#maybe I'll try to aim for one reply a week or something manageable like that

[whatsalewd]

Been having trouble drawing recently but this cat girl was really fun to draw, so maybe some interaction will help motivate me to draw more.

[buckybarnesdiaries]

bucky barnes x reader. masterlist.

part 1 — part 2 (soon)

a / n. this is a series of 15 mini-drabbles to celebrate the 500 followers' milestone, based on one word for each story. this first part contains 8, and the next one contains 7. it was supposed to be posted one story per day, but by that way, it'd take me to last an eternity to post other works / requests.

words. 1.533.

warning, tags. none, just a bunch of fluffy and cute situations with bucky.

join my tag list.

necklace;

It was the first time since you started to date that Bucky had to leave for a mission. Neither of the two of you knew when he'd be back, and that got you worried than ever. You were conscious of what he did for a living when you met him, but you couldn't help but feel scared. Next to the front door of your apartment, Bucky left his backpack on the floor, leaning to cup your cheeks on his palms and kiss your lips tortuously slow.

“I'll be okay, (Y/N)”. He murmured keeping his eyes closed.

“You better”.

Your hidden threat made him giggle. The soldier felt goosebumps bristling his skin as your fingertips toured his neck blindly, just to put in place the chain of his necklace. But soon, Bucky stopped your moves to take it off from him and place his dog tags on you.

“I'll come back for them”. He promised, fixing his pale blue orbs on yours, holding your hands to bring them to his lips and place fond kisses on every knuckle of both. “I love you, don' forget it, okay?”

“I won't... How could I, Buck?”

eclipsed;

Bucky was sweating, still not believing he was about to get married to the love of his life. He was on the altar, waiting for you and surrounded by all of your friends in common. Steve had had to help him with a panic attack he had suffered while dressing up, thinking that maybe you could change your opinion at the last moment. He couldn't blame you. But all those doubts vanished at the second you crossed the huge, heavy doors of the church. Your beauty eclipsed him, wearing a white lace wedding dress and seeming like you floated over the floor. Just like an angel.

His heart jumped. His oceanic eyes got covered in tears. A giggle escaped his lips, stretching a hand towards you, still praying it's not a dream. And you noticed the tension and the nervousness running his veins, leaning forward to kiss his cheek with all the love you felt for your future husband.

“Can't wait to say yes”. You whispered into his ear, causing Bucky to lace his arms around you and embrace you tight and tenderly. “I love you, James, from now and forever”.

sunset;

After his most recent nightmare and walking all grumpy from one side of another around your house, you decided to cheer him up only like you can do. With reluctance, you managed to get him out of your apartment and drag him to your car. Bucky was like a child, cross-armed, lips puckered and frowning annoyed. He tried to hide the fact that he had another nightmare to not worry you, but you weren't stupid.

Thinking that glimpsing the beach throughout the large front window would make him feel happier, your boyfriend just reclined himself on the seat, causing you to roll your eyes. That mood changed as soon as Bucky was sitting on the sand, between your legs, tho. His back was resting against your chest and his neck was wrapped by one of your arms, watching fascinated the sunset on the horizon. He wouldn't recognize it, but he felt much better hearing the waves crashing into the shore, while you stroked his scalp tenderly using the tip of your nails.

“You're welcome, grumpy mummy”.

clingy;

You didn't want to drink, but Sam and Sarah wanted to celebrate that the family business was picking up. On another occasion, you wouldn't mind, but Bucky was there. So, when everything started to spin around, you lead your clumsy steps to the edge of the harbor, having a sit there and let the soft breeze help you.

“Stop”. You heard from behind.

“Uh?”

“You're stealing my antisocial personality”. Bucky chuckled, taking a seat by your side. “What's up? Why are you here all alone?”

“Truth or lie?” You asked tilting your head towards him, raising both eyebrows.

“Truth”. He scoffed as if it wasn't obvious.

“I'm too clingy when I'm drunk”.

“Can't see the problem there”.

You chuckled, shaking your head inevitably, causing him to pucker his lips with a funny grimace.

“What?”

“Tru—”.

“Truth”.

“I've been all night wanting to rub your beard”.

Bucky exploded in loud laughter, not believing your words until you put your hands on his jawline. “God... It's so soft”.

His laughs increased, causing you to burn in shame. “No more drinks for you, ma'am...”

But the fact was that he turned to you, so it could be easy to caress his face.

safe;

Bucky was deadly tired on the sofa, warmly cuddled between your arms. A while ago, he stopped to pay attention to the movie, turning his back to the TV to hide his exhausted expression on your chest. You placed the cozy blanket over your bodies, making sure it covered both of you, being aware that tonight you'd sleep there. You felt sorry just at the thought of waking him up, seeing him peacefully breathing and his face more relaxed than the last few days.

Shutting off the TV and stretching an arm above your head, you turned off the small lamp on the auxiliary table close to the sofa, before getting comfier by Bucky's side. Your boyfriend purred delighted, still sleepy, as your fingers got tangled on his hair and started to scratch his scalp slowly, urging you somehow to place a leg over his waist, so he could settle between both a little more closely.

“Feel better?”

“I feel safe”. He replied in a low breath, to exhale the sweet scent concentrated on your neck.

“You're safe, James. You're at home”. Your calmed tone made him sigh, snuggling you strongly.

stay;

You snapped awake because of some knocks on the front door. Tossing the sheets to a side of the bed, you grabbed the gun under your pillow. It was stupidity. If somebody wanted to kill you, that would be the last thing they'd do: knock the door. You walked slowly, step by step, through the main hallway aiming to the door, more than ready to shoot your assailant.

“It's... Bucky”. You heard from the other side.

Sighing in relief and closing your eyes for a split second, you left the weapon on the dinner table in the living room. Not doubting on opening the door, you couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when you noticed the reddened mark around his left eye and cheek.

“Can I, uh... stay tonight with you?” Bucky inquired, licking his upper lip ashamed, bowing his eyes down to his boots covered in dust.

“C'mon, Sergeant”. You invited him to walk in, using such a sweet tone, while holding his cold hand.

He looked like shit but felt much better when his arms got wrapped around your waist and middle-back, hiding his face into your neck. Kicking the door shut, you embraced him tighter to your body.

notebook;

You were lying on the opposite side to Bucky on the sofa, but keeping your legs tangled. It was a rainy evening with nothing to do and you decided to start to read the book you bought last week. Your boyfriend was silently doing something in a notebook. Maybe writing memories, maybe doodling, you didn't know. But the third time you caught him staring at you, you had to ask.

“What?”

“Uh... nothing”. He whispered focused on the paper in front of his eyes.

“Whaaat?” You kicked his right leg with your bare foot causing him to chuckle.

“Nothing!” Bucky replied using the same playfully tone of voice.

Putting the book on the coffee table, you sat up to lie on top of him, cuddling between his legs and resting your head on his chest. Glancing to the sketch of yourself he was drawing, you raised your heart-eyes to his. It was such a piece of art. The drawing and Bucky. Both.

“I learned in Romania. It kept me sane sometimes”. He confessed, leaning to place a kiss on your forehead. “I want to remember you forever”.

marshmallow;

“Truth or dare?”

Bucky narrowed his eyes, leaning on the table just like you did, challenging him. He was trying to read your mind to figure out which were your intentions.

“Dare”. He answered firmly.

“Put twenty marshmallows in your mouth”.

The soldier stared at you in silence, watching him lick his inner cheek and push it with the tip of his tongue. He nodded his head then, grabbing the plastic bag without losing eye contact, to start to place —one by one— the sweets into his mouth. In less than thirty seconds, he looked like a squirrel with his cheek swollen. Bucky squinted at you again, triumphant.

“Hold on, I need to capture this moment”. You laughed, catching your phone to take a picture.

When the flash went off, he spitted a marshmallow like a shotgun. And you couldn't help but laugh.

“C'mon, Bu—”.

You didn't finish the sentence, being hit by another marshmallow slightly wet because of his saliva. Your grimace turned into a funny disgust, grabbing it back to throw it to his face.

“You're like a five years old in a body fos— STOP!” You ended up giggling as he spitted you the third one.

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[more-than-a-princess]

Positivity anon back at it again! I hope you have an excellent week! Is there anything you're particularly excited about that's happening this week? Or, is there anything you're looking forward to for Halloween? Lastly, only answer this if you feel comfy doing so! What is something that you'd like to let your mutuals know about you?

It's nice to see you back again, Positivity anon! I feel like I should give you a nickname, maybe PA? I wanted to respond to this on Munday because...well, it fits, right? Thank you for sending these along, PA! I've seen you a bit on my dash already and I can tell you're brightening days for a lot of my mutuals. You're doing a wonderful job!

Is there anything you're particularly excited about that's happening this week?

Oof, it's less excitement and more of a rigorous work grind honestly. I'm trying to do up to 3 weeks of work, as much of it as I can, in a single week! This is because I'm preparing for an anime convention during the last weekend of October (and subsequently, I'm taking...7 costumes with me. Maybe 8? It's not a con if I'm not changing from one costume to another in a single day with no rewears) and I have to get ahead in my job, get my costumes ready and packed, and keep on top of replies here. I'll be excited when everything is ready to go, though I made the decision last night to style a completely new wig for an outfit when I looked at the one I had and said "hm. Nah, I can do better."

At least I'm only bringing two 'new' costumes, but I'm also rewearing two that I haven't worn in over a decade! Only because I now fit into them and they're both getting considerable upgrades or adjustments (upgrading your foam and clay accessories for resin casts is a beautiful thing!). Maybe I should do a teaser post for next Munday with a hint of a few of my costumes?

Or, is there anything you're looking forward to for Halloween?

Catching up on all the work I've ignored for the past 5 days due to aforementioned convention. Also: thread replies.

Putting my feet up.

SLEEP.

I wish I could be more excited for the day itself, but I'll have been in costumes for four days straight leading up to October 31. All I'll be able to manage is a comfy/casual costume, if that, while attempting to catch up on my life. I may put on a few horror movies or something. But I need to save my energy for...

What is something that you'd like to let your mutuals know about you?

Here's two important things!

I'm getting married next month! So alongside the anime convention on Halloween weekend, I'll have about a week in November where I'll be on hiatus as well. It's not a big event but my (future) in-laws are coming to visit, as well as my fiancé's siblings, so I'll be taking time off work and the dash to spend some time with them. As usual, I'll try to keep things going in the queue but for a little over a month, I'll likely need to keep my queue going at 1 reply a day. I may bump it up for a few days/week in early November, but otherwise turnaround time will be a bit longer for the next month.

I wanted to highlight and expand on a point in my rules: Currently I'm aiming for a leaner dash, so please if you are an RP blog only follow if you intend to write with me. If you’d prefer to simply read my threads, that’s fine, but please follow me on a personal account so I do not accidentally follow you back.

I don't think I discuss this enough, but I wanted to provide some more context to this. I keep a lean dash and a small following count because when I follow you, I want to write with you. I don't follow blogs for the sake of numbers at all. I generally choose who I follow based on writing style and activity/writing frequency, and both of these have to suit me for me to follow back. If you are a currently active blog and we aren't threading yet and we're mutuals? I do want to write with you. What's likely going on is that I'm unfamiliar with your canon muses/your canon or OC muses don't have a crossover or general modern verse available, I don't see any memes or starter calls that are open or will work for my muse, or I honestly just am not on the dash when you're posting and didn't see it. Usually though, it's being unfamiliar with your muse(s) and/or not having an opportunity to interact with them.

I'm trying to be better about that, and make myself available to plotting when I'm able. That said, if you too are interested in writing with me: please reach out! Send an IM or message me on discord. And if you only want to read threads, I prefer it if you follow me on a personal blog instead.

Lately, I've felt like some of my mutuals are only interacting with my aesthetic or art posts instead of threading which is discouraging for me if these interactions are coming from an RP blog.

tl;dr - I want to be better about interacting with my mutuals but I'm also asking you to reach out to me too. Additionally, I go through my mutuals list every few months and unfollow those whom I'm not threading with and aren't on an announced hiatus.

[one-boring-person]

Requested by: @80s4life

I hope you like this!😊💛

What I Did To You.

