#if this was a strict 'who would win in a fight' thing I think Rake would beat most characters here

[ultimate-swordsmanship-bracket]

ROUND 1 MATCH 6: Clare vs Anomander Rake

"The Fastest Sword Of All Claymores"... vs the hundreds-of-thousands-of-years-old wielder of a sword that devours souls!

VS

Summaries under the cut:

Clare is a super-strong and super-fast warrior with advanced combat training, known as a Claymore. Out of all the Claymores she is the only one to have chosen to become one. The Claymores spend their lives fighting man-eating monsters and are part-monster themselves. Her superstrength allows her to wield her heavy claymore sword single-handed.

Anomander Rake is the leader of the Tiste Andii, powerful unaging beings known as the Children of Darkness. Rake is 7ft tall and his black sword Dragnipur is 6ft long with a dragon's skull pommel. He is both a master swordsman and master of dark magic. He once visited the island of the Seguleh, warriors who view eye contact as a challenge to a duel (though he was unaware of this): he ended up fighting several duels with the various warriors who challenged him and accidentally rose to the rank of seventh greatest fighter in their society. The only reason he hasn't become a god is that he hates being worshipped and frequently has to discourage people from doing so. His sword emits chains made of smoke when unsheathed, and even when sheathed creates a sense of terror in those who look upon it; the souls of everyone killed by the sword are imprisoned inside it. Rake can also turn into a black dragon.

[marknee]

bts fanfics i think shakespeare would plagiarise the absolute shit out of.

chapter iii. ✷ chapter v.

KEYS ON SEVERITY OF SHAKESPEARE’S STATE:

( ✮ ) — the bastard needs to find better hiding places to ‘secretly’ plagiarise. the tavern, really?

( ♬ ) — notes were found in the trunk by the foot of his bed. not the sharpest quill in the pot, i’ll say. 

( ✎ ) — word on the street is he’s been arranging a performance at the globe theatre next week.

( ♛ ) — why is this play being taught as part of the british exam curriculum? he didn’t even write it!

THE SHAKESPEARE SERIES.

WARNING: keep in mind, some of these authors are very strict on the rule that no minors should read their work if they’re underage, and i will honour that. but, at the end of the day, i am not your parent. so, there’s that. but heed my warning wisely. any smut or 18+ content is highlighted in bold.

NOTE: dear readers, welcome to phase two. did you miss me? it’s been a long time coming, i assure you, so i’m glad to finally get the ball rolling on the next few chapters of incredible stories. my quill has been neatly sharpened, so are you ready?

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( ♬ ) KEYNOTE — by @missgeniality

!! hoseok x reader | 18.5k !!

strangers to lovers, non-idol!au, smut, slight fluff.

dear reader, after some time away having finished phase one of this series, i happened to unwillingly stumble across some newfound knowledge of shakespeare, which enlightened all that i knew of. unbeknownst to me, shakespeare did write about sexual endeavours within his plays. exhibit a: “but i might see cupid’s fiery shaft, quenched in the chaste beams of the watery moon.” a midsummer night’s dream, act iii, scene i.

but, did shakespeare write: “a gruelling war between your self-respect and lascivious yearning, a war waged for way too long - the fact that you're even thinking about it, your self-respect has to give in to your desires.” indeed not.

effectively, this story doesn’t grant you time to settle in. if anything, you have all but one option when diving in to the sharks: to surrender, allowing yourself to be thrown into the deep end - to a dark predator, who from that moment, sits at the table he’s created within your mind, body and soul, and feasts on every last ounce of sanity you thought existed.

truthfully, what could say it better than: “metal could melt under his scrutiny — you’re nothing but a mere mortal.”

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( ♛ ) ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR — by @faryn_rose (ao3)

!! seokjin x reader, jungkook x reader | 48.4k !!

historical!au, violence, drama & romance.

“no, you decided. monsters did not spare people's feelings.”

there are those who fall under the supposition of being an iron fist in a velvet glove, and there are those who persist it. if anything, i argue a third exist: those who prove themselves neither.

throughout this story, it appeared two emotions were consistent in their approach of lurking within its entirety - heartbreak and betrayal. after all, people find themselves doing wild things in the name of love. in the battle between two men, both equal in their share of time on the battlefield, to win the precious heart of the reader, it provokes the question: who do you choose? the proud general willing to die for you, or the gentle chief who vows to keep you safe? certainly a tough choice.

the title is seemingly a perfect choice for this exhilarating fifty-thousand-word story. for the loser is left wondering whether the fight was worth the struggle.

not mentioning the loss of pride knowing their attempts were, in fact, faulty.

but, as said, all’s fair in love and war.

“he treated me like i mattered, like i had power in this world. and i decided that i couldn’t let someone like that go.”

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( ✎ ) 1999 — by @tattookoo

!! campus royalty!jungkook x reader | 17.9k !!

90s!au, college au, hockey!au, fake dating, smut.

“kook, it’s really not hard to pretend to be into you. you’re very easy to love.”

with an unruly raven-haired rake with devastating dimples as the love interest, i am fully subscribed to the belief this utterance lies true. if anything, you’d be a fool to not swoon over this dashing playboy of the 90s.

this story hones into the idea of fake dating for the sake of rebuilding a reputation. but, as it seems, nobody’s fate truly rests in their own hands.

as we know - or will come to in time - a real relationship requires more of something that a fake perhaps less so: vulnerability. true, it carries the burden, yet it leaves space for commitment to linger, though as a visitor, and not as a resident. it seems commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.

the author does an incredible job of bringing every aspect of being exposed to the susceptibility of love, and that is what earned itself a place in my series.

yet, why is it we continue to delve into stories like these? well, for the greatest adventure we humans can ever go on: to run the risk of rejection, and to be completely okay with it.

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( ♛ ) HOOKED — by @joopiterjoon (ao3)

!! namjoon x reader | 102k !!

friends with benefits, smut, angst, 18+.

typically, when tornado warnings siren, it’s our cue to turn tail and flee. so when tornado warnings siren within people, why is it we do not take initiative until the damage is done? even worse, what if they siren within ourselves? as we know, we cannot run from ourselves.

