#i'm sorry piper i know this ask was probably a joke

[andiwriteordie]

Are you a ‘the only thing I like more than seeing Will Byers happy is Will Byers unhappy’ kind of person

Or are you a ‘Will should be tortured, nearly killed but🥺what🥺if🥺he🥺and🥺Mike🥺played🥺dnd🥺together����’ kind of person

Or are you both like me in which case you’ll ‘actively look for Will angst fics but then get mad when he has to go through angst’

Or possibly you’re a ‘complains to Andi about Will being sad but secretly wants Will to be sad but also wants Will to be happy’ because that’s me. Conflicted and annoying

piper i need you to know i saw this and actually laughed. then i sent it to my best friend, and she laughed too. so thank you, i needed this today.

so tbh i am a "hell was the journey, but it brought me heaven" kinda gal in basically everything that i ship (including byler) LOL. yes, there is something in my soul that sees tiny will in s1 and s2 and is like, "please someone for the love of god protect this child at all cost," but then also the angst in the show and in fics is just sooooo 🤌🏽

my thing is... i love when media (whether it be tv shows/movies/books/fanfics) make me think deeply and give me something to relate to. like i do like a good comedy and some fluffy things in media, but things that stick with me far, far more often are the ones that really dig deep into the rawness and vulnerability of the human experience! it's why i love characters like will (and mike), because all those things these characters are going through make for a perfect sandbox to play around with heavy and yet almost universal topics like grief, perception of self, fear of change and the unknown, etc.

so while i do love writing a good silly fic where will kisses mike on accident or everyone makes a bet on when these two idiots will get together already, i feel like i always default back to the topics that have stuck with me in my own life and that get me thinking and feeling things that i might not have done before lol. and when i write angst and explore difficult topics, my goal in my storytelling is to always get people to feel and think about those same types of things that have stuck with me! :)

(all that said. if will doesn't get a happy ending in canon, i am rioting. HELL WAS THE JOURNEY. BUT IT BROUGHT ME HEAVEN. OK.)

[maddy-k-reads-all-day]

Stuck inside

Riley starts the next tape with a lump in their throat. The tape was labeled Let’s Run Some Errands! The episode begins in Amanda’s room. 

“Hi again, I’m Amanda!” Amanda smiles. She looks around, and Riley quickly realizes Wooly isn’t there. “Hmm… someone's missing. Do you know where I can find my best friend?”

“I'm right here.” Riley jokes. Amanda smiles and rolls her eyes.

“I meant my other best friend.” She chuckles. she looks pretty happy… content… at peace for once. Riley realizes. “Can you help me?” Should I tell her? Riley wonders. Or should I wait till they’re both here? Or should I wait for Sophie to come back? Should I say anything to them at all? The tape glitches to the kitchen. 

“Do you see Wooly in here?” Amanda asks. Riley types in no. “Hmm.” She peaks around the corner in the living room. A sly smile creeps across her face. She looks at Riley and puts her finger to her lips, telling them to shush. The tape changes to show the living room, where Wooly is lying down on the couch staring at the ceiling. Riley watches Amanda creep behind the couch and slowly sneak up on Wooly. She jumps up in front of Wooly’s face from over the couch’s arm shouting “BOO!” Wooly screams and immediately sits up in shock and the two heads collide. The tape immediately glitches over with a bunch of static.

“Owwwwww…” Amanda shouts. When the static clears we see Amanda holding her forehead in pain as she stumbles back a bit. 

“Ah! I’m sorry!” Wooly gasps.

“No, no… I shouldn’t have startled you like that. It’s fine… I’m fine…” Amanda chuckles, while clearly sounding in pain. 

“I think we should get a…” Wooly prompts Riley, they type in ice pack. The pair appear in the kitchen. “Where do we find ice packs?” Riley clicks on the fridge. “Right!” Wooly grabs them some ice packs. The tape glitches and they are both sitting on the couch. 

“Why did I do that…” Amanda mumbles to herself.

“Does it really hurt that much?” Wooly asks.

“I feel a headache coming on…” 

“Really?” 

“You don’t feel a thing, Wooly?” Amanda asks. Wooly shakes his head. “You must have a skull of steel…” she groans. Flopping back down on the couch.

“Um… sorry… so uh… what are we doing today?” 

“We gotta go outside and run some errands!” Amanda announces. The tape glitches to the two of them standing outside the house. It is plain to see that there is a literal hurricane going on outside. “What the fu-”

“Amanda watch out!” Wooly shouts pushing her out of the way as a garbage can hits him right in the face. “Ow…” 

“Our heads are not doing good today huh?” Amanda mumbles. Wooly looks at her with a bit of annoyance. “Let’s go back inside.” they appear back in the living room. 

“Wooly, are you sure your head doesn’t hurt after that?”

“I told you I feel fine… I feel… nothing…” he sounds almost a little scared to say it. 

“Nothing? Like… nothing nothing?” Amanda immediately sounds concerned. Wooly nods. “Not even-” 

“Don’t say it!” Wooly shouts the tape glitches red. He pauses and takes a deep breath. Amanda looks on inquisitively. He shakes his head. Amanda has a look on her face that says nothing but oh **** and the pair remain dead silent for a bit. “Lo-look it’s probably nothing… nothing serious anyway…” Wooly laughs nervously. Amanda still looks extremely shaken. “Look, forget I said anything. I swear it’s probably just in my head… please?” 

“Okay. We’re going to talk about that later though.” Amanda says seriously.   

“So… we can’t run errands… what are we gonna do?” 

“Let’s play a board game!” Amanda beams. The tape glitches to a cabinet in the hallway. 

“Ooooh, which one are we gonna play?” Wooly says with some fake excitement. 

“Let’s allow our friend to pick!” Amanda suggests. All the games are based on books mentioned in the show previously. But one in particular catches Riley’s eye. Pied Piper. Riley clicks on that one. Amanda and Wooly look very disturbed by this. “Let’s pick something else…” suddenly everything gets dark and only Amanda and Wooly’s eyes can be seen. Riley could’ve sworn they saw human eyes for at least a split second. “... else… Um… ummm…” 

“Oh… looks like the power is out. Hold on I could’ve sworn I left the flashlight somewhere in… aha! I knew it was here!” Wooly pulls out a flashlight and turns it on. He turns it to Amanda who looks… really scared. “Amanda… wha-what’s wrong?” 

“I don’t like the dark…” Amanda whimpers. Wooly’s eyes widen. 

“It’s fine, there’s a flashlight now.”  Suddenly the flashlight flicks out, Riley can hear Wooly slamming it against the wall. It turns back on. 

“Wooly… you could’ve just lightly tapped it against your arm.”

“Oh. Alright… So what do we do during a pow-” the flashlight goes out again. Riley can hear Wooly lightly tapping it this time. “Come on… come on…” then he’s slamming it against the wall again. But this time the flashlight will not come back on. “D*** it.” Wooly does it five more times. 

“At this point it seems like you’re just taking out a bunch of bottled up rage on that poor flashlight.” Amanda concludes. Wooly chucks the flashlight at the wall as hard as he can. The sound that was probably the flashlight breaking could be heard. “OW MY ARM! Wooly!” “Whoops.” Wooly whispers. “Got a little carried away.”

“Wooly… it just needed batteries, you didn’t need to break it.” Amanda hisses, sounding a little frightened. 

“I… um… oops.” “Riley can find us a new flashlight?” Amanda prompts. Riley turns around and looks about the room. Eventually they find one and give it to Amanda. “Thanks.” She turns it on and looks at Wooly. “I’m not giving you this one.” 

“So um… What do we do during a power outage?” Wooly asks. 

“I don’t know…” Amanda mumbles, “this has never happened before…” 

“Let’s just go back to the living room then?” Wooly offers. Amanda nods. The tape glitches back to the living room. It gets stuck for a couple seconds though. 

“Hey Wooly… have you noticed that this place seems more unstable lately?” Amanda asks 

“As in…?” 

“The weather is all over the place. The trees and background stuff is all glitchy and like… then there’s you.” 

“Me?” 

“The point is… I think something is up…” 

“Like?” “It’s like no one’s been taking care of this place anymore.” Amanda suggests. Wooly looks… mortified. “I mean… I had my suspicions for a while now… I mean, think about it. Isn’t it strange that we can do whatever we want… and Hameln is doing absolutely nothing about it?” 

“Well we aren’t even on air anymore… maybe they don’t know?” 

“Or they don’t care.” Amanda elaborated. Wooly freezes. “I suspect this has happened before?” 

“But if the show is over why aren’t they coming to get us?” 

“Have they done that before?” Amanda inquires, raising an eyebrow. Wooly falls silent. “But why now? I mean… they still cared when Kate was around.” 

“I… saw this thing…” Riley chimes in. Amanda’s head turns so fast it’s almost scary. “Apparently… Hameln has begun working on a new show…” 

“No…” Wooly whimpers. “No no no!” he curls up into a little ball and starts rocking a little.

“Heh… that explains a lot…” Amanda mumbles, sounding defeated. Wooly looks back and forth nervously. 

“Amanda… what should we do?” Wooly asks, his voice trembling a bit, “We are going to do something about this… right?” Amanda stays silent. He continues to look between Amanda and Riley. “Riley… What are we going to do?” he pleads. 

“I don’t know…” Riley says softly. I don’t know how much more of this conversation I can take.

“Hey everybody I’m baaaaack! And guess what I got some good good news!” Sophie cheers. Everyone looks back at her sadly. “Whoa… what happened here? Why is it so dark in here?” Riley hadn’t realized the lights went out when they went out in Amanda’s world. Sophie flicks on the switch. “Quit looking mopey everybody I have the absolute BEST news!” 

“I don’t know if that’s possible.” Amanda grumbles. 

“Did you find out how Kate almost got them out? Like into the real world.” 

“Ah- No. That’s um… impossible.” Amanda doesn’t even seem shocked by this, but Wooly looks heartbroken, “I have a good alternative though. I found something really good in Kate’s old notes… and I also managed to connect with a certain someone who may be able to help! See there was this former Hameln employee spoke out against Hameln in a 3600 seconds interview! I managed to find him and get him to agree to tell us EVERYTHING HE KNOWS!” 

“How did you do that?” Wooly asks. 

“Oh nothing much. I just threatned to turn him and his family in to Hameln.” Sophie giggles menacingly.

“If that doesn’t work I can just call on a friend of mine to make him talk.” Amanda suggests threateningly.

“So wait… who is it?” Wooly inquires. 

“Carl Daniels… ring a bell?”

“Oh yeah! That’s the guy that always snuck us extra cookies during break time!” Wooly says, snapping his fingers, “But he also said absolutely nothing when those same kids started to disappear so… I don’t know how much I’d trust him..” 

“I wouldn’t trust anyone from Hameln.” Amanda adds.  

“So what did I miss?” 

[Insert a summarized version of the previous fics events]

“So Hameln has a new show and they’re getting rid of Amanda the Adventurer entirely? Well gee that almost makes my good news even better!” 

“I don’t know how that could make things any better.” Amanda groans. 

“Well if Hameln doesn’t want you guys anymore they could just give you to us!” she beams. 

“That’s unlikely.” Wooly grumbles rolling his eyes.

“Yeah that’s why we’re gonna kidnap you two instead.” 

“Oh my gosh yesssss!” Amanda grins. 

“I don’t know how we can get you into the real world somehow… yet. There might be some way that we just haven’t found yet. Until then maybe we could get you out of that s***hole and into someplace nicer?” 

“That’s sounds… nice…” 

“I think the most important thing is trying to find how they trapped you in there! If we do that, we can figure out how to get you out!” 

“So this is just a bandaid to the current issue?” Amanda asks. 

“Pretty much… yeah… heh heh…” “And what are we gonna do about the new show? We’re gonna stop them right?” Wooly inquires. Riley and Sophie exchange a worried look. 

“Ye-yeah Wooly… we’ll find a way.” Sophie lies. Wooly’s face lights up. But one look at Amanda’s face and Riley knew she saw right through it. 

“Do what you can… but stay safe okay?” Amanda sighs. The lights in Amanda and Wooly’s house flicker on but now it’s nighttime. 

“Well if we’re going to do something we better do it fast.” Riley concludes. 

“And um… Hey… Sophie I wouldn’t trust that Carl guy if I were you.” Wooly warns. 

“Don’t worry Wooly… I know what I’m doing.” Sophie says reusseringly. But Wooly looks… incredibly uncertain. Do you? Do you know what you're doing? Riley wonders. 

“No Sophie I don’t think you do.” Amanda argues, “Former employee or not… he still worked for Hamlen. He’s still dangerous. What if he tricks you-” 

“That won’t happen. Don’t worry.” she smiles.

“How can you be so sure?” Wooly questions worriedly.

“You think I went into this unprepared?” She says confidently, “I have a plan.” 

“I don’t want any more sacrifices to be made for us-” 

“Amanda. This is not just for you. My family… has been tracking down this cult for generations, remember? I intend for this to be the last generation that hunts them… because I am going to rip them apart so thoroughly… they won’t be able to hurt anyone again…” 

“But you can’t! They’re unbeatable!” Wooly argues. 

“I’ll find a way… I’ll find a way for all of us to get our happy ending… I swear it.” 

“Okay… I think I trust you…” Amanda mumbles, “just… be careful. Okay?” 

“Okay, I will.” 

Amanda nods and the tape turns dark.  Sophie immediately falls to her knees and starts crying. 

“Whoa! Sophie?!” 

“I couldn’t do it… I couldn’t tell them the truth…” she sobs. 

“What… truth?” 

“I… don’t think they will ever get out into the real world alive again…” she explains, “because their physical bodies are practically dead… Hameln might have been keeping them alive for some time… but… I don’t think they are anymore…” 

“But we can get them out right? They aren’t trapped there forever are they?” Riley questions. 

“I don’t know Riley… I don’t know…” 

“Come here…” Riley sighs, pulling her in close. 

“I have more information-” “Tomorrow… let’s just put this away for tonight okay?” Riley suggests, Sophie nods and they walk back upstairs. As soon as they are gone the tv flickers back on. 

“I knew they weren’t telling us something.” Amanda mumbles. Wooly looks like he’s about to cry. “Come on Wooly, don't look at me like that. We knew.” 

“I still wanted to believe…” 

“At some point you gotta stop wearing those rose-tinted glasses Wooly…” Amanda sighs.

“So… what now…?” 

“One way… or another… we’re ending this.” Amanda says. The tape ends and falls out of the machine.

Authors Note: Yeah... I think I'm heading towards a sad/bittersweet ending for Amanda and Wooly. As for this new show... who knows?

The Hameln Employee name was given by my younger sister.

[lukecvntstellan]

do you reckon u could do a leo x reader fluff plsss 🙏

a/n: this is the first time i've written anything ____ x reader in a LOOONNNGGGGG time... forgive me if i'm rusty. don't be tooo mean i'll probably sob idk

improper grammar probably (not proofread) and written in all lowercase because i dont feel like capitalizing

---

hurt/comfort with leo valdez x reader i guesssss

---

leo had been down on himself recently. him and his significant other had been together almost a year now. as of late he had been locking himself in bunker nine, away from his friends and s/o.

leo had been drowning himself in work, alone in bunker 9, as an excuse for his loneliness. over his music he hears the door swing open, he looks up expecting to see his s/o, but is instead greeted by one of his best friends, piper mclean.

"hey, leo. we noticed you've been spending a lot of time in here... is everything okay?"

the question he knew was coming, but had been dreading.

leo unplugged his radio before saying, "yeah, piper, i've been great. just working on a big project!" trying to feign excitement over his project, which in reality was a pile of scrap metal on his desk that he wasn't quite sure what to do with.

"i'm sorry, but you're the most social out of our friend group? locking yourself in here for days is unusual. y/n has been worried about you. you haven't even spoken to them?"

"okay piper. i'm sorry. okay? i just don't know what to say. you're the only person i've opened up to before. i'm scared y/n would leave me if they knew what was happening. i can't tell them. being with me is already hard enough, i don't need to add on additional burden with the nightmares i've been having..."

despite being "closer" with jason, leo had only ever talked about his feelings with piper before. jason already had enough of his own problems, and never really noticed when leo was going through something.

ever since leo was claimed by his father he had been told by multiple people that he was fated to always be the outsider, never have a place, always the seventh wheel. those words echo through his mind constantly, never ending. because of this, having an s/o was hard. thoughts of "do i deserve this?" "are they going to leave me?" and "am i good enough for them?" were always cycling through his mind.

piper's voice cut through leo's thoughts, "i'm not the one you should be apologizing to. i think you need to talk to them. they're worried about you. do you want to tell me what's been happening first though?"

"do you remember a few months ago i told you about the dreams i had, with hera in them?"

"oh gods.. they're back?"

"yeah... i haven't been sleeping to avoid them. but now i'm so tired and i want to sleep. but i'm scared."

piper moved to give leo a quick hug. "i'm sorry that the dreams are back. i'm gonna get y/n to come talk to you. okay?"

"thanks beauty queen." (**LEOS NORMAL NICKNAME FOR HER IN THE BOOKS**)

as piper was leaving leo walked over to the bed he had made for his late nights in bunker nine, preparing for a conversation he did not want to have.

emotions weren't leo's strong suit. he always tried to be funny and cool to distract from any emotional issues that were happening. no amount of jokes could hide the dark circles under his eyes and his unbrushed hair. he looked rough.

the door opened, and y/n walked in and sat down next to leo. running their hand through his unkempt curls they asked, "are you okay, what's going on? i'm worried about you."

leo laid down, his head in y/n's lap, and their hands gently playing with his hair.

"my dreams have been really bad recently. i haven't been sleeping to avoid them. i'm so tired. i haven't been able to finish any project i've started. i can't do anything right-" leo pointed to the haphazard pile of junk on his desk.

tears started to form, leo tried to blink them away, to no success.

"i guess i've always been insecure? i've been told by hera and nemesis that i'm meant to be this outsider with no role and will always be alone and now i just feel like i don't deserve you. and all my dreams lately have just been those same words on repeat. hera standing there telling me that i'm always going to be the seventh wheel. i'm never going to find my place. i can't take it anymore."

y/n pressed a light kiss to his forehead while contemplating their words.

"leo. you realize that isn't true, right? you DO deserve me. you're not an outsider either, you have a place in our friend group. everyone there loves you. and I love you-"

"love me? you haven't said that before"

"i've been thinking it for a while"

leo couldn't hide the smile that was taking over his face. "really? i love you too, actually, i love you more." he sat up and tackled y/n down on the bed in a hug. "you can't ever leave me now, you're trapped here!" leo said through a laugh.

"you know, i wouldn't dream of it."

"i mean, you probably will. the demigod dreams go kinda crazy."

"you know what i meant, stupid."

"WHAT! you think i'm stupid?" leo protested.

"no. i didn't mean it like that and you know it."

leo shut up after that. being in the arms of his partner after not sleeping for days was making the sleepiness overwhelming. y/n noticed leo drifting off, running their hands through his hair and whispering soft "i love you's" and other sweet nothings.

this was the first night of no nightmares in a week for him :)

---

this is ASSS bc i wrote it at mostly 4am and i dont proofread. the concept is there, the execution isn't.

i love leo i think he deserves some comfort in his life PLEASE

[suchan3rd]

New Flame - FemReader x Leo Valdez Part 2

Please read part 1 before this one (:

TW: the F-words and a little of bullying but that about it (no smut, yet)

Anger. That's what you felt as you walked through the threshold of Aphrodite cabin. You sat on the bed that Piper said was now yours staring at the wall mentally throwing up at the excessive amount of pink decor.

"I'm so happy you're a child of Aphrodite" Piper said sitting down next to you on the bed. You managed a smile but you know that it looked forced. "What's wrong?" She asked, " you look upset."

"It's nothing really" you said, realizing that you would probably come off as petty and self centered.

