#it’s slash but before they get together

[sthilarions]

Charles almost gets killed by a torture hex. Pain is the most effective way to kill a ghost, and Charles is so so strong but not built for suffering like Edwin is, and Charles is already fading when Edwin finally finds the right counter-spell and drags him back to solidity.

Two days later, Charles gets almost torn in half by a giant monster, and Edwin knits him back together with giggling ringing in his ears and green light at the corners of his vision. Edwin’s hands dig into Charles’s wounds and pull Charles back together with a combination of magic and sheer force of will and every twitch of Edwin’s fingers drags tortured sounds out of Charles’s mouth, and it’s right about when Edwin pulls the last bit of skin together and Charles screams that Edwin thinks please, God, Despair, Death, whoever is there, whoever cares, let me take his pain, I’d take all of his pain to never have him hurt again.

It’s another day after that, when he’s reading through a book of healing spells to find a way to make sure this never happens again, that he gets an idea.

It’s another week, full of research and muttering and scribbled runes, before he comes to Charles with what is, as far as Charles knows, a pretty standard request. “I’ve found another protection spell for you. Stand there - to your left a little - good. It can’t stop you from getting injured, but it will take most or all of the pain of the injuries.”

“Oh, wow, that’s brills, mate! I could fight way better like that. I mean, pain is almost all ghost injuries are, anyway, yeah? That’s amazing!”

Edwin casts the spell, handwritten across several sheets of paper, and the glow as it sets in to Charles’s skin blanks out his vision long enough that he doesn’t see Edwin’s skin flush golden, too.

Edwin declines Charles’s suggestion to test the spell outside of combat, so Charles is still a little unsure for the first fight, but when he gets slashed with a cat-claw blade and feels absolutely nothing, he looks down at himself, grins almost maniacally, and wades back into the fight like he’s unstoppable.

He does seem to be, in fact. He fights like Superman, all but invulnerable, and Edwin says his combat efficiency has increased over 30 percent. He throws himself at monsters and ghosts and demons and takes them down with barely a twinge, no matter how hard they hit.

Edwin’s taken to standing further back than he used to in fights, which Charles figures is because the fights are getting into melee more than they used to.

They’re fighting some bastard with a hellwhip, all fire and iron barbs, when the first thing goes wrong. Charles gets hit, and he feels the twinge that’s all he gets from the worst hits now, but through the twinge he hears Edwin gasp.

He turns to Edwin and the whip hits him square in the back as he turns, and Edwin lets out a strangled groan.

Edwin seems to realize Charles is too distracted to do his job, because he dispatches the whippy bastard with a spell, and Charles is to him in a moment. But Edwin snaps and brushes him off and demands to tend to Charles’s injuries, because not hurting doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. As he tends to the wounds, Edwin’s breath keeps hitching, and Charles can’t get him to say why.

A week later and Charles gets hit with that same damn torture hex, because apparently they didn’t do a good enough job of defeating that wizard the first time. And he thinks for a second that this might be what finally breaks through Edwin’s protection spell, but it’s still only a twinge, albeit the harshest one yet - but Edwin lets out a suffocated yelp from behind him.

Charles starts to turn, and the wizard looks frustrated, and throws the hex at Charles again. And Edwin goes down to his knees.

And the wizard hexes Charles again, and Edwin curls forward, his breath in quiet pants that for a second are the focus of Charles’s entire world.

Charles puts some things together very, very quickly, and then before the wizard can try another spell, his head’s rolling on the floor.

—

Edwin has never seen Charles this angry at anyone, not in the thirty-one years they’ve been together. He had never imagined that Charles could possibly be this angry at him.

—

Charles screams at Edwin for hours, tears dripping down his face and vanishing before they hit his chest.

He pauses every hour or so and demands Edwin take off the fucking “protection spell” right fucking now, and every time Edwin refuses, and Charles starts yelling again.

Normally crying makes Charles’s throat hurt, one of the few bits of quotidian pain that stuck with him to ghost-hood. He doesn’t notice that it isn’t hurting now until a bit after sunrise, when Edwin refuses again, and Charles notices his voice is hoarse and tight.

Charles stops.

He turns away.

“No more cases, Edwin.”

“What?”

“I am not working on any cases, I am not doing anything that could put either of us in danger, until this spell is off.”

“You can’t - “

“I’ll see you later, Edwin.”

Charles walks out of the office, and Edwin stands staring after him.

—

It takes a month. A month of Charles spending time out of the office, and chilly silences, and Edwin trying to make arguments for his position and only getting a few words in before Charles is out the door.

Charles gets back, one day, to see Edwin sitting on the floor of the closet, holding a box of Cluedo in his lap, which they haven’t used since Charles found out.

“I’ll take it off.” Edwin’s looking down at the box, refusing to meet Charles’s eyes. Charles nods.

It doesn’t take very long for Edwin to work the counter-spell, and Charles immediately tests it, grabs for the first magical weapon in his bag and presses it against his hand. It hurts, and he presses harder until there’s a drop of blood and it’s accompanied by just as much sharp sting as it should be.

Edwin doesn’t say anything about Charles believing Edwin might be tricking him, because Charles isn’t wrong to, because he had, before. And if Charles doesn’t trust him anymore, that’s his right.

Charles sighs, looking down at his hand, then looks up at Edwin. “If you ever break my trust like that again, I’ll - “ he breaks off and looks back down. He sighs again.

“I won’t do anything. I’ll forgive you, because I’ll always forgive you, Edwin. But - please, please, please never do anything like that again, I can’t take it.”

Charles is crying, and his throat hurts.

Edwin’s voice is hoarse too, as he promises, never, never again.

And Edwin’s far too far away, Charles thinks. He has been for the last month. For longer, pulling far away during fights and after them - but it’s best not to think about that. With his mind resolutely on the present, Charles steps over the space between them and pulls Edwin into his arms.

“Let’s play some Cluedo, yeah?”

[rinachains]

contents: drabble; villain!nanami x gn!curse user!reader; aftermath of nanami’s killing spree; inspired by gege’s sketch of villain!nanami

a/n: sth short to get out of my writing slump :P comments and reblogs are very much appreciated! divider credits: @/cafekitsune

A whistle cuts through the lingering, rapturous silence as you make your way through the now lifeless place, the heavy clacking of your boots leaving an echo, “You’ve made quite a mess, Nanami. Guess you were pretty pent up, huh?”

It’s a vision of red that greets you as you enter the office room  – piles upon piles of nameless, immobile bodies, adorned with deep slashes and dark colours, reminding you all too much of an obscure painting; done with raw, mechanical passion. You find the artist of this peculiar work slumped against a desk on the cold ground, appearing like a breathing corpse under the flickering, fluorescent light.

Tracing the tips of your fingers along one of the desks, collecting the sticky fluid staining it, you put your hands into the pockets of your jacket and stroll forward until you stand in front of him, staring down with a curl of your lips as you let your gaze wander over his limp form. Covered in blood, sweat and weariness; a pathetic yet sweet image, dissolving on the tip of your tongue. You crave it like a child.

Nanami looks up at you wordlessly, exhaustion dripping from his eyes; not an unusual sight, but this time you find something new making itself known in those hazel pools, a shivering spark that is more than familiar to you – one that you’ve seen before when you’ve met your own reflection.

The sunken shadows decorating his face slowly melt in the light that shines through. Nanami’s worn out; not from added weight, but from the relief sinking into his bones. His body feels light, tense limbs turned to cotton; as if he’s floating, not quite there, but rather stuck in another realm. Is this what it feels like to be reborn?

“I killed them.”

His futile confession raises your brow as you swiftly scan the the room before turning back to him, “You sure did.”

Nanami’s face pinches together as he groans, a guttural sound from the depths of his festered chest, his head falling back against the edge of the desk behind him with dimmed thud. He rubs the heel of his hand over his closed eyes, pressing into the lids, “I’m so tired.”

There’s a moment of quietness.

Your stare narrows and bores into Nanami with a scrutiny that allows you to unmask him, peel away each fragile layer that covers his decaying bones, and there you can see it; the utter helplessness radiating from him, ripe and desperate– a silent plea.

Something in your chest melts, once cold and heavy, and turns into goo, pouring over your body and covering each and every cell. Your smile widens, toothy and all sharp, stretching until your skin begins to tighten.  

You finally got him.

With golden honey in your mouth, you lower yourself carefully to the floor and get down on one knee in front of him, face to face, resting your arm on your propped leg. You can smell him; unscented soap and herbal tea overpowered by his rich cologne, now fused with a metallic scent, a new note. Not nauseating to him, not as expected; instead, it’s bizarrely welcoming, nearly soothing. His flared up nerves become numb and he wants to rest, just for a moment.

