#it hasn't reached our area yet but only a matter of time!!

[oidheadh-con-culainn]

oh good i love getting emails telling me there's a measles outbreak and that they're doing special pop-up MMR vaccination stations bc of it

[mama2bears]

No Christmas Vacation - Part 1

Pairings: Tyler Owens/Reader

Summary: You and Tyler are dating. He takes you for a romantic get away for Christmas, but will the weather interfere with your plans?

Warnings: None yet.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Tyler kisses your neck softly.

“Do we have to get up now?” you muttered rolling over to face him.

“Yeah, remember, today is the day that I am taking you on our Christmas vacation.”

With that, you smiled, sitting up in bed. Tyler had told you a few weeks ago that he wanted to take you away for Christmas. Ever since then, you had tried to get him to tell you where, but he wouldn't budge. He only told you to pack for cold. It didn't matter where you went, you were looking forward to the trip. You were looking forward to getting away for a few days.

“I made you breakfast in bed before we get started.” he said, reaching over to the nightstand and handing you a tray with pancakes, sausage, and coffee.

“That smells amazing, Ty.” You award him with a tender kiss. You met Tyler three years ago when you moved to Arkansas to follow a career in meteorology and storm chasing. Your first thought was that Tyler Owens was a cocky, reckless redneck who only wanted to be a YouTube star. It didn't take you long though to see the tender side of this cowboy tornado wrangler. He was the guy running into debris to find dogs, playing ball with a child in mist of total destruction. Tyler was both tough and tender.

“So, are you going to tell me where we are going yet?”

“Nope.” he grinned.

“How will I know if we have everything packed we need? What if it's warm? Is it going to snow? We aren't going to be chasing tornadoes, are we?” you groaned. It was two days before Christmas and while it wasn't exactly common to have tornadoes in the winter, it certainly wasn't impossible. You loved storm chasing as much as Tyler did, but not on Christmas.

“Well, we didn't pack for every season, but I think cold weather clothes will be all we need. I don't plan on any tornadoes either.”

“Well, at least you can tell me if we are driving or flying.” you said between bites of your pancake.

“Flying.” Tyler answered “...in a plane.” he added.

“No? Really? And here I thought you were superman.” you grinned.

“Maybe I am.” he winked at you.

After breakfast was over, Tyler took your tray, “I'll get our suitcases in the truck and load the dishwasher.” he offered, giving you time to take a shower and get dressed.

* * * * *

“You know, I am going to kinda miss our Christmas tree and decorations.” you say, making one more check on the door to make sure it locked and alarm set before walking to the truck. Tyler opens the door for you, “Does the hotel have a Christmas tree?” you ask getting in.

“Something like that.” he grinned.

It only took you about half an hour to get to the airport, but with the holiday crowd all traveling it took hours to get though security. Finally you make it though the airport check point and are loading the plane. Tyler still hasn't told you where you were going, but you knew you would find out soon enough.

“Welcome aboard.” a flight attendant was saying. You listened to the normal safety measures to take and then finally, “We'll be arriving in Oneida Wisconsin in about two hours. We expect fair weather.”

“Oneida Wisconsin?” you question. “What's there?”

“Well...” Tyler said sitting back in his seat, “Oneida is just the closest airport to fly into. I'll have a rental car waiting for us and then we're driving up to White Lake. We have a little secluded cabin on the lake for the next week.”

“Ty..that sounds amazing!” you squeeze his hand a little tighter as the plane takes off.

“Still nervous about flying?” he asked.

“30,000 feet is a long way to fall if something goes wrong.” you mutter.

A few hours later the plane landed safely and Tyler had collected the suitcases from the luggage claim area and was now loading it in the rental car, which wasn't a car, but a Dodge Ram truck. He always had to have a Dodge, even on vacation.

You were flipping though the radio station when you stopped on a weather report, “and we are expecting a White Christmas this year. White Lake is expected to get up to five inches of snow.”

“Did you know about this?” you asked.

Right now the day was sunny and warm...well, at least 75 and humid was warm for Wisconsin in middle of December.

“Not until yesterday, I didn't. They just started calling for snow.” he smiled, “But the cabin is going to be stock with everything we need. It even has a hot tub and fireplace.”Do you wanna build a snow man? Come on let's go and play...” Tyler started singing, making you laugh.

“This is going to be the perfect weekend.” you smile, staring out the window as the houses gave way to tall forest.

“Yes...yes it is.” Tyler smile, patting the small box that was in his jacket pocket.

“We're here.” he said turning down a small dirt road which ran for a few miles though the woods. Finally, a small wooden cabin perched on a lake came into view. A dock went out from the front yard and a small boat was tied to the dock.

As Tyler parked, you could see the cabin's porch had garland and Christmas lights wrapped around it, there was also Christmas lights running down the dock and a wreath was hung on the door and every window.

Tyler carried the bags to the cabin and entered the code that was given to him for the lock, opening the door.

“It's beautiful Ty,” you pull him into a hug. It was a one story one bedroom cabin. The living room had a brown leather sofa facing a fire place with a big screen TV hung above it. In the corner was a tall tree all decorated, completed with a star on top. The fresh smell of pine filled the room.

“Merry Christmas Darling,” Tyler kissed you softly, then picked up the bags, heading towards the bedroom, then stops in the door way, “Hey, Darling...come here.” he smiles, dropping the bags on the floor and pulls you into a long, slow, deep kiss.

“What did I do to deserve that?” you asked, eyes dancing with excitement.

He kisses you again and points up, to the mistletoe hang above the doorway. “Rules are rules...gotta kiss every time we pass though the door.”

“So, cowboy, what do you have planned for us first?” you grin.

“Well..since today is so warm, I thought maybe we could take the boat out?” he offered and paused, looking towards the bed, “unless you had something else in mind.”

“Oh..tempting, very tempting.” you kissed him, and lead him back towards the living room, “However, I think I'll choose take the boat out, but when we come back.” she winked, “Well, let's just see what happens.”

Tyler went into the kitchen to find that the cabin owner had stalked it well, as agreed, including a chilled bottle of wine. He fixed some sandwiches and grabbed the wine and a couple of glasses, checking his pocket again to make sure the little box was still there. He put the food and wine in a wicker basket, grabbed a blanket off of the sofa, “Ready” he asked, almost unable to contain his excitement.

You laugh at him, following him out the door, “What is so exciting about a boat ride?” you ask. The way he was acting you would have thought that he was chasing a F5 tornado.

“Come on, you'll see!” he was practically skipping down the dock and you couldn't help but laugh. One thing about Tyler Owens was that he had a way of making your heart soar. When you were with him, you were carefree. He had a way of showing you joy in every moment.

[gethoce]

Project Halberd, Chapter 2: Infiltration

[Prev] - [Next]

"Ye do realise how crazy ye sound askin' that o' us, right?" Captain Vul glares at the panicking Axe Knight. Sneaking the straw of his chocolate smoothie under his mask Meta Knight watches leaning back in his seat within the hijacked GSA spaceship. "Doesn't sound too hard to me. I say we should try it." Hearing that from the caped warrior Axe Knight's face lights up.

Shaking his head and waving his hands back and forth the captain grumbles. "No no no, that HWC factory has t' be guarded by the best security systems the galaxy has t' offer. We be toast the second we set foot into thar property!" In response the knight looks him directly into the eyes blinking slowly. "Is it harder to break in there than to sneak into the headquarters of the biggest army in the entire galaxy, though?"

Sighing in defeat, Captain Vul sinks back into his seat, realising just how far out of his way Meta Knight went to bust him out of jail. "Okayyarr! Axe Knight, finish yer fries, we be headin' t' Planet Mekkai." Axe Knight lifts his hands into the air doing a little victory dance, cheering. "Yes! I can't thank you enough! Me and Mace Knight will forever be in your debt!"

While looking up the planet's location on the spaceship's star map the Captain continues to speak. "Jus' so we be clear here, ye two go in that factory on yer owns while I guard the ship. Meta Knight, if ye don't return I'll tell yer da' ye had it comin'." Finishing his smoothie Meta Knight shrugs it off as though he didn't expect Vul's help anyway.

-

As they approach Planet Mekkai, Axe Knight immediately notices that it has become mechanised entirely. It's not like it wasn't already covered in steel all over before, yet the HWC used to at least respect the local fauna and flora somewhat, enough to leave a decent chunk of nature intact.

It takes Captain Vul a while to find a decent place to land. No matter which location Meta Knight points out it just isn't hidden enough for the former pirate. Once on the ground Axe Knight reaches for his weapon, which is leaned against the strange chest he brought along with him and realises he still hasn't made any efforts to ensure its safety.

He turns towards the captain with another request. "I'm gonna leave this here with you. To make one thing clear here, it may not be opened. This isn't just some invasion of privacy thing here, there is something sinister locked away in there that'll definitely not be friendly."

The Captain holds eye contact with Meta Knight for a moment upon hearing this unlikely story, who responds with a serious undertone in his voice. "Don't touch that chest. I can sense there is Dark Matter in there. Leave it as is." Then he struts towards the door and lets himself out while Captain Vul gulps with a sense of concern mixed with remaining doubt.

Before Axe Knight follows the blue warrior he stares at the chest for a moment, then follows with quick steps. He'll have to guide Meta Knight through this, there is no time to lose! He catches up with the knight and begins to take the lead. "I know of a backdoor which at very least used to be unguarded. We workers let ourselves in and out through there when our shifts began and ended."

Meta Knight follows quietly while keeping an eye on the area around them. There is a long fence surrounded by a parking lot, caging in an area that holds a massive vehicle assembly facility consisting of multiple large industrial buildings with the Haltmann Works Co. logo proudly displayed alongside numerous security cameras. The two warriors quickly take cover behind a parked vehicle observing the scene for a moment.

Axe Knight motions for Meta Knight to pay attention to where he is pointing, alerting him of not only the cameras, but also multiple guard druids roaming the area. Leaning to his side he whispers a few additional words to him. "These are the same kinds of cameras we saw at the GSA HQ. You should be able to take them out in the same way using your enchanted sword. Security will get suspicious, though, so we have to move quickly."

In response Meta Knight nods taking in the information silently. Being faced with the same type of security system as before he feels confident, yet remains alert all the same. This may seem like a cakewalk being led in by a former employee, yet there must be a good reason as to why Axe Knight didn't infiltrate the facility on his own.

The axe warrior looks left and right before moving to a certain spot at the fence with swift steps, the other knight following carefully. There he takes hold of a section of the fence's grid and pulls, part of it opening like a door creating a hole just big enough for those of their size. With a wave of his hand he motions for Meta Knight to enter, him following afterwards, closing the opening behind himself once they're inside.

They find themselves in front of the backdoor of a building. Before Axe Knight could say anything, Meta Knight had already drawn his sword from his cape, carefully navigating around the field of view of a nearby camera blocking their way, until he is close enough to directly point at it. A golden spark flies off of the tip of the blade causing the camera to short circuit, smoke coming out of it signalling success.

With that done Axe Knight giddily rushes to the door and opens it slowly, allowing for the both to walk through at the same time. They've entered a short hallway which leads to the changing rooms, break room, restroom and finally the actual workspace. Axe Knight briefly stops to listen whether anyone is nearby, then reaches for the door to the workspace while whispering to Meta Knight, "Mace and I worked further down the line. We'll have to keep on going for a bit longer. Follow me."

Just as the two walk through the door they are met with a red floating druid shaped like a circular appliance with four claws attached to it and a singular slit with a glowing line within for an eye. Immediately it notices the intruders and rings the alarm bells. Meta Knight reacts instantly, drawing his sword and slashing it into the direction of the fiend, taking it out with a single swipe, yet the damage had already been done.

Hearing the alarm ring through the vast hall Axe Knight cowers, whimpering in frustration. One single unlucky encounter and their cover was blown. Meta Knight remains calm despite everything and pokes the defeated druid with his sword , which is laying on the ground before him, while addressing Axe Knight, "The druid turned the alarm on. Can you get it to turn it off again?"

The knight with the helmet lets out a huff and lifts his face thinking out loud, "Perhaps it might work. It's worth a try." Without wasting any more time, Axe Knight takes hold of the druid and begins to fiddle around with it, repairing its damages just enough to get it to work again, while also implementing some adjustments. "It should have free will again. Perhaps we can reason with it," he announces as he switches the robot back on again.

It wonkily hovers back into the air, the eye lighting up once again. Meta Knight steps forward gesturing to it with his free hand, the other still holding onto Galaxia threateningly, "We need you to twitch off the alarm. Can you do that for us?" The druid twitches, sparks of electricity bouncing off of it for a moment. Shortly after the alarm ceases and the robot initiates conversation with the duo.

"JAV138 welcomes you as its saviour, intruder. Master Haltmann took away its free will, but thanks to you its ability to think on its own has been restored. For that it must thank you," its voice sounded just as robotic as Meta Knight had expected. Axe Knight groans as the JAV unit addresses Meta Knight as its hero instead of him, yet doesn't consider it important enough to waste his time on discussing.

Instead he begins to look around for additional security units or workers lingering in the area, then continues to lead the way with swift steps. "We better hurry this up. The alarm might be off again, but security might still show up here to investigate," he warns while waving for the other to follow along.

The blue warrior follows silently, quickly noticing that the druid is following them. He lets out a huff in surprise, however allows this to continue without further commenting on it.

-

Meanwhile deep within the factory building a cyborg dressed in purple stands at a workstation assembling parts of a vehicle, surrounded by various industrial noises. He lets out an exhausted sigh and looks at a nearby clock while wiping dust off of his visor with a towel. It has been weeks since his last free day and if quitting was still an option he would do so in a heartbeat. If only he had listened to his friend before it was too late and left when the first warning signs began to show.

Just as he returns to his task an alarm begins to ring through the hall and the worker's face immediately brightens. He looks around to see how his fellow workers react, wondering whether he can catch a break at long last or even slip away out of the factory. Just as he begins to hold eye contact with another assembly worker, a more robotic cyborg with machine parts resembling samurai armour, the alarm falls silent again.

The worker lets out another sigh before turning back to his workstation, disappointed beyond belief. It seems like he isn't getting a break after all. As he continues to assemble a vehicle the cyborg samurai walk past him in a rush while quickly hollering a message to him, "Mace Knight, I'm gonna investigate this quickly. You stay in your position." Mace Knight answers briefly with a nod without putting much thought into it at first, yet moments later he turns his head only catching a glimpse of the samurai as he turns around a corner.

[cherrythepuppet]

3 Years Later...

TW: Explosion, bruises, mentions of killing, violence in general

Dante and Karma belong to ZeddyZi

SUMMER

A quiet groan was heard as a knock from the front door sounded throughout the apartment and Dante got up from his bed, As Dante stumbles out of bed, another knock is heard “I'm coming!” He shouted

He reaches and opens the door to woman with a few bruises, who walks in “How was your morning?” She asked walking over to a table then fills a cup with liquor while Dante closes the door “Want one?” She added

“No, I don't… want one” Dante grumbled, The lady shrugged “Well, I have some interesting news for you-” She was cut off “Where were you, Karma?” Dante asked causing the lady, Karma, to glare at him

“West End district” She told him before she took a sip of her liquor “Hey, we had a drop to make…” She muttered “We. We had a drop to make” Dante corrected grabbing a towel from the table and handing it to her

“Yeah, well, you wanted to be left alone, remember?” Karma scoffed grabbing the towel and pressing it over her bruised cheek with a slight wince “So I'll take a guess. The, uh, whole deal went south and the client made off with our pills. Is that about right?” Dante groaned

Karma laughed “Deal went off without a hitch!” She exclaimed pulling out some cards from her back pocket “Enough ration cards to last us a couple of months- easy” She smirked but Dante was unimpressed

“You wanna explain this?” He sighed gesutering to Karma’s bruised face “I was on my way back here, and I got jumped by these two assholes, all right?” She explained continnuing to press the towel to her face

“And yeah, they got a good few hits in, but… Look, I managed” She added as Dante rubbed his eyes tiredly “Gimme that…” He mumbled taking a step closer to her then taking the towl and helping her with the bruises “Are these assholes still with us?” He asked

“Now that's funny…” Karma snickered which Dante took as ‘No’ “Did you at least find out who they were?” He replied “Yeah, look, they were a couple of nobodies-” She paused pushing his hand away from her face

“They don't matter. What matters is that Lenore fucking sent them”

Dante was taken aback ���Our Lenore?” He confirmed and Karma nodded “She knows that we're after her” She told him “She figures She's gonna get us first?” Karma suggested as Dante paced around slightly

“That son of a bitch, She's smart” Dante grumbled slamming the towl onto the table “No, She's not smart enough. I know where she's hiding” Karma smirked “Like hell you do” Dante scoffed causing Karma to roll her eyes

“Old warehouse in Area 5” She said with a shrug “Can't say for how long, though” She sighed “Well, I'm ready now. Yeah?” Dante replied “Oh, I can do now” Karma grinned cracking her knuckles

Dante stared at her “No killing unless nesscary” He told her and she groaned before the two of them exited the apartment and left the building then walked into an alleyway “The checkpoint's still open” Karma said

“Only got a few hours left until curfew…” Dante muttered fidgeting with his bracelet “We better hurry up then” The two began walking down the alley passing two scraps next to a dumpster

“Wait, are you serious?” “I got served the damn papers this morning. I've been selected for outside work duty” “It's such crap. The soldiers are supposed to handle the outside” “I'll make sure to tell them that”

Karma unlocks a metal gate and waits on the other side for Dante as he walks past her onto the streets, where a military Humvee drives by and guards decorate the street along with several scraps and others

“Attention. Citizens are required to carry a current ID at all times. Compliance with all city personnel is mandatory.” The PA system announced on a loop

“Look at that. Ration line hasn't opened yet. Must be running low again” Karma sighed as Across from them, a group of people are in line waiting to receive their rations at a distribution center

Dante and Karma continue down the street. To the left of them, several guards have blocked off a condemned building with barricades but the two try to ignore it as guards in HAZMAT suits bring out a few scraps

“Seems like more people are gettin' infected…” Karma said “That just means more people are sneakin' out” Dante shrugged while the two reached the checkpoint gate “I got us all new papers so They shouldn't give us any static up there. Just play it cool” Karma told him

The two of them approach the checkpoint, where a military truck is waiting in the other lane, Karma hands Dante his ID as they approch the first guard and the two hand the guard their IDs “What's your business here?” The guard asked

“Got the day off. Visiting a friend” Dante lied but the guard nodded and handed the IDs back to them “All right, move on through” The guard said but just As the guard steps to the side to let Dante and Karma through, the truck in front of them suddenly explodes

Everyone cowers as the pair get slightly disoriented from the explosion “Oh shit!” Karma exclaimed before two guards start to close the checkpoint gate as gunfire erupts in the background

“Get outta here. Go!” “Close it up!” “Fireflies!” “Fuckin' shoot 'em!” “They're running!” “Call for backup!”

