#i was wondering why no one was saying anything about it until she deleted my comment and blocked me like HELLO?

[heartual]

this tiktoker really blocked me like a minute after commenting and asking about why she would film and post a video of someone’s funeral processions in a travel video from when she visited the ganges river. hello

[skay-ali]

The Forgotten Daughter

Chaper 4

“I don't think Alfred likes what you're doing,” a girl a few years older than him appeared out of nowhere, taking the boy by surprise.

“And who are you?” the boy asked you with an angry tone, still hiding in an expensive vase that adorned one of the tables.

“I'm ___ and believe me, I also tried to steal it and sell it, but Alfred discovered me and punished me by making me clean the mansion with him” you still had that smile from ear to ear since you started talking to him.

“Well that won't happen if he doesn't find out” he defended himself, hiding the vase in a bag “unless you tell him” he pointed out angrily, you were his loose end in this crime.

“I promise I won't say anything if you tell me your name.”

Jason thought of all the great things you could have asked of him, but instead you just asked for his name, how stupid you were, well he doesn't really complain, he benefited from your treatment.

“It's Jason,” he said before walking away and leaving the girl behind.

When he saw her again, he saw her again with her smile and waving at him with her hands.

Thousands of books surrounded him, a smell of wood could be felt in the air, the smell of books also lingered.

Large shelves were everywhere, they created a large labyrinth in the library.

He was bored, he didn't bring anything to this place to entertain himself, even so, he preferred to stay here bored than pay the consequences of his actions.

Sometimes he wondered how it was that Alfred was the one who put him in order instead of the man who became his mentor.

“Hello, little thief mouse,” he was scared for a moment, until he saw the same girl from before.

He just frowned at her.

“I knew Alfred caught you” I noticed a bit of mockery in his words.

“You told him so” she reacted angrily, so she actually joked with him, typical rich girl behavior.

“Not how could I… we made a deal, didn't we?”

“…” Jason actually doubted that girl's words, she was very suspicious in his opinion.

“You know, Alfred is like a bloodhound, he knows what is happening under his nose, even if you don't believe it.”

“What are you doing in this place?” He questioned the girl who sat a considerable distance away from him, near a window.

“The same thing you are doing,” he replied.

“You are hiding so as not to be punished for stealing” he raised an eyebrow doubting her words, he couldn't imagine the elegantly dressed girl in front of him doing such a thing, surely she is being sarcastic.

“Well, not so much like that, I deleted Dad's work schedule” you smiled innocently “maybe then he could talk to me once, even if it was to punish me” your voice sounded sad when you said that phrase “but Alfred noticed it before, so I had to "I had to run for my life before he punished me... without cookies and helping him clean" your attitude became cheerful again, your hands also moved animatedly when you narrated your story.

Your way of putting yourself together amazed him, your joy was also contagious, that bubbly smile you had made him want to laugh with you.

He saw you searching on one side of the bookshelf, your fingers running through the covers of different books.

Until you stopped at one and carefully removed it from its place.

“have you ever read this book” you moved it in his face.

I didn't know why you were asking him.

Maybe this time you were going to make fun of him.

“It was my mother's favorite book, she always read it to me”

“Read it while you hide, I'm sure you'll love it” you offered it to him, he took it hesitantly, you didn't expect him to actually read it.

He saw you take out another book, from a different place.

You read it in a peaceful way, not caring about what was around you.

The boy carelessly glanced at the title, it didn't matter if it was that or dying of boredom.

Thus began a small friendship between the two, when he didn't have to play his role as Robin, spend time with Bruce or just wanted to take a break, he would go to that side of the library where he always found you, where they read books, sometimes he would tell you.

He talked about how hooked he was on the book you gave him and the author's other stories.

You asked him many times to read it and he observed that after a few chapters you would fall asleep on his shoulder while he continued reading.

The silly things that were told always made him happy.

He still hasn't forgotten the birthday gift you gave him, you took him to a movie theater where they showed movies that had already been released a long time ago, but they had something that made him feel very lucky to have you, it made him the happiest teenager in the world, which You took them to see the movies of their favorite author's books.

I didn't forget the times they sneaked into a room where musical instruments were kept, when you turned on a record player or the radio, you looked for the most moving rock songs or some bands with new concepts, as long as I made them move around the room at the same time. rhythm of the instruments and lyrics.

His heart hurt, the times he saw you cry, he couldn't bear to do it, because he would feel the same.

When you expressed your pain for not fitting in with the family, for being forgotten and left aside.

The guilt you felt for being jealous of him, for having Bruce's attention.

Oh what a good soul you were, to blame yourself for feeling a very common feeling, and yet continue to love him as your brother.

Maybe your father didn't really love you, but that gave him the advantage of loving you more, his beloved sister who always did her best to understand him, you let him be the same, you never imposed the idea on him to change, he was better than everyone.

He would forget you so he could have you all to himself. He was very selfish but he didn't feel guilty about it….

Suddenly he remembered everything, how could he forget about you, his older sister, his playmate in the mansion, you made his life in this silent and huge mansion more manageable.

How is it that their memories of all the adventures they lived disappeared, every time they escaped from the mansion to different places where they could be happy children, eating junk food like pizza, ice cream or donuts, they loved the fast food place they always went to , or the arcade they visited and stayed until the place closed.

All those good moments remained as a vague recurring scenario in his memory, a girl dressed elegantly and smiling at him, or reading a book unfazed by her surroundings.

Oh no, she was no longer in the mansion... like she would be if he broke his promise.

The little light of the day was disappearing, orange rays illuminated the library window with great intensity.

“You know sometimes I think it's time to leave this place” he heard the girl confess, she was lying on the floor watching him read his favorite book.

His face was distorted by the girl's words, hearing that made his world collapse, he was going to leave and abandon him.

He put his reading aside and slowly approached his older sister.

“But I won't do it, not while you're still by my side” he saw his sister's look of hope.

“I will never leave, I promise.” Jason knelt down next to the girl who was lying down and made that promise, he laid down next to the girl��

Their gazes ended up lost in the sky, the bright orange colors faded and brought with them a dark night.

It was there where he saw how his sister took out a round lamp, when she hung it up it illuminated the entire dark room, thousands of lights in the shape of stars.

It was a beautiful day, a promise from two young brothers, who were trying to find their way in such a strange and empty world, it was a shame that a few months later the promise was broken.

And the worst thing is that I never looked for her when she came back from the dead, she left you as a vague memory.

Oh he felt so guilty, he hated himself for that, his heart ached just thinking about how much you must have suffered knowing he died.

The worst thing is that he never came back into your life.

He needed to look for her, even if he had to do it for years, searching even the least inhabited places in the world, he would find you and make up for the time he left you, even if it cost him his life.

He stood up from the large dining room table, leaving the entire family present surprised.

He looked at Dick one last time, who was holding his phone, showing a drawing of you.

Now I knew what Damian was doing, it seems that he also fell for your charms, he doesn't blame him, you were a great older sister and he was happy to give you such a title.

What didn't make him happy was that you were in danger outside the mansion, even though he didn't like to admit it, or without one of them constantly protecting you.

He left the room, with all eyes on him, he turned a deaf ear to the questions that were thrown at him.

“Look, I have two cards,” Jon mocked when he saw that he was winning.

“Don't be confident, in the end I will win” Damian warned the boy who was celebrating his close victory, the fool thought, he had some cards that would help him have the game in his favor.

“A little streak of luck isn't enough for them to win,” you mocked the children, before pulling out a card.

When the two children saw her, they complained about their new disadvantaged situation.

It was fun to see them like that.

“You cheated” Damián pointed his finger at you, something didn't add up, you had very good tricks up your sleeve, he admitted it, not even his other brothers were capable of that.

“Noo, that's impossible, you just don't want to admit that I'm better at this game than you.” His gaze remained on you, scrutinizing every small action you made, looking for any mistake on your part that would reveal your trap.

“Wait, our judge never said anything” you pointed to your baby who was sitting in a baby seat, she was next to you in front of the two children.

“He's a baby, she'll never notice the obvious traps.” Seeing how his little niece looked at him in bewilderment and then her childish smile made him relax a little.

“How dare you say such a thing about Alice” you pretended to be offended.

“Yes, Damian, don't blame Alice because you're losing fairly.” Jon approached the baby and handed her one of his fallen toys after cleaning it up, which the girl gladly accepted.

“You see three against one, accept that there are no cheats”

The world worked in strange ways, you've known that since you were little, when your mother left and you met your father.

When you moved and found people who understood you and were part of your life.

When you were lost after graduating, in a repetitive job, and you found the news that you were having a baby.

When you saw her for the first time, your baby, in her little body, weak and fragile, crying non-stop, it made you wrap her in your arms and cry too, now you would have a blood family, someone for whom you would give your entire life, who you would be showered with love and attention.

Meeting your younger blood brother... and living with him was strange at first, but you made it a recurring thing in your life.

Finally, what brought the world to your door today, the person for whom you cried for a long time when you were a teenager, the person who left you another big void in your life...

The person who, at this moment, brought tears to your eyes, even with a stoic face and teeth clashing together, you could not hold back the rain of salty tears, you had to let go of your facial muscles, the trembling of your lips was stronger than expected. That you could bear.

“Oh little thief mouse” you said in a whisper, he just looked at you with his smile from ear to ear, the one he always gave you when they were doing some prank, when they were having fun playing in the rooms of the mansion.

You hesitantly brought your hand up to his face, gently touching his cheek, was he even real? You felt his skin, you ran over parts of his face, he had grown a lot.

The man also let himself be carried away by your touch, he had missed him so much, it made him remember the times when he would lie on your shoulders and you would caress his hair or run over his face playing with your fingers.

But when you removed your hand, he felt the cold take over the parts of his face that you caressed.

At one point you raised your hand again and… hit his cheek.

Although it was an emotional moment to see him again, a feeling of resentment remained in your heart, in your defense he deserved it for making you cry a lot and for leaving, even when he promised not to.

You smiled even with your eyes overflowing with tears, you jumped and hugged him, he was taller than you, he became a big rock.

It was difficult just thinking about talking to him, you needed to know how he was alive, maybe get angry for his recent appearance and for making you cry so much.

But when Damian appeared and behind him Jon carrying your baby's chair with her crying, you knew it wouldn't be easy.

Even more so when you see your little brother point a dagger at Jason.

Wait... how does he have that, he promised that he would no longer bring weapons to your house.

It was a very eventful day, on the part of your brothers who spent their time fighting like little children, and your baby who started throwing a tantrum that was difficult to calm down.

You must be very grateful to Jon who was a great help not only in calming your brothers but also who was by your side trying to calm your little daughter.

“enough” you shouted, stressed by the mess.

Everyone froze when they saw you upset.

You approached your brothers, pulled them by their ears until they sat on a different side of the room.

You walked over to your baby and Jon, carefully picking up Alice and rocking her.

You sat in a small chair rocking your daughter, trying to calm her down, observing all your visitors from time to time.

“wait is she your daughter?” Jason connected the dots and realized a sad truth, he missed the birth of his niece.

“Yes Jason is his daughter” Damián didn't let you answer “and I'm his favorite uncle” he showed an arrogant smile.

“You really think that,” Jason scoffed.

“Hey, I thought I was.” Jon reacted in shock.

“You're not even family” the two looked at him angrily.

“I don't care if I consider you part of mine” you smiled at the depressed boy.

He gave you a brighter smile. Well you could say that now your house became noisier.

Elsewhere at that same moment, a team of heroes caught one of the suspects of committing a terrible crime.

While Wonder Woman made sure to keep him in an interrogation room.

Batman and Superman were reviewing some data they had obtained when capturing the criminal.

His other companions with some of the oldest trainees of the supers were waiting in front of the big screen.

It was a very important case for everyone, so many were attentive to what was happening.

Martian Detective was the one who came in to question the man, but no one expected what he would say to be something shocking.

“I washed the minds of many villains, taking them out of the crime game, that's what they wanted to hear,” the scientist confessed after so much interrogation.

A manic smile adorned his features.

“You didn't wash their mind, but you also ruined it, but now they are incapable of being normal people, many of them have acquired a childish mentality or much worse” spoke a new voice.

A hero, dressed in black, entered the room, his voice was thick, it was obvious that he felt bitterness for what he did.

“Ahh and now I'm a psychopath for wanting the greater good.”

“You are destroying people's lives,” debated the man in the bat suit.

"It's nothing more than karma, they destroyed other lives, that they pay the consequences is not strange," the scientist commented without remorse, checking his nails with disinterest.

“Oh at least that's what she said, I just wanted to torture their minds until they died.”

“Are you talking about your accomplice?” they interrogated him.

"nono... I don't use that term with her, rather she is the moral compass of the group and the mastermind behind the brainwashing, I didn't want to see them pay the price for their actions... always an angel" it was funny say such a word, after all it was a nickname that suited him.

“so they caught red” you said with a bit of annoyance.

"Yes, Blanco hasn't returned from his vacation yet... I think we should postpone the next objective." His voice had a little worry.

Even if he tried to maintain a calm appearance, seeing his reaction on the monitors showed the truth.

“no... we will continue with the plan” you were firm with your response.

“gather the others we need to be prepared” With a few more words exchanged, they ended their conversation and one of the many screens lost signal.

You went to the crib on the side of the room and picked up your daughter.

You carried her sweetly in your arms, rocking her carefully, humming a song, when you sat down in a chair in the office.

You caressed the little girl carefully, her features were very delicate, she always brought a small smile to your face when you looked at her.

You smiled at your daughter.

“Don't worry, Alice, soon we won't worry about someone hurting you.” With one hand you caressed her head carefully.

She took your hand and started playing with your fingers.

“The Alice project is still going,” you whispered.

Your gaze returned again to the monitors, some showed images of different people doing some activities, others showed some data, some two contained news and the rest had no signal, only distorting colors were shown.

Tag list: @kore-of-the-underworld @vanessa-boo @jsprien213 @delias-stuff @vanilliona @bat1212 @yanrandom @Quiarst @palabra de niño salvaje @el termino @leo227 @sirenethblog @ masa para galletas @blueberry19000 @con seguridad

[vivvangel]

earned it | jake sim.

viv's note 💌: i'm so fucking pissed at tumblr, so sorry you req got deleted anon! anon who requested "jake fucking you in a dim light, red room with either the weeknd, drake or chase atlantic playing", this is for u! also part two? 👀 lmk.. 🤭

synopsis: jake being a hot menace, that's it. › pairings & contents: hard!dom jake x fem reader. smut!!! ✧ warnings: jake is mean kinda, pussy slapping, orgasm denial (?), fingering (F receiving), the weeknd's music is playing in the background, mentions of LED lights, degrading, nicknames such as slut, and baby.

🫧 earned it (fifty shades of grey), often, angel, & prisoner by the weeknd

you often found yourself wondering how your boyfriend could be so sweet. how is someone that fine AND sweet? and that's exactly what you were wondering as you laid on his chest, your red LEDs making the room feel rather sensual. almost as if to make things worse, earned it by the weeknd was playing, jake absolutely loved the weeknd and you occasionally found yourself bopping your head to his music too.

you and jake were comfy, jake scrolling on tiktok and his other hand rubbing your thigh slowly. little did he know that it was giving you a thousand butterflies, and lowkey turning you on. just when you thought it was only you, you felt something almost poking your back, you looked up at jake with a confused expression, but before you could say anything — jake's hand slid onto your lower hip, rubbing it with a smirk on his pretty devious face.

"jake.." you bit your lower lip, almost as if you were nervous about what he'd do, even though this same scenario took place several, several times. "mind sitting on my cock, pretty?" jake blurts out, and you swear you felt your jaw drop. it wasn't like you were gonna refuse him, so you hesitantly nod, your hands in a frenzy as they go up to his pants, unzipping and pulling them down — and of course he wasn't wearing boxers, classic jake. his tip leaked with precum, and it looked...angry. jake's cock was so fucking pretty, you lost all sense of self control and respect when you saw it — and he knew that, very well.

"she asks me if I do this everyday, i said often"

"actually baby, lay down" he says softly, but it sounds like an order and you don't feel like being a brat today, so you comply, laying down on your back, jake sits up, his eyes basically fucking you before he slides down your trousers. when his eyes meet your drenched panties, he scoffs. "spread your legs slut, that’s it, no, wider.” he commands and you spread yours legs are far apart as you could, making him grin. "such a pretty pussy, my little slut to ruin, mhm? aren't you?" he says in a husky, low tone and all you could do was nod repeatedly. "words, slut" he hisses and you breathed out a "yes.. jake.. all yours to ruin,, please-- please touch me"

if it was even possible, his devilish grin grew wider. "good girl", he praises and it goes straight to your core, the wet patch on your underwear more evident than ever. he slides your panties off you, groaning at the sight of your dripping cunt. "holy shit.."

jake slaps your cunt and you almost flinch, he's never done that before. he starts rubbing your clit gently, "did it hurt, pretty? and you nod pathetically. jake slid his fingers inside of you, immediately finding your g-spot, but instead of massaging it with his fingers, he slides his fingers out, making you whine. he slapped your pussy one more, and then another time. "if it hurts, why do you keep getting so wet?", you couldn't explain why it aroused you even more, and your lack of response made him slide his fingers in again, and when he found that sweet spot again, you were a moaning, verge of tears, mess on his fingers.

"jakey, 'm gonna cum, c-can i cum, please?" you ask, and you're met with another slap on your pussy, making you moan out. "not until i tell you to, slut"

[leclercsainzz]

hello love:)

i absolutely love your social media au stories! <33 i was wondering if you could please do a lando norris one with the song “bad idea” by olivia

BAD IDEA, RIGHT?

PAIRINGS: lando norris x ex fem!reader

TYPE: social media au

yourusername

liked by oscarpiastri, lilymhe and 610,720 others

yourusername: camera crumbs ✨

view 6,164 comments

user: the prettiest

user: she’s literally glowing!! 😍

user: those two shirts are a MUST

oscarpiastri: my mom says i’m cool too 🤪

↳ yourusername: 😎😎😎

isahernaez: HOT

↳ yourusername: that’s youuu 😘

↳ user: carlando exes >>>

landonorris: orange still looks good on you 😉

comment has been deleted

user: missing my favorite wag hours 😔

user: body goals 😩

user: waiting for the *liked by landonorris*

charlottesiine: the prettiest 😍

↳ yourusername: right back at you;) 😘

user: did you love making lando cry? 🤣

↳ user: i was sooo confused by your comment until i saw her shirt on the last post lmao

user: gorgg 😍

user: orange??!? for lando?!?? 👀

↳ user: they broke up, get over it!

user: your smile is the prettiest smile ever, i swear 😍😍😍

user: so pretty wtf 😩

user: missing you in the paddock, queen 😭😭

user: idc what anyone says she’s ✨GLOWING✨

↳ user: she’s always been gorgeous but the post break up is hitting different lately!!!

user: missing my fav girl 😩😩😩

yourusername

liked by landonorris, carlossainz55 and 602,818 others

yourusername: 🍃

view 5,047 comments

user: there it is, “liked by landonorris”

user: not lando liking this post 😭

↳ user: my man is still down bad, idcc

user: STUNNING 😍

user: my eyes have been blessed, omg 😍

user: i’m not imaging lando liking this right?!?!?

lilymhe: you’re so photogenic, i can’t

lilymhe: hOT 😮‍💨

↳ yourusername: 😘😘😘

user: soMEONE CHECK ON LaNDO!!

↳ user: ya’ll try to make a big deal out of everything, i swear! can’t exes be friends?!? smh

user: *liked by landonorris* ngl that took me out 💀

↳ user: he’s reappearing after a whole month lmaoo

↳ user: he’s desperate 😭😭😭

user: omg, you’re truly soo stunning!! 😩😩

alexandrasaintmleux: 😍😍😍😍

↳ yourusername: ❤️❤️

user: pretty girl!!

user: lando liked now we’re waiting for a comment 🤣

oscarpiastri: answer my text NOW!!

↳ user: please, this is soo funny 😭

imessage

yourusername

liked by francisca.cgomes, oscarpiastri and 617,936 others

yourusername: i know i should stop, but i can’t 🤷🏻‍♀️

view 8,947 comments

user: stop what, queen?!???

↳ yourusername: posting pics, babe

↳ user: nOOO!! I LIVE FOR yOUr POsTS

user: 😍😍

oscarpiastri: i don’t like that caption 🤔

↳ yourusername: meaning??

↳ oscarpiastri: noo comment …

user: SLAYYYYY 😍😍😍

carlossainz55: that caption is insinuating something, isn’t it?

comment has been deleted

user: her outfits are always 😍

user: did anyone else see carlos comment?!??

↳ user: wHAT COMMENT?!?? WHERE?!!?

↳ user: he deleted it 😭😭 but it said, “that caption is insinuating something, isn’t it?”

↳ user: wtf does that even mean?!!??!?

↳ user: lando, maybe?!?? idk 😭😭😭 it might not even mean anything, i’m just delusional lmao

↳ user: if it didn’t mean anything, why delete it tho?!??

user: idk about ya’ll but carlos deleting his comment seems sus??? like what does he know?!??

user: mother is slayin’ 😌

user: i wish i had her style

user: everyone’s freaking out overs carlos deleted comment but what about oscar’s comment?!?? what did he mean by “i don’t like the caption” and the “no comment” comment?!???