“Post-killing clarity can be harsh - not that I can necessarily relate, but for someone like you it’s a whole new experience. It will get better after some time, so don’t worry,” you try to reassure him, petting his knee.

Your expression then softens, cautious and deliberate, like an owner talking to their wounded pet, devoid of any judgement that would cause him to pull away, “How do you feel?” A small pause. “Do you regret it?”

A tilt of your head, lowered and evaluating, focused entirely on him – ignoring the impulsive massacre around you, as if it’s not of any grave importance to you, the background to a play. The object of your undivided attention is right in front of you; the reason you're here, why you've bothered to waste your energy.

The next words to come out of his mouth cause your back to straighten, spine prickling as your eyes brighten with a childlike gleam.

“I don’t.”

"Good."

You shift and cradle his face in your hand, leaving behind a maroon stain on his sunken cheekbone, bringing life to him, as you gently rub your thumb over his sickly pale skin. Nanami subconsciously leans into your touch, the hairs on his skin standing up and his eyelids fluttering like a newborn butterfly as he exhales brokenly. You revel in the shudder he releases; he really is just so tired.

Pulling away from his face, almost cooing as he chases after your touch, you hold out your hand, palm facing up, "C'mon then. Let's get you cleaned up, you're all dirty." His gaze drops to it, a contemplative hesitation freezing him as he sees the bloodstains on you. He has soiled you with the result of his sin, and yet there's no guilt to be found as he rummages through his insides, tearing through muscles, veins and arteries. It’s too late for that anyway, Nanami thinks as he reaches out for you.

The wavering warmth of his hand embraces yours - shared burdens, no longer untethered - sealing an unspoken bond between the two of you. Not something that can be easily undone – not something that can be undone at all.

You begin to stand up and he lowers his grip, fingers tightening around your wrist.

There’s a tremor in his lower lip, yet his voice is steady, as firm as a lighthouse hit by a storm and piercing through you with the pointed force of each syllable, “I don’t regret what I’ve done.”

Your head moves up and down, slowly, as you reply leisurely, “Yeah, I got that.” Letting out a light sigh, feigning empathy, you point at him with your chin, "I told you, didn’t I? That it would feel so much better to let loose and to listen to your instincts. Now you don’t have to carry that burden anymore – you’re free of it.”

Nanami bites the inside of his cheek, deepening the hollow line. "That’s right,” he eventually agrees. You want to laugh, heartfelt and soul-shaking; you knew he’d understand. He clears his throat, running a hand through his matted hair as his forehead creases, "…what do I do now?"

"Who knows?" You shrug. "But I'll be by your side. I guess I also have to take some responsibility in this case."  

Another pause. Less strained, more tranquilizing.

“I need a drink.”

“Then let’s get one.”

Finally, there’s a faint smile from him; one of relief, tinged with drops of gratitude, lasting only for a fleeting second, but it’s enough for you. This is what you've been longing for, what you've been attempting to bring forth.

He swallows, a stuttering bob of his prominent Adam’s apple, “I didn’t think,” he momentarily directs his stare towards one of the bodies, “I just moved. I saw their faces and I wanted them gone. Wipe those smiles away.”

“And you’ve done a great job at that,” you affirm. Your nose wrinkles, “Quite careless of you, though. You should be more careful next time, okay? You’re still responsible for your own actions, y’know.”

“I will,” Nanami says as he stands up on jellied legs, shakily regaining strength. “Be more careful, I mean.”

You squeeze his hand before letting it fall back to his side, “Alright, then. Better stay true to your word.”

Just as you're about to turn and lead him out, you stop abruptly as you hear a mumbled, "I'm sorry.”

You blink, “What?”

Nanami weakly points to your form, lips thinned as he frowns. You follow his hand and glance down your body - your suit is dirty.

“Don’t apologise,” you wave him off with a twitch of your mouth, “I don’t mind.”

[anonymousewrites]

Apple of My Eye Chapter Eighteen

Harry Hook x Child of Snow White! Reader

Chapter Eighteen: Part of Your World

Summary: The Isle is open for people to come and go, but the story of the VKs joining Auradon isn't over.

Announcement: I am going on a brief hiatus until January 22nd since I'm going abroad, but I wanted to give you guys an update before I left. It also gets into more original content to remind everyone the story is not over, we have things to see still!

A few weeks later…

            (Y/N) spun and blocked a sword slash. They grinned, kicked, and dodged back.

            Harry laughed as his breath was knocked from him. “Fightin’ dirty. I’m a bad influence, Highness,” he teased, straightening.

            “I thought you called it, ‘fighting creatively,’ ” replied (Y/N), still crouched with their sword in hand.

            “Fair enough.” Harry lunged.

            (Y/N) dodged, but Harry pivoted and struck again. (Y/N) narrowly parried, pressing their sword against his. He pushed forward, and (Y/N) stumbled back into a tree. Harry leaned over them as he pressed the sword down.

            “I got ya, Highness,” said Harry.

            “Not yet,” replied (Y/N), arms shaking as they held back his sword.

            Harry changed his angle abruptly and took a step closer. His front was almost touching (Y/N)’s. Their breath stuttered, and their sword went sailing out of their hand as they tried to move out of the way. Tripping over his feet, (Y/N) went down.

            “Oh—!”

            Harry dropped his sword and caught them. Hands around their waist, Harry straightened (Y/N).

            “Ya fallin’ for me finally, Highness?” said Harry, hands still on their hips.

            (Y/N) rolled their eyes and laughed. “Hardly.” Still, they didn’t move.

            “Pity,” drawled Harry. “Would’ve given you an excuse for losin’.”

            “It’s still 3-2,” said (Y/N), patting his chest and stepping away.

            “No, it’s 2-2,” said Harry.

            (Y/N) picked up their sword. “The duel on the Isle still counts~”

            “Does it, now? Now that’s playin’ dirty,” said Harry.

            “Yet you’re smiling,” said (Y/N). They grinned over their shoulder and winked. “And it means I’m winning.”

            Harry chuckled and picked up his sword. “I’m winnin’ the next one, and then we’re tied.”

            “So another duel in a few days?” said (Y/N).

            “Wouldn’t miss it,” said Harry.

            (Y/N) smiled. Harry smiled in return.

            Ever since the VKs had all come to Auradon, life had been a blur. The Villains who were clear on wanting to reform—such as Lady Tremaine, Dr. Facilier, and, surprisingly, the Evil Queen—had been helped by the royals and government to find homes and settle in to life again. Their kids were given opportunities for schooling, spreading out to be near their parents if they wished to be or farther away if they preferred.

            Harry was one of the ones who was now in Auradon, studying and forming new connections. He still preferred Uma and Gil over other friendships, but it was clear something was emerging between him and (Y/N). The pair were seen together often, understanding one another. (Y/N) put effort into helping every adjusting VK, but they had a special friendship—connection—with Harry.

            The pair even had weekly duels that never ceased to entertain them. Harry emerged as a powerhouse on the Auradon fencing team, but he enjoyed the wildness, the lack of rules, the banter that his duels with (Y/N) had. (Y/N) liked getting to handle their sword more often. Plus, both adored the fact they could be closer to the other.

            “Ready to head to lunch?” said (Y/N), picking up their bag. “We can drop our swords off in the gym on our way there.”

            “I’m at your service, Highness,” teased Harry.

            (Y/N) rolled their eyes and adjusted their yellow bandana. Today, they wore a simple pair of blue pants and a red top, easy to move in but still put-together. “If you’re done with that, let’s go.”

            Harry just grinned. He loved their reactions to his teasing. They always had a small smile hiding their amusement, and his heart beat just that much faster when he saw it.

l

            “Hey, everyone,” said (Y/N), sitting down with their tray of food.

            “Out sword-fighting again?” said Evie, smiling knowingly.

            “Some of us like a little action,” said Harry.

            “Don’t make it sound like that,” groaned (Y/N) with a laugh.

            “As long as you don’t stab my best friend, we’re fine,” said Evie cheerfully.

            “Didn’t stab ‘em, but I did win,” said Harry.

            “That’s my first mate,” said Uma, grinning and lifting her hand. The pair high-fived.

            “I’m still beating him overall,” said (Y/N).

            “You should get on the fencing team,” said Mal, grinning.

            “Yeah, but then I would have to fight with Harry, and he’s so much more fun as an opponent,” said (Y/N), laughing.

            “You could tease him when he messes up,” said Jay.

