#learning how to erase your own memory is a survival skill when you live with gojo lest you die from high blood pressure

[kugisakiss]

the rite of passage for any sibling relationship is lying to each other

[viltrumitesuperboy]

A Promise (Bucky Barnes x Male Reader)

Not so much angst as I would have liked, and the reader learns to live outside of HYDRA by himself. This feels more like an origin story than anything.

Requested by: anon Can I request a Bucky Barnes x Male reader? Maybe starts out angsty but becomes fluffy? Reader could be tasked by HYDRA to kill Bucky but remembers him from when Bucky worked for HYDRA and that he loved Bucky, and Bucky helps him get used to life outside of HYDRA?

Word count: 4105

The few times you were placed under cryostasis, your last thought was always "I will not forget..." Then you'd wake up, only with the memories of being placed under and that final thought. You remembered when you mentioned it once to one of the people in your group, and they said it was just a memory hiccup. A defect. Because as far as you knew, you were a weapon for HYDRA and had always been one. Then you were back in the chair that made you want to fight more than anything. You never repeated the same mistake again.

You weren't allowed to make mistakes on missions either, and that was how you learned. To never do anything wrong if you were on a mission. There were no feelings involved in killing, as taking a life was merely a necessity, according to your handlers.

You did, however, have some feeling for one of your fellow soldiers. The difference was that he was the Winter Soldier. You usually worked on missions together, and rarely spoke, but when you did, something about you felt less like the soldier you were trained to be. He seemed to feel the same way, if the softening of his features was anything to go by. The few moments you had with each other weren't always erased, but sometimes you'd open your eyes and find yourself remembering the tiniest mischievous grin on the Soldier's lips.

You met a young girl with fiery hair with such potential, and her skills were beyond anyone her age. It took years to get to where she was. When you found out the Winter Soldier had been training her, you felt a sense of pride, and maybe something too much for the Soldier. That was not acceptable.

Little Natalia seemed to fight differently. Unlike you and the Soldier, she felt. She was more human than you both would ever be. You realised she was fighting for her survival. She didn't want to die. Her peers would not make it if she was the one to excel, because they were the weak ones. She did not fight with passion, but she fought for something else. But her heart while fighting was just as cold as yours.

"I hope I'm the first to be dismissed from training tomorrow. I hurt myself but I couldn't tell anyone," she said once.

Hope. Perhaps that was what she was fighting for. Your train of thought broke as you saw her shifting her arm. You took Natalia to a room that wasn't being used and sat her down on a chair. As you moved to inspect the misplaced bone, the Soldier opened the door to the room.

"Soldier. I heard something in this room. Report," he said.

Damn his serum. Yours wasn't as powerful.

"Natalia is wounded."

He looked behind him into the hallway and shut the door behind him, taking long strides to where you both were. He wasn't wearing his usual clothing, but a sweater over a shirt and more comfortable pants instead. He pulled his sweater over his head and bundled it up, putting it in front of Natalia's face.

"Bite into it," he ordered.

"It's fine, my pain tolerance is high," she said.

"You're a child. You can grab my arm if needed."

He held it up to her face, and she grumbled as she did as he told. You held her arm, looking to at the Soldier for approval. When he nodded, you pushed her arm back into place. As expected, Natalia screamed into the Soldier's sweater and held tight onto his metal arm with her other hand. It took a few moments for her to calm down after he pulled his sweater away.

"Natalia, how is it now?" you asked.

"The truth," the Soldier added.

"It's a bit sore but nothing sleep can't fix," she promised.

You held your arm out for her to grab and pulled her up from her seated position. The Soldier's metal arm pulled away from Natalia's grip and the other arm pressed into her shoulder to check it.

"We're counting on you. Survive," the Soldier said, and left.

Of course you were both hoping for Natalia to make it. The fact that he knew what you were thinking almost threw you off, but you were a trained soldier, and surprise was not supposed to be something you experienced. The smallest bit of compassion from the Soldier made you wonder if there was more of that from him. He was the only person consistent to your life, and he was the one thing you could rely on to be there even when you forgot things. The next wipe couldn't erase the memory of helping Natalia with the Winter Soldier. At least that was something you remembered.

The new century brought more radical ideas. HYDRA hated them, claiming that they were the supreme leaders of the world, and no one should be thinking such ideas. You only understood that it was your duty to follow. The Winter Soldier started to behave unpredictably, escaping from his handlers during missions and sometimes taking you with him. He'd have moments of muttering to himself and headaches where he just clutched his head and whispered to himself. It wasn't unlike your own, where you would constantly ask, "What did I forget? How could I forget?" You once overheard someone dressed in a lab coat say that it was the result of wiping memories. It was normal.

On one mission, he asked, "Who the hell is Bucky?" You had no answer. That was the last time you saw him in HYDRA.

Your handlers told you that HYDRA was destroyed by the Avengers. They'd have to build again, but now without any foundation. They said that the Asset was their greatest weapon, and, if their enemies had him, there would be no more HYDRA. So they gave you a mission that gave you only one chance: kill the Winter Soldier.

You were a good soldier. You had trained for years and you had trained with him. No matter what you went through over the years with the Soldier, you had to complete your mission. His death did not matter to you. Or, at least, it shouldn't have.

You kept track of him for a long time. One of his first actions was going to a museum that held a memorial for one of the Avengers. You went inside yourself one day, finding a man from the 1940's who looked just like him alongside the Avenger. He looked more carefree in the older photos, and looked less haunted like the Soldier did now. It was a handsome face, and one that you could not care for.

Every time you were on a rooftop pointing a sniper straight at his head, you found yourself unable to pull the trigger. After two weeks, HYDRA pulled you back, saying he was too well-known, and HYDRA did not have the resources to hide a death like his. Everyone was looking for him, and if he died by HYDRA's hands, it would no longer exist.

It took more than a year for the next time he was mentioned again. He had made contact with Captain America, both of whom were now refugees on the run from the nation itself. You wondered if you would have been like one of them if HYDRA had been truly destroyed.

Its foundations were weak and constantly falling apart. Someone was always dying, and no one knew who was doing the killing. You suspected Natalia had been doing it, but said nothing. After all, she was a grown woman now. Somewhere deep down, you were impressed that she had made such a big name for herself but still managed to kill under the radar. The Soldier likely would have thought the same.

At this point, him being a refugee was the perfect time for him to die, according to HYDRA. Giving the world control over these "superheroes" would align with HYDRA's ideas. For once, some of the Avengers were in agreement. Removing the Captain's main driving factor, his "James Buchanan Barnes," would further push the Sokovia Accords. You returned to your previous unfinished mission.

It was another few weeks of following the Soldier. He seemed less like you. He was different from the Soldier you knew, and emotions tore him apart sometimes. You saw him having more of his fits, but he had Steve Rogers to depend on. They were frequently close together, and you were angry seeing them like that. You were once on the Soldier's side, the person he was meant to depend on. What changed? Why did you have to kill him now?

When you had your first chance, you finally pulled the trigger. Dread suddenly took over part of you, but a metal arm flung up to stop the bullet, and the Soldier glared through the hole in the glass. You knew he could probably see your silhouette, but you were too far to catch. He knew you were trying to kill him now. Leaving now meant that he could escape, and maybe even far enough that you couldn't follow. You supposed you'd have to meet him in the middle. A packed sniper on your back and running across the roofs of the European city had you facing him, your gun pointed at his head and his metal arm at the ready.

"Look, we don't need to fight. Whoever sent you to kill me, tell them I won't kill another innocent again," he pleaded.

"I think that's the problem," you muttered, and a shot rang out.

Something else knocked the bullet off course this time, the accuracy and strength too much to be human.

"Steve Rogers," you stated. "This is not your fight."

"No, this is no one's fight," the Soldier said. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Your mask was similar to his before he escaped HYDRA. You reached up with the hand not holding the gun and pulled it off. His eyes widened in recognition.

"They said you need to die. I'm supposed to be the one to do it," you said.

Your gun was no longer useful, so you dropped it and charged at the Captain, knocking him off balance so you could get to the Soldier. You threw punches and your entire torso into it, but the Soldier was on the defensive and blocked every single thing you threw at him.

"(Y/N)!" the Captain shouted behind you.

You whipped around glaring at him.

"Who the hell is (Y/N)?" you asked.

You felt a throbbing in your head and dropped to your knees as you clutched your temples.

Who the hell is Bucky?

"Who... who is Bucky?!" you growled, then turned on the Soldier. "You are a traitor! You need to die!"

"(Y/N), I'm Bucky. I'm your friend. We did missions together but we were forced to. You're being brainwashed by HYDRA. It's not you," the Soldier said.

His words sounded like a promise. It felt like you sat there for an hour, his hand on your back in comfort. Your head was still throbbing, but you managed to open your mouth again.

"I wasn't in the museum," you said.

"No, you weren't," Bucky quietly replied. "Do you know why?"

"We had to hide, right? There was something I felt, right here, whenever we were together, before you left."

Your hand patted your chest, and you looked up at him through watery eyes.

"Who am I?"

———

The Second World War

Bucky was dead.

That was what they told his family. You had to hear from his mother, who was the only one who knew about your relationship. You bonded with the rest of his family, mourning together when they learned that you both had loved each other. Then Captain America died, and everything got worse. Two of your closest friends had died in close succession, and one was a supersoldier. He wasn't supposed to die. You vowed to take down those who had killed them.

You sent a letter to Dr. Erskine, who Bucky once mentioned in one of his letters. You asked to help him in the war, telling him that both heroes who died were your friends and you would take their place in fighting for the war effort. Instead, Margaret Carter responded, telling you that Dr. Erskine had been in an accident a few months prior, and sent someone to bring you to a bunker where she was currently working.

Together you found places where HYDRA was hiding, different areas all around the world. You quickly learned the strategies needed to fight them on the battlefield and behind the scenes out of necessity. The first time you were on the field, you had no idea it would be your last. The rest of your group had been killed. You were captured and brought down deep into the quieter, darker confines of the bunker. Because you were already wounded, fighting would have done little for your situation. It was clear they wanted you alive.

"So nice to finally meet you. Your... friend has spoken of you," said the stranger you were placed in front of. "We have heard that you are the best in strategy. Hopefully your removal will prevent more of our branches being taken apart. You work for us now."

"What friend?"

"Your boyfriend."

His tone was hateful and goading you to become angry. You said nothing. They wouldn't give you information. If he was alive and in HYDRA's hands, you couldn't save him anymore.

"You will be moved soon for... recalibration. Take our newest recruit to experimentation."

You fought, but to no avail.

———

You found yourself in the room that you had just shot a bullet into. The sun was already up, and the Captain and the Winter Soldier stood next to each other in the very small kitchen area. The Soldier leaned with his back to the wall as he spoke with the Captain quietly, though it sounded like a disagreement.

"So are we supposed to go to Wakanda now? If they have anything to help me, how do we know if (Y/N) wants that help too?"

"All I'm saying is that it's our best chance. And if he doesn't want the help, at least we're here if he needs us. And I know how much he meant to you before... everything. I know he still means something to you now."

They looked over as you sat up, leaning against the wall behind you. The Soldier walked over and held out a hand to steady you. You nodded to give him permission.

"You're burning up. I don't think your body is agreeing with remembering things. It wasn't as bad for me but I think the serum did more for me than you."

"Just like alcohol," you muttered. "Watered down."

The Captain smiled, "Glad to see you still have a sense of humour. And it's just as bad."

You were too weak to stand up, much less throw a punch at his stupid insulting face. The Soldier laid you back down.

"We're leaving soon. You'll be resting the whole way, but we'll keep an eye on you."

It sounded like a promise, and you believed him.

When you woke again, it was in a small jet. Bucky sat next to you, his hand grasping yours. Your first instinct was to fight, but Bucky's hand seemed to ground you.

"Take it easy. We're in the quinjet and flying to Wakanda. It was a hidden society in Africa with technology beyond anything else in the world. We're hoping they can help Bucky from reacting to the trigger words that HYDRA brainwashed him with," Steve said. "Same with you."

He helped you sit up when you didn't seem to want to fight anymore. For the first time, you felt like you were relaxed. No handlers were keeping an eye on you, and you were alone with two people you could barely remember, but they just seemed like people you didn't need to fight for once.

"I'm Bucky, and that's Steve. We were born decades ago, and the world war separated us all from each other. You and I were controlled by Nazis, and Steve was found a few years ago. You weren't supposed to be in the war."

He looked solemn, and Steve gave him a reassuring smile. You watched both of them carefully.

"Keep talking, Buck. Is there anything else you remember?" Steve asked.

"When we were seeing Stark's demonstration of his flying car, I took you and (Y/N) with me. We'd gone with some girls, and two were a couple, so we could all be on a date without getting in trouble for it. Well, except for you. No offence, Steve. Didn't mean to make you a third wheel."

"None taken. I don't think any of us were really third wheels. We were best friends, and you and (Y/N) were together. And I became friends with him after."

"Aw, we're not best friends anymore?"

"You'll always be my best friend, Buck. 'Till the end of the line."

"End of the line."

You muttered, "That's so cheesy."

"Yeah, and you know what weird thing you'd say with Bucky?" Steve teased.

"I'd punch a Nazi before admitting that I love you," you recited.

"And you've punched ten," Bucky said with a fond smile. "Probably more by now."

"I'm not the same person I was before, Bucky," you said. "You're not either, but you've remembered more than I have. I don't feel like a blank slate, but I don't feel like I need to... kill you. And I don't want to."

"Everything feels like it's closing in on you all the time, right?" Bucky asked. "Like you don't know where to go, and the people you think you can trust are going to be your next enemy?"

You nodded.

"That's how I felt, too. But you trusted me before HYDRA, and you trusted me during it. If we both can get through that together, we can get through this too."

You lightly squeezed his hand.

"Yeah, maybe."

———

They couldn't help, so Bucky wanted to go under cryostasis. He felt that it was dangerous for him to be conscious. You almost thought that it was a good idea for yourself too, but you took one look at the goat currently nibbling at your shirt and felt that you still needed some time to yourself being out of HYDRA's control. Bucky gave you a hug before he stepped into the chamber, and you stayed in each other's embrace for a long time. It was the safest you remembered feeling. Steve looked at the chamber, troubled. He turned away when Bucky was inside, and you placed your hand on his shoulder in understanding. Steve didn't like the cold, and seeing his friend in the same position was painful.

The Wakandans provided for you. You worked on a farm in near solitude, the occasional patrol guards making sure that you were safe and the goats giving you a friendship you didn't know existed. Shuri worked hard on finding a cure for the both of you, and she and her brother came to see you a few times. They were both good friends to you, but T'Challa liked the goats more than Shuri did. She was too busy talking about her new inventions to spend too much time with the goats. She'd come to you with ideas about Bucky's new metal arm, asking about your own experience with the serum to get an idea of his strength and abilities.

Their technology was groundbreaking, and they managed to find a way to remove the effects of brainwashing from the mind. By the time Bucky was out of cryostasis, they'd already finished the procedure on you. You had offered to be their first in case they made a mistake, hoping that if you didn't make it, Bucky would. As all things in Wakanda worked, it was flawless. Bucky found out about what you had said when Shuri had mentioned it in passing. He was angry at first, but cooled down once he saw you. He said that it was so much like you to do something like that for the people you cared most about.

You didn't feel much different from before, but you were remembering things with less effort. Your experience in HYDRA, though terrifying, was one that you saw from your own eyes. It felt like somebody else's. Shuri assured you that it was not you, and everything that you could do under your own control was who you were. You stayed by Bucky's side until he needed to have the procedure as well. He came back to you looking relaxed, even without an arm, as if the world was revolving around him. Then you spent about an hour listening to Shuri rant about her technology, which T'Challa had to cut in to explain issues regarding the nations outside of Wakanda and the politics surrounding your situation. He finished with letting you both know that Wakanda was always open to you.

Shuri said that she still had a "broken white boy's arm" to fix, and that if either of you left, she'd hunt you down herself.

For the first time since Bucky was out of the chamber, he spoke: "Do you remember Natalia? She's Natasha now."

"Yes, and I think she's grown up well. When we fixed her arm, that was when I knew that you were just a little bit human."

He was quiet for a bit, and his hand reached out for yours. You met in the middle.

"I think we need to learn about each other again," he said, his hand clenching yours.

"Well, I think you should meet the goats first."

He loved the goats.

He loved the farm you worked on. It was big, but worked for you as someone with super serum. Bucky enjoyed working on it too, saying it was a good way to get out his energy. But mostly he played with the goats.

Bucky was better now than how you remembered him in the past. He was understanding of what you both had gone through and it was easy to communicate with him, even when neither of you wanted to speak. There was no disconnect from the Bucky then and Bucky now. It was just him. He was exactly what you needed in the past and he was what you needed in the present.

You finished pulling out weeds from the last area of the farm, checking for any diseased plants as you went. You looked up, and found Bucky feeding some of the weeds to the goats that had run up to him. They nibbled at his fingers, and he laughed as he sat on the ground to pet every single one of their heads. His hair was pulled back in a bun and the cloth he wore was saturated in the sun's glare. You picked up the weeds you had pulled, which weren't many because you worked on the farm all the time, and headed over to him. He smiled as you pulled him up from the pile of goats.

"Are we going to the market now?" he asked.

"I think I'm ready to admit that I love you," you said.

Bucky's eyebrows furrowed, then his face lit into a bright smile.

"How many Nazis have you punched?" he joked.

"Depends on how many we meet," you replied. "Did you know there are people called 'neo-Nazis'? For every single one of them we meet that I don't punch is a day that I don't love you."

"Is that a promise?"

"Of course."

"Then I promise that I'll always love you. And I'll tell you for as long as you need me to."

You both headed to the road that led into the more populated towns, hand in hand as you walked up the hill.

"I never believed in soulmates," Bucky began as he shifted to intertwine his fingers with yours, "but I think this is the closest I'll ever find. We've been there for each other when we needed each other most, and I want our future to be the same."

You didn't answer, stopping to pull him into a kiss instead. He returned it with just as much enthusiasm. When you were called to fight a world-threatening event, you were finally ready, and you did it together.

[everlarkficexchange]

Everlark Fic Exchange. PROMPTS

Springtime Edition 2021.

These are the prompts we’ve received so far.

Crossed out prompts have already been selected and are being turned into fics!

A huge ‘Thank you’ to everyone who’s taken the time to come up with an idea and send it our way. Your prompts are the heart of the Exchange. Without them, our authors wouldn’t get to write all those beautiful fics. So, please, keep them coming!

You haven’t sent anything yet? Don’t worry, there’s still time. We’ll be receiving prompts until March 7.  Don’t be afraid to inspire us!

Prompts:

Prompt 1: “No, I noticed just about every girl, but none of them made a lasting impression but you.” (Peeta’s pov of the girls who made impressions that didn’t last and the ones Katniss made that did.) [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 2: “Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity” - When they are assigned to the same group in middleschool Home Ec class, Peeta seizes the opportunity to pursue Katniss using all his well-honed family bakery and salesmanship skills. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 3: I would like to see some everlark where Finnick walks in on them or Johanna and the there victors make fun of them for what they heard [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 4: Trope: Jealousy Katniss. Modern AU Katniss Everdeen sees his ex boyfriend as the date of one of her coworkers in the company party. She shouldn’t care, because she broke with him, one year ago and still.... when their song plays, against her better judgements, she finds herself dancing with him. [submitted by @alwayseverlark]

Prompt 5: Peeta and Katniss were both rescued in the arena and Peeta shares a bunk in D13 with Finnick - Finnick was sleeping and Peeta and Katniss doesn't see him there in the dark hours while they are tangled in lust and desire - either when everlark is doing it and realizes finnick is there or maybe finnicks POV as he is listening silently or even telling Johanna about it the next day - maybe he even stops them mid fuck with a snide sarcastic remark it's up to you [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 6: Modern AU. High School or College Everlark. Make the “booth Kiss” but Everlark! Peeta is the big brother of Katniss best friend, and she never imagined rule number #9 would become a problem. “Rule #9: Relatives of your best friend are off-limits.” [submitted by @alwayseverlark]

Prompt 7: Prompt: Butthurt emotionally immature Peeta acts the asshat manwhore around Katniss when, in misinterpreting her, he believes that she thinks he’s not good enough for her. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 8: Age gap. Peeta and Katniss are cast as the romantic leads in a show (tv, film, stage, or even a commercial). Of course they cast someone half his age. Peeta can’t help falling for her anyway. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 9: Canon-Divergent/ In Panem D12 “I waited for you” he said but she dint’t reply. He pressed for an answer he knew he deserved, “under the rain, Katniss. I waited for you, under the rain... why would you do that?” / “I can’t do this anymore, Peeta” / “Bullshit, you can but you just don’t want. I thought you were brave!” he yelled at her looking for any reaction that will give some hope. His tears threatening to run down his face. / She didn’t move, and she didn’t correct her, so he ran away and slammed the door behind him. / “I love you” Katniss said to an empty room. [submitted by @alwayseverlark]

Prompt 10: Canon Divergent. When Peeta is rescued from the Capitol and brought to D13, he’s forgotten everything related to Katniss. The Capitol has erased his memories: no Valley Song, no bread, no games, ... nothing. It’s the perfect opportunity for Katniss to let it go, it’s what every tells her... but she still kisses his pearl goodnight. [submitted by @alwayseverlark]

Prompt 11: Prim is marrying before starting her dream job as a pediatric surgeon in another district. 30-something Katniss is proud, thrilled, and yet bereft when her entire life was lived for Prim. She’s never even dated. Has Peeta been waiting for this moment to make his move? Or do they meet at the wedding? Or when her friend drags Katniss out of her slump to a party or on a wild vacation after convincing her to quit her jobs and start a new life? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 12: Fae Katniss. She’s been with him his entire life, so Peeta simply accepted that no one else could see her, thought other people had their own Katniss. She’d been called his imaginary friend and later a crutch, a figment of his imagination, a delusion. Dr. A asks him to make a “real” friend, ignore Katniss, try going on a date. But Katniss won’t be ignored. And a jealous Katniss is a force. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 13: Katniss is “just one of the guys” and the only girl in school who’s never been asked for a date by any of these guys. One day she’s “discovered” by a modeling agency and whisked to the Capital. She returns 3-months later with a new look, new found confidence, and cash. How will Peeta deal with the new Katniss and all the attention she gets from everyone?  [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 14: Peeta is 17 when it comes out the only thing his mother ever cooked was the books; he loses his home, his family, his roll in the community. Katniss is 17 when she loses her only reason for living. What brings them together? How do they help each other survive? What forces work against them? When do they accept the other as ally, as friend, as lover? Canon divergent. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 15: 16-yr-old Peeta’s family moves away. 10 years later he returns and buys a foreclosed upon fixer-upper. When does he learn it belonged to Katniss’s family? She still lives there and hides from him, observes him, haunts him, and ruins all his romantic dates when he’s trying to impress women by making them dinner. Does she learn all she needs to know about him and fall in love before he discovers she’s real and living with him and the one who’s been ruining his love life? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 16: canon divergent, arranged marriage. Many, many years after the rebellion, old victor and mockingjay Haymitch living alone finally starts accepting help, hires teenagers Katniss to bring him liquor and pick up packages and Peeta to bring food and do some chores. The old man sees how the 2 could be good for each other, and being strategic, manipulative, and an old romantic fool with regrets over “the one that got away,” he writes a will leaving his huge fortune to Peeta and Katniss on the condition they have a big romantic wedding within 30 days and live in his mansion caring for his Effie Rose Garden (“Creamy buds unfurl to reveal a memorable heart of buttery yellow, dusty apricot and zesty orange. From a cupped bloom, Rose Effie gradually opens to a perfect rosette, showcasing her splendor.”) And geese.  [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 17: AU, supernatural. “The Monkey's Paw" retelling - 3 wishes are granted (to the owner of the monkey's paw, either Katniss or Peeta) but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate. Will the last wish make things right? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 18: enemies to lovers. Katniss ruins Peeta’s relationship or his shot with a super hot woman. Peeta ruins Katniss’s shot at great job or security with potential fiancé. Other series of embarrassments and cockblocking type events? Will they start sabotaging each other for revenge? Will they have angry sex or will it dawn on them that they’re actually attracted to each other first and make everything awkward before they instead have a sweet vulnerable moment and slow reverent love-making? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 19: based loosely on retelling of biblical Jacob and wives Rachel and Leah in that polygamist Peeta is husband to both Katniss and Prim. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 20: Peeta works in ER or long-term care facility. Katniss called in from next-of-kin list and has to decide whether to pull the plug on Prim. They argue over value and meaning of life, over spiritual beliefs and doubts of afterlife, over everything. What will she do? Will this event in this one room be the only thing they ever share, or will the bond they forge through this emotional event be the beginning for them? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 21: Graduating senior Katniss finally accepts an invitation to one of Madge’s wild, unsupervised parties completely unprepared for what goes on in them. Everyone at the party notices her for different reasons from jealousy over the way she looks to suspicion that she’s going to tell parents about the activities to desire to ruin her good girl reputation. Peeta has never missed a party - how does he react to seeing her there? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 22: Their creative writing assignment is to write a short story or poem and to illustrate it as a sketch, painting, animation, with puppets, anything goes. Classmates Katniss and Peeta base their works on the exact same shared experience! (such as the burnt bread, the dandelion, the meadow at sunset, something else entirely). Reaction? People think one of them copied the idea off the other or that they worked together. But Katniss and Peeta realize that the other one remembers, and it meant something to them, too! Will they finally talk? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 23: social media type craziness enemies to lovers. Katniss and Peeta each host a YouTube channel rapidly growing in popularity, Peeta focuses on baking and Katniss on wild game cooking, a competition for audience share becomes personal after they both bake a meat pie recipe, viewers begin to rabidly support their favorite or to ship them together hard, they start to hate each other without ever meeting, maybe they get forced into interacting for a charity benefit, things get ugly, maybe one or both has significant other who react badly to the shipping hype? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 24: While no one expected Katniss to show up to graduation right after her mother passed away and her sister died, they were surprised that she disappeared completely, and even more stunned when she reappeared years later to claim the town’s only apothecary as the last living family member. What compels her to take it over? Where has she been? What kind of welcome does she get? How does she feel about returning and about town life? What’s been going on with Peeta, is he the baker, is he single, a dad, how’s he been all these years? Will talking with him be awkward? Has he changed? Who has Katniss become? Does she seem different? Will she stay? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 25: Katniss is the new girl at this school, transferred to get a better education. Everything about her is alluring, even more so because she doesn’t see the effect she has. Seems everyone is in a clique. She learns that some people are mean and compete like it’s a fight to the death. How does she survive this new arena, learn to identify friends, and stay true to her values under this pressure to fit in? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 26: MJ canon divergent: Prim was not killed. Gale and Katniss attempted to get back to how they were before the war, but he realized he already lost Katniss' to Peeta - heart, body and soul. Any POV. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 27: Everlark in a Tangled!AU, with Katniss as Eugene, and Peeta as Rapunzel (without the super long hair...he has lovely, curly blond locks that heal when combed along to the song...but boy uses a rope to get people in/out of the tower!) [submitted by @albinokittens300]

Prompt 28: Modern AU: Bestfriends!Everlark took their shot at being lovers. But Katniss introduced Peeta as her "bestfriend" to a guy in a party (she was not used to calling him boyfriend yet). He was furious. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 29: I want to request a fic where Katniss and Peeta almost lost their first child and it just made their love and relationship even stronger. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 30: Peeta is Katniss’ tantric yoga teacher. She joins the class on a dare from Johanna and is committed to attending for 3 months. She hates it...at first. Smut happens. [submitted by @mrspeetamellark]

Prompt 31: Peeta Mellark, breakout star and heartthrob has just been cast in the newest highly anticipated fantasy epic (think like Jon Snow in GoT....or whatever because this is just a prompt) His character is highly skilled with a sword and absolutely lethal with a bow. Him and the rest of the cast have to do three months of intensive training prior to production. How will that go with him having a massive crush on Katniss Everdeen, weapons expert and fight choreographer? [submitted by @nightlock-89]

Prompt 32: Katniss Everdeen, famous musician hates posing for photoshoots whether it's for an album or a magazine with the exception of celebrity photographer Peeta Mellark who seems to always know the way to get the best shots. [submitted by @nightlock-89​]

Prompt 33: Based off the movie The Vow except it's Peeta who wakes up to find out he's married to his childhood crush Katniss Everdeen with no knowledge of them ever even dating. [submitted by @nightlock-89​​]

