#may or may not be getting another chapter tomorrow hehe

[wakkossnackstash]

The CN AU crew has something excited planned for this week's Wakko Wednesday (tomorrow)! Keep your eyes and ears peeled! Or actually, don't peel them at all, that's disgusting!

[solar4seekstron]

Before and So Forth Chapter Three:

Transformers One x Cybertronian!GN!Reader

Transformers One!Megatronus x Cybertronian!GN!Reader (Bit of Starscream, Soundwave, and Sentinel x reader in this episode.)

Chapter Three: Megatronus

Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight

TW/Tags: Reader is just trying to get through the day, Senitnel is crushing on reader but is good at not showing it, Sentinel and Zeta got something’ goin on hehe, more drama, Soundwave is looking out for reader in his own way,Starscream is just straight forward in thi episode, mild cussing. I think that’s all.

(No smut in this chapter but you guys are defiantly being fed with the starscream and soundwave bit. So- ya know enjoy)

The next morning after your night with Megatronus. You got up earlier so that you may keep your word with Starscream. As you made your way and got to the training room, Starscream was already there. He mumbled to himself as you got to putting your swords away and slowly made your way to him.

“Um..Starscream?…”

”Mm?” He was startled. And turned to see you. “Ah you made it. About time.”

”I gave you my word. So you ready for some training?”

He smirked as you both got into your stances..This was going to be a long training session.

You both ended training for so long. The others had to go to the other training room so they don’t get hurt by you both. You two weren’t even out of stamina yet. And so you both continued. Your other training wasn’t for another couple hours as. You two have been training for 5 hours straight. Both trying to out match the others. You both even had smiles on your faces as you kept throwing punches and so on.

Until you slipped. You didn’t realize how tired you were. He was able to get the upper hand and pinned you to the floor. You both out of breath as you both stared at each other. Your optics narrowed as you stared up at him. “Well played Starscream.”

He chuckled and watched you there as he thought. “After the war…I will court you…And I won't stop until you accept. Understood?”

……………..Oh Boy.

”Starscream I don’t-“

”Even if you don’t now. You will one day. That’s for certain.” His cervo gently held your chin as he grinned. “So be patient as I will my dear?” You only stared at him and groaned. Maybe when he knows it’s Megatronus after the war he’ll give up. And so…you slowly nodded.

He stood up and helped you up. His cervo rested on your hip as he smiled down at you. “You can take a break…..See you tomorrow?” You nodded. Once you were about to make your way to your swords. You felt a kiss on the side of your neck from behind. “Just a little claim” He whispered. You tried to not shiver and made your way to your swords. Picking them up. “See you later Starscream.”

———————————————————————————

As you made your way to have some breakfast. Someone bumps into you from the other corner of the hall. It was Sentinel. He was holding some data pads and dropped one.

”Ah darn.”

”Here let me help you.” You said as you picked up the data pad and handed it to you. He only stared at you for a moment. “Need my help taking it to where you’re going. I’m not too busy Sentinel.”

He smirked. “I suppose.” He started walking. So you followed him. You both making it to one of the meeting rooms. We’ll be having our 13th meeting this week as we discuss strategy and all. Since I work under the primes I have to be at every single one. For primus' sake I barely get any sleep because of them.” You listened. You know his job is hard.

”You know Sentinel if you don’t give up you will become prime one day. Me and the other high guards are rooting for you. So keep going yeah?” You place your cervo on his shoulder as you looked at him.

He just looked at you and sighed. “I swear you’re the only one out of this entire place who actually listens to me for once.” He crossed his arms. You let out a small chuckle. Something he gave side eye to. And took your cervo off his shoulder as you start to walk out. “Just don’t forget ‘bout me when you become Prime yeah?” You waved to him and made your way out. Sentinel watched you as he looked at your frame. You were a little shorter than him. And a little fragile in some areas….He really liked that..He grinned.

As you made your way you almost walked into Solus Prime. “Oh my Prime, forgive me.” She only looked down at you and smiled. “No worried little one.” She continued walking past you to the meeting room alongside a few of the other primes. They didn’t seem to notice you.

And so you continued to walk, making it to the break room with the other high guard. You noticed Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwae weren’t there. You ate some energon was waited until it was time for you and Megatrons to go on with your training. And so when the time came, you got up and made your way.

———————————————————————————

As you made your way, you passed by Soundwave. You both were alone as he stopped you. His arm around your waist. His eyes glowing yellow as he looked at your neck. Laserhawk was also on his shoulder. Soundwaves other cervo moved to your neck and gently rubbed a certain spot with his digit. His helm close to the side of yours.

”High Guards should have no relations of intimacy and such with each other….” He pulled back and faced you. The arm around your waist bringing you closer. Both of your bodies touched as your helms are inches from each other. “Not in here anyway.”

You held you breath. “Be more careful. Y/N….” He let you go and continued walking in his direction. You stood there. Then put your cervo on the spot where he rubbed his digit at. You realized….That’s the spot Starscream kissed. Oh Boy….

You continued to make your way to Megatronus training quarters. The other guards joining were already there waiting. So you join them and wait as well. Even a few ask about your scar every now and then. Megatronus came in a few moments later. But he was upset. He was grumbling and said he’ll be teaching and training against them one by one today. Instead of just watching. You can hear the other bots gulping as they listen to him speak.

And so the training commences for hours. Your training is the same as last time with him yesterday. You were able to keep up like a very few others and watched as the others took their turn against him. After some time everyone else was tired and dented.

Megatronus would announce they were done for the day and the others groaned as they bowed their heads as they said "My Prime” and made their way out. You were cleaning your sword and saying bye to the others. Something to make you look busy. After the others left Megatronus made sure you two were alone and sat not to you. He was still upset over something and you can tell despite his mask. You thought to yourself. Since he is trying to become your Conjunx. Might as well try to treat him like a sparkmate. And so you stood up and walked in front of him. He watched you as you set your cervo on his larger one.

”What’s the matter Megatronus? Is it about a meeting?” His other cervo moved to rest on your back as his eye optics narrowed as he stared down at you.

”No…sweetspark….Just…mm…It doesn’t matter..How is your scar?”

”It doesn’t sting just hurts. I’ll be feeling it for a good while as time passes.” You smiled up at him. His optics seemed to have softened as looked more relaxed as he stared down at you. He then leaned his helm lower to you as he whispered.

”Take my mask off.” His helm was closer to you. You understood. Slowly nodding as you take off his mask. Holding it to the side just in case next to his helm. Your helm leaning up closer to his as both of your dermas connect.

You both closed your optics as the kiss was passionate. Both of your cervos holding his mask as his cervo remains on your back. You exchanged a few more kisses. Damn this felt….so right. You both heard nothing else but your dermas connecting. But the moment is then interrupted by Sentinel calling for Megatronus through the comms. Megatronus groaned before answering as he leaned back.

”A moment Sweetspark.” He answered the comm with the cervo that was once on your back. You put his mask in the cervo that you had your own on before.

He put the mask on as he spoke. Seems Sentinel needs him for the next meeting. The comm ends and he looked back down at you. “I’m sorry sweetspark. I am needed for my next meeting. I shall see you tonight?” You slowly nodded. A bit….sad.

He gently held you chin before standing. “I’ll comm you when I wish to see you. Until then..”

”Until then Megatronus.

He walked out and you were alone. You looked around and laserhawk was no where to be seen. And so you walked out the same door to see if some of the other seekers were hanging out at the lounge area. But as you walked and pass by many others who waved at you. You eventually bumped into Sentinel again.

———————————————————————————

”Oh Sentinel. Didn’t think I’d see you before the day ended. Shouldn’t you be in the Primes meeting?’ You looked at him as he grumbled and started walking. “Follow me.”

You did. As he spoke you both walked into the break room. He seemed disgusted being in there. “The primes said they must speak amongst themselves. This meeting is about a bigger deal and change in the world and how they don’t need me for this meeting. It’s for ‘the best’ can you believe that?” he groaned. As he ate his energon with an angry expression. You remained quiet for a moment. Then you gently pat his shoulder and speak as he stared down at his energon before glancing at you.

”Hey if you keep complaining. You’ll distract yourself and how will you become a Prime hm?” He looked at you. “You really do have faith in me being a Prime don’t you.”

”Of course I do. I’ve seen you training before and I must say. I’m pretty intimated. And if you do become a prime. then you just give me and the others lower then you hope that he can continue to do better for our planet.” You smiled. You weren’t lying as you stared at him. You then took your cervo off his shoulder. The spot felt cold once your cervo left. You started eating your own energon and he just stared at you for a moment…..He was deep in thought as he continued to eat his too..

He’s later called by one of the primes for a smaller meeting. He only groaned and stood up. He’s a little more cheery as he speaks once more. “Well I must get going. Always enjoy our little chats.”

His cervos resting on your shoulders now. “Until then..Friend.” You were confused. As he left without another word. You stayed there and looked down at your cervos. What is going on with today? Starscream. Then that weird moment with Soundwave. Sentinel you wouldn’t say…..maybe it’s just you being exhausted. Some time after You got up and went to the lounge to hang out with the other high guards. Before you knew it. It was much later. Already the whole day went by. You then get the comm from Megatronus. It was time for you to go see him.

———————————————————————————

As you made your way, you saw Sentinel headed in the same direction. He seemed to be holding different data pads and you ran to stand next to him. “Hey Sentinel shouldn’t you be heading home.” He groans.

”I have been called by Zeta prime to get some things down. I’d much rather be at home recharging than dealing with this. What about you?”

”Oh I like to walk around even when I’m not doing the patrols for the night. Mind if I walk with you until you get to the primes room?” You both walked closer to the other primes quarters. “I Suppose.” He grinned.

As you both continued to walk. You both heard Megatronus and Solus. “Ugh, those two are always damn arguing now. Happened earlier before the meeting I had before. She always puts Megatronus in a bad mood. You both looked at the two as they just spoke in the hall. Megatronus noticed you and continued to argue with Solus. Sentinel was the one to grab your arm and drag you with him. Megatronus noticed. As you two continued you both got to Zeta primes quarters. Megatronus and Solus were far away from the other hall so they can’t hear and see you.

Sentinel then looked at you. His cervo remained holding your wrist as you looked at him. He then spoke “Well my dear it was nice walking with you. Now remember. Those twos business ain’t ours. How about tomorrow me and you grab dinner? As coworkers?” He whispered as he looked down at you.

But then Zetas steps can be heard. Sentinel then gets an idea. As the door is about to open, he pulled you closer. His dermas connecting with yours as the doors open. Zeta stood ther confused and silent until Sentinel pulled away and spoke “Oh sorry about that Zeta. Just couldn’t help myself. I’ll see you later m dear.” He walked in to Zetas room as Zeta stayed quiet then closed the door. You stood there confused and shocked. Did he just….no…..But why would he…..Oh Primus…..

You stood there for only a moment more before turning back to Megatronus room. Hopefully they were done….

What should you do? Should you tell Megatronus…You thought yesterday was a crazy day full of events…..Primus you’re really in a deep hole aren’t you? Alright just try to night panick and keep your cool. When you turned the corner. You were hit with an…uncomfortable image. Solus had pulled Megatronus down. Removing his mask as their dermas touched. Megatronus looked shocked and as you hid behind the wall in the corner. Megatronus slapped her away. “How dare you put your own hands on me! I told you I’m done.. Never do that again!” Solus stared at him as she wasn’t that phased by hit. She then shook her cervos and left from there. Heading into her own quarters. You watched as megatronus stood up. Putting his mask back on.

You slowly made you way to him. “Megatronus? Are you….alright?”

He looked at you but you didn’t stop walking. He then picked you up and entered his room. The door soon closing behind him. He locked it before then sitting on his berth. He’s trying so hard to stay calm.

”Megatronus-“

”You saw it didn’t you?!” He looked at you. His cervo still around you. “…..Yes….But Megatronus It’s-“

”She-she threw herself at me!” He breathed his cervo shaking. “Megatronus please. I saw everything..” He looked at you.

”Please calm yourself. It’s ok. You…” You tried to think hard

”You chose me…right?” He nodded slowly and seemed to calmed down. Had brought you closer to his chest as he let out a breath. After some time he finally calmed down and looked at you. “Thank you sweetspark.” He removes his mask.

Hs dermas then press against your shoulder, closing his optics. You looked at him and let out a sigh as your cervos gently rest on his cheeks as he continued. “So today is the second day of the courtship?” He lets out a groan and looks at you as he sets you on his lap. “Yes….Disclosure. Why cant these days go any faster.” He grumbles. He then sighs and starts speaking.

Appearntly before your training session today he and on of th other primes told him they’re courting Solus. He rubbed it in his face and that’s why he was so upset. And then during the meeting Megatron just ignored her as she tried to get his attention. And earlier she was trying to ‘explain herself’. To say the least Megatronus had a day of his own. And so after he finished speak. He got to the 2nd day of your courtship. Disclosure. He sighed as he stared down at you.

”I did court her once……..I …also wished to court Prima befor eher but…He rejected me right away. But I promise….” His digit gently holding your chin. “I wont stop courting you..and no matter what..I’ll have you by my side as my Conjunx Endure…I…I truly do love you Y/N….” You felt your get heavy. Why couldn’t the courtship last less? You then gently grabbed the side of his helm and placed a gentle kiss on his dermas. Him returning it. You pull away after a moment.

”I love you too..Megatronus.”

Oh Yeah!! Chapter 3 is finally here! Just 6 more chapters and we can get to the story in the movie. Very excited to give what I got cookin lol. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. As always next chapter will be every Tuesday so next week chapter 4 will come out. Hope you’re all well fed. Have a good rest of your day!

[seraphinitegames]

The Wayhaven Chronicles—Update 24/May/2024 

Well, I should probably start the update by saying that the first demo section will be released tomorrow for the $5+ tiers on Patreon and publicly late next week! :D

It is a short section, only being Chapter One, but a lot of the work went into the behind the scenes and coding stuff, so hopefully it will be running super smooth! It’ll be a good thing to see if this new editing system is working, and also if all that intense work that went into the cleaning code, changing character creator, etc has paid off, hehe!

While I was waiting for the readers’ comments to come back in, I really went hard on Chapter Two this week. This new keyboard has made the world of difference, and I’ve been able to type pretty much back at the speed I was before. It feels soooo good!

I am getting tempted to go back to a bit I’ve already written and add in a Unit Bravo POV section though. It’s not a planned scene, but I think it would really fit in well. It’s just that it’s already quite a linear chapter (A LOT of setting up the story for what’s to come), so I’m not sure about adding in another section where the reader can’t pick a choice.

I’m definitely back and forwards on adding that in at the moment.

There’s something about Book Four that is feeling…different. Not the way it’s written or anything, just, well, I always put everything I am into all my works, but Book Four is drawing even more from me, and I’m pushing myself and digging deeper than ever before to really put my all into it. It’s feeling really special in many ways already!

Next week, I’ll be working on getting all the text and graphic assets Hosted Games needs for putting Book 4 on the Steam wishlist. Seems good timing with the first demo release!

I’ll also be pushing on with Chapter Two. I’m really hoping to get it finished next week. It’s a big one with a lot going on which will really make for an exciting next demo section… ;D

I can’t wait for you to try out the demo! It’s like Book Four is really coming to life now I’m finally getting to share it with you all, hehe! :D

[moonchild9350]

Lavender Fields-Chapter 4: Anger

Summary: you both yearn for each other, but are held back by your positions within the lab. you believe Hyunjin will be there with you for the foreseeable future, but may have to learn that nothing lasts forever.

Pairing: Hyunjin x humanoid!gn!reader

Genre: sci fi au, romance au, angst, fluff

Word Count: 3.0k

Warnings: mention of minor character death, teasing?

Notes: another chapter is here. I loved expanding on Hyunjin’s relationship with our dearly beloved hehe.

If you enjoyed this please consider a like, reblog, or comment ♡

Divider by @cafekitsune

Series Summary: you, a humanoid from a different planet, was born within a lab here on earth in the near future, your days filled with servitude and testing within the labs to learn more about your kind as your kind are not able to feel emotion. you had nothing to look forward to until you met Hyunjin, a technician assigned to you. you learn much at his hands and invaluable lessons, enlightening your once purposeless life.

Please do not copy, modify, use, translate, or repost my work without my permission. ©️moonchild9350 (2024)

Series Masterlist

Prev | Next

Hyunjin opened his file once more, preparing to divulge his secrets.

“Y/n, was successful in their session, showing the capability to learn emotions. However, there is still some push back so I will need more time with them.”

Raoul smirked from his seat. He knew Hyunjin was lying. He had an orderly that he has under him follow Hyunjin, keep tabs on him. He knows that the sessions were more than successful.

He needs to catch Hyunjin in his lie, get him unassigned to you so he could have his little plaything back. Raoul misses the fear that would grace your face as he berated you. It gave him great joy to see something lesser than him to cower in fear.

Yes he called you a something, you’re not a someone to him, none of your kind are.