Snake Plissken (Escape From New York/LA) x reader

Warnings: violence, injury, swearing, gun use

Masterlist

I have my gun levelled at his head before I've even closed the door properly, my face drawn into a fierce scowl, eyes blazing with anger. Every muscle in my body goes tense, my hand unwavering as I hold the weapon up, my leg throbbing in memory pain. Across from me, the intruder remains stood silently, his eye fixed on mine, his own hand still resting at his hip, ready to draw his pistol at any point.

"Hello to you, too." He greets me in the quiet way he always used to, his lips barely moving.

Frown deepening, I push the door behind me closed without looking at it, keeping my gun aimed at his head as I look him over. Not for the first time, he's covered in a light layer of grime, his brown leather jacket darkened in places by the dirt and lightened in others by the fraying, his boots caked in dust from the wasteland outside. His golden mane of hair is slightly dulled from exposure to the unforgiving sun outside and falls into his eyepatch, flicked out of the way every so often by a jerk of the head. A shadow of a stubble covers his chin, as it always has, disguising a few new scars I've not seen before...as well as one I know very well. Other than that, Snake Plissken has not changed at all.

My eyes narrow, grip on the gun tightening.

"Leave." Is all I say, shifting my weight onto my other foot.

"You used to have such nice manners." Snake's lip curls, the soldier taking a step towards me.

Instantly, I flick my thumb over the flintlock.

"Leave." I repeat, pulling the hammer down as the gun makes a dull clicking sound.

"No." He moves closer, standing so the gun is inches from his chest.

"You've got a lot of nerve coming here." I growl, oh so tempted to pull the trigger, "I don't know why you don't keep your distance."

A cruel smirk creeps onto his lips, eye narrowing as his head tilts to the side.

"Trust me, I didn't want to come here, either." He reassures me, "But I have no choice."

"I'm giving you a choice. Leave, or I'll introduce some lead into your diet." I retort, ignoring the burn in my arm from holding it outstretched. At this point, it's the only thing keeping us separated.

"I'll pass on both." Snake snorts, shooting a dismissive glance at the handgun pointed at his throat - now that he's standing closer, my aim only really comes up to his chest and neck, "Put the gun away."

I nearly laugh at him then, another surge of anger going through me.

"You're in no position to order me around. Not anymore." I practically snarl at him, keeping the gun where it is.

"Suit yourself. I came to ask for your help, the least you could do is be civil." He replies coldly, glaring at me now.

Again, the urge to laugh in his face goes through me.

"You came here to ask for my help?" I repeat, cocking my head in disbelief at the sheer balls of the man, "You really need to leave before I pull this trigger."

"(Y/n), we both know if you wanted me dead, I'd be bleeding out on the floor already." He points out, unimpressed.

"Maybe I'm waiting for an apology first."

This seems to catch him off guard.

"An apology?" He repeats, frowning in confusion, "For what?"

It takes all I have not to lunge at him and throttle the handsome bastard's neck in my hands, my leg flaring up in pain at the reminder.

"You know damn well what for." I growl at him, shifting off of my leg again, rubbing at it unconsciously.

Snake's eyes follow my movement, realisation dawning on him.

"I already apologised for that." He says quietly, clearly remembering back to the time I'm referring to.

It still plagues me, that one last operation we'd had to do together. Three years ago, back when we were still working together on jobs, good at what we did, the perfect partnership...except for Snake's tendency to protect his ego. It had been horrible that night, rain pelting the ground as we moved on the abandoned construction site, mud slicking our boots and trousers, foggy air making it impossible to see anywhere. I had told Snake we shouldn't go that day,  that it would be better to wait until another, clearer night, but he insisted on the raid. He'd told me that he'd "been in worse" and that this was nothing, so we took our guns, knives and other equipment, and headed out into the wastelands to deal with the threat.

At first, everything had been fine: we'd managed to get in with no problem, creeping around the perimeter, taking out guards as we went, bodies sodden and filthy now, freezing under our light jackets. It was only as we moved to go further into the site that disaster had struck. Suddenly, gunfire was tearing into the ground inches away from us, driving us back behind an old container box, flashes of light appearing in the milky fog around us, our vision obscured by the sheeting rain, the mud making it hard to retreat. We later found out we'd been ratted out to the terrorists occupying the site, and they'd set up a trap for us, hounding us from the place with rifles spewing bullets at us the entire way. We had been close to escaping.

Then I slipped on a landmine.

All of a sudden, I was flying forwards through the air, agony erupting in my left leg as the flash of light and flames exploded behind me, my body crashing to the floor seconds later. Winded and incapable of moving thanks to the pain lancing through me from my leg, I had screamed out to Snake, hoping for him to return to me, the smell of burning flesh soon flooding my nostrils as my foot caught in the blaze. Howling in agony, I had tried to pull myself out, my fingers scrabbling at the slick mud in desperation, only for the pain to become too overbearing. I had looked for Snake, only to see the back of his head disappearing towards our getaway vehicle, paying no mind to me. It was then that I blacked out, my heart drowning in betrayal and hurt.

For a week or so, I'd been held captive by the terrorists, tortured sometimes, my wounds left to fester, bones shattered and out of place, burns turning ugly over the time. Eventually, another team had been sent in to rescue me, the group getting me out before it got too far. Taken to a hospital, it took me weeks to recover, every muscle and bone in my left leg needing to be reformed almost completely, surgeries being done near-daily to realign them all, the skin basically unsalvageable. I'd had four different skin grafts from various parts of my body, only to leave the limb looking twisted and mangled, basically useless to me until I was encouraged to learn how to use it again. That entailed another half a year of time spent working on getting it to full use again, and even now I can't go nearly as far as I used to. Every so often, the leg throbs, memory pain still hounding me since the day I got the wounds themselves, but I suppose I got off lucky: the surgeons hadn't expected me to make it through.

All of that because of Snake's ego.

His apology? A note sent to me whilst I was unconscious in the hospital.

"You and I have a very idea of what an apology is. Especially for something that kept me bedridden for months." I bite out, heart aching now at the memory, "Especially for someone who left me to die."

Snake purses his lips, swallowing tightly.

"I thought you did die." He says, much quieter now, eye roaming my body guiltily.

"You heard my screams. There's no way you didn't." I reply harshly, reminded again of the raw-throated shrieks for help.

He winces, looking down at his feet now, his fists clenched at his sides.

"I didn't think you'd make it. If I went back, I wouldn't have gotten out." He murmurs, sounding somewhat saddened by what he's saying.

"You wanna know how long it took those fuckers to get to me? Fifteen minutes. Fifteen! There was more than enough time!" I spit at him, face twisted in anger.

Once again, he winces at my words, only now realising the extent of what he did.

"And even when you knew I was alive, when I was in hospital, you couldn't even be asked to come and apologise in person. You sent a damn note." I shake my head, looking at him in disgust, "You're a coward. A spineless coward. Why didn't you at least show your face? Why? Why did you leave me to face the pain on my own?"

"Because I couldn't face it! I couldn't face seeing you there, lying in a hospital bed, all doped up, cut-up and bruised because of me! I couldn't face seeing you nearly crippled because of my stupid fucking pride!" Snake finally snaps, voice strained as his eye returns to my face, pain clouding the blue depth, "I thought I got you killed, (Y/n)! I could barely live with myself because of it!"

"Then why wait until now to find me? Why not come sooner?" I question, voice tense.

"I didn't think I'd be able to face you so angry and upset. I cared - care - so much about you, (Y/n), you have no idea how hard this is for me. I've lived with this guilt for so long." He fumbles for words, unable to voice his feelings as he always has been.

"How hard this is for you? Do you have any- argh!" I cut off in pain. As I was speaking, I'd stepped forwards, my leg sending a shock of agony through me as I'd done so, making me stumble forwards.

Snake moves closer, catching me before I can connect with the floor, his arms secure around me as my hands come to rest on his muscular chest. Blushing at the proximity, I try to ignore the butterflies in my stomach, pushing off of him to sit on a nearby chair, dropping the gun to the floor. Stretching out the affected leg, I sigh in frustration, the anger residing into the same loneliness I've always felt since I got the wounds that have left me like this.

Snake watches me silently, expression pained as he finally speaks.

"Can I...can I see? Please, I want to know what I did to you."

Surprised, I give him a sceptical look, before I hesitantly start to pull my trousers down over my legs. His eye widens at the sight of the limb, lips parting slightly.

Gnarled scar tissue crawls up my leg, discoloured and tight, appearing somewhat ghostly in the light of the room. Snake stares at it in horror, grief swiftly clouding his eye now as he falls to his knees in front of me, hands lifting to hover over it. He flicks his eye up to me, asking for permission, to which I nod, gasping as he removes his gloves and gently places his hands on the sensitive skin, a shiver going up my spine. Ever so carefully, Snake runs his palms over the scars, feeling them over with hesitant fingers, his expression becoming more and more open.

After a while, he looks up, pained eye meeting mine.

"God, (Y/n), I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry..." He grasps my hips, pushing his head into my abdomen as he wraps me into an awkward embrace, murmuring apologies over and over. Shocked, I hesitantly place my hands on his head, threading my fingers through his soft hair. An old tenderness springs into life within me, reminding me of why I used to stay with him, and what his riendship used to mean to me. Over the years, I had tried to forget it, but it's impossible - as he holds me close now, I realise I've missed him more than I'd ever let myself admit.

Snake pulls away after a few more minutes, caressing my hip as he looks up at me, thoughtful now.

"What job was it you needed help with?" I ask him quietly, twisting a strand of his hair between my fingers, "I'll work with you, if you drop the ego act."

He looks surprised and glad, a smallsile pulling at his lips.

"Of course." He promises, looking away again bashfully, "I only kept it up to impress you."

I blink in surprise.

"To impress me?" I repeat dumbly.

"Yeah, I, err, I've always felt the need to. Wanted to impress you so you'd consider going out with me." He admits, blushing furiously.

I blink again, head tilting in curiosity.

"Wait, what?"

"I always wanted to go out with you. Always." He chuckles, swallowing, "I've always loved you."

"You...you love me?!"

"Yeah, I do." Snake nods, biting his lip.

"Wow..." My voice trails off in surprise, unable to compute what he's saying, "I wish you'd told me sooner."

He frowns.

"What do you mean?"

I smile sheepishly at him.

"I've always had a thing for you, too. I just never thought you even liked me full stop."

"Really?!" He looks astonished.

"Yeah, really."

He's quiet for a moment, until a cunning smirk crosses his lips.

"In that case..." Snake leans up and connects our lips, kissing me softly but passionately.

A quiet moan escapes me, my lips moving instinctively against his, kissing him back in relief. His lips are chapped, but I can't find it in me to care as I pull his head closer to me, smiling as he pulls my body into him, his chest pressed firmly against my abdomen. In his arms, I can feel the pain of the last few years starting to slip away, still hooked deeply into me but starting to lessen, my eyes falling closed with the movement of his lips.

He finally pulls away, a content smile on his face, eye taking my expression in.

"So what's this job?" I breathe out, stroking his hair.

He grins lazily.

"Ever thought about going to LA?"

