#next thing i know me and companions are dead and i'm looking at my shocked reflection in the screen

[okthisway]

it's my first dragon age 2 run and fenris already managed to kill me once and abandon me twice

[dragonfirerogue-writes]

hi this is my first time sending a request and this one was rejected by other writer so I wondered if you could write it instead. I love quinn and I was thinking about a quinn fabray x fem!reader where reader was quinn first love back in middle school in that old school of hers and they had confessed to each other. reader loved quinn since her lucy caboosey phase and you could add that russell or Judy found out and separated them and encouraged quinn to get the nose job and lose weight. anyways, reader goes to McKinley during season 2 where quinn is trying to get her life together and she snaps when reader tries to approach her using her old name they don't speak anymore but reader always look out for quinn from the sideways (she's not from the glee club but she befriends Rachel) and quinn gets even more pissed when she catches rachel mentioning you before glee starts. the whole mess with lucy caboosey gets out and they finally speaks w reader comforting Quinn. make it angsty with a happy ending do not spare our feelings😂

-🫧

Still By Your Side

You know you're staring, but you can't help it. Something about this girl in your class is so familiar. You just can't put your finger on it.

See, you used to live in Lima, but you moved away in middle school. Forced away, rather. Now you're back and junior year began at McKinley High. While you recognized a lot of people, this one person just couldn't jog your memory.

Not until her eyes bore into yours.

As soon as class ends, you pack up your things and dart after the blonde.

"Hey! Wait!"

The blonde turns around, eyebrows cocked with an annoyed look on her face. She doesn't say anything, waiting for you to tell her why you're bothering her.

You take a moment to take her in. This girl was beautiful, that's for sure. There was a grace about her to match. Even her annoyed face looked pretty. You shake the thought from your head before finally speaking.

"Lucy, right? Lucy Fabray? It's me, Y/N."

Almost immediately, a hand covers your mouth and you're shoved against the lockers. Eyes blazing with fury found your shocked ones.

"I don't care who you are. I don't care how we met. But you will NEVER utter that name ever again." She leans closer and dangerously lowers her voice. "I am not Lucy and I will never be again. I am Quinn Fabray. Lucy is dead."

She pushes off of you, shoving you further into the lockers before striding away. You just watch her leave, your heart breaking with each step she takes. You didn't even notice the person next to you until she spoke.

"Sorry about her. She's always been like that."

With a jolt of surprise, you turn to look at the short brunette next to you. There's a moment before you look towards Quinn again.

"No... Not always." A sigh escapes your lips before you turn your attention to your companion. "You're friends with Lu-er... Quinn?" The brunette lets out a soft, rueful laugh.

"Kind of? More like rivals, I guess. We're both in Glee Club together. I'm Rachel Berry." She holds out her hand, which you take to shake.

"Y/N," you reply. "Y/N Y/L."

"If you wanna get close to Quinn, you can join Glee. We always need more members anyway." She offers. You consider it for a moment before shaking your head.

"Nah. I won't bother her like that. And I'd rather get myself settled before joining any clubs." You smile. "Thanks though. Maybe in the future." Rachel returns your smile with her own wide one.

"I'll hold you to that."

-----+++++-----

As the days pass, you learn more about Quinn thanks to Rachel. Her pregnancy and the resulting fallout with her parents, her life with the Glee Club, and now her determination to return to life before her baby. It was a lot and you weren't surprised by how much it affected her. You've already decided to stay out of Quinn's way, but they didn't mean you weren't still drawn to her.

While you tried your best to avoid directly interacting with the blonde, there were times when it was inevitable. Much like when she and Santana got into a fight in the hallway and you made it a point to pull Quinn away while blocking the Latina's attacks with your body.

Quinn didn't even acknowledge you.

It wasn't ideal. Your heart squeezed in pain with every rebuff. But the love you held for her, from the moment you met Lucy, it was worth every glance.

Only once did Quinn speak to you after meeting again. It had been months of just being in her orbit. But suddenly, you're slammed against the wall.

"Stay away from Berry." She growls. "I already have to deal with you everywhere else. I don't need that dwarf opening her big mouth to speak your name."

Recovered from the push and sudden rant, you retort.

"We haven't spoken since the first day! I even honored your request, Quinn. I don't understand why you dislike me so much."

"You don't get it." She leans into your space. If you weren't so frustrated, you would've blushed. "You're the only one who knows about Lucy. About everything I had to go through because of her. You can ruin my reputation with that knowledge. How can I not hate you?"

You could only blink in shock. So much was forgotten. Or rather, repressed. After a moment, you sigh.

"Quinn... What would I gain from that?" With a slump, your head thumps against the wall. "You may have forgotten but I... I loved Lucy." You hear a soft gasp. "I still love her. Even after your parents forced me away. Even after all this time."

You finally look straight into Quinn's eyes.

"If I ever talk about Lucy, it will only be with love and adoration. But since you don't want any indication of her existence, then she'll live in my heart. I'm not here to hurt you, Quinn. You have my word."

With that last word, you push past Quinn, leaving her in the hallway. You laid everything out there and you hope the blonde would trust you.

You didn't notice the look of awe in her face.

-----+++++-----

The first thing you noticed when you walked into school the next week were the whispers. Gossip sprung up all around you. You were confused until you were faced with a poster of a familiar photo.

Lucy Caboosey.

Almost immediately, you move to look for Quinn. At the choir room, you were met with most of the New Directions. Upon seeing you, Rachel rushed up.

"Y/N!"

"What's going on?" Another girl piped up.

"Fabray was being more annoying than Rachel." You recognized her to be Lauren Zizes. "I found out her little secret and decided to even the odds for Prom Queen."

You just stared at her. "YOU WHAT!?"

Everyone jumped at your voice.

"Do you know what she had to go through because of that bullying? I basically had to be her bodyguard in middle school just so she wouldn't be pushed to do anything drastic. And. You. Bring. That. BACK!?"

It didn't matter that Zizes was twice your size and stronger. She shrunk at your rage.

"You better damn well hope I find her before I see you again."

You whirl around to continue your search for Quinn, leaving the group in fear and awe.

Eventually, you follow the trail of torn posters to a classroom where you find the blonde crying at a desk. Quietly, you take a place across from her and wait for her to acknowledge you. It didn't take long for her to look up at you with teary eyes.

"Y/N..."

You smile. "Hey, Luce. Sorry I wasn't around to protect you this time." Quinn let's out a scoff.

"Please. I pushed you away. It's my own fault." A sigh escapes her lips. "How am I going to face the school now?"

"The same way you always did."

Quinn just looks at you, confused.

"Sure, you had an outburst. But you can't let that, or your past, dictate what you do now." You reach out your hand, palm up in an inviting manner. "You show that it doesn't control you. Even if you're just faking it."

She stares at your hand.

"Why are you doing this? After everything that's happened between us." You just give her a sad smile.

"I told you before. I love Lucy. Always will. I told her that as long as I was around, I'd protect her. I intend to keep it."

A tear falls from Quinn's eyes as she looks at you with wonder. Her hand covers yours and she revels in its warmth.

"Do you think you can... Love Quinn like you did Lucy? I've changed so much since you left. I'm not Lucy Caboosey anymore."

"Quinn," you start. "I don't think I could love you like I did Lucy." The blonde wilts, her heart breaking. Her hand clutches tighter onto yours. She had been so scared of her reputation crumbling that it masked her own feelings for you. Feelings she held for so long.

Quinn's actions catch your attention and when you look into her eyes, you're struck by the emotion in them. In an instant, you're back in middle school and falling in love all over again. You let yourself stay in that moment for a bit before speaking again.

"Lucy has a special place in my heart. She's my first love." You watch as your thumb caresses Quinn's hand. "It'll always be there, but it'll never grow." Your eyes meet again. "It can grow with you though. I may not know Quinn as well as I did Lucy, but I'd like to."

The smile on your face is immediately covered by soft lips. In a surge of emotion, the blonde leaned forward to kiss you. Before you could even react, she retreats.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself..." The light blush on her face sparks another memory and your smile widens.

"And here I thought I'd be the one to break." You chuckle. Gently, you lift her hand and kiss each knuckle. "Maybe let me kiss back this time?"

Quinn's blush deepens.

[mx-pastelwriting]

Trustful Companion

(Post-War) Cooper Howard x GN! Reader

Summary: Relaxing from your travels across the wasteland yet trouble seeming to find you both ruining a good drink.

Warnings: Guns, Held at gunpoint, Bar, Drinking/Alcohol, Violence, Slight Soft Cooper

Taking in the smell of alcohol cigarettes sitting at the mostly empty bar, thankfully allowing ghouls into the establishment; otherwise, it would have to be a shoot-and-grab mission for the both of you.

Hearing as the glass hit the wooden bar top, alerting the bartender to refill. Still looking over at the number of drink choices along the wall, knowing it would keep Cooper happy before the trip to the next bounty mission. Watching in the corner of your vision as the glass filled before striking to take it, seeing his hand stuck in time while you happily sipped away at his drink, taking in the sight of his shocked demeanor.

"And you call yourself a bounty hunter." Saying smugly, holding up the glass proudly, "Says my trustful companion," he replies, reminding you of the reason he keeps you around. Trust.

Placing down the drink in front of the man, still smiling like an idiot, finding your fun in catching the ghoul off guard. Swimming in that thought, having no notice of the two men behind you until feeling the nudge of their guns against the back of your heads.

Sitting still, watching in the corners of your vision, watching the bartender move away slowly, not caring for him, they spoke only to you both: "Didn't think they let this thing in here," the one farther from you says.

"Me and you both," Cooper says through gritted teeth, though it only earned a whip to the head, hearing as he groaned, not knowing whether from the pain or holding himself back.

"And this one, they have to be infected," the one behind you says, nudging the gun harder. Being in the spotlight, you fought the urge to roll your eyes. "Both of them could turn right now; we should take you both out right here, right now," Cooper's captor says, making his hand twitch against the glass.

"Not in here, boys," the voice of the bartender makes the attention turn, seeing as he held a shotgun in your direction. "You heard the man up," one of them ordered, leading you two to the door, guns now down to your back.

Feeling the cold outside nipping at your skin though as quickly as it came, so did Cooper's signal, moving swiftly to push the gun away from your captor, though not fast enough being locked into his grip. Turned seeing Cooper and the unconscious man on the dirt path, yet here you were, a gun held against your temple, waiting to blow.

"All of your caps, and I'll let them go," he demands, yet getting nothing from Cooper, the silence made a chill roll over your body. Looking into his eyes, seeing nothing—no plan, no signal, just nothing. "Make him talk," the man says, pushing the gun harder against you. "Give him the fucking caps already," you say, knowing he'll get them back after anyway.