"Tell me" Piper said, placing her hand on your arm.

"It's just," you sigh, "this is really important to me, and no one noticed. No one cared" And then, as if on cue, Drew and the rest of Aphrodite cabin walked in.

"Can you believe that he got a girl like that?" Drew said to the crowd behind her.

"Yeah, I don't know what he had to do to get someone that good looking," said a son of Aphrodite. Then Drew stopped and looked at Piper and me.

"What is she doing here?" Drew asked.

"Y/n's a daughter of Aphrodite, she just got claimed." Piper said standing up.

Drew laughed, "Piper you're truly turning into quite the jokester, but she can leave now."

"I'm not joking," Piper said, coming to your defense.

"And why do you hate me?" You say finally speaking up, "if you really don't want to share a cabin with me you could go sleep in the big house instead" Drew flushed bright red and clenched her fists. The rest of the campers that had come In with her filed into the cabin chuckling at their flustered cabin mate.

"Nice one" Piper said holding out her hand for a high five and you happily oblige.The next morning you wake up early, before the sun had come up. After trying, and failing, to fall back asleep you decide to take a walk around camp. You tug on your new bright orange cabin 10 shirt and quietly open the door to the crisp morning air. You breathe in, letting the perfume of pine and strawberries waft into your nose. You smile, you always loved the scent of strawberries. The morning silence was broken by crashes and bangs of metal on metal. And stepping into the clearing was none other than Leo Valdez. Great. He was carrying a large bronze wing in his arms. It looked heavy and you wondered how he could carry that without collapsing. Following him was the large metallic dragon Festus. He creaked Morse code at Leo.

"I know, I know" Leo was saying, " I'm sorry" you took a few steps forwards. You were planning on ignoring him, but your interest had peaked. What was "Mr. Popular" doing up so early? "What do you mean its my fault!" Leo demanded after a few moments of silence. You chuckled a bit at the Crack in his voice. Sometimes you forgot we were all still teenagers. Everyone at camp had to grow up fast. Leo turned slightly and the two of you locked eyes. "Uhh sorry, was I being loud."

"No, no need to apologize" for this, you think. "I just forgot to do something earlier" you say realizing the opportunity suddenly put in front of you.

"And what was that" he asks, the corner of his mouth quirked up, you force yourself to look away. You walk towards him and wind your arm, and throw it forward into his upper arm.

"Oww, fuck" he said dropping the wing and clutching his arm. "I thought you weren't going to punch me" he said looking up at her from his hunched over position, cradling his arm.

"Well now I do have a reason" you said crossing your arms.

"And what reason is that?" He asked with a bit of spite in his voice. You shook your head and turned away

"Asshole" you mutter under you breath. But once you're back in your cabin you can't help but picture the tug at his lips and the depth of his eyes.

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: They deserve a bit of silly goofy -Danny Words: 2,021 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Past Lives' -by Børns

XLIX: No Thoughts Just Concerns

"We have two weeks," Ara whispers anxiously. "How are we supposed to—"

Leo hushes her quickly. "Your brother is coming."

"Oh, cool, exactly what I needed, more people telling me I'm over my head," Ara grumbles as she glares at the couple.

"Be cool, they went through hell for us," he reminds her.

Ara stands there scowling at Percy. "Stop looking at me like I'm mom," he complains. "I won't scold you for hiding food under the pillow."

Annabeth points at the Archimedes sphere. "That looks great, Leo. How does it work?" She's trying to send a message: These two need a moment. 

"Found it before we went to get you, check it out!" The boy guides her away and glances at Ara pleadingly, he looks more concerned about her than for her, like she would stab her brother unprovoked.

She can hear Piper and Hazel sword fighting, and Jason chuckling while he listens to something Frank's telling him. The girl keeps her eyes on the starboard, feeling somehow alienated. She's not sharing the fate of any of these kids, Leo is tied to her by a curse, and once this quest is over, she doesn't know what that'll mean to their relationship.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Percy stands next to her, staring in the same direction she's looking.

Ara smiles a little. "You know I love gossip."

Percy chuckles and then sighs. "I've been having nightmares... about drowning. Even before I went to Tartarus."

The girl looks back at him and fixes her posture. "Oh."

He makes a face. "My current theory is that I've felt pretty uh... not very good at what I do."

Ara frowns. "That's crazy."

"Is it? Couldn't get us out of the Aquarium, and after that I got my ass kicked by a sea monster, and after that, I almost drowned in a cave..."

"Those traps were made to catch you."

"Yeah?" He asks quietly. "Or maybe I was never that good to begin with."

"That's insane," Ara raises a brow. "Percy, you're the greatest hero of our time."

"Nah, Birdy, that's you," his face shows a tentative smile.

"I'm only great because you guys made me great," she squeezes her shoulder. "Without my mentors, there would be no daughter of Olympus."

"That doesn't make me feel better," he admits awkwardly. "You grew up thinking it was okay to risk your life—once you realized you wouldn't get those chances naturally, you..."

"My fatal flaw is ambition, if you hadn't helped me find a way to channel that need, who knows? I would've joined Luke, probably," she pats his back. "Cheer up, Nemo. This was the best possible outcome."

"I'm not sure..."

"Don't even," she says firmly. "Please."

Percy looks at her dejectedly. "You look tired. Go to bed."

Ara laughs. "You just need to feel like you have some control over me, right?"

Percy pulls her close in a loose chokehold. "I'm your brother and I love you, accept my advice!"

Ara smacks his arm and coughs. "Fine, fine! I'm leaving!"

"Hey!" Leo shows up, sneaking between the siblings and pulling Ara to safety. "No tough love!"

"She's alright!" Percy laughs, raising his hands in surrender. "Birdy's just whiny."

"Exactly, don't get her going!" Leo jokes, hugging her head against his shoulder.

"Hey!" Ara complains.

The boy clicks his tongue, patting her hair. "S'alright, doll, let's hug it out..."

"Hey!" She insists grumpily. "I'm not whiny!"

"I thought her voice would change after the growth spurt, but it's still pretty annoying," Percy comments playfully.

"Knock it off!" Ara pushes Leo away and both boys laugh. "I don't like this! Stop it."

"You want them to stop being friends?" Annabeth approaches with a grin.

"Sorry, sunshine, no can do," Leo says gleefully. "Your family loves me."

"Perhaps mom would like to trade you for him," Percy continues.

"I think Paul would love that—"

"No, he wouldn't!" Ara pouts. "Dad loves me!"

Ara's pitiful doe-eyes make the boys cave. Percy tries to comfort Ara but Leo moves faster, his arms wrap around her, and he kisses all over her face. Percy's expression is hilarious as it happens, Ara has allowed other boys to fuss and pamper her throughout the years, but usually, he's the one she chooses. Now Leo has taken his place.

Annabeth holds his hand. "You okay?"

Both teens watch Ara blush while Leo showers her with attention. It's hard to see her as the same kid that would cry during quests, now she looks like a real leader, strong and scary. To Percy, having to come to terms with the fact that she no longer needs nor wants his aid is like a punch in the gut, he enjoyed being an older brother, how is he supposed to act around her now?

"Leo's her soulmate, I didn't know those were real," something weird churns in his stomach, like fear, but sadder.

Annabeth smiles. "Ara's a matchmaker, that should interest you more."

Percy frowns. "I thought they were a myth—Cabin Ten's boogeyman for when they were teased a little too much."

"She says our lights are the same color."

Percy's face flushes. "Does that mean we..."

Annabeth kisses his cheek. "You didn't answer my question, Seaweed brain."

He chuckles and shrugs. "I'm alive. That's what matters."

"I'd like a proper answer, please," Annabeth presses.

"Look at those two," Percy responds, unable to do it himself. "I couldn't wait to see her in love so I could tease her... but I don't think I like it," he rubs the back of his neck. "It's weird. I'm happy for her but I guess I thought..."

"That it would take years for this to happen," Annabeth nods. "You weren't there to make sure Leo was good for her before he could date her."

"My mom loves him," Percy replies, and Annabeth has to suppress her laughter when he says it like it's such a terrible thing. "And it makes sense. A Cabin Nine boy with a sense of humor and so affectionate it's kind of cringe? Aphrodite knew what she was doing."

"Was that her dream boy?" Annabeth asks with amusement.

"I don't know, I'm just saying it suits her," Percy insists. "I'm glad she's with someone so unapologetically head over heels for her... But what they mean to each other..."

"It's a complicated situation," Annabeth admits. "He's cursed, and Ara's the cause. Leo has a plan, and our General is against it, that is the real crossroad."

"I don't want her to go back to how she was when Mike died," Percy says worryingly. "That whole thing about Paris and Helen... I don't know what to tell her."

Ara and Leo return and the girl seems in a better mood. "I'll go to bed only if you convince Leo to do the same."

Annabeth shrugs. "We all need sleep—and Festus can keep an eye on us now, right? No need to have someone on night watch."

Leo scratches the back of his head. "Well, no, but I wanted to check the state of the ship since I've got time—"

"We just came back from a big mission," Ara holds his hand with both of hers and pleads. "Let's go have dinner, then I'll give you thirty minutes to come and check Festus's noggin!"

"Why thirty minutes?" Percy asks.

"It's how long it takes me to get ready for bed," she replies casually.

Percy frowns. "Wait, is Leo sleeping with—"

"Let's all have dinner!" Annabeth pulls Percy away. "We'll call the others, you two go ahead!"

The seven and Ara are having dinner together, all of them wondering out loud what Nico, Reyna, and Hedge may be facing on their own.

"At least they're moving out of the ancient lands, not further in," Frank sighs.

"Yes, but Nico isn't strong enough to move as fast as they need to," Ara points out.

"Well, they have Coach with them, right?" Piper replies sarcastically. "He can keep Nico and Reyna in one piece no problem, as you two were so keen to point out."

Frank and Ara share a guilty look. Leo makes a noise and points at them with his fork. "What's that about? What are you two hiding?"

"Do you think it's okay if we...?" Frank leaves his question open and Ara shrugs.

"Mellie's pregnant."

"What!"

"When did that—"

"Who's Mellie?" Percy frowns.

Ara grins. "Hedge got a girlfriend last December. We thought they were casual but I think they're married now? I'm not sure, that guy is a mystery."

"Dang!" Leo smirks. "Hedge wasted no time..."

"No wonder he'd been looking so stressed lately," Jason grimaces. "Good move from you two, sending him home. He should be with his family."

"Yeah, let's hope he gets to camp safely."

"Birdy, let's keep that kind of thoughts for your inner voice, alright?" Percy scowls. "You sound like Nico..."

"He's a good kid," Jason quickly defends him. "Maybe just a bit pessimistic."

Leo snorts. "That guy opens his mouth and all that comes out are death omens."

"He's the reason we got out alive of the House of Hades," Jason points out gravely.

"What's up with you and Nico?" Piper questions. "One day you're telling us we can't trust him and the next you're Nico's fan club—"

"WOW—"

"I just—"

"Don't ever call me Nico's fan club!" Ara exclaims.

"That's more like it," Percy smirks, eating a mouthful of fries. "But seriously," he swallows and clears his throat. "What's happening?"

"People grow up and realize there are more important things in life than holding grudges," Ara shrugs.

"Yeah, and Eros poked each of you in the butt with his fancy arrows, made you hold hands, and list five things you love about each other," Leo taunts them.

"You shouldn't make fun of Eros, dude, he's the reason Ara's dating you," Piper teases him.

"I pulled Ara because I'm awesome, it wasn't Eros."

"No, it does feel like Eros was bored and realized he had the opportunity to do the funniest thing," Frank adds with a grin.

"You're going to come at me with that, Zhang?" Leo demands with annoyance. "After I saved you from spontaneous combustion? You wanna go there?"

"I wanna," Jason offers bemusedly.

"Petition denied," Leo retorts. "Next!"

"Hey, you're the one who made fun of me for not insulting Nico and he's not here to defend himself! I have the right to tease you!"

"You don't have what it takes, Grace, let it go."

"I think I do," he responds calmly.

"I so wanna use charmspeak and make this worse," Piper nibbles on a strawberry, watching the exchange with bright eyes.

"Piper, control your white boy, don't encourage him!" Leo says.

"Ara, you gonna do something about your chihuahua?" Jason asks back.

"Chihuahua?" Leo squeaks. "Is it because I'm Mexican? WOW, Jason, your Roman racism is showing."

"What? No!" Jason blushes and everyone else starts laughing. "That's not what I meant and you know it!"

"I really thought you weren't like all the other Americans out there," Leo turns to Percy. "You're my last hope, Nemo."

"You're not allowed to call me that," Percy says, still grinning.

"Got it, little mermaid."

"Knock it off, Leobard," Ara chortles. "Jason's being a good friend to Nico and that's not easy, I would know. You should too, you guys were getting along when he started training you!"

"Oh, I understand how hard it is. I don't understand why Jason wants to be friends with him, though," Leo says sarcastically but truly curious. "He's nothing short of hostile towards all of you, except Hazel. And maybe Ara, when he's well-fed."

"Maybe I got tired of having a short and scrawny best friend and I'm trying to change it to a tall and fit one," Jason taunts him.

Leo raises his eyebrows in surprise. His face denotes something more dangerous than hurt or anger, Leo looks at Jason like he's just handed him the best fidget toy on the market.

"Alright," the boy speaks with a shit-eating grin. "Yeah, that's probably good for you, Jace. Giants don't have it easy, huh? Sucks to be you."

Jason hesitates, sensing danger. "I mean..."

"No, no, I get it," Leo stops him from talking, lifting one hand to silence him. "Life is tough for the big guys, I would hate to be you—I get to sleep and don't feel the need to lock my door at all! Good night, y'all!"

He pulls Ara out of her seat and the Mess Hall. The girl waves happily before leaving with him, and Percy tenses as if wanting to follow, but Annabeth keeps him in place and whispers something in his ear. He mutters a reply with a grumpy expression.

Jason turns to Piper and Frank. "Should I lock my door tonight?"

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicksh @ebony-reine-vibes

[queen-of-writing-bad-things]

Henry Danger Reader Insert | Captain Man x Reader: SEASON 2

Episode 15: Ox Pox

There was never a dull day in the Man Cave, there was always something happening or people rushing around the place and that day was no different. It was safe to say that Schwoz had screwed up big time snd like always, his mistake was drastically affecting those around him.

"Oh God, oh God, Schwoz. One of these days, I'm actually going to put your head down the toilet and flush." (y/n) growled as she and Ray frantically ran down the sprocket corridor so they could access the supercomputer. 

They had been relaxing before Schwoz had come running to them, screaming about some dangerous cookies that he had stupidly given to Henry. 

Then, he had rambled something about certain death and that's when the couple leapt off Ray's bed (watching movies and snuggling together is definitely what friends do) and were now skidding toward the hologram caller.

"Come on, kid, pick up, pick up." Ray tapped his foot impatiently once he had selected his sidekick and the number began to dial. (y/n) was no better, she was chewing her lip and nervously twiddling her thumbs as the ominous beeping of the dialling tone lasted for what felt like a lifetime. 

Henry did pick up eventually though and his little floating body gave the couple an annoyed look as they interrupted his lethal cookie time. Some people are never grateful.

"Henry!" Ray greeted him in an exceedingly alarmed voice, but Henry hung up on them before they could say anything else. Piper had come down the stairs and he couldn't risk her seeing his out-of-this-world technology.

"Hey, where'd he go?" Ray frowned as the hologram disappeared. They had extremely important information for the boy and now he was gone. Typical.

"The little shit hung upon us." (y/n) rolled her eyes and folded her arms as she waited for Henry to reconnect. She could guess that someone walked in on the call and knew that the kid would waste no time on getting back to them. Just a couple more minutes...

"Hey." Thankfully, he came back pretty quickly and the adults wasted no time in getting straight to the point. They couldn't go slow with the introductions and crap, Henry needed to know that he and probably his family were in grave danger. Stupid Schwoz and his dodgy recipes.

"Oh, Henry, thank god I got you, now tell me, did you eat one of the cookies Schwoz made?"Ray questioned at a million miles per hour. It didn't really sound like a sentence, more like one big, long word falling out of his mouth.

"Okay, this is what you just sounded like, ahggrheeegurrattterbanatututt." Henry joked, not seeing the gravity of the situation he was in. His lightheartedness made the adults go purse-lipped in mild irritation, so Ray sighed to keep his temper under control.

"Sorry, I'll talk slower. Do you want to die?" He asked, much more slowly, focusing on enunciating each syllable clearly. He didn't have the patience to beat around the bush when lives were at stake.

"No," Henry replied. Obviously, he didn't want to die. He had so much left to live for.

"Well, did you eat one of the cookies that Schwoz made?" (y/n) butted in urgently, praying that Henry hadn't gone anywhere near the baked goods. In fact, it would be preferable for him to throw them into a volcano just so no one could eat them.

"Well, not yet, but I was about to," Henry told them, thinking about how he'd been trying to eat one damn cookie all day with his glass of milk. 

"No, don't!" Ray begged him, dreading the consequences that the cookies would bring. He couldn't bear the thought of seeing his sidekick getting sick and dying.

"Schwoz accidentally put commodium assitate in the batter! Those cookies are bad news!" (y/n) explained, leaning back into Ray's body so his body warmth would settle her nerves. He was wearing a particularly tight t-shirt that day and she loved it; it showed off those beefy arms of his and a tiny peek of his chest. It was like he was teasing her, all she wanted to do was press a kiss against that piece of skin. 

"Okay, okay, what is commodium assitate?" Henry asked. In all of his science classes, he had never heard of that chemical, but from their panicked faces, he guessed it wasn't good.

"It's a dangerous chemical that should not be put in cookie batter, so go get that damn cookie and destroy it before anyone eats it!" The young woman explained quickly. Any substance that was kept by Schwoz carried a health hazard warning, making the cookie unbelievably risky to have in a suburban house.

"Okay!" Henry complied, sensing that it probably wasn't a good idea to have left the cookie unguarded on his kitchen table. 

Closing his whiz watch and running inside, Henry freaked out when he saw Piper popping the last piece of cookie into her mouth. She licked her lips at the scrumptious taste, causing her brother to run over in terror and grab her the waist.

"Not the cookie! No, no, no, no, no, no! I gotta get it out of you!" He yelled at his sister so he started to give her the Heimlich manoeuvre, badly. Piper grunted in pain as Henry's sharp movements made her chest ache, why couldn't she just eat the cookie in peace?

"What are you doing? Ow, ow, ow!" She squealed as she was lifted and shaken around. It was useless though, Piper wasn't choking and picking her up wouldn't make her vomit, so Henry just dropped her on the floor when his arms began to feel numb and tired.

"I eat one stupid cookie and you have a waz-attack!" She screamed at her brother, feeling dizzy and lightheaded from the assault.

"I-uh-I—I..." Henry stuttered as he thought of something to say. He didn't want to tell his little sister that she'd eaten a cookie laced with a toxic chemical. She'd probably pass out or scream the house down. However, Piper didn't see his attempt to be kind and she gave him a sharp kick on the shin, causing the boy to collapse onto the kitchen island as she ran off to her room. You try to do a nice thing and it just gets thrown back in your face. 

~In the Man Cave~

Everyone was waiting for Henry's arrival in the Man Cave. Ray, Schwoz, (y/n) and Charlotte were pacing around the room anxiously, they had received news about Piper scoffing the cookie and now they were trying to be brave as they waited for her brother to come. The young woman gave her best friend a worried look as she neared him, so he intertwined their fingers and squeezed her hand to show her that he was there for her. How were they supposed to tell Henry that his little sister might die?

"How could you give Henry a cookie contaminated with commodium assitate?" Ray scowled at Schwoz. Even with his sweet girl next to him, the situation was stressing him out. And her stress added to his stress, so overall, he was on edge and it showed.