[amostimprobabledream]

And He Walks With Flames (Dabi x Reader) - Part One

They say humans, in a strange, ironic twist of fate, owe their magic to demons. A thousand years ago, they walked the earth, wreaking destruction and chaos wherever they tread. Humans were no more than meat for the slaughter, or glorified playthings for their amusement. The first generation of humans to fight back against their monstrous oppressors did so by a peculiar, ancient magic. A power that could repel demons and bring hope to all humanity. A terrible war raged for the fate of the world and the humans managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The demons were banished to their land of origin, sealed away in defeat. But seals don't last forever. While historians argue on how literal these legends may be, there is no denying that ancient creature have begun to stir, appearing in our world again with growing frequency. And soon there might- The last paragraph was torn away. "Oh, for god's sake," you tsk. Sunlight pours through the large, high window of your lecture room, dust motes dancing in the golden rays. Though you were engrossed in your book, once you look up, the spell is broken, and the clear sky outside once again has your eyes wandering to it. It seems that you are not the only one getting distracted, either - even the professor keeps tapering off at the promise of an afternoon outside in the gorgeous spring weather. "Well," the professor says, shuffling the papers in front of her. "That's all for today. Please revise over the material and we'll discuss it in further detail next time. You are all free to go." You're only too happy to comply, putting your things away and scrambling to your feet. Everyone else is hurrying to get outside, pouring down the stairs to the doors, chattering to one another as they go. Normally you love going to lectures, but it's just too nice outside to be cooped up indoors. You push open the doors and step outside, a muted sigh of pleasure leaving your mouth. Your university, the Royal Academy of Magic, has the reputation for being tough, but so far, you've been enjoying the work. Learning about the different faces of magic, its uses, and the history of it, it's all so very fascinating to you. You've been able to use magic since you were young, but it's studying it here that will really help you unlock your true potential, and hopefully give you a concrete idea of what to aim for with your career. So far there are so many options a magic-user might do that it's been a little overwhelming trying to decide. As you cross the lawns, grass crunching beneath your feet, you decide to swing by your dorm first to drop off your books - they may contain a lot of knowledge, but damn if they're not heavy - your mother pointed out that you've developed something of a slouch since you started studying here. "I'm back!" you call as you push open the door of your dormitory. "Huh?" Kendou looks up from her bed, where she has a couple of books sprawled out next to her head, notes scribbled in the margins of her notebook as she looks over her textbook. Her red hair spills down her shoulder, coming loose from its signature ponytail. "You're back early!" "Yeah, they let us out sooner than I expected," you reply with a shrug and a small laugh, dropping your bag on your own bed and stretching, wincing as a kink in your shoulder pops. "Oh, well, that's good timing, someone came by earlier with a message for you," Kendou says, pushing herself up into a sitting position, apparently deciding your arrival is a good a reason as any to take a break from studying. "Your mother wants you to go down to the Imperial Research Centre to get your father." "Did she come by here?" you ask in surprise. Normally your mother arranges to meet you after lectures or seminars if she wants to see you during the week, and she's a rather busy woman besides. "No, she left a message at the front desk and someone passed it along," Kendou shrugs. "But she also said you guys are doing something tonight, right?" "Oh, yes, I'd forgotten all about that!" you say, feeling silly that it could

possibly have slipped your mind - you love it when you get to go out for a meal with your parents and often it means one of them has some exciting news to share. "Thanks, Kendou, I'll head over there now." She grins and gives a little wave. “No problem!” You suppose it's fortunate that the Imperial Research Centre is only a short walk from the campus and that you're very familiar with the place, since your father's been working there for so long. Anyway, it's a pleasant walk, the way there is lined with rows of trees that are only a week or two away from growing from dark to light pink and shedding their blossoms. When the street is in full bloom, it's like there's been a wedding. You even find yourself humming as you walk, breathing in the subtle smell of flowers on the breeze, wondering to yourself if the blossom trees were planted before or after the buildings were founded, but either way, whoever was responsible for them made a good call. The Imperial Research Centre is a peculiar building, made of blue stone and with a roof that boasts four conical points, one in each corner, making it resemble a castle from bygone days just plopped in the middle of the city. There's an aura of mystery to it, too, hinting at the all-important, life-changing work that’s always going on inside. If ever cutting-edge technology is released to the public, odds were that the Centre had a hand in making it. The building is cooler on the inside than it is outdoors, powered by a system designed to spread cool or warm air throughout the entire building, depending on the system. You approach the front desk, wishing that you'd thought to bring a jacket, because it’s always cold in here during the warm seasons, and the receptionist glances up on you with a slightly dismissive expression on her face. It's probably because she thinks you're an overeager student or some hapless intern, it's very rare a researcher your age would be able to work here. "May I help you?" the receptionist asks in a cool, professional tone. "Yes, I'm here to see my father," you reply. "He's one of the vice executives here." You give his surname, and the woman pauses. Is that a trace of nervousness you can see? "He's downstairs in Containment Room 1A," she says, checking a sheet of paper on the desk, which is littered with various papers, random pieces of stationary and one of those magitech intercom systems that they use. They have something similar at the Academy too, though of course, the Centre get the most high-tech version of everything. "All right, thanks," you say, turning to head for the elevator. "Wait!" the woman cries out and you glance back, confused. "I'm sorry, but you can't just walk through here, especially to the lower levels! You don't have the clearance and it can be dangerous." You scoff in disbelief. You have visited your father here before, many times, and this has never been a problem for you before. You always just tell them who you are and then get a visitor's pass. You even know some of the codes to the doors, thanks to waiting around for your father to finish work so often. "Well, please can you have someone go fetch him for me?" you ask, going to reluctantly perching on one of the chairs in the waiting area. "Can't it wait?" the receptionist asks impatiently, and maybe it can, but her attitude is starting to piss you off, so you shoot her a frosty smile you've perfected after watching your mother pull a similar face at people who don't meet her standards. "No, it can't." The woman sighs but she dutifully presses a button on the intercom system and speaks quietly into it for a moment or two, while you idly pick at a loose thread on the chair you're sitting on. She then glances back at you, eyebrows raised. "A messenger has been sent down to speak to him. Hopefully he should be upstairs shortly." "Thank you so much." you reply sweetly, the last words with heavy emphasis. After that, the two of you sit in a mutually frosty silence, with the woman sorting through paperwork on her desk and occasionally

directing people who approach her desk to the correct floor (which seems redundant to you - why can't people just read the clearly printed sign on the wall next to her desk ?), while you flick through some glossy magazines without actually taking in a single word. But you're not leaving until you've spoken to your father. Minutes tick by and you start drumming your heel lightly on the floor, leg jiggling with impatience. You wonder if the woman just lied about sending a messenger down to the Containment Room in an effort to pacify you, in the hopes you'll just get bored and leave. You grit your jaw at the thought, ignoring how cold you're getting, sitting here doing nothing. After maybe ten minutes, a man in a lab coat approaches the front desk, leaning over to speak to the woman. "Kino, could you come with me a moment? Hannah can start her shift." "Oh, I'll be right there!" Kino says, flustered, getting out from behind the desk and following the man as he walks briskly down the corridor, without a backwards glance at you. No doubt her replacement will be along any moment - perhaps she's running late? But you don't plan on sticking around. As soon as the receptionist rounds the corner, out of sight, you spring up and walk briskly across the room to the elevators, stabbing the button and stepping through the doors. You don't bother to fight the smile that spreads across your face as the doors slide shut. ~ "Father?" There's always something slightly creepy about the lower floors. The orbs lining the walls that are designed to keep the machinery running in case of a power shortage cast an eerie glow in the corridors, washing everything with a pale blue light that makes it seem far colder than it actually is. It reminds you a bit of walking through a tunnel of ice. Your boots click on the stone floor as you follow the lights to Containment Room A1. Finally, you reach the double doors leading inside, flanked by two windows each side. You can see your father inside, his back to you, so you rap on the windows. Nothing. You try again with more force, hurting your knuckles, but he still doesn't turn around. Perhaps it's soundproofed, so whatever's out here can't disturb whatever's going on in there? You glance at the keypad next to the doors, but you've never been to this particular room before so the code for the doors on the upper level is unlikely to be the same one for down here. Then you see movement, shadows beneath the crack between door and floor, and the doors slide open with a mechanical swish and two scientists in lab coats come out, comparing notes and murmuring together excitedly. You slip inside before they can slam shut again, unwilling to stand outside in the chilly corridor for any longer than necessary. "Father!" you call out as you enter. But then you stop dead in your tracks. Ahead of you, trapped behind some kind of containment field...is a monster. "What-?!" you hear your father say in surprise at his daughter suddenly marching through the doors. "What are you doing in here?!" But you don't answer. You can't look away from what's in front of you, even if you wanted to. You know without being told that this is a demon, but it's certainly not what they looked like in any of your history books. A tall, humanoid being that is undoubtedly male and you can tell from where you’re standing that he’s tall. The demon's huge, black wings arch out from behind him, reminding you of a bat. Two horns jut out from a crown of spiky black hair, but aside from that, you're surprised by how… human he looks. Your cheeks warm up as you notice he is shirtless, peculiar burn marks covering over half of his body and seemingly crudely stitched together like a patchwork doll. Despite that, he's impressively sculpted, sinewy muscles on full display and you know that demons were said to be uncommonly strong. Your eyes drift further down, and you spot a whiplike tail wrapped around one leg, topped with a pointed barb at the end, like a club in a game of cards. His arms are in restraints and so are his

ankles, yet he doesn't seem stressed in any way, leaning against the back wall of his holding cell as though he's waiting for something. "What...is this?" you breathe out, finally turning to your father. "This is our latest research subject," your father replies beside you, also staring at the demon, though his expression is surprisingly somber, considering just how amazing it is that they have been able to capture and contain a demon. You've never seen a live demon before, and something tells you that the one before you certainly isn't any garden variety one. "Director Fuji is very excited about this. It's not every day you see a demon this high ranking." Slowly, the demon stirs, raising his head a little. You're perfectly safe outside the containment field, as well was the multiple other safety measures both inside the cell and out of it, yet the sensation of being watched makes your flesh break out in goosebumps. From beneath spiky fronds of hair, the demon's eyes - so blue they almost don't look real - stare right at you, his gaze alone rooting you to the spot, laying all your defenses bare and leaving you feeling bizarrely naked before that look. Watching you without once blinking or breaking his gaze, his lips part in a sneer to reveal two rows of teeth, the fangs sharp and white as an icicle. You find yourself holding your breath as your father speaks again. "Sweetheart, meet Dabi."

[guigz1-coldwar]

'Old wounds' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

"Old wounds"

"I came back for you....I had to do it because you're the one I owe my life !"

Chapter Summary : It's time for Yirina, Park, Zasha, Garrett & Price to get things done with Stone for good but the old complex in Cuba is going to open some bad wounds.....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3800

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It was it....tonight is going to be the night where Stone's life is going to end for real, he will have no chance to escape and we can't allow him to do that, everything we have done for the past two weeks against him....it will be tonight that everything will be decided and for everyone....me, Park, Zasha, Garrett, Price and his SAS men, letting Stone live another day wasn't an option at all, Stone is going to die but....during all this operation, I will have to face something else : the fact that we're going to fight to the same place where Lazar died, it will be an big struggle that I'm going to do.

And that fight inside of me was starting right after we got off the meeting point to join the complex, travelling to it by walk through the jungle. As we said, me, Park, Zasha, Price & some his mens were coming us while Garrett was taking another direction with the other SAS soldiers. Us were going to infiltrate the complex by the same way we used three years ago by the north while the others will take the attack by the south, let's hope it will not end in an disaster, it's the only thing I want.

After long minutes of walk inside the jungle, taking care of looking around us to check for any traps, we arrived near the complex, the same point that we used to wait last time with Park & Lazar that was in an abandoned building and by luck, nothing has pretty changed in here, including the old point of view that was allowing us to get an closer look on the main target : the abandoned hotel where Stone was obligated to hide.

"This place is looking like an fortress !" Price exclaimed as he was overlooking the hotel with his binoculars, he was right about, the place was even more protected than the last time with more sandbags and mounted MGs around the place. "This bastard isn't going to give up easily." He added, removing his binoculars from his eyes to look at us.

"Stone was aware that we were on him since weeks so he found himself means to defend his life." I said, remembering the conversation he got with Sonya Kuzmin in that phonebooth in West-Berlin an week ago, he knew of it. "I'm even sure that he's probably waiting for us to come."

"Maybe but we can't back down and we will not do this." Park affirmed, crossing her arms towards me, biting her left part of her bottom lips. "I'm not going to let Stone breath in the morning." She continued, taking an look on her MP5 at her feets.

"No one want this, Helen." Price told her, his binoculars in hands, having turned himself to look at her fully. "SAS wasn't going to let an rogue element continue to make our name dirty." He breathed as he was seeing Park's face trying to keep straight. "We're doing this for you, for William."

"William ?" Zasha stepped in, curious to hear that and frankly, I wouldn't want them to ask about this because it was an hot topic to talk about.

"It's...was Park's brother, an man I have in command, Smirnov." Price replied, not sure of telling them this as he was still looking to Park.

"Zed." I whispered, putting my left hand on their shoulder slowly.  "You don't need to know about this." I said discreetly to them.

"I....I....okay." They expressed, understanding that talking about this was not an good idea, especially right now moments before we could actually act. "Do we go in force or in an discreet way ?" They asked, looking at Price.

