#now since i played it in parts with large breaks in-between there's a lot i don't remember

[aletheialed]

I DID IT!!! I FINISHED THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY CHRONICLES!!!! AND IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

[moonieandi]

snapshots pt. 7 | stanley pines x f!reader 

summary: the fourth year of your life “married” to stanley pines, particularly concerning helping one another

warnings (TW): swearing, sexual themes (mdni 18+)

tags: fluff, affection, mutual-pining, sexual-situations (in act i), good ol’ protective-stan <3 

notes: me thinks me has big chapter coming up (pt. 8), me thinks i like to do things in fours (the last big chapter was 4). also did anyone notice that my sorry ass had to go back and change some dates/years womp womp but extra points if u didn’t notice my dumbass mistake. 

i think relationships are about being a total hypocrite at times also, like you are constantly trying to fight biases you have over yourself, and also trying to fight for the betterment of your partner also. like im a total hypocrite when it comes to my partner so i think this is another good chapter of what i like to call “flesh” 

that being said i have it sketched out in my journal that next chapter will be… important. hope you all enjoy, and as always love love love all the comments and notes and reblogs! thank you all so much, lots of love <3 (again, masterlist with the other chapters is linked down below!) 

word count: 5.1k

| masterlist | part viii |

“The kids will be gone for a while,” he says, hand slipping warm up her thigh. “How about we pretend it’s 1995, doll?” That slick smirk on his face, glasses drooping on his big hooked nose. 

She laughs. “1995? More like 2012, baby. It hasn’t been that long since you’ve tried to seduce me in the car.” 

He laughs too, hand pushing through his gray curling hair. Shifting in his seat to get closer and share his warmth. His covered thigh was hot against her own. She had laid out short sweatpants for him to put on that lazy Saturday with the kids when he made to walk out the front door in his boxers. Something she found endearing at their older age, the slip of his mind when it came to spending time with the kids. 

It’s darker out, their car the only one in the closed parking lot they had busted into. Mabel had been upset that day, after an altercation with another girl at the mini golf course. Her brother and Stan had almost been more upset for her, and they had rallied behind her in her need for revenge against her blonde foe. She had been upset as well and had a swell of choice words for the little rich girl's parents before Stan pulled her away.

So she had let it slide, the breaking and entering she was currently allowing the kids to do. That and Soos was with them. She trusted him more than he knew. 

They hadn’t been alone in a while, well except for their typical midnight trysts. They had to be more quiet, as of recent though. 

“Feels like a long time,” he hums, bringing his warm palm from her thigh to his cheek. “Come on… we have a bit here.” 

She looks up at him through her lashes, a flush to her face. “I wasn’t protesting.” 

He moves to her like he always does, distracted by the closing space between them. Curling his large palm around her cheek, kissing her like he knows her. 

He’s slick like usual also, smiling against her lips, creeping his hand to move her seat down so he has the high ground between the two of them. Something he loves to do. 

She’s laughing now, lounging back in the reclined seat. When had he reclined his own also?

But she’s pushing at his insistent chest, smiling at his slyness. Flushed below him, his torso hot against her front as his hand made itself comfortable on her cheek again, another on her waist. 

“No funny business Stan, the kids will be back soon and you know it.” 

“No funny business.” He says, pulling back to look at her soft face. His eyes drifting back to her lips once more. There's a breath between them, as they surge back and forth in the connecting space. Breathing heavy in the stretch between their lips, as she tries to chase him forward and he pulls back. His hand caresses her cheek, playing with the hair around the nape of her neck with his pinky. 

“Beautiful.” He whispers between them finally, breaking some spell he’s cast in the space amongst their breaths. It breaks something, when he finally surges forward, meeting her in the middle, at her insistence. 

It’s slow and building and grows hot between them. She tries to focus on many things at once about her lover, how his large hand cups her cheek, and jaw, and neck all at once. How he breathes heavy on top of her, warm against her front, but not against the most intimate part of her. How his lips move, move her, force her open and closed again. How his hand creeps up her waist to the sides of her chest, trailing hot upwards. 

Suddenly it’s not slow anymore, not after the noises she unconsciously makes, and not after his hand trails back to the seem of her shirt to pull it up, his palm warm against her chest now. She’s gasping now, nodding her head at his insistence. He moves instinctually, like how he does every time, but how it feels brand new and different also, when he shoves her bra down, cupping her exposed chest now. How his fingers are slight against the sensitive skin there, it all feels new each time. 

It has her moaning again, mouth open against his to create space, to create noise that bubbles at the base of her throat and sprouts between them. It has him throwing himself forward again, his hand tight against the junction of her jaw now, as he moves her lips and face to meet him again. To move against her again. 

His hand is warm on her front, slipping against her chest, his palm moving to massage her, twirling her bust between his large hot hand. He’s so warm and whole against her, that it has her moving, adjusting along the reclined seat sideways so more of him could be a part of her. Creating space, and area, for him to manipulate as he pleases. And it does please him. 

He’s fast along her lips now, and she does her best to keep up. Her hand gripping his hair, the other digging into the muscle of his broad shoulder, trying to bring him impossibly closer. But he wants to hear more of her, more from her. And he knows how to do it, moving from her mouth to her jaw to her throat, his mouth just as warm as the rest of him. Open mouth, breathy kisses follow in his wake until he makes for the junction of her throat and her shoulder. Kissing there just to hear her react, just to watch her squirm below him. Biting and kissing and lingering by her ear, groaning in her ear as she unknowingly cants into his lap at the tweak of his finger at her chest. 

“You’re so good to me.” His mouth hot over the junction of her throat, his hand heavy on the curve between her jaw and her pulse. “Always so fucking good for me, angel.” 

It serves to always rile her up more when he’s so honest with her like this. Something so simple as the truth has her disregarding her words from before, has her parting her legs and pulling him against the entirety of her as she searches for his lips again. He meets her in the middle of the heat of them, just as taken by her insistence, just as riled up by her enthusiasm for him to this day. 

It has him slightly pulling back though also, swearing as he pulls his button-up off his body. Smirking as he crumples it up to wedge under her hips, to have her pressing up against the heat of his lower body correctly. To ensure he could angle his own hips to meet her where she needed him. 

She’s flushed below him when he glances back up from his handy makeshift substitution for their usual orthopedic pillow. Breathing heavily against the seat of their car, her head almost leaning off the back of the reclined long bench. Her hair haloed around her head as she reached her hands back in front of her to drag him against her again. To feel his weight against her parted legs, her neck already crooked to allow his lips resurgence, her shirt around her chest crumpled from shifting her bra around his large palm. 

A knock. 

It shocks her awake, groggy in her bed, but not on her usual side. 

The wall is cold behind her, but the shoulder she's nestled into is hot beneath her cheek. Stanley slumbering, a slight snore building up in the back of his throat as his chest rises and falls under her hand. 

Right, Stan. 

She had taken to sleeping next to him, some nights. After the appearance of the shocking dream just last October, she continued to have flashes of odd frightful nightmares interspersedly between then and now. It had shocked them both awake several more times in those following months, as she called for him when she was deep within her subconscious. He never protested, never really asked before he would crawl into her bed during those occasions, shuffling her to her spot furthest from the door. 

Now they stuttered each night in the hall, held themselves together in the shadow of each other's doorways before bed. He’d look down at her those nights, at her dark circles and wrinkled pajamas. A question on his tongue every night. A silent ask, if she would need him that night. He would come if she called. 

She could almost sense when one would creep into her mind most nights now, like an instinctual correlation to her overworking herself. So some nights she’d grasp his hands in the shadows in the hallway and drag him to her room. Something he didn’t comment on, the one thing between them he didn’t joke about. 

On other nights they would separate, his lips would linger on her hairline after whispering goodnight to her to leave for his empty room. But those nights seemed far and few in between her need to have him close now, because the dreams were all but fleeting with him close for some reason. She listed off the benefits of co-sleeping somewhere in the back of her head before slipping away most nights, reasoning out her need for him. 

It explained his presence below her now, how she was folded into the junction of his shoulder and his outstretched arm. How her hands had made a home in his warm chest. But it didn’t really explain the dream, one that she had never had of that nature. 

It made something stir in the back of her mind, made her think of his lingering breath now and how it felt so real in the dream, shepherded in the crook of her neck. How he felt on top of her, the way he fell into the junction of her parted legs. How it had her shifting her own legs now, unconsciously trying to get closer to him now. 

She knew he was attractive. There were things endearing about his personality, things that made her think after laughter, and her heart swell when he got close. But he was, physically, quite attractive to her also. The curl of his hair, the smirk of his lips, of course. But also his broad arms, and large palms. The swell of his lower stomach, the patch of hair below his belly button, the parting of his legs when he sat on the couch. It really wasn’t surprising that she had such a dream about him, not surprising at all. She quite… enjoyed it. Which is why she let her hands linger on him even now, creeping up his shirt to rest on the rise of his lower stomach. To seep in some of that warmth, to try to remember the weight of him above her. 

But she had also dreamed of the kids again. 

She tried to keep note of what she could remember of them. Of pink sweaters and braces and smatterings of freckles that looked like constellations. It faded again though, as she rested against his rising chest. Lulled back to sleep by his steady breaths against her.

June, 1986 

He pulled himself from work that day so they could wander around town and inevitably regretted it once they hit Main Street. 

She had found it amusing that they had stumbled into some sort of reenactment of the 1830s, something he had found joy in, his hands drifting from his pockets to her own hands. But something he was now more than a little frustrated by, watching her giggle every time an old-fashioned dressed-up reenactor passed them by, every man tipping their tophats in her general direction. 

It had him almost fuming, honestly. That they could have his Doc’ blushing and giggling at every turn with ease. His hand had drifted again, pulling her closer to his side as they made their way from booth to booth at this god-forsaken Pioneer Day festival. 

She was distracted by homemade candies at their current booth. Calling his attention and dragging him closer to show him the assortment of sweets she wanted to share with him. Until the booth-keep approached them, his goddamn hat tipped at his Doc’. 

“What can I do for ya miss?” The slightly older gentleman asked politely, taking his tall hat off in the presence of her. 

She giggled again, of course. Glancing back at his flushed form, before glancing back at the clerk about to answer. 

“It’s missus, actually, ya schmuck.” He had to open his mouth. Almost like he couldn’t help it, something bubbling below the surface, his fist clenched defensively at his side, the other still balled up around her waist. 

She seemed slightly shocked at his infringement, flushing embarrassed at his side. He didn’t even think of apologizing, especially when she looked like that. 

“Apologies, sir!” The clerk said, glancing between the assumed couple. “Your lady here needs some assistance, yes?” 

“Wife, pal. My wife.” 

Stuttering, waving away Stan’s charged statement, the poor clerk is crimson in front of them in the July heat and under the scrutiny of a man who is on his last leg with the current fair he finds himself at. 

She seizes the moment, turning back to Stan to push his chest back away and out of the stall, throwing a quick apology over her shoulder in their hasty retreating wake. 

It had been absurdly endearing, how annoyed Stan was all day. It wasn’t easy to derail the man, from what she knew of him. So she had reveled in his apparent annoyance all day. Weirdly protective of the space they took up on the walkway through the fair, trying to shield her from the polite tipping of hats which was custom to do, she figured. Something the reenactors did rather flippantly and without thought. But something that had grated at her partner all day, despite that. So stubbly angry at the gesture that no one else but he thought twice about. 

She had let it continue throughout the day though, and had giggled at how his hand had made for her own, and migrated to her waist sometime during the day when he grew more aptly agitated. A protective hand on her, and when she looked back at him, his face was always a grimace. His usual glare directed solely at the men who would greet her on the street. 

The vendor apparently, had been the last straw. After the poor man hadn’t acknowledged Stan’s presence, in favor of helping and doting on her. Probably a good sales tactic, something Stan knew about also, but something he was blinded by in the moment. Annoyed at being ignored despite bearing down at anyone from her shadow along her back. 

They had enough for today though, she thought, pulling him farther down the street back to the parking lot at the end of Main Street, so they could find their car and head home. She doubted he would want to come back to the yearly Pioneer Days, but she’d try to drag him back each coming year. Reveling at his protective hold, giggling at his flushed face as he declared her as his to everyone who would listen. 

November, 1986

She found him up late, in his office that night. 

He had made a space in a random room on the first floor, close to the kitchen. One of those rooms they had both disregarded and initially put the swell of Ford’s belongings in.

But she had helped him clean it back out a couple of years ago when he opened their home turned tourist trap. Helped anyway he would allow, actually, which was more or less going through old research papers piled high and picking out a nice desk from the flea market to situate in front of the south-facing window. He had moved around just about everything else. 

The walls were still bare in his office, and he had filled the room with some of his old knick-knacks and newspaper clippings he had a tendency of keeping from the comics and punchline sections of the local paper. The ones that made her laugh. That and odd stacks of magazines from jewelers he liked. 

He had been unable to help her downstairs that day, something she did not begrudge him of, especially seeing him now bent over his desk, with his hands catching in his hair. She had called him for dinner, but when he didn’t answer or come within ten minutes she found herself wandering to his office with their dinner in hand. His office door was wide open, as it always was when it was just the two of them. She knocked despite this. 

“Stan?” She asks, balancing steaming plates of food in both hands. “Do you need help with anything?” 

“No, hun.” His head shot up, a smile blooming on his face, but his eyes were weary still from squinting at money margins for the last couple of hours. 

She makes her way closer, plopping his plate right in front of him on the desk, disregarding the odd papers he had spread out all over its surface. She leans herself on the desk, holding her own plate up so she could simply eat where she stood.

“Doesn’t look like it.” She says, pitching her head back to the mess on his desk. 

He’s almost too worked up to eat, not that he’d let her know that. He’d been wrangling around money all day, trying to equate the sum of the last couple of months’ tours into this month's mortgage payment. Something he struggled with last season also, but something he’d gotten worse at hiding from her despite his best efforts. She overworked herself enough as is, he didn’t want this on her plate alongside everything else. 

She did her best to handle the mess he had made downstairs, and he did his best to take care of her. Because she deserved that, after all she’s done for him. Given him four years, put up with his bullshit for four years after his four-second mistake of pushing his brother into another dimension. 

But looking up at her now, watching the darkness from the fall season outside seep in through the window. How she tilted her head down, leaned onto his desk, and basically plopped on top of the hardwood she had picked out herself. She made no indication of regret, in all four years.

Still, something tugs at him, he wanted to be the one to provide in this aspect. Something deep, once hallow in him, something his father had tried to teach him in his old ways. About how to take care of your wife, about how he needed to provide. 

But they were standing in a shell of a house, one that he could not even logically claim as his own. And he wanted to give her more. To celebrate during the holidays without pinching pennies, to give her gifts during these colder winter months, like he remembers his father doing for his mother. To get her those new throw blankets she eyes up at the craft store, to get her that new red pot she says reminds her of her grandmother. It made him feel more like a failure, set something deep in him, that he couldn’t give her some of those things while she so willingly gave him four years.

She wouldn’t relent though, because as determined as he was to take care of her in this semblance, she was just as eager to do the same for him. Something that always made him lean into her, had his hand finding hers instinctually nowadays. Something that no one has done for him since Ford, someone having his back. 

So he tells her anyway because she's smart. Knowing to lean up on his desk like that and bring him food to ply him from his leather desk chair and make him concede in his problems. Something all-knowing about her like usual, something perhaps ingrained in her. 

He leans forward, scooping up food to shovel into his mouth. Maybe he was hungry after all. “I’m having some trouble balancing some books.” 

“What does that mean?” 

“Means I’m short.” Fisting some of his hair in his fist, mumbling around his food. “Holiday season, I’m always strapped for cash.” 

She hums, a fold forming in the ridge of her brows. She takes a moment, leaning farther into his desk, dinner half gone on her plate already. “You?” 

“What?” 

“You, Stan?” She sighs, suddenly looking tired in front of him. Frustrated with something, at the very least.  

He shrugs at her, turning away from her suddenly harsh gaze. But she won’t let him turn from her anymore. She finishes her dinner, discarding her plate farther away on the corner of his desk, reaching over his papers and piles to switch on the shaded desk lamp they also scrounged for. 

She sighs again, situating herself completely in front of him now. Leaning back against his desk again, basically sitting on the papers and books that were causing him strife not even ten minutes ago. His dinner is half cold on his plate now, situated on his own lap as he slumps back in his chair. His eyes move back to her instinctually now that she’s in front of him. The lamp light shining on her frustrated visage. 

“Stan.” She humphs, leaning forward, crowding him into his chair. “You? Just you?” 

Realizing his mistake, his shepherding of problems, continuing to shield them as his own despite him internally admitting he should at least voice them aloud. 

But it’s hard to admit defeat in this aspect, hard to concede control over something she thought so flippantly of as money. It was deeper than that, deeper than the mortgage of course. It was something he had left home in search of, something he still grasped for, and something he had buried asking for help with when he was merely eighteen years old.

His desires had somehow changed and shifted though. The warped image he had of his father, how it had become distorted in the face of his new desires. Desires that looked more and more like her these days. And it was just something he wouldn’t admit defeat to, couldn’t admit defeat. Because then what good was he to her? 

So he stands behind his own stupid idea of self-actualization. Despite it being weak in the shadow of her frustration. “Yes… just me.” 

“No.” 

“No?” He scoffs. “Yes. Just me, only me.” 

“Since when.” 

“Since this was all my fault.” He says, his own frustration pulling him up in his chair. Food forgotten and pushed aside on his desk in favor of getting closer to her. Never yelling, always explaining. And he wouldn’t and couldn’t yell if he was sitting ramrod straight in front of her. He didn’t have it in him, had no desire to watch her crumble like that. “This whole thing, all of it.” Waving his hands around, trying to emphasize the large capacity of the bullshit he had walked them both into. 

She shakes her head. “No, Stan.” He’s unbelievable at his worst, and charming at his best. But his unbelievable was becoming more mounting with every year. And some convoluted part of her mind had reasoned that it actually all hinged on her now. Thinking of that crumpled paper, and that coded string of words Stanford had left her. How he had been right about her all along, how she hadn’t even been smart enough to drag him out of his own hubris. 

“Don’t say it’s fucking yours.” He scoffs, leaning more into her. Placing his hands on her warm thigh, trying to ground her in her thoughts. 

“But it is. It’s my fault.” Choking around what she had believed to be true for the past four years. “I’m not smart enough to bring him back.” 

He surges in his seat, standing in front of her now. Shaking his head as he reaches for her. Folding her in his arms like he always does, her head balanced in the crook of his neck, humming along to soothe her like always. “That’s the farthest thing from true.” 

“But he’d be back! He s-should be back by now…” Voicing her frustration, it echoed around his chest to his ear. She’s warm in her frustration, her hands curling not around him, but up him. Finding the crook in his chest to rest them in. “And you wouldn’t be so stressed… you wouldn’t have to worry about the mortgage if he was here. We wouldn’t have to be here, it’s my f-fault he’s not here yet. It’s why I’ve been down there so often. W-why I hate when you say that.” 

She had confided herself to the basement almost indefinitely since their second year of cohabitation. More recently, it had kept her up routinely at night. First, it would drag her from her sleep, had her wandering down steep steps in the dark of the night in only her pajamas. Now it followed her into her dreams, seeping into her mind, taunting her of a far-off future she could only conjure up in her sleep. One where she succeeded. One where Stan still stood steady by her side, a gold band on his finger. It made her sick, and she knew she had been troubled by all of it for over a year now. 

He had known reasonably, that the reason for her lingering in the dark basement was for some sort of self-validation, something he could never fault her for. But he could fault himself for not dragging her into the light more often, for not being more worried about her pailing complexion and her dark-set eyes. It did worry him, it tugged him from doorway to doorway at night, made him more vigilante in the dark. But he had been so twisted in worrying about providing as of recent, he had forgotten the object of his adoration was weathering away under the weight of her own self-destruction. 

It was hard to let go of that part of his control, of what he felt was his own duty. But he knew there suddenly, looking down at her dark circles, and the way she curled up, looking so small against his chest. Knew that they’d both have to set aside some ingrained biases because in the end, they were both hypocrites. And he didn’t want her to become a mirror image of him in her grief. 

So he sighs, letting his warm hands cradle the back of her. Letting them run through her hair, letting him continue to hum. “I don’t want you to say that ever again because it ain’t true.” 

She sniffs, still goo in his hands. “You too.” She hiccups. 

He won't ever voice it to her again, he swears somewhere in the back of his mind. But it’ll linger for years, the fault in him. “Okay.”

Another beat, another adjustment from her before he voices anything again. “We both gotta help each other.” 

She nods against him, suddenly looking up at him with a weird amusement in her eyes. “Go team, remember?” 

He chuckles, “Yeah, hun. Go team.” 

She hums, finally pulling away from him and taking her warmth with her. Still folded up in front of him, her hands still in that space along his chest. Fisted in his shirt, wrinkled under her grief. 

“I can help with the money.” She says, a smile beginning to grow on her face. 

“And I can help with the portal.” He nods, his hands finding her shoulders, cupping up towards her neck. 

They congregated on the couch that night, discussing a new schedule between them. Something that would hopefully piece her back together, maybe not back to what she was all those years ago bursting in through the front door. She wasn’t herself then either, he reasoned. And it struck him then, with her curled in on the couch, still folded into the junction of his arm, her fingers tracing his palm as she finally breathed even against him. 

She looks most endearing, most like some glimpse of herself, someone he doesn’t quite know yet when she’s kneeled down talking to those kids on their back-lit porch. Halloween had come and gone again and it struck him, like it does every June and October. 

It twists into an idea in his mind, flips his stomach at the idea. Leaks into visions of her in front of the chalkboard downstairs, how she spoke of complex things in fragments for him to digest. How she paces around her chalkboard, spinning new ideas for him to consume. It came easy to her, teaching him, and he had the thought that she just might be the best he’d ever met in all his years. 

“What about teaching?” He hums, twirling his fingers around for her to continue to play with. 

She hums. “I’d be gone a lot of the day.” 

“And I’d miss ya.” He concedes. “But you need this.” He admits, leaning his chin on her head. She needed to get away from the portal, distance herself, and find a bit of life outside of what he had tied her into. 

“And you.” She glances up at him, a smile on her lips finally. Her breath warm against him. And he did, he’d admit. He needed her help with it all. But only if in doing so it helped her, too. Because he'd concede the weight of what he called duty if it shook that warped image of his father. He wanted to prove himself to her, only.

[themongrelcatcamehome-blog]

i am trying to break your heart pt.2

So, for this part... Basically it's Sevika and Cait's smut. Please read the tags first. This story was in my head for days. Hope you guys enjoy it.

x

Synopsis: Over a month has passed since Caitlyn and Vi ended their relationship, yet Caitlyn couldn’t find a reason to celebrate Jinx's capture. Despite it being a huge day for Piltover and the Enforcers, Caitlyn only wanted to go home, but someone had another plans for ther.

Tags and Warnings: porn with plot, vaginal fingering, cunnilingus, dom/sub, face fucking, face sitting, degradation kink, power play, smoking, drinking, tribbing, dry humping, abduction, caitlyn with sevika, strong language and i don't know what else to put here, i'm sorry.

__________________________________________________________

The Commander had left the precinct a few minutes earlier. She decided to walk home. The route was short, and she didn’t want to feel nauseous driving. As she turned onto the street that led to Municipal Park, her house came into view. Caitlyn heard the rustling of leaves coming from inside the park, a sound too loud to be caused by an animal. She straightened her posture, unfastened her holster, and walked toward the noise with her right hand on her weapon. The park gate was closed. Caitlyn checked the latch and confirmed it was locked. She heard a metallic clanging sound. Caitlyn quickened her pace toward the side of the gate, further from the street and closer to the fence and the sidewalk on the right of the park. Several vehicles were parked there, but no one was in sight.

It was a spot used to park the cars of lower-ranking officers who didn’t have official spaces in the precinct’s parking lot. There were no establishments on this street; it was a dead end. Caitlyn crouched to see if anyone was hiding between the first two vehicles. No feet. She moved a meter forward and peeked around the side of a car. Nothing. She turned on her chest flashlight, attached to her uniform. Nothing. Caitlyn drew her weapon from its holster. She was blinking rapidly.

Behind the third vehicle, she saw a shadow.

“Who’s there?” Caitlyn called out. No response.

Caitlyn grew concerned it might be a Firelight.

“Come out and there won’t be any trouble.” Still no response.

Caitlyn moved to the right to avoid being cornered against the park’s fence. With her weapon drawn, she began sidestepping with her back to the street. She pointed her gun toward the inside of the car, then behind it. She saw someone running to the fourth car, close to the fences.

“You’re running out of cars to hide behind. Show yourself and I won’t shoot.”

Part of the figure hiding behind the car was now visible. It was a Zaunite child, wearing a dirty hat splattered with fluorescent green stains.

“Isha?!”

Caitlyn couldn't react when she felt a blow to her left temple.

As her eyes began to open, Caitlyn felt a sharp pain in her head. Her vision was blurry and she was confused. When she tried to bring her hands to the source of the pain, she realized they were tied.

"What?! What is this?! Where am I?!"

The chair Caitlyn was tied to creaked as she moved from side to side. She only realized her feet were also tied when she toppled to the side. Her head almost hit the wooden floor, and she felt like she would faint again—until she felt a bunch of cold water splashing on her face. Caitlyn was terrified, bleeding, tied up, and nearly choked on the water. Her body was lifted off the ground and she closed her eyes to regain her senses. When she opened them, Sevika was standing in front of her.

- Hello, dear. Did you sleep well?  - You... Where am I? What's going on?  - You're in Zaun. Didn't you smell it?

Sevika laughed. She was leaning against a large table. The room was dark with colorful decorations. A glass of whiskey was beside her, and she was smoking a cigarette. Sevika was wearing a cloak over her mechanical arm, and her other arm showed she was dressed in a gray tank top. She wore dark gray pants and iron-toed boots. Her hair was half tied up, with a few strands falling over her face.

- I find it very funny how stupid you all are.

 Sevika continued laughing.

 - You really think you're clever. And that's why you're stupid. Do you understand, sweetie? - Just tell me what you want.

Caitlyn had regained her senses. Despite the pain, the cold water helped her see better and the adrenaline made her feel electric. Her shirt was soaked with blood and water. Caitlyn looked around and saw her gun resting on the table. There was no chance of solving this any other way but by talking.

- Your little informant must've delivered the message. I didn't want to wait for you to come here all armed, so I found you first. - Typical of a cowardly henchwoman. Why don't you untie me and we can talk as equals? - Oh... you talk tough for someone who's tied to my chair. - You don't intimidate me, Sevika. In fact… - Shut it, kitten. You and half of Zaun can call me whatever you want; I don't care. Now that you've caught Jinx, you all think you're so great, huh?

Sevika let out a loud laugh and stubbed out her cigarette on the table. She approached Caitlyn, crouched down to be at her level. Caitlyn was scared.

- How's that bitch-ass whining traitor? - What?!  - Your little girlfriend. The one who likes to play rough.

Caitlyn was trying to keep up with Sevika’s tone. She couldn't let her win.

- The one who tore off your arm and beat your ass more times than you can remember?

Sevika smirked. She pushed back the strands of hair falling over her face. She lifted Caitlyn's head, who was trying to pull away from Sevika's touch. Sevika reached for her cloak, took the end of it, and wiped Caitlyn's face. Caitlyn thought it was weird, but just watched how it would go from there.

- You know, sweetie, I wonder how a whiny little bitch like Vi managed to pull you off. 

Sevika stared at Caitlyn’s breasts. Caitlyn was now looking directly at Sevika's face. She was gorgeous, but Caitlyn despised her. Sevika spoke again.

- Do you have a thing for pitiful individuals? It's a shame I don't have a chance with you, then.

Caitlyn felt rage building up. Her face was hot with hatred, and her head kept throbbing in pain. While Sevika spoke, Caitlyn tried to free her hands without success. She lowered her gaze, laughed, and said:

- I heard that competition between women is a thing, but not in a million years would you win against her. Is that why you talk so much? To make up for your little ego… - Oh, I love when you talk like that. Keep going! - Look, I don't know what you're trying to do with this little show. Stop with the theatrics and just tell me what you want. - What a shame. I was starting to get turned on.

Sevika stood up and walked over to the table. Caitlyn followed her movements with her eyes. Sevika had a strong build. Her back was wide and the cloak gave her an almost mystical aura. Her thighs were strong and large. Caitlyn thought it was a shame that she was such a bad person. Sevika interrupted her thoughts.

- I think you're the type that bites.

Sevika lit another cigarette. The smoke covered her face for a moment and she blinked slowly. She had a smirk on her face when she licked her lips and said:

- You bite, darling?

By this point, Caitlyn's entire body was sore. She couldn't loosen the knot tying her hands at all. Her heart was racing, and she started coughing when Sevika blew smoke in her face and spoke again.

- Well, Hotstuff, here's the thing. Jinx's capture was great for Zaun. I wanted to thank you personally. That brat was out of control and I unfortunately grew fond of her. I think she’ll last longer locked up. She would’ve ended up dead or completely insane here and… - What a disgusting way to care about someone. Jinx is in solitary and will get the worst treatment possible as long as I live. - Does the crybaby know you talk like this about her sister?

Caitlyn felt her body tremble. She was cold, in pain and anxious. Fear washed over her. She thought about Vi’s face and feared she might never see her again.

- Vi is aware of what I think of Jinx.

- The dynamics of this love is pretty fucked up, sweetheart. Vi sleeps with someone who hates her, her origins, and her family. I think she has a humiliation fetish. Tell me... Does she fuck you while crying? Or even better! Do you fuck her while laughing?

Sevika’s words were the last straw. In one swift movement, Caitlyn tried to get up from the chair and slam it to the ground. The chair shattered, and Caitlyn fell. Her feet were still tied, but her hands were free. The knot had been tied to the back of the chair, which, when it broke, left just a small wooden stake. Caitlyn quickly wielded the wood in Sevika's direction.

Sevika clapped and placed the cigarette on the edge of the table. With almost dramatic flair, she removed her cloak, revealing her mechanical arm. Before Caitlyn could react, Sevika took the wood from her hand and struck the rope binding Caitlyn’s legs.

- Done, Commander. You're free. What will you do now?

Sevika crossed her arms, resting her human hand on the lever of her mechanical arm.

Caitlyn tried to stand but was dizzy. She fell back to the ground, lowered her head, and rested it on her knees.

- Sevika, if you're going to kill me, just do it. - I’m not going to kill you, sweet thing. I'm going to offer you a deal. - I don't want any deal with you. So now you have it. My answer is no. Cut the chase.

Sevika moved toward Caitlyn. She lifted the commander with a quick, firm motion, holding Caitlyn by the arms, pinning her against the wall.

- Commander, forget I exist. Can you do that? Get all your informants out of Zaun or I’ll kill them and send their remains to their families. You’ve already got what you want. Leave my people in peace. 

Caitlyn felt Sevika's breath near her left cheek. It smelled like cigarettes and alcohol. Her skin had a strong scent of wood and leather. Caitlyn said:

- Hand over Singed and all the shimmer production. Then I’ll give you your peace.

Caitlyn was trying to speak firmly despite her fear. She was completely vulnerable, pinned to a wall by someone much larger and taller than her. Sevika's figure was intimidating for many reasons. She thought about kicking Sevika in the groin, but her mechanical arm was too fast and she was probably resistant to pain.

- Caitlyn, Caitlyn… Don't you think you’re asking too much? I thought your megalomaniac phase was over.

It was the first time Sevika called Caitlyn by her name. The commander felt a shiver.

- I just want to lock up the people who harm Zaun. - How noble of you. But then you'd have to lock up yourself, your police, the Piltover councilors and every pathetic citizen of your city. You’re the ones poisoning us with the filth you produce. And you treat us like violent animals, huh? - My family built the ducts that filter your air! We do the best we can… - Best? You don’t know anything about Zaun. You think just because you sleep with a zaunite you know something about our people? - Sevika, it's the fourth time you mention my relationship with Violet…

Caitlyn quickly reflected before continuing. She remembered that Vi would probably be notified of her disappearance and come to her rescue. She needed to protect Vi. She resumed:

- For your information, we broke up. She ended things with me after I took on the task force that captured Jinx. If you’re interested, I...

Sevika interrupted:

- Wow! Good to know that Zaunite blood still runs in those veins.

Sevika moved away from Caitlyn. She thought about how much Vi must’ve suffered from Caitlyn's role in Jinx's capture. She reflected on how sad Vi's life must be in Piltover, even though she dated the commander. A wave of sadness, pity and a little bit of jealousy passed through Sevika's heart. She remembered when Vander brought her and Powder to live at the bar. Sevika had brought Mylo just a few days prior. Sevika shook her head trying to shake off these feelings. She needed to convince Caitlyn to leave her people alone once and for all.

Caitlyn, on the other hand, noticed the change in Sevika's expression. She was desperate and couldn’t identify which part of her speech had made Sevika change her expression. She thought it was the breakup for a second, but that would be a reach.

