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eldritchcoffeefiend · 2 months ago

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Nothing Else Matters - Chapter 1 (of 4)

Just reposting some REALLY old shit from FF.net. To be fair, this is probably where my Courier, Sadie, really first makes an appearance, although she's not mentioned by name. I've also cannibalized small sections of this for my story First Kiss, Last Kiss on AO3 here.

The Courier has been busy putting herself in the middle of of the affairs of the Mojave and all eyes on her. Especially the eyes of a particular Frumentarii...

F!Courier x Vulpes. Rated M for violence and dubcon, especially later on.

For weeks now, Vulpes had been wandering the Mojave, watching, observing, and learning. It was his role, after all, as head of the Frumentarii to learn all that he could about Caesar's possible enemies… or allies. At least this is what Vulpes had repeatedly told himself until it had become palatable and somewhat believable. Truth of the matter, however, if he were honest with himself, was that there was far more to his actions than mere reconnaissance.

It had all started at Nipton. Even now, as Vulpes sat in a dilapidated building so that he might be hidden from view, he closed his eyes and recalled that disgraceful and sinful place. He could hear the moans and pleas for mercy from those who'd been crucified. He could smell the acrid smoke that had hung in the air and made his eyes sting. If he really allowed himself to drown in his memories, he could almost swear that he could taste the coppery tang of the blood that had been spilt.

Under Vulpes' direction, Nipton had been subjected to the justice that only the Legion could bring to the Mojave. Most outsiders would look upon Nipton's main thoroughfare lined with the crucified dissolute, the heads on pikes and the pyres with horror and declare them acts of the most atrocious nature.

How little they understood.

If they could only look beyond the bloodshed they would understand the reasons why it had to be this way. Nipton did not build up or edify anyone. It didn't offer any real commodity or opportunity for trade. The only purpose that Nipton served was to satisfy the base desires of those who were willing to pay. With a siren song, the town lured fools to partake in debauchery with its tired whores in exchange for a handful of caps. It pained Vulpes to admit that there were men of the Legion who had fallen to the supposed charms of Nipton, but they had been dealt with in an appropriate fashion. Of course, when given the option of crucifixion or suicide, all had opted for the latter.

The lottery had been a success, not that it would have been anything but that. There would only be one true winner, of course, in spite of what the idiot Swanick might have thought. He was only the winner in a technical sense. True, the luck of the draw had spared his life, but that was all it was. He'd had every chance to have been one of the unfortunate ones that had been beheaded, crucified or burned alive. If Vulpes had had his way, no one would have been spared, but the lottery demanded a winner, if only because it was necessary. The winner had an important role to play, whether they realized that or not. What good would it do to make an example of Nipton and have no one to tell the tale?

So while Swanick dashed away thankful to be leaving this place of death with life and limb intact and shouting that he was the winner, Vulpes knew the truth. The real winner of the lottery had, in fact, been Caesar. Vulpes knew that Swanick would spread the news of what had transpired here. He likened his actions here to throwing a stone into a pond. The area where the rock hit the water was turbulent, but that faded quickly. The ripples, however, would slowly spread across the surface of the water. And in a similar fashion, from a single person, fear of the Legion would spread.

Now standing on the steps of the Nipton town hall, Vulpes looked around and took great pride in his handiwork. Already the vultures and other birds of prey were gathering, ready to eat their fill and pick over the corpses. Vulpes watched in amusement as a crow landed on the shoulder of one of the crucified Powder Gangers so that it might pluck the man's eye from its socket. He had weakly groaned, unable to do much more than that, although the pain of it must have been excruciating.

Satisfied that their work was done, Vulpes prepared to give the order to leave Nipton but something caught his keen eye.

At the end of the road was a woman, although this in and of itself was nothing remarkable. People would eventually happen across the remains of Nipton. However Vulpes was interested to see what her reaction to the carnage would be. Remaining where he was, he watched, his sharp eyes taking in her every move.

She would pause beside every cross, look up at its occupant and move on. Never once did she flinch or look horrified. This, above all else, intrigued Vulpes greatly. He waited for her to approach him and only when she was at the foot of the steps did he finally close the gap between them.

For a brief moment their eyes met, although it was difficult with him wearing such dark goggles. In spite of that, something unspoken passed between them and Vulpes was unable to say what it was. All he did know was that it had unsettled him slightly. Quickly brushing that aside, Vulpes, being the calculating man that he was, knew that he would be able to use this woman.

He offered her a small disingenuous smile that never touched his cold eyes.

"How fortuitous it is that you have arrived," Vulpes said in his soft voice.

The woman's eyebrows rose slightly. She certainly hadn't expected that. What she'd been expecting was a gruff order for her to be killed on sight. Even more surprising was how soft spoken he was. It was far from pleasant though. There was an oily quality to everything he said.

She shrugged, "It depends on your point of view. If you intend on nailing me to a cross, it's not very fortuitous at all."

Bemusement flashed in Vulpes' eyes this time and he said, "I have no intention of crucifying you." He took a step closer to her, invading her personal space just to see what she would do. "You have far greater worth to the Legion alive than dead."

"Is that so?" The woman smirked and stood her ground. Mirthlessly she quipped, "I'm afraid I'd make a terrible slave."

Vulpes gave her an obvious once over, admiring her form. Although enslaving her hadn't crossed his mind until she'd mentioned it, he decided against it, although it was tempting.

"Even the most wilful and recalcitrant of captures can be trained with the proper… motivation." He brought a hand up to briefly twirl a lock of her blonde hair around his finger, "And while you would prove to be a most alluring and amusing diversion, that is not what I have planned for you."

The woman stepped back and nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. From the moment she walked into town and saw the Legion flags and the crosses she knew that she was in a dangerous position. Even when the Legionaries had not attacked her on sight, she still knew better than to let her guard down.

Now this man was giving her that look. It was the look that she would get from men in seedy bars who wouldn't give a second thought about dragging her into a dark alley and doing unspeakable things to her. Not liking the look in the man's eyes she regarded him as she would a giant Radscorpion that was about to attack.

She asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Vulpes Inculta, the head of Caesar's Frumentarii," he smoothly replied and gave her another self satisfied smirk. "And you are?"

"I'm… just a courier," she answered. It had been on the tip of her tongue to tell him her true name, but she decided against it at the last second.

Vulpes' eyes narrowed and his smile died somewhat, but her name was irrelevant to his needs.

"Very well… Courier." He motioned around him, "You are to remember what you see before you. Commit every detail, every sight, every sound to memory. And when you are asked about the fate of Nipton you can tell the profligates and dissolute of the Mojave of lessons of Nipton."

The Courier's eyes briefly darted around before returning to Vulpes. She daren't look away from him for long lest he decided to take advantage of it.

"And what exactly are the lessons you've taught?" she asked. "Because from where I'm standing, the only thing I've learned is that you guys are big on elaborate deaths." She nodded towards the crosses.

Vulpes sighed dramatically, "For some reason I had hoped that you could understand what happened here. Alas, I was obviously wrong. I shall make this as simple as possible. Nipton was guilty of certain crimes. The Legion saw fit to punish the people here and wipe Nipton from the map. Mark my words, Courier, this shall be the fate of many a settlement when Caesar's Legion marches over the Mojave."

Looking around again, the Courier frowned. If this is what the Legion wanted to do, then the Mojave was in grave danger. However, she was only one woman against a handful of highly skilled and battle hardened warriors and there was no way that she could do anything to stop them. Deciding that discretion was the better part of valour, the Courier turned back to Vulpes and said, "I admire the purity of the Legion's actions."

The ghost of some emotion flitted across Vulpes' face before his usual mask fell into place again.

"You have learned well. Now go, spread the news of the Legion to all whose path you cross," Vulpes said with a smirk.

And with that, he motioned for his men to follow him and they made their way out of the burning ruins of Nipton. Vulpes was sure he could feel the heat of the Courier's gaze on his back. Knowing that she was watching him made him feel as if fire were coursing through his veins.

~@~

Vulpes sighed at the memory of that day. Nipton had been a triumph and the Courier had performed her task admirably. It wasn't long before word of the Legion's incursion west of the Colorado River was being spoken of widely amongst the inhabitants of the Mojave Wasteland and the NCR.

However, upon his return to Fortification Hill, Vulpes was irritated to find that his thoughts often went back to the Courier, whether he wanted them to or not. During quiet moments when he'd allow his thoughts to drift, he might begin thinking of one thing only to find that he was again thinking of the Courier. What was it about this woman that had captured his interest? As women went, she wasn't necessarily the most beautiful he'd ever seen, but she wasn't exactly unpleasant to look at either.

Vulpes knew that he should be repulsed by the Courier. For one thing, she dared to take on work fit only for a man. Women were weak creatures suited only for the tasks of bearing children and pleasing their husbands. Vulpes felt certain that the Courier was undoubtedly no stranger to the pleasures of the flesh. She was a profligate, after all, and such women were usually common whores, willing to submit themselves to any man who might ply them with alcohol and fed them a line of flattery.

However, late at night as the camp quieted and settled to sleep and Vulpes was alone in his tent, he found himself imagining the Courier writhing in ecstasy beneath some sweating pig of a man who clumsily pawed at her. Much to his disgust, the thought of her being taken roughly sent an electric thrill through him. He could practically see her back arching and hear her breath hitch. A sheen of sweat covered her satin skin, a bead of it rolling down her throat to gather in the delectable dip between her clavicles.

And that was when this fantasy changed. No longer was she being savaged by some faceless lover as Vulpes watched on. Instead it was Vulpes who had forcefully pinned her to the bed. She mewled and called out his name when he bowed his head and pressed his lips to her throat to claim it with hungry kisses. They moved together, limbs entwined and their bodies growing slick from their efforts until they could not continue any longer.

Vulpes shivered as he felt white hot pleasure surge through him. The high of his climax had momentarily made all of his senses sharper than usual but those sensations gradually dulled and left him feeling spent and tired. In that moment Vulpes knew that he had to turn fantasy into reality.

He had to have the Courier for himself no matter what.

Early the next day, before the sun had kissed the eastern horizon with its shades of pink and purple, Vulpes arose and made his preparations. This was to be a solitary task, but Vulpes didn't mind. In fact he often relished missions that required him to act as a sole agent. The camp at Fortification Hill was crowded and there was little to no privacy. Vulpes would tolerate the other Legionaries, but he found their often crude behaviour and humour tiresome after a while.

Taking only the barest of essentials with him, Vulpes left the Fort and made his way back to the Mojave Wasteland. Of course he realized that finding a single courier in a large desert would be practically impossible, but he was clever and patient. All he needed was a single lead. Working diligently, Vulpes had managed to track the Courier down within a few days with the help of news reports of her actions across the Mojave. Since then he'd been tailing her and her companions, gleaning what he could from their actions.

Sometimes he played a game with himself to see how close he could get before they became suspicious. On a few occasions he would allow the Courier to catch a glimpse of him only to fade into the shadows again. She would jump or gasp at the sight of him and when asked by one of her friends what the matter was, the Courier would nervously laugh and say that she'd mistaken a desert plant or a rock for someone following them.

Vulpes' greatest triumph had been the night that he'd actually managed to infiltrate their camp in spite of there being someone on watch. He made a mental note to tell the Courier that it was never wise to leave a drunken woman in charge of something as important as security. As it was, the woman with the cowboy hat (Cass, he had heard one of the others call her) had eventually passed out and Vulpes made his move.

Silently he slipped into the Courier's tent to find her laying on her bedroll, nestled under blankets to fight of the chill of the desert night. He listened to her quiet snoring for a moment and studied her peaceful face. A hesitant hand reached out to touch her golden hair, to feel its silken strands slip over his fingers again. The desire to touch her had nearly been overwhelming, but Vulpes knew that it would be foolish to risk waking her. Instead he settled for stealing the bandana that she used to tie her hair back and then disappeared into the night.

That had been two weeks ago and in that time Vulpes had learned a great deal more about the Courier. In fact, he'd learned that she was not 'just a courier' as she had proclaimed. She was The Courier. Whether she liked it or not, she was quickly becoming integral to events that were looming on the horizon. This only made Vulpes' work even more important. For her to side with anyone but the Legion would be damning.

Taking out the bandana that he'd pilfered from her, Vulpes held it in his hands before burying his face in it and breathing deeply. Her scent lingered, although it was beginning to fade now. It was a mix of dry desert dust, sweat and the spiciness of campfire smoke. To Vulpes it was the sweetest scent ever and he longed to be able to get it from the source, but for now he could do nothing but bide his time.

Peeking out of a windowless window, Vulpes observed the camp that the Courier and her companions had set up for the evening. He'd hoped to catch a glimpse of her in the full moonlight that shone down on the desert, but he was disappointed to find that she wasn't seated with the others who were staring forlornly into the sputtering fire.

Straining his ears, Vulpes tried to listen to what was being said, but only caught the occasional word here and there. It wasn't enough to even catch the gist of their discussion. Frustrated, Vulpes' eyes searched the camp as he wondered where the Courier was.

"Where are you off to?" grunted the man wearing the red beret. Vulpes had learned that the man was named Boone. He was a former NCR sniper who had served with the First Recon Battalion and, from what Vulpes could tell, he had a bit of a death wish.

The Courier pointed to a building that was intact, for the most part. There were gaping holes in the upper floor that would make it easy to use as a lookout.

"I'm going to go up there and make sure no one's sneaking up on us, okay?"

Vulpes' heart leapt into his throat. That was the voice of the Courier and it sounded as if she were approaching his location. Quietly he cursed himself. He'd gotten complacent and far too bold and was now in danger of being discovered.

"You should stay here," Boone warned.

The Courier sighed, "Boone we've all been travelling together for days now. I need a break, okay?"

"… Fine," Boone reluctantly agreed. "Take your gun."

The Courier laughed and patted the 9mm at her hip, "As always."

Vulpes had barely gathered his meagre possessions into his pack when the sound of her boots crunching over the rubble strewn floor and then up the stairs made him freeze. Escape was definitely out of the question now. With the fight or flight instincts that the Legion had drummed into him screaming, Vulpes looked about the room deciding what to do.

In a fluid movement, Vulpes slinked into the shadows next to the steps. His nerves and muscles were singing with the adrenaline that was flooding his body. With every passing moment she drew closer. He was still uncertain as to what he would do once she was here, but he knew that he couldn't allow her to reveal his presence.

The Courier climbed the last few steps…

As soon as she had emerged from the stairwell, Vulpes pounced and grabbed her, one hand covering her mouth. His other arm slinked around her and held her tight against his chest.

The Courier let out a frightened and surprised shriek that was muffled by Vulpes' hand and she violently bucked against him. It wasn't an altogether unpleasant sensation, but he knew that he had to get her under control or their scuffling would eventually draw unwanted attention.