“Hyunjin,” Raoul said lifting his finger up as if to call attention to himself. “I think you’re missing some things. Like how y/n not only understands emotions, but can express them as well. Let’s not forgot too how you went to their quarters late last night. What was that about I wonder?”

Hyunjin froze in his seat at Raoul’s words. How did he know that? Was he following him? He could feel a thin sheen of sweat form, his shirt feeling a little too sticky for his comfort. His heart felt like it was going to burst out his chest at the thought of this man knowing everything that has occurred between you two.

Hyunjin swallowed and tried to think of an answer, not wanting to divulge the truth.

“Well yes, but it is still unclear the extent of their knowledge. More sessions need to occur before we come to any conclusion.” Hyunjin said.

The others in the room stared at him and a disgruntled look on the chief’s face did not make him feel particularly great.

There was silence throughout the room, no one moved or said anything. Hyunjin wasn’t sure what would happen next, but he knew nothing good was going to come out of this meeting.

“Well, since we need more data, why don’t we run a few more tests before continuing the sessions? We can have Y/n moved to the testing center in the meantime.”

Hyunjin stared at the chief with horror. He could not like that happen. If you truly did go to the testing center, you would come out broken, all hopes of any further sessions gone.

“But sir, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I believe that will only hinder progress.”

“On the contrary, Hyunjin, I believe it will help. We will move y/n tomorrow that is final. I will work with the team to get a protocol in place for testing in the meantime. You are dismissed. “

Dismissed. The meeting is over. Hyunjin closed your file with shaky hands. This isn’t good. He needs to see you, explain to you what is going to happen, apologize before you are moved.

His heart was heavy, his mind a jumbled mess as he exited the room. Everything would have been fine if Raoul hadn’t been there.

Hyunjin sat at his desk and rested his head in his hands. He knew his feelings were getting in the way, but how could they not. Look at you, with your lust for life and to learn, your beauty.

He will visit you later and maybe you won’t hold this against him.

-- --

You started your day off good, feeling better than you have in ages. You’re working again today since you don’t have a session.

You couldn’t believe it, but you’d much rather be with Hyunjin than sorting the clothes for the wash. You’re not sure why you feel this way, your heart soaring at the thought of him.

You caught yourself thinking about him, thinking of his warm eyes and how gentle he is with you. A smile almost graced your face, but you stopped yourself just in time. You’re not sure what would happen if you had actually let it happen.

Last night before bed, you gazed at the necklace perched on your chest, your fingers tracing the edges of the moon pendant and traveling over to the star.

It suited you, the diamonds shining as the light reflected off of them. You had to hide the gift, just as Hyunjin suggested so that way no one would know you had it.

You definitely didn’t want Hyunjin to get in trouble on account of you.

You toiled away, wishing the time to speed up so you could go back to your room. You wandered if Hyunjin would visit you tonight, your lips twitching at the thought.

You didn’t have to wait long as the bell tolled signaling the end of the shift. An orderly escorted you out, guiding you back to your room as always.

Once inside you sat down and picked up your favorite book, deciding to reread it yet again. Time passed as you got lost in the pages, your mind traveling to the faraway land that was being described.

The silence in the room would be deafening for some, but you loved it, sitting in silence. It was comforting to hear your own breath as you breathed evenly, in and out in and out, as your fingers thumbed the pages, the sound of paper rustling as you went to the next page.

You could occasionally hear someone walk by your room, their voice muffled as they continued down the hall.

You’re not sure how much time passed, as there was no way to tell time in your room. As you got to your favorite part, there was a knock on the door and the sound of the door unlocking.

You looked up to see who it was as you held your breath. You let it out as you realized it was Hyunjin, a big smile gracing your face.

You slammed your book shut and jumped up, running to the man. You wanted to try something you say in the clips from yesterday’s session.

As you approached him, you stopped and placed your hands behind your back. You avoided his gaze as you rocked back and forth on your heels. Deciding to go with it, you closed the gap and wrapped your arms around his torso, resting your head on his chest.

Hyunjin was surprised, not expecting this reaction from you. He cautiously returned the hug, his arms wrapping around your frame. You were warm under his touch, your head fitting perfectly under him. He nuzzled his head gently on yours as he let out a sigh.

Standing there in your embrace made him sad however, his heart aching at the fact he’d have to break the news to you soon. It’s part of the reason he came to see you anyway.

He gave you a squeeze before disentangling your arms from him and holding you at arms length.

“What was that for?” He teased, a soft smile spreading on his face.

You looked up at him, gazing into the eyes you wished to see all day.

“I am happy and saw those people do this in the clip from yesterday and I wanted to try it.”

Hyunjin peered down at you taking in your innocent face, your eyes wide as saucers.

“I’m glad you’re happy y/n. I need to talk with you ok?”

You nodded and walked to your bed, sitting down on your blanket.

Hyunjin sat next to you in silence, his eyes on your mural. He was sad as he took in the beautiful painting, knowing you wouldn’t get to work on it for a while if ever again.

Might as well rip the bandaid off.

“Y/n, you will be moved tomorrow for further testing. I spoke with the higher ups and they want to proceed with this plan.”

You looked at Hyunjin, your head cocked. “Moved? Where will I go?”

Hyunjin couldn’t look at you, couldn’t answer your question. Instead he fiddled with his hands, taking interest in his manicured nails.

You needed to be prepared, Hyunjin thought. You’ve been kept in the dark your whole life. He wants you to be aware of your history, the purpose of this lab, the purpose of your existence on this earth. He owes you that at least.

“What do you know of your birth y/n? Of your purpose?” Hyunjin asked, getting the courage to look at you.

“Nothing,” you answered. What was going on? Hyunjin seemed to be acting strange.

“Well I feel as if you should know. You know where you’re from, the planet Gevora. Your mother and some others were brought here under the pretext of having a better life as it wasn’t so great on your home planet. That was a lie however. They allowed the children, including you to stay with your mothers until the age of five. Then you were taking away to start your training or testing.”

Hyunjin took a deep breath and let it out, as he’s sadness turned to anger.

“The lab, this corporation wants to experiment and test to see if any of your kind has emotions or feelings that can help you integrate into human society. Most of your kind cannot understand and emotion as it wasn’t needed on your home planet. However, you’re different, probably a genetic mutation, a minor change in your DNA that has allowed you to comprehend these complex emotions and express them. Since you are so different, they are ecstatic and want to keep you here. They won’t let you go. I just know it.”

You watched as Hyunjin balled up his fists, his face scrunched up as he breathed rapidly. You recognized this, seeing the reaction on Raoul’s face more times than you can count.

You started to scoot away before Hyunjin gently stopped you.

“Don’t…I’m sorry y/n,” he said, his eyes searching yours for any discomfort.

You stopped moving and looked at Hyunjin. Is what he said really true? Was your mother forcibly taken from your home planet? Lied to by humans?

You felt heat raise to your face, little red spots forming in your vision. You felt tense, your muscles contracting as your mind wandered.

You wanted to ask Hyunjin one thing and one thing only.

“What happened to my mother?”

Hyunjin was silent for a moment. “She died shortly after you were taken away.”

You could sense something else Hyunjin wasn’t telling you. You could tell something was wrong.

“What are they going to do to me?” You asked cautiously, not sure you want to hear the answer.

“You’ll probably go through a series of tests. What exactly those tests are I’m not sure. You most likely won’t be living like how you are now. It’ll be pretty miserable. It’s just not right! It’s not!” Hyunjin exclaimed.

He stood up abruptly and paced the floor, mumbling under his breath. There was nothing he could do. There’s nothing. Nothing.

He feels useless, a failure. He’s supposed to further advance research, not torture and lie to others.

“Hyunjin…what’s wrong?” You asked, your eyes following him as he paced your room.

“I'm sorry…I'm just, ugh so angry! This shouldn’t be happening!”

You were taken aback at his screams, your heart beating so hard you could hear it in your head, the constant thump thump loud in your ears.

“Angry? I don’t understand.”

Hyunjin stopped pacing and turned to look at you. His facial features softening as he took in your concern.

He rushed to your side and sat down, placing his hand on your thigh.

“It’s another emotion y/n. It’s a feeling of being tense, maybe speechless. You may want to scream, shout, needing to get the energy out.”

You considered his words, taking in the explanation. “I think I’m angry Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin nodded at your confession, his eyes roaming your face. You did seem more flush than usual, your muscles tense. He’s once more amazed at how quickly you can grasp such a complex emotion in such a short time frame.

“It’ll be okay Y/n... okay? I’ll try and come see you. Maybe help out, that way you’ll see a friendly face.”

Hyunjin caught your eyes, making sure you were grasping what he was saying.

“Ok,” you whispered, your hand going to your necklace automatically.

Hyunjin smiled that you were wearing the necklace he gave you.

“I’m so happy you’re wearing my gift I gave you. But make sure to hide it well before they come get you tomorrow ok?”

You nodded your head and smiled. You knew things would be okay. Hyunjin was looking out for you after all.

“What were you doing before I came in?” Hyunjin asked.

You picked up your book and showed him the cover. “I was reading. It’s one of my favorite books.”

Hyunjin carefully took the book from you and looked through it. It seemed to be right up your alley full of adventure.

He didn’t want to leave just yet. He had some time. “Can you read it for me?”

You were shocked that he wanted to listen to you read. You were excited at the prospect of Hyunjin staying here with you, so you took the book and opened it up.

You began to read, your soft voice echoing throughout the room. You settled into the pillows, your body relaxing with each passing second.

Hyunjin is seated at the foot of your bed, his back resting against the wall. He’s turned slightly towards you, so he can watch, not wanting to waste another moment not looking at you.

He was captivated as you read to him, your focus on the book in front of you. He could tell you had visited this story many times as you knew it by heart, your expressions matching whatever scene was playing out.

He loved the sound of your voice, so soft and sweet, that he felt his eyes droop, exhaustion taking over.

It would be okay to close his eyes right? Here tucked away in your room, away from demands and responsibilities. Here where he can listen to your voice.

Yeah, he’d be alright. He slowly drifted off to sleep, his ears listening to your story until he fell into a deep sleep.

At some point during your story, you looked up and noticed Hyunjin asleep, his head tucked into his chin. You felt your heart skip a beat at the fact that he was asleep here in your room and on your bed no less.

You carefully closed your book and set it down. Grabbing one of your blankets, you draped it over him and gently laid him down, his hair splayed across your sheets.

Satisfied, you got and quickly changed, making sure Hyunjin was still asleep first. Once dressed for bed, you slid under the sheets and snuggled under.

You felt tired but comfortable, since Hyunjin was here. You didn’t understand this feeling, but you were happy nonetheless.

Closing your eyes, you drifted off to sleep. The two of you slept soundly and completely comfortable, your heads filled with soft dreams.

-- --

“Hyunjin! Hyunjin!”

Hyunjin could hear his name as someone was shouting it. He thought he was dreaming, that is until he heard it again.

“Hyunjin!”

He sat upright, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He looked around, forgetting where he was at first. Once he realized he had fallen asleep in your room, he jumped up, as panic took over.

Looking up, he saw not only a few orderlies, but the chief too.

Shit. He’s really fucked up now. He looked over and saw you cowering in the corner of your bed , your blankets pulled over your body.

“Why are you in here?” The chief demanded. “We needed you to finalize the plans for tomorrow but you were nowhere to be found. Instead we find you here…with…with them.”

He said the last word with malice, disgust clear on his face.

“You’ve proven you’re too close in this case. Hyunjin as of now, you are no longer y/n's technician. Leave immediately.”

Hyunjin was devastated at the chief’s words, his worst nightmare coming true. Hyunjin has known you for so long and even though you just physically met, he feels fond of you.

He looks at you once more, trying to convey his apology through his eyes before getting up and dragging himself out of the door. The chief follows closely behind followed by the orderlies.

The door shuts with a sort of finality, like the worst is yet to come.

You stare at the place where Hyunjin was lying, the imprint from his body still present on your blankets. You reached a hand to touch the spot, the area still warm.

You became tense again, your eyes narrowed as your breathing increased.

Anger. That’s what Hyunjin called this. You were angry, your brief period of happiness gone.

You were angry that the lab took your family from its home. That they took you away from your mother, that you couldn’t say goodbye.

You were angry that you spent so many years kept in the dark, shielded from anything that could lead to your advancement and benefit you in this world.

You were angry that the lab forced Hyunjin to partake in this project.

You were angry.

You were furious.

You were….

As you sat on your bed, your fingers playing with the fringe of your blanket, your heart felt heavy, the ache spreading as you continued to think of how Hyunjin was gone.

You might not ever see him again and that was a thought you couldn’t bear. You were frustrated, not understanding why you felt this way. You wished you could have asked him about this before he left.

You sat on your bed the rest of the night, as you stared blankly ahead. You didn’t dare move, only sit there quietly as you felt a fire rush through you.

You let the anger boil over until your hands were shaking, until your eyes filled with tears again.

You didn’t know what to do. What to say. All you knew is you wanted Hyunjin, needed him.

You needed him to tell you everything would be okay.

And as the morning hours came and more movement was heard on the other side of your door, you continued to sit, staring straight ahead as the little happiness you had faded away.

Taglist: @jehhskz @jeonginsleftcheek @simpforleeknaur @armystay89 @palindrome969 @slut4hee @ivydoesit23 @amarecerasus @kaysungshine @fun-fanfics @baby-stay92 @velvetmoonlght @possum-playground @katsukis1wife @my-neurodivergent-world @hanniebaeee

[pessimisticoptimistsblog]

A/N – This chapter practically wrote itself! Hopefully I’m back in my groove a bit and can get another one out by Friday!

CW: language and angst Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Chapter 7

Hotel

Lucifer walked into his kitchen the next day to see Caelwen at the stove cooking what smelled like bacon. As she flipped pieces in the pan, he could see her wings fluttering slightly. The lack of recent use after having finally learned the muscles probably left them achy and sore. Now that they had broken the seal on her soul, though, Lucifer was excited to focus on teaching her how to fly.

Finally acknowledging the presence behind her, Caelwen turned her head to see Lucifer with a faraway look on his face. She turned back to pull the last few pieces of meat from the pan and turn the stove off. The Nephilim headed towards the kitchen island they’d been eating at for weeks and set the bacon next to the pancakes she had already put out. Caelwen sat and looked expectantly at Lucifer, watching as he finally shook himself out of his daze and came to sit across the island.

“They probably aren’t quite as good as your pancakes, but hopefully you enjoy them!” Caelwen beamed as Lucifer tried one of the sweet disks.

As he chewed, Lucifer looked at Caelwen’s eager grin and smiled to assure her they were good. “They may not be as amazing as mine, but they’re still good. And I can always show you how to make mine tomorrow before we start on flying practice!”

Caelwen’s smile dropped quickly as she looked down and began to push her food around her plate. “I forgot I never got to tell you, I’ll be leaving today. I need to check on my company and I promised Charlie I’d stay at her hotel to personally watch over it to repay her.” Peaking back at Lucifer for his reaction, Caelwen sank into her chair.

Lucifer wasn’t sure how he felt to be honest. He was still coming to terms with the way the Nephilim made him feel and he thought he’d have at least the next few months before extermination to explore those feelings while helping her learn to fly. But maybe some time apart after their week of close proximity followed by a week of him fearing he’d killed her would help him sort through everything without any distractions? Plus, she said she was helping Charlie and he’d do anything if it helped his daughter!

Caelwen interrupted the fallen angel’s thoughts, “I’m sure I can still come here a couple times a week for lessons! If that would be okay, of course. Or you could come to the hotel occasionally, too. Then you’d get to see Charlie, as well!” She was nervous she had upset Lucifer when he hadn’t responded to her at first and hoped her compromise would appeal to him.

Truthfully, she didn’t want to leave, especially to be so close to Alastor. But she had made a deal with Charlie and she had to uphold her end of the bargain. Calewen would love nothing more than to stay here and learn to fly while getting closer to the king of hell. Their kiss was still so fresh in her mind but his reaction to her last night had her wondering if her week of being comatose had changed his feelings.

The two had gone silent, so lost in their own thoughts that when an imp walked into the kitchen they both jumped, forks clattering onto plates. The imp looked between the two in confusion, grabbing a broom and dust pan from the pantry closet before exiting the kitchen. Lucifer and Caelwen stared at the kitchen door then to each other, starting to laugh at the awkwardness of the situation.

“That was so weird!” Caelwen giggled.

Lucifer cleared his throat and tapped his fork on his plate for a moment. “Sooo��� why are uh.. why are you staying at the hotel? Does this have to do with your meeting last week?”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah! One of the demons at the hotel is kind of on a ‘Demons I Won’t Let Near My Hounds’ list. Hehe.. I had been under the impression he was dead, but apparently not. And he was causing some issues with the hounds I had stationed there.” Caelwen rolled her eyes, thoughts of Alastor always annoyed her. And now she’d be under the same roof! She wanted to gag.