            “Thank you, Jay,” said Harry, rolling his eyes. “I never mess up.”

            “Last week you knocked your own hook off your hand into a tree,” said (Y/N). “And it took us forever to pull it out.”

            “That’s my hook, not my sword-fightin’,” said Harry.

            “I thought you were an expert with both,” said (Y/N) innocently. Evie laughed, and Carlos smothered a laugh.

            “I am,” said Harry, grinning at them. He picked up his hook—that now hung from his belt most days since it wasn’t “polite” to be waving a hook at people 24/7—and spun it around. “Want to let me show ya?”

            “I remember when you first got your hook and couldn’t hold it up,” said Gil brightly.

            Harry groaned at the reminder, and the table burst out laughing.

            “Sorry I’m late, guys,” said Ben, sliding into his seat.

            “It’s alright,” said Mal, taking his hand and squeezing. “More meetings?”

            “I wish it was just that,” said Ben, sighing. “There was an incident today.”

            “Another one?” said Uma, narrowing her eyes.

            “Yeah,” said Ben. “Celia was doing a tarot reading for some of her friends, and someone got the ‘Death’ card, which represents change, apparently, but Ariel’s daughter noticed and freaked out. There was a bit of a shouting match, and I got called in to mediate.”

            Mal grimaced, (Y/N) sighed, and several of the VKs frowned. For the most part, VKs leaving the Isle as free people had gone smoothly, but amongst the newer generation, there was still some friction. Some of the people who had grown up in Auradon with the stories of their parents suffering at the hands of villains were scared of the VKs and made it known. Fortunately, no one had pulled an Audrey and gone off the deep end. In fact, Audrey had turned over a new leaf, and, despite not ever being super close to any of the VKs, she was endeavoring to help some of them settle into their new lives and teach her fellow royals that anyone could be good and anyone could be evil.

            Still, some incidents—like the one from today—still occurred. Such a big change in the world would never be smooth. All Ben and Mal could do was oversee the transition and make sure there were people in place to help mediate any issues before they blew out of proportion.

            “Did it get resolved?” said (Y/N).

            “Yeah,” said Ben. “But could you speak to your team about keeping an eye on Eris to make sure he doesn’t get spooked or lash out again?”

            “Yeah,” said (Y/N). “And I can ask her brother, Adrian, to speak to her.”

            “At least he has a good head on his shoulders,” said Uma. She had been on edge when first meeting her mother’s nemesis’s son, but Adrian was smart and friendly—an optimist if anyone was one. Eris was similar to her brother, but she was a little more skittish.

            “I know,” said (Y/N), agreed (Y/N).

            “He even handled your breakup really well,” said Ben, smiling.

            Harry’s fork froze in his food, and his gaze flicked up to (Y/N). “You dated him?”

            “I went on one date with him, I don’t know why everyone makes it seem like we really dated,” said (Y/N), quick to correct the situation.

            “Oh, good, I’d question your taste,” said Harry.

            “Would you?” said (Y/N), looking at him curiously.

            “He’s too rule-followin’ for ya,” said Harry. He grinned. “You need someone with flair.”

            “Let me know when you see someone like that,” said (Y/N) cheerfully, and Harry smirked.

            Evie and Uma exchanged looks. They were literally near begging for the pair to confess and get-together. The banter-flirting was unbearable.

            “Okay…” said Carlos, looking between (Y/N) and Harry. “I’ll let Jane know that you and the other VK mentors need to meet.”

            “Thanks,” said (Y/N), smiling at him. They looked at Ben. “And don’t worry, Ben. We knew this would happen. But it’s going to be alright.”

            “Yeah,” agreed Uma. “(Y/N) and I will make sure everyone checks in on their mentees to see if there’s been other issues.”

            “Thanks, guys,” said Ben.

            “I’m so glad we have you two,” said Mal, smiling. “And I have a meeting today, but I’ll be at the next check-in.” She was a Queen-to-be, but she wasn’t going to be uninvolved with her people—Isle and Auradon.

l

            “Okay, is everyone here?” said (Y/N), entering to clubroom.

            “Yeah,” said Jane, nodding.

            “Good,” said Uma. “We can get started.”

            (Y/N), Evie, and Uma stood in front of the group of Auradon kids involved in helping Isle kids adjust to life in Auradon and schooling at Auradon Prep. Audrey was there—part of her community service and her own change for the better. Lizzie Darling, (Y/N)’s roommate and Wendy Darling’s daughter, sat at a table. Adrian, Ariel and Prince Eric’s son, was leaning back in his chair. The last few people were Esme—Esmeralda and Phoebus’s daughter, Herod—Megara and Hercules’s son, and Fleur—Flora’s daughter.

            “Alright, so we had an incident today,” said Jane. “Celia got accused of wanting to kill someone because of a tarot reading.”

            Adrian sighed. “I heard from Eris. I’m sorry about her. I’ll talk to her.”

            “Good,” said Uma, nodding. “Eris just got scared, so she probably won’t be a repeat offender.”

            “Who do we have that’s still causing trouble?” said (Y/N).

            “Chad Charming is still…rude,” said Jane, sighing.

            “He’s too scared to do anything, so, hopefully, it’ll fade away,” said Audrey. She winced. “He’s still scared of me.”

            “Scare him into not doing anything,” said (Y/N) cheerfully.

            “(Y/N),” said Jane.

            “I like that idea,” said Uma.

            “Uma,” said Jane.

            Uma and (Y/N) shrugged.

            Jane chuckled and continued. “Thea, Tinkerbell’s daughter, has been sneering down her nose.”

            “Yeah, Harry has been getting a lot of scowls from her,” said Uma. “Honestly, I think he’s impressed by how she holds a grudge.”

            (Y/N) laughed. “Sounds like him.”

            “Farley, Fauna’s son, has been pretty upset about the lack of supervision of the VKs,” said Audrey. She could remember when she had thought that way. “He thinks they should be on probation instead of immediately accepted.”

            Jane looked at her notes. “Yeah, he’s in our notes.”

            “Has he or Thea tried to provoke anyone?” said Evie.

            “Not yet,” said Jane. “So far it’s just vague comments, nothing direct. The only one who’s tried to outright provoke the VKs to react is Marion, Merida’s daughter. She’s headstrong, so she’s not afraid to go right up to the VKs and accuse them of…acting evil.”

            “Alright,” said (Y/N). “So, Adrian, you talk to Eris.” He nodded. “Fleur, Jane, you two are fairy kids, can one of you talk to Farley?”

            “Sure,” said Fleur.

            “Esme, Harod, Lizzie, one of you talk to Thea,” said (Y/N).

            “I can do it,” said Lizzie, smiling.

“And Audrey, you can talk to Chad,” said (Y/N).

            “(Y/N), Evie, and I will talk to the VKs to make sure they’re doing well,” said Uma.

            Everyone nodded.

            “In general, has everyone’s mentees been doing well?” said Jane.

            “I think so,” said Esme. “Some of mine are a little closed-off, but I’m being patient.”

            “They’re a little nervous,” said Evie, smiling. “But they like you. They like all of you, actually.” The other mentors smiled.

            Uma nodded. “Just let them get used to being respected and being allowed to have questions or be unsure. On the Isle, you couldn’t afford that. It was a weakness. These kids are still getting used to being themselves.”

            “We’ll give them time,” said Harod. “I think finding clubs and sports is helping.”

            “Right,” said Evie. “That’s how Carlos and Jay started to fit in. I have my business that helped me connect to people.”

            “And we have the celebration ball coming up,” said Audrey. “Balls are great places to mingle.”

            “You like dressing up,” said Evie.

            “Guilty,” said Audrey.

            “Should we take our mentees shopping or let them go with friends?” said Fleur. “I don’t want to interfere or smother them.”

            “Uma, Evie? What do you think?” said (Y/N).

            “Give them advice of what people usually wear—the standards of dress,” said Uma. “But don’t push them towards a particular style.”

            “Right,” said Evie. “I was prepared when I came because my mom was a queen and taught me how to dress for events. Mal wasn’t sure, so I helped her. But after she became Ben’s girlfriend, she tried to fit with the ‘princess’ aesthetic too much, and it didn’t feel like her. Make sure your mentees don’t feel like they’re going to stand out because they’re underdressed, but make sure they also feel like they’re being true to themselves.”

            “And offer to come with them only if they ask,” said Uma. “That way they can go with people they feel comfortable with and branch out.”

            The mentors nodded, and (Y/N) smiled.

            “Alright. You heard them,” said (Y/N).

