#id pick up a nice rock any day | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rippleclan · 1 year ago

Text

RippleClan: Moon 5

Rustshade doesn’t notice when Oilpaw leaves camp alone.

[Image ID: Rustshade and Oilpaw have their backs to one another in the center of the screen.]

---

“These are the leaders of Ashy-AshClan,” Oilpaw sang softly, pacing around the apprentice’s den, “Smokestar, Baystar, Sedgestar with the plan. Cougarstar got rabies, Turkeystar got fleas, Fuzzystar wouldn’t take responsibility. Pelicanstar fought the evil in his Clan, but Autumnstar brought them all back again!” Oilpaw panted as she ended with a little flourish. She turned to Carnationpaw, who laid belly-up in her nest. “I think I got it! How’s your studying going?”

“How do I know what I remember about kit care is right?” Carnationpaw groaned. She kicked her paws over her head. “What if I’m remembering something that isn’t true?”

“Maybe I can get my dad to test your memory!” Oilpaw suggested. “If he’s around, at least. Lately, he’s barely in camp.”

“No, he’s here,” Carnationpaw said, rolling over. “I saw him enter camp a little bit ago. I think he’s in the warrior’s den with Weedfoot.”

“Finally,” Oilpaw huffed. “We’ll talk after our exams!” Oilpaw jogged across the quiet, chilly camp.

The last leaves had drifted off the trees many days ago, leaving a nest of twisted branches in the distance behind the ginger apprentice. Sunhigh, that terrible time of day, inched close and clouded Oilpaw’s mind. Cold wind blew from the ocean and sent a shiver through Oilpaw. She picked up the pace and slowly approached the warrior’s den.

The den wasn’t the same rocky nook or shipwreck haven as the others, for none of the existing dens were big enough to hold all the future warriors of RippleClan. Instead, the whole Clan worked together to move rocks and brambles around a large open space that overlooked the sea. Downstar and Weedfoot carefully placed sturdy rocks and shipwreck wood around the den to form a roof, with a few support rocks firmly tucked into the sand. Maybe one day a bush would grow over the roof like in the apprentice’s den. But that would take many moons.

“You’re endangering her, Rustshade,” Weedfoot huffed inside the den. Oilpaw paused outside. She craned her ears to better listen. Since when did Weedfoot chastise a full-grown tom?

“I know that,” Rustshade groaned. “But it’s too late. The Clan has their suspicions, even if the code prevents them from asking. You’ve met her. This isn’t something she can handle alone.” Oilpaw bristled. Who was her dad talking about? Certainly not Oilpaw. No, Rustshade never thought of the daughter he took from WheatClan, the one whose mother gave her up without a fight.

Oilpaw stepped back and glanced around camp. No one else was around. She squared her jaw and snuck to the camp exit. She wasn’t going to wait around for Weedfoot or Rustshade, and if she spent any more time in camp, she would go insane.

(Oilpaw: 9, female, charismatic, morbidly curious)

(Carnationpaw: 7, female, compassionate, splashes in puddles)

(Weedfoot: 54, female, charismatic, very clever, formidable fighter)

(Rustshade: 62, male, sneaky, learner of lore)

While out alone, Oilpaw is lured by a tunnel under some disturbed sand.

[Image ID: Oilpaw faces a tunnel in the sand. The tunnel is a cat-trap tinged red along the bottom. Moonpaw lingers in the upper right corner.]

---

“WheatClan’s leaders from the current to the first,” Oilpaw chanted as she jogged along the beach north of camp. “Let’s figure out which one was the worst! Sanderlingstar is doing alright. Podstar lost her teeth but never had a bite. Grebestar was boring, Pollenstar was nice, Tinystar… uh…” Oilpaw stopped. What did Tinystar do? Oilpaw groaned and racked her brain.

The ocean lapped at Oilpaw’s tail. She yelped at the cold and jumped back. As she shook the water off her tail, something glimmered in the corner of her eye. The perpetually cloudy skies had a small break that let the sun shine on a large pile of disturbed sand up the coast. It almost looked like a den.

Oilpaw jogged up to the den. Or was it a tunnel? The sand ate the light inside. The inner walls of the den-tunnel glistened and formed cross-hatch patterns. Rust ate at the bottom of the den. Oilpaw could smell something inside… food? It smelled like Downstar’s grilled fish, but better. She put a paw inside.

Something new shimmered in her eye. Oilpaw stepped back and looked south. A white cat lingered along the beach, watching Oilpaw. Green eyes met aqua blue without fear or hesitation.

“Hey!” Oilpaw yowled. “You can’t be here! This is RippleClan territory!” Oilpaw raced toward the cat and left stretched pawprints in the sand. The white cat strolled toward the trees beyond the beach. Oilpaw sped up. The white cat slipped behind a tree. Oilpaw spun around the tree… but saw nothing. The white cat was gone. In fact, Oilpaw didn’t smell any other cat nearby.

“What…” she muttered. A soft jingle fluttered from the beach. Oilpaw tensed as a small dog, no bigger than Oilpaw herself, scrambled along the shoreline. A jingling collar signaled its approach. Oilpaw stayed behind the tree. What was the word for a dog kittypet? A puppypet? That didn’t sound right.

Whatever the right word for the dog was, it skittered up to the tunnel. It sniffed Oilpaw’s prints and the cross-hatch inner wall. It wandered into the dark. A loud snap echoed across the beach. The dog yipped and yowled underneath the sand.

“Woah,” Oilpaw gasped. She ran back to the tunnel. An unseen cross-hatch wall now blocked the entrance to the sandy den. The dog slammed against the walls, crying. The sand crumbled away. What Oilpaw thought was a tunnel was actually a den made of metal. A bowl of fish chunks sat in the back of the den. The dog overturned it in its panic.

“Thanks for taking the hit for me,” Oilpaw muttered, unable to look away. Had she not chased after the white intruder… Maybe it was time for Oilpaw to head back to camp.

(Oilpaw: 9, female, charismatic, morbidly curious)

(???: ???, ???, ???, ???)

When Oilpaw gets back, Downstar gives her some advice.

[Image ID: Downstar and Oilpaw face one another. Over Downstar, it says LEVEL UP! VALUABLE INSIGHT -> TRUSTED ADVISOR]

---

Oilpaw scanned the entrance to camp. She couldn’t tell if anyone was nearby, for the entire area smelled like her Clanmates. The entrance was another of Downstar and Weedfoot’s constructions, similar to the warrior’s den. The pair dragged huge bramble thickets from the forest and settled them along the stone walls of camp. The brambles ran so deep that you could only land on the stones if you made a flying leap and prayed. The brambles only parted by the dirt place and the entrance. Oilpaw could only half-remember Downstar and Weedfoot triumphantly placing the brambles around camp and entering with pelts full of thorns. If Oilpaw wanted to get back into camp, she’d have to go through the entrance and pray.

She strolled into camp, hoping she looked nonchalant. Carnationpaw tended the oven flame while Scrubmask shared tongues with Rustshade. Oilpaw’s ears perked up. If she went straight to the apprentice’s den, maybe she could pretend she’d been napping through the blinding sunhigh hours and find Weedfoot for her assessment.

“How was your walk?” Downstar stood outside the apprentice’s den.

“Holy balls!” Oilpaw hissed as her back arched. “Downstar?”

“Did you have fun outside?” Downstar purred, flicking her ears to the entrance.

“I’m sorry for leaving camp, but everyone was busy,” Oilpaw huffed, smoothing her fur. “I was sick of waiting for Weedfoot.”

“Next time you sneak out of camp,” Downstar chuckled, shaking her head, “at least tell a friend where you’re going.”

“Wait, the next time? Aren’t you supposed to yell at me?”

“That would be rather hypocritical of me. Do you know how many times my mother or mentor had to drag me back to camp?” Downstar playfully shoved Oilpaw’s head down. “Just be smart about it.”

“So…” Oilpaw carefully slipped around Downstar and got a few steps close to the apprentice’s den.

“Oh you still have to answer to Weedfoot,” Downstar laughed, blocking Oilpaw’s path. She pointed her tail to her den. “She’s waiting for you in my den. If you’re polite, you’ll only get a quarter moon of sunhigh duties.” Oilpaw groaned and shoved her head in the soft sand.

(Oilpaw: 9, female, charismatic, morbidly curious)

(Downstar: 64, female, adventurous, trusted advisor, very clever)

Puddlespeckle eavesdrops on Weedfoot.

[Image ID: Downstar and Weedfoot face one another in the upper right corner. Puddlespeckle lurks on the left. Underneath him, it reads + DISLIKE: DOWNSTAR, WEEDFOOT]

---

“I don’t like it,” Weedfoot sighed. “How are we supposed to trade with SlugClan and LynxClan if AshClan has to escort us to every meeting?”

“Agreed,” Downstar groaned. She sat in her boxed-in nest, itching her raw pads. “Walking outside the Clans isn’t an applicable solution. I don’t want to do that ever again.

“Autumnstar’s just taking his anger out on us,” Weedfoot scooted into the box and settled beside her friend and leader. “We can’t live under his paw like this. Downstar, I know we don’t want to solve all our problems with violence, but LynxClan gets to follow the border between SlugClan and WheatClan to visit AshClan, so we should be allowed to as well. Eventually, we’ll have to fight AshClan.”

“With what warriors? Maybe if everyone else was here…” Downstar ran a paw across the box floor. “WheatClan likes us. We would have to cross through their territory, but maybe Rustshade can convince them to be our escorts for now?”

“If you’re willing to risk run-ins with the humans. Downstar, I’m serious.” Weedfoot put her paw over Downstar’s. “I know what AshClan is like. They won’t give us any aid they don’t think we earned. It’s part of their history.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was a fire.” Weedfoot’s heart spasmed as Puddlespeckle lurked outside the den.

“Puddlespeckle, were you listening to our conversation?” Downstart huffed, getting out of her den.

“Many generations ago,” Puddlespeckle grunted, entering the den with a sneered lip, “when there were only three Clans, a great fire ravaged the territory. The Clans were ruined. Every leader lost their remaining lives. The Clans did not know what to do. In trying to help one another, they lacked the resources to even help themselves. Smokestar took our Clan further east and established a new home in the ashes. Everything they’ve earned, they’ve fought for. They maintain their land through the blood of their ancestors, and curse the stars, they’ll defend it.”

“Father…” Weedfoot sighed.

“Of course AshClan wants to keep an eye on us!” Puddlespeckle growled, thrashing his tail. “We took their land! Only a fool would try to fight AshClan. You’ll just burn like the rest of your friends.” Bile coated his last words. He stalked away before either molly could say a thing.

It would have been better if Puddlespeckle hit Weedfoot.

(Weedfoot: 54, female, charismatic, very clever, formidable fighter)

(Downstar: 64, female, adventurous, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Puddlespeckle: 131, male, strict, good hunter, good kitsitter)

#rippleclan story #fennelspot #RippleClan #RippleClan Clangen #Clangen #warriors #warrior cats #Downstar #Oilpaw #Rustshade #Weedfoot #Puddlespeckle #Carnationpaw

24 notes · View notes

evilgabe29 · 6 months ago

Text

daily writing day 1: rocks or some shit

link to daily writing master-post here

Yulki sat on her cushion next to her tea table, putting the pot of hot water on the coaster that sat near the right corner closest to Yulki. She began preparing the ceremony, idly remarking to herself that it would have been smarter to set everything up while the water was boiling. Yulki picked up her spoon and shoveled approximately half of the small shards of gangue into the small glass teapot on her left. She poured the hot water into the teapot slowly and carefully. before putting the glass lid on and relaxing.

She had been working double time to get those sales reports done by the end of the month. Thankfully, her son, who worked at the same company as a miner had brought her some rocks that most viewed as useless. but Yulki knew better, sure it didn't give any kind of competence but it calms her nerves much better than any kind of quartz tea. It always made her feel more nervous, like something was smothering her emotions rather than giving them a nice warm bath.

She observed the tea as the clear blue water turned a nice reddish gray. Clearly this was mixed in with some copper so it should give a bitter taste but not nearly as strong as proper copper tea, that stuff it nearly undrinkable.

Yulki poured herself a cup savoring the fragrance, it was truly something. She could not understand how people could throw that stuff away to cook under the moonlight. Yulki felt the tea start to cool and took a tentative sip. The sweetness of the gangue and the bitterness of the copper contrast in a perfectly soothing way. This was truly what she lived for. No other tea could match the variety nor the taste that just a little bit of gange could produce. People only cared about competence though.

Yulki could understand the logic behind that, why worry about taste if you could take a sip of bile and gain super strength. But what did they drink for fun? What did they drink to relax? It was possible that there was something that everyone drank that she didn't know about. And it was possible that some might not like the taste of gange, but wha- Yulki cut herself off there was no point ruminating on what others were doing she should just worry about herself and just enjoy her own tea.

Once she was done Yulki got up to make herself another pot of water sliding open the door stepping into the hallway immediately forgetting what she was doing. Boy was she tired, maybe she should sleep. Yulki made her way over to her room all the way at the end of the hallway.

