#in the book she closed her eyes and meditated on the game for A FULL HOUR

[an-aura-about-you]

I shouldn't have gone on the tvtropes page for The Queen's Gambit because they have one for the Netflix series but not the book. And like, I get that stuff has to change for adaptation, but I really don't understand why some of the changes they've listed happened.

[jmliebert]

bg3 on a beach (modern headcanons)

some little beach-day headcanons ˙ᵕ˙

𓇼 Astarion 𓇼

the one who brought sunscreen with SPF 50

and basically an entire beach bag of skincare essentials— lip balm, hand cream, hand sanitizer, hair comb (gold-plated), facial mist, perfumes….

….a chic umbrella that screams "I don't do tan lines" (you didn’t know umbrellas might be chic? wel, you’ve obviously never met astarion, you poor soul)

struts around in Dior or Armani swim trunks that probably cost more than everyone else’s entire beach wardrobe (taste, darling)

throws subtle shade at anyone who dares to get sand near his setup

𓇼 Gale 𓇼

sitting next to Astarion under the chick umbrella, reading a brick-tome that looks way too heavy for a beach day

loose, unbuttoned shirt flapping in the breeze, looking like he's ready to casually narrate the next chapter of his life

dips into the water only to cool off, then returns to his book (wears a wide brimmed hat while swimming because sunburns are for novices)

brings some fruits, maybe homemade snacks i(f he’s feeling particulary extra)

puts on sunglasses, claiming it’s for “eye protection,” but really so he can unashamedly observe everyone else (astarion observes everyone at the beach as well, but making no effort to hide it though)

𓇼 Halsin 𓇼

totally would have preferred to go to a nudist beach, but hey, what won’t he do for his party?

sunbathes directly under the scorching rays, basking in nature's warm embrace

gives off major retired surfer vibes—minus the board, plus a lot of wisdom about underwater ecosystems

spends most of the day diving, befriending the fish, and enthusiastically recounting his underwater adventures to Shadowheart

as the sun sets, he meditates, he’s body looking positively glorious as the golden light hits just right

𓇼 Wyll 𓇼

rolls in with a cooler full of chilled beer, instantly becoming everyone’s favorite person

the one who’s super into every beach sport there is

performs cartwheels and somersaults, showing off a little (endd up with a head full of sand)

borrows Halsin’s goggles and disappears for an hour or two, only to resurface with a story about an underwater adventure

comforts a crying child who lost their bucket, instantly becoming a hero of the beach

𓇼 Karlach 𓇼

alexa, play starships by nicki minaj

fearless of the sun—probably doesn’t even know what sunscreen is

the most grateful for Wyll's beer, probably cracking open a can before she even sets up her towel (if it's a bottle, she’ll open it with her teeth)

hypes everyone up for a beach volleyball match, whether they want to play or not

dominates the game with killer serves, yelling “BOOM!” every time she scores

𓇼 Shadowheart 𓇼

aka Wednesday Addams on vacation, complete with a black swimsuit and a hat so big it casts shade on half the beach

floats around on an floatie, giving off strong “don’t bother me” vibes

quietly builds a sandcastle that turns out to be an architectural masterpiece (It’s somehow both gothic and impressive)

doesn’t know how to swim but hasn’t admitted it to anyone. Instead, she’s perfected the art of looking mysterious while staying close to the shore

smiles at dogs playing in the distance

𓇼 Lae’zel 𓇼

laughs in the face of sunburn

side-eyes Astarion and Gale applying sunscreen, muttering something about “weakness” under her breath

joins Shadowheart for a few minutes of sandcastle building, then pretends she wasn’t enjoying it

hyper-competitive during beach volleyball, diving for every ball like it’s a life-or-death situation

inevitably gets sunburned, grudgingly wears Gale’s hat, and glares at anyone who dares to mention it

𓇼 Jaheira 𓇼

doesn't have time for this shit

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

you can find more of my works about bg3 ♡here♡

the summer is ending, I feel it in my bones, so I just had to write this one hihi

[moonselune]

you’re back!!!! Yesss!!! So remember that one ask you did when tav slapped the book out of the male companion’s hands? Well, I was wondering if we can have that but a Lae’zel x Karlach, but instead of books, Karlach scares Lae’zel with a kiss in public? 🥺🙏

Oooo have not come across this pairing before but glad I have now x

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Karlach x Lae'zel | Catch me if you can

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Lae'zel was never one to be easily surprised. A warrior of the Githyanki, she was always alert, always prepared. Yet Karlach had made it her mission to catch her off guard with surprise kisses, a challenge Lae'zel found increasingly perplexing, irritating - and although she would not admit it, warming.

It started one morning in camp. Lae'zel was sharpening her blade, her focus unwavering as she tended to her dear weapon. She heard the faintest rustle of movement behind her but dismissed it as nothing more than a breeze. Suddenly, warm lips pressed against her cheek, startling her. She turned sharply, her eyes wide with surprise, but Karlach was already dancing away, a mischievous grin on her face.

“How do you keep doing that?” Lae'zel demanded, yelling at from across the camp, her voice a mix of annoyance and admiration.

Karlach laughed, the sound full of warmth and joy and yelled back, “A girl’s got to have her secrets,” she teased, blowing Lae'zel a kiss before dashing off.

From that moment on, it became a game. Karlach would sneak up on Lae'zel at the most unexpected times, pressing quick, affectionate kisses to her lips, cheeks, or neck before darting away. Lae'zel, ever the warrior, would give chase, her heart pounding with both the thrill of the hunt and the warmth of Karlach’s affections.

One evening, Lae'zel was practicing her combat forms, her body moving with fluid precision. She sensed movement out of the corner of her eye and tensed, ready to react, to beat her lover at her own game. But Karlach was faster. She swooped in, capturing Lae'zel’s lips in a swift, passionate kiss before sprinting away with a laugh.

“Lae'zel, you’re getting slower!” Karlach called over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Growling in frustration, Lae'zel took off after her, the chase weaving through the camp. Despite her irritation, she couldn’t help but smile. Karlach’s playfulness was a breath of fresh air, a contrast to the seriousness that often weighed on Lae'zel’s shoulders.

One night, Karlach went for a particularly bold move. Lae'zel was meditating by the fire, her mind focused inward as she sought clarity and peace. She heard the softest whisper of footsteps but couldn’t react in time. Karlach’s lips met hers in a deep, lingering kiss, leaving her breathless. This time, Karlach didn’t pull away immediately, and Lae'zel found herself melting into the embrace.

When they finally parted, Lae'zel’s eyes were half-lidded, her breathing uneven. “You are relentless,” she murmured, her voice husky.

Karlach smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Lae'zel’s face. “Only because I love you,” she whispered, her thumb tracing Lae'zel’s cheek.

Lae'zel’s heart swelled with emotion, a feeling she wasn’t entirely accustomed to. “I will catch you one day,” she vowed, her tone soft but determined.

Karlach chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “I look forward to it.”

The game continued, each day bringing new attempts and near-misses. Karlach’s laughter echoed through the camp, a sound that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. And though Lae'zel often found herself frustrated by her inability to anticipate Karlach’s surprises, she secretly cherished each and every kiss.

One morning, as the sun rose over the horizon, Lae'zel stood at the edge of the camp, her gaze focused on the distant hills. She felt the familiar warmth of lips against her cheek and turned swiftly, catching Karlach’s arm before she could escape.

“Got you,” Lae'zel said triumphantly, pulling Karlach close.

Karlach laughed, her eyes shining with affection. “Took you long enough, babe,”

Lae'zel silenced her with a kiss, pouring all her love and passion into the embrace. When they finally broke apart, Lae'zel rested her forehead against Karlach’s, her eyes soft.

“You are infuriating,” Lae'zel said, though there was no heat in her words.

“And you love me for it,” Karlach replied, her smile radiant.

Lae'zel couldn’t argue with that. She held Karlach close, the two of them standing together as the sun bathed the world in golden light. For once, Lae'zel allowed herself to simply be, savoring the warmth of Karlach’s embrace.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Hope y'all enjoyed it - Seluney xox

[shivvroys]

i know this has been done already but since u reblogged a post about it i would absolutely kill for your take on if karolina found shiv scheduling her grief instead of tom 🙏

first off, thank you so much for the ask, and sorry for the long long wait!!

secondly, i've cheated a bit - this was supposed to be a part of the fic that i'm currently writing, but i've had to cut it. I'm really fond of it, though, so I hope you like it :)

it's a much milder take than i'd envisioned, and in the context of an established relationship i definitely would've made it angstier, but i think it fits somewhat close to canon

read below <3

'Indulged child' — seven letters, starts with an S or the healing properties of the NYT Games app

Karolina steps into the meeting room, tension already melting off her shoulders, and almost trips on the poorly installed carpeting when she spots Siobhan sitting at the end of the conference table. Her head is bowed, cradled between her hands, so Karolina can’t see her face.

“Oh, sorry.” she blinks, stopping a few feet away from the table. “I didn’t know you had the room booked.”

Karolina watches as Shiv turns her head, attempting to cover the fact that she’d been crying. She wipes hurriedly at her nose, and only meets Karolina’s eyes after she’s composed herself.

“It’s fine.” she shrugs. “I’m done anyway.”

Then, Shiv rises from her chair quickly and begins clearing her things off the table before Karolina has the chance to say anything. She hasn’t brought many things: some pens, a notebook that’s been opened on a blank page, a pack of tissues, Shiv’s tablet—just enough knick-knacks to make it seem like she’d been working. Shiv’s back is turned to Karolina so she can’t see all of the table, but she knows it couldn’t take more than a few seconds to gather everything.

Still, she stays silent, watching the lines of Shiv’s shoulders like landmines, like birds about to take flight. As if reminding herself of their existence—and reminding herself to control them, she pulls her hands closer to herself.

“Are you—”

“I’m good.” Shiv cuts her off. She finally turns to face Karolina, her things now stacked on top of each other in her hands. “It’s all yours.” she nods towards the table.

Karolina takes a tentative step forward as Shiv starts making her way out of the room. As she approaches the table, she spots Shiv’s phone lying face down. She sets her things on the table, before turning to Shiv.

“Oh, Shiv, I think you forgot—”

As she calls out, the phone begins ringing. She picks it up, turning it around to see the timer notification flashing on the screen.

“Were you meditating?” she frowns, cracking a smile.

She reaches to hand Shiv the phone, pretending not to see the tiny trail of blood pooling at the base of her thumb nail.

“No.” Shiv swallows. A beat. “Crying, actually, yeah.”

She clears her throat, tilting her head as if challenging Karolina to say anything. To throw a punch.

“I—I’m so sorry, Shiv.” Karolina blinks, barely croaking the words out. “I’ll let you—”

“It’s fucking fine, Karolina.” Shiv snaps. “Take the goddamn room. I’m done.”

Her eyes are red-rimmed, and the hand she’s raised to silence Karolina is just shy of shaking.

“I’m just hiding out from Kendall.” Karolina sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “He keeps asking me for feedback on his pitch but all it is, is just—buzzwords.”

She catches the faintest smile flash across Shiv’s face, which spurs her on.

“Dynamic. Innovation. Convergence.” she coos, raising her brows and shaking her hands in front of herself like an old-timey snake-oil seller.

That gets a full-fledged chuckle out of Shiv, and when Karolina drops her hands and sets her face into a familiar scowl it erupts into real laughter. She lets Shiv enjoy this brief reprieve, before gesturing to the room.

“So please, take the room. I have my assistant blocking it as important, so it’s yours for the next hour. I can hide out someplace else.”

She doesn’t give Shiv a chance to refuse, grabbing her things and turning to leave before Shiv takes a step forwards, blocking her way.

“I’m not going to sit here and cry for an entire fucking hour.” Shiv scowls, shaking her head. Then, she nods towards Karolina’s bag and the laptop peeking out of it. “What were you gonna do while you were hiding?”

“Catch up on work, probably, I don’t know.” Karolina pulls her lips into a tight line. “Maybe a crossword?”

“Crossword?” Shiv raises a brow. She looks Karolina up and down, frowning. “How old are you, again?”

“Right, sorry—” Karolina sucks her teeth, raising a pointed brow. “I assume the last puzzle you were able to solve came on the back of a cereal box?”

“Well, yeah, because after that I got real hobbies.” Shiv shakes her head, her grinning. “What, d’you play those hidden object games, too? Look for tiny fucking keys in those weird drawings?”

Karolina looks down as her cheeks start burning. Shiv catches it, and bursts into laughter.

“Oh my god. Karolina, no.”

A part of her wants to believe she’s only doing it for Siobhan’s sake. That she’s humoring the other woman as an act of kindness—some version of an apology for not extending any kind of support after Logan’s death. But she’s apologized enough times in her life to know one rarely finds delight in the act of apology, so when her eyes meet Shiv’s and she lets her lips turn up into a smile, Karolina knows the real reason she hasn’t left the room already is much simpler—she doesn’t want to.

“What hobby should I pick up, then, Siobhan?”

“God, there’s so many.” Shiv’s cheeks puff out. “Let’s see…”

She starts listing what Karolina guesses are her ideas of a pensioner’s hobbies: gardening, knitting, pickling, making jams—getting all the way down to walking around parks and standing all still and creepy to watch pigeons.

With each finger she uses to enumerate, Shiv’s grin widens. Karolina nods her along, pretending to be impressed until Shiv runs out of ideas.

“Or just volunteer at an elderly home.” she shrugs. “I’m sure the ladies would love to have you over for canasta.”