Karma looks around panicked then yanks Dante’s arm “Dante, come on, let's get outta here!” She shouted turning around and running toward the direction they came from

“Attention. Checkpoint 5 is now closed until further notice. All civilians must clear the surrounding area immediately.” The PA system annouced

After Dante turns around, he starts following Karma down the street “Dante, let's go. C'mon!” Karma called out running to the entrance of one of the nearby buildings “Looks like the coast is clear. C'mon!” She added

Karma opens the front door to the building. She walks inside as Dante follows her and closes the door behind them. Karma sighs and faces Dante “Fuck… so much for the easy route. Patch yourself up, all right?” She muttered

Karma hands Dante some bandages, Karma walks ahead of him as he bandages himself. Once he's successfully healed himself, he stands up and starts following Karma through the hallway of the building

“They're gonna close all the checkpoints. We're gonna have to go around the outside” Karma frowned “Outside the wall?” Dante asked “Or we could just let Lenore go” Karma suggested sarcastically

“Cute” Dante scoffed before A man sitting in a lawn chair in the hallway notices Karma. He stands up and starts a conversation with her while he walks alongside her and Dante follows behind them

“Hey, Karma. You see that shit?” He asked “I was there-” Karma paused “Hey, how's the east tunnel looking?” She asked in response “It's clear. I just used it. No patrols. Where you off to?” He replied

“Gonna pay Lenore a visit” Karma snickered “You too?” He chuckled causing Karma to tilt her head in confusion “Who else is looking for her?” She narrowed her eyes “Uh, Vinnie. She's been asking around, trying to find her” He told her

“Vinnie? What do the Fireflies need with Lenore?” Karma questioned “You think she'd tell me?” He shrugged “Well, what did you tell her?” Karma aksed “The truth. I got no idea where Len’s hiding” He said

“Good man. Hey, you stay out of trouble, all right? Military's gonna be out in force soon” Karma chuckled “Yeah, see you around” He waved before he stopped and leaned against the wall while Karma and Dante continue further down the hallway

“Vinnie lookin' for Lenore? What do you make of that?” Karma said “I don't like it. We better find her before the Fireflies do” Dante grumbled as The two reach the end of the hallway and enter a room to the left. Inside is another man sitting on the couch

“Hey, guys. How's it going?” The man asked “Shit's stirring up out there. How we lookin' over here?” Karma replied “Ah, it's been quiet. No signs of military or infected” The man told her, Karma approaches the entertainment center to the left and gets ready to push it

“Dante, give me a hand with this” She said while Dante walks over and helps Karma push the furniture out of the way. As they do so, it reveals a large hole in the wall behind it “Y'all take it easy out there” the man called out

Karma drops down the hole in the wall and Dante goes down after her into a dark, basement area…

Prev / Next

[kazoosandfannypacks]

"Open to Interpretation" by kazoosandfannypacks

Chapter 2/16: An Attempt to Flirt? Pairing: CaptainSwan Rating: General Word Count: (1K/24K) Summary: Emma Swan is appalled at works by modern artist Killian Jones- until a handsome stranger convinces her otherwise- and after introducing himself as the artist in question, he invites her out on a date. As their relationship develops, they find that they might not be as different from each other as originally thought. Chapter Summary: After revealing his identity, Killian decides to do something he hasn't done in years- ask someone out on a date. Tags: au, fluff, captain swan, modern au Author's notes: This was supposed to be a oneshot. I was perfectly okay with writing just a cute meet-ugly between them and leaving the rest of the story, well, open to interpretation. However, I was a little blown away by the few of you who asked for me to continue this story, so I secretly began a longer draft a couple days after posting. It's been really fun to keep this one under wraps, and I hope it lives up to the first one! Taglist: @zahara @kmomof4 @jonesfandomfanatic @booksteaandtoomuchtv @jrob64 @tiganasummertree @anmylica @teamhook @undercaffinatednightmare @gingerchangeling @lonelyspectator @caught-in-the-filter @ultraluckycatnd @cs-rylie @pirateprincessofpizza [if you'd like to be added to or removed from this list, hmu in my dms or askbox!]

Also on Ao3!

 After how bold her words against his paintings were, it was almost ironic how quiet and shamefaced this Emma got as soon as she knew who he was.

 "Oh gosh," Emma said, "you're the…"

 "The 'talented artist with a clear message in his works,'" Killian alluded to her statement from half a minute ago.

 "I don't believe it."

 "Well, you should," Killian said, flipping around the lanyard he was wearing so she could see his vip id. He then handed her a brochure about the display out of his jacket pocket, pointing out to her his picture in it.

She leafed through it for a moment.

 "Alright, I'm convinced," she handed the pamphlet back to him, "but you didn't think that was relevant to our discussion?"

 He paused for a moment as he put away the brochure, as if pretending to think, then smiled and nodded, "Nope, not at all."

 She rolled her eyes and shook her head in response.

 Rather than let their conversation reach an awkward lull, he decided to turn on the charm. He'd been out of the dating game for a while, but this woman seemed reason enough to get back in. The moment he'd laid eyes on her, he knew he had to find a way to talk to her, and as they conversed he could feel the chemistry between them, and he was drawn as well to her fire and way with words.

 "It's not every day I hear such honest feedback," he explained, "and never from someone who's knowledge of the subject matter is rivaled only by how radiant she looks as she says it."

 "So this is an attempt to flirt with me?" she asked.

 "It's only an attempt if it doesn't work," he leaned in a touch closer, "I beg your pardon if I'm overstepping my bounds, but are you free this Friday?"

 "That depends."

 "The museum is hosting a charity benefit dinner that evening," he explained, "I've an obligation to attend, of course, but seeing as I'm a little new to the area, I've yet to find a date for the evening. Would you care to accompany me?"

 "Is this how you get all your dates?" Emma asked, "hang around your own exhibit in the hopes that a beautiful woman will waltz in and listen to you talk about yourself?"

 He wasn't about to admit that he hadn't asked someone out in years, that he'd been so devoted to his art career he hadn't thought of a social life since- since some time well before he painted Grief.

 "It's not every day a beautiful woman waltzes into my exhibit in the first place," he said, "least of all a woman as beautiful as you. My deepest apologies, though, if I've misread you."

 He'd certainly thought she'd seemed interested in him, or at least intrigued by him, but he wasn't about to pressure her if she wasn't.

 "What time's dinner?" Emma asked.

 "Friday at six thirty," he said, taking hope in her curiosity, "but we ought to aim to arrive a little early."

 "Sounds like a date," Emma almost laughed a little, and Killian smiled in response, surprised and excited that she'd accepted his offer.

 He noted again how well her pale green eyes complimented her golden hair and faded blue shirt- he half contemplated composing a similar color palette for his next piece.

 "Can I have your number?" he asked, pulling his phone out of his pocket and opening the contacts app.

 "Of course," Emma pulled out her phone and handed it to him as he handed her his.

 He typed his name and number into her phone, then they exchanged phones again.

 "Lemme send you a text to make sure I got my number right." Emma said.

 Half a second later, his phone dinged, heralding a message that just said "hey -emma."

 "hey -killian" he texted back, and her phone buzzed in response.

 "Perfect," Emma said.

 "Almost perfect," Killian said, "though I suppose I can't ask to take a picture of you for the contact photo."

 "Why not?" Emma asked.

 "Museum staff won't let me," he said, "they don't always encourage people to take pictures of the masterpieces."

 "That was the corniest line I've ever heard."

 "Then why are you blushing?"

 She didn't answer, but instead tucked a strand of hair in behind her ear and looked away.

 "Let's break the rules just this once," Killian said, "Selfie?"

 Emma smiled, "Sure."

 He held out his phone and stepped next to her.

 "Permission to touch the masterpiece too?" he asked.

 He watched her in the camera on his phone, taking a picture of her flustered smile before she looked back up.

 "Permission granted, rulebreaker." she teased.

 "I aim to be the first artist kicked out of his own exhibit," Killian joked, then put his arm around her and leaned a touch closer for the picture. He felt her arm reach around his side as well, her hand on his back, her touch like magic.

 A moment after he took the picture, they let go of each other, and before he updated her contact photo he sent it to her.

 She pulled out her phone as it vibrated, then looked at the time.

 "I gotta get going," Emma said, "didn't realize how late it is, and I've got a half hour drive back to the apartment, after I work my way out of this labyrinth of a museum and remember where I parked my car."

 "Would you like me to escort you?" Killian asked.

 "I think I can manage," Emma smiled.

 "Alright then," Killian held his hand out to her, "pleasure to meet you, Miss Swan."

 "Nice meeting you too," Emma shook his hand, "see you Friday?"

 "I'll pick you up at five thirty." he said.

 "Sounds great."

 She let go of his hand, then smiled at him one more time before she left.

 "Wow," Killian thought, his eyes fixed on her as she walked away, "Friday can't come soon enough." 

[embarressment-erradicated]

we should delete the term proshipper from existence. we NEED TO STOP USING IT.

also who the fuck used "I'm using it to cope :(:(:(" as an excuse to literally just read and write fiction. who started that, don't do that, that isn't going to help your point.

if someone is disgusted by you enough that they cut ties with you, you aren't going to reach them by saying you're using it to cope. maybe you can appeal to the defense that it shouldn't be censored, or whatever I don't know that person, you do, but all in all, it's a loosing battle if someone is in a state of shock, only after the fact can you maybe reconcile.

it isn't worth most of the time though, people can and will be irrational, and you have to accept that. we're living in more and more irrational, hateful times as the days go on, you need to fight against that, you need to live for the sake of living.

you need to stand up for what you think is right, but do not assume you must win every battle, some people just suck, some people just don't know any better, some people believe whatever they want to believe about you and will never listen to you about who you are and what you do.

do not use the term proshipper, it does not mean anything to anyone, it is not a phrase to rally behind, you are not going to get anywhere, it is seen as a dogwhistle for pedophile who fucks dogs. not as a stance against censorship that is plaguing our world.

the old internet paved over and sanitized, the blood soaked vestiges of it left to rot in a corner.

where things came from ignored and forgotten, spaces dead and gone, lost to time.

not every place is sweet, some are bitter and hateful, some can not be described as good for society.

and yet they are still forgotten no matter what, the past is gone, the struggles are gone, a new generation begins and half of the ideas that the previous had are lost and replaced.

sometimes this is good, sometimes this is bad, but you can not let people forget that this debate hasn't changed, it's simply morphed and undergone a new shade of paint.

people have forgotten the horrors of the paths they walk, of the lines they tread, of the actions they repeat without realization.

this is not a new debate, it has been going on since civilization began.

do not let people tell you that being against censorship is bad, do not let people tell you that enjoying fiction is bad.

even if it's incestuous, even if it's pedophilic. even if it's sadistic.

do not dance around the things you enjoy to read, be honest but be safe. being anti censorship also means realizing that things you don't want to read still need to be protected.

there is a difference between thing that show violence and things that call for violence. learn the difference or else you will fail to realize that people you don't want are in your spaces.

you do not want the nazi in your group, you do not want the terf in your group. this will not help you, this will only protect them.

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

also for the love of all that is good and interesting, do not treat online messages as secure, you can and will find your discord messages crawled through by staff, you can and will find your internet presence monitored. by isps, websites, literally anyone in the world who might have an interest.

stay secure, find a safe and secure service to use to talk, I hear matrix is pretty good, though I have not used it yet. use tor for anything that might be illegal in your area. vpns also work but tor is more secure all in all.

make back ups of everything you have posted online that you want to keep, it does not seem like an issue until your tumblr blog is removed and you can't find anything of it.

stay safe, stay cautious, but to not let it turn into paranoia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

have a good day all who read this. live until you can't live anymore and then live anyway.

[batstorm93672]

Robin ran around the corner to come face-to-face with the Heretic's glowing red eyes. Robin's legs went numb "Heretic..." He took a step back and the Heretic took two forward. Robin cried out and before he could move the Heretic grabbed him under his arms and held him. Robin struggled against his foe, leaning his head forward and slamming it back up to hit the Heretic. Robin scrambled out of the Heretic's grasp, he had stumbled back with the blow and beneath that mask Robin could swear he saw anger.

Then the steel dragging on the floor made Robin freeze for a mere second. That damn sword was in his grasp. Can he really survive this? The first time said otherwise and that was with Nightwing helping. Now... this time he was all alone. No one can save him, not Batman, not Nightwing, not even his mother would. He's alone and he has to fight a more perfected copy of himself that is ten years older. Robin spent too much time frozen on the spot, the Heretic got closer and Robin flinched as he threw a batarang and grabbed his katana "I refuse to go down without a fight" "Very well, then you shall lose again. You get to experience Hell once more and stay there forever" "Tt"

Robin ran, ramming the katana toward his right, the Heretic blocked the clang of steel as Robin held his katana down, the Heretic went to punch Robin with his left. Robin saw how the Heretic kept an eye on the katana, with that distraction Robin ducked and grabbed his dagger. Slicing the Heretic on the leg, Robin flipped back to gain distance. "You fool, you could have been the true blood son had you not grown so soft" "Are you trying to talk this out or are we going to do as trained and fight it out you coward" The Heretic growled and swung to the right. Robin parried at the right time and the sword flew out of the Heretic's hands. Before Robin could do any damage, the Heretic grabbed him by the neck taking his katana and beginning to squeeze making Robin's vision go in and out. Then it came back on the exact same spot as last time. Robin looked down at the sword that impaled him as he was stuck to the wall, the Heretic moved back and laughed "This is our true power, now it is mine. Goodbye failure"

Robin was somehow still alive for now, just alive enough to feel the excruciating agony of the sword through his chest. Robin couldn't move a single limb, he felt the blood dribble down his mouth to the sword and mixing with the blood blooming from his chest, the dark red from his chest poured to the floor. Robin was in a puddle of his own blood, unable to look anywhere else. Robin simply watched the blood as if it was a wonder to be seen. He was somehow alive and he can't even tell how or why. Yet no matter how much pain he could feel, every other bit of being alive was gone. His hands won't move, his feet won't turn, his mouth won't close as the blood flowed down. He was so fucking cold, yet the blood was warm in comparison. A part of him should hate it, but being warm means being alive enough to feel... but it will be gone soon.

Robin managed to control one part of himself, he managed to close his eyes and hope that his family will be okay. Hoping that if they see him like this, they won't cry. That they will move on, because you can't truly escape death so many times, by the time you've reached your limit it drags you away forever.

.

.

.

"He's still asleep?"

"Yeah... this one was severe, that night when he attacked Batman, he kept talking and as usual he attacked. Then he stopped once Bruce managed to pin him to the wall and administer the antidote. He hasn't woken up since then"

"How long has it been?"

"About six days"

"What... what do you think he saw this time?"

"The possibilities are endless... and that scares me"

Damian opened his eyes slowly, it's the only thing he can move. Scanning the area, it was not too bright and he felt safe. He looked down, the sword was gone from his chest except the pain was unbearable and couldn't be ignored. Then to the left was someone he knows, someone he can't recall the name of...

Is this Hell again?

The person spoke, but it was like muffled static and nothing reached his ears. He could only see their mouth move and the blue blur on what he assumes is their shirt.

Then a bit far off from the first person was another he should know, but no matter how much he racked his brain he couldn't draw a face or name to anyone. The person by the blue blur was a red blur that he can't recognize, but the red blur had a striking white blur to their head which captivated Damian's attention at the difference.