Prompt 34: Modern AU where a forty year old Katniss has shut herself off from the world from fear of getting hurt. After her sister dies she realizes how isolated she is and now wants to open herself up to love, but hasn’t a clue where to begin. Everlark HEA - the details of how they meet and what Peeta’s been up to are entirely up to you. :) [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 35: Katniss and Peeta tet to have a date night but the babysitter calls for some "disaster" at home (a burst pipe or something, nothing serious). [submitted by @booksrockmyface]

Prompt 36: Katniss and Peeta are both single parents. They meet while chaperoning a field trip. The rest is up to you! [submitted by @mrspeetamellark]

Prompt 37: Forbidden romance AU: Katniss is the school principal. Peeta is a new teacher fresh out of college. Age!gap Everlark. Smut happens. [submitted by @mrspeetamellark]

Prompt 38: Both Katniss and Peeta are rescued from the arena, and Peeta’s entire family makes it safely to D13. How does everyone get along? (Perhaps the older Mellark brothers have a “chat” with Gale? Or the Hawthornes, Mellarks and Everdeens meet up for the first time at dinner and a fight breaks out? Does anyone have anything to say about the beach kiss?? Prim? Rye? Gale? Will Katniss stick by Peeta or avoid meeting the expectations she set with that beach kiss and declaration of “I need you”?) [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 39: Katniss has been bumping into the same stranger (Peeta) for months. When they get stuck in an unfortunate situation together, she decides to be the first to say hello. [submitted by @eiramrelyat]

Prompt 40: Katniss is finally, after a long fight with infertility, expecting their second baby. She plans to share this news with Peeta in a big way. Just some sweet, happy Everlark excited for their second toastbaby! [submitted by @albinokittens300]

Prompt 41: based on high school musical. katniss as gabriella, the smart, great singer and shy girl who starts a friendship w the football star player of the school peeta mellark after singing together at a new year's day's party. could be based on the events of one or all three movies. just some light, fluff high school romance and a very hea. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 42: Group of friends. Economic disaster, no jobs; eventually in desperation someone in the group suggests making a porno for $, the idea takes off, as they work on a script and put out ideas, alot becomes clear, like who has kinks, who has tried a lot, and that one is an inexperienced virgin. Does the writing experience have consequences to the group dynamic, will they actually film and sell it, will they stay friends? Are any couples or siblings part of the group? Are secrets revealed through brainstorming? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 43: After getting her to agree to be his girlfriend, Gale calls Katniss frigid for not being ready for more than handholding and chaste kisses. In effort thaw her faster, he makes an appointment with a team of sex experts, Mellark, Mason, and Undersee (offering MD diagnostics, individual and couple counseling, sex surrogacy help). The professional team breaks under strain of dealing with jackass Gale. Katniss breaks all ties with him and learns in working with the team that she wants sex and just how she likes it. (Is it M/F, F/F, 3-way...) [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 44: First-date Everlark. How do they know each other? Who asked who? How do they prepare? Where do they go? How old are they? Does the first date end with a kiss? Pancakes? Request for another? Is it perfect or a disaster so epic they actually have fun and agree to a second first-date? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 45: Peeta works security (peacekeeper? police?), Katniss is a protester (rebellion? BLM?) or a civilian (rebel?) or a local translator in her village. Do they know each other at all? Work together? Fight on opposite sides or meet at common ground? What threatens them? Are their feelings real? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 46: They really do toast privately in CF - katniss wearing an orange dress for peeta and peeta making cheese buns for katniss. They wanted something their own. No one knows about it and there’s no baby (as far they know) but how would this change their relationship? How they make their decisions? Would anyone actually believe they’re married when she gets to district 13? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 47: Katniss and peeta have a secret semi-relationship prior to the 74th games resulting in a child. Katniss’ family hides it was her pregnancy and pretends its mrs everdeens - assuming katniss went to cray or something. What happens when both katniss and peeta are reaped? Will peeta learn of his child? Will anything change during the games? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 48: Mrs. Mellark survived the bombing of district 12 because she was squatting at Peeta’s house. How does this event change her and how does this effect Everlark? (Does this count as an eligible prompt? I just think it would be a great dynamic!) [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 49: Age gap. Peeta is a kid in love, driven to enlist, returns as amputee, expects no woman will have him, let alone Katniss. She has become a skilled healer, comes to care for him. He makes her heart full again, she renews him. Age becomes irrelevant. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 50: Fae Peeta or some other supernatural. Mellarks are secretly fae and Peeta meets his mate *Katniss* on the first day of school. katniss is human and it’s dangerous for them to interact when they are so young still. Peeta is forbidden to interact with her until the 74th games - where he will do everything he can to save her. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 51: Katniss and Peeta unknowingly have super powers. Anything beyond regular human is rare or unheard of in Panem. For some reason it manifests in both of them and comes out as they both fight to protect each other’s lives in the games. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 52: An AU based on Casper The movie from 1995 (just rewatched this movie, it gaves me so much EverLark vibes^^). Katniss comes to live in an old house alone or with family. Peeta is a ghost staying in this house for who knows how long. He doesn't remember much of his living life. The house is full of secrets. They try to discover the story of Peeta and of course they fell in love ! How can it be a happy ending ? 😉 [submitted by @dreamingreaderuniverse]

Prompt 53: Peeta has a harder time after the 74th games then anyone realizes. PTSD, the virtual abandonment of his family, and Katniss’ lack of interest in him, he’s in a bad place. He puts up a front when around Katniss and Haymitch, but things come to head when he gets an anxiety/panic attack while on the victory tour. Katniss is there for him. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 54: Madge has hosted “Beach Week!” ever since her family acquired the multi-dwelling retreat years ago. Katniss never had the $ to go, but with Madge relocating to Paris, Katniss lets Madge cover her share of the expenses with the promise to make it the best! week! ever! Katniss assumes Madge means taking a turn at karaoke or *gulp* going skinny dipping by moonlight. She learns that Madge and her many guests shed all inhibitions, especially with this being their last chance to go wild. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 55: Arriving in D13, it’s quickly discovered that Peeta will never be the same. Mixed with a failed high jacking, and a brutal beating, Peeta’s brain will never be the same. He’s childlike and mostly nonverbal, but Katniss still sees her Boy with Bread and will protect him at all costs.[submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 56: Peeta wasn’t highjacked in MJ. He was tortured, but not set against Katniss. After Peeta’s warning to D13 he receives the punishment for treason: he becomes an avox. [submitted by @kiinghanalister]

Prompt 57: Girl Scout Cookies come to D12: real world trackerjacker venom to a proud 4th generation baker. Is his own daughter a new scout? Is he asked to lead the fundraiser? Does troop leader Katniss come by with her scouts asking to set up a sales table in front of Mellark Bakery? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 58: Katniss’s grandchild is full of questions: why does grandpa walk funny? why is your yard have only dandelions when everybody else only has grass? why can’t I pick the prim roses - they’re yellow, too ... did you know I could eat this many cheesebuns? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 59: Katniss dad is a victor he won his hunger games and is a mentor. Peeta is reaped for the games and Katniss begs her dad to help him win the games. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 60: Quote prompt: I can see in his eyes what I've done is unforgivable ... "Who can't lie, Peeta?" (Maybe Katniss and Mrs Mellark manipulate situation to get what they think is best for Peeta, sacrificing relationship and destroying trust? Does he leave for years? Does she ever apologize enough to renew a friendship? Was he forced to live a different life than what he wanted? Or does he live his dream life but without Katniss? Is he happily married with kids when she sees him a few years later? Or is he an old bitter man who never loved or trusted again?) [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 61: The Hunger Games is real - you can go home with your winnings to live HEA. Katniss and Peeta celebrate with sex. Unfortunately, the beauty treatment chemicals stimulate the gonads, and Katniss finds she’s carrying not just one Mellark baby but eight. They’ll need more $. Haymitch suggests a reality tv show. Everyone must play a roll to earn a salary - Mrs Mellark plays the loving grandma (off camera, she’s still a mean bitch), who else will take on a tv persona? They jam in many ridiculous product placements. They slap their logo onto anything they can sell to capitolites. How far will they go to keep those baby butts in clean diapers? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 62: Katniss is the football team’s new kicker and the league’s first and only female player. It’s their first road trip. She’d heard stories about what goes on from head cheerleader Madge and piccolo player Delly. Katniss deals with locker room issues, getting respect she earned for her skill, handling the culture of drinking and casual sex, dealing with possessive girls jealous of her time with the guys or others influencing her to change her look or her attitude, finding what makes her happy and what is real. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 63: Enemies to lovers; Katniss and Peeta are rival business owners (located right next door to each other). A blackout during a snowstorm pushes them together and they are forced to face their true feelings. Do that really "hate" each other, or is their intense desire for one another manifesting itself in other ways? Before the night is over, they find themselves locked in the other's arms. [submitted by @ameliaodair]

Prompt 64: Katniss and Peeta are in a scary car accident - bring on the angst! With happy ending of course :) [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 65: 74th games - Katniss is being cornered by a male tribute (whoever you want) early on in the games. She doesn’t have her bow and he’s larger and stronger. He quickly over powers her but he’s not looking to kill her - he has more nefarious ideas. Peeta finds them and doesn’t hesitate to tackle the tribute off of Katniss and kills him in rage. Katniss doesn’t leave Peeta’s side after this moment. How does this change Katniss and the rest of the books? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 66: A story told in pictures. Like, Instagram of their stuff only, as Katniss and Peeta get in to college, change roommates, suffer loss, move on, eventually see their stuff together when they cohabitate, or maybe start there and go through drama of breakup until find way back together. (Like the supposition that your garden looks overgrown is a clue that your husband is having an affair type of idea). [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 67: 🌈❤️🦋Katniss and Peeta are the cutest couple!🌸❤️🦄Everbody hates them. Everyone tries to break them up, for their own reason, using their own methods. Damn it, it only makes their love stronger! It ends in some triumph, like celebration of their golden anniversary or other great fortune. [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 68: Katniss always wanted to be a mother, she just never wanted to admit it with the Games hanging over everyone’s heads. So when the war is over and everything is real for Katniss and Peeta, she’s wants to start a family with Peeta. Only- Peeta has never wanted kids. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 69: It’s the start of the holiday shopping season. The Hunger Games Victors’ big public event is attending the grand opening of a huge new toy store where they are presented with hottest must-have new toys: action figures of themselves. Afterwards, they start playing with their dolls. Johanna’s is quickly naked. Is Finnick’s anatomically correct? Anyone jealous of Katniss’s doll coming with the Cinna Collection accessories? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 70: Everlark AU Where the Heart Is (movie) - heavily pregnant Katniss is abandoned at a Walmart in the middle of nowhere by her baby daddy. Homeless and with nowhere to go, Katniss secretly bunks at Walmart each day. One early morning she goes into labor and is discovered by the blue eyed and kind employee Peeta who immediately jumps in to help. Admitting to having no one or place to go to Nurse Effie, Katniss finds herself and her baby the reluctant charge of Haymitch Abernathy. [submitted by @kiinghanalister]

Prompt 71: Magic of Ordinary Days AU: 1940s, Katniss is a single pregnant girl. Desperate for her daughter not to have a child out of wedlock, Mrs Everdeen contacts a priest who in turn knows a young man who just may be willing to help. Sweet, kind and shy Peeta stayed home to take care of the family farm when his beloved brother went to war to never come back. He’s always wanted a family but rural small town life gives little chance to court. He hears of Katniss’ plight and graciously offers to marry her and raise the child as his own. He does everything he can think of to make a home for Katniss and the baby. How does Katniss take it? How does their relationship develop? Will they fall in love? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 72: Post MJ Everlark Parallel to the CF Scene that takes place after the jabberjay hour. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 73: Katniss looses a baby before they have Toastbaby one [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 74: Con man Peeta has an elaborate operation fleecing money out of unsuspecting wealthy victims. Why does he do it? Is it a Robin Hood type operation to redistribute money to the underprivileged and marginalized people? Or is it more selfishly oriented? He can’t do it alone and hires Katniss as a “research assistant.” Authors choice as to what exactly her role is. Does she help select the victims? The recipients of the funds? Or is she involved in planning and executing the cons? Does she help him discover the errors of his ways if he’s doing it for himself? Whatever the plan is, falling in love is not part of it and when you lose focus of the plan, bad things happen. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 75: Black swan style AU with Peeta as Odette and/or Odelle. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 76: Vignettes from a mother’s eye. Everlark through the eyes of Mrs Everdeen, Mrs Mellark, Mrs Hawthorne. One of them or any combination of the three. Canon compliant or any AU. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 77: Married Everlark are coworkers and their marriage is on the rocks. They’ve been sleeping in separate rooms. Divorce looks inevitable. On a business trip, there is *dramatic pause* only one bed. Does the forced closeness lead them to really talk for the first time in months or does it drive them further apart? Smut not required. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 78: Everlark in their twilight years. What do their relationships with the toastbabies look like? Are there grandkids? [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 79: This holiday is dumb, Katniss says every year even as Peeta goes all out with the traditions, decorations, themed baked goods, cajoling Katniss to partake in activities. Now there’s a toastbaby on the way and for some reason, Peeta doesn’t do any of the things he usually does for the holiday. How does Katniss react? Relieved? Or does she realize she actually loves his zeal and tries to spark the spirit back into him? Writer picks the holiday and level of cheesy fluff. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 80: How does that work? They were roommates and best friends. When they meet a couple who has a common law marriage, Everlark starts to wonder if it applies to them too. Go angsty or fluffy or crazy, wherever the muse takes you. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 81: Shakespearean style AU in the vein of Still Star Crossed. Katniss and Peeta were not the famed star crossed lovers. Someone else was. But while the deaths of their best friends are still fresh, Katniss and Peeta find themselves in an arranged marriage to hopefully heal the rift. Tell me their story. Any time period or setting welcome. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 82: Everlark + Taylor Swift. I'll make it easy. Any song, write a fic based on it. Are Katniss or Peeta the songwriter, or the ones living out the ending? [submitted by @archersandsunsets]

Prompt 83: Katniss gets stung by tracker jackers post mj, Peeta take care of his wife [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 84: Elementary School - the beginning of having a “girlfriend/boyfriend” - Katniss’s best friends (Maggie and Gale) are the “it couple”. She really doesn’t care - she can sit with her friend Jo at lunch and hangs out on the monkey bars alone. Until a new boy comes to school! [submitted by @winegirl65]

Prompt 85: Arranged Marriage!Everlark. (Not medieval necessarily but ‘old time’ setting) Peeta and Katniss have been betrothed since they were children, but have only seen each other through portraits/paintings. Both grow resentful of their arranged marriage, and act up against it; K being as wild and unladylike as possible: hunting, wearing trousers, riding bareback; P being a rake, silver tongue con artist, etc. A month before their wedding, they meet at a The Hub (black market/pub/whatever disresputable place you want it to be) and bet at arm wrestling against each other. Is it love at first sight? Do they armwrestle each other? Do they recognize one another? Will there be smut because ‘hey, we’ll be marry in a month anyway’? Writers choice! [submitted by @alliswell21]

Prompt 86: Katniss is married to Gale, but they have an open marriage. Gale sleeps around and has other girlfriends, but Katniss is only intimide with her best friend, Peeta - extra brownie points if Everlark have toast babies or Kat leaves Gale for Peeta. Thank you! [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 87: Katniss is desperate for a job. She applies for a job with the following description, even though she isn’t fully qualified: We are looking to hire a Data Analyst to join our data team. You will take responsibility for managing our master data set, developing reports, and troubleshooting data issues. To do well in this role you need a very fine eye for detail, experience as a data analyst, and a deep understanding of the popular data analysis tools and databases.Peeta’s just doing his friend a favor, applying for a job he’s definitely not qualified for in order to keep an eye on his friend’s crazy uncle.What happens when Katniss and Peeta are the only applicants for the job of data analyst to Supervillain Haymitch? Will they find a way to both get what they need? Do they stick to the job description or discover that there’s much more to the phrase “Others duties as assigned”? What about Haymitch? His nefarious plans always go awry, and actually don’t seem all that evil, but perhaps with the help of his two questionable new data analysts, he can finally expose two-faced Superhero Coin for the dastardly villain she is. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 88: Peeta designs “toys” for his adult shop. He hires Katniss to test his products, she has to fill a questionnaire for feed back or something of the sort. One day she comes in complaining that one of the toys doesn’t work; Peeta thinks she’s not using it properly, so he sits in to watch her try it once more... “to take notes”. She is indeed using it wrong, so he steps in to show her the correct way. [submitted by @alliswell21]

Prompt 89: If Prim and Peeta are never reaped, and Mrs Mellark and Prim die after the 75th Games, and widower Mr Mellark marries widow Mrs Everdeen, what would happen to Katniss? We know from the book that her mom would leave her. And, what would Peeta do? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 90: The Olympic committee is selling sponsorships and heavily advertising the upcoming games. The most photogenic of each sport is asked to pose for pics and attend functions, film commercial together, do some interviews. What sports represented by Katniss, Peeta, others? Required to look cozy? Animosity behind those smiles? Competitiveness? Banter? Any secrets? Do they have a “breakfast club” ending? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 91: Katniss senses something is amiss before the bakery door opens: chaos as Mr. Mellark incapacitated (throws out back?) on one of their busiest days! Mrs M never acknowledged K before, but they desperately need kitchen help, now! And K is more than capable of working hard. A bargain is struck to clean up and follow all other directions thrown at her in exchange for bread and coin. Hard negotiations? Peeta’s reaction? Is it Katniss and all 3 boys in the back? Do the older 2 know her? Any talking? How does the long day go? Does it end well for Peeta? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 92: Years later, the blocked mine shaft is finally cleared, and the bodies are recovered. Will recovery of her father’s remains help Katniss or make things worse? Will the community do anything to honor the men? Will the Everdeens get any personal effects, did he leave a message for Katniss? Will there be evidence that leads to prosecution and $ settlement? Will Peeta, Gale, community, mom, Prim be there to support K? Who can she talk to? Is she changed? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 93: Mr Hawthorne doesn’t die in the mine explosion. It’s he who Katniss meets in the woods and becomes her hunting partner, and eventually a father figure when he starts offering advice on what to do once she graduates. He sees how the baker’s son acts, but he has 3 sons who need strong, hard-working and skilled wives, and he saw Mrs E leave town life behind. Peeta never sees K with Gale - what impact does that have on him? Does Mr H speak of rebellion or does he stay quiet on the subject? Does Katniss see the Hawthorns happily married and modify views on marriage if not on raising a family? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 94: Chris Pratt was a “kick ass” door to door coupon salesman. That could be Peeta! Vacuum cleaner sales, and he has to come in for a demonstration! He’s charming, but does his pitch earn him a sale? Does his cleaner choke on all the cat hair from buttercup? Does the powerful unit suck up something of value? Is it even her house or is she house sitting and wasting his time? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 95: Peeta is also rescued or ah least when he is saved from the capitol he isn’t hijacked which leads to katniss and peeta finally dating - Johanna and finnick still make fun of the happy couple about being so “pure” and one day they have enough - either they purposely do the deed loudly or something in front of them or whatever it is, make it steamy! Or.......peeta exxagerates and tells finnick and Johanna what they have done together in an attempt to prove how unpure they are and Katniss overhears and finally does all the things peeta was explaining [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 96: The Games ended with the rebellion years ago, but now you can “experience all the excitement for yourself at Disney’s newest theme park The Hunger Games! Take a wild train ride into a real replica arena! Experience the thrill of virtually racing to the 3-D weapons pile then trade your kill count tickets in for arcade prizes! Flex your muscles swinging real replica axes and swords! Try on costumes, or enjoy a spa day at Beauty Base Zero! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal at The Cornucopia Buffet!” So, who wants to go? Or, who works there? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 97: Everlark cuddling. That’s it. That’s the prompt. [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 98: Toned, nubile, athletic Katniss and Peeta are hired as stunt and body doubles for a couple of famous film actors who have been liberally airbrushed for the promo pics. The $ is good. No one can know. A lot of nudity. No dialogue, just well timed grunts and groans. One talks a lot when nervous between takes. Some embarrassing moments. Friendship and trust built over time. When it’s over, can they walk away? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 99: I want a smutty filled fanfic in d13 if Peeta wasnt hijacked and or captured. Are they in a relationship? How does this change Katniss’ relationship with Gale? What does Johanna think of it all? Does Finnick make fun of them but slap Peeta on the back? Does Mrs. Everdeen have an awkward conversation with Katniss about birth control? Does anyone overhear or walk in? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 100: Can be modern canon compliant divergent or whatever but with Johanna and Finnick and or Haymitch talking about Everlark and what they have or haven’t done yet. They all make a bet to see who is right and how far the star crossed lovers have taken there physical and emotional relationship. Extra points if Finnick knowingly smiles at Peeta or Everlark tells them who is right. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 101: Artist Peeta’s niche: option 1: pets - portraits dressed in period costumes with or without owner, or perfectly painted on sugar cookie, other medium? Does Prim want it, or does Katniss surprise gift it to Prim? Buttercup or Lady? In studio or outdoors? Is K indulgent or exasperated? option 2: uptight Katniss discovers that Prim had erotic boudoir photos taken of herself, and neither she nor photographer Peeta told her! She would have stopped Prim. Who is Peeta to katniss? Is Peeta insulted by what she spews out about his job and art? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 102: Peeta and Katniss are both made to wait outside the principals office. One of them in trouble for getting into a fight. The other ? Conversation started by the one not seething. As the hour drags on, they discover common ground and attraction. Suddenly, principal opens office door, and the moment is gone. Do they find way to each other at school? Or in big high school, do they happen to see each other years later under very different circumstances? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Prompt 103: Nonhijacked Peeta in d13 needs advice from Finnick about well, you know, how to fuck a girl. And well Katniss goes to Johanna or Annie for the same thing. Will Finnick and Johanna and or Annie tell each other about Katniss and Peeta asking advice? Will they purposely sabotage Everlark by giving them funny bad advice? Will they purposely and awkwardly talk about it at lunch with Gale there? Up to you but make it funny and hot [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 104: Everlark before the quell starts to get intimate, when it dawns on them that Katniss doesn’t want to get pregnant and frankly, either does Peeta however this is something they want to experience. So what do they do? Ask Panem’s biggest heartthrob Finnick for some condoms. Hopefully when the victors have training the next day at lunch, Finnick hasn’t told anyone. Hopefully....😏 [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 105: Katniss is lucky enough to be upgraded to First Class on a flight home to visit her mother and younger sister. Little does she know that onboard is one of Panem’s most important, and consequently, most handsome men, and he takes a shining to her. [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 106: Peeta is a pearl diver/diver/oceanographer. He’s been looking for the perfect way to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Katniss, and thinks he’s found it when he discovers a rare pearl under the sea. The problem is, Katniss isn’t the only one who appreciates his find. [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 107: When her boyfriend cheats, Katniss gets her revenge by making a pass at her boyfriend’s greatest enemy. She only intended to flirt with him to piss off her cheating ex, but things spiral out of control, and they wind up in a dangerously passionate entanglement. [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 108: Everlark fall for one another over a blood transfusion. It happens not once, but twice. His blood runs through her veins, and now hers runs through his. What are the odds they would save each other’s lives? [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 109: Haymitch as a matchmaker. Nuff’ said. His matches are always disasters, but one time, he gets it exactly right when he sets up his neighbors, a stoic girl with a braid and a lonely, blond baker boy. [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 110: A group of bachelorettes/bridesmaids kidnap groom-to-be, Peeta Mellark, in order to convince him that he's marrying the wrong woman, and that he should, in fact, be with their friend and fellow bridesmaid, Katniss Everdeen. [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 111: Peeta is a struggling post-graduate art major. He finally finds a place he can afford because the landlord cuts him some slack on the rent. One day, his landlord becomes ill/injured and his daughter/niece takes over. Peeta's instantly smitten with her, but she insists on the full rent. Will Peeta find a way to pay his sexy landlord? Can he also win her heart? [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 112: Katniss's family owns a Mexican restaurant. Peeta and his friends come in, and he's immediately captivated by her. He keeps coming back, hoping to win her over, but he makes the mistake of inadvertently insulting her/her family. Can he make amends? Will she ever go out with him? [submitted by @mandelion82]

Prompt 113: she’s the man au featuring katniss and gale as the twins, peeta as duke, and madge as Olivia. [submitted by @thegirlwhowokethedreamer]

Prompt 114: Inspired by THIS picture I found - finnick understands Peeta and katniss' love for one another in his point of view [submitted by @everlark-always]

Prompt 115: Post mockingjay, everlark picnic in the meadow, with child or without whatever you feel I just want happy thriving everlark post war [submitted by @everlark-always]

Prompt 116: Hades Peeta and Persephone Katniss fanfic. Maybe Katniss is being abused or needs a reason to leave Olympus and Peeta provides that for her or Peeta just takes her. Peeta may bit of a douche or even dark!Peeta but the two warm up to each other eventually. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 117: Dark!Peeta fanfic where he is a stalker, kidnapper, or serial killer. But he does all of these things because it’s his way of protecting Katniss and ensuring they will be together. Katniss finds out in the end and chaos ensues [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 118: Under the Tuscan Sun AU: Reeling from the breakdown of her marriage due to her partner's infidelity, and struggling to follow up a successful book release, Katniss's friends book her a trip on a bus tour through Tuscany, Italy, to try and help her move on. When she accidentally ends up buying a villa in the Tuscan countryside, she finds not only new inspiration but a new chance at love in the form of her blonde-haired contractor, Peeta Mellark. [submitted by @thelettersfromnoone]

Prompt 119: what if Katniss and Peeta didn't get interrupted by finnick that night on the beach in the quell? Would they have kept going? Would the outcome of the night change since that new relationship step where they absolutely would have refused to be seperated? [submitted by @everlark-always]

Prompt 120: In the blast in THG, Katniss loses hearing in BOTH ears - she's miraculously able to hear the announcement of the 2 tributes from the same district (maybe it's just super muffled??) how does katniss handle the rest of the games without her hearing? how is peeta able to communicate with her? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 121: Secret lovers!Everlark, aged 20s: They've been a group of friends with Gale and Finnick. Katniss has always been "one of the boys" and seemed uninterested with boys... until Peeta and she had this drunken confession night and they've been hiding kisses and touches since. Summer in a few weeks, they want to go officially together to their annual beach trip, and they start planning how to break it to their friends gently... especially to Gale whom she turned down in college. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 122: a day in the bakery with Peeta and Katniss ... could be modern or in Panem ... I’ve just been watching a lot of Korean cafe videos and I need detailed descriptions of cake and cute couple moments 🍰 [submitted by @rosegardeninwinter]

Prompt 123: wholesome late 1700s Austen-esque romance with local country pastor Peeta (a la Henry Tilney) and his pretty, windswept parishioner, Miss Katniss Everdeen (a la any Austen heroine) with the angelic singing voice and dandelion trimmed bonnet [submitted by @rosegardeninwinter]

Prompt 124: The war is over, Peeta has been home for 6 months and things have been gradually better between him and Katniss. Just as Katniss starts to realize how much she needs Peeta things begin to fall apart and he is quick regressing into the tortured Capitol mutt. The Doctors say there is no hope. Katniss convinces Beetee to break into Peeta's medical files and discovers things about Peeta's mother noone knew, especially Peeta. Can this new information be the key to bringing her Peeta back or will it destroy both of them. [submitted by @emazura]

Prompt 125: Peeta Mellark has just started school with a disability (physical, metal, etc.). How will his best friend, Katniss Everdeen, help him through the year and navigate bullies? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 126: The Wedding Year AU. K & P meet and start dating. Early on, they learn that between the both of them they're invited to a lot of weddings (for friends, coworkers, family, whoever), even in the wedding party for some. They decide which ones they'll attend, and these weddings are spread throughout the year. The thing is K has commitment issues and isn't sure if she's even the marrying type, so how does this year of weddings play out for her and P? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 127: AU - Peeta is has two older brothers, a loving but weak father, and an abusive mother. How can the older boys comfort five year old Peeta after his mother’s attacks? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 128: broken katniss post mockingjay - super depressed about everything and the weight of what she went through is finally sinking in with no war to distract her. Peeta comes back and takes care of Katniss - either Peeta Katniss or even Haymitch’s points of view [submitted by @everlark-always]

Prompt 129: AU Inspired by the Greek and Roman mythologies, where the Games take place in an amphitheater/arena turned into a labyrinth. How often do the games occur? Are there mythological beasts/mutts? How do Katniss and Peeta survive? Or do they not? What happens after they leave the arena? [submitted by @katnissdoesnotfollowback]

