#like what is this open world shit wheres my turn based combat

[jade-gemstone]

Playing video games has made me realize I would be much better suited for medieval warfare than whatever the hell every military is doing out there rn.

[briefunknownnerd]

Thank you all so much for the love and support on the prologue of my story!!

The first chapter is posted on my Ao3, so I thought I’d post it here too to get a bit of traction :)

Let me know if the link doesn’t work!

Thank you so much. I love you all

Ems <3

Simon was used to the dark. He embraced it, the familiar shadows that seemed to follow him wherever he went. And that was how he found himself on the roof of the barracks, a cigarette balanced delicately between his gloved fingers. The base was quiet, most of its attendants sleeping save for the measly patrols that didn’t give two shits about anything. To be fair, it was almost three in the morning. Simon knew if he was on night shift he wouldn’t care either- because he had been on night shift for a long, long time before being promoted.

It was fucking freezing outside, but that didn’t stop the wraith. He took in a long drag, watching the moon and the twinkling stars. Maybe the cigarette smoke would finally kill him, he thought. He always figured suffocation or lung cancer would be a painful death but drowning, he heard, was something more peaceful. Maybe it was the same? His thumb fingers the small round cog on the lighter, making lame sparks which, besides the glowing red tip of his cigarette, was the only light up on the roof.

The smoke blew out in a white puff from his mouth and nose, the wind dissolving it as soon as it exited him. His blond hair ruffled, and Simon tugged his hood on, drawing the hoodie strings just a little tighter. He knew he looked like a proper idiot, but fuck it, his ears were cold and he was all alone.

As he gazed back out, wondering what might have been all the way out at the end of the universe- if there was an end- a shooting star arced across the vast night sky. Simon had half of a mind to make a wish. But, wishes were for children, he decided, and his childhood had ended at the ripe age of eight.

Taking another puff, he reached the end of his cigarette, and stubbed it out on the concrete ledge in front of him. It went out easily, a small hiss escaping the cancer stick. Another shooting star appeared, and he rolled his eyes.

“Must be a fuckin’ meteor shower or something,” he grumbled. “Stupid fucking stars.” He turned on his heel, pushing the roof access door open. He silently slunk down the stairs, keeping to the shadows. His safe places.

He got back to his room in the barracks after sneaking around empty, eerie hallways that were lit with blinding fluorescents where even he couldn’t find a hiding spot.

His room was decorated painfully plain, with only a pair of black curtains hanging above the only window in the small space. Simon locked the door and kicked off his combat boots, sighing with delight. He pulled his socks off, and tossed them in the direction of his closet- he would pick them up in the morning.

Simon made his way to the en suite bathroom he had- the perks of being a Lieutenant- and turned the shower on to scalding hot. Once steam started to billow out of the showerhead only when he stripped, not bothering to inspect himself in the mirror.

He knew what he looked like, and he frankly didn’t care.

Simon groaned as the hot water washes over his sore muscles, head tilting back to embrace the warmth.

He stood there for a few minutes, letting himself slowly relax under the water. And in those moments, the world faded away to nothing.

It was him, in perfect solitude. No missions, no expectations, and no rookies to train. No fighting, no war, no guns. No monsters, or hybrids, or humans. No angels, or anything else he didn’t understand. Just him and his thoughts, and the occasional tune he would hum quietly.

Simon washed his hair, and his body, washed and shaved his face, and sat in peace and quiet for a little longer until the water started to run cold.

And once it did, he shut the water off and stepped out onto the bath rug that had his feet imprinted on it from using it so many times.

He took the towel and dried his hair off first. Then, his body. Once he was done he wrapped the towel around his waist and took two quick steps to the vanity. He took a baby wipe- he couldn't stand thinking of buying himself makeup wipes- and removed the rest of the eye black that his face wash had missed.

He brushed his teeth and ran his fingers through his hair in a lame attempt to tame it, before rinsing his mouth out with mouthwash. After he spit, he went out to his room to dress for bed: only underwear and basketball shorts for him. Simon threw his towel back into the bathroom; it could be used for another time or two before he would need to wash it.

He collapsed into bed with a sigh and his bed creaked loudly, plugged his phone in and double-checked to make sure his alarm was set for the next day.

He laid on his back, eyes closed as he tried to fall asleep. But the moon seemed to race past in the night sky, and before he knew it, the sun had come up.

Simon turned his alarm off before it even had the chance to go off. Groaning, he got out of bed, and stumbled into his bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair. He dressed, and went to one of the rec rooms to grab a cup of tea. His teammates were waiting for him. Gaz, the harpy-shifter, Soap, the werewolf, and Price, the dragon-shifter.

“Morning,” Price said, clearing his throat as he sipped his coffee. Ghost merely gave him a grunt in acknowledgement, going to the sink so he could put water in the kettle to boil. Grabbing a mug, Simon plunked a tea bag into it, and waited. God, he hated mornings. Everything was too bright, too sunny, too… cheerful. He watched as his teammates conversed, chuckling as they talked about the events of yesterday, and what the day might bring.

Simon poured the now boiling water into his mug, watching as the small plastic-y bag turned the water brown with its contents.

For a split second, he wished he was normal like them.

Dunking his bag in the water a few more times, he blew on the scalding hot water, and took a small sip. He snapped himself back into reality knowing that never, at least not in his lifetime, that he would ever be considered normal. Accepting it, he leaned back against the counter and joined the conversation- only adding bits and pieces here and there- about what training they were going to do with the new recruits.

[sekhithefops]

The Best Games I Played in 2024

So, its been a crazy ass year huh? Great year to say "fuck this, I want to find a good video game and basically hide in it until the real world is less fucked up than the one with monsters and wizards and shit."

Well, as the year draws to a close and with that thought fresh in our minds now, here's my favorite ten games of 2024. A few ground rules.

This is in NO particular order of best to worst, this is just the ones that stood out in my memories this year.

This is for games I personally played in 2024. Some came out before 2024, but I didn't play them until now so it counts.

These are for the games I liked. Some will be Triple-A, some will be Indies, some will be full release, some will be Early Access.

There MAY be spoilers for some games. If this is an issue, exits over there thank you for stopping by.

Ready, here we go then.

Final Fantasy XVI

Having literally just finished this game at time of writing, I can say that it may well be one of my favorite entries to the series now and I cannot for the life of me work out why the fuck this game was so divisive among the fanbase.

I will say this is the darkest Final Fantasy has been story wise since the infamous Type 0 which literally opens like Anime Apocalypse Now, but it also has plenty of moments of levity to balance out the darker spots.

Its not Turn Based Combat, but it is combat directed by Ryota Suzuki, whose name you may recognize if you're familiar with a certain red-coated white haired swordsman with a fondness for pizza. Thats right, same guy who did Devil May Cry V's combat. If you enjoyed beating the everloving hell out of everything as Dante, you might want to consider this one.

But yes, I genuinely consider this one of my favorite entries out of the FF series now. I mean, it literally ends with you punching God in the face.

I'm not kidding, I screenshotted it.

Personally, I really had fun with it and I'm interested to see what the Seventeenth installment will bring... in about 4-5 years give or take.

Metaphor ReFantazio

Good year for RPGs from our friends across the Pacific wasn't it? Metaphor is a story about a young man named Will (or whatever name you gave him) who travels the world on a quest to become elected king because of a giant floating face in the sky telling everyone thats how it works now, while beating up monsters based on the works of Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch that, as it turns out, are the mad remnants of humanity following a war that ended the old world.

Yeah its a weird game... and basically Persona. But still a decent one.

Only complaint I had was that they didn't stick the landing and the final dungeon was such an ordeal I just said 'screw this noise' and went off to do something else. Sorry Will, looks like your country is screwed. Good luck with that.

Resident Evil Village

Yeah, I know. I just now got to Lady Dimitrescu and her big Mommy Milkers. Theres a lot of games out there and only so many hours in the day okay?

Still I'm glad I got there eventually. While I played through VII as well I found the villains from that one ultimately forgettable and the game itself... not bad but I'd played better.

Village however was absolutely the shot in the arm the series needed. The perfect mix of disturbing horror with the monster baby, the puppet creatures, and the like, and the campy batshittery with bombastic villains like Karl "Hillbilly Magneto" Heisenberg who is now a personal favorite of mine.

Outstanding job on this one Capcom, please don't fuck up RE IX okies?

Enshrouded

If you know me you know I'm a sucker for a good survival crafting game. Mix in RPG elements and set it infront of me and five weeks later the police call off the search and give me up for dead.

Enshrouded is a great title, still in early access mind but with a ton of wonderful ideas behind it and I'm very eager to see where the devs are going with all this.

A high fantasy game where you can focus on being a big burly warrior, a cunning rogue with daggers and bow, a mighty sorcerer, or a little of each as you try to rebuild the world and create your own happy little village to survive the apocalypse... with an actual village infact. Normally I don't like survival games with NPC supporters (I find they get in the way as often as not) but somehow Enshrouded did it right. Good job guys.

SPEAKING OF SUCH GAMES...

Nightingale

If Enshroued fits me gameplay wise, this is a game that fits me perfectly in terms of genre and theme, and potentially gameplay eventually.

I am a massive massive massive geek for anything fae-themed. Changeling the Lost/Dreaming? Hell yes. Seanen McGuire's October Daye series? Gimme. Pan's Labyrinth? Wunderbar!

I love survival crafting games as I mentioned above.

And anything with a unique clothing aesthetic has my attention immediately. MMOs get me with this all the time with WoW's transmog and FFXIV's glamour system.

So a game that's dripping with fae lore, a survival crafting title, and set in the Victorian era?

(art by @xhyperwolfx )

Yep, if I'm abandoned by the authorities for Enshrouded, then for Nightingale I'll be off with the faeries and won't reappear for a century like Rip Van Winkle.

Its not perfect yet, but the dev team is doing their damndest and after the last major update I'm very interested to see whats coming next.

Aces & Adventures

This one I had almost forgotten about, but just seeing it in my Steam list again makes me want to play it.

A card game RPG where you take a deck of 52 poker cards and, indeed, go on adventures using them. Pick one of five classes and sally forth to see the world with a lovely narration and a story that appears to be looping on itself with each retelling.

I'm best with the mage myself, but I'm kind of wanting to try other ones too. I can definitely say it's a favorite of mine now and one I recommend for gamers on a budget.

Palworld

And as far as I'm concerned Nintendo is just being a little bitch because PocketPair did so many things fans have been asking them to do for years that they had to pull out a bullshit lawsuit.

Palworld is an explorative game with survival crafting elements and collection RPG elements (yes collection RPGs like Shin Megami Tensei, Digimon Story, and ALL THE OTHER ONES THAT NINTENDO IS CONVENIENTLY IGNORING DO THE SAME THING POKEMON DO YES I'M SALTY) where you wash up on a beach, find a tablet, and then say 'eh, may as well catch 'em all.'

Then team up with them all, have them all help you build a base, have them all let you ride them around the world, have them all even pick up a gun themselves and watch a magical squirrel bust a cap in someone's ass.

Still in early access as well, but I have high hopes that they'll weather the storm of Nintendo's little 'waaaaah we wanna be king shit' tantrum and come out the other side better than before.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

I didn't really get into this one until 2024 and bigods I'm sorry to Owlcat for taking so damn long. An outstanding CRPG with a downright dizzying number of possible character builds with around two dozen classes and a dozen archetypes for each, a story based on the Pathfinder Adventure Module of the same name, and a well imagined Mythic Path system where you can literally play god by the end of the game.

Want to be an undead gnome? Well oogity boogity m'lads!

A half orc bard who is becoming a fae lord? Why the hell not!

A dwarven herbalist who rides around on a wolf because of his crippled back and makes healing salves out of magic plants? Godspeed ya mad bastard!

I kept starting over because I kept getting new ideas for new characters to be and come up with stories for and if you've ever glanced at my writing projects like Adventures in Azeroth...

... read my godsdamn fanfic... o_o

Anyways, point is, if something grabs my story brain that thing is basically going to live rent free in my head for the rest of my life.

Their follow up to this, Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader, wasn't bad at all... but Pathfinder was a lot more fun and I do hope Owlcat return to the world of Golaria someday.

SandLand

Out of all of Toryama's properties (miss ya big guy) I would never have thought SandLand would have gotten more than maybe a tiny mobile game tie in.

Instead it got a huge explorative action RPG with some great voice acting (though they could stand the option to tone down the tank chatter,) a bright colorful world, and an interesting story that actually continues on AFTER the end of the short-lived comic series he did for Shonen Jump back in the day.

A surprise I had not expected, but a title I grew to love. I never got around to finishing it and I feel like I should really do something about that someday soon.

Pacific Drive

Easily the most unique and surreal game I've played in the past several years. You wind up in a bizarre exclusion zone where reality has gone all wibbly wobbly on you, bound to an apparently sentient station wagon, and now you have to customize and prepare it to drive across the ruined wastelands in the hopes that you can escape back to civilization.

And... thats it. Drive around and explore, avoid reality warping insanity, and keep your car in one piece as it is your only means of protection and conveyance.

Sounds simple, but its anything but. Hazards will do tons of hurt to your little four door (and indeed may reduce the number of doors entire,) you have to constantly scavenge for bits to repair the car, build tools, and new gear, and there's areas where if you stay out too long you run the risk of a rather unfortunate fate... though whether thats death via radiation sickness or being transformed into a rubber duck is a detail the game never goes into.

An outstandingly imaginative title that I recommend to anyone who loves exploration, or just always wanted to customize a car.

And thats my 2024 in review. Thank you for joining me, and here's hoping I get to do a 2025 in review before the downfall of western civilization due to a combination of climate change disasters, social unrest, and having re-elected an orange clown to the White House.

Happy new year everyone!

[agentnico]

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) review

Who the fuck cast this Churchill?? Looks nor sounds like the original Prime Minister. Where’s Gary Oldman when you need him?

Plot: Under the guidance of the British PM, a group of military officials hatch a daring plan to neutralize Hitler's fleet of German U-boats during World War II. Made up of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, the top-secret combat unit uses unconventional techniques to battle the Nazis and change the course of the war.

I’ll always make the effort to watch anything Guy Ritchie releases. He’s a proven director that has made so many films I truly adore, including The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Snatch and The Gentlemen to name a few. I absolutely love his writing style, with his characters spilling dialogue like they are proclaiming poetry, all the while cussing and using foul-mouthed lingo to the extremes. That being said, in recent years I have noted that Ritchie has been working a little too much. Don’t get me wrong, I admire his passion and work ethic, but I swear we’ve been getting about two annual projects from him for the past few years, and he’s already got 3 or 4 other directorial efforts on the way. If we look at his most recent movies, The Covenant was a surprisingly grounded and powerful war movie that was truly engaging, however before that we had a couple of throwaway action flicks with Jason Statham, the titles of both I can’t remember without needing to look them up on IMDb, and there was also that Aladdin live-action remake with a blue pre-slap Will Smith as the Genie, where honestly I questioned why Ritchie of all people was chosen to direct, as Disney is not what one thinks of when considering Guy Ritchie’s gritty gangster filmography. So there’s very much a quality over quality concern here, at least in my eyes, however again I would always be in line for a Guy Ritchie movie, so I have finally checked out his most recent directorial effort in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and here’s what I thought.

It’s an Inglourious Basterds-lite rip-off. Even the music score by Christopher Benstead, as delightful as it was, felt like it belonged in a Tarantino movie, and the villain is played by Til Schweiger, who if one recalls also starred in Inglorious Basterds as ironically one of the basterds. So in a nutshell this is another movie about smashing and slicing Nazis like butter, blowing shit up with reckless abandon and throwing about amusing quips that can be referred to as banter. However for a movie with a supposedly exciting set-up where Churchill acts as a somewhat Nick Fury-type, as he sets up his WW2 style Avengers team, the whole thing feels a bit lifeless. Stuff is happening and brutal killings are completed, but the movie lacks any sense of energy, tension or sense of urgency.

Supposedly this is based on a true story, however after seeing the movie I cannot name a single character. All the main team lacks any depth or layers, as such finding it hard to care for any of them. In the trailers Henry Cavill was showcased as this psychotic deranged man who sticks his tongue out and eyes maniacally wide open as he guns down Nazi scum, so I was looking forward to an unhinged performance from him, however in the final product it turns out Henry Cavill is just the regular soft-spoken Henry Cavill, now just with a longer beard and messy hair. So nothing special - he gets to kill some Nazis though. Alan Ritchson, known to most as Prime’s Jack Reacher, gets some great bow and arrow Nazi kills, but in terms of any personality he was given a couple of unfunny jokes and glasses. Henry Golding….was just kind of there? He also killed some Nazis. Eiza González sings a song, and kills one Nazi. Again, all the actors are playing supposedly real life people, but in no way does the movie take any time to get to know its characters. And again let’s not even about that miscast of Winston Churchill - like seriously what the hell??

Ultimately I was left disappointed. This is a moderately entertaining action flick, with a couple of fun moments, but overall it’s a wasted Guy Ritchie effort, and again a signal that the director should maybe slow down a little, and take more time in between films to actually cook up something worthwhile. C’mon Ritchie, be a gentleman, take a break. Have a Snickers.