Quietly muttering against her ear, Vulpes said, "So Courier, we meet again."

#fallout new vegas #courier six #caesars legion #fallout nv #fanfic #fnv oc #vulpes inculta #the courier

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asher-writes · 1 year ago

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1.4(?) “If only you could have known how much faith I had in you, it’s pathetic, really.”

~ M <3

"No-one was holding you at gunpoint." The dance we had fallen into was simple; encircling each other like vultures awaiting prey. Each waiting to swoop. My throat felt dry, airways tight, but all I could do was stare him down. What else as there to do? "It was such a simple job, and still you managed to ruin that." "There's nothing simple about murder."

#wip; released #prompt fill #my writing

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ardentscul · 2 months ago

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— THE FOLIAGE ORNAMENTING WINDING BRANCHES was unlike anything valids had ever seen . a mist seemed to hang in the air surrounding the peculiar tree , but it wasn't like that of the water-lodged fog that would hang low on the surface , , , it was thicker , pulsing , like each droplet that lilted on the windless air was a living , breathing thing . hypnotized , valdis pressed forward , eyes reflecting the luminance of paper white leaves and the bulbous , cobalt blue flora that looked as if they were made of stained glass . lost in her hypnosis , valids was blind to the peering vultures that loomed above ; heedless to their sewn stares that were fixed on her outstretched hand . only then did she become acutely aware of a strange sensation buzzing in her finger tips . the way it spread like ink through her veins and burned through muscle .

before valdis could really make sense of the sudden exhaustion that wrapped her bones in barbed wire , a harrowing screech was sounding from above — a noise so loud , so thunderous , it shook the foundation of where she stood . every fiber of her being tightened with alert , a hand flying over her shoulder , cramped fingers reaching for the body of her staff — stiff . why was she so STIFF ??

a gong had been struck , commencing a champion's battle for honor she hadn't known she enlisted in . valdis's chin flew up , eyes wide and face void of color , lips parting to scream but the sound being swallowed by the grim reaper's orchestra . it was a wretched song , one that scraped the pits of pointed ears . beaks clicked in cruel greeting , their large , taloned feet stampeding upon the sunless earth . a mutter of incantation came quickly , desperately , beneath her breath . the very one she had used to stubbornly evade hunt's pointed tongue , only to be rendered useless as the well in which her magic was kept seemed to have been emptied . barren and bone dry . " et albi , " she tried , frenzied and impetuous , latin a tongue that now felt most unfamiliar in her mouth as she stumbled back , staff clutched with two sets of blanched knuckles as she held it in front of her . over and over again , a quivering prayer ; she attempted to will the mist to swallow her — take her to safety , to hunt . panic enveloped each syllable as her lips moved in all the wrong ways . each attempt a critical failure .

the drow's voice came crashing into her skull at the same moment a boned claw came swiping at her abdomen . ' VALDIS , RUN !! ' valids , instead , naturally fell back , refilling lungs with a desperate gasp to replenish the air that had been forced out as her spine met soil and stone . eyes of moss and sea lifted , finding the horned beak of a hideous monstrosity that loomed over her like a stone monument . it growled , the sound placed so deeply in its chest it came out a rumbled purr , scraping its toed foot against the ground to kick her only means of protection back towards the wide trunk of the tree she had been transfixed on only moments prior.

" HUNT — " the princess cried out , kicking boots into now upturned , stoney soil as she scraped her palms back behind her ; hoisting her fallen frame away from the hooked horror that's shadow draped over her like a veil . " m-my MAGIC — it doesn't , , , — " a curved talon then came swinging down at her . words were interrupted with a fearful scream , one that echoed so sharply off the moistened cavern walls it came back to ring in her skull . alabaster bone just narrowly missed the pointed tip of her ear as she rolled onto her stomach , the world blurring . sinking all of her strength into her hands , her quickly curling toes , valdis pushed herself up and onto blundering feet . the princess hurled her weight forward . towards safety , towards magic , towards her knight . her heart pounded mercilessly in her temples , the only song that sang louder than her pulse the cacophony of guttural clicking sounding from the bellies of the beasts that now chased her ; a deadly game of cat an mouse .

— THE SOFT GLOW , EMANATING from alabaster branches & illuminating the shadowy hollow in which it was rooted , reflected in chromatic irises . hunt's skin began to prickle . leery , no thing so beautiful , almost celestial in its existence within this tartarus , could exist without suspicion . the drop's edge crumbled at the touch of his steel-toed boot , & falling pebbles echoed into the deep basin's mouth . " arcane . " the word was consumed by gravel , hunt's voice held in the back of his throat & rolling against a thick adam's apple .

years of honing his instincts — having them ruthlessly beaten in to him — culminated , pinching at his spine & stringing through the tense muscles concealed under metal-plated armor . his gaze traced through the tree's enchanted arms . poured over the sussur blooms . skimmed darkened corners , a mile beneath his perch . " we are — " leaving . the paladin's command was cut short .

from the corner of his peripheral , the remaining mist of a shimmering , azure plume curled like a cruel smile , smoking in the empty space where valdis had just stood . his pupils shrunk to the fine points of a dart & gut tightened . dread & urgency pitched him forward until the monolith of a man was practically hanging over the cliff's edge , desperately search for any glimpse of his runaway princess . instinctively , broad gauntlets found the shaft of his weapon , clutching it tightly — a small comfort . then , finally , as hunt's shoulders began to shake & knuckles paled , she appeared to him , staring back with an empty look of satisfaction before turning in favor of the enchanted wood.

hunt did not allow himself the short moment of relief . instead , he pushed through their party & towards the downward , spiraling bridge of fossilized stone , cursing the bullheaded woman in a thousand ways beneath his breath . nostrils flaring , vision red , he almost missed the sudden shift — a distinct drop in temperature , the dank moisture which clung to the air growing chill , & a shrill whistle ricocheting off of the cavern's walls . the harrowing sound was amplified by the round hollow where the sussur tree lived , surely echoing on for miles . it was a sound of profound dread . a call of death . without hesitation , the knight's weapon was unsheathed from its fastenings on his back . sharp ears perked , & dark , murderous eyes roamed . yards away , nestled atop one of the towering tree's many blooming branches , a monster sat . a hooked horror . vulture-like in stature , its distorted skeleton almost looked to be worn atop its wrinkled , leathery skin . it stood on two taloned feet , with razor-sharp hooks where hands should have been . scythes of thick bone , come to pluck out their hearts & scoop their innards.

hunt's blood ran cold . quickly , creeping from the shadows , he counted four . they descended upon the tree . . . their shadows melting over valdis's . his heart stopped beating entirely . she was too far . he wouldn't reach her in time . the man knew of these creatures , & fear coursed through him — not for himself , though , but for her . " PRINCESS ! " the bellow of desperation was lost within a symphonatic clang of screams , the horrors' grating calls consuming all sound . wind , too , sang mockingly in his ear as he raced down the cliff's edge as fast as long , armored legs would carry him . gracelessly , the drow stumbled , struggling to balance his gaze between the perilous path & his princess . an unfamiliar anguish clung to gritted fangs . " VALDIS , RUN !! "

#the falling gif is goofy but i couldnt help myself

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ahsokasleftbicep · 4 years ago

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Tech x Mechanic! reader part 4

Warnings: None. Flustered Tech and reader. Crosshair being a wingman in his own way.

Notes: Part 4 is here! I liked how this worked out and Tech is amazing. He was amazing in Friday's episode.! Enjoy! Give me some feedback and let me know if you're interested in a part 5.

Taglist: @wille-zarr @discofern @photowizard17 @m-o-o-n-s-g-o-o-n-s @logina6 @franken-fan @subbing-for-clones @darkangel4121

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Your eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the now bright sunlight scattered across the ship. You sat up and looked around. You swung your legs over the side and stepped down to the ground.

You didn't remember how you got to Tech's bunk. But you remember talking with him in the cockpit, smiling to yourself at the thought. Behind you, came light snoring. You turned around, smiling at the sight. Tech was asleep in a chair. His goggles were around his neck and his hair was a little messed.

"Morning, Y/n." Echo gave you a wave from the cockpit door.

"Hey Echo, where is everyone?" You stretched your arms up and yawned.

"Hunter's in the refresher, Crosshair and Wrecker are still sleeping. How was your night?" Echo glanced at Tech and back at you before smirking.

Your cheeks flushed bright red and you looked at the ground. "Uh- yeah. It was good. Pretty good." The man chuckled and turned to sit in the pilots seat.

"Ha. Well, you might want to wake everyone else up. We're going to land in about an hour."

You nod, still flushed. You walk up to a still sleeping Tech. You noticed the rings around his eyes from his goggles, they looked kinda cute. He also has freckles across the bridge of his nose and cheeks, something that was always covered by his armor.

You placed your hand on his shoulder and gently shook it. Tech rustled and opened his eyes, squinting at the light. He looked over and locked eyes with you. You looked beautiful... Your hair was messed and your eyes were still heavy. The sunlight around the ship highlighted the shape of your lips and the color of your eyes. And that damn freckle.

"Good morning Y/n." Tech sat up straight, silently cursing the pain in his back. He rubbed his eyes before putting his goggles on. He also ran a hand over his hair and cleared his throat. "Did you rest well?"

You refocused and nodded. "Y-yeah I did..." You also tried to fix your hair and look a little more presentable. "Did you-"

"I slept well enough."

"And did you... Uh." You gesture to his bunk.

"I did, you looked uncomfortable on the chair. I believed you would be more comfortable in my bunk..." Tech glanced away from you. Maybe we could share next time.

"Thank you, that was kind of you." You smiled at the man with a pink tint on your face.

Tech's eyes widened and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course. I-I'm glad you were comfortable."

It grew silent and slightly awkward. You shifted your stance and cleared your throat.

"Well, I need to wake up the others. Thank you again, Tech."

Tech nodded quickly. "Ah, yes of course. Er- your welcome, Y/n."

You walked to the other bunks and woke up the rest of the batch. Crosshair noticed your flush and poked at you. You smacked his arm and blushed even more. The man simply chuckled and walked off, patting his brothers shoulder on the way.

"Hold on! This is going to be quite turbulent!" Tech turned the ship sharply. You gripped your seat, trying not to slide out.

Commander Cody sent you all on another mission. It was supposed to be a simple extraction, but things went south. Now the Marauder was evading fire from about a dozen vulture droids. The ship rumbled as it was hit with another shot. Tech pressed a few buttons and pushed up a lever and soon enough you were all in hyperspace again.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh and it was quiet for a few moments. Tech cleared his throat. "There was some minor damage to the ship, but it would be best to fix them right away before it gets worse. We'll need to land somewhere. For now Y/n and I can keep it stable."

"Alright, let's try to relax a little bit then. Crosshair, it's your turn to keep watch."

The sniper looks between you and Tech before nodding. "On it."

You and Tech had been making smaller repairs near the back of the ship, moving around in other somewhat gracefully. The rest of the batch hung about, trying to settle down.

Crosshair kept glancing back at you two. An idea popped into his head and he smirked.

"Crosshair, what are planning?" Hunter narrowed his eyes.

"I thought I could help our brother with his little crush. No need to worry, Hunter." Crosshair turned back towards the window as the ship came out of hyperspace.

Tech extends his hand to help you down the ladder. You hold his hand like before and make your way down, landing toe to toe with the man.

"Thank you, Tech. I believe we have most of the repairs done. We can finish outer repairs when we land."

You were still holding his hand, but neither you or him made a move to let go. "Those repairs shouldn't take long..." Tech looked down. "Y/n, er... May I ask you something?"

"Of course, what is it?" You stepped a little closer to him and he squeezed your hand.

"Would you- well would you like to- woah!" The ship turned harshly, causing you both to lose your balance and fall. When the ship returned upright, you and fallen and Tech fell... On top of you.

He had his arms on either side of your body, careful to not crush you under him. His face was only inches from yours, and he had a heavy red covering his cheeks.

"A-are you alright, Y/n?" Tech couldn't really find his words but he tried.

You were blushing but eventually spoke, "Yes, I'm okay. Are you okay?"

The man chuckled a little bit, making this compromising incident a little less awkward. "Yes, I'm fine. I assume we're-"

"Tech?" You interrupted his rambling. He looked at you. "W-what were you going to ask me before...well."

Tech suddenly widened his eyes and this situation was very awkward again. "Oh-. Well, I was wondering that after we land, and get the repairs done." He took a deep breath. "W-would you like to go see the town...with me?"

"Like a date?" You moved a little closer.

"N-no, well yes. It can be, if you are comfortable with that. I understand if you don't wish to-"

"Yes." You smiled a little at his shocked face. "I'll gladly go see the town with you."

Tech smiled, finally moving to stand up. He grabbed your hand and pulled you up with him. "Excellent, we can go after repairs."

You nod and smile, the two of you staying in silence, until someone interrupts.

"You guys alright back there? You didn't hit your head did you?" Crosshair turned his head to the back with a smirk.

You turned to Crosshair and nodded. Tech glared at his brother and flipped him off while you were distracted. "Yeah! We're okay, just took a tumble."

"Good to know. We're going to land soon, strap in."

You look at Tech, "Let's go."

He smiles and follows you into into the cockpit. When the ship lands, you walk out to start repairs, giddy for your date with Tech. Tech glares at Crosshair, who is smirking at him.

"I hate you."

"No you don't." The sniper pats Tech's shoulder. "Might want to hurry up, you have a date to catch."

Oh yeah. Tech walked out of the ship, immediately assisting you, not straying any farther than needed. His mind was racing with places that he could take you and things that he could do. Luckily, Alderaan had plenty to do.

#clone trooper tech #clone trooper tech x reader #clone trooper crosshair #the bad batch #series?#maybe?#idk

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goggles-mcgee · 4 years ago

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Too Late: Gabriel Agreste (commission for miner249er)

Third chapter of @miner249er ‘s commission

Chapter Summary: Gabriel’s thoughts and time at the hospital

Previous Work

Last Chapter Next Chapter

The sterile smell of the air, the beeps of machines and muted conversations were Gabriel Agreste’s new normal and it absolutely killed him. Every move of his body was pain, even blinking seemed to bring him some amount of it, no matter how small. He could hear the TV in his hospital room, he cast it the briefest glance and grimaced when he saw it was the TVi News with Nadja Chamack. At first he paid it no mind but when he heard his name he became more alert. With his good arm he patted around for the remote until he finally felt it and quickly turned up the volume. There was no holding back his growl when he saw Alec Cataldi speaking about the “rumor” of him and Nathalie being Paris’s local villains. His hand twitched with the need to find his phone and call up his lawyers but even he knew how it would look.