“Mhm.” Karolina nods, pursing her lips. “I’ll think about it.”

They sit in silence for a brief moment, neither making a first step.

“So, uh, can I see one?” Shiv finally asks.

“See what?”

“One of your crosswords, nerd.” she chuckles.

“Oh.” Karolina blinks. “I mean—really, Shiv, I can let you be—” she points to the door.

“Well, I don’t feel like crying anymore.” Shiv clears her throat, cutting her off. “And I don’t feel like going back out there yet, so… Unless you’re, you know, very private about your… crosswords.”

Karolina rolls her eyes. As she turns around to rummage through her bag for her tablet, Shiv steps closer until she’s right behind Karolina. When she leans forward to put her own things back on the table her arm brushes against Karolina’s. From up close, Karolina can distinguish each thin trail of blood wrapped around the irises of her eyes, and the blue shadows creeping up from under her concealer.

In the months after her own father’s passing, Karolina remembers going through them like candies.

Each week, she would reach into the bottom of her bag and pull up crumpled up receipts for concealer, whiskey, and the occasional lottery ticket—her dad’s guilty pleasure.

She used the same numbers each time, just like he'd taught her: each of their birthdays, twenty-eight, and eleven.

On the last ticket she bought, she put down the date of his death: seventeen, three, twenty, eight, then twenty-eight, and eleven.

It won her $10 that she never bothered to cash in.

So, she knows what it’s like—the make-up, the perfectly timed crying breaks, the split ends, the furrowed brows. The way it would hit (and still does, sometimes, on rainy days) so suddenly it would leave her breathless, like something had dislodged itself within her chest and all day long she’d have go on with her business as if that horrible rattling wasn’t ringing in her ears and reverberating inside her entire body like a war drum.

Karolina knows what Shiv is going through, but she also knows that grief is like a fingerprint. That it belongs so intimately to the person going through it. Defined by the very matter of their being, and from the moment it has formed—defining them in return.

So she doesn’t offer an apology, or a hug or, worse, advice. Instead, she sits down and waits for Shiv to do the same. When she does, Karolina turns on her tablet and opens the crossword app with her upturned hand stretched out towards Shiv, palm open and fingerprints exposed.

Then, Karolina begins explaining the basic rules of crosswords.

[fenharel-archived]

saskia i am on my hands and knees begging for some ysabel info! what’s her backstory? what’s she like during the game? she’s so 🥰💖

[PERSONALITY]

Ysabel is a noble, Lolth Sworn Drow, living in Menzoberrazan and is a School of Divination Wizard

Shes an chaotic neutral ENTP, Gemini, 125 years old and 1.60m tall

Ysabel is creative and intelligent, mischievous and cunning. Some perceive her as quirky, eccentric - funny, confident with a giant ego, but also power hungry and selfish, sometimes cruel. She has always been full of ideas, always thinking of new and better ways to do things. She’s always been curious, more often than not you find her with her nose stuck in a book. Her childhood bedroom was exploding with books about fungi or tomes like “The past and present: a Scholars Guide to Divination”. 

She’s also rather extroverted and a social chameleon, excellent at manipulation and persuasion, something her mother often took advantage of, as she would often use her children like chess pieces in her political affairs.

[BACKSTORY]

The noble house of Do’Rahel is one of the 8 powerful houses in Menzoberranzan

Ysi has two older sisters (Yris, Yvory) and one younger brother (Ysmael, my warlock charlatan & very first D&D oc 😘)

Their mother (Yaelryn Do’Rahel) is a matron mother, a priestess of Lolth and a powerful and influential figure in Menzoberrazan’s affairs

As most intelligent people are prone to, Ysabel was more questioning of things like societal norms or rules and ideas than what was socially acceptable in the Cult of Lolth, something her mother often reminded her of through whipping. But her mother was also more progressive than some would believe - when her daughter showed more interest in the arcane than continuing her training as a cleric she encouraged it. She thought that having one of her daughters in the circle of the Sorcere was something that could be beneficial to her.

After a particularly nasty ambush on Ysabel (your regular weekend in the Underdark really) her mother assigned one of their warriors as her personal guard - a tiefling slave called Lucien (Side note but he’ll be romancing Shadowheart in a future playthrough 🤓)

Lucien was in his early twenties and enslaved for around 5 years at the time, he was passionate and charming, warm and strong. But he was also as cunning as he was kind. Ysabel liked him, and often would spend more time with him than was strictly necessary. He had Ysabel figured out quickly, and noticed that traits in her that might be weaknesses in her mothers eyes, could be his opportunity. That growing close to her could be his ticket to get free.

But things didn't necessarily work out for him at first as he would have thought - both of them fell in love.

He would tell her stories of his previous life, about his ideals and morals, about the world above. How children do not fear for their life where he is from, how parents love their children unconditionally, how he missed feeding the neighbors ducks before he would go to school. Ysi would laugh at him sometimes, call him weak and soft. But sometimes she would indulge in his stories. Catching herself thinking of them in bed before she go meditating. How strange it must be to live so truly carefree.

The influence Lucien had on her was undeniable. Small and meaningless at first maybe but there nonetheless. There were glimpses of true kindness in Ysabel only he got to see. Glimpses of love - real love, not just the craving for flesh or power he was accustomed to from other Drow. He saw that he had shaken her morals and beliefs, slightly perhaps, but shaken. So when she finally wanted to set him free out of her own volition, instead of running when his binding spell was broken he asked for her to come with him.

She helped him to stage his own death and broke his bonds and let him go, but she didn’t go with him. This would be a turning point in her life, something she regretted for the rest of her existence, something she kept thinking about for years on end.

For many years after, she buried herself in her tower. She never dared to think of why she said no, instead she sat in front of her mirror of memories, where she relived the time she had with Lucien. But in doing so, a part of herself, the past party in fact, was lost in it. Her present self was split in half. She was either overly good or overly evil, and she became known for being mad and for research and experiments that were even extreme by Drow standards. 

She was in this state for at least 60 years. She had short periods of time where she managed to stabilize herself through experiments, but it never worked for long. Nevertheless, she made a name for herself, she was an extremely powerful wizard, was considered one of the masters of Sorcere and had a place in their council. (Much to their dismay. Assassination attempts from her colleagues were a daily occurrence tbh.)

[GAME TIMELINE]

House Do’Rahel was infiltrated by Absolute cultists, leading to the almost death of her sisters Yris and Yvory, and the losing a handful of their staff members. Ysabel's mother also heard rumors of similar things happening in House Baenre and other houses all over the city. Sensing a bigger plot, instead of sending warbands like her colleagues, she only send Ysabel and a handful of warriors on a scouting mission. She was to gather as much information as possible. If she would see an opportunity beneficial to them - she should take it, and most importantly she was also to kill or capture any heretic or deserter of Lolth.

The trail they followed led them to the outskirts of Baldur’s Gate. She didn’t know it at the time but she was on her way to Moonrise Towers when she was abducted. When she woke up in the Nautiloid, the tadpole didn’t just strip her of her powers, but also stabilized her mind.

Being fully herself again after so long felt like having someone forcefully pushing a heart back into her. At the beginning of her journey she’s manipulative (she does a lot of the “heroic” options not because she thinks it’s the right thing to do, but because she thinks it’s a smarter way to uncover what is going on and/or because working with the Absolute would go against Lolth), she’s also selfish and a bit cruel, but a lot of things she does suddenly don’t feel the same to her anymore, and an top of that the problem with the tadpole - it forces her into introspection. 

At some point she realizes that her companions remind her of Lucien, and the time she had with him. Her development throughout the game mainly consists of her realizing that she rather wants love and friendship than pure ruthless power. She develops a consciousness, empathy. Something Lucien already built the groundwork of so many years ago. She realizes she was too much of a coward back then, that she couldn't let go of all that power and desert Lolth even though that's what she really wanted. Surrounded by her new friends, she doesn’t want to make the same mistake again. In her mind, she’ll never be truly good, much less a hero. But she doesn’t want to be what she used to be either. Seeing real friendship, love, experiencing it for herself, she realizes the only times she wasn't hollow was with Lucien - and now, with them. 

Her new friends act as mirrors to herself as well. She sees herself in Gale when he gets obsessed over the Crown, she sees herself in Astarion when he’s willing to kill all his former friends for power. And she sees herself in Lae’zel, Wyll & Shadowheart when it comes to the influence a God, Goddess or devil can have on you. They were all on the path she already walked on, and the guilt she is carrying with her over things she can’t change anymore is overwhelming, so she stops them all, helps them see what is truly important. 

About the reason she was in Baldur’s Gate in the first place, she isn’t honest with her companions at first, she has obviously her own agenda like everyone else in that camp. She was forced to explain herself by Wyll when she let True Soul Nere kill the Gnomes. Having a tadpole in her head made everything more personal of course, she starts going against the Absolute not in the name of Lolth or for her mother but for herself and her own beliefs in Act 2.

After the game, her mind is still hers. Going through so much change and admitting her biggest fears repaired herself, like a curse she casted and then lifted on herself. Also, she and Astarion guide the Vampire spawn in the Underdark for a while, and she also researches for ways to make Astarion walk in the sun again (and I like to headcanon that she succeeds :3)

If you want to take a peak, here is Ysabels pinterest 🥺, and since i mentioned Lucien, here is his'.

[urwendii]

💝Dream & Fantasy

Sequel of this prompt and using the Dream & Fantasy prompt of the Dark Romance list by @cilil

there you go friend ❤️

pairing: Írilómë x Amarëa

warning: local incubus trying & failing at seducing local fire maia

Ama stretches luxuriously on the soft grass, the afternoon coming to an end with her mother’s gentle rays warming her eyelids. It has been a pleasant week, working with Lady Varda feels like embarking on a journey everytime and Ama loves every second of it.

As fond as she was of Aman and even Middle-Earth… space! space was grandiose and full of opportunities for more discoveries. She has been given the honour of conducting research near the giant hyper-luminous quasar, fancily named Tonantzintla, opportunity that has her spent a considerable amount of time in the observatory or with other Maiar near the accretion disk. Such fascinating work! 

Humming to herself a soft tune she remembers Eönwë singing to her during her childhood, she allows her mind to drift into a restful state. She has promised her father to swing by the Forges later but knowing him, Mairon will be absorbed by his work for another few hours, allowing her a well deserved nap. The soft chirping of birds around her fades as she lets herself sink into a meditative trance. 

Time seems to lose its substance for a while, her ëala floating on the notes of a Music she has known only by tale, she stretches her spirit, flames freed from the confinement of her fana. 

Until something changes, an awareness of an unexpected thought, as the oniric landscape morphs back into the very image of the beautiful glades of Lórien. Still only in the shape of her native flames, Ama's annoyance manifests in the flickering fires at the edge of her ëala.

Lounging under the light, on a rock by the lake and his fana bare Írilömë smiles at her, his mocking smirk both tantalising and dangerous. 

‘Really?’ 

“Dreamless states are so boring, you should thank me for bringing a bit of fantasy in it.” the former Úmaia replies cheekily. Ama let herself consider if or not she should remain in her spirit form - the anticipation of arson threat very much on the forefront of her mind, before deciding against it. Letting her fana take shape again so she can roll her eyes at the other Maia, she nonetheless keeps a safe distance between them. 

“Which fantasy is it though?”

Lómë’s smirk widens as he sits up, utterly unbothered by his nudity. 

“You tell me.”

“Ah. Apologies but my idea of fantasy dreams do not include clearly desperate men trying - and failing must I add - to woo me with their bare raiment.”

“Am I? Failing.” 

Ama watches him approach wearily. Lómë’s concept of courting - so far - has left her utterly underwhelmed, if slightly entertained though - she has to be honest on that part. 

“Amarëa.” one slender finger tilts her chin up, ruby eyes sparkling with mischief - yes the Maia’s attractiveness would not be denied. Still. Ama was made of fire - burning a little in games scared her not. 

“Írilömë.” she replies. Time to pick a page of his own book. Lowering her eyes to his lips, she lets her tongue moisten hers, allowing him to bring her face close. Standing on her tiptoes Ama gently let her fingers drift in silky lilac strands and then viciously tug on it.

“Get the fuck out of my dream or I swear I will have both my fathers hunting you in a way that would put Oromë’s Hunt to shame.”

[romerona]

Chapter 8: Out of your head.

 

-In which the daughter of the Lord of Darkness who was born with the sole purpose of destroying the universe falls in love with Peter Parker.-

Masterlist.

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

"Checkmate."  Carina smiles as she has won the game of chess against the Ancient One.

"Well played." The ancient one said with a smile but one she knew all too well.

She sighs, leaning back on the chair and crossing her arms. "You're letting me win."

"I can assure you, little star I'm not letting you win." The ancient one said calmly, the smile never changing yet her eyes shine with rare mischievousness. "You should stop doubting yourself."

"Mmhm." Carine hums, eyes full of suspicion.

"Shall we play another round?" Asked the supreme and with a flick of her hand, the pieces went back to their original position.

Grabbing a white pawn and moving it a space forward, Carina nodded. "Let's play."

Halfway through the game, something pops into Carina's mind. "Have you ever had odd dreams?"

The ancient one glanced at her after moving her knight. "Sometimes, why?"

"Like what?" She asks, tilting her head thinking about her next move.

"Like..." the ancient one, hums in thought before a small smile forms on her face. "Once I dreamt that I was a pig."

Carina giggled. "Really?"

The supreme nodded. "They called me the Rancid One."