Lucifer nodded along with Caelwen’s explanation until a thought struck him. “Why are you guarding the hotel though? I mean, obviously I saw those shark demon-things try to tear it apart, but surely they can protect themselves. Not that I mind having someone look out for Charlie, of course! I love that!” He rushed out before taking a breath. “But I have looked into your company and this just seems like an odd job to take on. Plus, you’re not exactly cheap and Charlie hasn’t asked for an extra money to fund security.”

“Oh, its definitely out of the ordinary for us!” Caelwen chuckled. “Charlie came to me before the last extermination to ask for our help. She thought if we could keep sinners from destroying the hotel and maintain a presence, it might encourage more people to check out redemption. She couldn’t afford my rates, but she was insistent. Asked if I wanted redemption or anything else she could possibly get me. I wanted to meet with you since you were the only possible person that could help me with the seal. Obviously, she got me the meeting and now here we are. I owe both of you my life, this is just how I can start repaying that debt.”

Lucifer was nodding along again but this time his gaze was unfocused and Caelwen couldn’t read him. Inside, Lucifer was spiraling; of course a beautiful woman wouldn’t actually want anything to do with him, she just needed his powers and now she was done with him. He knew it had been too good to be true, fuck he was so stupid!

Caelwen reached across the island and grabbed Lucifer’s hand, squeezing it to bring his attention back to her. “I can practically see the steam coming out of your ears! What’s wrong?” She smiled at him before noticing the frown on his face and it clicked why he had spaced out. “Lucifer, please know this – I may have come to you solely for help breaking that seal, but… I truly wish I could stay longer, just to get to know you. I-“ Caelwen pulled back and sighed searching for the right words. “I’ve never had romantic thoughts or feeling for anyone before. I’ve spent my whole life on the defensive and never gave love a thought. With you, I’ve experienced emotions I never thought I would and in such a short amount of time! I know myself well enough to know this isn’t a fleeting feeling, I truly do care for you in a romantic way.”

Her sincerity was lost on Lucifer who had already convinced himself she was just trying to not anger the king of hell. He should’ve known better than to trust her; even if she wasn’t a sinner, she had spent long enough in hell to pick up their manipulative ways. Caelwen could see he was pulling away emotionally and knew there was nothing else she could say at this point. She gathered their empty plates and put them into the sink before returning to Lucifer’s side.

Hesitantly, Caelwen placed her hand on the fallen angel’s shoulder making him look at her. “I can tell you don’t fully believe me and that’s okay. I truly have come to love spending time with you, you’ve made me so happy. I wouldn’t have cared if we never broke the seal, I still had the chance to meet and fall for an amazing, kind, wonderfully awkward man. And I will always cherish that.” She smiled gently down at Lucifer then turned and walked towards the kitchen door. Stopping before she exited, Caelwen turned togive Lucifer one last smile. “If you ever change your mind or want to talk, you know where I’ll be.” And then she was gone, leaving Lucifer alone with his mess of thoughts, unsure of what or how he was feeling anymore.

~Hound Security Headquarters~

Madame C materialized in front of her building, green eyes stared up at the dark brick and took in the small hole being patched up by a couple hell hounds she didn’t recognize. Shaking her head, the woman walked into the building seeing Rocco at the front desk on guard duty.

“Hey Boss! Good to see you back! Nia told me things got a little spooky with your personal stuff. I’m glad you’re okay. I’ll let Nia know your on your way up, she can catch you up on all the fun stuff we’ve delt with.” Rocco rolled his eyes at the word fun then pressed a button on his computer to alert Nia to a visitor.

Madame C waved at the hell hound, signing her thanks and making her way up the stairs towards the 2nd floor where her office sat. Reaching the doors she spotted Echo leaning against the wall looking annoyed. When he caught sight of his boss, he quickly straightened and moved to open one of the doors. Madame C didn’t miss the almost relieved smile on the hell hound’s face making her wonder what she was walking into.

In the office, Nia sat at the desk with her claws pulling at her fur, the phone on speaker and a familiar voice yelling through the phone.

“-I get that she sends you lot to do the job, but it shouldn’t be this hard to see the woman I’m actually paying to voice my complaints! Like, honestly! That bitch needs to actually run her shit company and not leave it for you mangy mutts to fuck everything up! This is ridiculous-“ Madame C sat across from Nia getting the she wolf’s attention and signing for her to let Velvette know she was there.

“Well actually-“

“No! You’re not going to interrupt me! I’m a paying fucking customer, bitch! And I demand to meet with Madame C and you can’t keep-”

“IM TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT SHE'S HERE!! She just got back into the office! And once I’ve had a chance to catch her up, we’ll set your appointment up and let you know. Goodbye!” Nia growled out before slamming her fist on the phone, effectively shattering it. “Shit. Sorry boss, I didn’t- I just…” Nia groaned and slumped down into the chair.

“I take it the Vees are upset about something, or at least Velvette is?” Madame C let her shadows disappear after she deemed the office sealed and sat facing her assistant.

Nia’s hands rubbed over her face as she groaned again. “Yes! Ugh, I don’t even know what her issue is either, because she says she can only talk to you! Says it’s ‘overlord business’ or some shit. And then, I’m sure you saw it, but some asshole tried to take the building down! Tried to use a cannon or whatever and nearly took out the front wall. Everything was going great, and then literally the last 3 days have sucked so bad! I swear, it was all smooth sailing and- wait… did you talk? Did actual sounds just come from your face?!” Nia had gone from angry and throwing her hands in the air to an excited puppy, grinning and bouncing in her seat while wagging her tail.

Caelwen laughed slightly at her assistant, “Yes, we were able to break the seal and now I’m officially whole. I don’t plan on telling anyone until at least after extermination day though, so let’s keep this quiet?” She smirked as Nia punched the air.

“Fuck yeah! You got it boss, no one knows except us. And Lucifer, obviously, but I’m sure he wouldn’t say anything.”

“Good! Well, catch me up. I’ve got to sort this all out and then head to Charlie’s hotel, got a promise to keep.”

“Trust me, boss, it’s not been anything major. The guy that blew up some of our wall is already dead, he picked the day Celine was managing the desk.” Both women shuddered slightly at the mention of the company’s terrifying head training hound. No hell hound could start working for Madame C until they passed Celine’s boot camp, if they made it through.

“As long as no one was hurt and everything has been handled, then I guess that’s all I need to know about that!” Caelwen laughed.

“Yeah, Celine’s a scary bitch. But no one got hurt and Beelzebub was happy to send over a couple extra guys to patch it up. She’s wanting to meet up soon too, by the way. Discuss numbers, possible expansion, all that kinda stuff. And then obviously Velvette has been trying to meet with you for the past could weeks. Started just before the Overlord meeting and hasn’t let up since.”

Caelwen sat back in her seat, taking in everything Nia told her to decide if the issues could wait the couple months until after extermination day. Or if she’d need to subject her hounds to another day of dealing with the Radio Demon while she ensured her clients were taken care of.

“I guess go ahead and set up a meeting with Velvette for tonight. After I finish with her, I’ll head straight to the hotel and relieve whoever we have there now.”

“Ughh… I wish we didn’t need the income from the Vees, I’d throw them all to the exorcists in a heartbeat.” Nia sighed as she got up from the office chair and headed towards the door. She needed to go downstairs and have Rocco contact Velvette as well as get a new phone.

Madame C covered herself with shadows before the door opened and moved to her normal spot behind the desk. Flipping through the papers on her desk, she was happy to see things had been moving smoothly while she was out.

A few short hours later, Madame C was knocking on the front door of the Hazbin Hotel. Velvette had tried to get Madame C to support the Vees idea of a full assault on the exorcists and was pissed to get turned down, again. So, the shadowed woman was not only annoyed she’d had to listen to Velvette bitch again but now she had to deal with Alastor. And after the way the morning had gone with Lucifer, all she wanted was a drink and sleep.

The door swung open to reveal Charlie herself beaming at the shadow figure on the doorstep. “Ohmygosh!! You’re here! Come in come in! I can’t wait for you to meet everyone!” The blonde was bouncing as she grabbed Madame C’s arm and pulled her into the hotel lobby.

Green eyes tiredly took in the room around her. She vaguely remembered each of the people in front of her but honestly couldn’t care too much for introductions at this point in the night. Madame C leaned up to the princess before she could rope them into a conversation.” I appreciate the hospitality, but I would prefer to speak in private and be shown to where I’ll be staying. It’s been a long day,” she whispered.

Charlie stopped, glancing down at the shadowed form in shock before quickly rebounding and grabbing her girlfriend off the couch. “We’re going to get our new guest settled and we can all do introductions tomorrow. Behave guys!” The blonde pushed Vaggie and Madame C up the stairs and down a hall towards her room. Yanking the two women into the room and closing the door behind all of them, Charlie turned towards Madame C in excitement. “You spoke! That means you and my dad figured it out, right? That’s amaaazing!!”

Made C smiled slightly and looked around the room taking note that the curtains were already drawn for the night. She closed her eyes and placed a barrier on the room, she trusted the two in this room and no others with what she was about to show them.

Once she was sure the room was secured, green eyes opened and looked to the princess. “Yes, we were successful. And because of that and my promise to you, I feel I owe you an explanation for exactly why I needed that meeting. First, I need you both to make me a promise. What I am about to show you and tell you can not leave this room.” Madame C glanced between the two girls in front of her, hoping she could convey the severity of the situation.

Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other in confusion, having an entire conversation with one look. “As long as no one here will get hurt, we can keep your secret,” The princess finally said.

“I can assure you, my secret will not harm anyone here. But if it leaves this room, I can no longer make that guarantee.” When the women in front of Madame C finally nodded, the shadows dropped from around the woman. Before Charlie and Vaggie no longer stood an inky black mass that sort of resembled a person, but a very human looking woman. Messy hair sat in its typical bun with pieces framing her face, and she was dressed in a knee-length black dress. The golden wings on her back, though, made Vaggie’s eyes widen in shock, and Charlie’s face went from shock to excitement.

“You.. have. Wings?! What?! That’s so cool! But wouldn’t that-.. are you? B-but then, why are you in hell? I have so many questions-“ Charlie started to ramble as she jumped around Caelwen to take in the new figure in front of her until Vaggie grabbed her arms to calm her girlfriend down.

“Babe, give her a minute. She’s trying to tell us.”

“Thank you, Vaggie.” Caelwen gave the one-eyed woman a smile, then turned her attention back to Charlie. “I am not an angel, I am known as a Nephilim – half angel, half human. I was… shoved, for lack of a better word, into hell by my heavenly parent and had the angelic half of my soul sealed along with my voice. You’re father was my last hope of breaking that seal as only his power could rival my heavenly parent. Now, I am completely whole, and I owe you and Lucifer my life.” Caelwen paused before adding on, “My name is also Caelwen; Madame C was the name I took when I became an overlord.”

Vaggie fixed Caelwen with a hard look, trying to read the young looking woman before her. “I thought Nephilim were a myth. If you’re truly one of them, who’s your ‘heavenly parent’?”

Charlie perked up next to her girlfriend also curious to know the answer. Caelwen let out a sigh and looked away from the questioning eyes in front of her, unsure if she should divulge this piece of her life. But she had trusted Lucifer and even Nia, surely she could trust Lucifer’s daughter, right?

“You must promise this never leaves here. I will force a deal if I must to keep your silence. Are we clear?” The Nephilim woman looked between Vaggie and Charlie, the blonde reaching out her hand to shake before making her girlfriend do the same. Caelwen grasped each of theirs hands, not sealing their promise with magic but to show she appreciated the sincerity. The brunette took a shaky breath, clasping her hands together to steel her nerves, knowing the two in front of her may not react well. “My father is Adam.”

Silence blanketed the room, Charlie and Vaggie blinking owlishly at Caelwen having never expected the name the brunette uttered. Vaggie was the first to respond, with an incredulous “That’s a joke, right?” Caelwen shook her head with a frown on her face.

Charlie finally broke out in nervous laughter as she flipped onto her bed and put her hands in her hair. “You’re the daughter of The Adam? I have the daughter of that asshole protecting the hotel? I sent you to my dad?” The blonde paused before her eyes darted to Caelwen. “Did you tell my dad? Does he know too?!”

Caelwen knelt in front of Charlie , grabbed one of the blonde’s hands in both of her own and looked into her eyes. “Your father was the first person I’ve ever told about all of that. He actually knows even more than you do, I just felt you and Vaggie deserved at least the basics. Lucifer was very aware of my lineage, he wouldn’t even agree to help until I told him everything. I promise, I know what my father has done, but I am not him nor will I ever be. You can ask the sinners in your hotel, I don’t even own any souls and have never tried to!” Caelwen finished with a smile looking from Charlie and Vaggie, who now had a hand on the blonde’s shoulder.

Charlie’s shoulders sagged with relief. “I’m sorry I freaked out for a second there, I just… Adam has done so much to hurt so many of my people, I got kinda scared I might’ve invited that here. To the hotel. But if my dad was willing to trust and help you, knowing everything with his and Adam’s history, then I’m sure we can trust you.” Charlie squeezed both girls’ hands with a small smile on her face.

Caelwen released the blonde and stood. “Well then, as long as we all agree that this stays in this room, I would love to know where I’ll be sleeping. Today has felt never-ending.”

Seeing the brunette’s obvious exhaustion, Charlie jumped up excited to show Caelwen to the room she’d picked out for her. Caelwen paused before they got to the door and covered herself in shadows, and dropped the barrier she had put up.

Once she was settled in a room far away from Alastor’s, Charlie had remembered the woman’s distaste for the radio demon, Caelwen sat on the bed. It wasn’t quite a comfy as Lucifer’s, unfortunately. And the blonde haired man wasn’t going to pop in in the morning to drag her down to breakfast. She wasn’t even sure if Lucifer would visit or want her to come to him; he’d seemed so withdrawn when she’d left this morning. Curling into a tight ball under the covers, Caelwen felt her heart break a little. She’d only just begun to learn what it felt like to be in love, and she’d already lost it.

A/N – Angst! I think? First time writing it, so hopefully, I got it right! Also, I’ve got a couple off-shoot/one shot ideas I’m fleshing out for Lucifer and Caelwen. Once I’ve got at least one more, I’ll make a poll to let you guys vote on which one goes up first! Thank you all for all the love on this series so far!

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@leximus98

[dyscanthe]

Butler's Christmas 2024

Chapter 1: A Promise to Berrien

This is a rough translation of the story. You may encounter minor errors on the way, please be understanding and considerate (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠) With that being said, enjoy reading!

[ One day as Christmas is approaching, I promised Berrien that we’d go out. However, the night before our promised outing… I got sick and was resting in bed.]

knock knock

[ Come in.]

Berrien: Excuse me Arujisama, I brought a replacement towel.

[ …Thank you… Berrien. ]

Berrien: How are you feeling? If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to take your temperature.

[ Alright. ]

Berrien: Hmm… still feverish. Let’s replace the towel on your forehead. It should cool you down and make things a little easier. How about this? Does it feel cool and comfortable?

[ Mhm. ]

Berrien: And here’s another one.

[ Is this a snow globe? ]

Berrien: It’s beautiful isn’t it? It’s my favorite. I brought it in hopes that it would be healing for you, Arujisama.

Berrien: Hehe, it also feels like Christmas.

[ Thank you… for everything… ]

Berrien: Oh? You seem to be more absent-minded than before Arujisama. Are you, by any chance, not feeling well?

[ No.. ]

Berrien: Eh? Is it something else?

[ My promise for tomorrow… I’m really sorry. ]

Berrien: Ah, so that’s what you meant. Yes, I’ve been looking forward to tomorrow’s outing for a long time. But all I can think about right now is for Arujisama to heal quickly. I pray that you think the same way I do. It’s okay, If you can always go out again when you’re feeling better.

[ … Mhm. ]

Berrien: Now then it’s time to rest Arujisama. I too will take a good rest tonight. When you feel better, let’s go out together again.

[ Sorry.. ]

Berrien: It’s alright, there’s more chances next time. For now, just worry about your condition.

[ Did I make you feel disappointed? ]

Berrien; Huh? No no, in fact it’s the other way around now.

[ Other way? ]

Berrien: Arujisama cares about me and the East, that’s what your voice and expression looks like. I feel it and I’m filled with joy. Does this mean that you want to spend more time with me?

[ Having said that, Berrien looks at me with a smile on his face. There’s only one answer… my embarrassment wins and it’s hard to say it. I felt my face get even hotter. ]

Berrien: Huh, a shy Arujisama is also adorable.

[… Don’t say anything.. ]

Berrien: Excuse me, it seems that I got a little carried away.

[ I want to apologize for something. ]

Berrien: Apology?

[ The reason why I couldn’t protect the East. ]

Berrien: I see.

Berrien: Oh, can I ask you for a gift?

[ A present? ]

Berrien: Yes. The one thing I want right now is a present—The smile of the Lord who is in good health.