Suing Alec Cataldi and TVi Studios off of a rumor? Yeah that would just make things worse. His lawyers had already done so much with making sure that that’s all that stuck was rumors. No one could prove him and Nathalie were Hawkmoth and Mayura but there were so many goddamn “coincidences” that made sure that the rumors would not go away anytime soon. They would haunt him for as long as he lived and that was his fault. He thought akumatizing Marinette Dupain-Cheng was the best thing he had accomplished. In some ways it was, because he just so happened to akumatize Ladybug. He thought he had everything in the bag. Victory had been so close, he could practically taste it on his tongue.

Then she strayed. At first he didn’t notice, it was like every other akuma, she wanted revenge. She said so. So, being a generous person, he allowed her to go after her craved revenge before he asked for the Ladybug and Cat Miraculi. Gabriel never imagined her revenge included him and Nathalie, he had never felt any resentment towards him when they first linked, but then it was like she could shut him out of her mind. Out of her thoughts. Some part of him knew it had to do with all his missing butterflies, but a bigger part was screaming about how close he was to getting what he wanted. They were well and truly blindsided.

The Protector has come in so fast it was almost inhuman, which maybe he should have expected seeing as when he akumatized people he enhanced their abilities while also giving them some kind of power. None of his alarms went off. Nothing suggested danger. Even when Nathalie had gone to check the security cameras and check news coverage to track his akuma, she hadn’t noticed. He certainly couldn’t blame her for what transpired. No, that felt like the universe telling him it was done putting up with his bullshit. Nooroo had always told him that abusing the Miraculous the way he did would come back to him, distantly he would worry about what it meant, he hadn’t expected it to happen so fast.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng was to be his masterpiece. He had always sensed her emotions, her anger, her sadness, they were always so strong and held so much potential. Yet, every time he had sent out an akuma for her, her emotions vanished so he would have to find a new target. It had been so infuriating each and every time, and then a miracle happened. Her emotions seemed to be too big to control this time, of course he knew it most likely had to do with Mlle Rossi since she was doing her damndest to convince him she was a negative influence on his son. Of course he pretended to believe every lie she spouted about the girl, there was no ounce of guilt, he just looked forward to the future akuma.

He regretted it. He regretted it so much. Gabriel frowned when he felt a tear fall, he hated feeling weak, always had. Thankfully no one was in the room to witness the rare moment of weakness. He had only cried in front of one person and that had been Emilie, but even she was guarded when she spoke to him now. Not that he didn’t understand her anger at him and Nathalie, but he wished she would forgive him and just be there for him. He needed his wife. Currently though, she was still mad and disappointed at him. He tried to explain that he did everything for her and their family so they could be happy again, but it had ultimately fallen short.

She hadn’t wanted his “excuses,” and really he could understand, or try to. When she awoke it wasn’t to a welcoming she may have expected if she had ever expected one from the beginning, Emilie came back to police tape all over their house and reporters stalking the front for a story like vultures. They pounced and the rumors grew. His missing wife just so happened to stumble out of their house after he and Nathalie were rushed to the hospital. Of course Emilie heard the rumors, when she felt like talking to him she had come and demanded answers and really, there was no way he could lie to her and he hadn’t ever planned to. Gabriel had just never expected to have to tell his wife he had maybe terrorized Paris and fought against a child, maybe two, one of which was quite possibly their own child.

He thought she would leave him, it terrified him, haunted his every waking moment. That thought hurt worse than everything the Protector did to him in the name of justice. Gabriel didn’t want to think anymore so he decided to just tune into the news once more and hope they were past speaking about him. “We have a video of The Protector going into the Agreste Mansion and after a period of time, leaving. Now we don’t know what happened inside but hours later we had you and your team there at the mansion along with other news stations when M Agreste and his assistant Mlle Nathalie Sancoeur were brought out of the mansion on stretchers. Then not long after, in your words,’ a dazed Mme Agreste was spotted coming out of the house.’ That was after the police search!”

Guess he hoped for too much. He groaned and looked away from the screen and resolved to just stare at his heart monitor. He blamed his private nurses for putting the TV on the news because he had no recollection of changing the channel to the news before he had been given his daily dose of morphine and had taken his small nap. Some small part of him told him they did it on purpose, that they knew what Nadja and Alec were going to be reporting on and put the show on purely to annoy and torture him. Even if his team of lawyers made sure no charges could stick to him or Nathalie, the stink of the allegations and rumors lingered.

He could see it in the way other nurses would speed walk past his room. Could see it in the way his bodyguards would flinch when he would speak to them or ask them to do something when they weren’t guarding his door. It was behind the smiles his doctor would give him during his vitals checks. It was carried in the air of the whispers of those who passed and hoped he didn’t hear them speaking. Some didn’t care if he heard and would loudly speak of his villain side full of contempt and poorly held anger. He saw it in the way the hospital wing counselor, yes each wing had a counselor apparently, would leave a pamphlet about their group therapy. Not just any group therapy, akuma victims, whether it be turned into akumas or directly targeted by akumas, you were encouraged to join. Since he and Nathalie were “for some odd reason” targeted by the Protector even when they said it was a random attack not done by the akuma, they were heavily encouraged to join in. Even if it meant they had to be wheeled in on wheelchairs.

Gabriel did not need that. He absolutely did not. There was no way he was going to sit in a room full of people he had akumatized and listen to how he ruined their lives. He had an imagination, he had a pretty good idea how royally he screwed up. Though he hadn’t known it at first, he hadn’t even thought of it when Nathalie and him were on their way to the hospital. Pain wasn’t on his mind, no, it was anger. He had been furious that his plan had backfired so spectacularly, and he immediately started planning on revenge. There was no realization, there was no sympathy, not until he heard the news. When the police had been investigating his house for any signs of the “intruder” Emilie had stumbled out from the “basement.”

It was then and only then that Gabriel realized what he had done. Everything he had done, terrorizing-because really, that is what he did-Paris, made everyone live in a constant state of emotional staleness that was now exploding in uncontrolled fits of tears and yelling, and what for? Absolutely nothing. Emilie hadn’t needed him to go on some crazed vengeful mission like he had believed. There was no need for him to don the Butterfly Brooch and be the “madman” everyone knew as Hawkmoth. The name they still whispered about whether consciously or subconsciously when having a breakdown or feeling even the slightest bit upset. There was no need for him to involve Nathalie and make her wear the very same damaged Miraculous that he believed had taken his wife from him. Yet he did. His assistant, no, his dear friend was paying that price now because of him.

Nathalie. He hadn’t even seen her since their admittance into the hospital. Of course he asked how she was doing but doctors were vague and nurses were worse because they would change the subject or stay quiet and you knew. You knew the person you asked about wasn’t doing as well as you had hoped. Distantly he knew what he was doing to everyone in Paris, he somewhat acknowledged the damage he had done but nothing prepared him for the guilt that ate at him for what had happened to Nathalie. It would seem as though Emilie held some ill will towards him because of it as well. When she came and he asked how she was doing, his wife would only respond with, “How do you think Gabriel?” and nothing else. Gabriel desperately wanted to know but it was like everyone in the hospital made some odd pact to never inform him and it was driving him mad. He had just wanted his wife back. His old life back.

Now he had a wife back who, while still staying with him was determined to show him how wrong he had been. Gabriel didn’t know what part of everything she was more mad at (maybe it was the emotionally distancing himself from their only child and leaving said child to fend for himself in a social world that he knew nothing about) but he would do anything to make her happy. Though she was not letting him in, she was there physically but she had closed herself off emotionally at the moment and really, could Gabriel blame her? No but that didn’t make the heartache hurt any less when she wouldn’t smile at him, when she would only come for an hour or two at most instead of the full visiting hours like she once did when he had been in a car crash when they first married. She had visited everyday and had snuck in his favorite snacks because she knew he hated the hospital food.

When she visited she brought him pastries from Tom & Sabine’s and every time it was like more salt added to his wounds. Like she was doing it on purpose to punish him in her own little ways. Emilie would still sit by his side and hold his hand, but her smile was fake, it was fake coming in and it was fake leaving, and the hand around his heart would grip harder the more he saw it. She would of course be visiting today and though Gabriel always loved to see her, he didn’t know if he could handle her emotionless smiles. Not when his pain was throbbing both physically and emotionally. Usually he could ignore the looks, the whispers, and just about everything else, but today he felt unnaturally raw.

“Oh you’re awake. Good afternoon.” That was Emilie’s voice.

Gabriel turned and saw her standing in the doorway. “Hello Love.” He winced at how hoarse his voice sounded.

Immediately Emilie went to his side table and poured him a cup of water which he gratefully took. “You always seem so surprised when I come. I come everyday Gabriel.”

“Well...It’s just you don’t seem like you want to be here is all. Not that I can blame you but…”

Quiet. He hated when she was quiet. Then she sighed. “It’s not that I don’t Gabriel. I’m just...I’m just so mad. I’m mad that you’re hurt, but I know it’s your fault that you’re hurt in the first place. I’m mad that it’s your fault! I’m mad that you left our son emotionally. I’m mad you got Nathalie involved! But I don’t want to be mad Gabriel. It feels bad to be mad right now because I know you’re in pain. But I also know you. And I know you’re not completely sorry about what you’ve done.”

“Emilie! I am sorry, I really am!” He cried.

“I need more convincing than you just saying it. I’ve been thinking about it and I want you to go to that akuma therapy they have here. Then...and only then do I think we can begin to heal.” She said with such finality that Gabriel had to swallow. It was absolutely the last thing he wanted to do, but he knew Emilie wouldn’t budge, all he could do was nod.

“Thank you,” she murmured, “I know it won’t be easy, but I think this will be good for you, for us.”

“You might be the only one who thinks so.”

“Adrien thinks so too.”

“You’ve spoken to him?” Gabriel asked, and maybe it was a bit desperate but his son hadn’t visited him once.

“Yes. He’s not ready to see you yet…” Emilie admitted as she looked down at her hands. “He barely started visiting Nathalie.”

He had visited Nathalie!? But not him. Not his father. No he couldn’t be mad at him, not after everything he put his son through, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t hurt. That didn’t mean he wasn’t blinking back tears. His own son didn’t want to see him. God, what did that say about him? About everything? Nothing good if he put thought into it so he resolved to do the opposite and just avoid the thoughts until they took him by surprise. If he thought Emilie’s anger was bad, he could only imagine Adrien’s, he had never seen his son mad. He had never allowed him the pleasure of emotions before, and seeing how everyone’s little emotions resulted in meltdowns, he feared what his son’s repressed emotions would look like.

And really Adrien had a lot to be angry about. Number 1 being that he was Chat Noir, part of Paris’s dynamic superhero duo, and his father was Hawkmoth the villain he was fighting and had to stop. Yeah, there was much to be mad about. “How is he?” He settled on asking.

“I’m not going to lie to you Gabriel, he’s not okay. Our baby is hurting,” the because of you was implied but unsaid, “his friend is still missing, his friends are all having mental episodes over some Lila girl and everything that has gone down, and he is still having to deal with the fact that people talk. Plus I mean it’s not everyday you find out your dad is a supervillain, one you were supposedly fighting.”

He couldn’t hold back the wince. “Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?”

“Honestly? I don’t know Honey,” even though his heart sang at the term of endearment it also broke a bit, “I want to say yes, but I just don’t know.”

“We’ll just have to see I suppose. You should go check on Nathalie, Dear. I am feeling tired,” it was a lie, or was it? He was exhausted but whether that be because of his body being in pain or because his emotions were everywhere was anyone’s guess. “I’ll see you tomorrow though yes?”

“Yes. Yes of course. I’ll bring some Eiffel Apple Bon Bons, I know you probably haven’t had any in a while.” She still remembered his favorite candies.

“That would be lovely, thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too Gabriel. We’ll...We’ll get through this.” Will we? He watched as she walked out and even after that just stared at the door. He was really going to go to that akuma therapy...for the first time in a long time, Gabriel was scared. Scared if everyone would whisper or would they make the animosity toward him known? But the thing he was the most terrified of? He was terrified of what he would hear there in the group therapy. He didn’t know if he would be strong enough to listen.

The TV ripped him from his thoughts and he almost gave it thanks. “I don’t think I have to remind everyone just what Hawkmoth has done to this great city, to its people. From babies to the elderly, from the smallest of things to the most emotional moments of our lives, they have all been prey to him. One has to wonder if he had a heart at all. And if he did, I have to ask, was it worth it? Was it worth it Hawkmoth? This has been Alec Cataldi.”

“And Nadja Chamack.”

“And we are signing off, see you next time Paris.” The two hosts said in unison.

Almost.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous tales of ladybug and chat noir #ml salt #gabriel agreste #emilie agreste #nathalie sancoeur #nadja chamack #alec cataldi #gabriel agreste salt #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #angsty thoughts for Gabriel #revolt of the akuma #goggles commission #gabriel has to face consequences like an adult #and he no likey

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timetoprey · 3 months ago

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Being fallen .. hurts .. she feels burnt and tired and sore ..and .. .. IS THAT A TAIL?! she needs to find a place to stay that’s not this dirty Ally-way… she can’t go the embassy they would try to kill her right? And the princess was an enemy .. at least according to Adam.

So the hotel was a no go as well.. fuck.

#•bone exor vulture—zephyr #m!a: fallen vulture #dash commentary #Ic post

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atdwarriorsau · 21 hours ago

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Unique prefixes and suffixes

Prefix

Acorn, Alder, Amber, Ant, Aspen

Badger, Bark, Barley, Basil, Bat, Bay, Beech, Bee, Beetle, Bella, Billy, Bird, Bright, Bloom, Blossoming, Bounce, Bracken, Brick, Bristle, Broken, Bubbling, Buzzard

Cedar, Cinnamon, Char, Chive, Claw, Climbing, Cody, Copper, Covered, Creek, Cypress

Daisy, Dandelion, Day, Deer, Dew, Dragonfly, Duck, Dusk, Dust

Ebony, Echo, Egg, Egret

Fallen, Fang, Fennel, Ferret, Finch, Fir, Fish, Flame, Flash, Flax, Flint, Flurry, Fly, Flying, Fog, Fringe, Frond, Furze

Golden, Goose, Grass, Gravel, Gremlin, Gull

Hail, Harley, Harvey, Haven, Heather, Heavy, Heron, Hill, Hoot, Hope, Hound

Jagged, Jaimie, Jay, Juniper

Kestrel, Kink, Kite

Larch, Lavender, Leaping, Lichen, Light, Lightning, Lily, Little, Lizard, Long, Lotus, Loud, Low, Lynx

Mallow, Meadow, Mels, Milk, Millie, Mink, Monkey, Morning, Moth, Mouse, Mulberry, Myrtle

Needle, Newt

Oat, Olive, Otter

Paint, Parsley, Pear, Perch, Pidgeon, Pod, Pool, Poppy, Prickle, Primrose, Princess, Puddle, Purdy

Quail, Quill

Ragged, Rat, Riley, Ripple, Rock, Russet

Sage, Sasha, Scourge, Sedge, Shade, Sharp, Short, Singing, Sleek, Sneeze, Snip, Snook, Sol, Song, Soot, Spark, Speckle, Splash, Splinter, Spot, Spotted, Starless, Strike, Swallow, Swan, Sweeping

Talon, Tangle, Tansy, Tiny, Thorn, Thrift, Thunder, Timber, Tommy, Torn, Trout, Tumble, Turtle

Wasp, Waterfall, Weasel, Web, Wind, Whisker, Whistle, Wolf, Wood, Wren

Vine, Vole, Vulture

Yarrow, Yellow, Yew

Zebra

Suffix

-beetle, -branch, -briar, -bright, -burr

-comb, -cry

-dusk

-flame, -fox, -frog

-glow

-hawk

-ice

-leg

-moth

-needle, -nest, -night

-peak, -poppy, -pounce

-roots, -rumble, -rush

-scratch, -seed, -shatter, -slip, -snap, -snow, -splash, -swift

-tongue

-watcher, -whisper, -whistle, -willow, -wind

Snow and -star are most common, though no cat is named Snowstar. -tail is second most common, though there is no cat named Snowtail.