"That's awful," Carina scrunched her nose. "Wonder what makes you dream that?"

"There is a theory that dreams are ourselves in other realities, other universes." Elaborated the ancient one with an air of wisdom. "Have you had odd dreams lately?"

"Not really.... Just sometimes." Carine hums, taking one of the Ancient One's black pawns.

The supreme observes the bord thoughtfully. "And what do you dream about, little star?"

"Odd places." Carina pauses, tilting her head with a soft frown as she recalls the last dream she had. "People, weird faceless creatures."

"Faceless creatures?" asks the supreme, eyes shining with curiosity.

"But they were not gruesome like one would imagine, more like a puppy with wings and– look."

Carina pulled her satchel up on her legs, forgetting all about the chess game that she was about to win and grabbed her sketchbook out of it. She passes page after page, drawings and colours covering the white paper, Carina settle on the pages near the end of the book, where she had drawn the creature she was speaking of, along with the hybrid horse she saw and a rough sketch of the village.

She passed the book to the Ancient One, who contemplates it, eyes roaming in-between drawings.

"They were nice, funny like puppies and those with the horns were also nice, a lot more calm." Carina told her, tilting her head to look at the drawings, frowning at the lack of colors. "I would have also painted the colours too but I don't have much paint left. Do you think that maybe I could go to the market soon?"

"I thought you had more than enough from the last time." The Ancient One glanced at her.

"I did but I used it to paint the walls of my room." Carina admits sheepishly. 

"Of course you did." The ancient one smiled amusingly before her eyes gaze at the village she drew. "Do you dream of this place often?"

Carina shook her head. "No, I don't dream often but when I do it is always different."

"Different how?" The supreme asks, turning the page to a different drawing.

"Well... it's never the same place and I usually never have anything to interact with."

The ancient one furrowed her eyebrows a little as she was trying to decipher some sort of puzzle when Master Beau approached them. 

He cleared his throat earning their attention, he nodded his head at Carina in greeting before turning to the Ancient One.

"You are needed, Ancient One."

"Very well." The Supreme shot him an appreciative nod. "Thank you, Master Beau."

"So, about the market?" Carina mumbles as the Ancient One closes the sketchbook.

She gave Carina a warm smile as she passes the book back. "We'll discuss it later, little star until then meditate."

"Alright." Carina smiled back at her but her smile was one of disappointment. "I'll wait until then."

And with a last smile, the Supreme left with Master Beau in tow leaving Carina with her own company.

She sighs, her head leaning against her palm, while her free hand plays with her necklace. Going to the market was one of Carina's favourite activities, usually, she was not allowed to leave the temple, either the Kamar Taj or any of the other sanctums, but once every blue moon there is an opportunity where she is allowed to leave the temple for a bit -with adult company, of course, which is usually Wong- when she needs paintings which were not as often as it sounds, last time she went to the market was five months ago, so needless to say she was itching to go.

Having nothing else to do, Carina placed her sketchbook back inside her bag and decided she wanted to spend the rest of her day in between books, like the swot that she was, so she headed to the library but before Carina made a detour to the kitchens, to grab a cup of tea and a plate of Sel Roti.

Once she passed the large wooden doors of the library she was surprised to find Stephen Strange, deep into a book, but a very visible frown on his face before he forcefully shut it.

"Please be more careful when handle books or Wong's going to have your neck for it."

Stephen didn't even look up at her, he just sighed running a hand over his face while leaning against the chair in frustration.

Carina sat down in front of him, placing the plate of fried delights and her tea on the table. "What's got you looking like a sourpuss?"

He didn't say anything which was unusual for Stephen 'The Know It All' Strange, instead of using words just narrows his eyes at her to show his annoyance but Carina over the weeks had become accustomed to it, as matter of fact, she became immune to it.

"How about a joke?" Carina asks, grining at Stephen stoic face.

"I'm too busy to pretend to be intersted, so no." He said, grabbing another book and opening it.

"Why didn't the melons get married?" She giggled at her joke while Stephen pause his reading but did not make any moves to acknowledge her. "Because they cantaloupe."

Another wave of cackles leaves Carina's mouth as she slaps the table, unable to get ahold of herself.

Stephen scoffs a laugh, shaking his head with the smallest smile. "Where did you learn that one?"

"Secret," Carina told him as her giggles ceased down. It was Wong but he'll be mad if she told anyone about his secret love for cheesy jokes.

"Better keep it that way, it was awful," He told her and Carina could tell his mood had lightened, even the slightest.

She slides a plate towards him. "Sel Roti? Bet it'll make you feel better."

"...Sure." Stephen grabbed one and took a bite of it while Carina took a sip of tea, it was missing some honey.

Her eyes moved to the titles of the books he was reading, most of them were about the casting of a portal and the hypothesis of the magic behind it. "How's class going, have you–"

And just as his good mood was starting to come back it went away, his eyes harden again as he place the Sel Roti down. "Go away, I'm busy."

"I take it, it's not so great." Carina mumbles, taking another sip of her tea ignoring once again Stephen's glare. "You're only starting, I'm sure it'll be alright."

"I'm not starting. It's been weeks," Stephen scoffs, leaning back into his chair, arms crossing in indignation. "Everyone else seem to get it but me."

Carina almost laugh, It was like having a three-year-old throw a tantrum over not getting his way. "Well, you're not like every else."

"Yeah, thanks for clarifying the obvious—"

"You're too proud, Stephen, an irrational perfectionist." Carina said, without missing a beat. "And books, for once, can't help."

Stephen regarded her for a moment, before scoffing acidly."Because you know me so well, don't you?"

"What I'm meant to say is that the practices of the Arts are more a matter of mind, soul and heart than it is about wit and knowledge, the power of will, dare I say."

"Power of will, huh?" Stephen's lips were pitching in irritation. "I am willing but yet nothing's happening."

"It's the same dilemma since you came here, you're stuck in your head."

"Oh, how rich of you to give advice."

Carina's drew her brows together, "What are you on about?"

"Y'know, for someone who's caring such a big name and such a potential, it's being wasted away with you, but then again all of it is questionable for someone who's not even allowed to go their simple magic classes," He snarls, eyes hardening with every word. "So, don't give me a lecture when you don't know what you're talking about."

His words hurt. Carina was washed over by a contrast of a cold sensation and burning embarrassment, it was an electric shock of realization, that Stephen Strange was not her friend as she had thought, she was a fool to believe otherwise, a fool to believe that her name would change nothing, but she had it coming, she should have kept her distance as she does with the other students.

She blinked. "You're being mean, so I'm going to go."

Carina avoided his eyes as she stood up, gather her things and walked away but before she walked through the doors she stopped and look back at him. "One day you'll realize that getting out of your head, turning the page, will be great because then you'll realize there's so much more of life than what you're stuck on."

And with that, she left, not feeling like entertaining any conversation with him at the moment.

[just---keep---simming]

Straud - Winter 2

Forgotten Hollow dawns unusually bright on the first day of winter as we return to Lilith and Vlad's three-story mansion in the snow. In the background looms Straud's gothic castle.

Inside, Lilith is enjoying the perks of being undead plus central heating, and hasn't bothered dressing for the weather. Salim has swung by, and with Vlad having completed his Master Vampire aspiration, he now wants a vampire family. Adding Lilith to his life was a good start, and maybe they'll have a child one day, but for now the mansion feels too big and empty with just the two of them rattling around. It's Lilith's job to convince Salim to join them.

Salim is an aspiring author who has been struggling to get by in San Myshuno for years now, with little literary success. He's had a thing for Lilith for ages - they were friends with benefits for a while before she left the city - and finds himself swayed by her convincing spiel. The raw power, the living forever, the adventure of it all! It would take the pressure off his goal of becoming a bestselling author if he had all the time in the world to make it happen. Plus, wouldn't it give him something interesting to write about?

Lilith reassures him that the process is working as intended when he starts to glow purple and experience weird gastrointestinal symptoms. I don't normally have the Townie Sims pick a second aspiration once they finish their first, because I want to save the experience for later descendants, but I made an exception for Vlad because he was already close to finishing his first aspiration when I started playing him.

Vlad recovers his power after turning Salim with some dark meditation, the dark ambience of which is somewhat marred by his bunny slippers.

Salim moves in right away, happy to leave his dingy apartment in the city behind in favour of a beautiful, sprawling mansion, in which he is given his own wing. He joins Lilith in learning more about vampires, in preparation for his very imminent future.

Unfortunately he's not quite there yet, and the initial phase is pretty unpleasant. He's ravenously hungry, but everything he eats tastes like dirt.

Lilith heads off to work once Salim is settled in. God she's cool.

Vlad, having mastered piano, has moved on to becoming more charismatic. He's hoping to counteract his vampire weaknesses, which means people dislike him on first meeting almost every time. I love the choice to not give vampires reflections!

Meanwhile, Salim attempts to soothe his discomfort in a relaxing lavender bath.

Lavender isn't going to cut it, I'm afraid! Johnny dropped by to see Lilith right in time to catch Salim's transformation.

His first order of business, naturally, is to head out hunting. Forgotten Hollow continues to provide, with John Wood providing yet another meal to the Straud household. He insists on hanging out in Forgotten Hollow after dark really regularly. Happily, he hasn't suggested Axel joins him there yet!

Salim's transformation yields striking yellow eyes.

Meanwhile, the two older vampires are inside celebrating Winterfest.

Straud gifts Lilith an enormous diamond, which she is delighted about...

Her gift to him is rather more experiential.

Once everyone is sated in various ways, Lilith heads out to join Salim in the snow. Over a game of chess, they discuss hunting, house rules (no eating Angela, Johnny or his family, Lara or her family, etc.), tips and tricks, and how to stay safe from the powerful sibling vampires down the street, Caleb and another Lilith. They don't get along with Straud or his clan, having far more scruples and beliefs about restraint than either Vlad or Lilith Pleasant do.

Salim is delighted to discover that, once his thirst his taken care of, he's full of ideas, barely needs to rest, and feels inspired to write. He starts his first book, The Vampire Diaries. Our other author in the save, Eliza Pancakes, is a romance specialist who is slowly writing books for every romantic comedy I love. Salim will be focused on fantasy, and anything with a vampire in it specifically. Write what you know, they say!

Lilith finds herself extinguishing a fire in Salim's room while he's off at work one day. After this happened, she went around and upgraded every fireplace in the house to try and make things safer.

Angela is relieved to hear this when she drops by for a visit. Undead monster her sister may be, but she doesn't want Lilith to go up in smoke.

Salim's newfound inspiration pays off, and he quickly achieves a promotion in his writer's job.

Then he and Lilith head to the gym in Windenburg together. Lilith's glee at working out was great, I had to snap a picture. Salim, on the other hand, is lazy and hates working out, so was sad to be there. He chose to focus on meeting cute women instead.

Straud has a surprise for Lilith upon her return. Tired of the flowing silver locks, he's opted for a suave, elegant shorter cut. It suits him.

Thus, newly trimmed, he takes Lilith and Salim out to the Stargazer's Lounge for an upmarket New Year's Eve.

Salim heads off to hunt dinner amongst the patrons and flirt with random partygoers, while Vlad and Lilith indulge in some alone time. They're really quite smitten with each other, and while Lilith has been clear she's not interested in monogamy (and in fact is hoping to invite Salim back into her bed at some point too), they thoroughly enjoy a flirtatious evening together.

Before Lilith, too, goes hunting among lounge patrons for her meal.

Salim and Vlad head home first, while Lilith is still eating, and take advantage of the alone time for Vlad to mentor Salim. He's very happy with the new acquisition to his family - Salim has slotted in nicely and is proving an adept vampire.

They make quite the attractive family, don't they? Vlad would like more, of course, but he's in no hurry. It needs to be the right Sims that they invite in; Salim was a good choice as someone Lilith knew well and enjoyed the company of. Perhaps he will meet someone and want to bring them into the fold too, one day. Whatever happens in the future, life in Forgotten Hollow is everything Lilith hoped for so far.

[buttterknifeee]

Sisters- Teen Titans x Aquagirl Reader

Masterlist

Summary: You don't get along well with your own siblings, but maybe you'll get along well with Starfire's super-cool, definitely-not-evil sister!

Pairings: Platonic! Starfire x reader

Word Count: 3575

A/N: Hey guys!!! Sorry for posting this so late I just did this one a lot slower lol. Unfortunately, school's starting soon so I won't be able to write as often. I'm still working on 2 fics so keep that in mind if you want to request!

Carnivals were the best invention in the world, you decided. The rides, the food, the games, and you only get to enjoy it a few times a year. So when the carnival does come to visit, you always make sure to enjoy it as much as you can.

“Don’t you just lovvvveee carnivals?” You say, walking next to Raven.

“Well, Beast Boy and Cyborg have been trying to win an animal from a single game for the past hour and Robin and Starfire are probably making out on the ferris wheel, so not as much as you.” she says, staring straight ahead. The others had paired up and set off when you first entered the carnival, so that left you with Raven. And as much as you love Raven, you love her in a “meditating/book club” way, not a “fun adventure” way. You approached the two boys as they finally won their carnival game prize.

“Told you we’d win a prize” Beast Boy grinned at Raven, holding a toy chicken to her face.

“A giant chicken. I must be the luckiest girl in the world.” She said sarcastically.

Suddenly, Robin jumped in front of the four of you.

“Titans! Trouble!” He yelled, standing up from a crouching position.

“Where’s Starfire?” Cyborg asked.