Light came from the window, that wasn't a good sign, she could see the moon coming over the horizon, drenching the land in its golden light. Yulki sighed and walked over to her kitchen, throwing her pretension about competence and made herself coffee bean tea. She wasn't a big fan about how mild the bitter taste was, but it did its job. Coffee beans were found to be one of the only plants to give a competence that being wakefulness.

Yulki grabbed the sack of roasted beans and began pounding them with her mallet, crushing them into small chunks that she poured into her travel mug along with some room temperature water. It will still infuse just not as fast as if it were hot. And rushed out of her house hastily throwing on her work uniform and probably forgetting her wallet too.

this was one of the magic systems that i was going to use for my wip before i settled on what im using right now.

gangue is a rock that is widely consider useless and is found mixed in with other useful minerals and metals, i feel like that's a bit rude so i figured id give it a bit of love

i am not proof reading any of that btw

@ohnoitsslime @kaylinalexanderbooks @theeccentricraven

@illarian-rambling @beloveddawn-blog @caligusabs

@weird-dork37 @ratedn @leahnardo-da-veggie

@you-need-not-apply @elsie-writes @fwoofz

@mr-orion @squarebracket-trickster @the-ellia-west

#writing #creative writing #daily writing #i really suck at tags

6 notes · View notes

awlimagines · 1 year ago

Text

A Polaroid Pickup - Rock

You enjoyed the fresh air as a kid. Your father’s farm was full of it if you could look past the natural stench of livestock. Things you didn’t fully understand occurred when you were small, and your mom whisked you away to the city. Now, you were far more used to the harsh yells, massive crowds, and vendors trying to make a sale. You stifled a yawn as you passed your ID card over the sensor to allow you entry to the office building.��

It stretched into the sky, reaching for the heavens while swallowing hundreds in neat, bright offices. Those who sat at the top of their companies’ pyramids enjoyed sweeping city views and sunlight. The lowly peons like you got erected cubicles in the building’s belly. The company you worked for was nice enough to allow you to pin pictures into the fabric walls. You had only a few of your mother, an old pet, and an even older boyfriend. You needed to throw away that picture. You didn’t even know the boy pictured alongside you anymore.

You throw your bag under your desk to sink into your seat and swivel to face a black screen and phone. That was when the deck of cards caught your eye. Those weren’t yours. As your manager swept past, you scrambled, sliding the cards haphazardly from your desk to hide them. This was your first job. You wouldn’t risk losing it or having a mark against you for some cards. The cards left all thoughts as the phone began to ring.

It wasn’t until lunch that you remembered the cards. You reached into your bag to pay for the bland cafeteria lunch when your hand brushed the stiff cards instead. Fumbling past them for money, you juggled the tray to pay and hurried to a seat at the packed tables. You squeezed into an empty chair and rapidly shoveled your food down. As people around you left, you pulled the cards from your bag. They looked pretty new. The bent corners were probably from being shoved out of sight rather than from any use. You flipped through the cards, enjoying the stylized kings and queens.

A small Polaroid picture of you replaced the Queen of Hearts. Your blood ran cold at the sight. You were wearing the same clothes you had on now, and you sat in the same cafeteria. Bile rose in your throat as you fought back panic when a man slid into the seat across from you. His dark brown roots bled through his blonde. His blonde hair, tinged with orange, screamed the young man wasn’t experienced with dyes.

“You're a queen. Let my face be your throne,” he remarked, winking a finger-gun at you. You held up the cards and picture, asking the young man if this was from him. He eagerly confirmed it was his idea and asked if you were impressed. You almost felt bad for how quickly the HR department removed him after you reported the harassment. The young man couldn’t have been over twenty and probably just made a horrible decision.

Years later, the company suffered and downsized. You were cut from the job and traveled to Forget-Me-Not Valley. The farm was about all you had left, and you had to make it work. Takakura introduced you to the inn owners who had mentioned their son Rock when a clattering noise on the balcony above caught your attention. You glanced up in time to see the doors snapping shut.

“If you were a fruit, you’d be a fine-apple,” Rock smirked, shooting you a wink and finger gun as you gathered the fall apples.

“Did you ever work in the city?”

A look of horror swept across Rock’s face as he mumbled about how he didn’t think you had recognized him. Any hint of suave he had disappeared as Rock struggled to explain his past behavior.

“I didn’t. Not until the terrible pick-up line,” you chuckled. “It’s water under the bridge, but I have to know. How did you get a picture of what I wore that day and in the cafeteria?”

“Pfft, that’s easy. You wear the same clothes like clockwork even now,” Rock brushed off, gesturing to your clothes. The blonde ran from your farm laughing as you threw apples after him, your face red.

#story of seasons #harvest moon #story of seasons a wonderful life #sos awl #bokujou monogatari #harvest moon a wonderful life #hm awl #awl imagines #awl rock #awl rock x reader #partially inspired by kinokoshoujoart's glasses day post #it'd be the transition from his awkward school years to mr cool stud #unfortunately his pickup lines never improved

15 notes · View notes

notathingjustthere · 2 years ago

Text

Hinge III (short)

Modern Ivar x reader

(More of Hvitserk and readers' friendship)

Note: I wrote this right after the second one and never finished it because I could not decide how I wanted to go about it. Now I definitely don't remember any of my ideas so I just want help. Any ideas would be helpful and appreciated. I think it's been a year already :( cause I graduated and the 9-5 has left me without a life so I need a hobby.

Word Count: 1.2K

*I do not own this gif*

Wednesdays were movie nights, a tradition you and Hvitserk had established throughout the past few months of your friendship. His feet were always comfortably stretched on your furniture, despite the numerous times you berated him for his lack of home etiquette. You shoo his feet off your couch, wondering how your relationship had even developed this far.

“You’re not gonna get that?” His eyes were glued to his phone, though he seemed to be ignoring the incessant ringtone that he refused to let up. Shaking his head no as he fixed himself up allowing you a stolen glance at the caller ID.

Banter easily ensued after Hvitserk chucked his phone somewhere into your couch, wanting to focus on the night planned out. Triple Frontier was the winning choice for the night after the game of rock, paper, scissors that he suggested. The two-hour screen time of some of Hollywood’s finest would be just what you needed after a long day. Takeout was on its way and with everything already set up the night could not get any better.

The loud vibration from Hvittserk’s corner was hard to ignore forcing you to pause the movie while he struggled to search the crevices of the couch for the source.

“And who do we have here?” You had assumed it was Ivar calling him again, but your disinterest was cut short when it turned out otherwise. “It's your mother.” Hvitserk’s teasing only dragged on as he pulled the phone behind him, out of reach. Fewer calls were exchanged over your busy period, but your mom never failed to check in on her only child from time to time.

Eventually quitting the childish play Hvitserk gave up the cell phone, already having picked up the call, eager to greet the woman that raised you.

“I see why I can't even get a call back these days. You found yourself a man and you didn't tell me?” The belly laugh Hvitserk let out deepened the frown on your face at your mother's leap of an assumption. You walked further away from him in feign of privacy, but he could still hear you both.

“Oh please, that boy wishes. I've just been busy with the move and the new job, I am sorry I didn’t call back earlier.”

You can't help to smile at the offended look on Hvitserk’s face after your comment. Your jab was short-lived, as an eager Hvitserk redirected his pestering regarding your love life towards your mother.

“Your child won't let me play matchmaker, even though I found the per-.”

The doorbell cut his piece short, the universe honouring its favour to you. Taking the cue to leave the conversation, you made your way to the door grabbing a hundred from his wallet. A nice tip that would also compensate for the headache of a chat you would have later with your mother. Besides, he wouldn’t even miss it.

“What's this about finding you, someone?”Your mom’s voice brings you back to the moment not long after setting down your food.

“Ma, no. Don't listen to him, he’s full of rubbish. I gotta go, but I will call you later, alright?”

“Wait let me say goodbye first” Hvitserk cuts in, too excited.

“I see this one’s got some manners. Just let the boy say hi.” your mother encourages his behavior, but you refused and were quick to glide a finger over the red button.

Unsure of how you were feeling, you made note of the buzzing heat that resonated through your being. “Really? Mr. Matchmaker?”

“Well he’s my brother, I gotta look out for him. Besides, I’m proud he listened to me for once.” he shrugs.

Your brows raised curiously at his admission. Had he put his brother up to this?

“Hvittyyy.” You whined in frustration at the decision you had to make.

So much had happened in the past few months of your big move, that nothing in the world could have prepared you when Ivar randomly asked you out. Downtown was significant in size, yet it was criminal how easy it was to run into someone familiar. It was why you and Hvitserk became so close in the first place.

Your semi-success story improved your lifestyle and social circle. Having little to no social skills outside of work you had somehow made a friend or two in the past few months. With Hvitserk it was easy, the natural charm and free-spirited aura complimented a hidden adventurous side of you. He had earned the title of your best friend and had bugged you since after.

Right now you weren't so sure if he was deserving of the title. “Are you sure you're not just here to talk me into this date or something?” Hvitserk picked up on the slight annoyance in your tone.

You had been first to arrive on a lunch date with Leila, a friend from work when you noticed Ivar at the entrance. He looked so casual that you were caught off guard when he made his way toward you with a smile? Your brain screamed at you, anxious when forced to make small talk to pass the time. The interaction did not turn out as unpleasant as you thought it would be.

“Funny seeing you here. Figured you only ate at high-end restaurants or something.”

Ivar had kept a serious face at your small attempt at a joke, and before you could stop yourself, you started rambling out an apology, an old habit. He realised his muted reaction was what caused your response, making do with a needed apology

“My godfather owns the place, so I find myself here often.”

He offered another smile, an attempt to soothe the disquiet tension, before changing the topic. He gestured to the seat across from you, asking if you were expecting anyone. He’d never been so civil with you, and honestly, you found yourself weirded out by it.

As luck would have it, Leila’s head peaks far behind his shoulder, a confused look on her face as you waved her over. You thought the interaction would end then until Ivar approached you again after Leila left for the bathroom. It was almost cute seeing him struggle to let out his request but you were too stunned to notice even after he finally let it out. He was just as flustered as you were and before you realised it you were nodding in agreement to get coffee with him.

“What’s the big deal? He likes you and now the question is, do you?

“What is this kindergarten?”

You hadn’t given the situation much thought, but Hvitserk’s spying did not help, forcing your fretting mind to dwell on it further than you would have preferred. Ivar’s surprised reaction when you agreed to his request stayed fresh in your mind.

You wouldn’t deny your attraction for the younger Lothbrok, however, something held you back from admitting it. Under his employment, your mind would roam wild at times, filled with silly scandalous plots involving a CEO and his assistant.

That was in the past when the relationship had been strictly professional. But now nothing was stopping you from living out the PG versions of some of those fantasies. Would it be weird? An assistant and her ex-boss? Maybe you were overthinking it.

“It’s one date, Y/N”

“Can we maybe not talk about this and just watch the movie”

#ivar x y/n #modern ivar #ivar x reader #ivar lothbrok #vikings fanfic #vikings #ragnar lothbrok #hvitserk ragnarsson #hvitserk x reader

41 notes · View notes

firstdivisiongirl · 9 months ago

Note

hii can i get a male match up please for tokyo revengers :) im a she/her - sorry if theres quite a bit here D:

- i like animals especially red pandas and i also like bugs too. i also sometimes like to read both manga and actual books, i like any theme but when it comes to manga i either like shonen or stories like goodnight punpun/ a girl on the shore

im very enthusiastic towards music, i listen to any genre. i can go from heavy mental and rock, to goth, to something like lana del ray where i feel like i need to be in the rain with red wine, to calm/ smthin indie, sole crushing, and then scene. theres a whole lot more i could add. lemme also add in midwest emo.

- i cant exactly pinpoint what i dislike aside from the wind because it messes up with my hair, i swear if the wind was a solid id have it knocked down immediately. though I also tend to get annoyed by people that don't use common sense.

- my hobies incule art, i have a lot of sketchbooks and majority of my lessons are done by doodling and getting told off by my the teacher cause i dont pay attention, but i still carry on. i also like to make jewelry such as bracelets/neclases, their mainly beaded but their still cute to wear and i like to make bracelets for close people

- (just for extra info here →) im mentaly unstable and have severe attached issues as well as issues with family on every aspect. id like to get better, however i just end up going down a loop hole so i cant/dont which makes everything much harder than it needs to be.

- my energy gets drained QUICK so im mostly a listener rather than a speaker when it comes to social interactions, however i do have my days where i can be jumpy and almost euthoric and talk like my life depends on it with a lot of excitement

- also i can get sudden motivation that i end up reorganising my room, one day it'd look that then after 4 months itd look like this. i tend to do spontanious little things here and there when im in a good mood and that includes in dying/cutting my hair. also ive pierced myself 6x with thumb tacks and their all healed very nicely. i have 9 ear piercings in total.

- never was much of an academic person in school, but i tend to be smart outside of it and i find enjoyment in observing people and using my own thoughts rather than finding sources

- i wont call myself shy, maybe at first sure but as i get comfortable i can go all out and i dont mind in making the first move as long as i get the same energy back, otherwise if that energy isn't given then ill forget all about them.