"In force." Park was the one to respond to them, scratching the back of her head, looking at the hotel. "Even if we're making this in silence, Stone could know that we're here, it's better that we're showing him directly that."

"Stone was one of us and he know exactly how we're working so by going in force, he will be confused as going like that isn't the SAS style." Price proclaimed, his eyes on Zasha before he took his binoculars again to check the place up. "My men know exactly how it's going to work, sometimes we have to go off-grid to get things done."

"Get our hands dirty to keep the world clean...." I breathed as it was like the main thing that was highlighting the world of spies and black ops and everyone in here knows about it. "It's been like that everyday." I added to my statement as I look to my glovesless left hand, observing the burn mark that I had since years.

"How did this happened ?" Price asked, having seen my hand like that.

"That ?" I showed to him slowly my hand "I don't know...my memories never told me why I have this." I answered before I look at Zasha. "Do you know something about this ?"

"Uhm....no, you were never willing to talk about this to me or anyone else." Zasha shook their head as I hoped to have an answer from them, they were the one who really helped me to get some memories back but this mark is going to stay an mystery until I know. "I just know that you already had it when I joined you in the KGB."

"Okay." I slowly nodded to them, taking back my own MP5 in hands, an surplus from Park, she's been giving me an lot of things...clothes, guns, means...."Well, do you think we can start to move ?"

"I'll check the other team status." Price told as he was getting his binoculars back to his jacket before taking his radio in hands. "Roach, what's your status ?" He started.

"All good sir, awaiting for your orders to move on." We could heard this Roach talk through the radio.

"Good, we're going in force so be ready to act up at my command." Price ordered before the radio went off, putting it back on his jacket. "Okay, I think we can go now."

"Wait." I stopped everyone as I was looking at the church tower that was overlooking the entire complex. "We might need some snipers to help us." I suggested before I got my eyes on Zasha. "Zed, you remember my lessons in sniper rifles ?"

"Yes, I'm remembering them well." They said, realizing my words as they start to look outside, pointing on the church. "You want me to go on top of this church tower to cover everyone ? I'm in !"

"That's an good idea I didn't thought." Price said, sounding amazed as he turned around to look at one of his men. "Soap ?"

"Yes, sir ?" The man with an strange looking hair got up, an sniper rifle....an LW3 Tundra if I can see right.

"You're taking Smirnov with you on that church tower, give them an sniper rifle and also....don't make an hard fall." Price ordered him and he saluted him before he gesture Zasha to follow him.

"Hard fall ?" I demanded, an bit lost on that...maybe it was an joke....

"Soap managed to survive from the fall he did from an church tower in an old mission, he's really tough to say....an good kid." Price explained to me as he was taking his MP5 on the ground, checking the mag of it before looking at this men "Okay, it's time to get the work done !" He exclaimed and with that, we left the point of view to get out.

All of the stress of going back inside that place was filling me as we were getting out of the building, Zasha and this Soap taking the lead to get in the church in advance before we start to get inside the church too with everyone awaiting for Price's orders to attack. Me....Park, we were pretty nervous about all of this but it was too late to step back and we will never do this like Park said, we're here to stop Stone and we will stop him.

Then, in an instant, Price talked through his radio, signaling the beginning of the attack before we charged throught the door that was leading on the main street that was also leading to the hotel, the same one when Adler and his team got inside the complex last time. We did really surprised Stone's men that was keeping this street from up close and our surprise allowed us to get rid of them all but it wasn't the time to rest already as the gunshots were replacing the silence of the place.

Right after we cleared the street that we had to run to the place in front of the hotel before getting to cover as we were greeted by the multiple mounted MGs around the location : two located at windows and the main one was protecting the entrance to be approached and because of them, we couldn't advance even if we were killing the numerous Stone's men and the corrupted Tropas soldiers around.

"Shit, these MGs is blocking us !" Price yelled as we were all in cover, me reloading my MP5 as Park was making some suppressing fire towards the MG blocking the front door.

"We're not going to pass with them." I exclaimed before suddenly, I heard an loud gunshot and I peak my head to find out that the user of the mounted MGs on the right window that was shooting at everything on us fall back, hit by an sniper rifle but it wasn't finished as seconds later, it was the left one that was out and then, the  one keeping the entrance was hit too. "Who did this ?" I asked, looking at the church tower.

"That was Smirnov, miss." Soap replied through my radio, we were all equipped with radio but Price was the only one that could contact the other team as for us, we were only able to make contact with those on our side.

"Damn, nice shots, Zasha, seems that my training was worth it." I said proudly, firying some bullets towards the few remaining Tropas soldiers still trying to shoot at us.

"Thanks, Yirina, means an lot." They told me on the radio, sounding good.

"Okay, this was the last one of them, we're going to enter the hotel." Price got out of his cover as I was doing the same with Park, aiming our guns towards the entrance. "Part of the team is securing the surroundings. Soap, Smirnov, you're making sure to keep an eye on the roof." He added as we were getting closer to the entrance.

"Yirina, take the lead, I'm behind you." Park suggested and I nodded to her as I start to move on the front, entering the hotel first and by the odds, the entrance wasn't watched by anyone and the gunshots were still audible all around the hotel but then, I heard an explosion and when I look on the ceilling just on top of me, I could see it crack. "Yirina !" Park yelled as I was realizing that the ceilling was going to fall on me and I quickly jumped away before an part of the ceilling fall down and landed right in front of the door, blocking it....I was the only one who got inside. "Shit, Yirina, you're alright ?" She asked on my radio.

"Yes, I'm good." I answered, going up on my feets as I was looking at the debris that was blocking the entrance. "Stone has trapped the place down, I should get move."

"No, it's too risky." Park protested, worried about having me alone in that hotel. "Wait for us."

"I can't, Park." I defended myself, looking around to find an way to get inside the hotel more further to find Stone. "Since Stone's men are fighting the other team, it's going to be good." I breathed, taking my MP5 back on the ground. "I will find Stone, try to find another entrance with Price."

"Okay....okay...take care." Park whispered on my radio before it went off, leaving me alone inside that hotel as they were going to find another way in.

Without wasting any more moments, I decided to move on, taking the same path I used with Park & Lazar years ago as it was the only one available for me with some things that changed  over the years, starting that there were no one that tried to greet me with bullets, not even Stone himself but as I was arriving near an closed door, it was suddenly force opened by an masked man, more looking like an Perseus soldier that was charging me.

I managed to avoid him quickly, putting myself aside before I decide to attempt to kick him with my feet until he succeed in grabbing my leg but this was my plan all along as I make him believe that he was controlling me. He did make me go on the ground not before I was able to put my legs between his arms that did take my leg and taking him with me. Then, once the two of us were on the ground, I hit with my right feet on his head, breaking his neck and killing him.

But before I could got up again, an soldier....this time, an Tropas one was arriving in the room and as he was going to shoot me dead, he was the one who fall down first, having been shot by someone else in the room....but when I looked around, it was only me here alive and no one else...until I looked next to me at my right....seeing Lazar himself....in the same outfit the day he died...

"You're looking like shit." He said to me as he was offering his hand to me....it was an vision and it was so strange....my struggle inside of me is making me hallucinate "Come on, Yirina, take my hand." He added before I resign myself, getting up by that vision, still shocked and confused about it to say, speechless.

"Laz' ?" I breathed, thinking that he was there alive, well with me...

"Do not let yourself down, you got this...do this for me...for Park." He exclaimed before he suddenly vanish from my sight....and the Tropas soldier body too, he wasn't real too, it was just me and that Perseus soldier in that room. I was so stunned by that....having an vision of Lazar here....shit.

"Yirina ?" I could heard Zasha's voice through the radio, breaking me of my thoughts.

"Yea...yes, I'm here !" I regained consciouness of the situation, taking my radio quickly, looking at the door that was broken.

"We've got eyes on Stone, he's on the roof !" They told me as I remember that this room was just next to some staircase that was probably leading to the roof. "Do we take the shot ?" They asked me.

"No, you don't....it's Park who is going to do this." I replied, recalling the promise that Park express to me an time ago. "Keep an eye on him, don't do anything, I'm trying to go on the roof." I said before I got my radio off, taking back my MP5 that was on the ground again before I walk away with great attention.

Like I remembered, there were just an staircase that was going up and to gain time instead of walking throught all of the ground floor, I decided to take them and to go up, trying to get to the roof but unfortunately, the door leading to the roof was blocked by things that I couldn't move by myself without making an big noise, meaning that I will have to find another way to get on top and crossing the last floor entirely.

Thanks to the other team making an lot of noises outside, there were only an few men that were standing in my way to get to the roof, killing them discreetly or if I wasn't able too, making sure that they weren't going to tell that I was here and finally, I found an way to get on the roof, the same way we used to run to the roof. It was during that walk that I could see the fight between the SAS and Stone's men and the SAS were gaining the advantage, seeing Garrett from afar as he was executing an soldier on the ground.

Since the SAS were advancing, I preferred to get along and to go to the roof....until I realized that I did arrived at the same place where I saw Lazar for the last time. By seeing it again, I found myself to have an vision of that day, seeing myself, Park & Lazar on the ground but then, something hit me by behind on my back, making me fall on my fours, still alive as I could see the feets of someone coming in front of me

"Fucking hell, is that Grigoriev herself ?" That voice, it was Stone himself, having seen me arrive or was awaiting for someone else. I looked up to see that he wasn't wearing an hood, seeing the man like in my first memory I had of him, holding an pipe before he hit me in the chest with his feets, putting myself on the ground. "That's for fucking with me !"

"Harry Stone !" I whispered, looking at him in the eyes, with him that got an smile on his face.

"Who do you think it was, you stupid bitch ?" He said, mixed between anger and happiness to see me like this. "Maybe that Freya is going to kill me but damn, I really want to kill you !"

"Fuck you, Stone." I scoffed before he decide to kick me right in the face, causing some blood to get out of my mouth, feeling the taste of it inside.

"Stubborn to the end, Grigoriev !" He then threw away his pipe to take out an pistol in his hand. "Let me get you up." He moved to get me up in an hard way, making sure that I was going to suffer enough, putting his pistol cannon right behind my neck. "You're not going to need this." He told me as he was removing my bulletproof vest that was covering my jacket before he got me at gunpoint, standing up to face the way the only way usable to get here.

"Yirina !" I was able to hear Park's voice coming near and not through my radio.

"Oh, let the show begin." Stone whispered to himself, holding me still with his gun before Park arrived with Price, some blood on their clothes...wasn't theirs, I believed.

"Stone !" Price was the one who saw me & Stone here, aiming his MP5 towards him.

"You son of an bitch, let her go !" Park ordered furiously, her MP5 aiming Stone's head but she couldn't take the shot, fearing that Stone will have time to retribute against me.

"Of course, I will...your majesty !" Stone joked around until Stone put his hands in front of my eyes and then, I could hear some struggle coming from Park and then, Stone removed his hands, allowing me to see Park also hold at gunpoint by someone else as Price was the only one with an gun in hand. He didn't want to prevent Park from this. "Drop the gun, Price, you're alone !"

"In your dreams, Harry." Price refused, mixed between looking at me & Stone and Park. "You know it's the end for you."

"Maybe....maybe not." Stone told him, getting his pistol cannon right aimed at my front right shoulder. "By god, I just realized....Park & Grigoriev working together....what the odds !"

"What are you talking about, Stone ?" Park demanded, trying to free herself from the man that was holding her.

"Oh....she didn't tell you ?" He started, moving his gun slowly on my shoulder. "Oh yeah, that's right, the CIA fucked up her brain and hearing Freya say that she can come back home....she wasn't able to tell you." He added, his head looking to Park.

"What...." I breathed, trying to understand what Stone was saying.

"You didn't remember London, Grigoriev ?" He asked me as I was confused as hell about it. "You didn't remember....what happened that day in 1973 ?" He continued as Park's eyes with me & Price goes wide, slowly realizing his words.

"Are you meaning....? What are you saying, Stone ?" Price questioned.