"Yeah, why did you even have it in the kitchen?" (y/n) asked, her hand leaving Ray's so she could dramatically throw her arms up in the air. She was pissed off with Schwoz and the recent few months of non-stop near-death experiences had been getting to her. Coupled with her growing frustration towards her romantic feelings for her beloved Ray, everything was mixing into one big ball of strain and worry for her.

"I'm sorry, it looks exactly like sugar and I don't know why I keep it in the kitchen...next to the sugar." Schwoz whimpered in a strained voice. For an eccentric genius, he really was stupid sometimes. His poor organisation could only lead to disaster and now everyone was knee-deep in crap because of it.

"Well, where'd you get that idea? PoorJudgement.gov?" Ray asked sarcastically. His life was never easy and when Schwoz was around it got even worse.

"Hey! Henry's on his way down." Charlotte announced as she pulled out her phone. It was time to see if they had an imminent death on their hands.

"Okay, let's not freak Henry out even more than he is. Just act normal and happy and natural, 'kay?" (y/n) smiled at her friends. She didn't want Henry coming down and seeing his friends panicking and throwing fits of hysterics, that would just make shit worse. If they kept their cool, he would suspect how worried they really were.

"Right, okay." Her friends agreed and they all turned to the elevator with bright smiles, just as Henry stepped through the door. 

"Hey, I'm here." He said breathily as he approached them. One of these days he'd be able to come into work when the fate of the world or death and disease wasn't hanging in the balance.

"Hi..." "Hey..." The four greeted him in unsure voices, sounding anything but normal, happy and natural. The only natural thing he could see was Ray standing there with his arm around (y/n), the young woman arching into his body as they stood together. Ugh, they always did the gross, touchy stiff when he was there. Henry would give up his left kidney if it meant either one of them said something about how they felt, then maybe they wouldn't prance about the place pining for each other's touch every ten seconds.

"How are ya, Hen?" Charlotte asked, feeling her stomach flutter with butterflies and her nervousness showed in her voice. 

"What goes on?" Ray added, hoping that he didn't sound nearly as worried as she did.

"How's it happening?" (y/n) smiled too and their similar questions told Henry that something was wrong. Why else would they all be stood in the same place, grinning at him like they were possessed?

"Your sister isn't going to die," Schwoz said in a morbidly cheerful voice. Well, there went their normal and tender attempts to be comforting. 

"What?" Henry gasped as he heard the news. Piper? Die? What the hell was in that cookie?!

"Schwoz!" "Schwoz!" Ray and (y/n) growled at the short man. He was so insensitive sometimes, it was like he was deliberately ignoring their instructions to be nice and just being malicious on purpose. It really rubbed (y/n) the wrong way.

"You said everything was okay!" Schwoz whined. He didn't think he spoke out of turn, he thought that Ray wanted him to be honest and open.

"Then why talk about dying?" Charlotte stressed, reading the exact question in (y/n)'s mind. Honestly, he didn't think sometimes, he just said what came to mind.

"I said she won't." He argued, thinking that the negative made everything better. But it didn't.

"Well, we don't know that, do we?!" Ray hissed back, not seeing how Henry's face fell at the news. They were supposed to be making him feel better, but now he felt wretched.

"Guys! Henry is in the room!" (y/n) whispered harshly, smacking Ray and Schwoz on the arms for being so heartless. They weren't giving Henry's feelings a second thought and it irritated her beyond belief.

"Oh my god! Is my sister gonna—" Henrys worry was cut off as his phone began to ring in his pocket and he groaned when he saw it was Jasper wanting to video chat. If this was about his stupid hide and seek game, he'd kill him.

"Where are you going?" Schwoz asked the boy as they watched him back up into the elevator.

"To the elevator, I can't let him see me in the Man Cave." He explained. Smart kid; anyone else would have answered the call and be left in shtuck when their friend freaked out at their location, but not Henry. He was always so careful and that made him the perfect sidekick.

"Schwoz, if you don't get every remotely dangerous chemical out of our kitchen, I'm going to skin you alive." (y/n) turned to the small man as they waited for Henry to finish his call. She might as well fill the time with a few threats so she could get her point across. She couldn't bake cupcakes and brownies for Ray if the entire place was chock full of poisons and radioactive goop. Of course, the goop and gunge wouldn't affect her, a rogue incident with a dodgy crème brûlée had proven that her super-healing stomach could handle any infection or poison lickety-split. Still, it made her cautious to cook in there knowing that the sugar could be commodium assitate or the milk could be hydrochloric acid.

"But I do my experiments in there!" He whined, seeing the kitchen as his second laboratory. He was always cooking up weird shit in there and he didn't want to stop. He just wanted to create and bake and form new monsters or reactions with just his mind and some simple ingredients.

"Schwoz, do as she says," Ray warned him, raising his eyebrows at the little guy as he whinged. (y/n) smirked as she won the battle, knowing that with the boss on her side, she had a crucial advantage. Schwoz stuck his tongue out at Ray as he sulked and he made Charlotte giggle when he made kissy faces towards the young woman when she wasn't looking. The sight of Ray losing his stern demeanour was hilarious and the two knew it was all too easy to tease him about his love for her.

"Guys, come look at this," Charlotte said to them as she scrolled on the computer. Whilst they had been arguing, she had been busy looking up what was gonna happen to Piper after eating the commodium assitate. They all crowded around the computer as she let Schwoz take over, just as Henry came back into the room from his stupid call with Jasper. The boy was fourteen and he wanted to play hide and seek; he desperately needed a girlfriend.

"All right, Schwoz, what's gonna happen to my sister?" The boy asked as he briskly jogged over to the group. (y/n) bit her lip as she scanned over the information on the screen. Poor Piper, even if she was a brat sometimes, she didn't deserve this.

"This." Schwoz pointed to the monitor and a disgusting painting of an aristocratic woman came on the screen. It was clearly from a few hundred years ago, but that didn't make the sight of her pox-covered, crusty face look any better.

"I think I'm gonna puke." (y/n) grimaced as she studied the pustules in the painting. She was normally okay with gross wounds and gore, but this was pretty vile and her stomach felt a bit funny.

"Oh, whoa, whoa, what is wrong with that lady?" Henry asked Schwoz as everyone recoiled. Ray put his hands on (y/n)'s shoulders as he stood over her and she practically purred when he massaged the tension in her muscles away. His touch made her putty in his hands and the way she bit her tongue to stop herself from moaning almost drew blood.

"She has...eh." Schwoz pulled up a paragraph of information that detailed some weird, ancient disease that Piper was surely infected with.

"Ox Pox." Ray read out, still rubbing his girl's shoulders. He didn't notice the way she was smiling in bliss or how she was going weak at the knees as she melted into him.

"Okay, what is Ox Pox?" Henry asked. He'd heard of influenza, tuberculosis and loads of other illnesses, but this one was new to him.

"Ox Pow was kinda like a chickenpox or measles, only way worse and it's caused by eating commodium assitate," Schwoz explained solemnly, although the tone was lost on the young woman behind him, who was still burning up from the hot man behind her. She was certain that he would be the death of her, no one else had ever set her alight as quickly as he could.

"But I thought no one's had Ox Pox for hundreds of years." Charlotte frowned. Being the clever clogs she was, she had vaguely heard of it, but it was a disease of the past, meaning almost no one knew about it.

"Yeah, until Schwoz's diseased cookie gave it to my sister," Henry grumbled, his heart hurting at the thought of losing his sister. She was mean and annoying, but she was his baby sister and he'd be heartbroken if he lost her. Seeing how upset he was, Ray left his trembling sweet girl at the computer and strolled over to his sidekick to offer him so words of comfort.

"Hey, I'm sorry for your loss." He gave a sympathetic smile and clapped Henry on the back, but the boy just looked confused.

"What? Ray, are you okay?" (y/n) frowned, snapping out of her daze as he moved away from her. Without his warmth, the fire inside her died down and she was left with her usual low simmer that continually burned as her love for him stayed bright.

"Piper...she was a sweet little girl." Ray eulogised, trying to be tender for his sidekick.

"Okay, first, no, she wasn't." Henry corrected. Piper was horrible to everyone, well, most people. She had a few favourites.

"She had her moments." (y/n) defended the girl. She was one of those people and had bonded with Piper over popcorn, Captain Man and a good movie. After that, Piper was surprisingly nice to her.

"Can we stop talking about my sister in the past tense?!" Henry snapped, getting a little teary-eyed. It sounded like Piper had actually died and that was upsetting for him.

"What's the cure for Ox Pox?" The boy gazed intensely into Schwoz's eyes and demanded an answer. There was no alternative, he was going to save Piper and all her meanness even if it killed him. Whilst all of this had been happening, Charlotte had wandered over to the PearPad on the opposite side of the room and she'd conducted some research of her own. She liked to work at her own pace and getting answers was her thing.

"Here. It says in the 16 and 17oos, doctors used to cure Ox Pox by making a special medicine from the feathers of a bird known as "the chickowillow"." Charlotte read out, finding the same information that Schwoz was eager to impart.

"Wait. The chickowillow has been extinct for three hundred years." (y/n) said, frowning at how, for them, it would be impossible to find a specimen with the feathers they need.

"Well, we need one or else...what happens to my sister?" He asked Schwoz, but he had the feeling that it wouldn't be a peaceful passing.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Schwoz tried to be nice, for once, but his skirting around the answer enraged Henry. 

"Okay, no one else is allowed to say that again," Henry growled, making (y/n) walk over to him and gently put her hands on his upper arms.

"Hen, I promise, we'll work something out." She told him softly, rubbing his arm that eased his worry. At least someone knew how to be kind.

"Wait a second. I think I know how we can get a chickowillow." Ray suddenly said, smirking at his girl with bright eyes. She knew that look; he had a crafty and crazy plan. 

"There are no more chickowillows." Charlotte pointed out. It's not like they could fly to an exotic country and seek one out. All prospects of finding one of the birds in the current day was an impossibility. 

"Not now, but we have something right here in storage that can help us get a chickowillow from the past." Ray squealed excitedly. (y/n) gasped at his theory and pondered the idea. Could they pull it off?

"The Time Jerker's Time Machine." She breathed out, smiling as he took her hands in his and excitedly nodded. It was bold and insane, but that was Ray all over and even though the idea of going back in time scared her to death, it seemed like the only option.

"Yeah, and we could use it to go back in time to the early 1700s," Schwoz added, agreeing on the plan as Charlotte frowned sceptically.

"And get a chickowillow." Henry finished the theory and the four nodded in agreement. 

"But wait, isn't that dangerous? (y/n), I thought you'd be dead against this." Charlotte piped up. She was correct, the young woman thought it was incredibly stupid and perilous, but Piper needed saving and they were the only ones who could do it.

"Oh my god!" The men fell about in annoyance, blowing raspberries and groaning at her concern. (y/n) rolled her eyes at their petty behaviour. Safety wasn't boring and Charlotte wasn't trying to be a stick in the mud, she just wanted her friends to be safe.

"Just once, Charlotte, could you not be Debbie Downer?" Ray asked, making his best friend point at him as a warning, letting him know that she had her eye on him.

"Really?" Henry pouted. She was a good friend, but she could be so overly cautious sometimes.

"Well, I'm so sorry that it might be a little bit dangerous to send someone three hundred years back in time to get some stupid ancient bird, so we can cure your sister's Ox Pox, which was caused by this freakshow's commodium assitate cookies! Yeah, I'm the crazy one here." The teen ranted, making her friends recoil slightly at her outburst. Geez, someone got out on the wrong side of the bed that morning. They were doing this, despite the danger, because, otherwise, a little girl had no other hope.

~Half an hour later~

Well, everything was set up. The Time Jerker's Time Machine had been hauled up to the main room and was being prepped by Schwoz. (y/n) had to admit, seeing the thing in person, all ready to go, was setting but flies flying in her stomach, but she brushed them away when she remembered why they were doing this. She had trust in her friends and that's all she needed.

"Okay, I'm ready to test the Time Machine," Schwoz said, rubbing his hands together. He was fairly confident that it would blow up the entire block, but you never know. Two people would survive to tell the tale if that happened, so it wasn't all doom and gloom.

"How are we gonna test it?" Ray asked as he subtly guided (y/n) away from the sparking portal frame. Just because she couldn't be injured didn't mean his constant, protective worrying over her had ceased. He still loved to put her comfort and safety first and she never seemed to notice it.

"See, I will take this fris—" Schwoz's explanation was cut off as everyone objected to the word 'frisbee'. Lord knows why.

"...This flying disk, and I will throw it five seconds into the future." He finished, turning on the power, so a beam of energy hit the golden frame, igniting the portal to five seconds in the future. 

"Here goes." The little man said and tossed the frisbee through the swirling blue energy as his friends watched. They could only hope it worked.

"Four, three, two, one..." Right on cue, the frisbee came flying back out at a tremendous speed and unfortunately, whacked (y/n) sharply on the forehead. A shooting pain erupted in her scalp, as Ray immediately turned her to him and examined the angry cut across her face. He gulped with instinctive panic as her eyes failed to dilate upon gazing into the harsh lights above them (or rather seeing him, love makes the pupils dilate too) and he recognised that she had a concussion too.

"Ow!" She yelped, holding her hand up to her forehead as her body worked its magic and healed her wound. The concussion disappeared too and within seconds, she was back to her normal self.

"Schwoz!" Ray hissed, as he stroked her forehead to ensure the injury was completely gone. Hurting (y/n) never ended well for anyone, even if it was an unfortunate accident.

"Oopsie...but it worked!" He moved on quickly. Sure, he felt bad that the girl had gotten hurt, but the notion of the invention working was too thrilling for him to contain his smile. Ray growled in his throat and opened his mouth to say something, but a delicate finger on his lips silenced him before he could kick-off.

"Raymond, I'm okay." (y/n) whispered to him, gazing up at him through her eyelashes, which soothed his anger and replaced it with passion and lust. Why did she have to look so alluring when he was about to go to some desolate wasteland in the past? He was fighting the urge to just screw everything and take her to his room so he could show her what she did to him. How he wasn't going anywhere, how he'd never love anyone as much as he loved her and how he never wanted anyone to have her as he wanted. 

"Tell me where to send Ray," Schwoz instructed Henry, ignoring how Ray was practically devouring (y/n) with his gaze. No matter how he looked at her, (y/n) never freaking saw the longing stares. Even if he wore an "I love (y/n)" t-shirt she probably wouldn't notice. She needed to hear the words from his lips, but he was waiting for her, so they were stood still.

"Uh, in the year 1709, the largest number of chickowillows lived in a northern region of Alaska, now know as Prudhoe Bay." Charlotte read out, causing Ray to frown at the information. He was going where? (y/n) giggled at his reaction, he hated the cold and it looked like he was going to a frozen tundra.

"All right, Schwoz, send me to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, 1709." The large man ignored his distaste for the location and popped a gumball. His Captain Man suit would hopefully provide enough protection for the quick trip to the past.

"Aye, aye." Schwoz punched in the coordinates as Ray blew his bubble and transformed into his alter-ego. 

"Hey, you better put on a coat. Alaska's pretty cold." Henry advised, thinking that even with his indestructibility, Ray would be miserable and vulnerable in subzero temperatures. 

"I won't need a coat. I'm just gonna pop back to the past, grab a chickowillow and Schwoz is gonna pull me right back here." He explained like it was nothing. He'd never tell them he was nervous as hell, he was a superhero and that meant he was excellent at putting on a brave face.

"And now, to Alaska! He exclaimed and ran to the portal, but he just passed straight through the unlit frame. He always got ahead of himself when he got excited.

"Think the time portal needs to be on," Henry remarked as his boss awkwardly shuffled back to his takeoff spot. Well, that was embarrassing.

"Okay, ready," Schwoz confirmed after flicking the on button. Now, the machine was on and ready for Ray's big adventure.

"Hey, come back to me safe and sound, you hear?" (y/n) told him in the bravest voice she could muster, although her clammy, wringing fingers suggested that she was bricking it. Three hundred years was a long way or time or whatever to be apart and her heart felt like the little string that connected her to Ray was being cut.

"Sweet girl, I'll always come back to you." He told her gently, making her breathe hitch at the sentiment. She felt special and she took his words to be his promise, now believing that he would do his best to come home. 

"And now, to Alaska and the year 1709!" Ray yelled dramatically, silently wishing he could kiss his girl goodbye, but resisted the temptation. If he gave in now, he'd never let go. This time when he ran, he disappeared into the portal and fell through time so he could complete his mission: Get the damn bird and get the hell out of there.

~Alaska, 1709~

Ray should've listened to Henry, Alaska was freezing. It was snowing and the wind was howling, but he was here and if he wasn't mistaken, he could see a few chickowillows right in front of him. 

"Captain Man to the Man Cave, Captain Man to the Man Cave." He said into his walkie-talkie. He had no idea how the device worked in the past, he was glad it did. Being out here with no contact could get pretty lonely.

"Ray! We hear you! Are you okay?" A sweet, feminine voice came over the radio as (y/n) happily accepted the call. He wasn't dead, that's all that mattered and now, he just needed to get a bird and then leave before she missed him for too long.

"Man, it be cold!" He whined, wrapping his arms around himself as the bitter wind stung his face and neck. It was times like this he wished he was wrapped up in bed with pyjamas and fluffy socks on, drinking hot cocoa with his favourite girl. He hated the cold.

"Well, I told you to take a coat." Henry jumped in, sounding like a mother telling off her disobedient child.

"Oooh, sorry, mom!" Ray sassed back and his heart warmed when he heard (y/n)'s giggling on the other end of the line. 

"Nah, you wish I was your mom," Henry replied, which sounded really weird.

"What does that mean?" Charlotte asked, looking up from her PearPad in confusion. She'd never heard a line like that before.

"I don't know," Henry said weakly, wishing he'd never said anything at all. However, his awkwardness turned to frustration when his phone began to ring in his pocket.

"Jasper again?" (y/n) asked, turning around to give him a sympathetic look. She couldn't understand why he wanted to play hide and seek either and it's not like Henry could leave the Man Cave at such a crucial moment, so the constant video calls were getting annoying.

"I hope he's all right." (y/n) mumbled to Charlotte as they helped Schwoz monitor the Time Machine. She believed he'd keep his promise, but she couldn't help that tugging doubt in the back of her mind that something was gonna go wrong.

"He's fine, he's indestructible," Schwoz said from their right, his words being somewhat of a comfort to the concerned woman. Henry was wrapping up his dum call with Jasper and walked out back into the Man Cave to see her worrying.

"Look, I'll show you he's okay. How's it going, Ray? Did you get a chickowillow?" Charlotte asked over the radio, just to prove that he hadn't frozen to death yet and everything was going smoothly.

"Almost. In the sack, that's a good bird. There you go. Got him! Now, bring me back to the present!" Ray told them cheerfully, making everyone clap and jump in excitement as (y/n) breathed a sigh of relief. He was eager to get to her and into some warmer clothes, so he also sounded pretty spiked. 

"Standby by," Schwoz told everyone as he flicked the buttons on the machine. More energy fired at the portal and (y/n) grinned at the prospect of being reunited with her hero. He'd gone to the ends of the Earth to save a little girl and that made her swoon. The bright light from the portal shone strongly and to her disappointment, it wasn't Ray who came back through, it was an elderly gentleman. What?

"I'm o...kay!" The man groaned as he took a deep breath between falling over and getting up. He took quite a tumble for a man of his age and it was a wonder that he hadn't broken his brittle bones. Henry and Charlotte stepped over to help the senior citizen up because y'know, they were nice to old people and the guy took a confused look around the Man Cave.

"Where am I?" He asked, his wrinkled hands shaking as (y/n) and Charlotte looked at their resident genius with horrified expressions.

"Schwoz!" The teen girl hissed, believing they had brought back the wrong person. He was so old, he must have been at least eighty.