            “But, uh—” Evie grinned. “Send people my way. I know how to design, and I love balls.”

            “Are we advertisements for you?” laughed Uma.

            Evie shrugged. “Maybe.”

            The group laughed. (Y/N) smiled at them all. Between all the VKs eager to have a second change and all the people willing to help them, it wouldn’t take long for the reform program to really get off its feet. The scared people of Auradon would see just how good the VKs could be, and then, slowly, a new era of peace could begin.

            And it was all thanks to the hard work of two groups of people coming together and the leaders from both trying to make a better world.

            (Y/N) smiled.

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[meelusinee]

ITALIAN FOR DINNER? | R.B X READER

word count \ 2.8k | fluff and stuff | slash / regulus black x reader

in which regulus takes you out on a date to a local italian place

A LITTLE LOAF SERIES MASTERLIST

ITALIAN FOR DINNER? | REGULUS BLACK X READER

Regulus had never felt more nervous in his life than what he did right now.

He had faced a lot of things. He had faced his father’s and mother’s weath. He had faced Sirius leaving. He had faced death over and over, either his friends or ones he might’ve done. He’d even faced the Dark Lord himself, no speck of fear shown in his face. 

The Dark Lord himself called Regulus Black a brave man. One of his bravest.

So why was he so nervous now?

He had changed his outfit about ten different times before Kreacher had gotten sick of his pacing and chose one for him. A black sweater with a black denim jacket on top, different patches of paint covering the pockets and back. He had on work pants similar to yesterday, the ends flaring out. Kreacher had also handed him jewelry to wear, gothic necklaces and rings each.

Even though he wasn’t sure, he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter anymore.

“Kreacher doesn’t understand why Master Regulus is freaking out this much.” he grumbled, shaking his head and ticking his tongue. “Kreacher never freaked out this much when he was with his wife.”

“Because I feel obsessed with her,” Regulus stated simply, grabbing an eyeliner pencil before blinking. “Wait, you have a wife?”

“Oh yes, Kreacher has a wife!” he said excitedly, clapping his hands before standing on top of Regulus’ dresser while he did makeup. “Kreacher’s wife was sold to a different owner though. Kreacher hasn’t seen her since.”

“Maybe you should try and find her.” Regulus said. “Could you do that?”

“House elves have magical bonding to each other once they are together, yes.” Kreacher says. “It is how Kreacher knows she is still alive and well. We can communicate through the bond.”

Regulus blinked at that, having not known that was even possible. “Like telepathy?”

“Yes, like telepathy.” he smiled. “Think of it like a matching bracelet with a partner, with a part that buzzes your bracelet each time they press it. Whenever Kreacher thinks of her, Kreacher’s wife will feel it, and visa versa. No thoughts though.”

“You know,” Regulus mumbled, blending his eyeliner out to make a more faded look. “I’ll be gone for this date for a while.”

“Master could not possibly be suggesting what Kreacher thinks he is.” Kreacher muttered, almost in awe.

“You deserve so much more than her, Kreacher.” he said, patting Kreacher on the head. “You deserve the world. And I think finding your wife is a key to that. Go get her.”

Kreacher smiled happily at that, agreeing on the condition that he would help Regulus first. 

Regulus decided that he needed to stop worrying. That thought didn’t stop him from worrying, but the thought counted at least. He also decided that he was going to buy you flowers. Magnolias seemed to be a staple in your relationship now that he had talked about them yesterday, so that was what he was going to get.

He walked to the park about an hour before your date was meant to happen, spending about 20 minutes magically ensuring that the flowers were of the best quality. He made sure to cloak his magic though, not wanting neither Muggles to see or the Ministry to track him.

He had flowers. Now was the time to get to your house.

Your house that he didn’t know.

You were currently panicking in your room, dress laid on your body.

You really wanted to impress Regulus. Sure, you didn’t know Regulus all that well, but there was something about him nonetheless. He seemed genuinely nice, like a true good guy.

Which is why you had bought this dress just for him.

It was a purple mermaid dress with spaghetti straps and a black lace overlay. You thought that he might like it, it gave you a vampiric aesthetic kind of vibe. You thought he gave those too.

But would he like it? Would he think you’re doing too much?

You sighed, hands rubbing your forehead as you tried to think. You seemed to know about him, but you also felt like you knew nothing at all. He talked, but not about him. He mainly talked about you, if he was being honest, which made you feel extremely guilty now that you thought about it. Would he only talk about you once you got to the restaurant? Would your dress even hold up in the weather on the way to the restaurant?

You were dragged out of your thoughts when your phone rang. It was Regulus.

REGULUS: I planned on picking you up for our date, but I realized that I don’t know where you live.

REGULUS: Do you want me to come to your house, or do you want to meet at the restaurant?

You felt a flush growing even harder on your face as you read that. He wanted to come to you? Was that a thing that you wanted? 

Your heart had immediately said yes.

YOU: i really don’t mind either way, whatever u want to do!!!

YOU: i live just above the bakery, it’s a two story building. the stairs are in the back, tho it’s a bit of a climb

REGULUS: That’s fine, I don’t mind.

REGULUS: Do you have any vases?

Vases? Was he bringing you flowers? Did you even have vases?

Your eyes darted over to your kitchen counter, looking at the island counter. You had a vase when you first moved in, though gave it away after a month or two for a friend.

YOU: no vases :c i’m sorry reggie

REGULUS: That’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll see you in about 10 minutes then, is that okay?

YOU: that sounds lovely! i’ll see you!

You sighed softly, looking down at your phone with a lovesick smile. You were already so done for.

Regulus showed up to the bakery with a smile, going to the back and walking up the stairs. It was a bit of a long climb, though he didn’t mind.

He hummed after he knocked on your house door, the Magnolia flowers in a red vase. His hair was a bit tousled from walking, but he hoped that would add to an appeal of some kind. There was a flush on his face, smiling softly as he waited.

“Coming!” you called out, your voice echoing through the room behind the door.

Regulus smiled at the sound of your voice, hand tightening around his vase as you spoke. He held it even harder when you finally opened the door, almost dropping it out of shock.

How was it possible for someone to look so good?

There you stood in your magnetic glory, the purple dress you wore quickly becoming his favorite sight. 

“Are those Magnolia flowers?” you asked him excitedly, gently grabbing the vase. “From the tree that we saw yesterday?”

“Yeah,” he stuttered out, clearing his throat. He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or not. It all felt like a fever dream. “You, uhm, you look good.” he muttered with a blush. “Really good. Truly.” 

You giggled softly, holding the vase of flowers in your hand. “Let me put these up, okay?”

“Okay.” he whispered breathlessly, smiling dopily as you walked off. He felt his heart beating out of his chest, his face flushing bright red.

You came back outside just as quick, the large smile on his face making his heart beat even worse. It suited your face so perfectly, a sight that he wasn’t sure he could ever get out of his mind.

You looked perfect.

“Are you ready?” you asked him. 

He nodded, a small smile growing on his face. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

The walk to the restaurant was calm and serene; which helped your beating heart for just a moment. Then it made it worse. A lot worse.

Your hands were swinging together peacefully as you walked in silence, though you found the silence comfortable. You wanted to learn more about him, but you found this silence gave you more about him than things he might say instead. 

Regulus was a quiet man. He liked the silence, and didn’t like talking about himself much. Even still, he seemed caring. Like a man who cared too much but was never allowed to express it. 

You wanted to show him that it was okay to do that. 

Regulus held your hand as you both walked. He practiced the sidewalk rule. He bought you flowers, held doors for you, and did anything one could imagine for a partner to do. He was absolutely perfect, though you weren’t sure if that was a good thing or not. 

“Here we are.” Regulus said, smiling at you with an expression that just screamed love.

You wanted to see it every single day.

“It smells delicious.” you sighed softly, smiling as you inhaled the scent. It smelled like a lot of things. Bread, garlic, sauces that mingled so well together. “What do you think you’re going to get, Reggie?”

“Probably something light.” he muttered quietly. “Spaghetti?”

“We could share!” you said excitedly, arms wrapping around his. “We could have that scene from the Lady and the Tramp.”

“The what?” he asked curiously, looking over at you.

You grew a bright flush on your face as you realized what you just said, stammering as you looked down at the ground. He had a small smile on his face, though it also looked rather confused about your reference. “It’s, uh, it’s nothing. I mean, it was stupid.”

“I want to know.” he whispered, tilting your chin up to look up at him. “C’mon pretty girl, tell me.”

You flushed wildly at that, your stammering getting even worse as he spoke. How could one say things like that so casually? He was like a character from a romance book, or someone from your dreams. Someone you never thought you would meet in your life.