[ Berrien… ]

Berrien: Do you feel more energetic than before now, Arujisama? Now then until you fall asleep, I will be here right with you. If there’s anything you want, please let me know.

[ Okay.. hold my hand. ]

Berrien: Of course, with pleasure.

[ I close my eyes as Berrien squeezed my hand. Then, he called out in a gentle voice. ]

Berrien: Here we go, I’m here. There’s nothing to worry about Arujisama. Take a deep breath and… exhale. Concentrate on your breathing… hoo… I’m getting sleepy…

[ Eventually in a quiet peace of the night, I was gently lured into the world of slumber. ]

Berrien: Have you fallen asleep yet? But just a little bit more, I’ll hold your hand. Holding hands with someone important to me, I feel relieved.

bell toll ringing

Berrien; Oh it looks like the date has changed. As Christmas approaches, I feel fidgety. I want to spend Christmas day with Arujisama… How selfish is that? Hehe, I pray that you will have a pleasant dream.

[levi-venn]

The First Toothpick

Chapter Four: A Little Juicy Gossip

Gen Fic - Mentor/Protege

Summary: Cad Bane teaches Crosshair how to be a sniper. The kid picks up some other habits as a result.

Chapter Summary: Crosshair meets Todo 360 who does not know how to keep a secret.

Chapters: Ch 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch7 | Ch8 | Ch9 |

Available also on AO3

“Great callouts, Hunter! You’re a natural leader. Wrecker, we’re gonna need stronger droids to handle your strength. Tech, you sliced those panels in record time! Now let's see," The lieutenant looked at his datapad, scrolling through the rest of the data. 

Crosshair waited for his turn.

The lieutenant kept scrolling, frown deepening.

A brotherly hand squeezed Crosshair's shoulder. He pushed it away. He didn’t need comfort. He needed feedback.

“Alright, pack it up, soldiers,” the lieutenant said, tucking his datapad away. “The final test of the quarter is tomorrow.” 

“Hey, wait,” Hunter said. “What about-”

Crosshair's elbow found Hunter's ribs, chasing the question away.

“Is there a problem, soldier?” The lieutenant asked, raising an imperious brow.

Hunter clutched his side. “No, sir.”

The lieutenant left.

Crosshair would have left too if not for his brothers surrounding him, blocking his escape. 

“You did great , Crosshair,” Hunter insisted. 

“You hit every single mark flawlessly,” Tech observed.

“Yeah! You’re wizard!” Wrecker shouted.

Molten anger heated Crosshair's cheeks. “It doesn’t matter what you think,” he hissed. “The lieutenant’s opinion is all that matters. They are going to retire me.”

“I won’t let that happen,” Hunter said.

“It’s not up to you, Hunter,” Crosshair said. 

“Bugger this,” Hunter sighed and grabbed Crosshair’s wrist, tugging him towards a nearby ventilation grate. "Recon time. C’mon.”

Crosshair thought about kicking him, but...the recon may prove useful.

“Aww, recon?! I wanna come, too!” Wrecker whined.

“This mission requires more stealth than you are trained to handle, Wrecker” Tech indicated. “Also your size would break the air vent.”

“Hehe, yeah, I’m a real tank,” Wrecker grinned, proudly.

Hunter hoisted Crosshair up into the air ventilation tunnel before leaping up behind him.  The tunnel ran in a dozen different directions like a many-armed rapthar, each path identical to the next. Hunter always knew instinctively where to go. It didn’t take long before they found the vent overlooking the lieutenant’s office.

There was another clone in the office with him. 

No...not a clone...

“Is that Fett?” Hunter whispered. “Last time Fett was here, they took Radar away.”

“I know,” Crosshair snarled quietly.

“Oh yeah,” the Lieutenant snickered below, taking his seat at his desk. “He's the best in the facility.” 

“Cut the sarcasm, Pynk,” Fett leaned against the wall, arms folded across his chest. “We need a sniper in this squad.” 

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good sniper, but we train good snipers every day. This squad needs someone extraordinary and he isn’t. It’ll save a lot of time and energy to just retire him and pick up a normal sniper for the team.”

A normal sniper…

Crosshair had heard enough. He shoved Hunter down the tunnel and followed him, angrily wiping his blurry, wet eyes as they went.

“Are they gonna retire Crosshair?” Wrecker whispered loudly to Tech as Crosshair climbed out of the vent.

“They will have to retire me first,” Tech said, adjusting his goggles, not bothering to lower his voice. “I won’t let them take him.”

“Yeah,” Wrecker slammed his fists together, “me neither.”

He ignored them both. He made a point to ignore them both. They were all idiots, thinking they could change anything by just wishing it wouldn't happen.

And Crosshair was an idiot for daring to think he could be extraordinary.

The next day, Crosshair earned the nickname “Misfire.”

Not long after that the bounty hunter, Cad Bane, took him away.

***

Crosshair couldn’t sleep.

The room was too quiet without Wrecker’s chest-rattling snores, too dark without the faint glow of Tech coding on his datapad, and even though Hunter was practically a ghost at night even when awake, Crosshair missed him, too.

Facing the fact sleep wasn’t going to find him, Crosshair slung his rifle over his shoulder, tip-toed down the hall past Bane's room, slid down the bannister, avoiding the creaky stairs altogether, and slipped soundlessly out the front door. The weather-beaten porch was barely held together by whatever rusted nails poked out of the cracked wood. He kept his steps light, but each footfall he could feel the threat of a creak beneath his boots. He leapt over the stairs entirely and landed in the dark soil with little more than a quiet squelch.

The moon was a meager sliver in the sky that didn't do much to illuminate the wheat field, but the way it moved in the wind reminded Crosshair of the black waves of a rarely calm nighttime Kaminoan sea. 

“Goin’ somewhere?”

Crosshair hadn't heard anyone approach. How was this possible? And yet, as he turned, he found that Bane had been sitting in a rocking chair in the darkest corner of the porch, only his red eyes, half-moons obscured by the brim of his hat, could be seen.

Crosshair refused to be rattled. He planted his feet firmly in the soil and and puffed up his narrow chest. “I’m going to scout the perimeter.”

“Got sensors for that, kid” Bane replied. “Ain’t a soul out there except for us n’ the Fabools.”

“Then I’ll go check on the Fabools.”

“You don’t gotta worry about them until tomorrow mornin’. Todo will show ya what to do.”

Crosshair had no response. Wrecker's clumsy question floated in his head.

Are they gonna retire Crosshair?”

He needed to do this. He needed to do...something.

Bane’s head tilted slightly.  “What?”

Crosshair didn’t respond.

I don’t want to be retired. I want to live… at least long enough to fight a real battle with Tech.

Bane let out a strained growled, his spurs jingling as his boots landed heavily on the porch. In the darkness his scarlet eyes cast harsh shadows against his scarred face. 

“You n’ me are gonna get along a lot better if ya stop bein’ so fuckin’ timid. You’re a soldier, right? You’re an elite sniper? You’re a tough guy? Then stop bein’ afraid of everything. I’m bein’ paid to train ya, but I may ask Jango for extra cuz I gotta go lookin' for yer spine first before I can teach ya anything.” Rows of sharp teeth gleamed in the dark. “Start talkin’.”

I want to live.

I want to live.

I want to live.

I-

“I…don’t want to be retired.”

The teeth vanished. The eyes dimmed. Bane leaned forward and into the meager moonlight, confusion etched into his scarred face. “What do ya mean ‘retired’?”

“If soldiers don’t meet their lieutenant’s expectations, they’re retired and their data gets erased. Radar and Pintsize were retired last year. No trace of them anywhere. Like they never existed.” Crosshair scrubbed his sweaty palms against his pant legs. He couldn’t stop talking if he wanted to, like trying to fight momentum down a steep hill. “Radar was redundant. Hunter’s tracking skills were sharper than his. Pintsize could barely hold a blaster with his tremors. The lieutenant said I’m not ‘extraordinary’ like the rest of my squad. I dropped my sniper rifle last test. They started calling me-”

The name seized in his mind. Tech’s magnified eyes glaring at him as if he was somehow holding onto the name. 

“That’s not who you are.”

“Jango knows about this? These retirements?”

Crosshair blinked. “What?”

“The retirements. Are they his decision or not?”

“It’s the lieutenant’s decision.” 

Bane rested his elbows on his knees, his unyielding glare boring into Crosshair. “Who’s this lieutenant? What’s his story?”

“A first generation clone. Lieutenant Pynk,” Crosshair thought about how to describe him. “He’s an asshole.”

Bane snorted. “Yeah, I gathered that much. So when you told me you’re the best in the facility that was his sarcasm I was hearing?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “Well, fuck Pynk. We’ll show him what extraordinary looks like.” he extended his hand. “Gimme your rifle.”

Crosshair tightened the grip on his rifle strap. “Why?”

“Oh yer full of questions now, huh?” Bane sneered. “Official inspection, soldier. Give it here.”

With a small hiss of protest, Crosshair handed the rifle over.

Bane gave the rifle a little spin as if testing the weight. He looked through the scope. He ran his fingers over the stock and gave it a good shake.

“No wonder you can’t razzle and dazzle anyone,” Bane snickered. “This here’s a piece of bantha poodoo .”

“There’s nothing wrong with my rifle.” Crosshair said. “I clean it everyday. I calibrated it this morning. It’s fine.”

“Yeah?” Bane tossed the rifle back to Crosshair. “Prove it.”

Bane stood up, reminding Crosshair just how tall the Duros was compared to him. He was taller than Pynk and somehow that was comforting to know. In one swift movement, Bane hopped over the porch railing and with a crisp snap of his leather duster, he vanished around the side of the house.

Crosshair followed. At first it looked like Bane had simply disappeared, but upon a closer look, the side of the house was covered with a wide wooden trellis far too reinforced to withstand just the weight of creeper vines.  He looked up and saw a brief glimpse of the brim of Bane's hat on the roof. Crosshair slung the rifle over his shoulder and climbed. 

Some of the roof tiles were flatter and smoother than they appeared, leading to an ornamental bell tower half the size of Crosshair and far too small for Bane to fit. Still, Crosshair peeked into the bell tower and found...a short chute leading into a spy holodrama.

It was one part sniper tower, one part high-tech surveillance bowl filled with panels and devices similar to the simulation models Tech ran through to practice slicing communications and monitoring air traffic.

Bane sneered up at him. "C'mon in, kiddo."

“What is this?” Crosshair asked, hoisting himself into the chute and using the short ladder to climb down.

“Crow’s nest, watchtower, sniper tower, reinforced bunker, whatever we need it for. There are a couple of cots under the false floor if we get swarmed and have to lay low for a while.”

“Who would attack us?”

“The local authorities, mercs lookin' to even the score, raiders aimin' to steal the Fabools which can sell for a pretty credit on the black market.” Bane pressed a switch under his seat and the blank wall flipped over to reveal a pair  of LL-30 blaster pistols and a 773 Firepuncher rifle, the kind Crosshair had only seen in firearms databanks Tech sliced in for him.

Bane grabbed the rifle, charged it up, and checked the scope. “Don’t have to worry about any of that tonight though. Tonight, we’re doin’ some target practice...”

He dialed something into the control panel. A long opening slid 280 degrees around the tower at Crosshair’s eye-level, no taller than his fist, yet a screen flickered around the opening to reveal a holographic image of the surrounding area. 

“I can see everything,” he said.

“That’s the idea,” Bane replied. “Watch the field.” 

He flicked another switch and a blue light shimmered over the wheat field as the security shield went down. 

The grass started to quiver almost immediately. 

“What’s out there?” Crosshair asked, sliding the barrel of his rifle through the opening and peering through the scope. 

“Stalker lizards,” Bane said. “Lookin’ for a free meal inside that Fabool enclosure. Tell me what ya see.”

Crosshair toggled the heat sensor display on and off, watching the heat signatures from the lizards and the dark shadows of the landscape. “Lizards about a meter long coming from the southwest.” He scanned the enclosure next, remembering his training. Always check doors, corners, exits, and blindspots.

“We have blindspots.”

“Where’re the blindspots?” Bane asked, clearly a test. 

“South and East walls of the enclosure.”

“Already covered. Look again.”

The heat signatures didn’t change. The landscape didn’t change much either. Crosshair lowered his scope and leaned over the edge of the bell tower as if it would help. “How-”

Bane grabbed his jumpsuit and pulled him back. “Stay in here.” He pushed some monoculars into Crosshair’s hands. “Your little toy scope doesn’t have a range finder, use these.”

“It’s not a toy.”

“It surely is. You wanna be an extraordinary sniper? You gotta grow up n’ use a real sniper rifle. Now quit givin’ me that death glare n’ look at coords 233.32, 33.4.”

Fuming, Crosshair looked through the monoculars. “Coords 233.32, 33.4.” He repeated. 

Crosshair dialed in the coordinates and let the cursor on the display guide his movements.

There were several panels in various parts of the field. Each panel was painted with a shiny yellow number and embedded with silver reflective discs. “Are those mirrors?”

“Tell me which one to shoot.”

“What?”

“Can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but yer askin’ too many questions. Just do it.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes and shifted his scope from mirror to mirror until the caught the reflection of a stalker lizard climbing up the fabric wall of the enclosure.

“Panel two, center.”

A blaster shot rang out, it ricochet off the mirror and the low-power stun blast knocked the lizard off the enclosure, driving it back to the treeline.

“Again.”

Crosshair aligned his vision. Another panel. “Panel three, top left.”

The blaster bolt fired, ricocheted, and hit its target.

“Keep callin’ ‘em,” Cad said. "Faster."

“Six, low right. Four, center. Two, top center. Two, top left, no wait-”

“Two, middle left,” Cad corrected and took the shot. 

“How do you see them without the monoculars?” 

Bane snatched Crosshair’s monoculars and shoved the Firepuncher into his hands. “Built-in rangefinder in the scope. Give it a try.”

Bane’s rifle was heavier than his, but it also felt sturdier and a lot more powerful. He did a quick procedural check of the power cell, the scope angle, and acclimated himself to the weight before sliding the barrel through the opening.  The scope was alive with readings. Rangefinder, coordinates scale, the crosshairs shifted as it looked for moving targets and returned to center when there was nothing. 

“This is cheating,” Crosshair grumbled.

Bane snorted. “No such thing in this business. Besides, you can spend all the fancy credits in the galaxy and it don't make you the best. Yer greatest mod is yer eyes n' yer instincts. Now shut up n’ start firin’. Lizards are startin’ to swarm.”

The heat signatures doubled and Crosshair took shot after shot, chasing the lizards away.

“Good.” Bane said.

Good, but not extraordinary, Crosshair thought.

Two lizards scaled the corner of the enclosure. Crosshair hit the leader and it landed on its follower, scaring both away.

He waited for Bane to praise him. It was an impressive shot.

Bane remained silent.

Another lizard leapt from a panel onto the enclosure wall. He shot one mirror and it ricocheted off another mirror and hit the lizard between the eyes, sending it sprawling backwards before scurrying off. 

That was impressive too. He waited for the Lieutenant...no...he waited for Bane to comment.

Bane said nothing.

“He’s a good sniper…This squad needs someone extraordinary.”

He took another shot. The blaster bolt bounced off the mirror and hit the tail of the lizard. It kept climbing. 

He took another shot. The lizard dropped.

“Sloppy,” Bane said.

Crosshair’s bolt hit the edge of the enclosure, wool sizzled. The Fabools inside bleeted and honked irritably.

“Shit shot.”

“Are they gonna retire Crosshair?” Wrecker asked, eyes wet with tears.

Another miss.

“Worse,” Cad said.

And another.

“Shittier.”

He shot a mirror, it ricocheted into the night.

“Now yer takin’ yer failure out on the mirrors, huh?” Cad snickered. “Try again.”

The rifle felt heavier. Like the hands of a dozen laughing cadets and one unimpressed lieutenant was pushing it down. 

“Look out, here comes Misfire.”

The heat signatures began to multiply through the scope.

“What’re you doing?” Bane asked. “I said try again.”

Shit shot…worse…failure…

The trigger refused to move. 

“Misfire…Misfire…Misfire…”

“Dank farrick,” Bane swore and grabbed the rifle, firing five shots in quick succession. Blaster bolts soared and ricocheted off the mirrors, scaring away the rest of the lizards. He punched the control panel and the blue shimmering shield spread across the wheat field again. “What was that about? You forget how to shoot?”

Crosshair's hand twitched. He didn't move. He stared at the rifle.

“What the hell, kid?”

Crosshair couldn’t feel his fingers.

Hands shaking, he managed to hoist himself out of the bell tower.  By the time he got to the bottom of the trellis he realized he had left his own rifle behind.

Tears blurring his eyes, he raced back to the front of the house, crashing through the door and stomping up the stairs. 

He hid under the covers.

In a bed that wasn’t his.

Without the rifle that he didn’t deserve anyway.

***

The next morning, the house seemed empty. Bane wasn’t downstairs, but breakfast was waiting for Crosshair. A plate of bacon and eggs on a warming plate.