↳ user: i’m tELLING YA’lL, thEre’s something they know thaT WE DON’T!! 😩

user: yn and lando are definitely fucking around, i just know it! that’s the whole reason for carlos and oscar’s comment, there’s no other explanation

↳ user: ya’ll are so delusional 😭💀💀 LMAOO

user: she literally responded to a comment saying, “posting pics, babe” when asked about the caption, hello??? ya’ll just love to insinuate things

imessage

landonorris

liked by carlossainz55, oscarpiastri and 784,629 others

landonorris: carlando podium!! 🏆 🏆 thanks @mclaren

view 7,520 comments

user: mY CARLANDO HEART!! ❤️🧡

oscarpiastri: 👏🏼

mclaren: YESSSSSSSSSIRRRRRRRRRRR

user: THE LAST POST?!! I REPEAT, THE LAST POST?!!? WHO IS THAT?!!? IS IT YN?!!?!

user: don’t let carlando distract you from that last post

carlossainz55: ❤️

user: smoooooooth operatorrrrrr

maxfewtrell: 🤩🤩🤩

user: is that yn?!?? someone please confirm 😭😭😭

↳ user: i don’t think so, they don’t even follow each other

user: you’re telling me my man is seeing someone?!? and it might not be yn?!!?

user: it’s literally carlos in a wig, ya’ll

↳ user: i thought it might’ve been oscar tbh

user: patiently waiting for the *liked by yourusername*

↳ user: im waiting for her to comment

user: CARLANDO?!! AND YNLANDO?!!? SIGN ME TF UP

↳ user: it’s not even yn

user: p1 & p2 baby!!! ❤️🧡❤️🧡❤️🧡 #carlando

user: that ain’t yn, ya’ll! we gotta accept that they broke up and move on, as much as it hurts 😭

↳ user: nah, that’s definitely yn!

user: i don’t think it’s yn tbh

↳ user: then who could it be?!?

team_quadrant: 🍾 SMOOTH

user: lANDO WE NEED ANSWERS!!! WHO IS THAT?!??

imessage

yourusername

liked by landonorris, carlossainz55 and 620,184 others

yourusername: bad idea, right? ohh well 🤷🏻‍♀️

tagged: @landonorris

view 7,520 comments

user: nahhh 💀 this has to be a joke or sum

user: yn, babe, this is definitely a bad idea 😭

user: OMG OMG!! PARENTS ARE BACK TOGETHER!!! 🤩

user: scReaming, wtfnalalslfsma

user: not lando reclaiming my wife 🙄

oscarpiastri: “we won’t catch feelings”

↳ yourusername: oops? hehehe 🫢

user: i kNEW IT!! i CALLEd IT

user: THE WOrLD HAS HEALED!!

maxfewtrell: 😏

landonorris: hey, you 😍😍😍

landonorris: see you tonight? 😘

↳ yourusername: you got it;)

user: nahhh 😭😭😭😭 yn you’re better than this

↳ yourusername: sorry, bestie 🤷🏻‍♀️ i couldn’t help it

carlossainz55: dios mío

translation: my god

alex_albon: oh my god, no way 😳😳 who would have thought???!??

↳ yourusername: we get it, you know things 🙄

georgerussell63: guess i owe you @maxverstappen1

↳ maxverstappen1: pay up, mate

user: this was so NOT on my 2023 bingo card, wth

user: does that mean my fav wag is back?!?? 🤩🤩

francisca.cgomes: oohhh?? 😏

user: you’re so 😍😍😍😍 and then there’s him 😬😬

user: not my wife getting back with him 😑

user: count your days, l*and*

↳ user: please 😭😭

user: this makes me so happy, idc

landonorris

liked by yourusername, oscarpiastri and 776,859 others

landonorris: good idea, right? (swipe for a surprise) 😌

tagged: @yourusername

view 7,946 comments

user: thE CAPTION, HELLO?!??!?

user: they’re back together, that’s all that matters 😭😭

yourusername: hey, you copied my caption …

yourusername: you’re cute or whatevaa 😉

↳ landonorris: right back at you 😉

user: I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS STILL

user: idk if i should be happy or cry

user: nOt him making her smile 😩 that should be me

user: i would’ve gotten back with her too, i get it, lando

oscarpiastri: okay, this is cute … i guess

↳ landonorris: you guess?

georgerussell63: 😏

user: they really hard launched their relationship just like that

carlossainz55: where’s the surprise?

↳ yourusername: 🙄 this is why i’m taking lando back from u

↳ landonorris: technically, you’ve always had me 😏

maxverstappen1: from friends, to lovers, to exes, to fuck buddies, to lovers again … cute

↳ user: does this confirms these fuckers never stopped seeing each other?!?? 😭😭

↳ user: nOt max exposing them 💀

↳ user: max, you’re telling me that these two have been hooking up even after they broke up?!?? 🤔

↳ maxverstappen1: 👍🏼

user: that last post is cute tho 😩

user: i NEEDED this!

user: ynlando nation rise!! our favs are back together 😌

maxfewtrell: get it 😉

user: i still cannot believe this is real

user: i guess this technically confirms they ended on good terms when they broke up the first time

[six-eyed-samurai]

I was finally able to think of a request lol :D

I was wondering if i could get a Gyutaro x reader (female or gender neutral, whichever works best for you :3) who is in a depressive episode and just really burnt out, like barely getting out of bed, not really taking care of themselves unless specifically made to, and how he would react to that considering he’s used to them being pretty outgoing and happy and always doing things.

i’m just needing the comfort right now and who better to do it then probably one of the most protective demons in the series.

have a nice day/night :3

SUMMARY: Gyutaro isn't the best at understanding emotions but he'll try...even if he fails. A/N: I got what you feel, my sueto poteo begurl! Sorry this took so long, I was busy and Tumblr deleted my first draft T_T WARNINGS: Cannibalism because demons, fem reader, depression My inbox is still open if you would like to request for the event!

Humans are weird.

Of course that was only from Gyutaro’s perspective, seeing as he was a demon and didn't feel the same way humans did about problems or emotions. It made it a little hard to understand why people would get so worked up over problems because as a demon you could solve all of them (they didn't have much honestly) by killing or have everyone cower in fear of you.

Then again as a human, he had solved most of his problems that way as well, so it can be confirmed that Gyutaro was not very good at understanding emotions.

But you were a demon and that was weirder.

For one you were quite upbeat all the time, always smiling brightly no matted what. For another everyone loved you, although it might be because the dumbasses had no idea as to what you truly are.

Third was that while demons didn't need sleep you'd been doing a lot of it lately. That was weird even for you, someone not strong enough to be a demon of importance but not so weak as to be one of those filthy humans.

Come to think of it you weren't just sleeping a lot. He'd barely seen you around but Gyutaro had assumed that was because he had been out a lot of nights hunting, until he realized watching through Daki’s mind that you barely left your room and rarely did anything anymore. If you did it was only because the mistress was bugging you or you were specifically requested. And when you spoke it was a dull monotone of absolute obedience.

You used to be such a pretty little bird! A canary that delighted everyone, especially himself, with your lilting voice and sweet words. Then you became some peculiar nocturnal creature and Gyutaro found that he did not quite like all ugly, dirty things in the dust after all.

But it'd be a lie to say Gyutaro had noticed the change in your behaviour the last few days. No, it had been Daki, something he was ashamed to admit. She had remarked upon your disappearance and had just about thrown him out of the room when he said he didn't notice anything, huffing that you probably were going to think he no longer wanted you.

Idiot, Gyutaro cursed himself, and suddenly was reminded of the first night at the beginning when crush became confession.

“You're mine,” he'd hissed, and tucked away in his protective hold you had laughed lightly and agreed if he'd be yours in exchange.

You were his and Gyutaro took care of his most precious things. VERY good care of his things.

***

It's been a while since he entered your room.

Gyutaro hunkered down beside you, curious and confused. Your blankets were strewn all over the place and your head was buried under a mound of pillows; it was obvious that you hadn't moved in hours. A skeletal hand hovered above your shoulder, unsure if he should awaken you…or if you are even sleeping. You looked rather unhappy even relaxed.

“Gyutaro.” Your eyes cracked open, his name a statement rather than a question, but there was some surprise in your tone nevertheless.

Gyutaro did not like the look of you, for you looked dead but not in complexion - rather the dimness of the life spark that he had enjoyed watching snuffed out when he killed. He grunted in reply, eyeing you suspiciously. “I haven't seen you in a while.”

“I suppose you haven't.” Your shoulders sagged. “I'm sorry, I'm kind of tired tonight. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Tired?” Gyutaro recoiled sharply, hurt and a little mad. “You…don't want to see me?”

“No. I just meant tomorrow.” You struggled to muster a smile but he snarled at no one in particular, nails gouging into the wooden floor, before he was gone in a flash.

Clearly something must be bothering you, Gyutaro reasoned to himself as he made his way back to Daki’s room. Something that must be affecting your energy and mood. You couldn't possibly be fed up with him, were you?

No, you promised!

There must be something else, something else the cause of your problems. Whatever it was Gyutaro would get rid of it, preferably painfully, but first he would have to watch you keenly.

It wasn't spying, not technically, when he was only trying to look out for you and after a few days Gyutaro finally came up with an answer. For whatever reason you hadn't left the house to hunt and so you must be starved of a good meal, he concluded. People loved you, thinking you were just an ordinary human, so perhaps the mistress was adding more to your workload or you couldn’t say no to accompanying one of the girls during the night. Easy, he could remedy that! Especially when he found the two guys who had disrespected you oh so badly not too long ago.

He lugged the two corpses back to your room, getting through the window quite effortlessly. You were awake this time, he was happy to find, and picking at the knots in your hair in front of your vanity, your brush lying forgotten on the ground.

You frowned, though. Not what he was expecting. “What…is that?”

“For you….to eat.” Gyutaro scrunched up his eyebrows, baffled when you made no move towards it. “Aren’t you hungry?”

Your shoulders sagged again. Uncertainly your hand reached out and patted his hair briefly before withdrawing. “…I already ate, Gyutaro, and it’s not hunger that’s bothering me.”

“…it’s me, isn’t it? Do - have you found someone else?” Gyutaro began to panic and rage. “I’ll kill him! Who is he? Is he handsome? NEEEH! I’ll do better, I swear, I’m sorry I’m so ugly-”

“No! Not like that!” Your hands shot out again to assure him, but it only lasted a few moments. “I’m just…tired. I’ll be alright in a few days but I don’t really have the energy to see people right now.”

“You…don’t want to see me?”

“No, that’s not what I-”

Gyutaro’s nails gouged into his cheeks this time as he disappeared out of your room, disappointed.

***

Daki didn’t want the humans either.

“EW! BROTHER, WHY WOULD YOU BRING BACK SUCH UGLY PEOPLE! I’M NOT GOING TO EAT THEM! THEY��RE JUST GONNA TAKE UP SPACE IN MY OBI AS WELL!” Daki would’ve kicked them away from her if her dress hadn’t hampered her movements. Gyutaro growled under his breath but began to eat them himself. “Why don’t you give them to (y/n) ? She usually eats ugly things like these.”

“Shut up already!”

“Hey, I saw you coming out of her room just now, did you-”

“I SAID SHUT UP!”

“Someone’s touchy,” Daki sighed, rolling her eyes. “Did she reject them?”

Rejected me, more like, Gyutaro grumbled to himself. He looked up from his meal, considering things. Daki was a girl and your friend (sort of), perhaps she’d know what was wrong with you. “She’s been weird lately. Doesn’t eat much and shit. Why?”

“You gotta finish your story first!”

“I dunno alright! She just spends her time either in bed or asleep, doesn’t do anything unless you ask her, doesn’t even wanna see or talk to me since a few days ago!” Gyutaro threw a bone across the room in frustration. “It’s like she’s kinda unhappy. Did something happen?”

“Kinda unhappy? Now that I think of it she got assigned to the new oiran a few days ago and she treats the girls worse than I do honestly.” Daki suddenly sat up straighter. She’d finish doing her lipstick and now she looked ready to chuck it at her brother. “Did you not notice? Oh my god, you’re so dense! She’s unhappy and you didn’t do a thing about it!”

“WHAT?!”

She did throw it at him. “Go comfort your precious girl in her depressive episode, you stupid dumbass! Honestly, I’m a demon and even I understand emotions better than you.”

***

It seemed like no matter how nice you try to be some girl’s always laughing at you behind her fan and due to the shortage of girls in the house (you suspected to be caused by Daki, but you had your fair share as well) the mistress had been pressuring you to work harder for the new oiran and nothing was to her satisfaction.

Every minor accident magnified tenfold and every day it felt like you were on the verge of tears or…actually, absolute numbness. You didn’t want to care anymore, so despite not needing it anymore you started spending more of your time asleep than awake, eating the minimum to live. Why did you live anyway? Probably because you were too afraid of what happened after.

And you still wanted to hang around to be with Gyutaro…even if he hurt you with his apparent indifference to your current situation.

Everybody was indifferent, in fact. The truth was nobody cared. Nobody was going to come into your room and ask if you were alright, for everyone was too caught up in their problems.

Well, except for whoever’s hand it was that suddenly grabbed you.

Your eyes shot open at once and you grabbed on tightly to the familiar person now carrying your oddly gently, bridal-style, out of your bedroom via the window and climbing upwards agilely. A very familiar someone with a skeletal body frame, an untidy mop of green hair and grey, spotted skin.

“Gyutaro?!” Your voice should’ve been hoarse from the lack of use and water but instead the yelp came out louder and clearer than intended. “What are you doing?!”

He didn’t answer, only set you down on top of the rooftop carefully and settled down next to you awkwardly, scratching away at his neck and arm. Gyutaro nodded upwards. “Just watch.”

And the sky exploded into millions of colors.

“…a fireworks show?” It’s been a while since you’ve smiled, but the way your mouth hung open and widened at the same time couldn’t be helped as you gazed at the vibrant sparks shooting up. Your hand, out of habit, inched closer to his and intertwined fingers. You were startled when he yanked you against him, almost in a cuddling position, but pleased.

“Daki told me. Thought I’d take you to see it since you won’t leave your room otherwise.” Gyutaro seemed to be steeling himself for something, scratching harder. “…you can tell me if you have problems, y’know? I won’t get it but Daki’s a girl and I’ll…try.”

It’s been a while since you actually broke down, let a few tears fall and have someone tuck you closer to hold and comfort while you poured your heart out like a flood after the dam breaks down. It felt good. Gyutaro listened and he was good at it, not punctuating it with blunt “I could go kill thems” or turning away stiffly saying he didn’t understand you and your emotions like he used to, like you thought he would. Occasionally he’d squeeze your hand tight when one particularly loud and beautiful firework went off.

It was…he really knew how to make things better, huh?

“Thanks…” You pressed your head into the bony crook of his neck. “For this. Feel free to kidnap me anytime for a fireworks show, I guess.”

“I’ll take you to a better one next time. And I didn’t kidnap you!”

Ah, that laugh. How he missed hearing it, even over the boom of the sparklers.

The pretty little bird was back and quite surprisingly Gyutaro discovered he could still feel after all: relief and…affection for you.

[creative-kny-fics]

Hear me out this might be too much… so u don’t have to!

but I’m craving Lee!giyuu rn so… Lee!giyuu (ofc) and ler!hashiras (all of them excluding giyuu)

I’m patient so take as long as you want on this!! Remember!!! Don’t force yourself!! If you don’t want to, delete it or ignore !! >u<

JAHSJSHJAHSKSHSAJA I missed writing about the e-, I mean I mean, about Giyuu

Lee: Giyuu Tomioka

Lers: Shinobu Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji, Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Iguro Obanai (Gyomei and Muichiro didn't want to participate)

'Am I the only one who has noticed Giyuu's change of mood?', Shinobu frowned as the others nodded.

Shinobu was closer to Giyuu, even closer than Mitsuri, Obanai and Kyojuro or even Sanemi, who had been trying to become his suitor, so she seemed to be the only one who knew Giyuu.

'You really are great observers... Tomioka-San has been happier these days, he is now a little more open and talks a little more, plus he smiles now...-' 'WHAAAAAAT?!', the others shouted, Shinobu definitely spent a lot of time with Giyuu. 'Are you serious Shinobu-Chan?!'

'Yep! I think this is all because of Tanjiro-Kun, he is the second person Tomioka-San spends the most time with. It seems that that boy has helped him come out of his shell... You should see them, I can never help but laugh since he looks like a mother hen with her newborn chick'

Shinobu laughed at the memory, but stopped when the others' gazes focused only on her, apparently they were waiting for Shinobu to stop the "joke", which was not. 'Tsk, that brat is always by Giyuu's side, I'm not surprised that his good humor has rubbed off on him... I wonder why Kocho's humor hasn't rubbed off on him before...'

'And I'm wondering the following. Why it seems that you are more jealous of Tanjiro and me than Shinobu or Obanai, they also spend time with Giyuu-San and it doesn't seem to bother you as much as my and Tanjiro's presence. Besides, you and Giyuu-San are nothing to make you jealous... '

'Tokito, that was rude, apologize to Shinazugawa,' Muichiro rolled his eyes and 'apologized'.

What he said was true, but Gyomei didn't like the way he expressed it, it wasn't an appropriate way of speaking for a child.

Shinobu simply sighed as Sanemi began to scold Muichiro for what he had told him, the only ones who didn't stay a part of it were Mitsuri, Kyojuro and Obanai, who followed her.

'Kocho, if what you say is true, why don't you just prove it? Because I remind you that on one occasion we tried every possible way to make Tomioka smile, and NOTHING helped. Do you think you can then prove that Tomioka can laugh?', Shinobu nodded and led them.

The four hid in some nearby bushes, they were spying on Giyuu, all because of Obanai's idea. 'Well?' What are you waiting for?'

'You're so impatient Iguro-San... But it's okay, I'll go~'

Obanai just looked away for a minute and Shinobu was gone, now she was jumping from branch to branch until she got close to Giyuu and she launched herself so he could catch her, and he did it.

'Tomioka-San! Thanks for catching me! What brings you here~?' 'It's a quiet place, it relaxes me...'

'Ooooh I see! Tomioka-San, forgive me for what I will do...', Giyuu raised an eyebrow in confusion, leaving Shinobu on the ground and then feeling how her small hands caressed his neck.

'This is a waste of time... She's not going to make it!'

'Patience patience Obanai! Let's trust Kocho! She does not-!'

'Shhhhh!', Mitsuri placed her hands on both of their mouths, when they finally quieted he pointed to where Giyuu and Shinobu were.

The three of them couldn't believe it, Giyuu was smiling!

'Awwww what's wrong~? Before when I did this it didn't seem to do anything to you, but now you're laughing!'

'N-no! I'm nohot-! Ko-Kocho!', Giyuu didn't want to laugh, but the smile he had implied many things. 'Aren't you? And what is that that forms on your face? It's not the expression you usually have, it's a little smile~'

Giyuu denied, covering his face with his hands, also finally moving Shinobu away from his neck.

But this wouldn't stop her, taking advantage of the fact that his arms were somewhat raised, she decided to dug into his armpits, looking for a better reaction, and she got it.

'Hehehehehey!! Kohochohoho!! O-okahahay!! I'm smilihihing!!'

'Oh really? I hadn't realized...~'

'Cohomehehe ohohohon!! Thihihis is embahaharrassihihing!!', Shinobu didn't believe it, but she already had what she wanted, so she stopped.

Giyuu shook his head as he caught his breath, making her swear not to say a single word to the others and she nodded.

But, the others had already seen what happened, would that count as a broken promise?

'I can't believe it... She really did it...' 'Woah! Kocho impressed me! Hahahaha! It's amazing, I want to try it too!'

'We shouldn't speak so loudly, they can come and listen to us!', they couldn't, they were too content in his place and didn't want to move for the world.

Mitsuri and Kyojuro couldn't bear the secret, and ended up telling Uzui. What was going to happen to poor Giyuu having those three lers chasing him until they achieved their goal of making him laugh?

Maybe there would be another objective involved, who knows...

'Well, what plan do you have?'

'What if everyone does it individually? If the three of us go together it can be very predictable, don't you think?'

'I totally agree with you Kanroji! So you will have the honors of doing it first!', Mitsuri smiled and nodded.

It took a while to find Giyuu and when she finally found him, she ran over to hug him.

For Giyuu it was normal, the only thing he wanted was for Obanai not to see them, it was always the same "she hugged me" argument, and it may not be so believable anymore.

'Tomioka... There's something weird about you...' 'Really? What could that be "weird"?'

'Your waist...', Giyuu raised an eyebrow, what was wrong with his waist?

Taking advantage of the fact that Mitsuri was hugging him, he used his hands to "caress" his sides with his reverse (left hand on right side and/or right hand on left side), "measuring" Giyuu's waist, who didn't know what to think and laughed out of nerves.

'K-Kahanrohoji! Whahahat-?!'

'I thought Iguro-San's waist was peculiar, but so is yours. Not in a bad way, you look pretty good! Highlight your figure!'

Giyuu didn't know whether to thank her, it was a bit of an awkward situation and if he didn't know Mitsuri, he'd think she was trying to flirt with him, but he knew that was the usual Mitsuri. 'What's so funny, Giyuu~?'

'I dohohohon't knohow!!' 'Aaaaw, are you nervous~? I'm barely doing something and you're laughing~!'

Giyuu covered his red face, it was embarrassing, both because of the situation and because he didn't know why he couldn't stop laughing, Mitsuri was right, she wasn't doing much and he was laughing

'Aaaaw Tomioka-San, you're so cute! So adorable! So giggly! Hey, what's up~? You don't like it when people compliment you? Look at your little red face, it's so cute~!', Mitsuri laughed as Giyuu made a futile effort to get away from her. 'Mit-!! Pleheahase stohohop tahalkihing!!'

'Eeeeh~? Why I should? You know I like to talk! Aaaaaah I'm getting it, is it the baby voice I'm making that's embarrassing you~? It's so cute...~' 'Nohohoho!! Plehahasehe!!'

Mitsuri didn't want to stop, who would? It was such an infectious laugh and yet unexpected and cute at the same time, but she stopped because it seemed like Giyuu would literally die of embarrassment.

'Okahahay! Gosh! Are you okay ?'

'Yehehes... Please don't tell anyone about this...', well, a little late for that.

Mitsuri nodded and after leaving, Giyuu went in the opposite direction, feeling that someone sensed him, he turned around but there was no one.

He shook his head thinking it was part of the shame of what had happened earlier, but when he returned his gaze to the front and continued walking, he shrugged when someone blew a gentle breeze on his neck. 'WHO?! Oh.. Is that you Uzui, what's wrong?'

'I thought it would take you a little longer to detect that it was me, congratulations to you for detecting me earlier!'

Giyuu sighed in relief, he should have known, Uzui is the only one who would do that. 'How was the experience you just had?'

'I-I don't know what you mean...'

'Please Tomioka, you know perfectly well that I have good hearing, don't think I didn't hear when Mitsuri tickled you...'

Well, the "please don't tell anyone" couldn't happen, but Giyuu deduced that Uzui must have been close enough to that place to have heard clearly.

However, Giyuu can almost never complain because he is always interrupted, whether by words or actions, in this case it was an action, Uzui had put a hand on his ribs, poking every 3 seconds or for every word he said.

'I guess you should be grateful that I was the one who listened to you. Can you imagine it would have been someone else? Someone like Iguro Obanai...' 'I-I imagine...'

'Everything okay? Are you cold or something? I feel like you're shaking, why are you hugging your ribs? I repeat the question, are you cold?', Giyuu denied, it was something he hated.

He didn't know he hated that until Sanemi and Obanai did it, he didn't like someone talking to him or the other person while tickling him, LESS, if that included "ignoring" him or pretending like he wasn't being tickled. 'If you're not cold, why-?'

'S-stohop!', Uzui tsked, but it was more like a chuckle than anything else.