Former name unique prefixes:

Cardamom, Leo, Melody, Parsnip, Rusty, Scratch, Shorty, Snail, Snooky, Stormy

Letters with the most unique prefixes:

S - 71

B - 44

F - 38

M/R - 33

P - 28

H - 26

C - 25

L/T - 23

D - 20

W - 18

G - 12

O - 11

A - 10

E - 7

N - 6

I/J/V - 5

K/Y - 3

Q - 2

Z - 1

Letters with the most used suffixes:

U/X - 0

S - 27

F - 13

B - 11

W - 9

P - 8

T - 6

C/L/N/R - 4

D/M - 3

E - 2

G/H/I/K - 1

A/J/O/Q/U/V/X/Y/Z - 0

AtD Names

A full list of used prefixes and suffixes in AtD. They will be ordered in amount of use and alphabetical. Beside the names is which clan uses the name more. 'Equal' means a tie. Names with asterisks are not used in wc canon.

One word kittypet/loner names count as prefixes. Tribe names are two words, first word prefix, second word suffix. Paw and Kit are only for cats who died with those names. For clan leaders, they count towards Star as well as their warrior suffix.

PREFIXES

Common:

Snow- (5 uses, Shadowclan)

Apple- (4 uses, Riverclan)

Dawn- (4 uses, Riverclan)

Holly- (4 uses, Thunderclan)

Rain- (4 uses, Riverclan)

Red- (4 uses, Equal)

Running- (4 uses, Equal)

Stone- (4 uses, Riverclan)

White- (4 uses, Thunderclan)

Willow- (4 uses, Riverclan)

Uncommon:

Birch- (3 uses, Thunderclan)

Brindle- (3 uses, Thunderclan)

Cloud/less- (3 uses, Equal)

Dark- (3 uses, Equal)

Ember- (3 uses, Equal)

Feather- (3 uses, Equal)

Gorse- (3 uses, Windclan)

Grey- (3 uses, Riverclan)

Hawk- (3 uses, Equal)

Honey- (3 uses, Thunderclan)

Ice- (3 uses, Equal)

Leaf- (3 uses, Equal)

Mint- (3 uses, Equal)

Moss/y- (3 uses, Riverclan)

Night- (3 uses, Equal)

Oak- (3 uses, Equal)

Owl- (3 uses, Windclan)

Petal- (3 uses, Equal)

Raven- (3 uses, Thunderclan)

Shell- (3 uses, Riverclan)

Shrew- (3 uses, Equal)

Sky- (3 uses, Skyclan)

Smoke/y- (3 uses, Shadowclan)

Spider- (3 uses, Skyclan)

Sun/ny- (3 uses, Equal)

Swift- (3 uses, Equal)

Thistle- (3 uses, Windclan)

Rare:

Ash- (2 uses)

Berry- (2 uses)

Black- (2 uses)

Blaz(e)/ing- (2 uses)

Blue- (2 uses)

Boulder- (2 uses)

Bramble- (2 uses)

Bright- (2 uses)

Bumbl(e)/ing- (2 uses)

Cherry- (2 uses)

Cinder- (2 uses)

Clover- (2 uses)

Crow- (2 uses)

Curl/y- (2 uses)

Dapple- (2 uses)

Dove- (2 uses)

Eagle- (2 uses)

Fallow- (2 uses)

Fern- (2 uses)

Fire- (2 uses)

Fox- (2 uses)

Flower- (2 uses)

Flutter/ing- (2 uses)

Freckle- (2 uses)

Frost- (2 uses)

Hare- (2 uses)

Hazel- (2 uses)

Hop- (2 uses)

Ivy- (2 uses)

Lark- (2 uses)

Leopard- (2 uses)

Lion- (2 uses)

Maple- (2 uses)

Marigold- (2 uses)

Minnow- (2 uses)

Mist/y- (2 uses)

Mole- (2 uses)

Moon- (2 uses)

Mud- (2 uses)

One- (2 uses)

Pebble- (2 uses)

Pike- (2 uses)

Pine- (2 uses)

Plum- (2 uses)

Pounce- (2 uses)

Rabbit- (2 uses)

Reed- (2 uses)

Robin- (2 uses)

Rose- (2 uses)

Rowan- (2 uses)

Rush- (2 uses)

Sand- (2 uses)

Silver- (2 uses)

Snake- (2 uses)

Sorrel- (2 uses)

Sparrow- (2 uses)

Squirrel- (2 uses)

Storm- (2 uses)

Sweet- (2 uses)

Tall- (2 uses)

Tawny- (2 uses)

Tiger- (2 uses)

Toad- (2 uses)

Violet- (2 uses)

Suffixes

Common:

-star (42 uses, Shadowclan)

-tail (28 uses, Thunderclan)

-fur (24 uses, Thunderclan)

-claw (18 uses, Shadowclan)

-paw (17 uses, Shadowclan)

-foot (16 uses, Windclan)

-heart (16 uses, Riverclan)

-whisker (16 uses, Windclan

-pelt (15 uses, Equal)

-kit (14 uses, Thunderclan)

-flower (12 uses, Equal)

-wing (12 uses, Thunderclan)

Uncommon:

-cloud (11 uses, Thunderclan)

-nose (10 uses, Shadowclan)

-storm (8 uses, Thunderclan)

-shine (7 uses, Equal)

-feather (6 uses, Skyclan)

-stream (6 uses, Riverclan)

-face (5 uses, Thunderclan)

-fang (5 uses, Shadowclan)

-flight (5 uses, Thunderclan)

-lea(f/ves) (5 uses, Shadowclan)

-sky (5 uses, Riverclan)

-song (5 uses, Equal)

Rare:

-frost (4 uses, Thunderclan)

-moon (4 uses, Equal)

-stone (4 uses, Windclan)

-stripe (4 uses, Thunderclan)

-tuft (4 uses, Equal)

-berry (3 uses, Shadowclan

-bird (3 uses, Equal

-dawn (3 uses, Riverclan

-eye/s (3 uses, Shadowclan)

-fall (3 uses, Thunderclan)

-fern (3 uses, Thunderclan)

-light (3 uses, Riverclan)

-petal/s (3 uses, Thunderclan)

-pool (3 uses, Equal)

-spring (3 uses, Riverclan)

-step (3 uses, Equal)

-strike (3 uses, Equal)

-talon (3 uses, Equal)

-tooth (3 uses, Riverclan)

-water (3 uses, Shadowclan)

-bark (2 uses)

-bloom (2 uses)

-breeze (2 uses)

-brook (2 uses)

-ear (2 uses)

-dust (2 uses)

-leap (2 uses)

-mist (2 uses)

-patch (2 uses)

-river (2 uses)

-scar (2 uses)

-shade (2 uses)

-shadow (2 uses)

-skip (2 uses)

-speck (2 uses)

-spot/s (2 uses)

-stem (2 uses)

-swoop (2 uses)

-thorn (2 uses)

-wish (2 uses)

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sleepycyb0rg · 3 years ago

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I was compelled to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for the first time in a long while.

thoughts:

- It’s incredible how OG Snow White is. she wrote the princess game. every stereotype you can think of for Disney Princesses is what she embodies. and she’s damned good at it.

- the prince has no real personality traits other than “be handsome and stupid and in love”, but he’s likeable. and so is she! they’re cute!

- this animation is gorgeous.

- every sound is timed to music, in one constant, but lively, song.

- as soon as the dwarves decide to let her stay she gets 200% sassier

- the Evil Queen really is a gay icon huh

- there’s a part where a fly falls asleep on Sleepy’s nose and makes a few little beeps (like if a fly could snore) and it’s VERY CUTE

- the vultures are the scariest part of this movie tbh, moreso than the queen. when they spot her as the witch in the forest, they follow her around. it seems like they’re waiting around for Snow White to get knocked out, but then when the queen is chased off by the dwarves, struck by lightning and fallen down a cliff, the vultures grin to each other, then take off in flight below, for several eerie seconds.

- asleep in the glass coffin? peak art

- like a lot of m/f cliches: this would be so much better with lesbians

#//

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sheepishpink · 5 years ago

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Like A Pie In The Sky (1/2)

Surely you meant more to him, but the month of sudden radio silence from him and his brothers planted a seed of doubt within you. Just why had the boisterous amount of text and calls come to a sudden halt?

Miscommunication and naive decisions caused everyone unnecessary grief. Though it is basically Lucifer's fault and he definitely wants to make amends because he doesn't want his newly found pride and joy to be lost.

Pairing: Lucifer x M/C (GN!/You)

A habitual overcast in the city made its presence known similar to a poorly tuned violin. The droplets pelting the stationary window of the cafe where the loud rhythmic tune of the rain softens; drowned out by the romantic strums of an acoustic guitar on the radio. The song ironically pulling at your heartstrings as your gifted phone sits bitterly still.

It has been a little over a month since you have spoken to Lucifer and his siblings.

The long calls and frequent text dwindling into nothing. This gave you the impression the hype of having a human exchange student has lost its sparkle. Devildom's enlightening experience of your presence faded along with the supposed unbreakable bond you have created with them. The evidence of said 'bond' existing in inky possession under your clothes, the vibrations of longing no longer burning from each brand.

Sitting in the cafe with the bitter aftertaste of your coffee on your tongue, you reminisced about the time spent in the strange underworld. Your mind particularly circling around Lucifer like vultures around a decaying carcass.

This is not what you wanted; a mind preoccupied by a demon. That alluring horned jerk was the reason you ventured out of your home. You wanted to enjoy an earthly leisure, the companionship of humans in attempts to bury the stirring emotions towards the demon. The thirst for some sort of response from Lucifer after month’s left on read seemed to heighten in the emptiness of your own home.

You believed being among others would rid yourself of this edging feeling, but you were wrong. It made you feel just as isolated as when you sat in your home. A lonely feeling prods at you brain as you watched people thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.

What a mistake.

Here you sat. Still hoping for a reply that was less than likely to happen.

You missed the chaotic time in Devildom. And most of all Lucifer.

Perishing the thought you finished your cold coffee, picking up your phone and glanced at the time. The unbalanced liquid slides down your throat and leaves a milky ring in the dark mug.

A generous tip and a wipe of the lips you are out into the pouring rain. Quickly pulling your hood up, waving kindly at the barista wishing you a good rest of the morning.

With your keys jingling in your hand you lightly jogged to your car, fumbling with your car remote in the heavy rain. Your thumb quickly pressing the button as the distance between you and your car door shortened, the car still refusing to respond to your desperate clicks despite you now standing right next to it.

You should really get the batteries replaced.

Swearing under your breath you wipe the dribble of water from the tip of your nose and resorted to violently shoving your key into the car and twisting the lock until you hear the comforting click.

You smiled gratefully until the muted sky had suddenly gotten darker. A tall inky shadow in the reflection of your car window, accompanied by a chilling aura caused you to clumsily turn around in horror—limbs knocking against the cars metallic frame earning some looks from bystanders.

"What the fuck-!?" Your fingers curled into a fist with the keys defensively slotted between them. "Lucifer…?" Your protective stance began to drop along with your keys which clacked against the parking lot pavement.

You foolishly blinked. Mouth pathetically agape, unsure what to make of his sudden appearance—watching as he handsomely combs his fingers through his wet locks drip as he held an umbrella over you.

Lucifer snorts at your reaction and bends down to pick up your keys. He straightens himself, still holding the umbrella up to shield you from the rain while he continued to take a majority of the heavy rain. An amused smile present on his lips as he held your dingy keys out to you in his gloved hand.

"Good morning, beloved."

Your anger and confusion washed away at his endearing pet name. Your arms desperately squeezing his midsection as you unabashedly rubbed your face against his chest, knocking into him excitedly. Your keys clattering onto the ground once again.

The wet buttons on Lucifer’s uniform dug into your skin as you hugged him harder. His chest rumbling with melodic laughter at your strongly affectionate greeting.

Adjusting the umbrella in one hand and returning your hug with the other he speaks.

“I’ve missed your touch since our last meeting.” Your clothes feel sticky under the wet weather as his hand rubbed your back affectionately, making your skin prickle at his gentle attention.

Pressing your chin against his chest as you looked up at him. Cheeks warming and ears ringing at the sight of him—causing you to momentarily think about his previously stripped title, Morning Star. You could not help but puff your cheeks childishly as your anger trickled back in, admittedly, not as strong as it was before.

"Why have you and your brother's been so distant lately? I thought you were done with me..." Your voice was softer than you anticipated. You pressed your face onto Lucifer’s chest, an ear comfortably listening to his quickening heartbeat.

"Done with you...?" he was clearly perturbed by your choice of words, responding earnestly to your concerns.

"I have no true excuse.” He started slowly. “When you mentioned your busy schedule, I thought it would be best for my siblings and I to let you focus on your responsibilities."

His umbrella rested on his head as he utilized his arms fully to give you a comforting hug.

"I was clearly wrong in my decision based off of your expression—I did not mean to make you feel unwanted."

You felt his cheek press against the top of your head as his umbrella slid off of him, his wet hair tickling the side of your face. Taking advantage of his closeness once again, you gave him an urgent squeeze, delightfully basking in his presence.

Lucifer suddenly pulled back causing you to look up at him once again. Standing in the heavy rain in silence, the sound of pedestrian and moving vehicle pulls you awkwardly back into reality. Your eyes darting between your surroundings and Lucifer, the start of this cliché cinematic scene unfolding between the both of you made you flush.