"That's not Ray!" (y/n) told him bitterly, whilst Henry chucked away the toilet roll that the man had brought with him. She was disappointed to not have her best friend back and now, they had to contend with some pensioner.

"Excuse me, young lady, I am too!" The man said in his old, rough voice, his surprisingly lively eyes fixated on her back. He'd get the shock of his life when she turned around.

"I think that's Ray, but from the future," Schwoz said in a worried voice, knowing he'd screwed up badly. Old Ray stared at Henry's youthful face and gasped when he recognised him.

"Henry! You're a boy again!" He laughed and felt his unblemished cheek, marvelling at how the kid was still...a kid. (y/n) was terrified to see him, if he really was from the future, would he want to see her? What if she had been left behind long ago? 

"And President Charlotte! You look just like you used to!" He laughed in delight at the girl, who blanched when he called her the President. To be fair, if anyone could lead the country, it was Charlotte.

"And Schwoz! You're a man again!" He recalled when he saw his old handyman and his heart melted when he heard an oh so familiar laugh from the girl who had yet to turn around. He knew that laugh.

"(y/n)...sweet girl." He said softly, his eyes widening as the girl spun around at the mention of her nickname. He remembered? Of course he did, how could he forget the girl who became his wife, the girl who gave him children and grandchildren, his soulmate? He shuffled over and gave her a tight embrace, overwhelmed at seeing her so young again. She had always been beautiful, but to see her like this, like from when he used to be so stupid, so blind to her love for him, made him tear up.

"Uh, hi, Ray." (y/n) awkwardly returned the hug, not wanting to upset her elderly best friend by refusing to touch him. It felt odd like she was hugging a stranger, who, at the same time, felt like someone who knew her better than anyone. He was softer, squishier, with less muscle than what he carried in his thirties and the clothes he was wearing were typical grandpa slacks, socks, slippers and a warm jacket. But underneath all that, she could faintly smell the same cologne he always used and she still felt small against him, even though he'd shrunk slightly with age. Yeah, this was her Ray, she knew it.

"Guys? Guys? I'm ready to come home! Uh, it's really cold in Alaska and I don't have a coat!" (y/n) frantically broke away when everyone heard Young Ray shouting over the radio. Poor guy, he was expecting to be sucked back to his girl and his family any minute now, but Schwoz, the bonehead, had screwed it all up.

"What kind of an idiot goes to Alaska without a coat?" Old Ray laughed to Henry, not realising that it was him. He was the idiot. 

"Uh, you," Henry replied slowly, feeling a bit weirded out at seeing his boss so elderly and fragile.

"OH MY GOD!" He suddenly shouted, making all of his, old, young, whatever friends jump in fright.

"What's wrong?" They all asked, thinking he was about to go into shock from realising he was in his past, but his concern was much more...daft than that.

"Where'd my toilet paper go?" He asked, scouring the floor for it. Man, elderly people have some strange priorities. Schwoz, Henry, (y/n) and Charlotte couldn't help but look at him in amazement as he weakly stood there, his knobbly knees struggling to keep him upright.

"Why you guys staring at me? Am I drooling?" He asked and whipped out a handkerchief from his sleeve to dab at his mouth. Old people things, they were lovely.

"No, you're fine." (y/n) smiled at him kindly, giving him a small pat on the arm to reassure him. She decided that she'd just play it cool until he could go home and she could have her Ray back.

"Uh guys, it's like nine degrees below zero here in Alaska so bring me back." They all heard Ray's chattering teeth come from the speaker as he shivered in the extreme cold. Even with his indestructibility, this was torture and he really fancied going home now.

"Hang on, Ray," Henry called back, which really confused Old Ray. This was too much for his old ears and old mind to process, leaving him stood there in bafflement.

"Hold onto what?" He asked his former sidekick, who saw that he'd had to take it slow since they were now in the presence of a senior citizen. 

"Not you...Ray, hold on." Henry walked over to the control and turned off the radio transmission so there'd be no more confusion. One thing at a time, send Old Ray back and then bring Young Ray home so (y/n) didn't hyperventilate.

"Dah, he put me on hold!" The youthful man groaned as he rubbed his arms. A coat was sounding pretty nice right now.

"Ray, are you really Ray Manchester?" Henry asked as he turned away from the Time Machine. He couldn't believe that this was his boss, the formidable Captain Man, he looked so delicate.

"Of course I am, Henry. What's the matter with you, huh? Why's everything around here look like it did fifty years ago?" The aged man asked as he wobbled around, his words making everyone catch their breath. He was from when?

"Wait, how old are you?" Charlotte asked as she poked (y/n) to bring her back from her state of shock. Fifty years in the future freaked her out, but at least she had the knowledge that Ray never forgot her, even if they ever parted ways at some point.

"I'm 85 and I still look great—oh!" Ray tried to look cool, but his rapid arm movement didn't agree with his old pelvis and everyone cringed as they heard it crack and crunch. 

"Wait, so in your time, I'm 78, that's cool!" (y/n) giggled with the kids, not seeing how Old Ray was looking at her with so much fondness. Huh, no wedding ring, this must have been before they got together. Despite the cobwebs on his brain, Ray's mind was still pretty sharp and he made a mental note to keep the future secret. It was up to his younger self to have the balls to tell her he loved her and he'd see that she loved him too, eventually.

"Wait, I think I know what went wrong!" Schwoz suddenly exclaimed as he checked the data from his devices. 

"What?" Charlotte asked, hoping it was something easily fixed.

"The Time Machine brought the right Ray, but instead of bringing him back from the year 1709, it brought him back from fifty years in the future!" He explained stressfully, turning round to gesture at the pensioner, who was now pressing random buttons on the supercomputer. He seemed so fascinated by the buttons and hopefully, he wouldn't break it.

"Ohhh, a blaster!" He grinned as he picked up one of the emergency weapons hidden around the Man Cave. Oh god, with those shaking fingers, letting him have a weapon was not a good idea.

"Raymond, put that down!" (y/n) scolded him, stepping in front of the kids so her body would get hit by a stray laser and not them. Her tone was so familiar to Ray, she still used his full name when he was in trouble, especially when he and the grandkids got up to mischief. Yeah, he was the fun grandpa and she was the grandma who baked cookies and muffins every day in that little house they'd bought in the country.

"I haven't seen one of these in a long time—" Predictably, Ray's fingers had lost their old strength and they accidentally pulled the trigger on the blaster, firing a rogue shot at the ceiling. Thank God, he hadn't pointed it at them.

"Oh, I forgot you have to put the setting on the—" And again. Henry and (y/n) were inching towards him slowly, the boy using her as a human meat-shield to save himself from dying, not that she minded. To her, it was better to take a blast to the face than see her favourite teen boy get shot.

"I don't know what to do—" Ray chuckled as he had a "blast" with the gun. He hadn't been near the superhero life in years and this was like a tour around his past. He loved it.

"Why don't I just take that from you and keep it safe?" She smiled at him, but fiercely yanked the weapon from his fingertips, passing it to Henry so he could deal with it.

"Awww, yes, dear." He groaned and pouted at the loss of his new toy. (y/n)'s heart fluttered at the new name. It might have just been an old person thing, calling a young woman "dear", but coming from him it sounded so cute, so marital, so right.

"You guys, bring me back!" Her inner fluttering died when she heard the groaning of her best friend on the line again. He must've been freezing, possibly to death, and that kicked her nervous personality into overdrive. She didn't want him to turn in a "Raysicle", she needed him home so they could watch a new, crappy rom-com tonight. 

"Schwoz, you gotta bring Ray back before he freezes and (y/n) loses it without him." Charlotte hissed into the genius' ear, making the young woman pout. She was that bad, was she? She was worried, but she wasn't losing it, she was just petrified that he'd never come home and then she'd lose the only guy for her and she'd spend the rest of her life as a crazy cat lady. Okay, maybe she was losing it a bit.

"And we need that stupid bird's feathers to cure my sister!" Henry added, also sounding very panicky now. Looks like he was losing it too.

"Will you both relax? I'm sure your sister is doing fine and you won't be a lonely cat lady for the rest of your life." Schwoz said to both of them, causing (y/n) to huff as he guessed what she was thinking. She needed to talk to the person who always knew how to calm her down.

"Ray, are you there?" She asked as she pressed the button for the microphone. 'Please, pick up, please don't be frozen.' She chanted in her mind as Ray took a few seconds to move his frozen hand up to his mouth.

"Yeah, sweet girl, I'm here." He whimpered into his walkie-talkie, as his teeth chattered. He was glad that if he was going to die, her voice would be the last one he'd hear. He only hoped that she found a nice guy who could take care of her properly and give her the life she deserved.

"Listen to me, I know you're freezing, but don't worry, okay sweetheart? We're gonna try and bring you back right now." She told him in the sweetest, most pleasant voice she could muster. Sweetheart...Ray could listen to her call him that all day and his delirious mind made it seem like her words were warming him up.

"Hurry, sweet girl." He slurred, reigning in his desire to spill everything to her, every secret and feeling he had ever kept from her. Even if he died never knowing if she would give him a chance to be hers, he didn't mind. He'd rather die than let her carry that burden for the rest of her life. A man who loved her more than anything, but was too scared to say something, who'd want that?

"Ahhhhh!" Henry groaned as he got another call from Jasper. He didn't care about the stupid hide and seek, he wasn't a child anymore.

"Did you forget about your hide and seek buddy?" Charlotte smirked at him, finding it funny how annoyed he was because of Jasper's eccentricity. 

"Yes." He rolled his eyes at her amusement as he looked at Jasper's face on his screen. Did he really have to answer it?

"Hurry up, we don't have time to piss about and play hide and seek." (y/n) told him in an unusually stern voice for her. Henry could tell that Ray's near-death situation was getting to her and he knew he had to be quick with this.

"Be out in a minute." The boy promised her and dashed to the elevator again for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

"Schwoz, get that thing ready to bring him back." The young woman told Schwoz and they all waited around as he prepared the machine. Old Ray took a seat on the couch whilst they waited since his old knees needed a rest. Another old person thing.

"Okay, I've reset the machine, now let's bring Captain Man home!" Schwoz said dramatically as Henry ran back from the elevator. Whatever he said to Jasper must've been quick.

"Do it!" The boy replied, putting his hand on (y/n)'s shoulder as she clasped her hands together in silent prayer. Please, don't let him be dead. The machine beamed the energy into the portal and everyone shielded their eyes at the sheer brightness it exuded.

"Ah, with the lights!" Old Ray groaned and everyone gasped as two, weird time travellers jumped out of the portal.

"Great Scott!" "Where are we?" "I don't know!" The old man and boy gasped as they looked around the room. They looked familiar...

"You're Marty McFly!" (y/n) gasped as she recognised the kid. How were they here? Time machines are weird.

"Let's get out of here!" The old man told his young friend, who enthusiastically nodded and jumped back through the machine, disappearing to wherever they had come from.

"Let me try that again." Schwoz smiled nervously as his friends frowned at him. He needed to get his act together when it came to this time-travel lark, otherwise, Ray would never get home and (y/n) would murder him.

As the genius worked on his calculations, Henry and (y/n) decided to keep Ray awake by shouting at him through the walkie-talkie, but they got no answer.

"Ray?" Henry asked into the microphone and (y/n)'s breathing turned ragged when they heard no response.

"Ray Manchester, pick up the damn walkie-talkie. Can you hear us?" She cried, not knowing that her love had succumbed to the pull of a hyperthermia-induced sleep and was laid out in the snow, unconscious. She let out a small whimper as she turned into Henry's shoulder and leaned her head against her friend's shoulder. Henry didn't know what to do, (y/n) was always the one to comfort him, not the other way around. With her losing hope, sniffing and crying, the boy was starting to freak out.

"Come on, man, answer me! Ray!" He yelled, spooking the Old Ray on the couch. It was never a good idea to frighten an old guy out of his nap. Back in Alaska, Ray thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice of an angel calling his name and he picked up the walkie-talkie with the last of his strength.

"Henry...forget about me, just make sure you take care of (y/n)." He mumbled, trying to keep the image of her smiling in his mind as he thought about the end. He never thought this would be his way of going; he wasn't married or even close to getting the girl he wanted, he'd barely done anything.

"No, we're gonna save you, man." Henry smiled at the sound of his voice and (y/n) nearly keeled over when she found out he was still alive. She panted as she wiped her cheeks and the two friends put their arms around each other's shoulders as they breathed out a sigh of relief.

"It's too late for me, kid. Just, remember how handsome I was." He gulped and a smile twitched onto his face when he heard the faint giggle of (y/n) laughing at his ego. That's what he wanted to hear, one last time, one last joke. He'd felt her kiss once and he supposed that it was enough to let him die peacefully, knowing she befitted the name he had given her. His sweet girl.

"Look, it's nine degrees below zero in Alaska in 1709. Ray can't last ten more minutes out there. His body temperature is getting too low," (y/n) whimpered as a monitor reading out Ray's vital signs began to beep. His core temperature was getting dangerously low and she felt her stomach drop and her heart turn to water.

"What are we gonna do?" She wailed, rubbing her eyes to try and stem the flow of tears. It felt like her entire world was collapsing around her as the thought of losing him made her hyperventilate. No Ray equalled no (y/n), they couldn't go on without each other.

"I don't know." Schwoz panicked as he wracked his brain for an idea. Old Ray shuffled over to his old, young, whatever friends when he heard his soon-to-be wife sniff and cry. He had never liked that sound, especially when he was the one causing it.

"Wait, Schwoz can't make the machine bring Ray back here, right?" Charlotte butted in as she thought about the situation. 

"Right." Henry agreed as he tried to keep (y/n) calm, but Schwoz was starting to get antsy too.

"Yeah, sure. I built everything in the whole Man Cave, but let's all of us on the one thing I can't do!" He snapped, throwing his hands up in the air as he returned (y/n)'s murderous glare.

"Listen to Charlotte, short stack." She growled, wanting to hear something useful, not useless and petty complaints. Schwoz frowned at the listen, but sulked silently rather than causing an argument. 

"What if we opened the time portal to Prudhoe Bay in 1709 and one of us reaches in, grabs Ray and just yanks him back through?" She said, making Henry and (y/n)'s eyes light up. It sounded plausible, but they needed the expertise of Schwoz.

"Would it work?" The teen boy asked him, praying that it would.

"Maybe, if Ray is close enough for someone to reach him. But, it's dangerous, we need someone capable of withstanding the pressure and force of the portal." Schwoz said, weighing up the pros and cons in his mind. Reaching across time would tear someone apart if they tried it.

"Hey! I need to pee. I'll be back in an hour." Old Ray announced, not caring that everyone else didn't want to know about his bodily functions. God knows why peeing took him an hour, but no one fancied finding out why

"Why is it dangerous?" Charlotte asked as he staggered off to the bathroom. Hopefully, he remembered where it was.

"Because whoever goes through the portal must keep one part of their body on this side of the machine at all times," Schwoz said, frowning as he thought about the complex physics and math.

"Why? What happens if they go all the way through?" Henry questioned, getting the sense that it wasn't good.

"The portal will close and they will end up stuck in Alaska with Ray." He answered, not wanting another person stranded three hundred years in the past.

"In 1709." Charlotte nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"We might not be able to bring them back, ever." Schwoz looked down at his shoes sadly and that's when (y/n) made her choice.

"Well then, I should be the one to do this." She told her friends in a firm voice, and they nodded in understanding.

"Duh." "You think I'd try it?" Schwoz and Charlotte asked rhetorically, both of them not wanting to be heroes. Their squishy, vulnerable bodies would snap like twigs if they went through.

"Why? I could try it too." Henry protested, not wanting to see the young woman hurt. If Ray came back, he'd hit the roof if he saw her injured because she'd been put in harm's way.

"I can do it. My body can withstand the strain, and if I get horrifically torn apart, I'll just heal up." (y/n) said in a determined voice. It would probably hurt and her superpower would be tested to its limits, but if it meant she'd save Ray, she'd do it. 

"But—" Henry tried to argue, but she held a hand up and gave him a stern look.

"Look, kid. I'm the one who loves him, even if the idiot never sees it. And if someone's gonna be stuck with him in a frozen wasteland for the rest of eternity, it might as well be me. I'm the only one who could cope with his whining." She laughed at the end and Henry could see that she was too stubborn to dissuade. 

"He might love you one day," Charlotte told her, trying to be subtle as Schwoz tapped in the correct coordinates. If these were her last words to her, she wanted them to make her feel better. She actually wanted to tell her that Ray would pay one million dollars if it meant she fell in love with him. 

"Let's just get this over with." She ignored the comment. She didn't want to get her hopes up, after eight years with him, she'd learnt not to get excited about the touches or kisses on the cheek that he often gave her. It just brought too much pain to think she was special in that way.

"Ready, (y/n)?" Schwoz asked the young woman as she shrugged on her jacket. By all accounts, Alaska was a bit nippy and she'd take any protection she could. She gulped at the daunting trip she was about to take, but found her courage and nodded strongly.

"As I'll ever be." She replied, giving Henry one last smile as she prepared to jump.

"On, two...one....two!" The beam ignited the portal again and she leaned through the swirling mist. Her skin felt like it was being pulled in all directions, but she shook off the pain and peered through the blizzard as her torso arrived in 1709. Her stomach was rapidly being shredded and sewn back together and she knew she had to grab her not-boyfriend quickly.

"Ray! Sweetheart, it's me!" She shouted above the howling wind as she saw him shivering on the ground. No doubt the frozen earth was sapping the warmth from his body and he was babbling hysterically.

"Are you an angel?" He murmured, seeing nothing but a beautiful face surrounded by light. This was a dream, she wasn't here, she was safe and warm back home, just like he wanted her to be.

"Ray, please, give me your hand! Come on! Come on!" She begged him and his frost-covered glove reached out to take the angel's hand. He was certain she was here to take him away from this mortal plain and he smiled dreamily.

"Now the other one, come on!" She instructed him once she had one hand tightly in his grasp. Her skin was prickling at the bitter air and when combined with the strain her tummy was under, it made her feel like death.

"You're so beautiful..." He slurred, weakly offering her his other hand, meaning she had to really stretch to reach it. Her leaning meant that Henry, Charlotte and Schwoz had to grab onto her ankle that was sticking out of their side of the portal. They couldn't let go, otherwise, she'd be lost too.

"Guys, pull me back, I've got him!" She screamed at them, her voice warbling as it passed through time. She held onto Ray as tightly as she could and ignored the nonsense falling from his lips about how she'd been sent down from heaven or how she was the most gorgeous girl he'd ever seen. 'It's the hypothermia talking, nothing else, he's just cold.' She hissed to herself as she felt her desire and love for him spiking. She could listen to him talking like that all day.

"I'm so in love you, angel." He giggled drunkenly, not realising that even though it was the best thing he could've said to her, (y/n) hated that he was saying it. Anyone would be able to see that his mind was gone and she didn't know that rather than lying, he was just losing control of the things he'd been wanting to say for years.

"Oh, shut up, Ray. What's taking fucking long?" She screamed at her friends as the man she was trying to save tortured her. God, she wanted to say it back, but now wasn't the time. One half of her was being torn to pieces and the other was freezing to death.

With one final tug, her body was pulled back through the portal along with Ray and they landed in a pile on the Man Cave floor. Schwoz killed the power to the time machine as the young woman groaned at the healing process and Ray shivered violently on the floor.

"Ray..." (y/n) crawled over to him and caught his trembling hand in hers as she tried to snuggle up to him so he could use her body warmth. She didn't care if she got cold, she just wanted to help him.

"Okay, you guys warm Ray up and I'm gonna start taking the feathers off this bird so Schwoz can make the medicine for my sister," Henry told them. Honestly, (y/n) had forgotten all about the chickowillow because she was just glad her perfect guy was back home safe. Charlotte rushed over to her boss with a thick blanket and draped it over his body as his blue lips wobbled. 