Giyuu slapped his arm as he began to use his fingers as claws and began to tickle his ribs, the slap only made Uzui change position, lifting Giyuu off the floor and holding back his laughter as his feet began to try to touch the floor. 'What are you doing?!'

'Daaaah, isn't it obvious? Give you a hug! Have they never hugged you?'

'Why are you lying? You were tickling me! Wait...'

Tengen laughed and Giyuu cursed mentally, as he always fell in Uzui's games, and he knew what was coming, his head started repeating "idiot" as he prepared himself, but something different happened.

'Well, I think you earned your forgiveness. I'll leave you alone because you indirectly admitted that you're ticklish, even though I already knew that hahahaha. Well little one, you're free!', and said and done, Uzui put Giyuu on the ground and ruffled his hair.

Giyuu's brain was trying to recap everything, had Tengen just let him go? He expected something else, I don't know, maybe a raspberry before leaving but nothing, Uzui didn't do anything to him, should he feel disappointed or grateful?. 'Oh right, before I forget!'

'HEY?! AAAAH TEHENGEHEHEN!!'

And... It seems that Giyuu's thought was heard, Tengen picked him up one last time and blew a raspberry on his neck, and before Giyuu saw him, he was already gone.

Well... It could have been worse

'I think there's something really weird here... First Shinobu, although she always does it, it doesn't surprise me, then Mitsuri and now Tengen... I have to assume that the next one will be Rengoku...' 'And you're right my friend!'

Giyuu gasped as Kyojuro hugged him from behind, but one thing led to another and now they were both on the floor. 'Okay, what is this?! Why is everyone tickling me?!'

'The real question is why we should NOT tickle you! We know you like this Giyuu, stop acting strong and smile at life! I'll show you how!'

Oh hell no! Giyuu knew one thing, if Tengen did something, Kyojuro would ALSO do the same move, it was something he deduced when he found himself sitting on Rengoku's lap and Rengoku had hugged him tightly enough so that he didn't run away and it didn't hurt. 'Wait... Rengoku... Let's TAHAHAHALK!!'

'My my! It seems that someone has woken up with a slight sensitivity to raspberries! Hahahaha!', and all Giyuu needed was the damn teasing.

Why did those 4 love to talk to him as if he were a baby or teasing him if he laughed? The answer appeared on their cheeks, probably that blush of embarrassment was what was driving them. 'STOHOHOP THIHIS!!'

'Now?! But we've only just begun! Tomioka, you are a hashira, will you say that this is too much for you?!', Giyuu denied, he didn't care about the raspberries in a certain part, what was worse was the teasing

He couldn't, if Kyojuro started talking to him the way Mitsuri does, he was definitely going to lose everything, luckily Kyojuro wasn't one of the people who did that... Or was he...?

'Tomioka, your cheeks, they are as red as a tomato! No, wait, they're almost the color of the ends of my hair! I think now I understand why they call them 'raspberries', they have the same color as your cheeks!'

'PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE!! NOHOHOT THAHAHAT!!'

'What's wrong Tomioka?! "Not that"?! What thing?! The raspberries?! The compliments?! The tickles?! Be more specific!'

Kyojuro couldn't help but laugh as Giyuu's head fell onto his shoulders, feeling like it was no longer necessary to hug him.

'Mmmm I see! So you want the tickling to continue but without teasing?! Because if it were the raspberries that you want us to continue, you wouldn't be giving me access to your neck! Wait... What did you just do now...?'

Giyuu covered his mouth when Kyojuro let go of him to look at him in surprise. He knew that face and had exactly 3 seconds to run as far as he could or gain enough air for the next thing.

He wasn't being a coward, but he decided to simply run away as he heard Rengoku shout in the distance who indicated that he had snorted.

'Hahahaha poor Tomioka, and there are only 4 of us!', he commented as he stood up and shook himself, Giyuu wouldn't make it that far.

Who do you think would be next? Well, maybe one boy who was sitting on a branch of a nearby tree and the other who was leaning on the same tree could answer the question.

'That idiot thinks we forgot what happened last time?'

'Obanai, we're not going to be so cruel now, we're almost out in the open...'

'I had forgotten that ever since your feelings for Giyuu grew, you became soft. Cottonweed...', Sanemi climbed onto the branch and started shaking it, making Obanai regret having said that to him AND having said that about Giyuu.

Obanai couldn't believe it, but if he argued, Sanemi would respond that he is the same as him because with Mitsuri he is a god's bread that doesn't hurt a single fly, so he better put up with it.

'Well, if that's the problem, how about we take him to your estate? This way, if something happens, you will be a million meters away from the ears of others...'.

Obanai, you don't learn, do you? This time, Sanemi didn't need to make any effort because when he climbed up to try to do the same movement, the branch creaked and broke, causing both of them to fall to the ground.

'What's wrong with those two...?'

'I don't know, but promise me you won't do that Muichiro, you could get hurt', Muichiro nodded, but crossed his fingers behind him, it looked amused, who wouldn't?. 'Do we really have to tickle Giyuu-San? I think he's already suffered from enough...'

'Well, how about we stay and watch that duo not be cruel to him?' 'I think it is better'

Muichiro agreed and helped Gyomei hide, Giyuu had approached and had almost passed him by, but returned when he realized that Sanemi and Obanai were on the ground.

'Eeeeeeh... Guys, have you fallen or are you looking at the sky?'

'What happened is that we saw that the ants were telling jokes and we lay down on the floor to hear them better...', bad timing, but good sarcasm!

Muichiro covered his mouth laughing, Obanai was funny when he meant to be.

Giyuu shrugged as he sighed, helping them both up and brushing themselves off. 'Thanks Giyuu...'

'You're welcome, well, if you'll excuse me I'll go to my estate to...'

'Oh of course not! You just helped us and you think we'll let you go without thanking you?!'

That was strange for Giyuu... Obanai thanking him? He hadn't done much, but if that was necessary for them to let him go, he had to accept it, right? 'Okay...? You're welcome, see you again! Hey! Oh god, you too?!'

'We too what?' 'Why are you guys tickling me lately?! I thought you hated me!', Obanai wanted to say something, but Sanemi stopped him, he knew what he was going to say.

'It's a 50/50, if maybe you made that face, we'd like you better...'

'Face-? What face are you talking about? I don't make GRACES-!', Giyuu growled as Sanemi brought his wrists together and put them behind his head, fighting to keep Giyuu from moving away from his grasp.

Sanemi had to admit, Giyuu was strong, maybe stronger than he had thought and he liked the idea, he wanted to see how long he would have to fight until Giyuu accepts that he won't be able to escape for a while.

'Don't you know? Shinazugawa, what do you think we remind Tomioka of what we talked about?'

'Mmmm, I don't know, do you think he'll be able to handle it?' 'It is a challenge?'

Great, back between a rock and a hard place, although maybe it could be Giyuu's chance to escape, if Sanemi paid enough attention to Obanai, he could break free and run away.

Maybe in another world, at another time and with other people, not with that duo of terror

'I don't know, what do you think Tomioka? Who do you think would win?' 'And why do we ask him? Less blah blah blah and more action!'

'Shall I tell you something? Do it once and for all! I'm tired of this, if you're going to tickle me, do it NOW!', they both stayed silent, they didn't believe they saw Giyuu angry.

Obanai signaled to Sanemi, it was the opportunity for him to conquer his flirt, but Sanemi gave him a look that told him to keep his mouth shut or he would have a bad time.

Giyuu sighed and tried to headbutt Sanemi, but this ended with the three of them falling to the floor, and how did Obanai fall? Sanemi made him stagger and fall.

'Oh god, really? I was expecting this to be something more exciting, you know?' 'It's weird, but I think it's best to save Giyuu before those two do anything else...'

'And what are they going to do? They seem to be fighting right now and... Forget it, they already started tickling him...'

Gyomei nodded and let out a "about time" and Muichiro nodded in response.

It honestly seemed like both Sanemi and Obanai were holding back, how do they know? Because Giyuu was screaming so loud that it seemed like he was going to go hoarse if someone didn't help him.

'Do you think you're very skilled for headbutting me?! Well, what do you think, you're not going to get rid of this! You're going to suffer for your damn mistake!' 'Also, a while ago you were saying "if you're going to tickle me, just do it" a few seconds ago, it's obvious that you like to laugh, huh? You have nothing to say?'

'I-I-I CAHAHAHAHAN'T!!! YOHOHOU AHAREHEHE-!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!', and apparently Gyomei and Muichiro were right, Giyuu couldn't even form a sentence correctly.

But their little game was not going to last long for Sanemi and Obanai, since after a few seconds they felt like a small stone hit them with extreme force on the forehead.

There was deja vu in those moments, from the first time they met Tanjiro and someone threw a rock at him to stop him from screaming, do you already have an idea of ​​who threw that rock?

'Muichiro...'

'Giyuu-San needed a break!'

'Yes, I understand. Well, now let me get Giyuu out of there. If you get too close Sanemi and Obanai will probably hit you....'

[stardustdreams-andcaffeine]

Reluctant Protector | Din Djarin

Part 1 of 2

Din Djarin x Fem!reader

Summary: After being abandoned as a child, you grew up working for one of the most prolific crime lords in the galaxy in order to survive. It all comes crashing down as a split second decision has the Mandalorian hunting you. As it turns out, your hunter might be the only one who can save you. After all, the lines between predator and prey have always been blurred.

Warnings: angst (what's new), mild language, panic attack, violence, fluff, mentions of human trafficking (brief), Mando being a fool in love, adult themes throughout, happy ending (again, what's new)

A/N: This one was from the request that I accidentally deleted (i'm so mad at myself), but it was RIGHT up my alley lol. I hope my sweet anonymous finds this and I hope it is everything you wanted and more 🤍 ALSO! I got sooo carried away so it's a two-parter for ease of reading. You can find part 2 below!

Part 2

You never should have met the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter. 

You never should have left the comfort of your home planet as a child. You never should have known anything besides the warmth of your mother's arms. It does not make sense that someone like you would meet someone like him. It should not have been possible, not in a million sun cycles.

So how did your story and the Mandalorian's tangle? How did ‘never’ get overcome so easily, so swiftly?

The answer is rather simple. Anything that never should have been was thrown from impossible to possible the night your parents left on a date night when you were seven years old.

And never came back.

|||

You remembered everything from that night.

You remembered the way the rain pattered against the large window in the common room of your cozy home. You remembered the spread of stars peeking out from behind the rain clouds, ready to shine their light upon the newly-brought night. You remembered everything from that night, including the look upon your father's face when he said goodbye.

You were too young to understand it then, too little to catch the hint of despair and shred of desperation as he ushered your emotionless mother out of the front door.

"Be back before bedtime, mama! You have to finish that story you started last night," Your little voice rang out, a smile spread on your lips.

Your mother, almost numb, did not respond. Strange, she always did.

Noticing your growing frown, your father smiled, but it did not reach his eyes, "Goodbye, little one. We'll be back before you know it"

"Have a good night," You called back, already humming to yourself as you played with the toys your father had spilled out in a hurry before you, "Love you lots!"

You did not even glance up as the door shut, did not even seem to notice that, for the first time, your parents did not say they loved you too. Looking back, it was hard to fathom you had missed all of the signs. But you were just a kid, a kid. How could you have known? How could you have guessed?

How were you to predict that your parents would not walk back through that door?

When they did not make it back in time to say goodnight, you hadn't thought much about it. When you woke up and they still had not returned, confusion began to ring within your young, innocent soul. For the first day, you lost the worry to the joy that you did not have to go to lessons today. You ate what you wanted and played for as long as you liked, but when night came once more, you wondered when mama would return to finish her story.

The food ran out a week later, and it would only be a few more days until you would find out why exactly your parents had not returned.

Your small fingers worked anxiously on the drawing before you. It was all you could do not to burst into tears. Your mother and father were still not back, and you were hungry. You knew you'd have to go into town soon, but you had no money and no adults to protect you.

What had happened to mama and papa, you wondered? Were they hurt? Were they...were they dead?

That was when the front door opened for the first time in a week and a half, and your life changed forever.

You gasped as the door swung open, hope flooding your small being. You jumped to your feet swiftly and, with a bright smile upon your lips, sprinted blindly towards the man who had just walked through the door.

"Papa! I'm so-"

Your words died as you skidded to a halt before the looming Zeltron male before you. This wasn't your father, and your mother was nowhere near him. Taking a hesitant step back, your bottom lip began to tremble.

"Who are you?" You whispered, your small hands shaking and your youthful voice higher-pitched than normal. The magenta-skinned male tilted his head down at you, seeming to examine you closely for a moment.

"Vince Hanon," He replied, his voice smooth and flooded with calculation, "Your father owed me a great debt."

That was when you noticed the towering goons behind Vince, strapped to the teeth with blasters and blades alike. Your eyes widened a fraction before anger boiled through your blood. They hurt your parents, they were the reason mama hadn't come home.

Swifter than Vince or his men could predict, you shot to the side and grabbed one of the long-forgotten toys along the ground and hurled it at the tall Zeltron.

To your dismay, he caught it with ease.

A smirk danced on his face as he glanced at the toy and then at you with what seemed to be mirth. Without a word, his guards stalked forward, one pulling a pair of metal cuffs as he neared you. Surprisingly, Vince held out a single hand, stopping all movements of his men.

"Sir?" One asked, glancing back at him, "The next shipment of children leaves soon. If she is to join, we should-"

"Do not give this one to the Trade," Vince ordered, walking past his men and up to you. Ever so slowly, he knelt before you, "She is young enough to learn, and strong enough to survive."

"Survive what?" You blurted, your heart pounding in your chest, "What's the Trade? What are you going to do with me?"

Vince laughed deeply before you, "So many questions, child. You'll have your answers."

He stood before you, extending down a purple hand, "Come, I'm sure you're hungry."

And so, with no other choice, you took the strange man's hand and left.

Vince never lied to you. He told you the moment you left your home that your father had lost everything trying to pay back the debt he owed Vince. With nothing left to give but his only child, he had offered you up for the child slave trade.

For reasons you would never truly come to know, Vince did not trade you. In fact, he traded no other child after that night.

He informed you that he was the head of a group of people who did bad things for good reasons and rewards. It wouldn't be for another couple years until you understood that meant he was a Crime Lord. What he was doing was wrong, what he was training you to do was wrong.

But you were a kid, and you did what you had to do to survive.

You're not a kid anymore.

|||

Present Day

The barely-used knife pressed its soothing cool into the skin of your thigh as you sauntered through the compound. As you passed the counterparts you had known since childhood, they stepped aside with wary smiles.

They knew your true knife was not the blade with which you had a slightly below average affinity. It was your tongue.

“Look who it is, Vince’s little prodigy.” The sound of the ever-present guards outside of Vince Hanon’s office called out to you, their lips turned up in a not entirely taunting smirk. 

“Good morning, lackeys,” You greeted in return, stopping before the large, steel door that held your boss’s office behind it, “Vince sent word that he wanted to see me, another assignment apparently.”

One of the guards snickered slightly, “Hopefully it has nothing to do with using that blade on your thigh. Vince’s little prodigy would be too dead to report.”

“So funny,” You deadpan, shaking your head at the guard.

“You know, if Vince let you train with me as a child you would be proficient in the ways of combat,” The one who spoke first insisted. With a taunting smile, you walked up to the door and patted the guard’s shoulder.

“I’d also be as stupid as you, which is exactly why he didn’t.”

The laughter of the two guards filled your ears and brought a smile to your lips as you pushed the button on the panel beside the door. The steel whooshed aside, revealing Vince’s office. With that easy smile still on your lips, you greet the Zeltron who saved you as a child. His magenta skin gleamed in the sunlight that streamed in through the massive windows that made up the far wall of the office, and his white teeth were a stark contrast to the dark color as he looked up to you and smiled.

It did not go unnoticed that he only smiled at you like that.

Vince Hanon had no lover and no children, but anyone who knew a fraction about him knew that the closest thing he had to family was an abandoned child whose life he’d spared all those years ago. He wasn’t the father you’d always dreamed of, but he was the one you had. He hadn’t sold you for profit as your first father had, he hadn’t let you play with toys or even be a child in those first years under his care, but he had made you independent in this cruel, uncaring galaxy. That was something so very few women got to be. 

Vince Hanon made you self-sufficient when you should have died long ago, and it was that reason alone that made you grateful to him. Not caring, as a daughter would be to her father, as you knew he was with you, but grateful.

“My Prodigy,” Vince called out, standing from his massive mahogany desk carved with images of bones and crumbled towers along the legs, “It is always a pleasure to see you.”

“And you, Vince.” Your words were fluid and easy, not entirely a lie. A part of your heart was caught in anxious anticipation, though. 

You knew what came next. You knew he’d give you an assignment that made every part of your soul cringe. You knew what came next would push you further down the path of corruption and darkness. You knew, with a biting horror that never seemed to leave you alone, that after a few more years of doing his bidding, that small voice that whispered its disgust would go quiet. 

And you’d be just like Vince.

“I was pleased to see your last assignment was handled with efficiency and discreteness,�� Vince complimented. You nodded obediently, your hands clasped before you.

“The debtor did not have the credits to pay the balance due, so it seemed the Hothian government misplaced the deed to her home.” You reported, the words less bitter on your tongue than they would have been a few years ago. 

“And it was found with my name on it,” Vince finished for you, allowing a deep chuckle to resonate through the room as he walked to your side. He put his arm along your shoulders, pulling you to his side and walking with you towards the back of his office space, “Good work, my Prodigy. I am impressed with how far you have come.”

“Thank you, Vince.” 

Your jaw was tight and that nagging grew in your soul. He was pleased that you’d placed an elderly woman onto the streets to repay the debt she owed. The debt to Vince for saving her son’s life after Vince had been the one to order his death.

Is this truly who you were now? 

The thought did not last long, as you shoved it deep down and locked it in the same room in your mind where you kept that little girl sleeping in front of an unopened door, waiting for her parents. You did what you had to in order to survive. You had no choice. 

How much longer would that lie placate you?

“I have been thinking,” Vince began again, stopping near the far wall of his office where a massive box covered with a large cloth sits. He removed his arm from your shoulders and stepped back to face you, “There is no one in this organization that I trust more than you.”

You blinked in surprise, the words slamming through you.You did not quite know how to feel when your trained eyes examined his features and expression and saw that he meant it, saw that he looked at you as a father would their child. Vince had trained you to see tells in a person’s face, and you saw none in his.

“You honor me, boss.”

Vince took a moment to simply examine your face, his eyes seeming to search for something. When he seemed to not find it, a small, real smile began on his lips. 

“I have one more assignment for you,” Vince informed, that smile growing as he took another step back and closer to the covered box, “And if you succeed, I want to make you my Second.”

The world seemed to stop spinning for a moment. Your eyes widened a fraction, your mouth dropping open the slightest bit. His Second, he wanted to make you his Second.

“But that would mean…” You trailed off, your eyes desperately searching for a tell of a lie on his face. You found none.

“You would take over for me when I retire.” Vince finished for you. 

“Vince, I couldn’t-”

“Yes, you could.” His interruption was accompanied by a hand to your shoulder, “You have earned this, my Prodigy. You deserve this.”

His Second. You would lead this organization one day, you would be the next Vince Hanon. You would have power and control. No more would you have to fear for the next meal or the next morning. You’d be safe, in control, in power. You could change the way this was run, maybe even do some good. 

This was the answer to the nagging in your chest, the horror in your soul. You could have a shot at redemption for all that you’ve done.

“Thank you, boss.” You whispered hoarsely, your voice not hiding an ounce of your emotion. Vince nodded and stepped back, those calculating eyes sweeping over your figure.

“Just one more assignment, child. One more, and it’s all yours.” 

“Anything.” Your response was stronger this time, your eyes holding a hope that hadn’t been there since you were a child. 

“A recent debtor repaid his debt. I need you to take care of it.” Vince’s words barely registered in your mind. All you could think of was your freedom. Then he pulled the cloth off of the box, and you realized it wasn’t a box at all.

It was a cage.

With a small gasp, your mind snapped back to this moment. The freedom you’d almost been able to taste came crashing down, and that horror roared in your soul so loudly that you actually stumbled back a step. 

There was a child in that cage, a little girl who looks to be the same age that you were all those years ago.

“But you…you stopped selling to the Trade,” Your voice was a breath, your words ringing with terror. 

“I did,” Vince conceded, stroking a hand along the cage’s bars and making the young girl in it recoil back as far as she could in the cramped space, “And my profits since have taken a steep drop. If I am to cement your future, I need to build up our reputation and savings again. I need to make sure every crime syndicate from here to the Outer Rim knows not to mess with us, with you.”

You were shaking your head, your heart racing and your mind fraying apart as if you hadn’t spent the entirety of your life fortifying it and trying desperately to forget. 

“I can’t,” You gasped, shaking your head and taking back a step, “I can’t-”

“Yes you can,” Vince soothed, stepping up to you and holding your arms, “You’re ready for this. Think of everything this could bring you.”

Oh you were. As you stared into that scared little girl’s eyes, it was all you could think about. You were stuck awfully between flashes of your abandonment and what your future would look like if you did this one last assignment. The loneliness in the empty house, the empire you could build. The hunger that had set in after a week alone, the security of always having another meal. The betrayal that had burrowed deep in your chest, the power you could fill its hole with. 

“She’s just another trade, a simple barter. Nothing more than the deed to a home.” Vince’s voice was an echo of your thoughts, the devil on your shoulder. 

It would be so easy, so easy. After everything that you had been through, why should you care how your safety and freedom was bought? You deserved it, your life has been anything but fair. It would be easy. One trade, and the world, the very galaxy, would be in the palm of your hands.

But would your soul ever recover? Would you ever be able to look at yourself in a mirror again? You knew what happened to little girls who went into the trade, for being in this business you knew all too well of the perversions of the people in this galaxy. 

Could you live with this? 

Vince saw the flash of an answer in your eyes a moment too late. 

The knife was already in your hand and thrown by the time Vince had just begun to open his mouth and shout for his guards. The knife lodged into his shoulder even though you’d been aiming for something more lethal. It was enough to stop him from rushing you, though. You sped forward and tackled him to the ground with every ounce of strength you had. His cry of pain was muffled by the hand you slapped over his mouth. In a quick move, you ripped the knife free from his shoulder and angled it at his throat. 

Vince went as silent as death, his eyes wide with betrayal, with…with hurt.

Your chest squeezed painfully at the look in his eyes as you moved your hand from covering his mouth. He didn’t scream, he knew better, “My child, I’ve given you the world.”

His words were choked with tears, you realized suddenly. To your surprise, tears of your own gathered in your eyes.

“I’m not your child,” You whispered, clenching your jaw to keep your resolve, “And I don’t want the world if this is what it costs.”