Clumsily wiping the rain off your face with the back of your hand, you began to pull away. Although, Lucifer had other ideas. Taking your chin between his fingers he begins to close the gap between you. His clear intent to kiss you and his half-lidded stare caused your heart to quicken. The anticipation to have his supple lips touch yours and the current display of PDA caused your eyes to dart anywhere but his face. With a click of his tongue he beckons you to look at him.

“Oi, you know how much a hate being ignored.” He directs your face to point towards him. His voice held no malice but mild amusement and need. This ultimately gave you no choice but to look at him. Your eyes looking between his strawberry lips bow and sultry eyes. “That’s better.”

Lucifer captures your lips which ignites a flame under the surface of your skin. His lips like two soft petals of the rose he gave for you for Christmas—a simple gesture, but profoundly beautiful. He languidly pulls away after swiping his tongue gently across your lip, a smile etched into is usually strict features.

Your brow creases in desperation and embarrassment from the exchange. A smug look slowly arising on his lips due to your lack of words causing your fingers to dig into his uniform—he was clearly pleased by your coy response.

“I missed you.” His smile growing wider and your cheeks blossomed in hot colors. You were so warm you swear if he kissed just a bit longer your clothes would have dried.

Enraptured by the way his dark lashes feathering around his crimson iris as the rain glistened against his skin. He was truly the most beautiful creature you have caught the gaze of.

An eruption of emotion bubbling in your chest as you professed how you felt.

“I missed you too.”

Rushed heavy footsteps against the soaked pavement followed by the sound of pedestrians laughing among themselves caused your sudden wistful realm to fade and you were slapped back into reality.

You pull away from him and you gauchely grabbed the fallen umbrella to shield you both from the gaze of others and the fierce rain. You peer up at him under your lashes, both hands tightening around the umbrellas handle.

Lucifer chuckles at your behavior. The delicate fabric of his gloved fingers slides warmly under your cold chin, allowing you to fully lift your gaze directly at him once again. He leans in as he thumbs your chin gently, your knuckles start to whiten as you hold the umbrella in anticipation of his next move.

His nose touching your as his breath tickles your lips and places an impishly quick lips on your nose.

“Let us get out of the rain. Shall we?”

To be continued...

#lucifer x mc #obey me lucifer #lucifer obey me #fanfiction #lucifer x reader #text #OBEY ME #swd obey me #obey me shall we date #shall we date #re-posted because tumblr not letting me post akjskndkjandna

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missdawnandherdusk · 4 years ago

Text

/ I'm headed straight for the castle / they wanna make me their queen / and there's an old man sitting on the throne / that's saying I should probably keep my pretty mouth shut /

another photo shoot, this time a bit darker than the others~

A Fallen Angel Who Only Mourned Humanity~

@coffee-addicti @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18@whygz@crazywritingbug @bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog@savingdraco @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @queenfeatherwings @fanficflaneuse @go-whovian-universe @spicyshenanigans @darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @katsukink @takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen@hxneybgb @belcvayelena @moviesbooksandfandoms @cocochanelthepupper @ninacotte @braelynn-johnston @jiggllyy @darcypotter-blog @thiccheerioss@lottie289 @beautiful-pegasus@tceedlmao @anonymous034 @bi-andready-tocry @dragonsandbread @the-queen-of-hell-things @alienmotel @oh-itsnothing @sunflowerxsadnessw @fattycooter @fanficsigottaread @gweaslvy @strawberriesonsummer @gaysludge @ray-of-sunrise @artist-bby @shadowsingeraxolotl @quillsareforwriting @wollymalfoy @lilpieceoftoast @paper-cats @floweryjh @hufflautia @livize75 @annie-mcl @riathearora @live-like-luna @justathoughtfulangel @coconutdawn @skteaiy @naughtygranger @dragonsandbread @abundantxadorations @moony-artnstuff @and-then-a-girl-with-luv @1-800-luvsick @pandas-rice-field @in-slytherin-we-trust @emmaa-t @introvertedrae @infinity1o1 @echpr@dekulover @marshmallowtraver @cereuselle @lonely-skywalker @sleepysnapesnake @hoeforthefictional @coldlilheart @helen-paris @rosie-starlit-sky @vulture-withafile @hogstupefy @eveft @iraniq @groovyfluxie @cool-weirdo-wannabee-author @rosegold-thorns @criminaly-supernatural @ghostofdolans @mxl-foyrecs @ginger-haired-queen @bex4whovian @kellyrose193 @unlikelygalaxygiver @marvel-trash-was-taken @one-edgy-bitch@supersouthy @garbagejay@rejectedlonelyasianchild @lucymxwell @coldlilheart @elia-the-bibliophile @biggalaxydreamland @fuckbuckyyy @hopem1218 @youareinllve @tyrusparker @3rdofkingdomtrees @i-mmunity @zero-nightshade @graym01 @fandomtrash88 @snakey-drakey @ceeellewrites @thatguppienamedbae @pinkleopardss @angel-blogging @xhoney-bee-x @jovialthings @samanthahaigwood @minigigglybabi @clumsy-writing-rdb @lahoete @yourenotafailureoverall @m-winchester-67 @shiningstar-byulxx@clumsy-writing-rdb @dracosathenaeum @dracofeltonmalfoy @harryslouis @iilovemusic12us @itsbebeyyy @dumspirospero-1 @kaye-lantern @anerroroccurrrrred @franbow29 @big-galaxy-chaos @itsbebeyyy @gryffindors-weasley @ornella0910 @ultrabuzzlightyear @phantomface1983 @emmalee12 @kuyrukludenizkizi @aubreylovesthegames @deafeninglandpersonempath @ackermanbitch @oingo233 @drismultiverse-blog @majicbamana @harrypotter289 @marinettepotterandplagg @cupidpoison @brownwheatrice @introvertedrae @gryffindors-weasley @frecklesandfirecrackers @bitchinbadgers @mkstover @dracomalfoyreader @mortallythoughtfulgurl @sakumorubywy @smileycount @ceeellewrites @is-it-really-a-secret @blogforharrypotter @spencerreidisbootiful @lam-ila @justawilddreamerchild @heavenlyrainyparis @trappedgoose-in-a-writblr-room @dracomalfoyreader @spellbinding10 @justawilddreamerchild @queen-of-the-coven @potterpasties @trudabest @theonlystoriesiliketoread @daltonacademia @jemmakates @dannighost @imagines-andshizz @unstableye @hahee154hq @malfoystylinson @idkmanicantenglish @subpar-life @myshadowsingeraz @isabellamur @dracoswhore007 @subpar-life @sxphiemxlfoy @mxxnlights @malfoyyyyed @crabbygorl15 @legendarywinchester1 @alias07jef @hufflepuffprinces @youarethereasonimsmiling @mazerunnerrose @neomarker @confusedscreaminggremlin

#draco #draco malfoy #Lucifer #queen of hell #castle #angel x demon #demon #hufflepuff #fallen angel #harry potter #hogwarts #slytherin #evil queen #fallen hero

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massivecore13 · 2 years ago

Text

It must be a human being.

Careful gait ─ they are roaming close to the walls, a hand tracing the corridor while avoiding stumbling upon corpses and fallen objects due to prior collisions.

Shallow breathing ─ they aren't holding their breath, but practicing one of Wammy's precious lessons. 'Keep a low profile, blend in, be invisible in a crowd', which also meant children had to learn how to act as perfectly mannered civil ghosts. Otherwise, they won't ever survive the weight of a serious investigation under the name of L ─ ha ha ha, if you could try to claim that damn letter for real.

Alertness ─ the zombies he has encountered are disorganized. They move in compact rows with the awareness they count as an army, while the single is almost defenseless. Futile. Only limbs flailing and incoherent screaming, though, Beyond has to admit, they bite quite well.

Even this human bites… Though their teeth hide in a Swiss knife that can't do anything against the ferocity of his sharp blade. Scraggy has always been a loyal company of his youth and finding it again, buried under the tree where A's corpse was rotting through the years, was probably the best gift of the day.

The human shrieks hopelessly as his body lands on their stomach. Moments of collisions as they both roll on the floor, but Beyond is an expert at close fights and within seconds his knees are digging into the guts of his unfortunate victim, one hand firmly holding the rival one holding the knife, and the other ready to attack once again.

But then, the human speaks.

Tentatively, questioning if the vulture is effectively Beyond Birthday.

And so B finally (sees) recognizes the human. "Matt?" He hasn't seen the brat in… ten or more years? "Bless to see ya, kid!"

Beyond stands up, putting the knife back in the pocket of his jeans and offering a hand to the other. "Man, how long has it been? And where's Mello, is he with you?"

He looks for the blond shadow that usually paired with Matt since they were kids. He mockingly called them M&M's ─ it pissed Mello off a lot.

But there's no sign of the blond man.

“Eh, you know, Charlie dear... I’m not really a pool shark, I just know how to sink ’em.”

A rather powerful shot sends the eight ball flying across the room at an incredible, piercing Charlie's poor forehead from side to side. As a consequence of the blow, brains and blood explode in one last rasping breath, staining the immaculate walls behind ─ some drops fall on a collection of the trophy the Wammy's House was gifted for being the best orphanage of prodigy kids.

Ah, the good old days. Fucking liars.

There is also a black and white photo of Roger and Wammy at the grand opening of the orphanage. Beyond oversteps the billiards in a few strides, eyes on the frame. Charlie the zombie's corpse is still rattling like a broken marionette on the floor, but only for a few seconds still─ Beyond smashes the skull against his boot without a second thought.

"R.I.P. Charlie, go teach the other dogs how to bark."

He was no longer human, after all. Just like any other zombie Beyond met on his way back to Winchester and the ones infesting the abandoned orphanage.

The news called it the worst catastrophe after the Second World War, yet─ it quickly became a real apocalypse.

The social system has been turned upside-down in less than a few weeks by a horde of dead corpses wandering through the streets... Beyond can't really really be happier.

The world is going to pay dearly for all its sins.

"Kyah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah" Beyond scoops up a fistful of the rosy mush and spreads it across the smiling faces of Roger and Wammy's younger versions. Laughing so loudly─ that the corners of his lips stretch to the point of aching, but he can't care less, he keeps laughing and laughing, knees digging into Charlie's flesh and dirty fingers almost tearing apart his skin in the ecstasy of the moment...

Ki,

ki,

ki─

The world's gonna end,

the world's gonna end,

the world's gonna end─

The sound of the front door abruptly opening molds his sneer into a curious gaze. "Uh, we have a visitor..." With a knife in one hand, he awaits behind the discarded door of what was a comfortable lounge (ah, guess if L knew how they spent some of his fortunes), the stranger's footsteps getting closer and closer.

As soon as the shadow loomed over the entrance, Beyond fell on it like a hungry vulture.

#gameswillbeplayed #ic #; zombie au #tw: zombies

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astroninaaa · 4 years ago

Note

Politics Anon halted in his tracks and turn his head to the Mysterious Anon. It was seriously making him irritated and rather annoyed at this nosey. But he have to keep his composture. He has reputation to uphold on, he just smile and begun walking back to Spy Anon and begun whispering to it's ears.

'Listen, you're really fucking pissing me off already, I have an financial meeting to attend And You begun vulture me like an sacked meat. Fine, fine I'll clear up my schedule for your private interview. Would that be sufficent for you? Mh, good? Now fuck off!"

Politics Anon have spoken to Spy Anon has he slightly smack it in the back and chuckle a little as he begun to escorted back outside the City Hall. Politics Anon have inserted an calling card inside the pocket of Spy Anon to call his Press Secretary in the meantime he should hurried to his financial meeting. He quickly went inside his mayoral limo escorted by Police and Military motorade armed with high powered Machine guns. He sighed deeply as they begun to drive now. Inside the Limo, National Guard Anon slightly eyeing the civilians outside of Limo. His eyes narrowed to anyone who is acting suspicious, he gently gripped his M-16 Rifle on his left arm. And Politics Anon slightly cough breaking him out of his thoughts. And begun speaking.

'Relax, National Guard you're slightly becoming like Schlatt during his final days of Manberg. I'll suggest you just relax for a bit and take a deep breath alright could do that to me?'

National Guard just nodded as he gently put the rifle to his side and switch it on the safety mode. He deeply sighed and speaking.

'Forgive me, Mister President I'll honest not able to get an sleep or two these past few days since Msfern and Goo Anons have managed to slip through the large crowds during your purging a few months ago. It's bugger me like there's a gut feeling deeply inside of me. Telling me to be not let my guard up. It's seriously triggered some memories of mine. During the L'manberg and Manberg adminstration. Give i both served under those before they being blown up to the high mountains. Also who's that Anon that is bugging you earlier i saw you pulled them and whisper something to it's ears. What is it if you don't mind sir?'

National Guard asked, curiosity always get to him. It was an bad habit of him. As Politics Anon narrowed his eyes to him and he could felt an few sweats slowly dripped off his forehead.

'A new anon who is asking for my political policy, I have an hunch he could be an spy. Tell your scouts and agents to put that on monitoring. And Background check so we could be sure he's clean as a whistle once i have do the private interview. It could possible fresh my reputation. I am building up but be wary on that vulture i depise how he talk to me. Anyway how's the stability of the other nations around the Dream SMP Lands and trade agreement we have done to other nations?'

And on his cue Advisor anon have spoken.

'It was successful Mister President. The trade agreement between the military isolationist of Snowchester have managed to pay off and around 6 in the morning tomorrow they gonna sent Mister Michael underscore Beloved who is now an adult to represent the trade of nuclear programs, Along with their top notch nuclear scientists to conduct an join Nuclear starting program. And an possible Natural Gas exploration on the southern ocean part of Snowchester. It will be an booming economical stats for our prospering nation'

Splendid it their work. Politics Anon just nodded as he gently tapped his JSS Anon who have fallen asleep on his shoulders. Startled it quickly wakes up and apologise for his unprofessionalism. But he just brushed it off. Today was an good day. Next thing he need to do is to finish the dealing on the Nation of Las Nevadas with their liasion agent who is named Charlie Slime or something. It was all going to his plan.

@Spy Anon.

[I couldn't help myself but to write this long reply some part are mostly useless. But i just mention it.]

Politics Anon.

MICHAEL UNDERSCORE BELOVED IS CANON............................... WOW. WOW. LOOK I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS HELL YEAH HELL YEAH i can't believe anoncity is canon within the dsmp

#politics anon #anoncity

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gloves94 · 5 years ago

Text

Sunburn [Prince Zuko] 10

Warnings: None Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Zuko/OC Summary: “You have everything you’ve ever wanted.” “No.” He said softly. “Not everything…” His golden eyes looked at her with a melting intensity she had never witnessed before. “I guess not.” She responded with glassy eyes as tears welled up threatening to break the dam of her eyes.