Prompt 130: Sheep herder Peeta and quiet seamstress Katniss. That’s it. That’s the prompt. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 131: okay well somebody’s gotta do the inevitable Everlark/WandaVision crossover ... but it’s gotta end happy or I’m gonna be very upset [submitted by @rosegardeninwinter]

Prompt 132: Katniss and Peeta are musicians writing songs about one another unbeknownst to the other. Specifically Taylor Swift's cover of Untouchable, Katniss writes about Peeta. Peeta writes Jump then Fall (maybe change it up a little) about Katniss. Please & thank you! [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 133: The victory tour is live-streamed and mandatory viewing for each district. What no one expected however, was for Snow to know Peeta was the words behind Katniss - the one he couldn’t control. When peeta starts talking about rue and thresh in D11, snow issues the command and everyone is shocked when a bang rings out and a red spot starts rapidly spreading on Peeta’s chest. Reactions and the aftermath! [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 134: Katniss and Peeta in an FLR marriage, Peeta is bisexual and so Katniss has a lot of boyfriends like Cinna, Thresh, Gale, Finnick with whom they have sexy times. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 135: Princess Katniss Everdeen was forced to marry King Snow's son Cato, to ensure that the people in her kingdom didn’t die due to famine. Too bad she falls in love with Cato's personal sex slave, Peeta Mellark. But his time in the royal harem and that with the prince has made him too broken to even consider about love. Will Katniss be able to soothe his bettered soul? What happens when the king finds out? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 136: Katniss Everdeen never had a student as unruly as Peeta Mellark. She wants to spank the hell out of him. What happens when he finally submits himself to his hot and sexy bio teacher? [submitted by @everlurked]

Prompt 137: Millionaire Katniss Everdeen is a porn film maker. Too bad she has to hire, watch and edit two of the sexist man on earth Peeta Mellark and Finnick Odair having sex when she finds out that she might be having a huge crush on Peeta. But she thinks that they are in a relationship. Will she take a chance when Peeta tells her that he is bi and actually Finnick and him are friends, comfortable with each other to do such intimate things for money and not so subtly hints that he likes her too? [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 138: Katniss realizes her feelings for Peeta on the train back and is honest with herself and Peeta about how real it was for her - the beginning of a real relationship after the games [submitted by @everlark-always]

Prompt 139: Young Katniss discovers a wolf cub caught in one of her traps while hunting with her father. They bring him home to heal and Katniss falls in love with his gorgeous blue eyes. He joins the family and becomes Katniss’ new hunting partner. As he grows, Katniss discovers the orphaned wolf’s secret. Werewolf!PeetaBonus: Jealous Gale (As friend? Hunting partner? Your choice) [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 140: The west side of the village is surrounded by a vast forest that no one dares to enter. There’s a legend that states anyone who enters will die in the hands of the wolf that can’t turn back into a man. Katniss doesn’t believe this but when she reads a book, the curiosity gets to her and the only one that she could trust is the drunk man of the town. Witness her encounters this cursed being and how everything in this town isn’t what it seems. #werewolves #magic [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 141: Okay. So texting is wonderful, isn’t it? Katniss is thrilled that she can talk to people without actually talking, especially across the room when that one person you want to talk to is in a different conversation/group than you are. (This can just be fluffy, but as an added bonus, maybe it’s also a way for someone to get *flirty* - or more - with their convo, making her blush like crazy, and the people in her group wanna know what’s going on, why are you blushing..... Or even reversed where Peeta ends up blushing at something she sent. Though he would probably just grin and look up at her unabashedly, which she chided him for later because it’s a dead giveaway. OR! Katniss receives an unwanted text/set of texts from someone - named or not idc - and someone like Finnick or Jo, Gale, maybe Prim, or even Peeta - beast mode activated - sees it over her shoulder and loses their shit and starts taking over the conversation in a ridiculous and hilarious way, unbeknownst to the person responding, and to Katniss’ chagrin. Maybe even as a group, and Katniss just cannot get her phone out of their hands. (I feel like Haymitch, Cinna, and Effie would add their hilarious two cents here and there but also I have no idea how that would work. Idk. This is also known as “The prompt for something I want to write but I don’t write sexy because I’m an awkward turtle but I still want to read this”. You know. Thank you in advance to anyone who read this and/or takes it on.) [submitted by @everybirdfellsilent]

Prompt 142: An Eon ago, the powerful seer got sent a prophecy that shook the world where it stood. "The joining of the purest soulmate will bring the gift that will change the world." (Can be changed to sound so much better)Throughout the years, the prophecy has been misconstrued and manipulated to their owe benefit. Is Katniss the child, the prophecy warned or is there more to that? #Magic #Soulmates [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 143: Katniss moves into a new town for her new job when she catches the eye of the VP of the bicker gang. How long can she resist him and can she truly fit into his life? #HotPeeta [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 144: She has a night of fun before the start of the semester. She meets this guy, they hit it off that they sleep together. But when she shows up to her class the next day, she sees the guy again. But he’s her professor and he’s way older than she originally thought. #olderPeeta [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 145: She moves in with her aunt and uncle when her parents dies in a small town. After suffering through trama, Katniss slowly starts to get better with the help of her family (aunt, uncle, cousin) and the Mellark brothers. But when things starts happening to her and the people around her, it’s revealed that she and almost everyone in the towns are apart of the werewolf pack and that one of the Mellark brothers is her mate. #werewolves [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 146: Katniss and Peeta Mellark as the "Biggest Family of District 12!" #allthetoastbabies [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 147: An Everlark fic inspired by e.e. cummings poem I Carry Your Heart [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 148: When a wolf pup runs towards Katniss while in the forest calling her Mama, she doesn't know where they came from and how can she understand them? Is she going crazy? Who's the father? (Its the hot hunk that she meets a day later) #werewolves #toastpups [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 149: An Everlark fic based on the real life story of a kitty becoming best friends with a neighbor (I will post the video link in the comments of the answered ask). Is Peeta depressed? PTSD? Grieving? (Please no divorced/widow/single dad storyline though unless it's like adoption). How does Katniss ultimately bond with Peeta and be a healing light for him in addition to Buttercup? Tension tension tension. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 150: Katniss + Peeta idiots to lovers, modern au best friends secretly pining for one another. Ever the dynamic duo and short on cash, they decide to participate in a couples study. Who's the therapist? (Haymitch?) At what point does the therapist assigned to them realize they aren't even together? And does the therapist realize one or both is in love with the other? Big bonus points for a "It's you. It's always been you." moment. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 151: Pandemic!Everlark. It's their first zoom date and stressed out, overworked Katniss FALLS ASLEEP (maybe they were watching a show together?) Peeta stays on the line and draws her. What happens after Katniss wakes up to a sheepish Peeta with a breathtaking portrait of her? [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 152: Enemies to lovers modern au. Katniss emails her group of new hires the training guide to review before they start on Monday. Monday morning just before she's set to meet with the group of trainees Katniss finds an email from new hire Peeta Mellark, attached is the training guide. Completely edited and rewritten. Lots of fuming in their first meeting and total tit for tat hijinks ensue. Torture us with the rivalry please. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 153: Best friends!Everlark who have always been in love with one another. Katniss is in a pretty serious accident, of course Peeta visits her every single day. He notices that every time he enters the room her heart monitor beeps due to elevated heart rate. He notices and finally mentions to a mutual friend (Madge? Finnick?) how it's sweet that she gets excited to see her friends, said friend rolls eyes and is like uh yeah ok "friend". Peeta's all what? Cue suspicion so next time he visits her he takes it a step further and gives little touches (brushes her hair back, strokes her cheek, grazes her arm? LET IT BURN) to see what happens. Sure enough her HR skyrockets. Tell us all the sweet and suspenseful details :))) [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 154: Soulmate au where your soulmates injuries and scars show up on your body tinted in their favorite color. Katniss through the years as she discovers new marks, pondering what it could possibly be, finally figuring out that her soulmate is being hurt way too regularly and in very specific places. Do her parents figure out Peeta is being abused? How do they find and "rescue" him? Or does Peeta live his whole childhood being abused before turning 18? Does he runaway? How do he and Katniss find their way to one another? [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 155: Just a really sweet meet cute of skateboarder!Peeta wiping out the first time he sees Katniss. Bonus points for her being a skater too.[submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 156: Post MJ: Toastbabys perspective from in the womb throughout pregnancy. Bonus points for post birth moments. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 157: Miscommunication. Katniss texts Peeta that she needs some 🥖. Peeta thinks the breadstick is a euphemism of her asking him for sex. How do things play out? [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 158: CF AU: Peeta gets drunk with Haymitch after the quell announcement. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 159: High school au with popular girl, valedictorian, great at sport and then there is Peeta Mellark shy, awkward, sweet but not so good in academics with a huge crush on Katniss. Will she even look at him when she already has tall, dark and handsome Gale by her side? Typical high school drama ensues. [submitted by @everlurked]

Prompt 160: Katniss witnesses a potential crime in progress and gets in contact with law enforcement. Thanks to her tip, a travesty is adverted. But why did the perpetrator seem to recognize Katniss? And when did the baker’s boy become a head FBI agent? [submitted by @kiinghanalister]

Prompt 161: Katniss is texting back and forth with her older boss (who is hott and recently divorced) about a deadline. She's also bra shopping and taking photos to send to Johanna to get her opinion when she accidentally mixes up the recipients. She notices that she just hit send on the photo to Peeta by mistake (her boobs look amazing by the way, bonus points if it's sunset orange) Mortified she texts "shit, wrong person" What happens the next day at the office. Does Peeta think the pics were for a boyfriend? What's he thinking about during the staff meeting? Will Katniss be able to show her face? [submitted by @nightlock-1989]

Prompt 162: Peeta is actually the Mr. Mellark Mrs. Everdeen left behind to marry her true love when they were 18. They parted on good terms but Peeta just had to get out of town never knowing Mr Everdeens first or last name. 22 years later he returns and falls in love with frequent customer Katniss (who is of age) He brings out the playful side in her and she makes him feel young again. Katniss, who doesn't have a great relationship with her mother, doesn't tell her about the older man she's dating. While running errands, Mrs. Everdeen bumps into Katniss and Peeta, who happen to be engaged in a playful game of grab ass. Shock sets in for everyone. Does Mrs. Everdeen think Katniss is Peetas midlife crisis? Does Katniss' young age begin to nag Peeta? Huge bonus if Katniss freaks out because she realizes Peeta has fucked both her and her mom. [submitted by @nightlock-1989]

Prompt 163: Golden Age of Hollywood AU: Songbird Katniss finds herself signing a contract with The Capitol Productions, a major force in the studio system, after a casting agent hears her singing at a nightclub. Her first project is a musical with a handsome Capitol film star, Peeta Mellark. But while they agree to an engagement as fodder for film promotion, the fine print on their contract never covered the relationship becoming real... [submitted by @thelettersfromnoone]

Prompt 164: Peeta is a handsome prince, fleeing his evil stepmother, who has stolen his rightful crown. Katniss is a skilled tracker, taking bounties to send the money back to her struggling family. Will the well-respected hunter make good on the bounty, or will her heart have a different plan? [submitted by @thelettersfromnoone]

Prompt 165: Peeta gets with another girl after the war, while him and katniss are trying to be friends, thinking katniss doesn’t want him, but instead it only makes her insanely jealous. When she falls ill does Peeta come to her rescue or does he keep his distance to please his new gf [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 166: Peeta moves into a new town. It’s a small town but so lively but things starts getting weird when he starts encountering dead animals on his back porch. Looks like someone found their mate and is trying to empress him. #werewolfKatniss [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 167: He knows where she is at all times. What’s she’s doing and who’s she’s with. But lately she’s been hanging out with that guy for his liking and he needs to teach her and show her that she belongs to him and no one else. Her whole mind, body, and soul. !DarkPeeta #psychological #thriller #angst #mightnothaveanicehappyending [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 168: One thing that sets this community apart from the others is that is a matriarchy. But a lot of surrounding communities want to get in. When it is Katniss’s coming of age ceremony, the prophet tells her that she has the opportunity to choose a first husband from the neighboring community. Katniss was set on Gale but he became the third husband of (whoever you choose). Will she stick to her community’s men or branch out and get new blood? #olderpeeta [submitted by @animekpopxx]

Prompt 169: A Capitolite veiwer perspective on the 74th games, maybe running right up to the first day of the Quell. Do they notice Katniss or Peeta at first, or is it one of the other tributes they like. How do the Starcrossed lovers creep up on them. Maybe reactions to Rues death, or the victory tour ( if you want to go that far) [submitted by @darkhorse-javert]

Prompt 170: Superhero/Catburglar AU: The jewel-thief Mockingjay has evaded The Capitol's superhero, Captain Strong, for long enough, and the Merchants of the city have started putting pressure on the hero to bring the thief in for justice. The only problem? The Captain is the alter-ego of teenager Peeta Mellark, and his elusive nemesis is his high school crush, Katniss Everdeen. [submitted by @thelettersfromnoone]

Prompt 171: IndianaJones!Katniss and JiltedLover!Peeta [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 172: Secret Agent Everlark. Peeta and Katniss are undercover partners on a case in Istanbul (or what have you). They take names and kick ass. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 173: Peeta's POV in THG when he wakes up in the cave after Katniss injects him with the medicine to cure his blood poisoning, finding her in a very scary pool of blood. His perspective until she finally wakes. Canon compliant please. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 174: Victory tour AU/deleted scene, Peeta and Katniss walk along a beach in District 4, in a brief moment where they are alone, and Katniss tells Peeta why her favourite colour is green, and anything else you think would fit nicely into that conversation. Basically just Katniss opening up a little more. Either Peeta or Katniss POV. [submitted by @emilia206]

Prompt 175: Katniss hits the force field in CF instead - Peeta’s reaction [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 176: Peeta absentmindedly calls Katniss “love”. She doesn’t mind. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 177: Canon compliant Peeta's POV in MJ when the bombs go off in front of the president's mansion. [submitted by @lovely-tothe-bone]

Prompt 178: A story based on THIS tweet. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 179: Prompt based on the korean drama “Lovestruck in the City”. Peeta as Jaewon and Katniss as Eunho and the rest is up to you [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 180: Capitol didn’t know hijacking but they left Peeta broken. He was sexually assaulted many times by Capitol buyers, both men and women. Will he be able to recover? How does it affect Katniss and Peeta's dynamic. Also Finnick plays a very important role in Peeta's recovery. [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 181: After her parents death (possibly small pox?), Katniss goes to live with her mothers family. They accept beautiful blonde Prim instantly, but Katniss looks far too much like her Native American father. They sell her as a slave at auction to the Mellark Plantation. Even though she always works to the point of collapse, she is treated terribly by Peeta’s brutal mother. Does he help her keep in contact with Prim? or take care of her when the slave masters beat her? Does Mrs. Mellark sell her again? [submitted by @hope4hea]

Prompt 182: Canon Divergence Katniss gets caught hunting and whipped [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 183: Katniss is really pregnant in CF and forced by Snow to get an abortion [submitted by anonymous]

Prompt 184: Horror-love story. Locals tell legend of “La Dame Mellark” who practiced Dark Arts, caused her family’s ruin, and haunts decrepit, facetiously-named “Mellark Mansion.” What if ghostly figure sometimes spotted in window and unexplained occurrences not her ghost but actually Peeta who survived fireball explosion with physical and emotional scars? Years later, Katniss new in town, either seeks shelter there, maybe looking for her sister’s missing cat? Is Katniss trapped or injured or on the run? Does her singing soothe Peeta when he slips from shy to explosive personality? Does he free her? Do locals storm property looking for her? Is Katniss the delusional crazy dangerous one who repels the attacking horde with explosion, then is soothed by gentle Peeta who promises to care for her because turns out Prim died long ago and Katniss never faced truth? HEA for them, maybe not for townsfolk. [submitted by @567inpanem]

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #169

Two builds in one day? That’s right! Today’s my birthday, and that means I get to pick the servants! As a birthday gift to myself, we’re making Caster of the Nightless City! As usual, expect spoilers in the build breakdown below the cut and in their character sheet here!

Scheherazade is a Creation Bard to truly bring her stories to life, and a Genie Warlock to create her own Bedchamber of Survival.

Race and Background

Wildly, Scheherazade is a Human, giving her +1 to all abilities. She’s also a Guild Artisan with one of the most demanding patrons in the world, giving her proficiency with Insight and Persuasion. 

Ability Scores

Your Charisma better be as high as possible, you’re literally famous for your storytelling skills. After that is Wisdom. Anyone can read a story, but to tell a story you’ve got to be able to read the audience. Your Intelligence is also pretty good, because let’s be honest, remembering over 1,000 stories is pretty goddamn impressive. Your Dexterity isn’t awful, because we need to be able to go from standing to dogeza in seconds. This means your Constitution and Strength are rather low. Sadly, telling stories doesn’t make you all that battle hardened.

Class Levels

1. Bard 1: Being a bard gives you proficiency with Dexterity and Charisma saves to avoid fireballs and being banished to other dimensions. (Though I guess banishment is better than death?) You also get proficiency in three bard skills, that is to say, three of any skill. Performance for storytelling, Acrobatics for faster dogezas, and History for more story material.

You can use Bardic Inspiration to give a d6 to an ally Charisma Mod times per long rest, and these dice can be added to pretty much any d20 roll to make it a bit better. (Not yours though, heaven forbid you have to get out there and... attack things.)

Speaking of not attacking things, let’s talk Spells. You cast em with Charisma, and get stuff like Blade Ward for taking less damage and Friends for convincing people to let you live in the first place. You also get Charm Person for a similar reason, Bane to weaken their offense if they still want to try anything, Feather Fall to avoid death by heights, and Silent Image for the first of your storied illusions.

2. Bard 2: Second level bards become Jacks of All Trades, adding half their proficiency to ability checks they’re not proficient in. By becoming more useful, you’re less likely to get killed! Probably. You also get a Song of Rest to boost healing during short rests. Healing is good, healing helps people not die. Finally, your Magical Inspiration lets allies add your inspiration dice to damage or healing caused by spells. Again, healing is good, and I guess doing more damage can be nice sometimes.

Speaking of doing damage, we’re not doing that. Instead, grab Sleep for a bedtime story.

3. Bard 3: Graduating from the college of Creation will help you bring your stories to life thanks to your Performance of Creation. As an action you can create a nonmagical object once per long rest or by spending a 2nd level spell slot. The item must be medium or smaller, and can only be worth at most 20 times your bard level in GP.

You can also help your allies star in legends of their own with Stories of Potential that add extra effects to your bardic inspiration depending on how they’re used. Ability checks get advantage on rolling the inspiration, attack rolls deal thunder damage to nearby creatures if they fail a constitution save, and saving throws add temporary HP to their users.

You can also cast Calm Emotions to keep the king from beheading you in the morning.

4. Warlock 1: Now that that’s taken care of, let’s get some help from a Genie. Picking this patron gives you a Genie’s Vessel, a tiny object like, say, a scroll case, within which you can find a Bottled Respite that you can hang out in for up to 2x your proficiency bonus hours per long rest, but you can only enter once per long rest. Any items you leave behind stay in the respite until the vessel is destroyed or you take them out again. Also, I gotta remember to point out the inside is bigger than the outside, space isn’t an issue for you.

You also learn to imbue your attacks with a Genie’s Wrath, adding thunder damage equal to your proficiency bonus to one attack per turn. You don’t really attack that much, but it’s nice to make every bit count.

Speaking of attacking, you can actually do that with your new Spells! You still use Charisma, but you have Pact Magic, so these slots don’t mix with your old ones. The plus side is they recharge on short rests instead of long ones, and you can still cast bard spells with warlock slots and vice versa.

You get Minor Illusion for cheap lifelike stories, as well as Eldritch Blast for the ever-present caster balls. For first level spells, you get Detect Evil and Good and Thunderwave for free, as well as Comprehend Languages because copyright doesn’t exist in D&D, and Protection from Evil and Good. Some kings are evil, some are good, but very few are neutral. (WARNING: does not actually protect against good or evil aligned humanoids)

5. Warlock 2: Second level warlocks get Eldritch Invocations, ways to customize the selling your soul experience. Armor of Shaodws gives you free mage armor to avoid dying, and Eldritch Mind makes it easier to concentrate on your spells, which are keeping you from getting killed.

Speaking of spells, Sense Emotion lets you read the prevailing emotion of a nearby creature as an action, and you can repeat the action each turn. Good storytelling requires you know what your audience wants.

6. Warlock 3: Third level warlocks get a Pact Boon, and Pact of the Tome gives you a super cool magic scroll that gives you three cantrips from any spell list. You get Guidance and Resistance for added protection, and Mage Hand. Handling hot objects can be dangerous! Now you don’t have to do that.

Besides that, you get second level spells here, like Enthrall. Being the center of attention is dangerous, but you’re the most personable member of the party, so this might be less dangerous than letting them talk. You also get Phantasmal Force and Gust of Wind for free, letting you attack with fictional characters and just make things a bit more dramatic.

7. Warlock 4: At fourth level you finally get your first Ability Score Improvement, which will be used to round up your Dexterity and Constitution for a higher AC and higher HP. Not dying’s good, you should try it out.

You also get Prestidigitation to add minor effects to your stories, and Flock of Familiars to summon background characters.

8. Warlock 5: Fifth level warlocks get third level spells, like Major Image to make larger effects for your stories. You also get Create Food and Water and Wind Wall for free.

On top of that, the invocation One with Shadows lets you turn invisible as an action in dim light or darker, and lasts until you move or take an action. When a truly good storyteller gets going, the story takes on a life of its own, and they just sort of... fade into the background.

9. Warlock 6: Sixth level genilocks get an Elemental Gift, giving you resistance to thunder damage. Like Cursed Arm always says, you can’t travel the desert without protection from wind. As a bonus action, you can now fly for 10 minutes Proficiency times per long rest. Admittedly you don’t really do that too often, but I’m sure you can illusion up a big genie hand or something to lift you up.

You can also summon a main character now thanks to Summon Fey. You can create a small fey creature in one of three moods that can teleport around and fight for you. Fuming fey get advantage on attacks after teleporting, mirthful fey can charm creatures, and tricksy fey create magical darkness which you can use to turn invisible.

10. Warlock 7: Congrats on your fourth level spell slots! Your freebie spells are Phantasmal Killer and Greater Invisibility to put less focus on yourself and more focus on the terrifying monsters you can summon. You can also use Hallucinatory Terrain to reshape the world into the world of your story. You can also use Trickster’s Escape once per long rest to cast Freedom of Movement on yourself to get the hell out of dangerous situations.

11. Warlock 8: Use this ASI to bump up your Charisma for better spells and better stories. You also learn how to Charm Monsters to avoid even more danger by just... getting along with everything.

12. Warlock 9: Ninth level warlocks get fifth level spells, like the freebies Creation to make even more nonsense out of nothing and Seeming to again, avoid danger. On top of those, you can use Modify Memory to retcon your stories to prevent your audience from getting too upset. You also gain the Gift of the Protectors, allowing you or another creature to write its name on part of your scroll. The scroll can hold the names of Proficiency people, and once per long rest the first creature to drop to 0 hp sticks around at 1 hp instead. You can also erase names if you have a falling out, but since it’s first come first served you might just want to keep this to yourself.

13. Warlock 10: Tenth level genielocks get a Sanctuary Vessel, allowing you to take up to 5 willing creatures into your Genie’s Vessel with you. You can eject creatures as a bonus action, by leaving yourself, dying (don’t do that one), or by destroying the vessel.

On top of all of that, creatures that stay in the vessel for at least 10 minutes get all the benefits of a short rest, plus they add your proficiency to any healing they get from hit dice. That’s on top of the d6 they were already getting from your song of rest.

Oh right, you get another cantrip too. Grab Blade Ward again. You can never be too careful.

14. Bard 4: Yeah, did you think we were done with bards? Nope! This level of bard gives us another ASI that’ll max out your Charisma for the best spells possible!

You also learn Message, because miscommunication can be deadly, and Lesser Restoration. You never know what kind of status effects might doom your party, after all...

15. Bard 5: Fifth level bards get their inspiration bumped up to d8s, and they finally become a Font of Inspiration to recharge their inspiration on short rests. I wanted to get sanctuary vessel as quickly as possible for the sake of getting your bedchamber of survival, but it’s awfully tempting to put these two levels earlier, ngl.

You also learn how to Feign Death, because nobody’s going to bother killing you if you’re already dead, right? This spell makes you or the targeted creature effectively dead by the reckoning of anyone around them. They can’t take actions, are blinded, and can’t move. They get resistance to all damage except psychic, and any diseases or poisons they’re affected by are frozen until the spell ends an hour later.

16. Bard 6: Sixth level bards can use Countercharm to protect their party from effects that would charm or frighten them, giving them advantage on those saves for a round.

You can also put on an Animating Performance to turn a large or smaller object into a Dancing Item, which follows your orders, given by your bonus action. You can do this once per long rest, or by spending a third level spell slot.

Your last bard spell is Catnap, putting up to three creatures to sleep for 10 minutes. If they stay asleep the entire time, they get the benefits of a short rest. Dying of overwork... what a horrifying concept.

17. Warlock 11: At eleventh level, instead of getting your spell slots made bigger you get a Mystic Arcanum, allowing you to cast a sixth level spell once per long rest. Guards and Wards is very useful if you’re paranoid, creating wards to protect up to 2,500 square feet of space (a.k.a. 100 5′ squares). You can specify creatures that are immune to effects, or a password that does the same thing.

In corridors, fog fills the area, and forks in the road have a 50% chance of forcing creatures down the wrong way.

Doors are magically locked, and up to 10 doors in the area can be covered by illusions.

Stairs are covered in Webs that regrow when destroyed.

You can also place: Dancing Lights in four corridors, Magic Mouth in two places, Stinking Cloud in two places, Gust of Wind in one corridor or room, and Suggestion in one five foot square.

Casting Guards and Wards in the same place every day for a year makes it permanent.

18. Warlock 12: Use your last ASI to bump up your Constitution for better concentration and health. You also learn your last Invocation, Minions of Chaos! Once per long rest you can cast Conjure Elemental using a warlock spell slot. It is a little bit risky, but even you have to be willing to stick your neck out at some point. Might as well be level 18.

19. Warlock 13: Your seventh level Mystic Arcanum is Mirage Arcane, allowing you to reshape reality in a square mile, altering the entire terrain to your story and even making entire structures out of nothing. Even creatures with true sight will still feel the illusion, so feel free to recreate the tower of babel and hide out on the top of it.

20. Warlock 14: Your capstone level gives you a Limited Wish from your patron, recreating any spell of fifth level or lower once per 1d4 long rests. Sometimes your story just needs a Maelstrom, and nobody’s going to wait for you to take 9 levels of druid just to finish a story.

Pros:

If your DM rewards creativity and you’ve got the mind thoughts to power this build, this build will treat you very nicely. This whole thing is basically an excuse for the roleplayer inside of you to ham up your acting, chew the scenery, and distract everyone from the rogue rifling through their pockets.

Speaking of distractions you can make some really good ones. Show up to the BBEG’s lair, butter them up with some stories, then trick them into entering your vessel, and then they’re trapped in there for up to 12 hours. If you can trick them into allowing you to catnap them, that gives the rest of your party a full 10 minutes to ransack the place before they even know what’s happening. You can always kick them out if they’re being unwelcome guests, but there’s no way for them to leave on their own outside of killing you. And that’s easier said than done, because...

You’re really hard to fight. Between all the illusions, summoning creatures to fight on your behalf, the invisibility, and the altering reality in a mile radius, landing a blow on you is an ordeal, especially if you know they’re coming.

Cons:

If you’re actually stuck in a cage match with an enemy it’s gonna take a while, because you really aren’t built for damage. You have a negative strength stat, and your first damaging spell doesn’t show up until level four. Just bring them into the vessel, help them relax, and put them to sleep with catnap, that’s way less work than actually fighting them.

On a similar note, anything that can see through your illusions is going to cut through you like butter, because you’re pretty squishy. Only 15 AC and just shy of 150 HP means you should avoid fights like... well, you do in canon.

Another side effect of your squishiness is that your concentration saves aren’t that great, which is really bad for an illusionist/summoner. Neither your animated item nor your invisibility use concentration though, so you can actually get away with more than you’d think, it’s just a complicated juggling act. And trust me, you do not want to drop them in the middle of combat.

[jeongyunhoed]

Past-Present-Future Black Dahlia

Two major tragedies bring Lee Mirae closer to the edge as she goes through the stages of grief in a more violent manner that would affect not only her relationships with her boyfriend Jeong Yunho and her half-brother Choi San, but also has her becoming closer with the immortal mutant Kang Yeosang. Fueled by rage, grief, and pain, along with a very rude awakening that has Mirae spiraling out of control and questioning everything she holds dear.