- i can be extremely clingy when i want to be, i hold back in latching onto someone on a daily basis. i wanna hold someone's hand, be on their back like a bag, and just overall connect soles. im touch starved and overall I can be very affectionate physically, though I'm awful at using my words for affection.

Hello! There isn’t too much. It’s actually a good thing. That means it’s easier to pick because I know more about you. It makes the match more accurate. So let’s go!

You Got…

Izana Kurokawa!!!!!

Boy is all about loyalty and keeping those he loves around!! So you wanting to be clingy, is perfect!!!

He’s a leader so he would do all the talking for you

Very patient (we saw his like 8 year plan to take down Mikey lol) so if you are struggling with anything, he’s there for you.

Would play music for you on his guitar. I think indie rock probably.

Idk why but I also called him a human red panda. The reason his because he looks cute but is a menance like red pandas.

At home dates or concerts! I hope you like the matchup!!!

#tokyo rev #Tokyo revengers #first division girl #tr matchups #tr matchup #character matchup

2 notes · View notes

devilofthehounds · 3 months ago

Text

God Eater 3 Character Novel | Spinning Bonds: Chapter 5

[image id: A novel cover. Zeke Pennywort from God Eater 3 stands with his back to the viewer, his scarf billowing in the wind. Overlaid within the scarf is an image of a young Zeke with his four brothers, smiling happily. The text, when translated into English, reads “God Eater 3 Character Novel | Chapter 4: Zeke Edition | Spinning Bonds”. /end id]

This is a fan translation. Original text here.

Masterpost 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

A few months passed after our brothers died.

We continued our journey by sneaking onto transports, traveling from base to base.

After losing our brothers, our lives had basically hit rock bottom.

Just three troublesome kids. Even if we were lucky enough to reach a settlement or a satellite base, we wouldn't be seen as reliable enough to be trusted with work, and we'd be too much of a burden to be shown kindness.

Every day, we wandered in search of food and supplies, drinking muddy water, constantly straddling the line between life and death, able to do nothing more than hold each other close.

In a situation like this, I couldn't help but remember how amazing my big brothers had been, winning over everyone they came across.

How Saul could encourage them.

How Rhys could make them laugh.

I had taken their place and tried to keep things the same as when it had been the five of us, but—

I had to be on guard at all times in order to protect my little brothers. There was no telling when someone might try to deceive us... or attack us.

The connections between people. Saul had said it was the strongest weapon one could wield, but I hadn't been able to find it.

If he and Rhys were here, I was sure they would've been able to befriend the owners of the transport we were on, and we'd use it to travel all over.

But there was no way I could do that.

"Huh...?"

At that moment, the ship suddenly stopped, even though we still had a while to go before reaching the next base.

Just as I thought that, the lid on the cargo container we were hiding in was removed. Adults in uniforms peered in at us.

"Well, well, well. We were only supposed to inspect the cargo, but look what we have here."

We were picked up and thrown into another trailer.

It was pitch-black inside, reinforced by a cage-like lattice.

"H-Hey! What are you doing?! Let us out of here!"

"Quiet down. You won't have to worry about being stowaways anymore. We'll keep you nice and safe."

The man laughed coldly. On his arm was a red armlet that brought back bad memories.

We couldn't become God Eaters.

Ever since that day, God Eaters had become a symbol of fear and death for us, even more so than the Aragami. They represented the breaking of bonds.

I'd kept us as far away from Ports as I could. What if we were captured like the kids at the base? Every time I thought about it, my big brothers' final moments came back to me.

But whether we liked it or not, more and more Ports were popping up, and all of them were in the business of rounding up kids and forcing them to become God Eaters.

In the end, we, too, were swept up by the current and ended up here.

Port Pennywort—where profit came first.

None of the guards paid any heed to my cries.

Please, let Neal and Keith go. I pleaded and begged.

They held me down with sneering smiles on their faces and made me listen to my brothers' agonized screams through the door as they were put through the aptitude test.

But still, when Keith and Neal walked back through the door, I was so relieved I started crying.

I was so grateful they were alive, that we were still connected.

After being thrown in a cell, we huddled together and wondered what laid ahead. The memory of Saul and Rhys's final moments came rushing back to me. I could feel my body tense up.

Would Neal, Keith, and I meet the same fate?

Would I have to watch my little brothers die right before my eyes?

Would Neal and Keith have to watch me die?

No way. I couldn't let that happen.

I had to be strong. I couldn't be scared. I had to survive. Survive. Survive. Survive. I had to protect Neal and Keith. No matter how strong the Aragami were, I had to fight. I... I... I-I had to—

"Yo, newbie! What's with the sad look?"

My eyes were bloodshot—probably from crying. I tried to locate the source of the voice when I suddenly felt someone hit the back of my head hard.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

A guy with a cheerful smile on his face crouched down in front of me.

"Hey there! Name's Din! I'm your senior here and one day, I'll be a world-renowned hero! Nice to meet you!"

Din grinned and pointed to his chest with his thumb. Neal, Keith, and I just stared back at him, at a loss for words.

"...What the heck are you talking about?"

"Come on, don't be so cold! At least laugh a little!"

I narrowed my eyes, trying to make sense of this weirdo.

"They only just got here, Din. Of course they're going to be confused by a greeting like that. ...It's nice to meet you three. My name's Oulu. Come talk to us if you're ever in trouble, okay?"

We were taken aback by Oulu's bright, gentle smile.

Even in a situation like this, Din and Oulu's smiles felt genuine.

"Well, anyway, we're gonna be friends from now on! You might be worried right now, but just relax! Oulu and I are here for you! We won't let anyone die, promise!"

It was just for a moment, but I was certain.

Seeing them reminded me of my big brothers, of when all five of us were together.

The prison felt suffocating, filled to the brim with kids with the same awful luck as us.

But even so, Din and Oulu always spread hope to those around them.

"Guess what, guys? We found a case full of preserved food while we were out scouting! The guards haven't noticed yet. Let's split it up while we can! Gather round, everyone!"

The two of them always seemed to be having fun; it was hard to believe they were in the same situation as us.

At first, I thought they were pretty annoying.

"Here, you three. Have an extra, on me."

Din secretly shared some of his food with us.

"But that's yours. ...What's your angle?"

"Truth is, I've got a huge stomachache. If I eat any more, I might just keel over. Trust me, you'd be doing me a favor. In fact, I'm turning in early."

"I don't feel so good, either. Would you mind helping me out, too? Good night."

And with that, both of them pushed their food onto us and quickly went to bed.

"Din and Oulu... They're a lot like Saul and Rhys."

"Yeah... I don't know why, but when they're around, I don't worry as much."

When I turned, I could see Keith and Neal smiling for the first time in a long time.

"Yeah... I mean, whatever! They're nothing like Saul and Rhys!"

How would we survive today? What would happen tomorrow? For a while, things like that had become the only things we could talk about.

But before we knew it, we were once again laughing over meaningless things.

Even after AGE training began in full force, Din and Oulu still looked out for us.

"Zeke, your God Arc is the Boost Hammer. There's a trick to transforming it, okay?"

The two of them knew a lot about handling God Arcs, and they enthusiastically instructed new AGEs.

"Whoa, it works so well now... You don't use a Boost Hammer; how do you know how they work?"

"Our parents worked for Fenrir. We've heard lots about all types of God Arcs and seen tons of experiments. This is nothing!"

"So cool... Oulu aside, I didn't think you were that smart, Din."

"You little—! Say that again, I dare you!"

"Ahahaha!"

"Knock it off, you brats! You're supposed to be training; quit making such a ruckus!"

"Shut up. You're the one making a ruckus, you old fart!"

"W-What did you just say?!"

Sometimes, I got dragged into trouble and punished, too... but it was still pretty fun.

Before we knew it, the cheery atmosphere Din and Oulu created became a driving force that made us accept each other as friends.

Ever since my brothers died, there had been a void in my heart.

It was kinda ironic. No matter how hard we tried, the three of us brothers could never fill that void because we all had the same wounds. Instead, it was filled here, in a cold, dark prison.

I felt like I could finally understand the power of the connections between people.

Maybe coming here wasn't such a bad thing after all.

The longer I spent in this cell with my friends and family, the more I began to feel that way.

Then, one day...

"Alright, everyone, listen up. Thanks to Keith's hard work, we've finally got these radios working."

In the middle of the night, while the guards were asleep, a strategy meeting was held in our cell.

Seeing Keith tinker away, day after day, I never would've thought he'd been working on repairing radios for Din and Oulu.

"We'll get these over to AGEs in other blocks. Then... for the sake of our dream, all of us in this Port will work together to start a rebellion!"

Murmurs spread throughout the cell.

"Your dream?"

"That's right. We're going to build a place where everyone's dreams can come true! That's our dream."

Such powerful words and eyes full of passion. It made me tremble.

"Everyone here's had something taken from them unjustly. So, we'll work together to take it all back!"

"A place where people can reach out to each other and support one another, where we can encourage each other's dreams and wills... That's the kind of place we want to build. A place where everyone can feel safe and be a family."

The two of them described such an incredible dream. Their words reminded me of the dream my brothers and I had given up on without realizing it.

A place where us brothers could live together in peace.

I honestly believed these two could take us there.

"But Oulu and I can't do it alone. Everyone... will you help us?"

It was the first time I'd ever seen the insolent Din ask for help.

We didn't even need time to think about it. Everyone in the cell was smiling, confident looks on their faces.

"Of course we will! Din, Oulu, let's make our dream come true!"

I was the first to speak up. The biggest smile on my face, I offered up my support for their dream.

The courage to trust others—something I never thought I had.

I finally understood that the qualifications to wield the strongest weapon were something you had to be given.

"...Heh. Thanks, Zeke."

"Thank you, everyone. Together... we'll seize our freedom!"

In the darkness, our hope spread.

Keith, and even Neal, who hated conflict—their eyes shined with hope and anticipation.

Our dream as brothers would connect with Din and Oulu's, becoming even brighter, and lead us into the future.

This was where it would all begin. Of that, I was certain.

And so...

There was no way I could accept that Din and Oulu had been killed in battle.

#god eater #god eater 3 #ge3 #god eater 3 spoilers #ge3 spoilers #zeke pennywort #neal pennywort #keith pennywort #din pennywort #oulu pennywort #devil translates #ge3 character novel #ge3 character novel dx #zeke character novel #zeke character novel dx #devil chrono tag

1 note · View note

pwblogarchive · 4 months ago

Text

April 2004

April 1, 2004

“hey heartbreaker, you'll never work in this town again”

I think someone is impersonating me online. Could be a joke. But if you talk to someone online and they say they are me, they aren't. I don't talk to anyone online. Texas is fun. We got some sick clandestine hoodies. They've got bats on the hoods and all. Sidenote: I love nickplan. Sorry my words don't have the same weight they usually have right now. Usually they feel stuck in my throat, today it feels okay inside my skin. Oh yeah chicagoland. We want to roadtest some of our new songs so we will be playing around unannounced on shows at really small venues in the next few months. If you snooze you lose. You never know what show we may play.

April 4, 2004

“we love life”

Texas was sex. Dallas being the most amazing. Its hot down here. We played with a band called DV8, this really young band (13-15). They were rad. The bassists bass was bigger than him. Me some rad kids in arkansas, they were starry-eyed and made me tongue-tied. I've been writing a lot lately. All my old charms and curses are back in full swing. I can't wait to get home. Well take these hearts and rename them dangerous and invincible. Well make them too hard to break.

Peterpan

April 7, 2004

“a man-made monster with every human emotion (clandestine explained 1)”

So a lot of people have been asking us about these hoodies and shirt with bats on them. It is not a clothing company. It is not a new band. When I was younger I had this same nightmare over and over again- so my friend tim biedron and I made a story of it (www.timbiedron.com to check out his art). The story is finished and we are waiting on some of the illustration. You may love it or hate it but its something that was stuck inside my head for a long time. We will be selling shirts and skatedecks online soon (www.clandestineindustries.com) and the story will be available this summer. Take the time to check it out if you get a chance.

Love peter

April 10, 2004

“ice age, heat wave cant complain”

i really like the new modest mouse cd. it's called good news for people who love bad news. purchase it.

April 11, 2004

“the moon has one third less gravity than your earth, i don't know if you can comprehend that”

im home. i love aqua teen hunger force. its hilarious. i wanted to let everyone know that if you haven't heard the point id suggest checking them out. a good mix of core and punk rock type stuff. i really really enjoy the hell out of them. www.thepointrock.com

still listening to modest mouse. still think you should get it. being home is nice. im full of food and really clean and im wearing my hood up. im way tired.

April 11, 2004

“I want to sleep on portraits painted as perfect as you”

Thanks for fun on tour. For the record for those in freeport- we had a little bit of fun with you. I will not ever drink. Its not my thing. So if you think there was more than water in that beer bottle, I have a bridge you might wanna buy too.