Watching him slowly pull out his cap bag, dangling it in the air, "Come and get it," he says teasingly. "Go grab it and bring it back," the man says before pushing you to him, you walked grabbing the bag from Cooper.

Locking eyes with the ghoul, seeing the slight tilt of his head alerting you to his next action, quickly grabbing you before turning around taking the shot before blowing lead into the man.

"Fuck Coop, you couldn't have just given it to him instead of that stupid shit." You chew him out on dragging shit out. "Fucker could have shot me," you state, getting yourself together.

Looking up at him seeing his proud smile, the same one you had earlier, "I like to have a little fun too, darling," he says, but you quickly snap back. "Not when I'm dead, you won't!" "Oh please, darling, I ain't letting you go that soon," he teases. "Yeah, because you love me," you tease back, making him embarrassed.

"Shut up," he says, but you continue "You love me" singing into the night, earning a "Yeah, yeah" while walking off into the night, keeping close to him. Supposing that's another reason why he keeps you around. He loves you.

A/N: This is my second time writing this so I might release the other.

Hello, I hope you enjoyed if there is any grammar mistakes or misspellings sorry about that feel free to let me know in the comments, have a great day/afternoon/night!

𝙏𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩: @emoguardian

[girlwiththepapatattoo]

The Unlikely Similarities Between Kittens and Vampires

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Pairing: Astarion x Female!Tav

Warnings: an almost kiss, some sexual tension, Astarion being himself

Summary: Very early into their adventure, the city-raised druid Sable and her new companion Astarion have an interesting conversation at camp.

Notes: Yes I'm part of the Astarion simp pile, but I never asked for this! Anyway, have a one shot. (That I managed to keep a reasonable length, go me!)

Read on Ao3 here!

The firelight dances, creating shadows that flit in and out of the campsite, playing along tents, keeping those that sleep under the stars company. Crickets chirp cheerily, owls hoot in the distance; the night is peaceful. 

Which is why Sable is away from her post on the first watch. Instead of at the campfire, she’s down by the river, sitting on a rock and dipping her sore feet in the river. She knows that there’s only trouble when the nocturnal sounds stop. 

Or, well, so she’s read.

The elf leans back on her hands, looking up at the gorgeous night sky. The novelty of a crystal clear sky hasn’t worn off yet, a riot of white and bright blue pinpricks, with the occasional rare red thrown in. She traces constellations she’s only seen in books and swishes her toes through the gentle current below. 

“Well, you’ve certainly taken to nature rather well,” a voice simpers behind her. She doesn’t need to turn around to see who it is, even though her traveling companions are very new. That incredibly smooth tone could only belong to Astarion, the elf with the red eyes and rather prominent canine teeth. “I’m almost jealous.” 

Sable can’t help but smile faintly. Despite his propensity for selfishness so far, she can’t help but like the man. Which she knows is a problem, even if she knows that he doesn’t know she knows yet. “Almost being the key word.” 

A soft chuckle graces her ears, and she hears him step up next to the rock she’s sitting on. “Of course. Jealousy is such an ugly emotion. I want no part of it.” 

She hums in acknowledgement. “I agree.” 

“Ah. I knew you were sensible.” He watches as the cool river water flows past his companion’s toes, his eyebrow arching. “Does that…feel good?” 

“It does, yes,” is her soft response. “Helps ease the ache after walking all day. I can move over if you’d like to join in.” 

He hesitates, looking at the running water trepidatiously, before rolling his eyes at himself and nodding. “Oh, very well.” She grins faintly and moves over as he pulls his boots and socks off. He rolls up his pant legs, and she has to quickly tear her eyes away from slender ankles, shapely and defined calves. Two spots of heat blossom in her cheeks, which of course he notices as he turns around. “Getting flustered at the flash of an ankle?” he purrs, even as he tentatively dips his big toe into the water. When there’s no sizzling of skin, he slips both feet into the river with a moan of delight (that definitely doesn’t make her stomach flip) and leans back much like she was. “Positively archaic of you.” 

She rolls her eyes, her blush deepening at his words. The rock is large, but not large enough that there’s much space between them, the outside of their thighs nearly touching. “Hilarious. Why aren’t you in your trance?” 

“Darling, this is only my second night in the great outdoors,” is the reply, sounding vaguely annoyed, but not necessarily at her. “I’m used to a proper mattress, not…whatever that thing is they try to tell me is a bedroll.”

“Well, we’ll have to adapt,” she replies. 

“Adapt,” he says flatly, not even framing it as a question. 

“Adapt,” she confirms. She continues to watch the water flow past as she adds, “vampires are supposed to be good at that, right?” 

For a long moment, it’s dead silent. He stares at her in shock that not only does she know, she hasn’t tried to stake him. “...I won’t do you the disservice of pretending to be otherwise,” he finally says with a little amused huff.

Her lips curl again in a faint smile. “Appreciated.” 

“How long have you known?” 

She hums in thought, turning her eyes back to her toes, his own quite close now. “I had my suspicions from the first time I saw you, honestly,” she admits. “Elves don’t really have red eyes, unless they’re drow. I thought at first that maybe some ancestor of yours could have been Lolth-sworn…then I saw your teeth.” She chuckles, leaning forward and bracing her elbows on her thighs. “Even then, I was willing to chalk it up to natural discrepancies.” She pauses, remembering… “But then you caught my hand when I tripped over a root. That’s when I knew. Your skin was–or is, rather–so cold.” She huffs at herself, and finally looks at him. “Long story short, I’ve known from the first day.” 

“But you…haven’t said anything?” he asks, confused. The look on his face, so thrown off guard, almost makes her laugh. 

“Well…no. We all have our secrets, Astarion. You haven’t tried to kill one of us in our sleep…” She leaves the ‘yet’ hanging unspoken in the air. “...and as long as you continue to not do that, I have no problems with what you are.” 

He stares at her again, trying to settle on some sort of reaction, something to say. “...well,” he finally says, tilting his head slightly as he considers her. “That’s very kind of you. A little too trusting, if I might say, but considering it’s towards myself I’ll let it slide.” 

She snorts inelegantly. “Generous of you.” 

“It is, isn’t it?” he says, smug. She can’t help but laugh, knowing he’s messing with her, and he chuckles right along with her. 

She turns her head to look at him, and whatever she was about to say dies on her lips when their eyes meet. A spark of something shoots through her, settling behind her navel. They’re so close, less than a foot separating their faces. Even in the dark he can count the smattering of freckles across her cheeks, see the different glints of color swimming in her hazel eyes. 

His own crimson orbs darken faintly. His lids lower halfway, his beautiful lips curling into a sly smile. Her breath hitches as his fingers brush over her jaw, lifting her chin…and she knows her body obeys, that he had to use no strength to move her where he wants her: the perfect angle for a kiss. 

Her face heats, and when he starts to bend down to her, she all but throws herself off the rock. He freezes as she stares at him, now from a good ten feet away. “...darling, if you didn’t want a kiss, you could have simply said so,” he drawls, but his eyes are sharp on her. “That was a little dramatic.” 

She swallows hard. “S-Sorry. I’m sorry, I…didn’t mean to react so strongly.” 

He watches her, and the look on his face is so unreadable that it makes her nervous. “And why did you react so strongly? I know you find me attractive, my dear Sable. You blush if I so much as glance your way.” 

“I…” Speaking of blushing… “Yes, I do. But…” She tries to gather her words to explain, before just blurting out, “You’re a kitten!” 

For the first time in a long, long time, he finds himself speechless. “...I beg your pardon?” he finally replies, his voice a little more high pitched in his astonishment. “Did you really just call a two hundred year old vampire a kitten?!”

She very nearly flails her hands. “I–no, wait–that’s not what I–look, just listen, okay?!” She takes a deep breath, trying to pull that calm she always has around her back on. “I didn’t mean that you literally are a kitten. What I meant was…” Her lips purse as she finds the words. “...Back in Baldur’s Gate, I worked with my parents as a veterinarian, taking care of people’s pets. Mostly rich people’s. You don’t spend decades working with animals and not pick up some interesting facts.” Another pause, and she meets his eyes again. “Do you know why some animals are cute?” 

“I haven’t the slightest,” he replies, and by his tone she would have thought he was bored…if it weren’t for the intense look in his eyes. 

“It’s a defense mechanism,” she says firmly. “With most people, they see something adorable and helpless-looking, they’re much less likely to attack it and much more likely to try and nurture and take care of it. It’s a biological instinct, and unless a person has no sense of empathy at all, they’ll certainly feel it. You…you have something similar, but it’s less for defense and more for offense.” She’s quiet for a long moment, and he watches her eyes roam his form before settling back meeting his. “You are…the most breathtakingly beautiful man I’ve ever seen. But I’m biologically wired to think that, and your vampiric nature takes advantage of it. Your beauty lures people in. Were we not in the situation we’re in now…” She shrugs. “I’d be easy prey.” 

Dead silence greets her ears. He’s staring at her as if considering a particularly interesting puzzle. She has to fight not to fidget. 

Finally, he sighs, and his look is torn between amusement and ruefulness. He slips off the rock, grabbing his boots and socks with one hand before prowling up to her. He stares down into her eyes, before giving her a slow, sly smile and a playful pinch to her chin. “Perhaps not so easy, darling. You’re much smarter than I gave you credit for.” Then he leans in, his lips just barely brushing the shell of her ear, and his voice goes low, smooth, as sensual as the slide of silk over bare skin. “Besides, contrary to what your mind is thinking, your body knows…there are much more interesting things I’d like to use my mouth for than simply sucking your blood.” 

He pulls away and shifts around her, before turning to walk backwards to give her a cheeky grin as if she were not currently losing her mind in a sudden arousal she’s not sure how to handle. “Or at least, in addition to. Sleep tight, darling,” he calls teasingly, before sauntering back to his tent. 

But as he dries off his legs and sits down for his evening’s rest, his mind is filled with thoughts of just how surprising his new companion is…

…and how uncomfortable it is to be read so easily. 

[rootsofdread]

Hi! I just found your blog(? is it called a Tumblr? a blog? I still don't know) and I love it! I'm sort of an on-and-off Dead by Daylight player, but seeing this great thing you've got going on here makes me kinda want to go play more.

I dunno if this is an acceptable request, but: how would the denizens of the Fog feel about a friendly and helpful dog!Reader?

For the killers, the faithful companion is leading them to injured survivors and also barking at people who try to sneak by (though likely not always successfully, since the Fog is likely messing with their senses), maybe even knocking things out of survivors' hands because they're a mischief maker.