“i need to work on me with me." while this quote may appear ordinary, i fear its the most impactful, and arguably the most important, piece of dialogue in this story - the understanding that the only person who is going to fix you, is yourself. a tough pill to swallow - especially if you were shattered against your will - but one we must digest eventually.

shakespeare wouldn’t have a clue, regarding all his characters are broken beyond belief - and that, in most cases, ends up being their demise.

alternately, this story leaves you with two ending options. i shan’t tell you which is best, dear reader, as that choice belongs to you. but, a simple thing i like to remember:

“love is loss.”

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( ♛ ) HEARTBURN — by @jiminrings

!! jimin x reader | 41.7k !!

heavy angst, emotional infidelity, more angst.

“the ones we love have the power to inflict the greatest scars, for what thing is more fragile than the human heart.” i can’t remember for the life of me who said this, but dear lord, does it just hit the mark for this story.

to cheat is to lack integrity. which jimin palpably inherits. but, it seems in order to acquire agency, sometimes bad things have to be someone’s fault.

throughout this tripartite story, you witness the growth of each individual character - and perhaps the loss of parts, too. each has their depths, their faults, their beauty. nobody is left dry, and it truly brings the story together in a way that connects so well.

“guard your heart, y/n. let it be yours before you share it again.” i ask you, author, what provoked you to write such heart-rending words? and i ask you, dear readers, to bathe in the words i say next: your heart is yours before it is anybody else’s.

this story is not just about the destruction of a great trust, but about a birth of trust within yourself and what it means to wholeheartedly put yourself first - especially in desperate times when nobody else will do it for you.

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( ♬ ) TOLERATE IT — by @archivedkookie (ongoing)

!! taehyung x reader | 6k !!

heavy angst, one-sided love, forced marriage, smut.

“the worst way to love somebody’s to watch them love somebody else and it work out.” body better, maisie peters.

unrequited love is a killer. a crushing, sinking pain when your heart reaches the depths of your stomach, and it’s more common experience than one might think - especially between you and i.

whilst this story is still ongoing, i know i’m about to be completely swept off my feet. especially with leading quotes such as: “because before all this happened, you were his friend.”

this story feels familiar - the words familiar too. simply because i assure we’ve all been the the exact boat - the one floating upon stormy seas of rejection. we understand the readers pain, we sympathise with it, and we connect to it.

“not your love to be tolerated when you know you should be celebrated.”

we’re fools of love, that’s all we are. there’s no magic or defiance behind it.

and in the words of the perks of being a wallflower: “we accept the love we think we deserve.”

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( ✎ ) LEVEL OF RESTRAINT — by @lemonjoonah

!! jimin x namjoon x reader x taehyung | 13k !!

office!au, bdsm!au, 18+, thriller, smut.

“any position beneath you would suit me nicely.” why don’t you shut the fuck up?

now, tell me, at what point does one cross the thin line between obsession and possession? what are the defining factors, and when down that very same faded line, does one reach a great epiphany they’ve reached a place of no return? does ‘love’ not beg for sacrifice? does it?

setting the scene, with characters like these, it’s hard to not risk the fall of betrayal from the thrust of arguably non-consensual sexual situations, but i’ll let you be the judge of that. effectively, this story is one you have to experience for yourself, dear reader, in order to understand. there is only so much i can tell you- reveal, express, without running my mouth and ruining the whole plot line.

though, i shall leave you with one piece of advice. a thought for you to ponder on: pay attention.

and talk about jimin and namjoon being sex on legs all you want, but there is no denial this story has a deeper, more sinister verona.

lady macbeth said it herself: “look like th' innocent flower, / but be the serpent under't.”

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( ♬ ) WANT A TASTE? — by @suga-kookiemonster

!! yoongi x reader | 18.3k !!

friends to lovers, humour, shopping mall!au, smut.

"who are you, yoongi? what is your truth?” if there is something i can respect, should it be this line.

i believe there is a rich beauty in the small, gentle exchanges between strangers, to which ripen, transforming into the most special of connections between friends - and before long, between lovers. it’s a slow and steady process i’m sure, but i find those types of love are the most worthwhile. 

patience is, of course, dear reader, a virtue.

in my humble opinion, this story does nothing but breathe fun from its very core, encapsulating the sweet essence of excitement - of belonging - and burrowing itself around you like a warm blanket. that’s the sheer power of a writer - to familiarise the strange and mystify the familiar.

tell, aren’t you intrigued?

“all the time you've spent with him has already alerted you to the fact that his hard persona is all a front.”

took you long enough.

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( ♛ ) THE WEDDING ARRANGEMENT — by @sugaurora (ao3)

!! namjoon x black!reader | 44.2k !!

enemies with benefits to lovers, smut, romance.

“and maybe that's because it wasn't the kind of love you always expected, but something different that you hadn't fully let yourself accept.” if this were any other topic of matter, i would let wit take its course. however, as it is not, i am inept from doing so - rather i shall let your own imagination prove itself dominant, dear reader.

effectively, if there is anything this story has mastered, it’s the realisation that assumptions can erode any relationship, and inevitably are a fate we, the human race, continue to face and to fight.

“strangely, the first thing you thought of was home.” while i presume i join the line of overdue attendants to stumble across this indescribable romance, to say its definitely left its mark - perchance, more.

if you seek a delicious story to sink your teeth into, let this take the cake. besides, the story isn’t the only appetising option on the menu.

“you're a walking erotic novel cover, namjoon.”

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( ✮ ) FINAL SLEIGH — by @floralseokjin

!! seokjin x reader | 23.3k !!

office!au, rivals/enemies to lovers, smut.

in order to reach the beautiful rose nestled within its bush, you must first combat the prickly thorns to which ensure its survival by the name of protection. mind you, shakespeare never said that - i did. my quill is just as sharp it’s practically lethal.

the art of protection within humans, i say, is much different. it jumps out in strange forms, but each is just as valid as the other. which is what indefinitely makes this trope all the more interesting - especially in this story.

“feelings was a scary word, an uncertain word, but you thought you liked the way it made you feel.” arguably, if a pair are able to surmount this indescribable nine letter word, possibly even sit with the idea, then perhaps their journey marks itself a success. and that to me, is worth fighting for.

this story is a perfect mix between comedy and actuality, plenishing us of pure enjoyment while hooking us round the legs in the name of desire disguised. a perfect mask, indeed.

we’re all playing with fire. but if you don’t take that foolish risk, how’d you know you’d burn?