Overall score: 4/10

[xxthedragonrebornxx]

FUCK YOU I AM TALKING ABOUT THE CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED UNOFFICIAL MINECRAFT NOVEL SERIES!!!!!!

diary of an 8-bit warrior started out as your typical, shit-off-the-factory-line "diary of a _____" book that abuses the fact that minecraft doesn't have enough fucks to give to police people making unofficial books.

but it got better. for some fucking reason, the author decided to keep it going. i am the only person in the fuckign world who cares about this book series and i am going to change that.

book 1: diary of an 8-bit ()villager() warrior

this is the first book in the series and the second-to-last when ranked in terms of quality. it follows Runt Ironfurnace, a villager living in a large, walled-off village. his greatest dream (as you may have guessed) is to be a warrior, and his village school has just introduced a course on just that. its one of the slowest books, introduces the main characters of runt, his best bud Stump, his rival max, steve the player, and mike the... other player. not a lot happens in this book, its mostly just runt, steve, and mike convincing the mayor to let them teach actual combat lessons instead of the unless bumbling the current teacher is doing. the book ends with an ominous forest that mysteriously expands toward the village.

book 2: diary of an 8-bit warrior: from seeds to swords

this one is the worst, purely because it establishes the concept of a "poop creeper" (which thankfully turns out to be a fake rumor.) max and runt go from rivals to friends, and more vital characters are introduced. mainly, pebble the bully, emerald the mean girl, and most importantly breeze, the mysterious new girl who wont stop following runt. more shenanigans happen, and eventually everyone but pebble becomes friends. there's a potion brewing competition, the forest does more stuff, and it begins to pick up traction. mobs actually start to attack the village directly, and there's some real diamond-in-the-rough writing about how no amount of training can prepare you for the fear of losing your life. herobine is namedroped for the first time (because of course) and we end the book with the steaks ramping up.

book 3: crafting alliances (im not doing the full title each time)

really where the series hits stride, in my opinion. a steady mystery plot is built up around the origins of breeze, and there's a pretty decent main plot about a huge group of players overtaking the city, who consider the villagers less than human because everything is "just a game" and herobrine is established as an actually scary villain. (i know, impossible) with steady tension building from the escalating threat of ever-stronger mobs constantly assailing the city. the forest is revealed as a base of operations for the mobs, and all efforts turn to destroying it before the walls fall. pebble becomes ever more insidious, going from bully to active threat.

also, there are a lot of plot holes from this point on, due to the author retconing the stupid shit from the pervious books.

book 4: path of the diamond

begins with a truly chilling battle between pebble and runt, where pebble attempts to ACTUALLY MURDER HIM WHAT THE FUCK in the process opening a huge part of the wall. his reasoning?

"you're a threat to the village, runt. i cant afford to let you take that commander position from me. if you get into power, you'll kill us all."

and its like JESUS (nonexistant) when did we transition from poop creepers?! (also there's a whole thing where villager jobs are called "paths" and the path of the warrior was only available to the top five. in this book, the path of the diamond is a commander position for the top five, and the conflict hinges on runt or breeze trying to get it before the others.) we also meet lola, the air-headed redstoner who rounds out the final member of runt's team. there's also something to be said for some neurodivergent rep here, as multiple times, its explicitly stated that lola has a hard time doing things the "normal" way and usually does it her own way. i wont spoil it in case you want to read the 6-book series yourself, but this is really brilliantly done in the ending.

i wont describe books 5 and 6, but rest assured they continue to get better, with it almost seeming like the author takes off their training wheels to write some real good high-fantasy while still staying true to the "minecrafy" origins.

NOW GO READ IT YA HOOLIGANS!!!

mutuals do this

[yakdeculture]

Halo: Combat Evolved + Halo 2 Review

HALO: As a kid I begged my parents to get me an Xbox 360 so I could play Halo 3 because at the time especially to a like. However old I was somewhere around like 8 to 12 year old seeing the ads and stuff for Halo 3 was basically like seeing Jesus Christ resurrected in the flesh performing miracles. There was literally nothing cooler. Eventually this did work and I got it for christmas and although I hadn’t played 1 and 2 I got right ot playing the campaign for that game and ever though I had to turn the dialogue off by playing music through the 360’s ability to burn disks I play it listening to Now That’s What I Call Music and ABBA Greatest Hits albums and it was the first time in my life I had ever known there was peak in this world. I would eventually go on to play ODST Reach and 4 but I stopped after that and also never actually went back to play 1 or 2….until just now. I played on the Master Chief Collection with the updated graphics and obviously most of the story stuff didn't surprise me I already knew about the flood I knew about Guilty Spark so some of the surprise stuff didn’t get me get me and while the gameplay isn’t like the most advanced obvious man its just so cool. A very atmospheric game and with world and design space that at the time was like just not being done anywhere near this level. Probably worth playing solely based on the fact that is an undeniable classic and one of the most influential fps of its time. I have said before I sometimes struggle with the “for its time” kind of looking at things (i.e. Psycho was making people faint and shit their pants and call the cops in the 60s but I literally can’t take it seriously at all [exaggeration]) but this is one where its like sure by more modern storytelling standards the Halo 1 story isn’t fantastic but I was pretty surprised by how good it was they did a great job of constructing a great world with granted pretty average characters and using that to make a pretty good story while leaving things a little open for the possibility for more in the future

HALO 2: The graphics in this are so crazy because its like even on the new graphics Halo 1 is pretty normal and like I remember Halo 3 it doesn’t look that crazy but New Halo 2 looks fucking crazy like thats just a like a real ass human woman she’s real they didn’t code her she entered the digital world and did all this. I literally couldn’t even tell she was Miranda from 3 because I’m not used to her looking so real. Also insane that people at the time this originally released did not like Arbiter and that made them change some of the things they were planning in Halo 3. Absolutely ludacris take. He’s so fucking cool how do you not like playing as him. His story is like 10 times better than Chief's too. Personally I don’t even mind that the game ends on an incredibly sudden and not even very good cliffhanger in the context of how 3 starts its a little silly because not a lot happens early game Halo 3 but it’s fine within the context of Halo 2. The actual story is probably the best out of the main trilogy obviously I’m way more nostalgic for 3 that’s my favorite story I even like the level Cortana. But this one is really good probably the only thing close to a complaint I have about this game is I don’t like the bug enemies in this one the drones I really don't like how they have like a strangely high amount of heath it just feels weird considering they're bugs I prefer how 3 does it where theres way more of them and they don’t have that much health individually. Also for this game I did occasionally switch to the old graphic and I will say while I do prefer the updated look I think there are some sections where the atmosphere was a little better in the original you know like some things were lit in a more interesting way or whatever but overall I kept the updated graphic on and liked those. This one was more fun than Halo 1 because even though they both had some levels that were like way too long this one did a better job of not making you feel like you were wasting your life in The Library. Like sure this game has a very similar level but like it’s just so crazy they made you do 3 levels of the Library for basically no reason.

[pidgecv]

musings because i can’t stop developing cleo

cannot believe i’ve never contemplated how cleo feels about death as a concept. loss is such an important part of her character and yet i’ve never thought about her own relationship with death. i know what i’m pondering tonight boys

i think she’d be scared of dying. really scared. she’s seen it happen to so many people. never once has she wanted to die, but given the opportunity she would’ve taken her sister’s place in a heartbeat. i think that makes her mindset more impactful. she’s been doing everything in her power to survive despite everything.

and she’s so vulnerable compared to her companions. she has to be more careful than them in terms of monitoring her exposure to the infection. because she isn’t like them. if she breathes too much rot she’ll actually fully turn.

blah blah v and jo are physically marked by the infection and serve as persistent terrible reminders that break the veil of normalcy in domestic moments or something like that

cleo has never once wanted to die. she has never stopped trying to survive, and i think that’s why she’s made it so long. she’s gotten lucky sure, but she’s also made decisions in the past that put aside her comfort for her own survival. once the cult wasn’t safe anymore, she fled. she joined v and jo because she felt threatened and because it was objectively safer with them. she has fought, ran, bargained, pleaded, lied, and confessed in situations where it would’ve been easiest and least painful to just gice up and hide away until she starved to death. all to live.

she’s so persistent. that’s one of her best qualities. no matter what happens to her or the world around her she keep going. she will do whatever it takes to keep living.

but god does she need combat training. last time jo tried to rope her into training they ended up playing just dance for 3 hours. they both sucked.

someday i’ll stop needlessly fleshing out this character more. i mean cmon i have her parents professions figured out this is getting ridiculous. she does not have an age tho i didn’t even realize that. because like. when we first made the guys we had like general ages. not like V would like remember and i fully believe that jo would just forget normally. never picked a number. never really settled right. i’d say cleo is no older than 20, since she was in her first year of college at the time of the outbreak iirc. i don’t remember if she ever took a gap year or whatever.

man please know that she will still try to talk her way out of everything ever (learned skill from cas) despite the first meeting writing done by the lad she was so out of it at that time she was like peak pathetic.

i think she steals normal shit around the base. she deffo stashes food when she first moves in w undeadduo. imagine going to take a shower and u open the towel cabinet and 3 cans of pineapple fall onto your foot in rapid succession.

zero idea how i missed this. she’s like 18-19 at the start of the apox then. the age i’ll be my first year of college just so i can keep it straight in my head.

picks her up by the back of her cloak like one would scruff a cat. she yells “WOAH WHATS OVER THERE” and you do not fall for it but she kicks you in the balls and hides under the couch.

a lot of these rant posts r me trying to get my character consistent because she changes so much in my brain. i am going to chalk it up to emotional versatility that stems from emotional guy has to oppress emotions for survival

the second she has any space to breathe she’s going to actually lose it

but also like a side effect of developing the fuck out of her is that i feel like i keep front and centering her. but she’s the only character that’s mine so tf else am i supposed to do other than front and center her. i just post a lot sharing pretty much every step of her development and story in these exposition dumps that’s the only difference really.

it’s collaborative so i can’t go and change the world every time i want. but i can think about and develop her because she’s the more independent aspect of the project. i do what i want ig fiwb

[arjaandsimoni]

Kidnapped... or not?

A hidden forest in the Irish Countryside

Deep in a forest in Ireland, hidden for centuries, stood Castle Fullmoon. It was no tall fairytale castle with glittering white walls and spires with pennants, nor was it a magical castle with talking portraits and shifting staircases. This was the headquarters of the hunter family, Clan Fullmoon, and it looked it. Thick stone walls, cold iron bars over the windows and cold iron gates at the front.

It was a large castle, but it had to be to support the entire clan. It had a wing for living quarters, beds and medical areas available for those who needed them with a well-stocked kitchen and larder.

Another wing served as an armory and where hammers and anvils rang all day as they wrought the weapons of their craft. Cold, that is to say hand-crafted, iron blades to cut back the Fair Folk of Arcadia, silver edged steel to slice away a werewolf’s hide or a vampire’s fangs, and more.

A library wing held the accumulated knowledge of centuries, though most books on how to actually use magic were locked away by the patriarch’s orders and it was only by the cunning of the librarians that they were not burned outright.

The castle was in a deep forest, but it was not unknown to the local mundane population… though no two people would agree on what exactly they DID know about it. Some thought it was a secret military base, others thought it was the home for some old family that had been Irish nobility since time immemorable, another theory said it was secretly a hideout for the Irish Revolutionary Army, and some just thought it was haunted.

Surprisingly enough, one of these is correct.

Franklin Fullmoon, first Patriarch of Clan Fullmoon by rite of combat, stood at his window overlooking the Lough, frowning. “She’s still calling?” he grumbled.

“Yes Patriarch, your daughter is very insistent. She says that the naga that appeared on the outskirts of Cincinnati kidnapped your granddaughter and possibly fled back to India.” replied one of his aides.

Franklin nodded, “She’s been calling for a damn week now. As long as that girl is obeying the magic moratorium I don’t give a shit.” he growled.

“Yes Sir… but perhaps we could send someone…” suggested the aide. Does he not care about his own grandchild? he thought, but because he liked his head where it was he only thought it. There had been several assassinations attempted on Franklin over the years, none of which had been even remotely successful.

“Hmph…” he grunted, then smirked, “What is Terrance doing?” he asked.

The aide gave Franklin a look as if he hadn't understood him correctly, “Terrance… Sir you don’t honestly mean to send him do you? He’s our worst agent! When we got that report of something nesting inside Notre Dame he wound up in Paris Idaho and it took him a week to realize he’d gotten the wrong country!” he protested.

Franklin nodded, “Send SOMEone so that annoying girl will shut up. With any luck the naga ATE her if it even took her at all.” he replied.

When the man left he walked to a display case and opened it up, taking out a claymore and sliding it out of the sheath. To mundane eyes it looked like a very VERY ugly length of sharpened iron… to anyone with magic however it looked like a black hole in the air, that seemed to suck light in around it. “Clean up the whole damn world… take all these inhuman freaks and wipe them out…” he snarled, sheathing it again. “Even if it takes the rest of my damned life…”

Jaipur India, two days later

Stephanie walked along through the market next to Arja, the girl’s head turning this way and that as they went, her eyes taking in the sights.

Arja smirked at her, “Sheesh, you’ve been here almost two weeks now and its still blowing your mind?” she asked with a grin.

Stephanie blushed, snapping out of it, “OH! S-sorry, its just… I’m so used to American buildings and they’re normally these big grey blocky things, but everything here is so bright and colorful! Its… yeah…” she giggled sheepishly.

Arja laughed at that, “Yeah, guess you did grow up there huh. Cincinnati had a few neat places, but mostly just big grey towers.” she grinned. “Color is super important to my people. Like take me, red means strength!” she flexed her arm, then smirked, “… also fertility.”

Stephanie blushed at that, “Sheesh… what about green?” she asked, curious about her own favorite. Sure it was a little stereotypical for a girl with Irish ancestry, but she liked it!

“Beginnings and happiness, we use it during the Holi festival to symbolize a happy new year.” she nodded.

Stephanie blushed, “W-well, I’m happy here, and I’d like to think something is beginning…” she mumbled shyly.

Arja grinned, “Could be…” she teased.

While Arja’s father, Rajesh, had been hesitant to take her in out of concern that it could cause problems given she wasn’t his child or even from this country and almost certainly was NOT here with her parent’s consent, her mother Iravati was more than happy to have another girl around the house. She really did look just like Arja, only older and a bit more ladylike compared to the tomboyish monkey girl.

She was a bit surprised that the rest of India was so… well… she didn’t know what she’d expected. She did find out that while some women and girls did wear sarees that it wasn’t anywhere near mandatory. Sometimes they did if they felt like dressing up or if they were going to a major occasion like a wedding or some other celebration, but by and large it actually wasn’t that different from America… other than the fact that the words on the clothes were all in Hindi and thus totally illegible to her.

She also found out she was really bad at languages. She’d tried to pick up some Hindi from Arja but after a rather embarrassing moment at a market where she’d accidentally asked the vendor to give her a pound of her own left foot she left the talking to Arja and played the role of the wide-eyed western tourist girl.

As they walked along today however, Arja whispered to her, “So… you did see him right?” she asked.

Stephanie nodded back, “Yeah, he’s been following us for, what, three blocks?” she asked.

Arja raised an eyebrow, “… yeah, not bad.” she grinned.

Stephanie giggled, “Well I am part of a hunter clan, even if my mad grandpa wants to kick me out. I can tell when something is following me.” she replied.

Arja nodded, “He’s human though…” she replied, “Even in human form my sense of smell is stronger than most. He smells…” she sniffed the air, “… some sort of foresty scent, and alcohol… I can smell oiled metal too, he’s armed.” she nodded.

Stephanie nodded back, “So how do you wanna handle this?” she asked, “Lure him off into a side street and take him out?”

Arja nodded, “Yeah, trick is finding one that isn’t full of people.” she muttered back.

Stephanie frowned, “No kidding… I heard how huge India’s population is but… sheesh…” she mumbled.

Arja smirked, “Yeaaaaaah, can make finding somewhere to take out a monster a bit of an issue…” she nodded, then glanced around, “This way, I got an idea…”

She led her down a very narrow alleyway, so narrow that they had to walk single file. “Remember that thing you did to that naga? Where you bounced it all around like a pinball machine?” she asked.

Stephanie blinked, looking at the alleyway, then grinned. “Yeeeeeup…” she smirked, then started whistling. Barely visible swirls of air began to form along the alleyway...

Their pursuer came to the alley and cursed, then tried to start squeezing through, but he was large, and it was a hard fit, then he reached the first wind trap Stephanie had set…

There were several loud crashes, a lot of louder cursing in English, and someone was shot back and forth through the alley at just enough of an angle to force them through it, smashing them out the alley with the last one as Stephanie let out a sharp whistle and a blast of air slammed down on them from above, knocking them to the ground!

Arja scowled. The man was big yes, hidden under a large cloak-like wrap. Hot and heavy in this weather, and something that would stand out in a city like Jaipur. Whoever this moron was he seemed to think he was an extra in an Indiana Jones movie.

She reached down and yanked the hood back, “WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE YOU… following us…” she paused, frowning.

The man wasn’t Indian! His skin was white and freckled and he had a head of deep red hair!

“Oh shit… he’s from Clan Fullmoon…” whispered Stephanie, taking a step back. She didn’t know the whole clan, they were huge, but he was clearly Irish and the odds of some random Irishman tailing them was stupidly low.

“Oh? Did he send you here to kill her?” she snarled, Arja’s skin erupting in golden fur as her tail grew, her teeth becoming flames, “ANSWER ME OR I’LL SEND YOU BACK TO YOUR PATRIARCH IN A BOX!”

The man swore and scooted back, going for his sword, then catching it on his cloak and pulling the whole thing over him, becoming tangled. He struggled and tried to pull free, standing up, only to stumble backwards and crash into a pillar.

“… wait…” said Stephanie. “That’s… even a bad agent would at least know how to fight properly…” she muttered.

The Fullmoon man tugged harder, and finally managed to tear the cloak free, ripping it off and pulling his sword, only for Arja to throw a fireball at his hands. He yelped and dropped the blade, shaking his fingers.

Arja cocked her head at the sight, “This is the Clan you were afraid of?” she asked.

Stephanie shook her head, “Nooooo… they can fight a lot better than this… most of them…” she replied, then a thought struck her, “Hey, your name isn’t Terrance, is it?” she asked.

The man paused, then scowled, “Aye! What of it?” he spat.

Stephanie sagged with relief, “Oh thank GODS, its only you…” she sighed, shaking her head.

Arja turned to her with a confused expression, cocking her head at Stephanie. "Uh... so, this is a good thing? I mean, its entertaining but..."

“He’s the black sheep of the Clan, totally worthless in a fight and an absolute moron. They send him along with competent fighters normally so he can soak up bullets or let a monster chew on him while they do the important bits.” she giggled.

“OH FUCK OFF!” he snapped, “The Patriarch sent me ‘cause yer mum said a Naga’d kidnapped ya ta India!”

Stephanie looked at him, then huffed, “Wait, that naga?! We burned it to bits! Its probably dead at the bottom of the Ohio River by now!” she retorted. “I didn’t get kidnapped! I ran away from home! I’m here because I want to be!”

