I had-”

“No, Draco. I need to tell you. I’ve been meaning to. I didn’t want you to find out like that, though.”

“Find out what?”

“My aunt and uncle weren’t the nicest of people” Harry started, grimacing. “Well, they were. Only to my cousin though.”

“You’ve never talked about them before. Are they the muggles you stayed with every summer?”

“Yeah,” Harry’s voice was quiet. Not the mad quiet that it had been last night. Scared quiet. “I’m never told anyone this before, not even Ron or Hermione. So bare with me, ok?”

“Of course.” Draco drew soothing circles on Harry’s hand and scooched closer so that he could hold Harry in a comforting embrace. “Take as much time you need.”

Harry was silent for a few moments. “My aunt and uncle hated anything that wasn’t normal, so you can imagine their disgust when I appeared on their doorstep.” Harry scoffed, “Dumbledore left me there the night my parents died with a letter. He didn’t even stay to see if they brought me inside or not. ”

“He just left you outside and left?” Draco asked, frustration bubbling in his stomach. “What if someone had taken you? What if you froze?”

“Would’ve made their lives a lot easier, I reckon. They hated me from the second they found me, and tried their best for the next ten years to squash the magic out of me.”

Confused, Draco wrapped his arms around Harry tighter. “What do you mean?”

Harry swallowed thickly. “My aunt raised my cousin to hate me, pretty much. So when she and my uncle couldn’t deal with me, he was constantly watching for me to do something wrong or ‘freakish.’ And when I learned what to do and what not to do, he ended up just making up stuff to get me in trouble.”

“He and his friends made a game called ‘Harry-hunting” where they basically chased me down and beat me to a pulp.”

“Did he ever get in trouble for it?” Draco already knew the answer, but maybe-

“No, he would always get away with it by telling my aunt he caught me doing something freakish. She would give him a prize or something for it and send me to my cupboard until my uncle came home.”

Draco’s mind was reeling. A prize? For beating up someone? And wait-a cupboard? “Cu-cupboard?” He seriously didn’t mean he slept in a bloody cupboard, of all places.

“Yeah.” Harry’s voice was becoming softer, more hesitant. “They didn’t want to give me Dudley’s second bedroom, so I had the cupboard. It was my room ‘till I got my first Hogwarts letter.” Draco’s face grew angrier, and he had to make a conscious effort not to squeeze Harry’s hand too hard. “I mean, it wasn’t that big of a deal. It fit me fine until I was 9 or so. I was always a small kid, so it wasn’t ever too cramped.”

“You slept in a bloody cupboard for ten years, and you don’t consider it a big deal?” Harry flinched, and Draco immediately felt bad. “I’m sorry, I’ll be quiet. You can keep going if you want.”

“No, no, you’re ok. Just give me a second.” Harry took a deep breath. Draco mindlessly drew patterns on his back with his fingers. “My aunt made me do all the chores around the house since I was 6. I had a list every day, and if I didn’t finish all of them perfectly, she would tell my uncle and lock me in the cupboard. I cooked all their meals ever since I was tall enough to reach the stove. Everything had to be perfect. Normal.”

“They made you work like a fucking house elf,” Draco muttered. “And then punished you for not doing everything? You were 6!” When he got his hands on them, he would make them regret ever setting a hand on Harry.

“I was a fast learner.” Harry said defensively, “I kind of had to be, you learn quickly when you don’t get to eat for not washing the windows.” He flinched.

“I’m sorry, Harry.” Draco whispered, “They had no right to do that to you.”

“That didn’t stop them, did it?” Harry asked bitterly. “My uncle, he-he” his voice cracked, and Harry went silent for a moment. “He was the worst.”

Draco couldn’t imagine what could have been worse than his cousin and aunt, but let Harry continue uninterrupted.

“He worked for most of the day, so I only saw him at nights and on the weekends,” Harry winced again, making Draco’s heartache for his pain. “Weekends were the worst because I was  left alone with him all day.”

“What did he do to you?” Draco whispered, nervous at the hollow sound of Harry’s voice.

“It was routine for him to come home and listen to Dudley and Aunt Petunia take turns blaming me for whatever I did and didn’t do that day. I would cook dinner for them, he would deal with me, and I would sleep in my cupboard for the rest of the night.”