- Sevika, you are a woman who has lived through many things. And... What I’m asking for isn’t that different from the deal Vander had with us. Hand over Singed. - You think I know where Singed is?

The room started to heat up. Sevika heard a noise at the door. It was Isha.

Isha had a small weapon in her hands. She held the gun with one hand and gave Sevika a thumbs up with the another. Caitlyn felt saddened when she saw the girl.

Sevika ruffled Isha’s hair and said:

- Good job, little spark. You were great today. Mission accomplished. Now go to the hideout and...

Sevika crouched down to whisper something in the child’s ear, but Caitlyn overheard. Sevika told Isha to take a bath and that she could turn on the TV as long as she used headphones. "Don’t wait for me. Your bedtime stays the same, okay?"

Caitlyn was stunned. Sevika had adopted a sweet tone with Isha and Caitlyn noticed that she was smiling while talking to the girl.

For a moment, Caitlyn looked at Sevika differently. She realized how much that woman cared for her people and her place, even though the place was Zaun. The room where she has been was clean, everything was in place. Caitlyn briefly reflected on how the antagonism between the nations dehumanized the people of Zaun. She remembered Vi and wanted to cry, but held it back. A strange feeling overcame her now, almost an admiration for Sevika.

Sevika closed the door when Isha bounced out. She walked over to the table and continued:

- No one knows where Singed is. He doesn’t control anything, he’s insane. The shimmer is still controlled by the barons and there’s nothing I can do about it. I just want you to stop chasing my people. - Sevika, Singed is our target. Everything else is just collateral damage.

"Collateral damage, huh?"

Sevika lowered her eyes. A part of her hurt when she heard such terms. She thought about giving a big speech on the commander’s insensitivity, but she adopted her usual posture. She adjusted her body and sat down at the table with her legs spread apart. Her abdomen was exposed, and she noticed Caitlyn staring at it. Sevika needed to make things easier for herself. Was Caitlyn really staring at her body or she was wondering if she could take her down?

- Commander, just promise you’ll stop harassing the citizens. You want to do your job? Fine. Catch Singed and every baron. But stop harassing common, hard working people.

Caitlyn started to feel sick again. Her stomach was turning with mixed feelings. Sevika, despite her enormous figure, was very attractive. In a different way from Vi, but with similarities that made Caitlyn not completely despise Sevika. She noticed her six-pack and her beautiful muscles on the side of the abdomen. Her waistband was tight, pressing against her olive toned skin. Caitlyn was pondering on how to get herself out of that situation in the best way possible.

- Okay, Sevika. I’ll see what I can do about that. Can you get me a glass of water?

The atmosphere between them was now more pleasant. Caitlyn realized Sevika wasn't being violent anymore, she was being reasonable. Sevika opened a small fridge near the table and took out a tonic water. Her arms stretching to reach the bottle. The brand was unfamiliar, probably contraband from another country. She took a clean, cold glass from the fridge and poured the drink for Caitlyn.

Caitlyn thanked her from a distance. She was feeling better from the dizziness despite the pain. She made a head movement indicating if she could sit.

Sevika pulled a chair with her mechanical arm and turned her body to face Caitlyn, who was sitting down. The commander crossed her legs. She was in combat uniform: pants, boots, shirt, and jacket. Her beret was left in the car that had brought her to Zaun. Sevika stared at Caitlyn's legs. They were thin and long, but her thighs seemed strong. In other circumstances she would be very interested in her.

Caitlyn had a different kind of beauty compared to the women of Zaun. She was taller than usual and had astonishing blue eyes. Sevika observed as Caitlyn drank her tonic water.

- It’s really good, thanks. - You’re welcome. Recover as much as you need and one of my guys will escort you to the factory.

Sevika shook the thoughts away. Caitlyn despises her and she despises Caitlyn.

"One of my guys." Sevika said this while twisting a screw on her mechanical arm. Her human hand was very large, strong, and with visible veins. Caitlyn admired Sevika’s hands when she realized she was blushing.

- What’s the matter, commander? You’re not thinking of attacking me with that glass, are you?

Caitlyn barely managed to hide a smirk. Something about Sevika was sparking an unexpected desire to stay in that grim room a little longer.

- No, I won’t attack you. After all, your arm would kill me before I could do anything. - Oh, it would for sure. You have no idea what it can do…

Sevika gave a tap on her mechanical arm and raised her hand to her head. It was getting hot and sweat was starting to form on her forehead. Caitlyn drank the rest of the water in one gulp as she gazed at Sevika's arms. Her biceps were huge and they moved as she scratched her forehead. By now, she was trying to deny the thoughts running through her head. Did that arm help or hinder things?

“What the fuck was that?” Caitlyn thought before shaking the thoughts away.

The commander felt she needed a break.

- Sevika, I need to use the bathroom.

Sevika found the way Caitlyn spoke amusing—so polished. She stood up from the table and adjusted her pants. Her pants were so tight that they were slightly uncomfortable. She adjusted them by slipping her hand into the front pocket and pulling out a small key. Caitlyn was trying to look away, but couldn’t help looking at Sevika’s groin. Now the commander was sweating too, her head aching from the blow and her heart pounding from the sight of Sevika’s body.

As she handed the key to Caitlyn, Sevika lightly brushed her hand against the commander's. She noticed Caitlyn's skin was incredibly soft. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, Sevika realized the whole room smelled like Caitlyn: a sweet perfume mixed with the scent of blood and smoke.  

Caitlyn took the key from Sevika's hand. She noticed how rough Sevika's hands were, and her skin tingled at the touch. The commander asked herself silently what was going on and rushed to question:

- Where's the bathroom?

Sevika gestured with her chin toward a door at the end of the room, almost a hidden little hatch. “Oh my God, every move now is kinda hot”, Caitlyn thought as she saw Sevika swinging her legs while sitting on the table. Caitlyn needed to wash her face and get some of the blood off her clothes. She was uncomfortable with her own scent. 

Caitlyn stood up from the chair. Sevika didn’t move, only following Caitlyn with her eyes. The uniform pants highlighted her figure. The commander had a beautiful backside and she walked as if she owned the place. A wave of heat swept through Sevika and she instinctively squeezed her own thigh. “Commander hotstuff indeed…”, the zaunite thought.

Caitlyn knew Sevika was watching her as she walked toward the bathroom. The door latch was set a bit lower than usual, so she had to bend slightly to see the keyhole. Caitlyn wanted to glance back but didn’t know how she’d react to Sevika’s gaze. She quickly unlocked the door and entered the bathroom.  

Sevika chuckled. She found it delightful the way the commander bent down, revealing a tiny bit of her white underwear.  

Inside the bathroom, Caitlyn noticed how clean the small cubicle was. It was a tiny bathroom with no shower and a dim warm light. Caitlyn turned on the faucet and started washing her face, removing the dried blood on her cheek and drying off with a paper towel. She tied her hair with itself. She realized her jacket was ruined. She took it off, and the contrast between the clean part of her shirt and the bloodstained part annoyed her. She considered removing her shirt and just wearing the jacket, but it didn’t make sense since the jacket was even dirtier. Caitlyn decided to take off her shirt and try to wash the blood out. It was quick and useless, the stains only got a little lighter. The commander wasn’t wearing a bra. It was so hot in the cubicle that being topless was a relief. Caitlyn patted the wet shirt with a bunch of paper towels trying to dry it a little. Her breasts were bouncing with the swift moves and with all the agitation, her head started bleeding again. “I need to see a doctor”, she thought.

Sevika noticed Caitlyn was taking a while. She wasn’t worried about an escape attempt or anything like that—just curious. Her phone rang.  

“Talk to me.”  

“Sevika, we’re still in position. Our lookout hasn’t detected any movement in Piltover yet. No one noticed the commander’s absence.”  

“Good. Stay alert. You’ll be the one escorting her back.”  

“Roger.”  

Caitlyn stepped out of the bathroom. Sevika locked her phone and looked at her. Caitlyn had cleaned her face and tied her hair up. Her shirt was wet with pinkish bloodstains now and her jacket was folded over her arm. Caitlyn turned around, locked the bathroom door, and handed the key back to Sevika by throwing it. Sevika caught it in the air.

- Thank you. - You’re welcome. You can leave now. Do we have a deal? - I’ll do my best. - Your best won’t suffice, sweetheart. Do I have your word?

Caitlyn was trying to focus on leaving, but Sevika's presence was magnetic. Something about her was so interesting, the commander thought to herself “Almost like I wanted more”. The thoughts now didn’t seem so absurd as Caitlyn started to feel aroused.

Caitlyn extended her hand to Sevika. The zaunite’s face was illuminated by the faint light streaming into the room through the skylight. Caitlyn’s breasts were visible through her shirt now. Her nipples hard against the shirt’s fabric. Sevika clasped Caitlyn’s hand and held it, her gaze fixed on Caitlyn’s chest. The commander said:  

- Sevika, you’re not my type. Let go of me.

Sevika didn’t let go of Caitlyn’s hand when she tried to walk toward the exit. Sevika bit her lip and chuckled at Caitlyn’s remark. A wave of excitement now ran through Sevika’s body. She was so horny..

- Oh, sweetheart. I’m just using my eyes.

Caitlyn stood still, Sevika holding her hand. Was she really flirting with the woman who had kidnapped her just an hour ago? Caitlyn hadn’t had sex in over a month. She’d been buried in work and couldn’t imagine sleeping with anyone recently. But a body is still a body and the commander was not immune to physical longing.

- You can look, but let me go.

Sevika rose from the table. She was nearly two heads taller than Caitlyn. Standing directly in front of the commander, she said:  

- Or what, officer?

Sevika used a disdainful tone when calling Caitlyn "officer."

Caitlyn’s gaze now fell to Sevika’s chest. Broad, powerful shoulders, and her tank top clung tightly to her figure. Caitlyn wondered what Sevika’s breasts looked like. A heavy silence filled the room. Caitlyn wanted to deliver a sharp response, but an inexplicable wave of desire was overtaking her. Sevika was big, strong, and exuded a dangerously attractive confidence.  

Caitlyn didn't think much. "Fuck it", she thought and said:

- Sevika, you don’t know who you’re messing with.

Sevika was deeply aroused now. All she wanted was to kiss Caitlyn then and there, but she was curious to see how far the commander’s boldness would go.  

She tightened her grip on Caitlyn's hand, kept smiling as she pierced into the commander's eyes while resting on the table again. She crossed her legs, her thighs pressing against each other and Caitlyn lowered her gaze. Sevika said:

- I know exactly what you are. A spoiled little girl who thinks she knows everything about anything.

Caitlyn recognized it was a game. Sevika was trying to assert dominance over her. She wouldn’t be the first to try. Caitlyn slipped her hand free from Sevika’s grip, took a step forward, her breath quickening as she got closer:

- Afraid to find out that I can bite, darling?

Sevika felt a shiver run down her spine. Caitlyn smelled amazing. Her tied-back hair only accentuated her beauty. Caitlyn’s ears were flushed red. The warmth of her breath so close to Sevika’s cheek made her clit throb. But nothing was more exciting than realizing that Caitlyn thought she could have any control at that moment. Sevika decided to act.

- Commander, you talk too much for someone who’s about to sit on my face.

Sevika pulled Caitlyn to herself. She leaned her mechanical arm on the table and pulled the commander towards her with the other. She took advantage of her larger stature and wrapped Caitlyn's head in her hand. She had to control her strength so as not to hurt her neck when she wrapped her fingers around the end of Caitlyn's hair, near the nape. Caitlyn stood with a defiant look on her face, staring directly into Sevika's mouth, forcing her head in the opposite direction of Sevika's strength.

Sevika kissed Caitlyn, easily winning the struggle to see who was stronger. Her lips practically engulfed the commander’s. Sevika slipped her tongue between Caitlyn's lips and bit them together. Caitlyn leaned her whole body into Sevika. She put her right hand around the zaunite's waist while her left hand was on her face. Caitlyn was startled by how hard Sevika's waist was through her muscles. She felt the scars on her back and dug her nails into her hip.

Sevika had her arm around Caitlyn's waist now. Her hand wrapped perfectly around the curve of the commander's waist. The kiss got faster and sloppier. Sevika started biting Caitlyn's cheek, moving down to her chin and neck. She tore the buttons off the commander's shirt. Caitlyn let out a startled moan at Sevika's strength.

Caitlyn’s clit was hard now. 

Sevika sank her face into Caitlyn's right breast. She was amazed at how beautiful her tits were. Sevika bit Caitlyn's nipple and she let out a grunt.

Caitlyn was kissing Sevika's ear, enjoying every suckle the zaunite was giving her. She whispered in her ear:

- Take me to your room.

Sevika licked Caitlyn's left breast a little bit more now, bit the nipple harder and let go, which made Caitlyn's breast sway beautifully. She held the commander by the neck and said:

- I won't. You don't get to lay with me as an equal. I'll treat you like you deserve to be treated.

Caitlyn couldn't contain the wave of excitement that went through her body… What was that? Why the hell was she horny by being treated like that? Sevika was now pulling her hair down and Caitlyn's face was so hot that sweat was running down her neck. Sevika turned Caitlyn back to the table aggressively, the two of them exchanging positions. She finished ripping off Caitlyn's shirt, licked her sweat. Caitlyn stared back with a piercing gaze. Sevika was almost out of her mind now. Caitlyn rested both hands on the table, stuck out her ass a little and said:

- And how exactly do I deserve to be treated?

Sevika wrapped her cloak around part of the mechanical arm. She covered the piercing parts that could seriously injure Caitlyn and took off her own blouse. She was amazed by how Caitlyn was a freak.

Sevika's breasts were firm and perfectly contoured. Her crotch was pure muscle. Caitlyn turned to get a better look and her mouth filled with saliva. Caitlyn wanted to suck those breasts, unzip her pants and kneel for Sevika, all at the same time. She was so horny that she put her hand on her own pussy.

Sevika put her thumb to her lips when she saw Caitlyn like that. She took her hand to the zipper of her own pants and unzipped it.

- I'm going to treat you like the dirty little slut I know you are.

It was unbelievably hot being treated that way. Caitlyn was surprised at how much she liked that kind of treatment.

Sevika pulled the girl by the neck and sank her face down into her breasts. Sevika threw her head back in ecstasy.

Caitlyn sucked and nibbled on her left tit, licked the space between them and did the same on the other. Caitlyn's mouth was hot and she sucked with great desire. While she sucked, Caitlyn tried unsuccessfully to pull Sevika's pants down. They were still tight and Sevika wouldn't let her unzip them.

Sevika's mouth was full of saliva. She was whimpering“that's it” while Caitlyn sucked on her breasts. The commander finally gave up on unzipping the zaunite’s pants. Caitlyn moved her mouth up to her collarbones, licked them and spoke into her ear:

- You talk too much and do too little.

Sevika laughed. She pulled Caitlyn into a kiss again. Sevika was a ridiculously good kisser. Her hand was now on Caitlyn's pussy, over her pants. She made a few movements up and down Caitlyn's clit and realized that the commander was already very wet. 

Caitlyn had her hands on Sevika's ass. Her hips were huge and her ass was round and muscular. Caitlyn squeezed her ass and dug her nails into the zaunite's hips from time to time. 

Sevika lifted Caitlyn with absurd ease, holding her between her ass and thigh. With the help of her own thigh, she sat the girl down on the table. Caitlyn rested her elbows on the table and spread her legs. Sevika began to lick and bite her belly. Sevika's bite was strong, but not enough to hurt too much. She kissed Caitlyn's pussy over the pants and sniffed them. She hissed.

Sevika took two steps back and made a “come here” motion with her fingers. She said:

- Take off your pants and turn around.

Caitlyn got up from the table and undid a button on her pants. She was trying to prolong the moment, even though she really wanted to give it all to Sevika as soon as possible. She undid the second button. Sevika was watching with her thumb in her mouth. Her figure was stunning. The muscles in her forearm were prominent. Caitlyn wanted to feel what it was like to be fucked by that huge hand.

She undid the third button. She pulled down her pants a little so that part of her cunt showed. Sevika blinked slowly and nodded. Caitlyn now looked down at Sevika's pants. It was open a little lower. She could see Sevika's bush. Sevika's pubes were trimmed, close to her skin, it was a wonderful sight. Sevika noticed Caitlyn's gaze and put her hand on her hip. She started to pull down her pants. Caitlyn was fighting the urge to kneel and didn't even notice when she was already squatting. Sevika was visibly enjoying it. When Caitlyn was completely kneeling in front of Sevika's pussy, she moved closer, put Caitlyn's face against her crotch, lightly rubbed her mouth and nose against the beginning of her bush and said:

- Smell it. Feel it. Do you want it, you little whore?

Caitlyn was losing her mind. She needed to suck that woman off as soon as possible. Caitlyn never imagined that she would enjoy being treated like that, being cursed at. But it was all so delicious that she was in fact loving it. Caitlyn ran her hand down Sevika's thighs. Now she could smell her pussy. Her mouth filled with saliva as she squeezed the side of Sevika's thighs.

Sevika, in turn, grabbed Caitlyn by the hair. With her still kneeling, Sevika said:

- Stand up. Take off your pants and bend for me. I want to see your pussy from behind.

Caitlyn stood up, finished taking off her pants, stopped for a moment to let Sevika look. Caitlyn was fully naked now. Her cunt was completely shaved. She moved slowly, waiting. It felt weird. For a moment she was hoping Sevika would compliment her, but she just motioned with her fingers for her to turn around.

Caitlyn shrugged, she was disappointed. She rested both hands on the table and looked back at Sevika.

Sevika, still wearing her pants, approached. The commander felt her entire body stiff as Sevika’s body pressed against hers, pinning her against the table. Caitlyn's pussy was rubbing on the edge of it and her clit was so hard right now. It was almost impossible to control. Sevika continued pressing the commander, biting her back hard and squeezing her breasts. Caitlyn almost lost her balance as she tried to hold on to the table. Sevika bit Caitlyn's left ear and whispered:

- Spread your legs.

Caitlyn obeyed. Nothing made sense anymore. She was enjoying being treated with no intimacy. She spread her legs as wide as she could and leaned over the table. Her pussy was now almost dripping. Her legs trembled when she felt Sevika's hand on her ass. Caitlyn was longing for the zaunite’s hand inside her. Sevika, however, opened Caitlyn's buttcheeks and sank her face in. Sevika viciously licked Caitlyn's asshole. Movements up and down, biting the cheeks occasionally. Caitlyn moaned as she tried to lift herself more so that Sevika could suck her pussy. But Sevika refused, pulled away. Sevika opened Caitlyn's cheeks again and began to lick her asshole slowly this time. Caitlyn collapsed on the table, her whole body shaking. Sevika was spectacular. Every move Sevika made was better than the last. As Caitlyn enjoyed the licks, she felt Sevika's heavy, warm hand on her slit. Caitlyn lost all sense of space and knocked several items off the table. She put her hand back and touched Sevika's head. She was almost blacking out.

Sevika was masturbating Caitlyn with one finger while licking her asshole.

Caitlyn was moaning, standing on her tiptoes, her stomach flat on the table. When Sevika noticed Caitlyn's movements speeding up, her ass contracting faster, she took her mouth off Caitlyn's ass, her hand still on the commander's pussy.

Caitlyn gasped, she was ecstatic, this was the best thing she had ever experienced. The feeling of being eaten on a table by a stranger was very different and delicious. Sevika stopped masturbating Caitlyn. She ran her wet finger down Caitlyn's back and Caitlyn felt a shiver. Her fingers moved up to Caitlyn's shoulder. The commander was trembling, her legs staggering, her feet aching from being propped up for so long. A second later, Sevika removed her own pants with the help of her mechanical arm and pressed her pussy against Caitlyn's ass. Caitlyn felt Sevika's warmth, her pubes touching the bare skin of her butt.

The commander was almost cumming from the friction with the table. Sevika thrusted her hips onto the commander’s ass. Caitlyn instinctively began to move on Sevika's cunt. Sevika moaned. Her thick voice let out grunts. Sevika ran her hand through Caitlyn’s back and then her hair. She wanted to slap Caitlyn’s face, but wouldn’t do it from the back, so she choked the commander. Caitlyn whimpered, she wasn’t used to it. The zaunite’s grip was so strong that she had trouble breathing. Caitlyn focused on not passing out because that was too good. She then started grinding up and down on Sevika’s pussy while the zaunite choked her.

Caitlyn was very hot and Sevika stopped thrusting just to feel Caitlyn rub her ass. She let go of her neck. Caitlyn moved her hips up and down. She slid down Sevika's pussy slowly, then faster. She was breathing slower and deeper to catch more air. The zaunite crossed her arm over Caitlyn's body and squeezed her ass, pulling her closer. Sevika pressed her pussy against Caitlyn's ass and moved her hips to feel as much as possible. Caitlyn's buttcheeks were red with Sevika's grip and occasional slaps.

Dry humping was clearly one of Sevika’s favorites.

Caitlyn was experiencing something new. She'd never been denied for so long, treated like a fuck toy or being that physical, but it felt good. Sevika for some reason wasn't edging her. She stopped moving at just the right moment and it was as if Caitlyn's hard-on had reset.

Caitlyn lifted a little and looked back. Sevika had her hand on her own pussy, rubbing it. She looked at the commander and said:

- I can give you what you want by just looking at you.

“What does that mean?”, Caitlyn thought. Giving what?!

Caitlyn looked confused and Sevika laughed a little. She stopped rubbing her pussy. Her fingers wet with her own fluids. Sevika approached Caitlyn and rubbed her wet fingers on the commander’s mouth. She tasted Sevika for the first time and moaned. Her taste was very different, stronger. Sevika opened Caitlyn’s mouth and the girl started suckling her fingers.

When Sevika thought it was enough, she said:

- Oh, baby girl, you like that? 

Caitlyn nodded. Sevika resumed:

- I almost came in your beautiful ass, but I want to hear you moan my name first.

Caitlyn savored Sevika's taste again and whimpered a little. “What the fuck is happening?” the commander thought as she grew hornier with the zaunite’s treatment.

Sevika rubbed her pussy against Caitlyn's ass again and Caitlyn felt the weight of Sevika's mechanical arm on her back. It wasn't unpleasant, on the contrary. Sevika sucked her own two fingers and shoved them straight into the commander’s pussy.

Caitlyn's vision blurred. She felt a sharp pain because Sevika's movement was so fast, but it didn't last a second. Horniness quickly took the place of pain. Sevika thrusted deep. Her fingers were thick and skillful. The zaunite thrusted at a steady pace. Caitlyn moaned loudly, almost screaming. 

- Oh my God, oh my God!

Sevika felt her fingers getting wetter and wetter. Caitlyn was producing a river now, making a mess on Sevika’s hand. Caitlyn couldn't stop moving around on those fingers. They were rough in a delicious way and Sevika thrusted in without pity.

- Does that feel good, kitten?

Caitlyn felt her orgasm coming, she couldn’t control herself anymore. “When did I get so quick?” she thought while bouncing on Sevika’s fingers now. She tilted her head back on the zaunite shoulder.

- Yes! Yes! Sevika, I’m cumming!

Sevika groaned. She increased speed. She thrusted frantically now, hammering Caitlyn’s g-spot. Sevika's fingers were almost completely out of Caitlyn's pussy and back again in a perfect in-and-out motion. The zaunite removed her mechanical arm from Caitlyn's back when she realized that her body was arching. Caitlyn's back was arching. Caitlyn lifted her torso and rested her hands on the table. Her feet were firmly on the floor now. Sevika thrusted in hard, biting Caitlyn's back and saying through her teeth:

- Cum for me, baby girl. Let me hear it.

Caitlyn's breathing quickened, she threw her body forward one last time and let out a loud, long moan. She slipped her pussy deep into Sevika's fingers and squeezed them inside. She mewled softly while leaning back, landing in Sevika's chest, mewling just above the zaunite's chin:

- Sevika, oh my…

"Damn" was all Sevika could think. She also made a surprised face at how tight was Caitlyn's pussy grip. Caitlyn laid on the table, exhausted. Her body relaxing. She brought her hand up to her own ass and slowly withdrew Sevika's fingers.

Sevika sucked the two fingers that were inside Caitlyn.

Caitlyn couldn't think of anything else. She was shivering, sweating. Her whole body was lighter now. It was the best fuck she'd ever had with a stranger.

She got up from the table and realized that Sevika was sitting in the chair, lighting a cigarette, naked.

Caitlyn smoothed her hair and leaned against the table. She didn't know what to say, she was confused. Why did she just sit down?

“Did she come?” Caitlyn thought. She didn't know anything about Sevika, didn’t know how to act after sex with her, so she went to the mini fridge and got another tonic water. Sevika smoked calmly. Her gaze was on Caitlyn. She watched the commander drink the water, her throat swallowing, her stomach moving. Everything about Caitlyn was beautiful, delicate. 

Caitlyn interrupted the silence.

- Well, I still have to sit on your face.

Sevika stubbed out her cigarette. She looked into Caitlyn's eyes and smirked. The zaunite’s hair was now glued to her forehead. She was breathing heavily. She wanted to touch Caitlyn again so badly, but she wasn't willing to give up on the little game they've been playing so far.

- I know you're used to being in charge, but not here. Here you are just a…

Before Sevika could continue, Caitlyn was eager to join the game Sevika was playing as well. She didn’t held back:

- A whore, I know. I like being your whore.

Sevika hissed loudly. “What an interesting twist”, she thought. Caitlyn couldn’t believe that she was saying those things out loud.

Before Caitlyn could think of speaking anything else, Sevika told Caitlyn to approach using her finger with a sign of “come here”. Caitlyn obliged, still holding the water. She stopped in front of Sevika and said:

- I want to suck you off.

Sevika was wet and horny, but she didn't give in. 

- No, sweet thing. You will make me cum with your pussy. Looking at me.

Caitlyn kept being surprised by Sevika. She was different, almost strange. Caitlyn's mouth was salivating as she rested the bottle on the table and approached Sevika. Now seated, the zaunite's faced Caitlyn's navel. Sevika saw the fingerprints left on Caitlyn's waist. The commander lifted one leg, put one hand on the table and the other on Sevika's shoulder. She raised her hips as high as she could and put her cunt towards Sevika's mouth. She said:

- Get me started then.

Sevika was in heaven. Every part of her craved Caitlyn's body. Sevika pulled Caitlyn by the ass and started sucking her cunt. The commander's taste was smooth, almost sweet.

Caitlyn was still wet from her last orgasm. Caitlyn was surprised Sevika didn't vary her movements, she just sucked constantly. No licks. Caitlyn's entire clit was in Sevika's mouth, and she sucked the tip masterfully. Sevika felt Caitlyn's clit harden in her lips, she knew the pressure was right. She started sucking harder, faster. Caitlyn was breathing heavily, holding Sevika's head. 

The zaunite felt her chin getting wet as the fluids flowed out of Caitlyn.

Sevika slid down the chair, lying on the floor.

- Sit on my face, pretty thing.

Caitlyn spread her legs and rested her knees on the floor. She got on all fours in Sevika's mouth. She lowered herself a little to fit better and began to ride Sevika's mouth. Caitlyn was very horny and was already rubbing her pussy all over Sevika's face: chin, mouth, nose. The zaunite didn't seem to mind, she just kept sucking Caitlyn's clit frantically whenever she had the chance.

Caitlyn realized that she would soon cum at that rate. She tried to get out of Sevika’s face a few times, but she didn't want it to stop either. Sevika's mouth was big and swallowed her pussy completely. After three more attempts, Caitlyn pulled out of Sevika's face and sat directly on her cunt, her hands resting on Sevika's thighs as if she was restrained, she thrust her chest forward.

Sevika, her face all wet, didn't hesitate. She licked her lips, savoring Caitlyn's fluids and watched Caitlyn ride her pussy. Caitlyn wetting her as she rubbed herself against Sevika. The zaunite stretched her hand towards Caitlyn’s pussy and masturbated her while she was riding. Caitlyn closed her eyes and whimpered. "Oh my god, I can't cum first", she thought. Sevika was now spreading Caitlyn's fluids on her breasts, squeezing them. Every part that Sevika pressed, squeezed or bit got immediately red. Sevika pulled Caitlyn towards her. Caitlyn didn't stop riding, but her hips started to lose the pace. Caitlyn leaned to kiss her, pinning her chest onto Sevika's. The zaunite was groaning, biting Caitlyn's lips. She turned her face to the side and bit Caitlyn's arms. Caitlyn moaned and made a swift movement with her head trying to get her hair out of the way. Sevika noticed and pulled her hair, Caitlyn rode faster, her scalp was tingling and she let a loud moan out. Sevika couldn't think, she was just staring at Caitlyn's moves. "For fuck's sake" she thought. She did want to cum in Caitlyn's mouth now. Who knows, maybe afterwards?

Caitlyn rested her hands on Sevika's waist, squeezing it. Her pussy moved back and forth. Caitlyn even bounced up and down a little. Her face was stunning. She had a mischievous look on her face. She knew Sevika was loving it when she started to feel the spasms on the zaunite’s thigh.

Caitlyn rubbed her pussy three more times very slowly and turned onto her back. Now she had her hands on Sevika's shins now, their pussies pressed together. Caitlyn’'s clit rubbed against Sevika's bush. Caitlyn began to bounce in Sevika's cunt again, up and down. She looked back and moaned the words, her voice breaking from the movement:

- You wanted to see it from the back? Watch.

Sevika couldn't believe when she let a clear, loud moan, whimpering some words that Caitlyn unfortunately couldn’t hear.

(The words were: "I want to fucking tear you apart.")

Sevika grabbed Caitlyn's ass, squeezing and bouncing it harder.

Caitlyn's knees were killing her, but the adrenaline was extreme.

She was startled by a sudden slap on her ass. Sevika's hands were heavy. Caitlyn rode faster, Sevika lifted her butt off the ground and began to move her hips to match Caitlyn's movements. She was amazed by the commander figure riding her, her back was so white, her skin was smooth and her pussy was beautiful from behind too. The spasms increased, Caitlyn's ass spasmed as she felt Sevika strutter. The orgasm was beginning. She stopped moving and just pressed her pussy on Sevika. Sevika thrust and rubbed herself so fast now. She finally let out a long whimpering followed by a moan. She was squeezing Caitlyn's ass, didn't want her to move. When the commander felt the grip loosen, she was so proud of herself. Sevika was cumming the way she wanted.

Sevika stretched her body and let out a grunt. Her body trembled. Caitlyn held her position and rubbed slowly now. Sevika entire body trembled now, uncontrollably.

When she regained control of herself, Sevika slapped Caitlyn's ass prompting her to get up.

All of Sevika's actions were authoritarian. Caitlyn was now feeling used, almost like a toy. All the pride was gone, the relief vanished. She was getting up from her position, massaging her knees, her buttcheeks sore. Sevika stood up. Caitlyn saw her shadow and heard the zaunite saying:

- Now you kneel and drink it all.

Caitlyn was tired, let down by the subtle aggressiveness... But she obeyed. Sevika held Caitlyn tightly by the hair and shoved her face into her pussy. Caitlyn licked and swallowed all Sevika's cum. She looked up and instinctively opened her mouth. She was a brat, after all. Sevika rubbed the commander's face against her cunt again. Caitlyn kissed it while the zaunite lit another cigarette, an absurd scene that felt like a movie. Caitlyn’s head was racing again, she was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. When Sevika rubbed her cunt one last time on Caitlyn’s face, she noticed a shift on Caitlyn’s expression. She wanted so badly to keep going and maybe slap that pretty face, but she sat down in the chair and said:

- Good girl. I get it now.

Caitlyn was too exhausted to get up, so she just crawled over and sat next to Sevika, resting her head on her knees. She felt pathetic. Sevika wasn’t touching her. Still with the taste of Sevika in her mouth, she was feeling... disposable. An uncomfortable thing to feel. She was sitting on the floor, post-sex. Sevika didn't touch her at all even though Caitlyn instinctively caressed Sevika’s legs. The commander missed the post-sex cuddling, something that was so common with Vi.

“Vi... Oh, my god. What have I done?”

Sevika noticed when Caitlyn shook her head and covered her face with her hands. She was certain Caitlyn had never been through anything like this before and to make things worse she had a concussion. 

Sevika stubbed out her cigarette on the table again and gently stroked Caitlyn's head. She lifted her knee slightly, tilting Caitlyn's face toward her. 

Caitlyn’s expression was one of evident sadness and her slow blinking made it clear something was off. 

- Are you tired or planning to pass out? - My head hurts. Am I bleeding?

Sevika simply said "No" and observed Caitlyn lying there. The commander was so beautiful, so fragile. She brushed Caitlyn’s cheek and Caitlyn closed her eyes, tilting her head to savor the touch like a cat. For a brief moment Sevika felt a flutter in her stomach. What was that feeling? 