The man frowned, “Too bad lass, yer comin’ back with me ta Kentucky right now…” he replied, stepping forward… Arja raised her claws but Stephanie put a hand on her shoulder, then let out another sharp cry and smashed a burst of wind into his middle, blowing him into a wall, then again as a fist-sized burst smacked him in the chin, then twice on each side of his head, then again on the top of his skull, then once in his throat, then again in his gut, then once more to knock him on the side and send his inner ear spinning. He tried to stand, fell over, stood up, fell again, struggled back up, landed on his back, and decided three tries was good enough before falling unconscious.

Arja blinked, “… why were you afraid of these guys again?” she asked.

Stephanie shook her head, “Terrance wouldn’t be here if grandpa was serious about getting me back. He’s probably only here to confirm if I’m here, that or granddad just sent him to get him out of Castle Fullmoon for a bit. I hear they actually start a betting pool when he goes out and place bets on how he’ll screw up a mission.” she replied.

Arja nodded, “So he’s just the first… others will come for you?” she looked back.

Stephanie nodded, “Well, it may not be that bad. He may genuinely think I need to be rescued.” she replied, the girl whistling up a small wind and using it to smack Terrance awake. “HEY, wake up.” she said loudly.

Terrance’s eyes opened, and he looked at her bleary eyed, his pupils seemed a bit too large... “Shoot, I may have given him a concussion… Listen to me, can you hear me?” she snapped her fingers.

Terrance nodded and mumbled out something that sounded like a 'yes.'

“Alright! I’m. FINE. Tell granddad that I don’t NEED to be rescued and that I’ll go home on my own in a little while when I’m sure its safe to do so.” she nodded.

Terrance grunted, “Sure sure fine…” he replied, then flopped back onto the pavement.

Arja frowned, “We didn’t get him killed did we?” she asked.

“Fullmoon men are built like elephants normally. They’re REALLY hard to kill.” she replied, “With any luck this’ll get the message across.”

Arja shrugged, returning to her human form, “We can hope, so… just leave him?” she asked.

“Yeah, eventually he’ll have to report in or give up.” she nodded, “And he doesn’t know where you live so, yeah, he’ll just wander around lost for a few days and go home most likely if what I’ve heard is true.” she replied.

“Eh, whatever. Wanna go get a kebab?” she asked.

Stephanie grinned and nodded, “Oooo yeah!” she replied, following the girl back through the alleyway.

Some hours later…

Franklin Fullmoon glared at the phone as Terrance gave his report from India. “So she didn’t get kidnapped but somehow ran away to a completely different continent?” he snarled.

“Aye Sir! She said she’d come back when she was good and ready…” he said.

Franklin frowned at the device on his desk, “She couldn’t have gotten there on her own without using some form of magic… I may have to revisit my decision on whether or not to banish her.”

“Er… there’s more Sir. She wasn’t alone, she was stayin’ with some local girl. Some sorta shapeshifter. Human to monkey, and they could conjure fire too. May have other abilities, those were the only two I saw.

Frankin went silent, staring at the far wall… “… fire, you say?” he replied.

“Aye Sir… fire. She seemed rather keen on staying with th’ monkey lass too.” replied Terrance.

Franklin felt a chill run up his spine. Not fear, he did not feel fear, but something else.

… the legacy of Franklin Fullmoon will be no more, burnt to ash and scattered on the wind… came a whisper in his ear, as soft as a moth’s wing.

He gritted his teeth, no… this would not do at all. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention Terrance. Abort mission and return to Castle Fullmoon.” he replied, hanging up, then dialed another number, “Captain. Tell Jacob to assemble a squad of four, including himself, and travel to Jaipur India immediately. Target is Stephanie Fullmoon, orders are kill on sight. I repeat, KILL on sight. There may be an Indian girl with her; shapeshifter, primate type, pyromancer. If she resists, they both die.” he nodded.

“Right away Patriarch.” came the reply from the phone.

Franklin hung up, then glared at the wall. “No… I refuse to let that old bat’s vision come to pass. I should not have shown leniency after the incident in Covington. Any witch of Clan Fullmoon who uses their magic will DIE.” he snarled.

Next Story

Previous Story

[ragingbookdragon]

Make Peace In The Dirt

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.2K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: Oh yeah...it's all coming together. Enjoy! -Thorne

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

Aloy made her rounds throughout the base, talking to her friends as she usually did when she returned from running all over the Forbidden West. As she entered Kotallo’s room, she smiled politely as he looked up to greet whoever opened the doors. “Hey Kotallo,” Aloy greeted, walking over. “Been busy today?”

He flicked through a few holograms, and she recognized them as Old World, pre-automated jets. “Your Carjan friend has shared some of her data with me on the Ten. It’s appreciated.”

Aloy shifted, looking at one. “I’ve been meaning to ask how the two of you were getting along. I was a little worried that you two would be at each other’s throats.”

“Oh, we were while you were gone,” he answered and shifted so she could see his side. “She suggested we settle this like warriors outside.” Lifting his arm, Aloy pulled a face at the bandage settled across his rib going up his back. “She moves quite fast and strikes very hard for a woman whose job is supposedly to infiltrate and return unseen.”

“Holy shit,” Aloy breathed, reaching out to touch it. “Okay, I think I need to have a talk with her.”

“Alright, but if I’m getting lectured, Kotallo is too, because it’s only fair,” someone said from the doors and they both turned to see her coming inside. She turned on her heel and lifted the back of her shirt, showing Aloy the bruise that had blossomed along her shoulder blades. “If it makes you feel any better, he hit me hard enough that I saw stars and threw up everything I’d eaten today.”

Aloy threw her hands in the air. “Why did you two fight this out! Why didn’t you just, I don’t know, come get me!”

Kotallo’s expression pinched. “We are warriors? We settle our disputes in battle.”

“You’re both insane.”

The two looked at one another with knowing looks, the eyes of warriors and merely shrugged; she took a seat in one of the chairs, flipping the screen up so it was out of her field of vision. “The Nora are not so much a tribe of fighters who decide their dues by combat, Aloy. The Tenakth and my people back southeast very much so are.” Her eyes found Kotallo’s. “We spoke our differences during our battle and made peace in the dirt.”

Aloy’s face was pure vacancy. “So…you’re telling me, you beat the hell out of each other for an hour or so, and now you’re best friends?”

“I wouldn’t say best friends,” Kotallo replied. “But I would trust your Carjan spy to watch my back in battle.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, big guy,” she chirped. “But I’m not Carjan.”

“What exactly are you?” Aloy asked, intrigued that her old friend had never really spoken about her origin.

She smiled and tapped her Focus, showing a map of the Old-World land, but bigger and more complete. “The Old-World land we live on used to be apart of a larger nation, comprised of fifty or so smaller nations. They called it the United States.” She zoomed in on a state down in the southeast of their location, far southeast. “This particular state was called Florida. My people are from here.”

Kotallo walked over and bent beside her, taking a look at the layout of the land. “Is it near water?”

“It is,” she answered. “Around the edges is all ocean. I come from a moderate clan located here, all the way down at the end of the state. It was called the Everglades.” Her Focus displayed photos of wetlands. “Truth be told, Tenakth lands are remarkably similar in climate and geography to my home. Gives testament to why I’m finding this land so comfortable.”

“What’s it like?” Aloy questioned, taking the other side of the chair.

“The land is flat and densely forested in areas. It’s mostly a hot and humid, subtropical climate. We made our homes in locations where the trees were big and strong. Cyprus trees, the Old Ones called them.” Something sad came over her face and she muttered, “It’s gone now…my home and people.”

Kotallo looked at her. “What happened?”

“Invaders from one of the northern clans waged war on ours. We might’ve had an at-home advantage but…in the end it didn’t matter.” She swiped her hand, sending the images away. “I can count on two hands how many of us survived the slaughter, myself included. Some joined other clans, others took their own lives, unable to bear the harsh reality that we were all that remained of a once proud people.”

Aloy frowned. “What did you do?”

She blinked, eyes almost dead as she stared ahead. “I honed my instincts and abilities to razor-sharp edges and then I traveled to the clan that killed mine where I took my revenge.” Her voice grew monotone. “I let the women and children escape but I killed every able-bodied man I could find including their best warriors and leaders, then I burned it all to the ground and left ashes in my wake.”

Kotallo gazed at her. “It’s hard to believe that one woman could do all that damage.”

“Rage is an extremely powerful motivator. And believe me, I was full of it.” Shaking her head, she cleared her throat. “It’s a part of my past I’m not proud of. I let my vengeance get the better of me and instead of taking that pain and using it for something better, I enacted the same slaughter and agony I was inflicted with.”

Something in Aloy’s heart broke for her friend, though the sickness rolled in her stomach at the thought of all the blood on her friend’s hand. “I’m sorry that happened.”

“As am I,” she replied, leaning back in the chair. “I live with my past every day, but it is also the reason I strive to make sure it never happens to anyone ever again. Someone must stop the cycle of senseless war.” Glancing at Aloy, she smiled. “I see you and our wonderful friends and allies being the catalysts for that stop, Aloy, and I hope that I will live to see it too.”

Aloy felt uncomfortable with such praise, and she turned her head as a blush came over her face. “I’m just doing what I can.”

“It’s more than what most are willing to do,” she said in return, and glanced at Kotallo. “Be that as it may, I’ll be needing to meet Chief Hekarro in the coming days to discuss relations between your people and the Carja.” Grinning, she questioned, “Can I count you in for a travel companion and to put in a good word with him?”

Kotallo gave her a stoic stare. “Seems I must if you don’t want to get shot on the principle of walking into Tenakth territory dressed like a haughty Carjan.”

“What? I don’t dress like a Carjan,” she retorted, expression pinching. “And what’s wrong with dressing like one in the first place?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “At least the armor they wear covers vulnerable areas unlike yours.”

“Our armor is made as it is because we do not use sly techniques like backstabbing to fight,” he griped and Aloy slapped her hand to her forehead as the two started arguing back and forth with one another, intent to fight outside again.

[msmarvelwrites]

For Old Times' Sake

Summary: “Years you had craved to hear your name spoken from his lips. Countless nights, forcing yourself to remember how it fell from his tongue,”

Pairing: TFATWS Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Angst, Explicit sexual content, Vaginal penetration, fingering, Choking, Bucky with the filthy words, mutual pining.

Word Count: 2.8K

Authors Note: WOW! It has literally been a hot minute hasn't it? I cant say that I’m not a little excited about this 3rd lock-down in Ontario because it means I can actually find time to write. I’m sorry it’s been so long, babes. Anyways, enjoy! (I’m actually the worst and it’s been so long since I’ve done this!) The Biggest Thank You to @sweeterthanthis for literally cheering me on the entire time. This was such garbage before you came along 😂 I had so much fun with this one babe 💕 thank you for all you do ✨

The wind whipped against your face, bruising your skin with it’s callousness. Though the unwelcomed lash was nothing compared to what was to come. Or who, for that matter. 

It had been longer than you cared to admit. The dodged calls hanging at the bottom of the icon on your phone serving as a cruel reminder of how cold you had been. Of course, it was never in your job description to take care of Bucky after Steve left— but there was an implication that made you run for the hills. 

You couldn't do anything for him - give him anything. The last five years had consisted of running and trying to start over. 

Besides, after the Accords, in the government's eyes you were just as fucked as Hydra. An ally turned fugitive the moment you’d chosen your side in that airport. You’d fight with yourself most nights that you decided with your head, but your first evening with a man who had bruised your lips with promises of what would come may have had more pull than anything else. 

The same man that had called you every week for the past six months… The same man you had spent countless nights with, years of your life you would never be able to scrub away, no matter how hard you tried. 

You had watched from afar as half of the world returned, their loved ones welcoming them home with teary eyes and broken hearts. You watched as he came home. His eyes, always scanning the crowds waiting for you. Waiting to see your face. 

It made all of this so, so much worse. This was definitely not the homecoming you could have hoped for. 

“We’re nearing the drop.” Your comm’s rang with a woman's voice who had helped smuggle you onto the craft. You weren’t exactly welcome in europe at the moment- or anywhere for that matter. The government did not take lightly to your’s and Sharon’s betrayal. You’d think that after everything the world had seen they would be a little more forgiving, but you couldn't exactly blame them for their trust issues either. 

You could, however, blame yourself. 

As soon as your feet hit the ground you were off. The distress call had come from Sam earlier that evening and now with the sun setting you could only hope you weren't too late. You tried to push the man who had haunted your thoughts for the past few years out of your head, desperate to focus on the task at hand. 

Bullets exploded through the air, a warning as you were approaching the large shipping container unit. Your comms went static as they began to connect with Sam’s, his voice ringing through your ears as—

“Sam, a little help here!” 

His voice stopped you dead in your tracks. 

“I’m on my way - called in some back up.” Sam grunted as the sound of strangled yelps echoed around you. 

“Back up? Who do we know that-” Bucky’s words were cut short as he let out a growl, the sound of his vibranium arm whirling in the background. 

You rushed in without a second thought, the sound of his pain too raw as it ripped through your chest. Before you could assess the danger, you charged forward, hurling yourself at a large man pointing his gun right at- 

With a loud thud, the man hit the ground. Your combat boot, heavy on his throat until he went still, and with it came silence. It was deafening despite the explosive gunfire around you. 

“Y/n?” 

Your name ripped through the air, but you couldn't bring yourself to meet his gaze. Back turned and body rigid, you were frozen in place. Years you had craved to hear your name spoken from his lips. Countless nights, forcing yourself to remember how it fell from his tongue, soft and get so personal. Like no one had spoken it before. 

“Y/n, what are you-”

Sam's voice cut the newly cropped brunettes words off,  “I got two coming in on your left, Buck. Oh- and welcome back, Y/L/N.” 

You smiled sheepishly at Bucky, pulling your gun from its holster and flicking the safety off as you closed your distance with him. Despite the aggravation apparent on his face, a broken smile seemed to be pulling at the corners of his lips. 

“Here we go again, huh?”  You chimed, your eyes locking with his just as all hell broke loose. 

The trip back to Sam and Bucky’s base was one filled with uncomfortable silence, and a tension that had your blood running cold. 

Once the adrenaline of the fight had worn off and you were left face to face with Bucky Barnes, the guilt began to creep in. 

“So…” Sam started from the backseat of the beat-up truck, the suddenness of his words startling both you and Bucky for a moment. “Long time no see.” 

The scoff that left Bucky’s lips wasn't as subtle as you imagined he meant it to be. You tried not to let it bother you; in fact, you had prepared for this. How he might react when you finally returned home. What you weren't prepared for, however, was how indescribably gutted you would feel to watch him - eyes trained to the road ahead - as he gritted his teeth at your proximity. 

To say that yours and Bucky’s relationship before the snap was easy would be incredibly delusional. It was messy and at it’s best dysfunctional. But for whatever reason, the two of you looked beyond that. He saw through you like no one ever had and before you knew it, the two of you were glued at the hip. It didn't make sense, but no questions were ever asked. 

You just fit. 

And of course there was the sex. Good god, you could feel your thighs clenching at the thought. 

The way’s Bucky knew how to take you apart, with an accuracy that only he had. How he had your toes curling and body vibrating from the flick of his tongue. How he would have you screaming the most filthy things for him, all while begging to never ever—

“Y/n?” 

Sam’s voice was like an ice bath. Your name yanking you back into the present and the question at hand. What was the question again? You couldn't think straight. Not when Bucky was staring at you the way he was, one brow cocked and that same familiar smirk plastered on his lips. If you didn't know any better, you’d think he could read your thoughts. 

“Sorry- I… I was…” You couldn't seem to bring yourself back to this realm, too lost in the Super Soldier’s stormy eyes to remember what exactly you were trying to say. 

“He asked you where you’ve been, Y/n.” Bucky spoke your name like it was a curse, laced with razor sharp ache and pain. His eyes told a different story though. The way he looked at you; the same way he always did. 

With a warmth that only he had for you. It made you shiver. 

“Running, mostly.” You started, your body physically breaking your gaze with Bucky. It was too much, watching him glare down at you. And maybe you deserved it. 

“And you never thought to, I don't know, call me?” Bucky’s words were spiteful, oozing with a disdain that was beginning to wear down your patience. 

“It wasn't like that, Buck-”

“You can’t call me that anymore.” He snapped, his eyes trained on the road. Your gaze snapped to him, brow arched as you all but scoffed at him. 

“Oh, I can't?” You chuckled, but the sound came out flat. He had every right to ask you where you've been. Hell, get angry if he wanted. But the way his words seeped with disgust made your blood boil. 

“Okay, okay guys. Let’s all take a breath and just—”

“Shut up, Sam.” You both snarled, causing Sam to roll his eyes as Bucky pulled into a long winding driveway with a small log cabin sat at the end of it. You reached for your seatbelt until your door swung open. 

“You two figure your shit out. Whatever this is,” Sam motioned to the space between you two, “ isn’t leaving this car. I’ll be inside. Feel free to come in when y'all have killed and made up, okay?” With that, Sam slammed the door leaving Bucky and you alone in your static tension.

Bucky worried on his lip, his eyes trained to his lap. You opened your mouth to speak, but your words seemed caught in your throat. 

“You didn't even call…” 

It was so quiet, you almost didn't hear it. But you did… 

Voice small and so filled with ache; it kicked you in the stomach, the guilt washing away any anger you had felt. 

“Bucky… I- I couldn't.” You forced out, tentative as you met his gaze, stomach dropping as your eyes locked with his. 

“I thought I lost you. I thought - I mean, fuck - you were all I cared about.” He sighed, clearing his throat as if it would help ease his discomfort. “I looked for you, ya know?” He chuckled, but there was no warmth behind it. Just a brokenness that made you squirm. 

“It’s not your fault—”

“Oh, I know it’s not.” Bucky quipped, his eyes flicking away from yours and turning back to face the cabin. “It was your own selfish decision.” 

You scoffed, head snapping back to meet his glare. “Selfish? Bucky, I had no other choice. Not everyone can be pardoned for their crimes. It’s not like I had Steve Rogers advocating for my freedom!” 

Bucky only rolled his eyes, hands gripping the steering wheel so tight, you swore he might rip it clean off the car.  “Don’t bring him into this. You don't think that I would have done everything to get to you? To clear your name?”