“Deal with you?”

“Yeah,” Harry’s voice shook. Draco hadn’t heard him sound that afraid in years. “He-he thought that he could beat the magic out of me if he did it hard enough and often enough.”

“He beat you?” Draco whispered, shocked. He had heard a rumor here and there, but they were just rumors from untrustworthy sources. Pure speculation. Yet…

“Yeah.” Harry took a deep breath. “He would throw me around a bit, throw a few punches and kicks here and there. He liked to hit me with his belt a lot. My magic helped a lot of scars go away but…” He looked up at Draco. His green eyes sparkled with a vulnerability that left Draco speechless. “Well, you’ve seen them. Ron and Hermione have too when we were hunting Horcruxes. I just let you all believe they were from the tournament and the war.”

“That bastard,” Draco hissed, “hit you enough to leave scars that have lasted for more than ten years?”

“I told you, he hoped that if he did it enough, he would beat the magic out of me.” Harry shook his head, “I had always been confused when I was younger. I had never been allowed to say ‘magic’ or anything like that. I just knew I was a freak that did freakish things.”

“You aren’t a freak,” Draco mumbled into Harry’s exposed shoulder. “They were wrong.”

Harry shrugged. “He gave me the harshest punishments. My aunt normally only made me go a day or two without food. If he was mad, he would throw me in the cupboard after a beating and leave me in there for a week without food. My aunt would sometimes slip me scraps, and I could sometimes sneak out to get something from the pantry, but if I was caught, it was another week in the cupboard.”

Draco felt his heart drop. No wonder Harry had been so mad the night before. He had seen Draco as his uncle. As his sick, abusive uncle. His stomach flopped with guilt.

“I’m sorry, Harry.” Draco looked straight into Harry’s eyes, showing him that he was serious. “I’m not like him. I promise. I would never do that to our kids. I’m sorry that I did yesterday, I was angry, and I had no right, and I won’t do it ever again. I promise.”

Harry shook his head and brought his hand to cup Draco’s cheek. “No, don’t apologize. I overreacted. Maybe it wasn’t right, but I know you aren’t abusive. You’ve been such a kind, loving dad to those boys. I know you aren’t like him.”

Draco still felt guilty but didn’t say anything. He merely pecked Harry on the lips, savoring the moment. He would avenge the Dursley’s treatment of Harry, but that could wait for another day.

“I was always afraid of being like him,” Harry said in a timid voice. “He was all I knew growing up. I never had a loving father to look up to, not until I met Mr. Weasley. And by then it was almost too late. Those ideals and punishments had already been driven into my head.”

“Is that why you were so hesitant adopting Albus and Scorpius?” Harry nodded.

“Yeah, but then I decided that if you of all people would be able to keep me in check. You wanted them too much to let me, or anyone for that matter, hurt them.”

“That may be the smartest idea you have ever had.” Draco shook his head. “I love you, Harry. You know that, right? You didn’t deserve anything they did to you, and I swear I’m going to make them pay.”

“No, Draco, please. Don’t risk it. They’re not worth it.” Draco rolled his eyes.

“Avenging what they did to you is worth it. Maybe in a few years though, catch them by surprise.”

“I don’t want to risk you going to Azkaban for killing muggles, Draco. We have kids, remember?”

“Fine.” With a resigned sigh, Draco leaned back into Harry’s arms that had wrapped around him. “Can I visit them though? Rub your success in their faces? Make them feel guilty?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” Harry said gently, “and I doubt anything you say will make them feel guilty.” Draco raised his eyebrow. “Ok, fine. Just don’t torture them or anything.”

“Whatever pleases you, dear.” Draco kissed Harry again. “The kids will be up soon.”

Harry sat up straighter to stretch out his back. “I’ll make us all some breakfast.”

Draco shook his head, pushing Harry back on the couch. “You had an exhausting day yesterday and little to no sleep. You rest, I’ll make breakfast.”

“You did too, Draco. I haven’t made breakfast in weeks-”

“I haven’t made you breakfast in weeks.” Draco retorted. Harry sighed, before brightening up with an idea.

“Why don’t we cook together?” Harry asked, hope seeping through his words. “We haven’t done that in months.” Draco’s lips spread into a broad smile.