Sevika was a heartbreaker. She hooked up with whoever she wanted, whenever she wanted, but her best memories were always the ones with women that caught her off guard and Caitlyn had done exactly that. 

- You just need some stitches and a painkiller. Lucky for you, I’ve got both.

Sevika made a move to get up and Caitlyn lifted her head from Sevika's knee. Before things got awkward, Sevika grabbed the commander’s torn shirt and wrapped it around her. 

- I’ll grab the med kit.

Caitlyn felt slightly better. Even though she was sitting on the floor, exposed, that small moment of tenderness from Sevika had been enough. Still, something was off. She couldn’t focus on what could it be, she was tired and everything hurt. She decided to stand and sit in the chair Sevika had been using, curling up with her feet tucked beneath her.  

Sevika approached. Now wearing pants but still shirtless, she carried a small white box. 

- I’m gonna need you to help me, pretty thing.  

Caitlyn tilted her head, resting it on her knee, brushing her hair to the side opposite the wound. Sevika noticed it was just a small cut above Caitlyn's eyebrow. She grabbed a suture patch, some gauze and alcohol.  

- Give me your hand. I need you to pinch the wound so I can clean and stitch it.

Caitlyn had forgotten Sevika couldn’t do it alone and felt bad. She quickly sat up, but Sevika hushed her gently and guided Caitlyn's hand with care. 

- Right here. Feel that? It’s a pathetic little cut—it’ll heal in two days max. - My head is killing me, Sevika. - I know. If it were me, I wouldn’t have hit you soooo hard.

Sevika chuckled, teasing her. The cut was tiny, but she knew the pain came from the impact. Caitlyn’s head ached from the adrenaline and stress as well.  

Caitlyn pinched the wound as instructed. Sevika dripped alcohol into the cut and warned Caitlyn to close her eyes. Before a drop could reach her eye, Sevika leaned in and licked it away.  

- Did you just lick my blood?! - Whoa, kitten. Calm down. Don’t get me started again, please. It was just rubbing alcohol. Keep holding it.

Sevika, her chest bare, her mechanical arm limp at her side, rested her human arm on Caitlyn’s forehead. Caitlyn couldn’t help but notice the way Sevika’s muscles and chest moved as she worked. A sharp sting made Caitlyn gasp softly.  

- Ouch.

Sevika leaned back, placed the gauze on the table and gently held Caitlyn’s chin.  

- There you go, sweetheart. Ready for round two.

Caitlyn’s thoughts went adrift. Was that flirting again? She wasn’t in the mood.

Sevika however just opened the kit again, pulled out a pill and handed it to Caitlyn along with the water she hadn’t finished earlier. Caitlyn felt relief.

As Caitlyn swallowed the medication, Sevika picked up her tank top from the floor and slipped it on. She grabbed her phone, typing something and Caitlyn noticed the change in her expression as Sevika scrolled through her screen and sighed.  

- Well, darling, the cavalry’s on the way. - I’ll tell them I came willingly. Don’t worry. - I don’t need your protection, Commander. Nobody’s arresting me. - I could arrest you as soon as reinforcements arrive. You kidnapped Piltover’s commander, caused her a serious injury, tore her favorite shirt…

Caitlyn didn’t even notice the mood swing. Was she losing her mind? Something about just talking to Sevika made her feel better all of a sudden. 

Sevika teased her again.

- Oh, Commander. Are you going to tell them everything I did to you?

Caitlyn smiled; she was almost comfortable now. The pain was starting to subside and she let her legs drop. She looked at Sevika. Her pants were unbuttoned and her tank top was slightly askew. Caitlyn stood up from the chair, approached the zaunite. Sevika was reaching for another cigarette when Caitlyn plucked it from her hand.  

- This will kill you. - I breathe toxic waste as soon as I wake up. Every single day. I’m dying anyway.   - We have a plan to— - Commander, stop. Put your clothes on; your reinforcements should be here soon.

Caitlyn couldn’t understand Sevika’s demeanor out of nowhere. The fleeting sense of comfort evaporated. She realized she was in the enemy’s den trying to get physically closer to someone she should be arresting. Caitlyn tried to push away the confusion of it all. The sex had been good, the deal was made. So why was Sevika so cold? And more important... Why did she care so much? 

Caitlyn moved away from Sevika and picked up her clothes from the floor. She slipped her dirty jacket over the torn shirt, buttoning it up to her neck. The jacket was heavy, damp and stained with blood. As she put on her underwear, she noticed it was cold and wet too, but she slipped it on anyway, followed by her pants.  

She looked around for her boots but couldn’t find them.  

- Where are my shoes, Sevika? - Probably in the car. Let’s see how your hero plays this before we leave the room...

Caitlyn froze. “What?!”. She realized too late what was happening. Sevika was now fully dressed, her mechanical arm exposed and emitting sharp mechanical noises as its components adjusted. Sevika stood with her back to Caitlyn, facing the door. Caitlyn was just piecing it together when the door burst open violently and one of Sevika’s henchmen was thrown unconscious into the room.  

Vi stood in the doorway, poised to deliver another punch but stopped short when she saw Caitlyn.  

- Cait?! Are you okay? Come! Get behind me. Get away from this disgusting piece of shit!

______________________________________

End of part 2.

Breathe! Part 3 comes tomorrow.

Thank you so much for reading.

(also, please let me know if you have any suggestions. I'm new on fanfics in general and I don't want to screw this up.)

[redheadspark]

Hiiii can I request an az x reader or cassian whichever u want, they have a baby like 5 months old baby and they live in a cabin in the mountains by the lake and one day as yn and the bby are outside in nature a threat appears and there is a bit angst but ends up happy??? Thank u so much❤️

A/N - I LOVE this for my Alec series! Sorry, it took some time to write, but I hope you like it :D. This is part of the Ocean Eyes Series

Split

Summary - Cassian stops a potential threat against Alec.

Warnings - Angst with a slight mixture of fluff

"I'll be right inside if something happens or if he needs anything or wants—"

"You go, babe.  Alec and I are fine.  Right, kid?"

Alec giggled as Cassian tickled his side, Nesta saw how comfortable Cassian was with Alec as they were perched on a large blanket right next to the lake.  With a kiss on Alec's head and a light kiss on her mate's lips, Nesta walked back to the cabin to get to work, leaving Cassian and Alec out by the lake to enjoy the sunshine.  

Although you were more than capable of having your son with you, you know Cassian wanted to give you and Azriel some time alone and a mini break.  Not that Alec was a time-consuming toddler, he was rather easy.  Rhysand has even joked with you and Azriel that Alec was easier to handle than Nyx was as a toddler, but he meant well.  

It was a warm day, quite warmer than usual in Velaris since the warm winds were now in Night Court.  Tension between Night and Autumn Court was only a pinch better.  Ever since Elaine and Lucien got married in a beautiful wedding in Night Court and held its reception in Autumn Court, both Rhysand and Beron were trying to make amends and head in the right direction. However, the main snag in that relationship was Eris, still in hot water since the comment about Azriel and his family.  His duties with his father and as the Prince of Autumn Court diminished as punishment, commanded to be in stone silence during Elaine and Lucien's Mating Ceremony reception.

You and Alec stayed in Night Court during the reception that was in Autumn Court, a compromise you and Azriel made together since Elaine and Lucien wished for your family to be at the Mating Ceremony.  Tension was still high for the Spymaster, and his son would not be caught in the crossfire when it came to Eris and his threats.  It was a good enough plan, both yourself and Azriel didn't wish to make waves or cause chaos showing up in another Court with Alec exposed to others.  When Azriel showed up to the Reception with Cassian and Nesta, Eris seemed rather peeved at the absence of yourself and your son.

Much to his dismay, but much to the amusement and satisfaction of Azriel.

Since then, you and Azriel made your lives normal for Alec.  He was talking wildly now, though it was a few words here and there but willing to learn more.  Cassian has offered to babysit him more and more since there was less of a need for him at the Illyrian camps.  His soldiers were getting along quite well and thriving without him, his captains were exceptional leaders and the arguments were now at a minimum.  It left Cassian to have more time with his family, particularly with his nephews Nyx and Alec.  Both boys loved and adored being with their Uncle Cassian, the fun and lively Uncle who would play with them for hours on end and never get tired.  It paired well with Aunt Nesta, who would read them bedtime stories and give them lots of snuggles when they were sad. 

Today was Cassian and Nesta's day to watch Alec.  Rhysand working at the River House with Azriel on spy information he received from Spring Court.  Feyre, with Nyx in tow, asked for your assistance at the Community Center back in Velaris since you loved working alongside the locals and the needy.  With Elaine and Lucien enjoying their newlywed life in their little cottage along the Night Court countryside, Cassian and Nesta were on babysitting duty.  

Neither Nesta nor Cassian said anything, but they looked forward to watching Alec, as they did with Nyx.  To them, it was almost a practice for them when they wished to expand their family.  Nesta was not ready for a babe just yet, but she told Cassian she was open to the possibility of the future, which made Cassian's heart soar. He would wait years, long years, however long it took for her to be ready for motherhood.  Even if maybe down the road she didn't want that life anymore, Cassian didn't mind at all.  Her happiness, for all she endured, was his priority now.

"Alright, you wanna watch your uncle organize his blades?" Cassian asked playfully, Alec grasping the stuffed owl that his Aunt Nesta gave him and watching Cassian with wide eyes while Cassian rolled out his blades carefully on the blanket, "Don't worry, kid. You'll hold one of these in no time, but maybe not for a hundred years or two if I know your dad,"

"Dada!" Alec shrieked at the mention of his father, and Cassian laughed.

"Never thought I would live to see the day that the Shadowsinger fathered a child…no offense," He said to Alec, who was snuggling with his owl and watching a bumble bee hover by on a massive flower, "You know I love your dad like a brother…well, he is my brother.  But he's still a mystery, even to your Uncle Cassian,"

He went to work on his blade, getting out each one to inspect them and see which one needed maintenance,  He could hear Netsa working inside the Cabin, looking over some ancient books that Rhysand gave her to other information to use for their security in Night Court.  Nesta and Rhysand's relationship was better than ever, both having respect for one another and love for one another as in-laws.  Rhysand enlists Nesta to help in research since she traded most of her powers to the Cauldron to save Feyre and Nyx from death.  Nesta admired Rhysand for being a great mate and father, no longer having that grudge or chip on her shoulder.  

Cassian could see and feel high hopes for his mate.

Minutes went by as Cassian was going over every weapon, seeing his nephew out of the corner of his eyes walking around on his wobbly legs and exploring the shore of the lake.  His wings were growing inch by inch,  still against his backside while his raven black hair was a bit longer with thick waves and half in his face to cover his bright blue eyes. Things felt calm in the area, almost a bit too calm. Although there was magic instilled around the cabin and the area, Cassian knew better than to not have his guard up.  No matter if there hasn't been a breach of security or a threat against Night Court, there could still be a looming threat that can start small and then explode.  

He heard Alec walking along the grass, pausing in his weaponry inspection to watch his young nephew tread his way over to the end of the grass that led to the tall trees and the dense forest behind them.  Cassian never once had to fear or worry over a certain area in Night Court, not even close to the Mountains and near the Illyrian Camp.

But something crawled under his skin, almost licking at his spine and sending almost a warning signal to him

He paused, placing his daggers on the quilt again as his eyes moved to Alec.  His nephew was babbling to himself, reaching out to grab tuffs of grass in his fingers as the wind was picking up.  He could pick up a few familiar scents: the crisp pines from the forest, the sweet grass, Alec's scent on the lotion Nesta put on his skin, and even Nesta's scent that was laced in pomegranate.  

But there was something else…something bitter and crisp.

A flicker of movement in front of Alec, almost too quick amongst the dark trees that were swaying in the wind.  Cassian's eyes saw it though, a snap of a twig and another flicker that was over to the left. It was no animal, not even deer were that fast or slick.  Cassian's intuition and his Commander side were activated now as he was still watching his nephew look at the grass between his finger and attempt to nibble at it.  But then the soft sound of something brushing a tree alerted Alec, making him stand up straight and look in that direction.  Cassian saw how alert he was, even as a babe he stood still like a grown Illyrian.

His wings, though tucked in tight, showed some flickerings of…..shadows.  Cassian then knew that Alec's own shadows he got from his father were alerting him.

Something's wrong

"Cass?  Babe, how's going out there?" Nesta asked as she was coming out from the cabin with a washcloth between her fingers.  But she saw her mate crouched down a bit, reaching for one of his daggers, and his eyes trained on the forest in front of Alec, who was whimpering a bit from his mini set of shadows that were now along his backside.  Her eyes were on alert now, staring still in worry as Cassian gripped a dagger tightly in his hold.

Don't move. Cassian said in the bond to Nesta, sensing her fear and concern as his eyes were on the forest again.  He was looking for the slightest movement amongst the dark branches and trees, knowing fully well that someone or something was there and so close to Alec, let alone the three of them in a secluded cabin.

When I tell you to, get Alec and get inside. Lock the door and do not open it unless it's me.  Cassian commanded Nesta in his mind as his dagger was gripped hard in his grip.  He was still searching, looking through every leaf and pine needle for a sign that his instincts were not wrong, that he was in fear of something that was indeed there and in front of his nephew in plain sight. 

He then heard it, a low growl of sorts that seemed animalistic.  Cassian threw the dagger instantly.  The dagger flew past Alec's head, not close to hitting him but enough to leave him shaken as it launched into the pit of the forest.  Cassian heard a yelp and a thud.  He hit the target.

"NOW!" He yelled, grabbed another dagger, and started running towards the threat.  He ran past Alec, who was whimpering in fear as Cassian knew Nesta was bolting towards Alec and scooping him up in her arms.  Cassian didn't even have to look to know that Nesta was sprinting to the cabin with her nephew tight against her chest and locking the door behind her as he made it into the forest.

He could smell the blood as soon as he went past the first line of trees, and then he saw a body hunched over in the dirt and gasping for air as the dagger he had thrown seconds beforehand was sticking out of his chest.  Cassian felt anger boil in him as he saw that this was no Night Court citizen, nor was it an Illryian Solider.  He could see light hair, dark clothing the fae was wearing, even the weaponry strapped to his hip as Cassian grabbed the back of his head.  He yanked his head back, eyes going wide in anger and rage seeing the auburn hair and the bright eyes.

Autumn Court.

"Where is he?"

"The master bedroom,"

Rhysand and Azriel entered the cabin in haste, Azriel leading the way as he was looking for his son with worry his shadows flicking in anger and Rhysand looking over at Cassian.  Cassian was remaining calm, sitting at the dining room table with his hands laced together and brows knitted together.  Nesta had Alec in the master bedroom, calming down with ease for the past few minutes while Cassian got in contact with Rhysand and Azriel about the close attack.  He knew Azriel was not going to be calm when it came to his child, let alone Rhysand.  Even Cassian was trying to calm himself down from going out to the fae who almost killed Alec and strangled him to death.

Instead, he tied him to a tree out near the lake, keeping the dagger in his chest for him to bleed out slowly.

A bundle was wrapped and in front of Cassian, his eyes drilled on the bundle while Rhysand walked over to him with his wing ready on high alert.  Cassian could hear Azriel cooing and calming his son down, he knew Azriel was going to think twice about doing something to the fae with Alec in his arms.  It was a safer bet for Azriel to hold his baby than to go out and kill the fae slowly and with pain.

"Rhys," Cassian said in a warning, Rhysand walking over to him and standing next to him in front of the table as Nesta walked out of the bedroom now, looking more somber and a bit relaxed now that her nephew had her father, "He had this,"

He gestured to the bundle, both Nesta and Rhysand looked in confusion as Cassian then reached for the top of the bundle to remove the fabric.  Once he did, Rhysand's eyes went wide, and almost looked disgusted as the sight of a dagger was seen.  Laced in orange and red gems along the hilt and handle, the steel did look rather too pristine and delicate.  Cassian's eyes looked over at his High Lord, his face filled with anger and rage as he spoke.  

"An Autumn Court Blade," Rhysand grimaced.  

"You smell it too don't you?" Cassian asked in a low tone, Rhysand bitterly nodding his head as Nesta looked at her mate in confusion.

"Smell what?" She asked, her voice low and almost quivering.  Rhysand and Cassian locked eyes, both of them remaining far too calm for the situation but they too were beyond angry.  

"It's poisoned," Rhysand hummed, Nesta gasping and covering her mouth in shock.  Cassian was shaking his head slowly, closing his eyes, and feeling bitterness deep inside of him that was also laced with guilt.

"I didn't know he was there, I didn't realize…" Cassian was muttering feeling like he was spiraling downwards since he was only thinking of how close Alec was to being hurt, let alone killed.  If he was a second late, or a pinch too slow…

"You saved your nephew," Rhysand said to him immediately, placing his hand on Cassian's shoulder as he gave him a hard look, "You saved his life and you went with your gut.  Alec is safe, you three are safe, and that's because of you, Cassian.  Don't you fucking dare think less than that, understand?"

Cassian looked up at Rhysand, knowing that he was telling him the truth.  Cassian always hated putting himself down and thinking he should have done better, he's done it in the past so many times.  He would hide it with his jokes and banter, but he wanted to be perfect at times and prove himself.  To hear from Rhysand that he succeeded, to know that he saved the life of his brother's son, was worthwhile.  

"What about his mother and Feyre?" Nesta asked the pair of them, to which the front door opened again.  You came running through, eyes wide and frantic as Feyre was right on your heels. You slid to a halt, seeing the scene in front of you: Rhysand, Cassian, and Nesta sporting looks that were mixed in shock and anger, a dagger sitting on top of a bundle of rags.  Your heart was beating rapidly and your mind was spinning over time.

"Where?!" You asked in a breath, Nesta knowing full well you were talking about Alec. She took your hand and led you to the bedroom, Feyre gliding over to her mate and Cassian as Rhysand took in a long breath to mostly control his own emotions.  

"High Lord Beron needs to know this," Rhysand said aloud in the room, though Cassian shot him a look, "Those daggers belong to his high fae security and high ranking personal.  It's not an Illyrian blade, and if he did this...."

"You think it was him…or a certain Prince with a Vendetta?" Cassian asked in a lower tone, Rhysand's let eyes darted to him immediately as Feryre looked worried.

"Eris wouldn't!  To kill a child, a baby?!  That's a death sentence, going against his father and this Court!  He would be a fool to be behind it—"  Feyre started to explain as Cassian gently interrupted her.

"Respectfully, Feyre, he's always been a fool.  And if it's him behind this after all…nothing is going to hold back Azriel from tearing him limb to limb, or his mother.  I won't hold either of them back, nor will your mate,"  Feyre's eyes shot to Rhysand, who was looking at the dagger again with a new heat of anger and rage in his eyes.  Rhysand knew Cassian was right in that statement.  If Eris was behind this attempt to harm or kill Alec, there was no force in Night Court, or beyond that, that would stop Azriel from killing Eris immediately.  

"There's something else too, with Alec," Cassian explained, gaining the attention of the High Lord and Lady, "I saw shadows on Alec, along his wings just like Azriel.  Small, but they were there.  He's a Shadowsinger, like his father,"

"That makes him a bigger target now," Rhysand said in a tremor, the mood once again looking and feeling a bit grim with this new information.  Azriel was the only Shadowwinger known, no other Court had one or knew of one except for him.  He was coveted by other Courts and their High Lords for centuries to work for them, yet he remained with Night Court and his family.  But now to know his son had his gift, it made his safety far more imperative.  

Once word got out, the Courts will come for him.

Azriel came out of the bedroom, Cassian shooting up from his spot in the dining room and looking rather concerned at Azriel as he was approached by the Spymaster.  Was Azriel going to hate him for almost having Alec in danger?  Would he be angry at Cassian for the close call?  How was he going to react as he stood in front of Cassian with a stone face?  Cassian was about to say something to him, almost trying to explain it himself what happened. 

But Azriel hugged him tightly, fiercely, as a brother would for another brother.

Cassian was in shock, but he hugged him back as Azriel was clinging to him and not letting him go for a long moment.  Azriel was never one to be a hugger unless he was deeply and intensely moved by something.  Cassian felt almost like collapsing, feeling that hug to his core as Azriel pulled away and stared at him with his hazel eyes. 

Cassian knew that look on him since he had seen it.  He saw it the first time they met as children and he took Azriel to meet Rhysand, he saw it when he taught Azriel how to fly to get strength in his wings.

A look of gratefulness and love.  

"You saved my son," Azriel said calmly, though there were tears in his eyes as he stared into Cassian's soul, "Cass…I can't thank you enough for saving my boy.  My world—"

"Hey, It's okay," Cassian urged him as he clasped Azriel on the back of his neck, feeling Azriel trembling as he gave him a nervous smile, "Az, I would do anything for him, for any of us.  You guys are my family, okay?"

Azriel nodded, and although he seemed calm in front of Cassian, he knew the wheels turning in Azriel's mind.  He remained calm in the moment, but deep down he was in a rage.  The kind of anger that seeps in the pours and is almost like a poison to snuff out.  Alec's life was almost taken in a split second, and there was no way and no force that was going to stop Azriel, or his mother for that matter, from inflicting harm on those who tried to take their son.  

Azriel moved away from Cassian, walking back to the master bedroom with Rhysand and Freyre in tow.  Cassie stayed behind, grasping the back of the chair and letting out a massive sigh of relief as Nesta left the room.  Cassian could hear the group chatting together about what happened as she closed the door and walked to Cassian with worry in her eyes at her mate and his condition.  Cassian's shoulders felt heavy and his mind felt like it was in a fog, all that adrenaline was gone and he could collapse at any moment.  

So Nesta hugged her mate tightly, Cassian digging his face in her hair to inhale her scent and be centered again.  There was peace again, his heart slowed down and his mind was back to being at ease with the calm words from Azriel and his mate holding him close.  In his mind, he was thinking of what he did wrong and how he should have stopped the threat sooner.  But to the others, he saved a little boy's life.  

His eyes looked back to the dagger that was still on the table, and he felt his heart falling to his stomach at the sight.

It was a sign of conflict that had just begun.

The End. 

Tagged - @valeridarkness @impossibelle @acourtofbatboydreams

[chxrryhansen]

pairing: steve rogers x reader

Warnings: 18+, slight daddy kink, lots of pda, choking, face slapping, thigh riding, hair pulling, degradation.

₊♡₊˚🎀・₊✧

He watches you across the room barely paying attention to Bucky and Sam’s conversation as you prance around in your pink mini skirt, only allowing you to have worn it since he was with you.

Your tight cropped shirt showing off your toned stomach which was now a nice shade of tan, caused by the amount of sunbathing you and Steve had done on the two week holiday break that iron man himself had graciously gifted you.

Your golden jewellery shining underneath the disco lights Tony insisted on getting when you all moved out of Stark tower and into the compound. Steve’s eyes leave you for a split second, engaging in Sam’s rambling.

Pool stick in your hand, you lean over the table ready to shoot your shot, too tipsy to notice your skirt riding up against your thighs exposing the light blue panties he picked out for you for everybody to see, wiggling your hips you lined your eyes up with the ball, every male (and female) gaze in the room suddenly fluttering to your ass.

Bucky notices this instantly, following their eye lines he lets out a low whistle “Think you’d best go and get your girl rogers.”

Steve’s focus is already out of the window, not even picking up on Sam’s hushed “god damn.”

Within a split second steve is on his feet making his way towards you, his thick thighs pounding across the room and at the sight of his biceps straining against his dark blue polo connecting to tensed fists.

Tony’s guests watchful eyes abruptly return to whatever they were doing before the sight of your pretty behind distracted them, the guys you were playing poker with making excuses as to why they had to leave, feeling the scene, not wanting to be the main attention of the super soldiers anger, confused as ever you begin to stand.

Swiftly you feel his familiar hands pushing you back down against the table, hips meeting your behind, you practically moan at the feel of his cock straining against his pants, pressed in between your asscheeks.

“Pretty girl…” oozed out of his lips, a smile grazing against your teeth knowing exactly who’s behind you “Stevie baby!” you say excitedly, making your second attempt to stand straight

“Ah ah ah” he whispers softly yet so harsh at the same time “You like acting like a slut baby? is my attention just not enough for you anymore, hmm?.”

“What are you talking about stevie” you giggle lightly, not understanding what he’s upset about, suddenly his large hand wraps around your ponytail, pulling your hair back roughly causing you to yelp, in both pain and pleasure.

“You know exactly what i’m talking about, you stupid little brat, you like shaking your ass for everyone to see?” he growls, his grip on your hair tightening.

You begin to try and defend yourself yet your lips don’t even have the chance to part before he’s dragging you away from the public eye and into a supply closet down the hall.

The second the door to the small room closes, steve’s on you in a flash, pushing you up against the wall, his knee sliding in between your legs pressing against your pussy, already soaked for him due to his man handling tactics, his veiny hand running up your chest and to your throat, gripping tightly against your throat as you choke for breath.

“God your such a stupid fucking whore sometimes” he shakes his head, you don’t dare try to speak knowing your already in enough trouble, “Grind against my thigh baby, i know you want to, you dumb, stupid little girl” he lets out in a condescending tone.

“Daddy please” You whimper as you began to grind your hips into his thick muscle, your clit throbbing against his jeans, as you rutted against him he started to feel your slick dampening his thigh.

“You can do better than that, speed it up dirty girl, before you make this even worse for yourself.” he threatened, your speed picked up instantly not wanting to anger him further, steve already knew you were getting close as your moans got louder, your mouth blabbering incoherent sentences.

Just as you began to feel your insides tighten, the familiar flood of pleasure was snuffed out within an instant as he gripped your hips, removing his thigh from between your legs.

“You didn’t really think i was going to let you cum after the show you just put on out there, did you?” he teased, you cried out desperate for that soothing release you had previously been so close to, whimpering and begging him to let you cum.

His hand lifted from your throat, hitting you across the face, not hard enough to hurt but hard enough to get his point across, your cheek instantly turned a light shade of pink as your eyes welled up with tears.

“Cut that shit out right fucking now” he warned, “the next time i hear a noise come out of those pretty lips you’ll have wished you didn’t wear that damn skirt tonight” he growled as he stroked the cheek he had previously hit.

“Oh and you’d better hope those perverts are praying for you because you’re in for a very, very long night little girl.”

[us3rnam3-r3dact3d]

I’m back on my Redacted shit, here are some Post Inversion headcanons

As a note, I’m not a doctor. I did some cursory googling about the medical stuff, but I very well might be wrong. On that note TW: injury, some discussion of… guts… and general angst.

David feels weird for days after the Inversion, like there’s something moving around inside of him. At random points during the day, he’ll stop what he’s doing, press his hand to his chest, and hold his breath until it passes. He asks Sam about it, and Sam explains; “You were essentially disemboweled, David. We had to put parts of you back in while we were underground. In surgery and in major healing, we usually take the time to arrange the organs carefully. But… we didn’t have the time. You bleeding out was the bigger concern. But your organs know where they’re supposed to be. What you’re feeling is everything… finding it’s way back.” David nodded and thanked him, and promptly locked himself in the bathroom and vomited for half an hour.

The entire pack stayed at David and Angel’s house for about two weeks post Inversion. Asher and Christian were the worst off, and spent pretty much the whole time sleeping on the sectional in the living room. At some point, somebody turned on Family Guy for background noise and it ran uninterrupted for pretty much the whole two weeks. Now, Ash and Christian have very intense opinions about Family Guy, and Ash claims that he very strange, Family Guy themed dreams to this day from how much he slept with it playing in the background. David is still angry that his recommended feed on Hulu is forever changed because of this.

Sam doesn’t sleep for a week after. It starts innocent enough, just him trying to run interference between Vincent and his new progeny and the pack being largely down for the count. He and Darlin’ end up taking a lot on in the days following the Inversion since they’re on their feet and, largely, in one piece. He gets pretty far running on fumes, but Vincent catches him after a week. Sam had been staying with him to help with Lovely, and Vincent walked in to see him staring motionlessly into the fridge. Vincent didn’t know how long he’d been there, but after calling Sam’s name and getting no response, he starts timing it. When they hit fifteen minutes, he escorted Sam to the nearest flat surface and forces him to sleep.

Damien developed very bad sleep paralysis after the Inversion. Almost every night, he would wake up freezing cold and to a shade hovering over his bed, claws extended getting ready to tear him into ribbons all over again. It would take two or three minutes for him to break out of it, and even longer for him to convince himself that the shade wasn’t real. He took to sleeping with all of his lights on and his heat turned up. It got better when he moved in with Huxley, but it never goes away entirely. It gets worse in the winter, especially when he’s reminded about the Inversion in some way. The Moonbound Solstice is particularly difficult.

[aluhnim]

Hello!! When you start a comic, how do you go about deciding your panelling layouts?? If this is too big of an ask for covid brain, how about your favorite song of the moment / a song that really inspires you?? I hope you feel better soon!

I was searching around for an old write up I did for some Original Character Tournament folks who were interested in my thoughts on panels and layouts. To try and answer your question, I go off of vibe now that I’ve made a LOT of comics. However, as much as it doesn’t seem like it at times, I do typically stay as “conventional” as possible to make sure my readers are still following the plot. I make a lot of adjustments along the way. Smarter layouts allow me to draw less, and drawing less is better for me in the long run! It’ll allow me to put more time in other places of the comic.

Anyway, here’s my write up back in the day that’ll hopefully answer some comic drafting questions!

More conventional paneling is a necessary stepping stone because you know your reader won’t get lost and the structure will have you more focused on flow and pacing. It seems remarkably easy to do comics with more “static” or traditional panel layouts but they work for a reason. There’s no real need to break out of something that works, unless you want to! Breaking out of the structure can really add some OOMPH to your important pages.

Some tips, note that these have been my preferences and some definitions don’t quite match their descriptors.

Bleed

I consider open panels or panels that stretch out beyond the edge of the page to be considered bleeds. They’re simple ways to make you feel like your not just sticking within your margins and making your page feel less static without much extra effort. Manga does this quite often, and Western American comics, especially during action packed moments or large splashes.

Some examples of things bleeds can do:

- They can also be used as transitions between pages (first panel bleeding in, last panel bleeding out).

- They can be used to interrupt or add a beat to a moment. Although the example below is mostly bleeds, you can see the one full panel at the bottom stands out because it’s not like the others. A subtle beat.

- They can also just be used to extend a panel to make it bigger. That seems obvious, but larger panels do make people spend a bit more time on them, regardless if there is text or not. Though, “more time” means probably several milliseconds or even a few seconds more than usual.

- Collaging with a bleed is a really great way to think beyond panels and open the space. You will be spending more time thinking of how much you can cram in along with the flow of how your text is going to lead through a series of images.

- Removing panel borders can really open a space and allow for more room without having to go above and beyond the ideas of comics and panels. (sorry, gale galligan is just good)

Gutters

The space between panels is almost just as important as the panel itself. That’s where readers and inferring actions and time. You can only control so much of what the reader is doing between their eye shifting between panels, which is why composition within panels and clarity are so important.

Gutters can also be played with! A simple example is changing your gutters from white to all black. It can be a subtle shift in time, a transition to a new space.

Even the amount of space between panels leaves an idea of time! I think webtoons/manhwa really work well with the gutter space, leaving you to physically scroll and feel the effects of time passing with the amount of empty space you encounter.

It’s important to understand that the gutter has a lot more to do with reader imagination, and your goal is to have them understand that the next panel is somehow plausible.

THIS SCENE EMFIELDS DID IS VERY FUCKING GOOD. TIME, SPACE, GO OOOOOOFFFF KING

Panels themselves can be a part story!

This one is a difficult thing to write for, since I feel like there isn’t many examples out there. There are very structural examples of panels out there, like Watchman. While the 9 panel grid was intentional, it also was likely the only way to deal with Alan Moore’s script effectively without missing details. The panels themselves don’t ENHANCE the story, but a means to an end.

But it’s also an incredibly good example of how conventional comics paneling can still be effective, especially when you start breaking that mold just a little bit.

But then you have comics like M. Dean’s “Baby fat”. Where the comic paneling itself never strays from its original structure, but is indicative of the story itself, representing tiles, mirrors, patterns.

Or Robert Hunter’s “The New Ghost” which he uses circular motifs and has circular panels representing the telescopes sight line.

Predicting Reader Navigation

These are my rules of thumb when doing general sight reading panel by panel.

1. Text is what people gravitate to first. It’s the context needed to approach the next panel.

2. Faces are next, this provides context to what the subject is feeling.

3. Familiar people/animals/objects and SFX.

4. Everything else!

This is an example of sight reading notes I gave to my friend Holocene when we were collaborating.

[andvys]

Everlong / part eight 

Pairing: Eddie Munson x fem!reader 

Warnings: Lots of fluff, slight angst, mentions of depression and ptsd

Summary: Christmas comes around and it brings you lots of love and miracles. 

Series masterlist

-

“We could make things work, you know?” he whispers.

With furrowed brows and a confused look in your eyes, you glance up at your boyfriend, “what?”

“With Steve.”