There was a flash of rage in his eyes, and it made your stomach drop. You’d seen it before, but never directed at you.

“You do this,” His words were calculated and controlled, barely veiling his growing anger, “And I will never stop hunting you. I will show you just what I spared you from when you were a child.”

Something broke within your chest at the thought, but for the first time since seven years old, you weren’t shoving down guilt to do something. You could feel your heart open and free, your soul resting for once, and you knew that this was what you had to do. You need to be able to live with yourself, even if it means you lived a short life. 

You are better than this, than everything you have done to survive. 

You aren’t a kid anymore. You have a choice.

“So be it,” You murmured, and then slammed the handle of the knife against Vince’s temple. He was out cold as soon as the blow was delivered, which was surprising in itself. That move had never worked before for you. You’re glad it had now, because as you stood and moved away from the magenta-skinned Crime Lord, you realized that this was freedom. 

You’re free now, and it was better than the freedom that you would have bought with the trading of your soul.

Without another thought to the consequences of your actions, you turned and sprinted over to the cage where the little girl sat crouched as far as she could in the corner. Her eyes were wide with fear and confusion and hope as she looked up at you. 

“I’m not gonna hurt you,” You soothed, stooping down in front of the cage and looking at the lock. 

Once you saw the shape of the key needed, you stood and jogged to Vince’s massive desk. It only took a few moments of searching before you snagged the key from under a stack of papers and forms. 

A knock sounded on the massive steel door, but it thankfully remained closed, “Everything alright in there?”

Your pulse spiked dangerously and your heart missed a beat. 

“Everything’s fine, lackeys,” You responded coolly, almost sounding bored, “Vince had to grab something from his chambers.”

This seemed to placate them, and you’re relieved that Vince’s chambers are attached to his office through a door at the very back. Knowing time was running out, you sprinted to the cage and crouched once more. Your fingers trembled as you undid the lock and threw the door open. The girl sat pressed into the far corner, and you let out a panicked breath as you extended a hand out to her.

“Come on, kid. We don’t have much time left.”

She examined your hand for an agonizingly long moment before realizing you weren’t going to hurt her. To your relief, she quickly took your outstretched hand and crawled out as fast as she could. You kept her hand in yours and tugged her towards the door at the back wall that leads to Vince’s room.

“How are we going to get out?” She mumbled. You pressed the button beside the door and it slid open easily, revealing a room of black silk and deep emerald walls. Tugging the girl in, you shut the door and made sure to press the lock button before pulling her towards the wall beside Vince’s bed.

You released her hand for a moment as you approached the massive painting that rested on the wall. Your fingers searched the edges desperately until they found a small button.

“Vince showed this to me when I was your age,” You panted, pushing the button and swinging the painting aside, “He kept it for a quick escape if the compound was ever raided.”

A large, dark hole was in the wall behind the painting—a chamber that led directly to the back of the compound. The young girl shook her head slightly, her eyes going wide as she peered into the dark reaches of the cavernous chamber.

“I can’t,” She whispered, her voice trembling, “It’s too scary, I can’t. I-”

Before you could even console her, the sound of a fist pounding on the steel door to the office in the other room echoed through the walls, “Boss, you in there? What’s going on?”

Your heart nearly stopped and you knew the guards, as stupid as they were, would notice the silence soon enough. Swirling back to the young girl, you did not wait for her response before you hoisted her into your arms and put her into the escape passageway. Thankfully, the girl had the sense to remain quiet despite her obvious trepidation as she waited in the dark for you to climb in after her. Once you had, you closed the painting as quietly as you could just as you heard the office being raided. 

It was only a matter of time before they would see Vince unconscious and venture into his bedroom beyond. You had to move, and fast.

“Come on,” You urged, finding the girl’s hand in the dark and tugging her down the passageway. As you moved down a flight of stairs, you pressed the small button on your metal bracelet, releasing a soft glow of light bright enough to illuminate your next steps and banish the girl’s fear of the dark. 

“Will they find us?” She panted, her small hand gripping yours tightly. 

“They shouldn’t,” You replied, your eyes straining into the dark beyond the small glow of your bracelet as you took turns and twists and more passages to the depths of the compound, “Vince only told me about the passage.”

Even though that should have eased the girl’s tension, her grip on your hand did not relax. It took a few minutes of deep silence before she finally spoke again. 

“You really were his favorite,” She breathed, a certain tremor in her voice. You could practically feel the weight of her large eyes burning into the side of your face.

For some reason, her words knocked you on your ass. This young girl knew who Vince Hanon was before she was taken by him, and she knew enough to have heard about you. Was this how the galaxy saw you? As Vince Hanon’s adopted daughter?

The thought made you shudder.

“Why did you betray him for me?” She asked into the thick silence, and a pang shot through your chest.

Your feet faltered, and you stopped the breakneck pace you’d been going at. With a trembling breath, you turned and looked back at the young child. The light from your bracelet lit up the contours of her face, the tear stains etched into her skin and the trauma haunting her young, innocent gaze.

“Because I was you a long time ago.” You swallowed, sudden tears swimming in your gaze as you took in the small child who nearly met such a cruel fate, “Because Vince saved me, and there was no one to save you.”

The words stung some deep, confused part of your chest. A part of you would always…be indebted to Vince. He was the holder of your chains, the destroyer of your moral compass, the tyrant of your life. But, no matter how much you tried to forget it, he saved you. He saved you when your own father would not, and he raised you as his own. 

Some twisted part of you would always pity him, even though you knew you shouldn’t.

That’s why, without a word, you smiled sadly at the girl before turning and leading her the rest of the way out of the passage.

|||

The entire city was on high alert. 

Moments after the girl and you emerged from the escape passageway and into a back alley miles from the compound, you heard the shouts and the sirens in the distance. Vince had run this city with an iron fist, he did not tolerate betrayal and the people knew that. But now, the King of Crime had been crossed by his own Prodigy.

Every goon he had working for him was now hunting for you.

Doors were shut and windows locked. The streets were empty and the last few stragglers were in no rush to speak to anyone they did not have to. Even now, only a few minutes after the crime had been announced publicly, Vince’s guards swarmed the streets, pounding on doors and demanding entry for searches.

“They’re everywhere,” The young girl you saved panted as you sprinted with her down back alleys and through abandoned shops, “Where will we go?”

“I still have some friends,” You assured in response, stopping suddenly at the back door of a normal, unassuming home miles down from where Vince’s guards were searching. Without pausing to explain to the girl, you pounded your fist desperately against the door. There was a rush of steps before an old, hoarse voice called out.

“We are closed to visitors right now. Come back later.”

“It’s me,” Is all you said in response. 

The old fashioned door swung open almost instantly. You had to squint against the sudden flood of light until you could just make out the older woman who stood in the doorway peering down at you and the girl with calculating eyes. She swung her gaze between the terrified child and you before she finally let out a long sigh. 

“You finally did it,” She mused, catching your gaze with a knowing look. 

“He asked something of me I couldn’t do,” You informed, trying to sound detached even though your entire heart was upon your sleeve, “And I need your help.”

Behind the old woman, children zoomed back and forth of all species and ages. They laughed and played jovially, unaware of the chaos outside. This place was an Orphanage, one you visited quite often with what little money you had left after Vince’s paychecks. You never allowed the Orphanage Keeper to tell you her name for her own sake, but she’d made it clear that she would be at your service should you ever need it.

You needed it now.

The Keeper looked down at the young girl who still held your hand in a tight grip and hummed, “She’ll fit right in, the guards won’t even know the difference.”

Relief broke over you, and you turned from The Keeper to stoop down in front of the confused child. 

“What’s happening?” The young girl interrogated, her voice quivering.

“This place is safe for you, The Orphanage Keeper will take good care of you. She’ll make sure you find a home and lead a normal life.”

She caught on to your tone quickly, realizing you were going to leave her here. She began to shake her head and back up from the doorway, “No, you can’t leave me. Please don’t leave me!”

Your heart shattered. Those words had haunted your own soul since you were just as old as she is. They’ve bounced around in your memories in ways you’ll never be able to put into words. To hear them come from her…Tears you did not try to hide fought their way to your gaze as you grasped the young girl’s shoulders.

“They won’t look for you, they’ll be too busy hunting me. As long as you’re near me, you will not be safe,” You explained, smiling sadly at the girl and tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, “We’ll see each other again, I just know it”

The girl sniffled, but nodded and slowly stepped away from you. The Keeper smiled down at the child, extending her hand, “Come, little one. Go on inside, I’ll be in soon to show you where you’ll be staying.”

With one last look back at you, the young girl turned and walked into the Orphanage. You stood slowly, watching her retreat into the building of laughing children. When she didn’t look back to you after that, you knew that she’d survive, that she’d make it. 

“I have a ship. It’s old and hasn’t been run in ages, but it’ll get you off-world.”The Keeper’s rushed words snapped you back to reality and you looked up at her. Nodding, you ran a hand through your hair and gathered yourself back together. 

“Don’t go to the Outer Rim,” The Keeper continued, rummaging through the small compartment by the door before she pulled out a small bag, “He’ll look there first. Try Coruscant, it’s swarming with New Republic. Vince wouldn’t dare go there.”

You nodded swiftly, your mind swimming with the rising surrealness of the perilous situation. Before you could turn and leave into the dark of night, The Keeper stepped forward and pressed the small bag into your palm. With furrowed brows, you looked down to your hand to inspect the small gift. Realizing exactly what was inside, you gazed back up at the woman sharply with wide eyes.

“You can’t give this to me, I can’t take this. It’s too much,” You rambled, trying to push the bag of credits back to The Keeper. She simply closed her weathered hands around yours and pushed the bag back towards you with a smile.

“This does not even begin to make up for all of the support you’ve given me over the years,” She rasped, tears glistening in her eyes as she realized exactly what you already know. 

This was goodbye. You would not see her again. 

“Thank you,” You breathed, knowing if you spoke any louder you'd be choking on tears. You were thanking The Orphanage Keeper for more than the credits in your hand. Through the years, no matter what horrors you committed for Vince and his gang, this Orphanage always reminded you of the light that still flickered in your soul. It reminded you that you were good. 

“May the Force be with you,” The Keeper blessed, and your heart squeezed at the unfamiliar words. 

“And with you.”

Then you turned and ran into the night, leaving behind the light of the Orphanage and its Keeper for good. It wasn’t long before you made it to the ship The Keeper told you about, and it’s even less time before you’re shooting up into the atmosphere and leaving the planet behind. As you set the ship’s coordinates to Coruscant, your mind raced. 

How far will Vince go to get you back? To repay your betrayal in blood as you knew he would? 

Before you could even come up with an answer of your own, the bracelet on your wrist beeped with an incoming message. You extended your hand out before you, brows furrowed and pulse slowly picking up. The hologram that lit up in your palm knocked the breath from your lungs and sent your heart into a dangerous rhythm. 

The crackling hologram was simple and straightforward, projected not directly towards you, but to every known crime syndicate member and bounty hunter. 

It was a picture of your face, your lips turned up at the very edge in the beginning of a smile. The words below sealed your fate.

“Y/N Y/L/N—WANTED ALIVE

BOUNTY—2 MILLION NEW REPUBLIC CREDITS”

|||

The wind cracked like a whip against your skin as you ran. 

“You can’t run forever!” The shrill, sardonic shout of the Hunter made your fear spike as you sprinted through the crowded streets of Coruscant.

You would think that a New Republic-crowded planet like this one would mean at least one bystander extended their help as you so clearly ran for your life. Even these citizens and their senators knew the price of your bounty, though, and they did not raise a finger to help you. 

Probably the entire force of the Guild was after you considering how high Vince was willing to pay to get you back. With that high a bounty, odds were that no one was going to help you.

This particular Hunter was alone, a grateful difference from the last few that had come after you. Most had decided to come in groups and split the bounty, which made them much more difficult to elude considering you weren’t the stealthiest person alive. 

You ran desperately through the crowd that parted for you. Eventually you’d have to go back into the peril of open, abandoned areas, so you took advantage of the crowd as much as you could. You could see the end of the crowd in the distance, though, and knew that it was only a matter of time before the chase was just you and the Hunter and a stretch of open space between.

As you shoved through the last of the crowd that had kept the Hunter from firing his stun shots, you heard his voice ring out through the air, “No more hiding, sweetheart!”

Your eyes scanned desperately for another way out, for an escape plan or any plan really. Not having much of a choice, you took a hard right and sprinted into an alley. As a show to your incredibly bad luck, you found it to be a dead end. 

“Shit!” You panted, turning so fast on your heel that your shoes groaned against the pavement. You stumbled to a quick halt as you found the panting Bounty Hunter blocking your way out. 

“Vince Hanon wants you alive,” He mused, a slow smile spreading across his lips, “He didn’t say how alive.”

The Hunter raised his stun blaster and fired, but you’re expecting it and have already dive-rolled to the side. The shot soared past you, crackling as it did, and you wasted no time to see how close it came before you were on your feet and charging at the Hunter. With a war cry, you shoved the Hunter with your entire body weight before he could get another shot out. He grunted as he crashed into the wall, leaving the exit open for you to sprint out. 

You did so with a pounding heart, your mind racing to come up with as many plans as you can. You raced down the sparsely populated street, your mind speeding for a solution. 

If I can just make it into an outlet, then I-

A crackling fire erupted in your back and exploded across the entirety of your body. With a cry of pain, you dropped to the floor and could barely move your head to see the blue energy crackling across your being. Your body convulsed under the stun shot, momentarily paralyzed. 

No. No, no, no, no. This can’t be it.

The pounding of footsteps slowed as they approached your downed form. You looked up in rage and terror at the Bounty Hunter. He shoved his blaster back into its holster and shook his head down at you.

“What a pity,” He uttered, smiling that slick, nauseating smile again, “I was going to take it easy on you. But now?”

You thought quickly of everything you could offer the Hunter that was more valuable than two million credits. Desperation rang through you as you came up empty. 

“Please,” Your voice shook pathetically at the last attempt to save yourself, and tears gathered in your eyes. You could feel your body slowly come back under your control and you slid back and away from the Hunter. You hated this, you hated begging for your life. 

I can’t go back, was all you could think, I can’t let him have me again.

“I like it when you beg,” The Hunter mused, walking ever so slowly towards your downed, retreating form. He was taunting you, and you both knew it. 

When he finally reached you, he crouched and grabbed you by your legs, sliding you towards him. 

“No!” You bellowed, thrashing wildly in his grip as he pinned you with his weight, “You bastard! Let me go!” 

All sense and reason had left you. Begging wasn’t going to work and it only made him happier, so you wouldn’t try it again. All you had left was a burning terror in your gut of what would happen if Vince got you back. So, you fought the Hunter with all of the fire you had left. 

The first slam of his fist into your cheek made blood spray from your now-busted lip. He couldn’t secure both of your hands in time to stop you from clawing at his face. You couldn’t fight well, but you could do that. His shout of pain was music to your ears, but he quickly secured your fists with one hand and continued his onslaught with the other.

“Stupid bitch,” He panted between hits, making stars dance in your vision, “Barely worth the two million”

Those words shouldn’t have wounded you, but you couldn't stop the hurt that exploded in your chest. With unbridled emotions, you spit a mouthful of blood up at the Hunter. He reared back in disgust, wiping your blood off of his face and peering down at you in pure hate.

“Just for that,” Is all he said as he pulled out the stun blaster. Your eyes widened a fraction and you could barely turn your cheek to brace for impact when the sound of a blaster exploded through the air.

But it never hit you. 

Suddenly, the weight of the Hunter on you slid off and you turned your head up to see him crumpling to the ground with a burning hole in his chest. 

Pure dumb luck. 

Hope bursted through you as you scrambled to your feet and delivered an extra kick to the corpse, spitting more of your blood down on him before wiping it off your mouth with the back of your hand. You glanced up, looking around curiously for the one who fired and saved you. 

Your gratitude died when your eyes found him. 

The world slowed to an almost stop as panic, real and true, constricted your chest. Shining, dark silver beskar gleamed at you in the burning afternoon sunlight. He stood like an angel of death not thirty paces from you. You knew who he was, everyone knew who he was in your line of work.

The Mandalorian. Perhaps the best Bounty Hunter in the Guild, and the most ruthless.

He wasn’t saving you, he was taking your bounty for himself. 

You stumbled back, your entire body aching but your mind screaming at you to go, run!

The Mandalorian began to stalk towards you and you turned, breaking out into a desperate run. You could only limp, though, and you knew he’d be upon you before you could stop him. You glanced back as you continued your pathetic excuse for a run, and your heart missed a beat when you saw he had almost caught up to you. Turning your head back forward, tears swam in your vision. 

No, your mind repeated again and again and again, No, no, no

You couldn’t outrun him, you couldn’t outsmart him, you couldn’t overpower him. You were done. You were done, and the desperation in your chest revealed that you knew it.

Your exhaustion almost overpowered your adrenaline and you stumbled into the wall of a nearby building, bracing yourself against it as you tried to keep moving. Practically feeling his domineering presence behind you, your eyes searched the building’s edge for a weapon. The best you could find was an abandoned speeder wrench. You grasped the long tool in your trembling hand and whipped around, swinging the wrench with all of the strength you had left. 

Your heart faltered as the Mandalorian caught your wrist with ease, looking down at you with that emotionless, daunting helmet of beskar. His grip was tight, but not bruising, on your wrist, and you dropped the wrench. You watched his free hand grab a small device on his weapons belt, and you knew immediately it was some sort of stunning device similar to the other Hunter’s.

“Don’t do this.” You knew your plea fell on deaf ears, but you had to try, “Please don’t do this, I can’t go back.”

His head tilted down at you, but he didn't say a word. The warmth of his hand seeped through the gloves he wore and burned into your skin as he held your wrist. A tear slipped down your cheek, searing its path across your skin. You could feel yourself give up. 

You’d been running alone for nearly a week and had barely slept a combined total of three hours. Your body couldn’t take anymore, your soul can’t take anymore. 

“Just kill me,” You suddenly begged, another tear slipping down, “If you’re gonna bring me in, just kill me. Please kill me, please.”

This seemed to stun the Mandalorian, because his grip on your wrist loosened slightly. The hand holding the stun device stalled and you heard him take in a breath.

“What?” The word was so simple and so low that you almost missed it, but the rumble of his gruff, modulated voice struck to your very chest. There was something in that voice…something you couldn’t quite place. 

Something that made you think he might honor your request, that he might listen. 

“Kill me,” You pleaded again, bringing the hand he didn’t hold to press against his beskar chest plate, “Don’t let him have me alive, I’d rather die. Please kill me,”

There was a charge in the air between you two that confused you, and you blamed it on the delusions your panic was causing. With his hand still holding your wrist and your hand on the cool metal plating his chest, you practically leaned all of your exhausted weight onto him. You could barely stand anymore, and you shut your eyes, turning your head and waiting for his killing blow. 

Death was better than Vince Hanon. 

You waited and waited and waited, but the blow never came. 

“I’m not going to kill you,” The Mandalorian murmured, his voice like gravel and deceivingly soothing to your soul. Pure desperation makes another tear slip down your cheek as you open your eyes that are so, so tired. 

“No,” Is all you could make out, lifting your exhausted gaze to his helmet. 

“I’m not gonna turn you in, either.”

His words sent a shot of confusion through your soul. 

“What?” You breathed, your brows furrowed. 

“I won’t turn you in,” The Mandalorian repeated, his voice sounding just as confused as you, but with an edge of a vow that made you believe him. 

“Thank you,” You mumbled, the adrenaline that had kept you awake for nearly an entire week seeping out of your system, “Thank you”

It probably was not smart, but you couldn’t stop your body from giving in to the need to sleep. You collapsed, your eyes slipping shut and your mind already shutting down into that blissful abyss of rest. As your body slipped to the floor, you felt strong, warm arms catch you. Suddenly, you felt yourself being lifted and pressed into cool metal. 

“I’ve got you,” The Mandalorian vowed, his voice uncertain but his soul remembering what it felt like trying to turn in the Child when he first hunted him down, “I’ve got you.”

The Mandalorian held your sleeping form close to his chest as he walked past the outskirts of the busy Coruscant town and near the shipyard where the Crest awaits. To be completely honest, he didn’t know what he was doing. He needed those credits, and it had been all too easy to find you considering how many Hunters were on your trail. 

Din stood there in the shadows of an alleyway, watching that Hunter take you down and approach your convulsing body. He watched with a blaster raised, ready to take the Hunter out and then claim your bounty instead. Din watched as you fought like a hellcat to be free, watched you spit your blood up at the Hunter. 

When he took out the Hunter, he wasn’t entirely sure if he’d done it to claim your bounty himself or save your life.

As he followed your limping form easily, not even having to run to catch up with you, he was so sure he’d collect your bounty. He had convinced himself he would, even after that familiar nagging of his conscience began. 

Then Din caught you, and you begged for death. 

Never before had a bounty done that, at least if he didn’t torture them for information first. Yet here you were, begging for death. Din had felt like a sort of Reaper as you sobbed and pleaded for your end, and suddenly he could not understand how the Reaper managed to fulfill those pleas. 

In that moment, peering into your tear-filled eyes and seeing the desperation, the fear that wasn’t directed at him, Din couldn’t do it. He couldn't kill you, and he sure as hell couldn't turn you in to Vince Hanon.

So now here he was, carrying you to his ship with the intent of helping you escape. 

It was stupid, Din knew that. He shouldn’t be doing this, he should have left you there on the street to fend for yourself. This wasn’t his problem. You weren’t his problem.But he just couldn’t. It was his biggest weakness, and everyone knew it. First with the kid, and now with you. Even now he couldn’t think of leaving you to fend for yourself, not as he looked down at your sleeping form cuddled into his chest as if you had never been held before.

Maybe you hadn’t, just as he hadn’t in a long while. 

Ultimately, that was why Din let you cling to him in your oblivious sleep when he would have shoved almost anyone else off.

And it was in that moment that Din Djarin knew he was screwed.

|||

When you woke up, you didn’t recognize your room. 

For a moment you stayed perfectly still, knowing that your memories would supplement the answer eventually. As you sat up slowly, you took in the cot you lay upon in the small room. 

A ship, you determined. 

That’s when the events of when you were awake came rushing back—the Bounty Hunter on Coruscant, nearly getting caught, the Mandalorian. 

The Mandalorian…saving your life. 

Why would a Bounty Hunter save you? 

Instantly, doubt began to creep into your mind. Reason took over for desperation now that you were rested and in a Bounty Hunter’s ship. The Mandalorian was one of the best in the Guild, he would have said anything to get you onto his ship. He had to be on his way to Vince right now. 