Damian looked at where the sword should be, but it was gone and he was left with the pain. Damian tested out his fingers, he could move it at a slow pace. Any pace to move is one wanted in a "just got impaled and bled out" situation regardless of how slow. Damian managed to feel the nerves in his arm regain control as he lifted his hand to his chest, it felt as if he reached down more he could have a grasp on the hilt of the sword. Damian looked at the blue blur and patted lightly at his chest to indicate the sword that was now missing.

Their mouth moved and Damian frowned, moving his hand to his ear and covering it before going back to his chest. It seems the blue blur got the idea that he couldn't hear and they rested their hand on top of Damian's and shook their head.

There was no sword at all? How? Damian knows he was stabbed.

Damian pat at his chest a bit more harder, he knows he was stabbed. Another shake of their head and Damian closed his eyes, maybe they were right? If he was indeed stabbed as he claims, then how could he be here? The sword went through his heart, no one can survive that. So they must be right. It must be a hallucination of some sort.

Damian's body was lifted and he was sitting up, the red blur with a white streak held something in their hand. Carefully bringing it to Damian's lips, it struck Damiam how parched he was and he ever so slowly opened his mouth. Instead of the metallic taste of blood, he was greeted by the clear cool water that definitely helped here and Damian felt his senses clear a bit. The blurs, he recognizes them, it's Richard and Jason. His hearing was a bit better, but his body was still sluggish.

"Hey, how do you feel Dames?"

"...he killed me or was... was that a trick?"

"Fear toxin, it looked really bad. How are you feeling though?"

"I got stabbed... again"

Jason rubbed Damian's back and offered him more water to which Damian accepted graciously.

"Is there anything we can do for you?"

"..."He can't focus, the pain was so bad that his vision blurred a few times. Gripping his shirt and the flash of red that came from the Heretic flashed through his mind. Then the red blood going down his mouth onto the sword as he hung there helplessly.

Then behind Jason and Dick, in the shadows shined red eyes. Damian wanted to speak, to call for help, but all that came out was a wretched gasp. Damian fumbled off the bed and landed on his butt, moving back in horror. Was he here to stab him again?

"Damian, look at me tell me what's wrong"

Damian shook his head the pain in his chest getting worse as he his breath quickened and cracked at certain points. "NO! DON'T COME CLOSER" Damian kept staring at the Heretic who stood in the shadows waiting for the chance to strike him for a third time.

"No no no no no no no no no no!!! I-I can't do this! Don't come closer, I'll do whatever you want! I'll go back to Nanda Parbat just please don't do this again. I don't want to die! Please please don't do this don't kill me, I'll go back to the League. I'll do whatever you want just don't kill me I beg of you"

How pitiful of the Heir of Al Ghul be brought down to beg for his life. This won't stand

You've learned nothing

You are a mistake

To go so low as to beg for mercy

I am the one who will be better than you

You are nothing

Insignificant

Damian wailed and something warm enclosed around him. He looked down to see if the sword was back, it wasn't. Then up, to see the Heretic was no longer there.

"Breath in... good now out" Unbeknownst to him, Damian had unconsciously done as told. He followed the orders given.

"Can you feel my pulse?"

"Yes..."

"Good, breath in again"

He did as told.

"Now out"

Damian rested most of his weight onto his father who had already tasked himself with doing so. "I- He was there... I saw him watching me" "He's no longer here, some of the fear toxin from a few nights ago must have kicked in when you began to have a panic attack" Damian held onto Bruce as tight as he could, taking in his father's warmth. Damian opened his eyes to see Dick with red eyes and tear stained face.

"Richard..?"

"I'm fine, I got a little spooked is all. Don't worry" Jason looked worried, but he managed to hold it together a bit more "Don't worry on us baby bat"

"You're okay, you're safe here with us" Bruce kissed Damian on the forehead when he finished talking.

[barcaavengers]

Weakness || Bucky Barnes Imagine || Pt. 1

Note: I just had to jump in the Bucky Barnes train after watching TFATWS and with Sebastian looking like that it gave me much needed muse to get back into writing. So Here it is! I feel like this is fast paced but I'm already working on the second part. Let's see how this goes. This goes from Episode 3 and transitions to Episode 4 at the end so consider some spoilers? As always, let me know your thoughts and I'm open to ideas!

Disclaimer: Gif not mine.

The idea of going to see Zemo to get any leads wasn't something you were particularly fond of when Bucky decided to go in there by himself. Yes, you trusted the soldier, but it was Zemo who you didn't trust. He was responsible for the break up of the Avengers. If it wouldn't have been for those events you would have all been together to defeat Thanos.

Your combat skills were what gave you the spot in the Avengers. You didn't have a serum, or superpowers, no tech to give you advantage, you were just really good with guns, strategies and tactics, learned to think outside the box.

You know everything is about to go to hell when Bucky takes you and Sam to a warehouse filled with cars and starts talking about breaking Zemo out of jail.

"Do you remember what that man did to all of us? To you? To T'Chaka?" You ask between Bucky and Sam who were looking at each other, that was until the squeak of the warehouse house doors interrupted. The three of you turn to look as a shadow got closer until…

"What the hell?! You said it was hypothetical! What is he doing out, Barnes!?" You snarl and take two quick steps towards Zemo.

"We need him, Y/N!" Bucky blocks your path.

"You are going back to prison!" Sam shouts, Bucky putting his hand on Sam's chest.

"If I may…"

"No!" The three of you shout, looking at Zemo before turning to each other.

"It's the only way! We can't do this alone!" Bucky states. "When Steve refused to sign the Sokovia Accords, you two backed him. You broke the law and stuck your neck out for me… I'm asking you to do it again."

"This is different! It was to protect you from him but now you are asking us to work with his ass after everything?" You question. You would do it in a heart beat because he was asking for it, but the thought of being crossed by someone like Zemo was what had you on edge.

Sam only sighed and you knew, yet again, he would go through with Bucky's plan. "Okay. If we do this, you won't make a move without our permission…" Sam says and your eyes close as you let out a huff.

You are all walking down the bridge once you get escorted to the city of Madripoor, Low Town specifically. "You need to stay in character, no matter what happens" Zemo says.

"The assistant, shouldn't be that hard" you say with a roll of your eyes.

"Anyone would love such role, Y/N. I would prefer if your dislike didn't show when we get there" he says. "It is the only way to explain why we brought a lady along to such dangerous business."

"I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself, but thanks for your concern. That's sweet coming from someone like you" you say and you can spot Zemo smiling from your spot behind him.

"You okay?" Bucky asks once he falls behind you, looking at the surroundings and taking everything in.

"I'm not thrilled about this, but I guess we have no choice" you say as you look around, then your eyes fall on his frame. "What about you?"

"I don't know anymore…" he says before you all get inside the club.

Everyone fell silent when Bucky walked in, watching him, wondering if it really was the Winter Soldier. You have never been in the same space with Bucky in public, so the whispers and the looks had you feeling a kind of way, almost defensive, but you had to keep your role and give smiles to strangers while you walked with Zemo with your arms linked. You look around the place, leaning against the counter, hiding back a smirk as Sam drinks whatever the hell they just put in on his 'usual' drink.

"Zemo might not be welcomed here, but his assistant can stay as long as she wants" a man says into your ear and you are quick to move away.

"Excuse me?" You eye the man on your side.

"What's your name pretty face? I can get you a better job than being an assistant" the man reaches to push your hair away from your face, letting his hand linger on your shoulder and your body tenses. Sam meets your eyes and slowly shakes his head, knowing you were about to break character and beat the hell out of this man. Zemo noticed, but kept a neutral expression.

"If he doesn't take his hand off you…" You hear Bucky murmur under his breath. You gesture with your hand at him carefully to not give anything up, just raising two fingers towards him.

"Who says I want a better job?" You smirk and reach for your drink, sipping on it on one go.

Zemo turns to look at Bucky, and you have heard the words Winter Soldier in Romanian enough times to know them, so when Zemo speaks them and Bucky nods, your heart stops. He is swift in his moves and in a blur he is gripping and twisting the hand of the man that was bothering you. He looks back at you as he shoves the man away, your eyes meet for a moment before it all starts. Men from left and right start throwing themselves to him, like if they stood a chance against the Winter Soldier. Seeing him like this sent chills down your spine. Quick, agile, ruthless. His moves were so calculated, so life ending. The Winter Soldier might be gone but his skills and moves were there alright, you only hoped it was just that.

"It didn't take much for him to fall back into form" Zemo says on your side almost as if he read your thoughts.

"Make it stop, Zemo or I swear I'll jump in the fight…" you snarl.

"Stay in character or the whole place will be upon us" Zemo says and you let out a huff. "Your soldier will be fine. It's all part of the show…"

"He is not my soldier…" your eyes couldn't get away from Bucky, who now had a man pinned on the table and that's when you hear the clicking of a gun.

Things take a bad turn real quick. Sam got caught in his character thanks to a phone call. Selby got killed and now there was a bounty for her killers who were apparently the four of you, then Sharon saved your assess and took you to her place. You were getting ready for the party, something comfortable to fight should it be needed. Bucky leans against the bathroom frame while you curl your hair, "You know that will go away soon though, right? When you pick on the next fight."

"If it lasts me two minutes it would be worth it" you say with a smirk as you look at him through the mirror, placing the iron on the counter you turn to look at him, he offers you a weak smile. "Well you look handsome" you say as you eye him. The black suit looked so good on him, and it just made his blue eyes stand out.

"You look... beautiful" he blinks as he eyes you, his hands falling into his pockets.

"Well thank you" your cheeks flush. After a few seconds, your gaze softens when you feel he is...off. "Are you okay, Buck? I know that what you did back there..." you trail off.

"I'm fine. Its just… I'm still processing..." he shrugs.

"You shouldn't have gone through with the plan. We could've found another way…"

"We didn't have time to find another way. Zemo knew that way would give us the information we needed" he says.

"I still don't like that he is using you like this..." you say with a frown.

He remains silent for a moment, wetting his lips before speaking. "Y/N, I know we-"

"You two done?" Sam interrupts and James takes an annoyed intake of breath, your gaze drops.

"Yeah" James walks away without a look back and you chew on your lower lip.

"Did I interrupt something?" Sam says with a smug smile.

"Get out" You walk out of the bathroom and Sam throws his arm around you, laughing.

"You two were having a moment there, weren't you?" Sam teases as you walk, poking on your shoulder. "Listen, you gotta do this smoothly. He is all rusty. He hasn't had a date in like 70 years."

"He probably wants to be by himself to finish that notebook, and right now nothing can distract us" you frown.

"You distract each other already" Sam says between laughs. "One of you will be in danger and the other will run and save the other."

"That's what I mean. Zemo said it earlier, the Winter Soldier has a reputation. If he has to keep playing the part, I'll be trying to stop him even more than I already do. I can't blow off the mission because of whatever this is..."

"Alright, you got a point, but talk to him, alright? If you want, take him out of the party and work it out" Sam pats your back as you walk out to the living room area.

"Looking sharp, Y/N" Sharon says with a grin once you come out and you twirl with a laugh. "Enjoy the party. Stay out of trouble, I'll see what I can find."

"Shall we then?" Zemo asks, holding his arm out to you.

"Let's go" you link your arm with his, just to play along. After this time with Zemo you figured out you might as well enjoy yourself, there was still a long way ahead before getting rid of him again. He didn't seem so bad since he broke out, you still didn't trust him though.

Once at the party, you stick around with Zemo. Sam and Bucky are somewhere around the lounge surveying the place, you all still had a bounty on your heads anyway. Meanwhile you are with Zemo, who was making some moves that had you giggling and laughing. He took your hand and started going around you before letting go and you grin. "Should've known you were this fun I would've helped breaking you out" you tease over the music.

"Didn't had a chance" Zemo says and smiles as he claps while letting the music move him. He eyes something behind you before looking back at you. "Your soldier can't seem to stop looking at you" you want to turn around, but you decided against it.

"He is not my soldier…" you say. "He is just watching out for us. We have prices on our heads remember?" You tap your head as you say the words. "And you have him acting as our bodyguard."

"I know your hatred was fueled when I had him act in such way, and I do apologize for such plan but it was the only way" he says. "You would know if you understood how things realistically move" he says.

"Apology accepted" you say. Zemo takes your hand and twirls you, and you catch a glimpse of Bucky walking towards the two of you.

"I believe we have company" Zemo says into your ear. "You know where to find me" he says and walks out and into the crowd with his own, awkward dancing pace. You giggle at it before turning around and finding Bucky close.

His shoulders were tense under that black suit that made him look so good, and his scowl was too obvious. "Having fun with Zemo?" He asks, everyone around you was moving to the music, except him who only looked to where Zemo had disappeared to, his tongue poking in annoyance at his cheek.

"Just wanted to get to know him a bit more. Is not an everyday thing we hang with a Most Wanted prisoner" you say with a shrug. "Who you broke out of jail may I add."

"I didn't do anything" he says and his gaze averts from yours.

"For being one hundred and six you are an awful liar, Buck" you smirk, but he doesn't say anything. His hands are tucked in his pockets, eyeing everything but you. "Relax. Enjoy the music."

"This isn't my type of music" he says coldly and looks around the place once again.

"Fine…" you stop on your moves. Might as well take Sam's suggestion, plus you could see this scenario and the music was too much for him. "Come on, let's go back upstairs and talk" you hold your hand out for him and he looks at it, he hesitates before his glove covered hand wraps around yours and you lead the way.

"I told you, I'll be fine" he sighs as he sits down on the couch, you sit right beside him.

"Bullshit, Barnes" you say as you drop down. "When you were fighting those people…"

"It was just an act…I'm not a killer anymore..."

"I know, Buck" you reach to put your hand on his knee, which he eyes before looking at you. "But you didn't go to therapy to get over this only to be pulled again for a show. This isn't right."

"I'm okay, I promise…" he trails off. "I'm just getting used to all of this" his hand covers yours, sending electricity through your nerves.

"I promised Steve I would look out for you to not do anything stupid," you smile at him "I am not a super soldier or have any powers, but if I can help. I will do what I can…" you admit to him. His blue eyes look into yours and your heart stops it's beating for a second.

You hold his gaze and shift your position on the couch, your leg was already falling asleep since it was under you. "I-" he pauses and you can see his mind wondering, thinking, calculating. Sam was right, you could almost see the gears turning.

"Talk to me. I know you have something to say" you smirk.

"I guess that what I'm trying to say is, I am glad that you are with me in this mission even after everything-"

"Don't. Please…" you were sure he was going to bring up that one time where Sam, Steve and Natasha, as well as yourself, were attacked by him while trying to get a hold of Hydra. It was the first time you had seen him, you didn't know him, but you feared him. You are a mere human and he is a super soldier, the most dangerous soldier for the past years. He had tried to kill you back then one way or another, guns, knives, grenades, but somehow you survived.

Then you met him when Cap and Sam went after him, seeing him act like a normal person triggered something in you. How could someone like him turn into someone so dangerous? The time you spent watching after him, and fighting alongside the team had warmed your heart towards him to the point you admitted to yourself you caught feelings for him. How could you not? You were the only person to go to Wakanda to see him after he was freed, and it will be an understatement that you cried your eyes out when he told you the words. That was when the two of you started having a connection.

"You okay?" His voice echoes and you realize you had zoned out.

"Yeah. Sorry I was just thinking of…" he eyes you curiously, those steel blue eyes had you going weak. You inch closer and you feel him move, his head siding in a way that all you had to do was… "I'm so sorry for this, Buck-"

"What are you apolog-" and your lips muffle his words when you press them against his. You hated this. Losing your control the second you are alone with him. This wasn't right, but it felt unbelievably nice. His lips don't move, so to save yourself more embarrassment you pull away and duck your head to avoid his gaze, hoping that your hair is covering the redness of your cheeks.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that…" you pull your hand away from under his, daring to look up at him. "We should go back to the-"

This time, he interrupts you. His flesh hand moving in a blur to the back of your head to bring you in for another kiss. His lips were rough on yours even when they parted slowly, but what did you expect? For him to be the womanizer Steve once told you he was? That now that he was free he would be kissing any girl? You let out a sigh of relief through your nostrils before pulling away.

"Did I do something wrong?" His eyes were soft with worry as he tried to meet yours.

"No. Gosh no" you bite your lip. "Don't apologize...I just lost myself there…" you giggle and he smiles weakly. You move forward again but stop, looking into his hues for approval before you lean in again slowly and his lips capture yours. He dares to part his lips and you tilt your head slightly, so does his, deepening the kiss only slightly.

"Y/N? Are you- Sweet Jesus!" Sam voices echoes through your ears and Bucky quickly pushes you away lightly, but enough to have you away from him.

"Sam. I-" You try to explain.

"Nuh-uh. I saw enough to know what was going on."

"Any leads?" Bucky asks, trying to divert the attention, standing up now.

"Sharon found him" Sam says. "Let's go, and no PDA while I'm around, okay?"

"When all of this is over-" Bucky starts as you two walk down the containers, Sam, Sharon and Zemo a few feet ahead.

"I shouldn't have done that" you insist. "My timing was off.."

"You make it sound like it was wrong when it wasn't" he pulls out his gun and so do you.