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( ✮ ) SIT. STAY. — by @daechwitatamic

!! seokjin x reader | 14k !!

neighbours!au, dog parent!au, smut.

“if you love somebody, let them go.” not to delve too deep into things, but baring in mind society’s self-destructive addiction to faster living, it poses the question whether “stay” within this context carries a much heavier weight than intended. asking someone to stick by you in a world which thrives on the act of haste, is a form of intimacy one may not throughly tread.

but understand this, dear readers, i do not miss anything.

the affinity within this story is one to point out. it’s so raw and genuine that it feels uncomfortably natural - to the point that freshly reading this felt like returning to an old friend your soul grew attached to in a past life, glad - and almost grateful - to encounter them once more.

“would you be better off telling him later, when things are settled, when you can tie up the story nice and neat?” oh, how you wound me. just so, the new in a relationship is a hard course to navigate, especially when it comes to our deepest shadows - perhaps it would be easier to stick a decorative bow over the cracks.

but then again, how else would light get in?

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( ♛ ) BLOOM — by @hobidreams

!! florist!namjoon x assassin!reader | 20.7k !!

smut, action, angst, opposites attract.

in the nature of life, it is normal for us to resist death. but in the nature of the world, in the end, death overwhelms life. but ‘tis not death itself we find ourselves afraid of, rather the possibility of it. “like how a child fears what might lay beyond a closet door, beneath a four-frame bed.”

even i fed the dark, hungry demon of that spiralling thought once.

within this captivating story, the two main characters of life and death coexist beside each other. neither try to dominate and drain the power of the other. they simply rest, side by side, together. while joon grows life through his plants, the reader strips that of what is so. to each to their own. the birth, and the destruction.

but, dear reader, does life beg the existence of death? or simply, is it the other way around? can death suffice without existence? “you can't seem to sleep… without the comfort that there's something growing, thriving in life just a few feet away.” …perhaps.

despite the pair being so different from one another, neither allow that defining characteristic the chance to ruin their dangerous, but very real connection. well… until the last petal falls.

but i shall let you discover that for yourself.

TAGLIST: @screamertannie @bebejungkook @taleasnewastime​

© marknee, 2023. all rights reserved.

[supersoldier-of-asgard]

Nodus Tollens (7/10)

•The realisation that the plot of your life doesn’t make sense to you anymore•

Parings : Bucky Barnes x HYDRA!reader (gender-fluid) + Avengers

Summary : you’ve been practically raised by HYDRA and The Wintersoldier has been your idol, someone you looked up to. What happens when you’re send to kill him and get captured by the avengers? SLOWBURN

Warnings whole fic : language, detailed discription of fighting and blood, a whole load of torture, trauma and a lot of angst ( if you want me to add something then please message me!)

Warnings this chapter : fighting, mentions of blood, threats

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6  Part 7  Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

Masterlist

“Sam! Sam! The cell is empty-“

Sam turned his head from the tv, an amused smile creeping up his lips as he watched Steve frantically walking up to him.

“Relax dude, Barnes got permission from Tony.”

Steve froze infront of the couch, eyebrows pulled together in confusion,” What? Bucky just took- where?”

A snort left Sam as he turned his attention back to the TV,” I don’t know, man. Probably his room.”

“His room?” Steve repeated baffled, plopping down next to him as he tried to register the information,” and Tony let him? What happened while I was asleep? Did she poison him?”

They laughed heartedly, the space between them suddenly filled as Natasha jumped over the couch and wiggled herself between their broad shoulders.

”I did some research and tried hacking into the HYDRA database, and you’re not going to believe what I found,” she frowned in concentration, opening the laptop on her lap and clicking on a document,” I tried looking into the data of old facilities that we already uncovered and I think I hit jackpot.”

Both boys leaned closer in to see the screen, both their eyebrows shooting up as they read the little information that revealed itself infront of them.

“Nat, this is the file..,” Steve whispered, eyes rapidly raking through the list at the bottom of the page.

“Is that... a list of torture techniques?” Sam gaped, wincing at the undetailed words that let his imagination run wild. A shiver ran up his spine as he read the seemingly never ending list.

“Yep,” she smirked, pointing to a box on the screen,” and that is the number of the facility.”

Steve was half listening as his eyes fixated on the bottom half of the page, his eyebrows growing deeper together as the image of you strapped to the interrogation-chair flashed in his mind. The way you behaved all made sense now. He couldn’t imagine what you went through at a young age.

“What are you guys doing?” A voice broke through from the doorway, causing all three heads to snap that way in unison.

The tension grew as they were met with a sight seemingly from an alternative universe. Bucky casually entered the room, tugging you behind him to the attached kitchen.

“What are you doing?” Sam countered back, sitting up straighter and turning around to face you.

“Getting cereal,” he shrugged, his metal fist clasped around the chain holding both your hands together, as his other hand opened the refrigerator.

You rolled your eyes, huffing as he gave you the milk carton to hold. You stared blankly at it with an eyebrow raised until he shrugged and put it on the counter.

“What is.. that doing here?” Sam continued, seemingly the only person that didn’t gulp down their tongue.

After telling him you were going to kill him, he had stared at you in thought for quite some time. You had awkwardly stood under his gaze, refusing to look away as he squinted and analized you with uneffected eyes. After awhile, he had bound your wrists again and tugged you away, even holding the door open for you to walk out before him.

“I would rather rot in that cel than be here,” you bit back, emphasizing with disgust. Bucky put down two bowls, loudly pouring the cereal. It was comically quiet after that, Bucky’s casualness waving away the tension.

He pulled on your chain to make you sit on one of the barstools, shoving one of the bowls your way and lazily sitting down next to you.

“I uh... should go,” Natasha announced, biting back a smirk as she closed the laptop and walked out of the room while looking back as if not believing this was happening.

You glared at her and pushed the bowl away from you with a huff, only causing Bucky to shrug and stuff his mouth with a spoonfull of cereal.

The loud crunching made Sam snicker as he stood up, confidently strutting over to you. You shot him your deadliest glare, and it would have made him intimidated if it weren’t for the condition you were in.