He ate quickly and guzzled the apple juice, politely pushing away the black caf and wondering if it was only there because he knew Fett was never far from a cup of caf.

He wandered outside to the sun sprinkling the wheat field with golden light. It made him squint. Climbing up the trellis, he poked his head in the bell tower. Neither rifle nor Bane was there.

His heart dropped. He felt sick. If Bane confiscated his rifle, then Crosshair was probably heading back home today. He hoped he’d be able to say bye to his brothers before they retired him. Then again, he didn’t get to say bye to Pintsize and Radar.

Climbing back down the trellis, he walked to the Fabool enclosure punching in the code he watched Bane use the day before. The gate swung open and before he could fall into a cuddle pile of Fabools, a stout droid flew directly at him, nearly slamming him against the gate.

“Who are you?!” The droid asked, round, unblinking yellow eyes flashing with suspicion, his thrusters hissing angrily as he floated in front of Crosshair’s face.

Crosshair pushed himself off the gate. “Bane told me to take care of the Fabools with Todo this morning.”

“I am Todo 360,” the droid declared, spindly arms flailing. “Did Mr. Bane order you to spy on me?” 

“No. If I was going to spy on you,” Crosshair said, dryly. “You’d never know it.”

The droid’s three-fingered hand touched his non-existent chin thoughtfully. “Oh. Hmm. That’s…a valid point. Fine, you may stay, but I am in charge here and you will tell Mr. Bane that I am doing a perfectly good job and I don’t need any help.”

“Fine by me.”

“We’ll start with feeding practices!” Todo announced, shooing away the Fabools who seemed to hate the sound of his thrusters. They rolled towards Crosshair and away from the noisy droid. It was hard to worry about retirement when there were a dozen soft, bouncing balloons begging for his attention, and Crosshair decided to enjoy the moment, taking time to pet each one while Todo did all the work. 

“Well, you’re already proving yourself to be an adequate assistant," Todo said, cleaning the water trough. "It takes me three times longer to fill their troughs when they try to bully me into their cuddle piles.” Todo floated towards the hose and dragged it across the enclosure, straining between words. “Your...reaction...to them...is...far…different…from…Mr. Bane’s…first…interaction.”

“What do you mean?” Crosshair asked.

“Oh, Mr. Bane was terrified of the Fabools when Fett brought him here. Practically climbed up on the fence to get away from them. He was scared of a lot of things back then though.”

Crosshair’s jaw dropped into his lap. “Bane? Cad Bane?”

“Well he wasn’t Mr. Bane back then. Just Cad. He hadn’t chosen a surname. Some Duros culture thing. I never understood it.”

“How long have you known Bane?”

“Many, many years.”

Crosshair cupped a Fabool chick in his hands and pressed it against his cheek. It snuffled at him, inquisitively. “Why was he afraid of the Fabools?”

“He full of paranoia when we met him,” Todo said, lightly. “Just distrustful of everything, in general.”

"But..." Crosshair stared dumbfounded at Todo. “How did he get so…”

“...so very 'Bane' ?” Todo asked.

“Yes.”

Todo held up an authoritative finger. “By eating his vegetables, little boy,” Todo hummed and floated towards the food sacks.

Crosshair rolled his eyes. “What else do you know about Bane?”

“Oh, I know lots about him. I’ve known him for a very long time. I’m his most trusted confidant. I am sworn to secrecy though so I couldn't possibly share anything with you.”

Considering how much Crosshair learned about Bane in the thirty seconds he knew Todo he decided to just nod. “Okay.”

“But…” Todo floated forward, hands rubbing together conspiratorially. “...I do have a few juicy tidbits I could share if you’re interested.”

Crosshair made a mental note to never tell Todo 360 anything about himself. “Sure.”

“Oh goodie! It’s so rare I find someone to gossip with that aren’t Fabools. Bossk and Aurra tell Mr. Bane everything .”

Crosshair scooted forward, setting the chick down on the ground only to have two fabools bounce into his lap and a third bounce against his back. Somehow all of the Fabools reminded him of Wrecker, only cuter and less annoying. “What else do you know?”

“Hmm…oh! Here's something. He didn’t know how to use a blaster when he met Mr. Fett. Mr. Fett taught him everything he knew about being a mercenary.”

“I figured that much.”

“But did you know that Mr. Fett and Mr. Bane engaged in a bar fight before Mr. Fett left for his secret project?”

“Why?”

“Is it not obvious? Mr. Bane idolized Mr. Fett, followed him around like a fabool chick bounces after a feed bag. When Mr. Fett left mercenary work, he left Mr. Bane behind. Mr. Bane took it very personally, but I think it was the best thing that ever happened to him.”

“Why?” Crosshair pressed.

“Because that is when Mr. Bane found that cool confidence in himself. Mr. Fett was always there to lift him up, reward his victories, and tutor his failings. Mr. Bane had to figure out how to exist without Mr. Fett and it was then I noticed that confidence grow like a hmm…like a cactus blossom! He went from Mr. Fett’s shadow to being quite the opposing figure himself.”

Crosshair sat quietly, absorbing this fact. It was hard to imagine the Bane today cowering from Fabools or needing help from anyone.

Or starving for someone else's approval.

When he thought of Bane, he thought of the easy stance, arms relaxed and thumbs hanging over his belt buckle, a toothpick casually moving between his teeth, round eyes behind hooded lids that could see through a person with more accuracy than a scope. That nonchalant drawl, the cheeky turn of phrase, unrattled, and prickly.  

All the things Crosshair wanted to be. 

“Has Bane ever had an apprentice before?”

“Not to my knowledge. Mr. Fett’s request is unusual, but Bane would do anything for-”

“Kid, get up.”

Crosshair startled, whipping his head back to find Bane leaning against the wall, arms folded, toothpick rolling lazily in his teeth. How long had he been in the enclosure? A Fabool snuffled at his boot, lost interest than bounce against Crosshair's head.

“Come with me.” Bane left the enclosure without another word.

Crosshair didn’t move at first. Not because he was covered in Fabools, but because he knew this was the end.

Retirement…

He’d finally find out what happened to Pintsize and Radar.

“Nice to meet you, Todo,” he said, standing up and gently rolling the fabools away who happily bounded towards the droid.

“Oh! Well nice to meet you too, um… ‘Kid’.”

“Sit down,” Bane said, pointing to the rocking chair on the porch before going into the house.

Crosshair sank onto the flower-patterned cushioned seat, trying and failing to rest his boots on the railing. It was too far away. He sighed and drew his legs up, hugging his knees. He watched the skies for a ship to come and pick him up. 

Bane came out a few minutes later and sat in the other rocking chair, boots landing with a jingle of his spurs on the railing. Crosshair’s rifle was in his hands. It took all of Crosshair’s self-control not to lunge for it, hug it, and promise he would never abandon it again.

He hugged his knees tighter.

“Doesn’t take a genius to know why you ran out last night,” Bane began, tilting his hat up to look Crosshair in the eyes. “You crave praise like a dying man thirstin’ of jocola . I don’t reckon you get a lot of positive reinforcement at the facility n’ ya know what? Tough shit. The sooner ya realize the galaxy ain’t gonna give ya validation is the day ya actually become the extraordinary sniper I know ya can be.

“This is the last and only time I’m gonna say this," Bane continued. "Yer real fuckin’ good, and yer gonna be the best. I ain't ever wrong about shit like this. Now...you hold onto that praise because after this conversation, I ain’t gonna be nice to ya anymore. Yer gonna get pushed n' pushed hard, yer gonna get shaken, and I’m gonna do everythin’ I can to get ya past this bullshit worry about what everyone else thinks. Maybe you’ll hate me, hell ya might even shoot me in the back, but it’ll be worth it because it’s gonna send ya past that kraytshit extraordinary standard Pynk’s got for ya.”

Bane offered the rifle back to Crosshair. “I promise, by the time ya get back home, yer gonna be tougher than a reek’s horn n’ twice as deadly.”

The moment Crosshair’s fingers touched his rifle, he knew it was augmented. It felt like a Firepunch. Better scope, heavier stock, a weapon for a real sniper. He peered through the scope. 

“Whoa,” Crosshair murmured, scanning the field with his scope, toggling between more scanners than he knew existed. “Wizard.”

“Listen kid, in this galaxy there’ll be plenty of people tryin’ to put you down, break your spirit, break your bones. Only person you gotta trust is yourself. Yer all ya need, you understand me?”

Crosshair realized it was a lesson Bane had to learn when Jango left for Kamino. It would be a lesson Crosshair would carry with him the rest of his life.

Even if Bane was hired to train him, to be this mentor, it meant something to Crosshair. "Understood."

“Go clean up. Food’s in an hour. Beef stew minus the carrots. After that you start yer real trainin’. Deal?”

Crosshair hopped up, slinging his rifle over his shoulder. “Deal.”

“One more thing, kid.”

“Yeah?”

“What did you and Todo talk about this morning?”

Crosshair didn’t bother lying. “You.”

Bane growled quietly. “That gossiping little shit. What did he say?”

Though Crosshair didn’t intend to lie, he also didn’t feel like ratting Todo out. So he was honest about the thing that mattered most. 

“He said you’re better off without Fett around.” 

The words seemed to splash cold water on Bane’s face. The mercenary  looked away, out to the golden field, too bright in the noonday sun. 

“Is it true?” Crosshair asked. 

Bane’s glare didn’t skewer Crosshair as sharply as he expected. In fact, it looked like he may even answer.

“Target practice starts at dusk. Bring your A-game, kid. Not holding back on you. Now get outta here.”

And with that Bane sank into his rocking chair tilted his hat forward over his eyes.

The conversation was over.

Crosshair was happy he asked.

[valleymyristica]

FOP What it takes [ Ch 6 sneak peak ]

You can read chapter 1 [ here ] on AO3 And chapter 5 [ here ]

This is a little peek on what's to come on Friday Do hope you like it! And I'd be delighted to hear the thoughts in your mind! Hihihi

[ Masterpost ]

Oh, how does one 'fix' a father? What does it take to come to to that point. with Dev and Peri being all okay, hehe, right?

Well, don't worry, surely nothing bad will happen, it will only be good and fun times all around! It's gonna be GREAT!

“Do you maybe want something small to eat while we’re off to school?” The headphones ask.

“Sure, I wish for an energy bar.” He needs energy, sleeping in a closet was horrible. His body is not happy with that fact.

“Okay... Then I wish that all food was food for you, or something like that.” Sure. Well, worth a shot at least.

He grants it, it’s odd though, he feels both drained and full after it. Like a big meal after a hard work. It took a lot out of him. Which isn’t usually the norm, but it’s fine.

The itch is all gone too. A fact that slowly fills him with dread. Did- did he grant both wishes? That- that can’t be good.

Yes. This is fine.

Dev is a good kid. He just wants someone to eat with. Peri will happily be that someone. Peri also wants to eat after all.

“How about another time then?” Markus tells, noting Dev’s slight uncomfort at the prospect. Turning to Hazel, he asks, “I can give you two some ice cream money when you're hanging out this weekend, how does that sound?” Thinking it might not be too fun for a kid to spend time with their friend’s parent. 

“I don’t know.” Hazel thinks out loud, both her and Dev can just magic up ice cream after all so they don’t really need the money.

“Yeah...” Dev agrees, of course Hazel wouldn’t find it fun if it wasn’t with her dad.

“Oh, just- you know- spending time with dad.” Was probably the best way to put it. Don’t want to think about the closet.

“Oh! That sounds nice. I hope you get to have just as much fun with your dad as I have with mine!” She says with glee, forgetting for a moment what kind of person Dev’s dad is.

“Yeah,” he agrees. He does have fun sometimes, so he hopes the same.

“Ah, good, I was just wondering where you were, you’re having a photoshoot tomorrow. It’s for the coming founder’s festival. I want it to be perfect. Don’t disappoint.” Dale tells before walking off again. Not listening to any input Dev may have.

“Okay.” Not that Dev has any input. He simply accepts.

After the meal, they make sure to clean up. That is to say, Dev cleans up the best he can while Peri watches, wondering why Dev just doesn’t wish it all away. Does he like cleaning? Looks like a hassle, can’t imagine anyone liking that.

The shoot went like most, dad tells him what to do and Dev does it. Dad looks happy, so Dev is happy. Dale looks at a money maker and Dev is happy dad is giving him positive attention.

All in all, it goes well.

Until it doesn’t.

[apparently-artless]

haii hii art how are you !!! i just wanted to let you know that after 17364748436 years of procrastination i finally watched the one piece live action!! I wanted to lyk earlier, but i procrastinated (again) ALSO. i read a few chapters of the goofy boss manga and they are so cute omg????

Andd, if it's not much of a bother can you recommend more stuff like webtoons that yoy like !! Somehow all your recs are super fun to read,, so if its not a problem can you rec some more stuff hehe :3

^ a cat for yuor troubles

hi, mimi! thank you for sending me a message! and that's a super cute cat by the way! what's the name?? send me a gentle pat on the head, will you? i don't have one so i can only look at cat pics and videos of other people. (︶︹︺) and make gifs of that tsundere cat, hakutou. lol

anyway, did you enjoy one piece? i had fun watching it. not the best live action out there for me but considering it's one piece, i'd say the cast did a wonderful job. it's also nice to know you already tried the goofy boss manga!! they are all super adorable and just heal your soul. ^^

as for webtoons, i do have some i can recommend:

Devil Number 4 - a devil and a young woman formed a "contract" in exchange for her soul. it's a cute story, has some plot twists here and there and the story of the other characters are interesting too. this is already completed so you don't have to wait for the new chapters. i might reread this again.

Interview with a Murderer by Queensa - this one's BL. as the title suggests, one of the MC is a serial killer and the other character is a journalist. but if you are not comfortable with serial killers and psychological thrillers, feel free to ignore this one. this one is just one of my favourite BL webtoons so i might as well include it in the list. this is only around 60+ chapters and the ending felt a bit rushed. and because the story is so good, i would've preferred if there were a few more chapters or at least some side stories.

Eleceed - imagine Study Group but give the students powers, enemies of today become friends of tomorrow. this series is pretty much addicting. when i finished reading up to the latest, i ended up rereading my favourite parts. and the relationship of the main character with his friends is so good.

Bring the Love by Zestkyo - this one's my ultimate favourite romance webtoon. i must admit, i am not a superfan of series that focuses heavily on romance, but this one is just the best romance story for me. season 1 is already completed and season 2 is still ongoing. i also lost count of the number of times i reread my favourite scenes. this one's historical (13th century setting) so just a heads-up in case this setting is not your cup of tea. and oh, there are lgbt couples here, too!

these are what i recommend for now! i am still reading eleceed and bring the love, but devil number 4 and interview with a murderer are both completed. i hope this helps! (￣▽￣*)ゞ

last but not the least! i would also like to recommend another manga series, kyuujitsu no warumono-san (mr. villain's day-off). it's also a light-hearted, soul-healing series. and this is getting anime and broadcast starts in january. you may also watch this through my gifs since i will definitely be making edits for this one. lol

[spacecadet-ticklesinspace]

Christmas Sniffles: Chapter 3

Summary: Right around the holidays, Peter 1 gets sick.

Never was MJ so glad to have an extra day off around the holidays. She now had an extra day to prep the Christmas cookies she had promised to bring to Peter 2's church when they went caroling tomorrow and now had an extra day to take care of Peter 1. She had been awakened by her husband kissing her forehead before he left to go to Otto's lab to help the older scientist wrap up a few things before being free for the holidays.

However, with Peter 2 gone, MJ had to juggle both the role of chef and caretaker. Thankfully the youngest seemed content to quietly watch Christmas movies and while cuddling with May Bear. During one of MJ's breaks, the two watched the newer Grinch movie and Peter 1 started giggling.

The older woman smiled. "The Grinch is pretty good huh?"

"Y-yeah. Hehe reminds me ohof Dr. Strange."

MJ giggled as she stroked Peter 1's hair. Thankfully, he seemed a little cooler and even had a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. However, his cough was most concerning. It was harsh and rattling.

Another timer sounded from the kitchen. As MJ hurried to the kitchen to check the next batch of cookies, there was a knock on the door.

She quickly opened it. "Oh! Hi Harry! Come on in."

Harry stepped inside, but before he could respond, a timer went off in the kitchen.

"Shoot! I'll be right back. Make yourself at home Harry!"

MJ hurried into the kitchen, leaving Harry alone in the entry way.

"Hi Harry," a voice called out.

The older man left his packages on the entry way table and stepped into the living room. He grinned when he found Peter 1 on the couch. "Hey Pete. How's it going?"

One coughed in response.

"Oh, that doesn't sound good."

The youngest Peter shrank into his shoulders. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize Pete. It happens to the best of us." Harry placed the back of his head on Peter 1's forehead

One pulled away. "I got a cold."

"I noticed. You gonna be okay?"

One nodded. "Yeah I'm good."