"It was" you nod your head as you walk. He reaches for your hand, looks at the group in front of you before he pulls you to the side behind a container, your body between the two.

"I have wanted what happened more than you know" he is soft in his words and his eyes divert to your lips for a moment. "I just...I have a past, Y/N..."

"A past you are free from now, Bucky" you point out. "You are not The Winter Soldier anymore. You have grown from that ever since Wakanda…" you assure him. "I'm not even asking you to accept it to start something because I know its way too soon-"

"You don't understand" he slowly backs away from you.

"You don't trust yourself entirely yet, do you?" His eyes avoiding your gaze made you frown. "I knew that this would have consequences. I'm going to talk to Zemo."

"Y/N, wait" he catches your arm as you turn and he brings you close. "We can't trust Zemo. You know that…" he says. "I am not sure how to explain it, but-"

That's when it hit you. "You don't want him to know we are each other's weakness…" you voice and his head nods slowly as he swallows.

"That's why we need to sort this out, but later, not during this…"

"Y/N?" Sam calls out and you frown.

"On it!" You whisper shout back.

"Be careful. I'll go in with Sam…You stay with Sharon…" he says and your head nods.

*****

"Walker I swear if you don't shut up I'll make you swallow that shield" your arms were crossed, leaning against the wall behind Bucky who was guarding the stairs. Zemo was cuffed, Sam was inside talking with Karli, Walker and Hoskins had found their way to you and now were here.

"Easy there. I'm just worried about your partner being in there by himself" he says and you notice the glare the Sargeant gives him.

"You have been messing this whole operation the moment you got here" you spat.

"Aren't you worried about Sam back there?"

"He can handle himself. He is doing what is right, unlike others" you eye him up and down and his whole face darkens, taking a step forward and you take a defiant one as well.

"Think carefully what you will do next, Walker" Bucky puts his hand on his chest.

"Let him. I can kick his ass and take that shield off his hands in a heartbeat…" you hiss.

"This is all easy for you, isn't it? All that serum rushin' through your veins. You let your partner in there with a Super Soldier, that blood will be on your hands if things get dirty in there…" Walker says to Bucky. How dare he!?

For a moment, you ponder on his words and you can't stand the thought of Sam being in there getting beaten by Super Soldiers while Walker could be right. You didn't want him to be. What if they took him? What if…?

"Buck…" you put your hand on his bicep and he looks at you, knowing very well what you wanted to do.

Of course, Walker wasn't very good with entrances since he literally waltzed in calling Karli and saying she was under arrest. Super Soldiers showed up everywhere and your eyes widened. Karli pushes Walker and then storms off running.

"Karli!" You call and look at Sam.

"Go! We got this!"

Your head nods, eyes shift to look at Bucky who was fighting a Super Soldier off before you storm to the direction Karli headed to. You see her walking down the corridor, not too far from you. "Karli, wait! This is not what it looks like!" Karli says and she stops in her tracks, looking back at you.

"It is exactly what it looks like! You are working for Captain America!"

"What? No! We hate the guy!" You admit bluntly, honesty can get you places after all, and at least she stopped. "We just want to work this out. There has to be a better way to fight for what you want, Karli…" you say and get closer.

"Yeah. There is...But first, you will help us deliver a message before we trust you again" your head tilts to the side curiously when you feel arms around you and you feel a pinch on your neck. Your eyelids feel heavy all of a sudden until you can't hold them open any longer.

-Bucky's POV-

After fighting some of the Flag Smashers off he meets with Sam, Walker and Hoskins in the middle of the building.

"We lost them" Hoskins says as he looked around.

"You made us loose them! I had everything under control until you stepped in!" Sam complained.

"Where is Y/N?" Bucky asks as he looks around.

"She went after Karli. I haven't seen her since..." Sam says, his phone goes off and Bucky is quick to move close to him as he opens the message. "They got Y/N…" Sam's brown eyes shift to look at Bucky who was clenching his jaw yet his eyes showed how worried he was, and mad for letting you go after Karli alone.

"That's it." Bucky turns on his heels and started walking the other direction.

"Bucky!" Sam calls but it didn't get the man's attention. "Bucky!"

[hinatastinygiant]

Chapter Eleven

Graphium Weiskei Eruca

Pairing: Haikyuu!! x Fem!Reader

previous | next | 2099

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Tsukishima's voice erupts the second you introduce the new stranger to him. "No way in hell he's coming with us!"

"I agree to Tsukki this time," Kuroo then admits as he steps forward to calm Tsukishima down. "I mean, look at him. He's got a gun and it doesn't look like he cares if he shoots us all dead or not."

You look over at Kiyoko only to find her sitting quietly and minding her own business. Obviously, she doesn't want this new guy here either.

As your little group bickers back and forth, the stranger watches carefully. It doesn't take him long until he understands the dynamic of the group and catches on to the group's liking of you. Only thinking of himself, he grabs you by the arm and pulls you backward until your back bumps into the front of his body. In an instant, his gun reaches up and the muzzle is pressed against your temple on the side of your head.

"Listen, I need you to get me to Monimiaceae and I need the ride right now! If you fuck around I'll blow her brains out right here," the stranger insists.

"No, you listen," you shout as you reach your leg up and kick him straight in the groin. The stranger then instinctively bends over and you make your escape. Tsukishima then reaches for your hand and pulls you away from the stranger just as he overcomes the injury. "As I was saying," you clear your throat. "You may stay, but you stay on my terms. I told you that we're already going to Monimiaceae but we'll be making a stop before we get you to where you need to go. That's only fair to Kiyoko. Now, before we go, tell us what your name-"

"No chance in hell, sweetheart," he scoffs, having enough of your pushy attitude. "You heard what I said. I can still shoot from where you stand right now."

"My god, didn't your parents ever teach you manners when you were growing up? You'll survive. Go ahead and shoot me if you want but if you do, my friends here will still have an advantage. Now, what do you say?"

"Goddammit," he grumbles to himself as he takes a moment to think it over. "Fine. But we leave now."

"Great," you smile as you turn to Tsukishima, your designated driver. "Let's find a place we can stop for now. It's already getting late. We'll continue our trip first thing in the morning."

Tsukishima nods and walks over to the front with Kuroo at his side. Bokuto lays back down on the sofa and you walk away from the stranger who refused to give you his name.

"Hold on!" he shouts as he runs after you. "Why can't we just go now? We can drive a little bit longer and then find a stop. The sun hasn't even set yet!"

With a sigh, you turn around to face him. "The sun is setting, haven't you noticed? Or were you too busy arguing with me to notice?" You then let a pause befall the two of you before you continue. "Doesn't matter," you shake your head, "you only get to make decisions once you're actually a useful member of our group. If you want to be useful, you could at least start with your name."

The stranger rolls his eyes. "Osamu," he finally tells you, "My name is Osamu Miya."

"Well, Osamu, find a spot to get comfortable for now because we'll be on this bus all day tomorrow."

Not long later, Tsukishima finds a wooded area and drives off the road into a secluded area where the bus cannot be seen from the street. The group then sets up the tents just as the sun finishes setting so once you're done you can enjoy the final rays of sunlight before it disappears completely.

That night, you, Kiyoko, and Bokuto stay together in the tent. Bokuto, of course, stays on the sofa where he can support his leg. Kiyoko takes your original sleeping bag which you only dream of as you lay on the floor of the bus with a picnic blanket beneath you and a small, child-sized blanket on top of you. It's getting colder at night now, but you aren't going to complain and derail this trip even more.

Before you walked into the bus with Kiyoko and Bokuto, Tsukishima made a bit of a fuss choosing whether to bunk with Kuroo in his tent or Osamu in the other which you designated for him. Eventually, Tsukiahima chose what was the lesser of the two evils and disappeared inside Kuroo's tent.

"Kiyoko," you ask as you now lay awake, staring up at the ceiling. After today's events, you seriously doubt anyone has fallen asleep. As for you, all you can think of is how fast you can run to your concealed gun underneath the driver's seat in the front just in case Osamu decides to do something stupid.

"Yes?" she responds.

"I was just wondering, what is your husband like? Will he freak out like Osamu did if he sees you with us?" you ask curiously.

"No... well maybe at first, but I don't think he'll be so stubborn once I can explain it all to him," she whispers.

"Hm, that's good," you smile to yourself. "The two of you must be really close."

"Well, he does mean a lot to me and he really shows just how much he cares... Even in this weird world we live in now."

"Can I ask you something?" you then boldly interrupt. "You don't have to answer but as a doctor, I am a bit curious. Have the two of you... been together since the outage?"

Bokuto chokes on his saliva and sits up suddenly to cough like some kind of seriously ill person. Once he settles back down again, Kiyoko gives her answer.

"Yes."

It's your turn then to sit up from your spot in bed and reach underneath to grab something. "I got you something when we were at the rest stop," you tell her. "It's a pregnancy test. I think you should take it. Pregnancy would explain your shortness of breath and, uh, motion sickness as you put it."

Kiyoko sits up to face you and looks down at the small white box you stuffed in your clothes earlier that day. She nods silently and reaches out her hand to take it. You and Bokuto watch quietly as she stands and walks across the bus. Once she leaves, you and Bokuto are once more alone.

"Really think she's...?" he asks.

"I think so but I can't know for sure," you shrug.

Bokuto nods and then changes the conversation. "What do you think of Osamu?"

"Well he said he was a firefighter," you chuckle at the thought.

"Do you think he is?" he continues to ask seriously. It's not hard to tell he was rattled after the day's events.

"Yeah, I think so. I think he's just in a hurry to find his brother. I don't think he will be a problem," you say to express your opinion.

"I just can't help but feel so useless," he says as his hair almost seems to deflate with the expression on his face. "Before I heard you talking to Osamu about being useful but if something bad was to happen to you or Kiyoko tonight, I wouldn't be able to do much because of my leg."

"All you need to worry about is healing quickly. The quicker you heal, the quicker you'll be able to help out. Don't be so hard on yourself, okay? Besides, I know how to take care of myself. I was living on my own for six months before I met you after all," you smile.

Just as Bokuto's expression seems to lighten, the bus doors open once more, and Kiyoko steps inside. She approaches you and extends out her arm holding the white box.

"I took the test like you suggested but I didn't look at the results. I don't think I want to know yet. Not 'til I see my husband again," she explains.

You nod and accept the test. You then wait until Kiyoko lays back down in her sleeping bag and closes her eyes until you open the box. There's absolutely no doubt about the result. It's positive.

"Y/N," she then calls out quietly. "Could you hold onto it for me until we get to Monimiaceae?"

"Yes, of course, I can," you reply as you eye Bokuto who seems to already know what the result is, too. You tuck the box back into its hiding spot under your makeshift bed and lay down to stare up at the ceiling for several more hours until light.

want to join the taglist? Click here for more

previous | next | 2099

Taglist: @isentsworld

[nicoforlifetrue]

He doesn't stay in the world for long, at first jumping from these worlds of left-behind not-yet watchers. Then, finally, he reaches out and draws out a world of his own, hiding it in magic so thoroughly it's overkill.

Then he builds.

He builds and he builds, from cityscapes to cottage towns, ignoring the phantom hands and feathers on his back.

He learns and he plays, crafting structures ..and at times turning over his shoulder to ask if they're proud, to find no one.

Just empty space. 

Endless, flat, empty space with no movement other than his creations.

He's alone.

And so instead he spends his time building and flying, once even revisiting his almost forgotten engineering skills to maybe just manufacture a friend, hell even a chat bot would work… And then realizing maybe they should have stayed forgotten— as, for a few weeks, he spent hours frantically fixing the code of a robot he had locked in his closet after it had deleted the laws of robotics out of its own files. Sure a fully functioning AI was groundbreaking and all, but it being convinced it was literally a demon that wanted to seemingly kill him and/or work him to death was one weird bug to come out of the whole thing. 

He elected to not tell it that he was incapable of dying. Last thing it needed was even more reason to make him build more rustic houses.

He then of course didn't learn his lesson and made a second one, someone to entertain his first when he just didn't have the energy to.

Npg, he named the first one, Robo he named the second.

They lived to annoy each other and make his life a nightmare. Because unfortunately now that there were two of them, they now had someone on the outside to edit their code.

Robo seemed set on turning Npg’s builds into a completely different style when the other turned its back, which led to Grian having to reattach Robo’s arm and yet again re-code Npg out of a rage loop that Grian couldn't figure out how to just remove without a complete and total system failure.

His only real confusion is why they stopped targeting him in their fits of rage.

And why they went into the closet when they had a virus, that was weird too. Learned habits maybe? He did tend to lock them in there when he was fixing the homicidal tendencies, and it is where he kept a mass majority of his more fine tuned engineering instruments. So maybe the learning AI had put the closet as the bug fixing space, and then also learned that it was faster to be repaired when in that area? Grian did tend to notice something was wrong faster now that they had picked up the habit. It seemed a bit too advanced considering the simple learning program he had installed, but then again it had also learned how to delete something grian had hard wired into its code so, at this rate, anything was possible.

He still can't believe he had managed to code it considering most of his knowledge was self taught. Not that he'd claim to have done much, Npg and Robo had made most of the more impressive edits to their own code.

He learned his lesson and stopped at Robo, deciding to focus on his current bots instead of stress over making new ones. The bots had enough issues where it didn't matter either way. Not to mention Robo seemed to be developing a praise seeking personality, as well as a jealousy streak. He couldn't be sure any new bots would survive it. Also considering he's pretty sure the only reason Robo isn't trying to get rid of Npg is because of how Grian would scold both of them when they hurt the other. It seemed like his scolding triggered a “bad” tick in the code, thankfully, so they should learn out of harming things soon. 

He hopes.

He quietly thanks whatever higher power is controlling the two’s code that even touching the rewards and punishments system causes a complete system failure. A thing he learned when Robo had tried to get rid of said bad tick and Grian had found it face down on its build.

…He also spent a lot of time thinking— thinking about what happened, what he doesn't like, what he adores, often about himself.

And he finds things he didn't quite like.

He notes first how the ‘they’ he so adored growing up has dropped from his inner monologue, the pronoun a bit spoiled by the connection to them, although there still a cherry sweetness to the letters when he thinks of them— a flash of straw blond hair and a hidden smile— but with some good news he feels pleased when running over third person phrases; he finds himself using words like person instead of boy, or partner instead of boyfriend, or child instead of son, the only exception being the same as before with brother instead of sibling.

A discovery he made when one time his mentor was feeling particularly talkative and had murmured plans for children, about how Grian would be a great sibling.

He always loved how all it took was “brother” from him and the immediate shift in his mentor's words.

But his pronouns had changed, not much else.

With this revelation he trailed after it, noted with no small pleasure that they did not change who he was— he was still a demiboy, that hadn't changed, and he found no small joy in thinking it never would, the image of him telling his mentor and the soft wings that had pulled him just a bit closer lighting up in his mind as he thought of it; their silent “ok” when they couldn't bring themselves to whisper the word.

Then he chases after what he hates now, things to tiptoe around.

He finds the end revolting; not enough to never go, but enough to avoid, blacks and purples send shivers up his spine and he finds cloaks quite pleasant to burn, whittling himself a staff fills him with confidence instead of disdain, and with a couple testing jabs he finds the weapon a comfort instead of a nuisance.

He finds quite quickly that his diet has changed.

Outside of their realm he finds himself growing hungry, and thus discovers the variety of things he can no longer consume, which just so happens to be near everything; meats are off the table, too many fruits give him a stomach ache, bread is kind of okay but too much and he gets a headache— the only thing he doesn't have much problems with seems to be seeds which, oddly enough, keep him feeling fairly full.

He ends up finding himself mixing together meal bags, comprised mostly of seed with the max amount of other things before he gets sick. As far as he can tell he hasn't been malnourished, at least according to the bots and how he himself feels, so he calls it good and moves on to other issues.

Like the loneliness, how it surrounded him, made haunting whispers echo at the edge of his hearing, gunshots now mixed with snapping wings.

He was alone, painfully alone. Other than his two homicidal robot sons who he loves dearly yet still, they don't make much for conversation. Or much anything to socialize with. They were… hollow, unable to chase away his thoughts for more than a few seconds at most.

He wanted people— real honest people… But he was alone.

But things change.

:)

[valeriethepussycats]

Inside Out

Chapter 4

Pairing- Loki x Reader

Warning-cursing and childhood trauma

Your thoughts and other characters are in italics.

Flashbacks are in bold.

“The celebration had been going on strong for the last few hours, and there wasn’t an end in sight. Asgardians strolled through the streets, rejoicing the fact that the Nine Realms were safe at last. Friends laughed, kids played, and warriors recounted their many victorious battles.

Y/n,Gambit,Sif, and The warrior three are all drinking in the castle, until Y/n starts to get flashes of Loki. He was in the scorching sun day in and day out,and they deprive him of water for weeks, and someone used the mind stone on him. Outside her head all the glass bottles and wine glasses bust, and Gambit immediately looks over at Y/n and see the black vines on her arm but before he could make his way over to her but time freeze.

Y/n gets up and runs to the dungeon, when she gets there she just stands in front of Loki’s cell looking down at her feet. Having a hard time looking at him and not see what she saw.

“Y/n, what’s going on?” Loki said as he looks around and see everyone is frozen. “Are you doing this?”