“What? you don’t like cereal?”he teased, pulling the bowl to him and obnoxiously crunching along with Bucky. This broke Steve and earned him soft giggles, the captain facade down for a moment. Your gaze shifted to the smile on his face, a weird sensation prickling in your stomach from the rare sight. You quickly digested it.

“Sam,” Steve warned, his smile contradicting his strict tone.

Sam put his hands up in surrender, sending Bucky a wink. Bucky rose a brow in return but continued eating, his attention drawn to the still playing TV.

“Let’s go to the traininglot,” Steve suggested, placing his hand on Sam’s shoulder to urge him away. He knew Sam would never stop teasing you until you lashed out, and that was the last thing he wanted right now.

He nodded, pushing the bowl back to you with a smirk and following Steve out the door, who gave the still uneffected Bucky a warning look.

You glared at the side of Buckys face as he kept his attention on the screen, milk lazily dripping from his scruffy chin. He didn’t even pay attention to you as you shot daggers at him, slurping on the milk as he squinted at the large screen.

“What are you doing?” you hissed after a couple of minutes of glaring, ticked off. Your balled fists slam against the marble table, shaking the bowls, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.

“Eating cereal.”

You grit your teeth, closing your eyes in frustration.

“Take me back.”

He feined a thoughtful look,” hmm..” his lips twitched left and right as he took another spoonfull, chewing painfully slow. “...no.”

Frustrated air blew out of your nose as you snatched his bowl away and threw it at the screen, shattering it to pieces as it buzzed in surprise. You expectedly looked back at him, a smirk on your face for making him mad.

But you hadn’t, apparently, as he only blinked at the now broken television, still chewing on the soggy cereal. The smirk wiped off your face and you abruptly stood up to leave, being halted by a metal hand tugging at your chain.

“No no, you’re staying with me for today,” he casually stated, your eyes widening in horror.

“What-“

“Let’s go look at Steve and birdman.”

You had no choice but to comply as you were being dragged to the elevator and what you knew to be the traininggrounds. Your body tensed up as the grunts and huffs grew louder as you neared the entrance. Bucky looked back at you to see your reaction, but was met with yet the same emotionless wall. Although, he knew you were for once confused and caught off guard.

He knows HYDRA and he knows people like you. You like to have control, planning every single detail and working through every possibility to make sure there were no surprises. Now, he had done something you’d never have expected, and that made you vulnerable. He was now at the head of your game.

Tense energy surrounded you like a bubble, your defense mechanism on high alert as he yet again opened the door for you, inviting you to yet again a place you didn’t belong.

The two men didn’t pay attention to you entering their private space, continuing their kicks and punches as you observed all the details of the incredible equipment.

Bucky abruptly stopped infront of a bench and turned around, causing your lingering gaze to divert back to his sky blues.

“I’m going to change. Wait here.”

Your body seemed to tense even more as you watched his muscular back retreat, the only person you felt somewhat comfortable with leaving you.

“What? Already attached to him? Bucky is hot, I don’t blame you.”

“Sam,” Steve warned, chuckling as they stopped their sparring to take a swig of their waterbottles.

“I’ll break your neck without breaking a sweat,” you monotonously spat, not looking away from the door that Bucky left through.

“Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try,” he confidently boasted, causing your stare to shift slowly to the smirk that painted his face.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Tell you what. If you win, I won’t bother you the whole day, but if I win...” he paused, “you have to tell us a secret,” he proposed, Steve’s awaiting gaze flickering to you in anticipation.

Your shoulders loosened a bit and a devilish smirk lit your dull face. ”Deal.”

“What did you do, Wilson?” Shouted the familiar voice, your smirk softening as you took in his presence. He was wearing a white shirt, accentuating his dark hair and blue eyes, and black shorts, hanging low on his hips as he tied his hair into a bun. You looked away, clearing your throat as you held your shackled wrists up to him.

“They’re going to spar for a bet,” Steve chuckled, not believing you agreed to the terms and conditions.

Bucky raised his brows at Sam, a smile forming on his lips as he swiped his thumb to free you.” This should be interesting.”

You rubbed your red wrists, walking to stand infront of Sam as he stretched his arms dramatically.

“Rules! No killing or serious injuries! We need Sam and this is just sparring,” Steve quickly threw in, getting several eyerolls.

The devilish smile painted your face again as you cracked your neck, balling your hands into fists and standing in a too-lazy fighting stance.

You were weak from the lack of food the past few days, your fast metabolism not helping your case. Your body ached from sitting in uncomfortable positions, muscles stiff from not training for a long time. But, you were determined to win this and were not backing down.

Sam threw the first punch, hitting air as you swiftly moved out of the way. You pondered if you should make this interesting or just end it here, and when he successfully landed a kick against your side, you stopped a millisecond before connecting your fist with his jaw.

He staggered backwards, giving you enough time to twist your body in the air in a swift motion, kicking his head so forcefully that he dropped to the ground as you placed your foot down again.

He groaned as a ‘holy shit’ sounded from the men beside you, amazed at how that happened in the blink of an eye. You huff and straighten your composture as Sam rubbed his head.

‘‘I think I broke my skull,’‘ he chuckled in pain, slowly sitting up.

‘‘Maybe your brain finally fell in the right place this time,’‘ Bucky teased, eyes locking with yours as an unknown glint lit his irises. Was that... proudness?

‘‘You think this is funny, Barnes? Why don’t you show how it’s done?’‘ Sam tested, holding the helping hand of Steve as he pulled him up.

Bucky tilted his head with a smile and shrugged.’’ Alright.. you’re up for this?’’

Taken aback, you decided to test your limits.’’Okay.. but this time, if I win, I want my music back.’’

‘‘Buc-’‘

‘‘Fine,’‘ Bucky interrupted Steve, holding his right hand out for you to shake. You looked at it wearily, before slowly reaching out and pressing your palm against his. A warm shiver shot up your arm, causing you to retreat in shock. This was the first time you touched his flesh hand, and when you looked up for his reaction, you feared he felt it too.

Your heart thudded against your chest as you both held your fightingstance. You only ever dreamt of this moment, standing opposite him and showing your skills and strenghts. You had dreamt of him teaching you, fighting alongside him on missions and him being proud of you. Now, you had a chance to prove yourself strong, without him, better than him. 

If you beat him today, you will finally know what to do.