Harry moved to sit on the floor. "But?"

". . . I feel like I'm being a burden to MJ and Peter 2."

The older Harry gently nudged his shoulder. "Hey, that's no way to talk about yourself. MJ and Peter love you."

"I know . . ." Peter 1's voice was barely above a whisper. "I just feel like I'm causing them a lot of extra trouble."

"You can't help when you get sick Pete." The older man rubbed his arm. "It just happens."

The youngest Peter hid his face in the top of his bear's head. "But I mess everything up."

The older man's shoulders drooped. He carefully slid One's beloved bear out of his face. "Why do you think that Peter?"

The boy looked away. "I can't be left alone."

"That happens when you're sick. It's just your brain looking for extra comfort and reassurance."

"But everytime one of them leaves the room, I panic. It's like I can't let them leave my sight."

Harry gently ruffled One's curls. "You've lost a lot of people there Pete. It's easy to get scared you'll loose more."

The youngest Peter quickly scrubbed his eyes. "You've lost a lot of people too."

The older man moved One's hand away. "Let's not compare apples with oranges kiddo. Yeah I've lost people and yeah it hurt like crap. But that doesn't mean your trials are any less important than mine."

Peter 1 remained quiet.

"Did something else happen?"

" . . . I had a nightmare. . . Two kicked me out---cause I was sick."

"Pete, he would never do that. He loves you too much to do that."

Peter 1 looked up. "Y-you think so?"

Harry nodded. "I know so. They're both crazy about you."

While he still looked doubtful, a small smile crept across One's face. "Thanks."

"Course buddy." A light clicked on in Harry's head. "You know what will cheer you up? A visit from Santa Clause."

"What?"

The older man pulled away and hurried over to the packages he had brought in. "You're usually supposed to wait until Christmas day to open Santa's presents, but since he gave me these two a little early, I think it would be okay to open them now."

One's brows furrowed as Harry came back to his spot next to the couch. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"But I didn't! These both are from Santa. He just dropped them off at my house so they could be wrapped and delivered."

The youngest Peter cocked his head at the older man.

Harry set his two packages next to him. "Now, one thing you have to know about Santa's gift is they become more 'practical' the older you get. So your first gift was practical and I, of course, wrapped it practically."

Harry lifted up a blue Christmas bag covered with giant snowflakes and a half ton of glitter. He gave it to the youngest Peter who hesitantly opened it. He pulled out a brown box and read the words across the top. "Stuture replacement kits?"

"Like I said, practical. If you're anything like your brother, you'll want to have those."

This made the youngest Peter chuckle. "Thahank yohou Harryhy."

"Uh, not me. It was Santa."

"Thank yohou Santaha."

The older man winked. "I'll relay the message. And now that we have the practical gift out of the way, Santa has a semi-practical gift to give you too."

The next present Peter 1 was given was wrapped in a simple gold paper with a blue ribbon on top.

The blush on Peter 1's face darkened. He felt a little embarrassed to be receiving so much attention. "Thank you."

"Now as you can see, I have wrapped this one semi-practically. The paper still gives you a chance to tear into it."

After a little more prompting, One carefully opened the gift. Inside was a small gray Stegasorus plush.

"This guy is great." Harry tapped the plushie's nose. "Not only can he cuddle, but if you heat up the pad in his middle, you have a heated cuddle toy."

One squeezed the stegasorus with one arm. "Thank you Santa."

The grin on Harry's own face grew as he ruffled One's curls. "You're welcome Uno."

"Ihi thought you weheren't Santa?"

"Oops! I spilled the beans," Harry teased.

The cutest giggle came out of the youngest's mouth when Harry tapped his nose. "Nohow I know whyhy Two says you're soho cute."

Peter 1 rolled his eyes. "Not cute."

"Ihi beg toho differ."

"Can I give you yours now?"

The older man started. "You got me something?"

The youngest Peter pointed. "It's in the green bag under the tree."

Harry stepped over to the tree to retrieve the bag.

"It's not much, but I hope you like it."

The older man waited until he was next to Peter again before opening his gift. From the bag, he pulled out a small wooden frame. Inside the frame was a picture of Harry and the Three Peters after a recent movie night at Two's house. Harry and Peter were making silly faces at the camera while Peter 3 was layed across their laps. One of Three's hands was keeping his head propped up while the other was being pushed by Peter who was pushing it off his sides while laughing next to Harry.

It was one of Harry's favorite photos from that evening. He had finally felt like he was accepted into the group after everything that had happened. It meant even more that Peter 1 had taken time to frame it for him . . . It made his heart swell.

"D-do you like it?"

"I don't like it bud." Harry looked up at Peter 1. "I love it."

"Really?"

"Honestly Pete." Harry wrapped the youngest in a hug. "This means so much to me."

After a brief hesitation, One tightly returned the hug. "You're a part of our family too Harry. I wanted you to see that."

The older man let out a playful huff. "Is it your goal to make me cry today?"

One pulled away. "Not intentionally."

Harry ruffled One's curls. "Ihi know. You're just too sweet sometimes." Another thought crossed Harry's mind. "Hey, before MJ gets back, wanna go see the snow?"

The youngest's eyes widened. "It's snowing?"

"Yeah! Wanna go see?"

Peter 1 eagerly nodded. He hurried to stand.

"Hold on. I know you're excited, but you can't go out in juhust your jammies." The older man stood and walked over to the entryway. "Where's your coat and boots?"

"I can get---."

Harry motioned to where he was. "Already here Pete."

Peter 1 huffed and pointed out the desired belongings and, with a little help from Harry, was soon bundled up. For an added layer of warmth, a hat and gloves were added before a blanket was tossed around his shoulders.

Once bundled up, Peter 1 eagerly stood before promptly toppling to one side.

"Wow!" Harry caught him. "Little dizzy?"

"A little. The fever makes me loopy."

The older man carefully wrapped the youngest's arm around him. "Here, lean on me."

"Okay."

Together, the duo made their way outside. Outside, the snow lightly fell to the ground and dusted the ground in a layer of white.

Peter 1 shivered, but eagerly held out one of his hands to watch the small flakes coat his glove. He pushed out a little farther to try to catch some more.

Harry shifted his hold. "Hold on kid."

He helped Peter 1 down the steps so he could stand in the walkway and let the flakes coat his hair and face. He looked so young and innocent with his flushed cheeks and messy curls.

"You know, I'm not one for magic, but the snow really makes Christmas seem pretty special," the older man replied.

"It does." The youngest Peter wiggled free of Harry's hold.

"Wow! Where are you---."

Peter 1 plopped into the snow. He flopped backwards into a giggly mess.

Harry squatted next time the giggling teen. "What are you doing?"

"Mahaking aha snohow ahangel!"

Harry chuckled. "Yohou're mihissing the angehel part."

Peter 1 stuck out his arms and started moving them up and down. However, his wings looked less like wings and more like messy snow swirls. His legs were less cooperative, leaving him with lopsided trenches. When Harry helped to pull him up, One's angel looked more like an odd alien character than the intended angelic figure.

"Nihice job kid. Ihit looks awesome."

The youngest Peter shivered. "Th-thanks."

"Peter?" A voice called. "Harry?"

The duo turned to see Peter 2 walking up the driveway.

One waved. "Hi Two."

The oldest Peter stepped forward. "What are you doing out here?"

"Seeing the snowflakes," Harry replied.

"And making snow angels."

"Ihi see that." Peter 2 brushed a few flakes out of One's hair. "Looks like you're having fun."

The moment was broken by a cough from Peter 1.

"And I think that's the cue to head back inside." The oldest Peter scooped the youngest into his arms.

"Aww, but we were having so much fun," Harry teased. However, he scooted closer to wrap the blanket tighter around Peter 1.

"I can do it."

"Last time I let you do it, you nearly toppled into the carpet." The oldest Peter nodded toward the house before heading inside.

Peter 1 pouted a little on the way in.

"I'll make it up to you with hot chocolate," Two promised.

The small trio made their way back in to find MJ coming down the stairs.

"There you are!" MJ exclaimed. "I stepped away for two seconds!"

Harry helped Peter 2 set One on the couch. "We went out to see the snow."

"Ah, I see."

"But we were only out for a minute!"

Meanwhile, the oldest Peter slipped off Peter 1's coat and boots. "Seems like they had a good time."

"Did he get too cold?" MJ asked.

Two smiled. "Nothing a change of clothes can't fix."

Harry started. "Did I mess up?"

"No! You didn't mess up!" MJ stepped forward. "That was really sweet of you."

"But he got cold."

"Being out for short periods is good when you're sick Harry." Peter 2 stepped back over to the entry way to put One's jacket and boots away. "Though I'm not sure about the snow angel."

"You mean the snow creature?" Harry teased.

"Hey!" The youngest Peter whined.

"It still looked cool Pete, but call it what it it is."

One smirked. "I was aiming for biblical accuracy." Another coughing fit broke him off.

Peter 2 stepped back over to his youngest brother. "It was great to see you Harry, but I need to take care of him real quick."

"Yeah you do that." The taller man watched in concern. "Let me know if you need anything."

The oldest Peter smiled at his friend. "We will, I promise."

Peter 2 wrapped his arm around Peter 1 and headed toward stairs.

"Bye Harry." One gave him a hug. "Thanks again."

Harry returned the hug. "Thank you too kiddo. You get better okay?"

"I will, I promise," Peter 1 let go and allowed Two to help him upstairs. "Love you."

Harry couldn't hide the smile on his face. "Love you too kid."

Once the two Peters were gone, a hand gently squeezed his shoulder. "You really are fond of him aren't you?"

Harry turned to MJ. "Aren't we all?"

"You could say that." The smaller woman hugged her friend. "I'm so glad you're back."

After a moment of hesitation, Harry returned the hug. "Me too."

He hadn't realized how much he needed that hug.

When MJ pulled away, she looked up at him. "Can you stay tonight? We're going to be decorating for the holidays and would love to have you here with us."

"I'd love too, but my dad wants me to help him decorate our tree."

"Your dad bought a tree?"

Harry grinned. "Yeah, a real one. We even picked out some ornaments together."

MJ smiled softly. "Oh Harry, that's awesome."

Harry blushed as he pulled away. "Ehe, fihirst time fohor everything I guehess."

"Oh! Before you go, I need to give you something!"

MJ hurried over to the tree and came back over with a Santa Clause gift bag. She handed it to the older man. "It's not much, but I hope you enjoy."

Harry smiled as he took the bag. "Thank you so much." He grabbed two packages behind him on the entry way table. "And these are for you and Peter. The last one is for Three."

"Thank you Harry. That's so sweet."

"You're welcome. Now, I unfortunately have to get going, but I'll see you again tomorrow."

The taller man gave MJ a kiss on the head before heading out the door. He paused on the porch . . . had he just done that? He hadn't gotten that close to Peter and MJ since the betrayal.

When he turned back to apologize, MJ waved goodbye. "You're a still a part of this family Harry. Have a great night."

Harry stared at the closed door. His heart filled with warmth and wholeness as he stepped away from the porch.

[chiffaust]

hello !! 🪄 here once again..

im a little late (been a sleepy guy..), but happy new year ! i hope this year will be a very good one for you, and i hope you find satisfaction and success in any and all of your endeavours this year ! i use my magic wand to cast it. If anything goes wrong for you jts my fault :3

also two big newses. first of all i made my friend who is not into enstars a keitop. this is especially excellent news considering another friend i got into enstars does Not like keito (literally only becayse i like him. will not let me convince her😓)

second of all i may be getting a nui soon ! idk who i want yet but i will have a creature soon ❤️ i dont usually get merch so im excited

Also.. Also.. keito smau.. (melts) (glass shatters) (destruction and chaos) (all babies in the world start crying simultaneously) (howls at the moon)

"my sweet valentine" = valentines day ?! (genius here).. i have no interest in it irl However in fiction i lose my mind whenever valentines day is involved. it could be halloween and id be like Omg valentines day 🤩🤩

so do know that even if it releases tomorrow.. on valentines.. on halloween.. in five years.. Never.. i support keito smau. i have your back 💪

anyways happy new year again, enjoy your day today hehe

-🪄

UWHAAAHDKTOEKEKE HI 🪄NONNIE SORRY FOR THE LATE REPLY I HAD TO STUDY 😭😭😭😭 HAPPY LATE NEW YEARZ TO YOU (8 days late...? 😔)

IM SO HAPPPU FOR UOU FOR TURNING ANFRIEND OF YOUES INYO A KEITOP SOME OF MY FRIENDS HAVE NEVEREVEN SAID THE WORD KEITO BEFORE...... at least i think mybe i jusy forgot...

and congrats on getting a nui!!! i have a keito one it was 77 doallrs 😇 my mom wasnt happy with my decision. i might buy anothet one again...

keito smau chapter 1s gonns be released the exact moment i no longer have exams and get my ass up and work i hope!!!! maybe around late jan - early feb but im not exactly the type of person known to follow timely rules 😔 thank you for having my bsck 🪄nonnie youre always my #1 fr💪💪💪

AGAIN THANM YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! I LOVE YOU🔥🔥🔥 I HOPE YOURE HAVING A NICE DAY EVEN IF THIS IS LIKE A SUPER LAYE REPLU!!!!

[thebettybook]

💠Forget me not, pinky swear?💠

Strawbetty’s notes:

🍓 Leona Kingscholar x gn!reader

🍓 Warning: none, an all-fluff story, enjoy~

🍓Music recommendation: “Pinky Swear” by CIX

🍓This the ~confession~ chapter hehe

💠💠💠

You brushed off a crumb from your sandwich.

Ruggie dropped off the sandwiches for you and Leona earlier. While Leona wanted menchi katsu (ground meat cutlet) for the fifth time that week, you both settled on the compromise of sandwiches.

After eating, you sighed contentedly and looked up at the clear blue sky. The fluffy white clouds greeted you and Leona as you both sat on the grass of a hill not too far away from campus.

“Forget me not,” you blurted out randomly as you spotted blue forget-me-not flowers near you and Leona.

“Wha?” Leona said as he scarfed down another sandwich.

“The flowers over there,” you pointed at them.

Leona cast a glance over to the flowers and went back to finishing his sandwich. He plopped himself down onto your lap to take a nap.

You continued to stare at the small yet vibrant flowers.

“Can I ask you something?” you asked, inspired by the flowers.

“What, herbivore?” Leona said after a few seconds.

“Will you promise that you won’t forget me if someday Crowley finds a way for me to go home?” you asked Leona.

Despite appearing asleep, Leona froze and remained silent. Leona kind of forgot that you didn’t come from his world, or even the possibility of you leaving it someday.

He would never say so out loud, but Leona became so used to your presence in his everyday life.

“How could I forget such a troublesome herbivore as you,” Leona chuckled deeply while making no effort to open his eyes. He wanted to maintain his apathetic facade.

Leona’s answer didn’t satisfy you. You wanted to know if Leona would actually miss you or not.

“Well, pinky swear on it then,” you said childishly as you put your right pinky near his face.

“Or are you too chicken?” you challenged him jokingly. You knew Leona could never resist a challenge.

Leona opened his eyes and glared up at you. A light growl rumbled from his chest as he used his gloved left pinky to yank down your right pinky.

“OW! Ok you made your point,” you laughed.

Leona lessened his grip on your pinky but continued to keep it in his as he huffed and closed his eyes again. He readjusted his head on your lap to get more comfortable and resumed his nap.

“Can you let go of my pinky now?” you asked, looking down at him.

“No,” Leona replied simply and firmly. “Now lemme sleep.”

You sighed, letting Leona hold your pinky captive in his. What you didn’t know was why he held onto it.

As Leona tried to go back to sleep, his head filled with the worrisome thought that if he let go of your pinky, of you, you would slip out of his grasp and suddenly vanish into thin air. As if you never came to Twisted Wonderland. That’s what it could feel like someday if you decided to return to your world.

So Leona held onto your pinky, a silent yet strong sign that he wanted you to stay with him.

With your pinky still in his, Leona thought: “There’s no way in hell I could forget about you.”

Lost in your own thoughts, you realized how you may regret it someday if you never tell Leona your true feelings for him. Before today, you often shied away from confessing to him despite your friends encouraging you to do so.

You shifted nervously at the thought and possibility of Leona rejecting you.

“Got somethin’ on your mind?” Leona asked, still laying on your lap. “Stop moving, I’m tryin’ to sleep.”

It could be now or never. You could end up going back to your world tomorrow without telling Leona how you felt for all you knew.

“I like you,” you blurted out to Leona. You closed your eyes, bracing yourself for his reaction.

Leona didn’t respond for a few minutes and you wondered if he had actually fallen asleep. Before you could sigh softly in relief, Leona spoke up.

“Are ya pulling my leg?” Leona asked quietly. While Leona had a strong suspicion that you reciprocated his feelings, he still wanted your verbal confirmation.

“Of course not!” you cried, a bit insulted and hurt at Leona’s response. “I swear.”