Group: ATEEZ Member: Yunho Pairing: Jeong Yunho / OC Genre: Action, adventure, angst, fantasy

Watch Out! : Violence, blood, death, grief and loss, major character deaths, use of weapons, some jealousy (but no cheating ofc), implied smut (not sure if there is any but i’m putting it out there nonetheless), mental illness (probably?), gambling and alcohol

Anything else? : Mentions of other idols of course as well as other characters. SuperM, Dean, Chanyeol, Zelo, soloist Park Jihoon to name a few.

Author’s Note: First chapter is here! Compared to the previous stories from the AU, this might have very long chapters, like more than 10 pages in google docs long. But anyway, tag list is open, and yeah. Enjoy the first of a rollercoaster of emotions.

This whole first chapter also, is me giving brief backstories of what happened before/backstories of many characters here. Basic plot is mine, characters are not. This is all for fun/entertainment/emotional anguish. 

Masterlist

Chapter 1

When one is at their breaking point, everything begins to change.  The lines between right and wrong are blurred, and one’s moral compass begins to spin into oblivion. 

9:00 p.m. 

Laughter filled the almost empty space of Viva Polo, having closed for the night except for a table occupied by Lee Mirae, Park Chanyeol, and Kwon Hyuk. The rest of the tables had already been overturned, marking the end of another day at work, at least for Chanyeol. The three of them had a tradition of meeting up every week, something they started doing after the previous adventures they had. 

The three of them were mutants, and to their knowledge, they were the last surviving members of the group that saved the country, if not the world during the Seoul attack. A year after that, the three of them found each other again, reuniting to save the country once again from an evil cult bent on achieving utopia through taking control of its citizens. Two adventures that had major consequences on the three of them, and events that they will forever remember. 

Two of them, Mirae and Hyuk, were classified as omega-level or level 5 mutants, with powers that were impossible to surpass by any other mutant thus far. Mirae was not only gifted in a mastery of hand-to-hand combat, both armed and unarmed, but she had the gift of manipulating potential energy into kinetic energy. She could turn virtually any object into an explosive and if channeled to an extreme extent, was able to level a skyscraper. 

With her abilities came the secondary gift of a healing factor that made her almost immortal and slowed down her aging immensely. Because of her ability to manipulate energy, she was also able to generate static that resulted in a very strong psychic block that was only made stronger by another omega-level mutant, Jang Ino. From the adventures she had on her own and even after the Utopian cult, another ability manifested itself in her; taking souls and trapping them into objects, usually her deck of cards. 

Meanwhile, Kwon Hyuk, a well-known music producer and songwriter, was a level 5 telekinetic and could move anything with his mind. His psychic abilities also gave him the gift of producing shields that were almost impenetrable. 

 In their adventure into the Utopian cult, Hyuk developed his telepathic abilities, which he used to extract memories or read into memories of others. Hyuk was nearly captured by the goons from the Utopian cult when they met again, and has since tried to use his powers as discreetly as possible with some difficulty. 

Hyuk didn’t formally join Mirae and Chanyeol until the later days of the Seoul attack, having laid low, undiscovered by Ino who was at the time, serving his father Professor Inhwan Jang. Hyuk had openly used his powers in front of the group during a time when Mirae and one of her other colleagues, a telekinetic named Luhan, were affected by the goblin king’s inducement of traumatic memories that caused their powers to manifest for the first time. 

It was there that Hyuk realized that he could do so much more with his mutant gifts, rather than use them solely for trivial purposes.

Hyuk had a cousin, the singer Lee Midam, who was under his entertainment agency, in the 10-member group called Silver. Midam was, like him, a psychic, but of a different kind. Midam was a psychic that could make the worst fears or strongest desires of another person come to life before them. Midam also had the ability to sense when a person will die in the near future. 

Park Chanyeol was a level 4 pyrokinetic, also known as an alpha-level mutant. He created and manipulated fire in all its aspects, from turning into a fire being to being able to put out and set fire onto virtually anything. In his fire form, he was granted the ability to fly and heal and even out of his fire form, Chanyeol could withstand extreme heat. 

He worked with Mirae in the Center for Paranormal Research upon his discovery by Ino, leaving his work in his mother’s Italian restaurant behind to find purpose for his abilities. For some time after the Seoul attack, Chanyeol thought he was the only one left, until he was seen by another survivor, their tech guy Choi Junhong, looking over the remains of what used to be the Center, the epicenter of the entire attack. 

From the adventures they had, the three of them still managed to continue with their lives. Hyuk stayed in his agency to work on music, Chanyeol helped around his parents’ restaurant and live club, while Mirae ran the music store that she took ownership in after the passing of her adoptive parents. Hyuk and Chanyeol also helped other mutants like them, Mirae’s old colleagues from her days as an assassin under a sanitarium, practice controlling their powers. 

With the way the events of the past years shaped them, their lives would forever be intertwined and they knew it. Even with the disagreements that occurred in the final days of the Seoul attack, with the three of them being the only survivors from that group that acted, they were like family to each other. 

“One of these days, we’ll go on a mission, do something, just the three of us again,” Chanyeol said fondly, finishing the last slice of pizza from his place. 

“Even if we don’t go on something like that, we should still do something, just the three of us,” Mirae repeated with a grin. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” 

“Yeah, someone needs to watch your back this time, you nearly got your powers taken away,” Hyuk pointed out, taking a sip of his iced tea. 

The last adventure Mirae went on involved a demon and their followers, the one responsible for a long-running conspiracy that went behind the glitz and glamour of the country’s entertainment industry. Mirae was outmatched and captured, her powers being used to channel the summoning of the demon Ose. It left her boyfriend Yunho and her half-brother San, along with her old colleagues including immortal mutant billionaire Kang Yeosang, to be the ones to save her and the world. 

Mirae shook her head. “It was only one time. Just one. But I’m starting to think I’m losing my touch, to be honest,” She looked down at her now-empty plate. 

“I wouldn’t think of it that way if I were you,” Hyuk patted her shoulder. “You still have your powers, don’t you? Didn’t Junhong say your powers only got stronger after that? You’re practically invincible.” 

“Says the person who is also practically invincible,” Mirae grinned. 

“But I don’t heal like you do. Chanyeol doesn’t even heal like you unless he sets himself on fire.” 

“Can you stop talking about injuries now? I think we’ll be late for that training session both of you promised the guys,” Mirae nudged the telekinetic. 

Chanyeol got up at the mention of the training session. All of their plates floating in mid-air, the cutlery and glasses sorting themselves out, as Hyuk followed the taller male into the kitchen, making sure nothing dropped. Mirae smiled to herself as she removed the tablecloth and the napkins. 

The boys at the safehouse would be waiting for them, San and Yunho included. Choi San was her half-brother, and had almost the same abilities as her, including her healing factor and a mastery of martial arts. Unlike Mirae, who channeled her powers mainly through her extendable staff, San channeled his into a harpoon gun. 

San’s powers first manifested in his high school years, as a result of the constant pressure placed on him by their father, who wanted him to pursue a career he himself wanted. Upon learning how to control his abilities better, San ran away from home, eventually learning the skills he knew to become a paid hitman. San also witnessed Mirae getting taken away to be interned at the sanitarium, and he looked everywhere for her.

Jeong Yunho was Mirae’s boyfriend. Yunho was also like her, skilled in hand-to-hand combat, both unarmed and armed. Yunho was also a mutant, an immortal mutant who possessed the ability to teleport, but could only do so in dark places. 

Yunho’s powers manifested when he was killed in Morocco during what would be Mirae’s final mission before she was discharged. Her memories of him were seemingly erased in the final electroshock therapy session used to alter her recollection of missions. They only found each other again when Mirae was being targeted by the Kang crime family, descendants of Yeosang who held a disdain for mutants. 

Hyuk returned from the kitchen. “What’s that smile about?” He asked. 

“Nothing, nothing, I just realized how it’s been a while since we did something like this together,” Mirae replied. 

“Lee Mirae, you’re getting sappy.” 

“Did I lie?” She laughed. 

“No, but that’s weird of you,” Hyuk laughed as well. “I mean you are right. I’ve been busy practically managing the group, Chanyeol’s busy here, we’re just busy living our lives.” 

“My point stands that we’ve never done anything together in a while, unless those goblins come up again and try to kill us,” Mirae joked. 

“Hopefully not,” Said the psychic, the table in front of them turning itself over on top of another table. “Even with the way things ended back then, I’m glad the three of us found each other.” 

The kitchen doors opened and Chanyeol returned, wiping his hands, with his backpack in tow. “Whose car are we using?” He asked. 

Without another word, the three of them extended their fists. Both Mirae and Chanyeol had scissors, while Hyuk’s hand remained curled into a fist. “Guess it’s yours then, Mr. Psychic,” Mirae grinned. 

“Be glad I stopped for gas before coming here,” He gave them a look as they left the restaurant. 

~ 

The car pulled up in front of a brick-walled building that had a vending machine. It was the entrance to the safehouse that now became the headquarters of everything mutant-related. It was also where Mirae’s old colleagues were now staying, with the exception of two; Jung Wooyoung and Park Seonghwa. 

The three of them got out, sensing the slight change in the air as they approached the machine. They knew there was a sort of cloaking over the spot that shielded anyone from seeing that the vending machine moved to the side to reveal a secret passage. Chanyeol, Mirae, and Hyuk entered the dark passageway and stopped at the red door at the very end. 

The safehouse was similarly modeled to the recreation room in the Center for Paranormal Research, with a couch and beanbags surrounding a flat-screen television and several game consoles. There was a sleeping quarters and a shower area and a kitchen that was only stocked with instant food. Ino and Junhong’s labs and offices were in the two other doors in the kitchen area that had a small dining table where they would at least take turns in eating. 

This time, the safehouse had since expanded thanks to Ino’s ability to manipulate matter. Junhong’s lab was much bigger, more beds were added to the sleeping quarters, and there was a small training room that Junhong fortified. A shelf was behind the television, showing all the weapons carried by the group of men who now resided in the place; a rapier, a set of nunchaku, and a few axes and shurikens. Those belonged to three people: Kim Hongjoong, Choi Jongho, and Song Mingi. 

All of them were trained assassins, skilled in hand-to-hand combat both unarmed and armed. While Mirae and Yunho were no longer part of the group, the remaining members were turned into personal guards of the Kang crime family and underwent several experiments to turn them into super soldiers. All of them were impervious to pain and were a lot more agile in their movements. 

It was those experiments that triggered the mutant gene in each of them, their own mutant abilities manifesting around the same time. Hongjoong possessed superhuman speed and could be as fast as the speed of light that also enabled him to heal if wounded. Seonghwa was a telekinetic, whose powers also made itself known if his eyes and fingertips glowed green. Mingi, like Chanyeol, was also a pyrokinetic, but unlike Chanyeol, could only manipulate flames that already exist. 

Wooyoung on the other hand, possessed the ability to turn into a shadow being. His shadow form allowed him to be intangible, as well as give him superhuman strength and a healing factor. But along with his shadow form, Wooyoung developed a kind of extrasensory perception, where he could see past and future events from a person or an object, or even a name. 

Jongho had the painful ability to manipulate his bone structure, and his arms and legs would produce a sharp spike that could pierce anything. 

They immediately noticed that a few other weapons were shelved, as they were likely in the labs or in the training room; a set of sai, katanas, a bow and a quiver full of arrows, and the harpoon gun. Everyone was indeed present. 

“Hello?” Hyuk called out as they closed the door behind them. 

“We’re here!” Chanyeol called out as well. 

“Yunho? San?” Mirae spoke, looking around the empty living room. 

Suddenly materializing in front of them was Ino. “Good! You’re all here! The rest of them are in the training rooms, but can you wait a little bit? There’s something I’m finishing and I hope the three of you can test it out for me,” He said. 

Jang Ino was a prime example of a true omega-level mutant, with abilities so powerful he was almost like a god. Ino had the gift of manipulating matter, inter-dimensional teleportation, telekinesis, telepathy, duplication with sentient clones, intangibility, precognition as well as the ability to see everything as it happened. Ino’s abilities manifested much later than the rest of them despite not being much older than Chanyeol, Hyuk, and Mirae, and thus had more difficulty trying to control each of his abilities. 

“Really? What is it?” Mirae asked as Chanyeol put down his backpack while she put down her staff. 

Ino looked excited. “Another training room, or…?” 

“Another Danger Room,” Hyuk nodded. “Can it not turn into a vortex manipulator again?” 

“I can’t promise that, but it’s as safe as ever, right? Just like old times,” Ino was beaming. “Ah, well, you might as well see it for yourself. I’ll call the rest of them,” and he disappeared. 

“Are we supposed to wait for them here?” Chanyeol glanced at them, and they shrugged. 

A commotion erupted from the door that was Junhong’s lab, making them turn around. “For a telekinetic, you could’ve aimed better! You could’ve killed me!” Hongjoong appeared, shooting Seonghwa a look. 

“You sped away in time! You knew it wasn’t going to reach you anyway!” Seonghwa argued back. 

“Well I wasn’t able to, not when Mingi keeps playing with that lighter of his! It’s like having to pass by a dragon each time I’m next to him.” 

“So your situation is actually my fault, is that what you’re saying?” Mingi spoke, looking at them incredulously. “I was practicing my pyrokinesis the way Chanyeol hyung showed me, right, San?”

“Stop including me!” said the male who had a visible white streak in his hair similar to Mirae’s. 

“This was a department store-bought shirt and Jongho just had to ruin it!” Wooyoung shrieked, pointing to the tears in his sleeve. 

“Welcome to my world, Wooyoung! Live with it!” Jongho shot back.

“At least I don’t have spikes coming out of my sleeves and pants!”

Chanyeol and Mirae exchanged looks. Hyuk stifled a laugh. “Kind of reminds you how much we bickered back then, huh? I bet those guys would’ve loved to see a repeat of this,” He chuckled. 

“Nothing seems to have changed after all,” Mirae laughed, their reactions making the group stop in their tracks. “We just had dinner,” She explained. “I see training’s been going well?” 

“Not so much when the rest of them bicker more than San and I do,” out of the group came Yunho, who immediately swept her up in a hug then exchanged high fives with Hyuk and Chanyeol as he pulled away. 

The taller form of Junhong appeared from the crowd as well, with scorch marks on his lab coat and a hole in his clipboard. Ino had materialized again as well. “So, the Danger Room, Junhong?” Hyuk asked. 

“Yes, yes, the Danger Room,” Junhong led them to the pair of doors on the other side of the space. He pushed the button, the doors opening up to reveal a dark room covered in what looked like steel tiles. There was a panel of buttons near the doors from the inside and on one side of the room, was a booth. “Ta-da!” He announced, looking over at the three of them, while the rest looked amazed. 

“A little shift in elements here and there, I was able to expand this entire space of ours, make it a little more familiar, don’t you think?” Ino smiled. 

Mirae approached the panel of buttons near the side. “Ice fortress, dystopia, post-apocalypse, zombie invasion, alien invasion, gladiator arena,” She read out. Mirae turned to the next set of buttons and looked over at Junhong. “Why is my name at the top of this panel? Am I a level of difficulty?” She asked, looking puzzled. 

“The highest,” Ino spoke. “But that level’s reserved for the three of you, not that these guys can’t do it, but the three of you are more experienced.” 

“San and Yunho are just as experienced, if you ask me,” Mirae pointed out with a shrug, choosing not to argue any more. 

“Yes, but they’ve never been through the same missions as you and Chanyeol did back at the Center, remember?” Ino reminded her. “The creatures at the museum, the goblin warriors at the train station, and their throne room, and the jewelry store at night?” 

“I remember the jewelry store one,” Hyuk said, glancing at her. “We were coming from dinner when the store exploded. It was the time I found out Mirae was a mutant.” 

Mirae smiled at her friend’s recollection. “Yeah, you came from that singing competition too.” 

Chanyeol grinned. “The train station, I remember that well. Everyone hated us when they saw what was happening in broad daylight. Junmyeon got hot coffee thrown at him...” He looked down the more he remembered. 

Ino noticed Wooyoung squinting at him, the rest of them looking fascinated by their brief trip down memory lane. “Well, I thought I’d show the rest of them how the three of you would do things in these simulations. Hyuk, I know you joined us late at the time, but you still know a thing or two on how to handle non-human entities, right?” He said. 

“Oh yeah, I was with you all at the Esteholm,” Hyuk smiled. Sensing everyone else’s confused expressions, he chuckled. “It’s a hidden marketplace for non-humans, goblins, witches, warlocks, ogres…” 

“You mean those things were actually here all this time?! On this planet?!” Mingi gaped at him and they nodded. 

“Okay, okay, we’ll have a lot of time to talk about that later, but let’s have the three of you take this new Danger Room for a test run?” Ino suggested. “The rest of you follow Junhong into the booth, we’ll all watch from there.” 

“What are we taking on?” Mirae asked. 

Hyuk approached the panels. “What about…” He stopped when he read the mode at the bottom. “Evil villain mansion? What kind of mode is that?” He laughed. 

Chanyeol and Mirae laughed as well. Mirae glanced at the booth, giving a thumbs up to Yunho and San, who looked excited as did the rest of them. “It’s exactly what it is. The mansion of the bad guy,” Junhong said from the booth. 

“Alright then, put up the difficulty rate to my name, I guess,” Mirae said. 

“That’s what I had in mind. Initializing evil villain mansion, Lee Mirae difficulty,” Junhong announced. 

Hyuk backed away, until he was back to back with Chanyeol and Mirae. They heard tiles shifting and a swirling of colors all around them, bringing in a strong gust of wind. Mirae took out her staff from her jacket pocket and extended it. After a few moments, the swirling was disappearing, and they found themselves in what was the ballroom of a large, abandoned house that had some bits of modern technology on the locks of the doors and the windows. 

“Okay, so this is the evil villain mansion,” Chanyeol mumbled as they took in their surroundings. “Where’s the evil villain, then?” 

Mirae took a step forward, seeing two metal circles near the large fireplace. There was a seven-pointed star engraved on one circle, a hexagon that had the shape of a keyhole in the middle engraved on the other. The circles began to turn, until it slowly went up to reveal coffin-shaped tubes. 

“This is oddly specific,” She muttered. 

Hyuk and Chanyeol stared at the tubes as well. The closer they looked, they saw bodies, blackened and as if they had been mummified. “This is very specific,” Chanyeol nodded, feeling a chill down his spine as they approached the tubes. 

Back at the booth, the rest of them stared at what was happening. “Can they see us?” Jongho asked curiously. 

“I don’t think they can, can they?” Hongjoong glanced at Junhong, who was looking at the panels of controls. “But the surroundings look so real.” 

“I know I should be used to this, but this is something I’ve never seen before…” San was staring at the tubes that were opening up in front of the three. 

“Me neither, and I thought I’ve seen everything,” Yunho nodded. 

From the side of the room, Wooyoung could suddenly see flashes of scenes in his head. He looked back at what was happening, seeing Hyuk, Mirae, and Chanyeol nearly destroy the surroundings they were in as humanoid demons with large talons began to attack them. The flashes kept coming. He could see people he hadn’t seen before having been inside the very booth they were in. Yet, Wooyoung wasn’t sure if this had already happened or it was about to happen. He stayed watching the simulation that Mirae, Hyuk, and Chanyeol were in. 

~ 

“Kind of familiar, isn’t it? The train station,” Mirae’s eyes and fingertips were glowing as she sent shockwaves towards the two demons, but to no avail. Instead, the demons clapped their hands, sending similar shockwaves towards her. “They’re parrots.” 

“What do you mean parrots?” Chanyeol had transformed into his fire form, dodging the attacks that were coming towards him. 

“They’re copying everything we do,” Mirae spun her staff a few times before hitting the demon, only to be sent back by the other, who had turned into a fiery figure as well. 

“Can they copy this?” Hyuk waved his hand, sending the two demons in mid-air. His eyes widened when the figure also raised their claws at him, lifting him up and off the floor. “This is impossible-” He crashed into the wall, moving away when some of the decor fell down. 

“Looks like Junhong had his work cut out for him,” Chanyeol tried to burn down the doors of the room until the surroundings changed into what looked like a massive dock full of zeppelins and tables full of volatile chemicals in test tubes and beakers. “Yeah, now I can see why Mirae turned into a level of difficulty.” 

“Let’s try not to touch anything, or interact with anything on those tables,” Mirae looked around on alert. 

They heard a blast from all the way on the other side of the room. “Looks like they found us,” Hyuk said, trying to move the zeppelins as carefully as possible towards the source of the blasts. 

“Those might explode if you let them get blasted,” Chanyeol called out at the telekinetic. 

“Would you rather we get out of here with those? We don’t even know what to use these for” Hyuk pointed out, still trying to move the airships as the blasts grew louder, the impact exploding the tables closest to it. “At least they get blasted and we don’t-” 

Boom. 

There was a blast on their side of the dock, sending the three of them to the floor, as bits of shrapnel and the chemicals on the tables exploded. A large cloud of smoke enveloped them, soon revealing that they were no longer at the dock. They were back in the Danger Room, or at least what was left of the Danger Room.

Mirae opened her eyes, feeling considerably beaten as she looked around, surprised at what she was seeing. Her clothes were scorched, her staff was gone, and from the gust of wind that hit her, she realized what happened. 

The safehouse seemed to have exploded. 

Mirae looked around for a sign of Chanyeol and Hyuk. Was she still in the simulation? “Mirae! Mirae! Mirae! Are you alright?” She turned around, seeing Junhong, Yunho, and Hongjoong run up to her. “The machines overloaded when I was about to take you three out of there,” The tech guy explained. 

She nodded, a feeling of dread suddenly overcoming her as she looked around the area. “Chanyeol? Hyuk?” She called out, kicking away a few bits and pieces of the rubble that surrounded them. “Chanyeol-” She stopped, feeling her heart sink. 

Chanyeol was lying on the floor, a puddle of blood near his head, and bits of shrapnel having hit his sides. Mirae looked around for a sign of the telekinetic, only to realize that he was also lying on the floor, eyes glazed over. A piece of shrapnel hit his head.

“Chanyeol, Hyuk,” Mirae bent down, moving the rubble away from her best friends. She refused to believe it, refused to think that what happened really happened. “Chanyeol, Hyuk,” She took one of the sharp rocks and cut open her wrist, pouring some of the blood into where Chanyeol was hit. “Come on, both of you, this isn’t funny,” She saw that they weren’t moving while her wrist had already healed. 

Junhong bent down to check Hyuk’s pulse, only for his expression to fall when he realized there was none. “Mirae,” He tried to say. 

“No, I know what you’re going to say, and I don’t believe you,” Mirae shook her head profusely, crawling up to Hyuk. Tears were already falling from her eyes as the reality was hitting her bit by bit. “No, no, this can’t happen, not here, not now, no,” She patted his face, but no response. “No, Hyuk, no, don’t, please-” A sob escaped her as she held his body. “Hyuk, no, no, no, no, no,” She sobbed, reaching out to hold Chanyeol’s hand that was going cold. “No, please no, Chanyeol, Hyuk, you two can stop it now, please…” 

“Mirae,” Junhong said again. 

Hongjoong and Yunho exchanged looks, hearing the rest of their colleagues including San appear, all of them had traces of the smoke from the explosion on them. 

“No!” Mirae shook her head again, until she broke down. They were gone. Her best friends. Gone.

[enby-hawke]

The Lost Amell

Words:    1,084

This is my love triangle with Alistair and Leli that ends up poly eventually in Inquisition. I just gotta get this outta my system.

Read on Ao3

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

Though Colette had lived in Ferelden most of her life, she had never seen much of the countryside. Her bangs pressed against the Hummer’s window, the rolling yellow hills blotted with red and white plumes of flowers that seeming to go on forever. Lake Calenhad glittered as the sun set upon it, the sky turning a beautiful meld of pinks and purples cut with the Circle tower’s sharp spike. She suddenly had an urge to paint to commemorate this moment, but Grey Wardens didn’t paint did they?

For a moment a memory of her childhood came to her, days in a Kirkwall mansion playing with her siblings in the garden where the city skyline had skyscrapers that reached for the Maker. As soon as the memory came so did the pain and she willed herself not to think of it, not to think of what could have been if things were different and she had been born normal. The Maker didn’t want that for her. She was a Grey Warden now, the ultimate soldiers. They did not flinch from their duty. She shouldn’t wallow. She’d be facing creatures of nightmare, erasing the stain of the Tevinter’s hubris. There was no greater calling. She should hold her head high and face her destiny proudly.

But she was terrified.

Duncan was a grizzled older man who had seen his share of war and though she asked a lot of questions because she was always interested at any chance to get an outside perspective, she never expected Duncan to take an interest in her skills. She wasn’t exactly a warrior.

But did he do it because he actually believed in her, or because she had a future of tranquilizing for releasing a blood mage?

Colette looked the First Enchanter in the eye and asked for the truth. When he told her Jowan would be made tranquil she stormed out and agreed hastily to the first plan Jowan and Lily spout out. She knew on some level their plan would fail. No one escapes the Circle. But she couldn’t let Jowan become a soulless husk. She couldn’t lose another friend like she lost Anders. She was so sure she was doing the right thing.

But now she wasn’t.

Still the Maker did save her. Duncan was sent to this tower when he could have gone elsewhere. He was willing to anger the Chantry and the Circle’s wrath by recruiting her and yet she didn’t know if this fate was punishment for her crime or the Maker’s mercy.

“Would you like to speak? You look troubled,” Duncan’s soothing voice spoke over the thrum of the car’s engine. He had surprising dexterity on the wheel for the armor that coated his hand and his face had many nicks and scars of what she must have assumed were close calls of the very monsters she was supposed to fight.

“I don’t suppose there’s a way I could stay in the camp. Heal the injured and get them back on their feet.” Colette felt sheepish asking and from the way the air tensed she knew she had misspoke.

“I did not recruit you out of mercy. I need you on the front lines. Your magic could keep men on their feet before they even reach those sickbeds,” Duncan said sternly. Colette hung her head, knowing that would be the answer and yet she could not contain the tremble in her spine. She returned to looking back at the sky wondering if this would be one of her last sunsets.

“You are frightened?” Duncan spoke it like a statement.

Colette nodded, folding her hands. “I’ve never liked fighting or arguing or…conflict of any sort.”

Duncan nodded, his face still stoic. “It is admirable to avoid conflict and fighting when possible, but know that that is not possible with the darkspawn. Their violence can only be met with violence, so while I will not dictate your training and what spells you master, it might behoove you to learn to protect yourself.”

Colette nodded. “We didn’t learn to fight in the Circle. It doesn’t make sense. They send us to war all the time, but they don’t teach us to fight.”

Duncan nodded solemnly. “Though it is not my place to say how the Circle is run, I quite agree.”

Colette looked behind them where Duncan’s rifle was strapped in it’s case. “Are you going to teach me to shoot that?”

Duncan raised a dark eyebrow in amusement. “Are you not confidant with your own spellpower?”

Colette shrugged. “I’m pretty good with lightning but what if I run into something that’s strong against that? What if my mana runs low?”

“I suppose I can teach you some basics but your time might be better spent honing the skills the Maker gave you. I hear from the First Enchanter that you were training to become a spirit healer under Senior Enchanter Wynne?”

Colette wondered if she would run into the Senior Enchanter at the Camp. Though no one could replace her Mother, Wynne had come close over the years guiding her on her path along with the the First Enchanter. She knew that the First Enchanter saw her as a failure now. Would Wynne too? “I have yet to find a spirit willing to Bond with me. I may not be worthy of the honor.”

Duncan shook his head. “I meant what I said to the Knight Commander and First Enchanter. It is a rare person that would risk so much for a friend. I’m sure there is a spirit out there that recognizes your worth. Keep that conviction. I think you will do the Grey Wardens proud.”

Colette found a soft smile on her lips, his words a comfort even if she didn’t quite believe them. Then a thought struck her. “So, now that I’m a Grey Warden does that mean I can have contact with my family again?”

Duncan’s full lips thinned. “The Blight comes first. Though I suppose if you survive the Blight, there would be no harm, granted that your duties come first.” Colette’s smile grew wider. She immediately thought of her Mother and siblings still trapped in the Circle. It was not the life she imagined but the possibility of seeing their faces was worth any pain she might suffer. “Then I suppose I’ll have to survive, won’t I?”

Duncan chuckled agreeably. “It’s good to have things to look forward to. It will give you strength in the coming battles.”

[mememanufactorum]

Ace Combat Zero quotes

* Feel free to share as you please, no credit needed. Change pronouns or anything else as desired.