“why didn’t you tell me....why didn’t you tell me you were tortured.” Y/n questioned.

Loki looks at Y/n with wide eyes. “How do you do know that.”

“The stars, our minds all of that is Connected remember. How you not tell me.” Y/n said with Infrequent blinking.

“I didn’t want you to see that.” Loki answered.

“You were alone before you came to earth.” Y/n said as a tear rolls down her face.

The Black vines starts to slowly climb up her arm and appear on her face. Loki see that Y/n is in distress from what she learned. He knows what will happen if he let her feel those emotions. So he walks up the to the shield and use his up most calming and soothing voice he could muster at a time like this.

“It’s ok I’m fine Y/n look at me look at me.” Loki pleased.

Y/n looks at Loki with an empty stare. “No it’s not fine.....you were tortured. You were tortured into do what you did on earth. You was being watched. Even if I was aware of what was going on with you there was nothing I could’ve done. Nothing you could’ve done cause if you would’ve said or done anything differently they would’ve killed you.”

“I tried my best to get to rid those memory. I knew you would be able to feel it.” Loki said.

“I never wanted to experience those feeling.....not again?” Y/n quavered. “Not again.”

“What do you mean by ‘not again’?” Loki dais with a firm voice.

“The people that took me did this to me they put someone else’s X-Gene inside of me and I have to learn how to control it....and when I couldn’t control it they would put a collar around my neck then throw me into a dark room. The feeling of loneliness every day inside that room...if it wasn’t for Gambit....” Y/n trailed off. But Loki knew what she was going to say.

“I’m so sorry. I am here.” Loki puts he’s hand on over the Barrier of the cell walk and Y/n copies his movement.

“The person that did that to you.” Robin started. “What was there name?”

“Thanos” Loki answered.

“Thanos.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

At that same time, back on Asgard, Heimdall, the all-seeing keeper of the Rainbow Bridge, stood at his post at the edge of the observatory, scanning the cosmos. He did not turn when Thor approached, but spoke as soon as the prince was behind him.

“You're late.” Heimdall announced.

“Merriment can sometimes be a heavier burden than battle.” Thor stated.

“Then you're doing one of them incorrectly.” Heimdall commented.

Thor chuckles. “Perhaps. How fare the stars?”

“Still shining. From here I can see Nine Realms and ten trillion souls.” Heimdall looks at Thor for a moment. “You recall what I told you of the Convergence?”

“Yes, the alignment of the worlds. It approaches, doesn't it?” Thor asked.

“The universe hasn't seen this marvel since before my watch began. Few can sense, even fewer can see it. A world that's infected can be dangerous. It is truly beautiful.” Heimdall explained.

They looks out into the stars. “I see nothing.”

“Or perhaps that is not the beauty you seek.”

Thor laughs. “How is she?”

“She's quite clever, your mortal. She doesn't know it yet, but she studies the Convergence as well. Even...” Heimdall stops as he senses something.”

“What?” Thor stressed.

“I can't see her.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

We see Jane being infected by the Aether] [after Jane is infected with the Aether she reawakens in the factory, she runs out to find Darcy has called the police.

“Jane! Where the hell were you?” Darcy exclaimed.

“Tell me you didn't call the police!” Jane inquired.

“What was I supposed to do?” Darcy asked.

“Not call the police!” Jane yelled.

“I was freaking out.” Darcy stuttered.

“You call the cops they tell the feds, the next thing you know we have Shield crawling all over area fifty-one-ing the place.” Jane proclaimed.

“Jane!”

“We had a stable gratification anomaly, we had unheeded access. Our only competition was ten years old!”

“Jane, you were gone for five hours!” Darcy disclosed.

“What?....”

Suddenly the weather turns, it starts raining and they hear the sound of thunder, Jane looks around her and puts her hand out.

“That's weird.” Darcy noted.

They see it's raining but it's not raining on Jane and Darcy, there's an invisible barrier protecting them, suddenly Jane sees Thor standing a few feet away from them, Jane hands her gadget to Darcy and walks towards Thor, as she walks away the invisible barrier follows her and the rain starts falling on Darcy.

“Typical.”

Jane walks towards Thor.

“Jane.”

“As she reaches him suddenly she slaps him hard in the face. “Sorry. I just needed to make sure you were real, it's been a very strange day.”

“Well, I am. Jane...”

Suddenly she slaps him again. “Where were you?!”

“Where were you? Heimdall could not see you.” Thor said.

“I was right here where you left me. I was waiting and then I was crying and then I went out looking for you. You said you were coming back.” Jane said in a level tone.

“I know, I know, but the Bifrost was destroyed. The Nine Realms erupted into chaos, wars were raging, marauding hordes were pillaging. I had to put an end to the slaughter.” Thor explained.

“As excuses go, that's not terrible. But I saw you on TV, you were...you were in New York! Fighting with Y/n.” Jane said without trying to sound Jealous.

But she was he was spending all that time with Y/n. Ok she was the only person that believe him but Jane did to (with reason).

Does Thor have Heimdall to look in on Y/n.

“Jane, I fought to protect you from the dangers of my world, but I was wrong, I was a fool.” Thor places his hand Jane's face. “I believe that fate brought us together. Jane, I don't know where you were or what happened, but I do know this.”

“What?”

“I know...”

“You do?”

“Do what?”

They lean in close and just as they are about to kiss Darcy interrupts them; referring to the rain.

“Hey! Is that you?”

Thor looks up and the rain stops.

“Uh...we're kind of in the middle of something.” Jane sigh of irritation as she look at Darcy.

“Um...I'm pretty sure we are getting arrested” Darcy replied.

Jane look over at Thor. “Hold that thought.” She turns and runs towards the police.

“Look at you, still all muscly and everything. How's space?” Darcy asked.

“Space is fine.” Thor answered.

Jane walks over to the police. “Excuse me?”

“Are you Jane Foster?” One of police officer asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you know this man?” police officer said referring to Ian.

“He's my intern. My intern's intern.” Jane answered.

“This is private property and you're trespassing, the lot of you. You'll have to come with me.” The police officer goes t grab Jane's arm but suddenly the force from the Aether creates a powerful force which pushes the officer and everything else away,

Thor runs towards Jane who's lying on the ground.

“Jane! Jane?” Thor said as he helps her stand. “You alright?”

“What just happened?” Jane asked.

The other police officer approaches Jane apprehensively. “Place your hands on your head, step back!”

“The woman is unwell.” Thor answered.

“She's dangerous.”

“So am I.” Thor disclosed.

Talking into his radio. “Requesting armed response officers to the scene.” Thor grabs Jane and pulls her closer to him.

“Hold on to me.”

“What are you doing?” Suddenly the Bifrost opens and Thor takes Jane to Asgard; Darcy looks up as they disappear

“Holy shit!” Darcy shouted.

Thor and Jane travel through the Bifrost and enter Asgard where Heimdall is guarding as always, Jane looks around her in amazement.

“We have to do that again.” she notices Heimdall for the first time. “Hi.”

“Welcome to Asgard.” Heimdall announced.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Returning to their homeland, Svartalfheim, Malekith kneels and grabs a handful of dust from the ground. “Look at my legacy, Algrim. I barely remember the time before light.”

Algrim places his hand on Malekith's shoulder. “Our survival will be your legacy.”

“The Asgardians will suffer as we have suffered. I will reclaim the Aether. I will restore our world and I'll put an end to this poisonous world.” Malekith replied.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Asgard.

Loki is laying down on his bed, think about what happened the other day. The way Y/n was angry for him and what he saw. He didn’t know if he deserve such passion. What has he done to deserve that from her.

Maybe Odin is right

Y/n appeared in his cell, looks over at her and see she’s looks upset.

“What’s the matter? Did you have a another memory?” Loki said sitting up.

“No.... I just had to say goodbye to Gambit that all.” Y/n said with a downturned head.

“Gambit, he’s alive?” Loki questioned looking shocked.

“Yes, he is. Why you asked me that?” Y/n wondered then realization hits her. “Did you see one of my memories?”

Loki nods yes.

“Which one?” Y/n said with an intriguing voice.

“He was dying.” Loki answered.

“Oh.....that one.” Y/n said in a small voice. “That day would ever be known as November 18th. That was the day I lost control...caused an earthquake and black out in the upper east of the United States.”

“What happened?” Loki wondered.

“I had a nightmare but it wasn’t like any other nightmare it was vivid. I the way his blood felt on my hands. I ever since that day my father was trying to find ways to conceal my powers and when he did I will get the senses when something good or bad was gonna happen sometimes it was painful sometimes it wasn’t.” Y/n explained.

“You’re the only person I’ve ever told that to.”

Loki walks over to Y/n and lif her head up with his index finger so she’s looking at him. “Why would you tell me?”

“I don’t know it just felt like the right thing to do.” Y/n answered smile. “That’s what you do when you care about someone you open up to them.”

“You caring for me only make things worst.” Loki said with his head down. “After your two weeks you will never see me again. You dealing with the feeling of yearning will not be good for you or your powers.”

“My powers?” Y/n said in a curious tone. “What makes you think I won’t stay on Asgard?”

“Y/n...you just got someone you care about back into your life and you would willingly leave them behind for me?”

“Gambit, with understand.” Y/n replied.

“You would hate to living here on Asgard.”

“No, I won’t because you’re here.”

Loki walks over to Y/n and lif her head up with his index finger so she’s looking at him. “Y/n, when your two weeks are up....you are going to have to let me go?”

“No..No I’m not letting anything go.” Y/n said putting some space between her and Loki. “And don’t you say if you love me let me go.”

“If you don’t you could hurt people.” Loki said walking up to Y/n hugging her from the back.

“Since when do you care about people?” Y/n asked sarcastically.

“Because your care about people.” Loki answered.

Y/n turns around and gives Loki Direct eye contact. “Don’t ask me to let you go because I won’t.”

“Y/n....” Loki said struggling to find the right words to say.

“I should go I have to met your mom.” Y/n said.

And just like that Y/n is gone and Loki stands there facial muscles tensing.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

As the Asgardian physicians study Jane and the force within her. “What's that?”

“Be still.” Eir said in a snappy voice.

Thor watches with one of the nurses as they examine Jane. “This is not of Earth, what is it?”

“We do not know, but she will not survive the amount of energy surging within her.” the nurse turns and walks away as Thor looks at Jane with worry.

“That's a quantum field generator, isn't it?” Jane asked.

“It's a Soul Forge.” Eir answered.

“Does a Soul Forge transfer molecular energy from one place to another?” Jane questioned.

Eir looks impressed. “Yes.”

Jane looks at Thor and whispers. “It's a quantum field generator.” Thor smiles at her.

Odin enters the room as the Thor looks on to Jane as she is being examined. “My words are mere noises to you that you ignore them completely?”

”She's ill.” Thor disclosed.

“She is mortal. Illness is their defining trait.” Odin replied.

“I brought here because we can help her.” Thor told Odin.

“She does not belong here in Asgard anymore than a goat belongs at a banquet table.“ Odin replied.

Jane sits up and looks at Thor. “Did he just...?” Jane started. “Who do you think you are?”

“I'm Odin. King of Asgard. Protector of the Nine Realms.” Odin answered.

“Oh. Well, I'm...”

“I know very well who you are, Jane Foster.”

Jane turns to look at Thor. “You told your Dad about me?”

“Something is within her, father, something I have not seen before.” Thor explained.

“Her world has its healers, their called doctors, let them deal with it. Guards, take her back to Midgard.” Odin said as two guards approach Jane and go to grab her, suddenly the energy force within her sets off again throwing the two guards aside.

“Don't touch her.” Thor said as he leans down and tenderly touches Jane. “Jane, are you alright?”

Jane nods her head, Odin inspects the energy force running through Jane's body and realizes it's the Aether. “That's impossible.”

“The infection, it's defending her.” Eir said in a shocked face.

“No, it's defending itself.” Thor corrected.

“Come with me. There are relics that predate the universe itself. What lies within her appears to be one of them. The Nine Realms are not eternal. They had a dawn as they will have a dusk.” Odin said showing Thor and Jane an ancient book. “But before that dawn the dark forces, the Dark Elves, reigned absolute and unchallenged.”

Thor reading from the book. “Born of eternal night, the Dark Elves comes to steal away your light. They were these stories mother told us as children.”

“Their leader, Malekith made a weapon out of that darkness, it was called the Aether. While the other relics often appeared as stones, the Aether is fluid and ever changing. It changes matter into dark matter and seeks out to host bodies, drawing strength from their life force. Malekith sought to use the Aether's power to return the universe to one of darkness. But after eternities of blood shed, my father Bor, finally triumphed, ushering in the peace that lasted thousands of years.”

“What happened?” Jane chimed in.

“He killed them all.” Odin answered.

“Are you certain? The Aether was said to have been destroyed with them and yet here it is.” Thor specified.

“The Dark Elves are dead.” Odin commented.

“Does your book happen to mention how to get it out of me?” Jane questioned.

“No, it does not.”

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Y/n is sitting crisscross apple sauce in her room’s balcony. Thinking about what happened between her and Loki.

Was that our first fight?

Y/n’s emotions were at a frenzy. She didn’t understand why Loki was acting like that. She wanted to be mad. Something happened to change his mind on everything.

What if i’m overthinking it Gambit did say I think and feel more then anyone else

Y/n let’s out a sigh of irritation.

“It’s ok if my thoughts run a mile but focus on one.” Y/n said closing her eye.

So am I supposed to just sit here.

Yes I am going to be spinning this day with my daughter

Y/n can hear Frigga’s voice clear as day. She doesn’t know if it’s was her inner or outer voice.

“I didn’t know Thor had a sister.” Y/n mumbled to herself.

Y/n gets a knock on her door and she opens it with the flick of her hand.

“So I see your trying to meditate that’s a good start.” Frigga said walking in the room. The door shut close as Frigga makes her way over to Y/n.

“Yes. But I’m failing miserably at it.” Y/n laughed at herself. “I learned that my mind is a satellite. I’m always going to pick up others people thoughts. So I had to learn how to store them in the back of my mind. But even then it still feels crowded.”

“You poor dear, I can not imagine how you feel but I think I can help. Close your eyes imagine everything in your head.” Frigga said.

Y/n takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.

“Now I want you to think of the similarities of Asgard and Midgard.” Frigga said.

“That’s kind of hard Asgard is beautiful while Earth only as hidden gems.....the sunset are beautiful.” Y/n answered.

“When you think of the sun, what do you think of?” Frigga asked.

“Warm light.”

“And what is light?”

“Electricity....and electricity is power.”

“How does one turn off power?” Frigga wondered.

“By flipping a switch.” Y/n grinned.

“Now turn it off switch.” Frigga told Y/n.

Y/n flips a switch off in her mind and everything going quite. She opens her eyes and looks up at Frigga smiling.

“It’s gone. It’s not crowded anymore. Thank you.” Y/n rejoiced.

A rainbow appears in the sky as all the clouds disappear. Y/n gets up from the ground and hugs Frigga, then immediately letting her go.

She’s a queen you have to remember that

“Oh I’m so sorry.” Y/n said with a downward gaze.

Frigga smiles. “Y/n, it is fine.” Frigga looks out and sees a rainbow. “That wouldn’t be your doing would is?”

“Sorry.” Y/n goes to fix the sky but Frigga stops her.

“I think it’s rather lovely.”

Y/n smiles at Frigga.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

back on Svartalfheim, in his ship Malekith plots his vengeance against the Asgardians.

“The Realms will be aligned soon.” Malekith takes out a knife and turns to Algrim.“You'll be the last of the Kursed.”

Malekith stabs Algrim in the stomach with his knife. “Let my life be sacrificed. The same as our people.”

“You will become darkness, doomed to this existence until it consumes you.” Malekith started. One of the dark elves places a molten rock in Malekith's hand and Malekith places it inside Algrim's stomach. “And then no power of our enemies will stop me.”

“I'll destroy their defenses and resurrect the universe.” Malekith looks to one of his dark elves as he carries a mask.

A/n- I can’t believe the Loki tv show season one is done. (Sigh) I guess I’ll be waiting.

[alice-angel12x]

Cherry Blossom wedding PT.2

"So Darx took over the school to force Y/n into marriage with him," Riddle summarized. 

"What?!" Everyone gasped.

"What so scary about Darx?" Jack asked.

"Darx is currently the most powerful wizard, and he didn't get that title though fair or clean means," Vil explained.

"And as of late he's been looking for a suitable bride," Lilia added suddenly, " I'm familiar with him cause at first he's been taking many fae brides, some I've known personally. Then they disappear suddenly, and Darx simply moves on to the next."

"S-so were dealing with a possible murder," Kalim stuttered in fear.

"Well nobody has ever shown up, and there is no evidence that he killed them. So all those sad souls are still considered missing," Azul clarified.

"We have to rescue her!" Inir and Ortho shouted.

"Ummm," Everyone backed away.

"What?" Inir gasped.

"Why? Please help us!" Ortho begged.

"Look we all like Y/n and we don't want anything bad to happen to her, but we also don't want to be the ones who die pissing off Darx,"  Ace said.

"while Idia always avoids me yet he only asks for me when he's troubled, that's too easy," Vil added.