My fanfiction: M A S T E R L I S T

"This is what I've been missing." Iroh sighed happily as he received a relaxing massage. He could feel the tension on his shoulder's easing as the masseuse worked wonders on his knotted aching muscles.

"Who knew being lost at sea for three weeks with no food or water, and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?" he said as he sighed in satisfaction.

The resort was beyond relaxing. The temperature was hot, soothing, yet not suffocating. Plum blossoms still bloomed here leaving a trail of lost flowers and petals to be carried away dancing with the wind.

"I can't believe I did that twice," Tsai said more to herself as she sat on a low table in the room writing with a large ink brush on a parchment she would send to her brother the corner of her eye twitching in annoyance. Honestly if she could survive being stuck on a small boat with Prince Zuko and Uncle Iroh without any of them killing each other she could survive anything.

xxx

Being at sea had been a nightmare, but it had been better than when she endured it by herself. Iroh would tell them stories about the war and about the good old times that he had shared with her grandfather. He would tell jokes and Tsai and him would pass time singing old sailor tunes.

Sometimes to pass time they would play Tic Tac Toe with some of the nuts and bolts that were lying around the floor of the small ship. Zuko would always rage whenever he lost against her.

"You're cheating!" "I don't want to play this stupid game anymore!" He would seethe in anger. Simply making Tsai laugh, he was such a sore loser.

At night the three would look at the stars and think of names for the constellations and stories behind them.

"That one looks like a platypus bear!" Tsai pointed "It's eating honey, do you see it? It's so cute!" "It looks like two dragons mauling each other to death," Zuko said darkly. She turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow in concern and he turned away grumpily, his arms crossed over his chest. Iroh had simply chuckled.

xxx

Iroh turned his head slightly and looked at his unhappy nephew sitting on the floor with his back to the doorway. Tsai had also noticed that Zuko had been in a particularly difficult mood today. She decided it was best to avoid it and try best not to trigger him. It was then that Iroh hopped off the table (he was wearing pants thank the spirits) and approached his brooding nephew sitting cross-legged besides him.

"I see," Iroh suddenly said in understanding. Iroh was funny like that. He could even understand and translate different types of silence. Feeling the air grow heavy Tsai decided to excuse herself and go check the hawkery for any messages of her brother. She tried to meet Zuko's eyes but he kept his head lowered and a conical hat to hide his expression as he brooded.

"It's the anniversary, isn't it?" She heard Iroh said just after she stepped out. She stopped just around the corner. Pressing her back against the other side of the wall.

She thought. What if- she did something nice for him today? She shook her head and went ahead to look for a message from her brother. She was ready to go home. She had had enough adventuring for now. She was ready to return to her governing duties and leg for forgiveness from her parents. she missed her bed, her room, her brother and simply having tea in the garden on the afternoons. Excitement brewed as she thought about being back home. Homesickness really was no joke, specially after being lost at sea- twice.

There were no news from Mecha yet. She blew out a lost strand of hair that had fallen out of place and with her hands on her hips decided on the best idea to keep busy by checking out the Resort's beach. When suddenly the Firehawk came. She recognized the Vice Royal insignia from Yu Dao immediately.

She greeted the bird, gave it a treat and took the message.

Her eyes rapidly took in her brother's words. His message. She scrolled each sentence faster and faster. Her lips parting. Mouth going dry. Heart beating fast. Her back began knotting with anxiety.

She flipped the note and found no other trace of the message. She clutched the letter close to her chest and painfully swallowed the sobs that had began to escape from her trembling lips. Waterfalls of tears slipped down her eyes as her knees gave. The tears just wouldn't stop pouring.

She didn't know how long she sat by the Resort's hawkery. What was she supposed to do now? To say? She couldn't go back home- what was she to do?

It was a little before the sunset when she gathered the strength to rise. She walked towards the beach that was in front of the resort house they three of them were sharing where Tsai had her own bedroom and Zuko and his uncle shared another one. She sat on the sand hunched over hugging her knees, head buried into them. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the sea shore waves lull her.

"Rough day," She heard a familiar voice say next to her. It was more a statement than a question.

Her head hurt, remaining in that position she turned her head to see the prince taking seat next to her in the darkness of the beach. The air was much colder now. It was dark with the exception of the full moon above reflecting just enough moonlight. It was peaceful. Her eyes were swollen from crying so much and her makeup had been smudged around her eyes. She remained silent and turned forward her eyes getting lost in the dark sea before them. Feeling self conscious she lowered her arms and straightened out her back just like she had been taught to her entire life. She took a deep breath of fresh air. Zuko was unsure of what to say. His Uncle had been worried when she had been absent for so long, and then he had been very worried when she missed dinner. Tsai never missed dinner.

"Was it something I said?" Zuko's first instinct was to blame himself. Maybe he had looked at her the wrong way? Made a snide comment? Afterall it wasn't his day either. However, Iroh knew these things. "I think it's beyond us," he commented. His wise eyes fixed on the girl sitting alone at the beach.

He took in a deep breath. Unsure of what to say what to do. What would a normal person do?

"You know... Three years ago today, I was banished," he began in a solemn tone. "I lost it all. I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless," He fisted palmfuls of sand between angrily sand slipping through his fingers.

Normally Tsai would've been more empathetic. Instead her eyes remained fixed on the nothingness before. Hearing a crumbled up noise it was then that he realized she had been clutching something tightly to her chest. She removed the parchment paper and simply handed it to him, her cold eyes not facing him. He uncrumpled it and read:

'Tsai,

You have to make me a promise. No matter what happens. You will not look for me. You will not come home.

You will not respond to this letter.

You will not return home.

You will not seek me out.

I'm afraid I do not write to you with good news. Word of your betrayal to our nation has reached Yu Dao and you have been identified. Mother is beyond reason and absolutely inconsolable. You have broken the heart of our nation. Fire Lord Ozai suspects that our family is planning a coup de'etat against the crown and an uprising against the nation in Yu Dao. Officials have been sniffing around and poking holes in our lives. There are spies everywhere and nobody is safe.

And so they came for dad since they couldn't find you... Because of this I have decided to answer to these false claims and own up to them.

For our nation.

For our family.

For you.

I love you Tsai.

I don't want to put any more pressure on you, but make it count. Make a difference. If any one can change this world. It's you.

Be well, I know that we meet again under better circumstances my dear sister.

Your brother, Mecha'

Now he understood. He shared a moment of silence with her.

She had lost everything. She had lost her home, her nation, her brother. She had nowhere to go and was an outlaw in the eyes of her country and an enemy in the eyes of the others. She had brought shame and dishonor to her family.

She lowered her head once again in an attempt to hide the stray tear that had slipped from the window of her eyes. His emotions were thrown into a whirlpool. This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't come with them, this would not have happened if she hadn't freed the Avatar. She had done that for him. No matter how he saw it he now felt burdened by her demons.

Fate had tied and tangled them up together now and they had been and were currently struggling to stay afloat in the same boat. Zuko felt like he would only be her demise.

She let out a shaky breath, surprised at the skin to skin contact when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She wanted to stop crying, she had to stop crying but she just couldn't. She wondered if this is what he felt like all the time. If this was the burden that he had to carry upon his shoulders. She felt even worse for having just brushed past his demons the first time he brought them up to her.

"Tsai," he suddenly spoke. "I promise you," she turned to look at him. His eyes were blazing in the moonlight. "I'm not going to let anyone or anything hurt you. We're going to get it all back," he said determined. "Our nation, our honor, our families." His eyes were hard. "The only way is to capture the Avatar."

Already vulnerable. Her breath caught when she looked at him, his eyes, there was something about them that was different. The grip he had on her shoulder tightened and she could feel a knot forming in her throat her stomach made an involuntary flip. She looked at him, at his scarred face and then at his lips. Her eyes lingered there for a moment and she found herself unable to speak.

"Come on," He said stroking her upper arm. "Let's go," he helped her to her feet.

Xxx

The next day had been more normal. The three of them had spent the morning at the beach. They wore robes that had been provided by the resort . Zuko sat under the shade of an umbrella grumpily watching with his arms crossed.

Being here was a waste of time. He couldn't afford to be here any more while his Uncle and Tsai played in the ocean. The two were knee deep in the water looking around for sea shells and conches. Iroh had never had a daughter but he assumed this is what it would've been like.

"Look Iroh!" She said picking up a large conch that she had to hold with both of hers hands. It was large and pink with swirls of violet. They had a conversation which was inaudible to Zuko. Last night had been different... he thought to himself as he shifted uncomfortably in the sand. He had always had few friends but he had certainly never divulged such raw emotions to another human being, much less a girl for that matter.

He heard a horn being blown and saw the girl from the colonies and his uncle laughing as she blew into a conch letting the song of the sea play. The two of them shared a laugh.

Some moments later they returned to the living room of the resort house. Iroh smiled happily as he walked in he carefully dumped the contents of the small satchel he was carrying onto the table, the various shells and gifts from the sea tumbling out. Tsai did the same smiling broadly.

"Look at these magnificent shells!" Iroh exclaimed as he held up one of the shells to show Zuko then picked up a conch shell that Tsai had picked out, "I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come."

"Do you think we could make them into bracelets?" She suggested. Already thinking that the three could wear a set of cheesy matching seashell accessories. Iroh was about to respond when Zuko interrupted.

Sometimes he thought his uncle loved her more than he loved him and the thought drove him mad.

"We don't need any more useless things!" Zuko snapped angrily as he threw his hands in the air in exasperation at his uncle and the teen. "You two forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now!"

The room grew silent as a strange voice intruded.

"Hello, brother. Uncle."

Zuko whirled around and his eyes narrowed as he glared at his sister, Azula, who was ominously sitting in a dark corner of the room with her feet propped up on the other table in the room.

"What are you doing here?" The scarred teen snarled angrily.

'Brother?! So this was the Fire Nation's princess.' Tsai had only heard rumors about Azula back in Yu Dao. The Upper Circle nobles from the colonies had never seen her. However, the rumors were that she was a fire prodigy; she was rumored to be both beautiful and deathly. She could instantly see the resemblance as both siblings shared the same features, golden eyes, pale faces and thick black hair. Except in contrast to Azula there was something about Zuko that made him seemed more untamed, perhaps. more human was a better way to put it. Azula moved gracefully almost as if every movement had been calculated to perfection and rehearsed. Even her hair was parted perfectly in the middle of her symmetrical face. Not a single hair was out of place.

"In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions." Azula snipped in a mock-pleasant tone as she held up a shell then stood up and walked over to the three of them "Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?"

Tsai couldn't help but giggle at the nickname 'Zuzu, really?'

"Don't call me that!" Zuko hissed furiously, embarrassed at the nickname. His fists clenched at his sides as he glared at her his eyes shifted around he room, he did not want Tsai knowing that was the stupid nickname his sister had given him.

"And you must be Tsai of Yu Dao," Azula raised an eyebrow in intrigued. Her eyes wondered every inch of Tsai's body from her smallest toe to the tip of her auburn hair as they raked in her body. "Oh, We've heard all about you," she said smugly looking down on the other teen. "I've gotta say Zuko, she really is a step down from Mai. Including the tacky red-head," she scoffed. "You could do better," she said maliciously with a wicked grin.

"Hey!" Tsai protested with an angry expression giving a step forward but Iroh held her back grabbing onto her sleeve holding her in place.

"To what do we owe this honor?" Iroh cut in quickly, even though his tone was clearly upset.

"Hmm...must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to the point." Azula mused then smirked cruelly as she shattered a shell in her hand with her tight hand grip, her smirk growing at the angry look Iroh sent her. Tsai was also glaring daggers at her. Her hair wasn't tacky! And more importantly. Who in the hell was Mai? Also just who did she think she was to talk to her like that?

"I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind." She played with her hair. "Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots," Her eyes landed on the red-head in front of her for a second. The vile smirk on her face stretched even wider at the mention of the treason of the Vice Royal family of Yu Dao.

"Family are the only ones you can trust now" Azula said sweetly then paused briefly as she looked at Zuko, "Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home."

Silence was her only response and her eyes narrowed as she glared at her older brother. Zuko turned away from his sister. Instead he turned to face the open window where the light breeze blew. He looked at the pink plum blossom trees that swayed with the wind. Tsai reached for his arm. There was something she didn't like about this.

"Did you hear me?" She demanded angrily as she ran her fingers through her bangs, "You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news."

"I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment." Iroh explained as he watched Azula warily his eyes bleeding with suspicion.

"Don't interrupt, Uncle!" the princess snarled at the older man then looked at Zuko condescendingly, "I still haven't heard my thank you. I'm not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way."

Tsai wasn't sure what to say - what to do. It wasn't her place to speak. This was clearly a family affair that she was meddling in, but she loathed the way that Azula spoke to Iroh.

"Father regrets?" Zuko asked in surprise as he looked at his sister in shock, "He...wants me back?"

"I can see you need time to take this in." Azula commented drily as she started towards the door of the home. "And in regards of you,"she turned and flashed Tsai an intense glare. She couldn't tell if it was one of distaste or interest. It was hard to tell with her maniacal persona.

"You best pray my father takes pity on you. Then again, he's not much of a forgiving man."

Her jaw tightened at her words. Blood running cold.

"I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening."

Zuko stared at the floor blankly as he pondered everything his sister had just said while Iroh watched him worriedly his eyes clouded with concern.

xxx

"We're going home!" Zuko stated excitedly as he packed his belongings up, "After three long years, it's unbelievable!"

Tsai had never seen Zuko in such a good mood. He almost moved like a spring buck almost as if a massive load had been lifted off from his shoulders.

Iroh stared out the window of the small house and stroked his beard thoughtfully, "It is unbelievable. I have never known my brother to regret anything or to be the forgiving kind." He said pensively.

"More like you're going home. And what am I supposed to do?" The girl said upset as she rose from her seat on the ground. "You really think the Fire Lord is going to pardon me for my treachery? Let me family go just like that?"

"Did you listen to Azula? Father's realized how important family is to him!" Zuko retorted in irritation, "He won't hurt you if I ask him to." Zuko said as he packed the little belongings that he had with him. There was something in her gut that twisted uneasily and told her otherwise. She looked at him with uncertainty. "He cares about me!" Zuko said almost with glee.

"I care about you!" Iroh snapped back as he turned to face his obstinate uncle with his arms spread out slightly, "And if Ozai wants you back, well, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine."

Zuko turned his back on Iroh, his shoulders tense, "You don't know how my father feels about me. You don't know anything!"

"Zuko," Iroh said softly in an attempt to placate the scarred prince, "I only meant that in our family, things are not always what they seem."

"I think you are exactly what you seem!" Zuko snarled as he whirled around to glare at his uncle, "A lazy, mistrustful, shallow old man who's always been jealous of his brother!"