For the Survivors, the friendly pooch is leading injured survivors away from the killer and to healers, picking up and bringing them dropped items, and barking at stalking killers to warn the people it cares about.

Everyone needs a friendly animal sometimes, I think. There's something really nice about petting a fuzzy friend when you've had a bad day, and I feel like being in the Fog probably means you have a lot of bad days.

most people call them blogs hehe! this was honestly such a fun request to do though, i was delighted seeing it in my inbox!! very unique and fun to write :-D!!

Jake Park:

Jake had long learned to be wary of animals — creatures, more like — found in the fog. So he was understandably skeptical when he saw a dog sniffing around in the distance. He was sure he’d see you transform into some grotesque monster. He was shocked to see you lead the killer into a trap he had set up earlier in the trial, jumping over it while they stepped into it.

He knew you’d be next if they caught up to you. He whistles to get your attention and makes sure you run away with him, ahead of him, even. There’s something strangely freeing about being with an animal again, to him, running with one and feeling like he’s truly in the wild again.

You help him a lot with building make-shift traps and getting items together for himself and his teammates. He never has to worry about being unprepared with you around, he can tell you to go find something he needs, and chances are, you’ll be back with it in no time. You’re often more helpful at times than his teammates are.

Jeff Johansen:

Jeff couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw you walk up to him while he was working on a generator. A stray dog. He was sure you were a figment of his imagination — but attempts to snap himself out of it proved futile. But he still wasn’t too sure, of course, he figured you must be something conjured by the Entity to mess with him and other survivors. 

But he began to trust you more when you lead him into a nearby out-of-sight corner just as the killer skulked by. He was in disbelief that you knew they were coming before he did, and seemed to figure this must mean you’re here to protect him rather than mess with him.

That said, he often spends more time protecting you than you do protecting him. He tells you to run and takes chase from the killer before they find you, and he’s thankful when you decide to listen instead of continue to follow him; he wants you to help everyone else when you can’t help him. You’ve brought him happiness and he’ll protect you at any cost.

Max Thompson Jr. / The Hillbilly:

Max doesn’t have a great track record with animals, and he nearly killed you when he first noticed you during a trial. The incessant barking is almost what did it — but then he noticed you were clearly barking at something. A bush? No, something inside the bush. He could hear something.

He swung his hammer into the greenery and collided with flesh. An injured survivor had been hiding from him, and you led him straight to them. He seems to decide for himself, maybe you can be useful. He lets you follow him around for the rest of the trial, occasionally looking over his shoulder to see you wagging your tail.

He eventually becomes much more attached to you, thinking of you more as a pet than a convenience. He can frequently be seen petting you and throwing you treats after you help him catch survivors, and perhaps, on occasion, he lets you lay your head in his lap while the two of you rest after a long trial.

Anna / The Huntress:

Of course, Anna had seen animals in the fog; the nasty creatures the Entity had spawned. They’re easy pickings, a fun activity for her when she’s not in a trial. She was surprised when she lobbed a hatchet at you and you actually dodged it. She knew you were smarter, a different kind of animal. A real animal, like from before.

Believe it or not, she was actually delighted to have found a real animal in the fog. She loved animals. And a dog, too — she always wanted a dog, particularly for hunting, but she had heard what great companions they make. It was never a secret how much she’d always wanted a friend.

She immediately takes to you and lets you come with her. She loves having an easy way to pinpoint where survivors are with you, letting you run off into the trialgrounds and alert her to the exact locations of them, occasionally even dragging injured survivors straight back to her. You’re rewarded with treats from her hunts.

[clip-the-simp]

Not Much Else [Pt.3]

Ao3

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6

Pairing: Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x Fem!Reader

Word count: 2,246

Warnings: canon typical violence, swearing, needles and mention of surgery, suggestive content, (I’m bad at warning tags so just let me know if I need/should to add some)

Tags: Mild Proofreading, suggestive content, flirting, wing play(?), reader had bat wings, Bounty Hunting, deviation from TV show, pre!show events(?), (Again I'm bad at tags so let me know)

Summary: You're a vault experiment that makes it to the surface. Quickly you learn the lay of the land and a few years later end up working the same bounty as The Ghoul. You convince him to let you tag along after having a feeling that you just had to follow him. Where will this story lead? Only time (and my motivation) will tell.

A/N: Things are getting heated y’all. This is part 3 to my Copper Howard/The Ghoul x reader fanfic. Be forewarned that this is going to be far from canon and really unrealistic honestly. But listen. If writing has taught me one thing, it’s that anything can happen.

The trek through the mountains was a bit harder than you imagined. Having hiked multiple times before the bombs dropped and practically living in that environment, it really bummed you out to know you weren’t as capable of the task as before.

“Come on now! Slow Pokes get left behind.” The Ghoul shouted from above you. He was a good ten yards ahead and picking at the tree next to him that had already been tampered with. It seemed that the target was marking his way through the words.

What a dumb ass. You had thought at the first marker the two of you had found. For someone trying to not be found he had made it quite easy. Although in total honesty you weren’t sure why he was being targeted.

The price on his head was hefty to say the least and the contract didn’t specify if he was needed dead or alive, only that his body needed to be brought back. Although if he was turned in alive there would be a nice bonus added.

From what it seemed, he came from one of the higher crime groups that resided on the coast. And considering he had enough to bargain with to afford hired muscle, they had to be from wealth.

Your back cracked as you straightened up next to The Ghoul. He had waited for you to catch up, which you appreciated. You might be fast in the air, but on the ground your wings did carry some weight to them.

“About time y’caught up. Take a look at this.” The Ghoul pointed at a clearing just over the ridge where a camp sight had been set up. The fire was still smoldering as though the inhabitants left in a hurry. A few moments later The Ghoul and yourself were rummaging about the camp. While you examined the area closest to the fire pit, The Ghoul scanned the perimeter.

“They left in a hurry, that's for sure.” You picked at the remains of the fire to determine when it had been lit. “But as to why I haven't quite-” You began to speak only to get cut off.

“I know why.” The Ghoul said followed by the sound of his gun unholstering which caught your attention. Immediately lifting your head to see The Ghoul, a large shadow settled at your back as you froze. Whatever was behind you had your companion aiming quick before firing off several shots in your direction. When the first bullet left the barrel of his gun, you dove to the side and began to crawl far enough away to feel safe to look behind you.

What you saw was the largest yao guai, a mangy mutated bear, you've ever had the displeasure of laying eyes on. Your heart was pounding in your chest as you stood. The bear roared and The Ghoul’s initial shots had only managed to piss it off more.

“Shit!” He yelled as the bear began to charge at him. The Ghoul tried to fire off another shot but nothing happened. The gun was jammed. The yao guai was still laser focused on The Ghoul as you finally unfroze from your shock. Your hands fumbled for the gun holstered at your thigh. You knew you didn’t have bullets that were going to bring the beast down, but it would get the attention off the man who did. Shooting your own rounds, the bear quickly turned in your direction before promptly changing course. Now focused solely on you.

“Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck!” You yelled as you ran from the mutant. You didn’t think this one though at all. Your focus had been purely to get the bear's attention off The Ghoul and it worked.

Not realizing how close the bear had actually been, you were quickly knocked to the ground as the force of the yao guai landed on your back, causing all air to leave your lungs. There was a sickening crunch as something in your body broke and a muted scream tried to leave your throat.

Before the creature could do any more damage there were another two shots coming from behind you. The first shot caused the bear to yowl in pain and get off of you as it turned back to the one shooting it. The second forced the bear to fall to the ground in a limp heap beside you. There was a quick sound of jingling spurs that came from somewhere beside you, but the pain that began to bloom in your back took away from all other senses.

Tears started to pluck at the corners of your eyes as breathing came back to you. Pinpointing the broken bone was easy after you tried opening your wings and a shooting pain came from your left wing. A yelp came from you as you tried to stand. You found yourself back on the ground, the pain from disturbing the broken limb causing a wave of nausea to wash over you.

“Stay still.” The Ghoul said kneeling in front of you with a stimpack in hand. Fear gripped you as he grabbed your arm and jammed the needle into your arm. Your muscles were tense which were bound to cause a bruise in that arm. Your mind was fogged from the memories of the vault you came from while the stim needle was buried in your arm . The cutting of flesh, recovery from surgeries, but most of all the injections of mutated cells that were forced into your bloodstream.

“Y’still with me darlin?” You heard The Ghoul’s voice break through the fog in your mind. It felt like an eternity before he spoke after removing the stimpack. Your eyes were hazy as you looked at him and tried to focus your senses again.

“Ya,” you shook your head to try and relieve yourself of your thoughts. Bringing your attention to The Ghoul, you found his eyes to focus on something other than the past. “I’ll be fine.” You assured him as you slowly stood up, The Ghoul followed and placed his hands on your shoulders to keep you balanced.

“Y’don’t look it.” He mumbled as you held a hand to your face trying to gather yourself. The tackle to the ground definitely threw you off not to mention the sudden flashbacks to the vault.

The Ghoul’s hands remained on your shoulders while he took in your facial features. You looked terrible and were in no condition to travel. His hands delivered a light squeeze before he removed them and walked away to poke at the bear.

“We’ll camp here for the night.” He stated as he cut into the bear's hide to harvest what he could. You looked over to him puzzled. There were still at least two hours worth of daylight left which was valuable time you would lose.

“There’s still daylight left. And god knows how far ahead start they-” you began to argue. But you were cut off when he glared over his shoulder at you. Your body instantly froze when your eyes met.

“I don’t care. I’m not traveling with y’injured.” The Ghoul’s voice was low and gruff. There was no room for argument in his tone. Slumping your shoulders you reached back to touch your wing. There was still a throbbing pain where the bone was trying to mend itself.

“We’ll travel when your wing is fully healed in the morning.” He had brought his attention back to the bear as he cut away at the flesh. Sure the bear was full of radiation and not good to eat, but food was food. And for you, radiation was no big deal having been pumped full of it in the vault.

An hour had passed before the two of you settled in by the newly sparked fire. The sun wasn’t fully set but with the trees the world seemed darker. In the mountain elevation it seemed to be a lot colder than what you had grown accustomed to in the desert.

The Ghoul sat to your left that night which was unusual. He had kept the fire between you two every night since working together which sparked the question.

“What’s with the change? Tired of sleeping alone?” You teased with a lite jab of your elbow into his arm. He let out a chuckle that caught you off guard. It was such a wonderful sound to hear from him. The Ghoul turned to look at you while you grinned at him.