With a wary mind, you got off of the bed slowly. You tried to be as silent as possible, but failed horribly, as you crept out of the small room you were just sleeping in. As the door to the room slid open, you were met with the hull of a ship. It was relatively clean, but had small clusters of scrap metal and assorted belongings in corners of the room. To your right, as you glanced up, was a ladder leading to what had to be the cockpit. 

He was probably up there right now. 

Your breath was shallow, but you took your time to scan the ship warily. You paused upon a good-sized metal cabinet in the back. If there were any weapons in this ship, that’s where they would be. You walked up to the cabinet quietly, looking back towards the ladder to make sure the Mandalorian wasn’t coming down. As your fingers reached towards it, your mind was racing with plans. 

You’d never beat him in any sort of combat, but if you could sneak up and surprise-

A choked gasp broke out of your mouth as a strong hand grabbed your shoulder and flipped you around. In an instant, you were pressed up against the metal cabinet with a beskar-coated arm barring your throat hard enough to keep you in place, but not enough to cut off your air supply. 

“You really think that was gonna work?” He ground out, cocking his head down at you. Your chest was heaving with breath as you looked up at him, desperately trying to look tough. 

“Did you really think I was going to let you deliver me to Vince without a fight?” You rasped back, your eyes lit with fire as you stared into the abyss of that beskar helmet. 

“Deliver you to-” The Mandalorian stopped his sentence, sounding almost disgruntled as his arm loosened at your throat, “I told you I wouldn’t. I keep my promises.”

“How do I know that?” You countered, suddenly trying to ignore the burning heat of his arm against your throat, even with his armor in the way, “How do I know you’re not gonna say anything to keep me docile before delivering me to him?”

The Mandalorian stopped for a moment, but even as he did your words felt wrong. A part of you, deep within your chest, knew you could trust him. But you were raised to trust no one, so you ignored the intuition and stood your ground.

There was a thick silence as you waited for his response, but it was anything but silent. You were all too aware of how close his body was pressed to yours, of the heat that radiated off of him and the charge in the air. 

“If I wanted to turn you into Vince Hanon, you’d already be there,” The Mandalorian finally reasoned, stepping back from you and dropping his arm as if he too realized the intimacy of your position, “You slept for two and a half days, you can check if you think I’m lying.”

A part of you wanted to check just to spite him, but as much as you hated to admit it, you believed him. You stayed with your back against the metal cabinet and observed the Bounty Hunter.

“Where are we going, then?” You inquired, the skepticism heavy in your tone. 

“Serenno.” His reply was short and clipped, but you still visibly reacted.

“Serenno?” You retorted, already shaking your head, “That’s Outer Rim. I won’t-”

The Mandalorian cut you off, taking only one menacing step towards you, but it was enough to make your words die.

“You tried the populated, New Republic planet and obviously that didn’t work for you. Vince probably has men crawling through that sector now, so the Outer Rim is our best bet.”

Our? The word came off of his tongue so naturally that it struck a chord deep in your chest. “I was advised to stay away from there. Vince has men patrolling for me there. Why would it be any better now?” You cut back. 

“Because now you have me.” 

He didn’t raise his voice, didn[t even sound pissed off, but there was something in his words that sent a chill running down your spine. An arrogant man would say those words carelessly, and you knew exactly what it sounded like coming from them. But The Mandalorian? He wasn’t arrogant. He was sure, and for reasons you didn’t want to unpack just yet, it made your heart miss half of a beat. 

“If you’re gonna make it out of this, you have to trust me,” He followed up. You almost laugh.

“That’s not happening,” You quipped, but your eyes told a different story. You didn’t want to stroke his ego by telling him that he was already the most trustworthy person you’d met in years. “How are we going to make it out of this anyway?”

There it was again. We. Why had you said ‘we’?

“Only one way that I see,” The Mandalorian responded, turning from you and walking over to a corner of junk on his ship, “Kill Vince Hanon.”

He said it so casually, but it didn/t stop the words from choking you from within. That should have sat easily with you considering what he had almost made you do before you betrayed him. And yet, after everything, you couldn’t fully convince yourself you’d land a final blow if the time came. 

There was a long silence, one that indicated the conversation was over. The Mandalorian turned to the ladder, ready to go back up to the Cockpit when you called out to him suddenly, almost desperately.

“Why are you helping me?”

He paused, his back to you as it had been for the last few minutes. He turned his head slightly in your direction, but didn't turn around. 

“I don’t know,” He grunted out, then turned and went up the ladder.

He was lying, you knew it the second he spoke. Vince trained you to see tells, and you could see them even through his helmet. You didn’t have time to ponder why he really was helping you when another door near to the one you were sleeping in slid open. 

You turned towards the noise, confusion and wariness springing up in your gut. You hadn’t known he had a crew, you had just assumed it was him alone in this ship. 

So, considering that, surprise isn’t quite the right word to describe what flashed through you when you watched a child walk out of the room.

“What the-” You breathed, your words dying out on your own as the small, green toddler stopped outside of his room and looked up at you with massive, dark eyes. 

Before you could even call out to the Mandalorian, you hear a rushed curse followed by the thud of his feet slamming against the ship’s flooring as he jumped from the ladder. Suddenly, the beskar-coated Bounty Hunter is storming over and scooping the child up into his massive arms. 

“What are you doing out, kid?” He scolded softly, but even you could hear the tenderness in his voice—the mark of a father. At least, what you imagined a father would be like.

The child tilted his head up at the daunting, death-bringing Mandalorian and smiled, reaching out with his tiny hands out to the Hunter. You could hear The Mandalorian sigh in resignation, tucking the child close into his body, “You make it hard to be mad at you, kid. You know that?”

Watching this angel of Death, the Hunter who almost became your reaper, cuddle a small child to his chest with those hands scarred with blood and murder…you could feel your heart melting.

You knew instantly that you were in trouble, serious trouble. 

The Mandalorian turned to you, holding the child close, “It seems I have a knack for sparing the bounties I’m given.”

Surprise skittered across your face as you took in the meaning in his words. Any small amount of doubt in your safety with this Mandalorian suddenly dissipated into ash. You’d never tell the Hunter that, but you couldn’t deny that his word was good. He said was going to help you, and that’s what he was going to do. 

“Cute kid,” You managed to get out, not being able to stop the smile that grew onto your lips, “He’s lucky to have you for a father.”

The daunting, ever-stoic Mandalorian suddenly seemed to grapple with his words, and it takes more effort than you’d like to admit to keep the amused smile on your lips from turning into a laugh. 

“I’m not his blood, I’m just watching out for him.” He finally settled on. 

Something haunted and broken suddenly speared into your chest, and you knew from the way the Mandalorian’s back stiffened and head tilted that it passed across your face. With a smile that’s sad and built with years of heartache, you locked your gaze with the Bounty Hunter that spared you.

“A father isn’t always bound by blood,” You nearly whispered, breaking away from his gaze and reaching up to run a soft, caressing finger across the child’s large ear. He giggled, leaning into your touch. You smiled wider, this one less sad than before. 

“He’s a lot to handle isn’t he?” You asked. The Mandalorian stiffened, seeming defensive. 

“No. He’s actually-”

“I was talking about you, Mando,” You interrupted, looking away from the kid’s large eyes and up to the Mandalorian with a raised brow. He cocked his head down at you.

“Careful, I can still turn this ship around and take you to Vince,” He threatened, but you knew now that he never would. Somehow, you just knew that. 

“Sure you will,” You taunted, smiling up at him before taking a step back from the kid who reached after you, “What’s your name anyways, Mandalorian? Or am I expected to call you Mando for the rest of our lovely time together?”

“Why would I give you that?” He asked, his voice like gravel and silk all at once. He was a siren and you were a sailor—blissfully doomed from the start.

“Because you already have mine,” You reasoned, alluding to the bounty he took on you, “It’s only fair.”

He paused for a moment that stretched on long enough for you to know that he wasn’t going to give it. You nodded in response, clicking your tongue “Mando it is.”

You turned, walking towards the ladder that led up to the cockpit. You made it up a few rungs when his voice stopped you.

“Din.”

You froze, taking a few seconds to comprehend what he just said. With your back to him, you didn’t stop the smile that grew onto your lips. 

“Thanks for saving my ass, Din,” You called back, before continuing up the ladder. It was so soft that you almost missed it, but Din chuckled quietly to himself below. The sound traveled down your spine and turned your heart molten.

You definitely were in trouble. 

Then again, you always loved trouble anyways. 

|||

The sun hung low in the sky, slinging the last of its light across the tops of mountains and through the lush rainforests stretching between the settlements of Serenno. As you and Din left the Razor Crest in a clearing and trekked towards a nearby city, there was a smile you could not stop from breaking free.

It wasn’t long lasting, for the moment the illusion of peace settled over your shoulders, the Mandalorian’s words were quick to remind you of the truth.

“Stay close to me. Don’t wander off, don’t go anywhere on your own. Keep your eyes open, and if you see anything tell me.” His voice was low and even and perhaps the most daunting sound you’d ever encountered. There was something so dangerous in the smooth, controlled tone modulated by his mask. It almost made you nod in easy compliance. 

“I think you’re forgetting I’m used to this life, Mando,” You insisted, walking harder than you’d like to admit to keep up with his pace as the two of you entered the city, “I don’t need you controlling my every step. I know how to take care of myself.”

“Yeah? That worked out so well for you on Coruscant.” Din fired back at you, his voice not even ratcheting up in volume an inch. He didn’t even look over at you as he sauntered down the main street of the city. As the two of you walked, every stare that slipped your way left just as swiftly when they caught sight of the Mandalorian. 

“I survived longer on my own than most would. I’m not saying I don’t need your help, just that I’m not a child for you to boss around.” 

That seemed to strike a chord in his chest as he suddenly stopped and grabbed ahold of your arm, tugging you to a stop so abruptly that you stumbled right into him. Din steadied you with a hand on either arm, holding you so close that you had to crane your neck up to meet his unflinching helmet peering down at you.

“You think you can make it without me? Go ahead, leave.” He growled, finally showing a touch of emotion in his voice. You lifted your chin to meet his gaze, trying to ignore that way your heart could not seem to find an easy rhythm this close to Din. His words sent ice shooting through your chest, but much to your surprise, you found fire dancing up to tangle with it. You didn’t know whether to be intimidated or infatuated with him in this moment, and that thought was what jolted you back to reality. You stayed silent in response, because you knew the truth.

You would be dead within hours without the Mandalorian.

“That’s what I thought,” Din gritted out, his eyes sweeping over your figure for another moment before he let you go and began to walk away, “Now come on. We need supplies.”

You followed hastily, your eyes scanning the city for signs of hunters tracking you. As you struggled to think of anything besides the impact of Din’s words on you, Din stormed as far ahead of you as he could without leaving you completely behind. All the while, Din was trying to shove down the relief that you hadn’t taken his words seriously and left. The words had come out of his mouth, but within, Din had been begging you to see through the lie that they already were. 

What terrified Din most was that he had practically just met you and yet he knew exactly what you could become to him should he not be careful. It was a fact that was hard to ignore when he looked at you and realized that you were the sun and him the moon—a mere reflection of the beauty before him. 

Din shook his head to rid the thought, but to no avail. Instead, he grew grumpier and tried to increase the space between the two of you.

Trying to diffuse the tension, you jogged up to stay close to the Mandalorian and sighed, “So, what do we need to get?”

“Food, blankets, ammunition, anything else we’ll need to camp out here for a while,” Din responded. And, without even looking over at you, he spoke again.

“And we need to get you new clothes.”

You scoffed in surprise, looking down at your bloody and torn clothes. He was right, but it didn’t make you any less angry about it. You stormed after him, your fists clenched. 

“You’re one to talk, Mando.” You retorted, catching up to him in time to hear his low chuckle. Immediately, your poor, unknowing heart stumbled at the sound and you found yourself once again, unable to be angry with the Bounty Hunter. 

“That was a joke,” You realized, looking over at Din with surprised eyes, “Since when do you make jokes?”

He didn’t respond to that, just kept leading the way deeper into the town, “Get a move on, trouble. Can’t spend too long in town considering your luck.”

You followed with a small smile on your lips. It took hours to gather all that you needed to camp out on Serenno, and when Din finally began to turn and head back to the Crest, you almost cried in relief. Your arms ached with all of the wares you helped carry, and you were well past the exit of the city when Din finally began to explain to you the plan.

“We’ll hide out here for now. It’s quiet enough,” He assured, the Razor Crest coming into view as the two of you delved into the dense rainforest just before the clearing where it was parked, “Once we come up with a solid plan to take out Vince, we’ll move.”

Once again, the notion of ‘taking out’ the Zeltron who raised you struck you harder than it should have. You were able to hide it earlier, but as you exited the last of the trees obscuring the Crest, Din did not miss the way you went uncharacteristically silent. He didn’t say anything at first, and you thought he might let it go. As the two of you boarded the Crest and dropped the supplies onto the floor, the kid walked out of the room his crib sat in and looked up at you with wide, excited eyes. You couldn’t help but smile. 

“Hello there,” You cooed, stooping down and picking him up, “Glad to see you missed me already.”

The child giggled in response, babbling some nonsense that you couldn’t quite understand. You felt the Mandalorian’s presence before you saw him, especially with how the attention of the child immediately switched to over your shoulder. You turned, not even meeting Din’s stare as you handed him his kid. The little one went happily, grabbing onto his caretaker as if he were anything but a feared Bounty Hunter. You smiled at the child before turning and walking with the clothes Din had bought you to your makeshift room to change. Before you could make it in, though, his voice called out to you.

“You don’t want to kill him.” Not a question, a statement. 

So much for that.

Confliction tearing through you, you turned around and faced the Mandalorian and his child once again. Your eyes darted from the Mandalorian’s beskar helmet to the small child he held so close in his arms, and then back again. You could do little to hide the brokenness lingering in your gaze.

“I know it’s wrong,” You whispered, not fully understanding why you were being so vulnerable with this stranger, “I hate him. It should be easy to want him dead. It would solve all of my problems. But…”

The words you couldn’t say spoke just as loudly in silence as they would have in the air. 

For a moment, you feared Din would push the matter and force the truth of your past out. Instead, he sighed and set down the kid, “Get changed. I’ll have a meal ready when you’re done.”

And that was that. He turned and walked away, going to do as he said. You stared for a moment in surprise that quickly shifted into a deep gratitude that spilled into your aching chest cavity. Din hadn’t forced you to say anything. He’d seen you were uncomfortable and he had let it go. 

This Mandalorian was not who you thought he was, who he looked to be at first glance. With every passing day you spent with him, you realized your first impression could not have been further from the truth. With every day, you were proven more wrong about him in the best way possible.

And with every day, you wished you weren’t wrong at all. 

Because how were you supposed to leave him in the end if you kept finding reasons to want to stay? 

|||

It had now been weeks since you’d joined Din and the two of you had settled on Serreno. 

In order to continue funding living while the two of you grappled with the best way to stop Vince and his bounty on you, Din had taken up a few smaller, low-profile bounties. He was careful not to pick up anything too forward since Vince had most likely noted by now that the two of you were together considering the debacle of Coruscant all those weeks ago. 

And every time he went on a hunt, you found a way to join him. 

At first, it was surprisingly easy to convince the Mandalorian to let you accompany him on his hunt. You’d claimed it was for your safety and that it was best to be with him whenever you could. After the first few, though, Din grew reluctant to let you come. He now considered the hunts more dangerous than staying in the Crest with the Child. You were running out of excuses to go with him, because you would not dare tell him the truth. 

You wouldn’t dare to imagine the pity spreading across his face beneath that daunting mask that had become almost home to you when he found out the truth. In the time you’d spent together, you had fallen into a sort of routine. Wake up, plot and plan, go into town for hunts, execute those hunts. He’d taught you basic combat skills, his gloved hands leaving traces of fire where they corrected your form, and Din had even begun to eat in front of you, just lifting up the bottom of his mask to do so and allowing you to see his strong jaw and lips. 

Those lips would haunt you night after night in dreams you could no longer control. To put a long story short, you’d grown attached. Hopelessly attached. And now, you couldn't help but be terrified of him leaving and not returning. 

Just as your parents had all those years ago. 

The fear was irrational and you knew it. Din was a man of his word and he’d promised you he would see you through this bounty and so you knew that he would. And yet, with the attachment that had grown rather quickly between the two of you, so too grew a fear of losing someone you lo-

Your thoughts stalled on the next word, and with a bolt of butterfly-filled fear in your gut, you amended the word. 

Care for. A fear of losing someone you care for. 

After all, if your parents—the only people in the galaxy who were meant to love you unconditionally—could leave you, so could the Mandalorian. 

Your thoughts were once again interrupted by the sound of Din walking out of his chambers, adjusting a piece of his beskar armor. He struggled with the piece, cursing it out roughly beneath his breath as an amused smile traipsed onto your lips. 

“Need some help?” You called out, lifting an eyebrow at him. His gaze snapped to yours and he huffed.

“No,” He rumbled. You hummed, standing to your feet and walking over to him.

“Sure you don’t.” You did not wait for him to object as you grabbed his shoulders and shoved him down into a chair nearby and began to work on the beskar shoulder plate.

“I can do it,” Din informed rather defeatedly.

You laughed softly, “I know you can, big guy.”

Your fingers worked with the plate of metal until you realized he had strapped it on wrong. Swiftly and deftly, you removed it and were just about to replace it when you noticed a jagged cut in his shirt beneath. The cut revealed a patch of tanned skin with an equally long and jagged cut on it that was now red and inflamed. You sucked in a breath sharply.

“What the hell Din? Why didn’t you mention you got hurt on the hunt yesterday?” You pressed, quickly setting down the beskar plate and rushing for a med kit, “It’s probably infected by now!”

“I can barely feel it,” Din defended, but surprisingly stayed in the chair as you grabbed the kit you were looking for and jogged back over to him, “Besides, I was going to put some bacta spray on it later and-”

“Bacta, really?” You cut in, shaking your head at the bounty hunter, “Is that your solution to everything? Put bacta on it?”

He shrugged, “Worked so far.”

Shaking your head, you grumbled your disapproval as you peeled back his shirt to see the extent of the laceration on his arm. Noting that it wrapped around slightly to the front, you moved to stand before the seated Mandalorian to get a better access to the cut. As your fingers danced along the injury, his skin was impossibly hot to your touch. 

Because of a fever, you convinced yourself as you opened the med kit and looked around for a surface to set it down on. Noticing your search, Din patted his lap with his hand. 

The movement made you actually stutter for a moment. It was a harmless offer, but the sight of it sent shockwaves tumbling through you. With a clouded mind, you set down the med kit on his thigh on the side opposite to his injured arm. He kept the kit braced with his free hand as you stepped between his legs to get closer to his injured arm.

You wished you could say that you didn’t even notice the position as you began to apply disinfectant to the cut, but it seemed to be the only thing on your mind. Din’s body heat bolted into you with how close you were to him and the scent of his soap that still lingered along his body dizzied your mind and reminded you of star-filled nights and rustling trees. 

As you looked away from the injury and to the med kit, you grabbed the stitching needle and expertly began to suture his cut closed. You threaded the first stitch through his skin swiftly and without warning, making him suck in a sharp breath before you and instinctively grab onto your lower waist with the hand not bracing the med kit. 

You gasped softly at the unexpected contact and looked down, an apologetic look crossing your distracted, breathless features, “Sorry, should’ve warned you.”

Din shook his head, clearing his throat, “No, I’m good. Keep going.”

Yet his hand lingered on your waist. 

As you began to stitch up his cut, every free part of your mind was centered on that large, strong hand that rested ever so lightly on your waist. When you were about halfway through the stitch, the tense silence was finally broken.

“Where did you learn how to do all this?” Mando asked, his voice sounding ever so slightly strained. 

“Whenever Vince’s fighters would come back from missions, I’d help patch them up where I could. Our healer trained me in a few vital skills while he worked,” You narrated, your voice airy and light as your fingers worked with the needle, “I was always good with the difficult cases because I’d tell them stories while we worked and it kept them distracted. I never could fight well, but I sure as hell could talk.”

“I know you can,” Din mumbled, making a surprised laugh break through you. You looked down at him, peering into the dark reaches of his beskar helmet that looked up at you.

“Careful teasing me, Mando. I’m the one with a needle in your arm.”

He released a low, soft laugh and his hand on your waist tightened the smallest bit. That was the end of the conversation, but it was the beginning of something else entirely. No longer did your attraction live chiefly in your dreams plagued with beskar and a voice so alluring it haunted you. You were awake, and you were sure you’d never been awake until this moment.

It was too much—the attraction, the tension, the dependency you were beginning to build up for him. 

Din Djarin was like the hit of a drug or a breath of sweet air or the touch of nectar to the tongue—now that you’d known him, felt him, heard his laugh, you could never want for anything but him and it would never be enough until you had more.

“All done,” You whispered, putting the med kit back together and closing it. With the wound dressed and his beskar plate in place, Din stood from his perch before you could step back. The hand he had at your waist stayed there for a moment, keeping you from running away. 

With his hulking presence before you and the way he peered down at you silently through his beskar helmet, you nearly forgot your own name. Your breaths were shallow and your heart raced in its cage of bones. Standing there, looking up at Din with your chest almost touching his, you knew. 

You knew that when this was over, you couldn’t leave him. You wouldn’t leave him. You were suddenly unaware of how you’d gone the entirety of your life without him, let alone how you’d continue it after this was over. You felt as if Din was tethered to the breath in your lungs, the beat of your heart, the firing of your thoughts. 

And for the life of you, you could not figure out how such a deep, ardent connection had taken root in your soul for someone you’d only known for a few months. It did not make sense, and somehow that was the beauty of it. These feelings were not explainable or rational, they were anything but. And that thrilled you just as much as it made you frightened that he’d walk out the door just like your parents had.

You wouldn’t recover from it this time. 

“Din-”

You were cut off by the sound of the small, green child waddling up to the two of you and babbling something you could not understand. As if a knife had quartered down the moment between Din and you, the both of you stepped back instantly. His hands left your waist and yet you could still feel the phantom of their touch. 

Din sighed as he stooped down and gathered the kid in his arms, “I know kid, we gotta get you something to eat.”

“I swear that child has the largest appetite,” You mused, a smile lighting your lips as you looked at the vulnerable youngling in the rough, intimidating arms of the Mandalorian. 

For a moment, you wondered what it felt like to be in his arms, held close and safe like that. 