You laughed bitterly, blinking away the tears that welled at the corners of your eyes. 

“You gotta at least give me more credit than that, Doll.” The pet name rolled off this tongue easily, washing over you, and making you freeze. 

“Please don’t call me that…” You faltered, wiping away a stray tear that rolled down your cheek. 

It seemed the tension dissipated in that moment, silence heavy between you both as Bucky reached out, his flesh fingers finding a tear and brushing it away. You tried to speak, but with everything that had been said, and all that would never be, you decided words just weren’t enough. 

You didn't have time to object before his lips were on yours, your body moving at its own accord as he pulled you onto his lap, your thighs either side of him as his tongue swept across your bottom lip. You tried to moan, but his mouth swallowed the sound. He rendered you breathless, his taste intoxicating as you melted into his embrace, grinding into him and shivering when a familiar growl slipped from his lips; vibrating against your mouth. 

“Fuck, I missed you.” You moaned out, clutching his jacket as you licked down his neck. His skin was burning against your lips, the rumble of his breath heavy against your ear as he let out a dark chuckle, urging you on. 

“Well, if you had just called me—” 

Before he could finish the sentence, you reached for the recliner, snapping it forward as you toppled forwards onto Bucky’s chest. His words fell back into his throat, hands automatically finding your hips to steady you while you fumbled with his belt. 

“Doll—” He tried to start, but you swallowed the name with your kiss, heated and rooted in a desperate need to feel him again. You ached for him in a way you’d never felt before. 

Maybe what you had was unfixable. Maybe it was beyond repair, but with the way he was kissing you and hiking down your pants, it didn't matter. You were drunk on him, and by the way he bucked his hips, so was he. 

You shivered as his vibranium fingers looped into the waistband of your panties, pulling them down over your legs as you both awkwardly tried to move in the cramped seat. You wanted to laugh, but as his cold thumb swiped through your slick folds, all you could do was whine. 

“So wet for me…” He hummed, teeth sinking into your throat as he pulled a whimper from your lips. 

You cursed, hands propping you up on either side of him as he dipped his index finger into you, the intrusion enough to have your back arching into him, desperate for more. 

But Bucky was a tease. And even now, after all of this time, it was the very thing that had your buckling above him. Pleading and begging for more.

“Look at you.” He started, his eyes dark as he pushed deeper inside, his finger curing into you as you gasped. 

“P-please, Buck.” You begged, grinding down onto his hand. To your dismay he only chuckled, watching intently as you came undone around him. 

“I told you,” He started, lifting you off of him and tossing you against the backseats, “Don’t call me that.” 

You couldn't help the giggle that bubbled out of your throat as he awkwardly crawled towards you. But the look in his eyes had your stomach twisting into something that emulated fear. It was guttural as he pressed into you, the outline of his cock digging into your drenched folds.

You bit back a moan, eyes rolling back in your head as his cold fingers brushed against your core, pulling himself free from his boxers. 

“Do you still love me like you did?”  He spoke, and though the words were soft and filled with promises you had broken before, there was a darkness in his voice. 

“I never stopped.” You admitted. And it was true. But that didn't seem to be the answer he was looking for as he licked his bottom lip, eyes trained on your throat. 

“I’m afraid isn’t gonna’ feel much like love, doll.” He breathed out, lining himself up with your entrance. Before you could speak, he thrusted into you, knocking the air out of your chest as he bent you uncomfortably in half. You could only scream as he caged you in, forcing you down against the seats as he fucked into you. 

It’s not like you forgot how Bucky filled you, but his size was something you would never be able by to fully adjust to. Especially not now, when he was holding you steady, his hips snapping against you giving you no time to ease into the assault. And by the looks of the lopsided smirk plastered on his swollen lips, he knew exactly how shredded you felt. 

“Fuck, you take me so good, sweetheart.” The pet name doing nothing to quell the ache he sent ripping through your body as he sank deeper into you. You could only cry out, head smashing into the door as he kept up his brutal pace. 

“B-Bucky, please.” You weren't exactly sure what you were asking for, but at this rate you wouldn't last long, the familiar coil building in your abdomen as he nudged up against your cervix. 

“Slow down, baby.” You choked on a sob, eyes glassy as his vibranium fingers coiled around you thoat, pining you to the seats.  

“Did you miss this part, doll?” He whispered against your ear, a shiver ripping through your body and igniting a flame you had so desperately craved since the moment he vanished from your world. “Miss the way I ruin you, Hm? I can feel you, coming undone. You’re so close, aren’t you?” he teased, pressing his fingers deeper into your throat until you were coughing around the pressure. 

“All I need to do is-” His flesh thumb ran circles against your clit, your eyes rolling back into your skull as you croaked out his name, begging him to ease up. “There it is.” He chuckled, quickening his pace until you were a shivering mess beneath him. 

“Bucky, I-” 

“I’m going to ruin this cunt, sweetheart. Stay still, and let go for me” His voice was like gravel, only letting you breathe once you nodded your head in complicity, pulling your bottom lip into your mouth as the orgasm wrapped itself around your core. 

“Fuck.” You managed to scream, your head lulling back as a title-wave of ecstasy crashed over you, pulling you under.

“That’s my girl.” His words tipped you over the edge, his name on your lips like a prayer as you quivered, your body violently shaking. “God you're so tight when you- Shit!” 

With a few sloppy thrusts, Bucky came undone. His hot spend coating your pulsing walls as he gasped. Your bodies a tangled mess as he puffed out a breath against your neck. 

You both just stayed frozen, too afraid that the moment you pulled away, reality would sink in. And the truth was, you weren't exactly sure what that meant. 

Bucky slowly eased himself out of you, gasping a little as you spilled out onto, what you only hoped, would be easy to clean seats.

 “Doll, that was-” 

“Hey,” Sam knocked hard against the now foggy glass, “You two hungry, or what?” 

[kaitsawamura]

would you like to stay forever?

SUMMARY⎮   Sparring with Pro Hero Kirishima Eijiro in his private gym at his home doesn't seem like a bad idea if you don't count the fact that you really, really like him.

STATS⎮ minors do not interact, 18+ ⎮  Rating: M (for mature)  ⎮  WC: 5525  ⎮   Pairing: Pro Hero Kirishima Eijiro x Fem!Reader  ⎮   Tags: Aged Up Character(s), Friends to Lovers, Sparring, Smut, Fluff, Age/Experience Gap (if you really squint)  ⎮  AO3

NOTES⎮  Thanks to @spacelabrathor​ for listening to me scream about this and to @some-kindofgnome​ for fueling my Kiri fever dreams.  Yes, that title is based on a Mulan quote. This whole fic was based on THIS POST and Kirishima seemed like the perfect character for this pwp.  Hope y'all enjoy!  (Also please for the love of God, click on the banner to see in HD if you’re on mobile, it looks so much better lol)

It was Saturday and even though you’re on your way to becoming a Pro Hero, you can think of several things you’d rather be doing with your one day off than going to Kirishima Eijiro’s house to spar.  But here you are pulling into his driveway, going over combat moves in your head as if your life depended on it.  They weren’t really serving their purpose which was to distract yourself.  Kiri had offered up his personal gym, encouraged you to stop by with one hand in his pocket and the other rubbing the back of his neck as if he was nervous.  

A couple of his friends had already taken him up on the offer.  You were the only one he’d offered who hadn’t come over yet.  He had texted you a couple of weeks later saying he was starting to take it personally…  and then immediately texted with a laughing emoji just to clarify he was only giving you a hard time.  It brings a smile to your face now as you remember it.  Yesterday he had also clarified it would just be the two of you if you were self-conscious sparring in front of other people.  You’d have the whole place to yourselves.  Like that should mean something.  Which it did.  It does , you realize with butterflies growing in your stomach.  Kiri doesn’t need to know that though.

The two of you had been toeing around something since you had been hired at Fatgum’s Agency a year ago.  Neither of you had made a move.  Kirishima, the Red Riot, was a big Pro Hero and while you took pride in your quirk, it didn’t hold a coin to some of the others you’d come in contact with.  It had surprised you when Toyomitsu had brought you on.  But he had mumbled something about “liking your spunk” and that he thought a teleportation quirk would be a useful one to add to his agency.  The first day you had shown up, Kiri had immediately caught your eye.  Not for the obvious reasons.  Obvious reasons being the fact that he was climbing the Pro Hero charts or the fact that he had a dynamically interesting quirk or that at twenty-five he was already built like a brickhouse. 

Those were all valid reasons, yes, but what had pulled you in was his smile and his genuine interest in you outside of your quirk.  But he was just like that you had quickly discovered.  He knew everyone’s coffee order and what they liked for lunch.  He knew when to push and when to back off.  He knew when to talk and when to listen , knew when he still had a lesson to learn.  The kids flocked to him.  Even now you’re still entirely convinced that’s actually his quirk, getting people to like him.  It’s not a difficult thing to do though.

Your brain stutters back to the present when a text notification pings from your cell phone as you sit in Kiri’s driveway, picking at non-existent lint on your gym shorts.  The cute ones you’re still convincing yourself were your only clean pair and that’s the only reason you wore them.

KIRI : i saw u pull up, u gonna come in or what 😂

Had he been waiting for you to get there?  You tapped out a quick response, one that hid the little flip in your stomach at the thought: creeper, you were watching for me lmao

Response bubbles immediately flash on your phone screen but you’re angling out of your car and shutting the door before he can reply.

Somehow, this house fits Kiri perfectly.  It isn’t big.  You had seen pictures of other top-ranking Pros’ houses.  Enji Todoroki’s house, for example, was fucking ridiculous.  But even without a massive floor plan, Kiri’s house is nicer than any you’d been in for some time.  Clean, straight lines and lots of windows.  In fact, you can see straight through the floor-to-ceiling windows out to his backyard when you reach the front door.  Is that a pool ?  Kiri had tons of fun showing pictures at the agency; it was a well-deserved investment for his already multiple years of service as a Pro.  The pictures hadn’t done the place justice though.

Kiri comes to the door, throwing it wide open with a huge grin that shows off his sharp teeth.  You ignore the way your mouth goes dry as he drags you in, babbling on like an excited little kid at you actually coming.

“I really thought you were gonna back out!  I mean, that would have been fine, of course.  I just can’t see the point of having the whole place to myself all the time.”  He’s irresistibly cute, walking around showing you the living room and the kitchen and pointing out to the backyard where, yes, there is indeed a pool.  “You can come over any time and use that too if you want!”  You thank him, warmth pooling in your stomach at how incredibly nice he is.

“Uh, we should probably get in the gym.  I have… stuff to do later,” you finish lamely.  You don’t have anything to do later but very quickly you’re realizing how far out of your depth you are here.  The familiar beginnings of the head over heels fall is washing over you in steady waves.  But you’re coworkers and the thought of coming to work every day and having to see his adorable face and not doing anything about it is almost making you nauseous.

“Oh, yeah, it’s just down the hallway,” he rumbles, leading the way and you follow trying and failing miserably to calm the nerves flashing through your veins.  You’re here alone with Kiri , the man you’ve been crushing on since you’d started working with him a year ago.  And now your stupid brain isn’t just thinking about what it would feel like to run your tongue along his teeth or how his hands would feel between your legs.  No, your stupid brain is thinking about what Kiri looks like when he first opens his eyes in the morning.

Your one-track mind is not getting any help, especially when Kiri walks through the doorway of the gym addition and immediately proceeds to pull his shirt up and over his shoulders and tosses it to the side.  Shit.  His back muscles ripple with the movement and when he turns to face you, it’s heart-wrenchingly obvious that he has no idea the effect he’s having on you.  He has to know .  Doesn’t he?  From your end, it seems wildly obvious that someone as good-looking as him should know .  

You glance around, eternally grateful for the fact that the gym is also attractive.  Floor to ceiling windows span two of the walls here as well and there’s a large set of French doors leading out to the yard.  You find yourself actually in awe when you get a better look at the landscaping.  It’s so green .  There’s a small patch of lawn but the rest is just artfully arranged native flora and fauna.  Violets, tulips.  Huge hosta plants.  And cherry trees heavy with their signature sakura blossoms.  

“Kiri, it’s beautiful!”  He comes to stand beside you, looking out the French doors as well.

“You like it?  I guess it is pretty nice, huh?”  You glance up at him, your chest expanding on a lurch looking at his smile.  You’d never noticed before but he has a light dusting of freckles across his nose.

“Yeah, really nice.”  You look out again, letting the silence grow until it feels like the most comfortable thing in the world.  After what seems like an eternity Kiri clears his throat, rocking back on the balls of his feet.  “What are you thinking for today?”  The question leaves your lips and you’re immediately regretting it; your stomach flips again when Kiri looks at you like you’re prey.

“Close combat, hand-to-hand combat.  You did mention a while ago you wanted to strengthen that, right?”  You throw your head back, rolling your eyes, and groan.  The two of you make your way to the center of the mat.

“Yeah, I mean, I’d be scared to take me on too,” Kiri says, large hands on even larger hips.   He isn’t as tall as some of the other heroes at six foot three inches but he’s wide , thick.  You know for a fact you couldn’t wrap your arms around his waist and have your hands meet.  He’s wearing the biggest shit-eating grin you’ve ever seen.  The sharpened points of his canines are out and on prominent display.   Famous last words you think as a snarl erupts on your face.

“I’m not scared , Kiri.  I just don’t want to wear you out .  You’re a Pro Hero.  You’re on the job a lot more than I am.  Plus, you’re getting kind of old.  Is that a little gray I see coming in?”  Kiri bares his teeth even more but it’s not lost on you that he quickly reaches up to rake his fingers through his hair.  There isn’t any gray, obviously , but the thought has Red Riot distracted.  Distracted enough that when you plant your feet and your fist connects with his face, your knuckles hit skin and not the reinforced rock of his quirk.

“ Shit.”  Kiri takes a step back, reaching up to cradle his jaw.  His tongue swipes out to lick at the blood on his bottom lip.  His vermillion eyes find yours and if you didn’t work with him on a regular basis, you would have felt fear at this moment.  You know he wouldn’t hurt you but even now, a thrill races through your veins like electricity.  He looks as if he’s going to devour you.  You take your own step back, readying your quirk, reaching out to it as your fists hold their position in front of your body.  A dark chuckle spills from his chest as Kiri calls on his own quirk.

Now it was your turn to be distracted; you had always been fascinated by Kiri’s quirk, the way his body looked when it hardened up.  The ripples of muscle still visible under the toughened skin.  The divots and ridges and how they mapped their way across his shoulders and chest and abdomen.  You knew how it felt to the touch in fake combat.  The Fatgum heroes all took pride in maintaining a healthy routine; sparring was a common workout that was previously done at a local public gym.  You wonder absently what it would feel like to touch him slow and at the moment.  When you could give extra attention with extra time. 

Kiri closes the space between the two of you at the moment your mind strays and you barely are able to teleport out of the way to avoid him crashing into you.  You try to take a swipe at him as you materialize from in front of him to behind but this time he’s ready for you and he’s using his quirk.  Instead of moving out of the way, he plants his feet and allows your punch to hit.  Pain radiates up through your fingers and wrist.  It always irritated you that you had to prepare yourself to strike Kiri when he was using his quirk.  Otherwise, you’d be in for a whole lot of hurt every time you landed a punch.

Teleportation is a pretty handy quirk.  It gives you a pretty good advantage the more you work on your close combat skills.  The trick with Kiri was to keep going at him until he ran out of energy.  You hadn’t gotten to that point yet; your quirk had its limits as well.  You were only two years out of UA, Kiri was out by seven.  His strength was already fairly unmatched; sparring with him was always good practice.  You relish the thought of the day you can win a sparring session without tapping out.  It surges through you like pure energy.  

You teleport to stand in front of him again, shifting your weight into your hips and up through your right hook.  This time your fist connects with Kiri’s side and he lets out a small grunt.  Your fingers don’t hurt so bad this time and by the time Kiri is retaliating, you jump back a few feet.  He hmms, a sound that reverberates from his chest.

“That’s all well and good but how do you expect to do anything if you jump that far away?”  He lunges forward at a running start, leaping at the last second, sending his gloved fist into your stomach.  You were fast, but still not always fast enough.  You double over, the air rushing from your lungs and your pre-workout protein smoothie threatening to exit back the way it went in.  Sweat is already beading on your brow and sliding under your tank top.  You take a few breaths through your nose when an idea pops into your head; you stay bent over.  “Hey, I didn’t hit you that hard.  You good?”  

Kiri comes to stand in front of you, leaving him vulnerable.  He can’t see your smirk until it’s too late.  You wail on him, using some of the basic combos he’s taught you before today.  Satisfaction rolls through you when he actually takes a step back.  But then he puts his arms up in front of him, clenching his abdomen and bending inward to protect his core.  He drops just a fraction and before you realize what’s happening, he’s swiping his leg out to push through yours.  You watch in slow motion as you see his laughing face then the ceiling of the gym as you flip and land on your back.

If you thought you were out of breath before…  “Fuuu-.”  It’s a wheeze that feels like it’s ripping your chest open.  You’re seeing stars.  Kiri stands over you, hands on his hips again.  You stare at his face; the hero has his hair pulled back into a bun.  You snort, rolling your eyes.  Why does he still look so fucking good?  The sweat has caused some of the pieces falling out of his hair tie to curl.  His hair has curl to it?  You’ve never noticed before, considering he always gels it into spikes.  You like the curl.  “Are you--are you gonna help me up, or what?”  It was still painful to talk.

Kiri tilts his head to the side, just slightly, and crosses his arms.  “I’m thinking not.  Last time I let down my guard you got those good combos in.”  You stare in stunned silence, sitting up so you’re supported by your elbows.  Kiri shifts slightly and if you didn’t know better, you’d say he’s backing up to… get a better view.   

“Is that any way to treat your student,  Red Riot?”  You know you get under his skin when he clicks his tongue against his teeth and holds out a hand with a begrudging eye roll.  He pulls you up with ease, quickly enough that you almost lose your balance, swaying into his space.  You look up, eyes moving back and forth between his.  