He brushes his fingers through your hair, kissing your cheek softly, “he is your best friend, he always was. I don’t want you to push him out of your life because you are scared that him being in love with you might drive me away, it won’t happen, Sweetheart. I get that you need time away from him, what he did all these years is fucked up and unacceptable but I know– I can see, that you still want to keep him in your life.”

You hesitate, deep down you know that you don’t want to lose him as a friend but there is so much anger inside of you.

“I don’t want to lose him, he will always be my best friend,” you start as you take his hand, “I’m just so mad and hurt.”

“I know you are and it’s okay to feel this way.”

“I think, I just need some time to think and be away from him, you know?”

Eddie nods, “yeah, take all the time that you need, baby.”

“I will,” you whisper, giving him a kiss, you lay your head on his shoulder and close your eyes.

“I’m proud of you, you know that right?”

Your heart flutters in your chest.

“You are?”

“Yeah, you were always strong but you have changed this summer. You’re stronger, more confident. You know how to stand up for yourself. I don’t just mean the thing with the gun earlier,” Eddie chuckles, “I mean with Steve. You don’t let him control you anymore–”

“That’s because of you,” you whisper.

“No,” he smiles, shaking his head, “you did that all by yourself.”

“But I wouldn’t have made it without you. A part of me was missing when we weren’t together, I didn’t feel whole and then…. you came along.”

Eddie knows exactly what you are talking about. He feels the same way. You gave him strength, even in the darkest times. 

“I feel the same way,” he whispers, kissing your shoulder.

“You do?”

“I do.”

You smile and nuzzle your face into his neck, kissing him there. He holds you tighter, smiling at the way you always find comfort in his arms.

“I guess we just belong together, huh?”

“We really do,” he whispers with a large smile on his face. He rubs your back gently, playing with your hair as you both stay like that for a while. Enjoying the feeling of being in each other’s arms.

Eddie is so happy. He never thought that he would ever feel this way in his life.

“Hey, Eddie?” you whisper as you lean back so you’re face to face again.

“Yes?” he asks, eyeing the nervous expression on your face.

“Was that.. a heat of the moment kind of thing that you said earlier or do you actually want that someday?”

He knows exactly what you’re talking about, what else would make you blush that way?

Truth be told, Eddie never thought that he would ever want kids, that’s probably because he never thought that he would ever be lucky to have someone like you by his side but now that he has you, now that there’s a whole future waiting for the two of you, he wants it.

“I did,” he smiles, cupping your cheeks, “I want it all with you.”

Your heart skips a beat, a warm feeling settles in your stomach and you can’t help but smile excitedly, “yeah?” you whisper.

“Yeah,” he says as he places a soft kiss on your lips.

“I want it too,” you move your arms around his neck and lean your forehead against his, “I want everything, with you.”

-

A few months passed after the night at the hideout.

You haven’t seen or heard from Steve since then. You miss him, you can’t help it. He used to be a huge part of your life but putting the distance between you two was necessary, you needed a break from him.

Walking through the aisles at the store, you go through your grocery list, not paying attention to where you are going until a hand stops your cart, “careful.”

Your head snaps up at the sound of her voice. Your eyes meet hers, you haven’t seen her since that night at Steve’s party. She didn’t call, she didn’t come to see you when she was here for Halloween. There was nothing but radio silence.

It hurts, of course it does. You lost two friends, all at once.

“H-Hey,” she smiles.

You restrain yourself from rolling your eyes.

“Hi,” you mumble before you move the cart, walking around her to keep going. If she can ignore you, then you can do the same to her.

“Y/n, listen–”

“I don’t feel like talking to you right now, Robin.”

Robin sighs, following you as you walk into the next aisle.

She misses you. These past few months have been weird without you. Nancy is nice, she is the best roommate she could ask for, she considers her one of her best friends but she isn’t you.

“I miss you.”

You halt in your tracks, taking a deep breath before you turn around to face her.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” she whispers with a sad smile on her face.

You stare into her eyes. She is telling the truth, you know she is. You would have been disappointed if you found out that she just wanted you back because Nancy dropped her but you know that it isn’t the case, Jonathan told you that they are still as close as they were in the summer.

But you are still angry and hurt.

“I thought you were sick of me and my whining,” you say, rolling your eyes.

Her face falls and she looks down for a moment, you are angry and you have every right to be so. 

“I– listen, what I said was fucked up, like really fucked up and I never wanted to hurt you. I-I didn’t get sick of you, I was talking shit.”

You scoff, “right, that’s why you avoided me all summer.”

“I didn’t mean to–”

“You constantly canceled our plans, Robin! You didn’t come to see me before you left, you didn’t come to see me when you were here for Halloween and you didn’t call me, not once!” you exclaim as tears of frustration well up in your eyes.

“I-I felt ashamed of myself,” she mumbles, looking around the empty aisles, she feels grateful for the lack of people around the store right now. Stepping closer to you, she looks down at her hands, playing with her rings, “after the party, me and Nancy got into a fight, well, kind of.”

You raise your brows in question.

“She uh– she was mad at me and Steve for what we did and.. said.”

Oh.

You feel surprised by her words. You know that Nancy isn’t your biggest fan. You were never really the greatest of friends, even though you did work well as a team whenever you fought monsters together but that’s all. 

“Yeah and it was awkward for some time because she kind of took your side. She made me realize a few things. I’m just, I’m really sorry, y/n. I know that I messed up, really fucking badly but I still see you as my best friend.”

“That’s not what you made it sound like at Steve’s party,” you mumble.

“Yeah, I know.. I never wanted to replace you though, I just… it’s different, Nancy is– I.. fuck,” she stutters, sighing as her shoulders slump.

You watch her in confusion, noticing the red cheeks, the look of heartbreak in her eyes, the shakiness in her voice. It reminds you of you when you loved Steve. 

“Oh,” you whisper in shock, “you like her.”

She glances at you with a sad look in her eyes, nodding.

“Did you tell her?” you ask as you watch her closely.

Her reaction tells you that she did and she obviously must have gotten her heart broken.

Nancy is with Jonathan and they seem pretty happy together, there is no space for Robin in Nancy’s heart.

“No,” she chuckles, shaking her head, “god, no. Her and Jonathan are talking about moving to New York after college, they are in for the long haul. I just.. fuck, at first I thought that it was a silly crush but we literally share a room together, we are constantly around each other and she’s just.. amazing.”

She has that twinkle in her eyes, the hopeless one.

“Y-You love her?”

Tears well up in her eyes and she nods.

“Shit, Robin..” you whisper.

You are still hurt by her actions but you can’t be mad at her and turn your back on her, not now. You know exactly what she feels like, you’ve been there, way too many times.

“Yeah, shit..” she chuckles as she wipes her tears away, “anyways uh– I meant to call you or come see you sooner but I just couldn’t bring myself to. Again, I’m really sorry for what I did. I understand if you don’t forgive me but if you wanna try.. I’m gonna be here until Sunday so if you wanna hang out or come over, call me.”

You nod.

She gives you a small smile, “okay.. bye,” she whispers before she turns around, walking away from you.

She is your best friend, she always will be, just like Steve. You are still very hurt by their words and by their actions but you don’t want to lose them.

“Robin?”

She turns around, a hopeful look in her eyes, “yeah?”

“Do you wanna get coffee or something?” you ask with a small shrug.

“I’d love to.”

You didn’t expect to spend your day off with Robin, till this afternoon, you didn’t even know that she was back in town but you were happy to spend time with her again. She told you about college, about the parties she and Nancy go to whenever they are not busy studying or working and you told her about Eddie, about your relationship with him.

She could see the happiness in your eyes, the large smile on your face as you talked about him.

While she knows how much Steve loves you, she can’t help but be happy for you and Eddie. She always knew that there was something more between the two of you, maybe even before you both were aware of it.

You moved on from Steve and you found love, true love. You found your home in Eddie.

And while she found nothing but pain and heartbreak, she is truly happy for you. She knows that it will take time to get back to how things were before this whole mess but Robin wants to make things right, she wants you back in her life and she hopes that you still have a place for her in your life.

-

It is close to Christmas now, it’s cold outside, the streets are covered in snow, the fresh crisp air reminding you of all the time you spent outside in the snow when you were a kid, when you were still friends with Steve.

A bitter feeling settles in your chest when you think of all the memories you have made together around this time of year. Christmas shopping, ice skating, christmas markets, baking cookies together– well, Steve was a horrible baker but surprisingly he was good at decorating. On weekends, you would always sleep over at his place, his parents were never there and you would use the opportunity to build a huge fort in the living room to watch Christmas movies in. You smile at the memory, everything used to be so simple.

“Hey baby– Jesus,” Eddie gasps as he walks into the apartment, shutting the door, he quickly takes his boots and jacket off, “are you trying to freeze to death or something?” he chuckles as he sees you standing by the open window, leaning against the wall as you watch the big snowflakes fall.

Your eyes light up as your eyes meet his, shutting the window, you rush towards him with a big smile on your face, “hello, my love,” you whisper, greeting him with a kiss.

Eddie smiles brightly, pulling you into his embrace, he wraps his arms around your waist and closes his eyes as he deepens the kiss. Eddie loves coming home to you, after a long day at work, there is nothing better than this.

He hums into the kiss, gliding his hand down your back.

“I missed you,” you mumble against his lips.

“I missed you too,” he whispers, pecking your lips.

You giggle as he nuzzles his nose against yours.

“You are so adorable,” you chuckle.

“Adorable?” he asks, furrowing his brows as he tries to look mean, “this town thinks I’m the devil and here you say I’m adorable,” he jokes.

You slap his chest lightly, “shut up.”

He chuckles and pulls you into him again, leaning down to latch his lips onto your neck, peppering kisses along your neck and jaw as he pushes you backwards into the living room.

“Eddie, that tickles!” you giggle, squeezing your eyes shut.

The sound of your giggle will never not make his heart flutter like crazy.

You fall on the couch, trying to pull him down with you but he stops you, groaning as he pulls away from you, “I don’t wanna get you all dirty with these clothes.”

“Then get out of these clothes.”

He smirks at the suggestive tone in your voice, “I will, in the bathroom. I need a shower, I smell. Did you shower already? We can do it together, save water and all, you know?” he says, wiggling his brows.

You snort, it wouldn’t be the first time for you to shower together but most of the time it would just turn into something else.

“Please?” he asks, staring at you with a pout on his face, “don’t wanna be away from my girl any second longer today.”

“Okay,” you smile.

Before you can react, a devilish grin appears on his face and he leans down, grabbing your waist, he throws you over his shoulder and slaps your ass, laughing at the squeal that fell from your lips.

He carries you to the bathroom, turning on the lights, he closes the door before he places you back on your feet, chuckling as you pout at him.

“You’re adorable,” he says as he steals another kiss from you, “now let me take your clothes off.”

He reaches for the hem of your– his sweater, taking it off easily.

“I love when you wear my clothes.”

“Yeah?”

He nods, smiling cutely.

“You should wear some of mine too,” you joke as you step closer to him to help him out of his clothes.

His brown eyes twinkle with amusement, “yeah? You wanna see me in one of your cute little skirts?”

You burst into laughter at the thought of it. 

Eddie’s eyes light up, he continues to joke with you as you help each other out of your clothes. Stealing kisses in between. You step into the shower, letting the warmth of the water embrace you and his arms. He pulls you into a hug, kissing your forehead.

You close your eyes and lean your head against his chest.

“How was your day?” he whispers.

“It was okay, work was boring, couldn’t wait to go home and spend time with you,” you say, leaning your chin on his chest as you glance up at him.

He smiles, “and I couldn’t wait to come home to you,” he whispers, excitement lingering in his eyes. 

Eddie cups your cheek, brushing your wet hair out of your face, he smiles as he looks into your pretty eyes. God, he loves you. So much that he is ready to get down on one knee and propose to you just after less than six months of dating.

You are his forever. He knew it, right from the start. There is something much deeper that ties you together, it’s not forceful, it’s just natural. There is love and then there’s something more than that, he can’t describe it but he can feel it and he knows you feel it too.

Your fate was sealed the moment you looked into each other’s eyes for the very first time. You are made for each other. Call him a hopeless romantic but he truly believes that you have been with each other already, in another life and he is convinced that you will find each other in every other one after this one.

He belongs to you and you belong to him. There is nothing and no one that could ever come between that.

Later that night, Eddie walks into the living room with an excited smile on his face, shaky hands and a pounding heart. You stand with your back to him, you just put a new cassette into the recorder, a glass of red wine in your hand.

Eddie takes a moment to appreciate the sight of you, wearing one of his big flannels and knee high socks, his stomach flutters.

Holding the tiny box tightly in his hand, he walks towards you, wrapping his arms around you, he pulls you into his chest. Smiling as you lean your head against his shoulder.

“Are you drunk yet?” he chuckles as he looks at the wineglass in your hand.

“This is my first glass,” you giggle as you tilt your head to look at your lover.

“Good,” he says.

You notice the nervous look in his eyes, the shaky tone in his voice. Furrowing your brows, you grow concerned the longer you look at him.

He smiles, kissing your temple, “I need you to be sober for this.”

“What–” your words get caught in your throat as you hear the click of the small box in his hands, you look down, a small gasp falls from your lips and your eyes immediately tear up as you stare down at the beautiful ring. You place the wineglass on the dresser and place your hand on his.

“Eddie,” you whisper, a smile tugging on your lips as a single tear escapes your eye.

Eddie’s heart is racing, his knees feel weak, he honestly feels like passing out, that’s how nervous he is.

“I-I know, we haven’t been dating for long but I want this, I want you, forever.”

You can’t even begin to describe the happiness that just took hold of you.

“You have my heart, you make me happy, so fucking happy, Sweetheart. If I could, I would give you the whole world.��

“You are my world, Eddie,” you whisper, smiling as you finally turn back to look at him, you see the glassy eyes, the shaky bottom lip, the happiness in his eyes when he sees that you truly want this too.

“God, okay wait, okay,” he suddenly stutters nervously, kissing your cheek, he lets go of your waist. Brushing his tears away before he takes your hands in his and leads you towards the big christmas tree by the window, “this has to be perfect.”

You giggle, smiling through the tears. He smiles too and raises your hands to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the top of your hand, he looks into your eyes, already glistening with happy tears. He gets down on one knee and you have to try your hardest not to sob from all the excitement and your love for him.

His hands are so shaky, you can feel it as he holds yours even tighter. A smile lingers on his lips as he stares at you for the longest time. Taking the moment to appreciate you as you stand there beneath the sparkles of all the Christmas lights you put up, your eyes flicker with so much excitement, it makes him even happier, his heart feels so full of love, it embraces him completely.

He speaks your name in such a soft tone it makes your heart flutter as though you’ve just heard him say it for the very first time.

“You are the best fucking thing that’s ever happened to me, the moment I looked into those stunning eyes of yours, I knew I had found my home– call me dramatic but when you literally ran into me in the parking lot at school and you started rambling about how shitty your first day of high school was, my heart literally exploded right there when I heard your pretty voice and don’t even get me started about that gorgeous face of yours, I was swooning– still am, by the way.”

You chuckle at his words, shaking your head with a big smile on your face. The memory is so fresh in your mind, it feels as though it only happened yesterday.

“You always made me so happy, a smile from you, a short conversation with you, the pen you would borrow me and the snacks you would share with me when we ditched last period to smoke under the bleachers or the times we would sneak into the theater instead of paying for the tickets? Shit, those were the happiest moments of my life,” he says, “I have loved you forever, Sweetheart. I know other’s would call me crazy for asking you so soon but I know you’re my forever, there’s no point in waiting any longer.”

You are itching to scream the word ‘yes!’ You have never wanted anything more than this in your life. You almost start bouncing on your feet just from the excitement.

You stare into each other's eyes, both crying already. There is this look in both his and your eyes. Love, adoration and so many more emotions that you can’t even begin to describe.

He almost giggles as he sees how impatient you are starting to get, eyes flickering between his eyes, his lips and the ring.

Whispering your name in the softest and loving tone you have ever heard, he smiles, rubbing your skin with his thumb, “will you marry me?” he whispers.

Who would have thought that Eddie would ever speak these words out loud to you, that they wouldn’t just stay in his imagination and the little fantasy world he has created for you and him to live in.

You want to scream and squeal in excitement but all these emotions and all this happiness you feel steal your voice away, your eyes well up with happy tears and you nod your head, trying not to sob as you whisper, “yes, yes, yes!”

You throw yourself into his arms, almost knocking him over as you fling your arms around his neck. Eddie holds you tightly against him as he sits back, pulling you closer to him so you can sit on his lap, you both giggle as you look into each others eyes, before he kisses you, he takes the ring out of the box and takes your hand, “you wanna be my wife, Sweetheart?” he whispers as he raises your hand towards his lips, placing a kiss on your ring finger.

“Yes, I wanna be your wife, Eddie,” you whisper, smiling at him.

Your heart is filled with so much love and happiness as you watch him slide the ring on your finger with the happiest smile you have ever seen on his face, his eyes flickering with endless love for you.

The ring fits perfectly, the little stone shines brightly, more tears well up in your eyes as you admire it, “I love it,” you whisper.

Eddie kisses your hand again before he cups your cheeks, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you smile as you pull him into a long and passionate kiss. You put your arms around his neck as he pulls you closer by wrapping his arms around your waist, smiling into the kiss, your heart flutters wildly in your chest. God, you love this man with all your heart and soul.

His love for you just keeps growing bigger and stronger, each and every second that passes he gets happier and happier.

A squeal leaves your lips as Eddie pushes you down against the floor, laying you gently on the carpet as he attacks your neck with kisses.

“My girlfriend, my fiancee, my wife,” he whispers as he kisses his way up to your jaw, pressing his soft lips to your cheeks before he finally looks into your eyes with his pretty bambi eyes.

You giggle, raising your hand to play with his hair, “my boyfriend, my fiance, my husband.”

His heart flutters at your words, at the happy tone in your voice and that look in your eyes.

“I love the sound of it, husband, damn right, I’m gonna be your husband,” he giggles, leaning into your touch as you cup his cheek.

“You’re gonna be the best husband,” you say, pulling him in for another kiss.

“And you’re gonna be the best wife.”

“You think so?”

“I know so,” he grins, admiring your pretty face as you stretch your hand out to stare at the beautiful ring. He is happy, so so happy.

“You know,” you start, wrapping your arms back around his neck, “I don’t see a point in waiting either, I know you’re the one for me, I wanna be with you forever. I’ll give you anything, Eddie.”

“Anything?” he asks, leaning in to kiss your cheek.

“Anything,” you smile.

“I’ll give you anything too, my love.”

My love.

He is so sweet, so goddamn sweet, it makes your heart beat like crazy.

“So, what does my pretty girl want right now?” he grins.

“I want you to kiss me and then I want you to take me into our bedroom and then I want you to make love to me.”

The smile he gives you only makes your heart beat faster, “that can be arranged,” he says, chuckling as he picks you up, slamming his lips against yours as he carries you to your shared bedroom, “gonna make sweet love to you all night, my pretty fiancee.”

Eddie had already turned on the fairy lights you both hung up when you decorated the apartment with christmas decorations, he added a few candles too, making the room seem even more comforting. He gently places you on the bed, without breaking the kiss as he settles in between your legs.

“I can’t wait to call you my wife and brag about you to everyone,” he smirks, wiggling his brows.

Your cheeks heat up at his words, the giggle that falls from your lips only makes him smirk even more.

“I can’t wait to brag about my hot and very sweet husband,” you say as you reach for the hem of his shirt, you tug at it and help him take it off.

Eddie feels dizzy with excitement, your words make his stomach flutter with butterflies.

You place your palm on his chest, tracing his tattoo, his necklace dangles in front of your face and you pull him closer by tugging at it, “you are so pretty, Eddie.”

“So are you,” he grins as he gets lost in your eyes. Gratitude wells up inside him, he gets the girl. He has your heart, your love, you. Eddie only ever saw pain and heartbreak whenever he thought of his future, there was never a single second of hope for you both before this summer but then you gave him a chance, you allowed him to show you how much he loves you and as you got more and more comfortable with him, you revealed your true feelings for him and how long you have had them.

The fear of losing him was too much to bear, especially when he had already almost died in your arms before but he made a promise to you, he would never leave you again, he would never hurt you, he would never do anything to disappoint you or make you doubt his love for you.

Eddie will make sure that you will spend every day of your life in love and happiness. It’s what you deserve.

He will give you everything. He would bring you the stars, the sun and the moon if he could. Anything you will ask him for, he will make sure that you will get it.

As he looks into your eyes, he can already see your shared future, a pretty and happy one.

As he kisses your lips, he can feel all this intense love that you have for him and it gives him so much joy.

You lose yourself in each other’s touch, his naked skin is pressed against yours and it feels like the very first time, all over again.

“I’m so in love with you,” he whispers against your lips, still not believing that he will have you forever.

“I’m in love with you too, Eddie,” you smile.

Your heart could burst from all the love you have for him and it brings you peace and joy to know that he feels the same.

Forever belongs to you and Eddie.

-

Two weeks later

Steve found peace in working the late shift at family video. With no one to come home to, no dates to look forward to and no you in his life, he found himself feeling very lonely the past few months.

Ever since the night at the hideout, things just haven’t been the same. They haven’t been the same for a long time, even before that, he just didn’t want to realize it. He lost you, not only as his girl but also as his best friend and it broke his heart and pushed him into a very dark place. He knows there is no one to blame but himself.

Losing you and being so alone these past few months made him reflect on a lot of things. He realized just how messed up his mind was after all the events that followed since he had been pulled into a world filled with monsters. Having absent parents and a cold hearted father didn’t make his life any easier either.

All these girls have been a distraction, every single one of them. It gave him the thrill that made him forget. The chase, the first date, the sex it all distracted him from the pain and the trauma that the upside down and the night at the Russian base have caused him.

But as distracting as it was, his nightmares always brought him back into this reality, even with a warm body by his side.

No one and nothing could take his pain away.

Maybe that’s part of the reason why he didn’t just give you a chance. You deserved better than a broken man, you have Eddie now, you are happy and so is he. It hurts to know that another man can give you something that he could never give you but as painful as it is, he is happy for the both of you.

Still, he misses you and he regrets his actions every single day. The Christmas time doesn’t make it any easier. There has never been a single Christmas that you have spent without each other since you have become friends.

You had your own traditions, little things that made him happier than his family ever could during this time. The café you work at now always has Christmas specials, cookies and different hot chocolate flavors. You would order a bunch and spend hours sitting in the last booth, just talking, laughing and trying out all the different hot chocolate flavors.

His favorite hot chocolate will always be the one you make. The thought that he will never get to taste it again makes his chest hurt.

Stepping out into the cold, he tugs his jacket tighter against his body as he wraps the scarf around his neck. He closes the door and locks it.

It’s dark out, a few Christmas lights decorate the store windows. The snow is falling peacefully.

Steve sighs as he thinks of the silence and the emptiness he will come home to. A feeling of sadness and loneliness already settled deep inside of him.

“Steve.”

He freezes, eyes widening and heart skipping a beat at the sound of your voice. For a moment, he thinks that it’s his mind playing tricks on him. He imagined this way too many times before but then he hears the snow crunch under your boots and the smell of hot chocolate suddenly lingers in the air.

He takes a deep breath before he lets go of the door handle and turns around to face you. An uncertain look takes over your face, your eyes flicker with sadness as you meet his eyes for the first time again. Your lips twitch and a small smile appears on your face.

You hold two takeaway cups in your gloved hands.

“Hi..”

Steve’s gaze softens and his eyes almost tear up. He speaks your name softly, automatically taking a step closer to you.

“Hey you,” he smiles.

You take in the sight of him, he looks sad. Sadder than the last time you saw him. His eyes are glassy, his expression looks pained. It makes your stomach drop.

“How are you?” you ask.

He stares at you, for a moment he is at loss for words. You are beautiful and you are glowing, your eyes shine with joy. A bitter happiness settles within him, it’s nice to see you like this but it also reminds him of what he has lost.

“I-I’m alright,” he says, “how are you?”

“I’m good. Do you uh– do you want a hot chocolate?” you ask, holding the one you got for him up.

“Yeah,” he smiles, taking it from your hand, he thanks you. His heart warms in his chest, you didn’t want to miss your traditions.

“Wanna go on a walk and look at Christmas lights like we used to do?”

“I’d love to.”

You smile at him and he could swear, for a moment all his sadness vanished into thin air but he knows it’s only temporary, the moment you leave again, his heart will break all over again.

You make small talk as you walk through the snowy streets. He can tell that you are here to talk about something else, he can see it in your eyes but for now you settle for this and he is just happy to see you and be around you again.

His heart feels complete when you are by his side.

“Are you going to Joyce’s Christmas party next week?” Steve asks.

You nod, “yeah, she invited us.”

Us.

You and Eddie.

“Are you coming?” you ask as you turn to look at him.

“Yeah, I will,” he says, giving you a small smile.

“Cool,” you mumble before you let the silence surround the two of you– it’s not weird or awkward. The silence between the two of you never was. Even after everything that happened it’s still a comfortable one. That’s how it should be with a best friend, even after what happened.

For a few minutes, neither of you say anything. You just enjoy the pretty lights and the snow, the hot chocolate and the presence of the other.

You missed your best friend.

Steve is curious about this sudden change of heart but he doesn’t dare to question it, he is just happy to see you again.

“I forgive you,” you say quietly, finally breaking the silence as you both come to a halt at the end of the street.

Steve’s head snaps towards you and he looks at you in surprise, “w-what?” he asks softly.

You blink, wiping away the snowflake that just fell on your cheek, “I forgive you.”

The heavy weight was finally lifted off of his shoulders and he feels as though he can finally breathe again. His eyes well up with tears and he stares at you with a relieved look on his face.

“I just– I miss you, Steve,” you whisper, “I miss my best friend.”

Of course you only miss him as a friend, he knows there’s no hope for anything more than that but Steve doesn’t even let his mind go there, he is just happy to hear these words from you.

"Really?" he asks.

Tears threaten to spill the longer he stares at you. There is no anger, no hate, no disgust in your eyes anymore. You look at him the way you used to look at him when you were kids, before you knew what feelings or what love truly was, just innocent platonic love and god, he missed it. He missed you. He missed your friendship and what you used to be before things got so complicated.

You nod.

“I miss you too, so fucking much,” he whispers and finally, the tears spill.

You almost start crying too as you stare at the broken yet happy look in his eyes. You reach for the hot chocolate in his hand before you place both his and yours on the ground. He gives you a questioning look but then you crash into his arms and wrap your arms around his waist, laying your head on his chest.

He melts into your touch, placing his hands on your back, he pulls you closer and closes his eyes as he lets the tears fall.

For a moment, you both just stand there, in each other’s embrace under the falling snow, surrounded by all the Christmas lights and decorations.

And just like that, Steve feels at peace again. Right at this moment, his heart doesn’t hurt anymore, he isn’t in pain and he can just let himself fall.

There isn’t anything romantic about the scene, at least not for you but it’s beautiful and it feels nice to be with each other again.

“Do you wanna have dinner with me and Eddie?” you ask, pulling away from the hug, “he is cooking tonight.”

He already misses the feeling of you in his arms.

Steve gives you a skeptic look, chuckling a little, “Eddie is cooking?”

“Yeah,” you laugh, “surprisingly he is kind of good at it.”

He chuckles, “okay, I’ll be the judge of it.”

-

It’s the first time since July that Steve steps foot inside your apartment, which you now share with Eddie. The first thing he sees is the big christmas tree in your living room, he smiles, of course you chose the biggest christmas tree for your small apartment. The smell of food lingers in the air.

You shut the door and take your shoes and your coat off, chuckling when you hear Eddie cursing in the kitchen.

“Doesn’t sound good,” Steve laughs.

You shake your head, “he always curses whenever he cooks ,” you snort.

“Eddie?”

He rushes out of the kitchen at the sound of your voice, an excited look takes over his face when he looks at you, “hi baby,” he grins, pulling you into his arms, he presses a soft kiss on your lips. You smile, placing your hand on his neck.

Steve clears his throat as he eyes the two of you.

Eddie pulls away from you, looking over your shoulder with a surprised look in his eyes, “Steve?”

Eddie wasn’t sure how the conversation between you and Steve would go but he knew that you wanted your friend back.

“Hey man,” he says, chuckling a little when he sees the pink apron he is wearing, that most definitely belongs to you. His hair is in a low bun and there is some tomato sauce on his cheek, that you wipe away with a laugh, “you look.. good,” he jokes.

Eddie smirks, “right?”

You chuckle as you look between them, “when’s dinner ready?”

“Almost done,” he says, wrapping his arm around your waist, he pulls you into him.

“Do you need some help?”

“Nope, just go and hang out with Harrington,” he smiles, squeezing your waist.

After you pour yourself a glass of wine and grab a beer for Steve, you join him in the living room, sitting on the couch, he looks at the polaroids you have laid out on the table earlier today. He stares at the one of you, him and Robin. You are in between them, you and Robin are smiling at each other while he looks into the camera with a grin on his face.

“That was a good day,” he mumbles, looking up at you.

“It was,” you smile, sitting down next to him, you hand him his beer but as he reaches for it, his finger touches the ring on your finger, he freezes, eyes widening in shock. He takes your hand and for a moment, he just stares at the ring in silence.

You breathe in nervously, eying his reaction closely. A part of you is scared that he will storm out of the apartment in anger and the other part of you feels relieved that you can finally share this with your friend.

He blinks, heart dropping to his stomach. Sadness rushes through him at the realization that you have fully moved on, you are engaged to a man that makes you happier than he ever could. Despite the pain in his heart, he smiles, knowing that you are happy.

“Oh y/n..” Steve whispers, his gaze softens as he raises head, his eyes meet yours. You can see the sadness lingering in them but the smile on his face tells you that he is happy for you.

“I-I’m happy for you.”

“You are?”

He nods, smiling sadly. He holds your hand for a moment longer before he lets go, “I am, I really am. You and Eddie.. it just works.”

He blinks, furrowing his brows as he looks down at his hand, “I just, I had a lot of time to think the past few months and I thought of all the things that happened in the past and in the upside down..” he pauses, eyes flickering to the pictures on the table, “I remember the way you and Eddie stayed by each other’s side the whole time after we found him at the boathouse, the way you looked at each other, the way you looked at him. It.. it was different, you never looked at me that way. I already knew that there was something but I lied to myself, told myself that it was nothing,” he says, chuckling sadly, “clearly there always was something and I guess, I find peace in knowing that he will treat you right. So, I’m very happy for you.”

A smile tugs at your lips and your gaze softens.

“Thank you, Steve,” you whisper, reaching for his hand, you give it a squeeze.

He nods.

Steve will always regret the things that he did, knowing that he had your heart and your love once and threw it all away for nothing will always cause him pain and a part of him feels like he will never move on from the love he lost but as much as it hurts to know that he will never get you back, he still doesn’t want to lose the love he has for you. 

“I’m happy to have you back, Steve.”

“I’m happy too.”

At least he knows that he will never lose your friendship and as you all find yourselves at Joyce’s place, a week later, he can’t help but smile watching you and Eddie break the news of your engagement to all your friends. 

Dustin is the happiest out of all of them, grinning at the two of you, “I knew it!” 

“What did you know?” you chuckle. 

“That you would get married someday, I knew it from the start!” 

“Yeah me too, dude,” Argyle smiles as he throws an arm around Eddie’s shoulder, “I told you, didn’t I?” 

Eddie blushes, nodding with a smile on his face. 

Mike stares at you with furrowed brows, “wait,” he mumbles, “why are you getting married so soon?” he asks, eyes moving down to your stomach, “are you pregnant?” 

Will rolls his eyes, “Mike,” he mumbles. 

A devilish grin appears on Eddie’s face and he steps up behind you, placing his hands on your stomach, “and what if she is?” 

Steve freezes, breath hitching in his throat. He knows that it will happen someday but he isn’t ready to see you and Eddie living the life he always wanted, even when he accepted your relationship already. It’s still all so fresh and the pain doesn’t get any easier. 

“W-Wait, you’re pregnant?” Argyle gasps. 

“No!” you chuckle, “he is joking. We got no time for a kid yet.” 

“Right, because you gotta practice some more before that,” Jonathan says, wiggling his brows at you. 

Blushing, you shake your head as you look away. Eddie chuckles as he pulls you closer against his chest.

“Exactly,” Eddie grins, leaning down to press a kiss to your shoulder, “and we got a lot of concerts to go to before we make a bunch of babies.” 

You laugh at his words, leaning your head against his chest. 

“A bunch of babies?” Max gasps as she joins you all in the living room, “are you sure you want a lot of crazy Munson babies, y/n?” 

“She’s gonna be a Munson too, red.” 

“Well, I’ll happily babysit all the Munson babies,” Dustin grins at you. 

“Me too,” Will says with a smile on his face. 

Steve watches you with a sad smile on his face, another reminder of what he has lost, what kind of a future he has lost with you, makes his heart ache in pain. 