Leona opened one emerald eye to scan your expression.

“Pinky swear?” he asked seriously.

“Pinky swear,” you said, chuckling a bit as you tightened your pinky in his.

“Do you like me back?” you asked him hesitantly.

With both eyes open now, Leona fought the urge to roll them at you. For Great Seven’s sake, he wouldn’t pinky-swear with just anyone.

“Would I be doing somethin’ as childish as pinky swearing if I didn’t?” Leona asked.

Before you could reply, Leona released your pinky and sat up from your lap.

“Why are ya confessing when you just talked about going back home?” Leona asked you, narrowing his emerald eyes as his mind clouded with suspicion instinctively. “There’s no point in telling me your feelings if you wanna go back someday.”

You stared down at your hands, trying to find the right words while processing the fact that Leona reciprocated your romantic feelings.

“I know,” you said quietly after a few seconds. “I just don’t want to regret it someday if I don’t tell you.”

You glanced up from your hands, smiling at him wryly. You expected to see Leona smirk and say something along the lines of, “so you’ve fallen for my charms, huh herbivore?” or something equally smug.

Instead, Leona gazed down at his own gloved hands.

Here you were, so willing and open to hand your heart over to him. As cocky as Leona appeared, he feared the many possibilities of his ability (whether intentional or not) to crumble your heart to sand.

His thoughts disappeared as you placed your hands gently on his.

Leona tried his best to hide behind his default unbothered expression, but his emerald eyes couldn’t hide his vulnerable hope of wanting to be with you.

“I like you for you, Leona,” you reassured him truthfully.

While you weren’t afraid of Leona’s actions or words, you held your breath as you waited for him to reply with a snarky “bold of you to assume you know me, herbivore.”

To your surprise and his, Leona plopped himself back onto your lap.

When you said “Leona,” you didn’t add a “Prince” or “Dorm leader” before it. Most importantly, you didn’t say “Kingscholar” after his first name. To Leona, who has always been identified only by his title, position or royal family name, that was proof that you were telling him the truth.

Leona closed his eyes, as if his soul revealed enough vulnerability for the day.

“You have no idea what ya do to me,” Leona mumbled, snuggling closer to you. “Herbi—no, Y/N.”

While people used pinky swears to keep each other’s promises, the highest act of promise was in saying one’s name.

After all, names bound people by memory and love.

💠💠💠

MC!reader’s friends reacting to MC!reader dating Leona now (special recap):

Grim: FUNYAH GROSS! Don’t you dare act all lovey-dovey in front of me!

Ruggie: Finally shishishi! (earns a glare from Leona) (gets 5 madols from Ace when they made a bet if you would end up with Leona or not)

Ace: There goes my 5 madols :’(

Deuce: You bet on something dumb like that?! We need that money to buy baking ingredients for Trey later!

Kalim: Awwww! Jamil, don’t they look cute together? :3

Jamil: I suppose (doesn’t really care)

Writer and Leona recap:

Leona: I’d never be caught dead pinky-swearin’. Not even to Cheka.

Strawbetty: Can you pinky swear on that haha

Leona: *annoyed sigh*

A lil drawing by me:

Important:

🍓I don’t own any of the characters I mention or write about; they belong to their original and respective creators.

🍓 All content on this blog is created by me, @thebettybook (excluding posts I reblog that aren’t my own posts and unless I state otherwise). Do not modify, claim, repost or translate my work onto this platform and any other platform.

[myherowritings]

PART 3. ACCIDENTAL SUGAR DADDY?

SUMMARY. Todoroki Shouto was a wealthy, young CEO who inherited his father’s enterprise. You were a barista at a local cafe who wouldn’t mind some extra cash. One day, Shouto came in during an early morning shift and tipped you such a large sum of money, you were certain it had to have been an accident. To your surprise and complete pleasure: It was not.

PAIRING. ceo!todoroki shouto x barista!reader

WORD COUNT. 2.4k

GENRE. ceo/barista au, fluff, eventual smut

WARNINGS. none in this chapter

A/N. happy new year y’all! :3 i hope you have a good 2021 and here is some flirty ceo!shouto for u to enjoy as we enter the new year hehe ;) thank you for reading and i hope you enjoy! xx sof

SERIES MASTERLIST

© myherowritings — all rights reserved. reposting, modifying, copying, or translating of any kind is not allowed. do not read my writing as asmr. do not plagiarize.

“I heard you dropped by this weekend,” you said as a greeting, a playful smile on your lips. “Looking for me?”

If the tips of his ears didn’t tinge pink, you would have guessed Shouto was completely unaffected by your words. 

“Mn.” He drew his attention away from your gaze and pointedly adjusted his cufflinks. “Good morning to you too.” 

You laughed, accepting you wouldn’t get anything out of your attempt at teasing. “Morning, Shouto. How was your weekend?” 

The cafe was quite busy this hour, but Miyazaki took over the other register to alleviate the stress (though, what she really said was so you and pretty boy—who happened to be rich rich—could talk). Whatever the reason, you were glad for a small break whenever you could get it.

“You could say it was busy,” he replied, sounding a bit tired. For the first time since you met him, you actually noticed how exhausted he looked. You wanted to put cucumbers on his eyes and lay his head down on your lap to coax him to sleep. Nonetheless, he smiled softly at you. “And yours? I hope you were able to have time to rest and relax.”

You nodded. “I just slept a lot and caught up on the shows I missed throughout the week.”

“The real way a weekend should be spent.” 

His voice was teasing but he didn’t sound mocking. Just...somewhat playful. There was something about his tone that made you want to hear it again.

“Something tells me you need a weekend away where you could just relax and do nothing,” you commented, tapping the back of your pen to your chin. “Do you not have any days off at work?” 

He considered this. “Depends what you mean by day off.” 

“If you have to ask that, that probably means you don’t have a day off, huh?” you said with a frown, holding your hand over your chest as you sighed dramatically. “You poor thing. Overworked and tired. Maybe I should steal you away one weekend and get you to just relax.” 

You were only half-serious.

“Maybe you should,” agreed Shouto, sounding full-serious.

“Maybe I will,” you blurted before you could stop yourself. Maybe you could if you actually had his number… Then, feeling shameful you said, “But, ah, anyway, what can I get for you today? We actually have cheese danishes again!”

His face brightened. “You do? I’ll take five dozen.”

With a laugh you took down his order. You really weren’t sure where all these pastries were going when he bought it, but judging from his expression, you figured it must be somewhere good. 

“And for your drink?”

“This time I’ll have a large green tea with almond milk, please.” 

You nodded but tilted your head to the side in question. “No coffee with extra shots of espresso today?” 

“I add too much sugar and creamer to my coffee,” he admitted sheepishly. “And with all the baked goods I’ve been eating I realized I may have had an excess amount of sweets lately.” 

With an understanding laugh you patted his hand that was resting on the counter woefully. “I can definitely relate to that. If too many sweets are bad for you they shouldn’t have made it taste so good.”

Shouto glanced down at where your hands touched, an expression you couldn’t quite discern on his face. Averting your gaze, you quickly pulled your hand back. Was that inappropriate of you? Did he find it too pushy?

“Oh— Sorry about that,” you said, rubbing your elbow with your opposite hand. “Got a bit ahead of myself there.”

“No, it’s fine.” He blinked once. “I didn’t mind.”

Unsure if he meant anything by that and unsure if you were reading too much into things, you simply brushed the topic off and moved on to getting his order in telling him the price. 

“Paying by card again, I’m assuming?” you asked before hitting the appropriate button on the screen.

“Correct.”

By now the sight of the sleek and pretty credit card was one you grew rather fond of as he scanned over the payment terminal and signed his name. Was it weird you wanted to examine his signature more closely? Shouto seemed like the type of person who would have a fancy signature that somehow looked like art. 

As per routine, you told him his order would be ready for pick up at his right and, before he left the register, he thanked you and gave you another $100. 

Did it feel any less strange than the first time he tipped you? Not really, no. But you still weren’t going to complain about a generous tip from a willing customer.

Before he left with his cheese danishes and cup of tea in hand, he stopped by next to you with a small smile. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Y/N.”

You grinned back. “Can’t wait, Shouto!” 

— ✩ —

This went on for a whole other week. By this point, he had given you over $1,000 in tip and you were starting to feel like you should give him something in return despite him assuring you he didn’t expect anything. 

When you told your friends about the nice guy you met while you were working and they asked for the details, the first thing they said in response to your situation was, “Sugar daddy?” 

Before they planted that thought into your head, you just took it as a rich businessman who hated the rich and believed in redistribution of wealth—you couldn’t complain about that. That made him even more appealing, if you must say. But once Kaminari and Ashido whispered those two words, you couldn’t help but see the comparisons. 

You had no issues with sugar daddies or sugar babies; as long as they were two consenting adults, what did it matter to you? It just wasn’t something you were looking for at the time and you didn’t want Shouto to get the wrong impression or involve yourself in something you weren’t ready to. 

As you commuted to work for your next morning shift, you told yourself today was the day you’d thank him one final time for the tips, but tell him you couldn’t accept anymore. You were sure he’d be understanding but you also hoped it wouldn’t deter him from coming to see you. That was the last thing you’d want. 

“Mrs. Miyazaki,” you said between customers. “When Shouto comes in, do you think I can step away from the register to talk to him for a little? I promise it’ll be brief!”

She waved her hand dismissively. “That’s not a problem. Are you finally going to ask him out or something?”

You scratched the back of your neck. “Or something, yeah.” 

Thankfully, by the time Shouto arrived today, it was later than he normally came, meaning rush hour was almost dying down. 

“Good morning! Someone’s a little late today,” you teased. “Overslept?” 

“I wish,” he sighed wistfully. “I had a meeting early this morning and it just ended. Didn’t have a chance to pick up some coffee or pastries beforehand.” 

You frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope whoever was hosting the meeting at least provided you guys drinks and snacks!” 

He paused. “He did, but… I just thought yours were better.” 

Smiling at the compliment, you preened. “Well, I can’t say I’m not surprised. And I’m glad you were able to drop by still. Would’ve missed you too much otherwise.”

Again, you were only half-serious.

“Hm. I would’ve missed you too.”

And again, he seemed full-serious. Not that you minded. 

After taking his order and watching him pay, you pulled him to the side, looking over at your boss so she knew what was going on. She gave you a brief nod as you turned your attention to Shouto. 

A lapse of silence went by and he spoke up, “Did you have something you wanted to say?” 

“Yeah, actually.” You wrung your fingers nervously, hoping you wouldn’t say anything to offend him since you knew his actions were coming from a kind place. “I just wanted to say… I’m not really looking for a sugar daddy right now.”

He blinked once. Then twice. “Pardon?” 

You stared at him, unsure what to say. 

“I— Sorry. I wasn’t… It’s not my intention to be a...sugar daddy either.” Shouto’s face flushed a bright pink that made your own cheeks warm up in response. 

“But the—the money? I just… I guess I thought…” You winced.

So he wasn’t trying to pick up a sugar baby… Well, this was awkward. But regardless, you think you’ve gotten close enough to him to the point where it would feel weird accepting money from him. 

“I’m sorry if I was unclear. It really is just a tip to show appreciation for your service here.” 

You shook your head. “No! Sorry, that makes sense! My friends just said… And then I…” you trailed off, feeling a million times more flustered than when you started. “Sorry about that. The sugar daddy mishap aside, I still wanted to say that I really appreciate the tips you gave, but I don’t think I can accept them anymore.” 

Slowly, he nodded, adjusting the collar of his dress shirt. “I understand. Did something happen?”

“No, nothing happened!” you were quick to assure. “I really am thankful, but… I think we’ve gotten too close for me to be comfortable accepting that much money, you know?”

Shouto tilted his head to the side, listening intently. 

“Like,” you tried to explain, fiddling with your apron, “over the past few weeks I just think we’ve gotten to know each other more and I think of you as a friend of sorts now.” You peered at him through your lashes, hoping your words were making sense. “I think as a relationship develops—for me, at least—adding money into the mix can cause weird power imbalances if not communicated properly. And I just don’t want that for us.” 

He thought through your words for a while before agreeing. “I get what you mean. I wouldn’t want to unintentionally make you feel like you owe me anything, so if you’re not comfortable with it, I can stop.” 

“Thanks, Shouto,” you said with a beam, glad he was so receptive. Really though, what else did you expect? From your interactions with him you took him to be kindhearted and open. Of course he wouldn’t be upset over this. “But just to be clear, this doesn’t mean you should stop coming! Right? I don’t want to stop being your friend or anything!” 

With a small laugh, he nodded. “Sure. I wouldn’t want to part with my favorite cafe. And I’d like to keep being friends as well.”

Those words warmed your heart. You really were nervous about this confrontation earlier; you didn’t want voicing your opinion to mean ending your friendship. (Although, if you sharing what you were comfortable with was enough to end a relationship, then you supposed it was bound to be a toxic and stifling one in the long run and it was good to know in the beginning to end it before it could grow.) Turns out, however, that you didn’t even need to worry about that. He was understanding and sweet and you were glad to have gotten this out of the way.

“Well, as new friends,” you said, gently nudging his side, “maybe we should get to know each other more? Exchange numbers… Hang out outside of this cafe…” You ran through some suggestions, almost bouncing on your feet in excitement. “I mean, I know you’re always so busy and might not have much free time to hang out. But— If you’re ever free one weekend…” 

“I’d enjoy that,” he cut in, saving you from blabbering your mouth off and accidentally embarrassing yourself. “Didn’t you say you’d steal me away from work to relax? I’m still holding you to that.” 

The beginnings of a smirk formed on his face as he looked at your flustered expression. Was he teasing you?

You huffed, pretending to be insulted by his playful mocking. “Guess I’ll really have to do it then.” 

“Guess so.”

“Maybe you should give me your number first so we could plan it.” 

“Okay.”

He handed you his phone and you handed him yours, both of your adding your numbers to the contact list. Smiling, you held the phone in front of the two of you to take a contact picture of yourself for Shouto’s phone. To your complete surprise, he laughed before promptly following suit and taking a selfie for his contact image. 

“Cute,” you said when he handed you back your phone. 

“You too.” 

Placing your device back in your pocket, you looked at him, hand on hip. “Since when did you become such a smooth-talker? Am I going to have to guard my heart now?” 

His only response was a shrug, but you could see hints of a smile playing on his face. The two of you seemed to be smiling a lot lately, you couldn’t help but notice. 

“I should probably let you go to work now—and I should go back to mine.” You gestured to the growing line at the front of the store. Your manager looked like she had things under control, but you didn’t want to take advantage of her kindness. “You should text me later though. If you want.”

“I’ll do that,” Shouto promised, picking up his drink and pastry boxes from the side counter. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Y/N. And… I’ll message you soon.” 

As you watched him leave the store, you were certain you had a silly look on your face as you stared in a trance. 

“I’ll turn my phone off silent just for you!” you said to his back, hoping he understood what a momentous occasion this was. Your phone was always on silent (unless you were playing a game, of course). But for Shouto, you could handle hearing the obnoxious ringtone and text tone. 

With an amused expression he nodded before waving goodbye.

Later on that day, at the end of your shift, you noticed a new message from a certain someone that made your stomach flutter.

Shouto: Hi there. It’s Shouto :)

You never knew those four simple words would be enough to keep the grin plastered on your face up until the moment your head hit your pillow to fall asleep. But, damn— Were you glad that happened to be the case. 

a/n: whY WAS SHOUTO AND Y/N EXCHANGING NUMBERS SO CUTE idk that scene got me all blushy and :DDD HFJDKSF like taking a selfie with shouto and getting his number? only goal in life BFHFGF,, also y/n said no more tips how we feeling? ;o 

what to expect in the next part:

an unwanted visitor ಥ_ಥ

shouto has a...proposition for y/n 

FLIRTING FLUFF SO MUCH CUTENESS U MIGHT CRY

y/n struggles with their fEeLiNGs~

[animeomegas]

OMG ANOTHER CHAPTER ALREADY??? THIS IS SO FAST MY HEART CANT HANDLE IT😩😩😩 I CANT WAIT TO READ IT

Hehe yes! I'm off classes now, so the writing is coming quick!!

I hope you enjoy it whenever you get around to reading it. The next chapter is coming out, likely today, maybe tomorrow, so you may have two chapters to read XD

[zuluc]

im excited for the update tomorrow ☺️ the first chapter of dywc will be up @ 11 pm pst ! in the meantime, we can have another streamer steal out hearts for a little bit 🥴

kazuha doesn’t like to stream too much into the night because it cuts into the time he should be sleeping. he acts like he’s too old to stay up but denies all allegations about his late night writing sessions or 2am stargazings. but his chat convinces him to stay later quite often because, ot be very honest, his streams put them to sleep especially if they start at night.

if you guessed that it’s because of his voice, you are correct. 

it’s a bit like zhongli’s, someone friends with another streamer you know, in the way that it’s soothing to listen to. he doesn’t yell or shout, just mutters under his breath if something goes wrong or he gets scared by something. his laughs are light and airy that you could miss them if he isn’t that close to his mic. his chat likes to joke that he speaks in lowercase and he only looked straight into his camera in the middle of a game and spoke “i’m aware.” 