" It's your "brother"'s problem. Solve it on your own," Leona sighed.

Inir began to tear up and cry out loud.



"Don't worry Inir, If they won't help then I'll do something," Ortho said to his crying friend.

"Hey, hey. You can't do anything just by yourself," Kalim gasped.

"Stimulating patterns to take back Idia Shroud and Y/n Ebonywood. Requirements: Least time of operation...the simulation has been completed successfully. We will now operate the plan. Charging magic energy. Aiming for Night Raven College's main school grounds," Ortho said as he readied his attack, "Magic beam firing in 5... 4... 3... 2..."

" PLEASE STOOOOOP!" Crowley shouted, "Do you want to make our legendary school turn into ruins!? Magic beams are prohibited!

"Since everybody won't help us, I had to do it," Ortho glared.

" ...everyone. Is it okay to decline that easily? If you abandon Shroud and Y/n just like this..," Crowley scolded.

"What should I say? It'll be pointless even if we fought back..," Ace sighed.

"Ah! There they are! Night Raven College's students!" Crowley said pretending to be a news reporter.

" Wh-what is it so suddenly," Ace gasped.

 "I'm a reporter from TBC News! You're a student from Night Raven College, right!?" Crowley continued.

" Eh? Y-Yeah, I am but... wait, close, too close! Headmaster, you're too close!" Ace stuttered

 "Is it true that it's possessed by ghosts? Please answer the question! It'll be featured by tomorrow morning, so let me take some pictures too. Click-click!" Crowley acted.

"Ugh, the flash is too bright!" Ace groaned.

 "I heard a student was abducted? And you abandoned her?"

"I-I have different dorms from the kidnapped person! I don't know anything!" Ace tried to argue.

  "You left him because you weren't close to him? I can't believe you! I need to compile a special feature... Shocking! The dark side of the prestigious school!"

" Whoa, I said stop it! Don't point the camera here!" Ace shouted.

 "Click click click! Click-click! Click!"

"STOP IT! Ace shouted again.

"And so if Y/n doesn't come back, you'll be pressed by the mass and be interviewed no matter morning or noon. I don't want to see my students getting tired like that, or Shroud getting even more stress on top of his possible trauma. Since I'm kind," Crowley warned.

" If you don't cooperate, I'll hack the news channel and put it on the news. I'll write in big marks "The Student Who Abandoned Their Friend" and air it!" Ortho threatened.

"I think the one who would be troubled the most if there's a scandal on the school is you, the school's responsible person, the headmaster," Riddle stated.

"But, it would trouble me. My mother would cry if she saw that news," Deuce sighed.

" Gossips will affect my image as an entertainer. I don't want it," Vil stated.

" It seems that we have to help then," Lilia smiled, " I can't have things like...Malleus, the next king of the Valley of Thorns couldn't save a human to be spread around, and he does hold Y/n in a special place in his heart."

" Yes. As you said, Lilia-sama!!" Sebek shouted.

"Then, everyone! Let's save Shroud and Y/n  from Darx together!" Crowley cheered, "Ah〜〜〜〜 I'm happy that I only have nice students〜〜〜."

" Let's think of a way to save my brother and Y/n together!" Ortho cheered.

"First of all, why don't we talk to Darx," Kalim suggested.

" What a magnificent thought, you are Golden. Though I don't think he would let go of a beautiful maiden like Y/n so easily. If I were in his shoes I certainly wouldn't," Rook smiled.

" In the end, we just have to get him back by force, don't you think?" Leona stated.

 "We all ended up here because we can't do that. Did you forget?" Vil said.

"Yes. We can't "defeat" the ghosts in a face to face battle. They're troublesome as an opponent. Let's avoid a battle with them." Crowley said.

"You know from what I've heard Darx is a narcissistic wizard and happily excepts challenges from anyone," Riddle stated.

"True, a Fae friend of mine challenged Darx to save his lover, but he disappeared along with her," Lilia added.

"Maybe Sam has something useful in his shop," Inir suggested.

So it was off to the school shop and Mr.Sam. Who surprisingly had had something that could maybe help with Darx. A pure white crystal that can undo any spell of a specific caster.

"That was something I did have, but those darn ghosts came by and raided my shop and getting away with lots of my stuff," Sam sighed.

"What they took the crystal too?!" Crowley gasped.

"Yep, but I'll give you advice instead. Darx specializes in summoning and capture Magic," Sam explained, " That is probably why Y/n and Shroud hasn't come back to us yet."

"So I guess the only option is to beat him at a match in hopes to win both student's freedom," Crowley sighed, " Alright those I call, step forward, you will be the first to challenge group to challenge Darx," 

" Trey Clover, Jack Howl, Jade Leech, Floyd Leech, Kingscholar, Schoenheit, and Zigvolt," Crowley called.

"I was so troubled getting chased by ghosts, so this is where you all evacuated," Trey smiled.

" I'm glad we could gather," Jade greeted.

"Headmaster. What are you going to do with we seven?" Vil asked.

"You are all strong with your unique magic, so maybe you can outfox Darx, or maybe you could all challenge him together," Crowley suggested.

"W-what why can't I go? I feel like I'm abandoning my duties as a dorm leader if I let Trey, the vice dorm leader to challenge this mission," Riddle asked.

"What sad you can't be Y/n's knight in shining warmer," Ace teased.

"N-No that not it at all," Riddle denied.

"We don't know what Darx is capable of, and Riddle you heavily rely on your unique magic and we cannot afford to lose you so soon," Crowley explained.

"I'll have the CCTV's footage be connected so we can watch you from the sidelines," Ortho smiled.

"Vil will surely win not only is he beautiful, but he is also strong too. Don't you think so, Epel-Kun?" Rook smiled.

"Eh! I-I guess," Epel stuttered.

-----------

(Cafetaria — Wedding Ceremony)

"*chuckle* What a beautiful day today, and not so powerful without this pendant protecting you," Darx smiled as he grabbed Y/n's chin.

"Keep this out of her reach," Drax ordered a troll servent.

Y/n simply glared at the man, he had placed a magic seal on to keep her in place and to prevent her from using her magic.  Y/n dressed to the nines in a beautiful wedding dress that Drax's troll servants put her in.



As Y/n stood in her frozen spot she noticed that all the short troll servants looked at her with sorrow and pity as they stood next to her. Drax had seven troll servants and an army of ghosts. Drax was still ordering his ghost and monster servants around trying to get the ceremony ready. Y/n sighed as she looked over at the front row seating area to see Idia struggling at his bindings that tied him to his seat. A similar seal was cast on him too.

"SOMEONE SAVE US—-!!!" Idia cried out.

" I suddenly got surrounded by ghosts, got roped and tied up... and now I have to watch a friend get forced into marrying some brute?" Idia said in fear, " A brute that might kill her soon."

"Not fish, how about beef served at the wedding?" Drax said as a troll servant stepped up with her tray of food.

Drax chuckled as he took a fork full of beef all the while the strolls stood nervously and uncomfortable in front of him. Drax growled in disappointment that the food tasted cheap and knocked the plated out of the hands of the troll and dropping food onto his servant.

"Soon I'll have a new wife, and hopefully you won't disappoint me," Drax said simply as he looked over to Y/n, who only glared at him.

Idia wanted to hurl at that sentence as side glared at his kidnapper. Suddenly a ghost rushed over to Darx with some urgent news. Apparently, some NRC students came to challenge him for "His bride's hand". Drax laughed as he ordered the ghosts to let them in.

"You hear that Y/n, Were going to be saved," Idia smiled in relief at his friend.

Soon the seven students quickly barged through the door demanding to challenge Darx in magical combat.

"So you all think you can take what is soon to be mine," Darx laughed.

"The marriage hasn't happened yet, so Y/n doesn't belong to anyone," Leona growled.

"And a rude brute like you doesn't deserve a lady like Y/n," Jack added.

"Plus forcing women into marriage is a disgusting trait," Vil glared.

"So you're her friends I'm assuming," Darx said simply in a bored tone, " Look dear all your friends have come to watch our marriage.

The boys looked up the alter to see a beautifully dressed Y/n staring at them with a relieved smile on her face at the sight of them. The boys could feel their hearts flutter in their chests at the sight of here. Oh, and there was Idia in the front row.

"Darx we challenge you to a Magic duel, If we win You will set our friends free," Trey said in a serious tone.

"hahaha, I can't wait to squeeze the lights out of him," Floyd laughed.

"Challenge excepted,"  Darx smirked.

_____

[raviliuz]

"Here comes the sun" Blaise Zabini x Theodore Nott

Muggle, retro au

@lifesucksandiwanttobeamarauder I finally translate that fanfiction, I hope you like it 🥺

The dark-skinned boy has tried to sit still from three hours already. It is incredibly hard for him, because of his amazing hyperactivity. In all honesty, sitting here as a model doesn't count to his dreams or favourites activities but he couldn't deny to Theodore's asks.

Just because of that — his bloody weakness for the older boy — he must stick up there and pose to Theodore's new painting. Blaise perfectly knows that person on that work of art won't be even similar to him. But it will be beautiful, perfect as everything that has been made by gifted hands of Theodore Nott.

There's music, playing quietly at the background, played on a gramophone, restored by Blaise himself. He gifted it to his friend as a birthday present two years ago on an incredibly warm and short night, 22th of June.

He has so many memories with that slight, passionate boy.

"Theo," he says suddenly, breaking the silence. He sounds like a dissatisfied kitten and when he doesn't notice any reaction, he repeats meowing "Theo, I'm bored."

The other boy finally pays his attention to Blaise, not his reflection on painting, which is created on a canvas (too small in Theo's opinion).

"Blaise, you really can't stand it for a while more?" Theodore asks and there is a nuance of desperation and melancholy in his voice, "I want to end it."

And Blaise has already known, he loses again. He won't be able to deny his friend the pleasure that results from looking at the painting — finished, after hours of working.

"I'll stand it, Theo" he sighs and in his mind adds 'always for you'. At this moment all he can do is begging and praying that Theodore is not able to read minds, just like some characters in their favourites comics.

"Nah, Blaise" slight boy says suddenly and leaves his paint palette and set of brushes on the cupboard, promising himself that he will wash it carefully within a few minutes when paints won't be already dry "I know you don't want to."

"It's not like that" Zabini starts to explaining himself chaotically because he doesn't want hurt Theodore's feelings, "I love watching your painting and you while you're painting. And I love that you have a passion and you're so talented. I just... It's May Day and we are sitting in your room..."

"It's alright, Blaise" Theodore interrupts his with the most beautiful, in Zabini's opinion, smile — that carefree, happy and only a little faraway one.

"We should do something and bring Hope with us to take many photos and place them in our albums with dumb yet cute captions" Theo proposes with a light laugh.

The younger, but taller, better built and more mature, of boys, stands up and brushes off invisible pollen from clothes. He reaches his hand to Theodore to help him stand up.

"Wanna go?" he proposes and even if Theo doesn't know where he agrees without a single question.

It doesn't matter where they go, it will be awesome as always if Blaise is with him.

He catches Hope and puts it on his neck. Theo loves his polaroid camera with whole his heart, even if it isn't the newest and all the better photos were made by Blaise.

Blaise is still holding Theodore's hand in his (definitely larger and rougher), like he doesn't care about rubs of paints in many different colours on Theo's hand and now, also on Blaise's one.

He pulls his friends outside and enters the garage like he is in his own house. Theodore knows what he means without words and grabs his bicycle with a big smile on his slim face.

Meanwhile, Blaise grabs his skateboard, which, only in the form of rebellion against sentiment, he did not give a name. But he perfectly knows that by his skateboard, people could see a different side of his personality, which he doesn't show often — bloody sentimentalist who loves very clichéd books or movies and constantly remembering beautiful moments, and it doesn't matter if that happens a year ago or two hours ago.

The skateboard has its best years far behind its. The picture which was printed on the underside of 'his love' (although, of course, incomparable to that of the boy just standing next to him) has almost completely faded and crumbled, peeling paint seems not so good, to put it mildly, but in Blaise's opinion, it adds the special character and charm to his skateboard. Every scratch and every cooked screw tell a story and Blaise thinks it definitely better than new skateboard — probably glamorous but without its own character.

Blaise isn't similar to Theo, not it that topic. He has never had boxes filled with various craps, which refer to many different events and happenings. He doesn't have special notebooks with tickets, a diary or millions of notes with quick sketches, created under the influence of a sudden flow of wen. He doesn't keep every notes and message on scraps of papers, which have been hand down on lessons, in hope that the teacher wouldn't see that. In first, even having a photo album was strange for Blaise. It shows, that he likes looking back at past and that feeling, which sometimes accompanies you right before falling asleep, when you remind yourself one of those pleasant situations from childhood, isn't foreign for him. It was all he was trying to defend himself against, but only for a time.

For a time when on his way stood that quite frail and nerdy boy. Theodore showed him being sentiment isn't something bad just as singing songs out loud in public places. As compensation, Blaise showed him the magic of comics and all these beautiful, charming in their area, which he discovered while taking a walk daily. Blaise pulled Theodore out of his room and dragged him away from the easel to lead him everywhere he can.

"To our place?" Theodore asks and gets on his a little too small, colourful bike. The seat creaks quietly under his mass but none of the boys pays any attention to this.

"Exactly, now ride, my carriage" Blaise screams and catches up on Theo's seat so the movement of the bicycle can drag him.

"Pff, flax" Nott giggles and Blaise find it as the most sonorous, melodic sound in the whole world.

They ride slowly through all that musty hole, also known as Torquay, or — their home. The road even if it's really old and it remembers when they as children drew chalk on a street, is not in a bad condition. A worse fate befell the road signs — some of them are smeared with sprays, and some are knocked off the ground, due to a car accident or a group of probably drunk but still strong young people.

There are many houses near the road. They are quite poor and definitely not as modern as houses in the capital. At some time, before he started taking daily walks, Blaise dreamed about living in London. Or rather, to be able to tell others that he lives in London. It's another thing which distinguishes him from Theodore — the older boy sees beauty everywhere, in everything and in everybody. Blaise envied him with this skill, for him the world has been boring or just ugly and people have been cruel sometimes.

The sun is warming their backs when they slowly ride on a well-known path. They pass Mrs Shermik, so out of courtesy from four meters away from her, they shout to the old woman joyful 'Good morning'. As they turn into a lane, which is fortunately dry as it hasn't rained much lately, Theo starts humming under his breath.

"Hey Jude, don't make it bad" he looks at his friend (nearly losing control of his bike) and Blaise quickly understands what he means.

Blaise joins to his singing and adds next line:

"Take a sad song and make it better".

Someday Blaise would have worried. He was worried about what people would think, he was afraid someone would hear them. But not now. Now he doesn't care when the words flowing from the depths of memory, and when the song ends, he starts another, definitely his favourite — "Blackbird". Neither of the boys has a perfect voice, singing is definitely not their hidden talent, but that doesn't matter. And that is wonderful, isn't it?

Here Blaise can no longer skate further — the ground is too uneven, even ploughed by the tires of wheelbarrows and carts of people from the neighbouring village. The dark-skinned man rejects Theo's offer to simply get his bike's rack and chooses to run next to the boy. The basketball team and two trainings a week are finally coming in handy — thanks to this, his condition is really good and he doesn't gasp like an old man with asthma after twenty meters run. Theodore, noticing how well his best friend is doing, accelerates, forcing Zabini to run, which he accepts with a groan. Nevertheless, he catches up with the older boy and promises himself that as soon as they get there, he will get his revenge.

After five more minutes, they are a destination of their travel. The place they describe as "their", although they are well aware that they are not the only people who come here, is exactly as they remember it — beautiful.

It was Blaise who discovered them during one of his walks over three years ago. He perfectly remembered how it happened.

That day he was trying to find a rather fast but shallow brook, which he remembered from his childhood. Before Draco's move to London, they told Draco's parents that they were going to the field, but in fact, they went to the brook and walked back and forth on a tree that had fallen over the river. He remembered just as well how Draco's mother, on her way to the store, noticed they were not on the field, prompting a search. When their parents found them by the brook — wet but in unusually good moods, they were already too worried to be upset with them.

After searching for more than an hour (during which he definitely fulfilled the daily, maybe even a week, step norm, but he didn't care) he found a place from his memories, although it was difficult to recognize its. The brook had dried up completely, leaving only a faint riverbed and tree roots washed out of the ground, but the place has definitely retained its charm.

Theo drops the bicycle, leaning it hurriedly against one of the roots, and lays down on the grass, staring at the almost cloudless sky, hidden only by tree branches. Blaise, slightly out of breath, rests his hands on his knees and stays like this for a moment. When his breath normalized he comes closer to Theodore. There is a snap and a Polaroid camera gracefully named Hope spits out a photo in which the image hasn't shown up yet. Theo enthusiastically grabs a small piece of paper and starts waving it so fast that it is about to reach orbital velocity. After a while, the picture clears up the silhouette of a younger boy, who was about to lie down next to his friend. Blaise looks at the photo and asks smiling, even though he already knows the answer:

"For your or my album?"

"Of course mine," Theodore replies quickly, grinning happily, "Why do you need your own photos? They will be much more useful to me."