April 12, 2004

in response to a post on our messageboard, i want to say that i eat only cocoa crispies. i dont dig any other cereals.

April 14, 2004

“in case you're keeping score”

Being in a band is the ultimate friendship ruiner. Went to two shows tonight. In addition to all the smoke got to hang with: akas, beautiful mistake, dld, apo, senses fail and rufio. Being in a band is the best friendship maker. I am getting this awesome bass custom made, black with a red pick guard, no knobs, wired "on". I think it got me weird, so I dyed my hair red and black. Its sex or maybe not. I have 80 pages of lyrics to wade through. New songs soon. New love soon. Style update: I'm only gonna wear little polo tees with the collars up from now on. The clandestine webstore is almost up. I want to get "mom" tattoo for mothers day.

Peter

April 14, 2004

i just wanted to welcome the academy to the family. it's cool cause i've seen these guys go from the beginning and now we're here....

- petey

April 15, 2004

“who dares wins.”

i have been having such a rad time at home. but i must admit i haven't gotten used to sleeping with out hearing my friends breathing in hotel rooms. my bed doesn't feel the same. we leave again today. i am excited to see old friends. i am excited to see some bands too. the full clandestine website is going to launch on april 22 at www.clandestineindustries.com - we'll have some gear at the next couple of shows.

i was gonna post some pictures of my experiments with shaving and hair dye here. but i don't know how so go on over to: www.fueledbyramen.com/journal to see em.

love peterlewiskingstonwentz

i've found that liars always sing the loudest. heart in mouth, ego on sleeve. you've always got the right girl and the right line. i swear to god, take this mic and cross my heart and hope you die. i'm singing this one just flat of the key of love. liars always sing the loudest. the act is getting old but i'm sure all the fools will follow like vermin down the hole.

April 15, 2004

hey jerks. i got bored and dyed my hair red and black- oooh scary. when i am home i only wear sweatpants and don't shave. here's a look into the life of a loser:

make me say ugh nahnahnahnah

[image here]

there's that quarterback smile we all hate

[image here]

born to lose

[image here]

pretty emo bro, you could use this one to score on live journal

[image here]

and here's the after shaved and ready to do some stagedives. new jersey or bust.

[image here]

this may in fact be photo evidence that i am gay

[image here]

now that we have that out of the way. the full clandestine site should launch on april 22. we'll be selling some gear at skateandsurf and at a couple of these shows on the way out. tour never ends. for real go and listen to my friend ben's band, it's called Not Enough Gold. they smoke. our tour this summer is gonna be called "believers never die" get into it. sorry for all the pictures, this ain't my space biatch, send me some.

1 2 3 L U V!

- petey

April 26, 2004

so much has been going on. my head has been moving too fast, i can't catch up. clandestineindustries.com is up.

i've got a picture from skate and surf in new jersey. we will have more soon, excuse the quality. you can see how insane this room was.

[image here]

- petey

#fall out boy #pete wentz #livejournal #pete wentz livejournal

0 notes

bzedan · 6 months ago

Text

[ID: A black and white cartoony version of John Everett Millais' painting of Ophelia, but it's Garfield who is floating in the river. The majority of the image is rendered in thick black line with screentones that are quatrefoil patterns. Garfield is the only pop of colour, in his orange. Across part of the landscape above his floating body are the words "May 2024." End ID.]

Somehow I've gone through five months of playlists and not repeated any songs yet??? Spring has been weird and grey here, many days I can't see the mountains for the cloud. I love when I find a new band then whoops they've got several songs on one playlist - SPELLING names Minnie Riperton's Come to My Garden as an influence and last year's May playlist was crafted around a song of hers so it feels like a nice little circle there.

Related media to some of the songs:

'I Hope You Feel Terrible' is a single from Boy Jr.'s upcoming album and I'm sure it is going to influence the hell out of all following playlists.

Ween's 'Your Party' just absolutely (yacht)rocks, and in no small part to them bringing David Sanbourn in on it - from a statement from Dean Ween in 2007: "... here has always been one provision to this rule, and that was we would only use horns if we could get David Sanborn to play some sexy saxophone on a Ween tune."

I write these posts over drafts of the previous month and I am looking at the bullet point that says "The way things go I think songs from a playlist I picked up from a Fallout: New Vegas fan artist are in May" and I was right but also me listening to that playlist a bunch made the Spotify Daylist give me a playlist called "harmony 1930s friday late night" and I don't know why they're aying 1930s, that's--that's not correct. But it is a good chill vibes playlist so I saved it to listen to a bunch

Anyway here's a link to May's playlist on Spotify, with the track list below the cut.

And embedded, if you like that.

'Magic Carpet Ride' - Steppenwolf

'Baby, I Love Your Way - Live' - Peter Frampton

'I Only Have Eyes for You' - Tashaki Miyaki

'Under the Sun' - SPELLLING

'I Hope You Feel Terrible' - Boy Jr.

'No No' - Babybeef

'Save Me' - Aimee Mann

'Night Life' - Ray Price

'Bad Feeling' - Cobra Man

'Hurt' - Hildegard von Blingin'

'Season of the Witch' - Donovan

'Steps (2023)' - Otyken

'The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated To The Neo-Stalinist Regime)' - Scott Walker

'ANNA' - Diego Cruz y los Niños Viejos

'Jack Gets Up' - Leo Kottke

'The Killing Moon' - Nouvelle Vague

'Next to Normal' - Lucius

'People in the Front Row' - Melanie

'Bruises' - Chairlift

'Heart It Races' - Architecture In Helsinki

'Magical Animals' - The Orion Experience

'Princes Of The Universe - Remastered 2011' - Queen

'This Head I Hold' - Electric Guest

'Emperor with an Egg' - SPELLLING

'Be My Druidess' - Type O Negative

'Strange Overtones' - David Byrne

'Found Love in a Graveyard' - Veronica Falls

'Teeth' - Mallrat

'I Hate It Here' - So Good

'Be Sweet' - Japanese Breakfast

'Little Deer' - SPELLLING

'San Francisco' - Foxygen

'On'n'On' - Justice

'Can't Be Still' - illuminati hotties

'Locust Laced' - Sleigh Bells

'The Name of the Game' - Cher

'Your Party' - Ween

'Slow poke' - Helen O'Connell

'Out Of Time Man' - Mick Harvey

'Say It Ain't So - Recorded At Electric Lady Studios' - Japanese Breakfast

'He Venido al Mar - long mix' - Lido Pimienta

'Rumble' - Link Wray & The Wraymen

'Funnel Of Love' - Wanda Jackson

'Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight' - The McGuire Sisters

#meche makes playlists #playlists #syndicated from subscription sites #Spotify

1 note · View note

moss-covered-fences · 4 years ago

Text

I’m a simple person, I see moss I click like

#cryptidcore #dragoncore #golblincore #corvidcore #i love moss #asethetic #go pick up rocks and have fun #rocks are nice too #id pick up a nice rock any day #moss

193 notes · View notes

crikeygatormate · 3 years ago

Text

I Will Always Return (Pt. 4)

Summary: You were the daughter of the mayor of Wrywood back when the wild west was more than just a movie genre. Your father was a sly politician who managed to find himself stuck between a rock and a hard place with a large crime group that resided in the city and the west’s most notorious group of outlaws. Somehow you find yourself stuck in the middle.

Warnings: Angst, Self-loathing, Men r stupid, like so stupid lmao, gun violence, typos cause I can't spell

I'm sorry in advance I just really like angst lol also I pray this makes sense I sometimes write and have no idea where I'm going with things :,)

Part 5!

Part Four

Your days spent with Izuku were nothing short of boring. He was sweet and attentive to you, but now that you were a wanted criminal you had to stay at his house, and according to him that meant you couldn’t go outside.

The first two days were okay, you had baked. Which was something you haven’t done in a long time. Izuku practically showered you with praise when he tried your cookies and little cakes. He told you it was a treat to come home to something so sweet.

On the third day you cleaned, truly a terrible chore, but your boredom was severe enough that you enjoyed cleaning. It was actually fun.

On the fourth day, you didn’t leave your room. As you reflected on your time at Izuku’s house you slowly came to realize that what you were living was the life your father had planned for you. To stay at home and be a wife. Granted you were nowhere near being Izuku’s wife, but it was more than humiliating to realize you were acting like one.

On the fifth day, Izuku came back with the post for the week. He was timid when he coaxed you out of your room with the promise of a new shirt that actually fit you.

You narrowed your eyes, holding up the long sleeve plaid shirt. It was definitely a women's shirt, but he seemed to thankfully pick up that you wanted riding clothes, so it was made of hardy cotton. You thumbed the pale blue fabric between your fingers wondering why Izuku had bought you, a stranger, such a nice shirt.

“So,” Izuku cleared his throat, “the news came in a few days ago. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I just, well, you better prepare yourself,” he said honestly as he unrolled the paper on the oak table.

Your hands immediately grabbed the paper upon seeing a sketch of your face on the front page. It was a warrant for your arrest, a warrant for murder. So Keigo had convinced enough people that you had killed Tokoyami that day. You placed your pointer finger on the paper reading the text below.

The way they described you made your temper flare to a searing scald. “That’s grand,” you spat, “they're calling me hysterical, ridiculous.”

“I know, it gets worse,” Izuku told you.

You frowned reading further down only to see that they had interviewed your father. He stated that you had always had a few screws loose’ and it wasn’t surprising to learn that you murdered a soldier who was trying to help you home. Apparently, you were too fragile-minded to make a coherent decision.

But the worst thing of all was that the sheriff's office in your town had put a reward on your capture, and it was three grand. Apparently, all someone had to do was return you to Keigo Takami so he could ID you, and then you’d be thrown into an asylum, presumably.

Your mouth dried and you looked up at Izuku. He was looking down at you with a concerned expression and the thought that you hated to even acknowledge became prominent in your mind. “You don’t think?” your voice died out before you cleared your throat, “you don’t think he’s gonna bring me back there to get his money right? He needed three grand.”

Izuku gulped as he folded his arms over his chest. “I’m really not sure. Kacchan is a good guy, really, but he’s got a drive in him to get revenge on Keigo. He’d do just about anything to put that guy six feet under.”

Any hope that you had left for Bakugou was completely shredded and burned to ash, and it made you mad. So mad that you crumpled the paper in your fist. “Izuku, I can’t let that happen.”

“I know, but my hands are tied,” he told you honestly, “you’re a wanted criminal and there’s no one besides me who would hide you from him or the military.”

“Then let me go,” you argued, standing to your feet. “I can’t go back, not like this.”

Izuku shifted his weight, “I can’t let you go, not before Kacchan comes back.”

You grit your teeth, feeling your adrenaline spike, “I don’t care, I’m goin’.”

You and Izuku stared at each other from across the table, tense. He was waiting for you to move, presumably to grab you and lock you up, but you weren’t stupid, and you weren’t weak. After the two and half weeks of hell you’ve gone through, you’ve proved to yourself that you were not as fragile as you thought.

“Don’t do this,” Izuku said seriously, watching you closely.

“I don’t have a choice,” you hissed as you let your eyes dart back towards your room.

Izuku was obviously tracking your gaze with his eyes, seeing where you were going to run and once he saw you look towards your room he lunged.

However, you had planned for that to happen. You easily jumped out of his way, tossing the chair you were sitting in back towards him. You then sprinted towards the front door and swung it open squinting as hot summer air hit your skin.

You ran towards the barn, not daring to look behind you as you headed towards the stall your horse was in. Footsteps thudded behind you and you knew Izuku was not too far behind. With quick pants, you flung open the stall door, grabbed your horse's bridle, and pulled it over his head. There was no time to actually put his bridle on so it sat around his neck, and you hope this horse could neck rein.

You grabbed a handful of your horse’s mane and swung up over his side forgoing the tack because you didn’t have time. You kicked his sides causing him to jolt before racing out of the open barn past Izuku who leaped out of the way so he wouldn’t get run over.

You looked behind you seeing Izuku scramble to grab his saddle and you grinned. He couldn’t ride bareback apparently. Now that you were getting away from him, you didn’t know where to go. Granted this probably wasn’t your smartest idea.

You couldn’t ride into town so you headed back away towards the woods. The sound of a horse squealing sounded behind you and you turned your head to see that Izuku had finally made his way out of the stable, barely. His horse was pissed and starting to buck, serves him right.

You huffed turning back around as you deepened your seat as your horse sped up. You were both panting as you tore across the sandy plain, dust billowing behind you. In a way, part of your dream was fulfilled just by this horse, which you were now officially claiming as yours. He was the only constant in your life.

As you grew further away from Izuku the pressure in your chest seemed to loosen, and you knew you were free again. At least for now.

That small glimmer of hope you had quickly diminished when you saw a familiar dark bay horse trot out from the treeline followed by a black horse and a palomino. So he had brought Kirishima and Kaminari with him.

He was planning on taking you down to Keigo. Of course he was. You knew that, Bakugou was a criminal that was all. He took what he wanted and gave only if there was an advantage. “Asshole,” you grumbled as you looked towards another large river that cut through the land. This one was wide, but it looked shallow enough to cross, and since your horse had no saddle you could easily swim across.