"I mean that....Grigoriev was there that day....yes....Grigoriev was there the day I killed your brother, Park." He started to laugh as for me, I was feeling so....weak and alone now....I was realizing that....this burn mark on my left hand, I got it in 1973....in London, during the death of Park's brother....no..."Oh, I could remember that she did tipped off William about me and honestly, seeing her running to save your brother....it was an perfect occasion to kill her too." He added, saying that I was the one who was trying to give Park's brother intels about Stone's true allegiances, like Price told me the day I met him. "Unfortunately, she lived."

"No...." I whispered in an very low voice that only myself could hear. By that horrible revelation, I couldn't look at Park in the eyes, fearing that she was hating me now....but no.....I don't want to think of it.

"You know what it would be marked on your grave, Grigoriev ?" He demanded to me as Park & Price were looking at us, stunned and me....shocked and ready to cry out loudly. "It will be saying : Was always there at the wrong time, at the wrong place !" He stated....In me, I just wanted to get free...to get away without any pain by realizing that me & Park were linked by an the death of her brother....until I got an idea.

"No.." I said this time loudly, starting to move my hands. "How about Yippee-Ki-Yay, motherfucker!" I then moved my hands fully to get them on his pistol but I wasn't going to try to move it away from me. I got my fingers on the trigger and then....I shot two times through my shoulder, knowing that his chest was just behind it and that the second bullet was going to hit him.

And it did, the second bullet make him move away from me as I was falling on my knees, feeling weak again, seeing with narrowed eyes, Park managing to get free from the man that was holding her until Price emptied his mag on this man. Feeling the blood in mouth and shooting myself two times in the shoulder, it wasn't going to make me feel better and then, I fell on my back, looking at the dark skies of Cuba as I could see Park & Price quickly walking towards me but I wasn't willing to smile anymore even at Park's sight until I grinned an little and I closed my eyes, trying to think about her positively, hearing her voice.....

"Don't worry, Yiri....it's going to be okay....you will be safe with me !"

[ariddletobesolved]

Days We Spend Under the Sun

Written for @helsa-summer-event uwu

Fandom: Frozen

Genre: Romance, Family, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Whump

Rating: T

Summary: Summer is not her favourite season, but a certain Admiral from the neighbouring kingdom is going to change that.

Sorry, it took a while. And sorry if this one isn't as good (burnout slowly creeps in, but this event will last the entire month, yay!). External links are in the notes. I hope you enjoy it! More fluff coming soon.

Prompt 6: Lettin Off Steam

—

Chapter Eight

There are ways to let off some steam, and a snowball fight in the middle of summer is one of them, at least that's what Olaf said.

After breakfast, the snowman suggested the idea with glee, almost instantly backed by Hans and Kristoff. Whether it was the Admiral's way to make amends with the snowman or it was just his mischievous nature, Elsa didn't know. Next thing she knew, the trio managed to convince her—Anna had a meeting with the council that morning, so Elsa couldn't really escape.

The castle garden had become a winter wonderland in the middle of summer. The four of them were split into two groups—Elsa and Kristoff, Olaf and Hans. In mere half an hour, their laughter echoed in the open space, not caring if any of the staff glanced at them. No foreign dignitaries were present, and the council members were at a meeting with the queen. But what they had forgotten was the fact that the balcony of the meeting room was facing the garden.

"Kristoff, you aim for Olaf!" Elsa told the Prince Consort, as they hid behind an ice barrier. It was the deciding round. "I'll aim for Hans."

"Okay." Kristoff nodded, before throwing a snowball at the snowman, who couldn't even hide his bum behind the snow barrier Hans had built.

"Oh, no! I'm dead." Olaf gasped dramatically, before falling onto his back. "You're all alone, Hans."

"What? No! Come on, Olaf!" 

Hans reached out for his twig hand, only to have it detached from the snowman. He was too busy frowning that he didn't realise a giant snowball came flying at him. Olaf, who noticed it, let out a dramatic scream, eyes widened while pointing his other twig hand at the incoming attack. The Admiral thought that he was being his dramatic self—maybe he had rubbed himself off on the snowman, he didn't know—and when he turned, it was too late.

Buried under the snow, Hans couldn't help but remember the similar experience from years ago, only this time, he didn't fall straight into a pile of horse manure. He tried to move, despite the biting cold over his cotton shirt and waistcoat. He heard familiar chuckles, followed by coos. Who is she laughing at?

"Oh, hello, little guy!" It was Olaf, voice soft and child-like, as if he was addressing a newborn baby. "New brothers and sisters!"

Curious, the Admiral used all his strength to move the snow off him, before he felt something moving. He quickly got up and brushed the remaining snow, which had stained his dark purple waistcoat and white shirt. A small creature ran between his feet, followed by an excited Olaf, which of course was sensible enough to not mirror what the living snowball just did. His green eyes followed the creature he recognised as a snowgie—wait, there were more. 

"We won!" Elsa did a high five with Kristoff, before turning to the confused Admiral. Smiling, she came approaching, then wrapping her arms around his torso. "How—" But before he could continue, Elsa replied, "They came out from the giant snowball, I guess I was too excited I accidentally made some."

Turns out, excitement could also create lives—or living snowballs. So much for saying that snowball fights are for children. Shaking his head, Hans wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him. He pressed his lips on her hairline, and she slightly leaned back with her hand resting on his chest. The couple stayed like that, as they watched Olaf and Kristoff trying so hard to keep those seven newly created snowgies from climbing up the balcony. 

"Should we help them?" Hans murmured.

"You go first, and I'll watch." She teased.

The former Prince spun her around, so she was facing him. "Would there be any reward, Your Highness?" An eyebrow arched.

Elsa winked, then poking the tip of his nose with her finger. “I’ll figure something out.”

Laughter rang in Anna's ear as she tried to focus on Lord Andersen's suggestion about a new regulation for some tenants in Arendelle Plaza. Yes, her gaze might be focused on the older man, but her mind was elsewhere. She wanted to join them so badly, yet her duty as a Queen of Arendelle refrained her from that. Is this what Elsa felt back then? Ugh, this is horrible! Then again, she needed to wait patiently. Just one meeting, then she would be off.

When the laughter died down, a brief silence came. Anna smiled in contentment, knowing finally she could focus. She gave a nod of approval for the new regulation, which could possibly enhance the tenants' wellbeing.

The meeting proceeded, and the queen's attention was on the last topic they should discuss: a slight change in the Arendellian Navy. Anna smiled, gladly doing a favour for her sister's happiness. It began from her own idea, and she told Hans about it. She couldn't believe she was suggesting it in the first place, but she would do anything to keep Elsa happy, as happy as Anna often saw her whenever the Admiral was around.

"Alright, so it's settled, isn't it, Captain?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Captain Larsson nodded.

"Very well, then. Meeting adjourned."

Anna rubbed her palms in relief. She had done her part, and she couldn't wait until the following week. Nodding at a few councilmen, from the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a familiar creature smiling at her from the window. A snowgie? She thought. Why would there be any—oh, is Elsa alright? The queen began to think of the worst. The last time those snow babies roaming around insinuating chaos was when Elsa got fever. Without waiting for the rest of the councilmen to pile out of the meeting room, Anna made an exit, flashing an apologetic smile on her way out.

"Your Majesty!" She heard Freya, Jensen's nanny, calling. "Queen Anna!"

Anna turned around to see the nanny curtseyed briefly, before walking closer.

"Is everything alright, Freya?"

"The prince is awake and refuses to go back to sleep, Your Majesty."

An idea popped in her head. With a smile, she followed Freya towards the nursery.

"Help me prepare the prince with light clothing, if you don't mind." Anna beamed. "We're heading out."

Anna ignored the surprised look Freya gave her. Even after she became the queen, the habit of asking if any of the staff could help her stayed with her.

"Of course I don't mind, Ma'am." Freya smiled.

Moments later, Prince Jensen was all dressed up in his white onesie with some lacy details on the torso to hide the buttons. He was now a big baby, attached to his mother's hip, while babbling. The energy radiating from him was enough to show that she was mama's boy. When the mother and son stepped into the garden to join the others, Jensen let out a squeal in delight, but not with the queen.

The grass was covered with snow, and so were the bushes. Two grown men were running after a few snowgies, each in a different direction. They got help from a talking snowman, who looked rather pleased than distressed.

"Papa!" Jensen squealed, reaching out one hand towards the Prince Consort, who was too busy to notice.

Anna took a deep breath, realising that it was more chaotic than she'd imagined. Normally, she would want to join them in snowgie chasing, but now that she was the one wearing a crown—figuratively and literally, she had an image to keep up. Her turquoise eyes scanned the surrounding, until she caught the sight of her sister, smiling at the shenanigan as she found a shelter in the pavilion. 

"Elsa!"

At the familiar voice, Elsa turned to see Anna coming approaching, while carrying Jensen. Her blue eyes were glinting with joy at the sight of her nephew—her little prince.

"Anna!" She said, before leaning in to kiss the prince's reddish cheek. "Hello, my Prince. You're finally awake, huh?"

Jensen stared at his aunt with glee. His hand went to grab a few strands of blonde hair, as he gave a little tug. Aunt Elsa had always been his favourite person, aside from Mama and Papa, obviously. Elsa gave a little yelp, but she didn't mind at all.

"Elsa, are you okay?" Anna asked, worrily put the back of her hand on her sister's forehead. "You don't have a fever, do you?"

"I'm fine, Anna." Her mauve lips curved into a smile, and instantly, Anna withdrew her hand. "I was just excited, I accidentally created some snowgies."

"Thank goodness!" Anna breathed in relief. Her attention was now back at the chaos. Kristoff managed to gather two in his arms, but from the look on his face, he was determined to catch more. The queen surely enjoyed the sight, especially with him not knowing that the meeting had ended. She knew the Prince Consort meant well. "Shall we go and help them?"

"Nah, just wait for a little while." Elsa smirked mischievously, then brushing some invisible dust off her lilac skirt. That morning, Hans surprised her with a lilac dress, quite similar to the one she had when she was queen. When and how he got it, she didn't know.

"Nice dress, Elsa." Anna smiled knowingly. "I'm glad you like it."

Elsa's eyes widened in surprise. "Do you happen to know anything, Anna?"

"Probably," Anna half shrugged, "or not."

But before Elsa could respond, she heard the familiar distressed call. "Kaere, a little help please?"

Shaking her head, the former queen flashed her sister a smile. "Well, it seems like we have no choice but to help them." From her spot, she waved her hands and the snow vanished into thin air. A few snowgies that were formerly hiding in the snow, were now circling around Hans' feet.

"Come on, then!" Anna beamed. She showered the little prince with kisses, before she took off. "Let's go to Papa!" The gesture was enough to make Jensen giggle.

Her sister's glee was contagious, Elsa knew that, and it seemed like her own nephew inherited that trait from Anna. Elsa waited for another second, before stepping out under the sun. She blinked a few times, becoming more aware of the sudden change of temperature, and her eyes felt like burning. She shrugged it off, thinking it was nothing more than her tiredness that began to kick in. It's probably the heat.

Either way, Elsa needed not to worry about it, for she was surrounded by her family and they had some bonding activities to do.

[jacscorner]

Fox McCloud of Kongo Bongo Part 1

Hello, beautiful friends. I'm simul-posting this silly fanfic idea I had for a while now. Cause Fox McCloud X Tiny Kong content doesn't exist except for the content I made myself, so I'm making a fic dedicated to my silly Sword & Planet doodle I did some months back.

With all that said, I hope you all enjoy, and sorry for any spelling and grammar faults. I'll fix them after the post if someone points 'em out to me, but this fic is being written by the seat of my pants and pretty casually.

The Lylat System was quiet. It had been a short year since the return of Andross when Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team had stopped Andross from destroying Corneria and taking over the system. Fox McCloud, leader of Team Star Fox, was piloting his Arwing past Sector X. The strange nebula was once the secret base for Andross and his operations during the First Lylat War, but now the odd cosmic cloud in the shape of a cross was just a quiet landmark through the system. At least, so it should.

[This is Pepper. Come in, Fox.]

Fox gave a tired grunt, losing his concentration and focus as he reached for the communicator strapped to his head and flipped it on. "You're clear, Peppy."

[Are ya seein' anything there, Fox?]

"That's a negative." Fox said as he checked his instruments again. "I'm still getting those weird readings that Slippy picked up, but I'm not seeing anything."