“Maybe.” He answered. His tone had dropped to something a bit more sinister which sent a shock up your spine. It held an edge to it that burned a fire in your belly, especially when you noticed his eyes on you. They showed something primal in them.

Clearing your throat you turned your gaze away. Grabbing the designated poking stick you stirred the fire. But you felt your body continuing to grow warm with The Ghoul’s gaze on you.

You leaned back against the log the two of you were using as a rest once you finished poking the fire. There was a sudden discomfort that laid in the joints of your wings as you realized they hadn’t been stretched in a while. After realizing that you threw off your jacket to properly unfurl your wing.

Sitting up a bit you carefully stretched your wings directly behind you before bringing them to shield your back and The Ghoul’s. There were a few good pops that came from the base of your back that relieves some of the pain. Tucking your wings back into place you finally noticed The Ghoul’s eyes lingering on them.

“Let me take a look at that wing real quick. Need to see if the stim pack worked.” The Ghoul said as he reached for your exposed wing. Before you could protest his hand was gripping lightly at the base of your now healed wing and making its way to where the brake had been. An unexpected bolt of pleasure ran through you, forcing a soft moan to leave your lips.

Your face grew painfully hot as you slapped your hands over your mouth in pure horror at what just left it. Your wings clamped close to your body as you tried to make yourself as small as possible. Burying your face in your hands The Ghoul whistled lower as he smirked at you.

“Didn’t know that was a turn on for y’ sweetheart.” His voice was low again as he teased, which only caused you to burn hotter.

“Shut the fuck up!” Your statement was muffled by your hands. The Ghoul just laughed at your embarrassment. No one had touched your wings since the scientist that attached them, because even after that you would scare them away from touching you. So you never knew the sensitivity they had when others messed witg them.

“It’s alright darlin. We’re both adults here.” He leaned into you a bet while placing an arm across your shoulders. You tried to look him in the face but the heat in your face was still prominent.

“Well I’ve never had someone touch them before so I had no idea that was going to happen.” You admitted as you glared into the fire, trying to find any way to relieve the burning in your body. The Ghoul just leaned back on the log, throwing his arms behind him while his legs spread open in a lazy state.

The thought of you being between them shot through your mind as you admired him. You quickly tried to clear the thought from your mind but the blush was already obvious.

“From the way y’reacted you’ve never been touched.” His words cut through your thoughts causing you to whip your head around to face him. That comment of his stabbed at your pride. Did he really think you were that innocent?

“I’m not a virgin, you know. I was in Hollywood for years as an actress so I have some experience.” You spat at him before turning back to the fire.

“You were in Hollywood before the bombs fell?” His voice went hoarse when he questioned you. Something in the air shifted at that moment. There was a silence that followed his question.

“I was. Mostly played in commercials but had some bigger roles.” You started to reminisce on the old times. Missing how the sun didn’t blister your skin so easily or how people weren’t always out to kill you. At least most of the time. “Why? Were you?”

“Ya. I was.” The Ghoul grumbled while he looked into the fire. You kept looking at him. Trying to figure it out. He was so familiar but every train of thought led back to the same man. Your eyebrows raised as realization hit you.

“Oh my god. Cooper Howard?” His body stiffened at his real name. Your jaw fell slack as the pieces were put into place. His eyes found yours which only confirmed the accusation more. There was a deep seated pain that laid beneath his eyes which stabbed at your heart.

His appearance was nothing like the one he had before when you had worked with him. Not only was his nose gone, but his warm demeanor and overall well natured self was gone. He was tougher with a willingness to kill for whatever the occasion may be. Your eyes softened from their shock as you began to speak.

“What happened?”

[glamlet69]

September Prompts day 2

I know I'm still behind (which I guess is what happens when you decide to do a prompt list three days into the month). Also, this is probably very mediocre, but its something :) Enjoy my little Gale and Astarion bonding fic.

It had only been a few short months since Astarion had met Tav, had joined this ragtag group of idiots. So much had changed. Not only did he have a worm in his head that could turn him into a tentacle-clad monster in an instant, but he had freed himself from his chains. Had killed Cazador and all he was working towards. 

He still felt hollow inside. He wondered if that feeling would ever go away. Most likely not, given his luck.

“Just admiring the view?” A very distinct (and often grating) voice asked from just behind him. Gale of Waterdeep. A wizard with a flare for dramatics in frightening competition with his own, and an even more frightening disregard for his own life.

“I was.” Astarion mumbled. It was a half-hearted jab, they both knew. They had gotten to know each other very well over their time together. Too well for Astarion’s liking. Gale, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy Astarion’s company despite all of that. A fact that baffled the vampire.

Gale settled down with a deep sigh next to Astarion. For a few moments they sat in silence, both looking at the steadily rising sun. 

“How are you feeling, Astarion?” Gale asked. He seemed genuine. Like he cared. Astarion would never get used to it.

“Oh, you know. The man who tortured me and destroyed my life is finally dead. How does one usually feel after such an endeavor?” He was desperately trying to keep things light. To keep the tears from welling up again.

“I’d wager relieved, certainly. But also maybe a tad uneasy.”

Astarion didn’t answer. Gale, at times, was annoyingly good at sensing the emotions of others. He had listened in on many of Gale’s conversations with their other companions, and somehow they always came away feeling lighter afterwards. He could see it in their eyes. The way their shoulders sagged with relief. 

Despite his better judgement, he could feel himself wanting to give in. To let Gale’s warmth envelope him. What Astarion really wanted to do was cry. But he had already let them see him to that once. When they had gotten back to camp that night, he had vowed never to let himself do it again. 

“I suppose you’re right. I just… I just feel tired.” 

Gale looked at him, studying him with those inquisitive eyes. Finally, he nodded, looking back at the horizon. “I’m glad you did not have to do that alone. One shouldn’t have to.”

Astarion was shocked by the words. It took him several seconds to process them, blinking rapidly as tears started to blur his vision. He turned away, quickly wiping his eyes and hoping Gale wouldn’t notice. 

Astarion has been alone his whole cursed life. Even before Cazador entered it. What was he to do with all of this? It was too much. It took him another several moments to compose himself, and when he did, he turned back to look at the sky, pointedly not looking to the wizard next to him.

Gale, blessedly, did not acknowledge the vampire’s tears, nor did he move closer. He simply sat with him in silence, and together they watched the sun rise.

[mspegasus17]

The Circus

Pairing: Imelda x Poppy

Summary: The girlfriends visit a Horror Maze at the carnival.

Words: 1929

CW: Clowns

Read it on Wattpad, AO3 or under the cut ⬇️

Screams came from the tent onto the festival grounds. "Are you sure you want to go in there?" the brunette witch asked her black-haired companion. "100 percent," she replied. Her friend eyed the circus tent suspiciously. "I don't know. It almost sounds like people would get slaughtered in there." "Don't be like that. I'm with you; nothing will happen to you." "You're saying that now. And tomorrow, this horror tent will be in the newspaper because there really was a murder there." The brunette wrapped her arms around her body. "You've watched too many horror films, Poppy. This is just about getting a little scared. That's all," the black-haired woman promised and linked arms with her girlfriend. She patted her hand reassuringly. "Those are just actors in there. They're just pretending. You just have to remember that; then you'll have fun. I promise." Together, they got in line for the Horror Maze. Imelda was thrilled and excited; Poppy was unsure and afraid.

"What if I get so scared that I faint?" Poppy asked. "Or worse, I wet my pants?" Imelda laughed. "If you faint, I'll catch you. If you pee yourself, I'll probably laugh at you, but at least you'll be warm. For a few minutes, at least." "That's a great prospect," Poppy grumbled, fiddling with her costume. "And what if I accidentally hit one of the actors because they scared me so much?" "Then they'll throw us out, and we'll be banned from the venue forever," Imelda giggled. "Just stay calm and hold my hand if you want. Then nothing will go wrong." The line moved a little further forward.

"I haven't seen anyone come out of that damn thing yet, Imelda," Poppy said worriedly after a while in the queue. "The exit is probably somewhere we can't see it from here," Imelda explained in a calm tone. "It's probably on purpose, so you get a little scared. It would ruin the whole thing if you saw people laughing as they exited the haunted tent. You're supposed to think it's terribly scary and dangerous there." The queue moved a little further forward.

Soon, the two witches were standing in front of the entrance to the tent. It was their turn next. Since groups of four people were always brought into the tent, they joined a strange couple behind them. The young woman was already clinging anxiously to her boyfriend's arm. "James, I don't want to go in there," she whimpered. The aforementioned James kissed her on the forehead. "It won't be that bad, Melissa," he reassured her. "I'm here. I'll protect you." "If necessary, we'll throw him at the monsters as a distraction so we can escape," Imelda joked, promptly receiving a shocked look from Melissa.

A tall man in a scary circus director costume stepped out of the tent. His skin was made up in ashen colour, and his clothes were torn, as if he had been dead for a while. "Welcome to the Circus Daemonicus," he greeted them with a slight bow. "We're always happy to have guests. But before I let you in, I must point out that we are not liable in the event of injury, nightmares, trauma, severed limbs, or death. You have been warned." Melissa squealed, and Poppy's knees went weak. "S-severed limbs?" she stammered, unsure if she had heard correctly. The ringmaster waved his hand casually. "Yeah, you know. Fingers, arms, legs. The usual." Imelda laughed at the comment, but the other three looked less enthusiastic. "Well, enough chatting. Follow me, please." The ringmaster waved the four behind him and backed into the tent.

"I see we have a strong man on the team," the ringmaster said to James. "Do you think you can protect the three ladies?" "I'll try," James replied, whereupon the ringmaster laughed maliciously. "We'll see. What's your name, my naughty one?" Without hesitation, James told him his name. The ringmaster grinned broadly and nodded. Then he called over his shoulder into the tent: "Guys, I've brought you James. He wants to appear strong, but I can already smell his fear pee." Laughing eerily, he stopped and invited the four of them to enter the ring with a sweeping gesture. "Good luck." With that, he disappeared back into the entrance.

You couldn't see a metre in the ring. Thick fog and dim lighting gave the empty circus tent a spooky atmosphere. At least the tent seemed empty. The four tried to see something in the mist. A path, or perhaps possible dangers, but they couldn't see anything. With small steps, they ventured further and further into the middle of the ring. Suddenly, a ball rolled in from the right. Poppy, James and Melissa flinched while Imelda giggled. They moved closer together. Melissa clung to James' arm as if her life depended on it. Poppy stayed close to Imelda but didn't dare show her fear.