By the time you changed directions heading towards the river, Izuku had managed to meet up with Bakugou and the others, obviously telling them what had happened. Now all four of them were chasing you.

Izuku and Kaminari were slow riders. You knew Bakugou was fast, but you never expected a man as big as Kirishima to be riding fast. It didn’t matter though, you were going to outrun them before either one caught up to you.

However, a pop from a pistol had you almost freeze. Someone had shot at you and you quickly turned your head to see that Kaminari had his pistol out. Bakugou shouted something at him and Kaminari pulled back on his horse's reins, falling away from the group.

Tears pricked your eyes as you looked away from them once more. So that’s how it was gonna be then? You really were just an investment after all. Another step in Bakugou’s ladder that he used to get to the top, to get to Keigo. You slowed your horse down as he loped into the water. Just when you were about to step off the drop-off, Bakugou and the others had skidded to a halt at the bank, mud and pebbles sprayed the surface of the river.

“What the hell are you doing?” Bakugou shouted, kicking his horse's sides to get him into the water.

“Fuck off!” you shouted back, hating that your emotions were raging inside your head, making tears roll down your cheeks. “I’m not stupid! You think you can yank me around, play with my head?”

“The fuck are you talkin’ about!” Bakugou shouted again as his horse took a few timid steps into the water.

Kirishima’s horse reared, not wanting to get in the mud which made Izuku’s horse start to buck again. It was chaos to say the least. You watched as both men were thrown from their saddles, landing harshly on the river bank as their horses took off back towards Izuku’s stables.

You looked back at Bakugou, watching his horse paw at the water, “don’t act dumb, you’re gonna bring me to Keigo to get your damn money.” The shock that crossed Bakugou’s face was all you needed to see. You scoffed, “yeah, thought so.”

Bakugou looked back at Izuku who was starting to stand up, holding his lower back as his green eyes cut between the two of you. “Deku, you showed her the post?” Bakugou said, there was an edge to his voice.

“She would have found out anyway,” Izuku admitted.

You wiped your cheeks roughly, wincing when the fresh scar from the bullet that grazed your cheek split open due to your rough movements. There was no reason to wait for Bakugou to respond, not anymore. You weren’t going to wait for him.

“Wait,” Bakugou’s voice carried over the water. He was closer now, but it was clear he couldn’t get his horse to go any deeper. “Just hear me out.”

“Hear you out?” you spat, turning your horse around so you could look at him. His face was passive, so passive for someone who was supposed to be on your side. That was naive to even think he was on your side in the first place. “You must be joking?”

“‘M not, just hold on,” Bakugou sighed heavily as he ran his good hand through his hair. He must have lost his hat a while back.

“No, I’m not gonna sit here and listen to you,” you snapped, and turned your horse back around and urged him into the deeper part of the river. Once he stepped off the bank you dropped off his back, holding onto his red mane while he swam to the other side.

“Y/n!” Bakugou shouted, his voice was starting to grow hoarse from yelling so much.

You grit your teeth and ignored him. There was a new type of heaviness that weighed down on your chest the further you traveled from him, and before you knew it you were about to reach the other end of the river.

However, a golden horse was waiting for you on the other side. How you didn’t see him come out of the woods was beyond you, but the moment you saw Kaminari smirking down at you, everything fell apart.

“That was pretty smart, riding across the river bareback, but no one outsmarts Bakugou,” Kaminari said as he tossed a rope around your horse's head after yanking the bridle around his neck off. “Get back on, you’re not goin’ anywhere.”

You hesitated thinking of any way you could escape, but once again you had your freedom stripped away. Your shoulders slumped as you got back on your horse. Your clothes clung to your body as you let Kaminari lead you down the river and towards a bridge that you didn’t notice before.

It made you think that the universe must want to clip your wings. Every time you tried to fly away you were promptly brought back to the earth.

When you meet back up with Bakugou and the others you stayed silent. You refused to look at him, at any of them. All you could do was watch the muscles of your horse ripple as he walked behind Kaminari.

Bakugou rode next to you. He opened his mouth a few times to speak, but he was unable to find his voice. He hasn’t known you for long, but he now knows you well. Well enough to see that whatever flame of spirit you had inside of you was doused.

“Stop starin’ at me,” you said quietly, not evening sparing him a glance.

“Just let me explain,” Bakugou almost pleaded.

The three men in front of you two all turned their heads, eyes wide at the way Bakugou was speaking to you.

“No,” you answered as a shiver wracked over your form.

“Y/n, I’m bein’ serious,” he said, hoping you’d just listen.

“I’m being serious,” you snapped back and then turned your head to look at him. He looked tired like he hadn’t slept well the past couple of days. “I’m being serious,” you repeated, swallowing thickly as you looked him straight in the eyes, “when I’m saying to stop, I don’t want to listen to you. In fact, Bakugou, if there was the option to never see you again I would take it in a heartbeat.”

Bakugou’s eyebrows rose at your venomous words.

Before he got the chance to respond you were already ready to spit more venom at him, “I can’t believe that you are going to turn me in to Keigo. Especially after everything you’ve told me about yourself, what I’ve told you? You know what they're gonna do with me? Surely you do, how else would you know about the reward money, huh?

How can you live with yourself? Putting money over someone's life? Go ahead and shoot me now, I’d rather be dead than be stuck in some asylum,” you hissed, tears pricking your eyes again. You huffed, wiping the blood away from your cheek.

Bakugou was silent, and turned his gaze away from you and set his jaw. He remained quiet.

“Pathetic,” you said, your voice heavy with sorrow.

Kirishima cleared his throat, “Izuku, Denki, why don’t you two walk up ahead?”

Izuku nodded and helped lead Kaminari back towards his house.

You looked behind you briefly to see that Kirishima was talking with Bakugou, looking a little frustrated. It didn’t matter though, it wasn’t like you even cared anymore.

—--------------

It took a while to get back to Izuku’s house but once you did you found yourself shut back in the bedroom. At least you were dry, and as much as you hated to admit it, the shirt Izuku had picked out was nice.

You could hear them talking through the door. Kirishima sounded angry, his deep voice carried through the log walls. You heard Kaminari laugh a few times. They were obviously planning on what to do with you.

It did hurt, more than you’d admit, having Bakugou stab you in the back like that. You were so loyal to him, and for no reason at all. All it granted you were a few moments of gilded freedom. You shook your head, you were such an idiot for even letting him in.

And you did let him in, you had thick walls and it took no time at all for you to knock them down for him. For a caustic man who only thought of himself.

A soft knock on your door had you turning your head and you were mildly surprised to see Kirishima poke his head in.

“Do you mind if I come in?” he asked.

You shook your head, “I don’t mind.”

Kirishima nodded and slipped into your room and softly shut the door behind him before making his way to the chair by the bed. He sat down, letting out a groan when he tweaked his sore muscles wrong.

“If you’re in here to talk for Bakugou, I don’t want to hear it,” you said quickly as you folded your arms over your chest.

Kirishima shook his head, “nah, I’m not in here to be Katsuki’s voice. I just wanted to check in on you?”

You rolled your eyes, “look, you don’t have to play the nice guy, Kirishima.”

“‘M not,” he said honestly. “It’s been a tough few weeks for you, anyone would know that.”

“Right,” you said bitterly. “Just get on with what you want to say, I’m not really in the mood for a heart-to-heart.”

Kirishima stretched his legs out, crossing them at his ankles. “Well if you insist. I’m here to tell you the plan. If you’re interested, that is, which I’m sure you would be.”

You glanced at him through narrowed eyes, “I don’t care.”

Kirishima shrugged, brushing off your sour mood. He was used to being around someone prickly. “We’re leavin’ in about a week or so, just so Katsuki’s shoulder can heal some more. But we’ll be headin’ back to your town to drop you off with Keigo, and then get our money.”

That knife in your back seemed to dig a little bit deeper now that Kirishima had voiced just what you were worried about.

“But,” Kirishima added, “there's a lot more to it, and I get your reaction, I do. Katsuki is probably the most apathetic man I know, and he’s absolutely terrible when it comes to explaining anything without making someone upset. Also, Izuku should have never shown you the post, that made everything much more complicated than it ever should have been.

You're obviously gonna come back with us. I don’t know why you thought we’d leave ya behind. You’re only gonna be with Keigo for a few moments before Izuku takes you off to your next destination, which will be back here.

That three grand is what we need to buy Keigo’s past estate and finally get proof for all the crimes he committed.” Kirishima explained.

Your eyes widened, “what? Are you kidding?”

“See? Not so bad-”

“Yes, that's bad!” you interrupted, “why didn’t anyone tell me that first! You made me think my life as I knew it was over!”

Kirishima’s cheeks flushed, “I suppose it could have been handled better.”

“You suppose? Get the hell out,” you snapped and promptly stood up and opened the door.

Kirishima held his hands up as he quickly rose from his chair and slipped back out of your room. You heard Kaminari laugh at him before you shut the door.

Your head was starting to pound from the sheer range of emotions you had gone through all in one day. With an exasperated sigh you laid down on the feather bed and pressed your cheek against the pillow Izuku had given you. Before you knew it you had fallen asleep. You were quickly pulled into such a deep dreamless sleep that you didn’t even wake up when your door opened.

Bakugou had been knocking for a while, growing frustrated that you weren’t answering, but after what you had told him today, he wasn’t surprised. “I’m comin’ in,” he announced and slowly opened the door only to find you fast asleep. He frowned, keeping his gaze locked in on your form. He could see that your cheeks were wet again.

You were crying in your sleep.

And it made him feel like shit, which he knew he deserved.

—-------------

You were up early the next day before the sun had slipped over the horizon, the sky was a pale pink and that meant that it was going to storm later. Which was fine with you, it would match your current mood.

You were still mad, of course, you were. Who wouldn’t be pissed that they had kept you in the dark?

How on earth he thought it would be okay to leave you at Izuku’s, run off for almost a week, and come back presenting his plan to you and expect you to immediately agree. If Izuku had not shown you the paper, you weren’t sure how you would have reacted to having all that info dumped on you at once.

You frowned as you gripped the stall fork tighter in your hands as you thought about your bounty. Not to mention, the fact that your bounty was set at three grand meant one thing, your father was planning on taking you back, getting the money, and paying off Bakugou. It wasn’t a coincidence.

A bitter taste filled your mouth just thinking back on the bald bastard. He had the audacity to say those vile things about you in the post? Ridiculous.

You were brought out of your thoughts by the sound of heavy boots thumping against the ground and the last person you wanted to see walked through the barn doors.

He looked even more tired today, his red eyes were dull as he took a hearty sip from what you could assume was a cup of coffee. He was also dressed down, wearing a red shirt that was tucked into his jeans. His hair was wet too, just starting to dry as the morning began to warm.

You huffed and turned your back to him and continued to muck your horse’s stall, considering throwing a rake full of stall shavings and piss at him. As much as it would be funny, it was childish and so far, it seems Bakugou has only seen you act in such a manner when you were mad. Even if it was warranted.

You didn’t like being so emotional around him, but he brought out a side of you that you’ve never seen before. You didn’t know how to deal with it, and it was annoying. It made you feel out of control.

His footsteps came to a stop outside of your stall and you waited a moment before glancing at him over your shoulder through narrowed eyes.

He kept his face passive when he met your heated glare, but after a brief moment, he sighed. “Can we talk?” he asked, setting his mug down on a large barrel of grain by the stall door.

You turned around fully, leaning a bit on the rake as you pondered his question. Did he come here to apologize? Surely not, he’s never once said sorry for anything. “Depends,” you began, hating the way that the morning light was starting to cast him in a soft glow, “what are you wantin’ to talk about?”

Bakugou shifted his weight, clearly uncomfortable. “About the plan-”

“Not interested,” you interrupted and turned back around, gritting your teeth. You knew he was gonna bring that up. All that mattered was his plan and his way.

“Can you just listen?” Bakugou asked, irritation heavy in his voice.

“No,” you replied smoothly, “I don’t think I will.”

“Damn you,” Bakugou hissed, “you’re such fuckin’ trouble.”

So he was mad now. Fine. He can be mad, get all huffy and run off like he does. You noticed that about him, every time he got frustrated he’d leave. Lord knows why, but it was annoying as hell. A dry laugh bubbled past your lips as you tossed some more dirty shavings into the wheelbarrow next to you, “glad to finally know what you think of me.”

“No, that’s not-” Bakugou sighed heavily, “-just fuckin’ listen to me, please.”

Please?

That piqued your interest a little bit. He must really want to tell you something if he’s using basic manners. You turned, holding his gaze as you moved towards the grain bucket and picked up his mug. You held it out waiting for him to take it, and when he did you opened the lid and took the bucket by the door. Then you filled it about halfway before setting it on the ground.

Your horse lifted his head, nostrils flared at the scent of food and he immediately rushed to your side snorting as he dunked his face into the feed bucket.

“You have until he finishes eating to talk, you better hurry, you and I both know this horse eats fast,” you said leaning against the edge of the stall as you waited for him to start.