[Ya shoulda waited at the Great Fox like I told ya, Fox.]

Fox gave a roll of his eyes as he said, "Peppy, stop worrying so much." After the return of Andross every low life of the system seemed to go into hiding. True peace was still out of reach, and there was always work for the members of Team Star Fox, but finding any big named criminals who tried to fill the same niche Andross were hard to come by. In a way, Fox didn't like this; as a mercenary, he lived to fight. Was it wrong to think that way? Most certainly; peace in the Lylat System, where no little kid lost their father like he did, was the ultimate goal. But he needed food on the table like anyone else did.

[Wolf O'Donnell is still at large, Fox. He could be setting up a trap for ya.]

Cap'n Wolf O'Donnel, the name rang in Fox's ear. He could still see the burning, red scar on that wolf's face, the yellow of his eyes burning into his own. Out of all the mercenaries Andross hired to take him and Miyu out, Wolf was probably the best. His equal in almost every way and nearly sent him to his doom. It was the most intense fight Fox had ever been in; for the first time in his life, Fox truly feared that he was gonna die.

And yet, ever since then, there's been a hole in his chest that he couldn't quiet fill.

"If Wolf's out there, then I'll be ready for him."

[Fox, you're-]

"End transmission." Fox didn't wait for a reply, turning off his head piece. He wasn't in the mood to keep listening to Peppy badger him over this; besides, if Wolf was out here, then he would've shown his face by now, right? There wasn't anywhere to hide in Sector X, it wasn't anything by burning gas and bright light.

"One more pass around." Fox told himself, initiating another scan. If nothing was here, then he should turn back and head back for the Great Fox. At least, that's what he should do, but he was in no real rush to make it back to Peppy and listen to him nag his ear off. He cruised around Sector X thinking about how he'd rather go to Titania. There's a nice little saloon there, perfect place to refuel his Arwing and drink his problems away. Just the thought of Titania ale was tempting Fox to ditch his mission. It was weird; he wasn't much of a drinker before, by after the first Lylat War, he grew a taste for alcohol.

Suddenly, Fox jerked the controls on his Arwing, suddenly him into a dive just in time to avoid a photon shot. His instincts kicked in just in time, but where the hell did that come from?! He looked on his radar, seeing nothing, but then looked to see an incoming transmission message. He didn't even patch it through or have the chance to reject the message when a scarred face appeared on screen.

"Hello, pup."

"Wolf!" Fox growled as he glanced up, seeing the lone, quad-wing ship cut through the unforgiving void as he rocketed right for the vulpine pilot. Fox bared his fangs, starting to charge right for Wolf like a demented game of chicken. "I knew you were skulking about these parts!"

"And I knew you'd come with the right bait." Wolf chuckled, his shields deflecting Fox's photon shots as he fired back with his own. "And now it's time I pay back the debt I racked up back on Macbeth."

With some expert barrel rolls, Fox was able to deflect Wolf's own shots, the two ships crossing the other's paths.

"Not to mention I'm paying you back for killing the rest of my team." Wolf snarled, spinning his ship around and beginning to chase Fox through space. His ship let out rapid volleys of hot orange shots on Fox's tail, but Fox managed to evade each shot. Fox could feel Wolf gritting his teeth as he managed to evade each shot. It was like Fox had eyes on the back of his head and Wolf couldn't get a clean shot!

[Fox, come in! Fox! Fox, answer me!]

Meanwhile, Fox couldn't shake Wolf from his tail; it was like Wolf was glued on! He tried to perform a somersault, but Wolf was right behind him, gunning for his engines. He felt his air form a lump in his throat; Wolf was giving him no chance to breath or get any space to counter attack.

"Get back here, brat!" Wolf called out, but Fox was too focused to be distracted or baited by the bounty hunter.

[H-hey! F-Fox, can you hear-ribbit?!]

"Want me?! Come and get me!" Fox called back at Wolf. With a well-timed barrel role, he deflected Wolf's volley of shots and slammed the breaks. Wolf flew right past him and was reading right for the burning mass that was Sector X before Fox chased Wolf down. Now that the tables had turned, Fox was going for the kill, charging up a photon shot that he aimed right for Wolf's engine, prepared to finish off his rival once and for-

[HEY GENIUS! WHAT ARE YA DOIN'?! GET OUTTA THERE!]

Falco's shrieking in Fox's ear piece made him release his shot just before the charge was done, nailing Wolf right in the back of his ship, just missing his engine. Wolf started to climb up and get away, but Fox was more focused on the ringing in his ear. It felt like a siren was blaring with how loud it was.

"...Wait, that's not my ear." Fox flinched as he looked at his were going crazy! Before he could decipher what was happening, a sudden, brighter light came from Sector X. In the center of the nebula's glowing cross appeared,a void of purple light that began to swell and open up.

"A Worm Hole!" Fox realized it too late! He tried to pull away, but this Worm Hole was sucking him in! His controls were starting to lock up; try as Fox might, but he couldn't escape the gravity field the Worm Hole was projecting! It was like a hand had grabbed his ship and started to pull him in by force!

"What is this?! I can't get away!" Wolf shouted, doing no better as his ship was being lured right into the vortex as well.

Fox couldn't think; Wolf's screaming and the Arwing blaring were growing more and more distant as they fell closer to the Worm Hole. His life was starting to flash before his eyes; Fox thought that fear would grip his heart, yet he was oddly calm. Life, death; they didn't seem to matter anymore. Or, rather, Fox felt ready to embrace his fate. Day to day life felt more and more like a chore for the mercenary. And while he didn't rush towards death, he wasn't against letting it come to him. As the light began to fade and sound turn to nothingness, Fox felt ready to embrace death like a bride.

And then, nothingness.

This wasn't the first time Fox had entered a Warp Zone, but this was different from the last time.

The last time, back in the first Lylat War, was a constant bombardment of light and sound. Blues and pinks, odd sounds that made Fox think of some odd, old-school music. It was dizzying back then, yet it felt oddly natural. As if nothing was weird at all; or maybe the odd Warp Zone was manipulating him though the protective hull of his Arwing, making him feel relaxed when any sign man would be panicking and screaming, crashing their ship to any and every piece of debris in the void in a misguided attempt to confirm if what they were being subjected to was real or just a dream they couldn't wake up from.

It wasn't like that this time at all; in fact, it was the exact opposite. Fox couldn't see anything, it was all dark. It wasn't black as night or even dark like space. There was no source of any light, not even from his Arwing. He couldn't see his own hand even if it was trembling in front of his own face. He couldn't hear anything either; not Wolf's screaming, not that he could tell if he was or not, not the alarms his Arwing should've been giving off, not even the sound of his own heart.

He couldn't feel anything either. Not the taste of his own spit, not the seat he was sure he was still sitting in, nor the controls his hands wouldn't let go of with his vice-like grip. Fox felt as though he was cramped inside of his cockpit, yet weightless, and his sad attempt to anchor himself in place was useless. Was this what death was like or was this just the odd void he was trapped in.

How long would he be here? Would he die here? Could he die here? And just how long has he been here? At first, he thought it was just five minutes, but at the same time, he felt that he had been floating here for five hours. It was getting so bad that Fox couldn't tell if he was even still in the cockpit. Was he awake? Thinking in his sleep? Were his eyes even open?

CRASH!

Suddenly, all of his senses hit him like a hammer upside the head. A low groan escaped Fox's muzzle; he wanted to feel something, but now it was pain. His body felt sore and stiff; it felt like he had slept all day and hadn't moved a muscle, but somehow worse. Like he was stuck in his cockpit for weeks. His eyes slowly peeled open with a groan as a setting sun's light pierced his retinas like a hot laser.

With a grimace, the fox blindly reached across the console to open the hatch to his cockpit. His ears twitched anxiously with the lack of any cockpit opening sounds. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he tried to press the button again, but noticed how it felt through his leather glove.

Cold.

His console felt ice cold. The Arwing wasn't running. Fox tried to fire it up, but he didn't even catch the sputter of the engine.

"Great. My Arwing's dead..." Fox grunted as he adjusted his seat. With a hard kick of his metallic leg, Fox kicked the glass shielding off of his Arwing before he dragged himself out. Popping his neck and shoulders, Fox looked around. He was on some kind of beach, but this didn't look like any beach he knew. The sand was black as night and gave a beautiful, if not ominous, shine under the setting, red sun. He looked ahead of him, seeing crimson waves push and as high tide began to set in. Behind him, a massive jungle, but there were smoke stacks poking from the tree line. Black clouds of smog began were pouring into the air, obscuring Fox's view from looking beyond the trees.

"Where in Lylat am I...?" Fox mumbled, but he questioned if he was really still in the Lylat System at this point. He reached for his head piece and began to speak. "Fox to the Great Fox, do you hear me guys?" He was met with a chorus of static in his ears. "Great, my Arwing's dead and now I can't even call for help." Just as Fox thought things couldn't get worse, he heard something.

Marching?

Fox pulled out his blaster, turning behind him and preparing to fire a warning shot, but was promptly met with a pair of larger guns pointing at his face. They looked crude and rudimentary as opposed to his own blaster, but they were not only much bigger, but there were five crocodiles pointing what looked like brass-and-steel blunderbusses at Fox's head, florescent tubes sticking out of the sides of their guns.

"Don't even think about it, furball." The croc snarled, his body bulging with muscles covered by mostly green scales. "Drop your blaster and come quietly or your hide will make a nice rug."

"Oh damn..."

[cottontail20]

A Legend All Their Own, Chapter 6: ‘Show Me Who You Are’

Summary:  Still angry with him, Princess Wanda must decide whether or not to protect the injured Vision from King Ultron’s soldiers.

"What the hell are you doing?" Wanda snapped, after Vision had tackled her to the ground. "Get off me! Get.." She rolled over, shoving Vision away, then froze, her eyes wide.

Most of the arrows missed, but two were now buried in Vision's shoulder. Blood bloomed through the thin material of his shirt. He tried to stand, but fell onto his knees, his face twisted in pain. Vision looked at Wanda, the patterns within his strange eyes spinning.

"Run" He told her, but it was too late. The soldiers were upon them, notching new arrows.

"This doesn't have to end badly for you, Princess" One of them said. "You can come quietly, and we won't say another word about it."

"We only have to kill the boy" added another, taking aim. "And look, he's given us a perfect shot.."

Wanda's eyes flickered from the Soldiers to the injured Vision. Injured because he had pushed her out of the way. Her coat was made of thick, expensive leather. Those arrows likely would have done much less damage to her than they had to him, but he had still..

The soldier fired.

Wanda, without really knowing what she was doing, how or why she was doing it, leapt to her feet, red energy surrounding her hands, her eyes glowing the same fiery red.

"No!" The arrow stopped short, clattering to the ground. With a wave of Wanda's arm, the Soldiers were knocked from their feet, and a second wave surrounded most of them in red energy, sending them flying far off into the distance.

One soldier missed by Wanda's assault charged at the Princess, sword raised.

Vision, acting on pure instinct, grabbed the burning stone from his pocket with his free hand, thrusting it in the enemy's direction. The Stone emitted a beam of golden energy, burning right through the Soldier's chest. He fell to the ground, motionless.

Wanda looked down at Vision, wide eyed and slightly pale.

"How did you.."

"I don't know" Vision replied, panting. "How did you.."

"I don't know.." Wanda glanced down at her hands, then back at Vision. "Why did they want to kill you?"

"I have no idea.. You should go.. We don't know how far you threw them, or if they'll come back. I'd slow you down."

"You would" the Princess agreed, but didn't move. She just watched him for a moment, considering, her eyes green once more. She tilted her head slightly when she spoke again. "Why did you push me out of the way?"

"I didn't want you to get hurt. You're far more important than me."

That seemed to make up her mind. Wanda shook her head, pulling Vision to his feet and draping his good arm around her shoulders, supporting him as they moved forwards.

"I'm not more important than anyone.. I'm not anything."

--

Darkness fell as they trudged onward, with no clear destination in mind. They had moved off of the main path, hoping to make things more difficult for anyone looking for them.

Vision occasionally stumbled, almost pulling Wanda down with him, but she always managed to catch him. The Princess was clearly stronger than she looked. After another stumble, she brought them to a stop.