He draws in a breath and drags his bottom lip between his teeth.  “First of all,” he says as he places his hands on your upper arms, “I’m not your teacher.  I’m not that much older than you.  Secondly,” he mutters as he tucks a stray lock of hair behind your ear, “our relationship isn’t that formal is it?”  He’s so fucking close.  This is getting dangerous.  Dangerous because Kiri is within kissing distance.  Dangerous because this gentle side of him is making you lose more breath than falling on your ass.  Dangerous because the thought of Kiri taking you on the floor right now is almost too much to bear.  

So you fall back on what you’re here to do.  Fight.  You flash him a wicked smile before rallying your quirk and teleporting a few feet away.  His hand is still raised in mid-air and when his head whips to look in your direction, his crimson eyes are narrowed and his nostrils are flared.  He laughs and rolls his neck, dancing on his toes.

“Okay.  I see.  I’m not gonna go easy on you, you know?”  You snort and put your fists up in front of you again.

“As if you were going easy on me before, Kiri.  Bring it on.”  He smiles, the sharp points of his teeth enough to make your thoughts swerve again before you bring them under control.  “Bring it on,” you whisper more to yourself as you brace for the fight.

Two hours later, you feel the strain in your muscles.  Your quirk is running low on reserves and you know you won’t be able to use it much more.  Kiri looks like he hasn’t wasted a breath but you can see he’s getting tired in the way his feet don’t move as sharply.  And if the length of time he’s using his quirk is any indication to his state of mind, you know the two of you will be calling it a day soon.  But you’re also both stubborn.  And you’re dying to get one more good move in on him.

The cockiness the two of you had at the beginning of the sparring session hasn’t gone away but has burned hot into determination.  No more smiles, only clear-headed concentration.  The two of you are an arm's length from each other, throwing various punches and switching quickly between using your quirks and not.  You’re breathing hard, sweat gathering at your brow as you throw another right hook that Kiri easily blocks.

“Get out of your head.  You can be too predictable sometimes.”  He doesn’t mean for it to come across as rude but the words strike a match to a guttering fire.  You bare your own teeth at Kiri even though they aren’t sharp and probably don’t look nearly as threatening but it helps you feel powerful nonetheless.  You drop without a second thought, lowering to your palms and sweeping your leg out in front of you in a wide arc.  A grin spreads across your face when your calf meets Kiri’s ankle.  He’s too physically dense for this move to work if he had seen it coming.  But he doesn’t.  And his solid 220 pounds of muscle falls hard.  

You allow yourself the satisfaction of the moment for only a split second; Kiri’s recovery time is much shorter than yours so it isn’t long before he’s scrambling forward.  He goes straight for your wrists to subdue you but with a smirk, you realize in his haste he’s put himself in the perfect position for you to possibly gain the upper hand.  You scoot up away from him just enough to drag his arm forward and swing your legs around his neck.  Then you elevate your hips and lock your core.

It’s over from there as you squeeze with every last ounce of strength left in your body.  It doesn’t take long for him to tap out.  You release as soon as you feel his loose hand tap your arm; he collapses over you and you’re too tired to move away or push him off.  Now his breathing is rough and you feel a surge of pride.  You reach up and place your hand on his head where his bun has come undone; he’s so heavy but it doesn’t feel bad.  In fact, the feel of Kirishima resting his head and upper chest on your stomach is feeling nothing short of good .  He’s still between your legs and suddenly the air is crackling with a new kind of energy when you gently comb your fingers through his hair.

He rises up, his hands on either side of you.  His hips rest between your legs; the mingled heat radiating from both of you is almost more than you can take but there is no way you’re going to move anywhere.  He leans forward, so close you can see the flecks of burnt orange in his eyes.  If you moved forward just a little, you could close that space between you.  He leans down more, his mouth right next to the shell of your ear.

“Maybe not always predictable.  You did good today.  Probably some of the best fighting I’ve seen from you so far.  Keep it up.”  He grunts, a shift of his hips allowing the curve of his cock to brush against your clothed sex through his gym shorts.  He stiffens in what you think might be embarrassment.  “Shit, sorry, let me just, uh--”  The stuttering mess he becomes right before your eyes makes something lurch in your chest; you reach for his face without thinking.

“Kiri,” you whisper, rolling your own hips against his.  His cheeks are burning a shade of red almost as vibrant as his hair.  You bring up your other hand, holding his face between them and bringing him down to settle over you once more.  Your lips meet his; he seems to war with himself for just a moment.  A suspended second in time.  But then he gives in, slipping his tongue against yours in a delicious sliding vision of what’s coming.

He reaches between you to slip his hand under your tank top; his hand is big and nearly encompasses your side.  But it’s warm and gentle.  Gentle.  Who would have guessed that Red Riot could be so fucking gentle?  But he is and when his hand moves lower to slide below the hem of your shorts, you give yourself to him with no reservations.  His middle finger passes through the mess of your sex; a hissed breath rattles through his chest as your back arches on a ragged groan.

“ Shit.  You’re so wet .”  He slides his finger back and forth, gathering your slick on the thick digit.  He takes his hand away and you mewl.  “Can I?”  He asks breathlessly as he hooks his hands on the hem of your shorts.  You nod, eyes half-lidded.  He pulls them down along with your underwear and the way he looks at you, at what’s between your legs, you don’t even have the wherewithal to feel self-conscious.  Adoration.  It’s the only word you can think of and it makes you wonder if you’d made a mistake waiting so long.

He’s on his knees when he takes your legs and drapes them on either side of his hips; this time he doesn’t hesitate in slipping his finger into your cunt.  You nearly see stars just from that and if one finger is any indication, you’re in for it.  Slowly, he adds another, his hand pumping into you in a steady rhythm.  You’re grabbing for the ground, grabbing for him as a strangled noise pushes from your throat.  He reaches out with his other hand to splay it across your sternum and it’s the only thing anchoring you as he adds the third finger before scooting down to put his mouth on your clit.

“ Kiri,” you keen, shoving your hips into his touch, frantically scrabbling for his wrist that’s on your chest just to have something to hold on to.  He’s done this before, he’s had to.  He’s too good.  Too fucking good.  Already there’s coiling in your gut as incomprehensible words tumble from your mouth.  “Shit.  Shit.  Kiri I’m--I’m gonna--”  He rumbles approvingly against your clit; the vibrations send you closer and closer to the edge and when it crests, your back arches near pain as you cry out, your voice echoing in the gym.  It’s deep, roaring through all of your limbs but  Kiri keeps going, fingers still pumping, tongue still swirling around your sensitive nub.

Another orgasm breaks over you sharp and quick and the overstimulation has your legs quaking as your arousal gushes over Kiri’s hand and tongue.  But then he’s moving again, and you’re blearily aware that he’s shoving his own shorts and boxers past his hips to free his cock.  You stare as it bounces back to sit near the planes of his stomach; it’s already leaking steadily with precum.  Kiri looks back at you and when your eyes meet, you dart your tongue out between your lips to wet them.  Another time, maybe.  

Kiri leans forward to lift you up and the closer you get you can barely see any red in his eyes; his pupils are blown, his nostrils flared as he lifts you like you weigh nothing .  He could snap you like a twig.  But he won’t.  You know without a doubt this is the safest you’ve ever felt, even as he lowers you slowly over his cock and it does feel like you’re being split .

“ Fuuuck…”  You wrap your legs around him, your mouth dropped open, your hands gripping his shoulders.  You try not to dig your nails in but it’s almost impossible with how you’re being filled.  You knew Kiri was big but this was almost too much.  His forehead drops to yours as he pants.  But he’s not moving, won’t move until you tell him to.  It makes your heart ache and your cunt floods, drunk on the affection thrumming through your veins.  You roll your hips experimentally and the friction is bliss.  “Oh fuck, ohfuck.”  You move again, pushing yourself up and back down, listening to the hitch in his breathing.  “ Kiri, please, ” you whisper.  Those words… they’re enough.

Kirishima grips you by the hips, his fingers splayed and digging into the flesh; it’ll leave bruises and the knowledge cracks through you like electricity.  Let him leave marks.  Let him leave them everywhere.  He’s moving you up and down his cock, grunting, mumbling.  “Tell me, Kiri, tell me.”  His eyes meet yours again and his own mouth drops open.

“Fuck, you’re so good.  S’ tight.  Jesus, I-- ” Kiri moves his hands from your hips to support you as he lays you down on the floor of the gym.  The idea should be questionable but it’s not, it’s fucking not and you can’t concentrate on any other thoughts when Kiri grabs your wrists and pins them gently above your head with one hand while the other comes back to your hip.  He thrusts into you at a brutal pace but… it feels like home and you think in that moment as your cunt begins to seize around his cock that you would give up forever to continue touching him.

“Yes, Kiri, yes.  Right there, right--shit yesyes yes. ”  He pistons up, the veins of his cock rubbing just right and when he releases the grip on your hands, they’re moving to wrap around him on instinct.  He’s planting kisses along your jaw, mouthing up to your lips and back down to graze his teeth over your pulse point.  “Do it, fuckin’ do it, let them know ‘m yours, ” you slur and when he bites down you crash over the edge on a groan that’s really more of a scream.  Everything goes black but you're cradling him to you as his movements become more erratic.  The snapping of his hips is getting sloppier by the second and a steady growl punches from his lungs with each breath.  “Cum, Kirishima, cum inside me.”

He’s never heard those words before and it lights a fire in his veins.  His head is buzzing and then he can’t hear anything as his cock releases and he’s spurting searing hot ropes of cum into your cunt.  He goes until you’ve milked every last drop from him and he’d be lying if he said his world didn't suddenly feel whole.  Finally, his body settles and his chest drops to yours.  Everything slowly bleeds back into focus and somehow, everything seems more colorful than it did moments before.  You’re still clinging to him.

“Kiri.  Kiri, babe, I can’t breathe,” you say and he slowly rises, taking in your blissed-out expression.  Your eyes can barely stay open, your cheeks are flushed.  He backs up to see his handiwork on display, hyper-focused on the trail of the mingling cum dripping from the mess of your sex.  But you’re smiling.  Lazy and tired, completely at ease.  “Wanna take a shower?”  When you nod he doesn’t hesitate in standing to kick his underwear and shorts the rest of the way off his legs and then he’s grabbing you, scooping you into his arms and against his chest.  He pads out of the gym and across the hall to his bathroom where he deposits you on your feet, only after he’s sure you can stand and only long enough to turn the shower head-on.

He puts his hand under the water, waiting for it to get warm.  Steam billows from behind the glass door when he’s turning back to you to remove your tank top and your sports bra.  Thank god you chose the front-closure one today; you didn’t think either one of you wanted to struggle to get one up over your head right now.  When your breasts spill out of the high-impact fabric, you notice with tender amusement that his cock is half-hard again.  His eyes go dark again and he leans in for a kiss.  But it's slow and sweet. 

"You're so fuckin' beautiful," he whispers.  He ignores his arousal, ushering you into the stream of water.  Your care is the only thing that matters to him right now.  The heat slides across your body, and when Kirishima steps up behind you and begins soaping up your shoulders, it feels like heaven .

You take turns washing each other until you’re both blissed out in a different kind of way and the only thing either one of you can think about is sleep.  But the afterglow is fading and doubt is creeping in.  When you step out of the water, you stand awkwardly as Kiri hands you a towel.  “You okay?”  He’s actually concerned and you can’t put your finger on why you’re so fucking grateful for it.

“Yea, just tired.  I should, uh, probably get going.”  Kiri freezes and you think you’ve said something wrong, already crossed a line.  Your brain is like a broken record as the stomach-curdling image of having to see him at the agency flashes across your eyes in vivid detail.  But then he’s stepping into your space and pulling you in for a hug.  A hug.

“Don’t go,” he whispers into the crown of your head and it has you smiling like an idiot against his chest.  His skin smells clean and warm with a hint of spice.  You bury your face further in as you nod against him.  Then he’s leading you to his room, to the king-sized bed.  He peels back the comforter and the white sheets and pulls you in beside him.  Your back is against him and he hooks his foot around your ankles, bringing you even closer.  

He doesn’t say anything more, just lets out a huge sigh as he wraps his arm around you.  The last thing you notice before your eyes flutter shut is how your heartbeats are thumping at the same steady rhythm.  

Late afternoon sunlight slants in Kirishima’s bedroom window, creating interesting patterns across his blanket.  It’s pushed towards the end of the bed, your legs intertwined and tangled in the sheets.  He’s still dozing, his breathing not quite that of someone sleeping but not of a person fully awake.  You reach out to cup his cheek, stroke above his eyebrows, caress his lips with your thumb.  A contented sigh leaves his chest as he grabs your hand and kisses your wrist.  His eyes are open now and he watches you.  You smile at him, snuggling closer, not wanting the moment to end.

“Hey,” he says quietly, suddenly serious.  “I just want you to know, I don’t do this all the time.  I mean, I’ve been with other people before but I don’t…  I don’t really hook up .”  Things start clicking into place as you realize what he’s trying to get across.  He just fucked you stupid in his personal gym and somehow he looks bashful.  And because you love it, you’re not going to help him along.  You just watch, biting your lip to keep from giggling.  “I just.  I guess what I’m trying to say is I like you.  I’ve liked you for a long time.  And normally I would have wined and dined you first but...  Well.  Here we are.  Would you like to stay for dinner?”

That’s the last straw; your laughter comes bubbling out of you and Kiri is leaning back to look at you with a quizzical expression on his face.  “Is something funny?”  That just makes you laugh a little harder but the confused look he’s wearing has you leaning in to press your lips against his.

“I’ve liked you from the first day I met you, Kiri.  I’ll one-up your offer and tell you that I might like to stay forever.”  A grin rips across his face and your heart blooms with warmth and affection.  The world seems full of possibilities but none of them matter except for the possibility laying right in front of you.

[slashscreen]

Concept art for a The Owl House-inspired open world RPG

Here's a bit of concept art for an Owl House-inspired open world RPG I've been cooking up in my free time.

I'm not ready to reveal a title or more detailed info although god knows I have a lot floating around inside of my brain. What I can say, however, is the Premise:

An undead scientist, attempting to build a teleporter, accidentally brings you, a human, into a grotesque but whimsical world of witches, centaurs, elves, dwarves, and demons- and where humans have been extinct for a thousand years. What starts as a simple quest to find a way home turns into an archipelago-trotting adventure with strange cults, otherworldly beings, dark secrets, and where all life on the planet is at stake.

So far I have been designing this game to have more of a focus on memorable characters and customization (read: dress-up) than strictly combat, which is something I have found lacking in other games. (I've realized I've been writing this sort of like a cartoon, so I'll lean into it and see where this goes. This means that yes, there will be a beach "episode". Tug on my balls one by one, Disney. I'm not sure how, but it will happen.)

I don't have any character/species concept art I am willing to show at the moment, because I'm currently redesigning the visual style of the game. Sorry! I'll share it soon, though.

Also, you get a grappling hook. So there's that.

Other general info:

Q) Does this take place in The Owl House universe? A) No. This is not an Owl House AU/Fan game. It's its own thing with its own rules and lore, but borrows heavily from the show. It might be helpful to this on this as like Vast Error and Homestuck.

Q) Is there actually a game being actively made? A) Yes! There's not much to see, though. It's still at the "Everything is a cube and a capsule" stage of development; I'm focusing on getting a solid foundation laid rather than making any visible progress, which is important for a large-scale game. I've made significant progress, though: I estimate I am about 75% done with the base gameplay elements and making it, you know, playable. For the technically inclined, I have done the following (from the perspective of someone familiar with the Skyrim Creation Kit): - Cell streaming (plugin) - Cross-cell persistence - Goal Orientated Action Planning for NPCs - Lua/Moonscript VM for programming AI and acting as the equivalent of Papyrus (Plugin/my own work) - Player like movement and stuff - Dialogue using the Yarn plugin - NPC inter-cell navigation (think exterior to interior. Very difficult.) - Granular world simulation using Unity's DOTS - Physical properties of items (Systems game stuff, like Breath of the Wild) - You can harvest plants! Holy shit - You can read books

Q) Can I play the game right now? A) Hell no. Not yet, anyway. I'll release an alpha demo at some point, though, which will include: - The Marrows (Right arm of island), the first of currently 8 Prefectures (Analogous to Skyrim's Holds), which itself contains 1 city, 3 towns, 4 regions (geographically distinct areas. Two of them are pictured in the art above) - 30 ish quests? - Representative gameplay - Introduction to the major characters and the antagonist (This world's Belos and Hunter)

Q) What kind of mood is this world going for? A) Mostly lighthearted with some serious moments.

Q) What other influences does this world have? A) Lots. - FLCL (Should be apparent in the combat) - The Elder Scrolls (duh) - Bloodborne - Amphibia - Hyper Light Drifter

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I can't promise I will be willing to answer them, though. But then again, I am always happy to blab on and on about the world that live inside my mind.



[wandaromanova]

Till It’s Gone

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Warnings: cussing, death, natasha being an asshole?

A/N: hi! this is based off a concept that i had posted before i started writing stories of my own! since i can’t think of any other plot for a story as of right now, i’ve decided to take this previous idea of mine on! sorry if it’s not as great, it was a bit rushed. not proofread :)

Summary: Natasha and Y/N are mentor and mentee turned lovers. Their relationship is smooth sailing until the blip. Then suddenly, everything changes.

Word Count: 4.4K (a little short. sorry!)

(gif is not mine)

You were just a S.H.I.E.L.D agent in training when you first met Natasha. You were apart of the ground of trainees that she was tasked to train. When you first met her, you were shitting yourself. She was a LEGEND. She’s the Black Widow. You’ve heard many stories about the missions she had succeeded in as a S.H.I.E.L.D agent and an Avenger. Everyone knew who she was and she was the best of the best. You knew you had to absorb every single thing she taught you like a sponge.

You knew she was beautiful. You’d seen her on television many times, but videos and news coverage didn’t do the woman justice. Her eyes were a shade of green that you could easily get lost in. Her red hair complimented her skin tone perfectly. Her body.... my god was she beautiful. It’s no wonder she was able to seduce her targets. She was sex on legs.