“That's the trouble,” Robin said, then promptly took off. The four of you followed him close behind. He brings the four of you to a dock, where you finally see the “trouble” Robin was talking about. Starfire was being chased by a flying, squid-like space robot with tentacles and everything. She flies past the five of you, the flying machine doing the same.

“Who’s her new best friend?” Beast Boy asks, staring at the scene before you.

“Don’t know, but I can’t wait to meet him,” Robin said.

Starfire hid behind you as the flying machine continued to follow her. Beast Boy turned into an alligator and tried to attack the robotic squid, but missed. You tried to hit it with jets of water, but it bounced off of its exterior. Raven threw a hot dog cart at the machine with her telekinesis, but it simply tore straight through the cart. Cyborg grabbed onto the tentacles and strained as the machine tried to get away.

“Don't know what you did to make this thing mad, Star, but it couldn't hurt to apologize!” Cyborg yelled, trying to keep a grip on the tentacles.

“I am… sorry?” Starfire apologizes confusingly, taking shelter behind a grimacing Robin.

Cyborg loses grip on the mysterious space squid as Robin jumps forward. He hits the machine hard with his staff and it falls into the water. A moment of silence falls onto the six of you.

“So, did we just win?” Beast Boy asked.

His answer came in the form of the machine crashing through the floor and back into the sky. Robin jumps onto it.

“Don’t see an OFF switch,” He yells. “Guess I’ll have to make one!” He punches into the side of the machine. The machine goes haywire, and Robin jumps off of it before it flies crazily into the sky and blows up. Since there were already fireworks, any regular citizens could have easily mistaken it for one of the big finals. You turned your attention to Starfire.

“Starfire, are you alright?” you ask. She nodded with a small smile.

“Whatever that thing was, it can’t hurt you now.” Robin said, now next to her again.

Starfire frowned. “But… why did it wish to hurt me at all?”

.

You found yourself back in the tower after such an eventful night. Despite being attacked by some alien machine, Starfire seemed to be in a cheery mood.

“I shall thank you for my rescue by reciting the Poem of Gratitude, all six thousand verses.” She said, a giant smile on her face. You and the others stopped dead in your tracks, not excited for how the rest of the night will seem to go.

“I think ‘thank you’ cuts it,” You say.

Suddenly, you hear a voice. “I see you haven’t changed a bit.” The voice belonged to a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Starfire. She had long, black hair, and wore a black outfit similar to Starfire, except hers had more metal components. The mystery girl continued.

“When we were little, I was always rescuing Starfire.”

“Sister!” Starfire squealed, running to hug her. Starfire’s sister smiled, holding up a necklace with a large green gem as the pendant.

“A Centauri Moon Diamond?? Where did you get-”

“On the Centauri Moons of course.” the sister said, fastening the necklace around Starfire’s neck. “Oh look, it matches your eyes.” Starfire smiled brightly. You remember that you’ve been staring at the two of them interacting when she turns to the five of you.

“I wish to introduce my big sister,” Starfire said. Her sister stepped in front of her.

“Blackfire,” she said. “ And since Star told me all about the Titans in her transmissions, let me guess.” She walks over to Cyborg.

“Cyborg,” She guessed correctly.

“Pleased to meet you little lady,” Cyborg says, holding out his hand. She takes it and you hear the sound of metal bending. Cyborg holds up his hand, now bent out of shape.

“Little lady, big handshake. Well alright!” he says with a smile. Blackfire moves on.

“Raven. I like that gemstone on your Ajna chakra,” Blackfire says.

“You know about chakras?” Raven asked, mildly impressed.

“I got way into meditation on Altara Prime.” She says casually. She then turned to you.

“Aquagirl. Oh my god your outfit is soooo cute! And your hair, how do you get it so healthy?” She said, clasping your hands. Her voice was nothing like Starfire’s; it was much smoother, and more confident, not to mention she had the American accent down.

“Mix of coconut oil, avocado, and a cabinet full of hair ointments” you wink.

“You’ll have to give me tips.” she winked back.

She continued her introductions, finally getting to Robin. She was all over him, complimenting his outfit, calling his mask ‘mysterious’, etc. You saw Starfire steaming with anger, even if she didn’t show it. She intercepted them as Blackfire got close to his face.

“So beloved sister, what brings you to Earth?” Starfire asks, an annoyed grin spread across her face.

“I was in the quadrant. Thought I'd see if Earthlings like to party.” She said, hopping onto the couch. “Besides, I needed a rest. Nearly got sucked into a black hole on the way here.” Immediately, the three boys rushed over to her, the three of you girls still behind them. You rolled your eyes at the sight of the three teens crowding around Blackfire.

“Black hole?”

“No way!”

“Cool”

You could feel Blackfire’s smirk as she began her story.

“Okay. I’m cruising through Draconis Nebula and-”

Starfire interrupted. “Sister! That nebula is full of black holes! You know travel there is forbidden.” The four teens on the couch stared at her.

“Most fun things in life are. Now be a sweetie and bring me one of those sodas I've heard so much about.” Blackfire waved at her and turned back to the boys. You heard her continue the story, but all you could focus on was Starfire grumbling towards the fridge. You look at Raven; your way of saying Ill go after her.

You find Starfire taking a soda can out of the fridge, talking to herself.

“Starfire?” you ask. She flinches at your approach, almost dropping the soda in her hand.

“Oh! Aquagirl. You have caught me off guard, my apologies,” she rubs her neck, blushing.

“You alright? You seemed a little worked up back there,” you say as the teen straightened herself up.

“Oh it's nothing, it's just that…” she sighed, closing the refrigerator. “My sister has always acted in such a way that can cause me to feel… annoyed.”

“Oh well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’m always here.” She hugs you, still holding the can of soda.

“Thank you my friend”

.

The next day, You were sitting in your room. Starfire barged in while you were rubbing the water from your head with your towel.

“Oh hey Starfire! What's up?” you smile, putting the towel onto your bed.

“Aquagirl! Have you seen Blackfire?” she asked. You noticed that she seemed distressed, but decided to answer her question first.

“Oh! We just went surfing! She crushed those waves!” You say, reminiscing. She was surprisingly good at surfing, especially since she told you it was her first time. Starfire frowned.

“Oh. alright.” you frowned back at her answer.

“Well, I think she might be with Robin right now. Is everything alright?” you ask. Her face turns bright red at the mention of Robin’s name.

“N- I mean, yes! Everything is alright. I must go.” She slammed the door before you could say anything. You wanted to go after her, but you figured since she left so quickly, she's probably not in the mood to talk. You went about your day, still a little worried about her.

.

Nighttime fell, and you sat on the couch with the other Titans, relaxing after an uneventful day. Starfire skipped in holding popcorn, candy, and a bunch of CDs.

“Friends! I invite you to join me in the togetherness of a stay-home movie night. I bring you popcorn and non-cotton candies. Tell me, what sort of movie shall we view?”

“Action,” said Robin.

“Romance!” you cheered.

“Comedy.” spat Beast Boy.

“Sci-fi” Cyborg offered.

“Horror.” Raven said flatly. Starfire drops her goodies.

“Perhaps a double feature?” she asked.

“Forget the flicks, kids.” You looked up to see Blackfire, now dressed in Starfire’s clothes. “We’re going out!”

“We are? Where did you- How did you-” Starfire stuttered, obviously confused by her sister’s new look.

“Heard about a party downtown,” Blackfire continued, ignoring her sister. “Cool crowd, hot music”

“Sound’s nice!” you say.

“Yeah!” Beast Boy agrees.

“I’m in!” Cyborg says.

“Why not?” Robin smiles. Raven kept looking at her book.

“And it's in an abandoned warehouse,” Blackfire adds. Raven looked up from her book, her way of saying that she's in. You all began to leave. You noticed Starfire still standing where she was, looking a bit sadder.

“Starfire? you coming?” you asked, walking by her.

“Oh um, I guess I will go,” she said, hanging her head a bit. You looked at her but she didn’t meet your eyes. Maybe she’s tired, you thought, walking to catch up with the other titans.

.

You entered the party, taking in the colorful lights and dancing teens. You followed Blackfire onto the dance floor, who seemed to already be dancing.

“Step aside Earthlings, the queen of the galaxy has arrived!” she cheered, swaying her hips with the other teens. She looks at the rest of you, a smirk on her face.

“Now don't tell me you big tough superheroes are afraid of a little dancing.” she says, beckoning you to do so. The boys joined in, and you noticed that Raven left the dance floor with a boy. The only people who weren’t dancing were you and Starfire. Starfire looked scared, she was clutching her new necklace, and you swore that she said something about shovels. You came up to her and took her hand.

“Let’s go Starfire, I think you need some air.” you say, leading her to the stairwell.

You sat next to her on the roof, both awkwardly silent.

“So, what's wrong?” you finally say.

“It’s my sister again,” she sighs. “It feels as though she has stolen you all from me, and I don’t know how to keep that from happening.”

“Hey. we’ll always be your friends, just as you’ll be ours. And she didn’t steal us from you, we just thought she was cool and all-” you were cut off by a yell from the part below.

“YO A.G.!!! YOU GOTTA COME DOWN HERE!!!” Cyborg yelled. You looked at the direction of the sound and then back at Starfire, who was staring at the ground.

“Oh- uh they probably need me, I’ll be right back,” You say, rubbing her arm. “HANG ON I'LL BE THERE IN A SEC!”

You race down to the dance floor and see Cyborg dancing.

“YO THEY’RE TOTALLY PLAYING YOUR SONG!” he yelled. Ugh I should get back to Starfire but they are totally playing my song, you thought. You look at Cyborg again, who was waving at you to join him. You see Robin next to you and pull him aside.

“Hey Aquagirl! Where’s Starfire?” He asked. You cross your arms.

“She’s upstairs on the roof. Listen, she’s super down in the dumps right now, I think you should talk to her.” You say. He nods and leaves, heading towards the stairs. You sigh as you go back to join your other friends. You bump into Blackfire, who was now sporting a neon pink wig.

“Um, nice wig,” you say.

“Thanks hot stuff. Where’s Robin? I saw you with him earlier.” She asked, still dancing. You weren’t sure if it was the best idea to tell her.

“He’s uhhhhhhh….” you try to stall.

“... with Starfire.” she finishes. You turn to see her staring through the glass roof, where you could see Robin and Starfire sitting together. She turns to the rest of you.

“One sec guys!” She winks. Less than a minute goes by and she reappears with Robin. You make eye contact; he seemed annoyed by being back here.

“We HAVE to dance to this song!” she says, starting to dance again next to Robin. He steps away from her.

“Sorry, but I’m going to check on Starfire again.” Robin says, heading to the stairwell again. Blackfire follows him, trying to get him to return, leaving you with Cyborg and Beast Boy. They continue to dance and you roll your eyes.

Suddenly, you notice Starfire fighting something. You squint at her location, then realize that what she's attacking is one of the robots from yesterday. You look at the two boys who’ve quite literally been dancing the whole time.

“Cyborg! Beast Boy! Starfire’s in trouble!” You yell, already running towards the exit. Suddenly, another of those robots appears out of nowhere.

“What the- AHHHHH!!!!” you scream as the robot latches onto you and drags you away. The two boys try to follow you but a third robot attacks them, leaving you to still be stuck in the clutches of the space robot. You see Raven hanging out with the boy from earlier (they’d be a cute couple huh) and she spots you. She flies after you, flinging two robots towards the machine as you finally break free. Starfire crashes into the room through the ceiling and lands in the crates, Cyborg and Beast Boy still taking on the other robot.

All three of the robots start chasing Starfire, and she flies around the room trying to lose them. Cyborg knocks into them and lays some punches, you trying to short circuit them by spraying them with water. One of the robots hits Cyborg, sending him flying into a wall. Another one sends Starfire flying into a different wall, and she lands in a dumpster. You run to the hole in the wall to find the aliens trying to bring the whole dumpster into the air. You were about to try to strike them when you saw a flash- the flash of a birdarang. It cuts into the arms of the robot and drops the container. Robin joins the rest of you.

“Titans Go!” Robin yells, but Blackfire flies out in front of you. In a matter of seconds she demolished all three robots. You all surrounded her as she stood victoriously.

“Aw yeah! Good times!”

“Nice shot, Tex!”

“Very nice.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself!”

“How did you know where to hit them?” Robin asked.

“Lucky guess,” Blackfire shrugged. Cyborg stepped forward.

“We could use luck like that,” he said. “Maybe you oughta join the team.”

“Me? A teen titan?” Blackfire asked, obviously flattered. You couldn’t help but notice Starfire looking away, a defeated look on her face. I should talk to her again, you decided.

.

You and Robin found Starfire standing on the roof of the Titans Tower. You found out that you both had the idea of finishing up your conversations, but it seemed that Starfire had different plans. You reach her as she floats into the air.

“Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?” Robin asked, causing her to whip around to face the two of you.

“A little rude if you ask me,” you tried to joke, but she didn’t laugh. Her head hanging, she slowly landed back on the roof, taking off the backpack she was wearing.

“Aquagirl, Robin, I- '' She began, but was cut off by the sound of a spaceship coming towards you. One of the aliens on board unleashes its arm, which is a tentacle much like one of the robot’s, and slashes you and Robin, sending you both to the ground. It then wraps around Starfire, pulling her into the ship.

Robin runs towards the screaming Starfire and jumps from the roof and towards the ship. You watch in horror as he misses, and begins the fall towards the ground. The ship continues its ascent into the air.