"We can't keep going like this. You're jostling the arrows and bleeding too much. We need to get them out and bandage your wounds, I don't want you dropping dead on me."

"You don't?" Vision may have sounded a little too hopeful, and Wanda frowned.

"I was angry. I'm still angry. But there's a pretty big leap between anger and wanting someone dead, Vision."

"That is true.."

"Now" The Princess found a clear spot, pushing him down gently, "Sit, and try not to move for a few minutes."

--

Before long, Wanda had managed to start a small fire, and had pulled a few pieces of cloth and a small bottle of something from her rucksack, ready to clean Vision's wounds. Vision was slightly surprised.

"You are quite capable, for a Princess.."

Wanda shrugged.

"I made sure to learn some things, once I'd decided I was running away. I'm going to need your shirt off.. try not to disturb the arrows."

"Alright." Vision did as he was told, carefully removing his shirt, tugging it gently off over the arrows embedded in his shoulder. While he had been scrawny as a boy, years of lugging around sacks of rice and potatoes, and crates of fruit or vegetables for his fellow disadvantaged citizens had left him with a rather impressive physique.

Princess Wanda blushed, then shook her head, moving to kneel behind Vision and examine his injuries.

"Hmm.. The barbed part hasn't gone too deep. That's good, it means I should be able to just pull them out. Try not to yell."

"Why would I..Ouch!"

Without further warning, Wanda yanked the two arrows from Vision's shoulder.

"Done." She pressed one of her cloths to his skin to stem the flow of blood from the now open wounds.

"You did that on purpose" Vision frowned.

"Still angry, remember? Now, tell me about yourself."

"Myself?"

"Yes" The Princess replied. "Tell me all the need-to-know facts about you. Show me who you are, Vision, and I'll decide whether I want to forgive you or not."

"Well.." Vision paused. "Where do I start?"

"Where most people do. Your Family, where you were born.."

"I.. I don't know."

"Oh, that's helpful" Wanda rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed. "Why does my evil relative want to kill you? 'I don't know..'"

"Princess.."

"What's with that weird stone you have? 'I don't know..'"

"Wanda, I.."

"So what do you know?"

"I was abandoned at birth, because of my eyes, I think.. I was raised in an orphanage. I assume I was born in Sokovia, but as far as any Family, I really don't know."

"Oh.." Wanda's face grew pale, suddenly guilty. She was quiet for a while. "I'm sorry.. You really think you were abandoned because of your eyes?"

"I have heard myself referred to as a demon because of them, so most likely, yes. The Orphanage was closed when I was fourteen, not long after your parents died. I'd been on the streets for a few weeks when I found the stone. It let me walk through walls.. what it did Today was new to me. I've been a Thief since I found it."

"A Thief?"

"Stealing food for my fellow homeless. I don't like having to do it, but so many would starve otherwise.."

"I see.. So when did your friends come in?" Satisfied that the bleeding had slowed enough, Princess Wanda poured some of the contents of the small bottle on the second cloth and began gently cleaning Vision's wounds. He winced. "Sorry.. this will sting a bit."

"It's alright" Vision took her 'Sorry' as a sign that she may have been softening towards him again. "I met the Avengers just a few days ago, when they needed my abilities to help with their plans regarding you. They swore to me you weren't going to be hurt at all. That was important to me."

"It was?" Wanda frowned. "Why?"

"It.. It just was" Vision felt himself blushing. "And as soon as You told me about what Ultron did to Pietro.. I swear, my own plans changed. I just wanted to get you somewhere safe."

"Hmm.." Wanda stood and returned to her rucksack, searching for something. When she apparently couldn't find it, she pulled out the dress that she had been wearing when she and Vision met, and tore a large section off the bottom before he could stop her.

"Why did you do that?"

"To bandage your wound" She replied. "I didn't have anything else big enough, and I won't be needing a dress anytime soon.. Arm up."

Vision lifted his arm, and Wanda wrapped the torn material just tightly enough over his injured shoulder, tying it securely.

"Thank you" Vision managed a small smile. "So.. am I forgiven?"

"Well.." The Princess looked at him for a moment. Her green eyes had definitely softened. "I do want to believe you. Let's see if we can get somewhere safe, and then I'll think about it."

"That's fair" Vision nodded.

"For now, though" She threw an old blanket at him, "You should get some sleep."

"I couldn't possibly sleep.. What if.."

"Try. You have healing to do. You're not much good to me injured. I'll keep an eye out for trouble."

Vision opened his mouth to try and argue, but Wanda glared at him.

"Alright.. But you'll wake me if you get tired yourself, won't you?" He settled easily on the ground and pulled the blanket over him, used to sleeping rough.

"I will.. and Vision?"

"Yes, Princess?"

"I'm sorry, for what I said about your eyes.. I don't really think they're freaky."

"Back to amazing then?" He murmured. Half asleep, Wanda had been right, the day had taken a toll on him.

"Maybe.."

From the corner of his half closed eye, Vision thought he saw her smile.

Ao3 link : https://archiveofourown.org/works/16736589/chapters/39960435

[a-cat-who-likes-stars]

Dating and priorities. 1500, 18 Mar 2021

"Priorities" has been such a key word these days, because as much as I had been experimenting with a specific type of dating, I'm glad that I'm able to clarify to myself the good things among any else. This time I'll record what happened with my 1st few trials with said certain type of dating. Try to guess what kind of dating I went for, though they all took place online.

In retrospect, the first profile I made was the best. I could rejoice ironically how much of a regret I had after deleting it, but I'm not someone who goes with guilt and remorse. I always move on, though this time it felt more emotional, and I felt I had to carry an extra sack from where I'm walking away from, like this was a souvenir from the experience I went through.

My first profile picture was really elegant with a tinge of sultriness, but just a teeny tiny tinge of that. The background was a pale pink with a light tiffany green accessory cape, a few dark wooden-like ornaments on a sort of mantel. At least that was the impression of the profile picture, because truly it was just my bookshelf and my bedroom wall and a random piece of sheet I threw over to cover my sort of library collection.

I was wearing my bob with my bangs pinned up so I looked clean, tidy, well kept, classy, simple, no-nonsense. My make-up was a simple blush pink lipstick, some mascara, some compact powder to cover my undereye circles, brow penciled. The compact wasn't really covering the deeper shade of my undereye fully, combined with daylight it seemed too transparent, but that warrants my no-need to do any eyeshadow.

In the profile picture I'm in a half smile, but really it's just a matter of angle because I don't have to smile at all, I just seem like I'm smiling politely. My eyes looked downwards at the camera lens. I looked really classy.

Anyways the description and the photo was a boom because I received messages as soon as I put them online and they got approved.

There's this guy who offered a pay per meet but they gave off an off vibe so I deleted the message.

Over those kinds of inboxes the 1st guy that caught my eye did exactly this: he wanted to meet over coffee and offered a monthly allowance of 3000. That caught my eye because he meant business. I later caught on with him by texting outside of the website only to come to the conclusion I wasn't able to meet him because I won't be around until the middle of April. He told me to let him know when I'm back in the city.

Maybe he was the 1st person I reached out the furthest, I was interested and sent a message of a song recommendation from spotify to him but he didn't reply. It felt like dangling on a cliff. 1 week later I got another message from an overseas number offering a job. I knew the only way was through this person because I only used this new number of mine to communicate with him.

That gave a suspicious feeling, because this proved he might give any info of mine to anyone and the key thing was Without My Permission, I don't care if he did it out of what kind of intention. It was wrong and crossed my line, and as much as the offer of 3000 monthly seemed attractive to me (a 1st timer) I decided to delete their contact on my phone.

I had another place where I kept account of our chat details so if I ever (but highly unlikely) want to reconnect to this person whom I had researched online and found out he is a carpet businessman who looks I have seen via photographs of him, I decided it was done.

My principles.

The next person I dealt with just recently. He was such a friendly person who seemed genuinely into the game. And by game, I'm sure with his experience, he's a player. He's married but still looking, and from what we talked about on phone (he was the 1st to call me and the 1st guy whose voice I had heard since I started dating like this) he had a partner once for 2 years, she was a student but she ended her studies and things moved on but they kept being friends, this guy is someone who really manages his time with finesse, I must admit. He is a professional engineer, he says, and in his messenger account he put a name that I could easily research online and find a construction company director position linked to it. From there he is said to be a graduate from the University of Melbourne a long time ago. From there it tells me about how old he is now. His children (since he said he is married) if any, I figure could probably be older than I am.

That aside, he seemed genuinely interested to have a long term relationship. He seemed chemistry. He is very friendly and I could totally be friendly too, but I was guarded and cold compared to my usual self, especially when I was on that 1 phone call with him. He said he was driving, and he liked to hear about people's voices when he drives back home from dinner with his friends.

The next day I was greeted with a picture of a rose from him and a wish. The day after it was a quote and another wish for productivity as I mentioned my occupation too. This guy really knows how to converse. I admire his manners and conduct. In fact, he matches 89% of my description of "what I'm looking for". Save the married part.

He asked me if I'm allergic to married men. No, I'm not. I see them as humans all the same. I actually see him as a patient. It has only been 1 year and 6 months since I've enrolled in my professional academic training, and for that part of mindset, I was intrigued by myself to be honest.

Like I said, I was interested also because I was curious why he would had such kinds of affair after marrying a woman. I researched online for a consecutive 3 days regarding this matter. The reasons were humane enough.

I was reckless and threw this connection away. Because I was trying, too hard. I had a favourite guru on this sort of dating and she was successful. In her videos she said it was never too soon and about how we keep our standards up high so that people we date are on par and we don't waste our time. Be focused on the aim. There's nothing wrong with that. Anyone who wants something has to set their intention on it.

I wanted a book so I texted him about it and he read my message and never ever replied. I was filled with guilt I removed my simcard so that I never EVER reconnect with this person however the chemistry or friendliness existed for the first 2 days.

I recall a tarot reading because I'm into these stuffs. The reading said this person "will prepare you for your true connection". I couldn't agree more. I felt on one hand I disrespected him, on the other hand he taught me to be respectful of time and mannerisms. It was a sort of transaction with no money involved. I'm grateful I met this person, he really reminded me of that.

He also showed me how high my standards should be.

The day after I watched my guru online and she reminded to keep it as a date, not some job.

Of course. I just went off track for a time. See how it affected everything. Impressions are so important.

I started to date because I wanted to spend my time on guys who can afford and are good in management, well in conduct, respectable. I was grateful I met them. It felt rare. I wouldn't have met these people who are multimillionaires, entrepreneurs, CEOs, Directors, if I only mingled with peers. Plus my peers suck.

What an experience. I'm thankful for these gurus. Eventhough I will most probably NEVER meet them ever again. But I will remember their names, they have touched me without knowing (it's not that sentimental, just stating) and if I ever come across them in real life, I will send a wish for their general well-being. Like putting it out to the universe and the universe will take care of everything else.

I took out my profile and deactivated it. Nothing remains except if you're a hacker you may retrieve the deleted info. It was like a summer fling to me. Although everything IS like a fling to me. I take things less serious than I seem to be, and as much as I'm warm around, my heart isn't as so.

All in all, it was my 1st experience with sugar dating. Yep. Meeting successful men who keep their private life so private people assume they're gay? Interesting as heck.

I'd love to redo this again in the future after I level up. Ah, such are the beginnings of and afterthoughts for my dating choices. Imma try to write a book in the end as a memoir. Cheers!

[purgatoryandme]

;) So I hear you're doing requests and I couldn't be happier. You're one of my fav TG writers so plz write this drabble: In the Ghoul community word on the street is Kaneki has a "thing" for one Dove (Amon). Kaneki always stops ghouls from killing him cuz Amon Is Off Limits so Rumors spread far and wide mainly a romantic&smutty kind xD But is there truth to it? Can Nishiki question Kaneki? I'll let you decide. Bonus:"Oi, you, Dove, how the hell you'd get in EyePatch's pants?"