Although she was the spitting image of grace, she was quite the opposite with her training style. She was absolutely ruthless. You guys would spend hours open hours working on things from combat training to working a gun. Although you felt like you were dying, you knew that this was what it takes to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Your life, as well as the lives of others depended on you as an agent. You needed to be the best you could be, no complaints.

You were the only trainee who didn’t complain about Natasha’s way of training. Nat took notice of this and immediately took a liking to you. You didn’t take the easy way out, you did everything properly and wouldn’t stop until you perfected whatever was being taught. Natasha saw a bit of herself in you if she was being honest. So, Natasha took it upon herself to train you privately as well.

“I see something in you that I don’t see in the others.” Natasha throws her gloves on the ground behind her before she turns back to face you. “Determination. You don’t just WANT to be here, you NEED to be here. An agent.” Natasha says as she stares at your shocked expression.

“You’re simply meant to be an agent. I can see the way you carry yourself and you don’t take the easy way out. You have your shit together.” Natasha finished as she bent under the rope of the fighting ring and made her way onto the floor of the gym.

You follow suit and stand right in front of her. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference. I can do that as a S.H.I.E.L.D agent. Thank you for taking me in.” You express gratefully as you look down to the floor and back up to the woman in front of you.

“Don’t thank me. You’re the one doing all the hard work. I’m sure it’ll pay off for you in the long run.” Natasha gives you a small smile before she makes her way toward the exit. She suddenly stops and turns around to face you where you still stood.

“I’m starving. Want to grab something to eat?” Natasha asks you. If you didn’t know better, you would’ve thought she was nervous. That was nonsense though, shes Natasha Romanoff. She’s never nervous.

“Yeah! Sure!” You let out a little too desperately as you go to the side of the gym to grab your gym bag. You stalk your way over to Natasha as you both make your way out of the gym together.

——————————————————————————

1 year later

A year later, you were officially recruited as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. You were ecstatic. All your work had finally paid off. You would finally be able to do good in this terrible world. You’d be able to save lives. You couldn’t take all the credit for your success though. Natasha was a huge factor in your accomplishment. The private lessons she had given you only made you better. You were so grateful for all the help Natasha had provided.

In that year, you and Natasha had actually grown close. You guys would spend a lot of time together outside of the gym. You really got to know Natasha and you eventually grew some feelings for the red head. You know it was absolutely stupid for you to gain feelings for her. She was a very reserved person, but maybe she felt the same? She was a little more open with you and you’d like to think you know her kinda well.

You wanted to tell Natasha how you felt for her, but you had no clue how she’d react. You didn’t want to offend or upset her, but it was kinda eating you up inside. All the lingering touches and longing glances between the two of you were no help. One day, you finally had enough and confessed your feelings to her.

You had both been sat in a little cafe that you guys often frequented. “I think I’m falling for you.” You blurted out of nowhere. Natasha froze as she dropped the fork she was just holding.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to just come out with it like that. But I really like you and if you feel the same I’d love to take you on a date.” You let out nervously as you twiddle with your hands nervously.

It was a minute before Natasha replied. As you looked down at your food uncomfortably, Natasha reached out for your hand across the table which you reluctantly gave to her.

“I would love to go out with you Y/N/N.” Natasha said with her bright smile and red lips as her eyes twinkled despite the dim lighting in the cafe. “Really? Are you sure?” You ask in stupid disbelief. Did she really just say yes? Are you dreaming?

Natasha let out a genuine laugh at your flustered and unsure state. “Yes. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Natasha says as she squeezes your hand and looks at you gently. “Okay. Cool.” You say awkwardly. That just makes Natasha laugh even more and you soon after. If you got to see her happy and make her laugh, you’d embarrass yourself all the time if that’s what it took.

——————————————————————————

4 years later

It’s been four years since you first told Natasha how you felt. You guys went on your first date a few days after. You had taken her to a Russian food festival that was in town. You were nervous about how Natasha would react to the date, but she loved it. She loved that you took her upbringing into consideration. You chose to do something she would like and it warmed her heart.

Now, you guys have been together since then. Things were amazing between you both. You had gotten recruited by Fury to become an Avenger and you were happy about it. You got to fight alongside Nat.

Natasha was only vulnerable and showed emotion to you, and you only. She did all the sappy romantic things you wanted. You once made her kiss you in the rain. She still did it even though she protested. It made you happy and Natasha wanted you to only ever be happy.

However, Thanos came around. That day in Wakanda absolutely destroyed the team; well what was left of the team. When Thanos snapped his fingers, you immediately ran around searching for any signs of Natasha. You finally caught sight of her frantically searching for someone; for you. When your eyes met another, you darted towards each other and hugged each other tightly. The relief you felt knowing that you hadn’t lost Natasha was amazing. However, it wasn’t as strong of a feeling as the feeling of failure.

Now that half the world was gone, the crime rates were at an all time low. There was no need for the Avengers after the loss of half of the world’s population. In the wake of the blip, you had been overcome with an overwhelming need to be close to Natasha at all times. The thought that you could’ve lost her ate away at you. You needed to appreciate her (not that you didn’t before). You just felt as though you guys should be grateful to at least still have each other.

Natasha felt the opposite though and you noticed. Natasha felt guilty that everyone lost their loved ones and she got to keep hers. She began to distance herself and shut you out. This didn’t stop you from trying though.

You would wake up every morning and make her some breakfast. However, she would decline your food each time. She’d just make herself a sandwich and go to the conference room where she spent all of her time. You then tried to make her sandwiches because it’s all she ate nowadays, but she would still deny the offer. It’s like she wanted nothing to do with you.

Since the blip, Natasha has been working nonstop. She tries to oversee any indications of trouble and tries to find ways to fix it. One time an earthquake happened and Nat really asked what you guys should do about it. You stared at her in disbelief. “It’s an earthquake Natty. We handle it by not handling it.” You say to her softly. This pissed Natasha off though and she ended up sleeping in the conference room that night.

You were at a loss. Everything you did for Natasha she completely rejected. Even if you tried to just grab her hand she would snatch it away and walk away from you. She never told you that she loved you anymore. There were no more nights of cuddling and talking about anything and everything.

Not to say that you weren’t effected by the blip as well. You felt just as guilty and responsible as the rest of the team did. But you didn’t let that stop you from showing Natasha how much you appreciated and loved her. The same could not be said for Natasha.

Although the defeat against Thanos had effected everyone, it hit Natasha the hardest. She become an unrecognizable person. She never smiled anymore. She never showed any sign of care for you. You felt completely neglected by the woman you loved; it killed you.

At first, you guys would argue whenever you tried to bring up her health. You would tell her how unhealthy she’s been treating herself and that there was nothing you guys could do about what happened. Natasha would blow up at you and one day she had completely broke you.

“Y/N! I can’t stop what I’m doing. If I stop, who will do what I’ve been doing?” Natasha yelled at you as you tried to close her laptop that she’s been staring at all day.

“That’s the thing Natasha. No one would do it because there’s nothing to be done.” You tried to calmly talk some sense into the fuming assassin. You should’ve known better though; it only pissed Natasha off even more.

“Do you not care about what happened? God, you should’ve been dusted like everyone else if you’re not gonna try and fight to fix this. If you were just gonna suffocate me.” Natasha let out exhaustedly as she threw her hands up in the air.

You stood there stunned. She wanted you to disappear like everyone else? You knew she didn’t want your company anymore, but you didn’t think it was to this extent. She broke any hope you had left.

“It’s not that I don’t want to bring everyone back Natasha. I’m just able to accept that there’s nothing we can do; something you can’t.” You finish off as you walk out of the room. You refused to show her how much her words had effected you. So as you made it back to your room, you broke down completely. Heart wrenching sobs wracked your body at an uncontrollable rate. She wanted you dead. She didn’t love you anymore.

After that day you stopped trying to salvage your relationship with Natasha. You were extremely stressed out and overwhelmed by everything. You became a shell of yourself. You didn’t eat much anymore, you only ate so you wouldn’t pass out. Sadly, Natasha didn’t even care to notice your now frail form. She didn’t feel an ounce of concern when she had noticed the dried trail of tears that would be on your face as you slept. She didn’t take notice that you didn’t smile anymore. She didn’t notice how unhappy you were.

What she did take note of was the sudden halt in your advances to be near her. She was relieved by this. She didn’t want you around her to remind her of failure.

Natasha’s main goal has always been to clear the red out of her ledger. With this loss came more red in her ledger. She felt responsible for essentially murdering half of the world. It completely clouded any rational thinking within her.

Natasha was so consumed by her need to make things right that she completely disregarded your feelings. She didn’t check on you, not even once. She only cared about she felt; she was selfish. You all had lost and she made you out to be heartless and uncaring.

——————————————————————————

5 years later

It’s been five years since the blip. Five years since your relationship with Natasha died. I mean you guys were still together... you think. You honestly didn’t know where you stood with Natasha anymore. You didn’t bother to ask if you guys were still together. You couldn’t handle anymore heartbreak. Ignorance is bliss.

Nothing had changed in the five years. You and Natasha had become strangers basically. You didn’t even share a room anymore, you moved back to your old room. Your once love filled relationship was now a dark hole that felt more like a chore than anything.

However, everything changed when Scott Lang suddenly appeared on the front steps of the compound. You, Natasha, and Steve who had been visiting to do his laundry, were shocked when you all realized it was happening in real time.

You guys quickly let him in and asked him a million questions. Where was he? How was he here? Was this the hope you all had desperately been hoping for? Was this a chance at righting a wrong?

As Scott explained the concept of Quantum Physics and suggested time travel, you honestly didn’t care how crazy it sounded. Any chance, no matter how insane it sounded, was still a chance. The other two avengers in the room must’ve had the same idea as Steve suggested we all talk to Stark about the idea.

Initially, Stark was completely against the idea. You couldn’t blame him. This is uncharted territory. He didn’t know how this time travel thing could effect the family he built during the blip. However, he eventually came around and now you all stood, about to time travel for the first time ever.

“Okay, so Y/N and Natasha will go to Vormir together to retrieve the soul stone. And Tony, Scott, Clint, and myself will go to New York to ge-“ Steve was suddenly cut off as Natasha abruptly cut him off.

“I don’t want to go with Y/N. Can I switch with someone else?” Natasha asked harshly with no emotion present in her voice. Your heart shattered at the fact that she didn’t want to go with you. Yeah, you guys hadn’t been close in so long, but it still hurt you regardless. She was still your girlfriend and the love of your life. The thought that she didn’t want to be by your side during something this risky was a stab to the heart.

“Uh... you and Clint can switch.” Steve says awkwardly as he looked between you and the redhead. You just looked down dejectedly. You couldn’t help but feel like Natasha had some sort of grudge against you at this point. It’s been too long of this cold shoulder game to be just about the blip.

Natasha nods as she says nothing. “Okay guys, let’s get the stones and come right back. We got this.” Steve says as everyone makes their way to the platform. You walk over to where Natasha stood and move to give her a kiss, when she dramatically pulls her face away from your own and gives you a hard glare.

“Don’t.” Natasha says as she pushes you away. You look around at the rest of the team and feel embarrassed as they all stare at you with pity. Tears threaten to fall from your eyes as you walk over and stand next to Clint. He looks at you with sadness in his eyes. You just shake your head and look down at the watch and set the time and day. You and Clint confirm that you guys have the same settings and look up at the rest of the team.

You lock eyes with Natasha who was across from you as you let a few tears fall from your eyes. As the sound of the platform firing up fills the room, you give Natasha a sad smile. “See you in a minute.” You say her catchphrase to her then you both disappear from where you stood.

——————————————————————————

The next thing you knew, you were on Vormir. You couldn’t help but marvel at the gorgeous planet. The beautiful purple and blue sky and the tall cliff would’ve been amazing under different circumstances. You had this bad feeling in your gut.

When you and Clint finally made it to the top of the massive mountain, you both immediately drew your weapons at the sight of a floating red figure.

“Who are you?” You ask the stranger, never putting your gun down. “Consider me a guide to you and to all who seek the soul stone.” The red figure speaks giving you and Clint the chills. There was something ominous about his tone that made you feel uneasy.

“Oh good. You tell us where it is then we’ll be on our way.” You place your finger on the trigger as the figure moves closer to you.

“If only it were that easy. What you seek lies in front of you. As does what you fear.” The figure passes by you and towards the edge of the cliff. You and Clint follow and stand next to him. You peer down and internally cringe at the height.

“The stone is down there.” You state more than ask. “For one of you. For one of you.... in order to take the stone you must lose that of which you love. A soul for a soul. An everlasting exchange.” Your heart drops as you tear your eyes away from the bottom of the cliff and move towards a rock.

Clint follows you as he glares at the supposed soul stone keeper. “Maybe he’s full of shit.” Clint says as he stands right in front of you.

“It’s not. Thanos came here to get the soul stone with his daughter. He got the stone and didn’t come back with her. That’s not a coincidence.” You say as you clasp your hands together. You lean your chin on it as you think.

This is where your story ends. Clint can’t be the one to jump. He has a wife and kids. What do you have? A girlfriend who wants nothing to do with you. You aren’t the happy person in a happy relationship like you were years prior. It’s painfully obvious that you need to be the one to jump. However, you know you’re gonna have to fight Clint for it.

“It should be me. It has to be me.” You say as you look up at Clint. “Absolutely fucking not.” Clint grunts in protest as you stand up from your current position. You get closer to him until you stand right in front of him.

“It has to be me Clint. You have a family that’ll need you when they get back. Natasha doesn’t love me anymore.” You look down at the ground at the mention of your girlfriend.

“Don’t say that. Natasha loves you more than anything.” Clint tries to persuade you, but you don’t believe him. “She hasn’t loved me since the blip. I have a chance to make her happy again. All she��s wanted for the past 5 years was to bring everyone back, we can’t do that without the stone.” You say as you start to rock back and forth on the heels of your feet.

“You can’t leave your family. I won’t let you.” You suddenly shock him with the widow bite bracelet Natasha had gifted you for your first anniversary. She said you could use it to protect yourself when she couldn’t.

“Tell Natasha I love her and I’m sorry I wasn’t enough.” You say as you run towards the cliff. Before you can reach the edge, an explosion right next to you causes you to fly to the side. As you groan and look up from the floor, your eyes widen as Clint makes his way to the cliff and jumps.

You quickly follow suit and use a rope to catch Clint, effectively causing him to hold onto you. You look down at the drop below you with a nervous gasp of air. You look back up at Clint who has tears in his eyes.

“Please. Don’t.” He begs you, but he knows there’s no way you’re both getting out of this; not in this position. You give him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. You can let me go.”

Clint shakes his head furiously and tightens his grip on you. He won’t be able to face Natasha after this, that’s for certain. You were his best friend just like Natasha was. You shouldn’t be the one about to fall to your death on a foreign planet.

You know he isn’t gonna let you go willingly. So, with one last glance and smile you kick against the side of the mountain and free fall. As you fall, your life flashes before your eyes. Your childhood memories, your training with Natasha, falling in love with Natasha, the blip, the aftermath of the blip, up to now. You smile as you remember everything about Natasha. You weren’t only doing this for the world, you were doing it for her.

Your body hit the ground with a sickening thud as the sound of your bones breaking and Clint’s cries in agony echo. As blood started to pour out of your body, a bright light shot up and light up the entire sky. It was your soul. You had given up your soul for the soul stone.

——————————————————————————

Clint returned to the platform at the same time everyone else did. He was soaking wet, a look of despair on his face, as he clutched the soul stone to his heart. As the cheers of the team sounded throughout the room, Clint fell to his knees. Everyone turned to look at him when Steve noticed something, no, someone was missing. Steve had noticed your absence before Natasha did.

“Clint. Where’s Y/N?” Steve asks as he approached Clint. At Steve’s words, panic began to take over Natasha. “Where is she Clint?” Natasha asked trying to mask the fear that was consuming her.

“She’s gone. She gave her life up for the soul stone.” Clint said simply. He was still in a state of shock and grief. The image of his best friend falling to her death replaying over in his head.

“What do you mean? WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHES GONE CLINT?” Natasha screams as she grabs him by the collar and lifts him up aggressively.

“The soul stone keeper said that it had to be a soul for a soul. Someone had to die to get the stone. It was supposed to be me. It should’ve been me.” (A/N: damn right it should’ve been him in endgame lmao)

Natasha let go of Clint’s collar as pain took over her entire body. Natasha fell to her knees in front of Clint and started bawling her eyes out. Guilt began to seep in as she recalled how she treated you. God that was the last time she was ever going to see you? She treated you like absolute shit? That would be your last memory of her? She was an absolute asshole to you the past five years. The sound of your voice as you said “see you in a minute,” broke Natasha even more. The sad and defeated look in your eyes as she refused to go with you.

She should’ve gone with you. She could’ve stopped you from sacrificing yourself. They say that you don’t know what you got till it’s gone. This situation proved that saying true. Natasha would have to live with the fact that she had made you feel unloved the last 5 years of your life. She would never get to see you again. You were nothing but good to her and she repaid you by treating you like the dirt beneath her boots. She wished that she had pulled you closer instead of pushed you away. She never thought that you would be apart of the red in her ledger, but here she was. Natasha screamed in agony and it absolutely broke the team.

Tears were in everyone’s eyes. You were like family to them all. You joined the Avengers and quickly made your way into their hearts with your amazing cooking, funny jokes, and reliability. Your death hurt everyone in the room, but not on the same level as Natasha. She would never get to see the love of her life again. She’d have to live with the fact that you died thinking that she hated you. Natasha suddenly stood up abruptly and halted her tears.

“Let’s bring everyone back now. Y/N’s sacrifice will not go to waste. Do you guys understand? We do this NOW.” Natasha says in a fit of anger as she storms out of the room.

Everyone is shocked by Natasha’s sudden change in behavior, but they completely agree with her. The loss of your life and your sacrifice would not be wasted. Natasha would make sure of it. She would do what she didn’t do for you the past 5 years and will never truly be able to do again; give you what you deserve.

[bi-bard]

Better Than Anyone Else - Castiel Imagine (Supernatural)

Title: Better Than Anyone Else

Pairing: Castiel X Reader

Requested: by @zizzlekwum

Word Count: 1,306 words

Warning(s): cussing, kidnapping, insults, Dean can't really keep his mouth shut

Summary: (Season 5) (Y/n) and Castiel are taken hostage by angels in the hopes of getting information on how the Winchesters plan on stopping the apocalypse. (Y/n) finally reaches their boiling point with the angels that try to make Cas feel like shit.