“Oh, him? Yeah, I know him.”

“Did you know there are three kinds of aces? Those who seek strength, those who live for pride, and those who can read the tide of battle.”

“It was a cold and snowy day…”

“It’s starting to come down.”

“You’d better have our pay ready and waiting.”

“Be ready to pay up. We’ll be back before you know it.”

“[name], I got a feeling you and I are gonna get along just fine. Buddy.”

“It all started on that snowy day.”

“My first impression was… He had potential.”

“I forgot about my job and read everything I had on hand.”

“We were all on an equal footing, fighting under the same conditions. No affiliations or ranks to hinder us.”

“The only rule of engagement was to survive.”

“We WILL survive, [name].”

“I figured you’d say that. This is gonna cost you extra.”

“Unlike you mercenaries, I fight for a real cause.”

“The ones who survive are those who fight for their convictions.”

“Dead men’s words hold no meaning.”

“Those mercenaries are crazy!”

“He hesitated. A vulnerability that can be exploited.”

“I was certain I would win.”

“We protect the meek and give our lives for honor. But that does not mean that we are generous… Since generosity will cost us our lives.”

“Well, then, let’s have some fun.”

“I figured it was just temporary chaos and it’d be over by the time I got there.”

“Every now and then, guys like that appear on a battlefield. Someone special, y’know?”

“War is something fought on the desk of politicians. As long as they win in the end, that’s all that matters.”

“But for us, it’s a matter of survival. In order to survive, you need to be able to analyze the situation in an instant.”

“Time to hunt some wild dogs.”

“Looks like we were just a couple of decoys.”

“Yo, Buddy, you still alive?”

“Back then, I was bursting with pride.”

“Staying where it was nice and warm wouldn’t accomplish anything.”

“Whatever it may be, the fact remains I was forced to walk a different path in life than the one I had envisioned.”

“They only fight for their own power and fame.”

“[name], let’s do this right. We got the pride it takes to win!”

“They’ve got a reason to fight. This battle’s over.”

“Let’s take care of them.”

“It takes time to admit you lost.”

“[name], you hear those people screaming for freedom? That’s where we come in!”

“It felt like he could see right through me. He was always one step ahead of me.”

“I didn’t feel like I was fighting with a human being.”

“I wanted to end that battle as quickly as possible.”

“It signals peace, but to me, they are the sounds of death.”

“Everyone is a hero and a villain. And no one knows who is the victim and who is the aggressor.”

“And what is ‘peace’?”

“Looks like we live to see another day, [name].”

“Mercenaries like us are disposable to the guys in charge.”

“But in the end, we survived.”

“When are you planning to buy those flowers?”

“Wait around too long and another guy’s gonna steal her away from you, you know.”

“This is no time to talk about my personal life!”

“Yo Buddy, you’ve got everyone fired up and believing in miracles.”

“Right on! Now that’s what I call teamwork!”

“[name], you hear that warm welcome? It’s the sweet sound of victory.”

“Not bad for a group of misfits, huh?”

“Dammit, there’s too many of them! We can’t handle them all!”

“Time to dive into the fireworks!”

“Looks like you’ve still got the touch.”

“It’s happening just as you thought.”

“It’s about time we got out of this dead-end job.”

“Not just yet.”

“They’re attacking without mercy. Do they plan on burning everything?”

“He can’t be human!”

“He’s like a demon…”

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I fight for peace. That’s what I’m up here for.”

“While you’re up here ‘fighting for peace,’ tons of blood is being shed on the ground. Some ‘peace,’ kid.”

“And I’m here to put an end to that.”

“You think you can stop the bloodshed by shedding more blood?”

“Flying with all those ideas floating around in your head is gonna get you killed.”

“Anyway, I’d really gone out with a bang this time.”

“It’s a scary thought, but it also makes you feel alive.”

“But it gets pretty lonely up there all by myself.”

“Guess they’ve come to pick on the dead again.”

“This is the worst kind of support we could hope for.”

“Those mercenaries smell of money and death. They’re nothing but vultures… Scavenging for profit through the blood of others.”

“Sorry about the accommodations. It goes with the business. I’m not active during the day.”

“Something unexpected happened.”

“I figured the least I could do was take them down in return.”

“Of course, that was where my luck ran out.”

“Though I guess it’s hard for bad guys like us to die.”

“The real heroes always manage to die first.”

“We live the rest of our lives in hell.”

“But, then again, being alive is proof that we were good.”

“This will be your final lesson.”

“I’ll show him he’s only digging his own grave.”

“What’s important on the battlefield is to let go of hate, to survive, and to adhere to the rules you’ve set for yourself.”

“There was no more need for an old soldier like me.”

“Hatred cannot be the only motivation for war. It only brings about more pointless deaths.”

“I will never overcome that grief.”

“I’ll just look on from here.”

“He was unstoppable.”

“It didn’t matter where the battlefield was, the man had complete trust in his own powers.”

“He was born for battle, a Demon Lord who struck down all opposition.”

“He was born for combat. It was no wonder they called him a Demon Lord.”

“That said, it was hell trying to keep up with him.”

“He was cool-headed and proud. A combat professional.”

“Maybe the man was blessed by the goddess of war.”

“Before long, everyone had taken notice of him.”

“People wanted to burn his image in their memories.”

“Hell, they weren’t the only ones.”

“Learn to accept it, kid. This is war.”

“There’s no mercy in war. It’s a collision of powers.”

“Even war has a set of rules to follow!”

“Damn them all…”

“Nobody knew why they were fighting anymore.”

“All I felt at that point was sadness for the world.”

“You gonna get remarried to your girl?”

“We’re both getting married for the first time!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll catch up.”

“Nah… I’m just sad.”

“There’s no impossible jobs for us mercenaries!”

“Your fairy godmother’s here, Cinderella.”

“How can you say that after what just happened?”

“Today is your lucky day, [name]. Like your birthday.”

“And you’re here to pull me off in a magical carriage, huh? To hell I suppose…”

“Buddy… I’ve found a reason to fight.”

“This is where we go our separate ways.”

“And I like to play polo. You know, the game with the horses?”

“…Maybe we should get going now.”

“I should be able to do that too.”

“This war should be over already.”

“Why would they do this after all that’s happened?”

“I’m going to put an end to this war.”

“We’ll decide when this war ends… And now is not the time.”

“Today is a day of hope.”

“We have to go into battle.”

“Are they being stupid or is it just part of a plan?”

“The rest is up to you.”

“Our lives might’ve been different.”

“I will never forget his overwhelming power.”

“I returned alive from that battlefield.”

“There’s no meaning there now that he’s gone.”

“He soon passed away, leaving me behind.”

“We were only able to spend a short time together in peace and quiet.”

“But those who hearts are in the sky will always return to the sky.”

“And he died there, never to return to me.”

“It’s an awful place, but the fastest shortcut.”

“Don’t even think about heading back.”

“What are you fighting for?”

“I will eliminate the false hero.”

“You will make a worthy opponent.”

“What are you doing?! The war’s ended long ago!”

“It’s time for a perfect world without restrictions or wars.”

“He’s going to destroy everything!”

“I’ll follow [name] to the end!”

“I thought I was watching magic.”

“I’d never felt fear toward an opponent.”

“The same went for my ideals. I wasn’t afraid to take on even an entire country.”

“But when I was fighting him, something felt different.”

“There’s always a war somewhere and I’m sure he’s on some battlefield somewhere fighting even now.”

“He’ll always have a place to live.”

“Let the victor be justice.”

“I was hoping to meet you under different circumstances.”

“The table is surrounded by politicians who have never placed a foot on the battlefield.”

“It’s a necessary discussion to build a peaceful world.”

“It’s a disgusting squabble on who gets the largest share of the pie and that’s why it needs to end.”

“It is for that duty that we raised the King.”

“Let’s begin.”

“This place is no longer a battlefield.”

“Clashing greed is the cause of all conflict.”

“Style and skill does not matter in battle.”

“We will carry out the new creation of destruction through the power of righteousness.”

“Territories, peoples, authorities… All will be liberated.”

“Neither nations nor nationalities have meaning.”

“We will erase these unnecessary borders.”

“The world will change.”

“He’s not destroying anything unnecessarily.”

“This darkness and that little window are my entire world now.”

“I’m actually rather fond of it.”

“The darkness envelops me in a borderless world, a world with no boundaries.”

“No matter what the desired outcome is, the world can still change as long as people expand their knowledge and desire change.”

“If I’m with you, I know I can do it.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

“We’re gonna stop it, no matter what.”

“I never want to see that barren land again.”

“We’re gonna be rich!”

“We’re gonna be heroes!”

“I’m gonna propose to her when I get back. I even bought flowers!”

“So, have you found a reason to fight yet?”

“Here comes the snow…”

“Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they’re invincible.”

“I bet you do too, Buddy.”

“Can you see any borders from here? What has borders given us?”

“We’re going to start over from scratch.”

“It’s pretty ironic, Buddy. A couple of dogs like us fighting the last battle.”

“There’s no mercy in war. People live and people die. That’s all there is to it.”

“You fired up? Come shoot me down.”

“It’s time.”

“Too bad, Buddy.”

“This twisted game needs to be reset.”

“You’re the only one who can stop him.”

“I pray for your success.”

“You and I are opposite sides of the same coin.”

“When we face each other, we can finally see our true selves.”

“There may be a resemblance, but we never face the same direction.”

“Fire away, coward!”

“Come on!”

“Come on, let’s go back home.”

“We wouldn’t want to keep anyone waiting for you.”

“Maybe this was one path to achieve peace.”

“I should have died that day. But I didn’t.”

“I felt an unbearable sadness when I witnessed that landscape.”

“It may be true that the world has no need of borders. But would getting rid of them really change anything?”

“The world won’t change for the better unless we trust people.”

“Trust is vital in a peaceful world.”

“But that’ll never happen.”

“I want to see for myself what borders really mean and what their volition really is…”

“I may not find what I’m looking for but I still wanna try.”

“Anyway, that’s what I’ve come to believe and I think that’s enough.”

“Yo Buddy. Still alive?”

“And thanks friend. See you again.”

“I was never able to find out what kind of a person he really was.”

“But whenever they talked about him, they always had a slight smile on their faces.”

“That, perhaps, might be my answer.”

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Heartbreak, Glory, and Unholy

(Mikasa’s Pov)

The streets became a war zone. How ironic? The raven haired assassin uses her ODM gear to fly through buildings. She noticed a familiar face at a pile of rumbles. Gabi Braun was removing the destroyed house. Mikasa landed on the ground to check on her. 

“Gabi? Are you ok? What happened?” her tone was worried for the young girl. 

“Mikasa? Mikasa, you’re here. I’m glad you are here. I need your help. The bomb destroyed this neighborhood and my parents and auntie are under the pile. Please help me to get them out.”  Gabi ran to her and hugged her tightly. The young girl was in tears. 

“I’m glad that you’re not hurt.” Mikasa hugged back to comfort her. “Of course, I’ll help you. We’ll get them out.” 

Gabi gave a faint smile and let go of Mikasa while resuming digging on the pile. Ackerman goes to lift up the heavy ones. Soon, they saw three bodies. Gabi’s parents and Reiner’s mother. 

“Mom and dad! Wake up!” The brunette cried out. They didn’t respond. Gabi checked their pulses, but as she feared none of their pulses was detected. 

“N-no my parents they can’t be dead?” the girl sobbed from realizing her loss. 

“I’m so sorry, Gabi….you shouldn’t feel the loss of your parents.” This breaks her heart. Just seeing Gabi grieving, it hits her home. Then both girls saw a small movement. They glanced to see Ms. Braun groaned in pain. “G-gabi? My niece, shouldn’t you be with your comrades?” Ms. Braun coughs from struggling to breathe. Her blood spat out from the coughs. 

Reiner’s mother feels her legs crushed. Her lungs had collapsed from the big chunks crushing her chest. The older woman barely hangs on to her life. She knows deep down she only has a few minutes left before Death takes her away. 

“Yes, yes I’m here auntie. I have my friend, Mikasa. She will help you and we’ll go to Reiner.” The little girl held her aunt's hand carefully. 

“Mikasa? Mikasa Ackerman? Girl, come here so I can take a good look at you.” Her voice was wheezing. Mikasa obeys the dying woman.

“It’s nice to officially meet you Ms. Braun. I wish we had met in a better circumstance.” Mikasa stared at the older woman.

“You are a beauty. My son must be lucky. Tell him I love him. I don’t think I would make it soon.” She coughed again. 

“No, don’t say that. We’ll get you out of here and find a hospital to treat you. You can leave Reiner alone along Gabi. They need you.” Mikasa trying to encourage her things will be ok. 

“You silly girl. I have not much time left so let the dying woman say her final words.” Ms. Braun chuckled weakly. 

Gabi’s tears shed more from hearing what her aunt had said. Mikasa was struggling not to shout and convince her that she needed to be strong. This feels familiar when Carla Jaeger was crushed under her home until a titan saw her and ate her. Now. Mikasa cried because what will she tell Reiner? That his mother died and she couldn’t do anything about it to save her? Oh god, she wants to shed blood on the ones responsible. How many people’s lives need to lose in order to win a war and have peace? Could for once the world be beautiful enough to enjoy it? 

“Auntie! Don’t leave me...and Reiner….I can’t be alone. Soon all of you will leave me.” Gabi screamed in agony at the thought of losing all her family members. As a warrior trainee, she will be under responsibility of the military. 

“My sweet warrior please listen to me. We’ll be in your heart to protect and guide you, just remember that. I love you so much and your parents love you very much. We are all so proud of you for your accomplishments.” She said. 

Mikasa listens to the conversation between aunt and niece. Then Ms. Braun began to speak to her. 

“Mikasa, promise me you will make my son happy...his feelings for you are deep. If you have no feelings for him, give him a chance. He is a good man and honorable.” She pleaded. 

“I already...we confessed how we feel about each other. I promise to be there with him until his time..” The Asian woman made her promise. 

“I’m grateful to hear that. I may not get the chance to see my future grandchild, but please give my son a child. This is my dying wish and take Gabi under your care. She deserves to have a better childhood. Promise me, Mikasa.” Ms. Braun gasped for air until she drew her last breath and passed away. 

“I-I p-promise, Ms. Braun.” Mikasa’s tears fell and closed the older woman's eyes. Gabi cried on Mikasa’s chest while the raven haired woman held her tightly as both cried. 

After they calmed down, both females got up to start heading to find Reiner or Armin and Annie who had arrived at night time from the other side of the world. 

“Let’s go find a cousin or my friends.” Mikasa grabbed a gun for Gabi to use it. “You know how to shoot right?” She asked. 

“Gabi nodded. “Yeah, we learned from our training.” The little girl grabbed it and held it like a true soldier. 

“Alright, use it when necessary. I don’t have a lot of bullets, but we’ll find one on the way.” Mikasa watched the girl then both begin to walk away from the grim scene. They need to survive this hell. Mikasa will protect Gabi with her life. That’s a promise. 

(Eve) 

Since the day at the festival, both Eve and Eren had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves. Everything felt like those romantic traveling movies. She felt like in a fairytale. Eren was perfect in her eyes. All they did was walk around the town and have those crazy love makings. Everything was great until rumors of an attack at the capitol. People prayed for the safety of their loved ones who lived there and the queen.

Both couples were laying on the bed thinking their own thoughts. “I think I have to leave.” This made Eve glance at him. 

“Wait what? Leave where?” Eve frowned. 

“Into hiding before these new enemies come find me.” Eren already begins to get up and gather his clothes.

“Why would they want to find you? Eren what did you do?” The brunette woman sat up. 

“That’s confidential.” He said. 

“So that’s it then. You’re going to leave and pretend this didn’t happen?” Her grey eyes began to get watery. 

Eren had his back facing her. “Yes, it's just fun while it lasts, but I need to focus on my purpose.” 

Just hearing his words, breaks her heart. How could he be so cruel? All those sweet words and promises were nothing but lies. It may be short but it felt like their relationship was longer than it seems. 

“Please Eren...don’t leave. Whatever your purpose is, we can do it together. I need you...I want you.” She got up to go in front of him to stop him. 

“Eve, don’t make me do this the hard way.” To be honest, this is killing Eren also. He wants to protect her from what is coming soon. Those few weeks since their first meet, slowly they were falling for each other.  

“Take me with you, please. I can’t be without you. I know it’s so soon but I’m in love with you.” Her tears kept falling. She gripped on his shirt. 

“I know you feel what I am feeling too. You love me as much I love you. Don’t break my heart please, my love.” Her lips already started to leave kisses on his neck and lips to show him how much he means to her. 

Why is she making this difficult? If he takes her with him, she could get killed. He prefers to have her alive and safe. Of course, what he was doing is hurting him too. 

Damn it, she is going to hate him. 

“Eve stop this now.” He grabbed her wrists to have her away from him. “At least have dignity.” His tone became cold. 

“Why? Baby, don’t do this to me.” Her tears fell hard. 

“Forget what we had. There was never us. I was just a lonely man who wanted comfort on my bed.” Her heart dropped from what he said. All long he was using her to satisfy himself? 

“You jerk! How can you do this to me? I opened up my heart for you and you just take it? So you have never loved me like you claimed? How dare you play my heart you asshole?” She began to yell at him. This pain is too much. She was a fool. Eve had fallen into the same trap as her previous relationships. She thought he was different, but clearly was too dumb to see the signs. 

“Don’t take this too personal, Dollface. I am a man with needs and your body fulfills that. You should consider using your talented skill into a professional business. I hear whores make a lot of money if they are exotic and talented.” He smirked to make this act work. 

Eve gave a glare that’s so familiar to him. The only ones who pulled it off are Mikasa and Levi Ackermans. Before he was about to say more, his cheek was stinging from the slap she gave him. 

“I hate you. I hate you so much; yet I still love you, you bastard!” The heartbreak was too much for her. She falls on her knees from her body trembling with so much emotions. 

Eren glanced down at the woman he loves dearly. He can’t believe this was the only way to keep her safe and away from him. What he was about to do is placing his palm on her forehead. Since She has Eldian blood in her veins. He can erase her memories of him and their heavenly time together. It’s for the best. Maybe one day he’ll have her back. 

Eve tried to remove his hand away from her, but she felt a static on her body as Eren erased her memories of him for good. After the deed was done, he walked away leaving her with a blink look. 

“I’m sorry...I love you, Eve.” He whispered low enough for him to hear as he exited the room. 

When Eren left her alone in the room, Eve stared at the door where he exited. What he did know, Eve still has her memories of him. After all Ackermans are immune from the power of the Founding titan. Her true identity was not Eve. Well, it’s her middle name. Her true name is Natasha Eve Ackerman and her grandparents are Historia Reiss and Levi Ackerman. Yeah, Eve came to the past...accidentally. The most reckless thing she ever did was fall in love with the Earth devil aka Eren Jaeger. 

(Historia) 

The young queen was on a loveseat while the maids did her hair. She was already bathe, dressed in her white wedding dress, and had done her makeup but lightly. 

“Your majesty, you look so beautiful. Your king will be pleased.” One of the maids said. 

No no can they just shut up. He is not her king. He will never be her king. That belongs to Levi. He is her king, the king of her heart. The one thing she was grateful for was that her son had escaped safely. At least, she can focus on trying to escape or kill him. Oh Walls, she misses her sweet little boy. Barely a few hours born and already the queen is separated from her baby. She misses Levi so much. Soon, she will reunite with her boys to be as a family they are meant to be. 

“All ready, my queen.” Another maid said with happiness while another one grabbed a mirror to show how she looked in the reflection.

Historia glanced at the reflection, but felt unamazed. She hated it. This was not her dream wedding. 

“I see.” Her tone was mono and uninterested. 

Before one of the maids said something, a knock on the doors appeared. One of them opens the doors. “Is the bride ready? His Majesty is waiting at the altar along with our guests.” The messenger said. 

“She is ready now.” The door opened wider for the man to enter. 

“Your majesty, it’s a pleasure meeting you in person. You are a beauty that rivals Our three goddesses. I’ll be your escort to the citadel. Our King is awaiting his queen.”  He smiled from meeting the Queen Historia. 

Historia gets up. “Let’s get this over with.” She walked to exit the room which the man quickly followed her behind. 

When exited the palace, another machine cart or what these invaders called a car was parked in the pathway of the palace ground. It’s similar to the other car that kidnapped her from the Orphanage property. 

The gloomy bride hesitated to enter the vehicle as the backseat door was opened for her. For a woman that just gave birth, she was holding herself together. Even with makeup it doesn’t conceal her pale face. Historia felt scared, but her escort gently pushed her in. 

“Your majesty, we must go quickly. It’s improper to make the guests wait for the bride taking too long.” he said. 

Historia felt tears fall from her eyes as she slid into the car. The man gets in after her and closes the door. The car begins to drive to downtown plaza of the city of Mitras.

As she stared at the window from the car, the view was like a nightmare. Fallen soldiers laying on the ground dying. The streets were covered in blood. Some civilians were in distress from the scene. Smokes coming out of a few buildings. The queen began to breathe in and out panicky. Why? Just why, must there be good men and women dying in vain? This is not the reign she wants to be a part of. A true ruler will put their people first instead of their personal agenda. 

“Why...why is he so cruel? This nation is already worrying about another war but with Marley. My people shouldn’t be suffering. Nobody shouldn’t.” She looked down. The blonde haired woman couldn’t look at the scene. 

“I agree, but we must preserve our strength so you can rise up and bring peace again.” The man said. He tries to comfort the crying woman. 

“You’re not one of Evans’ loyalists? Or Templars?” Her blue eyes glanced at him. 

“No, I’m an assassin that’s undercover. I’m on this mission when Mentor Miles and the rest of the brotherhoods arrived on this island many months ago. He assigned me to join the templar as a spy. Don’t worry Queen Historia, I informed the Mentor that you're alive and well.” The assassin said. 

Her eyes widened with hope. “Tell me...is my son safe? Did Commander Hange have my son in custody?” 

“The prince is safe, my queen. I received a message from the mentor before they departed to their hideout.” He reassured her. 

A sigh of relief came from her. Her little angel is with the people she trusts. She wonders if Levi knew their son was born. Has he met him? 

“What about Levi? Has he met his son yet?” She said. 

“No, the captain left around 3 am to get to you in the morning.” He sighed and shook his head. Historia nodded and felt sad. He probably doesn’t know what’s going on yet? Or maybe he does and is on a rampage. 

The car finally stopped. She looked at the window to see the entrance of the citadel where the wedding ceremony will take place. 

“I don’t want to go..” Historia whispered. 

“I’m sorry your majesty...I don’t want you to go in there too, but keep up the appearance as an obedient queen until we strike. I promise you it will be long.” He encouraged her which she sighed in understanding. She has to do this. For her son, for former comrades, for her friends, for the people of Paradis and for her husband, Levi. 

“What’s your name if I may ask?” Historia waits for someone to open the door since it;s protocol and also she doesn’t know how to open this metal fancy cart. 

“My name is Reignald Garcia, your Majesty, but Reggie it’s what most called me.” he said.

“Thank you, Reggie for reassuring me. I need that. I don’t know who to trust at the moment.” Historia glanced at the assassin. 

“No problem your majesty. I wish you luck.” He gave her a smile. 

Historia nods and the door is open for her. She grabs another escort’s hand to get out of the car. Few armies guard her as they lead her to the main double doors. Finally the doors open and she takes one last breath. The queen steps into the citadel to wait for her doom. 

As she enters, all eyes are on her. The citadel is full of people. Carefully she notices very familiar noble families. She doesn’t know whether they betray her or they were forced. Historia stare at each one of the nobles and priests because once she holds her power as queen, they will answer their loyalty towards her. If any signs showed their betrayal to her and the government and people, all hell will lose. 

The music church sound began and everyone stood up. The bride slowly walked down the aisle. This time she held her chin up. She will play her part then when the time is right, she will strike and bring them down. 

(Levi)

Levi reached the city of Mitras. He noticed the streets were being cleaned up from an attack. There were guards that were not from either military regiment. His instincts were telling him to stay hidden. The captain avoided the guards passing by to patrol. He got to the headquarters to notice, no one was there. It was empty. Thank god, he knows where to go if something like this happens. Quickly, Levi led his horse back out of the city to find the hideout. 

The area was surrounded by trees as he galloped through the forest. It took Levi twenty minutes to reach his destination. In his view, a cabin appeared. The raven haired man could see people there. Most were the assassins but he saw Four- Eyes there with a tiny human that she’s carrying. Why did they bring a baby with them? What are they babysitters?

He was finally at the cabin. The short man got off his horse and had the horse being tied where food and water are already displayed for the horses. Commander Hange glanced to see Levi here. 

“Levi! I’m glad you’re here. A lot has happened in 24 hours.” She was interrupted. 

“Hange, I know shitty things have happened in the capital, but I just got back from the Orphanage. Those bastards burnt down the property. Luckily, most of the children had escaped and hid, but they killed off the adults. H-historia was taken and...I need to find her. She’s in danger. The baby….I can’t fucking lose them. I swear I will kill them all.” He felt his anger arise again. Then the crying of the baby stopped him talking. 

“I understand your pain, Levi but we have someone undercover keeping an eye on the queen. Please try to calm down, your kid can sense your anger.” Hange looked at the baby who was still crying. 

“Shitty Glasses, what are you talking about? My kid hasn’t been born yet. Historia is still pregnant.” The captain was confused. He stared at the baby. 

“Well, she gave birth in Lord Evans’ estates. One of the girls who works for the midwife sneaks your son out because he’s in more danger. So Levi, meet your boy, Atticus Ackerman. Isn’t he a cutie? He looks like you only with Historia’s blue eyes.” She showed the baby to Levi. 

He glanced at the baby to notice those familiar blue eyes. They are definitely Historia’s. He can’t believe it; his child is here. His heart gave a squeezed feeling for missing the birth of his son. Wow, he has a son. Now Levi doesn’t know what to do.

“Atticus? I-I don’t know where to start.” He said. 

“It’s ok, you can start by carrying him. I think he senses you’re his papa.” Hange carefully placed Atticus on Levi’s arms while the baby stopped crying. 

“See he wants his daddy.” She grins while watching Levi cradling his newborn son. 

Levi was lost in admiring his child. He and Historia had created this innocent angel. He will do what it takes to protect his son. As a new father, Levi is scared of screwing his kid’s life. Atticus starts to smile and let out a cute giggle. Hange felt her heartbeat with joy. This is one of the rare moments seeing Levi smiling. She is happy for her friend as another good thing was given to him. 

“Atticus, my son...I’m sorry you were born in this shitty moment but I will promise you. I give you the best life you deserve. You and your mother will have the best life I’ll give. I love you; be strong.” The captain has leaned closer to kiss his son’s tiny forehead.

“Zoe...do you know where my grandfather is? I need his help to send Atticus away from this island.” He looked up at his friend and commander. The commander rarely heard him calling her by her first name. 

“Yeah, he’s inside. Let’s go in and talk about sending Atticus to America.” She walked back into the cabin which Levi followed her while carrying his child. Levi doesn’t want to be separated from his child. He just met him. As the war just started, his boy is not safe here. He won’t risk his son’s life. 

William was busy on his laptop. He was in contact with Shaun on Zoom. 

“Everything is a mess here. It’s technically a war zone. We’re lucky enough to escape before we get amush.” The Mentor sigh. 

“Wow that sucks. I’m not surprised the Templars are capable of conquest. Do you plan to get more recruits? You don’t have enough men and women to fight.” Shaun said on the other side of the laptop. 

“I have three of the new members, Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlet and Annie Leonhart; to go to Marley and get recruits or allies.” Will said. 

“Huh? One of them has the same last name as your grandson, Levi.” Shaun said. 

“Yes, she’s a distant cousin of his. Marley is also being under attack too. The queen is the hostage of the Order. She just gave birth to my great grandson. Thank god there were some people who have a heart to help escape the boy. He’s now safe and sound with us.” Will hasn’t had time to process what had happened. He was glad Hange is more alert on surprise attacks. 

“Congrats on being a great grandfather now.” The blonde man chuckled from the screen. 

“Thank you. I hope Levi arrives soon.” Just when he mentions his grandson’s name, Levi and Hange enter the dining room. 

“Oh neverminded he’s here.” The older man smiled seeing Hange and Levi especially holding Atticus in his arms. 

“Grandfather, I need that favor I told you about if it comes to this.” Levi said vaguely. 

“Oh that favor. Of course, we can get a plane here to have Atticus escape. We’ll need someone who can be trusted to take care of the baby.” Will remember what Levi meant. 

“As long it will get him out of danger.” The captain stared at his son who’s making cooing sounds. 