“ROBIN!” you scream, running towards the edge of the Tower’s roof. You can do this, you can do this, you can-

You focused hard, and raised your arms above you. A geyser of water shoots up from the shore and catches Robin. You raised the geyser up towards the hull of the spaceship, allowing the Boy Wonder to grab onto the bottom and make his way up. Seeing that he made it safely on board, you dropped the geyser of water.

You fell to your knees, breathing heavily. You haven’t made such a strong geyser in, well, never! Your vision was blurring as Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Raven all rushed onto the roof.

“Aquagirl! What happened?” Cyborg asked, helping you up.

“Starfire… Spaceship… Robin… I helped…” you huffed, pointing towards the spaceship, which was now far away from the tower.

“We gotta catch up to them. But how?” Beast Boy said, staring at the silhouette in the distance.

“Follow my lead.” Raven said, grabbing on to Beast Boy and Cyborg, who was holding into you. You watched as she made a dark portal in front of you. She pulled the three of you through it and you found yourself in the outskirts of the city, next to mountains and a river. You see Starfire and Robin up ahead, in front of a now toppled over spaceship.

“Starfire! Robin!” Beast Boy yelled as you caught up to them.

“Are you alright?” Cyborg asked. Suddenly, you see two aliens emerge from the shipwreck.

“Titans! Get ready!” he said, assuming a fighting stance, which you follow. You wait tensely as the aliens approach you.

“In the name of the Grand Centauri Empire, you are all under arrest.” one of the aliens says, showing off a professional looking police badge. You stare at it. If they're police, why are they arresting us? And why are we fighting them?

“Uh… you can’t be the good guys. We’re the good guys.” Beast Boy says, just as confused as you are.

“And we are the Centauri Police,” the second alien repeats.

“The Tamaranean girl is a liar and a thief.” the first police alien says, pointing at Starfire. “She's committed high crimes throughout the entire Centauri system.”

“I have never even been to the Centauri moons!” Starfire pleaded.

Suddenly everything clicked. The necklace, the events at the carnival, the events at the party. All evidence seemed to have pointed to Starfire, but they actually pointed at another person.

“But I know someone who has.” you and Robin say at the same time. You look at each other, obviously aware of who the other was thinking.

Blackfire.

.

Robin took off Starfire’s necklace for her and threw it aside. He faced the police aliens.

“You’ve been chasing the wrong girl. Where’s Blackfire?” Robin says. Before any of the other Titans could answer, you saw a figure flying through the sky.

“That Bitch!” you yelled, watching Blackfire make an escape.

“Don’t worry Star, she won't get away with this,” Robin says to Starfire, but her eyes are already glowing.

“No she will not!” she yells, and shoots off into the sky. You couldn’t see much, but there were flashes of bright green and purple in the sky. The Centauri police calmly rebalanced their ship and restarted it, its engine humming to life.

You then watched as they proceeded to fly up into the sky and capture Blackfire, similar to how they initially captured Starfire, and fly off into the night. You stared dumbfounded.

"What just happened?"

.

The next morning, you stood in front of the kitchen, making pancakes with Cyborg.

“Crazy what happened last night, huh?” you yawned, watching the pancakes sizzle on the stove.

“No kidding,” he said. “She would’ve made a great addition to the team, except for the intergalactic-criminal part.” You laughed, flipping the rest of the pancakes.

You climbed up to the roof, finding Robin and Starfire sitting together. God they’re probably being cheesy together you thought. You cleared your throat, the two of them jumping at your presence.

“Hey you two,” you winked. “Breakfast is ready!!!”

[ezwezz]

OH MY GOD I LOVED YOUR HEADCANONS POST ON WHAT THE CHARACTERS PERSONALITIES WOULD BE LIKE IN MODERN DAY! WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD HAVE TOO?

wow thank you so much!! it really means a lot :)) also thanks for the suggestion!! <3

Eren:

- tbh, I can see Eren as a hardcore gamer. not just because he's an angry soul but I can see him needing something to release his angst and stress, therefore I think fast-paced, fairly simple gaming would work the trick for him.

Mikasa:

- ahh mikasa is amazing at embroidery seeing as her mum taught her at a young age.

- she uses it to escape the moment and take her mind off the day, usually getting carried away and designing an entire display of perfectly stitched artwork.

Armin:

- I feel like Armin really loves to read. not just because he's canonically a nerd, but I also think he reads to feed into his wild imagination.

- Armin definitely has bedtime scenarios he creates based off books.

Jean:

- not only is Jean good at art, I can also see him being amazing at singing- although he never does it in front of anyone.

- his voice is very gravelly- like something you'd hear in modern rock. if you're close with him, he might mumble a quiet tune whilst the two of you chill.

Connie:

- I can definitely see Connie playing the guitar.

- when there's people around he'll get nervous and just play 'wonderwall' for the jokes, but when he's alone he'll play a lot more advanced, serious songs and simply get lost in the music.

Sasha:

- we all know Sasha is great at archery, but in modern times I can't really see that being her thing. instead I reckon she's an awesome swimmer.

- she's probably won a bunch of races and entered loads of competitions but she doesn't take it too seriously therefore nobody's aware of her hobby.

Reiner:

- aside from working out, I feel like Reiner has a lot of unresolved issues in his head therefore he does a lot of meditation to wind down before bed.

- he's never told anyone except bertholdt (whether that's a romantic or platonic bond, you can decide).

Bertholdt:

- I definitely headcanon Bertholdt being into tenis like I mentioned in my last post. I can also see him doing golfing since it's a lot more chill and he likes to have a balance.

Annie:

- I think on the most part, Annie being a fighter as a hobby makes a lot of sense and I reckon she'd definitely take part in some form of martial art.

- on the other hand, I can also see her needing a calmer, more peaceful hobby on the sidelines therefore I believe she'd play the piano when she's alone.

Erwin:

- I would love to say erwin has a not-so grandpa-like hobby however I can't shake the aching truth of him being invested in collecting stamps.

- he 100% has a book just filled with stamps from various decades and different areas.

- he takes a lot of pride in his collection as hange and levi have had a full briefing on the backstory of every single stamp he owns.

Levi:

- It may sound a bit of a reach however I can totally see Levi volunteering at an animal shelter of sorts.

- I've put some thought into this one and came to the conclusion that he's an animal person. he thinks animals are so much better than humans and if he could, he would stay at the shelter all day simply venting to the animals- they never interrupt, judge or try to understand, they're simply there to listen and he appreciates that more than anything.

Hange:

- Hange would 100% love to travel and learn about different cultures.

- They love the sheer thrill of experiencing new things and seeing different sights therefore they would probably choose to backpack across countries instead of going on proper holidays. it allows them to experience everything so much more authentically and realistically.

Historia:

- I think Historia is such a poetic-minded individual since her entire childhood had been formed through literature. with that being said I think she'll love to write.

- she was completely inspired by novels at a young age and would give anything to allow others to experience the same wonder she felt at the time.

Ymir:

- Ymir would absolutely love competitive sport. I can ultimately see her playing football (or soccer...whatever floats your boat.)

- she enjoys the thrill and pressure of the match. (she also likes the cheerleaders but we won't get into that).

Hitch:

- I definitely see Hitch being a dancer, and no, not just tiktok dancing.

- I think she'll enjoy doing contemporary dance styles like ballet and slow dancing since it's her way of venting the tougher emotions she keeps bottled up.

Pieck:

- Pieck is a plant mother.

- there's no explanation for this one, she just owns an entire habitat of plants. (she has names for each and every one of them and may or may not bawl her eyes out when one of them dies).

Porco:

- Porco is definitely a rugby lad.

- ramming into people and knocking them off their feet with sheer bodily force is his form of therapy. it also gives him a lot of confidence in himself which he wouldn't have if he'd never taken up sport in general.

Onyankopon:

- Onyankopon is a pro at chess and you cannot change my mind.

- I can see him being amazing at strategy games since he loves to put his mind to work in a competitive style.

Yelena:

- eat, sleep, worship zeke.

[tommysparker]

Never Forget You [Chapter 3]

Obi-Wan Kenobi x Jedi!Reader

A/N: hey y’all! thank you for your patience with this chapter. enjoy!! :) [also totally didn’t have this in my drafts then forget to post earlier pfftttt whaaaatt?]

Warnings: angst with a tiny amount of fluff. anakin finally makes his debut in this series. it gets better just stay with me. long italic paragraphs = flashbacks

Anakin Skywalker had witnessed many things over the years. 

Giant beasts? At least once a week. Sith Lords? Becoming too common. Droid armies? All year long. Looking death in the eye? Simply another day in the life of a Jedi. 

Nothing could ever have prepared him for the sight he was currently witnessing. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi, his Master, The Negotiator, the Jedi Council’s most prized Jedi…sulking.

It has been a full week since You returned to the Jedi Temple and Anakin couldn’t help to think his former Master’s mood and your arrival were connected. He was vaguely aware of your past friendship, only hearing bits and pieces of the adventures you had together as Padawans. 

During his days under Obi-Wan’s apprenticeship he would often hear about how “a wise Jedi I once knew” would do certain things. He wanted to know more about this oh-so-great Jedi, however, any time the young boy asked his Master would always brush him off with a mournful look in his eyes.  

He didn’t understand at the time but now he’s beginning to piece together that perhaps there was something more between the two of you. 

“You think Master Y/l/n and Master Kenobi were courting?” 

“Keep your voice down, Snips,” Anakin hushed.

“Sorry, sorry. But Master,” Ahsoka lowers her voice, “what led you to that conclusion? I’ve hardly seen them together since Master Y/l/n came back. What makes you think they could be lovers?” 

“That’s just it, Ahoska. They’ve been avoiding each other like the Rakghoul plague. Obi-Wan told me they were such good friends, and now that they’re back they can’t stand to be in the same room as each other? I don’t buy it.” Anakin looked back to where Obi-Wan sat with Commander Cody, no doubt brainstorming new battle tactics and liberation plans. 

“So what do you suppose we do? Set them up or something?” The look her Master gave her made her regret her words the moment they left her mouth. 

“Come on, Snips. It’s a good idea. We get them to stay in the same room so they have no choice but to confront each other and talk things out! It’s genius.” Anakin smiled, his eyes still on his former Master. He had a feeling if Obi-Wan were to find out about this plan he would be in for a major lecture but he couldn’t bring himself to care at the moment. He couldn’t stand to see the old man look so miserable, not if he can do anything about it. 

Ahsoka crossed her arms and followed her Master’s gaze. Something was clearly different about her Grand-Master. He had put his full attention into ending the war, which wasn’t new. However, she could tell something was off. He no longer came out to the landing zone to greet returning fighters, stayed away from the meditation and training centers as well as the Jedi Archives which was the most off-putting observation considering that was where he spent most of his time.

Anytime someone needed to find Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first place they would check was the ancient history section of the Jedi Archives. 

“I don’t know why you find so much interest in these old books Y/n/n,” Obi-Wan complained from across the table. “Can’t we go practice our lightsaber skills instead?” 

You smiled. “Nuh uh, mister. If I won the wager you promised to sit with me during my reading time. Now shush, and read.” You pushed the unopened textbook toward the pouting Padawan. “Maybe you’ll actually learn something.” 

Obi-Wan stuck his tongue out in a childish manner, sighing dramatically when you gave him a certain look and reluctantly opened the cover and began to read Tales of The Old Republic. 

Safe to say from that point onward, Obi-Wan would join your daily Archive visits with zero complaints. 

You close the book, careful to make sure no pages fell out and gently push it back into its place on the shelf. Using the force, you carefully push the ladder you were currently standing on over to the next column and begin nitpicking through the array of old texts. 

It took a few days for you to settle in and readjust to the Jedi Temple life. Once you had, however, things quickly took a turn. 

Master Yoda requested that you help train some of the younglings who were having trouble advancing into the next stages of becoming a Jedi. In all honesty, you much rather have had the freedom to roam for at least one more week, but the new role presented an excuse to not be around a certain blue-eyed Jedi. 

“Looking for something?” 

The voice startled you, causing you to jump and lose your balance on the ladder. You yelp as you begin to fall towards the ground, bracing yourself for the hash impact and the bruises that would add to the collection on your side still currently healing.  

Instead, you feel a pair of arms catch you, one under your back and the other behind your knees in a classic bridal style. The hold felt secure instantly, and you instinctively clung to the tunic of your savior. You look up to thank the person for preventing any injuries, but the blue eyes staring back at you made your mind go blank. 

Obi-Wan stared back, unsure of what to say. This was the closest he has been to you since you left a decade ago. He longed to have you in his arms, to hug you, to regain that safety net you provided he knew he could always fall back on.

“Um...thank you, General.” It came out as more of a question, your mind still reeling from almost falling and also the fact that the man who you had been actively avoiding just happened to be in the same place you spent hours of your youth together. 

“Obi-Wan, please. No need for formalities, darling.” The old nickname slipped out, and he was about to apologize when he noticed the light blush that spread across your face. Perhaps not everything about you has changed. 

“Right...Obi-Wan. Well, I’ll be on my way then,” You rushed, trying to pass by him but he stopped you once again by the call of your name. 

“Y/n/n’s wait. Whatever game you’re playing, frankly I am not a fan of it.” Obi-Wan crossed his arms and furrowed his eyebrows. 

“What are you talking about?” You turned around and looked at him confused. 

“You were the one who summoned me here,” he stretched his arms out, “here I am and now you’re trying to run away again. I hardly think that’s fair.” He was beginning to get frustrated. He came in with his heart on his sleeve, ready to finally talk to you after so long and find out why you’ve been keeping your distance. Now, all he felt was betrayal and irritation at the ongoing dance you insist on doing around each other. 