"Hello, James." A clown appeared in front of the four and grinned broadly at them. He slung a baseball bat over his shoulder and played with the handle. With a jerky step, he took a closer step towards the small group. "Spread out!" he yelled and swung his baseball bat so that it hit the ground. Screaming, the four of them scattered. Slowly and threateningly, the clown walked towards Imelda and sniffed her. "Ooh, you smell goooood." He walked on and sniffed Poppy and Melissa, who he said also smelled good but a little scared. When he reached James, the clown wrinkled his nose. "Ugh! You stink, James! That's disgusting! Don't you think so, Suzy?" Suddenly, a ballerina was standing behind James and sniffing him. "With a few spices, he'd be edible in soup," she croaked. "No, he's stinking my ass off," complained the clown. "Even the lions smell better when they've got diarrhoea again. Get out of here!" Roaring, the clown swung his baseball bat and hit the steel beams of the circus tent with it. "Go on! Faster, faster! Get out of here!" With threatening blows against the metal, the clown drove the group through a corridor at the other end of the ring, deeper into the maze.

When they stepped out of the tent, they breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew, that was really scary," gasped James. "Yeah, I peed my pants too," agreed a fat clown who unexpectedly stood next to him and put an arm around his shoulder. Startled, James flinched and backed away. The fat clown reached out a dirty hand to Melissa. "Can you change my diaper?" he begged her. Melissa squealed and hid behind James. "I TOLD YOU TO SPREAD APART!" screamed the other clown behind them, running towards them. Melissa screamed and backed away from James. Imelda just laughed loudly while Poppy jumped out of the way in fright and clutched her chest. "Smell it! James stinks; I wouldn't eat him," said the first clown, turning to the fat clown. He sniffed James and pulled a face. "He doesn't even go with a lot of ketchup. That's disgusting!" Curiously, he sniffed Melissa. "But you do. You smell delicious. With a nice aroma of fear." Smacking his lips, he rubbed his stomach. Melissa seemed close to tears. She stepped back from the clown, whimpering. "GET AWAY NOW!" the first clown yelled at the small group and swung his baseball bat again. The four of them obeyed and continued through the maze.

The path led them between cages in which half-torn lion and tiger dolls lay. A woman in a glittering gymnastics costume was bent over a lion and was smacking her lips loudly. As the four walked past the cage, she suddenly jumped up. "Fresh meat!" she screamed, stretching her arms through the bars. Startled, the four backed away and hit the bars opposite with their backs—a mistake. From the darkness, hands grabbed them and tugged at their clothes. The four screamed, and Melissa's first tears ran down her pale face. "James, I'm scared. I can't go on," she sobbed. "It's all good, baby. Nothing can happen to you here," he tried to calm her down. "Come on, let's move on quickly."

They left the corridor between the cages as quickly as possible. Now, the path led between caravans. Fake blood decorated the walls and windows, and the light flickered in one caravan. It seemed quiet. Much too quiet. Melissa clung to James' arm again, and Poppy grabbed Imelda's hand. Suddenly the sound of a chainsaw was heard behind them. Startled, they turned around and saw a clown holding a chainsaw. He let the chainsaw roar and ran towards them, laughing hysterically. James, Melissa and Poppy ran off screaming. Imelda, on the other hand, strolled after them, giggling. "This is the best evening of my life," she laughed.

The other three didn't get far because a tamer stood in their way. He cracked his whip threateningly. "Have you seen Aslan?" he asked. "He's about this size." He raised his hand to chest height. "He has brown fur and pretty sharp teeth. If you see him, you shouldn't pet him. The poor thing must be starving. He particularly likes fear." The tamer gave Melissa a meaningful look, and she gasped. "I don't want to go any further," she sobbed and knelt on the wet ground. "Oh, come on, honey. We're almost there," James tried to encourage his girlfriend, but she just shook her head and hid her face in her hands. Poppy grabbed Imelda's hand again, and the two bravely walked past the threatening-looking tamer. "We're almost there," Poppy called to the other couple. The exit was not far away. Now, James also dared to walk past the tamer and left Melissa crouching on the ground. "Come on, honey, he won't hurt you." Melissa gathered all her courage and stood up. But when she faced the tamer again, she swallowed hard, and her heart sank into her pants. "James!" she moaned. "James!" the tamer mimicked her, causing Imelda and Poppy to burst out laughing. "You can do it!" Poppy called out to Melissa encouragingly. Suddenly, the chainsaw sounded again behind Melissa. Screaming, she pushed past the tamer and ran into James' arms. "You asshole!" she cursed and pounded her fists on his chest. James hugged her tightly and explained: "I had to show you that he's harmless." "I hate you," she sobbed into his chest.

"Come on now, the exit is right up ahead," Imelda urged, pointing to the open gate about a hundred metres ahead of them. Poppy retook her hand and snuggled up to her. The path to the exit was suspiciously empty. She was sure that someone would jump out of hiding somewhere. But nothing happened. A sign behind the gate assured them that they had really made it out of the maze. Poppy sighed in relief. "Thank Merlin. We made it." Melissa and James hugged each other happily and sank to the ground to take a deep breath. "That was scary. I won't do that again," Melissa said. Imelda grinned at Poppy. "Ready for the next maze?" Beaming with joy, she held up the tickets for the other horror mazes in the park. Poppy sighed. "Fine. But first, I have to go to the toilet. Otherwise, I'll really pee my pants at the next shock." Imelda happily put her arm around her girlfriend's shoulder and kissed her temple. "I'll protect you from nightmares tonight, too. I promise." Poppy smiled at her. "I hope so." Giggling, she kissed her girlfriend and strolled with her towards the next adventure.

[arctrooper69]

The Things We Fight For - Chapter 4

Your past has a way of catching up to you at the worst possible time.

A/N: I'm back! Life has been a little hectic and my brain is mean. Hopefully I'll have enough spoons to be able to write and post more frequently.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Warnings: Kidnapping, violence. Mentions of blood.

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"Grab the kid. Kill whoever else is in there." A gruff voice called to his partner.

Omega looked at you with wide eyes. You silently put a finger to your lips, looking around to find any other exit than the door that the intruders we're currently outside of.

"Scomp in, I'll grab the kid. You take care of the babysitter." A female voice answered.

Omega had her bow in hand. "There's only two of them I think," she whispered. If the situation was less dire, you would've chuckled. The kid was ready to fight. You shook your head, eyeing the window beside the bed.

"Not yet."

A small drainage pipe lined the outside wall parallel to the window. It ran all the way down to the street below. Perfect.

Omega nodded, watching you expectantly.

The telltale whirring of a scomp link rattled through the door. They'd be inside any moment.

"Omega, climb out the window and use the pipe to get down." You commanded at a whisper. "Go to Cid's and contact the boys. I'll meet you there."

Her hands shook as she nodded and slung her bow onto her back as she climbed up to the window and unlocked it. She paused and turned back, a worried expression on her face.

"What are you going to do!?"

You shook your head. "I'll figure something out. Now go!"

A crash sounded as the door flew open and the two armed assailants entered the room. Bounty hunters. You'd know that type anywhere. After all, you were one once.

"Where's the girl?" the man growled with a deep, distinctive drawl. That voice. You knew it from somewhere. Why was it so familiar?

"Shand." He barked at his companion. She stepped threateningly towards you pressing her blaster firmly to your chest. If she pulled the trigger now, you'd certainly be dead.

It suddenly hit you where you knew this man from and you froze, staring at him as if you'd seen a ghost. Maybe you were seeing a ghost. You always knew in the back of your mind that the past would catch up to you eventually and right now you regretted not telling Hunter about it. Just another thing screwed up because of your ignorance.

The man chuckled in disbelief but quickly shrugged off the shock in his expression. Much quicker than you. Now his brows swiveled downwards into an angry glare.

"Why as I live and breathe," he drawled, drawing a second blaster from a holster at his side. "It's been a damn long time."

"Zed." You growled, chest growing tight. "You're supposed to be dead."

He laughed, stepping forward wagging his blaster at your face. "I nearly was, thanks to you." His partner looked over at him.

"You know this bitch?"

Zed grit his teeth. "This bitch," he spat, "left me for dead!"

"You gave me no choice." You spat back just as venomously, "what you did was beyond wrong."

"You..." Zed growled stepping forward, leaning into your face, his hot breath brushing your cheeks.

The woman shoved you backwards into the with her blaster, interrupting him. A dull clang echoed through the room as your head hit the wall. Pain radiated down your neck.

"Regardless, Zed," she nodded towards the open window. "We came for the kid. Get your revenge quickly if you want it because we have to go."

You sighed in relief, Omega was nowhere in sight. Zed glanced at the window. It was now or never.

You're out-armed and outnumbered. Be smart. Plan your next moves carefully. Hunter's voice suddenly popped into your head. You were on the ground, gasping to catch your breath as both Wrecker and Hunter stood above you in their sparring blacks. One of Hunter's lessons after he had you sparring against the whole team. Only because you'd arrogantly boasted your skills.

You shook your head, bringing yourself back to the present. Only a few seconds had passed but they were a few seconds wasted. No time to plan. Zed's eyes flicked over to his partner. You had to act now.

Grabbing your blaster, you flew to your feet, slamming your shoulder into his chest. He grunted, stumbling back a step. Shand grabbed you by the hair pulling a pained grunt from your lips.

You never saw the vibroblade coming as she spun you around, slamming you up against the windowsill.

White hot pain erupted from your chest. It took your breath away. Eyes wide, you couldn't make a sound as your former partner slammed his foot into your chest, wrenching the blade from your body. Another shove sent you stumbling backwards crashing through the window onto the ground below.

A scream echoed down the street. Omega stood in the doorway to Cid's bar. Zed spun around.

"Shand, get the kid!"

Omega no! Run! Get out of here, I'll be okay.

You wanted to tell her to run. You wanted to scream at her not to come back but the words wouldn't come. All that came out was a wet cough. Something splattered over your face. It felt like you were drowning. Your chest felt too heavy, making your vision swim.

Not good. Not good at all. Please Omega, run.

You couldn't breathe. Was it the fall? Shock? The knife that had been in your chest? Panic laced your body, synchronized with blindingly sharp pain as you coughed, trying desperately to fill your aching chest but you were only met with a hot, sticky liquid, forcing it's way into your lungs leaving you sputtering and choking.

Omega fell to her knees beside you, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Run." The only word able to push through the blood.

"No, no no! Please! I'm not leaving you." She wailed, "Get up!"

You grasped her hand tightly. Never had you felt fear like this. It coursed through your entire being. This was not how you were supposed to die, lying on the ground choking on your own blood.

"Get up! Hunter's coming. They'll be here soon. Please just hold on!"

Her sobs sounded far away.

"I got her!"

Omega screamed. "Hunter, help!"