“It’s just a movie reference.” you mumbled quietly. 

Regulus smiled softly at that, caressing the line of your jaw. “What was the reference?”

“Well, the two love interests,” you muttered, stuttering out your words as you spoke. “They were eating pasta, and they had the same piece. So they, you know, ate the piece. Together?”

“You want to kiss through pasta?” he smiled knowingly, raising his eyebrow.

You pouted at him, crossing your arms. “You hush.”

“My lips are sealed.” he chuckled quietly, hand moving down to your waist as he guided you inside of the restaurant. “C’mon.”

You felt your face flush with every step as you both sat down, your fingers fidgeting with each other as you sat across from him. Your heart was beating out of your chest wildly, so fast that you were sure that it wasn’t forming any contraction.

The waiter came over and you ordered, though your date was mostly a blur because of your emotions. You felt everything all at once, warmth and fuzziness running through your veins.

He was so kind and caring. You got to talk about yourself. He talked a bit about himself, enough to keep you coming back for more. Maybe that was his plan all along, but you found yourself too hooked already to truly care about it.

There was something magical about him, something you couldn’t quite place. It was a feeling that felt so familiar to you, like the feeling of home.

Maybe that’s why you liked him from the beginning. Because he reminded you of home.

“Do you want a to go container for your food?” he asked quietly, pointing at your half eaten pasta. You had eaten quite a few breadsticks beforehand, which made your stomach rather full by the time the pasta came around.

“Maybe, yeah.” you smiled. “Thank you.”

He waved his hand mindlessly, calling the waiter over for a container and the check. You didn’t know how much it cost, since he took the check before you could even look at it.

“Are you sure you don’t want to split it?” you asked.

He shrugged simply. “I have money,” he said, putting cash into the folder. “Plus, I felt you’d want to focus your money on the bakery.”

You flushed brightly, smiling softly. “Thank you, Reggie. Really.”

“You're welcome.” he smiled. He grabbed your container after standing up, holding his hand out for you to hold. “Walk home?”

“Walk home.” you smiled softly.

Your walk home was absolutely perfect. The sun was setting down and created the perfect ambiance, although the air was still cool. The park was full of small children running around for their weekend play, images of your future ones running around with them.

God, you were being delusional.

But how could you not be? Regulus was the perfect man, the best one you had ever met. And so far, he had no issues with you either. He talked about himself when you asked, he let you talk about yourself whenever you wanted.

He was the definition of perfect.

Which is why you felt destroyed by the time you reached your apartment.

“I suppose this is goodbye for the night.” Regulus whispered softly, a small frown growing on his face.

“I think so.” you whispered. “I wish this night could last forever.”

He smiled softly, his hand squeezing yours. “Me

too.” he whispered. “But I read that having some time apart is healthy. I can stop by the bakery tomorrow, if you’re working?”

“That sounds amazing,” you giggled softly. “Thank you, Reggie. I really loved this date.”

He smiled softly, hand squeezing yours again. This time it was a bit harder. There was a blush growing on his face as well, though you decided not to comment on it.

“I did too.” he smiled softly at you.

You smiled softly, the both of you standing there for a couple minutes. There was no sound or movement that you felt could distract you from this moment, eyes locked on each other.

“I have to get back home.” he whispered under his breath, though he didn’t move a single inch.

“You do.” you nodded slowly, still holding onto his hand. “But I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“Of course.” he smiled softly, still standing there. He busted out into a small chuckle after a moment, looking down at the ground. “I know I said that it’s important for us. But I really don’t want to leave.”

“I don’t think you should.” you grumbled with a pout, before sighing. “But, you are right. We need our alone time each.”

He smiled softly, nodding. “We do.” he said.

Your hands finally separated as he looked up at you, his eyes looking down at your lips before up at your eyes again. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

You smiled softly at him, though it didn’t reach as far as it could. Did he not want to kiss you?

“Tomorrow.” you smiled.

He nodded, a large blush covering his face as he nodded you goodbye. His hands fidgeted with the other as he walked back, and you watched him walking away down the street.

You smiled softly. It was probably too soon to kiss him anyways. So, you made your way back inside your apartment.

The flowers were still on your kitchen counter when you walked in, the scent of the flowers permeating inside of the house. It reminded you of him.

You felt your purse buzz, most likely your phone going off. Your hands reached down to grab it, smiling brighter when you saw Regulus’ name.

REGULUS: I wanted you to know that I really loved our date today, Y/N. It was truly amazing.

REGULUS: I’m sorry for not being very expressive, or for not kissing you before I left.

REGULUS: I wish I did.

You felt your cheeks flushing as you read his messages, anticipation building higher and higher the longer you watched those three bubbles type.

YOU: i really enjoyed our date too!!! it was really nice, and refreshing? idk if that makes sense

YOU: and u can always come back for a kiss <3

You smirked proudly, feeling very proud at your successful teasing. 

You decided to change out of your dress, changing into a sweater and some shorts you had lying around. You were about to start a movie when your doorbell rang, feet carrying you to open it.

“Reggie?” you asked quietly, a small squeak coming out of your throat as his hands grabbed your face desperately. 

The kiss was perfect. Everything felt perfect with him, if you were honest. His hands were grabbing at your cheeks, thumbs caressing them gently as his lips hungrily kissed yours. 

“Jesu,” you chuckled breathlessly as he pulled back, taking a moment to catch your breath.

Regulus panted softly, looking down at your lips. “They felt better than I thought they would.”

“Really?” you asked breathlessly. Could he get any hotter?

“Really.” he smiled, kissing your forehead. “Thank you for that. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

You sighed dreamily, giving his lips one more peck. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

AUTHOR'S NOTE

thanks to everyone who's read this! i loaf all of u guys frfr (i have written so much that i have no regular people words)

AS ALWAYS - please like, comment, and reblog!

[downthe-f4ndom-rabbith0le]

Always Been You (Dick Grayson x Reader) - Chapter 8

Always Been You (Dick Grayson x Reader) Reader Insert: she/her pronouns Word Count: 2929 Warnings: death, violence, fighting, bloody wounds, angst, infuriatingly oblivious love interest, slowburn Spoilers: Young Justice Seasons 1-3 plot partially, but it ended in 2022 so catch up.

Y/N Prince - miracle daughter of Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor - and Dick Grayson - first adoptive son of the Batman himself - have been best friends since day one. They went to school together, trained together, kept each other's alter ego secret from everyone else, and they founded the Young Justice alongside their friends together. 

But as time progressed, Y/N and Dick grew up and Y/N found herself wanting more than friendship with Dick. But he never seemed to indicate that he reciprocated her feelings. And when Wally died and Dick abandoned the team, Y/N realised he never would. So she heads to the one place she knows will help her become a stronger warrior so that one day she can take her mother's place: Themyscira.

Two years after his leave, Dick reaches out to his old friends to help him with a mission. But when he finds out Y/N left too, he chases after her in the hopes to bring her back.

However, when the two finally reunite, it isn't as warm as he hopes. Not to mention Themyscira becomes under siege as they go to war against Echidna, the Mother of Monsters in Greek Mythology, and her army of monstrous children.