"Sweet g-girl..." He mumbled. His mind was hazy and he wasn't sure if he'd said something stupid or not. He felt the cold seep everywhere and it made her tiny body against his feel boiling hot, which didn't help his fuzzy thinking. Henry lifted the chickowillow from the sack and it flapped and squawked in panic.

"Wait. You're not gonna hurt the bird, are you?" Charlotte asked as she left Schwoz to keep Ray warm. Well, keep him warm as (y/n) snuggled into him. She wasn't sure if she wanted to watch them, it was all too lovey-dovey for her.

"Uh, no. No," Henry reassured her and dashed off through the secret door with a blaster behind his back. He felt bad, but Piper was on death's door and he couldn't risk her dying. The bird had to go.

"So c-cold..." Ray's teeth chattered as his arms slowly came around (y/n) so he could hold her to his chest like his own personal heater. She was getting pretty cold herself, but she said nothing, just pulled the blanket tight around them.

"You need to get in bed." She told him as she nuzzled her nose under his jaw. Her breath warmed the skin there and the resulting clarity it brought made his heart sing.

"O-okay here." He replied breathlessly, feigning that the cold was still mostly affecting him, not the way she was laid with him.

"The floor will make you cold." She giggled, flicking off a few pieces of ice that had stuck to his costume. He needed to put some warm clothes on too, the melting ice would only make him colder. That, and it was starting to seep into her jeans.

"Did I say anything w-weird when I was about to die? I don't r-remember." His mind had gathered enough for him to string together a longer sentence as he worried about the ten minutes when his mind ran away from him. God, he hoped he hadn't't said anything that would ruin his friendship with her. 

"No, nothing at all." She reassured him, although she was recalling the way he called her gorgeous, an angel and how he told her he loved her. It wasn't real, just a mindless rambling from a man one step away from death. Shit, that stung her heart.

"Good. Thank you for saving me, sweet girl." He told her, unaware of how tears were stinging in her eyes. Her heart hurt even more as he pressed a kiss into her hair and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. 

"Don't mention it." She replied, knowing that with or without thanks, she would do it all over again if it meant he'd be safe. Sure, he broke her heart like four times a day, but she still couldn't go on without him. They laid together on the floor for a while, just talking about everything and nothing, enjoying each other's company as Schwoz rolled his eyes at them. 

He'd been waiting eight years for them to get together, he'd seen them go from coworkers to friends to being madly in love, and even though Ray fell first, they were now on the same level and desperate to be open with each other. That time was close at hand, but it would take something drastic to force Ray or (y/n)'s hand into showing the truth.

And don't worry, Schwoz's medicine worked a treat, Piper was just fine.

[slocumjoe]

you're literally the ONLY reacts blog i genuinely like. all others give me an odd vibe but your content is just immaculate

I don't know if what I'm about to describe is the odd vibe you're referring to, but I totally get it

One of the reasons I started doing these is because I was going through different react blogs and while a lot were really good, sometimes I would just find a post that made me go D_D

Like...some people make their reacts all about sole, especially ones where the react is a drabble and not a dialogue. I can respect the extra effort, but it's usually rather clear that the sole in those prompts is...their sole, and that they're playing barbies with themselves with audience participation. That's fine, it's just...Sole is either not the most interesting character, or is blatantly not a blank stand in where you can insert yours, so it takes me out of it a lot, because it's not very reader friendly.

Or if it's not that, the blog is just way too horny, or they have some really questionable reacts. Like...I've mentioned miscarriage and breast milk asks. I haven't gotten them myself. The only reason I know that react blogs often get requested those topics, is that THEY WRITE AND POST THOSE TOPICS. Like...they didn't have to do that! But they did! That's the only part I take a moral stance against, specifically the miscarriage thing. Once a blog writes some shit it should have kept in the inbox, I slide right off.

But the biggest thing that makes me side eye a react blog is how they write the actual reacts.

So, Deacon, Hancock, or Nick will get a masterclass essay, probably a whole fanfic, everyone else gets a basic answer, and X6-88 or Preston get either a joke or Jack shit.

Keen eyed readers will note my preferences for characters, but also that I write the same amount for everyone, with the same care and thought. I'm not snubbing Curie to write Danse. I'm not snubbing Piper to write Gage.

But SOME PEOPLE...if you don't care about the other characters, just say you write for the ones you do! Don't clog up the tags of MY favorites with mischaracterization, flanderization, and because life is pain, literal racism. I'm not going into specifics there because I don't need to, if you've read react blogs, you've seen it on at least one of them.

Sorry for the rant, its just...I've been silently judging this shit for years and whenever someone else brings it up im like YES YOU SEE IT TOO

[ducksbellorum]

full speed ahead (listen/download)

an argo ii playlist - the heroes of olympus - arranged by ducksbellorum

full speed ahead - epic the musical Every great quest aboard a magitechnical Greek warship deserves an equally great playlist, or at least that's what Leo tells everyone when he asks for their song choices. Six hundred men, six hundred miles of open sea But the problem's not the distance It's what lies in between

this is sparta !!! - sammy & lesen Obviously this was one of Leo's contributions; the bass gets him hype and the fact that he's bumping Spartan jams on a Greek warship just tickles him. Spartans, What is your profession? Spartans, Prepare for glory!

vode an - samuel kim Jason added this to the playlist; he doesn't know a lot of 'modern' music, but this track reminds him of Roman war chants and gets him going. Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an. Coruscanta a'den mhi, Vode an. Bal kote, darasuum kote, Jorso'ran kando a tome.

seven nation army - the white stripes Percy Jackson was tempted to add a joke track, but knowing Leo there would be plenty and besides, why not add something he actually wants to listen to? Everyone knows about it From the Queen of England to the Hounds of Hell And if I catch it comin' back my way, I'm gonna serve it to you And that ain't what you want to hear, but that's what I'll do

yereyira - papito & iba one Piper spent a lot of her life around spoiled pop musicians and their kids, so her music tastes tend toward the most obscure artists possible on purpose. Pa-pa-pa-pa-papito I-i-i-i-iba one Papito, Iba One Iba One, Papito!

shake it off - taylor swift There is in fact a Swiftie aboard the Argo II and it's Frank Zhang; he's a little bashful about it but that doesn't stop him from adding it to the playlist. I'm dancin' on my own I make the moves up as I go And that's what they don't know, That's what they don't know

over the rainbow - judy garland Like Jason, Hazel also doesn't know much modern music, but that doesn't hold her back from getting Leo to add one of her favorites to the crew's mix. Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true

laughter lines - bastille This is Annabeth's pull; most of her music is lyricless for better concentration, but occasionally she veers into bittersweet indie pop, like this. "I'll see you in the future when we're older And we are full of stories to be told Cross my heart and hope to die I'll see you with your laughter lines"

sea shanty medley - home free If you don't think that the crew did some shanty singing on their journey, you're probably right but that won't stop me from hoping they did. She's a fast clipper ship and a bully good crew Away Santiana And an old salty yank for a captain too Along the plains of Mexico

bonus: spooky scary skeletons (remix) - andrew gold "Hey Nico, you want to add a song to the quest playlist?" "No." "Are you suuuuure?" "Yes." "I'll just add one for you, then, shall I?" "VALDEZ!" We're so sorry skeletons, you're so misunderstood You only want to socialize (But I don't think we should)

[onthefyre]

it's just a simple, but not so simple question. she'd ask anyone who looked so... haunted. yet she couldn't help feel like she had to ask this specific giant of a man the question more. she knew fate. she liked to look it in the face and laugh at it; because if she hadn't of done that, hadn't of fought so hard for hers to be even just a smidge different, she wouldn't have fallen in love with and married the love of her life. the circumstances surrounding fate wouldn't of taken one sister but given her, and phoebe, another one either. she also wouldn't be pregnant with a baby nothing short of a miracle -- the first of his kind and yet shared so much with an aunt she hoped would be an even greater aunt to the baby. the only thing is, she didn't know it was a boy yet; choosing not to determine the sex just yet. it's still too early and piper and leo were trying to determine if they wanted to know. despite this, piper felt a flutter deep in her stomach.

in this moment, she could see her out of the corner of her eye. PRUE HALLIWELL, standing off in the corner of the distance, haunting her movements. it was normal, wasn't it? to need her big sister or even her own mother in moments like this. "you can't go alone, piper," leo's voice echoed in her mind. piper had been so adamant that she did. she was still a charmed one, still a witch and after being hit with energy balls and worse, and being able to walk away, her response had only been, "i'm indestructible, dude." it shouldn't of been a joke but the truth was, her life didn't end just because she was going to be a mother. she wondered if they knew. piper was still grappling with the fact that she had been the first of the sisters to have a baby looming in their future. phoebe... well, that had been sad but not something the cards truly had in store with the way things ended up happening, right? it didn't make anything less sadder, sure, but... well, that was a story for a different day. piper was under the impression that she was carrying a girl. the fluttering in her stomach, however?

her lips moved to speak before nastily belching what appeared to be a set of orbs. so... definitely a whitelighter. still freakily weird despite that fact. "i'm sorry," piper spoke quickly, waving the orbs away. "that's probably the weirdest thing you'll see all day." if they were lucky of course. "but i wouldn't sell yourself so short," even if he was a giant compared to the short woman. "new orleans will grow on you."

had they seen anything weird lately ?? what a fucking question. they'd been steeped in their own strange little imaginings ( what had and would come to pass , where death and life danced and spun and sighed , this life and the next and the next and the next , heaven and hell and silence .... ) since birth —– why would now be any different ?? no , now it was just that other people were being forced to grapple with it —– an infinitesimal fragment of a non-existent reality. that wasn't to say they were naive to the ghosts. well , pseudoghosts .... not-so-charming fakes. the screaming , gideon popping out of every corner ( ' i see a darkness in you ' ) .... it didn't exactly thrill them. it was survivable , though. easily differentiated from the ghosts and screams that would otherwise keep them awake at night. the real ones that split their skull open at the days end ( always begging , always sobbing , always hurting and desperate and wanting and - ) besides , there hadn't been enough of gideon left to make a ghost. they hadn't just killed him , they'd tore his very soul asunder. split it into mangled pieces and let the void have the crying heart of him. left only a mutilated , ugly mass of sinew and viscera in their wake. they'd been nine. no , the strangest thing they'd seen recently was her ---- alive and close enough to touch .... they let their eyes flicker shut. head tipped skyward. their throat was dry , tongue thick and clumsy. they were nine years old after they killed their way out of hell in a blood-drunk blackout or eleven when leo found them after their first suicide attempt. ' mom i did something bad. mom i think there's something wrong with me. mom don't hate me. mom , make me better. ' always with blood on their hands. always with a fake apology on their lips. " no. i don't think- i'm not the person to ask. "

[therealvinelle]

Ok I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I'm just now copying your Norwegian Bella AU into a text translator, and if you don't already have 50 people in your inbox demanding a translation then shame on ALL OF US because this is glorious! And while Google Translate does have a certain charm (it translated "piper hun ut" as "she beeps") I'm curious to see how you'd put it in English.

Troquantary is referring to this post. In which Bella doesn't speak English.

Fun fact, you're the only one who's gone into my inbox to request this. I was so sad, had the translation half-written and everything, but I was too proud to beg. So thank you, Troquantary, for popping this ask.

As for the dictionary fuckups, sounds about right. I made a few typos, too, that made Google Translate suffer even more. (Such as managing to mix up "henne" (her) and "hendene" (hands), resulting in Aro patting Bella instead of clapping his hands. Poor Google.)

Also, there are a few cultural references and language things that would be lost in the translation, in an attempt to keep them I included notes clarifying things.

Some things, like Aro and Carlisle's very old man way of speaking, are easier said than done to translate, you'll have to bear with me there.

Additional notes are that I added a few things to this version, many of them because translating is hard, but a few because while translating I thought "oh you know what would be much funnier-" and then wrote that.

Alright, without further ado:

When Renée left Charlie she did not go to Florida, she went to Oslo. And she went all in to make her daughter a true Norwegian, hiring Norwegian nannies and making sure never to speak English around the child. Since transatlantic flights are expensive, little Bella Swan rarely got to visit her father, and as such she never did learn what should have been her native language.

She quickly forgot what English she did have in favor of Norwegian, with the exception of words like “Yes”, “No”, and “I’m Bella”.

The few trips she took to visit her father were all the more awkward than in canon since she couldn’t play with the Black kids. Let not the blame fall upon Charlie: he took Norwegian classes and speaks conversational Norwegian. He can’t speak to Renée, because her Norwenglish is incomprehensible even to Norwegians, but he can communicate with Bella.

Not that he’s had a lot of chances to do so.

Bella makes it to seventeen years old, she’s in second grade at Handels* and is a major outsider among the preps there, and then Renée marries a handsome skier**. Together they shall travel the continent all winter to participate in as many skiing races as they can, and in the summer they’ll take gigs at Hurtigruta to see the coast.

*“Handels” is the nickname for an Oslo high school infamous for its pupils being rich and beautiful blonds who are going to be CEOs when they grow up.

**Skiing as a sport is huge in Norway

***Hurtigruta is a famous ferry that travels across the Norwegian West coast

Bella, who sucks at skiing and is too young to work at Hurtigruten, takes the hint.

With dread in her stomach and dictionary in hand she goes to her father in America.

Where she doesn’t speak the language.

Faen.

Charlie gives her a car, and I wish this meta was set in the present because I could have joked about electric cars and the automat only driver’s license*, but Twilight is set in 2005 so I can’t. The car part proceeds without drama.

*An increasing number of Norwegian youth take the driver’s license for automatic cars only, and we’re the country in the world with the highest percentage of electric car purchases.

School is worse than in canon, because she is now a thousand times more sensational than if she was merely the new student. She is from another country! All of Forks keels over with excitement.

To make matters even worse, our girl doesn’t understand a word of what people are saying.

She is too awkward to let them know she doesn’t know English. It’d become a thing, and they might think she’s dumb. To be fair, it’s not good that she’s been through primary, secondary, and now a year and a half of high school and still sucks at English.

So she nods, smiles, mumbles “Hi, I’m Bella” to the new faces, and blushes heavily when anybody says anything.

People assume she’s shy. That’s a bit boring, but oh well.

She has her biology class with the redhead hottie she noticed during lunch. She watched him and his family, they were fascinatingly pretty, but she doesn’t know anything more about them. Sure would have been great if she could have asked the tiny girl (was it Jess?) about them.

Biology proceeds as in canon - Edward badly wants to eat the delicious girl, but fortunately doesn’t.

She runs into him in the office when he tries to switch to another biology lesson, but she has no idea what he’s saying so she only has the suspicion that this somehow concerns her. Which is still uncomfortable, but Bella is probably the problem here. The hottie surely can’t be.

He’s missing from school for a week, Bella finds that weird.

He returns, and to her great horror he starts talking to her.

“Hello”, he says.

Bella dies inside. He’s too handsome!

"I'm Edward Cullen," he continues, and ok, she got that. The hottie is called Edward, that’s good to know. She’s not sure she caught that last name, though, Köln?

He says something else, it’s gibberish to Bella even though she’s concentrating, and at the end there he says “Bella Swan”.

She gulps.

"I'm Bella Swan," she confirms and nods. That should be correct. God, she hopes it’s correct.

He smiles a crooked, boyish smile. She’s awed. She didn’t think it was possible to be so beautiful.

He says something else.

Bella didn’t catch it.

She blushes even harder, she hasn’t been more embarrassed in her life. Here he is, the most handsome guy in all the world, and she has nothing to say to him. Literally, they don’t speak the same language.

She should tell him.

It’s one thing to chicken out of telling the town she doesn’t speak English, but there’s something different about Edward Cullen. He deserves the truth.

But...

He’s the most beautiful person she has seen in her life. He is American, too, so the odds of him knowing Norwegian are microscopical. If he finds out she doesn’t understand a word he says he’ll stop talking to her, and selfish as she is she doesn’t want that.

So with a slightly guilty conscience (but not enough to fess up) she contributes to the conversation with enough words and smiles to pull through. "Yes", "No", "Thank you", and "That's nice".

He is surprised by several of these answers, but instead of giving her odd looks and losing interest he grows more invested in the conversation.

Class ends.

The next day the near accident happens, and he saves her. She is stunned - dear god, did he just pick up a whole car? After teleporting across the parking lot..?

Soon she’s in the ER, and more than a little bit stressed about that fact since she knows the Americans have a terrible healthcare system.

She hopes Charlie has an insurance.

An insanely beautiful man walks into the ER, and Bella is shocked. He is just as handsome as Edward and Edward’s lunch friends!

He introduces himself as Carlisle Cullen, and Bella can only assume this is someone’s older brother. Possibly related to the blonde girl.

He smiles at her, says something, and she answers, "I'm Bella Swan."

He frowns.

That must have been the wrong answer, then.

His hands return to investigating her scalp, and to her great surprise he switches to perfect Norwegian, "kjenner De* noe ubehag når jeg holder her?" Do you feel any discomfort when I touch here?

*De is the Norwegian polite pronoun for “you”. Du = thou = the French tu, and De = you = the French vous. These polite pronouns went out of use in the 1980’s, save for when addressing royal persons, and would be considered antiquated in 2005.

He hurries to add, "Norsk lærte jeg i... fjor sommer. Det var et nettkurs." I learned Norwegian… last year. Online class.

"Hvilket da?" Which one? Bella asks, because Charlie needs to hear about this. The doctor has beautiful, if slightly outdated, pronunciation.

The doctor’s smile turns uncertain. She gets the feeling there’s something he doesn’t want to say. "Husker ikke," I don’t remember, sier han etter en litt vel lang pause.

That’s a shame. And weird.

"De hadde hellet med Dem i dag, som ikke ble truffet av den bilen." You were lucky today, not getting hit by that car. he then says, noticeably changing the subject.

"Det var ikke hell, det var Edward," It wasn’t luck, it was Edward, she replies sharply.

The doctor definitely looks uncomfortable.

She continues, "Han krysset skolegården på et blunk, og plukket opp hele bilen. Jeg så det," He crossed the schoolyard in a moment, and picked up the whole car. I saw it,

The doctor laughs. "Om han kunne det hadde nok gymkarakteren hans vært meget bedre. Nei, frøken Swan*, jeg beklager å si at det høres ut som at De er litt omtåket. Det er helt normalt ved hjernerystelse." If he could do that, his PE grade would be a lot better. No, Miss Swan, I’m sorry to say you seem confused. That’s normal with concussions.

*Addressing a young woman as “frøken” is even more outdated than using polite pronouns.

Why does Bella get the feeling he’s lying?

She’s discharged.

We’ll jump ahead to her trip to La Push - that trip uneventful, since Jacob knows she doesn’t speak English. They stick their hands in their pockets and stare at the sea.

The next day she’s shanghaied to Port Angeles, because apparently she said “Yes” at the wrong time when talking to Jessica (Turns out Jess’s name was Jessica!) and accidentally said yes to a day trip to Port Angeles.

Like in canon she wanders away from the others, and as in canon she is nearly gang raped. And again as in canon she is saved at the last moment by Edward.

He buys her dinner, and she can’t believe her own luck- and misfortune. A date with the most handsome guy on the planet (hence the luck) and she can’t say a word to him (hence the misfortune)!

He says things to her, lends her his jacket, and really this is it for Bella, she’s peaked, life can’t get better than this.

(That’s a lie, it would be better if she spoke English.)

He’s so amazing.

She’s gotten pretty good at navigating conversations with him, so she nods and aha’s her way through.

In his car on the way home the tone takes a more serious turn.

He asks her about something, and it’s a serious question, that much she’s gathered. She answers in the confirmative.

He is silent.

Did she say anything wrong?

(Edward, on his end, just asked if she knows what he is. She said yes, so calmly, not even a trace of fear in her.)

A few days later he takes her out on a walk in the woods.