“What are we gonna do with him for the hunt this afternoon?” You inquired, turning and securing the blaster Din had gotten you onto your belt, “And don’t even start the lecture on how we should be getting serious about our Vince planning. I know it seems like I’m being avoidant but if I just had a little more time then…”

You allowed your voice to trail off when you noticed the different kind of silence filling the crest. With furrowed brows, you turned to see Din tucking in the child to his crib. A sigh sounded from his modulator as he stepped back and checked his weapons, not even being able to look up to your gaze. 

“Din?” 

He paused, and the silence made your stomach twist. Finally, he looked up at you, “I need to do this hunt alone.”

For a moment, your brain would not grasp to compute the words, “What?”

“This is a dangerous one, and I’d feel better if you were here keeping the kid safe until I have it done.” 

It took every ounce of your energy to restrain the panic that immediately roared to life in response to the trauma-triggering words. The timing could not be worse for this conversation, not when you’d just been reminiscing on how haunted you were that he would walk just like your parents had. 

You managed to keep your face void of the telling emotions brewing within and shook your head, “Don’t be silly, Mando. If it’s really that dangerous, then I’ll just come with you.”

“No,” He urged, his voice stronger this time as he took a step closer to you, “I need you and the kid safe. I can’t ensure that if you’re out with me on a hunt like this.”

“I can hold my own,” You argued, trying and failing to keep the desperation from leaking into your voice, “I’ll just go with you and-”

“It is not safe for you out there. Vince’s bounty on your head keeps ratcheting up and everytime you leave this ship, your chances of being caught grow. I cannot risk that.” Din cut in, and even though he was grappling to keep the intense worry within his gut from spilling out, you were hopelessly battling the trauma-ingrained panic of what his words meant to you. 

He might have been looking out for your safety, but your irrational mind was already jumping to conclusions and you could not stop it. After all, Din had no ties to you besides a promise built on a foundation of good will and blind trust. What would really stop him from finding another ship and leaving you here? The Razor Crest was an aging ship anyways, and he had more than enough credits for an upgrade. 

“I’ll be back before you know it,” Mando assured, walking past you and towards the hatch that was now lowering and opening to the outside, “It shouldn’t take me all night, but if it does, don’t come hunting for me. I can’t risk you being caught.”

“Din, please don’t-”

Your words died as he walked down the hatch and off into the mid afternoon light. 

“Please don’t leave me,” You whispered to yourself.

If he’d spared just one moment to look at your face, Din would have seen the anguish there. He hadn’t looked, though, because something had changed so fundamentally within the bounty hunter when he’d stood so close to you just moments ago.

Din had peered down at you, taking in the beauty of your face and your very soul, and had realized the extent of what he’d do for you. More accurately, Din had realized that there were no limits to what he’d do, give, endure to ensure your safety. He’d always been a natural protector, but this was different. You were different. And Din knew that one more look into your haunted eyes would have him setting course for whatever shithole Vince Hanon lived in and slaughtering him just so you could live with a peace of mind. 

So Din kept walking, and left you in the Crest. He left you, not knowing that you did not believe he’d come back. He left you, unaware that you were already beginning to fray with the lies your mind was bellowing down upon you. 

He left you, and all you could think about was what would happen if you never saw him again.

[amailboxlemur]

Simon thoughts for season 3

My poor poor baby 💔💔💔💔

I love Simon. So much. And this season… he’s really going through it. Like the Erik bombshell really took over in episode 5 but up until then I genuinely think Simon was even more of a main character than Wille. I’m so glad they brought him back to the forefront this season.

Right off the bat, Simon is uncomfortable this season. He wants the trial? Settlement? Legal process? To just be over with. He hates that his classmates are staring at him. He wishes Wille gave him a heads up before the speech so he could have prepared himself.

His family life is a mess. Linda has finally clocked what’s going on and doesn’t trust him. Like I get it, he did steal and sell drugs. But also, he’s not using and more than anything he just got himself into a messed up situation. And it feels unfair that she missed what was going on for so long but now that she knows she’s acting like Simon is CURRENTLY drug dealing. Seeing him breakdown to Linda was absolutely heart wrenching, I’ve been waiting for the Simon breakdown and Omar did not disappoint.

And he’s not speaking to Sara. After doing everything to protect her for years she’s betrayed him in the worst way. I also think it’s interesting that they really leaned into SARA hating Micke and Simon only cut him off for her sake. After she comes home crying when Micke disappoints yet again it seems they’re on the path to mending their relationship but we’re not there yet.

Then there’s the online hate. It’s so easy to fall prey to the endless stream of negativity. Wille doesn’t understand, it’s always been his life and he’s probably at least somewhat accustomed to tuning it out. So Simon feels so alone in this. I also think the “the ones that like me only like me because I’m with wille” comment is very telling. It probably feels so fake and shallow to him. There’s also the “typical Latino” comment which… ick. I can’t imagine that’s the only comment of the sort out there.

So what does Simon do? He tries to carve out some positivity. He posts his song and receives some good comments immediately. He meets a young child who looks up to him. And gets a call right away from Wille that kind of… deflates his good mood. Why is Wille being left to “handle” Simon. And I can understand Wille trying to be gentle about it, but Simon just doesn’t understand the “rules” of the Royal court. It’s just an all around mess.

And then it gets worse. He starts getting hate comments even on his song. The kids at school are making fun of him. He even says he doesn’t love singing anymore which breaks my heart because music has always defined Simon. He gets a rock thrown through his window!! And the police are saying “ah yes, probably just a prank”.

No wonder he deletes his social media, no wonder he’s deleting himself. Nothing he does is right. The moment he gives in and joins the hillerska protest is so heartbreaking. From now on, these are the only ideals he gets to stand up for.

But he’s still insecure about his place with Wille. When Wille is distant after finding out about Erik, Simon immediately thinks he’s the problem, that he’s asking too many questions about what to wear to Wille’s birthday.

I want wilmon endgame. I believe in wilmon endgame. But Simon absolutely needed to take that pause at the end of episode 5. I hope they can save what they have without breaking up first. I hope they can have a genuinely honest all cards on the table conversation. I hope Simon can really let himself be fully vulnerable. And I hope to god wille listens, hears him and moves heaven and earth to make the situation better for Simon. Because the way it’s been going isn’t working.

I also can’t post this without a massive WOW to Omar’s acting this season. The role of Simon has always been complex but subtle. This season he really brings it with the big emotions.

[apomaro-mellow]

 Part Two of the Newly Wed Game

A/N: includes some slight homophobia via Mike in the first scene and has a bonus deleted scene at the end!

They managed to catch Mike before he blabbed anything and explained to him that at the time, they had not been a couple. Mike was skeptical.

“Dude, I swear. Eddie and I didn’t start being a thing until like, that night”, Steve said.

“Okay...”, Mike finally relented. He was sitting on Eddie’s couch while the older boys stood in front of him.

“So listen Mike”, Eddie started. “I probably don’t have to say this but it’s really important you keep this a secret.”

“What? Why? If anything, everyone should know. Half of us are wondering when you’re gonna get back with my sister and the other half are rooting for Robin. This is finally going to end the debate.”

“Mike, people can’t know about us”, Steve said.

He still looked confused and Eddie rubbed his face in his hands. “Us. As in two guys.”

“Oh. Oh! But you guys aren’t-I mean you aren’t like-You guys aren’t gay, you can’t be.”

They looked at him like he was an idiot but Mike was right. Gay people weren’t like Steve or Eddie they were...well, Mike never had to describe it but...bad. They were the people on the news, not people in his town. And certainly not people he knew.

“Mike Wheeler. Listen to me when I say this cause I’m only saying this once”, Eddie said. “I’m a queer. Have been, always will be. Steve is a pretty new development but if this is gonna be a problem for you-”

“It’s just-! A lot”, Mike said. “I never thought you....Either of you...” He looked down at his lap, suddenly contemplative. “It could be anyone, right?”

“Yes”, Steve said before smiling at Eddie. “But the people we trust can’t be just anyone.”

Mike rolled his eyes. “We’ve been keeping government secrets for years. I’m not about to blab about your love life.”

“Well apparently you have been!” Steve threw up his arms, still frustrated that people wanted him back with Nancy.

“Your secret’s safe with me”, Mike promised. “But can I ask one thing?”

Eddie was prepared for all sorts of salacious things to come out of Mike’s mouth about their sex lives but of course, the kid had to surprise him again.

“Why Steve?”

--------------------------------

True to his word, Mike kept the secret. He didn’t even act all that different around them, which was also great. What did shock them and the rest of the group was when he and El broke up.

“What are the odds”, Steve brought up one day while detangling Eddie’s hair. “That he tries to be gay because of you?”

“I think you’re overexaggerating Mike’s admiration of me.”

“Eddie, I’m starting to fear one day he’s gonna steal your skin.”

Mike had already been growing his hair out longer and longer. These days he was resembling Eddie more than Nancy or Holly.

“I think Mike might be as straight as they come, Steve.”

“Oh like you’re so good at telling.”

“I-!” Eddie paused. “....was blinded by denial. And you?”

Steve’s hands stopped moving and Eddie tilted his head back to look at him.

“I uh...yeah I didn’t really...think about it, I guess....”

“You didn’t think about it? About me being into dudes or not? And yet you were grinding in my lap in the back of my van?”

“I wasn’t grinding you!”, Steve blushed. Although it was certainly a moot point considering what they’d done since then. “I guess I just thought, I don’t know that even if you weren’t into guys, you’d be into me. 

Eddie turned completely at that, the springs of his mattress squeaking with the movement. “Stevie, baby, sweetheart, darlin’.”

“Oh god.” Steve covered his face with his hands. Right now he was wishing it was as long as Eddie’s so he could hide in it.

“Did you think your hotness was so mighty that it could transcend sexuality~?”

“Dude, I know how it sounds but-!”

“God I gotta tell Rob. Wait ‘til she h-” Eddie stopped and began to sober up. Because he couldn’t tell Robin.

Steve uncovered his face. “Eddie...I gotta tell Robin about us. Is that okay?”

“I was gonna ask you the same thing. Is it okay with you?” From Eddie’s perspective, Steve had more to lose. He was already the town pariah.

“Robin is safe”, Steve said. “Remember when we were drugged up by the Russians? She confided in me that she’s a supporter.”

“Hell of a thing to confess.”

“Yeah, well we talked about stupid shit too.”

“So you’re telling Robin?”, Eddie brought it back to the subject.

Steve nodded. He couldn’t believe he’d gone this long without telling her. And she was sure to give him hell when she found out.

And as it turned out, Hell: Presented by Robin Buckley turned out to be a full blown rant about how Steve just completely bypassed his sexuality crisis and jumped right into dating his soulmate while she was still chronically single. Anytime Steve tried to pipe up for any sort of argument, she jabbed a finger in his face and he shut up right quick.

“I mean, I knew the odds of me kissing a girl before you again were slim to none, but I wasn’t betting on boy. Jesus, I always found a way out of it for plays but you just go and lay one on Eddie like it’s nothing!”

With a final breath, she flopped against Steve and laid her head on his lap, exhausted from speaking non-stop for half an hour. Eddie was sitting next to Steve on the couch in the Harrington home, but was quickly getting jealous of Robin’s position.

“So you guys are serious?”

Steve beamed at Eddie. “Like a concussion.”

“Well, confetti for you two”, Robin said, fluttering her hands between their faces to simulate confetti and to also be annoying.

After that, it was a slow trickle of people finding out. First Steve absolutely had to tell Dustin. “The kid’s like my brother. And we told Mike, the douchiest of the bunch. Dustin will light my ass on fire if I don’t tell him.”

Eddie had to tell Wayne. “He already knows about me and he definitely told me to lock you down somehow.”

“I gotta tell Lucas. He’s a Cubs fan and that makes us blood.”

“Jeff saw me through my crisis and he thinks I might be relapsing into pining for guys outta my league. I gotta let him know there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Erica’s the only one of the Russian task force who doesn’t know. And I think we can trust that girl with anything.”

“Argyle and I were smokin’ and shootin’ the shit and he’s got some hunches about Will and I think maybe we should talk to him?”

Call it trust or call it being so in love you couldn’t help talking about the other person. But eventually everyone of their friends knew.

“Alright”, Mike started as the group cleaned up their D&D things so that they could set the table. “Now that everyone knows, can we talk about how weird it is?”

“How weird what is?”, Lucas asked.

“Steve and Eddie.”

“What’s wrong with Steve and Eddie?”, Dustin and Erica said in unison.

“Not like that! Jesus!”

“There’s kinda no other way to take it, man”, Lucas said.

“Don’t mind him”, Steve said, entering the room. “I’m just not up to his impossibly high standards to be dating Eddie.” He rounded to table to where his boyfriend was sitting at the head and set an open beer next to him.

“Well Steve, you may have been the king, but I am still the master.”

Steve leaned in close and whispered something and it only took the slightest change in Eddie’s expression for the kids to start groaning.

“Steve should be dating someone like...like Chris Hinkman”, Mike said.

Steve stood up straight. “Hinkman? That suck up in your bio class? I don’t date minors.”

Eddie couldn’t help the smile at the fact that Steve knew exactly who they were talking about, despite it being a freshman who he couldn’t have possibly known. He was just that attentive. “No, you’re just into dirty old men.”

While eating dinner, Dustin, ever the shit-stirrer, couldn’t help stirring up shit.

“I’m kinda curious now. Who do you think knows more about Steve? Robin or Eddie?”

There was a jumbled chorus of ‘Robin’s and ‘Eddie’s and the two in question issued challenging looks to each other.

“I’d say we probably contain...different knowledge on Steve”, Eddie said diplomatically.

“Is that your way of saying sex?”, Dustin asked.

“There are children present!”, Robin gestured to Erica.

“Yeah and she’d like to keep her appetite.”

Steve waved his fork at Eddie and Robin. “These two are like my left hand and my right hand. I don’t think I could be without either of them.”

Dustin pouted. “And what am I? Chopped liver?”

“Liver’s pretty appropriate, actually.”

Dustin threw his hands up. “You know what, I’ll take it.”

The dinner continued as usual. But a seed had been planted. One that would take root and grow until the final game to end all games.

Deleted scene A/N: This is during the bedroom scene and is kind of a fluffier more humorous scene before I remembered I wanted it to turn to them telling Robin and being a lil more serious. But I couldn’t get this scene outta my mind so here ya go!

Eddie turned completely at that, the springs of his mattress squeaking with the movement. “Stevie, baby, sweetheart, darlin’.”

“Oh god.” Steve covered his face with his hands. Right now he was wishing it was as long as Eddie’s so he could hide in it.

“Did you think your hotness was so mighty that it could transcend sexuality~?”

“I told you I only flirted with people who are into me. I just....” Steve dropped his hands and smiled at him. “I just knew somehow.”

“Somehow?”, Eddie grinned.

Steve’s embarrassment turned to something else as he smirked.

“Yeah. Like how I know you like listening to music when plotting your nerdy campaigns.” Steve tucked some hair behind Eddie’s ear. “Or how you have a special spot you like being scratched”, he said while doling out attention to that special spot on Eddie’s scalp.

Playing it up, Eddie thumped his foot like a spoiled pet.

“I think I know a few special spots of yours too”, he said before pushing Steve down onto the bed.

Part 4 END

Tag Team

@cassaloopa

@thefreakandthehair 

@bidisastersworld 

@eddiemunsonswife 

@mixsethaddams 

@lightwoodbanethings 

@darkwitchoferie 

@thebig-smoke 

@captain-daryn 

@hagbaby420 

@bribopper 

@mightbeasleep 

@beeing-stuupid 

@kill-me-in-my-dream 

@onionanddeadgaywizards 

@silversnaffles 

@ineffablecolors 

@urmomsbestie31 

@shinekocreator 

@thegingervulcan 

@hotluncheddie 

@spectrum-spectre @archerwithmanybows @henderdads @menamesniall @bornonthesavage @grtwdsmwhr @vi-the-best-you-can   @kardinalkalamity @leather-and-freckles @resident-gay-bitch @goodolefashionedloverboi @snowstar2368 @alienace

[brighter-by-the-daly]

Millie Bright x Reader

Around If You Need Me

Part of the Beth McCarthy mini series

Omg Did She Call Him Baby?

Did he fuck it up again?

I know that she needs a friend

But I want to be more than that

He's her type, he's a ten

When he messages I bet

Unlike me he doesn't get left unread

“Hey! What ya doing tomorrow, I haven’t seen you in ages?” you asked as soon as Millie answered the phone. “Oh hey (y/n/n), I’m out at the moment, can I call you back later?” her reply full of distraction. “Of course, yeah.. that’s fine, speak soon!” There wasn’t a reply as the line abruptly hung off after that. Flopping back onto the bed disappointed, Millie never has time for you anymore and you’re starting to wonder why you keep trying. Going back to mindlessly scrolling TikTok and playing games on your phone while murder documentaries played out on the TV in front of you. You hadn’t left your bedroom in days and had taken the plunge to ask Millie for a coffee after not hearing from her in weeks. She was your best friend but you felt like you weren’t hers anymore. If she needed anything you’d drop everything just to be there for her but that was rarely reciprocated lately. You pretended to understand, she is an international footballer these days and you just have a boring 9-5 in an office, leaving you loads of spare time to miss her.

Drawing your eyes away from your phone and towards the clock you were shocked to see it was midnight, you’d been so focussed on your phone and waiting for a call back which never happened. Again. Feeling deflated you brushed your teeth and got ready for bed, even though you’ve been laying on it all weekend.

The next morning you still had zero notifications from Millie, you know she can be forgetful so decided to text her. After writing and deleting several messages before settling on “be good to catch up x”, pressing the send button before you changed your mind again. With a mouth full of sandwich on your lunch break you were starting to feel a bit forgotten by your best friend come ex. Oh yeah, you used to date but it was only for a month. She was experimenting and let’s just say that that experiment didn’t go the way you had hoped. It wasn’t an experiment for you, you’d known you liked women from an early age and Millie kinda took advantage of that. No sooner after she called it off she got with her now boyfriend who’s she’s been with for about six months. That’s when she started to distance herself from you. You used to hang out all the time but now your messages get left on read and when they are replied to, it’s always days.. sometimes weeks later and every time it’s - “sorry I forgot”. Fair enough, she’s a busy lady but you don’t just forget your best friend exists do you? Millie is everyone’s friend yet she was your only friend so you’d been clinging on to the threads of the friendship that was left, always over thinking if you were being naggy or possessive or wasting your time, should you just let her go?

Weeks passed and you’d still hadn’t heard from her, you’d started to come to terms with that fact you’ll never be as close as you once were. Every year she always messages on your birthday so when you received a 10 second phone call of “hey, can I come over?” you literally ran home from the restaurant where your family had taken you to celebrate.

Answering the door excitedly to see her face didn’t feel like you’d imagined as she immediately started ranting about what her boyfriend’s done wrong. She wasn’t there to wish you a happy birthday, she was there because she needed someone to moan to. Nevertheless, you made tea and listened to her for hours until she noticed the cards on the window sill. Picking one up to read it was addressed to you and quickly glancing at her watch to look at the date. “Oh my god, I completely forgot!” she gasped clunking her tea cup onto the table and scooping you into a hug. You knew in your head that a hug shouldn’t make up for forgetting your birthday, but it made your heart a little happier.

Millie cleared her schedule to spend the rest of the day with you, it felt nostalgic watching films and playing with the dogs, drinking tea in the garden and listening to her sharing all the gossip. That was until she received a text from her boyfriend apologising for his earlier actions and inviting her on a date. Running to your wardrobe and flying the doors open to look at the clothes you had hanging there she started to unhook the hangers, look at them for two seconds then chuck them onto the bed - making a huge mess you knew she wasn’t going to tidy. That was until she found a dress you’d been saving for a special occasion and before you could say ‘no’, she’d already stripped out of her trackies and slipped the slinky black number over her body.

“This is perfect!” she exclaimed admiring herself in the mirror. Sighing at how good she looked, you didn’t have the heart to tell her that dress was off limits, even though you knew you’d never see it again. “Can I borrow your make up? Can you straighten my hair?” shoving your straighteners into your hands without giving you a choice in the matter. Reluctantly helping her get ready because you just wanted to make her happy, the voice in the back of your head knew she was taking the piss but your heart just didn’t let you stop. Gazing at her through the mirror as she applied your make up to her face, she paid no attention to your wandering eyes as you longed for her to feel the same way you do. The way her hair falls in exactly the right place, the way the dress clings to her curves perfectly, the way the colour makes her skin glow. You knew what her lips taste like and you’d been searching for that flavour in every woman you’ve kissed since.

“Do you have shoes to go with this?” she asked, snapping you out of your daydream. “Mill, you outgrew my shoes in year 7, don’t you remember?” you said putting your size 5s next to her size 8s. “Hmm, that’s annoying… I’ll just have to make these work” slipping her £400 trainers back on to her feet before leaving your bedroom like a bomb site. “Do you think he’ll like it?” she asked admiring herself in the mirror, “of course he will, he’s not blind Millie” you said trying to hide how deflated you were. Following her downstairs she bought you in for one last hug, “thanks (y/n/n), I can always count on you” as she walked out to the car parked up outside your house. “Oh! Happy birthday by the way!” she waved as she was driven away from you.

Watching her leave you knew, things had to change. You can’t carry on being so available and dependable to her every time she calls. A friendship isn’t a friendship if it’s one sided.. but how many times have you told yourself that before?

[jikookuntold]

I Said What I Said

Years ago, I had a friend who was a hardcore Jikooker, but she used to scold me for not admitting that Taekook have a sign together (that triangle thing). "My cousin and I have a sign together and we carve it everywhere, same as Taekook. It really doesn't mean they are dating. I don't know why you are being so stubborn!" She used to tell me. And I was like Why would I blindly accept something when there is no real proof? I won't even do it with Jikook theories, let alone something Tkkrs made out of thin air.

This thing went on and on between us, and that friend left Jikook fandom shortly after, because when the flood of Jikook moments subsided in 2019, she blamed JK for not being loud enough anymore, and didn't want to "look like a Tkkr". Then she became a Vminer and then turned into a PJM solo because it turned out Tae also wasn't very attentive of Jimin. Later we lost contact and I don't know what happened to her, but I always wondered why she was behaving that way.

Later, when I had more experience and observation on shipping patterns, I found out what was causing that behavior; Shippers have this pick me attitude of "I'm not like the other shippers". You can see it in every shipping community, but it's more common between Jikookers. Jikookers always believed they are superior, and they might be right because Jikook moments and proofs have always been on another level. This "looking down" on other shippers made them so scared of becoming like them.

It might sound ridiculous, but this mindset in its extreme level throws them deep down to the point of accepting other shippers and even antis theories, but not their own theories, just because they don't want to be seen as delusional but chill with everything, and they end up as a woke one.