“Excuse me, Levi. Hi, I’m Shaun Hastings. One of the best tactical guidance in the Brotherhood. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Levi Ackerman. I can help out to make a safe trip for your kid.” Levi heard the laptop talking and raised his brow at his grandfather in confusion. 

“It’s one of my fellow members of the brotherhood from America that I’m speaking to on my laptop.” William explained which Hange’s sparkled with intrigue.

“Wait, you can communicate far away with this laptop thing?” She goes behind Will to see a man on the screen. 

“Can you? I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. I’m putting him under your responsibility. Got it?” Levi was now on the other side next to Will while talking to Shaun. 

Shaun was annoyed the way Levi acts towards him. Obviously, Levi doesn’t care. He’s itchy for using his blades on the templars, Lord PrettyBoy, and Zeke. Oh he has plans for both of them when he sees them. 

“Oh don’t mind Levi. He’s just overprotective since he’s a new father.” Hange said to Shaun. The British man nodded and let it go. 

“Will, just say the word and I’ll get a plane to you guys.” Shaun already begins to use his connections to find a good plane availability. 

“Get a plane and we’ll get someone taking care of Atticus.” William said. Levi and Hange were focused on the baby. 

Later as the hours got dark, few selected assassins joined Levi who had his son on his arm while riding the horse to the location where the plane landed at an open spot in the woods. 

When they get there, the new father hops off his horse. He looked at a figure besides him. 

“Blouse, you’re in charge protecting him. Can you do that? You will have all the necessary things in his diaper bag. The rest of the stuff is at the location. I’m leaving my son under your care. I’m counting on you. If anyone threatens him or you, shoot them.” He gave his orders to his subordinate. 

She gave her salute. “Sir, I won’t fail you.” 

He nodded and gave the diaper bag to her then his son who’s asleep. Before both Sasha and the baby depart, Levi kisses his forehead on last time. He steps away from them as Sasha gets into the plane while holding Atticus. The captain watched the plane leave and the area became silent. 

It’s for the best Host. Our offspring will be safe. Let’s focus on getting our mate back. I’m drenching for vengeance. 

“Tch. Let’s go.” Levi orders the rest of the crew to get back to their hideout. His eyes glowed silver. He kept hearing the mumbles Iapetus will do to Zeke and Prettyboy. 

(Reiner)

They made it into the base hospital where Pieck is now being treated for her gunshot wounds.  The rest of the small group were waiting outside. 

“Thank god, we made it in time to save Pieck.” Porco sighs in relief. 

Reiner agrees with Porco. He doesn’t want to lose another comrade. He didn’t imagine this war will be against their favor and it’s not just them being invaded, Paradis and other neighboring nations are being invaded by these hungry conquerors. The Marleyans hadn’t felt this helpless since the Eldian Empire. This time it’s not their descendants it’s these unknown groups called themselves the Order of Templars.

At least, they know the identity of their invaders. If Reiner can find any surviving higher officials, maybe they will consider to ally the Paradis and these other groups called the Brotherhood of Assassins. They know more about the templars. What Armin and Annie told them was both factions were hidden from the world. It’s difficult to find information about these two societies. They are considered ancient since the dawn of humanity. Not everything that they knew of their history was true. The Marleyan Warriors had a hard time grasping these new facts. All their lives, they were taught the history of their ancestor’s sins and how they need to atone from the past mistakes. 

“We need to find a higher up at least in these bases.” Reiner said. 

A Marleyan soldier ran towards the group. The man was in his prime 20s. He glanced at Armin and gasped. “Deputy Chief Braun, we were looking for you. Lieutenant Romos has summoned you. By the way, why is the Paradisan devil here?” He glared at Armin which Annie was ready to act in order to protect her lover. Yes, Armin is capable of protecting himself, but she will not risk it.   

“He’s here because he along with another Paradisan have valuable information to deal with our new enemies.” He glared at the Marleyan soldier. “As of now he and Mikasa Ackerman are under my protection as Deputy Chief of the Marley’s Warriors.” 

“I see very well, I’ll let my superior make his judgement. Come, he doesn’t have patience at the moment, and you can bring the rest of the group with you.” He turned around to head back.   

Reiner and the rest of the gang started heading in that direction. Once they reached where Lt. Romos is located. The man was in his 40s with heavy dark under eyes. His wrinkles were visible from the stress and weather made him aged too fast. Lt. Romos was busy looking at a map while being surrounded by the remaining of the troops besides the ones fighting at the frontline protecting their base. 

The Marleyan soldier saluted his officer which Lt. Romos turned around to stare at the soldier. Not that far, he saw Reiner, Porco, Annie, and Armin entering the strategy room. “Ah Deputy Chief Braun, I’m glad you’re alive. I’m sure you understand what’s going on. We don’t know this foreign invaders, but they were hiding under us for a long time to ready to strike. We found out our leaders who were assigned at the shoreline base are dead. It’s just you and I.” Lt. Romos grabbed a paper to hand to Reiner. “Here before Commander Hugos died, he left this last order towards you. I suggest reading out loud for the troops to hear the Commander’s final wish.” 

Reiner nodded and took the paper and read what it said. He was shocked at what his late commander’s order was. 

Dear Deputy Chief Reiner Braun, 

The council and I have hereby to grant you honorary citizenship as a Marleyan. You and your family will be treated as citizens with military benefits. For your loyalty and service to this great nation, Marley. As now you’re an honorary citizen; I, Commander Hugos of the Marley army of all regiments  anoint you as my successor if I died in action or incapable of acting as commander. For any soldiers speaks out or disobeys your commands; they will be labelled as traitors and be held in trials under a suitable sentence as decided by you and the councils. I wish you farewell, soldier. You and our fellow comrades bring pride in our nation. 

Sincerely, 

Robert Hugos, Commander of the Marleyan Army.   

Silence took over. Reiner doesn’t know what to say or do. He actually did it. He and his family are safe. They are granted as citizens. What’s shocking he’s now the commander of the whole nation of Marley’s armies. 

“I- I don’t know what to say…” The blonde Eldian was processing what he just read. 

The soldiers mumbled at what was written. Lt. Romos now salutes the new Commander. “I’m at your service sir. My platoon is under your commander. What’s your first order.” He gave a smirk at Reiner. Around Reiner and Romos, the rest of the troopers salute. “We are also at your service, Commander sir!” They shout with pride. 

Reiner nodded in acknowledgement for their fealty towards him as their new commander. “My fellow soldiers, I’m honored to be your commander. I will lead you into victory to drive these invaders out of our great motherland. I promise you, if you die in battle your families will be set for life for the loyalty and dedication to this country. Things will change especially in a time like this. We all have a common enemy. Today we are one army, not as Marleyan-Marleyans, Eldians or half-Marleyans. Today we are the Marleyans. Protectors of our nation, our families, and our beliefs. Are you with me, soldiers?” Reiner raised his fist up. Everyone raised their fists along. 

“Yes, sir. For Marley!” They chanted. 

“The first thing we need to do is Lt. Romos, to step closer.” The lieutenant did as he was told but was confused where this was leading. 

“As today, I’m promoting you to General since you’re the last high up officer of our military. I know it’s not much, but after the war you along several promoting officers will get a ceremony that you deserve. Congratulations, General.” Reiner needed a new general for now. Since then their numbers have shrunk. This will do unless they recruit more. This army will break barriers of Eldians and Marleyans. Maybe this big step will help take the first step in diminishing segregation between Eldians and Marleyans.  

“Thank you sir. I will bring honor to our military and nation.” Gen. Romos salutes in respect. 

“I need two soldiers with good penmanship's and use our telecommunication.” Commander Braun stared at the troops. Two hands raise to get his attention. 

“Sir, I know how to use telecommunication and penmanship. The soldier said. 

Sir, I can help him out.” The other one speaks out. 

“Alright, both of you go to the communication room and send messages to any surviving troopers from all over Marley and outside. Give them an update. One of you has to go to the frontlines to pass on the message that I will personally give you. The rest of you troopers are on guard and protect our base. You’re all dismiss except Gen. Romos and Porco and Annie, Armin.” Once he gave his order, the troopers left and the room was quiet with all five  of them.

“Porco, since I’m the commander; I’m naming you my successor as Deputy Chief of the Marley’s Warriors unit. Congrats, you have earned it.” He gave a smile. Porco was flushed at the promotion he was given. “Thanks Rein- I mean Commander sir.” 

Reiner nodded. “Ok now that settles. General, I need you to pick some of your best soldiers, maybe like 3 or 4 to find Mikasa Ackerman and my cousin, Gabi Braun.”  General Romos salutes his commander and heads out. 

Reiner sighs. He hopes this war will be the last. At what cause they keep this old centuries feud and fear between Marley and Paradis? No one is safe at the price of war, especially fuel by hatred and fear. Like what Mikasa said, all this started because of Templars and their ambition of ruling the world. This time they will stand their ground for a new beginning of peace for their children and their children’s children to have a future. 

(Nathaniel) 

The Usurper awaits for his bride as she walks down the aisle. She may be beautiful, but her face is pale and her eyes look dull. The death of her brat had hit a milestone. Nathaniel is pleased the newborn had died with mother nature being involved. That beast she is so in love with will know he has nothing. His child is dead, Historia is his. The “king” will find the Ackermans and send their heads to his bride as a late wedding gift from. He will grin with joy when she sees it and scream from losing her precious Ackermans. 

The cruel man notices Historia finally stands beside him at the altar. The high priest began to perform the ceremony. Nathaniel takes her hand, but she quickly rejects it by moving it away. The nobleman rolled his eyes. How childish of her? ‘

“You acting like this will not stop the wedding, sweetheart.” His tone gives off a sweet but threatening. “So behave like a good bride. This is your happiest day.” Historia glared with hatred towards him. 

So he forcedly grabbed her hand. Historia this time didn’t struggle and continued listening to the high priest. 

As minutes turned to hours, both bride and groom were lost in their own thoughts. After all, the high priest’s monotone can put anyone to sleep. Finally the good part begins.

“Do you Lord Nathaniel of House Evans take Queen Historia of House Reiss as your lawful wedded wife to cherish her, comfort her, and love her through sickness and health. Through good and bad?” The high priest said. 

“I do.” He grabs the ring and holds roughly Historia’s hand while sliding the ring on her finger. Nathan glimpses at her as tears fall from her eyes. 

“Do you Queen Historia of House Reiss take Lord Nathaniel of House Evans as your lawful wedded husband to cherish him, comfort him, and love him through sickness and health, through good and bad?” Nathaniel can read her face. She wants to say no. Of course, she doesn’t have a choice. 

“I-I...I...d-do.” He hears her choke up from those two words. Her hand trembles when she slides the ring into his finger. 

Once the rings were exchanged, the high priest said his last phrases to seal their marriage.  

“With the power invested in me and the blessing of Ymir, Sina, Rose, and Maria; I pronounce you husband and wife. My lord, you may kiss your bride.” 

Nathaniel glances at his new wife then leans to give a kiss. Honestly, he can’t stand the though of kissing her or anything like sex. In order to have heirs, he’ll have to get over with. Maybe getting drunk will help to get it over that part later. 

“As the law of our kingdom, Queen Historia will be stripped of her title. Lord Evans with your marriage with her majesty. I crown you as the new reigning king and his wife, queen consort. All hail King Nathaniel of House of Evans and Queen Consort Historia of House Evans. Long live the new dynasty. May the three goddesses and Ancestress Ymir bless you children and longing reign.” The high priest placed the crowns on him first then on Historia. The crowd cheers and chants. 

After the ceremony, there was a feast in the halls of the palace. The newly wedded couples were seated on the high table where everyone could see them. Nathaniel was sipping wine and chatting with other nobles and templars. His eyes glimpsed at the crowds. Some were eating and chatting while others danced. He spotted his lover dancing with someone. The new king felt a small jealousy. He may be the king but their society won’t allow two men or women to have a relationship. He already finds it bullshit of their church practices. That’s why he needed Historia. One to be the decoy and two to give birth to his heirs. Nathaniel couldn’t stop staring at Gilbert. He’s such a beautiful man. How he craves to have him here beside him and not this whore. The light brown man glances at his queen who was gloomy since their marriage ceremony. 

Historia notices him staring at her and scoff. “Is there something on my face, my king?” Nathaniel blink as he swore she sounded like Levi Ackerman. 

“Yes, with makeup you look like one of those whores from the Underground City. I’ll tell your new ladies-in-waiting of not to put any on you.” He said. Historia rolls her eyes and looks away to stare at the dance scene. 

“I’m exhausted. I want to sleep.” Historia said. 

“Darling, could you wait for a bit longer? The guests came all over of the Three Walls to see us on our special day.” He grins then gulp his drink.

“No.” She said with a flat tone. 

“Oh well, you will wait until I get tired.” he said without a care. 

She mumbles incoherently while sipping a bit of wine.  

One of the higher ranking templar members began to speak. “Your majesties, may your marriage be blessed with abundance and fertility. And your reign brings prosperity. Cheers to the King and his Queen.” 

Everyone repeated. “Cheers to the King and his Queen.” The crowd toasted to the rulers and drank their wines. 

“Thank my friends and loyal subjects. As part of tradition, the queen and I will have our first dance as man and wife, king and queen. My darling queen, may I have this dance?” Nathaniel smiles while playing his sweet act around everyone towards Historia. She was contemplating as her eyes stared down at his hand. Finally, she gave in to take his hand to be led to the dancefloor. 

The music starts and he places his hand on her waist while holding her other hand. They waltz around the dancefloor going along the music. The guests surrounded themselves around the dance floor to watch the king and queen dancing. 

Nathaniel observes how Historia gave a blank expression as she went along this dance. Her dancing skill is flawless and graceful. For a bastard raised in a farm, he would have thought she was raised as a princess. Once the music was over, they stopped while the crowd applauded from their dance. 

The crowned king had his eyes again on Gilbert, who now has an envious expression. Gilbert walked away from the scene. Nathan knows this is hurting him. He wants to go after him to hold and kiss him. He had explained to him this marriage with the whore was just for political movement to be officially king without having the chance of being removed easily. All he needs a male heir or two then he can discard her. After the consummation, he’ll go talk privately with his lover.  

Speaking of consummation, Nathaniel sighs and raises his hand up to silent the crowd. Little by little the place got quiet. 

“It is time for the queen and I to depart for our final step to be man and wife.” He grins. Of course, some whistles and cheer. 

“So it’s time for us to go, but don’t let us stop all of you to enjoy the wedding feast! Servants serve more food and wines for our wonderful guests!” He ordered the servants and the people to cheer happily. Nathaniel grabbed Historia's hand to drag her out of the festival hall. 

As they walked through hallways to reach the bedroom, the door opened but Historia was shouting to be let go. 

“Nooo let go! Please, I don’t want to do this. Don’t make me.” She was trying to pull her hand away. The guards closed the door. Now there are two of them in the dim light. Earlier the servants had the marriage bedroom prepared. 

“Can you just shut up for once?” the king lost his patience and slapped his wife. She fell on the floor while sobbing silently. Nathaniel doesn’t want to do this either but that’s the price to be king. 

“You need to get used to it. The faster I have my seeds in you, we’ll not have to share a bed ever. I don’t know why the Grandmaster templar wanted me to marry you? You are nothing. A weak girl; the bad seed of your father. The only foolish thing he did was to fuck your whore mother and let you exist.” He rants to himself but Historia can hear him. 

“W-why does the grandmaster want us to be married? He has no business in our nation’s matters.” She cried out angrily. 

“Of course, he does because if it wasn’t for him; I would not be king. Someone else would have governed our home. It should be the blood of King Fritz who should sit on the throne.” The king glared down at her. Historia grabbed on the pole of the bed to pull herself up. Her body was exhausted and still sore from childbirth. She’s lucky a fever or infection did appear then she would be knocking on Death’s doorsteps. 

Historia feels scared as she sees him finally making a move on her. He grabbed her to have him gripping her wrists then pulled her closer. “Don’t make me do this the hard way, Historia.” This is the first he called her by her name instead with insults. With her being surprised, he tries to take off her wedding gown but the layers were thick. Stupid women’s fashion. Why do they always make it difficult to take it off and put it on? King Nathaniel begins to rip her dress since it’s the last time she will one. 

His queen noticed her gown was ripped down in the middle from the back and felt the breeze of air caressing her bare back. The dress slipped down from her body to leave her completely exposed to him. She quickly covered her breasts and crossed her legs to cover her intimate part. Her tears resume falling. She’s now helpless and vulnerable for him to take advantage of. 

Nathan stepped away to go pour a full glass of wine to gulp down. He needed to get drunk first. He finished his glass and poured another round. He sipped his drink and glanced at his nude bride who's still crying like a hot mess. This is getting old. Crying will not make it stop. He thought while finishing his second round. He felt the wine kicking in. Just when he turned around to grab the bottle, he could hear the door opening to see Historia wrapped in her ripped dress and opening the door. The king placed the bottle down to run towards her and pull her back into the room. He closed then locked the door. Now his grip was on her golden hair being dragged to the bed. Already, had her dress dropped on the floor. Her screams were heard probably the whole floor of the palace. No one will come since it’s their wedding night. They must complete the consummation to validate their marriage. 

“Stupid bastard. You just never learn do you?” He grabbed the dress to rip a long piece of fabric. He tied her wrist a bit harsh. He pushes her to lay on the bed, her tied hands are palace in front of her. 

Historia was now struggling to be free. “I hate you. I hate you! I fucking hate you.” She screams at him. 

“The feeling is mutual.” He said coldly but drunk. His hands started to undress himself until he’s exposed too. 

Nathaniel climbs on the bed hovering over her. He positioned between her legs, gripping tightly her thighs so she wouldn't kick him. The king began to thrust himself into her which her body became stiff. Historia closed her eyes so she could pretend it’s Levi. Nathan keeps thrusting faster and hard to go deeper. He now moans and mumbles words. “Oh goddesses, what sorcery is this?” He said in whisper. His heart belongs to Gilbert. He was always attracted to him when they met, but Historia is a beautiful woman with a very desirable body and he would be a fool to not notice or take the advantage. Due in time, she will learn her place. He will just enjoy fucking her until her purpose has been served. It’s such a shame, Levi Ackerman is not here chained up to watch his whore getting fucked by another man. 

(Levi) 

His grey eyes open from having a nightmare of Historia screaming for his name to come rescue her. He sat up from a chair. Since he came back from seeing his son being taken to New York City in America, the captain decided to take a small nap to have his anxiety be calm. It’s like his instinct zapping him to go save her now. Screw waiting. Her life is in danger even Iapetus had been on edge growling to go save her. 

What you dreamt? It wasn’t a nightmare. It’s happening right now, human..

What the hell are you talking about?

You know deep down you're looking through her eyes. We need to get her out. They have harmed our goddess. That weakling had defiled our mate. We’ll give a slow and painful death.  

So...this wasn’t a dream? He actually had the nerve to touch her. That sick bastard! Historia just gave birth. Fuck it we’re going to get her out. 

Levi gets up to go put on his assassin outfit. He put his blades into their place then grabbed two guns for back ups. After he is ready, Levi gets out of the room. 

“Ah Levi, grandson. I’m glad you're up. We have news. Armin, Annie, and Mikasa had sent more back up for us and Marley.” William walked towards him. The older man notices his grandson is dressed to go on a mission. 

“Where are you going? Our back ups will be here by tomorrow evening.” He said. 

“I need to go.” He said vaguely to his grandfather. He doesn’t want to explain why he’s in a hurry. 

“Go where? We need you. If this is about trying to rescue Historia, you know I can't allow you.” The Mentor uses his authoritative tone. He dislikes using it on Levi. He can understand why his grandchild is agitated. 

Levi hiss at his grandfather angrily. “I’m not gonna wait until something bad happens to her! I made a promise to my son that he will have his mother in his life. I don’t want him to be growing up without a mother like I had. I am going and that’s final.” He opened the door and walked out leaving his grandfather with sadness as the old man feared something terrible would happen to his grandchild. He doesn’t want to go through losing another family member. 

A/N: Hello hello! So I’m sorry for writing more dark scenes. I promise you good things will come later. Warning: I don’t condone to rape or any kind of sexual violence or any kind of abuses. So in other words, enjoy this chapter and let me know what you guys think? I love hearing your thoughts of each chapter. See you until next time!

[courier-sux]

“NPC” OC Meme

Tagged by: @its-sixxers​​ [art from amiiraux’s picrew] 

Tagging: @benny-gecko-official​​ cause I was brainstorming this with her, but also anyone else who wants to do it (as usual lol).

When I did the companion meme for Jackal, I kept her amnesia and grudge against Benny because it’s what made her ‘Jackal’ rather than someone else. For this, I’m going to write it as her avoiding Benny completely. No brain damage here, just REGRET!

Biographical

1. Would their name remain the same?

Nope! Jackal’s real name is Jade Maria (haha like the gun) Black. After waking up with no memory of who she was, one of her only possessions was an old revolver with her name carved into it. The grip was so weathered that she could only make out the letters JA__CK. She went by “Jack” until she met Vulpes in Nipton. Not wanting to give him her ‘real’ name, she said “Jackal”, as she’d heard of him going by “Mr. Fox”. The name stuck (that’s right, you have Vulpes to thank for it... gross). 

2. What about their family?

Her parents would both still be dead as they’d passed away years earlier, but her twin brother, Jace, would still be alive and wishing she’d write him a damn letter.

3. Where would they come from?

Jade grew up on a ranch in rural southern California, but she left home when she was 19 and has been on the move ever since. She’s traveled just about everywhere this side of the Colorado. A majority of her courier jobs still come from NCR territory, so that’s likely where she’s coming from.

4. Do they look any different?

No scar in the center of her forehead, and none of the surgical scars from the Big Empty. Jackal also has four playing cards tattooed on the back of her left shoulder that she gets throughout her journey as Courier Six — if that never happened, she would only have the first one (the ace of spades).

Occupation

1. Are their skills the same?

Jade was always a good shot, and most of her skills were learned from her parents, so it would almost be the same. The only difference is that she wouldn’t be good at sniping (Boone) or have as much experience fixing things (Raul and Veronica). 

2. What do they do?

She’d still be a courier. If deliveries fell through due to the state of the Mojave, she’d likely turn to other odd jobs like she had in the past. Caravan guard, bounty hunter, bandit, conman, mercenary — if it paid well enough and wasn’t too morally repugnant, Jade would take it.

3. Are they in the same area of expertise as they are in canon?

This would actually be pretty similar. Jade has always been good at bluffing, smooth-talking, and reading other people. If she had the free time, she’d probably end up doing pretty well at the Strip’s casinos. Rather than trying to broker any grand diplomatic deals, however, she’d probably just be trying to get a good deal on ammunition.

4. Are their achievements similar?

Absolutely not. Jade isn’t a hero, and has no intention of being one. Helping large groups of people or performing impossible feats isn’t in the cards. She’s just a drifter trying to survive, though that doesn’t mean she has a problem with putting a few bullets into any legionaries or raiders who cross her path.

Personal

1. a)  Would they meet or befriend/fall in love with the people they do in your canon?

It’s tough to say for sure. The only way she’d cross paths with most of her companions was if she had a delivery for that location, or she had some free time to hang around.

She’d almost certainly end up fixing ED-E when she visited the Mojave Express in Primm. It’s likely that she’d run into Cass, Veronica, and Arcade on her trip, but she probably wouldn’t stick around long enough to befriend them.

Jade is nosy and persistent enough that if the stars aligned for her to visit Novac, she probably would end up befriending and falling in love with Boone, but the chances are pretty damn slim. Which is a bummer :( (queue back to the future sequence where her and Boone’s future kids have to go back in time and make sure their parents meet lol).

b) If the answer is no, what do you think happens to those people in a world without your OC in their canon role?

Honestly, for everyone except Boone, their lives would probably be better off without Jackal in it, at least in terms of how often they almost died while traveling with her.

The Courier certainly has a big say in it. How Cass handles her caravan, whether Veronica leaves the Brotherhood, etc. — it’s up to them. But even if they helped Boone reconcile with himself, it’s doubtful that he’d be as happy as he is when he ends up with Jackal. Not that she erases all his problems... but she helps.

2. Would they be happier? Is life easier, or harder?

Amnesia is a blessing and a curse. The Goodsprings incident left Jackal with migraines, nightmares, and a struggle to figure out who she is/was. But she also forgot about a lot of things that she’d been carrying around for years. Things that weighed her down with regret. They catch up with her eventually, amnesia or not, but it bothers her less than it did before she was shot.

Jade’s past is the story of her running out on every good thing she’s ever had; her mom, her brother, and her lover, all of whom she believes would’ve been better off if she’d just stayed (even though at the time, she thought the opposite). Because she remembers her parents so well, she also feels as if she is dishonoring them by being such an amoral person. It’s also unlikely that she’d meet Boone, have a family of her own, or ever find a place where she felt she could truly stay.

TL;DR: Jackal has migraines, nightmares, and a crippling sense of loneliness. Jade has a lot of regret, guilt, and would probably never meet Boone. Both struggle with feeling the urge to run away even when things are good.

Jade’s life would certainly be easier, though she wouldn’t end up as happy in the long run. She’d be content enough — nothing more, nothing less.

3. What would they think of the person who has their role as player character? Depends on the choices that Courier Six made. Jade really wouldn’t have a problem with them unless they sided with the Legion, though she would certainly prefer that they made New Vegas independent. She doesn’t care for House, but she tolerates the NCR more than she normally does out of respect for her father.

Independent: Respects, maybe even admires them. Would buy them a drink. Might even offer a hand, if they’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on who you ask).

House: Thinks they’re unable to think for themselves, but would assume that the job paid well, which is motivation enough. Finds them boring more than anything else. There is nothing exciting about maintaining the status quo.

NCR: Mixed feelings. Understands the appeal of the order that the NCR brings and respects that they’re at least keeping the Legion away. Would probably call them a bootlicker behind their back, though.

Legion: Hates their guts. Would shoot them on sight if she recognized them but also wouldn’t go out of her way to track them down; she knows when she’s outmatched.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Starcrossed Losers X (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: How was your Christmas? Hopefully, it went better than Y/N’s day on this chapter lmao don’t forget to leave feedback! <3

Words: 4,947

Warnings: Injuries and swearing, feelings and stuff.

Previous chapter // Next chapter

Today I’m gonna tell you a little story about how I’m full of shit. Delicately divided into three parts for your enjoyment. 

It’s pretty much all the same, the only thing that changes is the person.

Alex. 

Josh.

Let’s start with the first part, shall we? Which is called:

Confusion.

Before the nuke, my life was as normal and sad as any random teenager would have it. I was a student with good parents who didn’t really understand me, but they tried. A sibling, friends, likings and feelings. It was the latter what caused me trouble.

Alex and I met in elementary school. He sat down next to me and we shared our undying love for Adventure Time and Treasure Planet. During years our friendship consisted on knowing all of our embarrassing stories, coping our answers on every test and a bunch of firsts. He was there when I got my first period, and I witnessed Alex’s first drunken night with friends. 

It was when I talked to Maya that everything kind of started to fall apart.

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

My ears are buzzing, I feel my eyes dry and irritated. I know I passed out although I don’t feel like I slept, if anything, I’m more tired than before. I try to push myself up but my wrist hurts and I’m not strong enough. I fall against a thin pillow and only then I look around. 

There’s nothing but cages with teens, I recognize some from school. Judging by the smell, we are in Hoyles’ fabric. I was right, this was Baron Triumph’s home.

My hand pulsates as a reminder of how screwed I am. 

‘Is it broken or is it just sprained?’ The light sucks in here, I can’t really tell how it looks so I inhale sharply, ‘Okay, then...’

I move my wrist slowly to one side and then the other. I feel pain, lots of pain. But I can move it, so chances are is not broken. As long as I don’t move, I’ll be fine. I struggle to sit with only one hand as support and notice my skates are missing and my knee has a huge bruise on it. 

I know I’ll die. 

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

We were thirteen at the moment. It wasn’t like I knew right away that I liked Alex, I just got slightly upset every time he would hold hands with Amy and sad whenever he would cancel plans to hang out with her. You can imagine how betrayed I felt.

“You’re just jealous,” Maya sighs, laying upside down on my bed.

“Of who?” I ask in amusement, “I already told you, I don’t want a boyfriend.”

“You want Alex.”

I laugh, kicking her leg playfully.

“That’s a lie. And dumb,” I reply matter-of-factly, “he’s just my friend!”

“Exactly. Please, you’re too shy to admit you like him but we all know.”

“Liar,” I sing, “Alex and Amy are cute together and all, just annoys me that he doesn’t want to spend more time with us.”