He shows her a meadow in the woods, and when he steps into it he lights up in the sunlight.

Bella is in shock.

She knew there was something different about him, but- holy cow. This guy isn’t human.

Is she dating a god?

She stumbles into the clearing after him, and they spend a day together where he says things, and she can barely hear any of it (nevermind understand it) because she’s so distracted by how pretty he is.

The next day he takes her to a house in the middle of nowhere. She doesn’t want to guess that this can be where he lives. Surely gods don’t live in houses?

He shows her inside the house, and introduces her for Dr. Cullen and a lady with a name she doesn’t catch.

Bit weird that these two are acting like a couple of parents, they’re far too young and divine for that.

Edward shows her around in an old-fashioned office, and she doesn’t know what to make of i when she sees a painting of Carlisle. Edward launches into a long story when he sees her watching it, unfortunately she doesn’t catch any dates or artist names. At one point she heard the word “suicide”, though, and that’s not good.

She doesn’t get much out of the story.

The baseball game doesn’t happen because Bella didn’t pick up on what Edward wanted and didn’t realize she was being invited to a thing. They spend the afternoon watching a movie instead.

The relationship continues, impeded slightly by communication problems, but she’s mostly able to cover those up.

Until her birthday comes around.

She gets a papercut.

Jasper lunges at her. Edward throws her into a glass table, and then everyone is leaving.

Carlisle is kind enough to switch to Norwegian when he’s stitching up her arm, perhaps remembering the last time she was his patient. "Jasper har ikke vært på dietten vår så veldig lenge." Jasper hasn’t been on our diet for very long.

"Diett?"she asks. She’s never seen Edward eat anything. She wasn’t clear on what the Cullens ate, honestly she thought they were above such things. She was thinking maybe photosynthesis. The knowledge that they apparently eat food astounds her, but diets?

"Dyreblod istedenfor menneskeblod," Animal blood in stead of human blood, Carlisle clarifies.

Whachasay?

Carlisle gives a slight smile. “Jaspers liv som vampyr fikk en brutal start." Jasper’s life as a vampire got off to a brutal start.

...

Vampire?!

Bella’s missed something here.

Oh dear lord, oh fy faen, she has missed something.

“��ja”, uh huh, is all she can say, and suddenly she’s very aware of the fact that she’s sitting there with a bleeding arm.

And Carlisle.

Who is a vampire.

Over the course of the following conversation Bella makes a host of discoveries.

Edward has been a vampire this whole time, and he’s a telepathic vampire. Whether Bella should be a vampire too or not has been a matter of hot debate, but due to religious reasons Edward doesn’t want that.

Carlisle also brings up how Edward died of the Spanish flu.

"Jeg var under den oppfatning at Edward fortalte deg bakhistorien min?" I was under the impression Edward told you my back story? Carlisle asks at one point, and Bella just has to ask very nicely if he’d be so kind as to repeat it.

Turns out the guy is nearly four hundred years old.

Jaha.

Jahahaha jaa ha.

That’s… a lot.

She wanders out of the house in shock, and hardly notices Edward’s strange behavior over the next couple of days.

One day he picks her up at school, and takes her behind the house.

That works out.

He’s a vampire, but he never hurt her. He is endlessly beautiful, perhaps easier to love now that she knows he’s not a god. He’s her Edward, and that’s suddenly easier now that she knows.

They can still be together.

But now that she knows this about him, it’s about time he knows something about her as well.

It’s time to finally be honest with him.

So when he opens his mouth, she opens her mouth as well, but she doesn’t get any further than to “Edward-” before he launches into a monologue.

She’ll have to wait until he’s done before saying her piece. It’s a bit embarrassing, but it doesn’t seem like he intends to stop talking anyway.

And what he’s saying seems to be serious, so it’s probably best to let him finish.

Edward concludes his monologue by kissing her forehead. Then he disappears.

Where did he go?

A big unsure, Bella goes back to the house. She’ll just have to wait until he gets back.

She doesn’t know what to think when Charlie returns from work and tells her the Cullens have all left.

Oh, god.

Edward must have found out she doesn’t speak English.

She made a mockery of him.

He has every right to leave.

Knowing this doesn’t make it any easier to live with.

Bella sinks into a depression.

The hallucinations begin, as in canon, though Hallusinward speaks Norwegian. Thank god for small mercies.

The friendship with Jacob (dictionary in hand) blooms, as someone has to help her see those hallucinations.

The cliff diving happens, and Alice shows up. Bella’s not sure what this is about, but she has gotten good enough at English to know that something bad happened, and Alice wants them to do something.

She’s a bit surprised to find herself on a plane to Italy, though.

Alice tells her to “Run to Edward” and ok, she got that, actually.

So she saves Edward.

After that she’s taken into the sewer, which turns out to house dozens of vampires.

Bella, Edward, and Alice are received in some kind of hall, where an unusual vampire has quite a bit to say. She understands some of what he’s saying, at least the part about “la tua cantante”. She knows a bit about Italian, see, so she knows that he’s talking about a song now.

She wishes she knew the context.

At one point he takes her hand, and appears fascinated by it. She wonders if he’s a palmreader. Not very vampirey, but what does she know.

He asks her a question.

"Yes," she says.

Saying yes has gotten her this far, after all.

But when he lights up and claps his hands together, and Edward and Alice stare at her in shock and betrayal, she knows she must have said the wrong thing.

The two are dismissed from the room before Bella can do or say anything, she’s just listening to Edward make a racket outside in the hallway.

Not good.

The unusual vampire brings her further down in his sewer palace to a basement, and she is given comfortable clothes to wear.

This is getting terrifying.

The vampire leans towards her - and she chickens out.

"Jeg snakker ikke engelsk!" she squeaks. "Non habla ingles!" I don’t speak English.

Han stanser, og ser forvirret ut. "Que- Hva behager*?" I beg your pardon? spør han etter et øyeblikk.

*A very formal, and slightly outdated (you can use it, but people will think you’re putting on airs. And they will be right) way of saying “excuse me?”

Sobbing, Bella tells him the whole story, from how she didn’t want to be the weird kid in school to how she’s now somehow in Italy without knowing why nor what she just agreed to.

When she’s done the vampire starts laughing.

"Dette forklarer jo en hel del," This explains quite a bit, ler han. "Men, kjære Bella, jeg er redd det ikke endrer noe." But, my dear Bella, I’m afraid it changes nothing.

He tells her that she has agreed to serve him and his army of undead warriors into eternity.

Well fuck.

"Du skal få slippe det, når du ikke visste hva du samtykket til - men skjebnen din forblir den samme. Loven er loven." You’re released from that promise, as you didn’t know what you agreed to - but your fate remains the same. The law is the law.

After a moment of silence, during which she looks terrified, he hurries to add, "Vi har en lov. Du må bli en av oss." We have a law. You must become one of us.

A law that Bella Swan has to become a vampire?

People are finally speaking Norwegian, and Bella is still lost. And it’s too embarrassing to keep pestering this poor, polite man with questions.

So she nods.

He gives her a glittering smile, and bites her.

When she wakes, Aro offers her an English course. A language course that, naturally, leads to her staying in Volterra. Why not learn a few more languages while we’re at it, dearest Bella?

Some time later Edward breaks into Volterra to save his Rapunzel, only to barely recognize her now that she’s a vampire who says things. Lots of things, she talks all the time now. WHAT DID ARO DO TO HER.

Too mortified to admit that she never spoke English, Bella claims she’s been brainwashed.

Aro is having too much fun to correct her, and the whole sad affair sets off a regrettable flood of rumors.

[ghoulschooldropout]

Literally had no idea you had OCs I would have been sending asks this WHOLE TIME spill the beans about them please and thank you 👁👁

you're all getting big ol' cartoony bugs bunny smooches rn i swear<3

OK SO most of my OCs are created through my writing, so a lot of them I don't have drawings of (yet! I'm working on it) and all my fics are WIPs but i can give you a brief intro/over-view of the main OCs that occupy my brain...

(BEWARE: VERY LONG)

Nathaniel J. Pearce (Nate) - the "canon" Sole Survivor - he/him

MY MAIN MAN i have like 5 WIP fics currently going for him...(the pic above is from a comic I’ve been working on, I’m not sure when I’ll finish it tbh, I’m currently in the process of redrawing old pages bc the style was so outdated)

He is the middle sibling of 3: younger brother Adrian & older brother Ethan- they have their own stories going on for them too but I won't get into that

He grew up poor in a very bad family situation, let’s just say his dad was out of the picture & he never had a great paternal role model (other than his brother who was only 4 years older than him). his mother also struggled with addiction & depression and was eventually institutionalized at Parson’s Asylum. so through his teenage years he and Adrian lived with their grandmother (Ethan left and joined the army straight out of high school)

Music was his passion & life's ambition before the war: he plays guitar, trumpet, and piano (his favorite). he also loves to sing & he writes his own music (but NOT the lyrics bc he thinks he is bad with words/poetry)

He was going to college for robotics & computer programming but he dropped out to pursue a career as a musician; this is how he ended up working construction as his day job, and spending his nights entertaining at a club as part of a band in the pre-war combat zone (where he met Nora)

Then of course to be canon compliant he was drafted into the war (turns out he is great at it) which killed a little bit of his soul and fucked up one of his hands; afterwards he swore off violence & promised himself he would never take a life ever again for any reason (which causes him a lot of pain, self-hatred, & inner-conflict post-war as you can imagine)

Before the bombs dropped he was planning to go back to school to become a music teacher

He struggles with PTSD, alcohol abuse/dependency, and grief; basically he's a mess mentally but like who wouldn't be in his position tbh?

Personality-wise he’s a people pleaser and a peace-maker, he gets nervous easily and feels awkward often but he is really good at hiding it. most people think he is very easy-going and likeable with a winning smile (but really he just smiles and jokes/laughs a lot when he’s uncomfortable)

He would probably consider Piper to be his best friend, with Nick and Cait as close runner-ups, but he’s also extremely close to MacCready & Deacon (they sort of fill the bickering brother-shaped holes in his life)

Nick is his love-interest; slow-burn, lots of pining bc they both think the other isn’t interested (& they have Issues) so they don’t get their shit together until after Far Harbor (After the Institute’s destruction)

I don’t really have an over-arching story for him, I just love using Nate to write scenes & give life & detail to the Commonwealth/Fallout 4. So I’ve created a lot of side characters/OCs by giving names, faces, and personalities to the NPCs he meets (such as Minutemen, Triggermen, & Raiders)

this is a lot of information and it’s not even Everything about him! so feel free to ask more facts about him I would be happy to share!!!

I’ve posted a little bit of him HERE, HERE, & HERE (His face is inconsistent, I know, I haven’t got him “just right” yet)

Lenora Mission-Pearce (Nora or Lenny) - she/they

(sorry the only pic I have rn is a doodle I made with the vague idea of her in mind- I’m working on a character sheet!)

Lenora is my sole survivor in an alternate universe where Nate never comes back from Anchorage, so she is a widowed single mother raising Shaun on her own (+Codsworth ofc)

Since there’s no backup Kellogg is less inclined to shoot her when attempting to kidnap Shaun, so in the end they kidnap them Both

The Institute offer her a place to stay there with Shaun, which she accepts at first (feeling she has no choice)

Of course she’s very nosy and asks too many questions & gets on the nerves of the Director, she befriends some Gen 2 synths (they are more human than the Institute gives them credit for) and learns about the organic synth plan (they leave out they are using her son for it), and THEN she finds out that the director kidnapped the rest of the Vault 111 residents and is using them for FEV experimentation which is the last straw leading to a confrontation with the director

the fight goes Very Badly and she asks to leave which presents a problem for the Institute bc they can’t let her go (she knows too much) but they can’t kill her (she’s befriended too many scientists and they would mutiny if her termination ever got out) so they end up forcing her & Shaun back under freeze in Vault 111 (they got what they needed from Shaun, but might as well keep him safe under freeze in case they need him again)

SO eventually she gets released 60ish years later and she’s fucking PISSED and ready to start a war with the Institute but she also has to face the difficulties of raising an infant by herself in the wasteland

So overall it’s Lone Wolf and Cub sort of adventures, with her desire for revenge against the institute keeping her from settling down

BACKGROUND & PREWAR INFO - she grew up rich, her parents divorced when she was young, her dad is Boston’s District Attorney, she went to boarding school where she met and fell in love with Jennifer Lands, so eventually when Jenny moves to Boston with Nick she becomes roommates with Lenora (causing Lenora to want to leave her apartment often and get drunk, which is how she meets Nate), Nate becomes her best friend very quickly and she loves him a lot & marries him but she never considered herself “in love” with him like he was with her

POST-BOMBS, her best friends are Nick and Codsworth

her love interest is Hancock, it’s an enemies to friends to lovers dynamic, they clash and argue a lot but they come to respect each other, Hancock definitely falls first. eventually they rile each other up for fun because they like arguing with each other (and the sex is great)

personality wise Lenora is very straight-forward and blunt, she is competitive, prefers to get her way, and is extremely smart. she speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to make enemies by doing so. honest to a fault. she has a bit of a temper, but she has it very under control (she is a professional after all). she loves her son more than anything in this world and will destroy anything or anyone that threatens her and her baby

Lucinda Mission AKA "Cinder" (Cindy, Cici, Boss, Cinder) - ghoul - raider boss - she/her (pre-war) they/them (post-war) 

Lenora’s half-sibling (younger, father’s side)

They were a chemist before the war

They were on their way to Nora’s house to take Shaun to the park when the bombs dropped and they ended up ghoulified

By the time Nora finds them, Lucinda is the leader of a raider gang occupying the Ironworks by Finch Farm and goes by the name Cinder

They offer settlements in their “territory” protection from other gangs & defense from mutants in exchange for “taxes”

Eventually Cinder & Nora work together to create a unity/treaty between the settlements, minutemen, & raider gangs (but not without a lot of conflict and fights first)

Eventually they become the Nuka-World Overboss

They have an affinity for chems, fire, & demolition, and prefer to use the Shishkebob (flamesword) as weapon

Personality-wise they are a boss ass bitch and they know it, their sense of humor has been warped a bit over the centuries, they can be a hard-ass and even a bit cruel at times but they are a good person still at heart and command respect from their gang

No drawings of Cinder yet unfortunately :(

Amias - super mutant courier six - he/they

Amias’s story is a little muddy, especially to Amias himself who has a lot of memory problems already (getting shot in the head was no help there)

He was turned into a super mutant when he was twelve by his own mother who believed she was “saving” him - his memory of this is warped due to trauma so he thinks that someone was forcing her to do this

Since he was turned so young he is a bit smaller than most mutants, but also because of his age his body was able to adapt better and grow into his mutation than those that were turned as adults

He’s very smart, he has an affinity for computers and robots, and he loves to read and he writes poetry (his handwriting is not the best though)

After his mutation he is abandoned by his mother & “family” (the organization they were a part of) so for many years he wandered the west coast looking for them

Because of this he has wanderlust & gets restless being in one place for long

Eventually as he travelled people asked him to pass along messages & packages as he went and he found himself becoming a courier

He has forgotten most of what has happened in those years searching for his family and it bothers/haunts him, he remembers somethings in his dreams but they are startling & out of context and only serve to stress him out more wondering what part of him he is missing

During New Vegas he becomes close to Raul, Lily, and Arcade (and he never goes anywhere without Ed-e)

He develops a big crush on Arcade, but it is unrequited

He doesn’t like the NCR (and they don’t really like him either) and he hates the Legion, so after befriending Yes-man he fights for an independent (and mutant friendly) New Vegas - but he has no interest in running things so he leaves the Mojave afterwards

Eventually he hears rumors of the Memory Den and so he makes his way east, hopeful to recover his memory & the part of him he thinks is missing... (Where he can become a Companion and you can convince him whether or not the memories are important to his identity)

You can also see Amias HERE

Clyde T. Spade (Courier, Spade, or Clyde)- she/they/his (genderfluid)

I created Clyde by accident, they started out as just a courier I could juxtapose with drawings of Benny (because I find courier/Benny relationship vastly entertaining) but then I started giving her a personality

Spade & Benny’s relationship is volatile and defined by their attempts to kill each other, but they are also inexplicably attracted to each other which makes things weird and complicated

They end up taking over New Vegas together (after Spade has to chase Benny across half the damn Mojave and convince him they actually like the guy despite wanting to kill him sometimes)

I honestly don’t think I have much to say about him right now other than I love drawing a seductive little bastard giving Benny trouble

I don’t know, it’s like this:

you can also see Spade HERE & HERE

Sharps & Maverick (Troy Merritt & Brian Maverick/Z4-21, package deal)

these guys were my first ever fallout OCs, i think i first created them back in high school? I used to have a few drawings of them but they were on a flash drive that is unfortunately no longer with us (RIP)

Sharps & Maverick are business partners that run a caravan company out of the Commonwealth, at least that is what it is on the surface

Their company can be hired to provide protection (normal caravan guards, but also Advanced Protection), but they can also be hired as couriers & delivery across the Commonwealth

They don’t discriminate to whom they provide their services-- be it for the triggerman, gunners, raiders, settlers, the railroad, the brotherhood, etc.

They refuse to traffick people, but they do offer synths jobs on caravans so they can discretely leave the region

Sharps manages most of the business side, the money, the routes, etc.

Maverick doesn’t care much for the details of the business, he enjoys being hands on with the caravans and the people themselves, and he trains Deathclaws & Mutts to provide the company’s Advanced Protection services

The nature of their caravan is mostly hush-hush and underground, they do a lot of their transportation at night, so they’ve managed to go under the Institute’s radar for a long time until Maverick gets replaced by Z4-21

Sharps realizes something is wrong with Maverick pretty quickly, but he lacks the proof and conviction to do anything (but he does start filtering the information he tells Maverick)

This is where the Sole Survivor can come in, they can be introduced to their organization through the Railroad, the Brotherhood, or possibly the Minutemen (looking for an alliance to aid with supply lines)

(or I guess you can come with the Institute to try and destroy/take over the caravan company)

You can convince Sharps to hire you to investigate Maverick (it helps if you have Nick Valentine with you)

You can investigate Maverick’s bedroom & terminal, go to Maverick’s last known whereabouts before his noticeable personality change (according to Sharps), or you can tail Maverick to see/report if he does anything suspicious (you’ll probably have to do all three & make sure you get concrete evidence, Sharps takes a lot of convincing to betray/confront Maverick)

Of course you can confront “Maverick” directly and if you’re convincing enough he will confess to being a replacement, but he will tell you he means Sharps (and the company) no harm and doesn’t want to work for the Institute (it’s up to you to decide if he’s lying)

The ending and what happens to Maverick is really up to you

Depending on the outcome you choose, if you’re aligned with the minutemen but not charismatic enough for the local leader perk you can use Sharps’ caravan to establish supply lines between your settlements

If you got this far I am amazed, thank you so much for reading! If you have any questions about any of them, feel free to send me an ask or DM me! I’ll be posting character sheets eventually that will be much more palatable than this exhausting wall of text, so stay tuned! <3 <3 <3

[greetings-and-salutations]

“You Have No Idea.”

Luke Castellan x Reader

Masterlist | Part 1 | Part 2

(Gif not mine)

Requested? No

Summary: After running into something that she didn’t wanna see in her cabin, (Y/n) opts to spend the rest of the night with her best friend, Luke.

Warnings: Starred out swear words, a complete and utter lack of sticking to the plot of the source material, Percy kinda sucking as a person, sexual innuendos I guess?

Pairing: Luke Castellan x Fem! Reader (Percy’s Sister)

(Sorry if you’re not short, but it’s not super important to the plot anyway so you can just glance right over it XD)

(Y/n) - your name

(Y/n/n) - your nickname

(Y/n) opened the door to her cabin slowly, hoping not to wake her brother Percy, who she assumed had gone to bed early that night, as he was not at the campfire. Boy, had she gotten that assumption wrong. Percy had apparently spent that evening in their shared cabin "hanging out" with his girlfriend Annabeth. (Y/n) shuddered. That was something that was going to be trapped in her brain for a while.