Will Dick and Y/N be able to put their past behind them and save the Amazonians' homeland? Or will they fall, unable to tell one another their true feelings?

~~~

'Get to your stations! Grab any weapon you can!'

Dick weaved and dove in and around the swarm of women running through the halls of the armoury that encircled the palace, all the while trying not to lose Y/N as she stormed through the halls shouting commands. The walls thundered around them as harpies attacked the palace walls, trying to get inside. All the noise and speed of its all had Dick's blood thrumming in his ears.

'Y/N! Wait up!' Dick called out to her, but still she ran on, picking up Amazons who'd been shoved to the floor in the rush and pushing them onward to their posts. All while still wearing that stunningly beautiful gown.

'Keep moving!' Y/N encouraged as they continued through the armoury. 'Those harpies are not waiting for us, and I can only imagined there is more where they came from.'

'Y/N, hold up-' Dick tried again, but was cut off.

'Not now, Dick,' she said as she waved at him, clearly not listening.

'But I think you should-'

The shattering of a glass window interrupted Dick once more, the cause being one of the deadly harpies that were attacking them. It lashed out at some nearby Amazons, slicing legs and arms in its wake. Y/N leapt into action, seizing a lance lined up on the wall and charging at the creature.

She pierced the lance through one of its wings, wrenching an ear-piercing screech from the harpy. It slashed at her with its taloned hands, but Y/N leapt back out of reach, ripping the lance from the harpy's wing before plunging it into the harpy's exposed chest.

The creature spasmed and made a horrible, wet sound before it collapsed to the floor dead.

Dick watched as Y/N withdrew the lance from the harpy, green blood dripping from its sharp end. The same blood that had spattered all across her white dressing. She looked up to see a crowd of stunned warriors watching her. 'Go! There is no time to waste. We must secure Themyscira.'

The watchers scrambled to find a suitable weapon before darting away to attend to their posts. Without missing a beat, Y/N turned to Dick and motioned for him to follow her. 'Come on, we've got to go.'

'Y/N wait,' Dick tried one more time.

'Oh for Athena's sake, what is it Dick?' Y/N asked, angered as she turned back to face him. Some of her hair had escaped its bun and now framed her face, her flushed cheeks. Dick had to bite his tongue lest he tell her he thought she looked cute when she was mad.

Instead, he motioned to her green blood-spattered dress. 'Don't you think you should change first?'

That just only seemed to anger her more. 'Are you serious right now?' When Dick just nodded, she groaned in frustration but leant down, grabbed the dress from just below her knees, and sliced it until all that was left of her dressings was a shorter version that finished just above her knees.

In a frustrated huff, she threw the remaining scraps to the floor and pointed said to Dick, 'Happy now?'

'I am, but your Grandmother is going to be so pissed.'

Y/N rolled her eyes, but before she could retort, the sound of a high-pitched horn resounded from outside. The thundering around them stopped as well. Y/N and Dick shared twin looks of curiosity with one another before rushing to the broken window.

'They're retreating?' Dick questioned, watching the hundreds and thousands of harpies retreating to the beach he arrived on.

'No,' Y/N said, 'they're preparing to attack us with something worse. Quick, we've got to get our forces down to the beach.'

~~~

Y/N stood with Dick and Calliope on the beach she first arrived on all those months ago, staring out to the ocean where the harpies just hovered over the wild waves.

'What are they doing, Princess?' Calliope asked, and if Y/N didn't know any better, she would've thought Calliope sounded partially afraid.

'I don't know,' she answered, never taking her eyes off the creatures. 'They seem to be waiting for something.'

'Well I think we should take them down now,' Dick said, pulling out his escrima sticks the weapon masters had forged for him. They weren't his usual ones equipped with tasers, but they suited him far more than a sword or lance, along with the shuriken stars he'd requested be made as well.

'How, genius?' Y/N asked, pointing to the hovering harpies. 'They are ten metres above water that could be concealing even more dangerous creatures. You really want to test what the outcome of that fight will be?'

Dick gave her a frustrated look, one she'd seen many times before when they'd been in battles, but he shook his head in response and relaxed his stance once more.

'Princess, look!' Calliope called out, pointing to the ocean.

The waves drew higher, crashed on the shoreline more heavily and creating more foam. But that wasn't what scared Y/N. It was the green light emanating from underneath the water's surface. It seemed to circle the entire coast of the island.

'Warriors, at the ready!' Y/N called out, and she heard her cry echo either side of her until it faded around the corners of the island where other units of warriors waited to defend their home. Calliope drew her sword and Y/N took up an offensive stance with her lance, its green-crusted tip flashing emerald in the moonlight.

As the light grew more bright, the waves finally came to a chilling standstill, the surface mirroring the harpies and the night sky beyond them. But just as quick as the stillness came, it was broken as hundreds of thousands of black sea-like creatures with glowing green eyes came splashing and thrashing out of the ocean.

'Attack!' Y/N cried, and she, Dick and Calliope were the first to charge towards the creatures.

The beach exploded with the battle cry of thousands of Amazons as they charged towards the shoreline. The monsters howled and growled and hissed and screeched as they too charged away from their watery entrance to meet the warriors on the beach.

The two armies clashed like steel on stone, the mighty crash resounding up and down the beach like firecrackers being set off. Y/N threw her lance at a fish-like crocodile straight down its throat as it lunged at her with an open mouth. She didn't wait to see if it died, only pulling her lance from its throat as it deflated onto the sand and moving onto the next creature.

Hours could've passed, perhaps only a few minutes had, but Y/N felt trapped in a bubble of never-ending fighting. She struggled for breath as she fought off a human-sized octopus-like creature, trying to pull her lance out of its grip. It had seven tentacles on her lance, but the eighth rose high above, ready to strike down on her.

Y/N braced for the blow, but the sudden rush of air past her ear and the screech of the monster had her looking around to see Dick running towards her, preparing to throw another shuriken star.

As the second star hit its mark, the monster released its hold on Y/N's lance, giving her an opportunity to pull it free of its clutches and slice precisely and ferociously at its other tentacles before throwing it at its huge head.

Piercing its brain, the creature fell silent and collapsed to the ground. Y/N quickly picked her lance out of the creature's head and fell back to back with Dick.

'Thanks for the save,' she admitted, batting off a slithering eel-like creature as it lunged at her.

'Don't mentioned it,' Dick grunted as he kicked back another creature. He leaned over his shoulder to get a partial look at Y/N, an exhausted smile on his lips. 'Just like old times, right?'

'Right, because the last time I had to fight a greek goddess was, uh, when again? Hey, behind you!'

Dick and Y/N flipped around fully to attack oncoming creatures on both sides, and Y/N felt the familiar rhythm of working with Dick fall back into place. He had her back, and she had his. When he would duck, she would strike; when she made a feint, he would be ready for the hidden blow.

Dick breathed heavily as he turned to face Y/N, that damning smile bringing light to the midnight battle. 'Is it wrong to say I kind of missed this?' he said between heavy gulps of breath.

Y/N couldn't help but huff in amusement at his statement. 'Really? You want to reminisce now?'

He shrugged. 'Why not. No time like the present!'

'I'd beg to differ.' Y/N slashed at an oncoming creature's throat, barely flinching as green blood splattered all over her already ruined gown. Dick was right. If Y/N survived the night, her grandmother was going to kill her.

When she turned back to Dick though, he was still giving her that damn smile - the one that always sent her heart aflutter, the one that threatened to melt her resolve every time he flashed it - and she couldn't help but smile back.

But as if in slow motion, Y/N saw a black blur over Dick's shoulder, but before she could warn him, a tentacle wrapped itself around his ankle and dragged him backwards.

'Dick!' Y/N went to go after him but something slammed into her back and pushed her to the ground. She managed to rollover and put her lance up for the sea lion-like creature to bite on instead of her neck. It kept gnashing its teeth at her, and all she could do was block with her lance. She looked around for any help but all she saw were the Amazons.

Wounded, bleeding, fighting, lying dead in the sand. The cries of the injured deafened her, suffocated her to the point Y/N didn't think she was breathing. They'd fought valiantly, but the monsters just kept coming.

They were fighting a losing battle.

Anger and sadness overwhelmed her as she heard her name being called out to her. As if she could answer their prayers. As if she could help them.

I have to. I have to help them.