“That doesn’t sound like you’re crushing at all,” She rolls her eyes, smirking.

“Shut up!” I complain, “that doesn’t mean I like him!”

It didn’t... right? I started to recapitulate all of our time together. Alex was a great boy. He was good to me and my family loved him, why was so weird to consider him as a possible love interest? Maybe Maya was right. I did like him and this was my way cope with it.

“Maya,” I say under my breath, “what if I do like him?”

“Oh my god,” She stands up abruptly, “you do!”

“What do I do?” I ask in horror, “I don’t wanna ruin it! He’s my best friend!”

“Who cares?” She replies, “It’s time you do something about it!”

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

Something falls inside the bucket in front of me and I stand (with huge difficulty, since I only have one good hand and knee), when I get closer and grab a handful the smell grows stronger, so I drop the flakes on the ground in disgust.

“Am I supposed to eat this?” I ask out loud, “I’ll rather starve”

“You will,” Says a voice above me, “don’t be dramatic, Y/N. Eat up.”

I feel something close to panic when I recognize the voice.

“Maya?”

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

After that I tried to understand what the fuck was going on. I couldn’t do anything until I knew my feelings for Alex.

You know how that turned out. 

Nothing made sense, what was our friendship but something magical brought to me in order to end up with true romantic love, right? Well, I had opinions on that.

Our friendship was old as hell, Alex was constantly changing partners so you can tell why I was so against dating him. I decided that if my first love was going to hurt me, it would be anyone but Alex murphy.

Which takes us to the second part that I call:

That definitely isn’t love.

Let me tell you something, and I don’t mean to say this in order to make you sad, I do it so you’re not scared of going through the same thing (if you ever find yourself in a situation like this) and you can handle the shit like a champ.

Life will go on. Seriously, it hurts and oh, how tragic it is to lose someone so dear to your heart! But really, things like that will pass, and you’ll get through and life won’t even stop its course. You wanna know why? Cause it’s all so small, our tiny little lives won’t affect how the world moves outside our houses.

I know, that may sound awful, but to be honest, it’s also relieving. No matter how many mistakes you can make in your life, it won’t stop moving. That’s great, it means you won’t stop growing, you’ll get out of that hole sooner or later.

The feeling I got from that simple, chaste kiss with Alex confused my brain and got me all kinds of anxious about nothing. The only way I felt was guilty. I wanted to erase that moment from existence.

Okay, it was my fault too. I kissed him back, I didn’t know that was wrong until it was done! I told you already, I was confused as hell.

I had to quietly make my way out and go back to the way it used to be. 

Then he broke up with Stuart and started to ask me if I wanted to go back to the old routine of watching movies together, or going to the mall only the two of us, just skipping school to spend time together... I happily accepted, thinking it was all platonic. The apocalypse came on the worst timing, we were part of a group that day by day became smaller until it was only the two of us.

I wanted to find my sister so badly that I left the thought aside to work with him as a team, then he had to ask me to leave town with him, start a new life together...  Alex was holding on to an illusion that I knew it was bound to fail, so I put a hard stop to it. One that ended our friendship as well.

And that’s the reason why I ran away from him. My feelings couldn’t be reciprocated if I wanted to survive on this hell.

Sacrifices must be made when you’re facing the end of the world.

Then something amazing happened: I lived. I created a new life on my own, where I could do things my way and didn’t need any other person around. With the new life, my old wishes vanished, and so did my feelings for Alex, or anyone else who belonged with old, naive Vinchi.

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

Which brings me to the present, where I’m on big denial about one little thing: I may not be the same girl, but I still have the same heart, along with the same feelings, memories, and grudges.

“You still won’t talk to me?”

“You still trying after three hours of ignoring you?” I scoff, “leave me alone, Maya.”

“You’re acting like a child! I thought you understood why I left you and Alex to join the Cheeramazons”

“I understand that we weren’t important to you in the first place,” I reply bitterly.

“God, Y/N. It’s not like I did it to get away from you. I wanted protection and to learn some badass skills. The Cheeramazons offered both and to be honest, it was worth it.”

“If they were so good at protecting their people, then why are you here?”

“I went out looking for adventure. You know me, I was never one to enjoy routines.”

“Sure.”

“You’re on your own?”

“On this cage? Yeah... In general? Well, I’m with some kids... remember Wesley Fists?”

“What?” I hear her snicker, “How did you two end up together?”

“It’s a long story... all Josh’s fault.”

“Little Josh with the big truck?”

“Uh, no. Wheeler. I did a project with him once, you know? He used to wave at me in the halls whenever we passed by..?”

“I don’t remember him at all.”

“I figured,” I sigh, “Where are you anyway?”

“Judging by where your voice sounds... I think I’m above your cage”

“Well, don’t get too attached to the sound of my voice, I’ll be out of here soon”

“Why, you’re actually planning on starving?” She inquires, “Did your brain turn Ghoulie?”

“Look, I have a sprained wrist and a swollen knee, I’m not going anywhere on my own... but I have a backup. If Josh and Wesley weren’t caught...”

“What happened with Alex? Is he with you too?”

“None of your business, quitter.”

“Come on, Y/N...”

“You left us. I’m not engaging in any fun chats with you. You weren’t that interest to be a part of our group since the beginning so I don’t even know why I’m mad about it, it was a matter of time”

I know I sound too hard. She was supposed to be my friend, though. Never looked back when she got bored from our little group like it was all child’s play. Now she acts like it’s all cool? Nothing is cool. Nothing at all. I’m about to get eaten!

“Look, I’m sorry-”

“Shut up”

“Don’t be rude, I’m trying to-”

“Shut up! Can you hear that?” I lean closer to the cage’s door and stay silent, Maya following my advice and listening to the hurried steps coming from the hall.

“You know where the keys are?” A voice that I know well emerges from the dark, “Where are we going?”

“Josh?” I stand up surprisingly fast, “Is that you?”

“Y/N!” I hear him rushing towards me and suddenly his face is inches away from mine, barely illuminated, “You’re here! I only saw Wesley when I woke up and I thought you were taken by the Jocks”

“How did you get out of your cage?” I ask with incredulity, “Who are you talking to if it’s not Wesley?”

“A girl got me out, I drop my tweezers and she found them”

“Then get me out!”

“I can’t, they’re broken,” He apologizes, “but I’m going to get the keys and I’ll get you out, I promise.”

“On your own? You’re gonna get killed”

“Triumph just left, I have time,” He points at my leg, “How’s your knee?”

“It hurts. I also hurt my wrist but I don’t know if that happened after the grenade or when I fell,” I wanna act like I’m not scared, but my anxiety is eating me alive, “Josh please don’t go alone, please don’t do it”

“I’ll come back,” He insists, “but if I don’t, I wanna tell you... you became someone important to me, Y/N. Please don’t blame yourself if things go wrong, it was my turn to help you, I owe it to you.”

And without giving me time to reply, Josh leaves.

“Josh Wheeler,” Maya speaks up again, “I remember him now. Blue eyes and a funny smile, right?”

“Yeah,” I frown, still looking at the hall where he disappeared “that’s my stupid Josh.”

“Your Josh?” She asks in a suggestive voice, “alright, I get it now.”

“You get what?”

“He’s your new Alex. I bet you’re always doing nice things to keep him in a good mood and he never gives back cause well, he doesn’t have to. Why would he? When you keep on giving things away for free. See, that’s the sort of stuff the Cheeramazons teach you to throw away, you don’t need boys to survive,” She states.

“He is not Alex,” I correct in irritation, “and I learned that on my own, thank you. It’s funny, you forgot to mention that I also did a lot of things to keep you happy.”

“Is that supposed to help your case?” She sighs, “I know you’re hurt for what I did to you but you won’t stop having your heart broken if you keep doing the same things”

“Joke’s on you, I already fixed that shit up,” I keep my eyes fixed on the hall, “Josh is just a friend.”

You and I know that isn’t true. Yet, is not a lie either. 

Josh is just a friend, I have it under control. All I need is to keep it to myself, no accidental kissing or falling into each other’s arms anymore. I don’t have feelings fighting to come out. I’m not thinking about how Josh said I was important to him. 

Which takes us to part three:

Why don’t you just kick me in the face? It hurts less, thank you.

Ah, the pleasure it brings us to finally be free from inner guilt.

This part doesn’t have a flashback, cause you already read this part. I told Josh the story. Alex and I weren’t right together so I let him go. It hurt like a bitch but now he’s far away and I can be at peace now. I control my life.

How? For starters, if I meet a cute, nice guy like Josh, I step back and stay as friends and Boom! Problem solved. I figured my life out, I have nothing to be afraid of. I conquered.

...

...

You know I’m lying, don’t you?

You know what, there’s no way I’ll get myself out of this. I’ll let the action roll.

“I think your buddy Josh got eaten by Triumph,” Maya mentions like she’s talking about the weather, “it’s time you accept it.”

“Honestly, it’s time you stop talking,” I reply with indifference, “you don’t know him”

“And I never will,” She snorts.

I’m about to reply when I hear screams coming from the entrance and I finally see Josh sprinting back towards the cages. Triumph is following him, when he gets closer I realize is not Hoyles.

“Principal Burr?” I inquire in mild disappointment, but calmer than before “okay then, Josh can totally survive to that”

“Don’t be so sure about it, Vinchi,” Maya adds, “Burr is not a common human anymore.”

“Shhh! I can’t hear what they’re saying!”

Josh is trying to convince the principal to let us go, he walks towards the tubes in the middle of the fabric and I can’t see what’s going on. Burr is not touched by the speech, he says he didn’t kill Sam, and my heart skips a beat.

“Sam Dean?” Maya asks above me, “she’s dead?”

“It happened two days ago,” I whisper, “that’s the whole reason why we came, cause Josh wanted to avenge her death...”

“Why would he do that?”

“He was dating her.”

“Oh,” A second of silence, “really? Him?”

“He’s not that bad,” I retort immediately.

“Sure, whatever you say...” She mumbles.

I say something under my breath that is mostly an insult, then an idea comes to mind.

“Maya, you can see what’s happening?”

“Kinda”

“Where are they?”

“Inside the big tubes...”

She narrates the whole thing while I also half-listen to the argument they’re having. She stops for what it feels like an eternity and the kids around us start to scream.

“Kill him!”

“Kill him!”

“He’s gonna do it,” Maya murmurs.

And I don’t know what to feel, cause I never thought Josh would get this close to his goal. Although now it’s different, Burr didn’t kill Sam. Would he kill him anyway? I’m not defending Burr, by the way! He still ate a bunch of kids. Just saying that If he does this, he will certainly disappoint Wesley. 

He would be saving tons of children, though. In my opinion, he could cut him in half and still be a good person. 

I hear Josh scream and the sound of his sword against metal.

“Holy shit, is he dead?” I ask.

“I don’t... I can’t tell- he’s moving a lot...” Maya complains.

A few others seconds of silence, then Burr’s voice.

“You missed.”

“Holy shit, he’s alive,” I gasp. 

And with that, I mean both of them.

“No. I didn’t,” Josh replies.

The machinery starts to work all of a sudden and I feel my stomach tensing with fear. 

What are they doing?

“Where are they?” I ask urgently, “Tell me!”

But just as I finish the sentence I hear steps... and the sound of keys being shaken in the air.

“He got the keys!” Maya screams excitedly, “The son of a bitch did it! We’re free!”

“What about Burr?” I question.

“He locked him up inside the tubes!”

The sound of chains falling and doors clicking is like music to my ears. I hear Maya running out of her cage only to see her appearing in front of me with a wild smile on her face. She hasn’t changed that much, her hair is shorter and her clothes are not the same, but she’s still the hyperactive girl I used to know.

“Good to see you, Vinchi.”

“Hi,” I reply, “be good and get me out of here”

She calls over to the kid that is opening cage by cage and I’m finally free. Maya gives me a tight hug that I return unsure.

“This is great! You can come with me now, become a Cheeramazon!”

“What?” I pull away.

“I can see you’ve toughened up these last few months, they’ll definitely take you in!”

“I don’t want to be a Cheeramazon,” I frown. 

I’m still barefoot, but I’m hoping I can find something to wear before I leave.

“Y/N it’s the best choice,” She replies, “come on, we can be part of the same tribe just like before! You and I, the classic duo we used to be...”

“I’m tired of old times,” I answer, “I'm a different person. I don’t do duos anymore.”

“Vinchi...” She pouts. 

There, another friendship that dies.

Maybe I could’ve tried to convince her to go with me instead. However, I never got to finish that conversation, cause right at that moment, I heard Josh’s voice.

“Y/N?” He asks loudly, “Y/N, where are you?”

“Josh!” I limp as fast as I can towards his voice, “Josh, I’m right here!”

“Y/N?!” His voice gets clearer as I walk further into the mass, “Where are you?!”

He’s standing right in front of me, a few feet ahead. I run over to him, ignoring the way my knee feels about it. Josh turns around just in time to catch me when I jump in for a hug.

“I’m with you!” I say breathless, trying to keep my wrist away from any harm, softly supported around his neck, “You did it! You saved us!”

“I promised, didn’t I?” His smile is as big as mine, and we’re so close I can see the freckles the sun has left on the bridge of his nose.

He pulls away and turns slightly, pointing at something hanging from his hip.

“I saw them out there...” I look down and I see my skates, all clean and looking good as new, “thought you might want them back”

“What the hell?” I exclaim, “You’re the best!”

Impulsive as usual, I go for another hug, this time kissing his cheek in the process. When I notice my mistake I pull back but Josh keeps me in place, now I’m self-conscious and probably all red.

“Am I a shitty partner still?” He smirks.

Someone accidentally hits my hand and I whimper, hugging it tightly against my chest.

“Crap, I forgot...” 

Josh’s smile vanishes immediately changing to a worried expression.

“Let’s go back to the mall, you need help”

“And I’m starving”

Josh chuckles, nodding.

“And will get you something to eat”

He gives me the skates and I hold them with my good hand, walking towards the exit. 

I start to feel a bit hopeful about what the future could bring to us, Josh and me. I can’t lie to myself after this, you saw the whole thing, right? It’s obvious. Josh is not my new Alex for one simple reason: I don’t have a crush on Alex anymore.

I am, however, totally crushing on stupid Josh.

Just when I decide to come into terms with my new realization, it happens:

 Someone walks in front of me and immediately catches my eye. How couldn’t, when I thought I would never see that back again for the rest of my life?

“Alex..?”

I drop my skates, an urgent need to run away as far as I can winning over my common sense. This can’t be happening, this can’t be Alex. He's gone. He’s supposed to be away in New York living his best life or something.

But the boy turns around and it’s the same eyes I’ve known since I was a kid.

“Y/N?” He’s not totally glad to see me. The frown on his face tells me he is just as stunned as me, few terrible seconds pass where we don’t know what to do.

 Josh is the one who talks first.

“Hold on,” He turns to me, “is he..?”

“An old friend from Highschool, yes,” I look at him with wide eyes, pleading ‘Keep your mouth shut!’ “like Maya.”

“Maya’s also here?” He asks loudly, and since I’m the luckiest girl alive, Maya is nearby to hear us.

“That’s me,” She sees the boy in front of us, “oh my god, Alex?”

“Maya?” Alex’s eyes light up, “You’re okay!”

“How did you end up here?!” She walks up to him and gives him a tight hug.

“Uh, Y/N,” Josh whispers beside me, “What is happening?”

“I think I died when that grenade exploded,” I respond overwhelmed.

“I came back like a month ago,” Alex replies, hugging her with the same animosity, then he looks right at me, “I left some unfinished business behind.”

Oh, that’s great. First, everyone leaves and now they all want to make up for it. To go back and be the best friends we used to be. Well, I’m sorry I think I lost the part where that was my problem.

“We can help you!” Maya assures him, completely misunderstanding his comment, “Vinchi and I, like the good old days”

“Vinchi?” Josh questions.

“Y/N,” Maya looks at him with a judgy expression, “you’re her friend but you don’t know her nickname?”

“No one calls me that,” I cross my arms, wincing after accidentally pulling the muscle in my wrist, “not anymore, at least. I never told him.”

“But you love it,” She frowns, “everyone calls you that.”

“Everyone who used to call me that is gone,” I say, “you two are the only ones left and I’m kindly asking you to not include me on your mission. I have to go back to my friends.”

“We are your friends, Y/N” Alex replies.

“I meant my most recent friends,” I pick up the skates from the floor and nudge Josh, “let’s go, Angelica must be worried.”

“Y/N, are you sure?” Josh asks under his breath. When I don’t reply, he grabs me by the shoulder and turns my body to face him, “listen I know you feel like you have to stay because I told you we needed you, but you’re free to go with them if you want. They’re your best friends after all and I know Alex... I know how hard it was on you to be alone.”

I can’t tell exactly what he’s thinking right now and that frustrates me. His expression tells me he’s hurt, I just don’t know if it is because he thinks I’m seconds away from leaving or because he’s nervous that I’ll blame him if I stay.

“I don’t want to go, Josh,” I reach for his hand with the one that is holding my skates and brush it lightly, “I tried to leave before and something always stopped me from doing so. That has to mean something, I feel like my place is at the mall with all of you.”

“Y/N?” Maya speaks up, “You’re coming?”

“No,” I turn to face her, “I’m going with Josh.”

“Josh?” Alex looks at the boy next to me but he doesn’t seem to understand that I’m talking about him, “gay Josh or other gay Josh?”

“My Josh,” I point to my friend, “just... Josh.”

“Alright then,” Maya scoffs, “then we go too.”

“What?” I ask in alarm.

“Josh was telling the rest of the kids to follow him,” She smirks, “I hope you don’t mind, Vinchi.”

“Really?” I look at Josh, clenching my jaw. I’m unable to crush his arm with my hand since it’s injured and the other is occupied. He tries to apologize without speaking, but puppy eyes won’t work on me today, “We better get going then”

“Yeah,” He looks at me, begging for forgiveness, “we should... uh- your hand needs to...”

“Just move,” I grumble, walking past Alex and Maya with Josh calling out Wesley’s name to join us.

Full of shit I am, cause during all the way back I avoid looking over to Alex and Maya, despite saying I was over my past. 

I’m full of shit when Josh asks me if I need help and I tell him no, even though I’m barefoot and I keep stepping on rocks on accident cause it’s too dark outside. Without mentioning I just admitted to myself that I’m crushing on him and now I don’t know what will I do to keep it a secret when Angelica looks for any excuse and watches me closely to see if she’s right. 

And Josh? Well, he avenged Sam’s death... kinda. I don’t know if that’s enough to calm his nerves or if he’ll keep going until he’s done killing every bad guy on Glendale, which are too many to count. I don’t even know if he’s interested in me the same way I am. 

What am I saying? Of course he’s not! He spent six months of his life on this goose chase and I’m expecting that suddenly he feels something for me just because I saved his life once? Ugh, I'm not even sure if I’ll actually stay permanently at the mall...

“Hey! We’re home!” Josh exclaims as soon as we step inside the mall, “So I brought some friends... Cool if they crash here?”

“Fuck to the no!” I’m surprised to see Eli outside of his side of the mall, “How many times do I gotta say-?”

Angelica puts a taser against his neck and electrocutes him on the spot, pushing him so he falls flat on the ground. 

“Yeah. It’s cool, I guess” She replies.

“Angelica!” I blurt out, walking towards Eli, “Don’t do that ever again!”

She ignores me, already rushing over to Josh and Wesley to receive them with a hug and excitedly welcome the kids that surround her. I’m happy for her, this must be nice considering how she spent most of her life alone.

“Your hand is bad,” Crumble states, kneeling beside me, “worms won’t fix it”

“I know,” I sigh, turning Eli face-up with my good hand and Crumble’s help, “I’ll fix it, don’t worry”

“Let me do it,” Alex crouches down and carries Eli to the bench behind us, laying him there.

“Thanks,” I mumble.

“It’s alright,” I can see by the corner of my eye that he’s looking at me, “listen, I came here to apologize. Things shouldn’t have ended that way between us. We were best friends...”

“Yeah, we were,” I punctuate, “you don’t have to be sorry. I’ve changed, I don’t need your words, I have a new life.”

“I see,” He looks away for a moment, his eyes finding Josh and Wesley, “How did you end up forming a group with them?”

“Accidents happen,” I shrug, “Josh brought me here. To be honest, I was doing fine on my own but I... I don’t know, I like it here.”

“I see that too,” He smiles, but it has a bitter undertone in it, “don’t worry. I’ll leave again tomorrow.”

“Stay,” I sigh in defeat, “it would be selfish to ask you otherwise, the mall belongs to all of us”

“You’re okay with that?” He frowns.

“Do it for the good old days,” I give him a small smile, “What’d you say?”

“It’s fine by me,” He nods, smiling back.

I don’t know how to end the conversation and I don’t have to think a lot about it, because Josh soon appears holding a stack of bandages.

“Hi,” He smiles openly at us and points to what he’s holding, “time to take care of you”

“Okay,” I raise my eyebrows, “sure...”

“See you later Y/N,” Says Alex, then he nods to Josh, “Wheeler...”

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic @hollywaterpls​

[vanimeldes]

your top 10 ASOIAF characters and why?

Mmmok, anon, because I like talking about my favourite characters. I will list the POV ones, but below cut, for safety

1. DAENERYS TARGARYEN - needless to say, the image of G0T/AS0IAF. I fell in love with her innocence and inner resilience and willingness to learn as much as she could since her first chapter. Her arc (so far) is - or was meant to be, whatever - so inspiring, and in a series focused on elements of low fantasy, her character encapsulates almost everything I love in a high fantasy: epicness, mysterious magic, legends, dragons, prophecies, but also her own character, her heroic arc, caused by an utterly selfless goal. I might sound totally generic, but I want her to live happily ever after and be in a position of power, because she understands the grief of lowborn and has a huge potential of learning from her past mistakes and improve their lives. After a life full of loss, abuse, and fears, she managed to become a revolutionary figure and a ruler whose reputation spanns across half a continent, she struggles to find a way between dealing with bad people who really deserve the worst punishments and being compassionate and merciful - because she is compassionate and merciful. My queen, and the reason why this series is popular, sorry not sorry. 

2. TYRION LANNISTER - misogynisic to a fault and horrible in many places, but GRRM called him a good villain and I have always regarded him as such or as morally questionable at best. GRRM has his issues, but he KNOWS how to write complex characters. It`s impossible (at least for me) not to be fascinated by his twisted perspective on the world around him and his traumas and his tiny attempts to be good and nice. His constant conflict between what he stands for, what he wants to represent as a Lannister and what he actually wants is stellar.

3. JAIME LANNISTER - similarly to Tyrion, he actually starts off as more antagonistic, but once you get into his head, it`s impossible (at least for me) not to root for him and understand some of the reasons behind his deeds. He is a tragic character in many ways: he is not honourable enough (although he wants to be) and yet he`s neither Lannister enough (although he wants that too). I still loved him since page one, I loved how Brienne changed him and how he changed him because of her. Whether he dies killing Cersei/embracing Cersei or gets to live with Brienne forever (aaah pls GRRM make it happen), I will be satisfied.

4. CERSEI LANNISTER - bruh, she`s just fascinating. She`s tragic too because she really embodies everything that is fucked up in the Westerosi patriarchal society. She internalized the misogny of the society and, as a consequence, when she wants to keep her power, she lacks the proper imagination to come up with other options than sex and murder. Her thoughts regarding women and womanhood are horrifying, but so is the abuse and trauma she suffered for most of her life. I hate the statement that she is stupid. Yes, she lacks patience. Yes, she is not as political savy as she thinks she is, she is very rash in her decisions, but she is cunning and ambitious. And whether you like her or not, you all must admit she is brave, proud and a real fighter, like that lion of her House`s banners. Lannisters (& Targaryens) are the reason why I can`t hate this series. 

5. DAVOS SEAWORTH - I never expect to fall in love with him, but he is such an unique character. He starts off as illiterate, but tough and strong. Per GRRM, he was created to provide insight into Stannis` storyline, but I just love how he got a personality of his own. His loyalty, his inner intelligence, his sincerity, his resilience make it impossible for him not to root for and pray for him. 

6. EDDARD STARK - lol, he`s Ned. He WASN`T stupid, nor a POOR HONOURABLE FOOL. I think that even if honour was ultimately his doom, he still managed to keep his humanity and goodness. His POV chapters only showed me a really intelligent and observant man, tormented by what he thought it was a betrayal: rather the conflict between keeping his sister`s secret and raising her son and what was seen as a betrayal through his beloved wife`s eyes. He might have failed in some ways because he hadn`t prepared his children for the tough world they were living in BUT he loved his children and wife more than anything, as much as he loved his sister, he never held grudge against all the Targaryens, even though his father and brother died horribly in Aerys` hands. He genuinely wanted to be a good man, despite all the hardships that would have pushed another over the edge. I can`t not appreciate that. 

7. BRAN STARK - the other character that, IMO, encapsulates the classic high fantasy. Of course, GRRM put a twist when he had Bran falling over the window and breaking his legs, as well as because he wrote him as not yet prepared to used his magic skills properly. But his storyline is full of magic and mystery, but told through the eyes of an innocent 7 yr old child, who suffered enough loss and fear and grief for a whole life. Again, it`s impossible not to root for him. I really want him to end up as King in the North, rather than the next tree-man, because he actually has ruling experience and is also kind and receptive. 

8. ARYA STARK - reading Arya`s AGOT chapters felt like reading a book about me when I was of her age. I have to admit, in the later books, some of her chapters are too long, and too boring, but I totally get their point: through her eyes, we see the horrors of war, the poverty, the trauma of a child who suddenly found herself alone in a very dangerous world. And she survives on her own, even though she has to kill those who threat her security and life, but we know that she never enjoys killing people, we know that she kill them out of necessity. She is also smart (when she names Jaquen the third kill), observant, resourceful, tough and brave (I meaaan, serving as Roose Bolton`s cupbearer?). How she survives in the House of Black and White? How quick she is to learn a foreign language? And, most important, how she gives no shits if the people she meets are noble or lowborn and how she befriends everyone? Her relationship with her father and her respect towards feminity, even though she is a gender non-conforming girl? You rock, girl!

9. BRIENNE TARTH - I accused GRRM of misogyny many times, but I reckon that Brienne is a response to the very misogynistic society he created, the society where „there`s no creature as unfortunate as an ugly woman”, by giving her a storyline, a character that is utterly honourable, kind, gentle. While she suffered because she couldn`t fit the gender role she was supposed to fulfill, she never held grudge against the values of feminity - on the contrary, she holds them in great regard! And, why not, as „ugly��� and „manlike” she is, she got to make „Westeors` most desirable knight” admire and respect her, which, IMO, is a win!

10. ARIANNE MARTELL - such a pleasant surprise. My smart, hot-tempered, sexually adventurous, but brave and capable Princess. If GRRM kills her, I will erase him from my memory. I just love how she defies all the stereotypes inflicted upon most of the women in these books, I just love her ambition and hot temper, but also her relationship with her cousins and friends. I like that, while she uses sex to get Ser Arys do her bidding, we still see that she is very clever and resourceful. 

Notable mentions of POV characters: ASHA!!!! MELISANDRE!!! and Jon

My favourite non-POV characters:  THE LANN DAD, TYWIN MOTHERFUCKING Lannister; Margaery Tyrell, Brynden Blackfish Tully; Edmure Tully, Val the Wildling; Loras Tyrell; Garlan Tyrell; Olenna Tyrell

[aq2003]

today is international fanworks day, heres a list of some of my favorite fics

-star wars

The Silent Song by Eirian Erisdar When Qui-Gon Jinn is told to take a new padawan, the Force pushes him towards a certain initiate - but when Qui-Gon is told that Obi-Wan cannot speak, he hesitates. And all the while, Palpatine moves in the shadows... 

A Trophy, Nothing More by solojones After killing Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'A New Hope', Darth Vader takes a moment to reflect on what he's done.

Adagio by ruth baulding A slow movement, in a minor key, set on Tatooine post-Mustafar.

The Weeds in the Wilderness by ealcynn A man wakes on a cold and desolate moor. He knows he is hurt. He knows he is alone. What he doesn't know is what he is, or where he came from. He doesn't know even his own name. But there is something else that this man knows, and that is that if he doesn't get help soon, he is going to die. And on this strange new world, there are so many dangers.