Author's Note: I swear, Cas is one of my favorite characters to write for.

Hey! I did a rewrite of the ending of Supernatural. It took a really long time to complete, so it would mean a lot to me if you check it out. Here’s a link! (it’s on my personal account)

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I was seething.

I watched as the angels strutted around Cas and me. We were tied across from each other. Cas with some weird kind of chain and me with just rope.

They just kept poking at him.

Mocking him for his humanity. His caring nature.

It pissed me off.

"Isn't it pathetic," one of them asked. "Knowing that your choice to help the humans is pointless? You trusted them... cared about them... all for it to go to waste. They don't care about you, you're just a tool to them."

"Leave him alone," I snapped, tugging at the ropes harshly. I didn't even wince at the feeling of the material burning my skin.

"Shut up, you gnat," the 'head angel' of the group said. "You are one of the biggest reasons Castiel forgot his purpose."

"He didn't forget his purpose," I hissed. "He found it."

She held her blade to my neck, grabbing my hair so I couldn't wiggle away.

"He's one of the most caring creatures I've ever met," I continued, ignoring my fear. "He's a hero. Not just to me but to so many others. You are just trying to make him hate all he's done so he can be guilt-tripped into helping you. If you were worth helping, you wouldn't have to do that."

The angel nearly growled at me before stepping away.

I started combatting words with words.

"You mean nothing to them" was met with my response of "You're amazing and I'm honored to even know you."

"If you didn't have powers, they'd drop you like dead weight," was met with, "Don't listen to them. The boys and I think you're brilliant. You're amazing... a hero."

"They obviously don't need you... they would've saved you by now," was met with, "Sam and Dean will be here soon, they just can't teleport."

This continued until the doors were slammed open. I smiled to myself. Sam and Dean stormed in and started fighting. Sam quickly cut the ropes from my wrist and ankles and grabbed the blade the had rolled from one of the angels.

"One second," I said to Cas quickly, going after the main angel.

I sunk the blade into her stomach, ripping a key from around her vessel's neck.

"Didn't know angels used such basic locks on shit," I muttered, undoing the lock. Cas stood up instantly, moving me out of the way so he could smite an angel that was behind me.

The action died down and we all looked around to check on each other.

"All of us alright," Dean asked. I nodded. "Let's go, Bobby's waiting for us."

We went to walk out but Cas called my name. I turned back to him. He gently grabbed my hands. I blushed as I watched how careful he was as he healed the rope burns.

"Thank you," I mumbled, looking up at him.

I noticed how close we were. I took a deep breath in before turning around and following Sam and Dean. Cas teleported out.

"How are you feeling," Sam asked as Dean started driving.

"I've been better," I muttered. "They just kept insulting him. Like they knew it would hurt more than hitting him."

"What did you do," Sam asked.

"Defended him," I replied. "He deserved that. Even after they held a blade to my throat, I just wanted him to know that we cared."

There was a moment of silence.

"(Y/n)," Dean said carefully. "Do you promise not to hit me after I ask my next question?"

"I can't promise something like that, I've heard some dumb questions come out of your mouth," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Do you... love Cas," he asked.

My breath stopped in my throat for a moment.

I looked down. Was love the right word? Was that too far? I definitely liked him. He was sweet and brave but... love? He'd be uncomfortable if I said love. I sighed... maybe I did love him.

"I don't know if 'love' is too far or not," I finally admitted.

"Holy shit," Dean sounded so excited. I chuckled. "I fricking knew it! Sam, you owe me twenty bucks!"

"You bet on me?"

"...No," Dean suddenly turned guilty when he realized that I was unhappy with his choice.

"Sam."

"It was Dean's idea," he said, throwing his brother under the bus immediately. I looked at Dean.

"(Y/n)... listen..."

--time skip--

I was looking through Bobby's basement for him. He was working on some project and just needed me to help him grab some things. I was happy too. Working with Bobby was not as scary as some would assume.

I was heading back up the stairs when I heard Cas and Dean in the kitchen.

"I just want to know why (Y/n) defended me so adamantly," I froze, realizing neither one had noticed me.

"I can't tell you that, Cas, you need to ask them," he replied.

"You know and won't tell me," Cas said it as a statement, not a question.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I can't."

"Dean, I don't understand-"

"I'm sorry, Cas, but this is (Y/n)'s business."

I guess I didn't know how long they had been going around in a circle. Still, what happened next made me want to throw what I was holding at Dean's head.

"Is there something wrong with (Y/n)? Are you worried about them? What do I not know-"

"Guys," I heard Sam try to intervene.

"(Y/n) loves you, Cas," Dean finally snapped. "There! You know why now!"

My heart just sank, "How fucking dare you?"

Dean looked at me with a panicked look.

"(Y/n)-"

I held up a hand. I walked to the living, placed what Bobby asked for on the table, and then walked out of the house.

"Where are you going," Sam asked, going to stop me.

"On a walk," I snapped, slamming the front door shut behind me.

I don't even know how far into Bobby's yard I had walked. I just kept going. I was angry and stressed and embarrassed. I was ready to fight Dean and leave him tied up in the trunk of his own car.

"(Y/n)," I heard the deep voice from behind me. I ignored it. "(Y/n)."

"Cas, I really don't wanna-"

I ended up walking straight into his chest. I took a step back and looked up at his face.

"Cas... we can just forget that," I motioned toward the house. "We don't have to worry about it."

"No."

"No?"

"I don't want to forget about it," he muttered. "It made me very happy when I heard you loved me."

"Oh," I mumbled.

"I... I love you too," he had a small grin on his face, seeming nervous. Angel of the Lord... nervous.

"You do?"

"Yes," Cas nodded.

"Oh," I mumbled again.

He stepped closer to me. I felt my entire base heat up at the motion. Being this close to Cas... or anyone really... was kind of new to me. I watched him closely and saw him furrow his eyebrows.

"This is where I'm supposed to kiss you, right," he asked softly.

"If you want to."

"I want to," he replied. I smiled widely at him.

I leaned in and pressed my lips to his lightly. I grabbed the lapels of his jacket. It felt like I was going to lose him if I did. He slowly reached out to touch my sides as he relaxed into the kiss. It was a perfect moment.

I slowly pulled away, trying to hold back a laugh as he tried to lean forward and kiss me again.

"I love you," I whispered, my forehead touching him.

"I love you too," he mumbled back. "And I'd like to kiss you again."

"Be my guest," I chuckled, pulling him back into a kiss.

What a perfect moment?

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[asterroidd]

fragment in time

↬ Reincarnation/Soulmate AU

—Wherein past lovers would always find each other in a different life.

↬ Pairing: Levi Ackerman/Reader

↬ Word count: 4.4k

↬ Synopsis: Perhaps in another lifetime, you and Levi would finally be together.

↬ not proofread, capn’ :’)

   The smell of blood wafted through the air. Screams of terror of fallen soldiers plagued your senses as man-eating-giants unhinged their jaws, their large teeth sinking down into the soft flesh of your comrades. Their blood splattered around, your terrified eyes watching each and every one in your squad being eaten alive by the titans.

   It was a simple mistake, an error created by the supposed messenger from the other squad of soldiers reporting in to inform you of the titan wreaking havoc amongst the lands to the west. You took them upon their word, heeding into the information, and as such steered the squad towards the east to avoid the chaos.

   But they were supposed to say east. East was where the giant beasts are.

   Which brings you back to today's scene, wherein you are badly injured—and perhaps internally bleeding—with an aberrant titan desolating your men.

   Biting down your cheeks, you groaned in pain as you adjusted yourself into a sitting position. Hands flying down to your stomach in attempts to stop the bleeding caused by a titan that caught you earlier.  You were in death's door—a foot in the grave you have dug yourself in ever since you signed up to be a soldier in the Survey Corps—ready to embrace the sweet release of death that would finally rid you of this hellish world. That is until one of your men saved you, slicing the fingers that are wrapped around your torso and harshly tossed you to the side and out of harm's way.

   You froze in horror, unable to recover your mental state after being a hair's width to cessation.

   "Lieutenant (____)! Take my horse and esca—" was their last words before the titan bit of their head. The beast looming over their figure, a sickening grin adorned their face as saliva trickled down its chin. It let out a small grunt of pleasure, gulping down the severed head of your comrade. Their lifeless body slowly slumped down until they fell with a thud against the grass. Dirt mixed with fresh blood dirtied their pristine white shirt they wore along with the Survey Corps uniform.

   You felt so useless. . .so powerless.

   The scene played inside your thoughts like a broken record playing in repeat. Over and over again. . .

   It was a nightmare much worse than those you have in your sleep. No. . . this is reality. This was actually happening right before your eyes. With a shaky hand, you brought it up to cup your cheek, smearing blood all over it as you lightly pinched yourself to confirm that you are actually awake and are not simply dreaming.

   You wanted to save your squad—your friends whom you trained and joked with back inside the walls. The very same people who were assigned to you by Erwin.  But you couldn't bring yourself to do it.

   Your body wouldn't budge.

   It was as if fate was tricking with you—letting time slow down for you to witness the horrific scene before you. You wanted to take a break, just a brief moment to recollect your thoughts and congregate yourself to fight back against the titans. You wanted to fight back; to slice the nape of the titan that killed most of your squad. But you find yourself unable to. Shoulders slumping down in defeat, eyes swimming with salty tears, and mouth so dry like those desserts Armin spoke of.

    As the titan's hands hover above, your life flashed before you. Recounting your most joyous moments from childhood to adulthood. Like that one time your mother gave you a hand-sewn doll for your birthday. Or when you got accepted to the Survey Corps despite your family's protests.

    You'll die a terrible death, they say. It's safer inside the walls.

    But you defied them, enlisting your name the moment it was announced that the military branch was recruiting a new set of soldiers for the next expedition happening in a few months. Your first time outside the walls was different.

    Instead of puking everywhere and shaking in your horse, you felt strangely calm and excited. Not only that but you also easily killed the titans coming your way. Which in return shocked the higher-ups and eventually gave you your own squad a few months later due to your pure skill.

    But perhaps the most memorable event in your life was meeting your fiance, Levi Ackerman. You met him a few years back—when he was still a fresh new recruit just like you. His skills with the 3d maneuver gear were no joke. The male looked so graceful whilst swinging from tree to tree. Moving as fast as sound as he sliced off the napes of giant beasts that dared come close to him.

    You idolized him at first—looking up to him in astonishment and hopes that one day, you would also possess the same prowess as him. Perhaps being on par with him in speed and killing titans was your goal. And so you set out to accomplish that ambition of yours; training every day until you pass out from exhaustion, harnessing your skills in hand-to-hand combat, and of course, improving your technique in using the 3d maneuver gear.

     That surely got his interest, because months later Levi started to acknowledge you more. Whether it was a simple nod and greeting when both of you passed each other in the hallways. Visiting you in your room when he knew a friend of yours died during the expedition. And of course, Levi bringing you tea to your office in the wee hours of the morning whilst you are drowning in piles and piles of paperwork.

    Before you knew it, you and he confessed to each other one night. You remembered it as clear as day. There were no clouds that moment, letting the moon shine brightly and provide light to the dimmest corners of the base. The stars were also out, glimmering in a rhythmic pattern that you grew to love.

    I think I have feelings for you. . .romantic ones, you first confessed to him. Your hands bawled up in a tight fist, your eyes screwed shut, and heart hammering against your chest in anticipation of his answer. Much to your delight, he reciprocated your feelings.

    That's good to hear, you swore there was a small smile. I feel the same way.

    You relish in the memories of you and Levi inside his office. Every activity with him makes your heart swell and heat rush to your face. Being with Levi makes you forget the horrors of the world offers and instead replace it with comfort and blissful moments. Whether it was a simple trip downtown, spontaneous cuddle sessions when no one was around, and of course the pleasure-filled occasions with him behind the closed door of his office.

    You treasured every moment inside your heart. And you would do whatever it takes to experience those once again.

    What you were going to do was obviously a suicide mission—you should've just taken a horse just like what your comrade said. But you are one stubborn one.

    Despite your body screaming in pain and agony, you won't die in vain. No, you'll stand up and fight back. Levi is expecting you to return back home intact and alive. You fired the hooks in a nearby tree, reeling yourself towards it before releasing it. There was a brief moment you're flying in the air. Everything was silent save for you hearing your own clamoring heartbeat against your rib cage. You've managed to escape in the nick of time, the titan's fists closing in the area where you once were. You could've died right then and there if it weren't for you acting quickly.

    Your eyes clouded with rage, you fired the hooks once again, only this time to the nape of the beast. In one fell swoop, its nape detached itself from the rest of the body.  A grunt escaped past your lips, an electric-like shot of pain coursed your veins. Air whistled past your ears as your velocity pushed you towards the side. Somehow in the process of killing the titan, its blood splattered on your face as well clothes.

    With immediate effect, mind you, as small wisps of smoke emerged from your clothes. A sign that the blood is vaporizing. You kept your eyes low, staring at the gaping mouth of the now-deceased beast. Within a few minutes, its once strong skin would disintegrate. Turning into piles of bones that, if given more time, would also fall apart. Like a bubble bursting into nothingness once in contact with air.

    You let out a small sigh of relief, letting your knees buckle and come in contact with the ground. It was a miracle that you could move despite your wounds.

    Though, you celebrated all too early.

    A shiver went down your spine as you heard the loud thumping behind. You whipped your head to the sound, eyes widening as a titan much bigger than the one you have killed was making its way towards you. Their mouth was stretched in an eerie smile, body covered with blood—with what you presumed was human's from another group of soldiers. Perhaps it heard the commotion and as such ventured towards the sound.

    "Shit. . ." you cursed, finally realizing that you were out of gas and the blades are dull. The horses, as you observed earlier, were injured and some ran away. Even the one your comrade left for you was long gone, nowhere to be seen.

    You imagined death so much it feels like a memory. Is this where it gets you? On your knees while the titan several feet ahead of you. You see it coming as clear as day, the surroundings a blur as you fixed attention on the beast. Do you run? Do you scream? Do you close your eyes and accept death? Though, you knew all too well that with your cracked ribs and injury, you wouldn't run as far.

    You chose the latter.

    Hands releasing the blades, you closed your eyes as you embraced the impending death.

    When the titan wrapped its fingers around your finger, you kept your mouth shut. Not even a scream escaping past. Your breath hitched, breathing in the godawful stench as the beast opened its mouth. Perhaps salivating at the thought of gnawing at your flesh.

    A choice with no regrets, that is what Levi said. True, you had a lot of regrets throughout your life, but you would never regret meeting him and enjoying every moment with him. Even if it was brief and shortcoming, you cherished it. Though, you truly did hope you would see his face once again. To relish under his touch. To hear his voice once more. Oh, how you wished you bid farewell before you take your final breath.

    You cried in pain as its teeth slowly sunk into your flesh, your lower half of the body bit by bit being detached from the rest. Tears streamed down your cheeks. This was finally it. The moment wherein you would take your last breath and leave this hellish reality.

    That is, until a strong gust of wind passed by.

    "(____)!!" you knew the voice all too well. It was Levi's.

    You opened your eyes, realizing now that the male had successfully killed the beast and is now carrying you in his arms. He was breathing heavily, his chest rising up and down vehemently. "You—" he started. Fear danced in his eyes, perhaps tears clouding his vision despite his attempts to keep it at bay. It was a rare sight to see Levi crying, usually, only a handful of people get to witness it. That said, you were always the one to comfort him in his darkest nights.

    Levi carefully set you down, letting you lay down on the grass. "Don't you dare close your eyes, (____)!!" he pleaded. Hands clasping your shoulder blades.

    "The others are coming this way—" he fought back a sob. "Just—just keep your eyes open long enough."

    But you and he knew all too well that the deep gash in your abdomen as a result of the titan sinking its teeth is far too severe to be treated. The damage has already been done, it would be magic if the medic could heal you. Still, Levi clung to that hope that you would survive. That you would be back in the walls with him just in time for the wedding to happen after the expedition.

    Levi was frantic. Unsure of what to do in seeing you in such a state he knew would be far-fetched to heal.

    A minute.

    He deduced that with your injury and blood continuously pouring out, you would still have a minute or two with him before you leave for good. Levi hated the thought of losing you. He blamed himself for letting you separate from him for this mission. So when he was informed that a titan wreaked havoc upon you and your squad, Levi did not think twice in changing directions in order to check up on you.

    If only he was fast enough. If only he could turn back the time so Levi could save you in the nick of time before the titan drilled its teeth unto your flesh. But he knew all too well that what has happened has already been done. So for one last time, he'll make sure that the time spent with you would leave no regrets.

    In contrast to him, love and mirth danced in your eyes, sparkling like a radiant summer sun glistening and being reflected on a puddle of water. Carefully and somewhat sluggish, you raised your hand to cup Levi's cheeks. Your thumb caressing his skin that you love oh so much.

    "I'm glad I could see your face one last time. . ." you murmured under your breath, too weak to raise your voice.

    Levi tightened his grip on your shoulders, this is it. The moment he'll lose another loved one yet again. "Save your energy. Don't you dare leave me," he spat.

    "Levi. . ." you chuckled despite the pain. "You and I both know that I wouldn't make it in time. . ."

    His broken expression made you wish this was all a dream.

    "So. . ." you trailed off. "Just hold my hand, please?"

   You blinked as black spots danced in her eyes. You were getting sleepy though ironically your body can't rest. The pain in your lower half was gone but when you tried moving, the pain emerged again. It somehow finds a way to wake you up. It was as if fate knew to keep you awake just to have one final moment with your beloved.

    Levi closed his eyes, finally accepting reality and abiding by your request. With shaky hands, he clasped yours quite harshly. He was not ready to lose you.

    "I'll see you in another time. . ." he slowly spoke. "We'll meet each other again and I'll find you."

    One tear slid down your cheek, "Yeah. . . See you."

   You woke up with a start, eyes flying open and you gasping for breath.