He preferred to dance like you did in your youth, but alas this was nothing but another sign he needs to get mind out of the past.  

You scoffed lightly. “Again? What is that supposed to mean exactly?” You knew exactly what he meant, but you didn’t want to admit it. You’ve been denying it for ten years and Force be damned if you’d admit it now. 

“You’ve been avoiding me since your return--” You open your mouth to protest but he ignores you and continues “--and then you send the youngling to bring me here, only to try to flee upon my arrival,” He frowns, lifting his elbow and resting it on his remaining crossed arm. “I know our history can make things...difficult in the present time,” He glanced around cautiously as he spoke,”but I would appreciate it if we make an agreement simply to not speak from now on. No more games.” 

You blinked, head tilting slightly as you waited for him to finish. “Obi-Wan, I didn’t ask for you to come here. Nor would I ever involve younglings in personal matters.” He should know that, you thought. But should he really? 

His face fell from annoyance to embarrassment, his arms falling to his sides. “Oh.” He wasn’t sure what to do now. It was his own fault for getting his hopes up. I should have known better. 

You purse your lips and nodded slowly. “Well, I’m glad we at least came to an agreement. Goodbye, General Kenobi.” You took your leave, forcing yourself not to look back as you felt his eyes watching your figure. 

Obi-Wan let out a frustrated sigh, knowing he just ruined any and all changes of reconnecting with you. In his defense, however, you were the one avoiding his attempts at friendly conversation and refusing to meet and make up for lost time.  

Still, something didn’t feel right about this. 

“What the kriff was that?” 

Ah, there’s that something. “Anakin, please tell me this was not your doing.” 

Anakin smiled guilty, Ahsoka coming out from behind the bookshelf to stand next to her Master. 

“It was Snips' idea.” Anakin shrugged, flinching when he felt her punch his arm. “Ow!”

“You were the one who came up with the plan, and now look! Master Y/l/n and Master Kenobi will never get together--” Ahoska stops herself, realizing she said too much. “Oh no.” 

“I beg your pardon?” Obi-Wan looks at them both incredulously. “First of all, Master Y/l/n and I are simply…” he wanted to say friends, but even that was a reach at this point, “acquaintances. We knew each other in the past, and in the past our friendship shall stay. As for ‘getting together’, you both know very well any implication of that goes directly against the Jedi Code.” He crossed his arms tightly as he scolded. 

“I can tell you harbour feelings for them, Obi-Wan. You don’t need to lie to us.” 

“Whatever feelings I may or may not have for Y/n are unrelated. You must understand your responsibilities as a Jedi. No matter what emotional sacrifice we must make.” He made a point to look at Anakin at the end, knowing he won’t follow the implication but at least hoping he’ll get the message.     

“We’re sorry, Master.” Ahsoka looked down in shame not at what they had tried to achieve, but at the cost and clear damage they caused. 

Obi-Wan sighed, running a hand over his beard before resting it on her shoulder. “It’s alright young one. You meant no harm. Perhaps some things are better left forgotten.” 

Oh, if only it were that simple. 

A Padawan approached the three of them quickly. “Excuse me, Master Yoda sent me to tell you he and Master Y/l/n are waiting for you all in the council room.” 

Of course, these things never are. 

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

heres a box to put your heart pieces in  -> []  :) 

Taglist: @queenariesofnarnia @dwarfplanet69 @katsukink @blondekel77 @generousrunawaydonut @fandomtrashwhore @fortheloveofaqueenfan @mrskenobi19 @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @hotleaf-juice @emiijemii @neji85 @doctor-warthrop @ayamenimthiriel @lizzy-95 @lovelylostminds 

[queen-scribbles]

“ but you're here. so stay. “

Old Habits

Evony decided to snatch this away from Ves, so here's 1500 words of post-game Exile/Bao Dur bc KotOR 2 may be an 18 year old game, but it still has me in its clutches. Also worked in a hand holding prompt \0/

6. running their thumb over the other’s hand [Evony/Bao Dur]

-----

There were few things in the galaxy worse than being too tired to sleep. Being too on edge to meditate was one of them, at least in her book. The gravelly whine of barely-repaired engines reverberating through the hull didn’t help with either.

Evony finally gave up and shuffled out of the dormitory. Maybe somewhere else on the ship would be more conducive to one of her goals. Or maybe the adrenaline of confronting Kreia still hadn’t faded. Fleeing Malachor V in a ship cobbled together with what repairs she and Atton could make, the rest of the crew varying levels of injured or...

She shook herself out of the morose thoughts and realized her feet had carried her in sight of the garage. Force of habit, she thought wryly. But maybe that was the answer. Even empty, even closer to the struggling engines. She’d called him her eye of the storm; calm while everything fell to chaos around them. Perhaps enough of that lingered.

But the garage wasn’t empty.

Evony crossed her arms, concern squeezing her heart at the sight.  “You’re supposed to be resting.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Bao Dur said quietly, voice hoarse and as death-warmed-over as the rest of him looked. (She tried not to dwell on how near the truth that was.) He glanced down at the tools spread out on the workbench. “And you know what they say about old habits.”

Evony mustered a small smile as she nodded. “I’m glad old friends are another thing that die hard.”

His answering laugh was more an amused exhalation, likely trying not to jostle broken ribs she’d run out of energy to heal. “Likewise, though I am surprised you’re awake, given... everything.”

She scrubbed her eyes with the heel of one hand and leaned against the doorframe. “I crossed the threshold of too tired to sleep. And still too anxious to meditate, ironically. I was thinking to try somewhere else, wasn’t figuring I’d disturb anyone...”

“You aren’t. And you’re here.” He inclined his head to the empty half of the seat, “So stay.”

Evony didn’t hesitate to take him up on it, careful not to bump anything she knew was still sore. She could feel his pain, leeching through the Force that bonded them, knew that was likely why he couldn't sleep, but seeing it all up close made her heart squeeze again. She really was grateful for whatever miracle kept her from losing him.

Bao Dur reached for a tool and hissed softly.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do more,” Evony mumbled, gaze locked on the half-healed burn covering his shoulder. “But Mira was...  And I-”

“You did enough,” he interrupted, tone gentle as he gingerly turned to face her.  “Especially considering the full weight of it was on you, and after everything you faced. The fact you pulled two of us back from the brink is nothing short of extraordinary.” He smiled wanly. “I can deal with a few lingering aches if it means everyone gets to survive this time.”

She snorted, knowing how much he was downplaying to call it aches. (Knowing it wasn’t the first time.) “...She’s probably still going to lose the arm, with how much damage and how long before I got to her.”

“I’ll make her a new one,” Bao Dur said, then looked down again.  “After I finish fixing mine; it’ll be easier done with two working hands.”

Evony blinked as it finally registered in her exhausted brain that he was, indeed, working on repairs to his cybernetic arm. Guilt rose. She’d completely forgotten about that in her rush to ensure he and the others pulled through. “Would you like some help?”

“If you want, I know you like to tinker,” he said with a quiet laugh.  “But don’t feel obligated; I built it one-handed, I can fix it that way, too.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as well at his dry humor, then sobered.  “But this time you don’t have to,” she said softly. This time I’m still here, and infinitely grateful you are, too. She rested her hand over his and gave a light squeeze as she reached for the fusing pen. ”I’ll work on the top.”

Silence lingered as they worked, companionable if exhausted. Tools passed back and forth without a word, the need sensed and filled before it was spoken.

Evony bit her lip in concentration as she removed and replaced a trio of wires in the upper connection, clearing away carbon scoring while she lay the new along old paths. She’d watched him tweak things before, but never helped. Figured he knew what he was doing, having built it himself. Now was different; he was hurt--still--because she hadn’t been able to fully heal him. She still couldn’t, with how drained she was. But this... she could help with this.

“I didn’t expect to survive,” Bao Dur commented, barely above a whisper, as they neared completion. Evony stilled, one hand resting against his arm. “Not again. I... We were lucky last time, escaped when so many others didn’t. Not unscathed, but alive, even though it was my doing--”

“Our doing,” Evony corrected firmly. “You built the generator, but I gave the order to use it. I decided the sacrifice was worth it. Don’t take my guilt on your shoulders. Let me carry my share.”

One side of his mouth curved upward for the briefest moment. “As you wish, General.” Old habits died hard, and both were accustomed to bearing the guilt. He studied the cybernetic hand a moment, fused a loose piece of plating at the wrist. “When we returned it felt like fate. A chance to make amends for all the lives lost to my creation, even if it cost my own life to do so.”

“Bao...” She set down the sonic welder, but he continued as if he hadn’t heard her speak.

“And when... with the crash... all I could do was hope, I thought, that my remote would finish the task for me.” He set down his tool, fiddled with a scanner but didn’t pick it up. “When everything went white and I thought it was done, I was... mostly... at peace with that.”

Evony straightened and leaned back against the edge of the workbench, reaching for the scanner to check their work. “Mostly?”

She was too tired, too bad a liar, to make it sound uninterested or casual. He knew her too well, anyway.

“You are, as with many things, the exception,” Bao Dur said softly, tipping his head back to meet her eye. “The one reason I felt regret at the thought of not being... here anymore.”

The scanner beeped as she processed that, its screen a glaring white flash in the dimly-lit garage. A moment later, his arm flickered back to life.

“But you are here,” Evony finally murmured, lump in her throat, as she traced her fingers along the edge of the bacta patch on the side of his head. It made her heart ache that he’d been so ready to count such a sacrifice worthwhile. That he’d come so close to getting that wish. “And I need you.” She leaned in to gently kiss his forehead. “So stay.”

“Evony, I...” He hesitated and she wondered if he’d caught the way her heart stuttered when he said her name. “I can sense your worry at the threat that remains, how big it is. You know I’ll follow you, always, but...” A helpless look filled his warm brown eyes, all the more exaggerated by the stark lighting and his haggard state. “I don’t know how to help, I’m just a tech.”

She snorted. “You and I both know that’s not true.” Repairs finished, Evony shifted back to his other side and took his hand as she sat, running her thumb over his knuckles, catching the corner of another bacta patch. “But I want you with me not as a Jedi or tech, even though you’re damn fine at both. As you.”

“To help shoulder the weight?” Bao Dur asked with a wry smile.

“Only because I know I can’t stop you,” she retorted fondly. “Old habits die hard and all.”

That made him laugh, which, predictably, turned into a wince. As do old friends, thank the Force.

Evony squeezed his hand. “Maybe I’ll go try again to get some sort of rest. So I can heal you the rest of the way.” She was feeling calmer, more settled now. There was a chance it would work.

“Or maybe you do it for your own sake, rather than mine,” Bao Dur deadpanned, squeezing back, as if she couldn’t sense how much pain he was trying to mask.

“How about both?” she countered, circling the pad of her thumb around his knuckle. Old habits...

He smiled, gave her hand a final squeeze before slipping his free to start tidying the workbench. “Deal. And I’ll try again as well,” he added before she even said the words.

“Good.” Evony let her fingers trail up his arm as she stood, missing the contact almost as soon as it was broken. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” Bao Dur promised. The sincerity in his voice soothed her worries, and she was fairly confident as she made her way back to the dormitory sleep would come much more easily now.

She was right.

[lavender-scent]

BBRae Week Day Two - Poolside

FF.net - AO3

Jealousy, Jealousy (Started Following Me)

“Azar, have mercy on me,” Raven said to herself as she tried to focus on anyone but Beastboy.

The Titans has found themselves dragged to the public pool by none other than their green teammate. He had been trying to get them here for a week now, always turned down by training or an attack somewhere in the city or something else occupying the titans schedule.

Raven was confused at first by his enthusiasm. They already had a pool on the tower, a huge one at that, and there was no need to go to a public one but once they all arrived there she understood why.

He was there for the girls... and Raven hated it.

Throughout the year, Raven had steadily developed a crush on Beast Boy. One she had been trying to keep a secret although her powers had demanded otherwise.

They have been going out of control lately whenever she's close to him. With all the new emotions she’s been experiencing around him, Beast Boy had noticed when objects exploded near him whenever they were in the same room but Raven always brushed off his concern as a lack of meditation.

He was a fan favorite Titan so of course girls liked him and thought he was cute (She did too but he didn’t need to know that.)

Raven was now dealing with a new emotion she never known before.

Jealousy.

Every time a girl approached Beast Boy her dark magic followed.

She really tried to control it but Beastboy flirting and laughing around pretty normal girls wasn’t helping.

Girls that weren’t her.

She had brought a book with her to distract her from him and keep her occupied but even that wasn’t working.

First she blew up his drink when she saw him flirting with the girl at the poolside bar. When he looked at her in confusion she blamed it on the burning sun.

And so it continued with every other girl that even looked at him.

Every girl he talked to was surprised by a explosion that Raven pretended didn’t happen. The blonde girl that was trying to get on his back to play some stupid game she probably made up herself wasn’t any different.

“I don’t think I’ll make it,” she giggled still nowhere near his shoulders.

“Just hold my hands,” Beast Boy laughed as he tried to help her.

Raven tried to look anywhere but them, but it was hard when they kept shouting and giggling like 5 year old kids. Finally her powers decided to take control.

A flying ball surrounded by black shadow came out of nowhere sending them both into water.

Beast Boy was not happy. She could tell by the look he had fixed on her.

“You got me wet,” he complained when he came out of the pool.

“We’re at the pool, Beast Boy. You’re supposed to get wet.”