“I like the sound of that.”

[neakco]

Vixen & Crow Ch. 16

Ao3 First Prev Next V&C Masterlist

Where Amelia has has meeting with Sebastian's father and Sebastian learns what true loneliness is.

During breakfast Sebastian could tell that Amelia was either still exhausted from last night or she was nervous about something. “Hey everything okay?”

She smiled, “I think so, let me gather my things and I will meet you in the study in a little bit.”

“Alright.” Sebastian made a mental note to keep an eye on her during study and patrol. Maybe she would be able to tell Crow.

 

Amelia stood in front of Mr. Waterfield’s door and knocked with a lot more confidence than she felt. She couldn’t help the little voice in her head that continued to whisper that this was the moment she would no longer be allowed as Sebastian’s friend.

“Come in Miss O’Steen. Please have a seat.”

“Good morning Mr. Waterfield.” Amelia smiled nervously as she took a seat.

He gestured towards a folder on the desk in front of her, “Please, take a look and tell me what you think.”

She cautiously looked through the file, “These are grades and comments from the university professors.”She looked up, “Sebastian’s?”

“No Miss O’Steen, they are yours.” He leans forward and continues, “No one ever has anything negative to say about your performance. Last night as well; I heard nothing except praise.”

“Sir?” Amelia didn’t know what to expect anymore.

“I would like to offer you a position with my company once you have finished with your schooling. The position would be similar to Vanessa’s and comes with room and board which I would offer to you now.”

Amelia blinked a couple of times. It was a generous offer. Finally, she smiled with actual confidence, “With all due respect sir I feel like I must decline. I want to see how far I can go on my I own and I will never know if I take your offer.” She stood up, “With your help I can easily reach the top floor, but what if on my own I can fly?”

Mr. Waterfield smiled, “I like your attitude Miss O’Steen. If you do change your mind the offer still stands. Will you at least accept help finding new accommodations? Your current arrangements are not very proper for a young lady.” She seemed reluctant so he continued, “I will ensure it has similar pricing to what you are currently paying.”

“Thank you, sir. The help will be welcome.”

“Excellent, I shall have Vanessa contact you with the details.”

Amelia bowed slightly as she left, “Thank you again sir.”

Closing the door, she quickly raced to grab her stuff and head to the study. Her thoughts were a mess and she needed the distraction studying with Sebastian would bring.

 

On the walk home Amelia took Nathanial out of her bag and hugged him tight, “That meeting this morning was scarier than most spirits we have fought.”

Nathanial tilted his head but didn’t say anything.

“I only have a small handful of friends. You, Crow, Sebastian and maybe Gem. I was so sure I was going to be forbidden from being friends with Sebastian”

Nathanial laughed lightly, “Gem does like you; she is just surely. You need to believe in yourself more.”

She sat on a nearby bench, “what do you mean?”

“Everyone else sees your charm and recognizes it. Even if Preston Waterfield told you to stay away from Sebastian it would not matter. Sebastian is your best friend; he would find a way. If you really cannot believe in yourself than at least believe in him.”

“Thank you, Nat, Let’s go home and prepare for patrol.” She placed him in her jacket’s hood.

 

Crow was bouncing impatiently while waiting for his partner. His wing was completely healed and it felt great. Finally, he stopped bouncing and landed on his light post. “Gem?”

“What is it kid?”

“Is there some sort of rule that Vixen and I cannot know each other's civilian forms?”

“Completely up to the two of you. Talk to Vixen about it, kid. She is the one you need to ask.”

Vixen chose that moment to arrive, “Good evening Beanna bàn.”

Crow glided down next to her. “Good evening my Vexing Vixen. Did you hear about the huge party last night?” He knew he shouldn’t ask, but he needed some proof that is was really Amelia under the mask.

“The business event at Waterfield Manor?” She realized the mistake as Crow’s eyes lit up.

“Event? How would you know it wasn’t some large and wild party?” He smiled.

“I was there.” She sighed and jumped into the trees, forcing Crow to follow her. “Your parents were invited?”

He laughed, “Something like that. You weren’t there to steal something were you?”

“No!” She blushed slightly under her mask, “I told you I retired from that business.”