Teachers by Selena "Remember, Anakin, the master learns as much from the padawan as the padawan learns from the master." Eight lessons Anakin Skywalker learns through Ahsoka Tano, and one Darth Vader does.

one door closes, another opens by isabilightwood Ahsoka runs through a portal in the Lothal Jedi Temple, and finds herself seventeen years in the past. Only to find everything is slightly different - her seventeen-year-old past self was just executed, Obi-wan is missing, and Anakin fell eight months early, prompting Order 66 just after her arrival. With only her questionably useful knowledge of the Empire as a guide, Ahsoka finds herself helping to build a rebellion from scratch. Again. But this time, with a few more Jedi left in the galaxy. Some of whom could cause more problems than they solve.

Reprise by Elfpen Ben Kenobi dies aboard the Death Star in the year 0 BBY. He wakes up shortly thereafter in the Jedi temple in the year 41 BBY. Haunted by memories and regret, Ben must forge a new path for himself in the Jedi Order of his youth while navigating the murky waters of time travel. Crafting a better future from bitter experience is hard, but learning to heal is even harder. Part 1 of Reprise

Hard Deviations by flute25 “The snares of the world were its ways of sin. He would fall. He had not fallen but he would fall and surely, in an instant. Not to fall was too hard and he felt the silent lapse of his soul, as it would be at some instant to come, falling, falling, but not yet fallen, still not fallen but about to fall.” James Joyce - Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Obi-wan Kenobi goes undercover, fighting a battle against Dooku, the Sith, and himself. Takes place during the Rako Hardeen arc. Part 2 of Divergences

Drifting Starlight by Pandora151 Just before the fateful Battle of Naboo, Qui-Gon Jinn is brought to the future, to the Clone Wars. He doesn't know why or how, but he knows one thing for sure: He never, in a million years, expected the galaxy to end up like this. Part 2 of The Journey of the Lights

-mcu

for good by Madelinedear "Sorry, May, we can't all be best friends with a celebrity.” May opens her mouth to retort reflexively, the words 'we aren’t even friends' on the tip of her tongue before she closes her mouth. Because they are friends, now. They’re way past that point. Oh my god, she thinks somewhat hysterically. Tony Stark is my best friend. (or; Tony Stark, May Parker, and the road to something like friendship) Part 1 of call you home

Exclusive by copperbadge Heroes In Manhattan: From Captain America's Hidden Talents To The Truth About The Hulk, We Debunk The Myths And Expose The Daily Lives Of The Avengers. Part 1 of Magazineverse

Watch Our Souls Fade Away by GloriousBlackout Nebula and Tony struggle to come to terms with everything they've lost as they make the journey back to Earth. Takes place immediately after the events of Avengers: Infinity War.

the rattle of their hearts by iron_spider Tony deals with the aftermath of Infinity War. He needs to get things back to normal. And Peter is an essential part of normal. Part 1 of rattle universe

home training by theformerone T'Chaka takes Erik back to Wakanda. Erik is a problem child. Part 1 of erik stevens, prince of wakanda

We've Made It This Far, Kid by EmAndFandems Tony's just trying to protect the kid from SHIELD. Why does everything have to be so hard? Meanwhile, Peter's biggest problem is buying movie tickets, until he gets a harsh awakening.

the spider-man conspiracy by tempestaurora  WHO IS SPIDER-MAN? The screen showed Peter Parker, sixteen years old and determined to prove the identity of Spider-Man over the course of the three-part documentary he was making, unknowing that it would become viral within days of the first part being released. Behind the camera, way off screen, was Harley Keener, Tony Stark’s other prodigy child, grinning like crazy as Peter started the documentary. Only a few people knew what was to come, and those few people were about to have a great few weeks. “My name is Peter Parker, and with the help of my friends, Ned Leeds, Harley Keener, and my Aunt, May Parker, who provided me with a lot of red yarn for this project, we’re going to uncover the identity of Spider-Man.” OR "what if peter just decided to fuck with everyone who didn’t know he was spider man and make a documentary about him trying to uncover the Truth." Part 1 of the conspiracy kids

Below Freezing by aftersoon (notboldly) When Rhodey crash lands in the Himalayan wilderness, it tests more than just his survival skills.

-marvel 616

Resurrection, Reconstruction & Redemption by Elspethdixon, Seanchai Doom brings Steve back from the dead. Hijinks ensue, some of which might vaugely be considered plot. Part 1 of Resurrection-verse

Winter Is All Over You by Kiyaar Tony can't remember why he's running.

Sea Stars by Muccamukk Summary: Steve comes back to life somewhere entirely unexpected; Tony doesn’t remember being a hero; something is rotten in the province of British Columbia, and the 2010 Olympics are doomed.

(Not So) Lonely At The Top by foldingcranes Summary: Riri has a bad day, and Tony tries to be An Emotionally Available Adult for her. It doesn’t go so bad.

Emanata (The Comics Will Break Your Heart Remix) by teaberryblue Summary: Steve Rogers has the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dreams of becoming a comic artist when eccentric billionaire, superhero patron, and obsessive comic enthusiast Tony Stark offers him a job drawing Iron Man. But Tony Stark has no idea that Steve Rogers is really Captain America, the newest member of the Avengers. And Iron Man has no idea that Captain America is really Steve Rogers, up-and-coming comic book artist. And Steve doesn’t know what to do about the fact that he’s falling head over heels for them both.

Changeling by Sineala Instead of deleting his entire brain and reloading from a backup, Tony attempts to erase just the SHRA database from his mind. As Steve later finds out, this is unfortunately not what he actually did. Part 1 of Changeling

Zero Sum by Crait Did you do your best, Anthony? And did your best only make things worse?Series Part 1 of Stark Disassembled

-jojo’s bizarre adventure

nothing like the sun by succubused

“All Jotaro’s other targets are dead. Except for you.” Malika cocked her head, considering Kakyoin. “After he came back the last time and he was…alone in there, I…grew him flowers, a few times. I wasn’t supposed to. But he was in the dark for so long. I thought he wouldn’t mind losing a little bit of blood as long as it reminded him there was still something left.” “What do you mean,” Kakyoin said slowly, “‘in the dark’?” Malika didn’t answer. White flowers unfurled from her forearm, gentle trickles of blood rising up the thin stems. She watched them thoughtfully. White poppy; consolation. She plucked a poppy out of her arm and held it carefully between two fingers. “You have to get him out,” she said. “You have to.”

AU where Jotaro is the evil brainwashed assassin sent to kill Kakyoin, who makes life very complicated for Dio by being better at counterpossession than he is. Part 1 of nothing like the sun

somebody's baby boy ain't coming home tonight by simkjrs He rolls back the sleeve on his left arm and looks at the scabbed-over words that have been cut into his skin.

KASAI 181 BRING PEN

It’s not like Jotaro makes it a habit to listen to what other people say to him, but this is too strange of a case. He doesn’t remember doing this to himself, but if he didn’t do it, then who? And if he did do it, then why can’t he remember? ---- Four months after Egypt, and there is something strange happening back at home.

I am the desert by catboysam Jotaro hated to admit it to himself, but despite the fact that he hadn't teared up when they left Japan, he missed his grandfather’s presence. After having him beside him for so long and through so much, being separated from him felt… almost wrong. Like another thing was missing. And the more he lingered on that thought, the more the lack of Polnareff's presence felt wrong too. Jotaro invites Polnareff to his high school graduation.

the sidewalk soldiers sing the midnight blues by queenieofaces In hindsight, he doesn’t know why it didn’t occur to him that losing a hand might affect his hamon. His lungs are fine, but the flow of energy through his body is different now, no matter how imperceptibly.

The Best-Laid Plans by deuil Jotaro'd mentioned to Josuke on a few occasions that every plane that Joseph Joestar's ever been on has crashed and burned. Josuke wonders now if he's somehow managed to metaphorically inherit that trait.

Can't Go Back Now by etymologyplayground "No, no, he was not the devil. It is just that he was called Diavolo. … Well, maybe he was, I don't know," Giorno says. "Bene, he was the… director? Of Passione." "Boss," Fugo supplies him. "He was the boss." Giorno snaps his fingers at Fugo gratefully. "He was the boss. I should not care about him personally except that he made Passione sell drugs, and weapons. That's no good, you know." Jolyne slides her eyes over to Hermès, who is very resolutely looking at the road. She bites her lip. Jolyne thinks about the dime bag of weed currently sitting in the glove compartment. "Oh, yeah, for sure." -- Giorno and Fugo visit the Florida crew. Jolyne figures some stuff out about herself, her dad, and Hermès.

Untitled (1980-2014) by platinumfinale Jotaro Kujo, and his family, grows up. Contains spoilers for parts 3-6.

and the PTA meetings are worse by shonens Love thy neighbor. Or hate them. Hate them so passionately you trim your hedges in the shape of 'get fucked' in hopes of ruining their day. A collection of AU short stories about mudad, oradad, and suburbia.

[thatfanficstuff]

Nightingale’s Song - 7

Pairing: Bucky x OFC

Warnings: Discussions and depictions of torture both physical and mental.

***

Anna pressed the back of her hand to her lips to quiet a sob of relief. Buck pressed a finger to his lips and shot a glance toward the door. She gave a slight nod and continued cleaning him. Only now, she took the time to feel his skin beneath her touch. She’d missed him so much and had no idea how long it would be before she would see him again.

“What are you doing here, doll?” He sounded heartbroken. Of course, she felt the same after seeing what they’d done to him.

“They found out about me healing people. They took me and brought me here.” Her breath hitched toward the end as she was unable to keep memories from flooding through her.

His right hand had settled on her hip to help steady her and he moved the thumb back and forth in a comforting gesture. “What have they done to you?”

Her gaze found his. She took in the set of his jaw and the dark look in his eye and shook her head. What good would it do for him to know? “Don’t worry about me, Bucky.”

He huffed a laugh. “As if that’s ever going to happen.” He swallowed and looked from her to the door again. “How long have you been here?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know.” She hated not being able to give him an answer.

He squeezed her hip. “It’s okay, Anna. Steve will get us out of here.”

She sucked in a breath.

Bucky’s gaze sharpened. “What? What is it?”

Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. “Steve’s gone. He went down in a plane. They never found him.”

His grip tightened as he processed her words.

“Ow.” She flinched as pain flared from where he held her. It wasn’t entirely his fault. All of her muscles and nerves were super sensitive to input now.

He released her immediately. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. They’ve got me hyped up on all this shit and I forget my own strength.”

She shook her head. “I’m just sore, Buck. That’s all.”

At that, he went very still and his eyes grew dark again. “Who?”

Anna’s brow furrowed. “What?”

“Who did it? Who hurt you?” The edge to his voice sent a tremor of fear down her spine even though it wasn’t directed at her.

“Well, isn’t this touching?” came a now familiar voice from the doorway.

Anna gasped and turned to face the doctor. Bucky was immediately on his feet. He stood in front of her, his body blocking her view. “Stay away from her.” His words were crisp, firm. She’d never heard him like that before.

The doctor smirked and ran his eyes over Bucky. “You didn’t think we’d let you keep her, did you?”

A growl came from her soldier. There was no other word for it. Before he could do anything else, the doctor lifted a hand and men swarmed into the room. They didn’t even give Bucky a chance to stand down before they poked at him with metal rods. Electricity snapped down the length of them and coursed through Bucky’s body. He dropped to his knees though he appeared to still be attempting to resist them.

Anna pushed to her feet. “Stop!”

They paid her no heed and why would they? She was no threat. For the first time in her life Anna wished her powers did something destructive. Something so terrifying these men would flee before her and leave her Buck alone. “Why did I waste time healing him if you’re just going to injure him again?” she yelled.

The doctor held that hand up again and the attack stopped. Bucky was still aware, though he was slumped forward on all fours. He panted as he struggled through the pain and attempted to catch his breath.

“You will comply,” the doctor said.

Bucky looked up with a snarl. “Fuck you.”

The other man gestured to one of his soldiers and Bucky braced himself for the attack. Anna was surprised and terrified when she realized the man wasn’t approaching her love at all. He was walking straight to her.

Before she could protest, that metal rod was thrust against her side and electricity rolled through her. Pain and Bucky’s screams were all she knew as the world went black.

***

“I’ll do whatever you want. Just leave her alone.”

Bucky’s voice was the first thing Anna heard as she came to. It was followed quickly by the doctor. “Of course, you will because you love her. Love is a weakness. It leaves you vulnerable.” There was a pause. “She’s awake. Sit her up.”

She frowned as she opened her eyes a bit. How had he known that she was awake? Bastard. She sat herself up before the soldiers could touch her. Bucky was strapped to a table across from her that was angled so he was almost upright. His gaze found hers and she could see the question in them. She nodded once to let him know that she was okay.

The doctor looked her over with a smile that was almost…fond? Ugh. After another look, he returned his attention to Bucky. “I know what you’re thinking, asset. We need her. We won’t hurt her that badly. Perhaps you can resist a bit and no lasting harm will come to her.” He laughed as if he’d just told the best joke ever. “But we’ve made some improvements to your little nurse. There is little we could do that she won’t survive. We could take her to the brink of death over and over again and you could do nothing but watch.”

Bucky struggled against his restraints. His eyes were wide with panic. “Just leave her alone, damn it.”

“But you have not learned your lesson from your earlier resistance, soldier. Not yet, anyway.”

He nodded his head and the soldier nearest Anna turned and sliced a knife through the air. She choked and pressed her hands to the wound on her throat, now flowing freely with blood.

***

Bucky screamed and struggled as he watched his Anna grasp helplessly at her throat, trying to keep the blood inside where it belonged. Her eyes met his and they were so full of confusion. Her hands released their grip as she fell sideways. He looked at the blond asshole that seemed to be in charge. “Do something. Help her.”

“You will comply with erasure?”

“Yes. Anything. Just save her.”

The man shook his head as he walked over to stand in front of Bucky. “It is not necessary. As I said, she will survive. If only she had skills as a soldier, she would be a worthier asset than you. Alas, they believe she is too valuable as a healer to be placed in the field.”

Relief flooded through him though he tried not to let them see. At least she would be spared that. If she lived. Until he saw her recovered with his own eyes, he wasn’t going to believe them. Nausea churned in his belly as he watched for any movement, any signs of life from his nightingale.

Just as he was prepared to give up hope, she gasped. Two men pulled her into a sitting position. She trembled as she processed what had just happened to her. Her eyes met his and the plea in them tore at his heart.

He didn’t want to forget her again, but he couldn’t let them do anything else to her. She may survive it physically, but mentally was an entirely different matter. His gaze shifted to the doctor and he licked his lips. “Erase me.”

***

tags in comments

[theharellan]

Also!! Idk if you've talked about this before, but what does he miss most about Elvhenan? Food, people, events, aspects of culture, etc.? Is there anything at all about it that he sees through rose-tinted glasses? What about memories that have faded over time which he'd hoped to keep?

send me meta | accepting

It’s difficult to pin down one “most” because of how much the Veil changed every aspect of his life. So really, you could say he misses a Veil-less world the most, but that wasn’t a product of Elvhenan, just the way the world was. Before Elvhenan it was the same, but it’s undoubtedly what he misses the most about life before. It has a huge ripple effect, changing Solas’s experience with food, art (of all varieties), nature, personal relationships, and how he perceived the world. Magic is a sixth sense of a sort, and while it isn’t gone now, it’s… less. While I write Solas as always having struggled with depersonalisation/derealisation at different points in his life, the Veil ramped it up to a point that it takes over a year for anything to start seeming real.

Even when he does learn to cope, he still is constantly confronted with how different everything is. When he kisses Ian for the first few times he’s concerned about Ian’s enjoyment– before, the world would’ve changed around them to reflect how they felt. Now, he certainly feels his own world change, but he’s keenly aware it’s his own perspective alone, and he has only a few cues to work off rather than the whole host of ones he was used to. I’ve written before about how the Orlesian line “tastes of despair” doesn’t sound so ridiculous to Solas, at least until he tries it. The old line “made with love” was a bit more literal in Elvhenan. It’s mentioned in World of Thedas that Solas doesn’t eat that much, and I honestly think this is one reason why. The other reason being that skilled Dreamers don’t actually need to eat, they can derive sustenance entirely from the Fade. I tend to hc that my Solas eats more than is implied in WoT, but when he does it’s usually because it’s a food he really enjoys (dessert, also any main course with honey as a main ingredient god help him), it’s made by someone he likes (eventually I think he develops a small friendship with sb who works in the kitchen and he tends to eat what he makes), or someone noticed his eating habits and eating will get them off his back.

This was all one very long tangent but I felt it was necessary to set up how much the Veil effects what he misses. I miss the cold North Sea and the English countryside, but if I decide I’m going to make some Yorkshire pudding or order some Quavers from England the way I consume them won’t be fundamentally changed.

Solas has always missed the people most, and it started before the creation of the Veil. When he was Fen’Harel, a rebel, a traitor, who only returned to the cities of Elvhenan as their enemy. Becoming Fen’Harel meant turning the hearts of many of the people he knew against him. While destruction of art was part of the rebellion’s deal, it limited itself for the most part to art that adulated the evanuris, and he could reassure himself that whatever he missed most would either a) survive or b) something new and better would take its place, something not rooted in a society that suppressed a thousand low-born artists for the benefit of one lucky-born artist. He also missed the food, while he’ll say himself some of the best food he’s ever eaten was with the rebellion, he still missed the bakeries in Arlathan and kept their recipes (as best as he remembers them) close.

But the people were always who he missed the most. As an evanuris, he had issues forming close, emotionally intimate relationships with people due to the huge gap there is between “god” and even the highest non-divine title, but he still grew fond of people. He knew them well enough to know most didn’t deserve what the rebellion was preparing to do to their cities, and that it was ultimately the system and the people in power who were their enemy rather than the ordinary people of Elvhenan. It was tempered by the fact that I hc there were members of the rebellion he was close to, closer in many ways than he was to anyone else before his defection as he had been growing more withdrawn with every new doubt. Yet that didn’t erase the fact that he missed the people he knew before, nor the despair he felt knowing their lives and livelihoods were at risk.

The same is still ultimately true now– the people are who he misses. When you ask Solas to share what he has seen in the Fade he always tells you human (for lack of a better word) stories, their experiences are what he connects with more than other aspects of the culture they came from. When you ask him about Elvhenan he does admittedly talk about buildings and magic rather than people, but I tend to chalk that up as it being wiser to not talk about the people he knew even in vague, distant terms for fear of seeming too fond although if he trusts/likes someone he may tell them some stories, but always with enough details left out that it can be interpreted as taking place in his apparent lifetime.

So like??? Even now, the people. That’s ultimately why he’s still doing this, more than for crystal spires or pickled apples or any magic lost with the Veil. The Veil did more than destroy Elvhenan, and its harm to his people isn’t just in the past when you take into consideration that spirits are his people as much as people like Abelas. He misses them most, but also feels he can’t talk about them.

As for what he sees through rose-coloured lens, Mythal is probably the biggest one. He calls her the best of them, and I honestly don’t doubt that she is, but he still harbours a lot of affection for her yet at the end of the day we come across her temple full of elves wearing her vallaslin. She was a strange presence on his life, a positive and negative one, but I think Solas is most likely to only remember the good.

There are smaller things he might romanticise himself which other people may not get. Not everyone might understand why he misses being moved to tears by a meal, but it seems cultural in Elvhenan, so I can’t quite say it’s rose-coloured. I think he might see the art through rose-tinted lens, especially early on in his time in the Dragon Age, but again his perception is so fucked it’s hard to blame him. That and it also applies to his own art so? Overall though I think he has a fairly realistic memory of Elvhenan, best demonstrated in this dialogue with Dorian:

Solas: Empires rise and fall. Arlathan was no more “innocent” than your own Tevinter in its time.Solas: Your nostalgia for the ancient elves, however romanticized, is pointless.

He’s aware of the fact that Elvhenan itself was an empire and that empires are inherently shitty and terrible, no matter who’s running them.

[residenthacker]

9, 11, 16, 30 (this is important rofl), 33, 38, 46, 47

What is one dream you have yet to accomplish?

Tyler has a lot of dreams and ideas that he keeps bottled up. He’s thought about using his tech skills for good so many times. To help find and reunite families. Maybe create a website that lets foster children choose their own family ( from a list of families that are interested, with pictures, and details, and maybe even a personalized message on why they should be chosen ). Tyler would like to do something for kids. Give them some kind of power. He’d also like to find his own parents and sister someday. 

What are three things you value most about a person?

Honesty. Compassion. Humor. Whether it’s in friendships or a relationship, Tyler enjoys the company of people he can be himself around. Someone who’s honest with him but also compassionate and maybe even a little bit of a dork. Tyler has a goofy, vulnerable, childish side to him that not a lot of people get to see. 

What’s your favorite beer?

Normally, Tyler goes right for the hard stuff. He’s not the biggest fan of beer. The smell of it on someone’s breath reminds him of drunken foster parents better left forgotten. When he does have a beer, it’s whatever he can get his hands on and he almost always winces from the bitter taste of haunted memories.  

Dogs or Cats?

Dogs. Only because Tyler’s never had a cat! But he adores Brooke’s love for the felines and how she reminds him of one whenever she lays cuddled up in his lap and wants him to play with her hair. I could see Tyler and Brooke adopting a cat together 😺

What’s one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Tyler missed out on a lot of normal childhood milestones, such as riding a bike, building a sandcastle, or throwing a ball. Instead of being a kid, he was taught how to steal, lie, hack computers, crack safes, hot-wire cars. Now at 17, Tyler is too embarrassed to go back and learn how to do simple things.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?

Learning how to survive on his own. Tyler is resourceful, highly intelligent, and driven. He can literally make anything out of himself. He just doesn’t have the confidence to take that extra step. He’s submissive to abuse. He lets people control him and maybe that’s due to some deep-seated abandonment issues. He wants to be worthy and valid so bad that he lets himself become a puppet. 

If you had the ability to erase something that you did in the past, what would it be?

Tyler would like to erase his time with the McCall family. His foster mom who exploited him emotionally and sexually. And his foster dad who enjoyed kicking his ass. A lot of his fucked up, bad habits come from living with that family. 

What song makes you unconditionally happy?

Lana Del Rey’s Young & Beautiful because he shared his first kiss with Brooke to that song. Do You Remember by Jarryd James because he took her virginity to that song. Annnnd With My Baby by Ed Sheeran because that song played during their first date outside the carnival. # obsessed ? yes.

[charmedbrujas]

Secret Santa Fic: Back to You

For @haveyoufalleninablackhole

You requested Macy/Harry pining and there is a smidge of Macy/Harry outsiders. I apologize this turned out a bit more angsty than I had planned when I started. I hope you enjoy!

Back to You

Harry had tried everything to contact the elders from Tartarus with no luck. He had even tried orbing back home several times even though he was well aware it wouldn’t work.

Fortunately, the guards here left him alone for the most part. They seemed to be aware that he wasn’t meant to be here and while they didn’t try to capture and torture him they also weren’t receptive to helping him try to leave.

He was surviving. The heat was blistering and there was no food or water here, but the magic of the place kept him from in a constant state of starvation just short of death. So he was trapped here until the sisters or the elders were able to rescue him.

He had found a hidden alcove that was a few degrees less hot than being out in the open and was trying to stay out of sight. He didn’t want to let his guard down so sleep was also out of the question.

Most of the time, he would occupy his thoughts by wondering how the sisters were doing back home. He hoped Mel wasn’t in over her head with the Sarcana and that Maggie was recovering from her broken heart.

But his thoughts were pulled to Macy more frequently than he knew they should be. The sight of her with sleep filled eyes and dressed in pajamas making a beeline for the coffeemaker in the morning.

Sharing cups of tea (not spiked with truth serum) in his office when she would need a break from the lab.  The way he couldn’t even be annoyed when she would hog the bathroom and use up all the hot water because he knew that hot baths were her safe space.

Macy was his light keeping his spirits up in this dark place.

~~~~

Living with the Vera-Vaughn sisters at the orders of the elders had been both a joy and a form of torture for Harry. Even though living in the attic wasn’t ideal, he found that the chaos of the house was far preferable to the loneliness of his Whitelighter existence before the sisters came into his care.

He told himself this was a good opportunity to get to know his charges better but he couldn’t get too close to them after the disaster with Fiona.

Unfortunately, the girls didn’t see it that way and it was a struggle for Harry not to get too attached to them. After only a few days into his stay in the house he realized he had a harder time keeping his distance from one sister in particular.

Macy was also a relative newcomer to the house and both were still adjusting to the quirks of their two younger roommates, coordinating a complicated bathroom schedule and trading off the most hated chores.

And if Harry noticed that Macy was just as beautiful with messy curls and no make up first thing in the morning as she was when she was dressed up drinks at The Haunt, he quickly shoved those thoughts into a box under lock and key.

At times, they both felt like outsiders when Mel and Maggie would have an entire conversation with one look or share an inside joke. Fortunately, conversation flowed easily for Macy and Harry, often trading complaints about the red tape of academic life or what they were currently writing in the hopes of being published.

Macy’s habit of dissecting every piece of magical information to try to find the science behind it was also particularly endearing. Especially when she crinkled her eyebrows and made that face that meant she was trying to solve a puzzle.

In between trying to find who killed Marisol and defeating the ghost or demon of the week, the four of them fell into a routine. Harry would make breakfast every morning and the sisters would trade off making dinner. After dinner they would disperse around the house to their respective magical or academic endeavors.  

One night in November, the sounds of halting piano playing had pulled Harry down to the living room to find Maggie struggling through a song on the piano and Macy looking at some old Vera photo albums.

“Sorry if my playing was bothering you Harry. Mom made me take lessons when I was younger and I wanted to see if I could still play. She loved this old piano,” Maggie explained when Harry appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

“That’s alright, you weren’t bothering me at all. It sounds like you’ve almost got the hang of it,” he encouraged. “Do you mind if I...?” he gestured towards the piano and Maggie scooted over on the bench.

Harry wasn’t entirely sure why he felt a pull towards the piano, but when he sat down his fingers seemed to take over and he was able to smoothly play the end of the familiar tune that Maggie had started.

Macy looked up at both of them when she heard the shift in music. “I didn’t know you could play piano Harry. That was beautiful,” she complimented warmly.

“I didn’t know I could either actually,” he said a bit awkwardly. “It just came to me.”

“Skills like playing an instrument are implicit memory. They don’t disappear when someone gets amnesia or when a Whitelighter has their memories erased apparently. You must have learned as a human,” Macy spoke excitedly.

Harry couldn’t help feeling overcome with emotion at this bit of information and he grinned happily at Macy.  

“Maybe we can test some other implicit memories to see if we can find out more about your human life!”

“That would be wonderful. Thank you Macy,”

Recovering this small piece of his past made him happier than he had felt in a long time and he looked forward to possibly uncovering more with the scientist.

Macy’s phone chimed and interrupted the two smiling at each other, not noticing Maggie looking between the two curiously.

“Oh, this is Galvin! Excuse me,” she said moving towards the upper floor for some privacy. Harry’s eyes unconsciously followed her up the stairs but the interruption reminded him that Macy was off limits for numerous reasons. He had to try to keep his distance.

~~~

“Macy, we both want to get Harry back too but you need to sleep,” Maggie implored. Macy had been combing through the Book of Shadows for hours, attempting every portal spell she could find to bring Harry back from Tartarus.

“I can’t sleep Maggie. Every hour, every minute longer we leave him down there, the more danger he’s in,”

“Maggie’s right and your powers will be stronger after you rest. Please Macy, just take a few hours and Maggie and I will keep looking,” Mel sighed in relief when Macy nodded reluctantly.

The elder sister made her way not to her own room, but to the cot in the attic that Harry had slept on while he was living with them. She closed her eyes, laying on the bed, but sleep didn’t come as easily as it should have when she hadn’t slept in days.

She missed Harry, possibly more than the other two girls. They both shared a sense of past loneliness that the other two didn’t have growing up in a close knit trio with their mother. After the shock of learning about her sisters and their powers had worn off, she had grown to trust Harry more easily than the other two and found him to be a steady, reassuring presence that she could share a quiet cup of tea without any awkwardness when she needed a moment of calm. He always knew exactly what to say to make her feel better when she was struggling with her new job or her conflicting feelings about Galvin.

Of course she found him attractive and could listen to his soothing British voice for hours but any feelings beyond friendship were out of the question.  Besides, it was forbidden for witches and Whitelighters to be together and it would just make things too complicated.

Harry saw all three of them as his responsibility and possibly like younger sisters. He would never think of her in a romantic way.  Galvin was a much more attainable choice, even if his mark was keeping them apart. They were both scientists and came from similar backgrounds.

After they rescued Harry, she would have to talk to Galvin about what he had seen on Christmas Eve. And if things didn’t work out with Galvin she would be ok.

If she lost Harry the crack in her heart would never heal. She had to be rational and think with her head and not her heart to get him back safely, Macy thought before sleep finally claimed her.