    The room was dark, save for the small light given by the sun which was shielded by the floral curtain. A blue vase etched with gold ethnic marks and aster flowers in it sat at the windowsill. The first thing you registered was the feeling of cotton against your skin and the dark surroundings of your room. Slowly, you moved into a sitting position, your body feeling light as if you are floating in thin air.

    That dream of yours had been reoccurring more often, plaguing your thoughts every night as you hit the haystack and welcome the sweet embrace of sleep—as if some outward forces want to tell you something.

    You were in a trance—fog clouding your brain as you recalled. Distantly, your fingers ran over the soft cotton blanket, you can't help but feel like you were forgetting something.

Something important.

    It was odd enough that giant naked men are desolating the lands; eating every human that comes across its way. But the thought of actually fighting it using a device far too technical for you to understand is what makes it absurd. That one particular scene keeps replaying over and over again when you sleep. You are confused—flabbergasted even. Though, it could only point to one answer.

    It was a hand maiden's tale. A story passed down from generation to generation that the person constantly reappearing in your dreams was your soulmate. Though you wanted to believe that, it was a slim chance that it could actually be true. For starters, you were not a superstitious person—you believed in facts and data instead of made-up tales by who knows who. Still, something deep inside you was screaming that the male in your dreams was your destined beloved.

   So as you strolled down the halls of the campus, you can’t help but let your thoughts drift off to the dream that incessantly appears at night. It was yet another day of you visiting the library to check if there are any new books added to the catalog. It may seem a nerd-ish move, but who could blame you? Thousands upon thousands of books right at your fingertips that you could easily access for free. Who wouldn’t want free books?

    The soft beep of the monitor lets you know that your ID card has been scanned and as such recorded that you have, yet again, visited the library. As you stepped inside the room, there are a couple of students slumped over the tables. Their laptops opened, notes sprawled out, and multiple pens scattered around. Despite the obvious studious set-up, half of them are on their phone or sleeping. Talk about slacking off.

    Shaking your head, you opted to walk straight into the fiction section where you spend most of your time scouring each shelf in search of a new adventure. Though, you halted momentarily as an unfamiliar figure came into view. They were searching for something—at least that is what you presumed given their furrowed eyebrows and the occasional curse underneath their breath.

   It is such a rare sight to see someone other than you in the fiction aisle. Mainly since most students would be in other sections searching for biographies, dissertations, and old literature stuff that would aid them in their studies. At first, you thought it was Arlert, the freshman you met a couple of months back when both of you happen to stumble upon each other. The male happens to be searching for a specific sci-fi book. Luckily, you had practically memorized each shelf in the fiction section. As such, you helped him find the novel he desires. Before you knew it, you and he had become close friends that would occasionally talk to each other about books both of you enjoy.

   But that isn’t the case this time. Armin’s iconic blond hair wasn’t in sight. Instead, onyx black in an undercut hairstyle is what greeted you. Wait a minute—he exactly looks like the male in your dreams.

   You stepped closer, quiet as to not disturb or startle him. When you got close to the figure, you concluded that, indeed, he is the male in your dreams; quite literally and figuratively.

   True, he is the exact spitting image of the male you’ve been seeing every night when you’re fast asleep. But also he is exactly your type; sharp jawline that could probably cut your finger, steel gray eyes that look oh so mysterious, and saints, the way you could see small veins on his pale hand drives you crazy.

   “Uhmm. . .do you need help?” you voiced out without thinking twice. You had to slap yourself internally when the male turned around to glare at you.

   He rose a brow, eyes trailing from head to toe as if questioning you what are you doing.

   “Ah—uhm. I didn’t mean to startle you but I am quite familiar with this section so maybe I could help you with what you are looking for.”

   The male narrowed his eyes at you, lips pressed into a thin line. Both of you shared silence, the distant hum of the air conditioner was the only thing you could hear. “What happened to Lori,” he abruptly spoke which perplexed you.

   “What. . ?”

   “I am looking for the second book of ‘What happened to Lori’. Do you know where that is?”

   Your mouth fell open in realization as to what he was pertaining to. It was the exact book that you bought a week ago after finding out that the library doesn’t have the second book to the duology. It was a hefty price, but all was worth it since the story is all too intriguing to be left behind in book one. You needed answers and a continuation, and as such bought the second book online.

   “The second book isn’t actually available. . .” you explained. The male cursed under his breath, something about the library being a useless piece of shit that was stupid enough to not buy the second book considering it was a duology.

   The very book he is looking for is inside your bag. Frankly, you only finished it halfway so you were not too sure if you want to let him borrow it. But, with one look at the male, you can’t help but be amazed at how he is the carbon copy of the person that keeps appearing in your dreams.

   You weren’t a superstitious person, but could this male be your soulmate?

   He was about to leave you, that is until you called out to him. “But I have the second book with me,” you stammered. If it means that you would get to see him again and perhaps know some answers, then you are more than willing to lend him your book. “You could borrow it if you want. . .?”

   The male looked at you from the corner of his eye, observing the way you fidget in your place and how you refused to look at him directly in the eye by continuously letting your gaze shift from book to book on the shelves.

   “If that’s fine with you, then sure.”

   With shaky hands, you frantically fished inside your bag in an attempt to look for the book. He was silent as you pulled out the said item and handed it over to him. The male, with astonishment dancing in his eyes, took the book from your hands and examined its cover and pages.

   “Have. . .have I seen you somewhere before?” you dared ask, eager to confirm if you were plain hallucinating or perhaps the soulmate-thing is indeed true. That, suppose, you also appear in his dreams every night. It was far-fetched, but you were ambitious to find out answers.

   The male let out one drained sigh, irritation washed over his features. “Look, if you are trying to hit on me then I’m not interested.”

   Wait, what? You weren’t—

   “I-I’m not!” you stammered, hands flailing around. “I just thought you look familiar.”

   He opened his mouth to respond but was cut short when the deafening clap of the thunder followed by a flash of light interrupted him. Both of you looked out the window to see the sky as black as tar, clouded by dark gray nimbus clouds as small drops of rain fell to the ground. Then it gradually got heavy all too soon.

   The color drained from your face as you realized that you forgot to bring an umbrella today. Not only that but you were totally unprepared for the sudden change in weather given that you were wearing a thin shirt.

   You bit your lip, brows curling up at the thought of shivering as you wait for the rain to dissipate. If anything, you totally despise the cold and how it makes your nose all runny and hair stand. Internally scolding yourself, you made a mental note to always check the weather update before going out of your dorm.

   “Tch. . .” the male clicked his tongue. “Here.”

   You were surprised to feel the soft fabric of his jacket draped over your shoulders, giving you warmth. Did he just—did he just gave you his jacket?

   “You’re shivering like a fucking wet dog,” he explained. “So wear that. . .”

   A flush crept up your face as the musky scent of his cologne with a hint of artificial fragrance from what you presumed is the smell of cleaning products wafted through your nose. You’ve got to say, this jacket of his truly is comfortable. With it being lined with cotton on the inside, the thick wool serving as a second layer for warmth, and the exquisite color combination of forest green and gold of the clothing. Slowly, you slipped your arms inside the sleeves and tucking your hands deep inside its pockets. Oddly enough, it fits you just well given—not too big nor small.

   The male turned on his heel, about to take his leave, again, without bidding you farewell. But you grabbed onto his sleeve just in time before he could leave the vicinity.

   “When—uhh—when can I return this?”

   He looked at you with a confused expression, as if asking if you are dumb or whatnot. “Isn’t that obvious?”

   “What I mean is, oh gods, I don’t have any ways to contact you whatsoev—“

   “So you want my number?”

   Someone please kill me right now, you whimpered.

    “What? No, I was ju—“

   “Yeah, yeah I get it. Hurry up and give me your phone,” the male pulled out his phone, expecting you to do the same.

   The audacity of this guy. He has to be a lady’s man or whatever to be this haughty.

   With a shaky breath, you and him both exchange numbers. Mind in a frenzy at the thought of seeing him again and perhaps that wouldn’t be the last time.

   “Uhmm. . .So I guess I’ll return the jacket to you once you’ve finished the book. . .?”

   Ah, there is that feeling again that keeps pestering you—a thought on the back of your mind.

   "Yeah, I'll give the book back to you eventually," he spoke. "I'll see you in another time. . ."

   "Yeah. . .” you breathed, calming yourself to prevent blood rushing to your cheeks. “See you.”

   A hunch that you have already met him in the past; a fragment in time.

part 2 (?)

[dodo-begone]

The Kidnapping...

(Aka in a nutshell the Yandere boys kidnap reader)

They adored you. They befriended you. They payed attention to you. All for one very important reason. They loved you. And they were quite sure you felt the same for each of them. However. There was no good way of keeping the thing they loved safe and hidden from everyone else. Something so good could be snatched away right from their finger tips. They couldn’t let that happen. Not to you. So they created a plan. A plan to keep you safe. More precisely, a plan to kidnap you.

After sometime they realized their feelings for you. The four sat down to talk about their feelings for you. Tommy confessed first, stating that he should have the reader for himself, followed by Tubbo barking back that reader and him were closer then Tommy and reader ever were. Ranboo jumped into the fight  stating that Tommy was just being a selfish child and that Tubbo was just as immature as him. Purpled knew this was a battle he had to fight in too. “I should have (y/n) for myself! They actually notice me and make me feel seen!” Purpled said. “Your just desperate for attention from someone Purpled! You’re always just giving them crap to make reader like you!” Tommy shouted at Purpled. Before they knew it the argument turned violent with Purpled trying to stab the shit out of Tommy. Just as Purpled backed Tommy into a corner ready to plunge his dagger into Tommy’s throat, Ranboo yelled “Wait! W-What if we s-shared them?” Purpled turned his head to Ranboo so fast it could give him a whiplash. Everyone in the room went silent at his comment. “That could work.” Tubbo agreed. “Fine I guess I can work with this.” Tommy grumbled. Purpled gave a silent nod signifying he agreed. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief after Purpled put his dagger into his hoodie pocket.

They finally all agreed to share you. It was better this way. This way no ones feelings were trampled on and together they’d have a better chance of keeping you safe. The next day they confessed their (platonic) love for reader. They wanted to keep you for themselves forever safe forever! After all you guys are such good friends. They could make sure you’re taken care of. You’ll have everything you could ever want. Just please stay with them. If you say yes? Great! You get to move into your new forever home with them. They’ll cut you off from the rest of the server. If anyone asks about you or tries to search the forever home? They’ll get a nice wack to the head from Purpled and wake up outside their base or home unaware of what just happened or how they ended back up here. If you want to leave, they’ll guilt trip you into staying with them. This is your home now. And they’re your best friends! Don’t you love them? Why would you ever want to leave? “Are you tired of me (y/n)? Is that what it is?” Tommy said. “Please don’t leave me alone (y/n)! You don’t hate me do you? Oh thank goodness your willing to listen, come over here and we can have a nice cuddle session! No need to focus on the outside world!” Tubbo said. “What if I forget you (y/n)? I could never forgive myself if I did (y/n). Do you want that?” Ranboo said. “You could get hurt if you leave here! Please just stay by my side and I’ll keep you safe (y/n). I won’t let a single person lay a finger on my best friend.” Purpled said. Eventually after cuddles, gifts, and kind words from the strange teenage boys. Your content (or you think your content) with living here. You’re stuck either way.

If you say no? Fine. They’ll do things the hard way. Over the next few days you’ll start to notice foot steps behind you, more random noises in your house then usual, and wherever you go somewhere you feel rather unsafe. Eventually you reach your breaking point when you come home one night to find your house’s door wide open and your kitchen window smashed. You take off in a random direction with tears streaming down your face. As your running into the distance you bump into someone. In the dark you can’t quite see who it is but whoever it was offered to take you back to their base to calm you down. As you reach their home you start to see the lights of the forever home in the distance. Entering the forever home, you finally realize who your savior is. Not only did you have one savior, you had two. Ranboo and Purpled. You didn’t care it was them in the moment. You felt to scared to be in your home alone in the moment. “Oh you poor thing! You’re shaking! Here have some tea to warm up.” Tubbo said as he handed you a cup of tea while you sat in their living room shaking like a leaf. After drinking away the entire cup of tea you started to feel tired. You didn’t feel calm or scared. You felt numb, like the world was slipping out of your grasp. The last thing you remembered before you blacked out was being picked up by Tommy and being placed somewhere warm.

You’re their beloved best friend. They could never let you go. Even if you try to escape or scream how much you hate them. That won’t change anything. They just think your tired and cranky. So they’ll take you to bed for naps and cuddles instead. But honestly living with them isn’t so bad. Besides any teenage boy habits and random little things they might do that seem a little strange. They don’t try to hurt or punish you. They’re usually just overly sweet and soft towards you. When ever the boys talk to anyone in the outside world they’re usually more loud and obnoxious towards everyone. But to you, they’re as soft as cotton candy. Days could be spent with doing small to large tasks with them in the home. Or just enjoying movies together that turn into late night cuddles. Cuddle piles are the best! They don’t exactly know how to cook, but they’ll often try to cook meals for you which turn out rather interesting. Their favorite part about the process is when you compliment their food. Any compliment you give the four boys will send them over the moon. Often times they’ll try to 1-up each other all the time to see who can get the reader’s appraise over the others. It’s really cute what they’re willing to do for you.

After some time with the yan boys, you’ll start to love their company just as much they love yours. Days where they’re busy become incredibly lonely and dull in the home. So because of this reader would make small gifts for the boys while they were out. Like little flower crowns out of the flowers they brought home for you yesterday. Or writing little letters telling them how much they mean to you. Or just trying to make them some food for when they come home to you. Just little things to make them happy. When they find these things, they’re more then happy. They’re overjoyed! The fact you’d do this for them proves you think about them even when they’re not there! They couldn’t be happier! They’d wear or use anything you give them with pride. One day Purpled decided to wear a flower crown the reader made. Turns out the same day he was going to train with Punz. “So Purpled, what’s up with the flower crown? It’s not usually your sty-“ “Shh! More training less talking!” Purpled would say while dragging a confused Punz by his hood.

Although things weren’t all calm. People already suspected the boys kidnapping reader beforehand due to how they had already made such attempts in the past. We already knew that if someone made an attempt to search the home they’d be put to a stop by one of the boys. But what if none of the boys were home? Uh oh. Say if one of the caretakers of the smp(Puffy, Philza, or Sam) came to the home in another search of reader. And found them inside the house. We’d be in trouble. All I can imagine is the reader kicking or screaming to be released back home. And the the caretaker would just be like: “but we are going home? What’s the problem?” I can just see the reader being sad cause they miss the boys and know the boys miss them.

As soon as the yan boys find their bestie has been taken away. Panic. It’s panic mode baby. The four gear up in full netherite and grab any weapons necessary. Along with an extra set of netherite for reader. Tommy and Purpled scout outside. While Tubbo and Ranboo stay at the forever home just in case you come home. At a certain point while Tommy and Purpled were searching, they heard from Niki that she’d seen reader with Puffy. Tommy and Purpled were overjoyed and quickly ran back to the forever home to alert Tubbo and Ranboo of their discovery. They decided on ambush. They went to Puffy’s base ready to ambush but were completely unaware that Sam and Phil were currently taking care of reader with Puffy. So this ‘ambush’ went less then pleasant. The four went into the water stream that went down into Puffy’s underground base. Phil was about to go upstream to grab some more medicine from his base only to be greeted with four angry teens ready to tear the place down just to find reader. Phil knew exactly why they were there based on how reader had been ranting on and on about how they were going to come and save them or something. Tommy and Tubbo tried to hold off Phil as Purpled and Ranboo searched for reader. It wasn’t hard to find reader at all. Sam and Puffy were just keeping reader restrained in a small makeshift room in the west wing. Purpled and Ranboo saw Puffy and Sam by reader’s side trying to convince them they were safe and the boys wouldn’t find them here only for them to quickly stand up pulling out weapons ready to defend reader. Purpled being more experienced in combat than Ranboo instructed he help reader while he took on Puffy and Sam. 2 against one wasn’t easy due to the fact that Puffy and Sam were strong fighters too. However Ranboo was quick to follow orders. Ranboo in a hurry took off reader’s restraints and handed them a full set of netherite armor. Both hurried to assist the now cornered Purpled. Reader took a running start launching themselves onto Puffy. Due to the unexpected weight, Puffy went tumbling down knocking Sam down with her in the process. With reader now saved, the three ran out into main area of the under ground base to find Tommy and Tubbo still battling with the Angel of Death. Tommy and Tubbo noticed Reader and they all headed for the water stream up. Finally after a long day of fighting and searching for reader they had them home safe again. The long day had the five tired. They all laid down near the fireplace for some late night cuddles.

Yay! Good list/story? I don’t know. This kinda turned into a strange story at the end lol. I hope you liked this either way. This was just something I made while being sick. So your welcome I guess Dodo :D Apparently I wasn’t done with kidnapping head cannons after that one alien-purpled thing. Either way. Good day. -Toma can anon 🥫

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First off, Toma I’m so sorry that I took ages to answer this. Second off- FUCKING POP OFF MAN THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD HOLY SHIT. I McLove it.

Okay so I won’t be writing too much of a commentary on this- I want ppl to enjoy this masterpiece in their own plus anxiety but let’s not talk about that. Anyways beyond the cut is my commentary- so tw for jokes and all of the stuff from above.

KSJDJDJD PURPLED PULLED THE QUIET KID MOVE- lmao Purpled the Quiet Kid tm. It just reminds me of that one fucking meme: “I wanna kill you and destroy you. I want you died. #scene #anger #fuck #die #hatred”.

Can we just mention that the bonking ppl on the head and them appearing at their homes confused and shit is literally just the despawn system in mc. Like right on par- that’s the literal version of it and that’s how I’m seeing it and I’m fucking cackling at the idea of it-

OKAY LEMMIE GET ANGSTY!!! WHAT IF- What if, when the boys start getting so busy that you practically don’t see them anymore. Eventually you leave to either find them or just leave the house (for company or freedom). You feel that they don’t like you anymore. That you were just a bother. No wonder they haven’t come back. The withering alium flower crown in your hands was a somber reminder of the better times that weren’t so long ago.