She snuck past the two and grabbed her clothes, heading to the bathroom to change, also slightly hoping that Annabeth would be gone by the time she got out, but luck was not on her side that day.

She cringed and crept towards the door. She'd find somewhere else to spend the night if she had to. She so was not listening to that any longer.

It was just before curfew when (Y/n) left her cabin, a few stragglers still heading to their own. She subconsciously tugged at the bottom of her shorts that she usually wore to bed. She hadn't planned on leaving the cabin again and hadn't even considered the inappropriate length to be an issue. Not to mention to crisp night air that she was fairly positive was trying to turn her into a popsicle. She shuddered and tried to figure out where to go.

She could go visit Piper, but that would mean going into the Aphrodite cabin. (Y/n) didn't know if she had the mental capacity to handle that at the moment.

She thought about visiting Hazel and Nico, but she knew how curious Hazel was and she didn't really feel like reliving what she had seen.

Her eyes fell on the bright yellow light coming from the Hermes cabin. She could go talk to Luke. He wouldn't question her if she asked him not to. And, since he was head counselor, he got his own room, so she could hide in there if she asked, at least until Annabeth left.

(Y/n) decided that hanging with Luke for a few hours was probably her best option, so she skirted through the grass, her bare feet scratching against the green, making her way to the door. She knocked twice before the door was wrenched open by Connor Stoll.

"Hello, (Y/n)..." He said, wiggling his eyebrows at her. She rolled her eyes.

"Cool it, Stoll. I'm here to see Luke." She said, crossing her arms over her chest as she saw the boy's eyes peeking down her v-neck t-shirt. He probably could see everything he wanted too just by looking down, seeing as how she was only five foot three. The short jokes were never ending.

"Stoll!" She snapped her fingers in front of his face, knocking him out of whatever weird fantasy he'd been in. He shook his head a couple of times before looking back down at her.

"Oh, right. Luke..." He poked his head back through the doorway. "Luke! There's a cute girl here to see you!" (Y/n)'s cheeks turned pink. When it was just Connor flirting with her, her annoyance was clear, but if he was calling her cute to Luke...

She was knocked out of her thoughts as Luke Castellan stood in the doorway, Connor now nowhere to be found.

"(Y/n/n)?" he asked in confusion. The conch sounded in the background and (Y/n) knew that the Harpies would be out soon.

"Can I come in?" her eyes were pleading and Luke nodded quickly, pulling her through the doorway and shutting it behind them.

+ + +

"Now, what's going on?" (Y/n) sat cross legged on Luke's bed as he stood by the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Percy is being gross and I'd rather not have to deal with it." He seemed confused for a moment before his eyes widened.

"You mean... He was...?" Luke couldn't even finish his sentence.

"Having sex with Annabeth in our cabin? Yup." Luke shook his head.

"You're brother's an a*s." He said. (Y/n) sighed.

"That sounds about right." She grumbled. Luke sat next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. (Y/n)'s cheeks reddened. She hoped he didn't notice as he continued speaking.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with him, (Y/n/n)." She just shrugged.

"He's my brother. There's not much I can do about it." Luke squeezed her shoulder, comfortingly.

"You wanna go tell Chiron or Mr. D? I'm sure either of them would be happy to deal with him." (Y/n) shook her head.

"I wouldn't wanna throw him under the bus like that. It's fine. I just really don't wanna think about it." She shuddered. "Any chance I can hang out here for a few hours? Just until Annabeth leaves?" She asked hopefully. Luke smiled and nodded.

"Of course you can. We've always got room for my favorite girl." (Y/n)’s blush deepened as he stood. “I gotta go call lights out. But I’ll be back.” She nodded and he started for the door before pausing to turn back to her once more. “And just in case the Stolls come bugging you again, there’s a hoodie on my chair you can borrow if you’d like.” (Y/n)’s insides practically melted at the sweet gesture. Luke was always doing that. Acting super nice and overly sweet whenever she was around. It wasn’t necessarily flirty, but it was enough to keep her obsessive crush on him going strong.

+ + +

True to his word, Luke returned only moments later, though this time he returned to the small girl wrapped up in his sweatshirt and laying on her stomach in his bed whilst reading some comic book she’d pulled from the messy pile of things on the floor. He leaned back on his door, admiring the view for a moment before making his presence known and plopping down beside her.

“Making yourself at home?” He asked receiving a playful eye roll in response.

“I got bored. It was either this or go flirt with one of the Stolls.” Luke’s face contorted at her words. The smile had dropped and his jaw was clenched in anger. (Y/n)’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“You okay?” She asked, poking his cheek playfully. He didn’t grin cheekily at her like he usually would.

“Stay away from the Stolls, (Y/n). They’re nothing but trouble. I don’t want you getting hurt.” (Y/n)’s cheeks flushed but she hid her face in the comic book.

“You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous.” She commented, her heart pounding in her chest at the thought. She peaked up at him only to see his eyes already trained on her.

“I’m serious.” He said, not breaking eye contact. (Y/n)’s confidence grew slightly, at least enough for her next statement to come out without her voice wavering.

“So am I.” She whispered, their faces were extremely close, the air around them suddenly warmer from the hot breath of the other.

“They don’t deserve you.” Luke managed to get out, though his insides were screaming at him to lean just a little closer. He was unaware that (Y/n) suffered from the same inner turmoil. She seemed to have better self control then the blonde, though, in this moment because, as his eyes flicked to her lips, hers returned to the comic page in front of her, not processing any of the words as she tried to steady her breathing.

“As my best friend you have to say that.” She commented, reminding herself that’s that’s all they were. Luke would never see her any differently. She felt the bed dip a little and assumed Luke was making himself comfortable for the night. She was proven correct as she finally tossed the comic off the bed and turned to face him only to find that he was laying casually across the pillows, his shirt now tossed carelessly on the floor. It took everything in (Y/n) not to stare longingly at his toned abs.

“Just because I’m your best friend doesn’t make it any less true.” He whispered. (Y/n)’s blush returned like a wildfire burning across her features.

“Thanks, Luke.” She whispered back, eyes trained on the ground as she didn’t think she’d be able to handle looking at his shirtless body again. So close, yet so far away...

“Come ‘ere.” (Y/n) looked up at the sudden command, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as Luke looked at her expectantly.

“What?” She asked, wondering if she’d heard him right. Luke rolled his eyes before patting the bed beside him.

“I gotta get up early, which means I gotta get some sleep.” He sat up enough to be encroaching her personal space once again. “That means you gotta get some sleep.” He booped her nose at that before moving back to get himself comfortable again.

It took (Y/n) a moment to regain her bearings after that subtle show of affection, but when she had, she did as he asked and plopped herself down next to him.

“You’re annoying, you know that?” She asked as he tugged her closer to his bare chest, a dark blush coating her cheeks that she hoped he wouldn’t notice as the lamp on the bedside table went out.

“You love me.” He mumbled, sleep obviously overtaking him. If he’d stayed awake just a few moments longer, he’d have heard (Y/n)’s response.

“You have no idea...”

Part 2 COMING SOON

Tag lists are open!!!

Tags: @electriclcvewp

[starrysupercell]

Have you ever thought about Shelly & piper? They have a good dynamic, I think - loneliness is a good prompt word. I’m curious what you think. 👁

This is the oldest ask I have. 😔😪 I'm so sorry.

It's not a drabble, more like headcanons. But I think they are very, VERY interesting. Even down to their attacks, they're polar opposites!

Piper attacks better from a distance and Shelly thrives up close and personal.

They might not get along at first because of who they are: Piper is a social butterfly (pun intended), though her playful words have so many layers to them, it's hard to know what she's really saying.

Shelly is more honest with everyone, and more down to earth in general but when she's mean, she's mean. Basically, a blunt hothead.

That said, Shelly was in no mood to play the guessing game when Piper talked to her for the first time.

"Either talk to me like a person, or don't talk to me at all." Shelly said, after Piper introduced herself formally, then joked, prodded and pretend(?)-flirted throughout their "friendship."

She had heard of people like her. Socializing was all for kicks, and they absorbed information more than they gave. Shelly didn't particularly want to be a plaything.

Piper contemplated the enjoyment she got out of messing with Shelly, vs the genuine enjoyment of her company and promptly agreed.

They didn't talk for quite a long while. Shelly was far from the friendliest Brawler too.

However, one day, Shelly sat at the bar in a booth. She was pissed off because she and Colt had gotten into a real heated argument.

Piper joined her, all of a sudden. She sat in the seat across from her.

"What do you want?" Shelly asked.

"Are you okay?"

"What do you care? Gonna spread it 'round the Park?" She snapped. "Leave me the hell alone."

"Sugar, if you wanted to be left alone, you wouldn't have come to the most social place in the Park."

She couldn't argue with that, but she could still ignore her.

"...If that's the way you want it, fine. Clearly, 'talking to you like a person' doesn't actually work for getting to know you." Piper said, and made to leave.

Shelly was surprised she actually remembered that. If Piper was being genuine... well, then it was worth a shot, wasn't it?

So fine. She agrees to a meet up at her house, for pastries and tea over the talk.

With her, Shelly vents and rants.

Since she's so used to acting out her feelings in fits of rage, by Brawling and all, talking it out is actually a really nice change for her.

From there, it's an actual, fruitful and healthy friendship and they help each other out with fighting tricks.

Like Piper's Auto Aimer Gadget. Who do you think gave her a gun and taught her to shoot and slow folks down? Shelly! (Based off her Super and her Shellshock Star Power!)

And Shelly's Clay Pigeon Gadget. Her aim IS her own, but fun how she's able to turn into a Sniper for a little bit, right? Piper showed her the ropes.

So they're unlikely friends, but probably each other's bestie, outside of their Trio and main friend group.

[wolferals]

🇪🇸di mi nombre🇪🇸

finally fallin' chapter 5

arón piper x reader

(The spanish is all google translate, i wont take responsibility for mistakes)

chapter 5

After your „date" with Arón, he had been so sweet to walk you back to your small apartment at around 9:15. On the way there, he had reassured you that you were going to be fine filming the video with him.

You were still pretty nervous and to be honest a little anxious already.

To explain your concern about the smallest thing, it'd be good to clear some things.

When you were 14, your grandma had died right after Christmas. That had really gotten to you, you had been very close with her, and you hadnt gotten the chance to say goodbye go her.

Thats how it all started, your sadness, the loneliness.

You had spent days and nights sitting on your bed, listening to sad music and just staring at the ceiling.

The years after that it had gotten a little better, you didnt cry at the thought of her anymore but now every little thing triggered your mind into thinking you were going to get hurt or embarrassed.

You were overthinking everything.

And to briefly explain why you got so nervous when a guy looked at you or complimented you, you had never been in a super serious relationship. And you were almost 20 now.

Some people would say its weird but you had realized that maybe your time hasnt come yet, and that was okay for you.

So as to right now, you were sitting in the subway on the way to the address Arón had sent you.

College had been alright today, Itzan and you had had lunch together again and had spent some more time finding ideas for the photo shoot with Arón.

You were still nervous but tried to calm yourself down by thinking back to what Arón had told you. He was going to be there and he had done nothing but be comforting and sweet to you.

On the right station you got out and walked to location.

It was a big market place somewhere in Madrid and you immediately spotted Arón in the crowd. He was wearing a black shirt and a jeans jacket over it. He looked good.

You walked up to him and he noticed you right away and walked towards you.

„Hola chica, you feeling good?" He pulled you into a tight hug.

That had been your second hug. The first had been the night before when he had taken you home and then left.

His hugs were tight but so comforting to you.

„Hey, I'm good how are you?"

He put his arm around your shoulder and you guys walked back to the others.

„Guys that's y/n, my girlfriend."

Your head shot up to him.

He grinned and added:"In the video."

You started laughing as well.

Then yon got introduced to the other guys and you went through the scene again before you relatively quick went to filming. The first scene had been easy for you. Just walking around, holding Arón's warm hand, pretending to be interested in everything around you.

Since he was a lot taller than you, you used the opportunity to put your head on his shoulder while walking.

He pressed your hand tightly until the guy yelled a loud „cut."

You walked back to the camera to see the scene from this perspective. Arón was still holding you hand until you both realized and he let go, grinning at you.

„That was great guys, we already got it." His friend „Moonkey" spoke and highfived you both.

The next scene had been the one, getting some food and sitting down at a bench. You had to feed each other a little to seem „cute" until you spilled the ketchup from your fries on his shirt, making you laugh out loud. For real though, it hadnt been planned but Arón later on had said that it was perfect for the video.

It was getting darker over the course of filming those cute/funny scenes with the guys and at around 7 you decided to take a break and get an actual snack.

The guys got burger and stuff but since you and Arón had eaten for the scene before, you just grabbed drinks and slowly walked to the next location.

The cameras were wrapped up in bags that the guys could easily carry as backpacks.

The club you originally intended to film a scene it was closed that day and the next one would've been to far to walk so you had to change your entire plan.

„Why dont we film the rooftop scene now and include some dancing and jumping around? Turn on some music and you guys dance."

Arón agreed immediately but you again got self conscious, having to dance in front of a couple boys.

Arón reassured you again and took your hand as you were making your way up to the top of the building.

While the guys were setting up the cameras and all, you and Arón were standing together, talking.

He again told you stuff like:"Close your eyes and just pretend no one is there. You're gonna do great I'm sure."

You smiled at him and then examined the view over the city and its lights.

„Alright Arón, y/n just sit down over there, cuddle and maybe watch the stars i dont know." <Moonkey> laughed and you both did as he said.

Aròn put his arm around you, pulling you closer to his chest.

You intentionally closed your eyes and listened to his heartbeat and breathed in his cologne. You were fully enjoying this until something or something basically ripped you out of your thoughts and your comfortableness.

„Cut thanks."

Arón seemed to be a little startled as well because it took him a bit until he removed his arm from you.

„Now, dancing. Arón show her what you got." one of them laughed. „Cabrón, i cant dance." Arón cursed and looked at you.

He then turned on some reggaeton you didnt know but it was perfect for dancing so you took a deep breath and let all your thoughts go.

You grabbed Arón's hand and just started dancing around like you didnt care who was watching.

It seemed to help him because he got more comfortable as well and you ended up jumping and running around the roof terrace, not giving a shit at all.

<Moonkey> was dancing along behind the camera and the mood was set.

You all had so much fun that second and you wished it wouldnt end.

To be completely honest, you owned it. You felt everyones gaze on you, Arón was almost looking at you freaking out in awe, as he was dancing with you.

If you werent so in your own state, you'd think there was a certain tension between the both of you.

„Cut. As sorry as I am to stop whatever is happening here, we need to finish this so I can cut it."

„Off to Arón's." The blonde guy spoke and again packed the camera in the bag.

You caught your breath first and then looked at Arón.

You started to laugh loudly, not being able to believe how careless you were just dancing.

Arón smiled at you for a while before you all left to go downstairs to enter his apartment.

Finally sitting on the black couch in his living room, he first handed everyone a drink and then sat down next to you.

His place was a lot bigger than yours. No wonder though, he was an actor and probably had more money than you, not that that mattered you just noticed.

„Everything ready?" He then asked and again put his arm around you.

„Ready." you all answered almost simultaneously.

The scene was relatively short. You started by clicking your glasses together, then pretended to laugh about something and then it was time to end the scene with a kiss.

You slowly turned your head to meet his and smiled at him.

His eyes were sparkling towards you, before he smiled once again and your lips finally met for the first time.

It was a short but hard kiss.

You heard Moonkey go „whooo" behind the camera, but you were too focused on Arón's kiss.

It felt better than you had expected and by now you were almost sure you had deeper feelings for him.

Was that crazy since you didnt even know him that long?

„Cut." someone broke off your kiss and you kept on looking into each others eyes for a little.

„Guys" Moonkey laughed, official breaking the tension going on.

Afterwards, the guys packed their stuff, took some time finishing their drinks and then took off relatively quick.

„Alright I'll cut it together and send it to you next week or something." His friend told Arón and they talked a bit before you heard the door close.

You were still sitting in your exact position on the couch, with the half full glass of red wine in your left hand.

„See, it went fantastic." Arón fell down on the couch next to you.

„Yeah..."

-„Thank you. I had a lot of fun." you finished your sentence.

Arón smiled at you.

„Me too."

And then it all went super fast.

The alcohol kicked in and you guys went off to talking about rather intimate topics and he scooted closer to you.

„Ill call you next time I need a fake girlfriend." He slurred and laughed afterwards.

Since you were a bit tipsy you joked:"You can leave out <fake> too, thats fine with me."

Arón started laughing again and before you knew, his lips were on yours again.

This time it was more forceful and rougher.

You liked it a lot.

He grabbed the drink from your hand skillfully and placed it on the table without breaking the kiss.

And then he was on top of you, with both his hands holding your head.

You knew you had to stop him before it got too much but your drunk mind wanted it more than anything that moment.

Next thing to happen was him taking off his shirt, revealing his toned chest and abs.

„Joder, Arón." you cursed and looked down on him.

Arón chuckled at your comment.

„Di mi nombre, bebe."

[returnn-of-the-mac]

Thank you so much for the CFS reaction! I got one last ask before I quit bugging you (I'm greedy, I know). How bout companions in an Art vs Art situation, but it's synth, and human Sol? How would they identify the real Sole, and what do thet do with the synth? Thanks for all this, it means a lot to me! xx

You’re not bugging me in the slightest; I love writing reactions! I always get excited when i get a new request—the more, the merrier! Please enjoy!😊

oh yeah side note: i usually like to make “silent soles” so you can lut yourself in their shoes, but i kinda had to give Sole dialogue in this one.

FO4 Companions React: Real Sole vs Synth Sole

Sole and their companion were leaving Walden Pond when they noticed a person nearby. A person who looked identical to Sole. The pair approached the individual, and the two Soles began bickering about who the “real [name]” was:

Hancock

“I’m too sober to deal with this right now,” Hancock stated, “I’m just gonna hit some Daddy-O real quick

“Take your time,” Sole 1 stated.

“Don’t you dare, Hancock,” Sole 2 warned, “You know how you get with that Daddy-O shit.”

Hancock immediately took out his knife and stabbed Sole 1. He approached Sole 2, the real Sole.

“Can’t have two of you running around. I can barely manage one,” Hancock teased. “Imagine all the trouble two of you would cause…I’m glad you don’t have a twin!”

Piper:

“Oh jeez. Why do these kinda things always have to happen to us?” Piper complained. She thought for a moment and then had an idea. “Hey! The real [name] would know the special nickname I gave them. What is it?”

Sole 1 blinked. “Uh…buddy?”

Sole 2 smirked, “Blue. Because I lived in Vault 111.”

Piper beamed. “Ding ding! We have winner,” she exclaimed. She looked at synth Sole.

“So you’re the synth, huh? You got nowhere to go?” Piper thought for a moment. “I would let you crash at my place in Diamond City, but if word gets out that you’re a synth…I don’t even want to think about it.”

Sole 1 frowned.

“How about you come with us for now, okay? We’ll get you situated.” Piper promised.

Gage:

“Oh damn. Oh shit. I‘m no good at these find the difference games,” Gage panicked. He then had an idea. He quickly adjusted his fingers and threw his hands in the air.

“What’s going on?” Sole 1 asked.

Sole 2 did another hand motion and Gage smiled. He looked at the fake Sole.

“Gang signs, ya poser.” Gage explained just before gunning down Sole 1.

Gage then shifted his attention to Sole 2, “And ya said these signs were stupid. I sure showed ya, didn’t I?

Danse:

Danse looked back and forth between the two Soles. “I’ll return momentarily,” the Paladin began, “I’m going to find Cutler

and get his opinion. He has a good eye for these kinds of situations.”