Bakugou’s eyes slightly widened as he glanced down at the bucket, seeing that it was already a fourth empty. “I was never gonna drop you off to Keigo, that was never an option. Never even crossed my mind, but once that wanted poster came out, it became the best option to use you as bait again.”

He glanced down at the bucket again, it was halfway gone now, “I know that sounds fucked, and I didn’t just ignore what you told me. I need to do this, it’s my only chance.”

“Only chance for what?” you asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“If I get that three grand, Kirishima and I will finally have proof to put Keigo in jail. That day I was tellin’ you about my family and couldn’t finish the story,” Bakugou began, swallowing harshly, “they didn’t die from a fever. Keigo killed them all. Played it off as illness.

I believed him all the way up till we were in the military together. Kirishima, Keigo, Deku, and I bunked together. Found his little journal with a fuckin’ box full of teeth. The fucker labeled them. I understood then that he killed our families and that he was sick in the head.

Kirishima and I left, obviously, we couldn't stand to be in the same place as him, talk with him, fuckin’ look at him. The only person who knew we were leavin’ was Deku. He promised to keep our secret and he has ever since. So that’s why I need the money, Kirishima and I figured he’s got some damning evidence in that house buried somewhere. Probably put it up for sale for the thrill of it. Fuckin bastard.”

The grain in the bucket was long gone and your horse had moved back to the haynet hanging from the wall. You stood there, stunned. So that’s why he turned to crime and became an outlaw. He was trying to save up enough money, and it’s taken him years to even get this close. You figured he was close once, when your father offered them the cash he needed, only to have it swiped out from underneath his nose. That must have been devastating.

And you knew that Keigo had done something horrible to Bakugou and Kirishima, but not something so terrible, so sinister. It horrified you to learn that he had kept souvenirs. “Bakugou, I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t want any fuckin’ pity,” he snapped, red eyes ablaze with fierce anger, but his expression softened when he saw you frown.

“I wish you would have told me that sooner,” you said, ignoring his harsh words. “I mean, I would never push you, but I would have had a better understanding on why you wanted to use me as bait.”

Bakugou sighed, nodding in agreement. He’s never been good with words or opening up. “I know, and I’m sorry.”

He’s sorry? You furrowed your brows, he apologized. “I’m still upset,” you told him truthfully, “and a little scared,” you added, not liking the idea that you’ll be with Keigo even if it was for a moment.

“I know,” Bakugou replied, rubbing his eyes. He was so fucking tired, its been days since he had a good night's sleep. He brought his hands down from his face and pushed them into his front pockets, “you’ll be fine though, Deku will be there the whole time.”

“And what about you? Where will you be?” you asked, curious. Now that you sort of made up with him, you weren’t so sour to admit that you wanted him close. It was comfortable being by him now.

“Close by,” Bakugou answered quickly, “we all will be.”

“And what if it goes wrong? What if Keigo knows that you’ll be the one dropping me off? How do you know he’s not just baiting you, getting you close to your goal before yanking the prize away?” you said. It was a valid question. Bakugou’s plan seemed impromptu, rushed, and definitely emotionally motivated which meant that something could go wrong.

And that meant you could be left behind. A part of you still didn’t trust that Bakugou had let you into his little tight-knit circle. You still felt like you were just an investment being pushed around and used whenever necessary. Which you hated.

“That won’t happen,” Bakugou said seriously.

“You don’t know that,” you replied, folding your arms over your chest as unease settled heavy in your gut.

“I do, quit arguing,” he said, his voice strained. To be honest, he didn’t know. He was scared too. He’s been careful over the years not to get caught, but he’d be heading right into the belly of the beast with this plan. But it was his only shot.

You huffed, irritated at him. “I’m not doin’ it,” you announced before turning back around. Sure you felt for him immensely, but there was no way you were going along with some dumbass poorly put-together plan that puts everyone in danger.

“Huh?” Bakugou hissed, immediately surging forward to grip the stall door, he looked pissed to hell, “the fuck do you mean you’re not doin’ it? After everything, I just told you?”

You shrugged, “hurts doesn’t it? Feeling like someone betrayed you.”

“I already apologized-”

“I’m allowed to still be upset,” you responded coolly, trying to rein in your temper, “and I don’t wanna be a part of your plan because it’s bad. There are too many loose ends that need to be tied up.” You turned around again as you went to grab the wheelbarrow, “I do want to help you, but not like this.”

“You gotta be fuckin’ kidding me?” Bakugou growled, his voice almost rising to a shout. He watched you move past him heading out of the barn to dump your dirty shavings in the grass. He was hot on your heels though, practically breathing down your neck.

You tipped over the wheelbarrow rolling your eyes as you set it against the barn wall. “I’m not, honest,” you said as you moved to get a water bucket and head to the small pond near Izuku’s house.

You glanced behind you to see that Bakugou was still stomping after you, cursing you out rather loudly as he followed you to the pond. The sky was quickly turning to a dark grey and a cold gust of wind swept through the grasses around you.

“Well if you’re so smart, then why don’t you come up with a plan then?” Bakugou said harshly, his gaze burning holes in the back of your head.

You stopped in front of the pond, bending down to fill the bucket, “maybe I will.”

“Well then fuckin’ tell me what you’re thinkin’? I never have any idea what’s brewing in that head of yours, god you’re so annoying,” he snapped, letting his anger start to taint his words.

Your frowned, standing back up to your full height, “it’s been less than ten minutes since I found all of this out, can’t pull a new plan right out of my ass. And honestly, you’re annoying, Bakugou,” you started, pushing a finger harshly into his chest, “I have no idea what’s going on in your head either, maybe if you would actually try to communicate some more, this would have been a lot easier.”

Bakugou bared his teeth at you, engulfing your hand in his large one as he yanked your hand away from his chest. The wind was starting to pick up to a soft howl and some cold droplets of rain began to fall, wetting the dry earth at his boots. “You never leave me alone,” he hissed, not even sure what he meant by that.

“Pretty sure I’ve left you alone for the past five days,” you shot back, glancing up to his hand over yours. He was so tall that he was practically holding your arm up.

“Such a smart ass,” he said, narrowing his eyes as it started to rain. “No one besides you ever talks back to me, you know that?”

“Oh please,” you snorted, wiping your eyes as the rain began to fall harder, “don’t tell me that hurt your feelings?”

“Shut your mouth,” he sneered, his upper lip twitching at the satisfied grin that was growing across your face. He took an involuntary step towards you, invading your space as he bent down a little, his red eyes never leaving yours. “I’m so fuckin’ sick of your attitude, your face, your voice always in my fuckin’ head, makin’ me mess up.”

Your eyebrows rose as you blinked up at him. He was so close, closer than he’s ever been. You blinked some more water out of your eyes as you watched him drop his arm down, still keeping your hand tight in his. “Mess up?” you questioned, your voice had died down, but he was close enough to hear you above the wind and the rain.

“I don’t know,” he grumbled, clearly frustrated, “can’t think when I’m by you. I’m always messin’ up.”

Your heart skipped a beat and it seemed that the rain had put out your fiery attitude as he bent his head down more, making your foreheads touch. He was warm and even though it was raining you could smell the aftershave on his skin, it reminded you of the evergreen forest up in the mountains. “I don’t know what to say,” you admitted, completely unsure of what was about to happen.

Bakugou let out a breath, gaze sliding down from your eyes and to your lips that were slightly parted. He unfurled his hand from yours, and his gaze cut over to see that you had intertwined your fingers with his. It made his head feel like it was full of fluff, and he couldn’t gather any of his thoughts. “Then don't say anything,” he said softly.

Your eyes widened when he leaned in and to your utter shock, he pressed his lips against yours. It was strange, the emotion that filled your chest so quickly when you allowed yourself to shut your eyes and lean into the kiss. It felt like you had a little flame in your chest that was growing larger and larger, it never burned you, it just remained warm and steady.

Bakugou brought up his free hand cupping the side of your face as he ran his thumb across your cheek, a little upset to feel that your wound hasn't healed yet. But a soft whimper from you had him completely forget about your cut and turn his attention back to you.

He was so soft, so gentle for someone so aggressive and wiry. But as he continued to kiss you in the rain you were reminded of all the times he has been gentle with you, and at that moment you realized he’s always been gentle with you in his own way.

Your eyelids fluttered open when he pulled away from you, his lips were slightly swollen and his cheeks were tinged pink. You were awestruck and absolutely speechless and what had just happened, and so was he.

For a beat, you both stood there in the cool rain watching each other before he dropped his hand from your face.

You missed the warmth of his hand almost immediately. Wishing he could just hold your face forever. It was then you also realized you liked him, a lot. In your time spent together, he had become someone special to you. He occupied a place in your heart that no one has ever owned, and Bakugou wormed his way in without you noticing.

“Bakugou,” you began, breaking the silence between you both, “I-”

“I gotta go,” Bakugou quickly interrupted, clearing his throat. His hand dropped from yours and he shoved it deep into his pocket like you had burned him.

“Wait,” you sputtered, your heart racing in your chest as you grabbed his forearm, “don’t leave like this again. I don’t know much, but you can’t keep running,” you told him, your eyes frantically searching his.

“These things don’t work for me,” Bakugou told you, his shoulders were up by his ears again, “I’m sorry.”

You dropped your hand from his arm as you watched him walk away from you with heavy steps. The rain was falling harder, making your vision blur as he continued to walk away from you. Again. Why was he always leaving?

You shakily inhaled feeling another surge of emotions wash over you. It stung to have him reject you. If that was even what rejection was? You had no idea, but whatever you were feeling it hurt.

After standing in the rain for a couple of minutes, trying to process what had just happened, you picked up the bucket, water sloshing from the top as you made your way back to the barn. The world was cruel, you thought bitterly as you placed the bucket in your horse’s stall.

All your life you’ve longed to be independent and never have to rely on a man for anything. Over the years you had plenty of suitors, some of them were great, most of them weren’t, but you always shut them out no matter what. And now…now when you found yourself wanting to be with someone, with him.

He was the one who shut you out. Tore down all your walls only to keep his strong and unbreakable.

You wiped your eyes, disappointed that you even tried. “Is there something wrong with me?” you asked your horse, whose ears swiveled towards you. “I guess, there must be,” you muttered.

—--------

Bakugou avoided you like the plague after the moment you both shared in the rain. At first, you tried to get his attention, offer him a weak smile, but he would turn and leave. It was terrible.

Especially because you still liked him. Your feelings weren’t going away no matter how hard you tried to repress them.

As the days passed, you soon began to understand that Bakugou didn’t want you, and he probably never did. It still stung, but you were able to withdraw more into yourself instead of looking to him for anything anymore.

Eventually, Mina and Sero showed up, which was good. You liked Mina, she was nice, a little blunt, but overall nice. She immediately picked up on what had happened between Bakugou and you, but never pushed you to say anything.

You still spent most of your time alone, feeling like an outsider however hard you tried to fit in. Kirishima assured you again that you ran with them, but how could you feel like you did when their leader didn’t like you?

Maybe you didn’t belong anywhere.

You didn't fit in at home and you didn’t fit in with the outlaws. So where did you fit in? You didn’t know, but every night you would stare at the ceiling of Izuku’s house, listening to the others outside, talking around the fire, and wishing things were normal. Like they were in the mountains.

“You seem sad,” Izuku’s voice cut into your thoughts.

You turned your head, looking away from the window where you could see Sero and Bakugou shooting at glass bottles. “Why do you say that?”

Izuku shrugged as he sat on the arm of the chair you were in, “dunno, you just seem different. Distant.”

You huffed, glancing back at the window, “do you sometimes feel like you don’t belong with them? Because you're a sheriff?”

Izuku tracked your gaze as his landed on Bakugou. He sighed, “yeah, I do. I’ve never fit in with them,” he admitted.

“Really?” you said, raising a brow as you rested your cheek against your forearm, “I couldn’t tell, honestly.”

Deku nodded, “yeah, I suppose it’s better now, but when we were back in the military things were different. I tried to be friends with him so badly, but he always pushed me away. He’s a hard person to get close to.”

“How did you get close to him?” you asked, feeling a little hope flutter in your chest.

“I still haven’t really,” Izuku admitted, a muscle twitching in his jaw as his gaze slid over to Kirishima.

“Oh,” you replied, feeling the weight on your shoulders return.

“I know you like him,” Izuku said rather bluntly, “but if I’m bein’ honest, Y/n, you deserve a better man than Bakugou.”

You cleared your throat, scrambling to come up with a lie to hide your feelings, “What makes you say that? I don’t even like him.”

Izuku snorted, “everyone knows you like him, you watch him like a hawk and get all flustered when he’s around,” he paused, smiling to himself a little before looking down at you, “just do yourself a favor and try to move on.” He stood up and gave your shoulder a squeeze before walking outside and leaving you alone.

You furrowed your brows, wondering why Izuku was telling you something so personal? Not to mention, he didn’t use Bakugou’s nickname while he was talking to you. He must have been mad then, was he mad at Bakugou?