One thing that no human knew about ghouls, no matter howmany studies they did on ghoul behavior and physiology, was that they loved togossip. Word on the street could be the difference between a peaceful night (asif those ever happened), a scuffle (or seven), and a fresh grave. So, wheneversomething rumour-worthy happened in the ghoul community, you could expect it tocatch on fast. Eyepatch, the scariest mother fucker in the 20th ward, runningaround and saving a Dove’s ass every other day? That was good gossip material.The greatest gossip material. Nobody wanted to mess with Eyepatch, after all. If he didn’t come for youhimself, everyone knew the Owl would. That, or the Gourmet would try to eat youafter the Rabbit siblings had used you as a pincushion. For awhile, the rumour was interesting enough by itself. Eventually though,people had questions. Why was Eyepatch protecting a Dove? Did they owe each other some kind of life debt? Eyepatch hadn’t appeared untilrecently, however.Had Amon protected one of Eyepatch’s friends? Impossible, he was a Dove andEyepatch hung out with a pretty powerful crowd. Amon was a pretty young investigator…He was known for being handsome…And extremely stubborn about exterminating ghouls…Was this…a forbidden romance!?Ghouls far and wide argued the appeal of this new piece of news. Sure, it wouldbe fun to sleep with a ghoul-hating investigator, a really good “screw you”(hehehe), proof of the hypocrisy of humans. But, wouldn’t that get old afterawhile? Why would you keep saving the guy?Also, curious minds needed to know: did Eyepatch leave his mask on when theydid it? Rumour says he’s a cutie!Maybe he took the mask off…because they were in love! Somebody had seenEyepatch give the Dove a coffee once (originally, the story was that the Dovedemanded to know what Eyepatch ate, to which he replied with the drink, but whocares!). Somebody else had seen the Dove carrying Eyepatch in his arms (when hewas bleeding heavily, but who cares!). Once the rumour mill got-a-grinding, there was no slowing it down.

Back at Anteiku, Kaneki was waiting tables and trying toignore Nishiki’s intense stare.  It wasgetting pretty difficult though, considering that the stare was aimed t his assand every customer he’d waited on had commented on it. 

Finally, he couldn’t tolerate it anymore. The second after he refilled anothercustomer’s cup, he marched over to Nishiki and pulled him into the back room.“What is your problem????”He asked, letting go of Nishiki immediately (he didn’t have a death wish). Nishiki shrugged and eyed him up fromthe tip of his toes to the top of his head. “Just trying to figure out how you got a Dove to bang you.”NIshiki responded.And that’s how Kaneki found out about the rumours.

Amon Koutarou was walking his beat within the 20thward. Things had been…quiet for him lately. He wasn’t even sure why he wasdoing a patrol. Ghouls avoided him like the plague now, unless they were tryingto pick a fight with Eyepatch.

Where was Eyepatch today? How was he doing? Was he alright? It bothered Amon that the ghoul had been attacked so often lately. Clearly, hecould handle it, but it bothered Amon when Eyepatch showed up to a fight incasual clothes (with his mask askew,almost like he put it on in a hurry, almost like he might not put it on at allnext time). Not because he was worried about him, though. No, Amon hatedthat the casual clothes meant Eyepatch was stalking him (though he never did anything to stop the ghoul from doing so).  Frowning, Amon kicked at some gravel. He was getting kindof bored with this newdaily routine. At first, it had been exciting – ghouls would attack, Eyepatchwould show up, and a fight would break out on the daily. He hadn’t even SEENEyepatch for over a week now…Not that he missed him. He was just sulking about not getting to ask Eyepatchany questions (despite the fact that hehadn’t asked them in the…2 months, probably 2 months, since this started).  As he was lost in thought, a voice came from overhead,“Oi, you,”It said (a ghoul with a snake maskpeering down at him),“How’d you manage to get into Eyepatch’s pants?”And that’s how Nishiki broke 4 bones and Amon found out about the rumour.

“InvestigatorAmon, how do you keep getting into trouble!?”

Eyepatch demanded to know, pulling Amon by the arm out of the smoking rubble ofa broken down lab alongside some of his fellow investigators. His ghoul crewhung around behind him, coughing awkwardly as Eyepatch continued to hold onto Amon.

“It’s like I can’t leave you alone for a single second! No wonder everyonethinks we’re-“

The ghoul cut himself off abruptly, but it was already too late. Akira’s eyes sparkledwith interest and Amon felt his face turning red (

from embarrassment! Not the arm holding

!).

“We’re not dating!”

Amon blurted before covering his mouth in horror at Akira’s slowly wideningsmirk. The ghoul in the snake mask snickered and Eyepatch released his arm longenough to smack at them.

Eyepatch’s crew left quickly after that, but not before Amon spotted how pinktheir leader’s ears were against his mask. Also not before Akira called out,

“So, if Investigator Amon wants a date, does it have to be a coffee date?”

And that’s how the CCG found out about the rumours.

[rogue-barnes-16]

BLIND (part II/?)

Summary: Steve brought Bucky to the compound for him to join the Avengers. While some of them welcomed him with smiles, others prefer to judge him for his past. But, could that change?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Genre: angst-fluff

Tags:

Blind: —

Permanent taglist:

@notexactlythatgirl @thisismysecrethappyplace @sofreakinmanyfandoms @pizzarollpatrol

Warnings: language, mentions of nightmares, the reader's still a little shit (she'll get better, you know, with time)

A/N: another chapter of this new series. I don't know yet which days I'll be posting it, so if you want to be tagged, just ask. Enjoy! :)). Feedback is always appreciated guys <3.

Blind masterlist

Rogue-barnes-16 masterlist

READER'S P. O. V.

I got up after another almost sleepless night and I walked to the kitchen. When I got in, I saw Steve and Natasha already having breakfast. "Morning Y/n- Woah" Steve gave me a worried glance while I was pouring some coffee in my mug.

"Woah indeed" Natasha replied. I didn't even bother to look at them. "what happened to you? You look like a zombie" she tilted her head aside and pursed her lips "another nightmare? I can tell Tony to postpone your next mission"

I shook my head, groaning as I left the mug on the counter. I sat on a stool in front of them and I let my head fall over my forearms, which were resting over the cold surface. "he screams" I whined.

"who?" Natasha asked confused, but Steve stayed shut, because he damn well knew who I was talking about.

Before I could answer, Tony came in. "Barnes." he gave me a mischievous wink, and I didn't know if it was the wink, or the fact that I had barely slept in a week.

But I flew off the hande. "you fucking asshole" I hissed, standing up and spinning around to face Tony. "soundproof his damn room."

He waited a painful, long moment before giving me an answer. "Nope." he emphasize the 'p' at the end of the word, which only made me more angry.

"what do you mean with no?!" Natasha got up and left, but Steve stayed, probably in case everything got out of hand. I just didn't understand why wouldn't Tony soundproof Barnes room.

"I mean no" I groaned and threw the mug in Tony's direction, making it crash against the wall just besides his head. "you know, to be a sniper you've a pretty bad aim"

I walked towards Tony, stopping right in front of him. "If I'd aimed at you, you'll have your face ruined." I hissed.

And right in that moment, Barnes came into the kitchen. Wrong timing. "what's going on?" his voice was quiet an husky, he probably had just gotten up.

"you" I glanced at him, and I could see how he flinched. Why did he flinch? I wasn't even near him. Maybe I had used a too severe tone, but I was tired an angry, so I didn't think twice. "next time you have nightmares, keep it down. I didn't sleep in six days."

Barnes frowned slightly and parted his lips. He had been taken aback again, but this time I could see a glimpse of guilt in his gaze "Y/n" Steve calmly called me "that doesn't even make sense"

"Shut it, Rogers!" and with that, I stalked away from the kitchen, going to my room. I collapsed in my bed without thinking twice, and I soon started to drift off.

Nothing would happen if I skipped today's training session, so I decided to sleep for a few hours.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUCKY'S P. O. V.

I let out a loud cry while my eyes flew open. I sat up shaking and gripped the sheets tightly.

The nightmares were worse when I couldn't distinguish if it had been a bad dream or a memory.

My chest went rapidly up and down with the heavy breaths, and my lower lip started to shake. I let out a sob before I was able to control it.

Tears were streaming down my cheeks when I heard a couple of strong knocks against my door. "keep. It. Down."

Fuck. Y/n. I had forgotten about what he had told me this morning. "I-I'm sorry, I-I'll try to stay quiet"

Silence. I thought she had left, but I was proved wrong when she spoke again. "are you crying?" she sounded confused, maybe a bit uneasy, as if she didn't know what to do.

"N-no" wow, that had sounded even less convincing than I expected.

"Uh..." what now? Would she get in? Probably not, she was just being polite. Maybe she felt bad. "do you want me to go and get Steve?"

I took a deep breath, managing to put myself together, at least for an instant. "no, don't worry. G-go back to sleep, I'll try to... Keep it down."

"Okay" and now, I was sure she had left. I heard her door shutting and I fell over the mattress, covering my face with my hands.

READER'S P. O. V.

I came back to my room with a strange feeling in my stomach. He was crying because of his nightmare, and I just didn't know how to react about it.

But it was okay if I didn't want to help him, he wasn't a good person. So why was I feeling like I had just killed a kitten? He probably deserved whatever he saw in his nightmares.

But he was crying.

And I had left.

"damnit!" I hissed, coming out of the room again, and crossing the hall to stand in front of Barnes' door.

Do it for Steve, I told myself, he wouldn't let you go through one of your nightmares alone.

I took a deep breath and knocked the door again, but I waited a couple of seconds before speaking. "I'm coming in." I warned him, before grabbing the knob to open his door.

He wasn't there, but he couldn't have gotten out, I would have heard him. He had to be somewhere in the room, so I decided to wait for him to come back to his bed.

After a couple of minutes, he came out of the bathroom, rubbing his bloodshot eyes. "Hey there" I greeted without any kind of enthusiasm.

He jumped slightly, probably because he hadn't noticed my presence before I spoke. "I- what are you doing here?"

I crossed my arms over my chest, scanning him with my gaze, and making him shift slightly. He was uncomfortable. "you look" sweaty, terrified, sleep-deprived, shaky, uneasy. "like shit"

"I didn't need you to come and check on me" he replied, grabbing a new shirt and going into the bathroom. It was a long-sleeved shirt. He was self-conscious about his arm, something I could understand. Who wouldn't be self-conscious about a gun attached to their body?

"I didn't come to check on you because I worry about your well being." I spit out, and he came back to the room. He didn't make eye contact with me but he seemed... Unimpressed by my answer.

"I know you don't" he said, walking towards the door and opening it. "you don't have to say it out loud. And now" he motioned me to get out. "I'll try not to scream."

I scoffed and got out. However, when he tried to close the door, I stopped it with my feet. "you didn't let me finish" he sighed and finally made eye contact with me.

His gaze was doing that thing again. He was making me nervous. Gosh, I hated it so much. "Okay, finish. I'm listening." Breath. What the fuck, Y/n? Just breath.

His eyebrows rose slightly, motioning me to talk, but I just couldn't stop looking at his damn eyes. Why did they look so sad? "Y/n."

I cleared my throat, recovering my emotionless gaze. "I care about Steve. And Steve cares about you, and we're a team or something like that"

He knitted his eyebrows, parting his lips slightly, before opening his mouth and shutting it again. "I don't follow."

"I'm not surprised." I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. "listen just come with me, I'll take you to Steve."

"Y/n, I said I'm-"

"Shut the hell up, 'kay?" I groaned and motioned him to follow me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got in the kitchen and prepared my coffee, before walking out to the balcony.

To my surprise, I found Barnes already sitting there, with a mug of chocolate milk between his hands. "Hey there."

He turned around to look at me and gave me a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Mornin'." his voice was husky, and his Brooklyn accent was more noticeable, probably because of the early ours. "how did you sleep?"

"Better." I replied bitterly, sitting in one of the wicker chairs. "you didn't come back to your room." I said, taking a sip of coffee.

"I didn't want to bother you" he stated, drinking what was left of his chocolate milk. "I slept in the couch."

C'mon Y/n. Be polite, he's Steve's friend. I thought to myself. "I'll talk to Tony for him to soundproof your room" I said, my eyes fixed on the horizon. "Steve would kill me if I made you sleep in the couch."

I caught the ghost of a smile playing on his lips with my peripheral vision, right before he got up. "thank you" he said when he walked past me.

"I'm not doing this for you" I dryly replied. "I'm doing this for Steve."

He pursed his lips before answering "Thank you anyways."