“Should I wait here, or do you want me to come with you?” Sole 1 inquired.

“Isn’t Cutler…” Sole 2 hesitated, mindful of their companion’s PTSD, “…not…not alive right now?”

Danse whipped out his laser rifle and vaporized Sole 1. The real Sole smiled and approached the Paladin.

“I knew you would catch on, soldier.” Danse commented, “You’re much sharper than that synthetic vermin.”

Preston:

“This is tough…you both look the same,” Preston hesitated, “But I need to pick the right one. Marshal, can you help me out?”

“No problem Preston,” Sole 1 began, “I have been there for you and the Minutemen through thick and thin. Always fighting for the people. It would be a shame if you lost all of that by shooting me instead of that imposter over there.”

“Marshal?” Sole 2 asked, “Did I get a promotion?”

Preston immediately stared at Sole 1. “You’re the imposter,” Preston said, “Now what?”

He thought for a moment and then nodded. “Would you like to join the Minutemen?” He asked the synth. Sole 1 nodded. “Excellent. You can follow us back to Sanctuary Hills and we’ll get you acquainted with everyone over there.”

Nick:

“Alright, synth. Let’s see how sly you really are,” Nick challenged, “Give this old detective a run for his money.”

Nick approached the two Soles and scanned them. After about two minutes of careful examination, the detective walked up to the synth Sole.

“You’re the synth,” He stated plainly, “You have one of two options: live an honest life and don’t cause trouble for the sake of my friend here, or die right here, right now.”

Sole 1 shuttered, “The first option. I won’t cause any problems—I promise!”

Nick solemnly nodded, “Then you’re free to go.”

The panicked synth swiftly ran off into the distance.

Sole stared at Nick in disbelief and the detective chuckled.

“The Institute sure is good at making carbon copies of people‘s physical appearance. Fortunately, they haven’t quite nailed replicating idiosyncrasies yet,” Nick smirked, “I know you never take that wedding ring off. Your clone over there didn’t get the memo, apparently.”

Cait:

“God dammit, these synths are sneaky little rats, aren’t they?” Cait studied the two Soles and scratched her head, “I can’t deal with this shite right now. I’m goin to take a hit of psycho.”

“Wait, Cait! Hold on,” Sole 1 pleaded. “This doesn’t have to be hard. I swear, I’m the real [name]!”

“Why?” Sole cried in frustration, “We just busted our asses getting you cleaned up in Vault 95 and you’re just going to throw it all away?”

Cait took put her shot gun and shot Sole 2. She approached the real Sole, who now looked distraught. She looked at them sympathetically.

“I would never, darlin. It was just a test. And you passed,” she reassured, “I’m sorry for hurtin ye like that.”

MacCready

“Two [names], huh? This is gonna be fun,” MacCready smirked and held out his hand, “My most prized possession. Give it to me.”

Sole 1 scratched their head as Sole 2 promptly placed a toy soldier in MacCready’s hand.

“Thank you, friend,” MacCready beamed, looking at Sole 2. He then whipped out his gun, “And goodnight imposter,” he stated, sniping Sole 1 in the forehead.

He walked over to the real Sole and smiled, “I hope you didn’t think I wouldn’t be able to tell the two of you apart. I could’ve figured it out even without the soldier.”

X6-88:

X6 looked at Sole 1, then at Sole 2.

“Alpha-9-3-Beta.”

Sole 1 immediately collapsed, and Sole whipped their head to look at their companion.

X6 approached them. “I’m a professional Courser, [sir/ma’am]. You don’t have to worry about rouge synths fooling me.”

Deacon:

“Two’s a crowd!” Deacon exclaimed, “Guess it’s time for comedy hour!” He dramatically cleared his throat: “Two Brotherhood of Steel soldiers are sitting in a tank,” he began.

Sole 1 looked interested in the joke, while Sole 2 rolled their eyes.

“One soldier tells the other: BLUB BLUB GLUB BLUB GLUB. The other soldier drowns.”

Sole 1 immediately started laughing while Sole 2 shots daggers at Deacon.

Deacon knew instantly who was whom. He pulled out his gun and aimed at Sole 1, “Sayonara!” He shouted.

Sole 1 braced for impact, but nothing happened. They looked at Deacon.

“I’m just messin with ya,” he began, “As long as you promise not to go screwing up my pal’s reputation, I don’t have any reason to kill you. In fact, you could probably be a valuable member of the Railroad if you wanted to join our cause.”

Sole 1 nodded and Deacon grinned.

“Great! Why don’t you start heading down to the Old North Church then. There should be a secret door and the password is Railroad. Let them know Deacon sent ya.”

As soon as Sole 1 left, Deacon looked at the real Sole with a goofy smiled plastered across his face. “Now back to what we were talkin about before…I know you’re a huge fan of my jokes. Wanna hear another one?”

Strong:

“Why two human?” Strong asked, scratching his head. “Was only one this morning.”

“That’s because they're a faker.” Sole 1 said, pointing an accusing finger at Sole 2.

“Shut up. No you’re not. I am!” Sole 1 retorted.

“Human fight with clone. Yes. Interesting.” Strong commented, “But Strong want to smash clone.”

The Sole’s were silent for a moment before Strong spoke again.

“Human know this. Who Strong’s favorite au-thor?”

“You don’t read…do you?” Sole 1 asked.

“William Shakespeare.” Sole 2 answered confidently.

“That real human,” Strong said, pointing at Sole 2. “Goodnight, clone,” Strong stated as he bashed the synth with his super sledge.

Curie:

“Oh my…” Curie mused, looking back and forth between the two Soles, “I…I don’t know who’s who!”

“I’m the real [name]!” Sole 1 pressed, “How can you not tell the two of us apart? We’re best friends”

“[He/She]’s lying!” Sole 2 swore, “I’m the real one!”

Curie frantically looked back and forth between the two Soles when she suddenly had an idea.

“Both of you turn around and lift up your shirt.”

The two Sole’s obeyed and Curie examined their backs. Sole 1’s back was smooth, but covered with a few cuts and bruises. Sole 2’s back was also slightly bruised and cut, but unlike Sole 1, they had a large, stitched up laceration that ran from one rib to the other. It was an injury they had received upon fighting a Mirelurk King with Curie.

She approached Sole 2. “You, you’re the real [name]! I’m so glad I was able to tell.” She then looked at Sole 1. “It must be fun looking like one of the most fascinating people in the Commonwealth.” Curie remarked. “But we can’t have you running around and pretending to be [name]. I’m so sorry…”

“Wait,” Sole 1 pled, “I won’t cause any problems. You have my word.”

Curie smiled. “Well, I’m glad! If you promise you won’t do evil, you are free to go!”

Sole 1 thanked Curie and Sole for sparing them as they rushed away.

Longfellow:

“I am one confused sea cucumber right now,” Longfellow stated, scratching his head, “I’m too old for this shit. Dammit, [name], why would you do this to a senile old man?”

The two Sole’s stared at Longfellow.

“Only one way to find out who the real deal is,” Longfellow pulled a fiddle out from seemingly nowhere and began to sing:

“Oooooh-! What you’re gonna do with a drunken sailor?

What you’re gonna do with a drunken sailor?

What you’re gonna do with a drunken sailor…?”

Sole one raised an eyebrow while Sole 2 beamed.

“Early in the morning!” The latter finished.

Longfellow smiled and shot the synth Sole to the ground. He then approached his real companion.

“I know that’s your favorite sea shanty, [lad/lassy]!” He exclaimed, “My pleasure to have rid the world of your evil clone.”

Ada:

“The two of you look identical. It’s going to be hard to tell who the imposter is, but I have an idea.” Ada declared. She suddenly lit up and projected an image onto the ground. It appeared to be an empty checkbox with the words I am not a robot written next to it.

“This high-tech projection is touch-sensitive,” Ada explained, “So who is going to try to check the box first?”

Sole 1 stepped forward. They tapped the box with their foot and nothing happened. They then tried again with their hand. They then stomped on it, and jumped on it. The box would not check.

“This stupid thing isn’t a touch screen!” Sole 1 complained, “Don’t lie!”

Just then Sole 2 stepped up. They lightly tapped the box and a check appeared.

“That answers our question, then.” Ada declared. “It looks like she is the real human being. I am sorry.”

Sole 1 slumped a bit, “Now what?”

Ada thought for a moment. “Well, I think I know someone who could use some company. Her name is Isabel Cruz. She should be located at the Robotics Technology Facility in East Boston.”

“Thank you,” Sole 1 stated, as they turned and ran away.

Codsworth

“Oh bother…” Codsworth mumbled, looking back and forth between the two Soles, “you both look completely identical.”

“It’s me, I’m the real [name]!” Sole 1 shouted.

“No, I am!” Sole 2 hollered back.

The two continued to bicker until Codsworth spoke again, “Only the real [name] would know the answer to this question!”

The two Soles perked up.

“What name did the [hubby/wife] insist on giving me before you settled on Codsworth?”

Sole 2 immediately answered, rolling her eyes at the memory “Mr. BB-8 But Floating and British.”

“Correct!” Codsworth cheered. He then turned to Sole 1. “I’m not going to harm you, [sir/ma’am] so long as you do not cause any trouble in [name]’s body.

The synth hastily nodded and ran away.

Codsworth then floated over to the real Sole. “You know, I never really did have the chance to properly thank you for changing my…unique name,” he stayed, shuttering, “So thank you. I am very grateful.”

[fo4companionsas]

Howdy! Could you please do a react to sole dying? Maybe make it super heart wrenching (I'm a sap). Thanks! (By the way - just found your blog and I love it 😍😘)

Thank you! And I’m sorry this took an eternity and I’m sorry it’s so damn long and probably riddled with typos. I wanted it to be like a prequel to the reaction of Sole coming back to life and I got a little to into it. Warning: very angsty. 

—

Bullets seemed to rain, the shattering sound of gunfire amalgamating into a blanket wall of sound, the walls of the shack they had entered in search of shelter torn apart by blunt force. The raiders had come from nowhere, their guard had been down and their ammunition already depleted. They were overpowered, and without saying anything, with the brief eye contact made between them in between ineffectual reloads and pained cries, a brief glance that signaled an apology, an understanding, a goodbye.

After an amount of immeasurable time, the abrupt attacks had slowed and the sounds of chaos had silenced. When there were no immediate attackers, they took a moment to collect their composure. They yelled for sole, who had disappeared in the long stretch of disarray.

Sole yelled back from outside, filling them with a sense of boundless relief. When they left the shack, they saw sole, injured but giddy to loot the raider corpses that littered the area. Sole’s face lit up when they the companion, willfully ignorant of the danger they just faced. Before Sole could say anything, a deafening shot rang out, and to their horror, they could see the lightness of Sole’s face vanish before dropping limply to the ground and revealing a gun-wielding raider behind them.

Cait- She instantly burst out in a scream of rage. Her pistol, already drawn and loaded, burned hot with the amount of bullets she unloaded in the raider. It fell to the ground, barely human and more resembling a gory mess of swiss cheese. She didn’t even stop to admire the carnage, she had already slid through the dirt to Sole’s body. She tries to pull them up from the ground, but only succeeds in smothering the both of them in the growing pool of blood.

“You can’t fuckin’ leave me, you can’t” She cried, feeling herself slip away, seeing the only person she cared about fade from existence. She fell backwards, collapsing in a bust of dust. She figured she’d stay there, for who knows how fucking long. She was completely alone.

Curie- It took her a moment to process what had happened. The her relief was drained so quickly, the moment of catharsis rotted by a shift to the sinister. She drew her rifle and in one fluid motion, cranked it to maximum damage and reduced the raider to a pile of ash. She glided to Sole’s side, taking their vitals and assessing their condition. Her face felt unfamiliarly hot, her eyes stinging with unfamiliar tears.

“Madame/Monsieur…” She pleaded, her voice catching in her throat. Pressure on the wound didn’t help, her chest soaked and heavy in blood. It was worthless, they were gone.

Codsworth- With mechanical swiftness, Codsworth shot down the raider and glided to Sole who lay lifeless on the dirt.

“Sir/Ma’am,” he posed as he glided towards them. He just assumed his processing was off, because he picked up no life signs in the vicinity, but as he hovered over Sole’s body, the truth became remarkably clear. He knew they were dead. Unsure of what to do, where to go, how to move forward, he searched the area. After hours of scavenging about a mile radius, he found what he was looking for. He returned to the body and extended a metal talon above them, dropping an immaculate, pale flower onto their chest.

“Goodbye… old friend…” He said just before turning around and gliding back to Sanctuary.

Danse- Despite having a rifle accessible, he charged the raider in full power armor, somehow annihilating it in a mess of steel and blood. Once he was positive that they were thoroughly crushed to hell,  he forced himself to turn to the lifeless form on the wasteland floor.

He felt himself exit his power armor, although he felt barely in control of his own body. He stood over Sole for minutes, recognizing the same vacancy in their eyes that he was so used to seeing in the eyes of other fallen soldiers. But this was different. This was Sole.

He felt himself light and throw a signaling flare, and then tenderly lifted the body with some difficulty as he tried to fight his own shaking as he listened to the vertibird circle the empty sky. He figured he’d bring Sole back to the Prydwen, or something. His uncertainty felt unfamiliar and disturbing, but he didn’t care. Nothing felt the same.

Deacon-  Deacon froze. What the fuck just happened? Without even thinking or visibly emoting, he drew his handgun and easily shot down the raider. He forced himself to make his way to Sole.

“Nothing like a good bullet to the chest to wake you up, huh?” He chuckled. He was off his game, his heart sinking as he got closer. Sole wasn’t moving. Despite everything in his mind screaming the truth, he continued to believe the lie.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny. You’ve played the joke out. Time to head out,” He said, hoping his sarcasm would negate the realness of the scene, but seeing the blank, pale expression on Sole’s face hit him like a punch of painful reality.

Feeling his knees buckle under him, he hit the dirt right next to Sole’s body. He held their face in his hand, feeling the growing coldness of their skin, he knew he needed to see them—really see them— one last time. He took off his sunglasses and let them fall beside him to the dirt.

He trembled, feeling Sole’s face in his hand. A glint of silver caught his hazy vision and he saw the chain around Sole’s neck, holding two wedding rings rather than a pendant.

Deacon lightly unhinged it and took it from their neck and latched it around his own. Not looting—protecting. For once it didn’t feel like a disguise, it felt like the truth.

Dogmeat- Dogmeat charged the raider and bit deeply into their calf, dropping them to the ground before issuing a deadly lunge. As he realized that the raider was no longer struggling, he pulled away and looked towards Sole, who laid unmoving in the dirt.

He nuzzled their head and limply pawed at their chest, but none of this elicited any movement. He didn’t understand. After deciding that Sole was just deeply asleep or unconscious, he circled their body and curled up by their side. He wanted to be there when Sole woke up.

Hancock- Without missing a beat, Hancock pulled his shotgun and obliterated the raider. “FUCKING COCKSUCKER!” He burst as the raider fell to the ground. He ran to Sole and crumpled beside their lifeless body. He shook them, trying fruitlessly to shake back their consciousness.

“Come on sunshine, you can’t do this to me” He coarsely croaked out, holding Sole’s face in his roughly calloused hand. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t possibly understand how the one person who accepted them so blindly could be gone.

After thoroughly self-numbing through a myriad of chems, booze, and other hardening substances, he picked up Sole’s body and personally carried them back to Goodneighbor. A silence fell over the town as Hancock entered carrying the corpse of the Commonwealth hero. He didn’t give a fuck about them, though— The only one he cared about was gone.

Macready- He paused a moment, out of shock, confusion, and fear. As soon as he came back to his body he pulled his pistol and silently shot down the raider, right between the eyes.

He slowly approached Sole, hovering above them for a moment and then crumpling to his knees. Tears streamed down his face as he saw the deadness of theirs, a blank expression he was all-to familiar with. He lifted his face from his palms and looked up to the apocalyptic nothingness that surrounds then shouted, letting his echoes fill the wasteland,

“FUCK!!!”

He collapsed to the ground, shaking. Sole was their rock, what else was left to tether him to life?

Nick- He sneered as he pulled drew his pistol and shot the raider right through the chest, and chuckled as they dropped. He sauntered over to Sole, who lay motionless in the dirt.

“You all right, kid? He kinda caught you off guard there,” He asked, but was met with no response. He noticed Sole’s face now, their vacant open eyes and slightly agape mouth, their still muscles and unmoving chest. His silicon brow furrowed, the gravity of dark realization pressing against him.

He fell to the ground beside Sole and grazed their face with his sharp, mechanical hand. Were they any different now?

“I’m so sorry kid… I’m so sorry” He said in a low, almost-whisper.

Piper-  Her smile still lingered on her face, but in a hollow, absent way.

“…Blue?” She nearly whispered, her mind at an impasse between reality and it’s pure devastation. She must have hesitated too long in her shock, because shots began to rain out around her, the raider cocky and still fueled with bloodlust. After a couple of misfires, Piper managed to pierce the raider fatally in the neck, allowing her to Rush to Sole’s body. She fumbled for a pulse, but felt nothing, and felt a sob slowly rise inside her.

Piper let the tears stream down her face as she ran her hand through Sole’s hair, pressing her forehead to theirs. She let the emotions and the pain fill her up, overwhelmed by the poetic irony of the Commonwealth hero taken down by a single bullet from a stray raider in the middle of goddamn nowhere.

“I’m so sorry Blue,” She whispered, “But I promise you… You will be remembered.”

Preston- “GENERAL!” He shouted in an almost cinematic melodrama as he watched Sole fall to the dirt. He spared no time cranking his laser musket and swiftly reducing the raider to a pile of ash. He took a second, because to approach them, to go by Sole’s side might confirm something he so desperately didn’t want to be true.  

As he did, however, he knew his nauseating gut feeling was correct. Sole was gone. He sat beside them for a while, letting his emotions take over, vulnerable, defeated.

It was nearly dark by the time Preston decided that he should get up, move forward, but only because he new undoubtedly that it’s what Sole would have wanted.

He spent hours through the night digging. By hand, because this was something that needed to be done the hard way. Sole deserved a proper burial. Once the ground was sealed and partially packed, their body becoming one with the cracked dirt around them. Sole fashioned a tower of jagged rocks to cover the now distinctive plot of earth. He paused a moment, and before walking away, stated,

“I’m sorry I failed you General. I… I hope you find peace where you are now.”

Strong- Strong charged and pummeled the raider, reducing it to a bloody pulp.

“Strong hates puny men,” He said turning to Sole, “bones crush too easy.” As he walked towards them, he noticed the absence of Sole’s usual chuckle, and instead the unmoving slump of their body.

“Did tiny bullet hurt human?” asked Strong, trying to mask his annoyance. But Sole didn’t respond, and an acutely unfamiliar anxiety arose in the Super Mutant. He knelt by their side and placed a heavy hand on their chest, feeling his heart sink as they weren’t filled with their usual bated breath.

As delicately as he could, he used his massive fingers to close their still-opened eyes.

“Strong is sorry,” He said as quietly as ever, “Strong will miss this human.”

X6-88- The courser tilted his laser rifle and in a matter of seconds reduced the raider to a smoldering pile. He admired his handiwork for just a moment, and then sauntered over to Sole’s side.

“He got you pretty good, didn’t he,” he said, before noticing Sole’s vague stare and limp features. He knelt down to them with cool casualty, placing a hand on Sole’s arm and trying fruitlessly to shake them awake. A feeling of poignant discomfort filled him in exchange for grief, his accustomation to death making it all the more distressing at this proximity.

He simply laid Sole’s gun on there chest and folded their arms over it, as if they had been at peace. Not able to look at their lifelessness anymore, he turned to leave the scene. Before doing so he looked back at them.

“Goodbye,” He stated almost factually, then falling to a moment of sentimentality, “friend.”