This time, you were the one to throw the first punch. You could blink and miss it, but he swiftly caught your fist in his metal prosthetic. Both of you forcefully tried punching and kicking eachother, using incredible technique as air whipped around your faces. He blocked your moves, and you blocked his, strenghts seeming to be equal as minutes passed. It felt like you were flipping around for hours, but it was mere minutes still.

It was like a dance, bodys barely touching, dipping down to the ground but standing back up again, sometimes stepping on toes. One tried to outdo the other as you spun in circles around the room. A good few hits were made by both of you, blood oozing out of noses and split lips pushing out grunts. Jaws were clenched and bruised, sweaty clothes sticking to their bodys as eyes focused on eachother only.

The two other figures in the room seemed to have disappeared as you put your everything in your kicks and punches. It was getting tiresome, and it only took one millisecond of eyecontact with the darkened blues of Bucky’s eyes to let your guard down. 

Bucky grasped at the opportunity and swept your legs from under your feet, rapidly climbing ontop of you and pinning your bruised wrists down. You breathed out a grunt as his thighs pressed against your sides, trapping you and enabling you from moving any further. 

You loosened, admitting defeat as you let your head hit the mat underneath you. Your heavy breathing synced as both of you tried to regain the air in your lungs and recover. His white shirt was sweaty and shone through, his blurry chest too close to yours and making it harder for you to breathe. His hair was loose from the bun , forming a curtain around his face, his once bright blue but now dark marine eyes locked yours an never left. They were shining with triumph but also lust, trapping you in place as you let him take the win.

Bucky swept his gaze from left to right and shamelessy raked it down your face, feeling compelled to take in all the details. From the graze on your forehead to the bloodsplatter on your nose, all the way to the split in your bottemlip. He subconsciously licked his dry lips, tasting the blood that also stained his features.

This broke your trance as you quickly threw him off, climbing ontop of him and holding his wrists tightly to the ground. The metal and flesh both had different temperatures, the plates whirring to adjust.

You rose your brow at him and forced to smiled devilishly.’’ You lost focus.’’

A snicker was heard from the side and you both diverted your attention from the other, finally noticing the two other watchers.

‘‘Damn, that was intense,’‘ Sam winced as you climbed off, standin straight and patting down your clothes.’‘I honestly didn’t know who was gonna win.’‘

Bucky stood up too.’’Wow Wlison, so much faith in me,’’ he joked, bending down to grab his hairtie. Instead of tying his hair, though, he put it around his wrist.

Steve tossed both of you a waterbottle, chuckling.’’ Don’t mean to be the partybreaker, but a deal’s a deal.’’

‘‘That’s right! You promised you’d tell a secret,’‘ Sam smirked, crossing his arms.

‘‘And you shouldn’t bother me the whole day, yet here you are,’‘ you bit back.

He put his hands up in defense, not messing with you after he shamefully lost.

‘‘Let’s just shower and put on clean clothes,’‘Bucky suggested, waving you over as you both walked away from them and to the showers.

You had expected him to lead you to one of the guestrooms like Natasha had, but instead he stopped infront of his door. He walked inside as you froze in the doorframe, eyes wide and unsure.

When he noticed you didn’t follow, he turned around and urged you inside, fumbling in his closet as you slowly took a step. 

‘‘You can shower in mine, I’ll go in Clint’s next door,’‘ he said, throwing you some clothes. He pursed his lips as it hit you and fell to the ground, your eyebrows pulled together and stance stiff.‘‘What?’‘

“Why are you being.. nice? I literally told you I’d kill you,’‘ you slowly spoke, taking a careful step back.

He sighed, lifting his hand to his forehead before raking it down his hair.’’ I don’t know,’’ he huffed, clenching and unclenching his fist,’’ I thought... I’d try to make you feel safe.’’

Your furrowed brows shot up.’’Safe?’’ you echoed.

He nodded, stuffing his right hand in his pocket. Your head raced as you tried to process his words. Safe? he wanted you to feel safe? He held you captive here, away from your home, and he wanted you to feel safe?

You stared at him in confusion, not finding it within you to be angry at the honest sky clouding his eyes.

‘‘Why?’‘ was all you could come up with, the million other questions sticking to the back of your head along with your damp hair.

‘‘..I don’t know,’‘ he repeated. But he did know why, and he wanted to tell you. Tell you that he knew how badly you were treated in HYDRA and how that now effected you to be emotionless and thought to be not worthy of affection. Tell you he knew you never had proper friends and he wanted to be one, to show you that they were bad and he was good. But he can’t, because it’s not the time.

You hesitatingly bent down and grabbed the clothes he had thrown at you, walking to the bathroomdoor while holding eyecontact. A weird feeling crept up your stomach and slithered around your heart, but you pushed it down as far as you could, knowing how bad this could end.

When you were done, he wasn’t there. Instead of the calm blue gaze you expected, a harsh pair of greens turned around to meet you. You couldn’t help but feel disappointed as Natasha shackled your wrists together again, leading you to your awaiting cel. 

Your stomach clenched as the door slowly slid shut, hiding the little bit of light you had grown accustomed to. You sighed, scolding yourself for breaking down your walls brick by brick after a little bit of affection. 

You had stared at the wall until dawn broke out, billions of thoughts running through your mind but mostly your heart, the warmth of the sunrise breaking through the thick walls and managing to slowly melt your frozen heart.

- Part 8

A/N : Only three chapters left :( but after this, I’ll be writing a Loki fic where he gets the love and acceptance he deserves. Stick arounf for that one if you like this! 

Please let me know your thoughts!

tags

@unicornsxfandoms @mariana-cb @marydragneell

[barbara-gordons]

Queen of the People

Caroline would do anything for her poor excuse of a father. Even becoming the future Queen to Klaus Mikaelson.

word count: 3.3k+

also available on ao3 and fanfic.net

Despite Caroline’s known reputation for being a people person, she was not in fact a people person. Sure, she organized galas and tried on dresses a bit more often than a normal girl, but its not necessarily because she wanted to do them. Having a family like hers meant fighting harder for their name on a list. Or for anything, really. But Caroline wouldn’t complain. Why should she? People like that never win. But sometimes Caroline didn’t know if there was anything to win.

But she had to ignore those thoughts, and stick her feet into those tiny, tiny heels. Like now, as she tried to listen to her friend Katherine’s rant about the lack of humble men at the party they were currently at.