“Not with a flying ball sent by your half demon teammate!"

Raven didn’t reply.

“Now what’s your problem?”

“I have no problem.”

“Yeah, that’s why your magic keeps either hitting me or exploding something in my face. Now tell me what’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong,” Raven insisted.

Beast Boy knew she was lying. He knew something was up with her powers and he knew it had something to do with him but he couldn’t figure out why her dark magic was suddenly so interested in him. This had never happened before.

Whatever it was, it had to be fixed.

Beast Boy decided to sacrifice what remained of his pool day to help Raven with whatever was going on with her emotions. He was worried about her and he wanted her to be okay.

He tried to get her to swim with him thinking maybe that would help her calm down but she declined.

“What’s wrong Rae? If I didn’t know better I’d say you have a crush on me,” he teased sitting in the lounge chair beside her.

Raven froze, but before she said anything another girl showed up.

“Hey Beast Boy, can you help me put my sunscreen on? My arms aren’t long as yours,” she asked the changeling shyly.

Beast Boy replied grinning, “Of course.”

Raven watched as the girl fixed herself in front of Beast Boy showing him her back.

The brunette girl started giggling the moment Beastboy touched her skin, “I’m a little ticklish, you gotta apply it slow.”

“Okay, I’ll go as slow as I can.”

Beast Boy moved his hands slowly as he was asked but the girl kept giggling anyway.

Raven had seen enough, her powers acting by themselves before she could get a hold on them.

Before Beast Boy got to finish his task, the lounge chair broke and both he and the girl fell to the floor.

Beastboy turned to Raven giving her a glare, “What the hell?”

Raven got up to leave but Beast Boy held her wrist to stop her, “Not this time!”

“Beast Boy, let me go,” she said trying to hide her blush at the sudden contact.

“It’s getting out of control, Raven.”

Their intense stares got cut by the forgotten girl, “What the fuck, freak?”

At that, Beastboy snapped back at her, “Don’t call her that!”

Raven felt the sudden tears that had cropped unbidden almost falling and she didn’t want them to see her like that so she teleported herself back to the tower.

What she didn’t realize was that she had teleported Beast Boy with her. She removed his hand and ran to the hallway but he blocked her way.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“My room.”

“No, I don’t think so. Not after you ruined my pool day.”

“Ruined it? It’s not my fault you’re so invested in my business. No one told you to!”

“Which one of us is invested in the other one? Your magic ruined my every attempt to flirt with any girl!”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t flirt with them!”

Raven realized what she just said and she couldn’t stop the tears falling this time. Did she just admit she was jealous? Her worse fear had come true and Beast Boy knew how she feels now.

Her powers took over her once again and everything around them was either floating in space or exploding.

Beast Boy didn’t know what to do when basically his teammate was breaking down in front of him.

Beast Boy held her arms trying to calm her, “Hey, it’s okay I- I won’t flirt with them, I promise!”

Raven started gaining her control back and the levitating objects stopped moving around. For a moment they both just stared at each other not knowing what the next step is.

Beast Boy was confused and didn’t believe what had just happened. Was she actually mad that he was flirting with other girls?

Neither of them moved as they continued staring into each other’s eyes.

Before either of them said anything, Raven teleported herself to her room, this time without taking Beast Boy with her.

Beast Boy stayed there for long time before he felt his communicator vibrating. Great, now he had to explain what happened to their team.

Beast Boy was sitting in his room later when he heard a soft knock on his door.

He hoped it wasn’t Robin asking for a more detailed explanation on why he and Raven came home earlier than the rest of them but he opened the door to find none other than Raven herself.

She looked like she was trying to stop herself from teleporting back to her room right there and then. “I think I owe you an explanation.”

Beast Boy gave her a nod as she continued, “I know you have noticed my powers acting on themselves lately more than usual and it was because I was experiencing new feelings that I hadn’t full control over and meditation wasn’t much of a help. Today it was more intense because I was jealous.”

“Why were you jealous?” Beast Boy asked.

Raven took a deep breath, she knew he had the right to know especially when her emotions had been effecting him, but it was still hard for her to admit the truth.

“Because I have feelings for you. I have for a while now.”

Raven waited for his reaction. There was none. When he didn't reply she continued.

“I might need time to control these emotions but I promise they won’t bother you anymore,” she finished as she left his room.

He wanted to follow her. Every part of him screamed to, but what would he do after? What would he say to her? All this time she was dealing with her feelings for him and he was too oblivious to even notice.

That’s how it was when he was constantly trying to get her attention by constantly teasing her when she locked herself away. This was her way of getting his.

A week passed since they talked, and Beast Boy was officially losing his mind. When Raven said she'd need some time he didn’t think she meant away from him.

She had been avoiding him wherever he was. The only time she would come out of her room is when he was in his.

He hated this. He was annoyed with her powers before but if that was the only way for them to be close then he didn’t care.

Anything was better than this.

Even though she was very quiet, her absence screamed louder.

Beast Boy wanted nothing more than to have his friend back and that’s how he found himself standing at her door. He opened the door without knocking worrying that she would stop him if he did.

Raven was reading in her bed when he entered. She sat up when she saw him in her room surprised by the action, “What’s wrong, Beast Boy?” It was a testament to how strange she was acting that she didn't even yell at him.

“This, this is what’s wrong! I can’t take it anymore.”

“Beast Boy, you know I have to stay away because of my feelings.” It pained her to bring the subject back up again.

She had been pretending like it didn’t happen the first time for the sake of her sanity. Beast Boy knowing about her feelings was the last thing she wanted but the time she spent away from him helped keep a hold on them for a little.

Beast Boy frowned. “This doesn’t feel like you have feelings for me. IT feels like you hate me.”

“I’m only doing this for you.”

“I don’t want it! I don’t want you hiding in your room from me because you’re worried about your powers.”

“Then what do you want?”

Beast Boy looked conflicted for only a second then: “I want... I want you.”

And without a second thought, Beast Boy’s hands found themselves holding her small face and his lips chased hers. Raven’s eyes widened only a moment before she gave in and kissed him back.

It was a short kiss but it felt like centuries.

Raven was the first to pull away, her eyes fixed on the boy in front her.

Is this real? She wondered. Or have my emotions passed a new level of insanity?

But the smile he gave her was definitely real, “I don’t think your meditation helped much.”

She looked around to find all of her room very different than how it had been before she had closed her eyes.

She cursed her powers. “A new emotion. I just need to adjust.”

He brought her face closer to his, “I think a few more kisses might help.”

And he kissed her again.

nb: this was my first finished fic i hope u guys liked it! and thanks to @oceanspray5 for helping me and always supporting my writing, love u sm <3

my fic for sunny days

also don't forget to check her bbrae week fics coming on day3 and day7!

happy bbrae week everyone <33

(@bbraeweek21 )

[storydays]

Season 1, ep 7, p2

(3rd POV)

You hummed softly, walking down the hallway with some fire flakes in your hand, and paused seeing Korra spying through a keyhole. You went to grab her shoulder when she stood up straight with a horrified look on her face. "Kor--" she ran down the stairs before you could finish your sentence.

You followed her, slower, and listened to her babble an excuse. "I forgot it's my turn to airsit the babybenders..I-I mean babysit the airbender kids. See you later!" They turned to you with confused looks and you shrugged, swallowing more fire flakes. "It's one of Aunt Pema's daily baby checks." Nevermore squealed in delight as she ate majority of your fire flakes.

"Hey!" You splashed her with water, making the little hothead sizzle. Everyone laughed at the two of you, the old butler even concealing a chuckled behind his hand. "She's been getting so fiesty lately and I don't appreciate the rebelliousness, young lady." You complained and then chided the dragon.

"You know, I read something in a book that says animals tend to imitate their loved ones behavior." Asami teased, making you playfully roll your eyes. "I've been hearing that a lot," you sigh, making your bangs puff in the air slightly. Nevermore curled on your shoulder, chirping happily. "Come on, let's go find my secret stash of fire snacks." You grinned, as Mako and Asami laughed before following you to get some snacks.

*Timeskip*

You blinked, as your Aunt, Uncle and friend storm up to the Sato mansion. "What's going on?" Mako demanded, pushing Korra's shoulder, wincing when you gripped his arm. "Why are they asking more Hiroshi more questions?" "I overheard him on the phone yesterday. Asami, I don't know how to tell you this, but I think your father might be involved with the equalists." "What?! I don't believe this!" She stormed towards her father's office. You followed her, trying to calm her down.

"A-Asami, maybe this is just a misunderstanding." She turned her green gaze to you, "Don't talk to me, (Y/N)! You were in on this, and you didn't think to tell me?!" Your (e/c) eyes burned sadness into Asami's, as she stalked off. You sigh, running a hand through your hair before trailing sadly behind her, before walking into the office, standing in the corner. You studied everyone from the corner of the room, and you were biting the inside of your lip before closing your eyes, listening to everyone's breathing, and focusing on what Toph taught you.

"My father is innocent. Just because we're not benders, doesn't mean we support those awful Equalists." She went to stand next to Hiroshi. "Is that this is about?" He demanded. "I can assure you, I have nothing  to do with those radicals." Mako butted in, "Yeah, you don't know your're talking about Korra." Mako accused. "I overheard you on the phone. You said that Cabbage Corp investigation bought you time, and your getting ready to strike. Explain that." Korra placed her hand on her hips, staring into the man's eyes.

He chuckled, before looking into the Avatar's eyes. "This is all a misunderstanding,resulting from the Avatar's over-active imagination. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. It's providing me with an opportunity to strike the market with a new line of Sato-mobiles. It's just business--"

You studied everyone from the corner of the room, and you were biting the inside of your lip before closing your eyes, listening to everyone's breathing, narrowing on Hiroshi's breath hitch. Your (e/c) eyes flew open as you declared loud and cleared, "Liar." All eyes turned to you as you approached the now sweating man. Asami looked at you with hurt and betrayal in her face.

"(Y/N), how could you? You've known my father for a long time, and you know he's not apart of th-" "And you know me, Asami. I was listening to everyone's breathing, and Hiroshi's hitched when he spoke just now." "That doesn't mean anything!" (E/C) eyes stared into angry green, as everyone watched you silently. "I was trained by the Greatest Earthbender of all time, I'm a spiritual master, and a waterbender master, if anyone knows about lying signs, it would be me. I'm sorry that your sweet fantasy is being destroyed, but---"

SMACK!

A sharp sting burned on your cheek. You met her emerald eyes, and with a bright red handmark on your cheek, you turned your eyes to your Aunt.  "I know your troops are outside and waiting, but you should use your seismic sense and you'll find something in the workshop behind the house. Clearly, I'm not wanted here, so I'll be anywhere else." You avoided Asami's gaze and stalked out, and hopped onto your polar bear dog. You clicked your tongue and soon you and Neo took off. Your (e/c) eyes watered, from both the wind and from the pain you felt in your heart. You willed them away, and the next thing you knew, you were by a secluded part of the park, no one around. You hopped off Neo, and knelt by a nearby pond, placing your hands in the water, before soothing your stinging cheek, wincing at the faint scratch marks from Asami's nails.

'You know, Cub,' you didn't jump when Neo laid next to you, watching you carefully, 'It's okay to cry when your heart aches.' You shook your head, settling into a lotus position against him. "No, I promised someone special to me that I won't ever cry. That I'll be strong." He rumbled against your back, with a disapproving growl. 'I sincerely doubt that's what she meant.'

You huffed, your bangs puffing slightly. "Hush, 'm tryna meditate." The animal growled again before leaving you to find peace.

*Later that night*

You jumped up using a water shield to block an incoming attack. "You've got to be quicker than that, Auntie." Your eyes softened as your Aunt jumped down from a tree. "I thought I'd find you here." Lin said, gruffly before coming over and sitting next to you. She held out a bag of food, and Neo perked up sniffing in the bag for something.

Lin chuckled amused, before reaching in and handing Neo his treat before turning to you with a concerned frown. "Eat, (Y/N), I know you haven't eaten since breakfast this morning." At that moment, your stomach growled, just as the scent of Lin's meat and vegetable wrap hit your stomach.

Not many people knew, but the latest Chief of Police was an excellent cook.Whenever you were in need of some tough love, you went to Lin and that's exactly what her food was. She chuckled as you devoured the wrap. "Hungry, mali heroj (little hero)?" You hummed in affirmation as you swallowed. "For your food? Always." She watched you with gentle eyes. "I'm worried about you, (Y/N). Everyone is, you haven't been yourself in a long time." You put your wrap down and stared at the twinkling stars, thinking about your vision during this last meditation.

"I'll be fine, Aunt Lin. I'm just..." "You are not alone! You have people who love you,and want to help you, but we can't if you continue to block us out." You turned to her, before she held her arms out. You fell into her warm embrace but said loud and clear: "Maybe it's safer for everyone to stay out. Maybe...I don't want anyone to be burdened with my problems. Not even Gran-Gran has any advice for what's going on. No one can." You gripped her waist, and stiffled your sobs against her heart.

Now, not many people could break her walls, but from the moment she met you, you wormed your way into her stone cold heart, and she loved you like a son, and hated seeing you in pain. This was part of the reason she hated the world, when you were a child you were so open and full of love for the world, but then reality hit you way too hard, way too early. You learned to be strong at a young age, and survived things no grown adult could handle.

You were breaking, and you were breaking fast, and she knew what she had to do when she got you home safe in your own bed.

Even though you're 19, you are still a child, and like all children...

you still need your father.