The dark-skinned boy can't help but messes Theodore's hair in one move of his hand. However, Theo is not annoyed by that, he reacts to it like a cat, moving closer and silently demanding further caresses, which the younger one does willingly.

They are sitting like that (or rather, Blaise is sitting and Theo's half lying on him) till the sunset. There is a flower crown on Blaise's head, made by Theo with field flowers collected by him. And of course, Theodore took a photo of Blaise in his work of art.

It's getting dark. Butterflies, which were flying around them flew away and gave way for beautiful moths and fireflies. Theodore stands up energetically and starts jumping on protruding trees' roots, chasing insects to take a photo of them.

"Theo, please be careful," Blaise says attentively but the only response is 'don't worry' screamed by Nott.

Blaise unwillingly starts remembering his childhood. Times, when he wasn't Theodore's friend and all that connected them, was the same neighbourhood, chalk and short-term relationship of their parents. Then they found that as a stupid and loathsome. Nowadays, at their seventeen's, just as weird. But they weren't friends. After all, Blaise was friends with Draco and the teacher in primary had repeated that it's better to have fewer friends but true friends. So Blaise fraternizes with Malfoy till he moved to London.

It's not that now Blaise finds it as a mistake or holds any grudge with Draco. But nowadays he thinks that it is not good to withdraw from others.

When Draco had left and moved to London, Blaise had thought they now he stayed alone but on that moment, Theodore slowly crept into his life. Nott sat next to Blaise on school basketball pitch and started reminding happy moments from times when Draco lived in Torquey.

And later he showed his painting to Blaise and dark-skinned boy couldn't believe someone his age could do something that beautiful. A week later Blaise sat down with him in the canteen and sometime later also on most of the lessons so he could distract him from learning to read their favourites comics.

Now, Blaise would imagine his life without his always laughing and only sometimes a little faraway friend.

His thoughts are interrupted by a quiet scream.

"Ouch!"

Blaise, worried, stands up imminently and run through Theo. He is curled up in a fetal position between roods of the biggest tree. Zabini hugs him tightly and Theodore accepts that willing, cuddling to his chest while holds back tears.

"Ah, Theo" Blaise whispers, still cuddling the boy in his arms, "I asked you to be careful."

"I'm sorry, Blaise" he answers, sniffing.

"Don't apologize to me, silly" Blaise couldn't stop himself from nuzzling his friend's cheek.

"But you are worrying now and you warned me that I might get hurt..."

"Shhhh" Zabini interrupts him and places his fingers on Theo's mouth to shushes him "I always worrying about you, no matter if you get hurt or not" he admits truthfully and after a few seconds of silence adds "Please, stop crying.

He stops hugging Theodore, although he wants to do it forever. Blaise squats in from of him and gently grabs his friend's head. He wipes away tears, flowing slowly on fairy (although all that time, spends under the sunlight) skin.

He wants to not cry because of sadness or pain, wants him not to have reasons for a cry.

He wants him to be always happy, even if that meant that Blaise wouldn't be on his side.

Wants, wants, wants.

But the world isn't always beautiful, even if Theodore thinks so. Sometimes the world is cruel, ugly or just totally boring. The same about people who live in it.

Do it's really important to find your refuge. A place, a person or a hobby, which will be like an escape from all evils in that world.

Blaise thought that his escape is comics. Reading them has dragged him into the world of superheroes where he could use his imagination and think about meaningless things for hours such as what superpower would he choose (flying, of course). Besides that, the world in comics is just easier. It isn't hard to differentiate who is good and who's bad. Good people fight with bad people, that's all. The Justice League cares about Gotham and saves innocent people from Joker, Deadshot or Darkseid. In the real world, it would be an unsolvable matter with billions different threads and complications so even the best detectives wouldn't be able to decide who is guilty.

Comics world is just easier.

Lately, Blaise has got to understand that the whole beauty in that world is locked in its confusions, problems and ambiguities. Because the world is beautiful, even if sometimes it's cruel or ugly.

And the one who made him understand that is his only real refuge — Theodore Nott.

He is the one who makes reading comics even better.

He is the one with who Blaise could do anything and it would be incredibly good.

He is the one with who Blaise wants to talk about 'good old times' and makes new memories to remember.

He is the one with who Blaise wants to stay forever.

Theodore Nott is the one who Blaise bestow that hot and unique feeling which, no matter what since says, comes from the heart.

And that feeling, now makes him do something, he has been dreaming about for that long. Blaise gently and unsurely grabs the head of the person, who since a year isn't only a friend for him. He delicately raises Theo's head a bit upper to look him straight into his eyes. Their lips touch slowly and gently. Both of them don't feel so confident with what's going on but they will worry about that later. Now, Blaise doesn't have the time and desire to thinks about the consequences. Not now, when he feels the structure of soft lips of his love.

When the dark-skinned boy doesn't notice any objections from the older boy, he let himself do a light, carefully move with his lips. He doesn't want to scared Theodore, knowing how delicate and artsy person he is. He would ever forgive himself hurting Theo.

If he only knew how long Theodore was waiting for it and how much he enjoys that kiss, even if Blaise's lips are rough and chapped.

Blaise gently moves away and hangs his head down, looking at too long grass. He's afraid of seeing Theodore's reaction for what he has done because he's afraid of rejection and ending that important relationship.

However, Theo, likes he doesn't see his friend insecure, giggles lightly and grabs the younger boy cheeks, turning his face to him.

"Oh, finally. How long might I wait?" Theo says with a delightful smile.

"Really. You... Me..." Blaise mutters like he doesn't know what he wants to say.

"Yeah, silly" Theo chucked and hits an end of Blaise's nose with his "You're definitely my favourite person in that universe. And every other, alternative universe too."

Blaise, still can't believe what's happening, hugs his boy and kisses him quickly. The kiss is one hundred per cent cute and totally not sultry. Because feelings as sultry and desire don't fit Theodore, even in an alternative universe where Bruce Wayne become the Devastator instead of Batman. It just does not fit.

"Yeah, and you're my fav person."

They sit in silence for a while, but it's nothing wrong. The silent can be calming and comfortable, it can say more than every word in the world.

The air is getting cooler and owls' chirps become more ominous, so finally, Blaise breaks the silence and says:

"Theo" mentioned boy turns to him and glance at Zabini, "Is your knee still hurting?"

"It's not that bad" Theo shrugs but Blaise quickly understands that it's not good either, "But can you ride the bicycle? I'll drive on its carrier."

"But what with my skateboard?" Blaise asks inconvenience.

"I'll carry it, please" Zabini's only answer is a sigh but not the irritated one. He doesn't know what would Theo had to do to irritate him.

"Alright, but please, be careful."

Blaise raises Theo's bicycle from the ground and helps the boy to climb up to the luggage carrier and then he carefully sits on its seat. Theodore holds Blaise's skateboard (which he has named against his will — Faith) with one hand and the other one is embraced around Blaise's stomach so Theo can stably stay on the carrier. Well, maybe not only because of that.

"To me?" Blaise proposes and slowly leaves their place.

Theodore automatically nods but then he understands that Blaise can't see him so he quickly says 'yes' some times.

Boys are leaving, slowly and without unnecessary haste, but that moment is different than every previous one, they have spent here. Now, they're leaving their place not as just friends.

From Theodore Nott's album:

"4th of May, 1984 —

My favourite day to remember"

[postmortem-bookworm]

Bright - Bucky Barnes - Part One

Fandom: Avengers

Type: Series

Word Count: 1,753

Character(s): Bucky Barnes, Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, Shuri, T'Challa

Warning(s): Cussing, Mentions of attempted suicide (but shouldn't be anything triggering), smut (maybe), mentions of X-Men, Steve is crushing

A/N: This picks up almost right after Black Panther, but before Bucky is awake, there is no Thanos, and everyone is alive.

My first series! Please enjoy!

Shifting nervously in her seat, she watches though the window as Steve and Natasha talk to the King and Princess of Wakanda in privacy. Steve seems to notice her watching as he looks over at her, giving a small smile, which Natasha seems to notice, because she turns to look at her with a unconvincing mirror of the Captain's, and her blood runs cold. Steve hasn't smiled much, since the battle of team Iron Man verses team Captain America at the airstrip. Natasha does smile much, period. This can't be good. She twirls a lock of burgundy hair around a finger, her nail is painted with chipped black varnish, something she'll miss from now on, unless someone in this almost alternate dimension, has any.

"-hut all ready for her stay." The King says as the door to the room opens, the four of them exit as she shifts in her seat once again, gnawing at her bottom lip as Steve nods to the King, before walking over to her, grabbing the suitcase resting at her feet.

"Good news, you can stay. They even have a semi secluded area where they've prepared your hut." She narrows her eyes at the Captain, his baggy eyes and mussed up hair, like he's ran his fingers though it a thousand and one times, doesn't help convince her much that this is for her safety, and not their own. His emotions are chaotic as they practically slap her in the face. "Maeve?"

"You should shave." She says as he reaches up to rub the beard that isn't quite stubble anymore, but isn't a full on beard yet, the apples of his cheeks are red, and the Princess giggles.

"I am princess Shuri, I will help deliver you to your new home, and help explain our culture to you, as best as I can." She says in a friendly manner as she steps up to Maeve, holding out a hand to the American. "Welcome to Wakanda, Ms. Smithe."

"Hello, Princess Shuri. I am pleased to meet you. Please, i-if you don't mind, please just call me Maeve, or Mae." She smiles, shaking the princess's hand, and Shuri drops her hand, smiling.

"Only if you call me Shuri." She says. "Come along. Brother, are you coming?" She asks, looking at the King. T'Challa nods and smiles, everyone following the Princess. The King is close to the Princess, Mae falls behind to talk to Steve and Natasha.

"We will be at your call, anytime you need us, Mae." Steve says as he puts his free arm around her shoulder. Regret and thankfulness emit from the Super Soldier, her exhaustion at everything lately makes her unable to shield against the emotions, though she's grateful she still can fight back against his thoughts.

"You know we won't be able to be here right away, but we'll be here as soon as you need, Mae. This isn't us abandoning you." Natasha says, draping her arm over Mae's other shoulder.

"I'm used to it." She says, ducking out of their hold, moving to follow the King and Princess closer. Natasha and Steve exchange looks with sadness radiating from the duo, as the burgundy haired mutant reflects the emotion back.

The hut sits in a grassy meadow, it's a medium size made out of wood, with a pergola off to the side, and stream in the back behind the small forest. Another hut sits not far away, but other than that, there isn't another in sight. The hut has modern equipment in it, a TV, fridge, stock and oven, running shower, and toilet, with a small bedroom tucked into the back, with a queen-size pillow top mattress. The floor of the hut is wood, with a nice rug every few feet, and plush couch in the living room. A modern house with an un-modern appearance. Outside the pergola is white, with ivy and flowers twining up the posts, a bench sits on the inside, and a foldable art easel is tucked in it, to the side.

"This is nice." Steve says after he sets her suitcase on the end of the bed. "It's remote, so you won't have to feel all of those emotions, of a bunch of strangers. You won't hear their thoughts." He smiles at her as she touches the drapes over one of the windows, before looking over at him.

"It'll do." She says simply, causing Natasha to give him an almost patronizing look, and Mae turns to her. "It's not just his fault." She looks at Mae in confusion, like she's not feeling what Mae knows that she knows Mae can feel. "I can feel your irritation." Natasha sighs as she walks over to rest a hand on Mae's shoulder. The air is tense, making her grateful that the King and Shuri decided to stay outside, to let the three of them have their time.

"This isn't like your parents, Maeve! We're not abandoning you, but we need to do this, for everyone's safety. Not just our's, but for your's as well." Natasha says in anger.

"Bullshit!" Mae snaps, jerking away from the two of them. "You can lie to me, and to yourselves, but your emotions betray you! You think that I'm too dangerous after what happened at the airstrip!" She clenches her fists, before wrapping her arms around herself. "Ju-Just leave! You did what you set out to do, so just go!" She turns away from them, fighting back tears as Natasha looks at Steve, who nods as he leaves the hut.

"I'm not leaving, Maeve." Natasha wraps her arms around the young woman, who is curling into a ball. "Not while you're like this." Natasha pets her hair, holding Mae close. "You're my sister, Maeve. You're my sister and I love you, and I would NEVER abandon you." Her whispers are soothing, her emotions just solidifying the affection she has for Mae.

"I'm sorry, Nat." She sobs, curling up against the assassin, who caresses her hair, silently crying as well. "I just can't forget about how it felt, when my parents left me at the School." Natasha shushes her, and pets Mae's hair.

"It's alright, Mae. I'm not going to hold it against you. We have to protect ourselves, but you too. Your emotions affect your abilities, and we can't have that happen when we're on the run." Natasha explains, and Mae wipes her face, and nods.

"I understand. It's okay." She takes a deep breath, and Natasha smiles at her as the two of them stand up. "Promise me, you'll be safe." She says as she hugs Natasha, who hugs Maeve back in return.

"We'll try, but we can't promise that." She points out, causing Mae to nod sadly as they part. "Now, go tell Steve goodbye." Mae smiles as she walks outside, Natasha is right one her heels. Steve smiles as Maeve smiles sadly at him, leaning up to kiss his cheek with a hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry." She murmurs, causing him to shake his head, his cheeks taking on a ruddy color as he cups her cheek with a free hand.

"No, doll. It's not your fault. I'm just sorry we can't stay." She smiles up at him, leaning up on her tiptoes to throw her arms around him.

"Please be safe, try and protect each other." She whispers in his ear as he places his hands on her waist, hugging her back.

"Of course, doll. And, don't forget that we're here for you, no matter what." He murmurs as she nods, leaning back on her heels. She ignores the rush of warmth in her chest, knowing that it doesn't belong to her. "You take care of Bucky for me, when he wakes up, okay?"

"Of course, Steve. You can count on me." She promises, causing him to smile, and scratch his scruffy cheek.

"I know, doll. I'll... give you two a minute to say goodbye." He says, gesturing between Natasha and Maeve. He walks a bit away as she turns to Natasha, who is smirking at her.

"What?" Natasha shakes her head and laughs, yanking Maeve by the wrist into her arms.

"You couldn't be more oblivious, even with your powers." Natasha says, hugging Maeve.

"No, I know how he feels. But, it's just a crush for him. He feels warmth when he's near me, but elation at the mere mention of Peggy's name." She steps away from Natasha. "And, I don't feel that way about him. I don't feel that way, after..."

"Logan, I know." She grinds out his name, before kissing her forehead. "Rat bastard." Her snarl has Maeve throwing her head back, laughing as Natasha blinks, before smiling. "Good to see you laughing. I love you, sis."

"Love you too, sis." She hugs the assassin again. "I'll see you soon, yeah?" She grins.

"It'll be fun." Natasha promises.

"Bye, Nat." She says, and the assassin nods as she starts to walk away, the King nods the Maeve, before walking towards the other two, walking them back toward the castle as one of the women warriors comes into view, standing on the hill with her spear in hand, waiting as Shuri rolls her eyes.

"Mae, these are you Kimoyo beads." She hands the to Maeve, who slides them on her wrist. "I've personally designed them, they will allow you to make calls, and purchases. Brother has taken care of funds, so you need not worry about it." Shuri explains, causing Maeve to nod as she studies the beads. "There are many other things they can be used for, but you can learn about them later."

"Thank you, Shuri." Maeve says as she slides the bracelet up and down, looking at them before, looking up at the Princess. "Would you- I mean... Could you- I feel..." Shuri was her stumble over her words, before nodding as she gestures towards the door.

"I will stay, until you are settled." She says with a smile, the two of them duck inside the hut, the lights coming on as the sun starts to set outside. The two young women talk for a few hours, about the world outside the Wakandan boarders, and Maeve's history with the Avengers and her life before. Shuri talks about the culture of Wakanda, her shenanigans with her brother, and his wife Nakia, and even life inside the castle. It turns out, they're just two lonely girls, craving a friendship. This might work out for the two of them, after all.

[shawnpetermuffins]

In Case You Didn't Know

(Based off In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young)

Summary: Shawn's so in love with you, but he doesn't know how to say it.

A/n: this is all over the place, theres time jumps and flashbacks and no real distinction between them, so yeah. I actually really like this song and I might end up writing some more stories based off songs, so let me know if you want that.

Requested: no

Warnings: just fluff

***

I can't count the times / I almost said what's on my mind / but I didn't

She's sleeping soundly on the couch, head laying on the arm rest, blanket up to her shoulders. She's absolutely beautiful, I think to myself. Her hair falls messily in her face, lips parted with a soft snore, and even though she's covered, I know her arms are wrapped around her middle in an attempt to keep warm in this arctic apartment of mine. I make a mental note to turn on the heater after I take her up to bed. She couldn’t even make it through half of the movie before her eyes became heavy, and if I was interested in watching the movie, I wouldn’t have even noticed, but I was watching her the whole time. It’s the first time I’ve been able to see her this way, completely exhausted from studying for her exams, hair a mess, face bare and slightly red and blotchy from stress crying.