   “Look at him, Caroline. Sure, he has a nice suit. But that’s it! And look at his face - mediocre at best. I wouldn’t even allow my maiden workers to date him. What a pig.” Katherine said, the cruel words slipping out of her mouth like nothing.

 “Katherine,” Caroline sighed, “I’m sure he’s a nice man. You haven’t even spoken to him. Or to any man at this ball for that matter.”

“I don’t need to speak to him to know how much of a prick he is. It’s all in the posture, Care. They way they walk - how they step into a room like they own the place. Please. My father earns more in a day then they do in a year.” There was a beautiful scowl on Katherine’s face as she said this. There was usually one on her face. Katherine Pierce - beautiful, intelligent, talented, rich - but cruel, mean, and selfish. “I guess I’ll go talk to that one, he looks familiar. I think he’s a Salvatore.” she pointed her finger at a handsome blonde across the room. “I’ll see you later, Caroline.”

And now she was stuck in this overpriced ball alone. It wasn’t odd for Katherine to run off with a man despite talking bad about them, but she had hoped one of these days Katherine would stay with her for the duration of the party. So she wouldn’t be forced to conversate with the rich socialites that hated her purely because she wasn’t born with a silver spoon attached to her.

Caroline picked up her wine glass and moved to talk to Hayley, someone who just shamed her for not being able to afford the finest dresses, and not for having a condemned father. But before she could make a step, she was interrupted.

“Hi, I’m Rebekah.” The accented stranger said, clad with the finest clothing. Unlike what most people would think, Caroline wasn’t that good at recognizing designer clothing. But even her fashion deficient mind could tell what the gorgeous newcomer was wearing was worth of royalty.

“Um, I’m Caroline,” she said, flustered. “I’m sorry but, have we met? I don’t think I’ve seen you around this social crowd.”

“Oh, sorry. I’m here with Marcellus Gerard. I wouldn’t have normally come to this type of gathering, its a bit below my tastes. Anyways, have you heard of him? He’s my fiance.”

Had Caroline heard of him? Oh yes. Marcellus Gerard was one of the most prestigious bachelors of the country. Well, according to this new information, he wasn’t a bachelor anymore. And here she was, talking to his fiance. Clearly a rich one, which could be told from the way she acted like this world class ball was nothing but a mere cheap gathering. She was also quite beautiful. Her eyes pierced in a way that made Caroline think if she was asked to get out of here with her, she wouldn’t say no.

“Yes, I’ve heard of him. He knows my best girl friend, Katherine Pierce.”

Rebekah’s eyebrows rose in amusement. “You’re friends with that monstrosity of a whore? No offense to you Caroline, but she’s screwed more of my friends than I can count.”

This comment left Caroline quite surprised. No woman looking to marry up would speak like that in such a public event. But perhaps she was not marrying up, but marrying down.

“I’d prefer you not talk about her like that. She may be a whore in your terms, but she is still my friend.” Caroline spit out, not even shocked at her own behavior. She was a classy lady at most times, but cross her friends and she’d make you regret it.

Rebekah didn’t take what she said as seriously as Caroline did, the corners of her lips rising as she replied. “I like you. Classy. Snarky. You’d make a great Queen. But back what I came over here to say,” she sat her own wine glass on the nearby table. “You see that cocky little blonde fellow over there?” Rebekah looked over to the right, her eyes urging Caroline to look.

And she was so glad she did. There stood possibly the most gorgeous man she had ever laid her eyes on. Beautiful blonde curled hair, dark eyes that could see into the darkest parts of your soul, and thick seductive lips. The suit he was wearing only added to his allure, fitting him in all the right places.

“What about him?” She said, her voice quiet as if he could hear her as far away as he was.

“That’s my brother, Klaus. He hasn’t stopped talking about you all might. ‘Look at her’ this, ‘What a beauty’ that - it’s exhausting. I was hoping you’d talk to him and get him to shut his mouth. I have to hear it enough already.” this

“He’s interested in me?” Caroline was shocked. It wasn’t because she thought she was ugly, she definitely was not. Caroline Forbes was one of the most beautiful girls in the city, and that’s speaking humbly. But in this world, beauty didn’t attract suitors. Money did. And since Caroline herself was the reason she could afford to get in this party, she didn’t exactly have a lot of men lining up at her door. “Are you sure? He does know I don’t come from old money, correct?”

Rebekah flicked her hair across her shoulder. “Oh, he’s interested. And sweetheart, of course he knows. I could tell from the quality of that dress that you picked it up from some boutique and didn’t have it tailored. Now go talk to him, I don’t have all night. Marcel is waiting for me.”

Rebekah spun around and left without allowing Caroline to say a word, not even looking back to see if she had followed her orders.

Caroline looked back at Klaus, wondering if she should talk to him. He was now sporting a smirk, common among egotistical men she had often met. But as she looked around for other options, she decided it was best to indulge in the part of her that thought about nothing else but men and romance.

A burst of temporary confidence burst through her as she walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. “Hi. I’m Caroline.” Her smile said a million words, possibly the brightest thing in that ballroom.

Klaus turned around to look at her, his eyes raking up and down her body. “Well hello there love. I’m Klaus, but I’m guessing you already know that from my wretch of a sister. Let me guess, she told you that I think you’re the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and that I wish to marry you someday, however long it takes.”

Caroline’s smile faltered. ‘Uh, yeah. Sort of.”

“Well,” his face slowly turned into a rotten grin. “She was correct.”

Damn it. Caroline thought. He’s gorgeous, has the voice of an angel, and is annoyingly charming.

“She also told me that you were annoying, and that you couldn’t shut your mouth.”

“I couldn’t shut my mouth about you, of course.”

Caroline couldn’t hide her genuine grin from appearing. Not the fake one she was too used to showing, but her actual happy smile. She had barely been speaking to him for a minute, yet something about him made her happier than most men could ever dream of.

“Do you want to dance?”

And with that, Caroline dragged Klaus on to the ballroom dance floor, and they danced.

--

    They ended up dancing for hours, something Caroline had never done. Even Katherine showed surprise when they bumped into each other and she was still there. And the truth was, Caroline never wanted to leave. She was having the time of her life and she didn’t want the high to end. But as they say, good things always come to an end.