All her anger and hopelessness surged through her, along with something that was unfamiliar. As she looked up at the sea lion, her vision went white.

~~~

'Y/N!' Dick called out to her as he saw her be slammed into the ground by the sea lion. But the octopus had a grip on him which was not so easily escaped from.

Dick rolled onto his back as he came face to face with the creature apprehending him and threw two stars at its flashing green eyes. It screeched in pain, releasing Dick as it floundered around now blind.

Dick didn't pay the creature anymore mind, instead turning back to race for Y/N. But just as he approached, he was knocked back by some force that exploded from Y/N and the sea lion. When he refocussed he couldn't believe what he saw.

Y/N hovered just above the sand, haloed in a white energy that radiated power. Her loose hair floated as if she were suspended in water, and her eyes glowed pure white. Her lance appeared to be burning too, a white hot flame in her hand that did not flinch at its heat.

Y/N looked directly at him, but Dick saw no recognition on her face and knew in that moment he wasn't dealing with just Y/N.

'Get everyone to the mountainside,' she said, her voice echoed by a deeper, more resounding voice. It was almost like someone else was present with Y/N.

When Dick didn't move, Y/N lunged her lance at a large group of creatures running their way and expelled a large blast of energy that vaporised them in seconds. She then turned back to Dick and, seeing he still hadn't moved, shouted, 'Go!'

He didn't know what she was going to do, but he didn't wait around any longer to be reprimanded again. Dick scrambled to his feet and started ushering any Amazon he could find back towards the stairs that led up to the city. 'Get to the stairs!' he cried, running and fighting through the battlefield. 'Get to the stairs! Grab anyone you can and get to the stairs! Spread the message!'

Quicker than expected, his message wrapped around the whole beach and the thousands of warriors on it started retreating from it. One young warrior fell as she ran away from a creature chasing her. It lunged at her with fangs bared, but Dick slammed his escrima sticks down on its head before kicking it away.

'Here, come on!' he said, offering his hand out to help the young girl up. She couldn't have been any older than sixteen.

She gratefully took his hand and let him lead her to the stairs. Once they were high enough up, Dick turned to see Y/N drawing in the monsters and fighting them all. He was transfixed. She acted as a beacon on light, giving him and the Amazons time to reach safety.

But what would she do from there?

'Y/N!' He called out to her, and to his surprise she looked his way, those pure white eyes piercing his soul.

Without a word, she rose high above the crowd of creatures and Dick felt her drawing in energy from all around her as she glowed brighter and brighter. Suddenly, she took off, flying around the corner of the beach, and just when Dick thought she'd left them alone, she came flying back around the other side.

Dick held onto the young girl protectively as Y/N flew circles around the base of the mountainside, getting faster and faster until all she appeared to be was a blurry white line encircling the island. It was only then Dick noticed a sheer barrier building from the ground upwards and arc towards the middle.

She's creating a dome? Dick didn't quite understand how, but Y/N was creating an almost invisible barrier over the entire mountain of Themyscira.

Y/N finally began to slow down when the dome appeared complete, then floated down to where Dick, Calliope and other warriors crowded on the steps. She stared down at the monsters crowded on the beach, waiting for their attack.

As if realising they'd been pranked, the monsters howled and hissed as they charged at the stairs. But just as the first few creatures hit the base of the stairs, they disintegrated. Vaporised, as if they never existed.

A few more crossed the threshold to the stairs before realising they were heading to their deaths. The smart ones stood just before the stairs, growling up at Y/N as she finally floated down to the landing Dick and Calliope stood upon. As soon her feet touched solid ground, the white energy faded and Y/N dropped her lance as her knees buckled beneath her.

Dick was quick to catch her, throwing one arm under her should to hold her up and the other to gently hold her face. 'Y/N? Y/N, come on,' he said, worry threatening to overcome him.

Relief washed over him as Y/N's eyes fluttered open. 'Dick?' she asked, taking in her surroundings as she stood up properly. 'What happened? What's going on?'

'You just single-handedly saved us, Princess,' Calliope injected, turning to her fellow warriors and igniting cheers and claps of joy and success.

'What?' Y/N finally looked down at the beach to see the hoards of monsters standing by the dome. She looked up to the top of Themyscira, admiring the dome all around them. Dick noticed a hint of fear as she looked back at him and asked, 'I did that?'

All Dick could do was nod, very aware that he still held onto her and that she hadn't pulled away yet. He had questions, so many he didn't know where to start. But the semi-shocked and fearful look on Y/N's face told him that she was not up to answering them now.

He turned to Calliope, pulling her away from the celebration she had ignited. 'We should set up a guard around the base of the dome. We can't assume this will remain all night. Echidna will try her best to bring it down and get through.'

'Then I say she can try, but she will have a fight waiting for her on the otherwise if she does manage to get through,' Calliope answered, her face and tone serious once more. 'I will set up a guard immediately. You take the princess back to the city for rest. I will join you as soon as I have set up the guard so we can discuss our next moves.'

Dick nodded his thanks as Calliope turned to speak with the warriors nearby. Gently, he grabbed Y/N's hand, drawing her attention to him. 'Hey, let's get you up to the city. We should regroup there.'

Surprisingly, she didn't fight him, but instead let him lead her through the crowd of warriors who cheered and clapped her up the stairs. Dick couldn't help but notice however that she barely paid any of them any mind. She made the climb back to the city with her head lowered and her eyes distant.

What are you thinking about? Dick wished he could read her mind like he used to. But whatever had happened to her just now, he knew this time he couldn't help her.

And that thought alone broke his heart.

~~~

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[hopelessromantic5]

I thought it would be fitting to post a sick-fic snippet, considering the upper-respiratory infection I’ve had for the past week has been kicking my ass.

So this is a little Bucky taking care of sick Buck fic.

Thank you for reading.

Gale went to sleep at Thorpe Abbots.

When his eyes shot open, he was in complete darkness. The only sounds in the room were the soft even breaths of his fellow officers.

Something was balled up in Gale’s stomach. This must’ve been what woke him.

God he hadn’t felt real nausea like this since he was a kid.

It’s alright. He tells himself. Just lie still and it will go away. Just calm down. Breathe, in and out. Calm yourself. It’s fine. It’ll go away.

Another roll of pain and discomfort had him up on his feet and bolting out the door before he could think twice.

He just made it outside behind the building before the contents of his stomach emptied into the grass.

Gale leaned against the bricks, heaving, tears streaming down his face.

God, how he hated it. The lack of control, the inability to stop it. Forced to endure until it’s over.

He felt himself drop to the ground, curling into his own body, trying to slow his breathing. Trying to get rid of that awful scratchy feeling in the back of his throat.

He blindly wiped at his face with the bottom of his tshirt, hoping he hadn’t been loud or interrupted anyone’s sleep.

It reminded him too much of the terrible nights of his childhood, fresh bruises already blackening around his cheek, under his ribs, the pain swirling behind his eyelids causing the sickness before little Gale could get it under control.

“Buck?” A voice called out, whispering, but still too loud for the dead of night.

Gale didn’t have the energy to respond.

Footsteps grew near.

“Buck! Hey,” a body crouched near him, gentle hands settling on his shoulders, like a blanket.

When Gale didn’t lift his head immediately, Bucky, softly, barely touching him, placed his rough hand on Gale’s cheek, calling the other man to meet his eyes.

When John felt the wetness of tears under his palm, his brows furrowed further in concern, if that were possible.

“Hey, doll, what’s the matter?” He whispered.

Gale must’ve been really really tired. The term of endearment didn’t seem out of place, it didn’t jolt his system the way it would in any other instance, it just seemed right.

As if he were expecting John to call him that.

A second hand moved, so Buck’s face was effectively caged in by John’s grasp. It was only then he realized the heat Gale’s skin was radiating.

“You’re burning up, Gale. We need to get you back into bed.”

Gale finally lifted himself from his hiding place, meeting John’s eyes. He’d never seen that kind of worry there before.

“You called me Gale.” He mumbled before he could think about it.

John huffed a laugh, shaking his head.

“Because I knew it would get you to pay attention.” He stands, and gently places one of Buck’s arms around his own broad shoulders.

“I can walk.” He mumbled, yet disproving his own point when he practically slumped into John with all his body weight, tucking his face into his neck. Gale huffed, wanting to be embarrassed, but finding he was rather annoyed at relying on John for yet another thing. Relying on anyone for anything is bad enough, but John doesn’t need a burden like him. He should be free, like a bird.

Gale is beginning to think, in the only rational part of his mind left, that there may be something wrong with him.

Maybe he’d been poisoned.

A snort followed his poor attempt at being right,

“Sure, doll. If you say so.”

Bucky practically carried him all the way back inside, he smelled like fresh air and lucky strikes with just a hint of something simply titled ‘John’, it could never be recreated, Buck knows.

Once settled under his blankets, warm and content, John smiles softly at him.

“Get some rest, Gale.”

“Thank you, John.” He whispered, watching the silhouette of the other man freeze and the continue his journey back to his bunk, without looking back.

A sad, pathetic sigh escaped him before he drifted off into an awful, fitful sleep.

When he woke again, he was sweating, and it was bright enough in the room to blind him when his eyes creaked opened.

Then he caught onto the silence of his surroundings. No quiet murmurs of morning. No shuffling feet.

Daylight.

Silence.

Oh God, the meeting, the mission.

“Oh, fuck.” He says before he can remember he isn’t supposed to.

He’s up and getting dressed before he can even breathe.

He’s late. He’s so incredibly late, the captain is going to have his ass.

Oh, no.

“Whoa, whoa.” A hand on his chest settles his rushed movements. “Slow your roll there, cowboy.” Bucky just walked through the door, holding, what looks like, soup in a cup?

“Bucky, I’m late. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be helping Curt with flight check?” Gale is confused as to why either one of them are still here talking, and why no one woke him up.

A small smile appeared on John’s face, stilling Gale once again.

“What’s with the face?”

Bucky shook his head,

“Leave it to you to be deathly ill and still be worried about flight check.”

Gale looks at him like he’s crazy, which makes it even funnier.

“I’m not sick, John.”

“Tell that to your hundred and four degree fever.”