“you guys are like chairs.”

his chat: “aww because we give support??” referring to his gaming chair

“no. because i can’t stand you”

he gives a little hehe as the messages of shock come in

this also goes to show that he prefers to play chill games that require just clicking and no keyboard movement. he talks a little during games that do have those mechanics because he likes to focus on quick decisions rather than speaking in the moment. this happens during first person shooters and he stops for a moment after getting a kill for his team to say that he doesn’t want to play anymore.

“xiao showed me neko atsume last night and i want to play that instead of this”

if there’s one person left he just clocks out and lays back in his chair to just watch from behind a wall. gorou’s character comes into view and he just watches him before leaving and finding the opponent himself. 

“sorry gorou, i’m done. i want to go outside, the skies are clear and i can find constellations i was talking about”

he’s so comfortable with his streams and his audience that he can just up and leave at random times. despite streaming being what he does, he hates staying in one place for too long. some company sent him a vr headset to test out and that was all he played for a week straight at one point.

in one stream he does randomly bring up that he can play a leaf. everyone didn’t believe him so he made them wait for twenty minutes as he was looking for the right one in your backyard. he comes back with a straight face as he stays in the doorway to blow on it

“i told you so”

now this is where you come in ☺️

if you’re in the room but staying off to the side away from the camera, during a break he’ll lean over and kiss your forehead before standing up and going to the bathroom. sometimes his streams go late into the night and he’s been walking/moving around in his room so he gets tired, as one does. you come in with water and snacks to which he swivels around and smiles when he first sees you. forget the game and whatever he was saying, he wants the food and for you to sit next to him. 

or to sit on his lap because hey why not. 

if you’re there too you just watch and nod as he directs conversation towards you and you have to remind him that he’s streaming with a bunch of people watching. he turns back like “huh? oh, right” this happens often and he doesn’t even notice the comments about you guys in his chat

let’s move onto aesthetic,

besides his voice, people like to watch him because of how he presents himself. it’s a chill and calm environment despite some comments he may have here and there (he does have a soothing voice but the comebacks and roasts directed at his chat and friends,, he has absolutely no chill) it’s like he sounds like he’s complimenting you but the words say otherwise yk

in the back is a large fishtank beidou gave him and he has many in there named after his friends. it has its own lighting because he’s a sucker for decor with all of this being on a custom concrete table. the tank takes up like half the counter space so he decorates the sides with hanging plants and fairy lights. don’t judge him, he downloaded pinterest for a day and that’s what stuck

there’s a collectable katana hung up on the wall above the tank because he noted that every other streamer had a large piece of artwork. so why not a katana?

he’s a comfortable gamer anyway. full on hoodies and sweats because he likes to keep his room at -50 degrees for absolutely no reason. it does give him an excuse to throw you one of his jackets when you walk in so it’s a win-win if you think about it. on occasion, if he reaches a milestone or something, he’ll wear a silky dress shirt that’s cozy and nice. maybe he’ll even keep his hair down

but his hair is usually up with that red streak visible. a high ponytail is common if it’s hot outside (but with his internal room temperature of antarctica smh) or a low bun if he’s tired. someone sent him a maple leaf hair clip because he was dubbed as from canada after a stream with aether, and he wears it quite often

does he have piercings? yes. not on his ears though. :p

how do you think he can blow that leaf ?

[miraculous-trinity-leo]

Whacky Gotham, Goofy New York, and Chaotic Paris.

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8)

Chapter 6: Evade The Bats, and Beat The Crows

•—–—–·†·–—–—•

The girls are in the old living room setting up clues (that are absolutely... useless) around Gotham. One being a picture Harley and Multimouse took earlier that day.

"They might think to look here after they realize the clues are fake." - Steph

"Then where else would they not think to look?" - Maria

"W.E, I can get you and Harley in without them knowing easily." - Barbara said with a confident smile.

"But they'll have to go incognito... especially you Harley, no offense, but your outfit stands out just a tad." - Steph

"Ehhh, none taken, I'm sure I can tink of somthin' else tuh wear." - Harley

"I can help with that, but I'll need some clothes and some sewing supplies." - Maria said already thinking of what she could make.

Cass gave a nod and headed out of the room, after a few minutes she came back with t-shirts, jackets, sweaters, shorts, jeans, etc. and droped the pile of clothes infront of the group. She then handed Maria a sewing set she got from Alfred.

"Thanks Cass. I'll get to work on making our costumes." - Maria

"Let me help yuh wit' dat hun." - Harley said as she picked up most of the clothes for Maria

"Thanks." Maria

•—–·Let's see the Chaos shall we·–—•

"You never told us she could use magic!" - Red Hood looking under the table

"I wonder if she can infuse magic with coffee..." - Red Robin said looking in the cabinets for the third time.

"Stop looking for coffee!" - Red Hood

"She could've hidden in here." - Red Robin said while crabbing a mug

"I haven't had enough sleep to deal with this." - Selina then walked over and flopped herself on the couch and proceeded to fall asleep on impact.

"Maria get your tiny self back here right now or else!" - Tony

"Or else what? She Knows MAGIC! What else does she know that you haven't told us?!" - Red Hood

"... I never told you becuase it's meant to be a secret!" - Tony

"Oh, so now you agree with keeping things a secret?" - Red Robin grabbing the coffee

"What else can she do Tony." - Batman

"Well... she's great with tech, can kick butt in a LOT of different ways, has magic, and if she wants to, she can find and know where everyone or anyone is, but I think she gets massive headaches from a wide search like that." - Tony

"Anything else?" - Batman

(Tony thinkng of all the tiny gods she has in jewelery, and that she keeps Paris/friends and family safe on a daily basis, and that she is the well known designer MDC...)"No..." - Tony

As ivy was listening to them talk, she continued to search her garden, until one of her plants had a message fo her.

"Hello Ms. Ivy, please don't help Batman and Iron Man find us, we promise we'll be careful." - Maria

"Where are you?" - Ivy asked whispering into the plant.

After a few minutes Ivy got a detailed plan that Maria, Harley and the girls came up with to evade The IronBat group (Maria thought that would be better than ManMan group 'But it's Bat MAN and Iron MAN, so it has tuh be The ManMan group.' was Harleys defence, but Maria won that one.) and Ivy agreed to help as best she could.

•—–· Over to the Miraculous gang ·–—•

Plagg is cackling like there's no tomorrow.

"Guys something must be wrong, Plagg won't stop cackling, he won't even touch the cheese I gave him!!!" - Adrien

"There's no time for that, we need to find out where the hell Maria is!!" - Chloé

"Hahahaha, Ti- heheh Tikk- pffhaaaaaaahaha!!!" - Plagg

"He's trying to form words!" Adrien cradling Plagg in his hands "What is it my friend? Don't do this, you're to young...*sniff * you're to beautiful!"

"Hehehehe Shhhh- hahaha, she- she- haha...heheh- I'm so p-hehe-Proud wahahaha " - Plagg

"Proud?! She?! Where?! Who, is it Maria?!" - Chloé

"Hhhhhhhhahhaaaaaaaaaa" - Plagg

"Oh God he's wheezing!" - Adrien

"Hey guys, Peter and I got the snacks, found out where Maria might- oh kwami." - Alix walking into the room to a zombie looking Chloé, a panicked Adrien and the Kwami of death/bad luck/chaos laughing himself to death.

"Has he finally lost it?" - Peter

"She has become a true cat! hahahahahaaaaa heheheheeeeeee." - Plagg

Everyone in the room but Plagg "Oh fu-"

•—–· Over to the Batfam ·–—•

So everyone is panicking because for the past hour none of them could find Multimouse. Robin is sitting on the couch next to a now fully awake Selina, Red Hood and Nightwing are once again feeding each other the worst possible situation she could be in, Tony may or may not be hyperventilating, Red Robin is drinking coffee, and Batman is as stoic as ever... well on the outside anyway, on the inside, it's a warzone. Ivy is drinking her tea, slightly worried, but also hiding a small smile.

"What if we ask Oracle to try and help us find her?" - Red Robin

"... Right... Yes, ok let's do that... Bats you do it, I need to sit down." - Tony

•—–· Back to the girls ·–—•

The girls moved everything to the Bat-cave so they could set the route they would take, then the Bat-Computer started ringing.

"Hide!" - Steph

"Where, dere's nuttin' tuh hide behind!" - Harley

"Quick under the Bat-Computer." - Barbara

As soon as Harley and Maria hid under the Bat-Computer, Batman and the rest of the Batfam was on video call.

"Hey guys, what do you need?" - Barbara acting like nothing happened

"We need you to search for Maria, she's in a dark gray suit with pink accents, and she's with Harley." - Batman

"Ok, no prob, I'll contact you when I've found something." - and with that Barbara exited the call.

"Should we start heading out?" - Maria

"Yup, and here are your ID badges, don't lose them. I'll give our Batfam fake sightings, and lead them far away, then once you reach W.E I'll slowly start leading them closer to you." - Barbara

"Thanks, keep in touch if they decide to split up." - Maria

"Roger that." - Steph said giving a solute

•—–·–—•

Soon Multimouse and Harley are running over roof tops again, doing tricks, and stopping petty crimes, Barbara is leading the Batfam all over Gotham, and then they got to W.E, after Maria transformed back, they entered the building. Thanks to Babs, they entered without any problems and had free roam for the entire building, with some exceptions like new weapons designs, or the roof. They were hiding in the building for about an hour on the 7th floor when Barbara called in.

"Hey girls, you might want to be careful, I spotted some of Scarecrows goons a few blocks away, they seem to be heading in your direction, I'd say about 6mins tops until they reach W.E. Best to find a good room to stay in, or get out of there." - Barbara

"Thanks fawh de heads up Babs." - Harley

"Ok, we'll try to get out, let us know if we should turn back or not." - Maria

"Got it, and be careful." - Barbara

Maria and Harley then made their way back down, they were taking the stairs, because they figured it would be quicker, once they were on the second floor, they started to calmly make their way through the doors of the stairwell. That's when Scarecrows goons busted in, shouting for everyone to get down, Harley made sure to stay as close to Maria as possible as the goons gathered everyone to a wall. They were told to not move, talk, or do anything to anger them, once everyone was up against the wall, that's when Scarecrow came in. As he entered the room some of the employees started to look very scared, when Maria looked over to Harley, she saw her mouth 'it's ok', afterwards the goons had them all tied up and on the floor sitting down. Scarecrow scanned them before speaking.

"One of you will be testing my newest and most potent fear toxin as of yet. We can do this one out of two ways." He said lifting up two of his needle syringed fingers. "1. You can be a hero, and let yourself be my newest test subject, aka the boring way or 2. I pick whoever I want, aka the slightly less boring way. Now, who wants to go first?"

•—–· Over to Batman ·–—•

The Batfam was running around the other side of Gotham, now without Tony, because someone ( ehem Thor, ehem) was making a giant mess at Avengers Tower, and was fighting Loki... again. It was when they decided to call Oracle that things took another turn.

"Oracle have you foun- " - Batman

"They're at W.E. and Scarecrows there, I can't get in contact with them, and I can't get into the cameras at the moment, I need you to get your butts over there now!" - Oracle

"Wait you were in contact with them?!" - Red Hood

"Not the time! Just get over there before someone gets hurt!" - Oracle

"We're on our way." - Batman

They all then kicked it into high gear and were running to W.E, and out of everyone, Damian seemed to be the most visibly panicked, if him running twice as fast as everyone was any indication. At the speed they were going, they would be there in 20mins or less... hopefully.

•—–· Back to Maria and Harley ·–—•

So while Scarecrow was giving his little speech, Maria whispered into a plant to let Ivy know their situation, she wasn't able to get an answer before she and Harley were pulled away from the crowd.

"And what do we have here? Harley Quinn and a child. How interesting, well then, which one of you would like to test my new fear toxin?" - Scarecrow

"Eh, do me, I bet I got a lot o' trauma and fears from my time wit' Mistuh J. dat yuh would just love tuh see." - Harley

"... As tempting as that sounds I think I'll test it on your little friend here, after all, I know better than to mess with one of the Sirens." - As Scarecrow said that, one of the goons dragged Maria over to him. She didn't panic, she was actually really calm, which worried Harley even more because, remember all that emotional trauma she saw Maria had? Yeah, not the best match for the fear toxin.

As Scarecrow grabbed Maria, she locked eyes with Harley, and gave a brief smile before she felt a sharp jabbing pain in the side of her neck. Her vision went hazy, and from Harleys' point of view, she went a little limp from it.

As Maria started to see again she could hear screams, car alarms going off, and explosion in the distance, when she looked up, she saw them, her friends, her team... her family, they were all there lying infront of her... none of them moving, all of them were lifeless, looking as though turned into a gray husk of what they once were, and beside them were all the Kwamis, and their respective Jewelery, broken and shattered. She felt the tears fall as she looked around. Paris, the once beautiful city of lights, was now a wasteland, everything had a gray tone to it, people, animals, everything that had life... was dead.

And then she heard laughing, a sick disturbing laugh that was all to familiar... Lila. When she turned and saw Vulpina, she felt sick just looking at her.

"You have failed Maria, everyone you knew and loved is gone, all because you weren't here." - Lila

All she felt in that moment... was pure anger, she began to struggle, but somthing was holding her. She kept hearing that stupid laugh, and kept struggling harder and harder.

"You were never good enough, you were meant to always be our everyday Ladybug, but you never were, you never cared for us, and that's why, they're all gone, because you weren't good enough." - Lila

The last four words kept playing over and over in her head, until something clicked, she wasn't in Paris, so how did she get there? The last place she was at... was with Harley, she was in the W.E. building, and had fear toxin injected into her. As she came to that realization, she could hear the laughing fade just a bit, she closed her eyes and focused on finding everyone's souls, when she did, she saw that Scarecrow was right infront of her, a goon next to Harley, and a goon behind her, the other goons had left and were on the first floor. She snapped back when she heard Lilas' voice again.

"You always were stubborn and never accepted the real truth, as class president aren't you supposed to just roll over and do as you're told." - Lila

Maria was done listening to her, and decided to kick Lila in the face (since someone didn't think to tie up her ankles.)

"Just go rott in hell already you lieing fox!" - Maria

Maria didn't get any answer, all she knew was that she hit whatever was really infront of her hard. Maria then heard Lilas' voice morph into a heavier, more distorted voice.

"That's a first, guess I'll have to increase the dosage." - Scarecrow

She then felt another jabbing pain in her neck, all she could do was scream from the pain, her head was spinning, and all she could hear was laughing, sickening laughter that came from both Lila, and now Hawkmoth. One thing Scarecrow didn't account for, was the deep hatred Maria held for both individuals he made her see. Because soon after he gave her more fear toxin she got her footing, pushing back into the goon behind her before using the goons' grib on her to do a half backflip into kicking the guys face in, quickly knocking the goon out, when she stood back up she only saw Hawkmoth, surrounded by her lifeless team and family, she only saw red, and charge right at him. She kept punching and roundhouse kicking him, giving one final charge, ramming into Hawkmoth before she felt weightless. She never heard the panicked scream Harley let out, she never heard the shouts that came from the Batfam just reaching the second floor, before she hit something... something rapped around her holding her from falling any further, causing her to start thrashing around thinking it was Hawkmoth, before seeing he was also grabbed by something. She struggled ignoring the slight pain that went through her harms and legs. She slowly calmed down as she felt her feet touch the ground again, she then saw another Hawkmoth that was now mixed with Lila hug her, she tried to break free, but realized that it wasn't Lila or Hawkmoth... It was calming, and her voice was gentle, it was Ivy. She only heard a few words, that's when she felt something blow on her face, and after a few seconds, she lost conscientiousness.

Harley came sprinting down and was by Ivys' side in less than a minute. Ivy could tell Harley was worried and joined her in hugging a now sleeping Maria.

"I'm sawhry Ives, It all just happened so fast, and she was so awesome at kickin' Cranes @ss, I din't get her out of dere quick enough." - Harley said as she looked Ivy in the eyes, with tears threatening to escape.

"It's alright Harley, none of this is your fault." - Ivy replied comfortingly to Harley

As the two hugged Maria Batman came over.

"We'll take it from here." - Batman

"Hell no. We ain't leavin' her side." - Harley

Batman just let out a sigh, after he dealt with Scarecrow and his goons, Batman, along with his sons, Ivy and Harley, all headed back to the Bat-cave where the other girls and Alfred were waiting.

If anyone noticed Robin looking over to Maria with a concerned look, they just ignored it, and continued their way back home.

•—–·†·–—•

Chapter 6 complete! Hope you'll liked it, and are havin' a fantabulous day, stay safe and rock all those positive vibes. !BUG-OUT! 🐞💮🐞

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