It's funny, but since the day I posted about that so called JK leaked video, I'm expriencing a sense deja vu because I got a few DMs and comments from Jikookers telling me I have to accept that's JK in the video, and nothing is wrong with it because a backhug doesn't mean they are dating.

I have to say you don't need to educate me on that because I have been here for enough time to not get insecure for a hug. All I'm saying is, I'm not going to admit a blurry video spreading by JK's antis to tarnish his image not because it challenges my Jikook beliefs, it doesn't, it's because of the lack of evidence. You say you don't want to be like Tkkrs who denied Taennie video in Paris. I don't know about you, but I wasn't able to admit it at first, even though the quality of the video was okay, and I already knew about them both being in Paris, plus, it was posted by an actual journalist. I only could confirm it after seeing them in the same outfit in more clear photos. Because in the world of celebrities anything is possible and you should be always skeptical.

Let me explain, I'm not saying that if you think the person in the video is JK then you are an anti. Not at all. It's your opinion and you are free to have that. All I'm asking is be considerate about what you think or spread or force to the others when there is not enough proof. I am not going to confirm that, not even hypothetically, until there is further proof or a confirmation. Otherwise I am not going to discuss or mention that topic here, and I will delete any asks or comments about it.

I hope you understand. Thank you.

[frozen-snowflakesandsunflowers]

The Nøkk's real purpose | Theory | Analysis

So I was just scrolling along YouTube until I came across some deleted scenes for Frozen 2 (and I have to say they're really good scenes - bummer they got cut) - and when I watched 'Kristoff's Lie' and I saw a comment saying “I thought the Nook was just some murderous horse... But he's not... He seeks the truth in your heart. If you're not true to yourself or others, then it kills you”. That's how my first impressions of the Nøkk were. And being honest until I saw this deleted scene again I realised that that's what the Nokk really does. That scene really tells us clearly what the Nøkk's purpose is and why it's so rageful in the dark sea. It seeks the truth in your heart. It wants you to be open and honest to yourself and others otherwise what's the purpose of living a lie without achieving anything and living happily?

Frozen 2 cropped IMAX poster

Kristoff's lie in the scene was living the princely life with Anna. He admits how he doesn't like being polite, and greetings lots of people, wearing fancy clothes etc all to which Anna ends up saying “I don't think we should get married”. I personally am glad this was cut because I wouldn't want Anna to feel that no one wants to marry her for her or their relationship to have such a sudden turn. But we did get a scene that shows Kristoff's discomfort with royal stuff. When Anna sees the boys all dressed up for coronation (unconfirmed if that was her coronation or after), Kristoff tells Anna she gets this for one hour. Anna tells him that's ok as she prefers him in leather anyways. So Anna is aware that Kristoff would find formality a little difficult but accepts him and lets him be himself. It's a much better take on what the deleted scene showed I believe. I hope nothing breaks them up in the upcoming movies. Both Kristoff and Anna prove to each other that they love each other for who they are and what they would do for love.

Deleted scene: Kristoff's lie | Frozen 2 epilogue

But back to the Nøkk, that's an example of what the water horse helps you to achieve. That's why it's so full of rage to strangers or those who wish to ride it. But when Elsa meets Nøkk at first, he's like that because like the other spirits they were awoken and angry from the events of the past. Though Elsa didn't speak her heart out she was putting her heart out. She wanted to find answers about the past, about herself so she could free the forest and give Arendelle a future. Elsa's motives were clear. She was true to herself and that became determination and courage when she tried to fight/ tame the Nøkk. But finding her true self was yet to be discovered and that's where he led her too; the place of discoveries, Ahotohallan.

Frozen 2 - Elsa meets the Nøkk

“What about their parents? He killed them. He didn't save them”

Well let me address that here too. No the Nøkk didn't kill them. It was the dark sea that killed them. The Nøkk lived in the dark sea, the same way the earth giants live beside the river, but let's not forget that between the very moment the mist forged in the forest and when Elsa woke up, him alone with the other 3 spirits were asleep. But even if he was awake, calm or in rage I don't think he could affect the waves of the dark sea.. It was with Elsa's help that he was able to push back the water when it almost hit Arendelle.

Speaking of the dark sea...

Ever wondered why the dark sea was so rageful?

I think I figured it out. Crossing the dark sea by any kind of mobility, would get that person to discover Atohollan, the frozen river of memories. It's not because Ahotohallan fears power being taken or anything of a sort as I don't think its power can be taken. But rather that whoever enters Ahotohallan would not only not be able to stand the cold but if they did, they would do too far in and freeze like Elsa with no way of being saved. We all can walk on them but not go inside as it's much colder than the outside. No other spirit can enter Ahotohallan for that reason. Not the Nøkk, Bruni or the earth giants. Elsa being the only one who has the power of ice and snow can enter the glacier.

Why Elsa didn't let Anna and Olaf rage along with her to Ahotohallan

The temperature of Ahotohallan and the rageful waves of the dark sea are the reasons why Elsa didn't want Anna, Olaf or anyone if it were, to come along to work her to the dark sea. It could have killed Anna. Maybe it wouldn't exactly kill Olaf but Elsa knew something would be there to harm Olaf and that was his own death prior to her frozen one, and so she let Olaf, the same fuzzy silly happy snowman be with Anna who needs him the most. That's why she tells Anna “And I can't lose you too”.

Back to dark sea Vs Agnarr & Iduna

And those same reasons why Anna and Olaf were pushed away were sadly the reason why Agnarr and Iduna died that night they attempted to cross the sea. The moment Elsa saw her parents death she knew that the waves would be so heavy and didn't want the same to happen to Anna. She would never forgive herself if Anna didn't make it.

Elsa was able to cross the sea because she calmed and tamed the Nøkk. The Nøkk too and the other probably sensed Elsa as the spirit or someone like them seeing her powers so they had a sense of familiarity and immediate bond with her. No one else could have calmed and tamed the Nøkk or any other of the spirits but Elsa because of her powers.

The powerful Nøkk, when calm, is actually a Nøkk that leads you to honesty even though once you're in that situation with the water horse it's a do or die situation.

Frozen 2 - Elsa saves Arendelle

[messrmoonyy]

Hiya! Can I request either a one shot of Layla and a shy reader? Reader invites her out on a date but doesn’t specifically say it’s a date because they are so timid. So Layla only realizes that it’s a date halfway through. OR hcs about what Layla is like when she realizes she’s in love with you. Whichever interests you more :3

A date. Of sorts

Layla El-Faouly x afab reader

A/N- Hello my sweet anon! I absolutely did both because my love for Layla El-Faouly knows no bounds. Sorry this took way. Way. longer than expected I accidentally deleted it when I finshed it and had to re write it all 😩 the hcs are over on my masterlist and were posted forvever ago. This is my first full layla os but I hope you enjoy <3

Word count: 5.3k

Warnings: none. It’s fluff. Tooth rotting.

Masterlist- requests are open! <3

Comments and reblogs are always appreciated!

You were woken up by the sound of your phone ringing. At first you didn’t fully acknowledge it, rolling over to the other side of the bed and guessing it was more than likely just in your dream. But then it started up again and you realised it was in fact your phone, you rolled back and picked it up just before it finished ringing.

“ hello? “ you mumbled as you held it to to your ear, not even looking at who it was that was calling, your eyes still half closed.

“ well hello to you sleepy head “ your eyes opened fully at the sound of her voice, butterflies erupting in your stomach the way that they always did whenever you spoke to her.

“ lay- Layla. Hi? “ she chuckled over the phone as you tried to shake the sleep away from your head. What time was it?

“ where are you it’s 10am? “

“ what? We’re closed today “ you mumbled and let your head drop back down into your pillow, your eyes falling closed again, still holding the phone to your ear.

“ you know what day it is? “ you frowned at the odd question. Of course you did. That’s why you hadn’t moved from bed yet and had no stress about going to bed early the previous night. In fact you’d been up until almost 4.

“ what? “

“ my gods. Y/N. It’s stock count day! The whole reason we are closed. You said you’d help “ you could practically hear her pouting at you through the phone. You groaned and rubbed at your forehead, a headache starting to make itself apparent behind your eyes “ please? “

“ give me half an hour? 45 minutes tops?“

“ life saver! See you soon “ you tossed your phone to the end your bed with a groan. Rubbing at your eyes to wipe away the sleep. It’s not like you had any real plans for today, you had agreed to help her out. And you could think of worst ways to spend the day.

You’d had a crush on Layla ever since she’d started working at the antiques store with you. The day she’d come in searching for a job you’d simply froze in her presence.

“ hey! I was wondering if there were any jobs available here I have a lot of experience “ you’d been like a deer in headlights. No one really ever came in and when they did it was older people, or the odd hipster trying to seem quirky and different by shopping for antiques. Never someone like her. You’d not even managed a word, simply squeaked and scurried off into the back for your manager.

You hadn’t actually managed a conversation with her until 2 weeks of her being there. Even now you struggled sometimes. When you couldn’t see her it wasn’t so bad, you would have long conversations on the phone often. Even if you were mostly listening. But in person? She was far too overwhelming.

How did anyone have the ability to stand in her presence and simply just… be okay? She was like one of the Egyptian goddesses she seemed so interested in, beauty beyond anything of a mere mortal.

Though maybe you were over exaggerating. But then again. Maybe not.

You rolled out of bed and shuffled over to your bathroom to wake yourself up with a shower, trying to be as fast as possible to not keep Layla waiting. The entire process passing by in a half asleep daze.

Your body still seemed reluctant to be up and moving though, so much so that it took you three attempts just to find the correct arm hole in your t shirt. And then you swore you tried every single key on your door before you found the right one.

So before you even attempted to navigate the tube, you headed for Starbucks. Knocking back your coffee before you even reached the platform, burning your mouth in the process. But at least it made you feel a little more awake.

Thankfully the world seemed to be on your side, the tube ride smooth as could be with not as many tourists popping themselves in awkward places like normal. You didn’t know how many times you’d accidentally walked into someone trying to decipher a tube map, parking themselves right in the way of everyone.

Your little lie in actually was quite the lifesaver though, meaning you’d missed the vast majority of the rush hour crowd. Of course it was busy, you didn’t think you’d ever actually seen London… quiet. But you weren’t sandwiched up against a bunch of strangers at least. You actually had a space mostly to yourself. There was even an empty seat but you thought you’d probably just drop off again if you sat down.

So you stayed standing, it wasn’t a long journey anyway. And it provided more people watching opportunities. You’d always kept yourself to yourself, always on the quieter and more timid side your entire life. So you’d grown pretty good at reading people.

And the tube was full of… interesting people to look at.

There was always at least one person reading. Usually a dog of some kind tucked in someone’s arms too. Sometimes both. Business men in suits, someone talking too loud on their phone, couples giving far too much pda, a whole array of languages and accents. Maybe a tiny part of you actually enjoyed the tube.

You did feel slightly envious of people sometimes. When you’d see people so clearly more confident and comfortable in their skin than you. Happy to take up space and be heard. The couples too, so unapologetically in love with each other that they didn’t care about where they were or who saw them. It did make you feel a little lonely sometimes.

When you stepped off in Shoreditch you felt far more awake.

You always felt a little out of place in Shoreditch, not even remotely cool enough to be walking around there never mind working. But then again, the antique store you worked in didn’t particularly fit in either. So it was quite the match when you thought about it.

You popped into Costa before heading to the store, grabbing yourself something a little less caffeine based. You were nervous enough around Layla as it was never mind adding coffee shakes to the mix. And grabbed something for Layla too. Before finally heading to work a little later than planned.

You pushed open the stiff door of the shop, balancing the drinks as you did. The door itself was practically antique you were certain it had never been changed and that one day it would just stick completely, locking you in or out.

She was no where in sight as you closed the door, the tiny brass bell above it tinkling to signal someone had come inside. The little portable radio was on quietly behind the counter, slightly staticky because it was almost impossible to get a decent signal. It seemed to be half way between two stations. Take that overlapping with stormzy in some odd mash up.

“ there she is! Better late than never sleeping beauty “ Layla appeared from the back room, clearly hearing the bell as you’d entered the shop. She looked as beautiful as ever, her beaming smile made you weak in the knees. You were silently thankful you’d not opted for another coffee after all.

“ sorry I’m late “ she waved a hand as if to dismiss the apology and walked around the counter “ I got you a drink “

“ ooo thank you “ She pulled you in for a quick squeeze of a hug. She enveloped you in a mist of her perfume and shampoo, vanilla and coconut clouding your senses like a drug. Her soft curls tickling your cheek, her hands pressed firmly to your back. You were a total goner. Completely.

“ no problem “ you said quietly as she picked up the cup and drank almost half of it in one go “ thirsty? “

“ I’ve been here since 7! “ she said with a small laugh and stifled a yawn as if to prove the point “ someone was still snoozing at that point “ she teased, pulling a little notepad from the back pocket of her jeans “ I’ve done most of the backstock. We just need to take note of everything on the shop floor. Shouldn’t take us too long “

“ I’m sorry. It just completely slipped my mind “ she gave a small smile and squeezed your arm softly.

“ don’t. It’s fine. I think I’m more productive alone actually. No distractions “ she caught your eye for the briefest second before letting go.

You took half the shop each, taking note of every item the shop had to offer. You wished the system was more efficient. But your boss seemed to want to keep not only the stock antique, but the stocking systems too. You kept glancing over at her as you took note of everything in the silvers cabinet, half hiding behind the cabinet and a silver jug as not to be caught.

But she never seemed to notice you looking. Always oblivious to what you thought was your obvious staring and lovestruck gazes, your stutters and inability to form sentences around her most of the time. Maybe she just put it down to your nervous nature. Which you guessed half of it was in a way.

She reached up to count the pieces of a hand painted dinnerware set, her jumper riding up slightly and exposing a sliver of her skin. You had to look away, your cheeks flushing pink. Pathetic.

When you reached the artwork section your brain started wondering again, looking at one particular piece depicting two girls on a picnic in beautiful flowing dresses. You wondered if they were friends or something more. Old art had a habit of showing women so clearly in love but marking them as friends. Women in intimate and close encounters but descriptions stating that was simply how intimacy worked in that era.

It made you look over at her again.

You knew she liked girls, she’d mentioned it in passing once or twice. Small mentions of an ex girlfriend or a failed date. But you also knew she’d been married to a man. Part of you wondered if she was just one of those girls who only said they liked girls, thinking it was some way to make herself seem more appealing and quirky.

She was too kind, too gentle, too… perfect to be like that though. Wasn’t she? You turned back to the artwork, imagining some perfect date like the one in the paint like that with her. If anything it would be a perfect choice simply because it was relatively stress free. Picnics were relaxing. Calm. Not an anxiety attack trigger in sight.

And it might not even totally come across as a date… in fact she wouldn’t even have to know. You could simply…. Test the waters as it were. Just two friends. Having a picnic. Just like the piece of art.

But having the courage to actually ask her? That was going to take some working up to.

“ almost done over there? “ you startled as Layla called you from the other side of the shop, looking over at you with a smile and leaning back to see you from behind a cabinet.

“ I- yeah. Yeah nearly done “ you made haste and finished taking note of everything on your side of the shop, making sure every piece of an old chess set was there when Layla joined you again.

“ boo “ her voiced was soft, right by your ear and fingers poking at your sides. You startled more at her closeness than her actually making you jump, her warm breath against your skin sending a trail of goosebumps across your arms. Heat rose up your neck and blossomed across your cheeks. You wanted her fingers to dance across those goosebumps, read your skin like brail and understand your feeling without even having to say it.

If only.

“ hey “ you said quietly, softly clearing you throat in hopes she hadn’t noticed your nerves at her closeness.

“ hungry? I’m starved “ she draped an arm over your shoulder the other on her hip and moved next to you, looking down at your notebook. If anyone looked through the windows now they might think you were a couple. You kinda liked that “ just one shelf left to do? “

“ yes “

“ right. I’m gonna go get us some lunch then…. Jolenes? I think we deserve some pastries, don’t you? “ you chanced a look up at her, very much gazing like some lovestruck teenager. She gave you a warm smile, eyes crinkling at the edges and nose scrunching slightly

“ yeah. Sounds good. Pastries “ her smile grew and she gave you a squeeze before letting you go, heading behind the counter and grabbing her bag.

“ right. You get that final shelf done. I’ll go get us some treats. I’ll be like 10 minutes okay? “ you nodded and watched as she fished around her bag for her purse before heading for the door “ get working, you! You’ve got the time it takes me to go get food and get back. If you’re not done I’ll eat yours “ she disappeared out the door with a wink.

You finished the last shelf with a goofy smile on your face, practically floating on air, the same way you always did whenever she paid you any kind of attention that might prove more than just being friendly.

In fact something seemed to click in your brain and all of a sudden you had decided. You would ask her on that picnic. You would. She didn’t have to know it was a date, didn’t have to know your feelings. Your intentions. All she had to know was two people who were friends, having a friendly picnic dinner. That was all.

You would do it. You would do it. It would be easy. Easier than you thought.

‘ hi layla. Want to go on a picnic with me? ‘

‘ layla did you wanna come to the park with me tomorrow? Picnic and the outdoor cinema? ‘

‘ layla. Let’s go to the outdoor cinema with a picnic tomorrow! ‘

You internally groaned at how stupid you sounded, and you hadn’t even said them out loud. You sighed and took note of the remaining items on the shelf.

“ Layla. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the park tomorrow- no…. Layla! Fancy a picnic tomorrow? “ you placed your notebook down with a frustrated sigh “ Layla. Do you like the movie Grease?- everyone fucking likes Grease come on “ you would’ve sounded like a mad woman if anyone entered the shop now “ Layla. The outdoor cinema is running tomorrow. Shall we go? Let’s take a picnic?… not bad not bad “ You made your way back to the counter, now that your side of the shop had been accounted for “ Layla… “

“ yes? “ you dropped your pen as she returned, paper bag in one hand and cup holder of drinks in the other, pushing the door open with her hip and elbow.

“ oh! N-nothing. Talking to myself “ you hurried over to pull the door further open for her.

“ first sign of madness “ she said with a cheeky smile and headed for the counter “ hot chocolate. Almond croissant, lemon muffin “ she said as she opened the paper bag, handing over smaller paper bags to you. You smiled and took the paper cup from her too.

“ thank you “ she rummaged around the bag for her own food, taking a bite into a pain au chocolat with a sigh.

“ gods I’m so hungry “ she practically moaned, taking another big bite. You smiled into your cup, taking a sip of the hot chocolate and feeling your stomach grumble in response.

You were both quiet as you ate your treats, Layla double checking over her notebook and occasionally swiping away pastry crumbs.

You thought about your plans to ask her out. Feeling more relaxed in that moment than you had been all day, a calm atmosphere between you. Comfortable. Barely any butterflies fluttering around in your chest.

“ Layla “ you said softly spurring through it before you could lose the tiny bit of courage you’d found, fiddling slightly with the paper bag your muffin had come in.

“ hmm? “ she glanced up at you, big brown eyes full of kindness and care the same way they always were. You were speechless again, words refusing to form in your mouth now that you were looking her right in the eyes “ y/n?”

‘ I think I’m in love with you would you go on a date with me? Please? ‘

You wished you could say it. Wished you had the balls to just tell her. Instead your mouth just opened and closed a couple of times. You probably looked like an idiot.

“ are you okay? “ she asked with some concern filtering into her words, her hand gently falling on your wrist.

“ I- would you maybe. I mean only if you want- like. I mean- fuck “ your cheeks burned as you failed to even form the sentence you’d been practicing. You felt completely useless.

“ you’re being weird “ Layla said with a raised eyebrow.

“ m’ always weird “ you tried with a slight smile. It made a smile blossom on Laylas face too, the kind that made the corners of her eyes crinkle, the kind that made you want to melt into a puddle on the ground. She playfully nudged your arm and propped her elbow on the counter, chin in the palm of her hand.

“ come on what’s wrong, why are you getting flustered. It’s just me. Remember what I told you, deep breath in your nose, out slowly through your mouth. Gather your thoughts. And try again. You got this “ she was always so kind. So gentle.

You closed your eyes for a brief moment, taking her advice and taking a breath.

“ there’s. There’s this picnic in the park thing happening tomorrow. They’re doing this projector movie and you take a blanket and food and. I was just. Well- do you want to… would you maybe like to go? “ you waited for the frown or the excuse as to why she couldn’t make it. But Instead she smiled and nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing around her head.

“ that sounds amazing! Yeah I’ll go with you “ she flipped her notebook closed and picked it up “ come on then let’s get this all finished. don’t wanna be here all day do we “ you watched slightly dumbstruck as she linked her arms with yours and you stumbled slightly as she lead you into the back room for the final checks. She was acting as if it was a totally normal thing to have been asked and you still couldn’t quite believe she had said yes.

But maybe the idea that she may think it was simply just a friends thing was working? Either way. You had a date with Layla and that was both exciting and terrifying as all hell.

You’d never been more nervous in your life as you tried to find a decent outfit for your date. It was silly because Layla didnt even think it was a date, you shouldn’t be treating it as one even if that had been the intention all along.

You looked at the piles of clothes scattering your bed, all the choices you’d decided against before sighing and closing your eyes. You took a deep breath in some attempt to relax before looking back at yourself in the mirror. You looked nice. Not too smart. Not too casual.

You’d been preparing all day, up since 6 with too much nervous energy to sleep any longer. You’d nipped out to get a whole array of snacks and nibbles for your picnic, stopping at a flower seller on the corner on the way home too. Whether or not you’d actually give her the flowers was a whole new story. But you’d brought them all the same.

You wondered what she’d be wearing. If you were too over dressed. Or under dressed. It was silly. This was Layla. She wasn’t going to judge you for something as ficcle as clothes. You were being silly. Over thinking. Getting in your head.

There was a knock on the door and your heart started hammering in your chest. The outfit you had on would have to do.

“ one second! “ you called and headed into the kitchenette to grab the tote bag full of snacks for your picnic, hesitating before carefully putting in the small bunch of flowers too. Hidden so that if you didn’t get brave enough to give them to her she’d never have to know they’d even existed.

You were over thinking things far too much. You shook your head and headed for the front door, taking a deep breath before opening it.

“ Hey! Oh you look nice “ she greeted, beaming smile on her face. You froze, unable to say anything to her “ I brought a blanket and some drinks, like we said. You got the snacks? “ you nodded, still unable to talk as you very blatantly stared at her. She was so. Beautiful. How on earth were you even going to make it through the evening with her looking like that?

It wasn’t like she was even in anything fancy, she just…. Looked nice “ you okay? Y/n? “ she placed a hand on your shoulder, a warm smile on her face. She was going to be the death of you.