"Hey!" Tsai's voice roared and echoed the small house. She had never raised her voice at somebody like that. It was one thing not to meddle in family affairs, but he had crossed the line. The sad expression on Iroh's face broke her heart. Zuko turned to see the scowl on his face. "Need I remind you have no business here. Colonial pest..." He uttered under his breath.

Her eyes went wide with hurt. And here she thought he had changed. She was so angry at herself. Angry for believing his façade. For thinking he would actually change. For actually allowing herself to develop feelings for him. Zuko stormed out of the small house and into the night. Iroh's heart hurting slightly he sighed and lowered his head.

"Forgive my nephew, he often speaks before he thinks."

Tsai lowered her eyes.

"I don't know how much more I can forgive."

Iroh remained silent.

"Iroh, I don't think I can go with you tomorrow." She spoke after a moment of silence. "Frankly, I don't trust Azula, and I don't believe the Fire Lord to be the forgiving kind. Tomorrow morning I'm taking off on my own."

Iroh simply nodded his head. "I understand. And where will you go?"

She was quiet for a moment. Unsure of what to respond. Where to go. She had lost her home, she had lost everything. She shrugged her arms. "Wherever the wind takes me," she breathed out suddenly feeling the spirit of a bohemian live seem more appealing than a life in prison. "Maybe I'll even be the one to find the Avatar. Who knows?"

"Oh Tsai," Iroh face palmed. "Not you too.." He said with a small frown on his face.

She was quiet for a moment as she pondered her next question.

"Iroh," she began. "Do you-Do you think we are evil? The Fire Nation I mean. When I was in the Water Tribe with the Avatar and his friends. I was called the enemy. People in the streets spat at me and shunned me for sins that are not mine. I tried to explain that everything we did was for the greater good. To share the beauty and power of our nation with the rest of the world just like we have all been taught- but they didn't see it that way. They said... horrible things to me." she said avoiding his golden eyes feeling as if he was analyzing her eyer move and expression.

"Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil," Iroh spoke wisely as he hid his hands inside of his sleeves appearing even more sage like. "The battle line between good and evil runs thought the heart of every man and woman. The key, like everything is to find the balance. Good and evil. The elements. humans. All should find its place and balance in nature," he explained.

She cocked her head to the side confused by his riddling words and scratched her chin as she thought hard about his words.

"Are you saying that good and evil are subjective?" She questioned.

Iroh let out a sigh and shook his head as this philosophical conversation was not going as he had intended too. He presumed the girl was still too young to comprehend such abstract topics.

"Why don't you put some tea?" he asked with a small smile.

Xxx

The next morning. Zuko walked down almost skipping down the stone staircase towards the docks where he could see Azula's Royal warship waiting, his belongings slung over his shoulder. The wind was crisp and fresh, skies were clear. Zuko found himself walking a little taller today. After three long years in exile he was finally going home. He would no longer be the banished prince. His father was ready to receive him with warm open arms.

"Wait! Don't leave without me!"

He paused and turned, setting his pack down and smiled. "Uncle! You've changed your mind."

"Family sticks together, right?" Iroh stated with a small smile as he placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder.

Zuko smiled slightly as he remembered his father resting his hand on his shoulder when he was younger. He looked over Iroh's shoulder to see if by any chance Tsai would've tailed behind him but there was no sign of her. She had refused to leave the room this morning after their fight last night. A part of him couldn't believe it would be the last time he would see her... He had royally screwed up this time. The scarred prince shook his head slightly and turned back to look at the ship again.

"We're finally going home!" He said excitedly as he attempted to shake the dark cloud from raining on his parade.

However the slow seemed to grow larger and larger with each step he gave until it clouded his mind and made him cave.

"Where is Tsai?" He asked before descending. "Tsai," Iroh sighed. "Has made a decision not to continue her journey with us." "What?" Zuko once again dropped his sack in surprise. "So you're just going to let her stay here? Alone?" He raised his voice instantly becoming aggravated. "She made her own decision and after your behavior last night and frankly I am not surprised," Iroh shook his head looking at his nephew with disappointment. "You have to think before you act Zuko. I know you did not mean what you said but a woman's heart is a sensitive and very complex affair."

Zuko looked at the top of the stairs and made an impulsive run for it. However was stopped by his uncle.

"Let her go." He said wisely. "If she doesn't come back it was never meant to be." He looked at his uncle with hard eyes and back to the top of the stairs where nobody stood. Before turning away and resuming their descent. He wondered if their paths would ever meet again. Where would she even go? It's not like she could return home.

Iroh frowned slightly as he looked at Azula's ship with suspicion following his nephew.

Iroh watched the soldiers standing on either side of the dock cautiously as he and Zuko made their way towards the ramp of the ship where Azula was standing quietly at the top of the ramp with two more soldiers on either side of her.

"Brother! Uncle! Welcome!" Azula greeted warmly as Zuko and Iroh stopped a little bit in front of the ship's captain at the bottom of the ramp and the three bowed to each other, "I'm so glad you decided to come." Two rows of at least a dozen Fire Nation soldiers stood behind them.

"Wait!" somebody shouted from behind. The sea of soldiers parted open to reveal the girl from the colonies standing at the very end of the stone bridge. She stood catching her breath slightly and leaned over resting her palms on her bent knees as she regained her composire. She wore her usual ochre colored long sleeved blouse and her brown skirt and above the knee boots. Her long auburn hair was worn half up and she carried a sack with her few belongings over her shoulder. "Wait!" She caught her breath as she approached Iroh and Zuko at the very front leaning forward resting the palms of her hands on her knees once again.

Zuko would never admit it but a part of him was happy to know she would be rejoining them in their journey.

Iroh's eyes opened slightly and he looked at the soldiers suspiciously then he straightened, the two lines of soldiers fell in line behind Zuko, Tsai and Iroh, closing the aisle the three of them had walked through a moment ago.

"Have you decided to come and beg for mercy before my father you half-breed mutt?" Azula taunted maliciously a vile twinkled in her eyes.

Tsai's flinched at the insult. The fact that her mother was from the Earth Nation and that her father was from the Fire Nation had always been a touchy taboo subject amongst the Upper Circles of Fire Nation officials.

"Hey!" She was surprised to see Zuko come to her defense. He glared at Azula angry and the girl simply shrugged flipping a strand of hair back into place.

"I just came to say goodbye," She turned to look at Iroh and then at Zuko with sadness clouding her warm eyes. "Aw, how touching," Azula said mockingly rolling her eyes. She really didn't have time for these sappy moments.

"Are we ready to depart, Your Highness?" The captain asked as he turned and walked forward slightly to stand at the very end of the ramp.

Iroh hugged her tightly as they bid their goodbyes.

"Tsai," Zuko turned to face her. "Home...," he whispered. "Come home with us! I promise you I won't allow anything to happen to you. I'll convince my father to pardon you. To pardon your family. I'm sure he'll understand once we explain," he spoke in a hopeful tone. Her eyes lingered on the stoney ground. She shook her head side to side. "No... I'm sorry," she whispered. "Goodbye." She said looking at him Zuko with hard eyes.

There was something about this entire situation that made her feel ill.

"Set our course for home, captain." Azula instructed sweetly as the auburn haired girl stepped back.

"You heard the princess!" The captain barked, raising his hand as he walked up the ramp, "Raise the anchors! We're taking the prisoners home!"

The captain's eyes went wide when he realized his mistake and he looked at Azula, whose expression when from surprised to furious in less than a hot second.

"Your Highness, I..." The captain started nervously just as Iroh narrowed his eyes and he suddenly attacked the guards, pushing them off the edge of the walkway and sending fire blasts at them.

Zuko snarled as he stomped furiously up the ramp, throwing the captain off as he stalked past him.

"You lied to me!" He shouted as he glared at his sister angrily, still standing several feet away from her on the ramp.

"Like I've never done that before." Azula retorted smugly as she turned her back on Zuko, waving her hand slightly and the two guards standing on either side of her suddenly shot fire blasts at the banished prince.

Zuko crossed his arms then spread them outward quickly, deflecting the attacks. He shouted angrily as he charged onto the ship to chase after his younger sister.

Zuko snarled as he leapt onto the deck of his sister's ship and sent two fire blasts at the guards, knocking them off the ship. He spun around to face Azula, who was standing patiently several feet away with her back turned and her hands clasped behind her. Azula glanced over her shoulder and smirked at her brother condescendingly. Zuko's fists clenched and fire daggers appeared as he prepared to attack his sister.

"Zuko!" Iroh shouted from the dock where he was still attacking the guards, "Let's go!" Tsai did the best to handle herself and had just kicked a guard into the ocean water.

The former general tossed one of the guards over the edge then stepped to the side to the side to avoid another guard's attack.

Zuko ignored his uncle and charged at Azula with his fire daggers, attempting to strike her with them but the princess easily dodged all of his blows with a smirk firmly on her young face. Zuko bared his teeth as he continued to attack his sister as she continued to dodge backwards. Zuko brought his right hand down in an attempt to land another blow. However Azula blocked his attack with her forearm then grabbed his wrist with one hand and slipped her wrist against the crook of his elbow. She swung him around easily and shoved him away from her, smirking as he panted.

"You know father blames Uncle for the loss of the North Pole." Azula taunted him maliciously, her smirk widening, "And he considers you a miserable failure for not finding the Avatar! Why would he want you back home, except to lock you up where you can no longer embarrass him?"

Zuko snarled and conjured two fire daggers again then leapt into the air and sent a powerful fire blast at Azula using his foot. The princess smirked and jumped away, landing safely several feet away in a crouch. The banished prince charged at her as she rose to her feet, dodging the blows her furious brother attempted land on her as she backed up further.

Azula lashed out at Zuko suddenly, leaving three scratch marks on his temple which caused Zuko to fall back. The scarred prince roared and charged at Azula again, swinging his fire daggers viciously at her, but she continued to dodge and block his attacks easily as she backed up the steps leading to the command tower of the ship.

The two fighting siblings reached the top of the stairs and Azula grabbed hold of Zuko's arm and the two stare at each other silently for a few seconds then Zuko's eyes went wide alarmed and Azula smirked. She then launched blue flames at Zuko, knocking him off his feet and back down the stairs to land on the deck.

Zuko pushed himself up slightly and turned his head to look at his sister, his vision blurred from the blow as well as the light of the flames. His vision focused on Azula just as she began moving her arms in a circular motion, lightning beginning to crackle at her fingertips.

Azula sneered as she prepared to fire the lightning bolt at her brother but her attack was suddenly halted when Iroh grabbed hold of her right hand and twisted around, redirecting the lightning towards a far-off cliff side. The former general quickly twisted Azula's arm, causing her to bend backwards. Tsai then stepped in and using all of her leg strength kicked Azula her off the ship roughly, causing her to land in the water with a loud splash.

Iroh rushed towards Zuko and grabbed his nephew by the arm and the trio raced away from the ship as far and as fast as they could, heading back up the stone stairs and towards into the lost woods.

Normally Tsai would've rubbed in Zuko's face that she was right and that he owed both her and Uncle Iroh an apology but it was not the time. They had to get out of here fast.

xxx

Azula stood on the porch of the main building of the village resort her uncle and brother had been staying at, her eyes narrowed as she looked at the gathered crowd with two Royal Procession guards standing behind her.

"Anyone who harbors these traitors will face the wrath of the Fire Lord!" The Fire Nation Princess snarled angrily as she held up the wanted poster with Zuko, Iroh and Tsai's portraits painted on it. She laid one hand on the balcony, sneering when the residents cowered away in fear, "There will be no place left to hide!"

Zuko, Tsai and Iroh panted as they raced along the river away from the village resort, away from Azula and the Fire Nation. The three finally came to a stop and Zuko and his uncle fell to ground beside the river, catching their harsh breaths. Tsai leaned against the tree catching her own.

"I think we're safe here." Iroh said after his breathing slowed and helooked around carefully, then he looked at his silent nephew.

"I told you so-" Tsai breathed. "I told you so! So did Uncle Iroh!" She called out. However, her declarations fell to silent ears. She turned to see Zuko starring at the flowing water before him then pulled out a small dagger and held it up, the blade reflecting the sunlight. Iroh closed his eyes sadly for a moment then watched as his nephew held the knife under his ponytail.

She looked at them sadly. Their hair... It was was connected them to the Royal family. To their nation. It was a part of them just as much as they were both a part of the Royal Fire Nation family.

Zuko shut his eyes tightly and sliced his ponytail off then he held the dagger out to Iroh without looking at him as he stared at his ponytail in his hand. Iroh took the dagger and cut off his topknot, holding it in his hand. The banished prince stared at the ponytail for a moment then let it fall from his and into the river, watching as it along with his uncle's topknot float down the river.

The two kneeled quietly beside the river as they processed the magnitude of what had just transpired. And just like that they had just renounced to their royal titles. She looked at them with uncertainty and Iroh turned to look at her.

"Your hair," he said looking at her odd colored hair. "It's going to be a problem," he said raising in her direction. She ran a hand through her long hair which almost reached down to her mid back. She held it in her hands tightly. She couldn't. She possible couldn't...

xxx

"My brother and my uncle have disgraced the Fire Lord, and have brought shame on all of us!" Azula declared. "And that little red haired minx," she thought of the angry expression on the colonial girl's face. "That red haired little minx..." Azula repeated more to herself this time...

A sly smiled spread across her pink tinted lips in fascination. She would be hers.

xxx

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#zukoxreader #prince zuko #Zuko x oc #Zuko x you #zuko #zuko imagine #sokka #aang #avatar #atla #atla fanfic #atla fa fiction #avatar the last airbender #avatar the legend of korra #fanfiction #fanfic

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pendragonfics · 5 years ago

Text

Darling, Are You Going to Leave Me?

Paring: Frank Castle/Reader

Tags: Female reader, heavy angst, break up, Frank Castle angst, infertility, vigilantism, minor character death, babies, accidental baby acquisition, swearing, canon-typical violence, idiots in love, Frank Castle cares, angst and hurt/comfort, whump, fluff and hurt/comfort

Summary: After trying for a while, and finding negative test results for fertility, Frank and ________ hit a rough spot, and split. But that doesn't slow her down: she turns to a life of vigilantism, becoming East Wind, a courier to those in need. However, not all nights are as rough as this one on the job...

Word Count: 3,348

Current Date: 2020-03-10

The worst pain of all came across you when the conversation ended. It could have been all shouting, for how sadly you felt, but it had only been words shared at barely above a whisper. Claire had taken a sample of your reproductive product and anonymously, the same from Frank. That had happened a month ago and now having read the information revealed, it felt like a noose had lowered from the ceiling above and was slowly stringing you above.

“Say something,” you whisper, throat thick. Frank kept quiet.