There was nothing you could do as the bounty hunter stunned her and threw her over his shoulder, dragging her way.

Footsteps kicked up dust beside you, filling your lungs and throat, leaving you choking.

Hunter would be so disappointed. You failed him. You failed Omega. You failed them all.

All you could hear now was a shrill ringing in your ears before you succumbed to the heavy pull of unconsciousness.

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@zoeykallus @ttzamara @nahoney22 @merkitty49 @viva-la-whump @agenteliix @dumpsters-little-matchbook @nekotaetae @ladykatakuri @loverofclones @heyitsaloy @padawancat97 @jambolska-grozdova @flyingkangaroo @melymigo @rain-on-kamino @jiabeewrites

If you want to be on my taglist, feel free to send me a message! Also, asks are open! Reblogging is very much encouraged and it makes me do a happy dance every time any of my writing gets reblogged 😂❤️

[zekeen]

30 Questions for Your Tav! [ Ask Meme ]

[ Send in a number for a question to be answered! What is your Tav like? Who are they as a person? ]

Your Tav as a Companion

1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)?

Negative

"Hmm, yeah?"

"What?"

Neutral

"Something you need to tell me?"

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"Do you need anything?"

Positive

"Always a pleasure."

"How can I help you?"

Flirting

"Always a delight."

"Yes, what do you need from me?"

Partnered

"Anything you need."

"Yes, my love."

(after ritual) "I'm all yours."

2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside?

I made one for Act 1, so it's disorganised, there's lots of books and parchment scattered around and the furniture are things they managed to find on the road. And a bit of food mixed with the books also.

But the round table is the place they usually gather to plan their next excursions. There's also a little table with specimen of plants she wants to keep for when they get back to the city.

3. What would their character quest be titled? Why?

The sparkly sorcerer.

She's a storm sorcerer, so it's fitting, also it could define her personality to some extent, at least what she wants to show people.

4. What would your Tav’s romance scenes look like? How many would they have?

If she was a romanceable companion, she would get a development in each act like the origin characters.

For Act 1, it would just be conversational and if the player has a good approval. She would ask the player personnal questions to get to know them better and see if they agree on the next course of actions.

In act 2, she would probably get a scene opening up to the player that she's not used to get close with people outside of criminals from the guild so relationship is not her strong suit but she feels like she doesn't need to hide with the player and then there would be a kiss finishing the scene.

Act 3, to trigger the scene there would be a quest to complete with the guild and once that's done, she would bring the player to her old house near the water in the lower city. A new conversation and then a sex scene and cut to black.

5. Describe their idle animations!

She'd cast "shocking grasp" between her hands and play with it, until she grazed her hand with a spark. Then shakes her hand in a useless motion while inaudibly mumbling "ouch".

Looks up at the sky or the ceiling while moving one of her foot. Sometimes she moves her arms and holds them before or behind her.

She's sitting on a pillow on the ground and she's playing with her ponytail while reading a book.

6. How would the player go about meeting them in Act 1? What is their introduction?

She'd be found near the nautiloid, near the water, where there's a bunch of dead fishermen. The first interaction would be her kindly asking who the player is while holding her hand hidden behind her back with a cantrip prepared to launch if the answer isn't to her taste.

7. Describe their arc. How would a player help resolve it? What choices can be made? Can your Tav be turned down a dark path, or pulled to a lighter one?

In my game she's Astarion's consort but if she had her own arc, she'd have to choose either if she wants to keep working with the guild, take over instead of Nine-Finger or completely stop her criminal activities. She's not a big criminal, she's just a scammer in Baldur's Gate but still she's a bit ambitious.

8. After Act 3, what does their life look like? What are they talking about at the reunion party?

As she romanced Astarion and helped him ascend. Once the brain is defeated they help reconstructing what was destroyed in the city. They also completely rebuilt the palace from scratch and when that's done, they throw parties to try to gain influence on the patriars of Baldur's Gate. But they got time, and they will also travel around in Faerûn.

Back to Basics

9. What’s the significance behind your Tav’s name?

Kataigyda means "storm" in Greek so, that's it.

10. Does your Tav have a last name? Is there a meaning behind it?

Vahlmi, there's not a particular meaning behind it. It was her mother's name.

11. What is your Tav’s go-to comfort food?

She generally prefers meat, so a good steak tartare also eggs you can make a lot of stuff with eggs. Outside of meats, she likes custards and raspberries.

12. Does your Tav have any tattoos or scars? Why?

She has a big rose tattooed on left side of her neck. It's not in the game but she also has a band/garter tattooed around her right thigh. And she has the bite marks on her neck.

Would look a bit like that

13. What is your Tav’s main color palette? Why do they choose those colors?

Mainly black, red and yellow/gold, sometimes white instead of black. Also purple if not red. The reason is mainly aesthetical. And black goes with everything anyway :P

14. Where are they from? What was home like?

From Baldur's Gate and as a tiefling it wasn't the best.

15. Is your Tav more likely to fight/flight/freeze/fawn?

Fawn and if that doesn't work fly.

16. What do they do for fun, when not adventuring? What are their hobbies?

Before everything that happened she used to gamble a bit to make a bit more money from her missions with the guild. (If she were to lose her money, she knew how to cheat without getting caught). Otherwise when she was alone she liked to read and play music.

Now in the palace, she likes to learn new spells and Astarion's teaching her how to fight with a blade (not great at first). She still plays music sometimes but she now mostly reads the books and notes left by Cazador to gather every secrets that would come in handy against the people in power in the city.

17. Do they have any enemies outside of the main plot? Any friends?

No particular friends nor enemies, she knew how to stay at a distance from too much problems.

18. Where/with whom do they feel safest?

With Astarion. (What a surprise) And once it's repaired, the palace is their haven.

19. What is their MBTI Type?

INFP-T

Deep Dives

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

She doesn't like physical contact from people she doesn't feel close to. And she does shy away from it, once she's comfortable enough to be close to someone, she then feels like she's being too clingy so she doesn't ask for it, unless she's clearly prompted that she's allowed to do so. Once that's cleared out, she's very affectionate and she's very touch starved so anytime she can she'll be in her lover arms.

21. Describe a defining moment from their past, which makes them who they are today!

When she decided to run away from the orphanage she's been left in. She had overheard she was going to be sold to some rich family as a servant and she prefered to become a criminal rather than to follow the orders of her "owners". She killed the director of the orphanage on her way out. ⚡

22. How is your Tav’s relationship with their family? Their parents?

They're both dead since she was young, so there's no relationship with her parents or her family.

23. How does your Tav act in situations of stress? In moments of peace?

She usually manages to stay calm in moments of stress but afterwards she will get a burst of anxiety once she recalls what just happened to her.

Alternatively will be more anxious during peaceful times, she's the kind to ruminate about what could have been or what could be.

24. What does your Tav consider to be their own biggest character flaw?

Her self-doubt is a big flaw as it kept her from achieving greater things. Also she's lazy depending on what she has to do.

25. What is something they would die on a hill over?

Astarion, which she kinda did actually as she allowed him to kill her to spend eternity with him.

26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets!

She became friend with Minthara but is terrified of spiders. She decided to never tell her in case Minthara wanted to prank her.

27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love?

She slept with Gale thinking it would keep him from exploding once they reached the heart of the absolute thinking she didn't mean anything to Astarion.

28. Describe a smell that reminds your Tav of childhood.

The smell of fresh bread and cinnamon as her orphanage was near a bakery.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Being abondonned.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

She wants to be loved, cared for and to matter to someone.

[docholligay]

Given that your SM universe's Mina also has an insane sheisty power that is essentially cracking someone open against their will to manipulate them I'm curious about what she would do with it if she was somehow stranded in your OW universe

It happens. You get cocky. 

You get cocky, and then you get careless, and then you get stupid, and then you’re holding yourself up on the edge of a pub counter, holding your throbbing jaw. 

In fairness, no one had ever caught her before. How could they? It was the stuff of fairy tales and fantasy novels, and she was just some cute little Japanese girl. (Always a girl, never a woman) So kawaii and all that. No danger here. Tee-hee, look at my little backpack charm, tee-hee, my skirt comes to my thigh, tee-hee, I bumped into you, tee-hee, your wallet’s gone and you can’t stop thinking about your dead mother. A deep bow and a thousand pardons, guy-going-into-the-office-sama. 

Lucky for Mina, said assailant hadn’t considered the optics of giving a solid right hook to the cute little Japanese girl who’d so innocently touched her arm as she walked by, and was currently reaping the rewards of her correct impulses. Even her companions were asking her what the hell was wrong with her. 

You only have a moment. Think. Decide. 

“She reached into me--” 

There was a man coming up next to Mina, asking her if she was all right. 

“Bloody cracked bitch!” A man’s voice, laden with anger, filled the pub. He wants to hurt the woman in the leather jacket, the one that felt so--

“Right, and no use beating the mental! Lena, we ‘ave to go. Now.”

It was good advice for Mina, probably, too. She was still a little shell-shocked from the accusation. Get out of my head, she’d screamed before she hit Mina. She knew, somehow. No one has ever known. Not even people who should. 

How? 

Mina bit down, hard, on the side of her mouth and tasted the salt and iron as big tears dripped down her cheeks and she looked up at the man next to her. 

“I--oh, sorry, sorry.” She bowed, hands pressed together. Easy to tell immediately which of the Japanese girls she needed to be in which place. “So sorry.” 

She looked over at Lena. She shouldn’t have, but she did. A dark-haired woman, probably related based on the shapes of their noses, the pattern of speech, and the general way she seemed to be trying to keep Lena from getting murdered by two large men, was shuffling her toward the door. 

Lena met her gaze immediately, past the two men. 

“You know what you did.” Gritted teeth, almost a hiss, but Mina still heard it perfectly. “Liar.” 

Mina had scared her. It hadn’t, strictly speaking, been her intention, but it hadn’t not been her intention, either. She had simply been curious. Some people, you see and you know there’s something inside of them, something to crack into. Most people’s sorrow, their pain, their happiness, their delight, was all very boring, but Mina had seen the light on her chest, and known. 

Cold. It had been so cold. So cold and so lonely, like being a ghost. Cold. Cold like lightning. 

She had reached in, and the thing inside Lena had bitten Lena, but it had also bitten Mina, too. That was the only reason Lena got the drop on her, she reassured herself. Could never have happened otherwise. 

But how had she known? Most people blamed themselves, or a news article, or some passing media, for the rush of feeling Mina brought out in them. They can’t imagine a simple touch, they can’t see the other Mina, Venus, reaching inside them and flipping through their mind. Only Seers ever knew, and usually not even them. 