You sighed, as you looked back out the window again. Maybe Izuku was right, maybe you did deserve better, but you didn’t know what was better. You did know that Bakugou has treated your heart rather poorly, he practically stomped on it. But that didn’t even seem to matter to you.

What a cruel joke.

With a sigh you stood up and walked outside, hoping to distract yourself by coming up with a new plan that didn’t involve you getting dropped right into Kiego’s lap. That was another problem, you couldn’t seem to come up with anything better than having you as bait. It really was the best option and it scared you shitless.

“Y/n,” Mina’s chirpy voice carried on the wind as she waved at you from where she was standing by Bakugou and Sero.

Your heart flopped in your chest as you stiffly made your way over to them. Hating that Bakugou was already pocketing his pistol, ready to leave. You felt gross in your own skin seeing his lips turn down into a frown at the sight of you.

“Hold your horses,” Mina said with a goofy grin as she grabbed Bakugou’s arm, holding him still by her, “I wanna see how good of a teacher you are.”

“Let go of me,” Bakugou hissed, his eyes frantically cutting between you and Mina.

You stopped, feeling a lump form in your throat but you quickly swallowed it and plastered on a smile, “pretty shitty teacher, if you ask me. I’m a terrible shot. Never been able to hit anything.” Your words as much as you tried to make them sound normal, were obviously fake.

Sero rolled his eyes and handed you the pistol he was using, “go ahead.”

You took the pistol, blinking away the image of Tokoyami's face that flashed in your mind. You took a breath before pointing the pistol, holding it like you were taught and keeping both eyes on the brown glass bottle sitting on the fence post. Your pointer finger pressed on the trigger and you flinched when the gun went off.

However, to your surprise you hit the bottle, making it shatter in thousands of pieces. They flew through the air glittering as sunlight danced on their sharp edges. You smiled, your first smile since that day.

Mina laughed, grabbing you roughly by the neck as she punched Sero roughly in the chest, “pay up! I told ya!”

Sero grumbled, yanking out a few dollars from his pocket, and begrudgingly handed them over to Mina who hooted loudly.

“Gonna buy us somethin’ nice, hear that Y/n!” Mina shouted waving the money up in the air, “maybe some candy? I sure do love those peppermints that old hag sells downtown. Wadda think?” she asked, looking at you with sparkling eyes.

You laughed, it felt good to laugh, “that would be nice, thanks, Mina.”

“Of course!” she bellowed, “gotta stay close, you and I do, these boys are more trouble than they’re worth,” she added, her gaze cutting to Bakugou who was smiling a little.

You snorted, squirming in her tight embrace and you involuntarily looked towards Bakugou, looking for his approval. When you saw he was smiling, even a small one, it made your heart soar and the little flicker of hope you had been kindling seemed to grow a little.

But, the smile slipped off his face and he pulled his arm out of Mina’s grasp and headed back to the house.

Sero clicked his tongue, clearly irritated as he placed his pistol back in the holster attached to his belt.

—-----------------------------------

Later that night after dinner everyone was seated around Izuku’s kitchen table. Tomorrow marked the day you were going to be turned in to Keigo. You had a loose plan, that you knew wouldn’t fly once you presented it, but you could try.

Izuku told you before dinner to tell your idea anyway, even though Bakugou would gripe about it. You had a right to an idea after since you were the one being used as bait.

“Um,” you began, your voice catching as you spoke up, trying to remain confident as six pairs of eyes turned to you. “I know tomorrow is the big day,” you chuckled, no one laughed, “but I still don’t like the plan, so I came up with an alternative.”

It was silent still, so you continued, “my father presumably set my bounty to three grand so he could pay you all of, and get rid of me. Kill two birds with one stone. So instead of you all traveling down to my town and putting yourself in danger being there, I’ll go back home alone. Where my father will no doubt turn me in, get the money and you can take it from him then. Izuku can still come so I don’t get taken anywhere.”

You looked to Izuku who was nodding his head from next to you.

“It’s a good idea, I’ll be there so nothing goes wrong, and you guys won’t have to deal with the military if they’re there.”

Bakugou frowned, his vermillion gaze cutting between you and Izuku. “I don’t like it.”

“Why not?” you asked “You still get your money, and you all stay safe.”

“How do I know your father’s not gonna take the money all for himself,” Bakugou asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, that’s where I come in,” Izuku said. “Everyone knows Y/n’s father rigged his polls, which is illegal. I can’t even believe he’s still a free man, honestly, so I’ll arrest him. No big deal.”

“I like it,” Mina said with a smile, “it’s less work and we don’t have to put ourselves at risk.”

“Too fuckin’ bad,” Bakugou hissed, his eyes narrowing at Izuku, “I’m not gonna do it, too much risk.”

“There’s no risk,” you shot back, growing frustrated. “There is literally no risk to you at all, the person who is risking the most is me. You can sit back and I’ll get you the money, and,” you mouth dried as you thought back on Izuku’s words, you deserved better, “and then I’m goin’.”

Bakugou blinked, unsure if he heard you right, “you’re goin? The hell do you mean by that?”

“Once you get your money, I’m goin’ because I’m not needed anymore. I really appreciate you taking me in, but I don’t think this is right for me. It isn’t working out for me,” you said, throwing the words he told you days ago right back in his face.

“I think that’s fine,” Kirishima said, folding his arms over his chest, “you’ll be free from your father's place and we’ll have our money. Seems like a fair trade.”

You gave Kirishima a thankful smile. “Thanks, Kirishima.”

“Looks like you’re outvoted, Kacchan,” Izuku said with a satisfied smile.

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed to slits and he abruptly stood from his chair and stormed out of Izuku's house, slamming the log door behind him.

“Phew!” Kaminari said with a laugh, “don’t know why he’s so upset when you two are doin’ all the work for us. I’d be thankin’ y’all if I was him.”

You gave Kaminari a forced smile, but your gaze slid back to the door. There he goes again, running away. Just like he always does. It was good for you to leave because you couldn’t stay with someone who was never for you in the first place.

“Then it’s settled,” Izuku said as he stood up, “Y/n and I will be leaving right away.”

“Good luck,” Sero said truthfully as you passed by him. “I guess if this is the last time I’ll be seein’ you, I have to admit you are not as prissy as I thought you were.”

You grinned, “thanks, Sero. I think.”

He snorted and you followed Izuku out of his house and towards the stables. Your heart was heavy in your chest to say goodbye to the horse you’ve grown so close to, but at the end of the day, he wasn’t yours. He belonged to Bakugou.

While Izuku tacked up his horse you silently opened the stall next to his, approaching the large red gelding. He knickered and walked over to you, nudging your hands with his pink nose, looking for treats.

“‘M sorry, I don’t have anything for you,” you muttered, bringing a hand up to his face to pet his forelock.

He huffed, still looking for treats as you held back some tears for an animal that was never yours. You should have tried to not get attached, but you two have been through a lot, and it was hard to say goodbye.

“Hey, I’m ready to go,” Izuku said as he led his horse out of her stall.

“Okay,” you replied, looking back at the red gelding, “bye, I’ll miss you,” you said softly, giving him one last pet before leaving his stall and heading over to Izuku.

Izuku held out his hand as you took it, standing on his boot in the stirrup as you got on behind him. You wrapped your arms around Izuku’s torso as he spurred his horse on.

Your chest felt tight as you passed the house and neared the pond. You could see him standing by the water with his hands in his pockets. He was looking out into the distance and turned his head upon seeing you and Izuku pass by him.

You let out a breath, squeezing Izuku more tightly as Bakugou turned away from you and began walking back to the house

You’d miss him the most.

#iwar #bakugou x reader #bro idk if this makes sense i hope it does sometimes I just write and no thoughts happen #tw. angst #tw. gun mention #tw. violence #outlaw!bakugou

196 notes · View notes

marauderundercover · 3 years ago

Text

Taking Chances Ch. 19: Lack of Communication (Wayne Gala)

AO3

The shrill ringing of her phone tugs Marinette from her sewing machine. Glancing at the caller ID, she grins widely.

“Hey Uncle Jagged.” She says, pushing her chair away from her desk. It’d been a couple weeks since she last heard from the man as his tour had really picked up at the end. It was practically back to back concerts, so that didn’t leave a lot of time for phone calls or face times.

“Little Rocker! Glad I caught you. I have an event next week and I was hoping I could drop by the bakery so you could fix a tear in one of my suits.” He says. Marinette winces. That’s what she was supposed to do. Tell Uncle Jagged about...well, everything.

“Yeah, about that…” She trails off, wishing she’d thought to tell him about the whole ‘adopted’ thing the last time she’d seen him in person. “I’m actually not in Paris right now. I’m in Gotham spending the summer with my birth father.” She says, deciding to just rip the bandaid off. There’s silence for a minute. Then two. She looks down at the phone, frowning. Did he hang up?

“You’re in Gotham?” He finally says.

“Yup.” She says, sighing. “I’m really sorry I won’t be able to fix your suit.”

“What, no, this is great! See the event is in Gotham! It’s just a bunch of rich people and- hold on. Penny!” He yells. She catches bits and pieces of their conversation, Penny agreeing wholeheartedly with whatever it is Jagged has suddenly decided. “I have a rocking idea.” He adds.

“Okay? I’m listening.” She says, glancing at the new dress she’d started that was pinned on her dress form. She was having trouble with the shape and was quickly getting frustrated with her struggles.

“You could come with! As MDC, of course. You could wear one of your designs and get known in Gotham. The event is supposed to be highly publicized. Penny thinks it’d be a good way to get known in the US. So, whatdya say?” Jagged asks, and Marinette can just tell that he’s grinning widely, can hear it in his voice. She thinks for a minute, glancing at the dress form with a new sense of determination.

“I’ll have to double check with my dad.” She says, trying to think if they had any plans for next week.

“Of course! Let me know soon, okay? Penny says she wants to start publicizing MDC’s appearance if you’re gonna come.” Jagged says. Marinette agrees before hanging up, thinking. Would her dad let her go alone? Or would he insist on coming with? She knew Gotham was dangerous, it’s why she hadn’t gone anywhere by herself despite being a hero herself. She didn’t want to risk her Miraculous falling into the wrong hands, even if the person didn’t realize what they had. Making up her mind, she sets off to find her dad and ask about the event. She still wasn’t quite sure what it was, just that there would be plenty of big names and plenty of journalists- the perfect opportunity to build up a clientele outside of France. Checking his study first, she’s unsurprised to see he’s not there. Knowing chances were good that he was in the cave, she pulls a domino mask out of her purse. Her dad had asked her a couple days ago to wear one in the cave just in case they had unexpected visitors. Kinda like how her and Chat Noir had shown up unexpectedly that one time. Complete accident. Changing the time on the clock, she presses the button that opens the entrance, sliding in and walking through the passage. Glancing into the cave, she grins when she sees her dad, in costume, sitting at the computer.

“Hey B!” She says, knowing not to call him Dad while he was in the cowl. Something about it making him seem less intimidating, or something.

“Ladybird.” He nods. She frowns, glancing at the computer screen and wincing when she sees Superman on screen.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were busy.” She apologizes, waving awkwardly at the man on the screen. He quirks an eyebrow.

“Hello. Ladybird, was it?” He asks and she nods.

“Er, yeah. Ladybird. Nice to meet you.” She says, rocking back and forth on her heels, eyes darting around the cave. Maybe she should just leave and ask later.

“Is everything alright?” Her dad asks, obviously confused at her presence in the cave. Not that she wasn’t allowed, she just didn’t spend a lot of time there.

“I was just wondering if I could go to an event next week with my Uncle.” She says, trying to stay vague. He’s silent for a moment before nodding.

“We can discuss details later, but that should be fine.” He says. Marinette grins, bouncing up and down in excitement.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She cheers, resisting the urge to hug him. “Bye Mr. Superman!” She adds, waving before running back through the passage to work on her dress some more. This was going to be amazing!

---

Penny had picked Marinette up early the morning of the Gala. She still wasn’t sure what it was for, but that didn’t bother her. She was just excited that she had finally finished her newest dress in time for the Gala. Penny had insisted on her coming over early so that she could help Marinette do her hair and makeup, which she was thankful for. Selina apparently had something to do tonight and couldn’t help her, and she would’ve definitely been her first choice. Smiling down at her dress, Marinette looks at Penny with a grin.

“Could you take a picture for me without my face covering so I can show my parents later?” She asks. Penny nods, smiling back.

“That dress is amazing, Marinette. Truly one of your best designs.” She says. Marinette blushes at the compliment before smiling at the camera. She thanks Penny and takes her phone back, sending the picture to her Maman and Papa as well as her dad and Selina. She was extremely proud of the dress and wanted them to see her in it before she added her ‘disguise’ to protect her identity.

“Hey, Aunt Penny?” Marinette says, looking up at the woman. Penny hums, putting on lipstick. “What is the event for? All Jagged said was that it’s a Gala.” She says, Penny huffs.

“Of course that man didn’t give you any other information. Honestly, sometimes- you agreed without knowing what the event was?” She says, eyebrows raised. Marinette shrugs.