                 “I have to go, I need to check on my father.” Caroline whispered to Klaus, slightly love drunk from their torrid evening.

                 “Are you sure? You can’t stay a little longer?” Klaus whispered as well, the night having the same effect on him.

                 “I can’t. You don’t understand. My father … I need to check on him.”

                 “Very Well. I have … business I need to take care of later tonight anyways. Stay safe for me, love.”

             Caroline blushed at the term of endearment. It wasn’t a unique or particularly special pet name, but they way he said it when he looked at her made the butterflies in her stomach go wild.  

             “Will you be at the next party in this district? I heard Bonnie Bennett is hosting a gala for her engagement to Malachi Parker.” Caroline looked at him hopefully, wanting to at least see him again. Maybe next time she’ll wear a prettier dress.

              “For you, Caroline, I’ll go to the next thousand parties in the district. No matter how much my sister complains.”

               Caroline softly smiled. “I’ll see you, then.”

               “I’ll see you.”

The lights were turned on when Caroline arrived home. The lights were never turned on when she got home. Her father, as garbage as he was, always had a strict bedtime schedule for himself. The one good quality about him, her mother used to say before she ditched him and Caroline for a richer suitor and moved across the country.

             That fact made it all more worrisome when she saw unfamiliar horses outside the house.

Hurrying inside the house, she rose her voice to a rate where no self righteous man could ignore her.

       “What are you people doing inside my home?” She quickly found her father and stood in front of him, like that would make the intruders simply leave them alone.

       “We’ve got orders from His Majesty's secretary that we arrest him for not paying his debt.” The man who spoke was clearly the head of the nethanderals, his badges just the tiniest shiner than the rest.  

.   Caroline flipped her head to her father, rage filling her eyes.

            “Debt? Really Father? What for now? Betting on the horse races? Alcohol?”

“You were right by the first guess, m’am.” One of the men said, an impatient tone in his voice.

    She turned her anger filled gaze over to the man who interrupted her. “Was I talking to you?”

       The clear heat in her voice made him back down, his gaze falling to the floor.

  Caroline turned her head back to her father, and spoke to him in a whisper. “How could you do this? Do you know how hard I’ve been working to try to pull your reputation out of the gutter?” “Caroline, darling- you don’t understand how hard it's been for me. I’ve- ”

“How hard its been? For you? You did this! How about how hard its been for me? Suffering at the choices of my failure of a father!” She took a deep breath and tried to organize her thoughts. “You know what? Its okay. I’ll handle this.”

At that, she turned around and flashed her biggest smile at the soldiers. “Boys. I’m sure we can figure something out. It's a lovely evening, after all. Wouldn’t you rather spend your time out at a party instead of arresting a good man for an incident that can be easily solved.”

“I’m afraid not m’am.” A soldier said. :”We got orders from his Majesty himself.”

“You said his Majesty’s secretary. Not his Majesty himself.” This was a stretch, Caroline knew, but she had to try something. She couldn’t let her father be taken.

And why did his Majesty care so much about an old man’s gambling debts?

“That’s pretty much the same thing miss. Now like you said, we do have parties we’d rather be at so if you’d let us take him in we could be there sooner.” He stepped forward, signaling for the rest of the men grab him.

             “Take me instead.”

Caroline had no idea why she said that. It would probably be best if he was taken in. Less problems for her, less problems for everyone.

But he is her father, and she couldn’t bear the thought of him rotting in some jail cell. She would do anything for him. Even taking his place.

The soldiers looked at each other, exasperated looks on their faces.

“How about we take both of you, ask whoever's in charge to decide? This could take a while and I have a reception to attend.” The lead one asked, running his hand through his hair.

Satisfied, Caroline nodded her head and allowed the armed men to take both her and her father into custody.

--

The location they had taken them to was much nicer than Caroline expected. Heck, it was carpeted. And not cheap carpet either. Beautiful imported carpet. It was of royal caliber. And that was saying something, considering Caroline had never expected to find carpet of all things so beautiful that she described it as of royal caliber.

It was also heavily guarded, which was to be expected, considering it held criminals. But the guards were decorated. Heavily decorated, enough to where the shiny medals the soldiers who took her in wore were considered cheap.

When her and her father were led into a room that held the royal crest on its door, that’s when it hit her.

She was in the royal dungeon.

She chastised herself for not realizing it sooner, although the class of the area made it seem like an ordinary office instead of a dark dungeon that held the scariest criminals. And that posed another question - Why was her father in the royal dungeons when he was arrested for illegal horse betting, and not murder?

Her curiosity was soon replaced with fear as they were alone in that room.

Her father had not said a word yet, and she preferred it that way. She cared for him, yes - but he was the one who had gotten them in that situation in the first place. She wasn’t ready to forgive yet, not this soon.

Caroline opened her mouth to reprimand her father when the door started to open. She quickly closed her mouth but it opened again in shock when she saw who opened that door.

Klaus.

He moved swiftly to the other side of the table in front of them, a masked emotion on his face.

It was clear he didn’t expect Caroline.

But the look on his face as he glanced over to her father said the opposite.

Klaus was a beautiful man. Something Caroline definitely learned after spending the evening with him. And look of pure and utter hate that covered his face as he looked at Caroline’s dad wasn’t any different. Even in the ugliest mood, Klaus could look as heavenly as a God.

Which made Caroline’s mood very inappropriate for the situation they were in.

But she spoke anyways, hoping to ignore the dreamy good looks of the man in front of her and save her father.

“Take me instead.”

Klaus’s gaze returned to her, an annoyed look on his face. “Caroline, love - what the bloody hell are you thinking?”

“Don’t call my daughter that. How the hell do you even know her name yet? She hasn’t be registered!” Caroline’s dad had an almost brave look on his face. Caroline would be proud if he actually was brave.

“Father, it’s fine. We’re … acquaintances.” She said to him, unsure of how to tell her father ‘We danced all night at a ball and I’m pretty sure he’s the most beautiful man I’m highly sure I’ll ever see in my life.’ And to Klaus she said, “I’m protecting my father. What the bloody hell are you doing here?”

He smirked. “I forgot. You don’t know who I am.” He crossed his arms together and sat back in the chair. “Long Story short - I’m Prince Mikaelson. And your father owes me quite a lot of money.”