“You okay?” Robin asks as she leans against the wall next to him, offering him the drink that she brought him, he smiles, taking it. 

“Yeah,” he mumbles, eyes flashing with longing as he watches you press a kiss to Eddie’s cheek, “yeah.. I’m okay.” 

Robin sighs, the look on her face shows nothing but sympathy. He notices it, sighing, “Robin..” 

“It’s okay to be sad, you know?” she whispers, glancing at Nancy as she walks out of the kitchen, joining Jonathan on the couch. 

“Yes but it sucks.” 

“It really does,” she mumbles as she tears her eyes away from the happy couple. 

“Can’t believe that I fucked up so badly.” 

Robin eyes her best friend, as much as he tries to show his happiness for you and Eddie, there is still a lot of sadness and heartbreak in him and even though he brought it on himself, she still feels bad for him. 

“We all make mistakes, Steve.” 

He nods, eyes lingering on you as Jonathan motions for you and Eddie to sit down so he can take a picture of you. Eddie pulls you on his lap, wrapping his arms around you, you turn towards him, smiling at him as Jonathan takes a picture. 

He could have had this. 

“Yeah and I will regret my mistakes for the rest of my life,” he mumbles, “but she- they are happy, that’s all that matters, they both deserve this.” 

He knows that he will never find a love like this again, you are his love, even if he isn’t yours anymore. He isn’t the one who gets to have your heart but then again, looking back at it, he never even deserved it but he does. 

Eddie will keep your heart safe and you will keep his safe. 

-

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[crazyyluvr]

Hello(different anon), but I have a kinda angst idea for male Ravenclaw reader x James! During a quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin, maybe Slytherin’s beater(let’s say Mulciber for the sake of this) hit the bludger toward Ravenclaw’s seeker and reader hit it, but the slytherin’s beater hit reader with the bat to take them out of the matches for a while. James sees reader get attacked and fall from his broom and whatnot and the aftermath.

I really liked your writing of James for this fic and I would love more of it if you could so! No pressure and love your writing!

You're Just a Bit Less Graceful than Icarus When Falling from the Sky, but It's Okay!

summary: As James crush on you continues to grow, you play Quidditch against Slytherin. I think we can all guess where that goes, especially when Mulciber seems to have it out for you.

note: I have given up on putting my oneshots in a layout. nonetheless, thank you so much for the request anon! sorry if the writing is bad, this is the first thing I've written in a while. enjoy!!

wc. 2.6k

cw. injury, fighting, cursing

my other james x male!ravenclaw!reader: part 1 | part 2 | part 3

Over the course of the next few days, James had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know you better. He quickly learned that you were quiet but you had your moments were you said things that made James turn red. He didn't like feeling embarrassed, but he could deal with the feeling as long as he heard your laugh.

Today was another break from school, since it was time to resume the Quidditch Cup. James didn't have any matches this weekend, but you had one against Slytherin. James didn't have friends in Ravenclaw and definitely not in Slytherin, but he told his friends that he was watching the match.

He didn't even have to say that it was for you, since they already knew. If Remus's knowing smile and Sirius's teasing smirk was any implication of that.

It didn't exactly matter to him what his mates thought of his "down bad behavior" (Sirius's words, not his). All he really cared about was supporting you, since you had expressed your nervousness for Quidditch now that you were made an official Beater of the team.

"I don't know how you can deal with this type of pressure James." Your tone was lighthearted, but James knew that you were feeling antsy about the upcoming Quidditch matches.

"It takes a lot of practice to get used to it, but I know you will," James replied. You were both in the library, studying Potions until a few conversations led to your schoolwork being momentarily forgotten on the table.

It was easy to forget things that were right in front of James with you sitting close to him, so close that your shoulder brushed against his when you used your hands while talking.

You sighed, leaning back against the comfortable cushions of the couch. "I better get used to it soon, or else Connor will skin me alive."

"Oh I would love to see that."

"How you wound me, Potter." You put a hand on your chest in mock hurt.

You both snickered like high school girls until you fell silent after Madam Pince's severe shushing.

James glanced around. He was waiting for you to leave the Great Hall so he could wish you good luck one last time before the match began in a few minutes. Peter, Remus, and Sirius were already in the stands, saving him a seat in the front so he could properly watch the game.

You finally emerged through the large double doors, and you spotted him almost immediately. He felt his chest warm when he saw how you relaxed at the sight of him.

"You guys go ahead, I'll be in the tent in a bit," you told your other teammates. They whistled and 'ooh'ed in response, making you roll your eyes and wave them away.

"Ignore them," you said once you were alone and closer to James. "They're always like that with everyone."

James shook his head, his lips donning a fond smile. "Don't worry, I'm used to it from my own mates."

"Mmm, they seem like the type," you chuckled, making James laugh under his breath.

He took a moment to look at you from behind his glasses, studying your expressions carefully. He may not be as observant as Remus, but he liked to think that he knew you well enough to recognize when you use humor as a distraction from your nervousness.

"How are you feeling?" He finally asked.

You let out a breath. "Like I'm gonna shit my pants while I'm up in the air."

James let a quiet laugh escape him, wrapping an arm around your shoulder to pull you closer into — what James hoped — a reassuring, friendly hug. It was a bit awkward with the height difference, making you bend down a bit, but it worked. "You got this." He said with surety. "You're the best Beater I've ever seen. You'll do well out there."

"You better make sure Black doesn't hear you, or else it'll destroy all the progress I've been making in getting closer to him," you teased.

James laughed again. He didn't see the way you quietly admired him and the way his facial features crinkled to accommodate the sound of joy that left his lips.

You cleared your throat, smiling down at James slightly. "I better get going," you said. "The team's waiting for me."

"Alright." James reluctantly let his arm slip down to his side and watched you leave. "Good luck!"

"Don't laugh at me if I fall off my broom!" You called back, disappearing from his view into the crowd pouring into the field without letting him respond.

He let out a breath, running a hand down his face to calm his racing heart.

Having a crush sucks.

—————

You exhaled sharply as you swung your bat, the thick wood hitting the Bludger with a mighty thwack as you sent it sailing towards a Slytherin Chaser.

Your hit landed on its target, sending the Chaser off-course and making her let go of the Quaffle. Your teammates caught it before it could hit the ground and quickly scored another point.

"As Ravenclaw scores another ten points, Captain Harlow makes a deep dive! It seems like he has his eyes on the Snitch!"

Your eyes immediately looked for your captain. You knew Seekers became an even bigger target when they were in pursuit of the Snitch, so you followed Harlow a few meters away, batting stray Bludgers towards other Chasers while also keeping a close eye on your Seeker.

"You're fucking annoying!" Mulciber, your opponent Beater, sneered, shouting your name around twenty feet away from you. You had been deflecting his hits throughout the entire match, no matter how hard he's been hitting. He wasn't used to being opposed and he obviously didn't like it.

You didn't reply, simply trailing behind Harlow. The Slytherin Seeker was hot on his heels, but you trusted your captain to get to the Snitch first.

Thwack!

Your body moved on instinct, like you had become one with your bat and broom as you raced forward and swung as hard as you could before the sailing Bludger could make contact with Harlow. Your arms hummed from the heavy impact, but you were able to counter the hit with your own strength, sending it towards the Slytherin Seeker.

It made contact with him, stopping his pursuit and letting Harlow grasp the Snitch.

"Harlow has the Snitch! Ravenclaw wins the match!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, numerous students in blue and silver jumping around in the stands as they shouted for their house.

Harlow turned around and gave you a grateful grin before pumping his fist enclosed around the Snitch in the air victoriously.

You were about to let out a laugh when you heard a cry of outrage behind you.

"LOOK OUT!"

You didn't get to react before you felt something hard hit you at the back of your head and make your world fade into darkness.

—————

Before James could even fully process what he was doing, he found himself on the field, pushing himself through the players that crowded over you.

He saw everything; how well you performed, your accurate bats, up until Mulciber threw his club right towards you out of anger.

He wasn't fully aware of his actions, even as he cradled your head in his hands to check if you were conscious, or alive even. All he could think about was how Mucliber had gone out his way to severely injure you even when the game had already ended, when Ravenclaw had fairly won.

He snapped back to the present when Madame Pomfrey appeared behind him and someone pulled him onto his feet.

James felt something warm on his hands. He looked down at them to check, and he swore his heart stopped.

They were red with blood.

Your blood.

"Prongs," Sirius was saying — he was the one who pulled him up to his feet.

"Pads," James said hoarsely. He slowly turned to face his best friend, and Sirius saw his hands, eyes widening in shock.

"Where the fuck is Mulciber?" He managed to get out behind gritted teeth. Sirius looked around, and James knew he spotted him when Sirius's jaw clenched and his face contorted in anger.

James didn't hesitate. He turned and once he saw Mucliber, he ran towards him and rammed him to the ground with so much force dead American football players rolled in their graves.

One hand wrapped around the neck of Mulciber's Quidditch jersey while he swung the other towards the Slytherin's face, making contact with a satisfying crack.

He pulled back, ready to hit again, before a hand wrapped around his arm, stopping him from continuing. Another hand grabbed his other arm, tugging him away from Mulciber while yet another set of hands wrapped around his stomach to keep him from throwing more punches.

"You fucking bastard!" James shouted out, thrashing in the hold of who he faintly recognized as your teammates and Sirius. He saw Remus and Peter jogging towards them in the corners of his eyes, but he didn't care.

He didn't care, because you were hurt, and the fucker who hurt you was right in front of you.

"JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER!" He heard Professor McGonagall's roar, and it was enough to stop him from struggling, breathing heavily. He would have continued, but he's never heard the professor sound that severe before.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor and detention for two days," she said harshly, glaring at him from over the rims of her square glasses.

"But Professor —!"

"Say anything else and I'll make it fifty points and a week's worth of detention."

James closed his mouth, but he pulled himself out of the arms of the Ravenclaw players.

The professor turned to Mulciber, who was being hauled to his feet while he moaned in pain. "Eighty points from Slytherin and a month's worth of detention with Mr. Filch," she all but spat at him. "Your actions were absolutely reckless and caused severe injury to another student who did nothing wrong except win a Quidditch match. Your punishment will be discussed among the teachers soon."

She turned to James, eyes just a tad softer. "He's in the hospital wing now," she said. "I suggest you pay him a visit before visiting hours end."

Not that it's ever stopped you before, James knew what McGonagall was implying. He gave her a nod, shot a heated glare at Mulciber, and stormed away to the hospital wing, too mad to even say a word to the other Marauders despite their questions.

He needed to make sure you were okay, then he would be okay too.

—————

The first thing you noticed when you regained consciousness was not the bandages around your head, or the pain, or even the chill that creeped up on you from the gaps of the blanket around your body. It was the weight of a hand over yours, warm and gentle, as if worried your hand would break under more pressure.

It was a struggle to raise the heavy lids over your eyes, but you were successful nonetheless. Once your eyes adjusted to the darkness in the hospital wing, you saw the one and only James Potter, leaning face-down on the side of your cot, his back rising and falling evenly from his breaths.

You pushed yourself up to a sitting position, squeezing one eye shut at the pain that pierced the back of your skull from your movement.

Your hand slipped away from James' as you shifted, and it was enough for him to jolt awake, glasses crooked on the bridge of his nose and curly hair even messier than normal.

"What're you doing here this late, James?" You asked, your voice raspy from the lack of use.

James decided to leave your question unanswered, handing you a glass of water from the side table before speaking. "Do you remember what happened?" He asked carefully.

You tilted your head a little, trying to recall what caused your unexpected stay in the hospital wing. "I remember winning against Slytherin, and then something hit my head."

You shivered a little, and James scooted closer to you as if trying to provide you with warmth even from a distance.

"Did you see what happened?" You asked. "Did a Bludger hit me in the back of the head or something?"

James didn't speak for a moment, debating with himself. You sensed his hesitation, and that was all you needed to understand what had happened to you.

"Someone threw something at me, didn't they?" You leaned back on your cot. “Who?”

"Mulciber." You felt a bit taken aback at the venom in the boy's voice as he said the name.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair before pausing as a flare of pain emanated from the back of your head. “I expected as much. He seemed pretty pissed when I knocked their Seeker away from the Snitch.”

James watched you with an incredulous expression. “How can you be so calm about this?” He demanded. “You could’ve been hurt worse because of Mulciber.”

“I know,” you said placatingly, trying to soothe James’s rising anger. “But honestly, would you have expected anything less from him? He’s a sore loser, always has been.”

“You don’t understand.” James said your name with a tone much more serious than you’ve ever heard from him. “You fell off your broom. You could have died!”

You were once again caught off guard by his words. You paused, reaching your hand out to pat the back of James’s hand that was still on your cot.

James felt his cheeks heat up, both from your touch and the way you looked at him. Eyes soft, lips slightly upturned into a reassuring smile that was doing wonders at calming him down.

“I’m sorry you had to watch that,” you said genuinely. “But I’m alive. I’m living and breathing in front of you, right?”

James nodded reluctantly. “Right?”

Your smiled widened. “See? It’s gonna take more than Mulciber and his pettiness to kill me.”

James finally let out a small chuckle, and you felt your chest warm victoriously.

You pulled your hand back. “You should go back to your dorm,” you said. “I don’t know what time it is, but I’m fairly sure visiting hours is over and Madam Pomfrey would have your head if she knew you were still here bugging one of her patients.”

James moved before thinking, hand moving forward to grasp yours again. “I’m not going anywhere,” he declared with such emotion it made your heart stop and you cheeks slightly warm. “I’m staying here until you get better.”

You let out a shaky laugh. “You sure? That could take a while.”

“I can wait,” James said simply, flashing you a smile that made your cheeks feel even warmer. “For you, I can wait forever.”

You smiled at that, leaning your head back and trying to keep your eyes open despite the drowsy spell that was suddenly laid over you.

James noticed your struggle. “Sleep,” he said, adjusting his grip on your hand so it would be more comfortable for the both of you. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“You better be, Potter,” you said in a joking manner, but James knew you meant it. He knew that you often hid your yearning for human contact with jokes and crooked smiles, so he knows how much him staying there with you actually meant to you.

It’s just proof that he’s getting to know you pretty well.

“I will,” he reassured, shifting in his chair so and leaning back, while still keeping his hand with yours on the cot.

Staying true to his word, he was still there when you woke up.

[lanawrx]

Tutoring Sessions with Johnny Joestar: Macromolecules

a/n: the fall semester just started and this is my first time taking biology so I'm writing fanfiction to help me study LMAOOO

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆

It was a late afternoon, and the sun streamed through the library windows, casting a warm glow across the tables. The campus was quieting down as students finished their classes for the day, but you were still hard at work, sitting in a cozy corner with your biology textbook open in front of you.

Next to you sat Johnny Joestar, your lab partner and a cute guy you’d gotten to know over the semester. He had offered to help you study for the upcoming biology exam, and you were grateful for his help—especially since you were struggling to wrap your head around macromolecules.

Johnny leaned back in his chair, casually flipping through his notes. “Alright,” he began, glancing at you with a small smile. “Let’s start with the basics. Do you know what a macromolecule is?”

You nodded slowly. “I think so. It’s a large molecule made up of smaller units, right?”

“Exactly,” Johnny replied, leaning forward, his blue eyes focused on you. “Macromolecules are big, complex molecules that are essential for life. There are four main types: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Each of these has a unique structure and function, but they’re all made up of smaller building blocks.”

“Got it,” you said, feeling a bit more confident. “And polymers?”

“Right. A polymer is a type of macromolecule. It’s basically a long chain made up of repeating units called monomers,” Johnny explained, tapping his fingers on the table as if to emphasize each point. “Think of it like a necklace, where each bead is a monomer, and the whole necklace is the polymer.”

You nodded, picturing the beads in your mind. “Okay, that makes sense. So, how are these polymers formed and broken down?”

Johnny grinned, clearly pleased with your progress. “Good question. Polymers are formed through a process called dehydration synthesis, or condensation. That’s when two monomers join together, and in the process, they release a molecule of water. On the other hand, breaking down polymers is called hydrolysis. That’s when water is added, breaking the bonds between monomers.”

You scribbled down notes, grateful that Johnny was making these concepts easier to understand. “Dehydration synthesis to build, hydrolysis to break down,” you repeated.

“Exactly,” Johnny said, giving you an approving nod. “Now, let’s go over the structures and functions of the four main types of macromolecules.”

He pulled out his own notes and started with proteins. “Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are their monomers. The sequence of these amino acids determines the protein’s shape and function. Proteins do a lot—they’re involved in everything from catalyzing chemical reactions to providing structural support to cells.”

He paused to let you catch up, then moved on. “Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are made up of nucleotides. These nucleotides have three parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.”

“Carbohydrates,” he continued, “are made up of sugar monomers called monosaccharides. They’re the main source of energy for living organisms. Simple sugars like glucose give us quick energy, while complex carbs like starch provide a slower, more sustained release.”

Finally, Johnny turned to lipids. “Lipids are a bit different—they’re not true polymers because they’re not made up of repeating monomers. But they’re still considered macromolecules. Lipids include fats, oils, and phospholipids. They store energy, make up cell membranes, and play a role in signaling within the body.”

You finished writing and looked up at Johnny, who was watching you with a small smile. “That was really helpful,” you said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I think I understand this stuff a lot better now.”

Johnny chuckled softly. “I’m glad I could help. You’re doing great—just keep going over your notes, and you’ll nail that exam.”

You smiled back, feeling a warm glow that had nothing to do with the setting sun. “Thanks, Johnny. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He shrugged, but there was a hint of shyness in his expression. “No problem. I guess being lab partners has its perks.”

You both shared a quiet laugh, the atmosphere between you light and comfortable. As you packed up your things, you couldn’t help but feel a little closer to Johnny—not just as a lab partner, but as a friend who was genuinely invested in helping you succeed.

“Maybe we can study together again sometime?” you suggested, hoping you didn’t sound too eager.

Johnny’s smile widened, and he gave you a small nod. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

With that, you both headed out of the library, the evening air cool against your skin as you walked together across the campus, discussing plans for the next study session.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡ Thanks for Reading! ˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 01x51 - Hell's Jester, Piemon / The Crest of Friendship

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Jou decided he needs to forge his own path by following in Yamato's footsteps. Meanwhile LadyDevimon made everybody extremely uncomfortable as part of Piemon's master plan to squick the Chosen Children into leaving his front door.

Now, with LadyDevimon's death, Piemon has come out to attend to what remains of the assault team in person.

We open on Jou searching for Yamato, while Yamato's harmonica music paradoxically plays in the background.

Narrator: Around this time, Jou, with harmonica in hand, was searching for Yamato. Gomamon: JOU, LOOK!!!

Gomamon draws Jou's attention to an abandoned swan boat.

Gomamon: IT'S YAMATO'S BOAT!!! He must be around here! Jou: But we don't know how long it's been here. We aren't even certain that Yamato was the one who used it. Gomamon: That's fine! We're sure to find him. By now, Yamato probably also thinks that it's about time he rejoined us anyway.

Jou examines Yamato's harmonica.

Jou: You're right. It was my idea to go look for Yamato. I can't be having second thoughts now! Gomamon: Yeah, exactly! You've become a lot more manly lately. Jou: What's that supposed to mean? (playful, pokes Gomamon) Are you saying I wasn't manly enough before?

Jou and Gomamon both break into laughter. Gomamon seems very pleased by Jou's decision to forge his own path, but he was also satisfied when they were still with Mimi's nakama. So it seems like Gomamon's just happy regardless of what Jou chooses.

As with Gabumon, it's most important to Gomamon that Jou be the one to make the choice for himself.

The dub opens by implying that Joe and Gomamon have been searching for a while now.

Joe: We've looked everywhere, Gomamon, but we still can't find Matt. Gomamon: Maybe your harmonica playing has been keeping him in hiding. Joe: (sarcastic) Mm. Everybody's a critic. Gomamon: Hey, Joe! LOOK OVER THERE!!! Joe: What is it? (Swan Boat) Gomamon: It's Matt's boat! He must be close by! Joe: But we have no idea of when he left it, or if he was using it at all! Come on, we'd better keep looking. Gomamon: Don't be such a downer; This is our first clue in a long time and I want to see a little Get Up and Go-mamon!" (Joe inspects the harmonica) Joe: I guess I'm still pessimistic 'cause when we found Matt's harmonica, it led us nowhere. But you're right. He could be nearby. Gomamon: Now, that's the spirit, Joe! You've become a real man lately! Joe: Oh, I get it now. (playful, pokes Gomamon) So you're saying that I wasn't a real man before, huh? Gomamon: (laughing uncontrollably) Joe: Are you man enough not to laugh when I tickle you?

This is really good. The bits about their search fudge the events a bit. They followed the harmonica music to Elecmon, who told them about the swan boat. Then they crossed the lake to pursue the swan boat, and now they've found the swan boat. This has been a pretty straightforward tracking mission so far.

The dub seems to imply that, after crossing the lake, they found nothing and had to wander aimlessly for a long time. But now they've stumbled back onto the trail by chance. This is a much messier version of events.

However, the playful banter between the two is a top-notch and entirely faithful adaptation of the original dialogue. Dub Gomamon also implies that Joe's been (badly) trying to play Matt's harmonica in the time since we last saw him, which is a funny mental image.

Meanwhile, outside Piemon's observatory, WarGreymon is on the offensive.

Calling Dramon Killer as an attack, WarGreymon volleys rapid-fire stabs at Piemon but struggles to land any of them. Piemon darts and weaves too easily through his attacks.

WarGreymon finally manages a solid hit when he surprises Piemon with a kick, knocking him back into the roots of a large tree. But Piemon picks himself up, seemingly no worse for wear.

Taichi: GOT HIM!!! Piemon: Muhahahahaha! Do Chosen Children truly rely on such childish tricks? Taichi: (surprised) What!? Piemon: My expectations have been dashed. I thought you'd be tougher than this. Koushiro: WarGreymon's attacks aren't having any effect at all! Hikari: (worried) Onii-chan, are we okay? Taichi: (determined) We're fine.

This fight is going badly. They landed a hit, but didn't seem to do any damage and had their successful hit written off as 子供騙し kodomodamashi, a composite of 子供 kodomo meaning "child" and 騙しdamasi which means "deception".

Kodomodamashi is a transparent, juvenile trick that only a child would think is clever.

Of course, what it says about Piemon that he fell for a kodomodamashi goes unremarked upon due to how intimidating he is right now.

In the dub, WarGreymon calls Dramon Killer as "Mega Claw". Probably to avoid the K word, even though they already solved that problem in the past by calling them "Dramon Destroyers".

Tai: I think we won! Piedmon: Hahahahahahahaha! Thank you for the sparring match, WarGreymon. Now I'm ready for the main event. Tai: Oh, no! Piedmon: Once upon a time, there were these DigiDestined. And then Piedmon destroyed them all. The end. Izzy: No offense to your storytelling skills, but I'd like it better if your ending were different. WarGreymon: IT WILL BE!!! Kari: We can't win unless we're all together! Tai: (worried) Where are they!?

This scene is very different. Piedmon isn't so dismissive of the children's abilities here; He simply blusters menacingly, including a callback to the Dark Masters' debut when he told the kids a twisted faerie tale of their own impending deaths.

Kari and Tai here use their lines to remind the audience that we're trying to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. It also makes a stronger transition into the next scene, as we find Sora and Takeru searching for the others.

Angemon seems to have reverted to Patamon between episodes, as the three of them are all riding Birdramon's talons. Sora uses her Digivice's radar function to try and scan for the others.

Sora: The Digivice still isn't reacting to anything. Patamon: The powers of darkness must be too strong. Sora: (thinking) How are we supposed to find them in this vast Digimon World? Takeru: ...Sora-san? Sora: What? Takeru: Will we find Onii-chan? And all of the others? Sora: ... Takeru: Sora-san? Sora: We'll find them, no matter what. (starting to freak out) If we can't then we're all.... Takeru: Sora-san! Sora: Ah! Takeru: ...are you okay? Sora: (polite laugh) Sorry about that. I'm fine! We'll find them.

Despite the fact that Sora is clearly only pretending to be okay while the stress eats her alive from within, Takeru accepts that answer with a smile. He's eight.

Sora: (thinking) I have to bring everyone back, or else we won't be able to defeat Piemon. This world... We won't be able to stop it from being destroyed.

Despite her attempt to keep Takeru from fretting over it, the stakes coupled with the seeming impossibility of her task are weighing heavily on Sora's mind.

In the dub:

Sora: The Digivice isn't responding at all. Patamon: I hope we find them soon; I'm getting airsick. Sora: (thinking) We'll never find them all. The Digital World is too big. They could be anywhere. T.K.: Hey, Sora? Sora: What? T.K.: We'll be able to find Matt and the others, right? Sora: (thinking) Should I tell him the truth? T.K.: Well, Sora? Sora: The only thing I can say, T.K., is.... (crying noises) T.K.: ...are you alright? You're not crying, are you? Sora: Just something in my eye! Don't worry! We'll find them, T.K! (T.K. smiles) Sora: (thinking) We'll find the others because we have to! Unless we fight as a team, we'll never defeat Piedmon! We can't let him destroy the Digital World!

Pretty straight adaptation.

They cut Sora's implication that Piemon is going to kill them all, replacing it with Sora breaking down into non-verbal sobbing.

Cutting back to the fight, WarGreymon attempts to land his Brave Tornado. It's gone two for two on Ultimate opponent kills so it's a good choice.

It does not go well. Continuing to fight circles around him, Piemon hurdles the attack with a jolly flip. Emerging from the ensuing dust cloud with scuff marks all over his armor, WarGreymon looks like he did more damage to himself with that attack than to Piemon.

Tailmon: He's strong! Hikari: Onii-chan-- Taichi: Everyone, stay back! Hikari: But why, Onii-chan!? Taichi: Wait until Yamato and the others get here! You just fought LadyDevimon; You need time to recover your stamina!

Taichi is still thinking ahead. Focusing on the next fight and not this one, even though the next fight is technically a part of this one. Banking not on winning this fight, but on WarGreymon holding the line until they can hit Piemon all at once.

The dub calls Brave Tornado as Terra Force.

Gatomon: He's tough. Kari: We should all fight. Tai: Everyone stay where you are! Kari: But Tai! Why not!? Tai: The Digimon are still too tired from our fight with LadyDevimon. We have to wait until we're at full strength, when Matt and the others rejoin us.

Another faithful adaptation. Kari does manage to spell out what she wants to do, where Taichi cuts off Hikari and leaves it implied. But what she wants is clearly the same in both versions.

From there, we finally go check in with Yamato and see what he's up to. He is in a hole.

Narrator: After Yamato separated from Taichi's group and became a solitary child, he tried to put his thoughts in order. Before he knew what was happening, he found himself lost, wandering through a dark cave. Gabumon: Yamato.... I have a bad feeling about this cave. Let's hurry up and find a way out. Yamato: Yeah. You're right.

Yamato agrees verbally with Gabumon, but he doesn't hurry up. Instead, he loses himself in memories, flashing back on Takeru announcing that he rescued himself from Pinocchimon's mansion.

(Flashback) Takeru: I was able to protect myself all on my own this time! (End Flashback) Yamato: (stops walking) I.... Gabumon: Huh? What is it, Yamato? Yamato: I kept saying that Takeru needed me. The truth is, I was the one that needed him. Convincing myself that Takeru needed me is how I found my place. But.... (Flashback) Hikari: That's incredible! Taichi: That's awesome, Takeru! Congrats! Mimi: We were so worried about you! Jou: You sure have grown up, without any of us realizing. (End Flashback) Yamato: Takeru has everyone supporting him. And Taichi acted more like a real big brother than I ever did.

Yamato doesn't answer. Silently, he starts walking deeper into the dark cave.

The dub takes its first commercial break following the previous scene, then we come back to Matt. They don't have the narrator to poetically set up Matt's metaphorical-made-literal surroundings, so Gabumon has to do the job. He plays the spooky cave for nervous laughs.

Gabumon: Matt? Matt: Yeah, Gabumon? Gabumon: Maybe we've been traveling in this direction a little too long. This cave is starting to give me the creeps. Let's hurry up and get out of here! I'm still not sure what you mean by 'trying to find yourself' but I'd appreciate it if you didn't look in here! Matt: Sure. Whatever.

The dub's flashback is only slightly altered; T.K. says "I told you I'd be back" instead of "I told you I could do it." But it's by far the most consistent a dub flashback has been yet.

(Flashback) T.K.: See, everybody? I told you I'd be back! I can take care of myself just fine! (End Flashback) Matt: I've been living a lie. Gabumon: You're not a real blond!? Matt: (heavy sigh) I kept saying T.K. needed me but, really, I was the one that needed him. Gabumon: What do you mean? Matt: I used to think that my one purpose in life was to protect my little brother. But then.... (Flashback) Kari: You're the man! Tai: Nice going, T.K.! Great job, buddy! Mimi: We were so worried about you! Joe: Boy, for a little kid, that was a pretty big escape! (End Flashback) Matt: He didn't need me to protect him anymore. And Tai was much better at acting like a big brother than I ever was....

Tonally inappropriate blond quip aside, this is still a pretty straight adaptation.

Gabumon's not about to let that last remark from Yamato go unquestioned.

Gabumon: What are you talking about? You are Takeru's older brother, Yamato! Yamato: I don't deserve to be Takeru's big brother. I just used Takeru so that I could feel secure in my place as his brother. I needed to believe that Takeru had no one else but me.

As Yamato speaks, a tendril of concentrated darkness moves through the cave behind him. Yamato, unnoticing, sits down in the cave and pulls his knees to his chest.

Yamato: That's why I got so mad at Taichi. I felt like he was trying to take Takeru away from me. Taichi is decisive and has strong leadership. Most of all, he treats Takeru like a man. Gabumon: Now what's brought this on, Yamato? There are so many great qualities that are unique to you too! Yamato: I always thought of Taichi as tactless and dim-witted, but I just couldn't see. Gabumon: Yamato....

This is the discussion they were trying to have back with Jureimon. This time, Jureimon isn't here to direct Yamato's anxieties. But Yamato's been thinking about this long enough for his anxieties to become self-sustaining.

He's still wandering the forest of lost souls.

In the dub:

Gabumon: But you don't have to act. You are T.K.'s brother! Tai isn't! Matt: That's just the point. I don't act like a brother at all. And even though it made me feel good to think that I was the only one there for him, in reality, all the kids were. Gabumon: Let's talk about this outside. There's something strange about this place.... Matt: That's why Tai made me so mad! I thought he was trying to take T.K. away from me! (Matt sighs and sits by the wall) Matt: Tai might be real bossy and hard-headed sometimes but he never treated T.K. like a child, which is how I've always treated him. But I'm the one who's childish. Gabumon: Matt, stop putting yourself down! Sure, you have some teenage angst, but you've been a great brother to T.K.! Matt: I used to think Tai never thought about anyone but himself, but that actually describes me a lot better. Ugh.... Gabumon: Oh, Matt....

"You have some teenage angst", Gabumon? I'll take "Lines that remind you that these children were written by thirty-year-olds".

(Matt isn't even a teenager!)

Gabumon gets an extra line so he can say, "Can we have this conversation in a less spooky and thematically resonant place?" Which is a valid interjection.

Suddenly, Gabumon notices the swirling darkness around them.

Gabumon: (gasp) Yamato! Something's wrong with this place!

The darkness of the cave surrounds and engulfs Yamato. He doesn't even seem to notice as it pours into him; His eyes glazing over with darkness.

Yamato: There's no hope for me. I can't go back and rejoin the others' nakama. Gabumon: STOP THAT!!! (scolding) Without you, Yamato... If the eight of you don't come together then this world is doomed! Yamato: They don't need me. It wouldn't matter if I was there or not. Gabumon: YAMATO, GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!!! Yamato: Forget it. Just leave me alone. Gabumon: HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!?!? Yamato: ... Gabumon: (tearing up) Yamato....

Gabumon's saying correct things but it doesn't matter when the other person is not in a mindset to be told. Yamato's depression is spiraling, and he's dissociating. He's not really here in this conversation, and eventually he stops responding entirely.

This is intercut with imagery of Yamato sinking into a vast, bottomless ocean of darkness.

In the dub:

Gabumon: (gasp) OH, MATT!!! I THINK YOU'D BETTER TAKE A LOOK AT THIS!!! Matt: Whatever. I'm no good. I can never go back to being their friend. Gabumon: You have to! Don't you understand that if the eight of you don't get back together, the Digital World will be destroyed forever! Matt: They don't need me. And besides, seven is a luckier number than eight. Gabumon: HEY, MATT, SNAP OUT OF IT!!! Matt: Just go away. I want to be alone. Gabumon: Come to your senses! Matt: ... Gabumon: (tearing up) Matt, listen....

Super inappropriate time for a quip, dub team. Again, this is pretty straightforward in its translation, apart from the futile attempts to inject levity.