“What-how do you-“ Buck stopped, huffing in a breath. He probably looks ridiculous, one pant leg on and no shirt, with a sock halfway rolled up his foot. “Why are you here, then? If I’m sick, you could catch it. I shouldn’t even be in here, I should stay in the med tent.” He’s babbling.

Bucky has been watching him with wide eyes. He’s never seen Gale so ruffled, and stuttering.

He’s never seen him so not put-together.

He loves it. He’s drinking up the sight like water, though he does feel a pinch of guilt and hurt that Gale had to be sick in order for him to see this side of him.

“It’s a cold, Buck. Your body just needs some rest and it’s forcing you to get it, the only way it knows how.” Bucky turned back to something that he had discarded on his bed.

“You are not late, so you can stop having a panic attack and lay back down. I already told the Captain that you were sick. It’s not contagious. And I’m not leaving you here, sick and alone.”

For once, Gale went without a fuss.

He was exhausted.

“I brought you some pills. Doc said they should help.” John said, offhand.

The words send Gale spinning into a future he’d never imagined before. One where he and Bucky are living in a nice humble house with a few acres out back. John brings home the paper from town and they gossip about the neighbors while they drink coffee in the morning, huddled together on the porch swing. Maybe a good hound at their feet.

“Buck?” That warm hand returned to his face, this time feeling his forehead.

“Jesus, Buck, I’ve never felt skin this hot.”

“Careful,” Gale huffed a laugh. “You’re gonna give a fella an ego too big for his boots.”

John seemed to think this was funny too. Fond amusement colored his eyes, clear skies on a moonlit night.

“Maybe you could use a little ego, Saint Cleven. You’re too humble.” The hand that had previously taken his temperature by touch, carded its fingers through Gale’s hair. Sweaty blond locks that had fallen over his forehead were pushed back, cool air on his face more prevalent. It felt good while at the same time, sent shivers down his spine.

[nenestansunsthings]

having svsss au ideas beyond my station

thinking. shang qinghua goes on a mission as a young disciple to some town in fuckoff nowhere and finds himself in the qiu household. and there he finds a young shen jiu, undergoing the plot he originally intended for him and hadn't realised had become real and he's so young oh god hes so young why is he so small what do you mean that part was real, he hadn't kept it why is it real—

and he panics and sneaks him the Fuck out of that house

and he's not sure what to do but surely sending him to cang qiong will fuck up something in the plot and he can't come under even more investigation and cang qiong tryouts dont happen for months anyway and his system would probably never allow it (it doesnt. it would interfere with yue qingyuans story) but shen jiu is refusing to stay anywhere near this place and wants to learn cultivating to protect himself make sure nothing like this ever happens again and sqh panics harder and

calls mobei jun.

okay. on second thought, maybe this was a bad idea. but he stumbles over himself and shushes baby shen jiu's very understandable freaking out and asks his king for the first thing hes ever asked for other than his own life.

is there any way this human child could learn cultivation in the demon world?

[girlboyburger]

wish i had a consistent character to show for this, but since i don't i just used icons :0]

blank template for those that want it under the cut

[invinciblerodent]

Y'know, puttering around with my recordings, I think I really am going to give Davrin's romance with Ver a pretty serious twisting around. Rewrite some things a bit, change things around, keep most of the "slow burn" of it intact- but also add in the "friends with benefits" elements that I feel match what he says in the check-in scene after the point of no return better.

I think I have a post from like, months before release, when all we knew about the character was "charming Warden (who may or may not have been the Storm Coast team's commander in '41)", about how I sort of expected his to be the romance that starts off more casual (with the expiration date all Wardens have, it's not surprising that someone who's been one for at least ten years would be hesitant to enter any genuine emotional entanglements, platonic or romantic), and then for him to find himself falling for Rook unexpectedly (and kind of against his will) anyway.

And from some of that late dialogue, I still think that that may have been the exact intention, initially, but maybe they didn't want to create too big a disparity between the different romance paths, or like they didn't want for it to come off like they weren't taking him as seriously as the rest, so the path sort of ended up getting a bit... I don't wanna say "subdued", but I can't think of a better word lol. Brought to match the pacing of the others and the overall story more, that's more like what I mean.

.... Anyway, I kinda think I wanna have them sleep together for the first time either after his personal quest (no more distractions, clearly established romantic interest in- and some commitment to one another, but with still an opportunity to angst about everything else) or preferably, that night after drinking with Lucanis.

I'm leaning towards the latter thought, specifically because it'd be clearly a very, very bad idea.

It'd be far too fast, far too early, I got that scene like right after the Cauldron, so deep in the thick of his personal quest- plus, the mutual interest was barely expressed like one day prior to it, and there was alcohol involved. Which all kind of makes it perfect, because it's an awful time to toss that complication in there.

But, it gives me an opportunity to have the both of them keep thinking that it being just a casual, physical thing is what the other wants (despite the "well, I could see us heading somewhere, someday" of it), and to have their feelings developing sort of in the background of it-- and then!!!!! that forest kiss can also take a role more like another complicating factor, with the "heart of a halla" line being a bit more ambiguous.

Like, casually kissing your booty call/situationship/FWB you've been secretly falling for, it's a bit more touchy-feely than the previously established [they were not established] guidelines [there are no guidelines] suggest is appropriate [none of this is appropriate], but it feels right, and that alone makes it feel weird and confusing, ykwim?

But, then the whole "Most of my life, I've gone it alone. With you... I never want to go back." thing makes more sense being where it is, after his personal quest, to me at least. Because that sounds like a confession, and with being free from worries and the griffons safe (with Eldrin, in that game), there's a great time to have a long-ish, actually serious conversation about what this is and where it's going.

.... That would also mean that some of the bed scene dialogue doesn't make as much sense ("Is this all just for show"? "Just like I imagined"? Girl you know exactly if it's for show and what his hands feel like, you've been getting dicked down semi-regularly for weeks), but I can work with some tweaks to that lol. The final parts of it, about planning the future and getting soppy still make perfect sense, it's just those lines in the leadup that need some minor tweaking.

Idk, I really liked the in-game experience I had, and I love me a good slow burn, but I can't deny that it's more my style when "slow burn" doesn't also mean ".... so sex is a thing that happens only at the very end, when all feelings are resolved". I like it adding more uncertainty and confusion into the mix, and giving a sort of "oh, this is different now" feel to that first time once the feelings are also resolved.

(The date though, I wanna keep where and how it is exactly, because he mentions he got the tip for the picnic from Evka and Antoine, and I find it really cute to imagine him just sort of looking at them after speaking with Valya like.... "... they probably have the right idea of it, don't they. While we're here, let... let me just go ask. How to, uh. Do this whole. Romance thing, I guess. Make it sound, idk, casual. And chill. We're... chill." Never mind that Evka and Antoine are literally one of the most romantic couples any of them know, but yknow, nbd.)

(And then it goes all the way sideways? Love it. Love the "hey so this tea I thought would be a fun, cute thing for us to try made her trip absolute balls for a while, so maybe this outing is not a great opportunity to like, talk. Seriously. About how I may or may not be falling a little bit in love with her. And by 'little bit', I mean 'up to the very tips of my ears'. Nbd, just gonna... postpone, spilling my guts out for her perusal, I guess." of it all. A+, no notes.)

[mercless]

🗡 mad cowboy disease....

[6mayhem]

anyway i need to hang out with my brother again he is the one person who i am pretty sure knows literally everything about me so he's the only person i trust that i can absolutely not disappoint. nothing i can do could be worse than the sum of everything i've been doing to that poor man (and him to me) the past 19 years

[elscaptive]

Totally! But, hmm, the singers, will they... get along tho if this ever happens 😀😀

[cabeswaterdrowned]

I’m going to be real maybe something will change especially since I think they’re supposed to have a tragic bent to them eventually and yk I like that sort of thing but so far I really don’t find m*rthur interesting. Not as in I don’t think there’s subtext I think it’s there I just don’t feel anything about it.

[cloverkingsmith]

Nita steeled herself, knowing that she was the final line of defense between Damnatio and hope.

Protect the witches and Finral. Buy them enough time to get Asta through the door of fate. Act as their shield if the other Bulls failed. That was it.

Nita’s fungi soldiers chanted behind her, ready. Spores poured off of them, creating a thick cloud of poisonous, paralyzing, sleep-inducing danger. She prayed it would be enough to slow him down.

Then, there was an explosion.

[waywardsalt]

easily my favorite boss in elden ring so far

[mainfaggot]

just found out the guy i was frenemies with in middle school got a boyfriend