He was Prince Mikaelson.

The soon to be crowned prince.

Caroline didn’t know why she didn’t realize sooner. Sure, he had been kept out of the media his entire life in order to prepare for his future duties as king - but she should’ve seen the signs.

But she was too distracted by the piercing eyes of the man sitting in front of her. Damn him.

“Oh.” Her eyes widened. She was tempted to stop, to let her father be detained in the name of royalty. Then looked her father in the eyes. And she knew she couldn’t live knowing he was rotting in a cage. “Well still - take me instead. I’m sure I’m a fitting payment for the debts.”

“You shouldn’t have to be a payment for his debts.” Klaus looked over at her father, disgust in his eyes “What about you? Are you going to let your daughter do this? Waste the rest of her life to pay your debts?”

Like the useless pile of junk her dad was, he stayed quiet and looked down at the floor.

Klaus scoffed at the silence. “Fine. But since Caroline did nothing wrong, I offer up a different version of .. payment.”

At the silence of Caroline, he continued on.

“In order to become King, I must have a Queen. A Queen that looks good in the media. A woman of the people. It’s something that my father commands. But I’d also like that Queen to likable to me.” He paused, leaning forward on his elbows. “That’s you, Caroline.”

Caroline blinked in shock. “Wait, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“If what you’re thinking is that I’m offering you the role as my Queen, than yes.’

She didn’t know what to say. Klaus Mikaelson, future King of her entire country, was asking her to marry him and become his Queen.

“Can I think on it?” She took a deep breath, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.

“Of course you can. But until then, your father will have to be in a holding cell until you make your decision.” Klaus stood up, walking towards the door.

Until Caroline’s father yelled out in protest.

“You can’t hold me in here,” he yelled out widely, fear present in his eyes. “Caroline - please. Take his offer. Please.”

The tension in the room was thick. There was Klaus, disgusted that a father could tell out his daughter like that. That he could try to take away Caroline’s decision and consent to do this. Then Caroline, who was internally conflicted. She could leave, walk away to make her decision. But her father might never forgive her. And she could say yes, her father free the role of a future Queen bearing weight on her shoulders. And Caroline’s dad Bill, who cared about nothing but his freedom.

Both the men in the room looked at Caroline, waiting for a decision. But the only thing Caroline could think about is when she was 9.

It was the perfect age for her. Caroline’s mom was alive, and her father hadn’t fallen off the deep end. It was pure bliss for her. Staying up with her mother reading her favorite childhood  books, and getting up early with her dad to study and learn. It was a time she hadn’t appreciated enough. A time she wish she had now.

Thinking of those times, of all the knowledge - she decided.

‘Yes, I’ll do it.” She said to Klaus. “I’ll marry you. I’ll be your Queen.”

[neokollection]

Reaction To Their S/O Crying During An Argument

NCT 127

Suggested: ‘NCT 127 reaction to you crying suddenly during a fight after they yell at you?’

Taeil:

He’d be upset. He’d never expected the fight to escalate to a point in which you’d be crying... To be honest, he’d fall silent, his irritation still whirling within him- yet he’d feel awful. Seeing your crying face as you hurriedly turn from him, a muffled sob escaping would dissipate his anger. He’d fight with him, tempted to draw you close and coo gently while also determined to remain strict and ignore your tears- 50% of the time he’d do one the other 50% of the time, the other. Silence.

Johnny:

He’d be the type to sigh audibly, raking a hand through his hair in exasperation. He’d think it was unfair. He’d want to stay angry, he wasn’t going to let his jealousy from the argument go, but he’d also feel weak in front of you as you cry. Similarly to Taeil, he’d want to stay upset, but would ultimately cave. “D-Don’t cry like that- I’m sorry... Babe-”

Taeyong:

Honestly, I don’t think he’d know what to do. He’d even be surprised by himself, having not intentionally raised his voice so abruptly.  Taeyong would for sure feel like 120% shit and would quickly come to your aid, apologizing as he frantically pulled your tear-stricken face into his chest. “I didn’t mean it- I’m sorry.”

Yuta:

He’d be a bit taken aback. His anger would vanish immediately and he’d fall silent. I think he may just stand there, watching... Only if you made a move to turn from him or brush past him would he snap into action. He’d probably prefer his actions over his words, drawing you into a sudden embrace as he presses a long kiss to the crown of your hair, not releasing you until you quiet.

Doyoung:

Shit, he’d totally clam-up once he saw you begin to cry. He hadn’t expected you to be frightened to that extent. Honestly, he still wouldn’t be ready to live down the argument though, still hot-headed. He’d probably carry on, his words dying down as he loses fuel with each moment more tears fall. “Y-You shouldn’t have let Johnny- act like that... It’s f-flirting- Can you stop crying?”

Jaehyun:

I see Jaehyun as the type of guy who initially would just let it happen. When he gets upset he’s really upset and to be honest, he still wouldn’t feel calm enough to try to console you. So, either you or him would end up walking away first, addressing it all at a later time, after you’d cried for about half an hour in your bedroom and he sat at the couch staring at the wall... He would think of it as unfair, knowing damn well you know the effect your tears have on him usually.

Win:

He’d just fall silent, not sure if he should carry on not. He’d probably avoid looking at you, feeling guilt creep in. “Please don’t cry... Talk to me...”

Mark:

He’d find himself in a rut... He’d never intended for you to begin crying and he’d hurriedly back-track over his words. He’s able to scare even himself when he raises his voice, his nostrils flaring with anger, so he’d completely understand why you were upset and would tentatively step closer, nuzzling into your hair as his arms loosely surround you as he gives a muffled apology. He’d be sweet though and use his normal tone, lifting the hem of his shirt up to dab at your cheeks. “I hate when we argue...”

Haechan:

Boi would probably either A. get himself into a worse situation or B. drop everything and try to console you. A. I can see him further escalating things by dismissing your crying, too riled up to stop now. It was unfair, did you expect him just to let everything go because you shed a few tears? He’s stubborn. “Stop crying and listen to me, I’m not done.” B. However, I can also see him as the type to totally drop everything and be a bit shocked, panic-stricken as you began to cry. He’d resort to coaxing you to sit down, apologizing for being an ass and babying you a bit. “Let’s not talk about it anymore- I’ll start crying if you don’t stop~”