Crow needed no more proof. This was Amelia. About to say something he stopped short as he spotted a robbery. “Talk about cliché, it had to be a gas station.” He looked to Vixen, “Ready?”

Vixen gave him the smile that caused his heart to flutter, “Just promise me you won’t get mad.”

Crow looked suspiciously at her before she teleported between the clerk and the robber as he was swinging his machette into the counter.

Vixen grinned as her sudden appearance caused him to miss, “Blades aren’t toys, you shouldn’t swing them around like they are.”

Crow chose that moment to glide feet first through the doors and aimed himself at the robber’s kidney.

The man doubled over in pain and tried to weakly take a swing at Vixen. She easily dodged and slammed him into the ground.

Crow opened a package of extension cords so he could bind the robber before he turned to the clerk. “Sorry about the mess.”

The clerk stood speechless as police cars pulled up; summoned by the silent alarm.

“I believe that is our que to leave, Crow.” Vixen grabbed his arm and turned to the clerk, “Sorry again about the mess.”

She then teleported them back outside behind the cars and they took off running. Stopping on a roof nearby they looked at each other and burst into laughter as their adrenaline wore off.

Crow flopped down on his back, “Think we should start patrolling more often now?”

Vixen lay down opposite to him and looked up at the night sky, “Probably, maybe different sectors each night.”

Crows voice suddenly lost all trace of his joy, “Once all the spirits are captured, Nathanial and Gem go back to being gate keepers.” Vixen’s smile faded too, “I guess it would be bad to allow the city to start relying on us.”

Both are silent a few more moments before they sigh and speak simultaneously, “Just a dream.”

“Always a thief.”

 

Gem and Nathanial watched sadness overtake their humans before both heroes took off into the night without a word.

“Red, they do know that there may be hundreds of spirits to catch?”

“That seems unlikely, let’s catch up and be ready to offer support if needed.”

 

Sebastian stared at his bedroom ceiling. He finally understood loneliness. Without Crow he wouldn’t have Vixen. If he lost Gem, he would lose the one he confides in. If he were to tell Amelia that he knows she is Vixen than when they lose their powers, she loses her hope of becoming more than a thief and seeing him would be a constant reminder of what she lost. So, he would lose Amelia. It was hard to actually be lonely before when he didn’t know friendship; now, just thinking about the idea of losing them hurt more than any physical pain could.

 

Vixen watched the stars from the top of a skyscraper where the city lights couldn’t quite reach. Nothing she did mattered. She would always be a thief deep down. There was nothing she could do to run fast or far enough from her past. She felt loneliness overwhelm her; her own and Crow’s. Instead of letting it consume her she stood and screamed the raw emotions to the far away heavens.

 

Sebastian sat up quickly and leapt out the window as Crow. He felt Vixen’s cry as if it came from his own mouth. He was so focused on getting to her that he didn’t even see Gem as he flew past.

Vixen lay back down to stare at the stars when a rush of wind signaled Crow’s arrival. She spoke without looking, “I felt your loneliness.”

He leaned against the building as he sat next to her. “I heard your screams echo in my heart.” He smiled, “We are both being silly. We won’t have to stop being friends if we stop being heroes. You are already more than a thief Vixen, you are my partner, and one of my best and only friends. This doesn’t change anything outside the costume.”

She laughed, “I guess we are being a little silly.”

Nathanial lay down on Vixen’s stomach like a cat as Gem perched on Crow’s head. “It will be a while anyway.”

“There could be hundreds of spirits to catch, you two have not even found ten.” Nathanial sighed, “Yes we will eventually go back, but there are other ways to be heroes.”

“Donate, volunteer, fight fire, save lives, be a cop, help the kids in the slums...” Gem fluffed her wings, “I’m sure you clever kids can think of more examples.”

Crow and Vixen grinned at each other, almost all traces of sadness gone.

Vixen picked up Nathanial as she stood, “Good night Beanna Bàn.”

Crow stood up and hugged her, “Good night Vixen. I look forward to you vexing me more on Tuesday.”

She quickly returned the hug before they left for home and a good night’s sleep.

This chapter was actually inspired by the song "What it's Like to be Lonley" by Tyler Ward.