At this point, Yamato shuts down entirely. He's as still as the grave, and trying to break through with reason has failed. Only one option left: Resort to violence.

Gabumon bites down on Yamato's leg hard enough to break him out of his dissociation. Yamato gets up suddenly, backhanding Gabumon off of him.

Yamato: OW!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!?

As Yamato stands up, there's a single-frame animation error where he and his darkness aura briefly separate. As a mistake, Yamato physically goes back to his previous frame instead of into the next frame of his standing up animation, then teleports to a standing position in the frame after. Meanwhile his aura continues on into the next frame and then the one after like it was supposed to.

The aura goes 2-3-4-5 while Yamato goes 2-3-2-5.

This implies that Yamato and the aura are being animated separately, which I find fascinating. How did this mistake happen, I wonder?

Anyways.

Gabumon: There is only one Yamato in this world! Am I wrong!? So then why do you keep comparing yourself to Taichi!? Obviously you and Taichi are different! You're Takeru's big brother, aren't you? It makes no sense to say Taichi's a better brother than you are! Yamato: ...Gabumon...? Gabumon: Besides.... What would I do if you were gone!? I spent so long in this world waiting for you, and you alone! Yamato: Gabumon.... Gabumon: Do you truly want to be alone, Yamato? Because if so, then I'll leave this place by myself. But only if that's what you really want.

Gabumon's teethmarks in Yamato's leg do wonders for getting him to pay attention and engage with what Gabumon is saying. This time, he seems to actually be listening and processing Gabumon's words.

In the dub:

Matt: OW!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? ARE YOU CRAZY!?!? Gabumon: Don't you understand, Matt!? You've got to quit comparing yourself to Tai! You're not him! It's like ice cream; He's vanilla and you're rocky road. But only one of you is T.K.'s real brother and it's not him! No matter how much he impresses T.K., Tai will never be able to break the bond that you two brothers share! Matt: Gabumon.... Gabumon: And besides, don't you think it would break my heart if you weren't here? After all, I didn't wait my entire life for you to arrive just so you can wallow in self-pity! Matt: Huh? Gabumon.... Gabumon: But Matt, if you really want to be left alone, then I'll respect your wishes and disappear. But only if that's what you really want me to do.

Accusing people of wallowing in self-pity is rarely a convincing argument against continuing to wallow in self-pity, Gabumon. In fact, that's a great way to kill an intervention by getting them defensive.

This was a little thing that's slowly been compounding but I don't like Gabumon's tone of voice in the dub. In the original, he's pouring his heart out and sounds on the verge of breaking down in tears. Which makes sense since he's actively crying.

The dub voice sounds aggressive and accusatory. There's not as much empathy for Matt here as there is for Yamato.

Also, they're still desperately trying to insert quips to keep this light, and they are failing miserably. This is still a dark and serious conversation even with Gabumon and Matt making tonally-inappropriate jokes here and there.

Faced with Gabumon's emotional earnestness, Yamato clenches his fist and answers.

Yamato: No. When I said I wanted to be alone... that was a lie. I was putting on a front. Since I was young, I've been pushing people away like that. But the truth is....

Yamato flashes back on his parents' divorce. The camera closes in on his face, as he watches Natsuko take Takeru away.

Yamato: Really, I'm lonely. I told myself no one would ever see me cry. If I had to be alone, then I was going to be a great man who can do anything by myself. But... what I wanted to do was cry. Gabumon: Yamato.... Yamato: (crying) I hate being alone.

Gabumon pulls Yamato into a hug.

Gabumon: I'm here for you! You can depend on me the way I depend on you. If you do that, then we can persevere (ganbaru) through anything!

Finally, Yamato unpacks the effects that his divorce trauma has had on him. Like Gabumon said back at the Jureimon encounter, Yamato is still, deep down, an empathetic young boy who wants to be loved and accepted by others. We've seen it multiple times throughout the series. He's always been driven by his empathy, even if he couldn't acknowledge it.

But he closes up and becomes defensive when his nerves are exposed. His fear of abandonment motivates him to push people away and try to act like a lone wolf. Even though he's really, truly not one, and never has been.

If anything, by his behavior, he's always been Team Mom, constantly looking out for the welfare of the group as a whole. Because that is his truth, buried beneath the lie he's been trying to convince himself to believe.

In the dub:

Matt: No, I don't really want to be left alone. Sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I've never let anyone get close to me before. Not since my family split up. (Brief divorce flashback) Matt: Ever since then, I've been alone. I figured if my family didn't want me, then I would just keep to myself and never tell anyone what I was feeling. And I swore I would never let anyone see me cry. But really, all I wanted to do was cry. Gabumon: Then cry. Matt: (crying) I hate being alone. (Gabumon pulls Matt into a hug) Gabumon: I'm here for you, Matt! I used to be lonely too! I wandered around the Digital World without any friends at all! And then, after I met you, I'd never be lonely again!

Yamato says that his lone wolf behavior is a deliberate ruse. That his behavior is fake. He pretends (poorly) to be a self-made island of a man who doesn't need anything or anyone, as a defense mechanism. But really, his behavior only isolates him further and makes him irate and miserable.

He is a very unhappy social butterfly, because he denies himself connection and pours all of his need for human contact onto Takeru. Who, as previously noted, slips through his armor because he can lie further and tell himself that he doesn't need anything but Takeru needs him.

Matt touches on that, but only goes as far as to say that he keeps people at arm's length. He explains that he closed himself off because "my family didn't want me", which is an obviously untrue childish exaggeration. Especially since we've met his family and we know how they feel about him.

Yamato describes himself as 一人 hitori, alone, as a result of the divorce, but doesn't cast blame for it. His story is focused on what happened in his head due to the divorce. He never implies that his parents hurt him intentionally.

Which makes it seem like this whole thing came from Matt just... misunderstanding the cause of his parents' divorce and thinking they broke up because of him. Yamato needs therapy. Matt needs a hug from his mom.

Then Dub Gabumon starts bald-faced lying about his background. Gabumon has never been alone. From the day he hatched, he's had a social network around him. He's thinking of Gatomon. He stole her backstory in order to pretend he could relate. The bastard.

Credit for letting Matt cry in the dub, though. Past episodes have taken a strong anti-boys crying stance, so that was a pleasant surprise to see.

Inspired and touched by Gabumon's words, Yamato responds.

Yamato: (smiling) You're right. Gabumon, because you were with me, I was able to make it this far. Even in the depths of this dark cave, you're still here, chasing after me. I don't have to be alone. Gabumon: Yamato! Yamato: I have the nakama too. And Takeru, Dad, and Mom.

Yamato flashes back again. This time, rather than the divorce, he sees the reunion with his parents and Takeru shortly after VenomVamdemon's defeat.

Yamato: (thinking) I'm sure I'll look much happier next time. Dad! Mom!

In the dub:

Matt: I know what you mean. Me too. After all, you're the main reason I came to the Digital World in the first place. And here I am, lost in this dark, strange cave, and you're still right by my side. That's the sign of a true friend. Gabumon: Aw, shucks. Matt: I guess I have friends. And that includes T.K. and my Mom and Dad! (Brief flashback) Matt: (thinking) Now I realize I was never really alone. People like me. They really, really like me!

Matt says "you're the main reason I came here" like that was a choice he made.

As a finisher, "People really like me" feels like a much weaker closing argument than "I'll look much happier next time my family sees me" in my opinion, but that may just be personal taste. This isn't incorrect; I just don't like it as much.

As Yamato self-actualizes, the darkness is purged from him and rises into the cave, swirling overhead. At last, Yamato sees it for himself.

Gabumon: Yamato, look! Yamato: What is that? Gabumon: It was coiling around you this whole time! Didn't you notice? Yamato: Not at all. Gabumon: I think it was trying to get inside your heart, Yamato. Yamato: It's black. ...I understand. These are the black feelings that I was experiencing just now. But you're wrong. Gabumon: About what? Yamato: That thing wasn't trying to get inside of me. It pulled out the darkness I already had inside. I think I've been carrying that darkness deep in my heart all this time. Gabumon: I see. Yamato: My isolation is what drew this darkness into me. But everything is different now!

Adding onto the thematically resonant nature of this hyperbolic place, the dark swirly-swirl is itself the manifestation of Yamato's feelings.

(I believe he has found the part of the Digital World that came from Silent Hill's data.)

In the dub:

Gabumon: Matt, look! Matt: What is it!? Gabumon: It's been around you this whole time! You mean you haven't noticed it until now? Matt: Not at all. Gabumon: It was weird. The more you talked about being alone, the bigger that thing got. Matt: It's pitch-black. ...that's exactly the feeling I had in my heart just a minute ago. I know what it is! Gabumon: Please tell me. Matt: It's the darkness that I've been carrying around with me this whole time. The darkness that's been buried in my heart. Oh, Gabumon, now it's ready to swallow me up whole! Gabumon: Like Jonah and the whale? Yamato: I have a feeling that if I didn't recognize it just now, it would have taken over my whole life. But I'm not gonna let that happen!

(spit take)

Okay so we can't use the word "holy" but referencing specific Bible passages is fine.

Then again, there was that one time Sora's mom yelled "Christ", but I'm still convinced that was an ad-lib no one caught.

Man, threading the needle of acceptable Christian references under 90's cartoon censorship is hard.

In any case, this is pretty solid. My one note is that they again removed the discussion of Yamato's feelings of isolation. Matt says this is the darkness he carries but does not go into detail about where that darkness came from, what it means for him personally. Instead, he treats it like an external threat trying to destroy him.

Which is. Y'know. The opposite of what this scene is meant to convey about Yamato's internalized darkness. That's his little trauma ball up there. Let's whack it with a stick! A stick made of love.

(Not you, Sora, this is not your time yet. Yamato has to learn to love himself first.)

Yamato: After all, I'm not alone anymore! Gabumon: That's right! Yamato: Thank you, Gabumon. Gabumon: Yamato! I've always, always wanted to thank you, ever since we met!

Yamato hugs Gabumon, and as they embrace, the swirling mass of Yamato's darkness disintegrates into pixels.

(God, I hope that thing isn't going to reincarnate into a Digitama. ...oh, wait, the Village of Beginnings is... Aww, I made myself sad. Piemon's darkness domain sucks! I hate it here!)

Yamato: You've been by my side, and I never realized. I've always had you! Gabumon: (happiness noises) Yamato: (stands up and grips Gabumon's claws) You might have to put up with a lot from me from now on, but I'm counting on you. Gabumon: I can handle that. Yamato: And I'm not going to complain anymore. Gabumon: It's fine! You can complain to me all you want. Haha! Yamato: Alright, then. I'll whisper my complaints to you very softly.

Gabumon and Yamato share a laugh. As they do, the cave around them distorts and fizzles out of existence. It was never real to begin with.

In the dub:

Matt: It can't hurt me because I'm not alone anymore. Gabumon: That's the spirit! Matt: I want to thank you, Gabumon. Gabumon: Don't mention it. That's what friends are for. Besides, I should be thanking you! You're the best friend a Digimon ever had. (Matt hugs Gabumon) Matt: Let's make a promise that we'll always be there for each other, no matter what happens. Gabumon and Matt, friends for life. Gabumon: (happiness noises) Matt: (stands up and grips Gabumon's claws) What do you say? Do we have a deal? A handshake makes it official. Gabumon: Will a pawshake do? Matt: And I promise not to complain anymore either. Gabumon: Don't start that again. If you're upset about something, you should get it off your chest. Matt: Alright, if you insist. I'll still complain once in a while, but only to you!

I appreciate Dub Gabumon calling Matt out for the "no complaining" thing. No, Yamato, suppressing your feelings and refusing to communicate what's going on with you is not the correct takeaway from this. Try again! Use your words! XD

The dub's take on the cave scene has been touch and go but I like this part. And yes, you are permitted a quip here. Now is the proper time for tension-killing gags.

As the cave fizzles out of existence, Yamato and Gabumon unpack what that was just now.

Gabumon: The both of us were just inside this huge cave of darkness.... Yamato: We've been lost for a very long time.... Jou: HEEEEEEEEEEY!!! YAMATOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Due to a lack of pronoun, it's unclear if Yamato is saying "We've been lost" as in they were in the cave for a long time or "I've been lost" as a reference to the psychological cage he'd imprisoned his mind in for years. This ambiguity may be deliberate, as both are appropriate context for this scene.

The abrupt sound of Jou screaming for them brings Yamato back to the present.

Yamato: (surprised) Jou!

Jou sprints up to Yamato, then stops and gasps for breath. Once he's caught his breath, he starts laughing and whips around to face Gomamon.

Jou: Ahahahahaha! I told you we'd find him! Gomamon: I never said we wouldn't. Yamato: (amused) What's all this, now? Jou: While we were walking here, I told myself everything would be fine as long as I believe in my path! Yamato: I see. Jou: Oh! Here.

Jou offers Yamato's harmonica to him.

Jou: This is your harmonica, isn't it?

Yamato takes it, closing his hand around it and closing his eyes for a moment. Basking in sentimentality. Then he opens his eyes again.

Yamato: Thank you.

Mission complete! I hope this helps Jou feel better about himself.

As Gabumon and Matt unpack the cave experience, the dub doesn't quite capture the poetry of the original.

Gabumon: Uh, correct me if I'm wrong on this one, Matt, but weren't we just in a big, dark cave a minute ago? Matt: That's right, and we were completely lost! Joe: HEY!!! MATT!!! OVER HERE!!! Matt: It's Joe! (Joe runs up, then stops to catch his breath) Joe: Hahahahaha! Who's the man now? I told you I'd find him! Gomamon: I never doubted you for a single minute, Joe! Matt: What's going on? Joe: I said to myself, "Joe," I said, "Just follow your own path and sooner or later you'll run into Matt!" I'm just glad it happened before I retired! Matt: I see! Joe: Oh! That's right. I forgot. Here. It's your harmonica, isn't it? (Joe gives Matt his harmonica) Matt: Thanks, Joe.

Joe's a little dub Joe about it but the whole exchange between him and Matt is nonetheless pretty accurate.

From here, we cut back to the fight with Piemon.

Piemon fires off his Trump Sword, throwing four swords at WarGreymon two-by-two. WarGreymon deflects the first pair with his Dramon Killer gauntlets, but the second pair slice past his exposed legs.

Then, moving of their own volition, the four swords fly up into the air to rejoin each other and come back around for another go. This time, all four swords slice past WarGreymon unblocked, carving him up.

Koushiro: WarGreymon is.... Hikari: (covers her eyes) No! I can't watch! Taichi: Shit!

Further attacks from the persistent projectiles bring WarGreymon to his knees. With WarGreymon struggling to even stand back up, the swords return to Piemon. Two by two, he catches and re-sheaths them on his back.

(Piemon vs. King Bradley, go!)

Tentomon: (distraught) Koushiro-han, put me in! Taichi: DON'T!!! Koushiro: (uncertain) Taichi-san!? Taichi: (thinking) Yamato, hurry!

Taichi's still holding the others in reserve for when the real battle begins, but he's running out of time and the others are beginning to question his decision.

The dub keeps the name Trump Sword for Piedmon's attack.

Izzy: WarGreymon's exhausted! Kari: (covers her eyes) I can't watch anymore! Tai: Stay tough! (WarGreymon continues to get slaughtered out there) Tentomon: Please, Izzy, let me help WarGreymon! Tai: No! Izzy: WarGreymon needs help! Tai: (thinking) Come on, Matt, where are you!?

Subtle change in that Izzy directly argues back at Tai. It's minor and makes sense for the dub's more assertive take on the character. Otherwise, mostly identical.

Cut to Sora and Takeru searching for the others.

Takeru: Ah! What's that?

Takeru points out Yamato's discarded swan boat.

Sora: Let's go take a look.

The Birdramon Express comes in low for a landing, and we go to commercial.

Can I just say that this swan boat is the unsung MVP of Digimon Adventure? Between this and the PicoDevimon sub-arc, it's put in so much overtime work to keep these children together despite their repeated insistence on splitting up.

In the dub:

T.K.: Look down there! Sora: That's Matt's boat! T.K.: But... where's Matt?

XD Sora, you weren't even there for the "Matt must have used the swan boat" conversation.

Hell, when they split up to reunite the team, it was Tai and Joe that took the boat across the lake! Matt stayed on land! You know this! You were stalking them!

Matt used the boat one time and suddenly everybody knows it as Matt's Boat forever. I hope this haunts him for life. I hope when they're forty years old, they're having a team reunion in the park and someone sees a swan boat on the lake and goes, "Matt, someone's stealing your boat!"

I mean. It is Matt's boat this time around.

But other people have used it too! That could be Mimi's boat! You don't know! XD

(Mimi, of course, having escaped being reunited by the boat this time around. Last time it was Koushiro who slipped the boat's notice. The boat does its best but there are many children and it can only do so much to gather them.)

Coming back from commercial, Sora and Takeru set foot on land.

Takeru: Onii-chan is nowhere to be found. Sora: (thinking, distraught) WHY!?!? At this rate, Taichi and the others.... (focused, determined) I'll find them. I promised! I have to find everyone and bring them back!

As if in response to her thoughts, a black void appears beneath Sora's feet. Darkness swirls, climbing up her legs. Takeru notices quickly

(There are benefits to being short.)

Takeru: Sora-san! Some black thing is crawling up your legs! Sora: Eh!?

Before she can react, a black void opens up beneath Sora, which then materializes into a deep, dark hole. Sora plunges into it.

Sora: (scream) Piyomon: SORA!!!

They don't emerge. Takeru stands at the edge, calling down into it.

Takeru: Sora-san!? SORA-SAAAAAAN!!!

(Did the boat know this would happen? Perhaps it is more nefarious than we realized. It did bring Yamato to Digitamamon's diner, after all....)

The dub lets Sora begin the conversation.

Sora: I hope he's not hurt somewhere. T.K.: We'll never find him. What are we going to do? Sora: (thinking) T.K.'s right. Maybe we should go back and help the others fight? (focused, determined) No. Tai asked me to find the others and that's what I'm going to do. I won't let him down! (Darkness appears and starts snaking up Sora's legs) T.K.: SORA, WATCH OUT!!! THERE'S SOME BLACK THING COMING OUT OF THE GROUND!!! Sora: Whuh? (Void becomes a hole and Sora falls in) Sora: (screams) Biyomon: (also screams, diving in) T.K.: Sora! SORAAAAAAAAA!!!

You get the impression that Sora's worried in the dub, but she's not quite at the "knife's edge of sanity" point that her Japanese counterpart is hanging out at.

Original Sora is hanging on by a thread, something that's apparent in both this and her previous scene. The stakes are so high but her task is seemingly impossible, and she's cracking under the pressure of those two conflicting realities.

In fact, this is the second time in as many scenes that she's had to suppress intrusive thoughts about Piemon killing them all. It's no wonder the darkness entity or whatever it is has taken an interest in her now.

Whether or not Sora can hear Takeru crying out for her, somebody does hear. Yamato and Jou come running.

Yamato: TAKERUUUUUUUUU!!! Takeru: (gasp) Onii-chan! Yamato: Takeru!

Yamato's first order of business is to hug his brother.

Takeru: Where were you!? I was so worried! Yamato: I'm sorry. I won't leave you like that again. I promise. Takeru: Huh? Onii-chan, you look a little different. Yamato: Don't worry about that, Takeru. What are you doing here, anyway?

Suddenly, Takeru remembers the current crisis. He points at the hole.

Takeru: Sora-san fell down there! Jou: (runs to the edge) EHHHH!?!? Sora-kun did!?

The boys peer down into the ominous unknown.

Takeru can be forgiven for being so excited to see Yamato again that he completely forgot Sora plummeted to her possible death two seconds ago. It's his brother, y'all.

In the dub:

Matt: T.K.!!! T.K.: Hey, that sounds like Matt! Matt: It sure does! (The brothers hug) T.K.: Oh, Matt, where have you been!? I was so worried about you! Matt: Sorry, T.K. I needed time to get my head straight, but I won't leave you again. I promise you. T.K.: Gee, Matt, you look different. Did you cut your hair or something? Matt: Nah, I just haven't been using as much gel. Where is everybody? T.K.: Some black thing pulled Sora down into that hole! Matt: Huh!? Joe: (runs to the edge) What!? Is she alright!?

I'm not sure the dub really understood the meaning behind Yamato "looking different", so they made a quip out of it. This is connected to Yamato saying that he'll look happier the next time his family sees him. Takeru's commenting on the visible change in Yamato's disposition.

Without that context, the quip's a bit of a non-sequitur, but it can be explained easily enough by T.K. having not seen Matt in a while.

I love the "That sounds like Matt!" "It sure does!" exchange. That's cute. ^_^

Gathering at the edge of the pit, the boys peer down into it. It looks eerily familiar to two of them.

Gabumon: Yamato, this.... Yamato: Yeah. This is the same cave we were trapped in earlier. Takeru: What is it? Jou: Whatever it is, we have to save her!

The boys climb down slowly into the black hole of darkness.

Jou: I have a bad feeling about this. Takeru: It's scary.... Yamato: It's okay! Don't be scared, Takeru. Your fear will agitate the darkness. Takeru: Oh! Got it!

Descending into the cave, a rock under Jou's foot gives way and he falls onto his butt.

Jou: UWAAGH!!! Oww..... Yamato: Are you okay? Jou: Yeah, the bottom wasn't too far down. I wasn't sure where I was falling to.

Once that's settled, Yamato directs the group's attention to the spooky cave.

Yamato: This is it. Jou: Where's Sora-kun? Takeru: It's so dark, I can't see. Patamon: I hear voices that way!

Everyone turns to look at the tunnel behind them.

Jou: (firmly) We'll start there.

Okay, I don't know about you guys but if someone said to me, "Your fear will agitate the darkness," that would be some scary shit that would absolutely not help me control my fear better. I was terrified of the scary hole and I am now pissing myself in the scary hole, thank you.

In the dub:

Gabumon: Hey, Matt, does this remind you of anything? Matt: Yeah! It looks just like that cave we were trapped in before. The same black thing must have gotten Sora! T.K.: You've seen it!? Joe: Come on, guys! We've gotta help her! (The boys start climbing down) Joe: I don't have a good feeling about this. T.K.: It's scary! Matt: Whatever you do, don't be afraid, okay, guys? I've realized that it's your fear that feeds the darkness. T.K.: That's easy for you to say! (Joe slips and falls) Joe: Wha--OW! Ugh.... Matt: Are you alright, Joe!? Joe: Yeah. Fortunately, I landed on the one part of my body that has a built-in airbag. (They face the cave) Matt: Very funny. Joe: Where's Sora? T.K.: We need a clue. Patamon: Listen! I think I hear something coming from over there! (Everyone turns to look) Joe: I'd call that a clue.

This is really good. I appreciate that T.K. calls Matt out for how scary that line was rather than just nodding and going, "Ah, gotcha."

They also manage to slip a well-placed quip in after Joe's fall. It's already a brief moment of levity so the quip fits in perfectly, and it doesn't replace any vital dialogue.

Following the voices, it doesn't take the group long to find Sora and Piyomon.

Piyomon: Sora! Sora, what's wrong with you? SORA, LISTEN TO ME!!! Gomamon: That's Piyomon's voice! Jou: Sora-kun must be with her!

The boys sprint down the tunnel until they find Sora and Piyomon. Sora's in the same position Yamato was in earlier: Sitting by the cave wall with her legs pulled up to her chest, covered in a black aura.

Piyomon: Sora! SORAAAAA!!! Takeru: SORA-SAAAAAAAN!!! Piyomon: Guys!

The boys surround Sora. Yamato tries to appeal to her.

Yamato: Sora, what's wrong? Get up.

After this incredibly convincing and thorough argument fails to budge Sora, Yamato tries violence.

(To be fair, it worked when Gabumon did it.)

He grabs Sora's arm and physically tries to pull her out of her sitting position.

Yamato: She won't budge. Jou: I'll help.

Jou grabs Sora's other arm and together they pull as hard as they can, thoroughly humiliating themselves as the black aura refuses to let go.

Jou: What the hell!? Did gravity change all of a sudden!?

Well, that was embarrassing. Great job, team.

In the dub:

Biyomon: Sora! Sora, talk to me! Please tell me what's wrong! Gomamon: That's Biyomon's voice! Joe: Which means Sora can't be far behind! (The boys start running) Biyomon: Sora! Sora! T.K.: Hang on, Biyomon! We're coming! Biyomon: Over here! (The boys surround Sora) Matt: Sora, what's the matter with you? Get up! (Matt pulls) Matt: She's stuck. Joe: Let me help. Matt: On three. One, two, three! (No dice) Joe: Once, it took four of us to get my grandmother off a toilet like that.

Gross. Can we go back to complaining about gravity?

Fine place for a quip, though. I just. Don't like the quip. <.<

After picking Sora up and carting her away like luggage has failed, we're back to talking.

Takeru: Sora-san is saying something. Jou: Huh? Sora: Have to keep looking for Mimi-chan... and Jou-senpai and Yamato-kun.... (crying) I have to save Taichi.... If I can't stop it, our world will end.... Piyomon: She hasn't answered me at all. She just keeps muttering the same thing over and over!

Jou kneels down and tries shaking Sora.

Jou: Yamato and I are right here! Look at me!

This seems to work. Sora looks up and sees Jou's face, though her eyes are glazed over with darkness just like Yamato's were before.

Sora: (deadpan as if in a trance) Senpai... Thank goodness.... And Yamato-kun too... Yamato: Don't worry, everything is fine. Sora: No, it's not. I can't go on like this. I'm supposed to be strong. I have to save Taichi... or the world.... Jou: Sora-kun, you're putting too much responsibility on yourself! Yamato: Sora! Your negative thoughts are turning into negative energy. The darkness in your heart is generating this cave! Jou: Wait, what!? Is that why you told Takeru not to be scared!? Yamato: This dark cave is a reflection of your dark feelings! Sora! You have to throw those feelings away! THROW THEM OUT!!!

Once again, Piemon's realm of darkness is an asshole. This is the worst stripe on Spiral Mountain. It's just concentrated death and despair.

In the dub:

T.K.: Hey, listen! Sora's saying something! Sora: I have to find Mimi... and Joe and Matt... I have to help Tai or the world will be destroyed! There's no place like home... There's no place like home.... Biyomon: She won't talk to me anymore. All she does is keep mumbling the same thing over and over again. Joe: Sora! Matt and I are right here! Look at me! Focus! Sora: Joe! You're really here... I can't believe it... and Matt's with you too! Matt: Just relax. Everything's going to be okay now. Sora: I'm afraid not. I haven't been trying hard enough. I have to get to Tai right away and help him fight because, if I don't, the world will be completely destroyed. Joe: Sora, come on! You can't be responsible for saving the world! Matt: You have to realize how strong your negative feelings are! They produce a powerful destructive energy! Sora, it's the darkness in your heart that has created the cave in the first place; Don't you get it!? Joe: Really, Matt? Is that true? Is that why you told T.K. not to be scared? Matt: Sora, listen to me. There's only one way to make this cave disappear. You've got to reach deep into your heart and erase all the negative feelings!

They start out by turning a portion of this sequence into an out-of-nowhere Wizard of Oz spoof, so that's a bad start.

The heightened aggression of the dub rears its head again. "Don't you get it!?" is a very unhelpful thing to say to someone who's having a panic attack.

From here, we zoom in on Sora's darkness-infused eye and enter her mind space. Sora floats in a black void, curled up just like she is in reality.

Sora: These feelings... What does that mean? Yamato: We're not doing this out of obligation, but because we want to do this. If you don't want to, then you don't have to. But I think it's because we wanted to do this that we made it this far. Sora: If I don't want to do it, then I don't have to.... Yamato: That's right! If you don't want to do it, then don't! Sora: That's... You're wrong! We have to do it!

Well, that was a bust. Yamato's putting in his best effort but Sora simply isn't receptive to the logic, "I mean you don't really have to save the world if you don't want to. It's fine to let your friends die and the world be destroyed. You think about what you really want."

If the stakes weren't so goddamn high, this might be a solid argument from Yamato. But as it is, it falls on deaf ears for predictable reasons.

In the dub:

Sora: I don't know if I can.... What should I do? Matt: You'll have to find the answer to that question on your own. Sora, this isn't the kind of thing you do just because you have to. If you're going to do it, then it has to be because you want to. Sora: You mean that I don't have to do it if I don't want to? Matt: Right. It will only work if you want to do it. Sora: I'm confused. How will I know what the right thing to do is?

Uh, point of order, she does not have to find the answer on her own. The whole point of this conversation is to help her find the answer. Matt didn't solve it himself when it was his turn either; Gabumon bit him in the leg to make him pay the fuck attention and then scolded him for three minutes!

Sora finds Matt's argument in the dub confusing and so do I. As opposed to original Sora finding Yamato's argument unconvincing, as did I.

Alright, senpai, you want to take a crack at this? Maybe Yamato doesn't feel the crushing weight of billions of lives on his shoulders, but Sora needs advice from someone who does.

Jou: Sora-kun! We're lost in a labyrinth and no one can help us, that may be true. But it's because we're the only ones capable of doing something about it that we're even here! Sora: We can do something about it.... Jou: Doesn't that thought fill you with courage? Sora: (excited) We can do something about it! Here and now!

That breaks through Sora's despair spiral. Inside her mind space, Jou and Yamato descend, each taking one of Sora's hands to pull her out. Back in physical space, the dark glaze vanishes from her eyes.

Sora: We can do it! That's right! Isn't that right? Yamato: And we're here for you. Takeru: Sora-san! Sora: (nods) Mhm! Piyomon: SORA!!!! (hug) Sora: Piyomon! Piyomon: Thank goodness, you're back to normal!

Awww. Yamato was trying to make it this a big philosophical thing about obligations and individual motivation. But really, all Sora needed was a pep talk from senpai. Legit, sometimes all it takes to change someone's entire day is to just tell them they're valid.

In the dub:

Joe: When this whole thing started, do you think we had any idea what the right thing to do was? Of course not! But that didn't stop us, did it? Maybe we're here for a reason. Maybe we're the only ones who can do it! Sora: We're the only ones who can make a difference.... Joe: It's working, Matt! I think we're finally getting through to her! Sora: (excited) We're the only ones... That's why we're here! (Sora wakes up) Sora: I get it now! You were right, Matt. How did you know? Matt: I kinda went through the same thing myself. T.K.: Welcome back! Sora: (nods, giggles) Biyomon: Sora! (hug) Sora: Biyomon! Biyomon: I'm so happy that you're the old Sora and not the new Sora!

With Sora's injection of positivity, the spooky despair cave once again fizzles out of existence.

Jou: It disappeared! Yamato: Because the darkness in Sora's heart disappeared. Sora: That was inside my heart...? Takeru: Hey! Taichi-san is waiting for us! Jou: Right! Yamato: To Taichi.... Let's go! Sora: YEAH!!!

It's not the full team of reinforcements that Sora was tasked with collecting. Mimi and her growing nakama are still out there. But she's got Yamato and Jou, and that will have to be enough.

In the dub:

Joe: The cave's gone! Matt: When the darkness from Sora's heart disappeared, so did the cave. Sora: I feel so relieved. T.K.: Boy, wait 'til Tai hears about this! Joe: Let's find him. Matt: Tai's waiting for us right now! Let's go! Sora: Right!

Minor difference: In the original, it's Takeru who reminds everyone on purpose that we need to hurry back to Taichi. In the dub, he casually mentions Tai and that's what gives Joe and Matt the idea that we need to go back.

This is part of the general trend of the dub trying to preserve T.K.'s innocence and childishness, which was particularly noticeable in the Puppetmon arc. But at this point, Takeru is as much a child soldier as the rest of them.

Cutting back to the fight.

Piemon fires the confusingly named Toy Wonderness at Taichi. Not even at WarGreymon; He attacks Taichi directly with a shockwave of compressed air.

WarGreymon jumps in the way and tries to block the shockwave, but enough force still gets through to throw Taichi a good ten or twenty feet.

Hikari: ONII-CHAN!!! Koushiro: Taichi-san!

Koushiro tries to run to Taichi, but Taichi calls out to him.

Taichi: KOUSHIRO, STAY BACK!!! You take care of Hikari.

Piemon hits him with another shot from Toy Wonderness. Again, WarGreymon blocks as much of it as he can, including a chunky bit; A large rock was lifted up by this shockwave, but it slams into WarGreymon's gauntlets and doesn't make it to Taichi. The wave, however, picks Taichi up off the ground and tosses him again.

WarGreymon crumples to one knee, doing his best to protect Taichi but running out of steam.

Koushiro: Taichi-san! I know protecting Hikari-san is the most important thing, but if this keeps up then you'll.... Tentomon: He's so stubborn! Taichi: (pained) It's fine. I can be stubborn or whatever. Just let me do this myself! I'll figure something out! Koushiro: No! That doesn't make any sense! Taichi: This is okay.... Koushiro: Taichi-san, do you really plan on doing this whole thing by yourself!? Taichi: Yes! What's wrong with that? Koushiro: You can't... Why!? Why won't you LET ME FIGHT WITH YOU!?!?