“ yeah. Yeah I’m okay. Tired “ she gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze as you said it, sympathy in her eyes

“ fresh air will wake you up. Come on let’s go we don’t wanna miss the start of the movie “ you locked the door to your flat and followed her to the stairs. The lift in your flats hadn’t worked for months now.

A part of you wondered if she knew your secret intentions, knew your fear to ask her outright on a date. You hoped not. She probably just thought it was exactly what it seemed, two friends going out together.

“ did you… did you have a nice day? “ you asked, in some attempt to calm your nerves with some normal conversation.

“ yeah it was fine. Nothing too exciting. You? “ I spent the whole day panicking about our date that you don’t know is a date and did literally nothing productive. It was great!

“ nothing really “ she smiled and you both fell quiet for a few moments. You were stood so close together her hand was brushing against yours as you walked and it was making your cheeks flush.

You wanted to hold her hand. You wondered if it was soft and smooth or rough with the years she had spent at dig sites in Egypt. If it would fit nicely in your own.

“ oh careful! “ in your daydreaming you hadn’t been paying attention to your surroundings, almost walking right into a lamppost. She grabbed onto your hand and tugged you around it with a laugh and a shake of her head “ you’re away with the fairies today! “ she laughed and squeezed your hand lightly. It was as if she’d read your mind.

“ sorry “ you practically choked on your embarrassment but she just squeezed your hand again and beamed at you.

“ come on let’s get to this movie before you get yourself into mischief “ you noticed as you walked she didn’t drop your hand. Kept it firmly in her own as she walked down the street in her usual confident strides. Maybe she knew you wanted to hold her hand. Maybe you’d been staring. Either way you didn’t really mind.

You made it to the park just as the movie was starting. She found a empty spot in the grass and laid down the blanket, both of you spreading out the drinks and snacks you’d brought with you.

You looked at the flowers in the bag and debated for a moment before taking them out and clearing your throat.

“ erm… Layla “

“ hmm? “ she asked, half looking away from the movie.

“ for you? “ it came out as more of a question than a statement. But you’d gained the confidence to even take them out of the bag. That was something. She turned fully to look at you, a questioning look blossoming into a smile as she saw the small bunch of flowers in your hands.

“ really? “ she asked gently, taking them from your hands “ they’re lovely, y/n “ she pulled you in for a hug, careful not squish the flowers between you. Her perfume flooded your nose and it somehow eased your nerves again.

You got that fluttering feeling in your chest again. As if a million butterflies had erupted out of your heart, filling your lungs so that it took your breath away. She took your breath away.

You barely watched the movie. You watched her. Completely and utterly enamoured by her as you always were, looking away any time she glanced over at you and hoping she hadn’t caught you. Looking particularly interested in the hummus and carrots and hoping your cheeks werent too bright. It seemed to work for the most part.

She sang along to the songs, nodding her head along to the beat, curls bouncing around her face in a way that was mesmerising. You felt as though you should be trying to make some kind of conversation with her, ask her about her dating life? isn’t that what happened on dates?

“ would. Would you ever date anyone like Danny? “ you asked and laughed a little, planning to play it off as a joke if she found it weird.

“ no way. He’s awful to her most of the time! “ you nodded and pushed a mini sausage roll around on your paper plate

“ who would you then? Date I mean? “ she shrugged, still watching the screen intently

“ someone kind. That’s boring isn’t it? But it’s what I want. I’ve done the whole moody, brooding, tough guy type. Maybe I need a little change. Someone a little softer “ she glanced over at you and it flushed your cheeks red for the millionth time, causing you to focus back on your plate again.

“ your husband? He was like that? Moody? “

“ so moody “ she said with a sigh, still watching the screen “ and secretive “ you watched her face carefully, trying to decipher her exact thoughts. Trying to decide if it was longing or sadness you were hearing in her voice. Longing to have the man back or sadness that it was over, but at peace “ you can’t have a relationship that’s built on secrecy you know? It doesn’t work “

“ what secrets did he have? “ you didnt know why you were asking, you didn’t want to know about him really. The man that had managed to be able to call Layla his own. And had hurt her so badly

“ you wouldn’t believe me if I told you “ she said with a laugh and shrugged “ I have my own secrets too. But I like to think I’ll get to the point some day to tell someone, if I loved them. I thought I loved Marc and I thought he loved me but… so many secrets “ you cautiously reached over and squeezed her hand lightly and she smiled “ don’t worry I’m fine. Over it. Besides got my eye on someone new “

Your heart sank. It felt as though it were made of lead, plummeting from your chest and weighing heavily in your stomach. You dropped her hand and reached for your drink, some attempt to hide your burning disappointment. Of course she liked someone. And no doubt they liked her back too. Of course

Layla didn’t seem to pick up on your upset, grinning at the screen as Sandy appeared after her make over “ she looks totally amazing but it’s sad she has to change for him isn’t it? “ you nodded “ she looks hot. But I think I liked her better before “

“ why? “ she shrugged again

“ quite. Kind. Caring… sweet. Not trying to prove anything to anyone. I like that “

“ I always thought that. When I was younger I loved Sandy I always felt a lot like her “ you tried your best to appear as normal as could be, ignoring your disappointment and heartbreak that Layla would soon be in work talking about someone that wasn’t you.

“ do me a favour? Never go get some hot biker make over then “ she said with a grin and nudged you with her arm. Humming along with the song “ I quite like you how you are, the ‘Sandra D’ type huh? “ you gave her a small smile and nodded

“ no pleather jumpssuits. Got it “

The movie ended and she offered to walk back with you, proudly carrying the flowers you felt stupid about bringing now.

You expected her to say goodbye at the door to your building but she insisted she walk you right to your door. Part of you just wanted her to leave, you wanted to cry into a pint of ice cream for the rest of the night about how stupid you were. But she was too kind. Too polite. Of course she wanted to ensure you got home safe.

As you reached your door you placed the food bag down and rummaged in your handbag for your keys.

“ thank you for co- “ as you looked back up to her, before you could even finish your sentence, she was pressing a soft kiss to your lips, so sudden it took you by surprise. You froze. Not even kissing her back right away, too In shock to even process what was going on.

Your eyes fluttered closed and she smiled against your lips, clearly feeling you relax slightly, a hand sliding to press against your lower bag and pull you in closer.

“ Layla- I… what? “ she giggled at your shock, nudging the backs of her fingers against your burning cheek as she pulled away. She simply shrugged.

“ most people end a date with a kiss. Why should we be any different? And you didn’t seem to be getting my hints “

“ date? What date I.. no this wasn’t- maybe it was but- when? “ she laughed again as you failed to string together a sentence for the second time in a row, brain foggy with the memory of her soft plump lips brushing against your own. You felt like melting into the floor below you. But she was more than used to it by now.

“ you had me at first I won’t lie to you. But the flowers? Very cute attempts at flirting? Is that why you were so nervous when you asked me? Cause it’s a date? Hm? “ it did feel like a weight off your shoulders honestly, you gave a small sigh as your shoulders physically relaxed under the metaphorical weight leaving.

“ yes “ you prepared yourself for the let down, for her to say it was sweet and all. But she didn’t like you like that. But instead she simply smiled and leant back in, lips brushing over yours, noses bumping slightly. And then she kissed you again.

You were thankful she seemed to know what she was doing far more than you, holding your face so gently in her hands whilst yours hung useless and slightly awkward in between you. It was how you’d always imagined it, her lips as soft as you’d thought, the slight taste of her coconut lip balm hovering in your mouth. When she pulled away the second time she placed another soft kiss to your nose before stepping back.

“ how about- “ Layla spoke again, brushing your hair away from your face gently “ I take you on a date next hmm? There’s this amazing restaurant in Hammersmith that does traditional Egyptian cuisine, it’s awesome. I can take you there? The Basbousa there will rot your teeth in the best way I promise “

you couldn’t quite find the words still, shock still rendering your voice useless as you realised Layla wanted to take you on date. You. Your feelings weren’t one sided. She did like you back. She did want to go on a date with you.

“ that’d be amazing “

[western-magical-girl-confessions]

*Sigh…*

Hello everyone. I apologize for disappearing for a while. I know I promised to finish all the confessions and close them indefinitely, but with everything that has been going on in the past few months, I have just been reflecting a lot. After much consideration, I have made a decision:

On January 2, 2024, I am considering deleting this blog.

So with this said, I guess you might be wondering why, Well, I'll list the reasons. Been doing so for this long right?

I had been hesitant to admit it, but after some contemplation, I have come to the realization that this blog is becoming a negative experience for me. I've had to make confessions that I don't agree with and deal with anonymous hate for sharing confessions that I didn't even write. Trying to please everyone has also affected my own beliefs. Additionally, the lack of western magical girl shows has resulted in repetitive confessions. It's unfortunate, but my feelings about this blog may continue to fluctuate.

From then till now, I always said that not all the confessions made were by me, but I do admit that some of them were my own. I just want to be honest with all of you. I'm not proud of some of the confessions I made. Some aged like milk. Even though I know that I may still come across certain confessions that leave a bad taste in my mouth to this day, I just want to leave this part of my life behind me.

I have been a fan of several TV series, such as Miraculous Ladybug, She-Ra, Equestria Girls, My Little Pony, many others. However, some of the fans of these shows have given me negative experiences that I don't want to remember. Sometimes, reading these confessions reminds me of those bad experiences. Hence, I want to move on and forget about them. Nevertheless, I will cherish the good memories that these shows and their fandom have given me.

I need assurance that I won't be able to access this blog again, in case I give in to the temptation of making confessions once more. My desire is to move on and channel my energy towards other productive activities that will benefit me in my life. This has been a long-term aspiration for me, which I didn't do entirely.

I know I've said this countless times in the past, but I'll say this for the final time. I'm dealing with personal things that are just a real ongoing struggle, and I want to focus all my time and energy on them. Running this blog has started to feel like a chore, and I believe I've gotten all the satisfaction from it that I wanted.

Also, I've thought about moving on to focus on more original projects. I don't want to completely share these ideas publicly yet, but I've been having some ideas in mind.

Lastly, I'm just tired of constantly having to explain myself. I know that I don't owe anyone an explanation and I am not obligated to keep this blog active, but I did. I did it because I genuinely cared about you all and wanted to create something fun for fans of the magical girl genre. I wanted to provide a platform for others to express their feelings and thoughts without fear of being canceled. Unfortunately, I no longer want to do this…

Sorry guys for the redundant posts lol Let's just hope that this will be the last one until this blog closes (or goes inactive indefinitely). There’s no guarantee that I will delete this blog, but I’m just saying prepare for the possibility in the future. So if there’s anything that you would like to save or archive, then now’s the time to do so. I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to finish the remaining confessions in the box or not, because there's a strong possibility that I'll delete this blog anyway.

So if anyone has any thoughts or ideas or anything, feel free to say so. I have to admit, I'm going to miss this blog, but this is probably for the best.

Thanks again guys, and as always, stay magical.

If you wish to reach me (the mod), my main account is @misssakurapetal27

[willothewispwisteriadawn]

Until Dawn fan theory (development theory about the gun-and-saw trap)

Ok…. Hear me out. I want to get my thoughts straight before I post something similar on Reddit.

I am wondering if Chris initially was not going to have the option to actually fire at Ashley. And I’m wondering if “do nothing” is meant to be the most “correct” decision.

A few months ago, I was trying to figure out why the fallout of the gun-and-saw trap scene was so weird. I started wondering if Chris had ever actually shot the gun. It actually makes no sense that he did. I looked at these things:

There’s no animation for him actually doing it. The gun gets aimed then the screen goes red with the gun shot effect.

No matter what, Mike and Sam can hear Chris telling Ashley he’s still deciding when they break into the room.

Chris is always surprised that the gun has blanks when he tries to shoot the Psycho. If he’s already tried to kill himself or Ash, he shouldn’t be surprised.

Chris’s choice is NEVER brought up by anyone even once. Nothing in the actual dialogue refers to him shooting Ash OR himself. (Josh mocks Chris for attempting to shoot Ashley in the face, but that dialogue is actually NOT tied to Chris making the choice to kill her. It’s tied to him aiming at her first. If Chris aims at himself but then shoots Ashley, this dialogue doesn’t happen which is actually so weird. Of course, Ashley’s behavior changes if he did. There’s no kiss, and she locks him out. But let’s note one thing: Ashley’s flashback when she kills Chris also doesn’t show him shooting. It shows her reaction to him aiming at her, even if that didn’t happen).

There’s also the fact that blanks will still kill you at close range, but it’s also possible we’re just supposed to accept that blanks are harmless in this world.

Now, after taking time to think and read more— I get that he is meant to have fired even if it makes no sense. The trophy says he did and so did the devs in their Halloween stream.

But I’m not done thinking about this.

My next thought was that the scene acts as though “do nothing” is the “canon” choice here. The story proceeding from this scene just behaves as if he did nothing, even if he fired already. I’ve seen people point out holes in this scene that I’ve already addressed above. BUT these largely check out if the player did nothing. Chris’s “I can’t decide” dialogue then makes sense. Him shooting at the Psycho makes sense. Nobody giving him shit for shooting Ashley or praising him for shooting himself makes sense.

To further this thought— the totem attached to this scene ALSO indicates the player should do nothing. We get a guidance totem of Chris putting the gun on the table.

So that’s where I am with this. The whole scene behaves:

like aiming at Ashley was really bad. It’s given an odd amount of narrative attention— in comparison with Chris ACTUALLY having shot her. Again, of course, him actually doing so triggers the death scene. But it was always funky to me that we have Josh’s dialogue and Ashley’s flashback only referring to the aim.

like Chris never shot. There’s no indication he did after you make the choice. So many things proceed like he did nothing. The totem tells you to do nothing even though Chris shooting himself also saves him.

So we come to my main point. I had a theory that, originally, Chris could only aim at Ashley but not shoot her after, and that, for some reason, the story was meant to lean into “do nothing.”

I stopped thinking about this theory for a while until I was just browsing through more PS3 footage, as one does. And saw this:

Here, Chris picks up the gun and there’s no initial aim option. Ashley just gives the “it should be me” dialogue. Then we have the following options: AIM AT ASHLEY or SHOOT.

Oh my gosh guys. I’m just— THIS COMPLETELY SUPPORTS MY THEORY FROM MONTHS AGO which I deleted off of Reddit because I got self conscious about it being wrong. I mean, I still don’t think this proves anything. Of course, I can’t know for sure because I can’t find a build where Chris does aim— but it looks like there was only a choice to aim at Ashley or fire at Chris. In any case, Ashley’s “it should be me” dialogue does not seem determinate. She just says it whereas that’s attached to a choice in the final game. Here, it looks like there is just one choice and it’s this.

Final thoughts:

I’m actually not sure how there initially being no option to actually shoot Ashley fits with all this emphasis that Chris should do nothing. I think there are still dev conversations that happened that I don’t know about, obviously.

I was thinking about when and why this was changed. The easiest answer is that… it’s way lame for Ashley to kill Chris over him just aiming at her. If he actually fired, her not opening the door is less petty (though…. Ugh I hate that scene either way).

Another thing to point out is that, in a Halloween stream, a dev mentioned that the gun trap was VERY hard to get right and took a lot of their energy. It seems as though they tried lots of directions with it and filmed different things.

If you have any other helpful info on this, tell me!! I’d like to post this on my theory account on Reddit but I’d love to talk it out with people more.

[writteninlunarlight-years]

(May 9 2024: Hi Luna! Just cause I'm worried mine was one of the ones that got deleted I'll resend my ask and if it didn't get deleted then please ignore this!)

-----

Gender:

Female

Pronouns:

She/Her

Race:

Rock gnome

Class:

Multiclass Paladin/Cleric (Probably an Oath of the Ancients paladin and a cleric of Lathander but I haven't given it much thought yet)

Alignment:

Neutral good

Sexuality:

Straight

Appearance:

3.2ft tall with tan skin, curly dark auburn hair that falls down to the middle of her back, middle parted bangs dyed blonde that frame her face falling down to the bottom of her ears and thin blonde braids falling down to just above her shoulders. She has bright amber eyes and visible eyebags, her face giving off a feeling that she's tired and been through a lot, but learning to be content with the life she's lived.

Personality:

Around people she's unfamiliar with she's quiet and reserved at first, worried about how they would perceive her but once they've gained her trust and given some of her trust in turn, she's bright and outgoing. She likes to talk about anything she can think about that interests her or would interest the people around her. Regardless of whether she's opened up or not though, she's incredibly loyal and would fight for their safety if needed. Having lost many people in her life - whether they intended to leave her or unintentionally because of tragedy - she's deathly afraid of being abandoned which is why she works so hard to be good and to do good by others, hoping to quell the nagging voice in her head that tells her she's never good enough or kind enough for anyone to really stay in her life. She tries to hide her overwhelming fears and insecurities with her bubbly personality but often times at night, in the comfort of her tent or in the darkness that veils all secrets, she lets out all the worries she's been holding in all day and just... cries it out until it's time to get back up and continue on with the journey.

Likes:

Tea - both hot and iced, animals but mostly cats above all, a nice blanket to just wrap around herself when she's relaxing or resting, reading, would doodle from time to time, salty snacks, not-too-sweet sweets, magic and the possibilities it offers has always been a wonder and beautiful to her, the rain, the feeling of being helpful and useful to others, and being alone

Dislikes:

Vegetables, coffee, VERY strong smells/scents, spiders give her the creeps but she also would not like to kill them, being in large and loud crowds, and being alone

Extra fun fact:

Once she's opened up, oh boy she's a yapper. If she finds something that extremely interests her, she will not stop talking about it for weeks. Sometimes she will stop herself before saying anything because she's scared that the company she's with will find her annoying, but a lot of the times her Need To Talk will override her feeling of being a burden and just infodump you with why this thing is so interesting oh please listen to her she just HAS to let it out or her average sized 3.2ft body will explode.

-----

(May 9 2024: I will also add this other request of mine in the same ask again)

Also as a separate request (hopefully I'm doing this right or if it's okay) as a Galemancer could I please ask for a Gale x Stelle falling in love and learning to love again type of story?

I had already planned on having Stelle romance Gale in the playthrough I'm planning but I genuinely want to see your take on who would be a nice matchup for her whether that end up actually being someone else entirely!

I really appreciate you resubmitting! I had yours written in my notebook, but since you were an Anon, I didn't know how to notify you! I was swayed about what to choose, but I am confident.

~~~~~ MATCHUPS ~~~~~

BG3

Gale

~~~~~ HEADCANON ~~~~~

Gale is less than pleased with the turn of events in his life. First, Mystra dumps him and leaves a bomb in his heart, then a mind flayer ship kidnaps him, probing his mind, and now he is on an adventure with a band of misfits.

Well, the bright side is that you were there. Yes, you were sometimes quiet and reserved, but you were one hell of a leader.

You were kind to all your fellow companions, never turning anyone down for their weird habits or issues.

You were also quite attractive. When you fought, you were ferocious like a tiger, but when you were at camp, you were calm and docile like a house cat.

When he opened up to you about Mystra and his Tryssem Tara, he was surprised by your eagerness to know more about the cat than about a God.

He found you interesting; all your morals, hobbies, tics, and everything was so fascinating.

When the news came of his potential death, and you were so worried for him, he felt light, happy even.

He was scared to love again, even if he liked you a lot. He was too scared to love you and be hurt once more.

As time passed and he continued to live for you, he fell harder and harder.

He could listen to you talk for hours on end about so many things. You made life bright again, even with a ticking time bomb.

~~~~~ BLURB ~~~~~

After a long, hard battle, the group went to camp; you and many others had wounds far exceeding what was expected in battle planning. Shadowheart and Halsin took turns healing the group; you were the leader, so you asked to go last and just heal yourself. Heading to your tent, you passed all the comrades you grew to call friends. All had agonizing faces due to the pain from their wounds. The feeling of guilt began to gnaw at you. You could have saved everyone this pain if you had just made some better callouts, were a bit stronger, or faster. What stung the most was passing by Gale's tent. He had requested a magical artifact before battle, being fresh out due to some bartering. You told him you'd give him some after the win from today. All you could think, looking at him wincing in pain while lying there, was, 'Stella, how could you be so damn foolish.'

You made your way to your tent, and once inside, you undressed. Slowly relieving yourself of the heavy armor, you started looking for your wounds. You weren't as severely scuffed up as everyone else. Sadly, they all took a lot of hits for you Dressing the wounds you did have every sting and bandage felt like a penance, you should have been just as injured not your poor friends As you dressed the last wound a crack of thunder was heard Peeking out the opening of your tent you saw everyone healed and resting, you all would definitely need a couple days of rest to recoup fully though The rain began soon after, you closed your tent now alone it all came to a head.

The overwhelming emotions took over, and you couldn't help but drop to your knees and cry. The storm ragging on outside covered your cries of pain and torment. How could you let this happen? Thinking back on it, you realize the person who took the most hits for you was Gale. He has always done so since you two had a rendezvous to learn about the weave. The one you lov- no cared about was injured and starving due to you. The tears kept coming, holding yourself close, letting the pain and anguish leave your body. Why were you chosen for all of this? What plan did Lethander have for you? As your body wracked with quivers, suddenly you felt warm. Tan arms were wrapped around you, and bristly chin pressed against your shoulder in the crook of your neck. Jolts ran through you; turning around in the stranger's arms, you were shocked to find Gale there. He looked down at you, reclaiming his hold on you. "Don't you normally love rain? No need to cry, my love, just rest. If you need to cry don't cry alone I will be here for you Stella."

As if breaking the damn, you let it all out, wrapping your arms as best you could around Gales's neck. Crying profusely, he just held you and cradled your head. As the whimpers died with the storm, you two soon found yourselves wrapped together, warm in your tent. Gale cradled you against him, his warm chest below your head. He stayed with you the whole night. As day broke and you had awoken you saw him there resting peacefully, though still injured he was alright and you can only assume he found something to curb his hunger. Smiling, you leaned over and whispered in his ear, "I, Stella, vow to always love you, Gale Dekarios of Waterdeep." As you moved to get up, you were pulled back down into said man's chest. "And I, Stella, vow to stay by your side and love you." A couple extra minutes in bed with your loved one couldn't hurt.

~~~~~ EXTRA ~~~~~

(You were brewing some tea for yourself at the fire. The camp was resting for a bit before heading on the next lead for the brain.)

Y/N: A nice fresh cup of tea really solves all issues.

Gale: I beg to differ. Coffee is much better.

Y/N: How could you say such a thing that's disgusting?

Gale: (Laughing) No, it is much better than leaves from a plant.

Astarion: Gale, are you numb? Coffee is also from plants.