The girl currently getting bodily thrown against a wall and out of the pub didn’t look like a Seer, but then again, what did they look like anyway? Were Michiru and Rei so much alike? 

How? 

Mina caught her glace as she straightened up, wiping away a tear with the napkin she was offered, and as Lena got thrown out of the place, their eyes met again. 

Mina gave her a toothed smile. A whispered word. 

Later.

[gale-dekarios]

5, 27 and 34 for game asks!

hiiiii :DDD thanks for stopping byyyy

5. Most memorable gaming moment?

oh, absolutely the githyanki creche fight from bg3.

everybody was dead except astarion, who was a thief subclass rogue. you don't need to know the subclass except that they get two bonus actions instead of one.

everyone except two githyanki melee fighters were still alive. instead of doing the normal thing and reloading, i decided i was going to see if i could pull it off just with astarion.

what i ended up doing was, i'd get astarion to use a bonus action disengage, bonus action dash, sprint to the opposite end of the room, turn around and shoot them with his bow or a fire bolt. they would then be forced to use a full action to dash towards him because they had no ranged weapons, and would have to wait until their next turn. the problem with this plan is that they could never reach astarion to actually hit him, but also their AC was high enough that astarion, especially without sneak attack advantage or damage, very rarely hit them. meaning i spent a whole HALF HOUR running around that one fucking room with astarion and these gith only sometimes hitting them and doing the tiniest amount of damage when i did.

i managed to KILL THEM, and i WON THAT FIGHT, only to get caught in the vlakiith "kill the person inside the artefact" cut scene, and i had one spell scroll of revivify left. which meant after ALL THAT, i had to reload anyway.

big L for charlie.

27. A popular game that you just can’t get into.

animal crossing. i really dislike slow milestone/farming games. same with stardew valley. i find that kind of thing really really boring. repetitive stuff really grates me, it's why i'm kind of stuck trying to finish dragon age inquisition because i know i need to wrap up the companion stuff, but thinking about "go to this place, pick up thing", "go to this place, kill this person", three, four, five times in a row, it just reeeeeally puts me off.

and the thing is like, i've played animal crossing, in fact, im pretty sure i still have a good 30 or something hours in it. but that was mainly because i have friends i played it with that had been playing it for years upon years and they really helped me blast through a LOT of the upgrades really quickly, but i mainly treated my island as a way to piss off one of my friends who really likes her place to look nice and organised and for everywhere else to look nice and organised (and cute), but after a while doing bits like having as many toilets as i could scattered around my island and stealing as many flowers as i could from hers didn't justify the amount of fun i wasn't having playing the game, and so i stopped.

what's downright hilarious though is my rng in that fucking game because despite not giving less of a shit about it, apparently i have at least... three...? incredibly rare campers on my island at any given time (apparently) (i wouldnt actually know but thats what they said, and they seemed pretty shocked about it so.)

but yeah, resource management, organising, farming, slow gain milestones, no clear, structured story, repetitive gameplay, it's like everything i hate to be in a game all in one.

34. funniest gaming moment

not sure if this means something i did or something that happens in a game that i find funny, either way, the amount of inside jokes i have about assassins creed odyssey's alexios with my friends are insane, (all of which are non sensical both with and without context), and the eagle bearer shoving the cyclop's obsidian eye up a goats anus still catches me off guard and makes me lose it every single time.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Mod Issues

Well. That explains some things.

See, I had a few issues on this my second playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3. Specifically, I was struggling with Nere's head. I had it in my inventory. The game would not recognise that I had this head in my inventory. This was annoying, but not a huge problem. It's a side quest. The asshole was dead. So I just kind of yeeted the head into the lava and moved on.

Now, two things, each more problematic than the last. First, it will not recognise that I have a night orchid for Shadowheart, which is frustrating as hell. But the worst of it is that I have two chunks of infernal iron and I am at the Last Light Inn and Dammon is asking me for infernal iron to fix Karlach and IT WILL NOT RECOGNISE THAT I HAVE INFERNAL IRON.

So I hit Google. Now, apparently this is a bug that mostly hits people playing with mods, but has actually hit some people playing an unmodded game. One of the last couple of hotfixes Larian did kind of messed up some bits and pieces and made some important items (iron, night orchids, heads, all manner of shit) just ... not be recognised as being in your inventory when it's in your inventory.

There are a lot of things that can be done about this and they're all complicated as fuck and it's frustrating. I don't even know where to start with the fixes. I'm trying one, but it may be that the only way is to ... well, start again, clean, no mods. Which means no proper aasimar Alisaie, at least until the next hotfix. And that's assuming that I don't wind up with the same bug in a non-modded playthrough.

FUUUUUUUUUCK.

Well, I'll keep going through this whole validation ... thing and we'll see how it goes. It's a good thing that a) I like Act 1 well enough and b) am perfectly happy to keep going through things to find the New Stuff. Bneh.

EDIT: I've been doing some hunting and while there are a lot of fixes, I've learned a few things. Like, this apparently started with Hotfix 16, because Larian's still implementing this "grab whatever you want from whatever companion you want / the camp chest whenever you need to" thing and it's a process. It's apparently fucking up with ModFixer, which a lot of mods apparently need or already have embedded in it. Thing is, the person who made the ModFixer mod has never updated it, ever, and apparently the comment when people flag up the issue is "The mod isn't broken; I'm not fixing shit". So ... that's nice. Of course, some people are having this bug without having any mods at all, so they're right in a way, but that doesn't help all the people with the mods. So that's nice. I'll probably have a poke at fixing things but I'm going to have to go back to a way earlier save anyway because this goes all the way back to the Nere fight, so I don't really know how to cope with this. But I can't do all that much right now because I have an appointment with the optician in about an hour because I really need to have my glasses prescription looked at (gods, the sticker shock on this one but I'd like to be able to see and have fewer headaches, so there you have it), which means clothes / shoes / out. I also need more heavy cream and some limescale remover for my kettle. Yay hard water. I just pray I don't come out of the eye tests with more migraine - I usually do because of the glaucoma puff test, but I'd like to have a video game day.

*sigh* Maybe I'll just go back to poking new games I haven't touched yet and leave BG3 alone for awhile.

[veilkeeper]

Tav asks for you! General 1, 8 and 9, story specific 12, 15 and 17, and romance 1 and 12 for Roz?

questions from here

(Roz is transmasc and nonbinary, they/them pronouns.)

General

1. Where can your Tav be recruited? Are they first encountered on the Nautiloid, or in the Nautiloid crash region? Or are they not recruitable until a later act?

Hm... I'm tempted to say the player would find them on the nautiloid, but in the interest of not throwing another githyanki in there, I'll say the PC finds them for the first time later, on the risen road. They'll be cagey but with a high enough charisma, they'll tell the PC they were pretty sure this road led to elturel. Or maybe there's a brainlink tadpole moment and the PC can feel that they were heading to elturel, somewhere familiar to them. when it becomes apparent that you share their tadpole affliction and that the PC intends to do something about it, they consent to traveling with the party, if the PC is so inclined.

8. What do they say when the Player Character asks them to stay in camp? How about when the Player Character asks them to come adventuring again?

Roz is very non-combative when it comes to "orders", so while they think it's a bad idea to leave them in camp, they'd probably just do an "uh huh. I'll be here if you need me." When the PC asks them to rejoin the party, something like "About time. I was getting sick of standing around." if they're romanced, theyd switch to a softer "i would prefer not to, but if you insist," if they're asked to stay behind.

9. Does your Tav have any escalating conflicts with one of the other companions, like Lae’zel and Shadowheart’s knife-fight?

I don't think so. Roz prefers to stay under the radar. If they have a problem with anyone, they would rather keep it to themself. And since they're very good at taking cues from other people, I think they'd be good at keeping at the very least a working relationship with everyone.

(more below!!)

Story Specific

12. Is it possible for your Tav to be kidnapped and replaced by Orin? How is Orin's deception revealed? How do they react to the PC rescuing them in the Temple of Bhaal?

YES. I'm a sucker for the drama. How does she get caught, though? Probably by talking too much. Suggesting the PC does things before being specifically asked for an opinion, being a little too verbose and intense to really sell it. Roz is definitely shocked that anyone would come to rescue them, and would thank the PC the next time they're spoken to in camp. "I wouldn't have dared ask you to put yourself in danger for me. So, thank you. Your consideration is... appreciated." *looks away awkwardly*

15. How do they react when the Dark Urge first reveals their amnesia and murderous thoughts to them?

Roz: "Thank you for telling me." 1. Is that all? 2. You seem troubled. 3. You're welcome. Narrator: [Insight: Success] *They shift on their feet, their eyes turned skyward. They're uncomfortable, but you do not think it is because of anything you've said.* Roz: "Not troubled. I simply do not know what you wish for me to say. You know these desires are not normal or you would not confess them like this, so I will not deign to convince you that they are. However, as thoughts alone they matter little. The mind is full of things we may not wish for. If they trouble you, I would suggest not turning them to action. But do not fear judgement from me, either way."

17. If romanced, how do they react to the Dark Urge trying to kill them in Act 2?

"Ah. And yet, you passed up a very good opportunity to see me dead, so I like my chances. (More seriously) Tell me what you need, please." As always, Roz would first and foremost be concerned with Durge's feelings and waiting for the cue on what they want them to do in this situation. Afterwards, they'd ask for more details but in a way that more suggests that they're looking for a game plan for the next time their lover might get possessed by the murderghost that seems to live in their brain, and less as a judgemental, "you owe me an explanation" sort of thing.

Romance

1. Is your Tav a romanceable character? Are there any specific requirements to romancing them?

Definitely! But it would take some effort. I don't think there's specific requirements per se, but it would take some persistence: they're the kind of person who would take a few flirts before they acknowledge the PCs interest. They would definitely be interested, they just wouldn't be sure that the PC is right away, and would need some convincing first.

12. Free space! Share anything from your companion!Tav au!

Stealing from my long ass meta post sitting in my drafts: They won't autonomously talk about themself, but if the PC brings them in the party, they will occasionally make comments, and similar to Sten in DA:O when camp is set the PC can ask about it. I.e. they'll mention having been in this area before, or they'll know the history of something that a githyanki soldier wouldn't.... typically know? And the PC can ask about it and that's when they'd talk about themself. They'd be a very "you get what you give" companion. The more effort you put in to take interest in them, the more forthcoming they'll be.

[hypersomniaaboutsleeping]

💫 FROM NARUTO TO BORUTO FANFICTION💫 #2

Official name: Unexpected

Only here on En here. From author personally.

P.s. sometimes dumb! Oops. (Daichi/dai/day - one person)

- Come on, Naruto.