We rarely see Koushiro lose his cool. His politeness and civility is one of his most notable characteristics. So it's a big deal when he breaks down and starts screaming at Taichi.

The dub reuses the name Trump Sword for Toy Wonderness.

Kari: GET UP, TAI!!! Izzy: Hey, Tai! Tai: IZZY, STOP!!! You stay there! Protect Kari! (Second blast) Izzy: Tai, look. I know it's important for me to stay here and protect Kari, but in the meantime, who's going to protect you!? Tentomon: He tends to be a bit stubborn, doesn't he? Tai: (clearly barely holding on) Don't worry about me! I'm fine! I've got him right where I want him... He's exhausted.... Izzy: But I can help you! Tai: I'm fine! Izzy: That's funny. General Custer said the exact same thing at Little Big Horn. Tai: Thanks for the history lesson. Izzy: Alright then, just one thing. How come every time I ask, you NEVER LET ME JOIN IN THE FIGHT!?!?

I assume Izzy means this fight because Tai's let him join in plenty of other fights. In any case, his generally rude and dismissive demeanor means this moment of him snapping doesn't hit as hard as it does for Koushiro.

As with the darkness cave, they are trying very hard to soften things up with some quips.

Tai doing the half-conscious "I got him right where I want him!" bit and Izzy comparing him to a dead general keeps things silly and fun. This serves not to draw attention away from the fact that Piedmon is actively beating him to death as we speak, as the gags are still in service to the scene, but to make it feel less dire.

Unfortunately, Piemon's done with this. He lets off one more attack: Ending Snipe.

Clasping his hands together to make a finger gun, Piemon shoots off a bolt of energy. His shot shatters WarGreymon's armor and finally puts him down.

(So much for indestructible Chrome Digizoid. Everything has its limits.)

Hikari: WarGreymon! Taichi: War...! G-Greymo...on....

The last of Taichi's strength finally gives out. He collapses into the dirt.

Koushiro: TAICHI-SAN!!! Piemon: So, who wants to go next?

The dub renames Ending Snipe to Clown Trick, but at least they don't call this one Trump Sword too.

Kari: WarGreymon's been hit! Tai: No! WarGreymon... ugh.... (Tai collapses) Izzy: GET UP!!! Piedmon: Right, now who shall be next?

Suddenly, a voice rings out.

Yamato: TAICHIIIIIIIIII!!! Taichi: (weakly) ...Yamato...?

Taichi opens his eyes to see Garurumon and Birdramon on their way in, ferrying the missing Chosen Children except Mimi.

Yamato: TAICHI!!! Sora: TAICHI!!! Piemon: Some late arrivals. No matter; The result will be the same either way.

Piemon hangs out and does nothing while Yama runs to Taichi's side. He picks up Taichi and holds him.

Taichi: (weakly) You made it... I waited all this time for you.... Yamato: Taichi.... Taichi: I truly believed you'd come... I was certain of it.... Yamato: (tearing up) Thank you for believing in me. But I'm sorry I was so late. Taichi, you're my true friend! I won't let your friendship be in vain!

An interesting note is that Yamato doesn't use nakama here but instead goes for tomodachi. Nakama means we're working together towards the same goal. We're a team. Colleagues. Coworkers. Squadmates. And we will get to know each other and build social bonds as we move towards the same goal. That's normal.

Since Digitamamon's restaurant and up until the Jureimon incident, Yamato had become comfortable with being nakama with these people. But tomodachi, true and genuine friendship outside of the nakama's purpose? That was a bit further than he was willing to go.

But he doesn't just use tomodachi; He modifies it with honto as an adjective, which means "real, true, genuine, sincere" to show that he means it.

In the dub, we go to our last commercial after Tai passes out. Then we return to Tai passing out again to remind us where we left off.

Tai: WarGreymon... I'm coming.... Ugh... (passes out) Matt: TAI!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?!? Tai: ...huh... Matt!? Matt: Hold on, buddy! We're coming! Sora: Tai, it's us! We're almost there! Piedmon: Once upon a time, there were DigiDestined. Now they're just sitting ducks, waiting for me to take target practice. (Matt picks up Tai and cradles him) Matt: Tai! Tai: Matt... you made it... I can't believe you're here.... Matt: Yeah, I made it, Tai. Hang in there, buddy. Tai: I never doubted you for a second, Matt... I know it didn't always seem that way.... Matt: Thank you, Tai. For believing in me. I'm just sorry I was so late. Tai, you have to know how much our friendship has always meant to me! And I swear, nothing will ever come between us again.

Piedmon's new line, once again playing on the Storybook Time thing from his first episode, is off. It's an odd thing to have a character say when he's just going to stand nearby and let the dramatic reunion unfold.

Unless he's being literal, and meant he was going to pop back into the observatory to brush up on his skills at the shooting range before coming back to this. Which, you know what, maybe he did.

Not sure why Tai leads with "I can't believe you're here" when the point of the scene is that he had an unshakable faith that Matt would show up, even to the point of letting himself nearly be killed over it.

Still, Matt's big speech is the focal point of this sequence, and it comes through pretty well in the dub.

They can't just have him say "You're my friend" because they've been using friend as a translation for nakama, so the distinction between it and tomodachi wouldn't carry over. So instead, he uses their friendship as a whole and pours out his feelings over how important it's always been, confessing what we now know he's been suppressing since the beginning of their journey.

This is an effective and powerful sidestepping of the linguistic hurdle present in this scene.

Yamato's declaration suddenly causes his Crest to activate.

Garurumon approaches WarGreymon's body and gives his head a nuzzle. Rainbow magic pours out of his Friendship nuzzle and suddenly WarGreymon is back on his feet and good as new.

Taichi: This is.... Piemon: What the...? Garurumon: Yamato's Crest of Friendship gave me the power to bring WarGreymon back to life. WarGreymon: Thank you, Garurumon! Now I can fight again!

Sure, that might as well happen.

Given that WarGreymon hadn't disintegrated, I imagine he means this more in a "WarGreymon was on the verge of death" sort of way than a "I literally have resurrection magic now" sort of way. Like how a defibrillator brings someone back to life, but not in the same sense that necromancy does.

I would make a joke about how the Crest of Friendship also gave Garurumon the power to heal WarGreymon's armor, but they're DIgimon. The armor is technically a part of WarGreymon's body, because he's a wire-model frame with a texture skin over it. So, actually, yeah, it does make sense that it works that way.

Similarly, as goofy as this moment is, it does kinda make sense within the established rules. The Partner Digimon are powered by the energy from their associated Chosen Child. So, basically, Yamato's outpouring of Friendship made his Crest glow super-bright, and then Garurumon used his body to channel that energy from the Crest into WarGreymon and refill all his meters - in the process, resuscitating him from his half-dead state. That does make sense to me.

But on its face, as something that just happens and then we move right the hell along, this is wild. Especially with Garurumon just staring into the camera and explaining it as flat exposition with no elaboration. XD

In the dub, it's explained like this:

Tai: WarGreymon! Piedmon: Now what? Garurumon: Matt! Your Crest of Friendship gave me strength and brought WarGreymon back to normal! WarGreymon: Thank you, Garurumon. Now I can fight again!

Pretty much exactly the same except they crossed out life and wrote normal. A minor hiccup is that Garurumon says the Crest gave him strength and resuscitated WarGreymon instead of giving him strength to resuscitate WarGreymon.

A subtle but important distinction, because resuscitating WarGreymon uses up the extra strength Garurumon was given.

While Garurumon degenerates back into Gabumon, Jou and Yamato try to cart Taichi away to safety.

Koushiro: Guys! Hurry, hurry! Jou: Taichi, are you okay!? Taichi: (weakly) I'm fine....

Cut to Piemon, who has inexplicably been doing nothing while this is going on.

Piemon: I had planned on defeating you all in an instant, but if you so enjoy suffering, then I'll relish every minute of tormenting you slowly. Yamato: This jerk never shuts up!

Yamato has been here for thirty seconds and he's already had enough of Piemon.

In the dub:

Izzy: Come on, guys! Get out of there! Joe: Tai, are you okay? Tai: I think so.... Piedmon: My first thought was to destroy you all together in one nice little package. But now I believe I'd rather do it individually, so as to prolong your suffering a little longer. Matt: You sure talk a lot for a clown!

You tell him, Matt!

Piemon throws his Trump Sword once more. Gabumon responds by Warp Evolving into MetalGarurumon.

Hikari: MetalGarurumon!

WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon fire together, their combined energies destroying Piemon's four swords, which disintegrate into pixel dust as normal for Digimon parts.

Jou: YES!!! They broke through Piemon's swords!

For his part, Piemon hops over what's left of the attack as it reaches him.

Piemon: It seems the battle I've been waiting for has finally arrived!

We close here, with WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon finally reunited, and Piemon's promise that things won't be that easy next episode.

In the dub, Hey Digimon begins playing as the pair attacks. What ever happened to that cool 90's rap they had that one time?

Kari: Ha! Now he'll see what we're made of! (WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon vaporize the Trump Sword) Joe: They were able to break Piedmon's attack! Alright! (Piedmon hops over the attack) Piedmon: Well, could it actually be the case that I've finally found an adversary worth fighting? Narrator: Will WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon have enough strength to defeat Piedmon, the last of the Dark Masters? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.

We will indeed find out. And the answer may surprise you!

Assessment: Ahh, the infamous "Matt wanders around a cave for twenty minutes" episode.

Piemon's realm is in an odd place. There is a clear desire to spend some time fleshing out his stripe of Spiral Mountain and getting to know what it's about. But also, what it's about is death and despair, which makes it a tricky place to write a complete adventure fantasy episode about.

This episode uses it to confront Yamato and Sora's fears via the never-explained Cave of Go Fuck Yourself. There's just this one spot in the realm of darkness where, if you go there, you get pulled into a psychic quagmire of your own insecurities.

Weird. But the Digital World is full of weird shit so it doesn't really need explanation. Digimon tends to treat darkness as, to an extent, eldritch and unknowable. More of that in 02.

In any case, this is pretty much the quintessential episode for unpacking Yamato, detailing the effects that his childhood trauma have had on his development. But it also has its detractors on account of like half the episode just being preteens having anxiety in a cave.

There's not a lot of action or running around with goofy new characters in this one, if that's what you're here for. It's very drama heavy and character-focused.

[cabeswaterdrowned]

I don’t want to go off in the tags of that no fandom post so much but your bisexual PowerPoint Gansey tags. The idea of Gansey not comprehending bisexuality during the road trip SO funny to me because it implies either A) post-Pynch, Gansey just thought Adam realized he was always gay, something that really assuages Gansey’s guilt about “stealing Blue” (he is So Insane) or B) Gansey fully thinks being bi is just an Adam Thing. Because he’s Adam Parrish! Of course he’d have a special sexuality just for him. If anyone would, it would be Adam!

for anyone wondering these were the tags: https://www.tumblr.com/lesbianbluesey/753538524458991616?source=shareI think both are Highly possible and hilarious, but I’m going to go with the former because I do enjoy leaning into the ‘Gansey’s repressed controlled republican parents reaaally messed up his worldview’ aspect of everything he has going on, and because your right this would totallly be something he takes as “I don’t have to feel guilty about stealing (‘stealing’ because like. there was a lot more going onto that but in his head) my best friends girlfriend anymore!” *head in the clouds from crazy ex girlfriend starts playing in the background*. Now I’m thinking about him potentially telling Blue about Adam and Ronan (since we never really see her learn about them so I think there are several ways that could have happened but one of them is through Gansey) and him framing it as Adam came out to me as gay and in love with Ronan, well first off I think Blue would be way more surprised about the latter part of that than the former, and she would also have a lot of different feelings about this revelation.

 First of all I think it would be the opposite of Gansey where she starts to feel More guilty re: their break up and wonders if saying he should kiss Gansey was homophobic of her (it wasn’t it was extremely funny and cool of her, imo), she also feels really bad that her first normal-ish relationship with a boy was with someone using her (which isn’t Not true for their relationship in a way, just not in the way she’s thinking of) and feels extra annoyed with Adam for the Ninos argument (which she should because he was out of line in that scene imo, even though I also love that scene because it’s hysterical to me for reasons I’ve previously addressed and I love when Bluedam are cunts especially to each other) now that she thinks he was never actually into her. But she doesn’t want to be homophobic, so I feel like Blue tries to be a bit Overly Nice to Adam after this for the rest of the school year and it really unnerves/scares him, and then Gansey on the other hand allows himself to be more overtly cunty with Adam than he ever has before during that time period which Also weirds Adam out but he puts it down to him going through a lot what with dying and all. This would actually explain some things about the dynamic shifts between trc and td3 if this happened… 

To be clear Blue is coming at this from the opposite end of background effecting world view from Gansey; unlike Gansey who doesn’t know he’s bi or that bisexuality exists Blue doesn’t know She is bi but does know bisexuality and polyamory exist because she grew up surrounded by it, in fact I’ve said it before but I think the reason Blue isn’t aware she’s bi is… well one reason is she hasn’t had many close relationships with girls her age who aren’t in her family due to not having had many friends growing up since she was largely othered/bullied and then grew an armor/self-isolated (I actually have a tentative headcanon that in addition to her being bullied for being generally different in her youth some of that bullying had a homophobic bent to it because of the way she dresses and what the psychics are associated with and it being Henrietta.. it just seems right, so I think that would be an influence also) but also more importantly, Orla would have been out as bisexual since she was in high school and Blue is a Contrarian tm and Can Not have the same sexuality as Orla. Just on principle. She did feel jealous sometimes watching Orla go on dates with boys and girls but put that down to just general she-can-kiss-people-without-fear-of-murder-lips-and-I-can’t jealousy. Also I feel like Gansey might be able to grasp bi women more than bi men because of a) unfortunate tropes around that time b) the 300 fox way women c) Possibly Helen who I think could be sapphic but whether or not she’s sapphic definitely thinks Gansey is gay, this is textually canon, and definitely wants Gansey to be covert about it won’t go into this more / putting a pin in that for now. But anyway I think both Blue and Gansey would be more likely to consider the other being bi than themselves, is the thing I was getting at there. 

Anyway! I definitely think that after being told of Adam’s gayness Blue immediately understands that Adam was in love with Gansey based on all of the first two books when thinking back, Gansey on the other hand does not even consider the possibility of Adam ever being into him (at least not consciously, possibly deep DEEP down there’s some wondering but repression + plausible deniability + not wanting to seem arrogant (because I do think there’s a gray area sometimes between Gansey being oblivious about certain social situations vs him just being very used to compartmentalizing and prioritizing the quest) keep this out of conscious thought). So I think both Blue and Gansey need an outlet to talk through some of their Adam feelings but know the other can’t do that for them, which leads to (not to self plug but! This might be a scene that comes up in my ‘Reading TRB’ fic at some point… since I am playing with some intentional parallels between Sarchengsey and Bluedansey there, or at least that’s the intention in the mess of everything I have going on there) them separately gabbing to Henry about their feelings re: their situationship break ups, the shifting group dynamics with Pynch etc. and I think their accounts of the whole mess are Very different so Henry keeps getting more confused the more he listens to them, he doesn’t even know if one of them dated Adam or neither of them or both and it’s very frustrating but also intriguing for him he just wants to know everything (and he has some additional context from his Gansey stalking which should be … an interesting comparison point). 

Also when Gansey learns what bisexuality he immediately goes ‘I realized something about Adam!’ Henry, simultaneously expecting this and also wary: what about him? Gansey: He only told me that he loved Ronan he didn’t tell me he never liked Blue, Adam must be bisexual that means he must have been in love with Blue because who wouldn’t be that means I’m a horrible awful person and don’t deserve to live 😭😭 Henry, under his breath: goddamnit I can’t believe I’ve been trying to fuck you Gansey: what?? Henry: __ 

this was a fun thank you!

tagging a couple other blogs who I hope will enjoy my insane spiral, at least a lil: @immaterial-pearl @crimeronan

[land-of-evergreens-and-dye]

I need someone to see this and write a full fledged fic for this cause my brain cannot put this idea into any sort of words outside of this outline. Y'all have my permission to take this and run with it.

Stranger things but outside of the obvious supernatural weird shit that already exists werewolves also exist (whether other creatures also exist is up to you), and Wayne Munson is one of the more known werewolves in Hawkins. It doesn't run in the family, Wayne just got bit one fateful night so Eddie is just plain human. But Eddie is considered part of Waynes' very small pack. Wayne himself doesn't play into traditional werewolf roles. He tried to join a pack that already existed, but found the roles and hierarchies tiresome and pointless so he decided to stick to just him and Eddie as pack. Then during the events of season one Steve gets bit by the demogorgon while trying to apologise to Jon. The bite acts almost like lycanthropy, turning him into a weredemogorgan of sorts. So now the party have a problem on their hands of trying to find how to help Steve when he shifts. Steve has taken to isolating himself thinking he's a monster. So Nancy came up with the great idea of Steve spending full moons with Wayne. They don't have to give up his identity if he doesn't want to, and won't he have to worry about hurting Wayne. Steve only agrees if Wayne will have him. It's one of the things everyone knows about the man he doesn't do packs.

Wayne is skeptical when Nacy first came to him with her plan. She can't really disclose a whole lot to him about a potential new pack member only that this new member does not shift into a wolf and if the government found out all hell would break loose. But he sees the desperation and maybe a little guilt in the girls eyes and agrees to help. Imagine his surprise when the next full moon brings this towering creature crammed into the back of chief Hopper's truck looking almost sheepish despite having no face. Eddie was informed of the new comer and nearly ran for the hills when he first laid eyes on him, and he would have if Hopper didn't give him a look that could've killed.

Steve seems happier with this new arrangement since he won't let anyone from the party near him while shifted too scared he'll hurt someone. And since he was turned by something made to be apart of a hive mind being with a pack, even one as small as this one is, during the full moon helps sooth his panicky hindbrain screaming at him to be near his family. As months pass he comes to think of both Munson men as part of his pack, even though they don't know who he is. Wayne is too old and tired to try and take on the role of a traditional alpha so Steve takes the role making sure Wayne is always comfortable and that Eddie is tucked between them so no harm can find him. Eddie hates that if he's not squished between his uncle and this giant creature said creature will come grab him from his room and practically drag him the the makeshift nest in the living room by the scruff. Wayne is no help only huffing a laugh at the miffed Eddie being forced to take part in a puppy pile.

Then as the events of season 2 come around more and of the party get bit (i.e. Max, Lucas, Mike, and Dustin). So the next full moon after the tunnels a pretty pissed Steve with 4 demodogs are added to the trailer, which is getting pretty small to house these rather large guests. Joyce at least looks a little guilty trying to quietly herd them into the trailer apologizing about not having enough time before the full moon to warn the Munsons that the pack was expanding. Eddie was happy thinking these new additions would mean he no longer had to be squished into the living room, but Steve seems to have other ideas. Now instead of being placed in the middle he's made to lay on the edge of the pile laying head to head with Steve acting as an outer wall with steve doing the same for the other exposed part of the pile. Eddie does not know what to make of this. With each passing full moon Steve becomes more more affectionate with Eddie. Making sure he eats and is always within "eye" sight of him. Eddie feels werid playinng the role of some high ranked pack member helping protect what he can only assume are the children of this pack. While also not even being the same species as anyone in said pack, its practically unheard of, but when has Eddie ever been normal.

Things continue on like this and Eddie decides to name his new pack mates given he can't keep calling them things 1-4, and no one has come forward claiming to be these creatures. The names are nerdy and said creatures accept this with as much grace as faceless beings can. And Eddie can admit that since spending more time with them has been pretty cool, although watching Steve act like an absolute mother hen to his wayward pups is pretty funny. Especially when they turn their pent up energy on Wayne giving him some much needed playtime, although when they get too rough with the old man Steve makes sure to growl until they let the old man go and start rough housing among themselves. (Still not sure if they would have their own hivemind between the turned demo creatures or not up to you).

But by the time season 3 comes around thankfully no one else gets bit, but 2 new members are added to the pack in the form of a very excited Robin Buckley and a very sarcastic Erica Sinclar both of which don't want to leave their scoops troop counterparts alone and will not let slip who these creature really are. It may be due to the loss of Hopper that Steve even allows this, but Eddie will not complain since he is now no longer the only human in this pack. He was kinda hoping with Robin being added to the group that his nest protection duties were over. Maybe even a little jealous that he could be replaced so easily. But nope he just now gets the live reaction of Robin and Erica witnessing the Eddie Munson get dragged from his room to the perimeter of the pile and lay head to head with the pack alpha. Robin has the biggest shit eating grin which is making Eddie blush and Steve growl in warning, and the kids are all makeing this garbled huffing almost laughing noise along with Robin and Erica. Wayne is amused and just enjoys the pack that he now finds himself surrounded by. The biggest change after the mall supposedly burnt down due to faulty wiring, outside of his new pack mates, is his new neighbors moving in next door who seem relatively nice but keep to themselves. That and one of the pups seems more snappy towards the others yet Steve doesn't always reprimand them, much to Eddie's confusion.

By the start of the school year Eddie finds himself surrounded by 3 very excitable freshies who are overly familiar with him. All of who keep trying to involve his new neighbor with their escapades, and he watches as every attempt is met with her snapping at them to leave her alone. Then there is the new development of watching a very flustered and strung out Steve Harrington play chauffeur for his newest hellfire members and his angry new neighbor. The former king is always impatiently waiting for them to exit the drama building and ushering them into his car akways making sure to wave to Eddie for some reason. It confuses the poor man how his freshman know the former king and what they told him about Eddie to get him to always wave at him like they actually know each other.

Then the spring break from hell happens and Eddie miraculously wakes up in a private hospital room that is crammed full with the whole party, Hopper and Wayne included. The only person missing is Max who thankfully only suffered a broken arm and leg this time with Vecna fully taken care of. The moment he's awake Steve is on top of him hugging him and berating him all at once. Wayne can't even save Eddie from Steve's wrath because he's also gearing up to give Eddie a talking to as well. In the end the demobat bites have the same affect on Eddie as every other demo bite so far he heals up pretty quickly and on the next full moon debuts his new demobat form. Taking his job as pack security very seriously now that his own brain is yelling at him to protect his packmates that are growing up too fast for both his and Steve's liking.

This obviously ends with Steve and Eddie together as the packs parents. The goverment pay out the nose for leaving the fate of the world in the hands of untrained underage humans and weredemos. The trailer gets upgraded to a house able to hold their ever growing pack. Hopper is able to convince Owens to keep the goverment away from his family. And they live happily ever after or something.

[sometipsygnostalgic]

Video game console and case design

Today's hyperfixation is on the PLAYSTATION 5. Because I want one, but I really shouldn't buy one, so I am just looking up everything to do with games consoles and burning my brain out.

I used to be a proper xbox player, until I got my PC, then I never really touched by xbox again. I got a PS4 to play Persona 5 and since then it's been a blu ray player for my Adventure Time boxset, not much else. But the current gen - PS5, Series X - is arguably more powerful than my gaming PC, and I still have a lot of friends stuck on PS5, so I am considering investing in a unit.

Anyway is it me or did they really shit the bed with design in this generation?

Look at these chunky fuckers! They do not fit smoothly under your television at all. There is no detail or decoration breaking up their unnecessarily large faces, which makes them look bland and ugly. They look like they're made of cheap plastic, with the two controllers being the highest quality thing about them. I can attest the xbox controller is unbeatable, but playstation really made their shot this generation. A shame I can never get used to the dualshock joystick positioning.

The Series S and the PS5 Slim are almost NO improvement on the base designs.

For some reason they made the Series S look like a speaker???

The new PS5 slim FINALLY has a line across that massive faceplate, but the half matte half glossed finish is not doing it any favours. I think it would've looked much better if, for example, the matte and gloss plates were different colours. Like black and white! It also has an even MORE out of place disc drive, which I think is part of Sony's agenda to go digital only, and the two tiny "feet" for its horizontal positioning are pathetic! Personally I like this more than the original but not significantly, disappointing since I was really looking forward to it.

I want you to compare these nasties to the previous generation - the PS4 and the XBOX One.

....Now, what's hilarious about this image is the consoles look ALMOST IDENTICAL from this angle. And, I guess, that would be why Sony and Microsoft decided to make such a departure with the space heater PS5 and the fridge Series X.

But they both look very premium and advanced, and they fit very nicely in your living room.

The companies tried to look a bit more distinguished in their followup versions in the previous gen too. The white PS4 Pro looks a lot closer to PS5 with its quirkiness, but without the atrocious shiny plastic. Sony tended to add or remove a layer whenever they altered the PS4, I wonder what they would look like all stacked on top of each other.

It's not just the games console designs that suffer - Look at the game cases! I know that the companies want to incentivise you to go digital, but Xbox Series X cases are just awful.

So if you're confused - You should be!!! Microsoft have two kinds of case for the Series X. One of them is the EXACT SAME CASE as Xbox One, but with Series X printed on the front. The second newer version foregoes the sexy Xbox logo entirely and just has Xbox Series X printed in some default font. Awful awful awful.

Playstation is doing better, but barely.

They are reusing PS4 cases with a different print on them. It doesn't look as horrible as Xbox's, and it at least has a different colour on the logo, but damn, the jump between PS3/360 and PS4/One was really impressive, and now they've stopped bothering because they want everyone to go digital. If your game cases look like shit, why bother with physical?

I want to contrast with physical media kings Nintendo, who did an outstanding job in 2017 with designing the case for the Nintendo Switch.

These bad boys are mine. They're super thin, easy to stack, decent quality, and F U N. The red colour pallette makes them pop out. You can see one from across the store and go, "damn, that's a Nintendo Switch game".

I just want a thousand of them.

I would say a disadvantage, especially compared to the Gamecube games next to them, and even compared to 3ds, is that you can't tell what game you're looking at without going right up to them. These cases are TOO uniform, and really tiny, so i have to triple check I am picking up Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and not Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Meanwhile you can tell exactly what Gamecube games I have by colour pallette alone. Like, you can instantly tell that's Windwaker.

The switch in general is a very fun looking games console, much nicer looking than its predecessor the Wii U, though I'm not sure how I feel about the white of the OLED. But every time I see a Switch Lite in stores, even though I know it's worse than my Switch, I want to buy one. It just looks so FUUUUUN.

And finally a special mention to the 3DS and its games case. The console itself was pretty stylish, if... rudimentary for its release period, but the games cases are high quality and almost make me want to have 3ds games just so I can have the cases.

[amplifyme]

This may never be completed, but I'm posting it here. Because the muse wants me to. Since she's been so quiet all these months, if she's decided to drop in now and make this edict, I'm gonna listen.

The beginnings of a One Breath fic, aka my albatross...

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

Pause. Rewind. Play. “We should stop.” A hand moving up a glossy white inner thigh. Breathy sighs. Fast-forward. Play. The hand now wedged at the apex between her legs, large male knuckles clearly pressing up beneath the obscenely short skirt she wears, manipulating the hidden treasure there.

The ringing of the phone pulls him from this latest repetition of his bedtime routine. He’s compiling a list of his favorite parts, so he knows what to skip to the next time this tape graces his VCR. He’ll know those jagged segments by heart soon. Then he’ll be able to pull them up and zone out enough to maybe sleep.

He pauses the tape and stretches to reach the phone. He greets his caller with dull indifference. “Yeah?”

There’s a hitch of breath on the other end, soft and feminine, and he drags himself up until he’s sitting. “Hello?”

“Fox, is that you?”

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds before his synapses start to fire with something resembling clarity and he recognizes the voice. “Mrs. Scully?”

“Fox, it’s Dana. She’s back. They’ve brought her back.”

His heart gives a great thud, stops for an instant, and then begins to thump crazily in his chest. He breaks out in a sweat, stammers, “Wha-wha where? Where is she? How-?”

“Northeast Georgetown. In the ICU. I’m with her now.”

“I’m on my way.”

It’s not until he reaches the car that it occurs to him: he has no coat, no badge, no cellphone, just his wallet and keys. He scrapes a dusting of snow from the window of the driver’s door with his arm and slides behind the wheel. He doesn’t remember the drive to the hospital when he tries to recall it later. He doesn’t remember anything from when he first arrives at her hospital bed, except that Scully’s eyes are taped shut and she’s covered in wires and tubes. Her mother’s face reflects anger and worry, bewilderment: the sum total of unanswered questions. He sucks it all into his lungs like rarified air and shouts them out in her stead. 

Why. How. When. What’s happened to her? Who did this to her?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“She doesn’t want to live in this condition.”

He hadn’t given it more than a glancing thought when she’d asked him to sign as witness to her living will shortly before the X-Files division had been shut down. It was just a formality, and more paperwork to sign off on and forget. Nothing that might possibly come back to bite him on the ass. Just a throw-away.

He forces himself to meet Maggie Scully’s eyes. He’s to blame for this. Because his easy acquiescence to what seemed a simple request has morphed into an ill-advised edict to allow her to die. How is he to carry on with this knowledge? Scully is not, and could never be, a throw-away anything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I’ve been told not to call you Fox.”

Melissa Scully is not at all what he had imagined, and he takes umbrage at her new age methods, since her sister clearly can’t.

“I need to do more than just wave my hands in the air.” His arm drops to his side, and he turns away. But try as he might, the first words Melissa said to him ring in his ears with proof of something beyond his comprehension.

He turns back and belatedly rebukes her. “She never talked about you,” He doesn’t understand why he feels the need to strike out at her. But someone has to pay the price.

“Probably not,” Melissa responds with an enigmatic smile. “But she talks a lot about you.”

“I don’t have time for this.”

“You don't believe... but you want to. You want to believe more than ever.”

He ignores her and goes in search of their mother. Her pain, he understands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Frohike, in a fucking penguin suit and bearing flowers. Branched DNA, a biological poison, and “Mulder, there’s nothing you can do.”  

A gun shoved in his face by a man who is supposed to be his ally. “You got him killed! You got her killed. That’s not going to happen to me.” A different man dead in a basement laundry room, killed execution style.

“I don’t think you have the heart.” It’s a dismissal, a taunt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

No sleep. And he’s so fucking tired. He hasn’t had more than four consecutive hours of sleep since she was taken. No food. Not for as long as he can remember, though his belly is as hollow as his bones. Time has lost meaning. He only leaves her bedside when he has to. The Scully women take their turns while he’s there but don’t seem to have the stomach for his urgently whispered arguments to run just a few more tests, give it just one more day, don’t give up – it’s too soon.

But she’s running out of time and the Scully women are busy in the hospital chapel or covertly waving burning sticks of incense, biding their own time. All three of them are preparing for the change to come. But he feels like the only one who’s fighting for that change to be Scully opening her eyes and coming back where she belongs. He won’t give up, no matter what it costs him. She wouldn’t give up on him.

He has the insane notion to ask Maggie Scully for permission to marry her daughter. If he’s Scully’s husband, maybe he can call the shots. Maybe he can guarantee her more time.

He is falling, falling, falling, and there is no bottom, no end point. The black hole surrounding him has jagged walls that are slick with blood from earlier battles, and he can’t grasp onto anything with enough friction to slow him down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Karen Ann Quinlan is not a name he wants invoked. The thought of Scully remaining in this condition is distasteful, horrific. How could anyone want that for her? So why can’t he just accept the facts and let her go?

“She was a good soldier, Mulder, but there’s nothing you can do to bring her back.”

Her doctor, portly, balding, and resistant to anything outside the norm, rankles him. Everything does. Even the air he breathes is inhaled with a sense of resentment at its necessity. The worse it gets, the more inwardly absent he becomes, until he feels he’s outside himself. Nothing more than a helpless observer of this unfolding tragedy.

“Dana has made our decision.”

He vacillates between anger and grief, both cutting too painfully deep. Between acceptance of the facts and the rejection of them, so clinical and cold. Who is he fighting for? It is for her, or his need for her? Scully has respected him, always, as he has her. But this, this is too much to ask. And underneath it all, his ceaseless, immeasurable rage, and the need for retribution.

“Fox,” Mrs. Scully stands and readies to push through the swinging doors and over a threshold that can’t be uncrossed, solidifying the decision her words made clear. “This is a moment for the family. But you can join us if you want.”

No, no I can’t, he thinks. I won’t.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He decides this must be the apex of his anger. At least now it has a focus. That black-lunged sonofabitch is responsible for all of this. He’s certain of it. He offers himself up to Skinner, a willing sacrifice of everything he has left in exchange for his shot at vengeance. Justice. Justice. That’s all he wants. Time is running out.

Why? Why? How did this happen? How could he let this happen?

He stops short on his way out the door, sudden clarity blinding him in its accusation. It’s my fault, too. Skinner is honest enough to concur when he voices his fears, and Mulder is stunned.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

No. This is the apex. This is the source of the fire scorching him from the inside out. This man at the end of a gun barrel in this drab and empty room, cloaked in plumes of smoke. Cigarette Man is the one who has to pay. Otherwise, there is no justice.