[ragingbookdragon]

An Unexpected Friendship, But A Friendship Nonetheless

A Jason Todd and Harley Quinn One-Shot (Non-Reader Insert)

Word Count: 2K Warnings: Explicit Language, Angst

Author's Note: So I wrote this for @aurailia or @nitebirdie because she drew that wonderful Jason picture for me which you can find right here! I hope you like this, Jess! Love you! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

Jason expected a lot of things.

1. Getting yelled at by Bruce for shooting serial murderers and rapists? Check.

2. Getting yelled at by Damian for calling him short? Check.

3. Getting yelled at by Tim for spray painting a billboard of him with penises? Check.

4. Getting yelled at by Dick for picking on his younger brothers? Check.

So really, it was getting yelled at by his family that he expected the most, but all things considered about his life, his expectations weren’t pretty high. He knew he was going to get hurt on patrol, knew was going to spend the rest of his life dealing with the chronic pain and learning how to manage it.

But the one thing Jason never expected, was to end up being friends with Harley Quinn.

And honest to God, the whole friendship only started because the psychiatrist they both went to accidentally scheduled them at the same time. A screw up. A monumental screw up. But it did lead to a revolutionary session where Jason and Harley spent most of their time badgering each other about their habits while the woman merely watched on and scribbled furiously at her notepad.

When they both left, they were in such a heated argument about which way would be better to deal with the Joker. Jason suggested a bullet in the head and Harley suggested cutting off his arms and legs. An excellent suggestion, he had to admit, but nothing would satisfy him more than killing the pasty bastard, and she knew that too.

Surprisingly, when Harley got to her bus stop, she grabbed the front collar of his shirt to keep him in place while she typed her number in his phone. Of course, Jason wasn’t sure what to be more concerned about: the fact that she’d lifted his phone without him knowing, or that she was putting her number in it and telling him to call her when he needed someone to talk to.

He’d responded that he didn’t need another shrink in his head.

She’d given him a pitied look and said it wasn’t for that, but for a friend.

And Jason wasn’t sure how to feel about that, but three weeks after, he was dialing her number at two A.M. just to hear someone’s voice over the deafening silence in his apartment.

They talked for hours about anything and everything. Cars, weapons, games, favorite childhood memories, everything they could think of. And by the time they’d finally talked until their tongues were numb, the sun had started peeking above the buildings in the distance.

He apologized for keeping her all night.

Harley laughed and asked to hang out on patrol come Friday night then hung up.

Jason hadn’t even told her who he was, but low and behold she was doing cartwheels on the roof of the building he was looking out on that night. And it should’ve annoyed him but hell, he’d grown up with Dick—gymnastics was something he was used to being around.

Halfway through their stakeout, she was perched on the side of the ledge, staring at the side of his head, and it shouldn’t’ve unnerved him like it did, but there was something about her bright blue eyes drilling into his brain that made his skin crawl—and not in the good way.

Will you stop boring holes in me, Quinn? He’d grunted. Pay attention.

Why? She’d retorted. Aren’t you tired of doing this? Don’t you wanna go do something fun?

Stopping drug dealers is good for Gotham.

I’m not talking about good for Gotham, Jason. I’m talking about for you.

Harley hauled him up and tugged him along, him barely resisting because good God she was relentless and headstrong when she put her mind to something. So, he let her. And she dragged him to the Bat-Burger down the block and shoved a roll of money towards the cashier, ordering one of everything on the menu.

And Jason found it really odd when he was balancing two trays in his hands while Harley carried the milkshakes over to the booth in the corner where they huddled in and started eating.

She held up a packet in between her fingers. Want some Jokerized seasoning?

He blinked at her and gently took it, sprinkling the red, white, and green flakes over his fries. And he wasn’t offended when she reached over and took one, popping it in her mouth.

It’s terrible to say it, but God I love this shit. She laughed and Jason’s jaw dropped.

I know! He agreed with a grin. I can’t help it! It’s so good!

Her eyes had narrowed at that. You should smile more, Jason. You look normal when you do.

Normal? He repeated.

You look happy. And that’s what you should strive for. She finalized and took the Robin Nuggets from his tray, grinning when he let out a noise of complaint.

When they could finally move after consuming so much food, she tugged him along to the department store that had closed hours before and while Jason wasn’t one to ever care about breaking and entering, he did have a problem with property that wasn’t a center for criminal activity.

Don’t be a baby. She griped and slipped in though one of the vents and Jason merely stared at the opening before he heard her yell to him. Get a move on! We have stuff to do!

Begrudgingly, he squeezed himself into the way too small vent and shimmied after her.

And Harley Quinn must’ve been planning this for a while because when his feet finally hit the floor, he watched as she started disabling security cameras and alarms in the entire building before spinning around and grinning at him.

Mall’s ours. Let’s get it. And she was off.

Bruce was not going to be happy about this but watching her swing that electrified bat at the glass windows, watching them shatter into millions of shards stirred up something devious in him and Harley was cackling when he broke a window with an armored elbow and yanked out the mannequin, tugging the black leather jacket off before shrugging it on.

He posed with his shoulders squared and strong and she clapped her hands. Looks good! Wanna go hit one of the jewelry stores and find some silver earrings to go with it?

Jason nodded and somehow Harley ended up piggybacking on him, giggling profusely when he started belting out Queen at the top of his lungs; she even joined when they got to the operatics.

And somehow, he let her convince him to go and help her raid the major makeup store in the mall. Harley managed to fill three backpacks full of lipsticks, foundations, eye-shadows, and a whole lotta other shit that Jason had no idea what they were for.

How much money do you think all that is? He inquired and she shrugged.

Probably a grand? Maybe two if I’m being honest. This place is a money-sucking-makeup-hog and I’ll be damned if I’m paying a hundred bucks for one set of lipstick and eyeliner.

She turned to him. Anywhere you wanna go? There’s a map out there if you wanna go look.

Jason nodded and walked out of the store while she was busy filling whatever belt pocket wasn’t empty.

After a few minutes, he heard, Found anywhere?

He pointed silently at one of the stores on the brightened map and she squinted, looking it over.

You wanna go there?

Wouldn’t’ve suggested it if I didn’t.

She shrugged and piggybacked him again. Lead the way, Jason.

He hated that the elevators had been out, and while he hadn’t broken a sweat carrying Harley up three flights of immovable stairs, his knees and his back were killing him when they finally got to the store.

He started wandering inside but stopped when she tossed him a duffel bag.

Fill it up with everything you want.

Jason tried to smile but could only manage a grimace as he stepped in and started going up and down the aisles. He wasn’t too picky with his choosing. Books that looked like they’d help manage his pain he shoved in the duffel bag. An electric pulsing gel pad went in too followed by a vibrating roller he could stretch his muscles on.

He was flipping through a book geared towards mindful chronic pain management when he felt her slide next to him.

Finding everything alright?

Mostly…this one is all about conditioning the mind to work with the pain.

Sounds useful. Meditation and mindfulness have been known to work. It’s really all about placebo-ing your mind into it. She looked at him. Jason, do you ever think about going to a physical therapist?

He scoffed. I already go see a shrink. Why would I go see another doctor?

Because your mind is one thing, and your body is another. Her hand was cool when she placed it on his arm. Jason, if you’re in pain, there are people who can help you.

He really wanted to be snarky but all he could do was glare at her. And what about you? Do you go see a doctor for all the things he did to you too?

Harley gazed at him for a long time before answering him firmly. I will if you do. Or… she started, then trailed off and picked up a few books on physical therapy. You can come to the apartment that Ivy and I live in and we can do it together.

And Jason blinked in shock because he’d never met a person who would agree to do something for themselves if he did something for himself, an agreement for dual help.

You’d really do that for me? For you too?

Harley smiled, big and pearly white, red lipstick a bit smeared in the corner from their meal earlier.

We’re both screwed up cause of what he did, Jason. But here’s where we’re different from everyone else.She linked her arm with his, leaned close and murmured. We’re not going to stew in it while healing is in our futures.

You know we’ll never be one hundred percent fixed, right?

It’s not about fixing, Jason. It’s about healing. Healing doesn’t mean you’re fixed. Memories, pain, it’ll always be there and no amount of management for pain or therapy is going to fix that.

She stared up at him. But it will remind you that you’re still you. Even if there’s a few broken pieces here and there. And no one can take that from you. Not even him.

Jason’s lungs were too tight to form words and his eyes stung horribly but he managed to swallow the lump enough to choke out his reply. You’re alright, Harley.

Smiling, she pressed her cheek into his bicep. Call me Harleen, Jason.

Not Harley?

No, not Harley. I only let the ones I care about call me Harleen.

Does this mean we’re friends then?

Oh, this absolutely means we’re friends now. Best friends, in fact. She tugged at his arm. And I think there’s a Wayne Enterprises outlet somewhere in here and I think we should leave Brucie boy a message.

Jason laughed and wiped his eyes, hurrying after her. Can we spray paint dicks everywhere?

Only if I can spray paint boobs.

You’ve got yourself a deal, Harleen.

Jason expected a lot in his life. To be yelled at by his family for being a pain-in-the-ass son and brother, to be injured on the job, to see a therapist every Tuesday and Thursday, to call his family every night to tell them he loved them.

But the one thing he never expected, was to find one of the greatest friends he’d ever had in a woman he had once been on opposite sides with.

He also didn’t expect Batman to come through the window of the outlet in the middle of their spray painting but that’s another story for another time.

[anthropolite]

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟏    :    𝐓𝐇𝐄    𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄.  

NAME:   Euryale

EYE COLOUR: sea-green, and deep enough to drown in.

HAIR STYLE  /  COLOUR:  greenish-brown, usually appears irridescent brownish-black

HEIGHT:  5′6″

CLOTHING STYLE: favours a casual look and loose, breezy fabrics. Leans toward green, black and white.

BEST PHYSICAL FEATURE:  If asked, she’s likely to say her skin, which brooks no scar or imperfection. This is mostly just her being contrary: her eyes draw a person’s gaze like a flame attracts moths.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    ��𝟎𝟐    :    𝐓𝐇𝐄    𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄.    

FEARS: death, not being clever enough to protect her loved ones.

GUILTY PLEASURE: there’s very few things Yali would admit to feeling guilty about, especially when scandalised reactions are so entertaining! She’s secretly thrilled about having a dread reputation.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE: hero-worship, storytellers who get things blatantly wrong.

AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE: Yali fully intends to live forever if it’s remotely possible. She wants to see how it all plays out.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟑    :    𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒.

FIRST THOUGHTS WAKING UP: Yali’s someone who needs her caffeine fix before the day starts, she’s not at her best before that.

WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT MOST: current projects, philosophical musings, things that remind her of other things. She’s connected to her snakes by her nervous system, so she also gets some snakey interjections at the back of her mind.

WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT BEFORE BED MEDITATION: ideas for projects that are still coming together in her head can force their way to the forefront, even when she’s trying to sleep.

WHAT THEY THINK THEIR BEST QUALITY IS: Yali prides herself on her cleverness, and she is clever, but not as much so as she thinks she is.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟒    :    𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓’𝐒    𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑?

SINGLE OR GROUP DATES: single

TO BE LOVED OR RESPECTED: ideally, both, but if made to choose, she’ll go for respect. To be loved but not respected sounds to her very much like someone who views her as a kind of pet.

BEAUTY OR BRAINS: beauty’s nice, but the most erotic organ in a person’s body is their brain.

DOGS OR CATS: neither. Both are just a little too good at sensing that there’s something off about her. She finds reptiles cute, though, especially big ornery ones.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟓    :    𝐃𝐎    𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘…

LIE: yes, though she prefers lies of omission to outright fabrications.

BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES: Yali’s self-confident, but that confidence doesn’t always translate to social situations: there have been times when she’s wanted to retire to a deserted island for a few decades. There have been times when she’s done exactly that.

BELIEVE IN LOVE: she not only believes in love, she’s met Love incarnated in the form of Aphrodite. Which is to say, she treats it with respect and caution.

WANT SOMEONE: Yali is... picky, and a little bit paranoid. She’d rather have no-one than have someone who doesn’t meet her standards.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟔    :    𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄    𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘    𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑…

BEEN ON STAGE:  in a manner of speaking. She briefly travelled with a cabinet of curiosities in the closing years of the 19th century.

CHANGED WHO THEY WERE TO FIT IN:  like many immortal beings, she’s worn a number of guises over the years. Patroness of the French Revolution was one of her favourites!

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟕    :    𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒.

FAVOURITE COLOUR:  sea-green, slate-grey, marble-white, blue, bronze.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL:  reptiles, or anything monstrous.

FAVOURITE BOOK:   Il Nome della Rosa, by Umberto Eco

FAVOURITE GAME: she learned to play the card game Brusquembille in the 1790s, and its close relative Briscola is still one of her favourites.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟖    :    𝐀𝐆𝐄.

DAY THEIR NEXT BIRTHDAY WILL BE:  She was born on the first full moon after midwinter. She celebrates her birthday on the 24th of January.

HOW OLD WILL THEY BE:  28. She intends to continue being 28 for the indefinite future.

𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑    𝟎𝟎𝟗    :    𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇    𝐓𝐇𝐄    𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄.

I LOVE: sculpting, travelling

I FEEL: amused, mostly.

I HIDE: whatever needs to be hidden.

I MISS: my sister.

I WISH: to never be easily defined.

tagged by: @escapedartgeek

tagging: @realmyths, @oplitis, @percentstardust, @aidoneuz, @chronicparagon