The apartment groaned with the wind outside, and Max whined at your feet and inched toward your feet, which even in socks, felt as cold as death itself. It was a feeling that you somewhat wished for, in the silence waiting for Frank to share what he had read silently on the paper. It had been two or more years since cohabitation and a little less than that since you had first fallen for him, the man that most knew as the Punisher.

“…” He looked up but said nothing. A hand wiped across his face, and it was then you noticed that it was bristly with multiple days' worth of stubble across his chin. He took a deep breath, and then, gravelly, he spoke, “…’m sorry.”

You blink, unsure of what he means. “Frank?”

You move to him. He had chosen to sit on the coffee table - a salvaged chunk of timber from an alley, and you on the dilapidated couch, but as you slide to the edge, he stands, leaving the paper with the test results that he had read from.

But he’s already in the fridge and has cracked open a can by the time you read the paper. When you look up, he’s downed nearly all of it, and while you know he’s not usually one to drink, it must be bad. You know it is, but that’s only because now you’ve read the results.

You don’t quite understand what all the jargon means, but if you read into it...your sample is good, apparently normal. But Frank’s isn’t. He was sample B, and it seems that from what you understand that -

“You deserve someone who can give you what you want,” his voice is shaky, unsure, and looking to Frank, you’re sure that what he’s saying is not what you want to hear. But he doesn’t let you interrupt, and cracking the tab of another beer, he stares off at the other end of the room. “I’m - I’m not good for you, babe.”

“There has to be another way,” you try reasoning.

“I can’t put you through all that, ________ - you deserve the world -,”

“Oh, fuck the world!” you cry. The paper is crushed in your hands, and you sink back to the couch. "I want you!"

But the night didn't end that way. He didn't hear your words as pleas, and you perhaps didn't get through to him, because in the next day, you had gathered your things from his dresser, and took yourself to a hostel in Hoboken for cheap. It hadn't ended with a fist through a wall, just enough tears to have a hard time finding your Lyft. By the time you manage to find sleep, you can’t help but feel like you’ve been suffocating all evening, and by the time morning comes, your cheeks are wettened still.

---

In a year, you are stronger, and not just physically. The days where you find yourself caught on the opening line of the news broadcasts are few and far between, and the name of the man you had loved, trusted and fought for is no longer on your lips. Spider-Man looks over Brooklyn, Luke Cage is known as Power Man in Harlem, and there’s no reason to return to Hell’s Kitchen when Daredevil prowls the district. There’s a trickle of information that comes from the whisper trail you keep, and when you hear that he nears your operation, you pick up and leave to another place.

You’re no superhero, but to some people, you are a hero. Dressed your signature hoodie and jeans - being inconspicuous is best - you’re essentially a ferry to remove people from bad situations. It’s mostly kids from abusive households, victims from other heroes’ exploits that you lend a hand in helping. They’re people, vulnerable people, and every day when you feel like quitting, when it’s too hard, you remind yourself that it’s something that anyone with your connections would do.

It’s not like you’re on a first-name basis with the freakin’ Avengers.

Your client is a young mother. You don’t know the details, but she didn’t want the child and had been kept against her will by a family. By the time you arrive to make the window, as swift as ever you collect her, hide, and begin the process of extraction. She’s terrified, and clutches her newborn, and moves slow. You don’t know what pain she’s in, but from what you can tell, it’s recent since her delivery, and she must be stronger than you to be moving with you. But you must keep quiet to evade those seeking you both, so you don’t confess your admiration to her.

You rarely work this high up in Manhattan, but from what you can tell, she’s desperate. Something about crossing a powerful family, but you’re not sure how that correlates to the bundle that she clutches at in her arms. Luckily this end of the city is so densely populated, as it’s easier to hide when there are others around. That’s what makes a good spy chase; being hidden in plain sight. Hundreds of thousands of people around you and your client; the best camouflage that money didn’t buy.

You’re crossing the street, briskly making the tail end of a walk light when you smell tyres, hear yells, and gunshots. Looking up, you barely make it in time, yanking the young mother by the fabric of her sweater onto the curb as a trio of black sedans roars past. How was it that rich, bad people all had the same cars? One of the windows opens, and in the split second that they pass, the person inside makes eye contact with you, with the woman you are helping, and you know.

You’ve been made.

“Come on!” you yell. You feel bad, but there’s no time to waste. “We’ve got to go!”

Pushing through the crowd is hard; nobody parts for you in everyday life and they sure as hell aren’t parting now. You try to muscle your way through, but they are resistant, and it’s slow. Eventually, you make it through to the nearest alleyway, and it’s empty enough to sprint.

“I - I can’t!” she wails, weeping. “Please,” she pleas, “take Jude.”

You turn back, about to bolster her, but you see the agony on her face. She’s made it this far, so recently after giving birth, but she leans against the building for support, her legs buckling underneath her. Rushing back, you scoop the baby from her arms. Grateful, she almost weeps, but it’s then she cries out in a shout of pain and falls to the earth beneath her.

There’s no noise of a gunshot, but you know what a silencer sounds like. You turn the way that she had fallen, holding Jude closer to your chest. Your heart beats faster when you find that you can’t see the killer at first, but then they come from the shadows. A white man, 40, dressed down from a suit stands there with a sardonic smile. The pistol in his hand is raised to the sky, waiting, and the way his feet are pointing, you know that you’re the next one to be shot.

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” he drawls. Boston accent.

“You killed her!” you shout. However loud you are, it’s still lost to the wail of the city around you both.

He lowers the gun so it’s facing you, and you feel your breath catch. He starts to laugh and takes a step toward you. “And you took her from us. She was living a good life, you know. Best that money this side of the river could buy,” he shook his head in disbelief, “and you meddling bitch got her killed.”

Despite the pistol on you, you bite back. “She didn’t want your dirty money.”

“She could have had the life of a queen!” he roared, his other hand coming up to support the gun. You brace yourself, turning away so the baby in your arms is away from the gun’s line of sight. “I’m not to be crossed, don’t you know who I -,”

BANG!

He crumples to the pavement, the gun misfiring as he lands unceremoniously. The shot clatters off a dumpster and disappears into the alleyway, and you almost cry out in fear, afraid. Never in your life have you had such a night go so badly! Shakily, you fold back the blankets around the swaddle and peer inside. Jude sleeps on, unphased from the events that have transpired, exhaling and inhaling as normal. By the time you look to the mobster, there’s another man there.

“East Wind?” he says.

You blink because it’s him.

At this distance, you know it’s him from the marking on the vest, from the smears of red that you remember washing off with loofas back when you shared a shower. You know that voice, and hearing your code name from his mouth, it sends a chill down your spine. Only clients knew of that name, that, and people who spoke of ghost stories of the hero who carried people from danger like an Angel of Death.

“You saved me,” you breathe. He can’t hear you but saying it doesn’t make it feel any more real than it is.

Frank Castle nears, seemingly not looking your way, but instead at the fallen man he had taken down. The way he stalks around it, like a vulture inspecting a carcass is foreign to you, and you watch, silent. He kicks him over, and the face of the man is smothered in the pool of his red. He kicks him once more, but you look away at that, only hearing him when he spits.

You start to walk away. The contact on the outside is still expecting you at a strict time, even if you just had a delay. But you’re not three feet away when you hear him calling after you.

“You can’t go walk away like nothin’ happened,” he shouts. You stop in your tracks, still facing the way that you’re going.

“I’m not the kind of person like you.” You reply.

“There ain’t nobody else like me,” He fires back, and you can tell he’s getting impatient. “Look, lady. There are other guys, more guys like this pisshead - you ain’t safe to do what you do. I mean, all due respects.”

You feel a smile tug up on the corner of your lips. God, how you missed him. It was like returning to a thrill, a drug, an endorphin rush, something so very good and nice after going cold turkey, and it took all your power to stay where you were. You could hear his big combat boots thumping their way toward you, approaching. He seemed to slow as he neared, and for that, you were grateful.

“All due respects,” you draw the last word out, “I can take care of myself.”

He huffs. “Look, East Wind - you’re some hero, but -,”

“I’m not a hero!” you burst, turning to him. The hood falls off, and your face is unveiled.

“________,” he’s as disarmed as you, but unlike him and his guns, your weapon is your wits.

It catches Frank off guard; he almost takes a step back, but steels himself. This close, you can see uneven patches of stubble across his face, the way his eyes look raw and sore, the cuts up his forearms. There are more dings to his vest than ever; even the spray-painted skull looks morose. You try to keep it together, but you can’t break down. Not now, not here, and especially not with your dead client’s child in your arms, considering what the last words shared with Frank were about. A beat passes, and both of you stay quiet until the little one in your arms begins to fuss.

“Is that a -,” he begins.

“A baby, Frank,” you snap, diverting your attention to the child. In her wrap, she wriggles unhappily.

It seems to be that time where her small baby belly aches for sustenance, and unfortunately for you, there isn’t anything to quench her thirst on hand. In your time, you’ve taken care of many different ages of children, from this age to voting age, but you’re not sure if any stores sell formula this late at night.

“I know, I know,” you whisper, fussing over her, “it’s okay.”

Pulling out your phone with your spare hand, you try one-handedly to type. Apart from the fact it’s not your more dexterous hand, you’re tired, and can’t focus on searching for a nearby late-night bodega. You don’t notice Frank closing in until he’s taken your phone from under your nose. He completes the search quickly, and at this point, you’re more focused on taking care of the child in your arms than worrying about being this close to the estranged antihero slash the love of your life. That, and he’s getting smudges of red on your phone, but hey, you’re due for a new case anyway.

“There’s a place, about a block from here,” He says, quietly.

You look up in time to see him looking at you, and your breath catches; it’s so natural, and he’s so attractive, and you can’t help but yearn for him while he’s so close. You don’t say anything, just holding her close, unable to keep the eye contact with him. Frank Castle is a difficult man. He didn’t cry openly and shouted at the TV, he killed killers, had a feud with the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, and in all the time that you shared quarters he wasn’t the most open of all people. You can’t blame him, but now, it’s hard; you just want him back.

“Was this hers…?” he asks, looking to the woman.

“Yeah. I don’t usually…I didn’t even get her name,” you bite at your lip, feeling awful. You’ve never been this close to being caught, being killed, and it’s shaken you. You turn, taking your phone from Frank, and type a slow text to your contact, and walk away. “Lead the way. This girl’s hungry.”

He’s quiet, but he throws a jacket over his red-dirtied torso, hiding it. Once you both merge with the main thoroughfare of the city, he leads the way through the considerably less busy streets. It’s late, and yet the lights are still bright at this end of town. Frank moves toward a 7-11, and waits outside when you go in, and fill a basket with a tin of formula and the last doughnut on the shelf, half-stale from sitting there all day. The clerk who scans barely looks your way, tired, but you’re sure if a soccer mom saw you buying the formula, you’d get an earful of mommy-blog politics about it. But they ring you up, and you lead Frank to a Burger King, where you order a drink to sit at the table and start mixing up the formula in a paper cup for baby Jude as best as you can.

All the while, Frank is quiet.

It’s unnerving.

“…you know, I’m good at my job. And even if you didn’t show up, I would have been fine.” You talk, to fill the silence. If not, all you’d hear is the couple in the corner arguing about who cheated on who, and the probably teen hacker who types faster than you think at a beat-up laptop by the door. “But thanks. I’m just paying it forward - you won’t have to see me again.”

“Don’t go,” he says.

You pause, not sure you heard right. “Frank?”

“I fucked up,” his voice is gravelly, perhaps on the verge of emotion. If you didn’t know any better, this was as close to tears that you’d ever seen him. “It’s been hell without you. Can’t eat, or sleep. Max misses you. Karen stopped talking to me when she found out, same as Claire. Life sucks without you.”

“Frank…” you intone.

“I - I was after that family for the last month. Lousy bastards, the lot of them.” He growls. You don’t even realise that you’ve stopped mixing until Jude whines, and you keep at making the formula. You’re not a pro by a long shot, but it’s hard to focus on it, and Frank. “That guy got away from the scene, and when I saw - I had no clue you were East Wind.”

“East Wind is a fantasy made up by people who want a hero,” you mutter, testing the consistency. As you begin to feed Jude the mix, she laps it up, and you fixate on her, trying to focus on feeding her. “I’m not a hero.”

“But you are,” he rebuts. “To me. Baby, ________, please,” he pleads, leaning closer to you over the table. “I need you. I’ve been to hell and back but being where you ain’t is worse.”

You’re quiet, silent, taking in what he’s saying. Jude finishes lapping up the mix, and you position her on your shoulder, close to your neck. The couple arguing has stopped talking so loudly, and the kid on the laptop has stopped clacking at the keys. Even the machinery and noises of the Burger King are quieter, or so it seems.

“I -,”

“________, sorry I’m late,” Misty, your contact comes in, her street-clothes looking just as worse for wear as you feel. “Traffic was hell. This is the kid?” She asks. She looks between you, and Frank, and purses her lips. “You’re goddamned lucky I’m off-duty now, and too tired to care that I’m seeing the Punisher before me,” she grits between her teeth, glaring at Frank.

“Friend of yours?” he asks you.

“Have you been to the scene yet?” you ask her, and she nods.

“I’ve sent my guys that way, it’ll be taped up in no time,” she replies, and motions to Jude, where she’s snuggled against your chest. “I’ll collect this little one now. Direct the heat off you and whatnot.”

“Has anyone said you’re an angel?” You smile.

“They’ve said the opposite, but then again wasn’t Lucifer one of them?” she grins and reaches for the baby. You’re hesitant to relinquish her; she’s grown warm in proximity to you, and as soon as she’s in Misty Knight’s arms, you feel slightly empty, like something’s missing. Damn. You never got this attached. “I see you’ve been busy.”

“You’ll be needing this stuff,” you replace the formula in the bag the cashier gave you. With a nod and a silent goodbye, Misty doesn’t spend a minute more in the building.

“I know how much you can’t give you that,” Frank whispers, glum. He takes a deep breath, and exhaling starts to leave. But you can’t help it but reach to him, hold him from going.

“You’re right,” you reply. “You can’t give me that. But there’s more than one way to have a baby. And there are too many damn foster kids, homeless kids, kids in vulnerable spaces that need caring for before I can even think of having one myself.” You lick your lips, wetting them for further exposition, but Frank interrupts you, closing the distance across the table with his mouth on yours. It feels good, tastes like black coffee and smells like iron, but it doesn’t fail to disarm you. “Frank…” you moan.

“I’m an idiot for letting you go.” He says, quiet. Just to you. “Come home. Please.”

You nod. “Okay,” you agree. “But Frank…” you tell him, looking into his eyes. “With you, I’m always home.”

#frank castle/reader #frank castle x reader #frank castle #punisher x reader #the punisher #marvel fanfic #marvel x reader #pendragonfics #chaotic--lovely #Female reader

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