“Uncle Jagged said that it’d be fun. I trust him.” She says. Penny sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Remind me to read any contracts before you sign them, okay sweetie?” She says. Marinette nods and Penny smiles. “Good. Anyway, it’s a Wayne Gala. The family hosts several every year to help raise money for the Wayne foundation.” Penny says and Marinette freezes. Wayne Gala? As in, her father? Her family? Were they really having a Gala tonight without telling her? Or inviting her? Were they….were they embarrassed by her?

“Like, Bruce Wayne?” Marinette manages to ask, trying hard to ignore the way her heart breaks when Penny nods. That was why Selina couldn’t help her. She had to get ready for the Gala. And if she had to guess, the rest of her family was also going. What would they have done with her if she hadn’t had plans? Would they have told her then? Or would they have acted like nothing was happening. Where even was the Gala? Oh my god. It was at the Manor, wasn’t it. The thought strikes her and she winces, giving Penny a small, tense smile.

“Are you okay?” She asks, obviously concerned. Marinette nods sharply.

“Yes, one last question. Where is it?” She asks. Penny frowns, obviously not believing that Marinette was okay, but luckily not pushing it.

“Wayne Manor. The Galas are the only time the manor is opened to other celebrities. The family is usually very private.” Penny says. Marinette huffs out a puff of air, working hard to ignore the hurt in her chest. The feeling that she wasn’t enough. That they didn’t need her. Suddenly, she wasn’t excited anymore. She really wished she would have asked Jagged for more details last week, because now she was stuck going. And it was going to suck.

---

Feeling confident in her design and disguise, Marinette walks through the wall of journalists with Penny and Jagged at her sides. She was working hard to push down the intrusive thoughts that were threatening to take over. Instead, she tried to focus on the questions being called out by the journalists.

“Jagged! Jagged Stone, is this really MDC?” One of them asks. Jagged immediately stopping and shooting the reporter a wide smile.

“Of course it is! She designed all three of these outfits.” He says, gesturing between the trio. “Isn’t she rocking!”

“MDC, why did you pick the Wayne gala to make your first public appearance?” Another journalist asks. Marinette turns to Penny, trusting her to answer the question. They’d agreed before leaving the car that it was best if Marinette didn’t speak directly to any journalists. It would make it easier for them to place her age and where she’s from, given her accent.

“She was in the area and Mr. Stone insisted his favorite designer needed a chance to flaunt her skills in America.” Penny says, flashing the journalist a wide smile before gently pushing Marinette along down the line of journalists. Marinette nods to the man who’d asked the question before following Jagged and Penny closely, her stomach churning as they walk up the front steps of the manor. Of the place she’d been living since summer started. Where apparently they didn’t care to tell her about one of the biggest family events of the year. No big deal. She thought they were accepting her, that they were all getting closer. But maybe not. Her dad not telling her didn’t hurt nearly as much as her brothers not telling her. That felt like a knife in her chest. Trying hard to move gracefully instead of tensely, she follows Jagged into the manor and into the ballroom. Her jaw clenches as she spots her family across the room.

“Mr. Stone, I’m Clark Kent. Nice to meet you.” A man with a notebook and camera says, walking over and extending a hand. Marinette narrows her eyes. She thought the journalists were supposed to stay outside. And this man looked oddly familiar….

“Rocking meeting you man! You a journalist?” He asks, his calculating look hidden by a wide grin. Mr. Kent chuckles.

“Yes, sorry for being so forward. Mr. Wayne and I are friends, so he lets my wife and I have an exclusive pass to come inside the Galas.” He says, glancing at Marinette over his glasses. She watches as his eyes widen slightly before he schools his features back into a neutral expression.

“That’s pretty rock n roll of him!” Jagged says, clapping Mr. Kent on the shoulder.

“It is. Pardon me, but are you MDC?” He asks, turning to look at Marinette once again. She glances at Penny, shaking her head to let her know that she’ll speak for herself for this one. As upset as she was with her dad, he obviously trusted this man. So she would as well.

“I am. Pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Kent.” She says, extending her hand. He smiles, shaking her hand.

“And you, ma’am. I must say, I was not expecting to see you here. I was under the impression that in person events weren’t your forte.” He says, clearly fishing for something. She knew how journalists worked, she’d seen Alya at work enough times to understand that the man in front of her was looking for a story. One she wouldn’t be giving, no matter how much her father trusted the man.

“I like to occasionally surprise people.” She says, waving her hand in a noncommittal way. “Keep them on their toes.”

“I can respect that. Well, I’ll let you all get back to your evening. Nice to meet you all.” He says. She nods back at him, not missing the way he immediately darts off to her dad. She watches as the two start talking, a surprised look on her dad’s face before he turns and sees her. She knows he recognizes the dress. Knows that he knows as well who is underneath the veil. She turns, deciding to ignore him. He didn’t want her here, fine. She’d make sure she stayed out of his way.

---

Clark Kent was confused. He’d known that Bruce must have another kid, adopted in some way. He didn’t just work with random vigilantes, especially not in his city. So knowing that Gotham had a new vigilante named Ladybird, he put two and two together. Didn’t take the world’s greatest detective. But what was confusing was the fact that no new faces showed up with the Waynes as they walked into the ballroom for the Gala. Making a note to ask him about it later, Clark makes his way around the room, talking to familiar faces and names, writing things down that would help the story he was being forced to write on the Gala. These events were not his favorite to cover, hardly anything ever happened. Until he heard the commotion outside, other journalists calling out to MDC. He blinks in surprise. MDC had never made a public appearance before. This was an odd one to choose. Preparing himself to confront the designer, he’s surprised as she walks in behind Jagged Stone. He’s even more surprised when he realizes she had to be a teenager. He chats with the girl and Jagged, glancing down at her over the top of his glasses, shock immediately flooding him. The girl had injuries. Hundreds of them. Bones fused back together haphazardly. Quickly excusing himself, he rushes over to Bruce.

“Do you know who MDC is? Because that girl is definitely younger than Tim. And she has hundreds of injuries, Bruce. Hundreds.” He says quietly, watching as Bruce turns and glances at the girl, his eyes widening slightly.

“Shit.” He mutters.

“What?” Clark asks, trying to figure out if he should also be concerned. Bruce smiles, but it's tense.

“That is my daughter.” He says. Clark blinks.

“That’s the new one? Why didn’t she show up with the rest of the family?” He asks.

“I knew she had plans for tonight, so I didn’t tell her about the Gala. I was going to warn her about it, if she didn’t have plans. So she knew to stay in her room.” Bruce explains. Clark frowns.

“You were going to keep her locked up?” He asks incredulously. Not even the least social Wayne was kept locked away for the Galas.

“Of course not. It’s just- she hasn’t said she wants to be announced yet. She hasn’t even said anything about being MDC because she hates the spotlight. I couldn’t just throw her to the sharks. I’m just trying to do what’s best for her.” Bruce says, standing up straighter. Clark sighs.

“Did you actually talk to her about it? Or did you just assume?” He asks, Bruce huffs.

“I think I know my daughter a little more than you do, Kent.” He says.

“Really? Because from here it sounds like she’s about two breaths away from a panic attack. And Penny Rolling keeps reassuring her that they don’t have to stay long. Oh- and now she’s apologizing for not telling her it was a Wayne Gala until today, but she’s also clearly confused as to why it’s upsetting her. And now-”

“Okay, I get it.” Bruce snaps, cutting him off. Clark raises an eyebrow.

“I’m not sure what happened, but you should fix this.” He says with a pointed look before walking away. God knows the Bats all need a push in the right direction every now and again.

---

Jason frowns as he looks around the room for Marinette. He knew that she hadn’t come with the family, B hadn’t explained that one. But he had heard that MDC was there. And he wanted to talk to her, make sure she was doing okay. These things were annoying as hell and he knew he wouldn’t get through it if he didn’t have his brothers (even if they were little shits). He finally spots her near a wall, clearly trying to disappear. He grins widely, walking over and grinning at her.

“Well, MDC, fancy seeing you here.” He teases with a wink. He watches her for some kind of reaction, frowning when he doesn’t get one. “Pix?” He says, softer this time as he looks at his baby sister.

“Oh, that’s right, I wasn’t supposed to be here, was I? Well, sorry to disappoint.” She snaps bitterly. Jason flinches back, surprised at her tone.

“What’re you talking about?” He asks, eyebrows furrowed. Why did she sound so hurt? Why did she think they didn’t want her there?

“Clearly I’m not as much of the family as I thought I was.” She hisses under her breath. He starts to deny that, but she cuts him off with a humorless laugh. “Bruce didn’t even tell me that there was a Gala. None of you did either. A Wayne family Gala and I wasn’t told. I should’ve known better.” She says, turning to walk away. He grabs her wrist gently, stopping her.

“I promise you, we want you here. Dick, Damian, Tim, me- we all want you here. I can’t speak for B, I’ll definitely be having words with the son of a bitch later, but we want you here.” He says, frowning as he listens to her sniffle under her veil. “Pixie, we thought you knew. He told us you weren’t ready to come to this. I swear to you, we would have told you if we knew. I swear.” He adds. His heart breaks as he hears a hiccupped sob break free from her. He wants nothing more than to wrap his baby sister in a hug, but he knows he can’t. Media’d have a field day.

“Really?” She asks in a small voice. Jason nods.

“Hell yeah Pix. Tell ya what, I’m gonna go get the others and then we’re all gonna sneak out. Take one of the old man’s cars and get some garbage fast food. Who needs this lameass party anyway.” He says, hoping she’ll agree. He’ll let himself be mad at Bruce later. And boy was he gonna be mad. The old man had really fucked up this time. It was one thing to ask Mari to not go to the Gala, or to think she wasn’t ready for it. It was a completely other thing to not even give her the chance to decide, or tell her at all. Cause now she was hurt and thinking everyone hated her. Well, he wasn’t gonna let that happen. Not on his watch.

“Lemme just go tell Jagged and Penny real quick.” She agrees, scurrying off. The second she walks away Jason lets his smile drop into a scowl. That son of a bitch. Storming over to his brothers, he tugs them over to the wall. Better not to let B get word of where they’re going.

“What is the meaning of this?” Damian asks with a scowl.

“Pixie’s gonna tell her Aunt and Uncle that she’s leaving and then we’re stealing one of B’s cars to go to McDonalds.” He says simply. Tim frowns.

“And we’re doing this because?” He prompts.

“Because B apparently didn’t tell the kid about the Gala. And she assumed we knew, and that we all hate her.” Jason explains with a frown.

“Father said she didn’t want to attend.” Damian says, and Jason huffs.

“Yeah, well apparently he lied. She had no clue that the event she was going to as MDC was a Wayne Gala.” He says.

“I’ll go get the car and pull it up front.” Dick says, a determined look on his face. Sometimes his ‘we’re a family and we stick together’ shit annoyed the hell outta Jason, but he was thankful for it today.

“I’m gonna go grab Selina’s coat for her to put on. I saw her dress, and if any MDC fan sees her leaving with us it’s gonna start a media circus.” Tim says, walking away to the coat room. Jason sighs, watching Marinette from across the room. A cleared throat beside him tugs his attention back to his youngest brother.

“What?” He asks, pushing his frustration down. He’d go shoot something later, but right now he was determined to not take his frustration at Bruce out on his siblings.

“Why would Father intentionally keep her from the Gala? She is far more adept at social interaction than I am.” Damian says with a frown. Jason sighs, shrugging.

“No clue. But I’m not about to let her push herself away from the rest of us just because B fucked up.” He says, watching as she walks over to the wall, almost disappearing in the shadows. He nods towards her, making sure Damian follows. The second Tim has Selina’s coat, their small group is off, sneaking out one of the side doors and walking past the journalists, sprinting to Dick and the waiting car. They all jump in and she tears the veil off her face, making Jason wince slightly at her red, puffy eyes. Dick slams on the gas, eliciting a curse from Jason and a squeal of surprise from Marinette.

“So! We broke out of that stuffy party. Where are we headed?” Dick asks, glancing in the rearview mirror to make eye contact with Jason. Jason grins.

“We go get a shit ton of junk food from McDonalds and eat it in the car. Give it the old, fast food smell that B loves oh so much.” He says. Marinette snorts, and Jason grins at her. He’d give B hell later, but for now, he was going to enjoy spending time with his siblings.

---

Bruce frowns as he glances around the Gala, not seeing his daughter. Or any of his other children. He made a mental note to talk to them later. Perhaps keeping the Gala from Marinette wasn’t his best decision.

Tag list: @maribat-bdbwm @vixen-uchiha @stainedglassm @liquid-luck-00 @jayjayspixiepop @jjmjjktth @mizzy-pop @trippingovermyfeet @queenz-z @thepaceperson @iloontjeboontje @waiting247 @laurcad123 @toodaloo-kangaroo @ritacrow-blog @deathssilentapproach-blog @kittenmywaythrulife @nerd-nowandforever @tazanna-blythe @jaybird-and-co @jumpingjoy82

119 notes · View notes