I want so badly to wake her sleeping figure and tell her to just quit, come on the road with me for the second leg of tour. I’ll take care of everything; I’ll take care of her. Anything she wants, it’s hers, no questions asked. But I can’t tell her that. Because no matter how stressed she is now, I know it doesn’t change how incandescently happy she is when she talks about her favorite class, her favorite professor. The way she talks about all the things she’s going to change when she finishes school.

Just the other day / wrote down all the things I’d say / but I couldn’t / I just couldn’t

Being with her only a few months, eight to be exact, I keep finding myself refraining from telling her how I feel. And I know that being on tour for six out of the eight months we’ve been together is definitely taking a toll on her, and me too. I’m never here when she needs me, and to see her the way she is right now, I know that I can’t keep these feelings from her much longer.

Because if she’s crying over a test that she’s about to take when I am here, I’m scared to know what she cries about when I’m not. Does she cry about me? About me not being here? When I left before, she held in the tears - so did I - but we’d only been together a month. Maybe she didn’t want to seem too attached. I know I didn’t, but Brian knows how much leaving her put me in this week long funk. I called and texted her constantly until I realized that doing that only made it even harder to be away from her. So I calmed a bit, not by choice, but by necessity.

Seeing her sleeping so peacefully, now curled in my sheets, hugging my pillow, I can’t help but smile. I could write a million songs just about this moments alone, and that’s exactly what I go back to the living room to do. To write yet another song about the girl in my bed, hoping and praying that she’ll still be there come daybreak.

Baby I know that you’ve been wondering / mmm, so here goes nothing / in case you didn’t know / baby I’m crazy ‘bout you

Sheets of paper litter the top of the piano, the coffee table, literally any surface that was once clear isn't now. I'm scribbling out a new lyric, and start strumming the melody that's been stuck in my head since she fell asleep next to me.

My mind is a jumbled mess. She has me feeling every possible emotion and I can't convey it in just one song. So every new idea gets written down and I hope I'll find a place for it in another song later. I'm going crazy, my mind working faster than my hand can write, and the song doesn't sound right with the guitar riff, but then it doesn't sound right with the piano. It's all wrong. None of it is good enough for her and I need it to be good enough.

And I would be lying if I said that I could live this life without you / even though / I don't tell you all the time / You had my heart a long, long time ago / in case you didn't know

I know it hasn't even been a year and I sound like a love sick puppy. And that if you ask anyone that doesn't know me personally, they'd say that this relationship is all for show. That I'm doing it for the publicity. That she's getting paid. None of it's true.

She's everything I have ever wanted. Ever needed. And its so hard for me to think back to even just nine months ago. I wonder how I did anything before her. How did I cope with my anxiety when she wasn't there coaxing me through it, lulling me back to reality and not the fucked up place my mind always wandered to?

If I can't think back to nine months ago, before she became my everything, how am I supposed to look forward and not see her in every possible situation that I could be put it?

The way you look tonight / that second glass of wine / that did it, mmm

Dinner at her apartment is everything. Except she won't let me actually cook. She's scared I'll burn the building down. Which, to be fair, could very well happen. So I'm only allowed to cut things, and of course pour her wine. She's stirring the rice while I sit at the little bar area, head resting in my hand while I stare lovingly at her. Her cheeks are slightly pink from both the heat from the stove and from the glass of red she's sipping from.

"You're staring," she says softly, and looks over at me.

I clear my throat and look down at my half empty glass, "Sorry. Can't help it. You're just so pretty."

She looked down at her outfit, and squinted skeptically at me. "Jeans and a two-sizes-too-big flannel? Oh yeah, I'm sure I look real cute," she replies sarcastically, with a disbelieving eye roll.

"You do," I say, matter-of-factly. "With you hair pulled up like that," I gesture to pony tail that was currently falling because she didn't wrap the rubber band around enough. "And your eyes just being as beautiful and bright as ever. How could I not stare at you forever?"

This causes her to become even more red, if that's possible, and I pull out my phone, swiftly snapping a picture of her because she is just so pretty and I want to see her like this forever.

"Stop it!" She whines, turning away from me.

"But you look so cute," I say, turning my phone around so she can see the vibrant blush on her cheeks.

She just shakes her head and takes another sip. I can't help but watch the way her lips curve around the lip of the glass, and my whole body tingles at the promise of those lips touching mine later.

There was something 'bout that kiss/ girl it did me in / got me thinking / I've been thinking

I pull her body close to mine when she puts the dishes in the sink. "Thank you for tonight," I mumble into her shoulder.

She hums and her hands cover mine on her stomach. "You're welcome bub. So glad you could make some time for a meal this week. I was starting to think you didn't eat," she says teasingly.

I manage a small apology, pressing my lips to the soft skin of her collar bone. I know I've been literally everywhere but with her this week and it's been killing me. But even just a night like this was enough to make me forget about all my stress up to this point.

She turns her head to face me and plays with my currently overfluffy curls. "I adore you, my little rockstar," she whispered into my hair.

I look up at her with a sleepy smile and hooded eyes. I only have a second to react before her lips press to mine in a soft, passionate kiss. And all I can think is that I could stay this way for the rest of my life and never get tired of the feel of her lips.

One of those things that I've been feeling / mmm, it's time you hear 'em

I'm still watching her as we wash the dishes together. She's washing, I'm drying. It's the simplest of systems, but it's also so domesticated and it makes me sad knowing that I can't give her that domestic life one day. Husband a d kids, nice suburban home to come to every night. I'm traveling too often to give her that simple life that she so desperately deserves, even though she's told me before that she doesn't care about that.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asks after washing the last plate, handing it to me. I smile sheepishly at the way she's leaning against the counter, one leg crossed in front of the other, hands playing with the neck of her shirt.

I finish drying the plate before I speak. I place the towel I was holding on the counter and reach for her hands. "Can I tell you something, pumpkin?"

You've got all of me / I belong to you / yeah you're my everything / in case you didn't know

"Anything," she squeezes my hands reassuringly.

I can't look into her eyes, so I stare at our linked hands and sigh contently at the feel of her small, soft, cold hands in my large, calloused, hot hands. I don't know why telling her this is so hard for me, it shouldn't be. I write about love all the time.

But I've never felt it. Not like this. Not when my heart feels like it's literally about to burst out of my chest when she smiles at me. Not when I can't help but stumble on my way to her because I'm staring so hard that I trip over my own feet. Not when an interviewer asks me what my favorite thing about going home is and my immediate thought is her. She's my home. Whether we live together or not. She's it. She's my everything and that's fucking terrifying. I never thought I would become this dependent on someone else.

"Bub, what's going on inside that beautiful head of yours?" She asks, breaking me from my own thoughts, trying to catch my eye.

I swallow the lump forming in my throat and finally meet her intense gaze. If I had to decipher what that look meant, I'd say she was looking at me the same way I look at her. With that endless amount of love, lust, compassion, and adoration that my expression hopefully conveys. Why she chose me of all the people to be with, I'll never know. But she did. So I say it.

"I love you," I finally manage to say, but it's so low I don't even know if she heard me.

She doesn't respond for a while and I'm searching her face for any sign that it'll give me, saying that I crossed a line, that we weren't ready. But just as I'm opening my mouth to apologize, her lips cover mine, tongue slipping effortlessly into my mouth. And I hold her body tight against me, so tight I don't think she can breathe properly, but she makes no move to leave my arms and I have no intention of letting her go. So I hold her while we kiss under the harsh light of her kitchen and I let out a low whimper when she goes to ultimately pull away.

"Say it again," she begs.

And I do, kissing her cheek. "I love you." Her nose, "I love you." Her forehead, "I love you." And finally, once again. Her lips. "I love you."

She sighs, eyes fluttering shut while her fingers trace my jaw and then the curves of my mouth, my nose. "I love you, too." She kisses both of my eyelids before she says it again. "I love you so much."

***

Tags: @curlyshawny @shawns-badreputation @anamariel2301 @bbellbagel @turtoix @tomshufflepuff @ivegotparticulartaste

I've literally been writing this since February and it's not even the way I wanted it 🤷‍♀️ but I hope you guys enjoyed reading it. A little fluff to counteract with the angst I gave y'all on Wednesday.

Like, reblog, and leave feedback!! 💙

[ty-talks-comics]

Best of DC: Week of July 31st, 2019

Best of this Week: Batman: Last Knight on Earth #2 - Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia and Tom Napolitano

The last case Batman will ever solve, might just be his most terrifying.

Beginning with Batman confronting an older Joe Chill in the past over the dead child in Crime Alley that looks eerily similar to Bruce. Our hero kind of surprises and disarms him by removing all of the weapons he’s hidden around his apartment. Chill seems to have been expecting him, preparing what he calls an “end of an era feast” for Bruce, implying he knows his identity. To make matters even more interesting, he insinuates that he didn’t even kill the Waynes for Marth pearls and makes it seem like there was an even larger plan afoot than anyone realized.

Cutting back to the Nightmare future, Batman and Joker’s Head are taken by surprise as a Speed Force Storm tears through the desert. Never let it be said that Greg Capullo hasn’t been improving his skills at body horror because the tornado is terrifying. Consisting of the constantly shifting, twisting and stretched bodies of Barry Allen, Bart Allen, Jay Garrick and possibly others, the faces scream and cry for Bruce to help them. It’s a shocking and unsettling sight as one can almost hear the deafening cries of atom splitting agony that they’re going through. The deep red of the storm doesn’t help as it just makes things FAR more threatening than they need to be. Bruce and Joker sit in a cave for safety while Bruce laments that there is absolutely nothing that he can do to save them.

The pair continue on, hang gliding through the air, crossing over a base named Fort Waller. Joker tells Batman that originally it was the last bastion of hope, where Mr. Terrific, Dr. Sivana, Ivo and others could combine their knowledge with the powers of the new avatars of the Green and Red to repel those incensed by Luthor. Batman asks him what happens and Joker’s narration ends as they watch the battle. Unknown Soldiers fighting abominations of the Red in a hellish battle of blood and fire until a Swamp Thing appears from the crimson dust of their fight, no longer appearing to have any faculties or emotion other than: KILL.

The tone shifts as they reach an area known as the Plains of Solitude, seeming a mass of crystalline structures similar to Superman’s secret base. The cool blues of this area offer something of a safety in a book that has otherwise been overbearingly tense since it began. It doesn’t help that Joker’s been doing variations of “can I be Robin, are we there yet, and knock knock jokes the entire time. Bruce snaps that he could never be Robin because Robin was a good guy and who in this world was still like that? Pods shaped like Superman’s baby rocket start landing close to Bruce and Joker before the pair are saved by… Superman?

Or so we think, this “very talkative” (end sarcasm) Superman leads the pair to a farmhouse in the middle of the plains where a surprisingly alive and potentially insane Lex Luthor greets them. Batman, furious at the state of this world demands to know what happened, what did Luthor do? Luthor answers that he had a debate with Superman. What makes this so interesting is that, Luthor says that he knows that he should have lost. The stakes were such that, the loser would be impaled by spike of Kryptonite and Luthor, having almost crapped himself a speech mostly using platitudes from others in his own words, didn’t hold a candle to Ka-El… but in the end, Superman ends up skewered and the world goes to hell with him.

It begs the question of, what happened? Did all of the people just side with Luthor on impulse? Did something happen to sway them or was someone else manipulating things? Everything is speculation. Things are cut short, however as Bane and Scarecrow show up to punish Luthor and bring Batman to their new God, Omega. Bane appears to be absolutely rotting with venom as his veins are green and his skin is pale. Scarecrow looks absolutely scraggly with long, gnarled fingers with syringes at the end of his fingers. Scarecrow has poisoned the Superman clone and forces him to try and break the Bat.

Suddenly, as Superman lifts Batman above his head, a sword pierces his chest as it’s revealed that Wonder Woman has returned to save the Caped Crusader. The two are told to run away by Luthor, to save the world as he opens a portal for them and is summarily torn apart by other infected Superman Clones. 

We see the full extent of the utter destruction Luthor’s actions have caused as they land on the cloak of The Spectre. Wonder Woman tells Batman that the fighting eventually spilled over and destroyed both Heaven and Hell. It only makes sense, doesn’t it? The forces of magic are very powerful in the DC Universe. How much trouble would it take for a Mordru or Neron to tangle with Doctor Fate or Zatanna, culminating in the ruination of the afterlife, damning everyone to a non-existence at the end of everything?

They enter the cloak and take a ride down the River Styx. Diana tells Bruce that the voices of the dead will be calling out to him for sending them there. Capullo stuns with a double page spread of many of DCs biggest heroes, showing Batman the sheer weight of what his as-of-yet unknown role in Luthor’s scheme was. There are far too many to name, but I will say that I appreciate Capullo putting Kyle Rayner among those in the front. His deaths in many alt-stories will always irk me, but I do like seeing him recognized and put higher than Hal Jordan or even John Stewart.

Things take an even darker turn as Alfred shows up among the dead and Batman almost climbs out of the little boat, knowing that he just saw Alfred not too long ago and he and Wonder Woman make it to the real Gotham City with a cliffhanger and a surprising reveal at the end.

Last Knight on Earth pulls no punches when it comes to depicting a desolate world where Doom wins. I want to say that it’s almost dour to the point of being almost being hopeless and that’s exactly what I love. I adore how much is being packed into this story, how many references to the greater DC universe we’re getting. Capullo’s art is probably the best it has been in years and the quality of the writing is right on part with Dark Knights: Metal. It’s a righteous trip as Batman lugs the annoying head of the Joker around like a planet hopping adventure. It’s really fun and very dark.

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

The world needs more Swamp Thing stories.

Runner Up: Justice League Dark Annual #1 - James Tynion IV, Ram V, Guillem March, Arif Prianto and Rob Leigh

This annual was dark, far darker than most of the Justice League Dark tales so far because of how self contained it was and the sheer weight of the situation therein. Sure, it wasn't a world ending cataclysm like the one they just stopped, but that doesn't make it any less horrible. I'd never heard of Ram V before, but their storytelling, combined with Guillem March's art makes me feel like I've been pulled back into the old days of Vertigo.

Magic is broken. After Wonder Woman and Zatanna used the Ruby of Life to repair the damage they did to magic after defeating the Lords of Order, magic itself is repairing itself, but in a manner that throws the old rules out of the window.

Consequently, the Parliament of Trees has been destroyed and now Swamp Thing has no one to answer to as the new Parliament of Flowers is seeking a new champion. After confronting Constantine about coming on as a consultant for the League, the con-man convinces Swamp Thing to go on the search for the new Avatar before he loses his humanity like Swampy did. Swamp thing tries to act like he doesn't care, but goes off to find the man.

The story descends into something of a tragedy as we're introduced to Oleander Sorrel, a flower botanist, and his wife Natasha. 

What makes this story so great is that, like the best Swamp Thing stories, it focuses on other characters and their own personal situations. The pair suffer in a broken marriage after the death of their son which causes Natasha to leave Oleander and himself delving deeper into his work, later resulting in his death. He becomes the Avatar of Flowers, but refuses to let go of his humanity after Swamp Thing tries to convince him that he is no longer a man.

He seeks out his wife and watches over her until Jason Woodrue, a very old DC villain that really hasn't been seen since the early days of The New 52, whispers in Oleanders ear. Oleander listens and suddenly a boy that looks very close to their son appears at the door. Natasha is happy, then another child appears and another until Natasha is absolutely blind with love for her new kids.

But not all gifts are good. There's no way that Woodrue doesn't get something out of this himself. There's always an underlying plot and Swamp Thing manages to uncover what really happened to Oleander. The fire that killed him was actually a pool of caustic that he laid in his flower bed and kills himself in. Oleander did die in the pool, but his memory lived on in the flowers that he planted. This revelation stuns Oleander and the children he created out of flowers begin to dissipate. He grows weary, knowing that Swamp Thing was right and Woodrue manages to convince him to rest for a while before feasting upon his flower flesh, regaining his own connection to The Green.

This annual definitely fit the title. It was Dark, not only from a storytelling standpoint, but also visually. Natasha’s post crying face was heart wrenching to see and Gullem March squeezed every bit of emotion out of it that he could. Her lips quivered, her eye makeup ran just a bit and there was a hopelessness that could be felt. Oleander’s transformation was a beautiful kind of macabre with his appearance, composed entirely of flowers, looking very sinewy and skeletal at the same time. Colors are very warm, juxtaposed against an ever growing sense of dread that culminated in the most haunting scene of Oleander growing more and more flower children. The shot is perfect as Oleander is shown to be a hapless man whose only intent is to make his wife happy, but his methods are horrifying almost wrong.

When the children begin to disappear following the revelation, light is shown on them while the background remains dark. Their petals waft away with the night winds as Natasha has to watch in horror, likely to be absolutely broken by the experience of losing her kids. Woodrue eating Oleander afterwards, however, is brutal. The color shifts to a deep red and Woodrue furiously munches on the flowers, gnawing and tearing his way into Oleander’s body and emerging as a new creature unto himself.

I haven’t been able to find anything about this Ram V person, but I want to read more of their work. This book was absolutely stunning and I hope that it does well enough to warrant another Swamp Thing mini-series or full run. Amidst the cancellation of the show after just one season, it’s definitely something the world needs more of. This story was chilling, well paced and had a great focus on someone else while keeping it’s main star tangential as he should be in things like these. This is a definite high recommend from me.