The black-haired girl had his eyes.

He had seen her before.

- Ah, Kumiko. Through the door entrance for the weak?

It was the same girl who a few minutes ago had organized a quick conversation in the confusion in front of a lot of families coming from the same exam.

- An urgent gathering at your house, Uzumaki-doshi. It does not tolerate delay.

The girl bowed respectfully, and went the same way back.

"She is the strangest chunin, after Orochimaru..."

And went after the girl..

..Upon arrival, he found himself in complete shock.

- Uh... Today, instead of an equally strange alternative to this dobe, everyone suddenly decided to stare at me? However, start this your hurdy-gurdy anew, M.. Kumiko.

"They don't want to give out the strongest? Clever, datteban'ya" - Boruto tactfully kept silent. Maybe Dad will be ready to find out.. A little bit later.

- Fine, usaratonkachi. We are not with very pleasant news. And, - The woman pointed at Daichi. - Probably everything is bad if the son of Naruto and Sakura had to find himself in a world where he, in fact, did not exist. Sakura-chan, we understand that you're after work, but don't make such a face until you've been informed what the actual problem is.

- Well, go on, but it's not every day that I see a so-called son whose father didn't even kiss!

Sakura tried to be calm. But after the shift, I didn't take into account similar ones... Farces, yes, there is no other way to call them.

- But with your husband a few. What I was leading to..a. In short. We all had one thing in common. In view... Parties of the dead, yes, it sounds funny, not funny when a grandfather drags his granddaughter to the next world, and her husband barely saved the children. I'm not going to explain, but it was perfect... Real chaos.

Miko, the same girl companion, nodded for Daichi to continue.

- In general, it is impossible to allow the disclosure of seals. Unfortunately, we don't know much ourselves.. Whether it's people, or maybe a moron stone. It's different for everyone.. The fact that it is obvious against the ten-tails and others, we will not pass the second time. Naruto..

Green, bright eyes glared at the one who was now the deciding voice. For whom it was arranged..What are they hoping for?

- We must organize a search without panic and murder. Otherwise it's easy for us.. Either we all die, or your son will be added to my company. And so on until the last one, until we find ourselves... Somewhere where, for example, Kushina and Minato failed, and the world turned into the cradle of the Nine-Tailed. Or where the eternal Shinobi wars take place, and the clans did not come to a truce at all even once. I hope I sound and look convincing enough?

Mikoto stared at him with support. Hopefully, Menma is next to Sarada, who just recognized each other before. Sakura is like a bell in a tired head - "intonation, behavior, eyes" - all with her part, identical pressure. Unless, she was... More violent.

And the gloomy Sasuke, who only by coincidence returned, felt unfamiliar, but... Chakras of relatives besides Sarada.

"Naruto and Sakura's son? The guy is really very similar.. But he didn't say something. How does he know that there were others before him? That's ****, I've never noticed the chakra before.. Such pressure. Like..."

And then he realized what was wrong. Of course, Sasuke will definitely talk about this with Naruto, they don't go crazy collectively..? From the fact that for several years you felt the only related chakra per kilometer, which was its obvious plus.

And now something has been added there.

Also native, but.. Purely logically impossible. Moreover, one of them is already an adult balanced flow... Strangely heavy.

"The current is balanced... So, this person is also an adult relative. No... Confused, like a person in deep shock .." - Consciousness blocked [looks like childhood], driving away sticky panic. - "So... So, not alone. An adult, and another child. They don't say everything.."

- Don't look like that. Do you think it's cool for me to be without my parents one day, even seeing them every day? And we have another problem. What other family do you think is looming on the horizon? Uzumaki-Uchiha. I'm not the only one, they are too. Please don't laugh, Sister-luck is not on our side. If they were here, they wouldn't even be able to really hinder them. And he - Now Daichi pointed to Menma, who had been standing aside before. - We don't look askance at Menma, I haven't even really had time to be a genie. He is also one of them, but you understand that this is a child, and whoever does not understand, we will prove to him. Now to the main thing.

- The power of such as Uzumaki-Uchiha can break seals. We have to find at least one. Why not two at once? Menma said that if they act together, we will simply waste our strength against them. The girl continued.

Mikoto-san's face remained impassive. As if indeed.. Not concerned.

- Summing up, we want to summarize. We ourselves know quite a bit, but we hope for understanding. Of course, the words can be confirmed by removing the first of the forty seals.. You will understand this when you meet a couple of the dead.

- Well, or when the opposite world appears to you. What are your bets if it's a young Uzumaki on the Akatsuki side? Or else.. Menma, it's more correct to say.

Daichi tried not to think about what his younger brother would tell him later.

- An option where Naruto was as vindictive as Sasuke was stubborn, trying to return the young man to his native village. You must understand that if this is a Nine-tailed, trained Orochimaru, he is ready to take off the heads of all the madmen who want to stop him. It will be lucky if the fight is at least approximately equal, datta.

Mikoto, a la rootless Kumiko, was quite emotional when she tried to be more convincing.

Uzumaki was trying to put this whole mess in his head.

Seals? Will the dead rise again? Other realities?

Yes, even thinking about it was too much.. Implausible.

- I'll be happy to help. But if you confirm your words. You appeared in the village like a bolt from the blue, nothing is known about you, in particular about such a jonin and even earlier the status of genin.

"Oh, so absolute identity isn't enough for you? Maybe we'll invite Madara to visit again on purpose? Or just Kagyu?"

Mikoto's patience evaporated with great speed.Of course, to some extent Naruto is right, and there is no solid evidence yet... Yes, even a specific object to search for.

- And who prevented you from just repeating it?

- Both stopped. Have the others swallowed their tongue? Hokage decides for you, or do you have your own opinions?

Now a girl stands in the middle of both. Smiling quite amiably.

Sakura came out first.

- It's better to check than to guess and get into a mess. And if there is nothing, nothing will be spent unnecessarily.

- Thank you, Sakura-chan. Others? Not you, so we have a lot of villages.. It's just nice to have your native village on your side. Although Naruto knows better that it's me.

Daichi just shook his head at that..

"Mikoto-san knows too much, but I hope he will understand that there is no need to say more.. They'll be scared even more"

[stresslitzia]

🎶

Song rolled: Just Add Water - Cavetown Themes: Anxiety, jealousy, lasting regrets for words left unsaid Character: Luxu (Kingdom Hearts), other Foretellers present but will not be tagged Setting: Pre-Back Cover, mostly. Length: ~850 words

Leave without me because I don't wanna go Just add water, let me grow Please, don't worry, I'll be fine on my own I'll turn the lights off when I go

"It's too cold out there today," the Master had chided the trio. "You can't play outside. Maybe consider making cookies or sitting by the fire."

The dark-haired apprentice didn't like that suggestion, but his younger companions were much more adamant about their refusal.

"I want to play in the snow!" shouted the one who would come to be known as Gula. He rarely had outbursts, but the winter weather was an exception- he loved the cold. "And… and I want to play with him!" The one who would one day be called Ava added. The determination in her voice made the silent observer want to join in. "I can keep an eye on them, Master," he offered. The oldest of the three, this apprentice could look the Master dead in the eye- well, almost. He was still shorter. "…Besides. The last time we kept them inside, they broke things…"

There was a quiet pause, before the Master let out a dramatic sigh. Three against one, huh? He couldn't win here. "Fiiine," he groaned, "but be back in by dinner." With a cheer, the two youngest apprentices set off for the doorway. The third, however, stayed behind a moment longer. "…You should be more lenient with them," he murmured. "They're only children, father… You need to let them be young." His words failed to reach the Master's ears.

-

"Back- no, no, I said BACK!" "You can't stop me!"

Luxu found himself once again taking notes on his fellow apprentices. Per the Master's orders, of course. The first apprentice to be named, left as a beacon for the others so the Master need not lift a finger. He couldn't help but want to do more than just watch- not because he wanted to aid his companions, but because he was always told to only observe. The blue-robed apprentice launched herself towards her brown-robed assailant, earning a disgruntled yelp-groan from her opponent. Upon squinting, Luxu found that the more physically powerful apprentice had been thoroughly doused in water. Amused, he wrote that down on the appropriate page, adding that the silver-robed apprentice had also been averse to similar magic.

"Alright, that'll be enough, you two," Luxu called out. The two yet-nameless combatants stepped apart from one another- the one in blue gave a courteous bow, while the one in brown held a hand over his heart with his otherwise-similar movement. That triggered a thought. Did the other three also part from training in unique ways? Luxu hadn't paid close attention before. Maybe… No. Best leave those thoughts alone. "Next!"

Actually, on second thought, as the youngest duo entered the arena, maybe Luxu could get some information…

-

"So, you don't join us for training…" "Because the Master never gave me a Keyblade. Yeah."

Ira gave a soft 'hm' as he stirred the in-progress meal he was working on. Luxu continued sifting through the collection of seasonings, adding to the pile beside him whenever something seemed nice.

"He gave the rest of us our names before giving you the means to defend yourself," the silver-robed apprentice pondered. "He must have a plan for you." "Probably not. I wasn't even supposed to be trained, I'm just picking things up from you guys. …I know exactly how to make Gula stop darting around." Ira looked over at the younger apprentice, a hint of concern in his eyes.

"You're not planning on hurting Gula, are you?" Luxu looked almost shocked at the accusation. "Wh- why in Light's name would I want to hurt him?! He's my friend!" "I mean, you've had an interest in Ava for as long as I can recall, and…" "That doesn't… that doesn't mean I'd hurt Gula for a chance with her."

Ira narrowed his eyes in suspicion, before patting his companion on the top of his head.

"Good. Now, could you go fetch the others? I'm almost done here."

Luxu sighed, turning to leave the kitchen without further protest. How had Ira guessed why he was so focused on Gula's abilities, specifically…?

-

"…I never wanted to watch."

Luxu sat alone now, in the space outside of Daybreak Town's crumbling walls. An area soon to be called 'the Badlands,' where all that could be seen were broken Keyblades and clouds of dust stirred by weak winds. He held his hand out in front of him, calling upon the Keyblade he had been given- No Name, as he grew to call it.

"Is this what you wanted, Master?" he asked. "Look. All this death, this destruction, and for what? A silly little war that ended with no victors. …And you wanted me to just sit back and let it happen." Slowly, he moved to point the turquoise eye at the rest of the dust-covered field. "I'm not following your instructions any longer. I tried. And look where it brought me. …Ava's Dandelions will be my only chance to see your plan through, now. You understand that, don't you? You…"

He dismissed his Keyblade, leaning forward over his knees.

"You planned all this."