“Why her? Why her and not me? Answer me!” His finger is steady on the trigger. Four and a half pounds of pressure is all it will take to paint the walls with brain matter. He wants to light the world on fire. Burn it all down. Rebuild a new one from the ashes. A world where Scully is safe. A place where his sister isn’t gone.

[forest-hashira]

Noble Blood - Chapter Eight

hey everyone! i know the break between chapters was a little bit longer again this time, but given that this is now the longest chapter so far at over 7k words, you'll all understand why it took so long! lots of big happenings in this chapter too, so i hope you enjoy! (also peep the new dividers... wonder what those are for... hm...)

fic masterlist | read on ao3 | wc: ~7.3k | cw: gender neutral reader, light angst, minor injuries (no descriptions of blood or anything!), sneaking around, breaking the rules, big things afoot

For the most part, life stayed the same after your birthday. You went to school with Shoko, Utahime, Kento, and the other kids your age; you played with your friends; you ran errands for your parents; and Satoru and Suguru continued to be kept on a short leash by Satoru’s father, rarely being allowed to leave the Gojo estate to see anyone else.

A few months after your birthday, though, you were finally able to introduce Suguru to the rest of your friend group. As you expected, he and Shoko hit it off almost instantly, and Kento seemed to warm up to him rather quickly, too. Kento’s quick welcome of Suguru into the group irritated Satoru a bit, you thought, but he said nothing about it, because really you were both glad he blended into the group so well right away. 

And so, things settled into another new normal – something that seemed to be happening a lot lately, though it was out of your control. As usual when you got comfortable with a routine, time began to fly by: the seasons came and went, and everyone’s birthdays with them. Before you knew it, a little over a year had gone by. Now you, Shoko, and Utahime were of age to begin meeting hatchlings, and most likely within the year you would all have your dragons.

Shoko found her dragon first. It was a little over a month after her birthday, and she had gone with her mother to visit one of the older couples in the settlement, just as a general check up. The couple’s own dragons had a clutch of eggs – what would likely be their last, given their ages – that had hatched just a couple days before, and she’d been given permission to go and see them. She’d returned to her mother and the elderly couple with a baby dragon in her hands, sound asleep. He was a cute little thing, long and lanky, covered in brown and white splotches, and besides that, he had the most striking eyes you’d ever seen – bright turquoise and almost too big for his little head. She’d decided to name him Ryoji, after days of consideration and talking it out with your friend group; even Satoru and Suguru had been able to give their opinions – Satoru thought it was boring, Suguru thought it was very elegant.

A few months after that, Utahime went on a trip with her parents during a break in the school year. They were gone for two weeks, and when they came home, Utahime had a dragon perched on her shoulder like a parrot. Her dragon was white – an even purer white than Kenji, in fact – with a red belly, a large red spot on the top of her head, and red spots on the tips of her wings and the end of her tail. She looked incredibly delicate, and you rarely saw her anywhere but on your friend’s shoulder. Her name was Patience, which Utahime had always believed was the most important virtue. You found it a somewhat odd choice, but you never said anything.

The rest of the year came and went, and though you’d been introduced to almost a dozen hatchlings since your birthday, none of them were your dragon. You did your best not to let it discourage you – plenty of people had to wait nearly a year for their own dragon, including your own father. So you kept your chin up, looking forward to the day you would meet your destined dragon. It hadn’t happened the same year as Shoko and Utahime, though you were all the same age, but you were confident it would happen soon. Besides that, Kento was now old enough to begin meeting hatchlings in order to find his dragon, and getting to talk with him about it was a great comfort to you.

Your eleventh birthday passed quietly, yet again without an appearance from your best friends. They did manage to sneak away from Yaga for an hour or so the following day, though, and you spent that time hiding in the peach orchard, Kenji and Niji working on improving their flying. They were both clumsy, still trying to get the hang of it, but Kenji frequently got ahead of himself and crashed into trees, or the ground, or one of you; at one point he crashed into Niji and sent them both tumbling to the ground, and the three of you had to pull them off of each other when they started to fight.

Kento’s birthday wasn’t too long after your own, and his parents made a much bigger deal of it than any of his previous birthdays. His cake was huge and decorated with delicately piped frosting dragons, soaring across the dessert in various colors and sizes. Ginger lit the candles for your friend to blow out, and Cinnamon delivered everyone their own slice of the cake. 

The next day, the farmer who supplied the bakery with their flour said his dragon’s clutch of eggs had just hatched, if Kento was interested in seeing them. He’d agreed, but only after making sure you could come with him. Thankfully the farmer didn’t live too terribly far outside the settlement, so the trip wasn’t unbearably long.

When you’d arrived at the barn where the farmer’s dragon had built her nest, he said he was going to have to take you in one at a time. “She’s been a bit jumpy since the eggs hatched,” he’d explained. “Don’t want to spook her by bringing too many people in at once.”

After a bit of discussion, the pair of you agreed that Kento would go in first, since he was the one to receive the invitation in the first place. You’d waited patiently outside the barn while the farmer led him in to see the hatchlings, and a few minutes later he’d exited with a baby dragon roughly the size of a dinner roll tucked into the pocket of the shirt he wore. Though he didn’t wear the same beaming smile most of your friends had upon introducing their dragons to your friend group, you could see how excited he was by the way his eyes sparkled.

Invigorated by the knowledge that your friend had just met his dragon, you eagerly followed the farmer inside, peeking around him and stepping closer to the nest when he told you it was alright.

The mother dragon – who was about the size of a bear – watched you closely as you approached the nest, though she made no move to stop you, which you took as a good sign. You were careful not to get too close, though, giving the nest as much space as you could while still being able to see the rest of the hatchlings. They were all rather cute, and you smiled slightly as you watched them crawl over each other, fighting for space in the warmest spot in the nest. 

You spent a few moments watching them, then turned slightly over your shoulder to speak to the farmer. “How do I know if one of them is mine?” you asked quietly. He was far from the first person you’d asked that question, and you knew enough about bonds between riders and their destined dragons to know that it wasn’t simply a matter of picking the hatchling you thought was the cutest out of the first clutch you saw, but beyond that it was still a mystery to you.

“You’ll feel it in your chest,” the farmer replied,and from what you could see of his expression from the corner of your eye, you could tell he was looking at you sympathetically. “If one of these hatchlings was yours, you’d’ve felt it by now.”

The disappointment you felt was undeniable, but you hoped it didn’t show too obviously in your face as you nodded, then turned away from the nest and walked back outside with the farmer to meet Kento.

You didn’t hide your disappointment as well as you thought, apparently, because almost as soon as you exited the barn, Kento was giving you an apologetic look. The walk back was silent for the most part, and once again you were thankful the farm wasn’t as far from the settlement as many other farms were, because you were eager to go back to your bed, where you could curl up beneath your blankets and hide away from the rest of the world for a little while.

Just before leaving you at your house, though, Kento paused, placing a hand lightly on your arm as he looked over at you. “You’ll find your dragon someday.” Though his voice was soft, the certainty in his words was stronger than you expected. All you could do for a moment was stare, but eventually you nodded, swallowing the lump that had begun to form in your throat.

“Thanks, Kento.”

He gave you a slight nod and bid you farewell, and you turned down the path that led back to your family’s home. When you walked in the door, and your parents saw your face, they knew better than to ask how meeting the hatchlings had gone. Instead, they said nothing, your mother pulling you into a brief hug, and your father kissing the top of your head, before they let you slip back to your room.

Their small comforts were appreciated every time, but you always needed a bit of time alone after another disappointment like this one. But you also knew that, once you emerged from your room again later, they would have a snack and a creamy hot chocolate waiting for you on the table, just like always. 

And so the rest of the year carried on, with everything being the same for you while everyone else around you had their lives changed forever. Because it wasn’t just your friends that were finding their dragons, it never had been. You’d watched as your schoolmates found their dragons, one by one, until, by the time winter break rolled around at the end of the year, you were the only one without a dragon.

During that time, it had gone from disappointing to be behind your peers in this aspect, to embarrassing, to downright humiliating. It was only a few more months before you turned twelve, and yet you’d still had no luck with finding the dragon who was destined to be at your side for the rest of your lives.

It was clear that most of your classmates pitied you, wondered if maybe there was something wrong – a worry that practically never left your own mind – but where was another subgroup of your peers who loved to actively taunt and harass you for not yet having a dragon.

For some reason, they really seemed to have it out for you on the last day of school for the year, following you as you made your way home, calling insults after you, some of them even sending their dragons forward to trip you, or bite at your clothes, or tangle your hair, and they would laugh every time you would stumble or try fruitlessly to swat the creatures away from you. Somehow you managed not to cry through the assaults, though, and for that you were glad, at least.

Hoping they would leave you alone when they had to split up and go their separate ways to go home, you continued on towards your own home, doing everything in your power to ignore your bullies. When they continued to follow well past where you knew some of them should have turned and taken a different path, though, you began to grow a bit worried. Were they going to follow you all the way to your house?

Before you could fully spiral over that anxiety, you heard a familiar voice call out your name, and you looked up to see your best friends standing at the base of the path that led up to the Gojo estate.

Both boys looked displeased by the sight of you being harassed by your classmates and their dragons; Suguru looked a little more concerned for your wellbeing, while Satoru looked angrier that people were treating you this way.

Kenji and Niji, now too big to curl around their masters’ shoulders like they used to, stood and began to pace around them, eyeing you and your current predicament. They looked uneasy, ready to jump in and help you, but their training had apparently schooled them into being more attentive to their masters’ wishes and commands.

“Are you alright?” Suguru asked, as you changed directions slightly, eager to be near them. He glanced from you, to the small dragons nipping at your heels and swooping around your head, then back to you. His features were pinched with worry, and it made your heart squeeze to know you were the reason he was upset.

“I’m fine,” you answered, hoping it wouldn’t be too obvious that you were lying. Unfortunately for you, one of the bullies’s dragons felt particularly bold and sank its sharp little baby teeth into your calf. With a small shriek of pain, you stumbled forward, trying to catch yourself while simultaneously trying to grab hold of the reptile that had a death grip on your leg.

“Hey!” One of the bullies shouted – presumably the one whose dragon was latched onto you like a leech. “Don’t you dare touch him!”

“But he’s biting me!” you shouted back, still flailing to try and get the dragon without busting your head open on the cobblestones. Thankfully, Suguru was within reach now, and he caught you before you could go face first into the ground.

“It was self defense, right guys?” The whole group of bullies chorused their agreement, most of them smirking or grinning at you maliciously, some of them even laughing as they watched you struggle. “You tried to kick him, he just reacted on instinct to protect himself.”

You stared at them all, open mouthed, in disbelief. Before you could say anything, though, Satoru was stepping between you and the group. You watched, somewhat anxiously, as he grabbed the back of the dragon’s neck with one hand, and with the other he pried its jaws open, ignoring how the dragon fought him and tore up the skin on his fingers, and pulling it away quickly once its teeth were no longer buried in your leg.

He stood then, turning back to face the group, dragon still in hand, the fingers of his free hand slowly dripping blood onto the ground. “Learn to keep your animal under control,” he spat. “If this happens again I’ll speak to my father about having your dragon rehomed.”

The bully paled at that; having a dragon rehomed – taken away from their bonded human – was a very serious threat, and everyone knew that Satoru’s father was one of the very few people who had the power to make it happen. After a moment, though, he only seemed to grow angry all over again, going red in the face, and you swore you could see steam coming from his ears.

“For what?” he demanded. “It was self defense, like I said, and I have witnesses!” He gestured toward the group of other schoolkids behind him, though their faces were a mix of angry and nervous, after hearing the threat of having their dragons rehomed. “Besides, I’m just a kid, I’m still learning to train my dragon.”

“Even an idiot knows not to let their dragon bite someone,” Satoru retorted. “Now go home and leave my friend alone.” With that, he adjusted his hold on the dragon in his hand, then tossed him towards the bully.

With a sputtering sound of protest, the bully caught his dragon – Satoru didn’t throw him all that hard, after all – and shot your friend a murderous glare. “You could’ve killed him!” he fumed, and the next second, all the other dragons were screeching and racing towards the three of you.

You felt your heart begin to race, not at all sure how this was going to turn out, but neither of your friends seemed worried about it in the least. 

“Kenji,” Satoru said calmly, not even looking down at his companion. Even still, Kenji stopped his pacing, gaze locked on Satoru’s profile. “Tosshin.”

Faster than you could blink, Kenji was tearing away from Satoru’s side, launching himself headfirst into the group of oncoming dragons, not looking worried in the least that he was outnumbered – he was a lot bigger than they were, after all.

Niji squirmed beside Suguru, letting out a soft chuff as he looked up at his master. Suguru glanced over at his own dragon for a moment, giving him a small nod before turning back to you, looking over the bite wound in your leg.

Having gotten approval to join the tussle, Niji was quick to jump over you and race to Kenji’s side. Even though you knew you should’ve been more worried about your bleeding bite – dragon bites could get infected very quickly if not properly treated – you couldn’t help but watch your friends’ dragons.

They moved in tandem, coordinated even without communication or instruction; you wondered absently if that were a result of training together practically their whole lives. They were still a little clumsy on their feet, given they were still growing, but you could already tell they would be incredibly graceful once they were fully grown. The thought of how big they would likely get sent a shiver down your spine; even now, at just a few years old, they were bigger than most dogs you’d met in your life, their shoulders even with their masters’ hips when they stood beside them.

Kenji seemed to prefer to get above his opponents, standing up on his hind legs and swiping at the dragons that came for him, even snapping his teeth at them. He never actually bit any of the other dragons, though; the clicking of his teeth was more of a warning than anything, a threat of his strength should the other not back down.

Niji, on the other hand, stayed lower, racing forward and slamming into the knees of the bullies, knocking them all over as if it were nothing, growling and whipping his tail at them when they attempted to get up or tried to grab at him. He only let up when the other, smaller dragons scrambled away from Kenji and back towards their own masters.

Your friends called their dragons back almost simultaneously, and instantly both dragons were stepping away from the group and returning to their masters’ sides.

“Go. Home.” Satoru’s voice held no room for argument as he glared at the group, looking a bit like he wanted to walk over and start kicking them all while they were down, but he stayed where he was. “If we ever find out you were harassing our friend again, we won’t call them off so quickly.” 

The group raced off without another word, and you swore you could see at least one of the kids crying, which gave you a small sense of satisfaction, knowing the people who had been bullying you were now also upset.

“You okay?” Satoru asked, turning around to face you again, all traces of anger and frustration gone from his expression as he looked you over. “That bite looks pretty deep. You should get it looked at.”

You stared dumbly at him for a moment, though you jumped as you felt a cold, scaly nose brush over the broken skin. A hiss of pain escaped your lips, and you knew your friend was right. If you didn’t get this looked at and properly treated soon, you’d probably wind up with a nasty infection. “I’ll have my parents call for one of Shoko’s parents after I get home."

“Why wait that long?” Suguru asked, still kind of holding you steady, though you were back on your own feet again now. “My guess is you won’t be able to walk home on that leg very easily, either. We’ll take you to the clinic, then help you get home.”

“Thanks, but you really don’t—” You cut yourself off mid-sentence with a squeak as Satoru lifted you into his arms like it was the easiest thing in the world. The heat in your cheeks over the show of strength – even at only age twelve – was undeniable, but you said nothing, knowing there was no arguing with your friends; they were easily the two most stubborn people you’d ever known.

“Nonsense!” Satoru said, already beginning to walk with you towards the clinic. Suguru was barely a step behind him, and Kenji and Niji were on either side of your little group as you walked. “What kinds of friends would we be if we left you stranded and injured away from home, or some other kind of help?”

His words drew a small laugh out of you, and you shook your head slightly. As you settled back down in Satoru’s hold, though, you noticed Suguru watching you with a soft smile on his face, and you felt your face burn a bit hotter before you looked away.

The clinic wasn’t too far from where you’d run into the boys, so getting there only took a few minutes. Shoko’s mother sat at the table in the front room, and she looked more than a little surprised to see Satoru carry you through the door, Suguru close on his heels.

“What happened?” she asked, standing from her seat and ushering the three of you back into an exam room. Satoru put you down on the exam table once you were all in the room, but he didn’t look very pleased about it.

“There was a group of bullies,” Suguru explained, watching you closely as Shoko’s mother stepped closer to look you over.

“One of the dragons bit their leg,” Satoru added, scowling at the bite mark and crossing his arms over his chest as he stepped back to stand beside Suguru.

“It’s really not that bad,” you tried to insist, even though the wound was already growing itchy and deeply uncomfortable. 

Shoko’s mother said nothing, just rolled up the leg of your pants so they rested above the wound in your calf, and her expression grew concerned. “That’s quite a deep bite, sweetheart,” she said, glancing up at you. “I’ll need to clean it, which might hurt a bit. Once it’s clean I’ll be better able to determine if you’ll need stitches for it or not.” 

You nodded, though you really weren’t fond of the idea of getting stitches. But you also weren’t a doctor, so you weren’t going to argue if Ieiri-san decided you needed them. As the healer walked away from you, presumably to gather the supplies she would need to clean and dress your leg, your gaze went back to your friends, who stood across the room from you. There was silence for a moment, with none of you really knowing what to say, when suddenly a thought occurred to you.

“Where were you guys going?” you asked curiously. 

���What do you mean?” Suguru asked, tilting his head slightly as he awaited your response.

“I know you don’t get to leave the estate with your dragons very often unless you’re running an errand or something,” you explained. “So I was just curious if Yaga had sent you somewhere specific.”

The boys exchanged a look, one that communicated much more than you ever would have expected without either of them saying a word. Feeling like you were intruding on a personal moment between them, you dropped your gaze, and you smiled slightly when you saw Kenji and Niji laid quietly on the floor; Niji had curled himself up so as not to take up too much space, but Kenji apparently didn’t care about any of that, and was sprawled out on his side beside him, legs and tail spread out almost as far as he could get them, as if he were intentionally taking up every possible inch of floor space that he could cover. 

“We were coming to see you, actually.” 

The sound of your raven haired friend’s voice had you lifting your head again as you blinked in surprise. “You were?”

“What?” Satoru asked, pouting exaggeratedly as he looked at you. “Are we not allowed to come see our friend just because we feel like it?”

His words left you feeling a little flustered, and though you tried to mask it with a scowl, you felt fairly certain you failed miserably in that regard. “I never said that,” you huffed. “It’s just that I don’t get to see you guys very often, so I was surprised that you would choose to use your free time away from the estate just to come see me.”

“Well, if you don’t see yourself as worthy of our time— OW! Why did you hit me?” Satoru turned and glared at Suguru then, scowling as he rubbed the back of his head, where the other boy had struck him. After a pointed look from Suguru, Satoru sighed dramatically, then turned back to you with a sheepish expression. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I was just kidding. We really like spending time with you.” 

“We do like spending time with you,” Suguru confirmed. “But this time specifically we were looking for you to extend an invitation.”

“An invitation?” you asked curiously, but your view of your friends was briefly cut off as Shoko’s mother returned to her spot in front of you.

“I’m going to clean your wound now,” she said. “It will probably sting, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it hurts I need you to tell me, because that means something else might be wrong.” She waited until you nodded your understanding, then knelt on the floor in front of you to have a better angle at which to clean your leg. You watched as she poured some sort of antiseptic on a cloth, the scent of it burning your nose, before the boys called for your attention again.

“Yes, an invitation,” Suguru confirmed, then bumped Satoru lightly, as if cuing him to speak.

“An invitation for what, exactly?”

“Another dragon on the estate has a clutch of eggs that are predicted to hatch at some point today,” Satoru explained. “And we wanted you to come meet them.”

There was a small burst of hope in your chest, and you could practically feel the way your eyes lit up, but that hope quickly died away. It wasn’t just the fact that you had met so many hatchlings over the last two years and had never felt a bond form with any of them; turning a bit more towards Satoru, you voiced your concern. 

“I thought your father didn’t like me, and didn’t want me on the estate anymore.” Just as you finished speaking, Ieiri-san pressed the cloth to the bite in your leg, carefully beginning to clean away the dried blood, both to sanitize the area and to make it easier to get a good look at the wound itself. She murmured an apology when it made you jump, but kept at her task.

“It’s not that he doesn’t like you,” Satoru began, then seemed to struggle to come up with an alternative. “It’s just… he thinks you’re a bad influence?” 

“I’m a bad influence?”

“Yes.”

“On you.”

“And Suguru! But… yeah.”

You exchanged a look with the raven haired boy, arching a brow at him slightly; all he offered in response was a shrug. Neither of you believed that, but it also seemed like something Gojo-sama would tell his son as his reason for not wanting you around Satoru, as much as he could prevent it.

“But he’s okay with me coming to meet the hatchlings?” you asked, trying not to get your hopes up too high. 

“He knows you haven’t had any luck finding your dragon yet, and he knows your family can’t afford to visit any other villages or cities to see if your dragon is somewhere else,” Satoru replied. You didn't doubt that his father did, in fact, know all of that, but you did doubt that that changed his feelings about you at all.

Apparently also feeling suspicious about the boy’s vague answer, Shoko’s mother paused her task, turning to look over her shoulder at the Gojo heir. “Gojo-sama is aware that you’re bringing someone to see a new clutch of hatchlings before anyone else gets to see them?”

“Yes,” Satoru answered confidently.

Both you and Shoko’s mother narrowed your eyes at him, scrutinizing him to see if you could detect any trace of a lie, but when he didn’t waver under your intense gazes, you both decided to drop it.

“If the three of you get into any trouble over this,” Ieiri-san sighed. “I don’t want to be roped into it. I never heard this conversation.”

That statement had a small, smug snicker smirk spread across Satoru’s face, though he yelped and did his best to distance himself from Suguru when the other boy pinched his arm harshly. “Stop hurting me!”

Once Ieiri-san had finished with your leg – she had ultimately decided that you did not need stitches, but she told you to keep an eye on it and make sure it stayed clean, and to come back to see her if it appeared to get worse – your friends had walked you home, and this time you insisted on walking on your own two feet, even if you did need to hold onto one of them the whole way because you couldn’t put your full weight on your injured leg. 

Your mother was absolutely frantic when she saw the state you were in, and she only began to calm when Suguru promised that the school bullies wouldn’t be bothering you anymore, if he and Satoru had anything to say about it.

They then explained the situation about the hatchlings to your parents, the same way they’d explained it to you. Unsurprisingly, your parents – especially your mother – were also skeptical, but after reassuring them with the same words he’d used to reassure you, your parents agreed that you could go.

Barely containing their excitement, the boys promised to come back that night to pick you up. 

“Why are you going so late?” your mother questioned, though you couldn’t tell if she was merely curious or beginning to grow suspicious again.

“The clutch still hasn’t hatched yet,” Suguru explained. “They’re expected to hatch today, but nobody is quite sure when. Hopefully sometime this evening, and then they can be left alone for a few hours with their mother before they receive any visitors.”

Seeming satisfied by this answer, your mother nodded, and you and the boys all shared bright smiles; even if your hopes weren’t especially high that you’d find your dragon this time, either, excitement was rolling off your friends in waves, and it was contagious.

Later that night – a few hours after the sun had set, though given the time of year, that wasn’t particularly difficult – Satoru and Suguru knocked on your door. Your father was the one to answer, as your mother fussed over you, insisting you put on at least a light jacket and asking, for at least the tenth time, if you were really ok to walk all the way to the estate on your own.

“I’m not on my own,” you reminded her calmly, though you could feel your patience waning now that your friends had arrived. “Satoru and Suguru are walking with me. They won’t let me fall behind.”

“One of us will carry them if we have to!” Satoru chimed in helpfully from the door, a much too cheeky grin on his face as he spoke.

You just rolled your eyes at him, but his words seemed to appease your mother, and she at last let you go. “Alright, alright,” she relented with a sigh. “You’ll come straight home, won’t you? I don’t want you to impose unnecessarily.”

I don’t want to give Gojo-sama any further reason not to like you was what she really meant, and you knew it, but neither of you were going to say that out loud.

“I’ll come home as soon as I can,” you promised, and you really did mean it. You couldn’t imagine this excursion would take long anyways; it never had in the past.

With one last hug from each of your parents, you stepped outside with your friends, smiling as both Kenji and Niji rubbed their heads against you in greeting; you weren’t quite as tall as the boys anymore, so their scaly, horned heads came just below your ribcage. After giving them each a small stroke to their heads, you all made for the Gojo estate.

It was silent between the three of you for a bit, until you’d made it a little ways from your house. Satoru glanced over his shoulder, as if checking to see that you weren’t being followed, or to make sure no one was listening, then turned back to face you.

“So,” he began. “I may or may not have lied a little bit about this.”

A sigh slipped from your lips at his words, though you weren’t exactly surprised. “What part did you lie about, exactly?” 

“My father doesn’t know I’m bringing you to see the hatchlings.”

Those words weren’t a surprise either, but they still made your stomach churn with anxiety. You turned to look up at your friend then, your gaze sharp; he avoided making eye contact with you. “So you lied when you said your father knew you were bringing someone to see the hatchlings before anyone else?”

“No! I mean… not technically?” Despite the fact that the snowy haired boy was defending himself from your accusation, he at least had the decency to look a little chastised. “He knows I’m bringing someone, he just doesn’t know I’m bringing you, specifically.”

“Who does he think you’re bringing?”

“...Suguru.”

You groaned. “Satoru! That barely even counts! He lives with you!”

“Please don’t shout,” Suguru cut in, voice much lower than yours had just been. “We really would prefer not to get caught sneaking you onto the estate.”

“I’d feel better if you weren’t sneaking me at all,” you groused, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Don’t blame Satoru,” Suguru insisted, now looking a bit sheepish himself. “This was my idea, he just helped make it happen.”

You stared at him in shock, your eyes wide and mouth hung open as you stopped in your tracks. Assuming you were having trouble walking, Kenji and Niji pressed into you from either side, as if holding you upright.

Both Satoru and Suguru stopped walking as well, turning back to face you. They each had a blush high across their cheeks, and they looked almost nervous, as if they expected you to change your mind, to turn around and go home without meeting the hatchlings.

“Please don’t be upset,” Satoru pleaded. “We really want you to find your dragon, and we don’t want you to miss out on any opportunities to meet new hatchlings just because an adult doesn’t want you to.”

Still left speechless by everything you were hearing, you didn’t answer right away. The longer you stared at them in silence, the more antsy your friends seemed to grow, and that was enough to snap you out of whatever trance you’d been in. You quickly snapped your jaw shut, clearing your throat softly and blinking back the tears you suddenly felt burning at your eyes. “Thank you,” you said quietly, feeling your own face beginning to burn.

The boys visibly relaxed at your words, and they both offered you small, relieved smiles. “C’mon then,” Satoru encouraged. “Let’s go meet some dragons.”

The rest of the walk to the estate was quiet, though this time it was a comfortable silence. That, and the closer you got to the estate, the more likely it was that you would get caught, so you kept quiet.

You followed Satoru’s lead as he walked further around the walls of the estate than you ever had, you assumed back to where the housing for the dragons was. “I really hope you don’t expect me to climb any walls this time,” you whispered to him, really only half joking. You’d gotten a concussion last time you’d tried it, and that was without an injury to your leg.

“I don’t,” Satoru assured, glancing over his shoulder and smiling at you. “There’s a gate around back, right by the housing for the flightless and nesting dragons. I made sure it was unlocked before we left to get you.”

You let out a soft sigh of relief; at least you wouldn’t have to worry about getting another concussion or worse.

It was only a few moments longer until you reached the gate, which Satoru quietly unlatched and pushed open. Much to your surprise, the hinges didn’t squeak at all, though you certainly weren’t complaining. 

Satoru stepped through first and held the gate open, followed by Kenji, then you, then Niji, and finally Suguru. Once everyone was through, Satoru closed and latched the gate back just as quietly as he had opened it. “This way,” he whispered, gesturing for you to follow him again.

He led you along the space between the trees and the wall of the estate until you reached a large building. It was almost like a barn in shape, but it was made entirely from granite, and had large, elaborate wooden doors that you could tell just from looking at them were heavy. Thankfully there was a smaller, more easily opened door on the side of the building, presumably for staff, rather than the dragons themselves.

This time Suguru was the one to open the door, ushering you and Satoru inside, though this time Kenji and Niji waited outside, as if on some unspoken order.

“Are they not allowed in here?” you asked quietly as Suguru closed the door. 

“I guess technically there’s no rule saying they can’t come in here,” Satoru answered. “But they stayed outside last time we came to look at the eggs, so they probably just don’t like it.”

“Plus,” Suguru added. “It’s nice to know they’re keeping watch for us in case someone comes looking for us, or something.”

You nodded slightly after a moment, realizing he was right. You didn’t have long to dwell on that, though, as Satoru took your hand and lightly tugged you forward again. As the three of you walked further and further back into the building, you caught a few glimpses of sleeping dragons in various stalls; some of the dragons were the size of draft horses, while others were barely the size of barn cats. The whole space was lit with just a few lanterns hung here and there, so it was dim, but that was fine; if it was much brighter than it had been outside under the moonlight it probably would have hurt your eyes.

Eventually you reached the very back of the structure, where a stall much larger than all the others sat; the sight of it made you a bit nervous.

“Is the mother dragon really that big?” you asked, glancing between your friends.

“No, she’s not,” Suguru soothed.

“Nesting dragons are just given a lot more space than usual,” Satoru added, squeezing your hand lightly. “Go ahead, we’ll be right behind you.”

You hesitated a moment longer, then slowly walked forward, pulling the stall door open and stepping into the stall itself. The mother dragon – a beautiful dusty pink and lavender creature about twice the size that Kenji and Niji currently were – laid against the back wall, her tail encircling her nest. She opened her eyes when you opened the stall door, but beyond that she didn’t move, just watched you carefully as you approached.

Before you got too close, you crouched down, wanting to make yourself look smaller and less like a threat, and you shuffled the rest of the way to the nest on your knees. Though their footsteps were dampened by the layer of straw on the floor, you could still hear your friends behind you, and that gave you the courage to finally look down at the hatchlings.

As most clutches of hatchlings tended to do, they were asleep in a pile, doing their best to keep themselves and each other warm. While the sight was cute, it meant that you couldn’t tell how many there were, or really what any of them looked like, especially in the near complete darkness. Something tugged in your chest as you eyed the pile of hatchlings, which had never happened before, and though the tugging feeling had you wanting to reach out and pull the pile apart, you didn’t want to risk getting your hand getting bitten off by a protective mama dragon. So, instead, you turned to look at her and found her eyes still locked on you.

“I can’t see all of them,” you told her, not even entirely certain she would understand what you were saying. “Can I move them apart?”

The dragon let out a small huff at the question, then lifted her head from where it had been resting on her feet. She turned away from you for a moment, nosing lightly at her little pile of hatchlings until they weren’t completely hiding each other from you, then rested her chin back on her feet, still watching you closely.

You thanked her quietly, glad that she had actually understood what you had asked. A bright glint of moonlight shone in the corner of your vision, and you quickly turned to investigate it.

“Holy shit,” Satoru said behind you.

“Oh my god.” This time it was Suguru’s voice. “Is that…?”

“It can’t be,” Satoru replied. “Nobody’s seen one in almost three hundred years!” His voice was hushed but his words were near frantic.

You barely heard the exchange, though, your eyes locked on the impossible thing in front of you. 

In the middle of the nest was a metallic dragon hatchling, and even in the moonlight you could see its scales shimmer like new copper. The longer you stared at it, the stronger that tugging feeling in your chest grew, and your heart began to pound. You stared, transfixed, as the little thing wiggled around, turning its body to face you before slowly opening its eyes. The second those green eyes locked with yours, you felt something snap into place, and for a moment your mind was empty for everything except for one thing you knew for certain.

This dragon – the first metallic to be seen in nearly three centuries – was your dragon.

Without even thinking about it, as if led by instinct, you reached forward and scooped the hatchling into your hands. The mother dragon made no fuss, and neither did the hatchling, the baby settling right down into your warmth as you held her close and closing her eyes again. She looked almost exactly the same as you remembered Kenji looking when he was a little hatchling like this, though she showed no signs of having horns like he had; you couldn’t help but wonder if she would develop them as she grew older, or if only male dragons had horns.

Unfortunately, you didn’t have much time to linger on the thought, because you heard several sets of hurried footsteps rushing through the building, and a harsh voice calling out to you and your friends. “Who goes there? And what do you think you’re doing in here?”

going forward, pretty much all commands characters use for their dragons will be in japanese, but i will writing them out in the english alphabet (romaji) and providing translations at the end of the chapters. in this case, "tosshin" means "rush/charge"

taglist: @ghost-1-y @kentohours @whatthefucksatan @mitsuristoleme @lu-dao-writes 

@peachdues @here-for-the-tea-baby @staryukis @roselleviennesstuff @witchbybirth

@marinnnnnnnnn @dr-runs-with-scissors